bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review of empirical evidence on the impacts of the DRG introduction in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Koné Insa , Maria Zimmermann Bettina , Nordström Karin , Simone Elger Bernice , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: November 2018

Context

Germany and Switzerland have introduced diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) for hospital reimbursement. This scoping review aims to evaluate if empirical evidence exists on the effect of the DRG introduction.

Methods

Medline via PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Psyndex were systematically screened for studies from 2003 onwards using keywords—DRG, prospective payment system, and lump sum—in English, German, and French. Abstracts were screened for alignment with our inclusion criteria and classified as editorial/commentary, review, or empirical study. The full‐text extraction included data on country, study design, collected data, study population, specialty, comparison group, and outcome measures.

Results

Our literature search yielded 1944 references, of which 1405 references were included in the abstract screening after removal of duplicates. 135 articles were relevant to DRG, including 94 editorials/comments/reviews and 41 empirical articles from 36 different samples. The most frequently used outcome parameters were length of stay (12), reimbursement/cost (9), and case numbers (9).

Conclusions

Only a minority of identified articles (30.4%; 41 of 135) presented empirical data. This indicates that discussion on the topic is not totally evidence‐based. The only common trend was a decrease in length of stay.
Prohedonic properties of gamma‐hydroxybutyrate are associated with changes in limbic resting‐state functional connectivity
Authors: Bosch Oliver G. , Esposito Fabrizio , Dornbierer Dario , von Rotz Robin , Kraehenmann Rainer , Staempfli Philipp , Quednow Boris B. , Seifritz Erich
Published: November 2018

Objective

Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous GHB‐/GABA‐B receptor agonist and a narcolepsy treatment. However, GHB is also abused for its prohedonic effects. On a neuronal level, it was shown that GHB increases regional cerebral blood flow in limbic areas such as the right anterior insula (rAI) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We aimed to further explore the association between the subjective and neuronal signatures of GHB.

Method

We assessed subjective effects and resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) of an rAI‐ and an ACC‐seed in 19 healthy male subjects after GHB (35 mg/kg p.o.) using a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over functional magnet resonance imaging design.

Results

GHB increased subjective ratings for euphoria (p < 0.001) and sexual arousal (p < 0.01). Moreover, GHB increased rAI‐rsFC to the right thalamus and the superior frontal gyrus and decreased ACC‐rsFC to the bilateral paracentral lobule (all p < 0.05, cluster corrected). Moreover, GHB‐induced euphoria was associated with rAI‐rsFC to the superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.05, uncorrected).

Conclusions

GHB induces prohedonic effects such as euphoria and sexual arousal and in parallel modulates limbic rsFC with areas linked to regulation of mood, cognitive control, and sexual experience. These results further elucidate the drug's effects in neuropsychiatric disorders and as drug of abuse.
The identification of pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 negative, high risk, hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer patients: High frequency of FANCM pathogenic variants
Authors: Schubert Stephanie , van Luttikhuizen Jana L. , Auber Bernd , Schmidt Gunnar , Hofmann Winfried , Penkert Judith , Davenport Colin F. , Hille‐Betz Ursula , Wendeburg Lena , Bublitz Janin , Tauscher Marcel , Hackmann Karl , Schröck Evelin , Scholz Caroline , Wallaschek Hannah , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Illig Thomas , Steinemann Doris
Published: November 2018

NGS‐based multiple gene panel resequencing in combination with a high resolution CGH‐array was used to identify genetic risk factors for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer in 237 high risk patients who were previously tested negative for pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants. All patients were screened for pathogenic variants in 94 different cancer predisposing genes. We identified 32 pathogenic variants in 14 different genes (ATM, BLM, BRCA1, CDH1, CHEK2, FANCG, FANCM, FH, HRAS, PALB2, PMS2, PTEN, RAD51C and NBN) in 30 patients (12.7%). Two pathogenic BRCA1 variants that were previously undetected due to less comprehensive and sensitive methods were found. Five pathogenic variants are novel, three of which occur in genes yet unrelated to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (FANCG, FH and HRAS). In our cohort we discovered a remarkably high frequency of truncating variants in FANCM (2.1%), which has recently been suggested as a susceptibility gene for hereditary breast cancer. Two patients of our cohort carried two different pathogenic variants each and 10 other patients in whom a pathogenic variant was confirmed also harbored a variant of unknown significance in a breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene. We were able to identify pathogenic variants predisposing for tumor formation in 12.3% of BRCA1/2 negative breast and/or ovarian cancer patients.
A plasma metabolite panel as biomarkers for early primary breast cancer detection
Authors: Yuan Baowen , Schafferer Simon , Tang Qiuqiong , Scheffler Matthias , Nees Juliane , Heil Jörg , Schott Sarah , Golatta Michael , Wallwiener Markus , Sohn Christof , Koal Therese , Wolf Barbara , Schneeweiß Andreas , Burwinkel Barbara
Published: November 2018

