bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daclatasvir, Sofosbuvir With or Without Ribavirin for 24 Weeks In Hepatitis C Genotype 3 Cirrhosis: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Lionetti Raffaella , Piccolo Paola , Lenci Ilaria , Siciliano Massimo , Visco-Comandini Ubaldo , De Santis Adriano , Pompili Maurizio , Milana Martina , Taibi Chiara , Dell’Isola Serena , Montalbano Marzia , Mastroianni Claudio , Begini Paola , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Angelico Mario , D'Offizi Gianpiero
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim: Cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection show unsatisfactory outcomes after 12 weeks’ treatment with direct antiviral agents. The National Italian Drug Agency allows 24 weeks of therapy in difficult-to-treat patients, including genotype 3 cirrhotics . Aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a 24-week course of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir±ribavirin in this population. Materials and methods: 106 consecutive cirrhotics (70.8% males, mean age 55.3±7.6 years) in 8 tertiary hepatology centers received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 24 weeks. Ribavirin was administered in 85 (80.2%) based expected tolerability, at a mean dose of 964±202 mg/day. Baseline Child-Pugh class was A 91.5%, B 6.6%, C 1.9%; mean baseline MELD was 8.5±2.7. Results: All patients completed 12-week follow-up post-treatment, and 104 (98.1%) obtained sustained virologcal response (100% in ribavirin -treated patients vs 90.4% without ribavirin; p=0.04). No worsening in renal and liver function was observed, no serious adverse events occurred. Two virological failures showed resistance associated variants (Y93H and S282T). Conclusion: An extended 24-week treatment with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir+ribavirin obtained 100% efficacy in genotype 3 hepatitis C cirrhosis, with very limited side effects. The role of ribavirin seems crucial in this setting and should be administered if clinically feasible.
La Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria como fuente de cuidados de Salud Mental
Authors: López Macarena Moral , Mohrbach Diana Yuruhán , Puyana Carmen Ruiz , Anderson Maria Inez Padula , Mejía Paula Andrea Carmona , Fortes Sandra , Quiroz José Rubén , González María Luisa Vera
Published: September 2018

En la Séptima Cumbre Iberoamericana de Medicina Familiar, Cali – Colombia 2018, el grupo de trabajo Salud Mental (SM) reflexionó sobre como la Medicina Familiar (MF) puede actuar para apoyar a las personas que enfrentan situaciones de estrés frente a la vida diaria, conflictos (armados/no armados), emergencias y desastres naturales. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal basado em una encuesta de 42 preguntas a 99 profesionales sanitarios iberoamericanos provenientes de 15 países, 98 médicos y 1 psicólogo, 8% residentes de MF, 85% especialistas en MF, 4% médicos generales, 2% psiquiatras y 1% internista. El 47% de los médicos percibe como buena la capacidade de los médicos de familia en el abordaje de la SM. En cuanto a los problemas de SM observados, 30% indica Trastorno de Ansiedad, 27% depresión, 17% insomnio, 10% alcoholismo, 7% adicción a drogas ilícitas, 5% trastornos alimentarios y 4% trastorno de estrés postraumático. En este contexto se realizaron las recomendaciones para la Carta de Cali que consideran la formación en SM necesaria para los Médicos Familiares, con estrategias de autocuidado costo efectivas, mediante el fortalecimiento del trabajo comunitario. El cuerpo docente de las residencias de MF debe hacerse cargo de acciones tendientes al autocuidado de los alumnos, propendiendo a facilitar el processo de aprendizaje y la preparación para ejercer la profesión en un medio tan complejo como son los centros del primer nivel de atención o en cualquier contexto en el que se trabaje con la estratégia de Atención Primaria de Salud.
La restitution des biens culturels
Authors: Hershkovitch Corinne
Published: September 2018

La question de la restitution des biens culturels occupe souvent une place de choix dans l’actualité. Le sujet passionne par la multitude des problématiques qu’il prend en compte. L’internationalisation des relations, la complexification des situations, la diversité des enjeux historiques, politiques, diplomatiques, économiques ou spirituels sont autant de variables à analyser pour comprendre le phénomène de la restitution d’un bien culturel. Si les instruments juridiques internationaux, européens et nationaux sont nombreux, le droit se révèle aujourd’hui impuissant pour faire face aux revendications. C’est au travers d’une analyse historique, juridique et politique du droit des restitutions de biens culturels, basée sur quelques cas emblématiques, que cet article propose un état des lieux de la question.
Normal cognitive and social development require posterior cerebellar activity
Authors: Badura Aleksandra , Verpeut Jessica L , Metzger Julia W , Pereira Talmo D , Pisano Thomas J , Deverett Ben , Bakshinskaya Dariya E , Wang Samuel S-H
Published: September 2018

