bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertension and diabetes control along the HIV care cascade in rural South Africa
Authors: Manne‐Goehler Jennifer , Siedner Mark J , Montana Livia , Harling Guy , Geldsetzer Pascal , Rohr Julia , Gómez‐Olivé F Xavier , Goehler Alexander , Wade Alisha , Gaziano Thomas , Kahn Kathleen , Davies Justine I , Tollman Stephen , Bärnighausen Till W
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Participation in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes has been associated with greater utilization of care for hypertension and diabetes in rural South Africa. The objective of this study was to assess whether people living with HIV on ART with comorbid hypertension or diabetes also have improved chronic disease management indicators.

Methods

The Health and Aging in Africa: a longitudinal study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) is a cohort of 5059 adults >40 years old. Enrollment took place between November 2014 and November 2015. The study collected population‐based data on demographics, healthcare utilization, height, weight, blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose as well as HIV infection, HIV‐1 RNA viral load (VL) and ART exposure. We used regression models to determine whether HIV care cascade stage (HIV‐negative, HIV+ /No ART, ART/Detected HIV VL, and ART/Undetectable VL) was associated with diagnosis or treatment of hypertension or diabetes, and systolic blood pressure and glucose among those with diagnosed hypertension or diabetes. ART use was measured from drug level testing on dried blood spots.

Results and discussion

Compared to people without HIV, ART/Undetectable VL was associated with greater awareness of hypertension diagnosis (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.28) and treatment of hypertension (aRR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.41) among those who met hypertension diagnostic criteria. HIV care cascade stage was not significantly associated with awareness of diagnosis or treatment of diabetes. Among those with diagnosed hypertension or diabetes, ART/Undetectable VL was associated with lower mean systolic blood pressure (5.98 mm Hg, 95% CI: 9.65 to 2.32) and lower mean glucose (3.77 mmol/L, 95% CI: 6.85 to 0.69), compared to being HIV‐negative.

Conclusions

Participants on ART with an undetectable VL had lower systolic blood pressure and blood glucose than the HIV‐negative participants. HIV treatment programmes may provide a platform for health systems strengthening for cardiometabolic disease.
Computational identification of hepatitis E virus‐encoded microRNAs and their targets in human
Authors: Baruah Vargab , Bose Sujoy
Published: March 2019

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs which regulate eukaryotic gene expression via RNA interference pathway. Recently, miRNAs have been identified in a number of viruses with current evidence suggesting that they regulate gene expression in both virus and host. This makes viral miRNAs potential targets of clinical intervention, with the possibility of inhibiting aberrant host gene expression associated with the disease. In this study, computational approaches were taken to scan the hepatitis E virus (HEV) genome for putative pre‐miRNA molecules, which were then analyzed for the presence of mature miRNAs. The 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) and 5′‐UTR sequences targeted by these miRNAs were identified using Miranda computational tool, followed by the functional annotation of the associated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) using Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. We identified a total of nine viral encoded miRNAs in HEV. After functional annotation, the majority of the viral miRNA targets were found to be associated with cell cycle, cell differentiation, nitrogen compound metabolism, transmembrane transport, and chromosome organization. This in‐silico study identified putative viral miRNAs encoded by HEV and their potential human mRNAs targets. These viral miRNAs have the potential to affect host gene expression as well as viral life cycle and pathogenesis and can, therefore, serve as potential therapeutic targets during HEV infection.
Assessment of candidate distributions for SPI/SPEI and sensitivity of drought to climatic variables in China
Authors: Wang Huaijun , Chen Yaning , Pan Yingping , Chen Zhongsheng , Ren Zhiguo
Published: March 2019

Drought occurs more frequently in the context of climate change and threatens water security worldwide. An appropriate fitting distribution is crucial for accurately identifying drought using drought indices. Here, seven two‐parameter distributions (Gamma, Gumbel, Logistic, Log–Logistic, Log‐normal, Normal, and Weibull) and four distributions (general logistic, generalized extreme value, Normal, and Pearson Type III) are applied to calculate the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), respectively, to choose the most appropriate fit for the 541 stations in China. The results show that, in most cases, Gamma and general logistic were the best distributions for SPI and SPEI, respectively. Nevertheless, we noted that Pearson Type III and generalized extreme value also fit the SPEI series well, indicating the importance of distribution fitting assessment for various regions. The annual and seasonal drought evolutions across China were clarified, with drought decreasing significantly in western Northwest China (annually and each season), northern North China (spring and winter), the Tibetan Plateau (spring), and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River (winter) and increasing mainly in South China (spring) and western South China (summer and autumn). The intensity, duration and severity of light, moderate, and severe drought were also detected; the results suggest that drought in China is mainly concentrated around the changes in light and moderate drought. Additionally, we assessed the sensitivity of drought evolution to various meteorological variables. The most sensitive variable in South China, North China and the Tibetan Plateau is precipitation, followed by wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine duration; in Northwest China, the order is wind speed, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine duration. Furthermore, the correlation results also indicate that the drought evolution is affected by the multivariate ENSO index, while the influencing characteristics are different in various seasons and regions. The results in this paper contribute to drought mitigation and the effective utilization of water resources in China.
Regulatory mechanisms and clinical manifestations of musculoskeletal aging
Authors: Grote Caleb , Reinhardt Daniel , Zhang Mingcai , Wang Jinxi
Published: March 2019

