bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Redox‐Active Transition Metal Containing Micro‐ and Nanoparticles on the Properties of Representative Bioinorganic Reaction Systems
Authors: Đurović Mirjana , Oszajca Maria , Stochel Grażyna , van Eldik Rudi
Published: January 2018

The use of nanomaterials in biological applications requires a better understanding of the effect of nanoparticles on the activity of proteins and related molecules. We have examined the influence of environmental particulate matter (PM) on the interaction of myoglobin and microperoxidase‐11 as model systems with the small molecules O2 and NO, respectively. The influence of PM on the reaction of dioxygen with deoxymyoglobin to form oxymyoglobin, and subsequently metmyoglobin, was studied for its essential role in living organisms. Samples of urban PM (SRM 1648a) were used as standard reference material. Also the influence of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the stability of the investigated protein was studied. The obtained results show that binding and release of dioxygen by deoxymyoglobin may be affected by the presence of PM especially over longer periods of time. Similar studies were performed on the nitrosylation of microperoxidase‐11 as a model for the catalytic center of enzymes, for which the influence of the standard reference material, its water‐soluble extract, as well as metal oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 and ZnO), were studied. The reported results show that the presence of PM had no influence on the kinetics of the nitrosylation of the model microperoxidase under the selected experimental conditions.
Cross‐Linked Polyamine from Imidazolium‐Based Materials: A Simple Route to Useful Catalytic Materials
Authors: Campisciano Vincenzo , Salvo Anna Maria Pia , Liotta Leonarda Francesca , Spinella Alberto , Giacalone Francesco , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: January 2018

Cross‐linked polyamine‐based materials were easily prepared by reduction of the corresponding cross‐linked imidazolium‐based materials with sodium borohydride in hot ethanol. Overall, the synthetic procedure is based on the polymerization of a suitable bis‐vinylimidazolium salt with or without a suitable support, such as silica or silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles (γ‐Fe2O3@SiO2), followed by reduction. This simple approach allows the synthesis of materials based on a network of secondary and tertiary amines. Materials were characterized by 13C cross‐polarization magic angle spinning NMR (13C CPMAS NMR), proton spin‐lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame (T1ρH) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Cross‐linked polyamine‐based materials were used as recoverable catalyst for Knoevenagel reaction. High yields of the condensation products were obtained and up to 11 cycles were carried out.
Carbon Nanotube Paper‐based Electrode for Electrochemical Detection of Chemicals in Rat Microdialysate
Authors: Qin Hancheng , Zhu Ziyu , Ji Wenliang , Zhang Meining
Published: January 2018

Paper‐based analytical devices, which are suited to point‐of‐care diagnostics and on‐site detection because of cheap price and portability, have attracted increasing attention for improving global health and in other applications. Here, we constructed one carbon nanotube paper‐based electrode (CNTPE) for the detection of neurochemicals in brain microdialysate. CNTPE was directly fabricated through filter depositing CNT dispersion onto the surface of filter paper. The fabricated CNTPE have good electrochemical performance with advantage of CNT, which not only facilitate ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation, also could as a good platform to functionalize. As a proof, we demonstrate that the CNTPE act as electrode to detect AA directly and detect glucose with further modified CNTPE through electrodeposited Prussian blue (PB). The results show that the easily prepared CNTPE can be used for the selective measurement of AA without interference from dopamine and other electrochemical active substances; what's more, PB and glucose oxidase (GOx) modified CNTPE has good performance towards the specific detection of glucose. Therefore, we believe that CNTPE would have great potential application in detection of chemicals to understand the function of brain.
Removal of ferric ions from aluminum solutions by solvent extraction, Part II: kinetics study
Authors: Sun Xiaoxue , Sun Yuzhu , Yu Jianguo
Published: January 2018

Extraction and stripping kinetics of removal of ferric iron from aluminum sulfate solutions using a synergic extractant consisting of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (P204) and tertiary amine (N235) were reported, in order to explore the basic data for the recovery of aluminum resources from coal spoil.

The kinetics of extraction was studied in a highly stirred tank using a focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) and a Nikon microscope to monitor the contact between aqueous phase and organic phase. The data were analyzed in terms of a first‐order reversible reaction model. The effects of the stirring rate, FBRM data, and temperature on the extraction rate showed that the reaction might be kinetically controlled for extraction and be controlled by a mixed diffusion‐chemical reaction mechanism for stripping. The extraction results were compared with those of the system without N235. It was concluded that the presence of N235 decreases the extraction rate of ferric iron. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Examination of a pilot intervention program to change parent supervision behaviour at Australian public swimming pools
Authors: Matthews Bernadette L. , Franklin Richard C.
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children worldwide. There is limited evidence about the effectiveness of programs targeting child drowning prevention at public swimming pools. We examined the effectiveness of a public education program (Keep Watch @ Public Pools) for improving child supervision levels by parents at public swimming pools.