Cognitive and social capacities require postnatal experience, yet the pathways by which experience guides development are unknown. Here we show that the normal development of motor and nonmotor capacities requires cerebellar activity. Using chemogenetic perturbation of molecular layer interneurons to attenuate cerebellar output in mice, we found that activity of posterior regions in juvenile life modulates adult expression of eyeblink conditioning (paravermal lobule VI, crus I), reversal learning (lobule VI), persistive behavior and novelty-seeking (lobule VII), and social preference (crus I/II). Perturbation in adult life altered only a subset of phenotypes. Both adult and juvenile disruption left gait metrics largely unaffected. Contributions to phenotypes increased with the amount of lobule inactivated. Using an anterograde transsynaptic tracer, we found that posterior cerebellum made strong connections with prelimbic, orbitofrontal, and anterior cingulate cortex. These findings provide anatomical substrates for the clinical observation that cerebellar injury increases the risk of autism.
Neural processing of working memory in adults with ADHD in a visuospatial change detection task with distractors
Authors: Gu Chao , Liu Zhong-Xu , Tannock Rosemary , Woltering Steven
Published: September 2018

Individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often characterized by deficits in working memory (WM), which manifest in academic, professional, and mental health difficulties. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of these presumed WM deficits, we compared adults with ADHD to their peers on behavioral and neural indices of WM. We used a visuospatial change detection task with distractors which was designed to assess the brain’s ability to effectively filter out distractors from WM, in addition to testing for effects of WM load. Twenty-seven unmedicated adults with ADHD were compared to 27 matched peers on event-related potential (ERP) measures of WM, i.e., the contralateral delay activity (CDA). Despite severe impairments in everyday life functioning, findings showed no difference in deficits in behavioral tests of working memory for adults with ADHD compared to their peers. Interestingly, there were differences in neural activity between individuals with ADHD and their peers showing that the CDA of individuals with ADHD did not distinguish between high, distractor, and low memory load conditions. These data suggest, in the face of comparable behavioral performance, a difference in neural processing efficiency, wherein the brains of individuals with ADHD may not be as selective in the allocation of neural resources to perform a WM task.
G1m1 predominance of intrathecal virus‐specific antibodies in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tomescu‐Baciu Alina , Vartdal Frode , Holmøy Trygve , Vedeler Christian A. , Lossius Andreas
Published: September 2018

We have previously shown that plasmablasts of the G1m1 allotype of IgG1 are selectively enriched in the cerebrospinal fluid of G1m1/G1m3 heterozygous patients with multiple sclerosis, whereas both allotypes are equally used in neuroborreliosis. Here, we demonstrate a strong preference for the G1m1 allotype in the intrathecal humoral immune responses against measles, rubella, and varicella zoster virus in G1m1/G1m3 heterozygous multiple sclerosis patients. Conversely, intrathecally synthesized varicella zoster virus‐specific IgG1 in varicella zoster virus meningoencephalitis comprised both allotypes. This implies that G1m1 B cells are selected to the central nervous system of multiple sclerosis patients regardless of specificity and suggests that an antigen‐independent mechanism could drive the intrathecal humoral immune response.
Thermal Stability of Athermal ω‐Ti(Fe) Produced upon Quenching of β‐Ti(Fe)
Authors: Kriegel Mario J. , Kilmametov Askar , Klemm Volker , Schimpf Christian , Straumal Boris B. , Gornakova Alena S. , Ivanisenko Yulia , Fabrichnaya Olga , Hahn Horst , Rafaja David
Published: September 2018

This work shows the formation of the athermal ω phase in alloy Ti–4 wt% Fe. The alloy under study, heat treated at 800 °C for 100 h and subsequently water quenched, is investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal stability of ω‐Ti(Fe) is investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC measurements show a cascade of several thermic events between 160 and 450 °C, and one strong and sharp exothermic DSC peak at ∼480 °C. The phase transformations and other microstructural changes behind these events are explained by complementary use of XRD, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and TEM analyses that are performed on samples heated stepwise in the DSC apparatus. These experiments indicate that the embryos of athermal ω‐Ti(Fe) grow up to ∼400 °C and start to decompose into an α‐Ti(Fe) + β assemblage already at 450 °C. At ∼480 °C, the decomposition of the athermal ω‐Ti(Fe) phase is practically finished. Thermal stability of athermal ω‐Ti(Fe) is compared with the thermal stability of ω‐Ti(Fe) produced in a high‐pressure torsion (HPT) process, indicating a higher thermal stability of ω‐Ti(Fe) in the non‐deformed alloys.
Synergism of Self‐Wrinkling and Ultrasonic Cleaning to Fabricate Hierarchically Patterned Conducting Films
Authors: Xie Jixun , Wang Juanjuan , Zhao Jingxin , Yang Chengfeng , Li Lele , Lu Conghua
Published: September 2018

Patterning functional materials into well‐defined microstructures has drawn increasing attention in material science, bioengineering, surface engineering, nanotechnology, and especially in device processing. Here, a simple versatile route is developed to fabricate hierarchical surface patterns on conducting polymer films in solution via a combination of surface wrinkling and ultrasonic cleaning. Heterogeneous surface architectures (e.g., wrinkles/delaminating buckles) are first obtained owing to in situ self‐wrinkling during the solution‐phase growth of polyaniline (PANI) film on a selectively oxygen plasma‐exposed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. Subsequent ultrasonic cleaning is introduced to selectively remove the patterned PANI film that is deposited in the exposed PDMS region, based on the different adhesion strength of the patterned film with the exposed and unexposed PDMS regions. As a result, corresponding hierarchically patterned PANI films with controlled microstructures, spatial locations, and dimensions are obtained. Combined with the additional self‐reinforcement effect by polymerization of polymerizable monomers into the patterned PANI film, well‐defined stabilized patterns of PANI‐based composite films are further fabricated, which have great potential for the applications in micro‐supercapacitors and integrated pressure sensor arrays with excellent performances, as demonstrated here.
Pore‐Selective SnS Functionalization in Honeycomb‐Patterned Films by a Breath Figure Process Accompanied by Chemical Reaction
Authors: Cao Thuy Thi , Modigunta Jeevan Kumar Reddy , Male Umashankar , Huh Do Sung
Published: September 2018

