bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrective emotional experience in an integrative affect‐focused therapy: Building a preliminary model using task analysis
Authors: Nakamura Kaori , Iwakabe Shigeru
Published: October 2017

Objective

The present study constructed a preliminary process model of corrective emotional experience (CEE) in an integrative affect‐focused therapy.

Method

Task analysis was used to analyse 6 in‐session events taken from 6 Japanese clients who worked with an integrative affect‐focused therapist. The 6 events included 3 successful CEEs and 3 partially successful CEEs for comparison.

Results

A rational–empirical model of CEE was generated, which consisted of two parallel client change processes, intrapersonal change and interpersonal change, and the therapist interventions corresponding to each process. Therapist experiential interventions and therapist affirmation facilitated both intrapersonal and interpersonal change processes, whereas his relational interventions were associated with the interpersonal change process. The partially successful CEEs were differentiated by the absence of the component of core painful emotions or negative beliefs in intrapersonal change process, which seemed crucial for the interpersonal change process to develop.

Conclusions

CEE is best represented by a preliminary model that depicts two parallel yet interacting change processes. Intrapersonal change process is similar to the sequence of change described by the emotional processing model (Pascual‐Leone & Greenberg, ), whereas interpersonal change process is a unique contribution of this study. Interpersonal change process was facilitated when the therapist's active stance and use of immediacy responses to make their relational process explicit allowed a shared exploration. Therapist affirmation bridged intrapersonal change to interpersonal change by promoting an adaptive sense of self in clients and forging a deeper emotional connection between the two.
Feces nitrogen release induced by different large herbivores in a dry grassland
Authors: Wang Jingzhi , Wang Deli , Li Chunqiang , Seastedt Timothy R. , Liang Cunzhu , Wang Ling , Sun Wei , Liang Maowei , Li Yu
Published: October 2017

Large herbivores have pronounced effects on nutrient cycling in grasslands. These organisms are known to alter the quality and quantity of plant production as well as the amounts and quality of plant litter and animal wastes. The generalization that the relative quality of detritus inputs is enhanced by herbivores is well known, but how this process is affected by diet selection processing and feces production of different large herbivores remains largely unstudied. Here, we measured how these differences for cattle and sheep on a dry grassland might influence nitrogen (N) mineralization from feces. We found that cattle of larger body size tended to select the low quality grass Stipa grandis as their major food source. In contrast, the subdominant grass Leymus chinensis, with relatively high N content, was a majority in the diet of smaller sheep, when palatable forbs were insufficient in the field. This diverse diet quality resulted in a C:N ratio of cattle feces that was higher than that of sheep feces. Relatively higher labile C availability in the cattle feces, namely relatively higher cellulose/hemicellulose contents, promoted microbial growth and in turn accelerated cattle feces decomposition. A surprise finding was that the feces from cattle mineralized about twice as much N as feces from sheep, despite the latter having slightly higher N content. From a grassland productivity perspective, increasing the proportion of large body‐sized species in grazing herbivore assemblages perhaps is beneficial to forage productivity and nutrient recycling by the rapid degradation of feces.
Trait–fitness relationships determine how trade‐off shapes affect species coexistence
Authors: Ehrlich Elias , Becks Lutz , Gaedke Ursula
Published: October 2017