Aging is the strongest risk factor for degenerative bone and joint diseases. Clinical therapies for age‐related musculoskeletal disorders face significant challenges as their pathogenic mechanisms remain largely unclear. This review article focuses on the recent advances in the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of musculoskeletal aging and their clinical relevance. We begin with the prevalence and socioeconomic impacts of major age‐related musculoskeletal disorders such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative tendinopathy. The current understanding of responsible biological mechanisms involved in general aging is then summarized. Proposed molecular, cellular, and biomechanical mechanisms relevant to the clinical manifestations of aging in the musculoskeletal system are discussed in detail, with a focus on the disorders affecting muscle, bone, articular cartilage, and tendon. Although musculoskeletal aging processes share many common pathways with the aging of other body systems, unique molecular and cellular mechanisms may be involved in the aging processes of musculoskeletal tissues. Advancements in the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of musculoskeletal aging may promote the development of novel treatments for age‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, future research directions for major musculoskeletal tissues including functional interaction between the tissues and their clinical relevance to age‐related musculoskeletal disorders are highlighted in the Future Prospects section. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1475–1488, 2019.
Short‐ and long‐term survival has improved after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Québec during the years 2000‐2015
Authors: Wissing Michel D. , Santos Fabiano , Zakaria Ahmed S. , O'Flaherty Ana , Tanguay Simon , Kassouf Wassim , Aprikian Armen G.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

We evaluated the short‐ and long‐term outcome in bladder cancer (BC) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) in Québec (Canada).

Methods

Data were collected from provincial registries on all BC patients who underwent RC in Québec province in 2000‐2015. Outcomes were hospitalization rates and survival. Survival analyses were conducted using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In total, 4450 patients were included in our analysis. RC was increasingly conducted by higher‐volume surgeons in larger, higher‐volume, academic hospitals. Comparing patients treated in 2010‐2015 to 2000‐2009, recently treated patients had shorter postoperative hospital stays (absolute difference, 0.9 days,P < 0.001) but also a higher readmission rate (25.0% vs 21.1% in the 30 days following discharge,P = 0.003). Overall (5‐year rates 50.9% vs 42.7%,P < 0.001) and BC‐specific survival (61.3% vs 55.5%,P < 0.001) had significantly improved. In multivariable analyses, overall survival was significantly better in recently treated patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60‐0.73), younger patients (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.19), patients residing closer to the hospital (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.06), and patients treated by high‐volume surgeons (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82‐0.94).

Conclusions

Survival in BC patients after RC has improved in recent years. Other predictors for survival are younger age, shorter distance between patients' residences and hospitals, and higher surgeon's RC loads.
Visible Light Rewritable and Long‐Lived Colors in Cholesteric Liquid Crystals: A Facile Co‐Doping Strategy
Authors: Zhao Dongxu , Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Jing , Peng Haiyan , Liao Yonggui , Xie Xiaolin , Smalyukh Ivan I. , Yu Yanlei
Published: March 2019

Photoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are able to selectively reflect colors upon light exposure. Yet, it still remains a formidable challenge to realize simultaneous rewriting and long‐life color in CLCs using visible light. Herein, guided by time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) computation, an octafluorinated binaphthyl azobenzene is synthesized to achieve the fast response and long‐life color upon visible light exposure. Subsequently, based on the solubility parameter, uniform CLCs are formulated through a facile co‐doping strategy. Interestingly, the CLCs change reflection colors from blue to green, red, and then into the near infrared region in seconds upon 550 nm light illumination. The completely reversible process is readily accessable upon 450 nm irradiation. More importantly, each color is independently stable for ≈24 h in the dark.
Molecular evidence supporting the precursor nature of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of the prostate
Authors: Cheng Liang , Montironi Rodolfo , Davidson Darrell D. , Wang Mingsheng , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Zhang Shaobo
Published: March 2019

Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) of the prostate is characterized by lobular proliferation of closely packed small acini. It is hypothesized that AAH is a precursor lesion for low‐grade prostate cancer arising from the transition zone. Telomere dysfunction is common during malignant transformation of epithelia. In this study, we investigate telomere shortening in AAH (n = 93), high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (
n = 68), and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCA) (
n = 70) using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization. Twenty percent (19 of 93) of AAH specimens, 68% (46 of 68) of HGPIN, and 83% (58 of 70) of PCA showed significant telomere shortening. Thirty‐two percent of AAH lesions had α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) expression, a sensitive and specific marker for HGPIN and PCA. AMACR expression in AAH was seen more frequently in AAH foci with telomere shortening or coexisting PCA. Our findings indicate that a subset of AAH lesions have telomere shortening and AMACR expression, suggesting that these foci may be precursors for PCA.
Class of tight bounds on the Q‐function with closed‐form upper bound on relative error
Authors: Perić Zoran H. , Nikolić Jelena R. , Petković Marko D.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel class of parametric bounds on the Q‐function, which are lower bounds for 1 ≤ a < 3 and x > xt = (a (a‐1) / (3‐a))1/2, and upper bound for a = 3. We prove that the lower and upper bounds on the Q‐function can have the same analytical form that is asymptotically equal, which is a unique feature of our class of tight bounds. For the novel class of bounds and for each particular bound from this class, we derive the beneficial closed‐form expression for the upper bound on the relative error. By comparing the bound tightness for moderate and large argument values not only numerically, but also analytically, we demonstrate that our bounds are tighter compared with the previously reported bounds of similar analytical form complexity.
Optimal H2‐error estimates of conservative compact difference scheme for the Zakharov equation in two‐space dimension
Authors: Zhou Xuanxuan , Wang Tingchun , Ji Bingquan , Zhang Luming
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a conservative compact difference scheme is proposed for the two‐dimensional nonlinear Zakharov equation with periodic boundary condition and initial condition. The proposed scheme not only conserve the mass and energy in the discrete level but also are efficient in practical experiments because the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) can be used to speed up the numerical computation. By using the standard energy method and induction argument, we can establish rigorously the unconditional and optimal H2‐error estimates. Some numerical examples are provided to support our theoretical results and show the accuracy and efficiency of the new scheme.
Wavelet transform associated with linear canonical Hankel transform
Authors: Kumar Tanuj , Mandal Upain Kumar
Published: March 2019

The main goal of this paper is to study about the continuous as well as discrete wavelet transform in terms of linear canonical Hankel transform (LCH‐transform) and discuss some of its basic properties. Parseval's relation and reconstruction formula of continuous linear canonical Hankel wavelet transform (CLCH‐wavelet transform) is obtained. Moreover, semidiscrete and discrete LCH‐wavelet transform are also discussed.
Effect of Different Cereal Peptides on the Development of Type 1 Diabetes is Associated with Their Anti‐inflammatory Ability: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Sun Suling , Zhang Hao , Shan Kai , Sun Tianjun , Lin Mengyuan , Jia Lingling , Chen Yong Q.
Published: March 2019

Scope

The aim of the study is to explore which properties of selected peptides will positively predict their antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic C57BL/6J mice are administered with soybean peptide (SP), mung bean peptide (MP), corn peptide (CP), and wheat peptide (WP) (500 mg kg–1 d–1) for 10 weeks. CP and WP improve hyperglycemia homeostasis in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. Female nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice are treated with CP, WP, fractions C1 and C2 (isolated from CP), and W1 and W2 (isolated from WP) beginning at 3 weeks of age. CP, C2, and W2 delay the initiation of diabetes and decrease serum IL‐6 levels in NOD mice. CP also reduces insulitis and increases the β‐cell area in NOD mice. MIN‐6 cells are incubated with the selected peptides. CP, C2, and W2 result in the reduced expression of LPS‐induced IL‐6 mRNA in MIN‐6 cells. CP inhibits signaling pathways related to apoptosis and inflammation. The antioxidative, hydrophobic, and proliferative properties of the selected peptides are analyzed. The hypoglycemic effects of cereal peptides are not associated with their antioxidant activity, hydrophobicity, or proliferative ability.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the effect of cereal peptides on the development of T1D is associated with their anti‐inflammatory ability.
Intermittently tagged real‐time MRI reveals internal tongue motion during speech production
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Byrd Dani , Narayanan Shrikanth , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate a tagging method compatible with RT‐MRI for the study of speech production.

Methods

Tagging is applied as a brief interruption to a continuous real‐time spiral acquisition. Tagging can be initiated manually by the operator, cued to the speech stimulus, or be automatically applied with a fixed frequency. We use a standard 2D 1‐3‐3‐1 binomial SPAtial Modulation of Magnetization (SPAMM) sequence with 1 cm spacing in both in‐plane directions. Tag persistence in tongue muscle is simulated and validated in vivo. The ability to capture internal tongue deformations is tested during speech production of American English diphthongs in native speakers.

Results

We achieved an imaging window of 650‐800 ms at 1.5T, with imaging signal to noise ratio ≥ 17 and tag contrast to noise ratio ≥ 5 in human tongue, providing 36 frames/s temporal resolution and 2 mm in‐plane spatial resolution with real‐time interactive acquisition and view‐sharing reconstruction. The proposed method was able to capture tongue motion patterns and their relative timing with adequate spatiotemporal resolution during the production of American English diphthongs and consonants.