A new fabrication process for the pore‐selective functionalization of honeycomb‐patterned porous (HCP) films is demonstrated by a modified breath figure method accompanied by an in situ chemical reaction. A polymer solution containing one reactant is cast under humid conditions containing counter reactant to facilitate a chemical reaction at condensed droplet/polymer solution interface, which results in the pore‐selective functionalization of HCP films. Polystyrene (PS) solution containing tin(II) chloride is cast under humid conditions containing aqueous hydrogen sulfide for the formation of tin sulfide (SnS)‐functionalized PS HCP films. H2S humidity is generated by pumping ambient air through the aqueous sodium sulfide solution. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and elemental mapping analyses indicate the formation of SnS as thin layers selectively in the pores of PS HCP films.
New Insight for Luminescence Tuning Based on Interstitial sites Occupation of Eu2+ in Sr3Al2−xSixO5−xNxCl2 (x = 0–0.4)
Authors: Liang Sisi , Dang Peipei , Li Guogang , Wei Yi , Wei Yi , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: September 2018

Currently, nitridation of phosphors provides an enormous inspiration for phosphor designing. In this paper, a nitridation process by means of substituting Al3+O2− with Si4+N3− in initial Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ system is implemented. The phase purity is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The corresponding photoluminescence properties are recorded and analyzed by the excitation and emission spectra. Interestingly, new blue emission bands emerge in the range of 400–500 nm and the intensity increases with the increasing of substitution concentration. It is verified that the new emission band is derived from the residence of Eu2+ ions in the interstitial sites. The crystal structure refinement, transmission electron microscopy, and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are exploited to analyze the color‐tunable luminescence mechanisms induced by the structural variation. Moreover, the thermal stability is characterized by the temperature‐dependent spectra. Attributed to the enhancement of lattice rigidity, the serious thermal quenching behavior is improved. Finally, the electroluminescence performance is measured for the fabricated white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). By combining 370 nm ultraviolet LED chips, CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ and Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ phosphors, an ideal warm‐white emitting LED is successfully fabricated with the color rendering index = 92, color temperature = 3476 K, and color coordinate x = 0.37, y = 0.34.
β2‐adrenoreceptor medications and risk of Parkinson disease
Authors: Searles Nielsen Susan , Gross Anat , Camacho‐Soto Alejandra , Willis Allison W. , Racette Brad A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

A recent study observed a 2‐fold greater risk of Parkinson disease (PD) in relation to the β2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist propranolol and a markedly lower risk of PD for the β2‐adrenoreceptor agonist salbutamol. We examined whether confounding by clinical indication for these medications, that is, tremor and smoking‐related pulmonary conditions, explained these associations.

Methods

In a large, population‐based case–control study of United States Medicare beneficiaries in 2009 with diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and prescription data (48,295 incident PD cases, 52,324 controls), we examined the risk of PD in relation to use of selected β antagonists (propranolol, carvedilol, metoprolol), the β2 agonist salbutamol, and other medications used for the same clinical indications (primidone, inhaled corticosteroids). We adjusted for demographics, smoking, and overall use of medical care. We then examined the effect of also adjusting for clinical indication and applying medication exposure lagging.

Results

Propranolol appeared to increase PD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 3.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.31–3.96). When we adjusted for tremor or abnormal involuntary movement prior to the PD diagnosis/reference date and lagged propranolol exposure, the association was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.80–1.18). Primidone, also used for tremor, was similarly sensitive to this adjustment and lagging. β Antagonists not indicated for tremor appeared to reduce PD risk (carvedilol: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.73–0.81; metoprolol: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.97) and were insensitive to adjustment for indications and lagging. Neither salbutamol nor inhaled corticosteroids were consistently associated with PD risk.