Trade‐offs between functional traits are ubiquitous in nature and can promote species coexistence depending on their shape. Classic theory predicts that convex trade‐offs facilitate coexistence of specialized species with extreme trait values (extreme species) while concave trade‐offs promote species with intermediate trait values (intermediate species). We show here that this prediction becomes insufficient when the traits translate non‐linearly into fitness which frequently occurs in nature, e.g., an increasing length of spines reduces grazing losses only up to a certain threshold resulting in a saturating or sigmoid trait‐fitness function. We present a novel, general approach to evaluate the effect of different trade‐off shapes on species coexistence. We compare the trade‐off curve to the invasion boundary of an intermediate species invading the two extreme species. At this boundary, the invasion fitness is zero. Thus, it separates trait combinations where invasion is or is not possible. The invasion boundary is calculated based on measurable trait–fitness relationships. If at least one of these relationships is not linear, the invasion boundary becomes non‐linear, implying that convex and concave trade‐offs not necessarily lead to different coexistence patterns. Therefore, we suggest a new ecological classification of trade‐offs into extreme‐favoring and intermediate‐favoring which differs from a purely mathematical description of their shape. We apply our approach to a well‐established model of an empirical predator–prey system with competing prey types facing a trade‐off between edibility and half‐saturation constant for nutrient uptake. We show that the survival of the intermediate prey depends on the convexity of the trade‐off. Overall, our approach provides a general tool to make a priori predictions on the outcome of competition among species facing a common trade‐off in dependence of the shape of the trade‐off and the shape of the trait–fitness relationships.
Stereoselective Catalytic Synthesis of Alkynylated Phosphaethenes Leading to Activation‐Free Gold Catalysis
Authors: Ito Shigekazu , Shinozaki Tomokazu , Mikami Koichi
Published: October 2017

The π‐accepting property of alkene‐like phosphaethenes (–P=C<) is attractive for the development of Lewis acidic transition‐metal catalysts. The stereoselective monoalkynylation of a sterically encumbered gem‐dibromophosphaethene by a Sonogashira process has been accomplished, and the corresponding 2‐alkynyl‐2‐bromo‐1‐phosphaethenes were obtained. Subsequent arylation of the 2‐alkynyl‐2‐bromo‐1‐phosphaethenes by the palladium version of the Kumada–Tamao–Corriu (KTC) reaction gave the corresponding 2‐alkynyl‐2‐aryl‐1‐phosphaethenes through an inversion of the configuration. The 2‐alkynyl‐2‐aryl‐1‐phosphaethenes were converted into the corresponding chloro‐gold(I) complexes, and screening of their catalytic activity revealed that both appropriate π‐conjugative substituents and the stereochemistry were decisive for the efficiency of the gold‐catalyzed reactions under activation‐free conditions. Chloro‐gold complexes bearing 2,2‐diaryl‐1‐phosphaethene ligands showed moderate‐to‐good catalytic activity.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Tandem α‐Aminooxylation–Henry Reactions for the Synthesis of 1,2‐Diols: Total Synthesis of (–)‐l‐threo‐Sphinganine
Authors: Garg Yuvraj , Kaur Ramandeep , Kumar Pandey Satyendra
Published: October 2017

A new and rapid asymmetric synthesis of anti‐ and syn‐β,γ‐dihydroxynitroalkanes through an organocatalytic tandem α‐aminooxylation–Henry reaction is described. The target diol derivatives were synthesized in good yields, with excellent enantioselectivities, and low to moderate diasteroselectivities, under mild conditions. The synthesis of the antineoplastic and antipsoriatic drug (–)‐l‐threo‐sphinganine demonstrates the synthetic utility of the building blocks generated in the developed reaction.
Morphodynamic assessment of side channel systems using a simple one‐dimensional bifurcation model and a comparison with aerial images
Authors: van Denderen R. Pepijn , Schielen Ralph M. J. , Blom Astrid , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H. , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: October 2017

Side channel construction is a common intervention applied to increase a river's conveyance capacity and to increase its ecological value. Past modelling efforts suggest two mechanisms affecting the morphodynamic change of a side channel: (1) a difference in channel slope between the side channel and the main channel and (2) bend flow just upstream of the bifurcation. The objective of this paper was to assess the conditions under which side channels generally aggrade or degrade and to assess the characteristic timescales of the associated morphological change. We use a one‐dimensional bifurcation model to predict the development of side channel systems and the characteristic timescale for a wide range of conditions. We then compare these results to multitemporal aerial images of four side channel systems. We consider the following mechanisms at the bifurcation to be important for side channel development: sediment diversion due to the bifurcation angle, sediment diversion due to the transverse bed slope, partitioning of suspended load, mixed sediment processes such as sorting at the bifurcation, bank erosion, deposition due to vegetation, and floodplain sedimentation. There are limitations to using a one‐dimensional numerical model as it can only account for these mechanisms in a parametrized manner, but the model reproduces general behaviour of the natural side channels until floodplain‐forming processes become important. The main result is a set of stability diagrams with key model parameters that can be used to assess the development of a side channel system and the associated timescale, which will aid in the future design and maintenance of side channel systems. ©  2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tracking capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) feces contribution method in aquatic environments using sterols
Authors: Machado Karina Scurupa , Froehner Sandro , Rizzi Juliane , Torres Mayara
Published: October 2017