In recent years, metabolites have attracted substantial attention as promising novel biomarkers of various diseases. However, breast cancer plasma metabolite studies are still in their infancy. Here, we investigated the potential of metabolites to serve as minimally invasive, early detection markers of primary breast cancer. We profiled metabolites extracted from the plasma of primary breast cancer patients and healthy controls using tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS and FIA‐MS/MS). Two metabolites were found to be upregulated, while 16 metabolites were downregulated in primary breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls in both the training and validation cohorts. A panel of seven metabolites was selected by LASSO regression analysis. This panel could differentiate primary breast cancer patients from healthy controls, with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81 ~ 0.92) in the training cohort and an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71 ~ 0.87) in the validation cohort. These significantly differentiated metabolites are mainly involved in the amino acid metabolism and breast cancer cell growth pathways. In conclusion, using a metabolomics approach, we identified metabolites that have potential value for development of a multimarker blood‐based test to complement and improve early breast cancer detection. The panel identified herein might be part of a prescreening tool, especially for younger women or for closely observing women with certain risks, to facilitate decision making regarding which individuals should undergo further diagnostic tests. In the future, the combination of metabolites and other blood‐based molecular marker sets, such as DNA methylation, microRNA, and cell‐free DNA mutation markers, will be an attractive option.
Leveraging light‐fidelity for internet of light: State‐of‐the‐art and research challenges
Authors: Mukherjee Mithun , Lloret Jaime , Lv Yunrong
Published: November 2018

In this article, we review state‐of‐the‐art of Light‐Fidelity (LiFi) technology. Afterward, we show how hybrid LiFi/WiFi system enhances the system throughput and user's quality‐of‐services in the heterogeneous networks. Finally, we highlight the ongoing research efforts and open challenges toward internet of light with large‐scale LiFi deployment in future wireless networks.
Paracoccus denitrificans Oxidative Phosphorylation: Retentions, Gains, Losses, and Lessons En Route to Mitochondria
Authors: Ferguson Stuart J.
Published: November 2018

There are many similarities between the oxidative phosphorylation apparatus of mitochondria and those found in the cytoplasmic membranes of alpha‐proteobacteria, exemplified by Paracocus denitrificans. These similarities are reviewed here alongside consideration of the differences between mitochondrial and bacterial counterparts, as well as the loss from the modern mitochondria of many of the bacterial respiratory proteins. The assembly of c‐type cytochromes is of particular evolutionary interest as the post‐translational apparatus used in the alpha‐proteobacteria is found in plants, and for example in eukyarotic species including algae of various kinds together with jakobids, but has been superseded by different systems in mitochondria of metazoans and trypanosomatids. All mitochondrial cytochromes c have the N‐terminal sequence feature that is recognised by the metazoan system whereas the bacterial counterparts do not, suggesting that the loss of the bacterial system from eukaryotes occurred in the context of an already present recognition sequence in the eukaryotic cytochromes. Interestingly, in the case of cytochromes c1 the putative recognition features for the metazoans appear to be substantially present in the bacterial proteins. The ability to prepare from P. denitrificans inverted membrane vesicles with classic respiratory control presents a valuable system from which to draw lessons concerning the long debated topic of what controls the rates of respiration and ATP synthesis in mitochondria. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(12):1214–1221, 2018
Poor Vitamin K Status Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Increased Fracture Risk in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Evenepoel Pieter , Claes Kathleen , Meijers Bjorn , Laurent Michaël , Bammens Bert , Naesens Maarten , Sprangers Ben , Pottel Hans , Cavalier Etienne , Kuypers Dirk
Published: November 2018

Chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis are major public health problems associated with an aging population. Vitamin K insufficiency is prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Preliminary data indicate that poor vitamin K status may compromise bone health and that increased inflammation may be in the causal pathway. We performed an ancillary analysis of data collected in the frame of prospective observational cohort studies exploring various aspects of bone health in de novo renal transplant recipients to investigate the association between vitamin K status, inflammation, bone mineral density, and incident clinical fractures. Parameters of mineral metabolism (including biointact PTH and FGF23, sclerostin, calcidiol, calcitriol) and inflammation (CRP and IL-6), osteoprotegerin, bone turnover markers (P1NP, BsAP, and TRAP5B), and dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) were assessed on blood samples collected immediately prior to kidney transplantation in 468 patients. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within 14 days posttransplant. Poor vitamin K status, defined by dp-ucMGP >500 nmol/L, was highly prevalent (90%). High dp-ucMGP levels independently associated with elevated inflammatory markers and low aBMD. No associations were observed between vitamin K status and bone turnover markers. During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 33 patients sustained a fragility fracture. In Cox-proportional hazards analysis, a dp-ucMGP above median associated with incident fractures, independent of classical determinants, including age, gender, history of fracture, and aBMD (HR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.00 to 4.91; p < 0.05). In conclusion, poor vitamin K status associates with inflammation and low aBMD in patients with ESRD and confers an increased risk of incident fractures in de novo renal transplant recipients. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Impact of good and poor mobilizers on hematopoietic progenitor cell collection efficiency and product quality
Authors: Azzouqa Abdel‐Ghani M. , Jouni Kinda , Roy Vivek , Zubair Abba C.
Published: November 2018

Background

Mobilization regimen choice is a significant contributing factor for successful hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection by leukocytapheresis and reaching the target CD34+ cell dose. How mobilization regimen affects collection efficiency and the quality of products collected using the Spectra Optia apheresis instrument is not fully known.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and GCSF/plerixafor mobilization regimens on CE and product composition. We studied 373 leukocytapheresis HPC collections for 147 autologous transplants from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Patients were categorized in two groups; good mobilizers, mobilized with GCSF only (GM) and poor mobilizers, mobilized with GCSF and Plerixafor (PM).