Conclusion

Intermittent tagging during real‐time MRI of speech production is able to reveal the internal deformations of the tongue. This capability will allow new investigations of valuable spatiotemporal information on the biomechanics of the lingual subsystems during speech without reliance on binning speech utterance repetition.
Monolithic cut finite element–based approaches for fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: Schott Benedikt , Ager Christoph , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: March 2019

Cut finite element method–based approaches toward challenging fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) are proposed. The different considered methods combine the advantages of competing novel Eulerian (fixed grid) and established arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (moving mesh) finite element formulations for the fluid. The objective is to highlight the benefit of using cut finite element techniques for moving‐domain problems and to demonstrate their high potential with regard to simplified mesh generation, treatment of large structural motions in surrounding flows, capturing boundary layers, their ability to deal with topological changes in the fluid phase, and their general straightforward extensibility to other coupled multiphysics problems. In addition to a pure fixed‐grid FSI method, advanced fluid‐domain decomposition techniques are also considered, leading to highly flexible discretization methods for the FSI problem. All stabilized formulations include Nitsche‐based weak coupling of the phases supported by the ghost penalty technique for the flow field. For the resulting systems, monolithic solution strategies are presented. Various two‐ and three‐dimensional FSI cases of different complexity levels validate the methods and demonstrate their capabilities and limitations in different situations.
Localizing gradient‐enhanced Rousselier model for ductile fracture
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Poh Leong Hien
Published: March 2019

Nonlocal enhancement is widely adopted to resolve the mesh sensitivity issue in standard continuum damage models. Although it regularizes structural response well, the damage profile is reported to exhibit a spurious damage growth. To remedy this problem, a localizing gradient enhancement is adopted in the Rousselier model to simulate a localized rupture. The localizing gradient enhancement, recently developed in the small deformation framework, is extended in this paper to a large deformation framework, motivated by the strain localization phenomenon during a ductile fracture. The regularization property of the current model is verified with a flat grooved plate test, and the superior performance in damage localization is demonstrated with a uniaxial tensile plate test and a compact tension test on aluminum alloy. Results obtained with the localizing gradient enhancement are consistent with experimental observation, without the nonphysical damage growth in conventional gradient enhancement.
Excitation Energy‐Transfer Processes in the Sensitization Luminescence of Europium in a Highly Luminescent Complex
Authors: Huang Yan‐Jie , Ke Can , Fu Li‐Min , Li Yu , Wang Shu‐Feng , Ma Ying‐Chao , Zhang Jan‐Ping , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2019

The excitation energy transfer (EET) pathways in the sensitization luminescence of EuIII and the excitation energy migration between the different ligands in [Eu(fod)3dpbt] [where fod=6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐heptafluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐octanedione and dpbt=2‐(N,N‐diethylanilin‐4‐yl)‐4,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine], exhibiting well‐separated fluorescence excitation and phosphorescence bands of the different ligands, were investigated by using time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy for the first time. The data clearly revealed that upon the excitation of dpbt, the sensitization luminescence of EuIII in [Eu(fod)3dpbt] was dominated by the singlet EET pathway, whereas the triplet EET pathway involving T1(dpbt) was inefficient. The energy migration from T1(dpbt) to T1(fod) in [Eu(fod)3dpbt] was not observed. Moreover, upon the excitation of fod, a singlet EET pathway for the sensitization of EuIII luminescence, including the energy migration from S1(fod) to S1(dpbt) was revealed, in addition to the triplet EET pathway involving T1(fod). Under the excitation of dpbt at 410 nm, [Eu(fod)3dpbt] exhibited an absolute quantum yield for EuIII luminescence of 0.59 at 298 K. This work provides a solid and elegant example for the concept that singlet EET pathway could dominate the sensitization luminescence of EuIII in some complexes.
Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Hsp90N‐terminal Inhibitors Without Induction of Heat Shock Response
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Xiangling , Zhu Jianming , Li Bo , Chen Zhaoqiang , Wang Guimin , Sun Haiguo , Xu Zhijian , Zhao Zhixin , Zhou Chen , Xie Chengying , Lou Liguang , Zhu Weiliang
Published: March 2019

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a potential oncogenic target. However, Hsp90 inhibitors in clinical trial induce heat shock response, resulting in drug resistance and inefficiency. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel triazine derivatives (A1‐26, B1‐13, C1‐23) as Hsp90 inhibitors. Compound A14 directly bound to Hsp90 in a different manner from traditional Hsp90 inhibitors, and degraded client proteins, but did not induce the concomitant activation of Hsp72. Importantly, A14 exhibited the most potent anti‐proliferation ability by inducing autophagy, with the IC50 values of 0.1 μM and 0.4 μM in A549 and SK‐BR‐3 cell lines, respectively. The in vivo study demonstrated that A14 could induce autophagy and degrade Hsp90 client proteins in tumor tissues, and exhibit anti‐tumor activity in A549 lung cancer xenografts. Therefore, the compound A14 with potent antitumor activity and unique pharmacological characteristics is a novel Hsp90 inhibitor for developing anticancer agent without heat shock response.
Dextramabs: A Novel Format of Antibody‐Drug Conjugates Featuring a Multivalent Polysaccharide Scaffold
Authors: Schneider Hendrik , Deweid Lukas , Pirzer Thomas , Yanakieva Desislava , Englert Simon , Becker Bastian , Avrutina Olga , Kolmar Harald
Published: March 2019

Antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) are multicomponent biomolecules that have emerged as a powerful tool for targeted tumor therapy. Combining specific binding of an immunoglobulin with toxic properties of a payload, they however often suffer from poor hydrophilicity when loaded with a high amount of toxins. To address these issues simultaneously, we developed dextramabs, a novel class of hybrid antibody‐drug conjugates. In these architectures, the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab is equipped with a multivalent dextran polysaccharide that enables efficient loading with a potent toxin in a controllable fashion. Our modular chemoenzymatic approach provides an access to synthetic dextramabs bearing monomethyl auristatin as releasable cytotoxic cargo. They possess high drug‐to‐antibody ratios, remarkable hydrophilicity, and high toxicity in vitro.
SFCE METRO‐01 four‐drug metronomic regimen phase II trial for pediatric extracranial tumor
Authors: Heng‐Maillard Marie‐Amélie , Verschuur Arnauld , Aschero Audrey , Dabadie Alexia , Jouve Elisabeth , Chastagner Pascal , Leblond Pierre , Aerts Isabelle , De Luca Bénédicte , André Nicolas
Published: March 2019

Objective

To investigate the antitumor activity of a four‐drug metronomic chemotherapy (MC) regimen in relapsed/progressing pediatric extracranial solid tumors (EST). The primary objective was clinical benefit (complete response /partial response/stable disease [SD]) after two cycles of therapy (four months).

Methods

Patients aged ≥4 to 25 years with progressing EST and adequate organ function were eligible. Treatment consisted of an eight‐week cycle of oral celecoxib b.i.d., weekly vinblastine, and oral cyclophosphamide for three weeks alternating with oral methotrexate for three weeks, with a two‐week rest. The Kepner–Chang two‐stage model was used with 10 patients in the first stage. If primary objective was reached in two or more patients, eight additional patients were included according to four groups: neuroblastoma (NBL), soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS), bone sarcoma (BS), and miscellaneous (Misc.).

Results

Forty‐four patients were evaluable. The NBL cohort could be expanded to 18 patients: 4 of 18 patients stabilized with MC treatment for 6 (n = 1) and 12 (n = 3) months. In STS, two of seven patients (metastatic hemangioendothelioma and angiosarcoma) had SD for > 2 cycles. One of nine Misc. (metastatic myoepithelial carcinoma) had SD for one year. All patients with BS had progressive disease. One‐year progression‐free survival of the whole cohort was 6.8% and one‐year overall survival was 55.3%. Grade 3 toxicity occurred in 18 patients and grade 4 in 15 patients. The most frequent toxicity was hematologic, predominantly neutropenia.

Conclusions

This MC has no activity in BS and limited though interesting activity in NBL with some patients being stable for > 1 year. It is not possible to conclude activity in STS and Misc.
Outcome of localized liver‐bile duct rhabdomyosarcoma according to local therapy: A report from the European Paediatric Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG)‐RMS 2005 study
Authors: Guérin Florent , Rogers Timothy , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Gaze Mark N. , Terwisscha Sheila , Van Noesel Max , De Corti Federica , Guillén Burrieza Gabriela , De Salvo Gian Luca , Kelsey Anna , Orbach Daniel , Ferrari Andrea , Bergeron Christophe , Bisogno Gianni , Martelli Hélène
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of local therapies on the outcome of patients with liver‐bile duct rhabdomyosarcoma (LBDRMS).

Methods

Data of 30 patients included in the EpSSG‐RMS 2005 study were analyzed.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 3 years (11 months–8 years). All patients had non‐alveolar histology. Fifteen patients had a tumor > 5 cm and six had enlarged regional lymph nodes on imaging. Eight patients (27%) had primary surgery (1 R0). Six of them received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). All are in first complete remission (CR1) except one (R1, EBRT+, local relapse, death). Six patients (20%) received EBRT without surgery: one had local relapse and died. Sixteen patients (53%) underwent delayed surgery, with 12 achieving R0 margins, which were higher than those in the primary surgery group (P = 0.003). Three patients with R0 margins received EBRT; one had a metastatic relapse and died. Nine patients with R0 resection did not receive EBRT, three relapsed locally (two deaths). Four R1 patients received additional EBRT without relapses. Local relapse occurred in two among 19 patients with EBRT and three among 11 without EBRT (P = 0.326). At a median follow‐up of 61 months (48–84 months), five patients died; all had a tumor size > 5 cm (P = 0.01). The five‐year overall survival was 85% (95% CI, 65–94), and event‐free survival was 76% (95% CI, 54–89).

Conclusion

This analysis did not show any significant difference in outcome between irradiated and nonirradiated patients. Local relapse in LBDRMS is related to initial tumor size and is often fatal.
Impact of a prescription drug monitoring program use mandate on potentially problematic patterns of opioid analgesic prescriptions in New York City
Authors: Bachhuber Marcus A. , Tuazon Ellenie , Nolan Michelle L. , Kunins Hillary V. , Paone Denise
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To evaluate New York State's mandate that prescribers query the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) prior to prescribing Schedule II‐IV medications.