Methods

The program was evaluated via an observational study of parent supervision behaviour with children aged 0‐14 years. Measures included domains of attention, proximity and preparedness. A rating scale from 0 = least effective to 4 = most effective was used, based upon the supervision domains. Seven public swimming pools in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia were randomised to either intervention or control pool. The intervention occurred over six weeks, and observations were taken over a one‐week period both pre‐ and postintervention. Observations of a total of 10 186 children and 6930 parents/carers were recorded and analysed.

Results

A significant improvement in attention, proximity and preparedness was observed in parents of children aged 6‐10 years at intervention pools. However, similar results were not observed in parents of children aged 0‐5 years and 11‐14 years.

Conclusions

Supervision behaviour of parents can be modified, and the implications of these results for the community through to practice and policy are discussed.

So what?

Targeted public education programs provide an effective way of improving parental supervision of children at public swimming pools. Such education programs should be widely implemented throughout public swimming pools, as one part of a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention.
Economic consequences of over‐diagnosis of threatened preterm labor
Authors: Coloma Marta , Kang Fatima , Vallejo‐Torres Laura , Díaz Paloma , Méndez Yurena , Álvarez de la Rosa Margarita
Published: January 2018

Objective

To investigate whether adherence to a cervical length‐based protocol can reduce both unnecessary admissions and the socioeconomic costs associated with inappropriately admitted patients.

Methods

The present retrospective observational study included women admitted for threatened preterm labor (TPL) at 24–34 weeks of pregnancy to a tertiary hospital in the Canary Islands, 2009–2014. Data were reviewed from all patients admitted for TPL. Those with a long cervix (>25 mm) were classified as “inappropriate admissions”, and both the economic burden based on diagnosis‐related group (DRG) and the social costs associated with sick leave for these women were calculated.

Results

During the 6‐year study period, 430 women were admitted for TPL. The rate of inappropriate hospital admissions was 45% in the first year, but was reduced to 23% in the final year (P<0.001); the premature delivery rates in these years did not differ (P=0.224). The mean DRG‐based cost of the admission per patient with a long cervix was EU euros €2099. The total annual costs from inappropriate admission (both social security sick leave costs and hospital costs) were estimated to be up to €571 047.37 during the 6‐year study period, and reduced from €60 420.76 in 2009 to €29 998.04 in 2014.

Conclusion

Reductions in inappropriate admissions from applying cervical length‐based management protocol could reduce healthcare costs without increasing the incidence of premature delivery.
Accuracy or delay? A game in detecting interest flooding attacks
Authors: Liu Gang , Quan Wei , Cheng Nan , Wang Kai , Zhang Hongke
Published: January 2018

Due to the continuous recording of forwarding states, Information‐centric networking (ICN) introduces a new security threat named interest flooding attack. To mitigate this attack, most of the existing works focus on the detecting accuracy. However, we find another important factor that the detecting delay may result in long‐term memory occupation. In this letter, aiming to balance the detecting accuracy and delay, we propose an m‐list table‐based attack detecting (mTBAD) solution to minimize the detecting delay while guaranteeing the accuracy. Particularly, mTBAD maintains an m‐list table for malicious Interests entries by combining the disabling PIT exhaustion (DPE) and the negative acknowledgments (NACK). A lightweight monitor is equipped to issue m‐NACK packets to inform the attacked router and update its m‐list. Extensive simulations based on the GÉANT topology demonstrate that mTBAD reduces the detecting delay by 99.5% (from 280 to 1.2 milliseconds) compared with a state‐of‐the‐art mechanism, at the expense of a very slight loss regarding the false negative rate and the false positive rate. It proves that mTBAD can guarantee the detecting accuracy as well as to prevent long‐term memory occupation.
A latent class exploration of adolescent recovery capital
Authors: Hennessy Emily Alden
Published: January 2018

Recovery capital, an ecological model, has been primarily used to study substance use disorder recovery among adults; however, as adolescents comprised 5.1% of substance treatment admissions in 2015 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 2016), it is worth empirically exploring this model with specific attention to this population. Conditional latent variable mixture model analysis using the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health explored whether there were observable classes of recovery capital among adolescents who needed treatment (N = 1,171) and whether sex, race, age, and history of substance use treatment differentiated class membership. The analysis revealed a 5‐class model of recovery capital classes: resource‐wealthy; strong social, weak community; religious, resource‐poor; strong community; secular, weak community. The religious, resource‐poor class was more likely to be a minority than all other classes and to be older. There were 5 qualitatively distinct patterns of recovery capital among adolescents, including a group who may be particularly vulnerable to relapse given their few capital resources.
Physical activity unveils the relationship between mitochondrial energetics, muscle quality, and physical function in older adults
Authors: Distefano Giovanna , Standley Robert A. , Zhang Xiaolei , Carnero Elvis A. , Yi Fanchao , Cornnell Heather H. , Coen Paul M.
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background

The concept of mitochondrial dysfunction in ageing muscle is highly controversial. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that reduced muscle oxidative capacity and efficiency underlie the aetiology of mobility loss in older adults. Here, we hypothesized that studying well‐phenotyped older cohorts across a wide range of physical activity would unveil a range of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and in turn allow us to more clearly examine the impact of age per se on mitochondrial energetics. This also enabled us to more clearly define the relationships between mitochondrial energetics and muscle lipid content with clinically relevant assessments of muscle and physical function.