The monitoring of fecal contamination (human and animal) is an incessant challenge. In this approach, microbiological methods play an important role, though with substantial limitations. Organic compounds, such as sterols, are often used to trace fecal contamination. Although the fecal sterols profiles of some animals are already known, capybara, a typical mammal from South America, is a significant contributor to aquatic fecal contamination because of its water dependence; and still there is no one way, scientifically speaking, to trace its fecal contribution. The aim of the present study was to provide a tool to measure the temporal fecal contribution of capybara in aquatic systems. We examined the sterol content of capybara feces and compared with another species (sheep, cow, horse, pig, hen, duck, cat, dog, opossum, and human). From numerical relationships among fecal sterols, 6 ratios were delineated and tested to assess their potential to identify the capybara feces contribution in contaminated environments. Statistical analysis showed that 3 ratios were able to differentiate capybara feces from other sources. Such ratios were applied in samples of a sediment core from an urban area in south Brazil with a large capybara population. The temporal trend showed a significant contribution of capybara feces in the last 100 yr. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:353–361. © 2017 SETAC
Occasional, obligatory, and habitual stone tool use in hominin evolution
Authors: Shea John J.
Published: October 2017

Archeologists have long assumed that earlier hominins were obligatory stone tool users. This assumption is deeply embedded in traditional ways of describing the lithic record. This paper argues that lithic evidence dating before 1.7 Ma reflects occasional stone tool use, much like that practiced by nonhuman primates except that it involved flaked‐stone cutting tools. Evidence younger than 0.3 Ma is more congruent with obligatory stone tool use, like that among recent humans. The onset of habitual stone tool use at about 1.7 Ma appears correlated with increased hominin logistical mobility (carrying things). The onset of obligatory stone tool use after 0.3 Ma may be linked to the evolution of spoken language. Viewing the lithic evidence dating between 0.3‐1.7 Ma as habitual stone tool use explains previously inexplicable aspects of the Early‐Middle Pleistocene lithic record.
How effective and fair is user fee removal? Evidence from Zambia using a pooled synthetic control
Authors: Lépine Aurélia , Lagarde Mylène , Le Nestour Alexis
Published: October 2017

Despite its high political interest, the impact of removing user charges for health care in low‐income settings remains a debatable issue. We try to clear up this contentious issue by estimating the short‐term effects of a policy change that occurred in 2006 in Zambia, when 54 of 72 districts removed fees. We use a pooled synthetic control method in order to estimate the causal impact of the policy on health care use, the provider chosen, and out‐of‐pocket medical expenses. We find no evidence that user fee removal increased health care utilisation, even among the poorest group. However, we find that the policy is likely to have led to a substitution away from the private sector for those using care and that it virtually eliminated medical expenditures, thereby providing financial protection to service users. We estimate that the policy was equivalent to a transfer of US$3.2 per health visit for the 50% richest but of only US$1.1 for the 50% poorest.
AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Perioperative antithrombotic management in head and neck surgery
Authors: Meyer Annika , Gross Neil , Teng Marita
Published: October 2017