Methods

We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of opioid analgesic prescriptions dispensed to adult New York City (NYC) residents using data from New York State's PDMP. Our main outcomes were the rate of (a) greater than or equal to five prescriber episodes, (b) greater than or equal to five prescriber and greater than or equal to five pharmacy episodes, and (c) paying for prescriptions with both cash and insurance, per quarter, per 100 000 NYC residents. We defined three periods: (a) the baseline period (January 2011 to July 2012), (b) the anticipatory period (September 2012 to July 2013) after mandate law enactment but before mandate implementation, and (c) the postmandate period (September 2013 to December 2015). For each outcome, we used autoregressive linear regression models to account for correlation in outcomes over time.

Results

At the end of the postmandate period, the rate of greater than or equal to five prescriber episodes was 58% lower than expected (absolute difference: −17.2 per 100 000 NYC residents; 95% CI, −31.2 to −3.1), the rate of greater than or equal to five prescriber and greater than or equal to five pharmacy episodes was 88% lower than expected (absolute difference: −8.6; 95% CI, −11.0 to −6.3), and the rate of cash and insurance payment episodes was 50% lower than expected (absolute difference: −145.4; 95% CI, −279.4 to −11.6).

Conclusions

While outcomes were relatively rare, New York State's PDMP mandate was associated with significant decreases in rates of potentially problematic patterns of opioid analgesic prescriptions.
Calcium Channel Blocker Use and the Risk for Prostate Cancer: A Population‐Based Nested Case‐Control Study
Authors: Rotshild Victoria , Azoulay Laurent , Feldhamer Ilan , Perlman Amichai , Muszkat Mordechai , Matok Ilan
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Calcium channels play a significant role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study investigates associations between calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

A nested case‐control study was conducted using the Clalit Health Services database. We formed a population‐based cohort of patients who were prescribed their first antihypertensive agent between 2000 and 2014. For each newly diagnosed PCa case in the cohort, 10 controls were matched by age, calendar year of cohort entry, and duration of follow‐up. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) of PCa among CCB users compared with users of other antihypertensive drugs.

Results

We identified 4346 patients with newly diagnosed PCa during the median follow‐up of 5.3 years. The exposure to CCBs was associated with a slight increase in risk for PCa (OR 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.18) when compared with non‐CCB antihypertensive drugs. In secondary analyses, evidence was found of a duration‐response relationship, with the association for PCa increasing by 27% for every 10‐year increment of CCB use (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.56).

Conclusions

The results of this large population‐based study indicate a modest but significant increase in the risk of PCa among CCB users, and the risk increases with duration of use.
Enhancing performance of nonvolatile transistor memories via electron‐accepting composition in triphenylamine‐based random copolymers
Authors: Chen Chun‐Kai , Hsieh Hui‐Ching , Shih Chien‐Chung , Wu Chien‐Hsin , Fu Mao‐Chun , Higashihara Tomoya , Jeng Ru‐Jong , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: March 2019

With the rapid advances in organic memory, organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory has been recognition of the value over the past few years. Although the functional polymer with the Donor‐Acceptor (D‐A) structure has been widely investigated, little research has been carried out to clarify the relationships among D‐A structure of the polymer, capability of charge‐transfer, and memory performance. Here, we report the nonvolatile memory characteristics of pentacene‐based OFET memory using random copolyimides, poly[4,4′‐diaminotriphenylamine‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide‐co‐4‐(N,N‐bis(p‐aminophenyl)amino)‐4′‐nitroazobenzene‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide) (PI(TPA‐6FDA‐DACx)), with feeding ratios of DAC to TPA set as x (where x = 0,10, 30,50,70,100). The OFET memory performance based on the molar ratio of DAC to TPA equal to 30:70 represents the best results with the proper charge mobility, on/off current ratio, and memory window. Intriguingly, the memory performance can be enhanced by introducing more D‐A monomer in polymer electrets, yet the concomitant inferior growth of pentacene decreases the charge mobility, attributed to the intrinsically destructive arrangement of polymer backbone. Our conclusion points out the importance of polymer arrangement and capability of charge‐transfer to the OFET performance and memory characteristics. The comparable results can also be applied for advanced OFET memory devices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1113–1121
Suicidal germination as a control strategy for Striga hermonthica (Benth.) in smallholder farms of sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kountche Boubacar A. , Jamil Muhammad , Yonli Djibril , Nikiema Minimassom P. , Blanco‐Ania Daniel , Asami Tadao , Zwanenburg Binne , Al‐Babili Salim
Published: March 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Infestation by the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica is a severe threat to food security in sub‐Saharan Africa, impacting the production of the major staple crops pearl millet and sorghum, equating to 7–10 billion $ losses. Using Striga seed dependency on host‐released germination stimulants, we have developed and validated a method for addressing the problem of accumulated parasite seedbanks—the major obstacle in combating Striga infestation in African rain‐fed fields. Application of our method promises to alleviate the problem posed by this pernicious weed by increasing crop production for smallholder farmers.

Summary

The root parasitic plant Striga hermonthica is a major threat to global food security, causing enormous losses in yields of the main staple crops in sub‐Saharan Africa, which include pearl millet, sorghum, maize and rice.

Sustainable Striga control should ideally lead to the depletion of the vast, long‐lived Striga seedbank, and this can be achieved by inducing suicidal seed germination through application of strigolactone (SL) analogs in the absence of host plants. However, this “suicidal germination” strategy has not been evaluated under the natural rain‐fed conditions that prevail in Striga‐prone regions.