Interpretation

β2‐adrenoreceptor agonists and antagonists do not appear to alter PD risk. Ann Neurol 2018;84:691–701
Variational Study of the Two‐Impurity Spin–Boson Model with a Common Ohmic Bath: Ground‐State Phase Transitions
Authors: Zhou Nengji , Zhang Yuyu , Lü Zhiguo , Zhao Yang
Published: September 2018

By means of a trial wave function, the multi‐D1 ansatz, extensive variational calculations with more than 10 000 parameters are carried out to study quantum phase transitions in the ground states of a two‐impurity system embedded in a common Ohmic bath of bosons. Quantum criticality in both the impurity system and the Ohmic bosonic bath is investigated with relevant transition points and critical exponents determined accurately. With the linear grid of the Ohmic spectral density, numerical calculations herein produce a much better description of the ground states with lower energies than other calculations employing a logarithmic grid with a discretization factor far greater than unity. This offers a possible resolution to the considerable controversy on the critical coupling in the literature. Moreover, the ground‐state phase transition is inferred to be of first order in the presence of strong antiferromagnetic spin–spin coupling, at variance with that in the ferromagnetic regime or in the absence of spin–spin coupling where the transition belongs to the Kosterlitz–Thouless universality class.
Chalkogenbrücken: eine Übersicht
Authors: Vogel Lukas , Wonner Patrick , Huber Stefan M.
Published: September 2018

In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben sich “unübliche” nichtkovalente Wechselwirkungen wie Anion‐π oder Halogenbrücken in vielen Forschungsbereichen zu interessanten Alternativen zu den allgegenwärtigen Wasserstoffbrücken entwickelt. Dies trifft – zu einem etwas geringeren Grad – auch auf Chalkogenbrücken zu, die nichtkovalenten Wechselwirkungen Lewis‐acider Chalkogenzentren. Dieser Kurzaufsatz soll einen Überblick über den Einsatz von Chalkogenbrücken in der kondensierten Phase geben, mit einem Fokus auf den neuesten Entwicklungen bei der Anwendung intermolekularer Chalkogenbrücken in Lösung. Im Festkörper wurden Chalkogenbrücken zum Aufbau nanoskaliger Strukturen und für die Selbstorganisation ausgefeilter selbstkomplementärer Komplexe verwendet. Bis vor kurzem konzentrierten sich die Anwendungen in Lösung vor allem auf intramolekulare Wechselwirkungen, welche die Konformation von Intermediaten oder Reagentien stabilisierten. In den letzten Jahren wurden nun aber auch intermolekulare Chalkogenbrücken zunehmend in Lösung eingesetzt, besonders für Anionenerkennung und ‐transport sowie in der organischen Synthese und der Organokatalyse.
Algal Butter, a Novel Cocoa Butter Equivalent: Chemical Composition, Physical Properties, and Functionality in Chocolate
Authors: Ghazani Saeed M. , Zou Long , Rakitsky Walter G. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: September 2018

Cocoa butter equivalents (CBE) are usually produced using exotic butters or tropical fats from illipe, palm mid‐fraction, sal, shea, kokum, and mango kernel. These exotic butters are often harvested from the wild trees, their supply is limited, and their quality can be varied. In this study, we report on the physicochemical and functional properties of two new CBE made from algal butter, and compared them to those of a commercial shea stearin (cSS). The functionality of these fats as CBE in a model chocolate system was assessed and compared to a cocoa butter (CB) control. The fatty‐acid composition and the triacylglycerol profile of algal butters were similar to cSS. The crystallization temperature, melting point, and crystal polymorphic form (β2 3‐L) of the algal butters were similar to those of cSS. No significant differences (P <0.05) in hardness and bloom formation were observed. One‐year storage at room temperature caused bloom formation in all chocolates, as evidenced from a βV to βVI polymorphic transformation, except for 100% algal butters and cSS. According to the results of this study, algal butter is compatible with CB and can be used as a novel CBE in chocolate products.
Establishing Surrogate Kidney End Points for Lupus Nephritis Clinical Trials: Development and Validation of a Novel Approach to Predict Future Kidney Outcomes
Authors: Mackay Meggan , Dall'Era Maria , Fishbein Joanna , Kalunian Kenneth , Lesser Martin , Sanchez‐Guerrero Jorge , Levy Deborah M. , Silverman Earl , Petri Michelle , Arriens Cristina , Lewis Edmund J. , Korbet Stephen M. , Conti Fabrizio , Tesar Vladimir , Hruskova Zdenka , Borba Eduardo F. , Bonfa Eloisa , Chan Tak Mao , Rathi Manish , Gupta K. L. , Jha Vivekanand , Hasni Sarfaraz , West Melissa R. , Solomons Neil , Houssiau Frederic A. , Romero‐Diaz Juanita , Mejia‐Vilet Juan , Rovin Brad H.
Published: September 2018

Objective

End points currently used in lupus nephritis (LN) clinical trials lack uniformity and questionably reflect long‐term kidney survival. This study was undertaken to identify short‐term end points that predict long‐term kidney outcomes for use in clinical trials.

Methods

A database of 944 patients with LN was assembled from 3 clinical trials and 12 longitudinal cohorts. Variables from the first 12 months of treatment after diagnosis of active LN (prediction period) were assessed as potential predictors of long‐term outcomes in a 36‐month follow‐up period. The long‐term outcomes examined were new or progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), severe kidney injury (SKI), and the need for permanent renal replacement therapy (RRT). To predict the risk for each outcome, hazard index tools (HITs) were derived using multivariable analysis with Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among 550 eligible subjects, 54 CKD, 55 SKI, and 22 RRT events occurred. Variables in the final CKD HIT were prediction‐period CKD status, 12‐month proteinuria, and 12‐month serum creatinine level. The SKI HIT variables included prediction‐period CKD status, International Society of Nephrology (ISN)/Renal Pathology Society (RPS) class, 12‐month proteinuria, 12‐month serum creatinine level, race, and an interaction between ISN/RPS class and 12‐month proteinuria. The RRT HIT included age at diagnosis, 12‐month proteinuria, and 12‐month serum creatinine level. Each HIT validated well internally (c‐indices 0.84–0.92) and in an independent LN cohort (c‐indices 0.89–0.92).