Methods

Thirty‐nine volunteers were recruited to the following study groups: young active (YA, n = 2 women/8 men, age = 31.2 ± 5.4 years), older active (OA, n = 2 women/8 men, age = 67.5 ± 2.7 years), and older sedentary (OS, n = 8 women/11 men, age = 70.7 ± 4.7 years). Participants completed a graded exercise test to determine fitness (VO2peak), a submaximal exercise test to determine exercise efficiency, and daily physical activity was recorded using a tri‐axial armband accelerometer. Mitochondrial energetics were determined by (i) 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and (ii) respirometry of fibre bundles from vastus lateralis biopsies. Quadriceps function was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry and physical function by the short physical performance battery and stair climb test.

Results

Daily physical activity energy expenditure was significantly lower in OS, compared with YA and OA groups. Despite fitness being higher in YA compared with OA and OS, mitochondrial respiration, maximum mitochondrial capacity, Maximal ATP production/Oxygen consumption (P/O) ratio, and exercise efficiency were similar in YA and OA groups and were significantly lower in OS. P/O ratio was correlated with exercise efficiency. Time to complete the stair climb and repeated chair stand tests were significantly greater for OS. Interestingly, maximum mitochondrial capacity was related to muscle contractile performance and physical function.

Conclusions

Older adults who maintain a high amount of physical activity have better mitochondrial capacity, similar to highly active younger adults, and this is related to their better muscle quality, exercise efficiency, and physical performance. This suggests that mitochondria could be an important therapeutic target for sedentary ageing associated conditions including sarcopenia, dynapenia, and loss of physical function.
Development of a novel 99mTc‐labeled small molecular antagonist for CXCR4 positive tumor imaging
Authors: Zhang Xuran , You Linyi , Chen Shuting , Gao Mengna , Guo Zhide , Du Jin , Lu Jie , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: January 2018

The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been an attractive molecular target for tumor imaging, because it is overexpressed in many tumor types and involved in tumor progression and metastasis. The purpose of this study is to examine the CXCR4 targeting properties of 99mTc‐labeled AMD3465, a small molecule antagonist of CXCR4. 99mTc‐AMD3465 was prepared in high yield (>95%) and stable in mice serum at least for 4 hours. In vitro cell binding experiments were performed with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), MCF‐7 (breast cancer), and CHO‐CXCR4 (CHO stably transfected to express CXCR4) cell lines. Small animal single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging studies in nude mice bearing MCF‐7 and CHO xenografts showed that the uptakes of the radiotracer in MCF‐7 tumors were significantly higher than those in the CXCR4‐negative CHO tumors (P < 0.05), and the MCF‐7 tumors uptake could be blocked with an excess of unlabeled AMD3465 (P < 0.05). These results suggested that 99mTc‐AMD3465 could be a potential single photon emission computed tomography radiotracer for CXCR4 imaging.
Effect of increased mechanical knee joint loading during running on the serum concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)
Authors: Firner Sara , Willwacher Steffen , de Marées Markus , Bleuel Judith , Zaucke Frank , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter , Niehoff Anja
Published: January 2018