Results

Overall, compared with PM group, total nucleated cell (TNC) yield was significantly lower in GM group (P = <.001). In contrast, median percent mononuclear cell (MNC) collected from GM (86.5%) was significantly higher than products collected from PM group (79.5%; P < .001). Compared with GM group, CD34+ cell CE was about 10% lower in PM group (P < .008). In addition, daily CD34+ cell/Kg yield was significantly higher in GM (2.08 × 10/Kg) compared with PM group (1.64 x 10/Kg, P = .019). Overall, the median number of collections per patient was two for GM and three for PM (P = .004).

Conclusion

Products collected from PM group contained higher TNC content relative to GM group but had lower MNC enrichment, CD34+ cell CE and daily CD34+ cell yield per Kg.
Cepharanthine suppresses osteoclast formation by modulating the nuclear factor‐κB and nuclear factor of activated T‐cell signaling pathways
Authors: Lin Xixi , Song Fangming , Zhou Lin , Wang Ziyi , Wei Chengming , Xu Jiake , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian
Published: November 2018

The increased activation of osteoclasts is the major manifestation of several lytic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants, Paget disease and malignant bone diseases. One important bone‐protective therapy in these diseases focuses on the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and resorptive function. Given that the deleterious side‐effects of currently available drugs, it is beneficial to search for effective and safe medications from natural compounds. Cepharanthine (CEP) is a compound extracted from Stephania japonica and has been found to have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we found that CEP inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast formation and bone‐resorbing activities using osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption assay. By polymerase chain reaction, we also found that CEP inhibited the expression of osteoclast‐differentiation marker genes including Ctsk, Calcr, Atp6v0d2, Mmp9 and Nfatc1. Mechanistic analyses including Western blot and luciferase reporter assay revealed that CEP inhibited RANKL‐induced activation of NF‐κB and nuclear factor of activated T‐cell, which are essential for the formation of osteoclast. Collectively, these data suggested that CEP can potentially be used as an alternative therapy for preventing or treating osteolytic diseases.
circRNAs (hsa_circ_00156, hsa_circ _000224, and hsa_circ _000520) are novel potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Matboli Marwa , Shafei Ayman E , Ali Mahmoud A , Ashry Ahmed M , Kamal Kamal M , Agag Mohammed Ali , Reda Ibrahim , Tash Eman Fathy , Ali Marwa
Published: November 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly validated type of noncoding RNAs recently found to be deregulated in several human cancers. More accurate and specific noninvasive biomarkers are strongly needed for better diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a bioinformatics analysis to retrieve a novel panel of circRNAs potentially relevant to HCC. We examined their expression in the sera of 68 patients with HCC, 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 36 healthy controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We examined the performance characteristics of the selected circRNA biomarker panel in comparison with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). In addition, we performed a survival analysis to correlate between their expression levels and patient survival. The circRNAs hsa_circ _00224 and hsa_circ _00520 showed a strong biomarker potential with relatively high sensitivities and specificities compared with AFP. The combined panel including the three circRNAs showed superior performance characteristics relative to those of AFP. The median follow‐up period was 26 months. hsa_circ_00520 expression has been shown to be associated with relapse‐free survival (P < 0.005). circRNAs hsa_circ_00156, hsa_circ_000224, and hsa_circ_000520 are novel potential biomarkers of high sensitivity and specificity, which could potentially be used in the diagnosis of HCC.
MKL1/miR34a/FOXP3 axis regulates cell proliferation in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Jia‐Peng , Liao Xing‐Hua , Xiang Yuan , Yao Ao , Fan Li‐Juan , Li Hui , Zhang Zi‐Jian , Huang Feng , Dai Zhou‐Tong , Zhang Tong‐Cun
Published: November 2018

Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) was closely related to the pathogenesis of various human malignant cancers. MiR34a was reported to be closely related to cancer cell proliferation. Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) was a transcription factor that played a different role in different cancer types. CDK6 was involved in cell cycle progression and was upregulated in several types of cancers. The present study investigated the effects of MKL1/miR34a/FOXP3 axis on cell proliferation in MGC803 gastric cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that overexpression of MKL1 promoted proliferation of MGC80‐3 cells, MKL1 directly binding to the promoter of CDK6 to increase its expression. Knockdown of FOXP3 promoted proliferation of MGC80‐3 cells and MKL1 inhibited the expression of FOXP3 via miR‐34a. The finding can contribute to elucidating the regulatory mechanism involved in the cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells and may aid in screening potential gene targets for the biological therapy of gastric cancer.
Tumor‐suppressive microRNA‐10a inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting Tiam1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yatian , Wang Xiaojun , Jiang Xuesong , Yan Pengwei , Zhan Liangliang , Zhu Huanfeng , Wang Tingting , Wen Jing
Published: November 2018

Aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions could contribute to the progression of numerous cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, while miR‐10a participates in multiple biological processes on cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of miR‐10a in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been investigated. Herein, miR‐10a was significantly reduced in ESCC clinical tissues and ESCC cell lines (EC109 and TE‐3). In addition, immunohistochemistry indicated that the expressions of α‐SMA, Ki‐67, and PCNA in tumor tissues were higher than that of controls. In vitro, overexpression of miR‐10a dramatically suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis, while the decrease of miR‐10a expressed the opposite outcome. Specially, overexpression of miR‐10a caused a G0/G1 peak accumulation. Moreover, miR‐10a also negatively regulated ESCC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, targetscan bioinformatics predictions and the dual‐luciferase assay confirmed that Tiam1 was a direct target gene of miR‐10a. The statistical analysis showed Tiam1 was negatively in correlation with miR‐10a in ESCC patient samples. And silencing Tiam1 could lead to a decline on cell growth, invasion, and migration in ESCC cell lines, while it could enhance cell apoptosis and cause a G0/G1 peak accumulation. In vivo, it revealed that miR‐10a notably decreased the tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft model and pulmonary metastasis model. And it showed a lower expressions of Tiam1 in the miR‐10a mimics group by immunohistochemistry. Taken together the results, they indicated that miR‐10a might function as a novel tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo via targeting Tiam1, suggesting miR‐10a to be a candidate biomarker for the ESCC therapy.
Synergistic effect between H2O and SO2 on mercury removal by activated carbon in O2/CO2 conditions
Authors: Wang Hui , Shen Chang , Duan Yufeng , Ying Zhanfeng , Li Ya‐Ning
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

This work evaluated the mechanism of H2O on mercury oxidation and adsorption by activated carbon in simulated flue gas in a fixed‐bed reactor. The effect of the addition of SO2 on the mercury removal was also discussed. Mercury desorption tests were conducted in a setup for classifying mercury forms adsorbed on activated carbon by the temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) method.

RESULTS

The results indicated that H2O could inhibit Hg0 removal through blocking the microporous channels of activated carbon. Additionally, the enriched H2O could provide the electrons to inhibit Hg0 oxidation. While medium H2O concentrations around 15% could dominate the competitive adsorption in O2/CO2, high and low H2O concentrations of 23% and 8%, respectivly, could not dominate the competition.

CONCLUSION

With the addition of SO2 in O2/CO2, Hg0 removal efficiency decreased with H2O increased from 8% to 23%. Furthermore, Hg0 adsorption proportion were all larger than 87% with the addition of SO2 with H2O in O2/CO2, which indicated that Hg0 adsorption was the main contributor to Hg0 removal performance. These results are useful for the control of mercury in O2/CO2 combustion technology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of carbon microspheres from rubber wood by hydrothermal carbonization
Authors: Ahmed Khan Tanveer , Kim Hyun‐Joong , Gupta Arun , Jamari Saidatul S , Jose Rajan
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Carbon is the raw material for many commercial products; conventionally their production is from non‐renewable sources such as petroleum coke, pitch and coal. Recently carbon has been obtained from bioresources because of their renewability and high lignocellulosic content. This article details the synthesis of carbon microspheres from rubber wood, which is one of the largest commodity plants, via hydrothermal carbonization (hydrothermal rubber wood carbon; HTRW carbon) and evaluation of their characteristics.

RESULTS

Two sets of carbon were synthesized: (i) in the first set, excess of water (20–40 × weight of biomass) was used in the hydrothermal process at 180–260 °C for 3–9 h; and (ii) in the second set, water ratio was 25–35 × weight of biomass and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reaction temperature was fixed at 260 °C. The H/C and O/C ratios of starting rubber wood were ∼1.78 and ∼0.85, respectively, which upon processing through the first strategy resulted in H/C ∼0.78 and O/C ∼0.29; thereby suggesting increased condensation under HTC. On the other hand, the carbonization process was accelerated by water when the temperature was maintained at 260 °C; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies show that this carbon has a different chemical structure from the starting rubber wood. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that HTRW carbon was in the form of microspheres (size ∼1.5–5 µm).

CONCLUSION

HTRW carbon with carbon content as high as 68% was developed from rubber wood biomass by hydrothermal processing of a mixture containing 35 times more water than the solid raw biomass at a temperature of 260 °C for 7 h. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of transport through polymers for fracking fluid treatment and organic acid concentration in extractive membrane bioreactors
Authors: Mullins Nathan R , Daugulis Andrew J
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The water‐intensive practice of hydraulic fracturing produces wastewater containing a variable matrix of organic and inorganic compounds, including ions and ionizable organic compounds. Extractive membrane bioreactors (EMBs) operating with tailored polymer membranes can selectively sequester and/or transport these solutes for biological treatment. Four grades of Hytrel™ tubing were compared for their suitability in EMB systems, based on the polymers' thermodynamic affinity for solutes and their ability to transport or speciate ionic wastewater constituents.