We have developed and validated a protocol for suicidal germination in laboratory and natural conditions in Striga‐infested rain‐fed African fields. Three SL analogs were tested and these resulted to between 65% and 55% reduction in Striga emergence in pearl millet and sorghum fields, respectively.

We conclude that suicidal germination is an effective method for reducing the Striga seedbank. Moreover, the minimal demands of our protocol, in terms of water consumption and amount of selected SL analogs, make it affordable and applicable at a large scale in African rain‐fed agriculture, holding promise for sustainable cleaning of heavily Striga‐infested fields in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Decrease the flow setting to improve trans‐nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery via “high‐flow nasal cannula” to infants and toddlers
Authors: Li Jie , Gong Lingyue , Ari Arzu , Fink James B.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Trans‐nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery for infants and toddlers has recently gained popularity, however, the reported lung deposition is low. We aimed to investigate the influential factors to improve the delivery.

Methods

Anatomic airway manikins simulating infant (5 kg) and toddler (15 kg) with collecting filter connected the trachea and breath simulator, were set to represent quiet and distressed breathing. Nasal cannula flow was set at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 L/kg/min. A mesh nebulizer (Aerogen) was placed at the inlet of humidifier (Fisher & Paykel) and proximal to patient. Albuterol (5 mg in 1 mL) was nebulized for each condition (n = 3). Drug was eluted from the filter and assayed with UV spectrophotometry (276 nm).

Results

Inhaled dose was higher with nebulizer placed at the inlet of humidifier than proximal to patient in all settings, except the infant model at low gas flow settings (0.125 and 0.25 L/kg/min). When nebulizer was placed at the inlet of humidifier, inhaled dose was higher when gas flow was below patient's inspiratory flow than when gas flow exceeded patient's inspiratory flow (8.77 ± 3.84 vs 2.16 ± 1.29%, P < 0.001); aerosol deposition increased as gas flow decreased, with greatest deposition at gas flow of 0.25 L/kg/min (11.29 ± 2.15%). A multiple linear regression identified gas flow as the primary predictor of aerosol delivery.

Conclusions

Trans‐nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery was significantly improved when gas flow was below patient's inspiratory flow, aerosol deposition increased with decreased nasal cannula flow, with greatest deposition at 0.25 L/kg/min.
OPUS‐SSF: A side‐chain‐inclusive scoring function for ranking protein structural models
Authors: Xu Gang , Ma Tianqi , Wang Qinghua , Ma Jianpeng
Published: March 2019

We introduce a side‐chain‐inclusive scoring function, named OPUS‐SSF, for ranking protein structural models. The method builds a scoring function based on the native distributions of the coordinate components of certain anchoring points in a local molecular system for peptide segments of 5, 7, 9, and 11 residues in length. Differing from our previous OPUS‐CSF [Xu et al., Protein Sci. 2018; 27: 286–292], which exclusively uses main chain information, OPUS‐SSF employs anchoring points on side chains so that the effect of side chains is taken into account. The performance of OPUS‐SSF was tested on 15 decoy sets containing totally 603 proteins, and 571 of them had their native structures recognized from their decoys. Similar to OPUS‐CSF, OPUS‐SSF does not employ the Boltzmann formula in constructing scoring functions. The results indicate that OPUS‐SSF has achieved a significant improvement on decoy recognition and it should be a very useful tool for protein structural prediction and modeling.
CdSe Quantum Dots Doped WS2 Nanoflowers for Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Tekalgne Mahider , Hasani Amirhossein , Le Quyet Van , Nguyen Thang Phan , Choi Kyoung Soon , Lee Tae Hyung , Jang Ho Won , Luo Zhengtang , Kim Soo Young
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a facile method for synthesizing WS2 nanoflowers (NFs) and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) using hydrothermal and hot injection methods, are reported, respectively. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of a CdSe QDs/WS2 NF nanocomposite is analyzed in a typical three‐electrode electrochemical cell. It is found that the CdSe QDs/WS2 NF hybrid exhibits a current density of −1.12 mA at 0 V and a Tafel slope of 82 mV dec−1, which are superior to the values of bare WS2 NFs (current density of −0.25 mA and Tafel slope of 150 mV dec−1). This improvement of photocatalytic performance is attributed to the wide range of light absorption for e−/h+ generation provided by the CdSe QDs, as well as the large surface area and numerous active sites for hydrogen production provided by WS2 NFs. Therefore, the CdSe QDs/WS2 NF hybrid structure is a promising candidate for highly effective and stable photocatalytic performance under solar light illumination for hydrogen production.
Small binary iron‐carbon clusters with persistent high magnetic moments. A theoretical characterization
Authors: Limon Patricio , Miralrio Alan , Castro Miguel
Published: March 2019