Head and neck surgeons are commonly faced with surgical patients who have underlying medical problems requiring antithrombotic therapy. It is difficult to achieve a balance between minimizing the risk of thromboembolism and hemorrhage in the perioperative period. Data from randomized, controlled trials are limited, and procedure‐specific bleed rates are also difficult to pinpoint. The decision is made more difficult when patients with moderate‐to‐high risk for thromboembolic events undergo procedures that are high risk for bleeding. This is true for many head and neck oncologic surgeries. Furthermore, although elective procedures may be delayed for optimization of antithrombotic medication, emergent procedures cannot. Head and neck surgery often represents the most challenging of all these circumstances, given the potential risk of airway compromise from bleeding after head and neck surgery.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin level is a prognostic factor for survival in rat and human chronic liver diseases
Authors: Yoshikawa Kyoko , Iwasa Motoh , Eguchi Akiko , Kojima Shinichi , Yoshizawa Naohiko , Tempaku Mina , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Yamamoto Norihiko , Sugimoto Kazushi , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2017

Chronic liver disease patients often have complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and acute bacterial infection. Model for end‐stage liver disease and Child‐Pugh scores are useful prognostic factors for chronic liver diseases but not for all chronic conditions, such as HCC. Our investigative aim targeted the prognostic abilities of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Blood NGAL levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in rats with cirrhosis and 96 patients with chronic liver disease and HCC. We examined the correlation between blood NGAL levels and liver functions as well as survival. In our rat model, liver NGAL expression was assessed by immunostaining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblot. In rats with cirrhosis, blood NGAL levels were continuously and significantly elevated in the deceased group and were significantly correlated with liver functions. Liver NGAL, toll‐like receptor 4, and interleukin‐6 levels were increased in the deceased group compared to the survival group. Blood NGAL levels were significantly correlated with liver NGAL levels, indicating blood NGAL was derived from the liver. In patients with chronic liver disease, blood NGAL levels were associated with liver function and renal function. Blood NGAL levels were significantly increased in patients with chronic liver disease with HCC compared to without HCC. For the survival group, 38 out of 96 patients were dead in the average follow‐up period of 9.9 months. The patients with blood NGAL ≤119 ng/mL had significantly longer rates of survival compared to patients with blood NGAL >119 ng/mL. Conclusion: Blood NGAL predicts the survival rate in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Our findings suggest blood NGAL may be prognostic of survival in chronic liver diseases complicated by HCC. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:946–956)
Paternal parenting, child temperament, and problem behaviour: An investigation among young Hong Kong children
Authors: Ren Lixin , Zhang Xiao
Published: October 2017

On the basis of a sample of 109 Chinese children, aged approximately 3 years, and their parents in Hong Kong, this study examined how paternal parenting interacted with 2 aspects of child temperament (i.e., negative emotionality and persistence) to predict children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Paternal supportive and aversive parenting practices were reported by fathers, and child temperament and behavioural problems were reported by both mothers and fathers. The results showed that paternal aversive parenting interacted with temperamental emotionality and persistence in the prediction of children's externalizing problems, controlling for maternal parenting. Specifically, young Chinese children who were more emotionally reactive and those who had lower attentional capacities were more vulnerable to aversive parenting from fathers, exhibiting more externalizing problems. Practical implications are discussed.

Highlights

This study examined the interplay between child temperament and paternal parenting with regard to problem behaviour among Chinese preschoolers.

Both mothers and fathers reported child behaviour problems, emotionality, persistence, and their parenting behaviour.

Both emotionality and persistence interacted with aversive paternal parenting in relation to child externalizing behaviours, controlling for maternal parenting.
On the stock market reactions to fiscal policies
Authors: Foresti Pasquale , Napolitano Oreste
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a panel analysis is employed to investigate the effects of fiscal policies on stock market indexes in 11 members of the Eurozone. Many studies have focused on the effects of monetary policy on the stock market, whereas the number of contributions studying the effects of fiscal policy on the stock market is surprisingly limited. Therefore, we know little, if any, on the sign and stability of the stock market reaction to fiscal policies. Our results show that fiscal policies influence the stock market and that, following an increase (decrease) in public deficit, stock market indexes go down (up). Nevertheless, further analysis shows that the signs of the estimated stock market reactions are not constant over time and that they change according to the surrounding macroeconomic scenario.
MMP1 and MMP3 gene polymorphisms in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Pawlik Andrzej , Plucinska Marzenna , Kopec Mikołaj , Głabowski Daniel , Czerewaty Michał , Safranow Krzysztof
Published: October 2017