RESULTS

Of the four Hytrel™ grades compared, high water content types (30% and 54% equilibrated water content) facilitated the transport of ionic species through the tubing, with all monovalent species being transported through both high‐water content grades, and lack of transport through the low‐water content tubing (3% and 5%). Undissociated organic acids were transported through all tubing types and dissociated acids were able to permeate only high‐water content grades. Using this differential ability to transport/not transport an organic acid depending on its dissociation state, a low‐water content Hytrel™ grade of tubing was able to concentrate a dilute butyric acid solution by 220% after 48 h.

CONCLUSION

The use of polymeric tubing for EMB applications for the treatment of hydraulic fracturing wastewater requires knowledge of both solute affinity and water content for complex waste streams, both of which affect the capability to transport organic and ionic species. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategies for achieving high‐level and stable production of toxic Streptomyces phospholipase D in Escherichia coli
Authors: Xiong Weide , Zeng Xianhai , Ho Shih‐Hsin , Ling Xueping , Shen Liang , Yao Chuanyi , Lu Yinghua
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Phospholipase D (PLD) has great potential in the pharmaceutical and food industries for manufacturing bioactive phospholipids. Overproduction of PLD in Escherichia coli is difficult due to its high cytotoxicity which causes plasmid instability, short‐term PLD synthesis, cell lysis and PLD leakage. To address this issue, integrated optimization of PLD production in upstream and downstream processing was performed.

RESULTS

Effective strategies in upstream processing include the use of plasmids containing the pSC101 par region in recA− E. coli, the use of moderately strong and tightly regulated promoter PBAD, optimization of codon usage and amino acid supplementation, maintaining the best cellular state by supplementing nutrition, and saturation induction at low temperature. Using these strategies, a large amount of PLD (1.2 × 105 U L−1, 81.5 mg L−1) was obtained in the batch culture and PLD synthesis lasted 9 h. Additionally, cell lysis did not occur –99% of the recombinant PLD remained in the periplasm. Ultimately, the PLD was purified 327‐fold by a four‐step downstream process comprising extraction with 10 mmol L−1 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 0.05% (w/v) sodium deoxycholate, ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange and Ni2+‐affinity chromatography.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the basis for large‐scale production of PLD in E. coli. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison between autologous and homologous blood transfusions in liver resection for biliary tract cancer: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Onoe Shunsuke , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Ebata Tomoki , Igami Tsuyoshi , Mizuno Takashi , Yamaguchi Junpei , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Nagino Masato
Published: November 2018

Background

It remains unclear whether preoperative blood donation is truly beneficial in liver surgery. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between patients receiving autologous and homologous transfusions during liver resection for biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for BTC were retrospectively reviewed (2006–2017). Patients who deposited autologous blood and underwent resection without homologous blood transfusion intraoperatively (Autologous group) were compared with non‐depositing patients who required homologous transfusion during hepatectomy (Homologous group). Propensity score matching analyses were performed to adjust the data for the baseline characteristics of both groups.

Results

During the study period, 359 patients were included in the Autologous group, and 105 patients were in the Homologous group. The postoperative maximum total bilirubin (T‐Bil) levels and the incidence of postoperative liver failure were significantly higher in the Homologous group than in the Autologous group. After propensity score matching, postoperative maximum T‐Bil levels were significantly higher in the Homologous group, whereas the incidence of postoperative liver failure was comparable between the two groups; between‐group differences were not observed for the remaining major complications, hospital stays and mortality.

Conclusion

Although autologous blood transfusion may minimize postoperative hyperbilirubinemia, it may not decrease the risk for mortality or morbidities following hepatectomy for BTC.
Natural Disaster Damages and Their Link to Coping Strategy Choices: Field Survey Findings from Post‐Earthquake Nepal
Authors: Rayamajhee Veeshan , Bohara Alok K.
Published: November 2018

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015, was the worst natural disaster to hit Nepal since 1900. This article reports field survey findings on earthquake damages and ex‐post coping responses adopted by rural households in Sindhupalchowk, Nepal. Subsequently, we conduct empirical analyses to illustrate how earthquake damages influence ex‐post coping strategy choices and potentially limit paths to post‐disaster recovery. The goal of this empirical demonstration is to underscore the need to cater post‐disaster policies in developing countries in ways that expand households' post‐disaster coping strategy choices through market and non‐market mechanisms. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiolabeling, quality control, biodistribution, and imaging studies of 177Lu‐ibandronate
Authors: Xu Qin , Zhang Shumao , Zhao Yan , Feng Yue , Liu Lin , Cai Liang , Zhang Wei , Huang Zhanwen , Wei Hongyuan , Zhuo Liangang , Chen Yue
Published: November 2018