Conclusion

HITs, derived from short‐term kidney responses to treatment, correlate with long‐term kidney outcomes, and now must be validated as surrogate end points for LN clinical trials.
Fe‐based Metallic Glasses in Functional Catalytic Applications
Authors: Zhang Lai‐Chang , Liang Shun‐Xing
Published: September 2018

With an intrinsically disordered atomic structure and a widely tunable atomic constituent, metallic glasses (MGs) have been extensively studied as promising catalysts in different catalytic fields. Particularly, Fe‐based MGs with high catalytic activity, relatively low material cost, and environmental friendly compatibility also emerge as advanced catalysts. This review systematically discusses the recent advances of Fe‐based MGs in catalytic applications, including wastewater remediation based on reductive degradation by multicomponent Fe‐based MGs, oxidative degradation by introduction of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and nanocrystallization applied in Fe‐based MGs up to date, and renewable energy conversion, with purposes of revealing Fe‐based MG catalysts in the further improvement of catalytic performance and exploiting their promising catalytic abilities in a widely catalytic field.
Pd‐catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐coupling of Alkyl Chromium(0) Fischer Carbene Complexes with Organoboronic Acids
Authors: Wang Kang , Yang Jinghui , Yao Xingqi , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2018

Alkyl chromium(0) carbene complexes have been explored as the cross‐coupling partners in the palladium‐catalyzed reaction with aryl or alkenyl boronic acids. This coupling reaction displays the versatile reactivities of alkyl chromium(0) carbenes under palladium catalysis. Mechanistically, this transformation is proposed to involve deprotonation of the alkyl chromium carbene substrate to generate a vinyl chromium anion intermediate that undergoes transmetalation to organopalladium species and reductive elimination.
Establishment of exclusion responding in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sivaraman Maithri , Bhabu Priyanka
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to teach auditory–visual relations using exclusion training and test the emergence of exclusion responding in novel relations and naming by exclusion in four participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment package consisted of multiple exposures to exclusion trials, prompting, and reinforcement. Four types of matching‐to‐sample trials (baseline, control, exclusion, and probe trials) and naming trials were used during the study. The auditory–visual matching to sample responses and naming responses of the new stimuli was tested. Three out of four participants demonstrated positive learning outcomes with the auditory–visual relations that were taught. One out of four participants demonstrated naming by exclusion. Posttest results show that exclusion responses generalized to stimuli used beyond training for the three successful participants. The results indicate that the treatment package can likely be an important teaching technology to establish exclusion responding.
Accuracy of surgical complication rate estimation using ICD-10 codes
Authors: Storesund A , Haugen A S , Hjortås M , Nortvedt M W , Flaatten H , Eide G E , Boermeester M A , Sevdalis N , Søfteland E
Published: September 2018

Background

The ICD-10 codes are used globally for comparison of diagnoses and complications, and are an important tool for the development of patient safety, healthcare policies and the health economy. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of verified complication rates in surgical admissions identified by ICD-10 codes and to validate these estimates against complications identified using the established Global Trigger Tool (GTT) methodology.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of a sample of surgical admissions in two Norwegian hospitals. Complications were identified and classified by two expert GTT teams who reviewed patients' medical records. Three trained reviewers verified ICD-10 codes indicating a complication present on admission or emerging in hospital.

Results

A total of 700 admissions were drawn randomly from 12 966 procedures. Some 519 possible complications were identified in 332 of 700 admissions (47·4 per cent) from ICD-10 codes. Verification of the ICD-10 codes against information from patients' medical records confirmed 298 as in-hospital complications in 141 of 700 admissions (20·1 per cent). Using GTT methodology, 331 complications were found in 212 of 700 admissions (30·3 per cent). Agreement between the two methods reached 83·3 per cent after verification of ICD-10 codes. The odds ratio for identifying complications using the GTT increased from 5·85 (95 per cent c.i. 4·06 to 8·44) to 25·38 (15·41 to 41·79) when ICD-10 complication codes were verified against patients' medical records.

Conclusion

Verified ICD-10 codes strengthen the accuracy of complication rates. Use of non-verified complication codes from administrative systems significantly overestimates in-hospital surgical complication rates.
Periodic expression of cell‐cycle regulators: A laboratory experiment proposal for students in molecular and cell biology
Authors: Quilis Inma , Igual J. Carlos
Published: September 2018