Characterization of the structural and electronic properties of binary iron‐carbon clusters composed by six iron atoms and with up to nine carbon atoms was carried out with density functional theory calculations. Neutral, cations (q = +1), and anions (q = −1), some of them experimentally detected, were studied. The formation of dimers and trimers of carbon atoms over the iron surface were preferred. Moreover, some large carbon chains, with up to five atoms, were determined. High spin states emerged for the ground states, with multiplicities above 16, for all clusters independently of the number of carbon atoms attached to the iron core. All neutral clusters were stable because fragmentation (into carbon chains), dissociation (of a single carbon atom), and detachment of all carbons need high amounts of energy. Reactive species were defined by small HOMO‐LUMO gaps. Charge transfer, to the carbon atoms, increased as the carbon content increased, producing, for some cases, an even‐odd behavior for the magnetic moment of the Fe6Cn particles.
On the nature of ion‐stabilized cytosine pairs in DNA i‐motifs: The importance of charge transfer processes
Authors: Kohagen Miriam , Uhlig Frank , Smiatek Jens
Published: March 2019

Recent experimental results indicate that the stability of non‐Watson‐Crick DNA i‐motif structures can be influenced by the presence of various metal cations. Whereas Au+, Cu+, and Ag+ are stabilizing agents, alkali metal ions like Na+ or Li+ are known to destabilize the i‐motif. In terms of reduced ion‐cytosine complexes, we rationalize the experimental observations with the help of standard and conceptual density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results highlight the importance of coordinating electrostatic bonds with partially covalent character for the stability of the ion‐cytosine complex. The occurrence of these bonds can be mainly attributed to charge transfer processes between two cytosines and the transition metal ions, which can be either explained by frontier molecular orbital theory in combination with a bond critical point analysis, or by the concept of chemical reactivity indices within a conceptual DFT approach. The results of our calculations establish a consistent theoretical framework to understand the experimentally observed behavior, and are also important in order to achieve more detailed insights into nucleobase pairing mechanisms in general.
Contribution of the Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) to the Purification of Zincke Reaction Products
Authors: Lachaise Isabelle , Zeghbib Narimane , Asskar Ghada , Rivard Michael , Martens Thierry
Published: March 2019

The Zincke reaction poses a difficulty when attempting to purify the crude mixtures and isolate reaction products in analytically pure form. This paper introduces the successful method of using the centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) to isolate pyridinium salts garnered by this reaction returning good yields and high degrees of purity. Efficient purifications were obtained by using (n‐BuOH/MeOH/H2O) biphasic solvent systems. The CPC confirmed its suitability for isolating compounds prone to decompose during purification on solid stationary phases. It has also proved to be an efficient method for valorizing incomplete Zincke reactions.
Well‐Defined Cu2O/Cu3(BTC)2 Sponge Architecture as Efficient Phenolics Scavenger: Synchronous Etching and Reduction of MOFs in confined‐pH NH3⋅H2O
Authors: Jia Kai , Ye Jiahua , Zhuang Guoxin , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: March 2019

Fabrication of low‐dimensional nano‐MOFs as well as nanoparticles/metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) hybrids has sparked new scientific interests but remains a challenging task. Taking Cu3(BTC)2 as a proof of concept, it is demonstrated thats NH3⋅H2O solution of a confined pH value can readily shape the bulk Cu3(BTC)2 into nanoscale Cu3(BTC)2, beyond the need to control the crystal growth kinetics of MOFs. Adjusting the pH of NH3⋅H2O within a much small range (10–11) allows fine tuning over the size and shape of nanoscale Cu3(BTC)2. Particularly at pH = 11, NH3⋅H2O exhibits weak reducibility that triggers a reduction of part of Cu3(BTC)2 into Cu2O, while shaping the other into Cu3(BTC)2 nanowires. Benefiting from the coincidence of reduction and etching effects, the newly generated Cu2O dots can in situ anchor onto adjacent Cu3(BTC)2 nanowires at highly dispersive state, forming a well‐defined sponge‐like architecture built of Cu2O dots and nano‐Cu3(BTC)2. The CuOx
derived from annealing of the Cu2O dots/nano‐Cu3(BTC)2 hybrid preserves the sophisticated sponge architecture and high porosity, and exhibits promising applications in phenol scavenging, with efficiency outperforming its counterparts and many other Cu‐based catalysts reported in literature. It is anticipated that the findings here pave the way for the rational design of intricate nano‐MOFs in a more efficient way.
Integration of properties of virtual reality, artificial neural networks, and artificial intelligence in the automation of software tests: A review
Authors: Serna M. Edgar , Acevedo M. Eder , Serna A. Alexei
Published: March 2019

The complete automation of software tests has been considered to be an unattainable goal. This article discusses the potential to achieve this goal with recent discoveries and innovations in the areas of virtual reality (VR), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and artificial intelligence (AI). In this study, a theoretical proposal is described to integrate the properties of each of these areas using a process of automation of software tests. This process is based on a classification and description of the properties after consulting the literature, interviews, and dialogs with specialists from Australia, the United States, Germany, and Colombia. In addition to the experiences of the researchers, the construction of two tools is proposed: (1) a robot to design and apply functional tests, and (2) a virtual machine to identify errors in the logical structure of the code. Both tools are expected to replace human factors; the advantage is that the first tool identifies procedural flaws and the second errors of operation.