The purposes of this study were as follows: (1) to radiolabel ibandronic acid (IBA, a third‐generation bisphosphonate) with 177Lu, investigating optimal labeling conditions, and (2) to analyze biodistribution and imaging properties of intravenous 177Lu‐ibandronate (177Lu‐IBA) administered in animals. 177Lu‐labeled methylene diphosphonate (177Lu‐MDP) served as a comparator agent. Differing proportions of IBA solution and 177LuCl3 solution were combined to determine an optimal ratio for radiolabeling purposes, varying pH, temperature, and time to establish ideal reactivity conditions. Radiochemical purity of the labeled compounds was then assessed by paper chromatography. In vitro and in vivo stabilities were also measured at specific time intervals. In Kunming mice, biodistributions of 177Lu‐IBA and 177Lu‐MDP and respective agent activities in various organs were monitored by gamma counter, and we performed single photon computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging of 177Lu‐IBA in normal New Zealand White rabbits. Radiolabeling yields for 177Lu‐IBA proved to be >97% within 30 minutes at 90°C, and its radiochemical purity ensured stability in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that 177Lu‐IBA is readily soluble in water, showing higher skeletal uptake than 177Lu‐MDP but lower uptake by liver and spleen. The image quality of 177Lu‐IBA was so clear that even after 6 days, analysis was still feasible.
A simplified radiosynthesis of [18F]MK‐6240 for tau PET imaging
Authors: Hopewell Robert , Ross Karen , Kostikov Alexey , Pascoal Tharick A. , Alberti Thais , Lacatus‐Samoila Monica , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Bennacef Idriss , Kobayashi Eliane , Kang Min Su , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Massarweh Gassan
Published: November 2018

[18F]MK‐6240 (6‐(fluoro)‐3‐(1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐c]pyridin‐1‐yl)isoquinolin‐5‐amine) is a highly selective PET radiotracer for the in vivo imaging of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). [18F]MK‐6240 was synthesized in one step from its bis‐Boc protected precursor N‐[(tert‐butoxy)carbonyl]‐N‐(6‐nitro‐3‐[1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐c]pyridin‐1‐yl]isoquinolin‐5‐yl) carbamate in DMSO using [18F] fluoride with TEA HCO3 with step‐wise heating up to 150°C, resulting in an isolated radiochemical yield of 9.8% ± 1.8% (n = 3) calculated from the end of bombardment (5.2% ± 1.0% calculated from the end of synthesis). This new synthetic approach eliminates the acidic deprotection of the bis‐Boc 18F‐labeled intermediate, which reduces the number of operations necessary for the synthesis as well as losses, which occur during deprotection and neutralization of the crude product mixture prior to the HPLC purification. The synthesis was performed automatically with a single‐use cassette on an IBA Synthera+ synthesis module. This synthesis method affords the radioligand with a reliable radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity, and a high molar activity. [18F]MK‐6240 synthesized with this method has been regularly (n > 60) used in our ongoing human and animal PET imaging studies.
Energetic switch of the proline effect in collision‐induced dissociation of singly and doubly protonated peptide Ala‐Ala‐Arg‐Pro‐Ala‐Ala
Authors: Huo Dayujia , Qin Tai , Zu Lily
Published: November 2018

Suppression of the selective cleavage at N‐terminal of proline is observed in the peptide cleavage by proteolytic enzyme trypsin and in the fragment ion mass spectra of peptides containing Arg‐Pro sequence. An insight into the fragmentation mechanism of the influence of arginine residue on the proline effect can help in prediction of mass spectra and in protein structure analysis. In this work, collision‐induced dissociation spectra of singly and doubly charged peptide AARPAA were studied by ESI MS/MS and theoretical calculation methods. The proline effect was evaluated by comparing the experimental ratio of fragments originated from cleavage of different amide bonds. The results revealed that the backbone amide bond cleavage was selected by the energy barrier height of the fragmentation pathway although the strong proton affinity of the Arg side chain affected the stereostructure of the peptide and the dissociation mechanism. The thermodynamic stability of the fragment ions played a secondary role in the abundance ratio of fragments generated via different pathways. Fragmentation studies of protonated peptide AACitPAA supported the energy‐dependent hypothesis. The results provide an explanation to the long‐term arguments between the steric conflict and the proton mobility mechanisms of proline effect.
Clinical outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy with and without a defibrillator in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Christie Simon , Hiebert Brett , Seifer Colette M. , Khoo Clarence
Published: November 2018

Background

Evidence regarding the incremental benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) versus without (CRT‐P) in elderly patients with heart failure is limited. We compared mortality and cardiac hospitalisation between CRT‐D and CRT‐P in the elderly.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified all consecutive patients with age ≥75 with CRT implantation over the last 10 years at a Canadian tertiary care cardiac centre. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses and cumulative incidence curves were used to compare mortality and time to first cardiac hospitalisation, respectively, with CRT‐D versus CRT‐P over a 3 year period. Analyses were also repeated with propensity score matching based on age, sex, primary versus secondary prevention, date of implant, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results