This article describes a laboratory exercise designed for undergraduate students in the subject of “Regulation of cell proliferation” which allows the students to carry out a research experiment in an important field such as cell cycle control, and to be introduced to a widely used technique in molecular biology laboratories such as the western blot. The cell cycle is regulated by the succession of cyclin‐CDK kinase activities. Activation and inactivation of different cyclin‐CDK complexes depend on the control of their positive and negative regulators, cyclins and CDK inhibitors (CKIs), respectively. In this experiment, fluctuations in the level of mitotic cyclin Clb2 and CDK inhibitor Sic1 throughout the cell cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are analyzed, particularly in the context of the control of mitotic exit and Start, two of the most important cell cycle transitions. In order to do this, a cdc15 mutant strain is used to block cells in telophase and, upon release from this blocking, the variation in the levels of Clb2 and Sic1 proteins are analyzed by western blot. Progress along the cell cycle is also evaluated by microscopic analysis of cell morphology and nuclear staining. This practical illustrates the experimental basis of theoretical concepts worked in the classroom and it is a good framework for an in‐depth discussion of these concepts based on experimental data analysis. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(5):527–535, 2018.
Differentiating factitious psychological presentations from malingering: Implications for forensic practice
Authors: Velsor Sarah , Rogers Richard
Published: September 2018

Practitioners and researchers have long been challenged with identifying deceptive response styles in forensic contexts, particularly when differentiating malingering from factitious presentations. The origins and the development of factitious disorders as a diagnostic classification are discussed, as well as the many challenges and limitations present with the current diagnostic conceptualization. As an alternative to a formal diagnosis, forensic practitioners may choose to consider most factitious psychological presentations (FPPs) as a dimensional construct that are classified like malingering as a V code. Building on Rogers' central motivations for malingering, the current article provides four explanatory models for FPPs; three of these parallel malingering (pathogenic, criminological, and adaptational) but differ in their central features. In addition, the nurturance model stresses how patients with FPPs attempt to use their relationship with treating professionals to fulfill their unmet psychological needs. Relying on these models, practical guidelines are recommended for evaluating FPPs in a forensic context.
Disassembling a 3D mechanism for efficient packing
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Jiang Xiaoheng , Gu Ningbo , Xu Weiwei , Xue Junxiao , Zhou Bing , Xu Mingliang
Published: September 2018

This paper introduces a disassemble‐and‐pack algorithm to disassemble a mechanical 3D model in groups that can be efficiently packed within a box, with the objective of reassembling them easily after delivery. Its key feature is that, mostly, the mechanism can be disassembled at the joint and each part can be an adjusted motion structure based on its joint type. Our system consists of two steps: disassembling the mechanical object into a group set and packing them within a box efficiently. The first step consists in the creation of a hierarchy of possible group set of parts that can be tightly packed within their minimum bounding boxes. Use the breadth‐first search algorithm to traverse the hierarchy of possible group set in order to disconnect the joints and get the group set. In the second step, according to the reverse order of volume, each group in the set is inserted into the specified box. The fact that mechanism disassembly and shape packing are both an NP‐complete problem justifies finding approximated solutions according to efficacy and efficiency. Experimental results show that our approach can really efficiently pack a range of mechanisms from a simple model to complex objects.
Predictive value of angiogenic proteins in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with bevacizumab monotherapy
Authors: Schuster Cornelia , Akslen Lars A , Stokowy Tomasz , Straume Oddbjørn
Published: September 2018

The incidence of malignant melanoma is rising worldwide and survival for metastatic disease is still poor. Recently, new treatment options have become available. Still, predictive biomarkers are needed to optimise treatment for this patient group. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of 60 angiogenic factors in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor A antibody bevacizumab. Thirty‐five patients were included in a clinical phase II trial and baseline serum samples were analysed by multiplex protein array. High‐serum concentration of Activin A was significantly associated with objective response (OR) to treatment (p = 0.014). Candidate proteins that indicated a borderline association with treatment response were further investigated by immunohistochemistry. Strong expression of Activin A, interleukin‐1β, and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor in metastases was significantly associated with OR (p = 0.011, p = 0.003, and p = 0.007, respectively), as well as with markers of activated angiogenesis, such as higher number of proliferating vessels and the presence of glomeruloid microvascular proliferations. Our findings indicate that these proteins may be potential predictive markers for treatment with bevacizumab monotherapy.
Effects of socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes with ventricular assist devices
Authors: Ahmed Mustafa M. , Magar Stephen M. , Jeng Eric I. , Arnaoutakis George J. , Beaver Thomas M. , Vilaro Juan , Klodell Charles T. , Aranda Juan M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is a known risk factor for worse outcomes after major cardiovascular interventions. Furthermore, individuals with lower SES face barriers to evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies, including ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation.

Hypothesis

Examination of the effects of individual determinants of SES on VAD outcomes will show similar survival benefit in patients with lower compared with higher SES.

Methods

All VAD implants at the University of Florida from January 2008 to December 2015 were reviewed. Patient‐level determinants of SES included place of residence, education level, marital status, insurance status, and financial resources stratified by percent federal poverty level. Survival or transplantation at 1 year, 30‐day readmission, implant length of stay (LOS), and an aggregate of VAD‐related complications were assessed in univariate fashion and multivariable regression modeling.

Results

A total of 111 patients were included (mean age at the time of implant 57.6 years, 82.8% men). More than half received destination therapy. At 1 year, 78.3% were alive on device support or had undergone successful transplantation. There were no differences in survival, 30‐day readmission, or aggregate VAD complications by the SES category. Although patients with lower levels of education had longer LOS in univariate analysis, on multivariable ordinal regression modeling, this relationship was no longer seen.