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an increase in mechanical knee joint loading during running on the serum COMP level. On two different test days, 20 healthy men ran with knee orthoses for 30 min on a treadmill (v = 2.2 m/s). On day 1, the orthoses were passive, whereas on day 2 they were pneumatically driven (active) and thus increased the external knee flexion moments (+30.9 Nm) during stance phase. Lower‐limb mechanics and serum COMP levels (baseline; 0, 0.5, 1, 2 h post running) were analyzed. COMP levels increased immediately after running with passive (+35%; pre: 7.5 U/l, 95%CI: 6.4, 8.7, post: 9.8 U/l, 95%CI: 8.8, 10.8, p < 0.001) and active orthoses (+45%; pre: 7.6 U/l; 95%CI: 6.4, 8.8, post: 10.3 U/l, 95%CI: 9.2, 11.5, p < 0.001), but they did not differ between interventions. While running with active orthoses, greater ankle dorsiflexion angles, knee flexion angles, and moments occurred (p < 0.05). Comparing both interventions, the Δ COMP pre–post, meaning the difference (Δ) between running with active and passive orthoses in pre to post COMP level change (=level after (post) running minus level before (pre) running), correlated negatively with Δ COMP baseline (difference between the baseline COMP level before running with active and passive orthoses, r = −0.616; p = 0.004), and with a positive tendence with the Δ maximum knee flexion (r = 0.388; p = 0.091). Therefore, changes in COMP concentration after physical activity seem to be highly influenced by the COMP baseline level. In addition, correlation analysis indicates that modifications in knee joint kinematics have a greater effect on cartilage metabolism than an increase in joint moments. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1937–1946, 2018.
Complete tear of the lateral meniscus posterior root is associated with meniscal extrusion in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees
Authors: Kamatsuki Yusuke , Furumatsu Takayuki , Fujii Masataka , Kodama Yuya , Miyazawa Shinichi , Hino Tomohito , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative lateral meniscal extrusion (LME) and arthroscopic findings of lateral meniscus posterior root tear (LMPRT) in knees with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Thirty‐five knees that had LMPRTs with concomitant ACL tears on arthroscopy were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups, partial and complete root tears, via arthroscopic findings at the time of ACL reconstruction. For comparison, we added two groups, using the same database; 20 normal knees (normal group) and 20 ACL‐injured knees without LM injury (intact LM group). We retrospectively measured preoperative LMEs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty‐three knees had partial LMPRTs. Complete LMPRTs were observed in 12 knees. The average LME was −0.1 ± 0.4 mm in the normal group, 0.2 ± 0.5 mm in the intact LM group, 0.4 ± 0.8 mm in the partial LMPRT group, and 2.0 ± 0.6 mm in the complete LMPRT group. A significant difference in preoperative LMEs was observed between the complete LMPRT group and the other groups (p < 0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis, which distinguishes a partial tear from a complete tear, identified an optimal cut‐off point of 1.1 mm for preoperative LME. This LME cut‐off had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83% for complete LMPRT. We found that preoperative LMEs were larger in complete LMPRTs associated with ACL injuries than in partial LMPRTs. Our results suggest that preoperative MRI‐detected LME may be a useful indicator for estimating LMPRT severity in ACL‐injured knees. Level of evidence: Retrospective comparative study level IV. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1894–1900, 2018.
Variations of the Indian summer monsoon over the last 30 000 years inferred from a pyrogenic carbon record from south‐west China
Authors: Zhang Enlou , Sun Weiwei , Chang Jie , Ning Dongliang , Shulmeister James
Published: January 2018

The carbon isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon (δ13CPyC) can be used to identify changes in terrestrial vegetation and consequently climate. We analyzed the δ13CPyC values in a continuous lacustrine sediment core from the south‐east edge of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau that spans the last 30k cal a BP, to improve our understanding of changes in regional vegetation and the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) on centennial and millennial timescales. Our data show that a mixed C3/C4 plant community and a dry climate prevailed from 30 to 14.6k cal a BP. Monsoonal precipitation abruptly increased at the glacial–Holocene transition, and C3 plants growing under a humid climate dominated during the Holocene. Our record also reveals that ISM intensity decreased significantly during Heinrich Events and the Younger Dryas Chron. These findings suggest that changes in regional vegetation in south‐west China are primarily controlled by ISM intensity, which in turn is related to solar insolation and high‐latitude climate. This is the first δ13CPyC record covering the last glacial maximum from the region, and provides insight into orbital‐scale climate change and abrupt climate events that occurred in south‐western China's geological past.
The glacial geomorphology of the Loch Lomond (Younger Dryas) Stadial in Britain: a review
Authors: Bickerdike H. L. , Evans D. J. A. , Stokes C. R. , Ó Cofaigh C.
Published: January 2018

This paper systematically reviews the glacial geomorphological evidence of the Loch Lomond Stadial (LLS; Younger Dryas) glaciation in Britain (12.9–11.7 ka). The geomorphology of sub‐regions within Scotland, England and Wales is assessed, providing the most comprehensive synthesis of this evidence to date. The contrasting nature of the evidence at the local scale is reviewed and conceptual themes common to multiple sub‐regions are examined. Advancements in glaciological theory, mapping technologies, numerical modelling and dating have been applied unevenly to localities across Britain, inhibiting a holistic understanding of the extent and dynamics of the LLS glaciation at a regional scale. The quantity and quality of evidence is highly uneven, leading to uncertainties regarding the extent of glaciation and inhibiting detailed analysis of ice dynamics and chronology. Robust dates are relatively scarce, making it difficult to confidently identify the limits of LLS glaciers and assess their synchroneity. Numerical models have allowed the glacier–climate relationships of the LLS to be assessed but have, thus far, been unable to incorporate local conditions which influenced glaciation. Recommendations for future research are made that will allow refined reconstructions of the LLS in Britain and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of glacier–climate interactions during the Younger Dryas.
Two‐parameter anisotropic homogenization for a Dirichlet problem for the Poisson equation in an unbounded periodically perforated domain. A functional analytic approach
Authors: Lanza de Cristoforis Massimo , Musolino Paolo
Published: January 2018