One hundred and seventy CRT patients were identified. A total of 128 received CRT‐D while 42 received CRT‐P. Median age was 79 (IQR 77‐81), and the majority were male (83%). CRT‐P patients had a higher burden of comorbidities (Charlson score 7, IQR 6‐8) than CRT‐D patients (Charlson score 5, IQR 5‐7; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups in an unmatched comparison (P = 0.69) and with a propensity score‐matched cohort (P = 0.91). Secondary prevention CRT‐D patients had a higher risk of hospitalisation compared to primary prevention CRT‐D patients; however, there was no significant difference in hospitalisation between the CRT‐D and CRT‐P groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests there is no significant difference in mortality or cardiac hospitalisation between CRT‐D and CRT‐P in elderly patients with heart failure.
Generations as social categories: An exploratory cognitive study of generational identity and generational stereotypes in a multigenerational workforce
Authors: Van Rossem Annick H.D.
Published: November 2018

Even though the academic press recognizes generational diversity and its consequences, the related findings are fractured, and research is incomplete regarding methodology and theoretical background. In adopting a social identity perspective concerning groups and self‐conception, we argue that the social identity perspective is in line with generational identity theory. Employing a cognitive mapping method (repertory grid technique, mixed methods), the present study taps into three generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y) of Belgian managers' minds and demonstrates how they perceive their own and the two other generations. Our research reveals that perceptions of their own and other generations may direct social categorization and generational stereotypes of the in‐group and out‐group(s), that some of these stereotypes can be enacted, and that generational stereotypes do not necessarily coincide with age‐based stereotypes. Several metapatterns in the stereotypes are revealed as well. Hence, we contribute to the emerging field of research that calls for an identity‐based approach rather than a cohort‐based approach to generations and that validates the argument that generations as a workplace phenomenon must be considered a legitimate phenomenon. Insights into generations as social categories give a richer view of the interrelationships between generations in multigenerational situations at work.
Biphasic calcium phosphate with submicron surface topography in an Ovine model of instrumented posterolateral spinal fusion
Authors: van Dijk Lukas A. , Duan Rongquan , Luo Xiaoman , Barbieri Davide , Pelletier Matthew , Christou Chris , Rosenberg Antoine J. W. P. , Yuan Huipin , Barrèrre‐de Groot Florence , Walsh William R. , de Bruijn Joost D.
Published: November 2018

As spinal fusions require large volumes of bone graft, different bone graft substitutes are being investigated as alternatives. A subclass of calcium phosphate materials with submicron surface topography has been shown to be a highly effective bone graft substitute. In this work, a commercially available biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with submicron surface topography (MagnetOs; Kuros Biosciences BV) was evaluated in an Ovine model of instrumented posterolateral fusion. The material was implanted stand‐alone, either as granules (BCPgranules) or as granules embedded within a fast‐resorbing polymeric carrier (BCPputty) and compared to autograft bone (AG). Twenty‐five adult, female Merino sheep underwent posterolateral fusion at L2‐3 and L4‐5 levels with instrumentation. After 6, 12, and 26 weeks, outcomes were evaluated by manual palpation, range of motion (ROM) testing, micro‐computed tomography, histology and histomorphometry. Fusion assessment by manual palpation 12 weeks after implantation revealed 100% fusion rates in all treatment groups. The three treatment groups showed a significant decrease in lateral bending at the fusion levels at 12 weeks (P < 0.05) and 26 weeks (P < 0.001) compared to the 6 week time‐point. Flexion‐extension and axial rotation were also reduced over time, but statistical significance was only reached in flexion‐extension for AG and BCPputty between the 6 and 26 week time‐points (P < 0.05). No significant differences in ROM were observed between the treatment groups at any of the time‐points investigated. Histological assessment at 12 weeks showed fusion rates of 75%, 92%, and 83% for AG, BCPgranules and BCPputty, respectively. The fusion rates were further increased 26 weeks postimplantation. Similar trends of bone growth were observed by histomorphometry. The fusion mass consisted of at least 55% bone for all treatment groups 26 weeks after implantation. These results suggest that this BCP with submicron surface topography, in granules or putty form, is a promising alternative to autograft for spinal fusion.
Using natural deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of metabolites in Byrsonima intermedia leaves
Authors: Fraige Karina , Arrua R. Dario , Sutton Adam T. , Funari Cristiano Soleo , Cavalheiro Alberto José , Hilder Emily F. , Bolzani Vanderlan da Silva
Published: November 2018

Natural deep eutectic solvents have been used as an alternative to organic solvents for the extraction of plants metabolites, allowing for the extraction of compounds of different polarities, while being inexpensive, non‐toxic, and easy to prepare. This work presents the comparison of the chromatographic profiles by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection obtained from Byrsonima intermedia (Malpighiaceae) using five choline chloride‐based natural deep eutectic solvents, in addition to the most used traditional extraction solvents, methanol/water 7:3 and ethanol/water 7:3 v/v. A reference extract was used to tentatively identify compounds by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The water content appeared to be important for the extraction efficiency and the mixture choline chloride/glycerol was shown to be the best candidate for efficiently extracting this matrix when compared with the traditional extraction media in addition to being far greener as shown by the environmental analysis tool. Seven phenolic compounds (digalloyl quinic acid, proanthocyanidin dimer, galloylproanthocyanidin dimer, quercetin‐O‐hexoside, galloyl quercetin hexoside, quercetin‐O‐pentoside, and galloyl quercetin pentoside) were tentatively identified in all extracts. Moreover, the influence of these solvents on the antioxidant activity of the extracts was studied and the results for choline chloride/glycerol extracts were very similar to that of the traditional extraction solvents.
Recent advances in mixed‐mode chromatographic stationary phases
Authors: Sýkora David , Řezanka Pavel , Záruba Kamil , Král Vladimír
Published: November 2018