Conclusions

Patients with lower SES receive the same survival benefit from VAD implantation and are not more likely to have 30‐day readmissions, complications of device support, or prolonged implant LOS. Therefore, VAD implantation should not be withheld based on these parameters alone.
Full: Ontogenesis and development of the nonhuman primate pulvinar
Authors: Homman‐Ludiye Jihane , Kwan William C. , de Souza Mitchell J. , Bourne James A.
Published: September 2018

Recent evidence demonstrates that the pulvinar nuclei play a critical role in shaping the connectivity and function of the multiple cortical areas they connect. Surprisingly, however, little is known about the development of this area, the largest corpus of the thalamic nuclei, which go on to occupy 40% of the adult thalamus in the human. It was proposed that the nonhuman primate and the human pulvinar develop according to very different processes, with a greatly reduced neurogenic period in nonhuman primate compared to human and divergent origins. In the marmoset monkey, we demonstrate that neurons populating the pulvinar are generated throughout gestation, suggesting that this aspect of development is more similar to the human than first predicted. While we were able to confirm the diencephalic source of pulvinar neurons, we provide new evidence contesting the presence of an additional niche in the telencephalon. Finally, our study defines new molecular markers that will simplify future investigations in the development and evolution of the pulvinar.
Neuropeptide Y and orexin immunoreactivity in the sparrow brain coincide with seasonal changes in energy balance and steroids
Authors: Fokidis H. Bobby , Ma Chunqi , Radin Benjamin , Prior Nora H. , Adomat Hans H. , Guns Emma S. , Soma Kiran K.
Published: September 2018

The transition between the breeding and nonbreeding states is often marked by a shift in energy balance. Despite this well‐known shift in energy balance, little work has explored seasonal differences in the orexigenic neuropeptides that regulate food intake in wild animals. Here we tested the hypothesis that free‐living male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) show seasonal changes in energetic state, circulating steroids, and both neuropeptide Y (NPY) and orexin (OX) immunoreactivity. Nonbreeding song sparrows had more fat and muscle, as well as a ketone and triglyceride profile suggesting a greater reliance on lipid reserves. Breeding birds had higher plasma androgens; however, nonbreeding birds did maintain androgen precursors in circulation. Nonbreeding birds had more NPY immunoreactivity, specifically in three brain regions: lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and ventral tegmental area. Furthermore, nonbreeding birds had more OX immunoreactivity in multiple brain regions. Taken together, the data indicate that a natural shift in energy balance is associated with changes in NPY and OX in a region‐specific manner.
The relationship between the claustrum and endopiriform nucleus: A perspective towards consensus on cross‐species homology
Authors: Smith Jared B. , Alloway Kevin D. , Hof Patrick R. , Orman Rena , Reser David H. , Watakabe Akiya , Watson Glenn D. R.
Published: September 2018

With the emergence of interest in studying the claustrum, a recent special issue of theJournal of Comparative Neurologydedicated to the claustrum (Volume 525, Issue 6, pp. 1313–1513) brought to light questions concerning the relationship between the claustrum (CLA) and a region immediately ventral known as the endopiriform nucleus (En). These structures have been identified as separate entities in rodents but appear as a single continuous structure in primates. During the recent Society for Claustrum Research meeting, a panel of experts presented data pertaining to the relationship of these regions and held a discussion on whether the CLA and En should be considered (a) separate unrelated structures, (b) separate nuclei within the same formation, or (c) subregions of a continuous structure. This review article summarizes that discussion, presenting comparisons of the cytoarchitecture, neurochemical profiles, genetic markers, and anatomical connectivity of the CLA and En across several mammalian species. In rodents, we conclude that the CLA and the dorsal endopiriform nucleus (DEn) are subregions of a larger complex, which likely performs analogous computations and exert similar effects on their respective cortical targets (e.g., sensorimotor versus limbic). Moving forward, we recommend that the field retain the nomenclature currently employed for this region but should continue to examine the delineation of these structures across different species. Using thorough descriptions of a variety of anatomical features, this review offers a clear definition of the CLA and En in rodents, which provides a framework for identifying homologous structures in primates.
Orthogonal Molecular Recognition of Chaotropic and Hydrophobic Guests Enables Supramolecular Architectures
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Wang Xiaoqiang , Xiang Changjun , Zhou Xiaohai , Gabel Detlef , Nau Werner M. , Assaf Khaleel I. , Zhang Haibo
Published: September 2018