We consider a Dirichlet problem for the Poisson equation in an unbounded periodically perforated domain. The domain has a periodic structure, and the size of each cell is determined by a positive parameter δ, and the level of anisotropy of the cell is determined by a diagonal matrix γ with positive diagonal entries. The relative size of each periodic perforation is instead determined by a positive parameter ε. For a given valueof γ, we analyze the behavior of the unique solution of the problem astends toby an approach which is alternative to that of asymptotic expansions and of classical homogenization theory.
Targeting insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) in metastatic melanoma to increase efficacy of BRAFV600E inhibitors
Authors: Kim TaeWon , Havighurst Thomas , Kim KyungMann , Albertini Mark , Xu Yaohui G. , Spiegelman Vladimir S.
Published: January 2018

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. Although BRAF inhibitors significantly enhance survival of metastatic melanoma patients, most patients relapse after less than a year of treatment. We previously reported that mRNA binding protein Insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is overexpressed in metastatic melanoma and that expression of IGF2BP1 confers resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here we demonstrate that IGF2BP1 plays an important role in the sensitivity of melanoma to targeted therapy. Inhibition of IGF2BP1 enhances the effects of BRAF‐inhibitor and BRAF‐MEK inhibitors in BRAFV600E melanoma. Also, knockdown of IGF2BP1 alone is sufficient to reduce tumorigenic characteristics in vemurafenib‐resistant melanoma. These findings suggest that IGF2BP1 can be a novel therapeutic target for melanoma.
Maximization of regional probabilities using Optimal Surface Graphs: Application to carotid artery segmentation in MRI
Authors: Arias Lorza Andres M. , van Engelen Arna , Petersen Jens , van der Lugt Aad , de Bruijne Marleen
Published: January 2018

Purpose

We present a segmentation method that maximizes regional probabilities enclosed by coupled surfaces using an Optimal Surface Graph (OSG) cut approach. This OSG cut determines the globally optimal solution given a graph constructed around an initial surface. While most methods for vessel wall segmentation only use edge information, we show that maximizing regional probabilities using an OSG improves the segmentation results. We applied this to automatically segment the vessel wall of the carotid artery in magnetic resonance images.

Methods

First, voxel‐wise regional probability maps were obtained using a Support Vector Machine classifier trained on local image features. Then, the OSG segments the regions which maximizes the regional probabilities considering smoothness and topological constraints.

Results

The method was evaluated on 49 carotid arteries from 30 subjects. The proposed method shows good accuracy with a Dice wall overlap of 74.1 ± 4.3%, and significantly outperforms a published method based on an OSG using only surface information, the obtained segmentations using voxel‐wise classification alone, and another published artery wall segmentation method based on a deformable surface model. Intraclass correlations (ICC) with manually measured lumen and wall volumes were similar to those obtained between observers. Finally, we show a good reproducibility of the method with ICC = 0.86 between the volumes measured in scans repeated within a short time interval.

Conclusions

In this work, a new segmentation method that uses both an OSG and regional probabilities is presented. The method shows good segmentations of the carotid artery in MRI and outperformed another segmentation method that uses OSG and edge information and the voxel‐wise segmentation using the probability maps.
Graduation Day: Healthcare Transition From Pediatric to Adult
Authors: Green Corkins Kelly , Miller Michelle A. , Whitworth John R , McGinnis Carol
Published: January 2018

Because more patients with pediatric‐onset chronic conditions are surviving into adulthood, they are graduating from pediatric healthcare to self‐management and adult healthcare. This transfer of care needs to be a process of transitioning medical and nutrition care. Despite having position statements from professional organizations and several proposed models, issues in the transition process have been well described, and gaps in transition care persist. Healthcare providers need to be aware of special needs of emerging adults related to education on chronic condition and self‐management skills, emotional support before and after transition, and legal rights for both the patient and the parent if the emerging adult is not developmentally appropriate to make his or her own healthcare decisions. Both pediatric and adult providers need to be in active communication with each other and the patient to develop trusting relationships and actively support the transition of care. This review of literature describes several models for transitioning, measureable outcomes, insurance provider issues, and legal issues pertaining to healthcare transition.
Increase adult student retention through rebranding, student success strategies
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

SAN DIEGO — To become an institution that truly serves the needs of your adult learner population, you have to be willing to commit to significant change. At the annual meeting for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, presenters Jessica Waddell, associate director of the bachelor's degree for professionals; Lisa Buono, director of the bachelor's degree for professionals; Margarita Bueno, academic advisor and retention specialist; and Kristy Fenstermaker, academic advisor, all from California Lutheran University, gave tips on how their institution committed to a complete overhaul, from changing the terminology from adult learner to post‐traditional learner to better reflect their student population to developing tracks for post‐traditional learners outside of traditional night‐class offerings, that helped dramatically increase the retention and graduation rate of this population of students.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in internationally adopted children
Authors: Spring Rachel , Schlaack Hanna , Rice Marilyn , Staat Mary A. , Quinn Charles T.
Published: January 2018