Mixed‐mode phases have become very popular in the last decade, and the number of new mixed/multi‐mode sorbents is growing fast. Unlike single‐mode stationary phases, perfectly suited for the separation of the analytes possessing similar physicochemical properties, for instance reversed‐phase chromatography for hydrophobic solutes, mixed‐mode sorbents providing multimodal interactions can render better separation selectivity for complex mixtures of solutes differing significantly in their physicochemical characteristics. The most frequent modern mixed‐mode stationary phases are di/tri‐mode sorbents embracing the following interactions, hydrophobic, electrostatic (coulombic), and hydrophilic. According to their structures, it is possible to distinguish silica‐based, polymer‐based, hybrid, and monolithic mixed‐mode stationary phases. Herewith, newly synthesized mixed‐mode sorbents developed within the last two and half years are categorized, discussed, and summarized. The main attention is devoted to the description of the synthetic routes and characterization methods applied for the new stationary phases.
Shear Wave Elastography of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Patients With Unilateral Lumbar Disk Herniation
Authors: Alis Deniz , Durmaz Emine Sebnem Memis , Alis Ceren , Erol Burak Caglar , Okur Betul , Kizilkilic Osman , Mihmanli Ismail
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess lumbar multifidus muscle stiffness in patients with unilateral lumbar disk herniation (LDH) causing nerve root compression using shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with unilateral subarticular LDH (L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1) causing nerve root compression, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were bilateral or multilevel LDH confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging, bilateral leg symptoms, and patients with a history of any spinal operation, malignancy, trauma, infection, spondylolisthesis, severe lateral recess stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, and substantial comorbidities. Two observers separately evaluated the multifidus muscle using SWE. Shear wave elastographic examinations of the muscle were performed slightly below the herniation using the spinous process of the vertebra as a landmark. The stiffness of the muscle between affected and normal sides was compared. Moreover, the correlation between the stiffness and duration of the symptoms and the correlation between the stiffness and severity of the nerve compression were also calculated.

Results

The mean stiffness values of the multifidus muscle on the affected side (mean ± SD: observer 1, 14.08 ± 3.57 kPa; observer 2, 13.70 ± 4.05 kPa) were significantly lower compared to the contralateral side (observer 1, 18.81 ± 3.95 kPa; observer 2, 18.28 ± 4.12 kPa; P < .001). The muscle stiffness had a moderate negative correlation with the duration of the symptoms and the severity of the nerve compression (observer 1, r = –0.535; observer 2, r = –0.458; P < .001).

Conclusions

The multifidus muscle on the ipsilateral side of the LDH showed reduced stiffness values, and stiffness values were negatively correlated with the disease duration and severity of the nerve compression. Further studies might reveal the potential role of SWE of the multifidus muscle in determining clinical outcomes and assessing effectiveness treatment in patients with LDH.
Noninvasive in vivo Assessment of the Re‐endothelialization Process Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Rat Carotid Artery Balloon Injury Model
Authors: Röhl Samuel , Eriksson Linnea , Saxelin Robert , Lengquist Mariette , Östenson Claes‐Göran , Hedin Ulf , Caidahl Kenneth , Razuvaev Anton
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), or ultra high‐frequency ultrasound, is a technique used to assess the anatomy of small research animals. In this study, UBM was used to assess differences in intimal hyperplasia thickness as a surrogate measurement of the re‐endothelialization process after carotid artery balloon injury in rats.

Methods

Ultrasound biomicroscopic data from 3 different experiments and rat strains (Sprague Dawley, Wistar, and diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki) were analyzed. All animals were subjected to carotid artery balloon injury and examined with UBM (30–70 MHz) 2 and 4 weeks after injury. Re‐endothelialization on UBM was defined as the length from the carotid bifurcation to the most distal visible edge of the intimal hyperplasia. En face staining with Evans blue dye was performed at euthanasia 4 weeks after injury, followed by tissue harvesting for histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluations.

Results

A significant correlation (Spearman r = 0.63; P < .0001) was identified when comparing all measurements of re‐endothelialization obtained from UBM and en face staining. The findings revealed a similar pattern for all rat strains: Sprague Dawley (Spearman r = 0.70; P < .0001), Wistar (Spearman r = 0.36; P < .081), and Goto‐Kakizaki (Spearman r = 0.70; P < .05). A Bland‐Altman test showed agreement between en face staining and UBM. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of the endothelium in the areas detected as re‐endothelialized by the UBM assessment.

Conclusions

Ultrasound biomicroscopy can be used for repeated in vivo assessment of re‐endothelialization after carotid artery balloon injury in rats.