The hydrophobic and chaotropic effects can be used as orthogonal assembly motifs in water. Cucurbit[7]uril, a water‐soluble macrocyclic host, and a ditopic guest molecule, carrying an organic‐hydrophobic (adamantane) and an inorganic‐chaotropic (dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate dianion) binding site, have been used to construct hybrid supramolecular architectures. The hydrophobic effect drives the adamantane moiety into the host cavity, while the chaotropic effect allows the association of the dodecaborate cluster onto the host exterior surface. This new strategy facilitates potential applications in surface modification, separation, and purification.
Re‐Dispersible 1D and 2D Nanoparticle Solid Powders without any Surfactant
Authors: Wang Dexiu , Li Jinyang , Zhang Jinming , Yu Jian , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticles possess unique size‐dependent physical and chemical properties and hold considerable interest as ideal, defect‐free building blocks for nanostructured materials. However, due to irreversible and intrinsic self‐aggregation, it is challenging to obtain dried nanoparticle powders with good redispersibility. In this work, we propose a general method to increase the dispersibility of typical 1D and 2D nanoparticles, including cellulose nanowhiskers, graphene, Laponite and montmorillonite, by combining sol‐gel transitions and supercritical CO2 drying. In the resulting dried powders, the nanoparticles adopt a non‐full‐contact mode and maintain a loose packing structure formed during the gelation process; thus, they can be perfectly redispersed in water and some organic solvents under mild conditions. Such a promising strategy, without using a surfactant, deliberate surface‐modification and high energy consumption, provides a practical solution to the transportation, storage and large‐scale industrial applications of nanoparticles.
Expression analysis of limb element markers during mouse embryonic development
Authors: Rafipay Alexandra , Berg Amanda L. R. , Erskine Lynda , Vargesson Neil
Published: September 2018

Background: While data regarding expression of limb element and tissue markers during normal mouse limb development exist, few studies show expression patterns in upper and lower limbs throughout key limb development stages. A comparison to normal developmental events is essential when analyzing development of the limb in mutant mice models. Results: Expression patterns of the joint marker Gdf5, tendon and ligament marker Scleraxis, early muscle marker MyoD1, and blood vessel marker Cadherin5 (Cdh5) are presented during the most active phases of embryonic mouse limb patterning. Anti‐neurofilament staining of developing nerves in the fore‐ and hindlimbs and cartilage formation and progression also are described. Conclusions: This study demonstrates and describes a range of key morphological markers and methods that together can be used to assess normal and abnormal limb development. Developmental Dynamics 247:1217–1226, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists
Specific MHC class I supertype associated with parasite infection and color morph in a wild lizard population
Authors: Hacking Jessica D. , Stuart‐Fox Devi , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Gardner Michael G.
Published: September 2018

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large gene family that plays a central role in the immune system of all jawed vertebrates. Nonavian reptiles are underrepresented within the MHC literature and little is understood regarding the mechanisms maintaining MHC diversity in this vertebrate group. Here, we examined the relative roles of parasite‐mediated selection and sexual selection in maintaining MHC class I diversity of a color polymorphic lizard. We discovered evidence for parasite‐mediated selection acting via rare‐allele advantage or fluctuating selection as ectoparasite load was significantly lower in the presence of a specific MHC supertype (functional clustering of alleles): supertype four. Based on comparisons between ectoparasite prevalence and load, and assessment of the impact of ectoparasite load on host fitness, we suggest that supertype four confers quantitative resistance to ticks or an intracellular tickborne parasite. We found no evidence for MHC‐associated mating in terms of pair genetic distance, number of alleles, or specific supertypes. An association was uncovered between supertype four and male throat color morph. However, it is unlikely that male throat coloration acts as a signal of MHC genotype to conspecifics because we found no evidence to suggest that male throat coloration predicts male mating status. Overall, our results suggest that parasite‐mediated selection plays a role in maintaining MHC diversity in this population via rare‐allele advantage and/or fluctuating selection. Further work is required to determine whether sexual selection also plays a role in maintaining MHC diversity in agamid lizards.
Rationale and design of the phase 2b clinical trials to study the effects of the partial adenosine A1‐receptor agonist neladenoson bialanate in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced (PANTHEON) and preserved (PANACHE) ejection fraction
Authors: Voors Adriaan A. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Bax Jeroen J. , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai , Hernandez Adrian F. , Kitzman Dalane W. , McMurray John J.V. , Wirtz Antonieta Bomfim , Lanius Vivian , van der Laan Michael , Solomon Scott D.
Published: September 2018

Despite major advances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), morbidity and mortality associated with the condition remain high, suggesting the need for additional treatment options, particularly haemodynamically neutral treatments that do not alter blood pressure, heart rate, or renal function. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is also associated with high morbidity and mortality and adequate treatment options are limited; thus there is a critical unmet need for the development of novel therapies for HFpEF. Chronic HFrEF and HFpEF are both systemic disorders that affect not only the heart but several other tissues and organs including skeletal muscle, leading to exercise intolerance and dyspnoea. Partial adenosine A1‐receptor agonists represent a novel potential therapy for HF regardless of underlying ejection fraction given their minimal effect on heart rate and blood pressure, and preclinical data demonstrate several possible beneficial mechanisms, including improved mitochondrial function and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2a) activity, enhanced energy substrate utilization, reverse ventricular remodelling, and anti‐ischemic, cardioprotective properties. However, data on this class of drugs in humans are scarce, and the optimal dose of the partial adenosine A1 receptor, neladenoson bialanate, has not been defined. Here we describe the design and rationale of two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, dose‐finding phase 2b trials, PANTHEON (HFrEF) and PANACHE (HFpEF), that will advance our understanding of the potential benefit and optimal dose of neladenoson bialanate and provide critical information for the planning of future phase 3 trials.