There are conflicting guidelines about screening of internationally adopted children for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a common genetic disorder. In a multi‐ethnic population of 2,169 internationally adopted children, we found that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 1.6% overall and 2.2% in males. Prevalence differed by country or region of origin, ranging from 0 to 13% overall and 0 to 22% in males. The prevalence in females was 1%. A diagnosis of G6PD deficiency informs the treatment of malaria and enables education and counseling to prevent morbidity and mortality from G6PD deficiency. Screening for G6PD deficiency should be strongly considered for internationally adopted children.
Risk of rhabdomyolysis from 5‐α reductase inhibitors
Authors: Welk Blayne , McArthur Eric , Ordon Michael , Dirk Jade , Dixon Stephanie , Garg Amit X.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

A recent regulatory warning and case reports have described the development of muscle complications with the use of 5‐α reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). We wished to determine if there was a link between rhabdomyolysis and 5ARI usage.

Methods

We used a matched cohort design and linked administrative data from the province of Ontario, Canada, to investigate the risk of rhabdomyolysis in men using either finasteride or dutasteride. A total of 99 covariates were measured. We identified 93 197 men ≥66 years of age who initiated a new prescription for a 5ARI, and they were matched using a propensity score to an equal number of men not prescribed a 5ARI.

Results

New initiation of 5ARIs was not associated with a significantly increased risk of rhabdomyolysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00‐1.48, P = .06). When we examined the risk of rhabdomyolysis in the year prior to the initiation of a 5ARI, we found that men who would go on to use a 5ARI in the future had an elevated risk of rhabdomyolysis even prior to starting the medication (HR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.05‐1.64, P = .01). Our secondary outcome of myositis and myopathy was significantly higher among 5ARI users (HR 1.63, 95% CI, 1.48‐1.80, P < .01), and this risk was not present prior to 5ARI usage.

Conclusion

5‐α reductase inhibitors do not appear to be associated with the development of rhabdomyolysis; however, they may be associated with an increased risk of myopathy and myositis.
Intraductal/ductal histology and lymphovascular invasion are associated with germline DNA‐repair gene mutations in prostate cancer
Authors: Isaacsson Velho Pedro , Silberstein John L. , Markowski Mark C. , Luo Jun , Lotan Tamara L. , Isaacs William B. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Germline mutations in genes mediating DNA repair are common in men with recurrent and advanced prostate cancer, and their presence may alter prognosis and management. We aimed to define pathological and clinical characteristics associated with germline DNA‐repair gene mutations, to facilitate selection of patients for germline testing.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 150 unselected patients with recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer who were offered germline genetic testing by a single oncologist using a clinical‐grade assay (Color Genomics). This platform utilizes next‐generation sequencing from saliva to interrogate 30 cancer‐susceptibility genes. Presence or absence of a deleterious germline mutation was correlated with histological and clinical characteristics, and with family history of cancer. All patients with DNA‐sequence alterations (pathogenic or variants) were offered genetic counseling.

Results

Between July 2016 and July 2017, 150 consecutive patients underwent germline testing; pathogenic mutations were identified in 21 men (14%). Among those with germline mutations, 9 (43%) were in BRCA2, 3 (14%) were in ATM, 3 (14%) were in CHEK2, and 2 (9%) were in BRCA1. While there were no associations between germline mutations and age, tumor stage, Gleason sum or family history; mutation‐positive patients had lower median PSA levels at diagnosis (5.5 vs 8.6 ng/mL, P = 0.01) and unique pathologic features. Namely, men with germline mutations were more likely to harbor intraductal/ductal histology (48% vs 12%, P < 0.01) and lymphovascular invasion (52% vs 14%, P < 0.01). Finally, 44% of patients with a positive germline test would not have been offered genetic screening according to current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Conclusions

Presence of intraductal/ductal histology and lymphovascular invasion appear to be associated with pathogenic germline DNA‐repair gene mutations in men with prostate cancer, and identification of these features may help to select patients for germline testing. NCCN guidelines may be inadequate in predicting which prostate cancer patients should undergo genetic screening.
Comprehensive PBPK Model of Rifampicin for Quantitative Prediction of Complex Drug‐Drug Interactions: CYP3A/2C9 Induction and OATP Inhibition Effects
Authors: Asaumi Ryuta , Toshimoto Kota , Tobe Yoshifusa , Hashizume Kenta , Nunoya Ken‐ichi , Imawaka Haruo , Lee Wooin , Sugiyama Yuichi
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to construct a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of rifampicin that can accurately and quantitatively predict complex drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) involving its saturable hepatic uptake and auto‐induction. Using in silico and in vitro parameters, and reported clinical pharmacokinetic data, rifampicin PBPK model was built and relevant parameters for saturable hepatic uptake and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) auto‐induction were optimized by fitting. The parameters for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and CYP2C9 induction by rifampicin were similarly optimized using clinical DDI data with midazolam and tolbutamide as probe substrates, respectively. For validation, our current PBPK model was applied to simulate complex DDIs with glibenclamide (a substrate of CYP3A/2C9 and hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs)). Simulated results were in quite good accordance with the observed data. Altogether, our constructed PBPK model of rifampicin demonstrates the robustness and utility in quantitatively predicting CYP3A/2C9 induction‐mediated and/or OATP inhibition‐mediated DDIs with victim drugs.
The effect of Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) on the motor deficits in the MPTP‐treated common marmoset model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fisher Ria , Lincoln Louise , Jackson Michael J. , Abbate Vincenzo , Jenner Peter , Hider Robert , Lees Andrew , Rose Sarah
Published: January 2018

Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) contains harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, has monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, and has reported antiparkinsonian activity in humans when imbibed as a tea; however, its effects are poorly documented. For this reason, motor function was assessed in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated common marmosets following administration of B. caapi extract (28.4–113.6 mg/kg; po), harmine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg; sc), and selegiline (10 mg/kg; sc), alone or with a submaximal dose of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA; 4–7 mg/kg). L‐DOPA reversed motor disability, increased locomotor activity, and induced moderate dyskinesia. B. caapi did not increase locomotor activity or induce dyskinesia but at 56.8 and 113.6 mg/kg improved motor disability. The L‐DOPA response was unaltered by co‐administration of B. caapi. Harmine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) produced a mild improvement in motor disability without affecting locomotor activity or dyskinesia but had no effect on the L‐DOPA‐induced antiparkinsonian response. Selegiline (10 mg/kg) alone improved motor function to the same extent as L‐DOPA, but with only mild dyskinesia, and did not alter the response to L‐DOPA, although dyskinesia was reduced. The findings suggest that B. caapi alone has a mild antiparkinsonian effect but does not enhance the L‐DOPA response or reduce dyskinesia.
Close tracking of equilibrium paths
Authors: Sultan Cornel
Published: January 2018

A method to control a generic system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations between equilibrium states is analyzed. The objective is to ensure that the system's state space trajectory closely tracks an equilibrium path. The control law is obtained via time parameterization of the corresponding equilibrium control path. Conditions which guarantee that the system's state space trajectory closely tracks the equilibrium path are proved using two approaches. One approach uses the mean value theorem, and the other uses the slowly time‐varying systems theory. Importantly, both methods provide relationships between the control rate norm and the tracking error norm. These allow computation of upper bounds on the control rate norm which guarantee a desired upper bound on the tracking error norm. They also enable computation of upper bounds on the tracking error norm for a given upper bound on the control rate norm. Examples illustrate the theoretical results.
Status in a strange land? Context‐dependent value of status in cross‐border venture capital
Authors: Alvarez‐Garrido Elisa , Guler Isin
Published: January 2018

Research Summary: While recent literature has depicted status as an intangible asset that is firm‐specific and mobile, we have a limited understanding of whether status confers advantage in a way similar to other intangible assets. This study examines the macro‐structural contingencies that influence the marginal value of firm status as firms expand to new markets. Building on the literatures on status and social approval assets, as well as globalization and international management, we hypothesize that two conditions influence how valuable home‐country status will be in a given host country: the interconnectedness of the home and host countries, and their relative position in the global network. We test our hypotheses in a study of 187 venture capital (VC)‐backed biotechnology ventures in 19 countries between 1990 and 2006.

Managerial Summary: Startups typically prefer high‐status VC investors for endorsements, network connections, and resources. One might expect the benefits of high‐status VCs to be even higher when they invest across borders. Yet, we show that status is ingrained in context, and that the performance advantage of partnering with high‐status cross‐border VC firms depends on the relationship between the country of the VC firm and that of the startup. We find that, when the VC industries in the two countries are more connected, the positive effect of cross‐border VC firm status on successful exit is amplified. However, when the VC firm comes from a more central country than the startup, the benefits of VC firm status are less pronounced and vice versa.
Halide Perovskites for Applications beyond Photovoltaics
Authors: Kim Hyojung , Han Ji Su , Choi Jaeho , Kim Soo Young , Jang Ho Won
Published: January 2018

In recent years, halide perovskites have been attracting intense attention as novel materials for photovoltaic applications due to their high carrier mobility, extraordinarily long carrier diffusion lengths, and suitable optical bandgaps. Furthermore, there are extensive applications of halide perovskites owing to their exceptional attributes in different areas, such as light‐emitting diodes, lasers, X‐ray detectors, memory devices, and more. Here, the unique characteristics of halide perovskite materials are described, including their electrical and optical properties, to explain why these materials are so exciting for a wide variety of applications. After introducing the synthesis techniques used to prepare halide perovskite films, recent advances on the applications of halide perovskites beyond photovoltaics are addressed. The challenges to be overcome for several applications are described and it is suggested that halide perovskites are equivalent to a gold standard in developing next‐generation optoelectronic and electronic devices.
Generative models for clinical applications in computational psychiatry
Authors: Frässle Stefan , Yao Yu , Schöbi Dario , Aponte Eduardo A. , Heinzle Jakob , Stephan Klaas E.
Published: January 2018

Despite the success of modern neuroimaging techniques in furthering our understanding of cognitive and pathophysiological processes, translation of these advances into clinically relevant tools has been virtually absent until now. Neuromodeling represents a powerful framework for overcoming this translational deadlock, and the development of computational models to solve clinical problems has become a major scientific goal over the last decade, as reflected by the emergence of clinically oriented neuromodeling fields like Computational Psychiatry, Computational Neurology, and Computational Psychosomatics. Generative models of brain physiology and connectivity in the human brain play a key role in this endeavor, striving for computational assays that can be applied to neuroimaging data from individual patients for differential diagnosis and treatment prediction. In this review, we focus on dynamic causal modeling (DCM) and its use for Computational Psychiatry. DCM is a widely used generative modeling framework for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magneto‐/electroencephalography (M/EEG) data. This article reviews the basic concepts of DCM, revisits examples where it has proven valuable for addressing clinically relevant questions, and critically discusses methodological challenges and recent methodological advances. We conclude this review with a more general discussion of the promises and pitfalls of generative models in Computational Psychiatry and highlight the path that lies ahead of us.

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Computation

Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience
Surgery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Child–Pugh B Cirrhosis: Hepatic Resection Versus Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Fujimoto Yukiko , Motomura Takashi , Mano Youhei , Toshima Takeo , Itoh Shinji , Harada Noboru , Ikegami Toru , Uchiyama Hideaki , Soejima Yuji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: January 2018

Background

Liver transplantation has been established as the optimal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients, but hepatic resection is also effective in patients with well‐preserved liver function. Determining the suitable surgical treatment for patients with Child–Pugh class B cirrhosis is a more difficult challenge.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the results of hepatic resection and living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in 137 patients with Child–Pugh class B cirrhosis. The procedures were performed at Kyushu University Hospital from April 2014 through October 2016.

Results

Patients who underwent hepatic resection were significantly older and had better liver function, larger tumor size, smaller number of tumors, and less surgical stress compared with patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation. The overall survival rate and the recurrence‐free survival rate in patients with transplantation were significantly better than that in patients with resection. The multivariate analysis showed that recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and microvascular invasion were significant prognostic factors for both overall and recurrence‐free survival in the hepatic resection group. In the group with protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II ≥300 mAU/mL, both the overall survival curve and the recurrence‐free survival curve in patients with living donor liver transplantation were not significantly different from those in patients with hepatic resection.

Conclusions

Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child–Pugh class B cirrhosis was favorable under the condition of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II <300 mAU/mL in selected recipients and donors. Hepatic resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and excessive blood loss should be avoided in patients with Child–Pugh class B cirrhosis.
Excellent Prognosis of Central Lymph Node Recurrence‐Free Survival for cN0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Who Underwent Routine Prophylactic Central Node Dissection
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Miyauchi Akira , Masuoka Hiroo , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Kihara Minoru , Miya Akihiro
Published: January 2018

Introduction

In Japan, prophylactic central node dissection (p‐CND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been routinely performed in many institutions, including ours (Kuma Hospital, Japan). We evaluated the recurrence to a central lymph node in patients with cN0M0 PTC who underwent routine p‐CND.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 4301 patients with cN0M0 PTC who underwent an initial surgery between 1987 and 2005 (median age 51 years). The postoperative follow‐up periods ranged from 4 to 362 months (median 164 months). Only 15 patients underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation (≥30 mCi) after total or near total thyroidectomy.

Results

Of the 4301 patients with N0M0 PTC who underwent p‐CND, 2548 (59%) were diagnosed as pN1a on postoperative pathological examination. To date, only 52 cases (1.2%) showed recurrence to a central lymph node. The 10‐year and 20‐year central node recurrence‐free survival rates were excellent at 99.1 and 98.2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age ≥55 years, significant extrathyroid extension, tumor size >2 cm, and ≥5 pathologically confirmed central node metastases (but not the presence of central node metastasis) independently affected central node recurrence.

Conclusions

Under the situation of routine p‐CND, the central node recurrence‐free survival of cN0M0 PTC is excellent. However, future studies, including double‐arm studies from Japan, should examine whether the omission of p‐CND cN0M0 PTC is appropriate without RAI ablation in consideration of various factors, including the pros and cons of p‐CND.
Real-analytic AbC constructions on the torus
Authors: BANERJEE SHILPAK , KUNDE PHILIPP
Published: January 2018

In this article we demonstrate a way to extend the AbC (approximation by conjugation) method invented by Anosov and Katok from the smooth category to the category of real-analytic diffeomorphisms on the torus. We present a general framework for such constructions and prove several results. In particular, we construct minimal but not uniquely ergodic diffeomorphisms and non-standard real-analytic realizations of toral translations.