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the group of proteolytic enzymes that break down the components of the connective tissue matrix leading to unstable atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to examine the association between MMP1‐1607dupG (rs1799750) and MMP3‐1171dupA (rs3025058) gene polymorphisms and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the form of unstable angina. This study included 197 patients with ACS in the form of unstable angina confirmed by coronary angiography (defined by >70% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery) and 144 healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the MMP1‐1607dupG (rs1799750) polymorphism between patients with unstable angina and the control group. With regard to the MMP3‐1171dupA (rs3025058) polymorphism, a significant increase in the frequency of the 6A/6A genotype among patients with unstable angina was detected. This association was confirmed in multivariate logistic regression analysis, where male sex and rs3025058 6A/6A genotype were significantly associated with an increased risk of ACS. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(11):850–855, 2017
Novel I–V Disposable Urea Biosensor Based on a Dip‐coated Hierarchical Magnetic Nanocomposite (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2) on SnO2:F Layer
Authors: Mikani Mohaddeseh , Rahmanian Reza , Karimnia Matin , Sadeghi Ali
Published: October 2017

Silicon oxide was initially loaded on a Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle substrate (Fe3O4@SiO2) and then functionalized with ─NH2 group (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2) to construct a novel hierarchical magnetic nanocomposite. A sensitive urea biosensor medium involving a dip‐coated hierarchical magnetic nanocomposite on F‐doped SnO2 conducting glass was designed (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2/SnO2:F) to achieve an excellent platform for urease (Urs) enzyme immobilization via covalent linking to the exposed NH2 groups through glutaraldehyde (Urs/Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2/SnO2:F). The hierarchical magnetic nanocomposite selection criteria were based on enhancement of urea biosensing by Urs immobilization via covalent linking to the exposed NH2 groups, while the SnO2:F selection as substrate was based on its ability to afford high electronic density to the biosensor surface as an electrostatic repulsion layer for the anionic interferents in the biological environment. FE‐SEM, TEM, FTIR, CV, EIS, and I–V techniques established the morphology of the modified electrode's surface and electrochemical behavior of urea on the fabricated Urs/Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2/SnO2:F biosensor. The sensing mechanism can be clarified on the basis of the two reactions, namely (1) catalytic reaction and (2) oxidation or reduction of metal oxides, same as in the case of solid‐state gas sensors. The I–V results display high sensitivity for urea detection of within 5–210 mg/dL and a limit of detection of 3 mg/dL.
Enhanced NH3 capture by imidazolium‐based protic ionic liquids with different anions and cation substituents
Authors: Shang Dawei , Bai Lu , Zeng Shaojuan , Dong Haifeng , Gao Hongshuai , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Ionic liquids have become potential absorbents to treat exhausted gases containing NH3, which threatens the living environment of human beings.

RESULTS

In this study, 10 kinds of protic and conventional ILs were synthesized and characterized and their densities, viscosities and thermal decomposition temperatures measured. The NH3 solubility in ILs from the vapor liquid equilibrium (VLE) experiments revealed that the chain length of cations had little influence on the NH3 solubility of the protic ILs because of the high NH3 capacities in protic ILs resulting from protic hydrogen atom compared with conventional ILs. The 2‐H atom on the cation influenced the NH3 solubility in both protic and conventional ILs with different trends as the pressure was increased. Considering the effect of anions with the same cation [Bim]+, the order of NH3 solubility in protic ILs was [Bim][NTf2] > [Bim][SCN] > [Bim][NO3]. Dynamic absorption of NH3 in [Eim][NTf2] preliminarily revealed that the absorption was fast under ambient pressure and through 5 cycles of absorption and desorption, the NH3 absorption ability remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between the NH3 solubility and the structures of both protic and conventional ILs was revealed, indicating the protic ILs as an alternative material for the treatment of NH3‐containing exhaust gases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictability with agility: Achieving excellence in software delivery through SPEED
Authors: Sreenivasan Srijith , Kothandaraman K.
Published: October 2017

Despite a wealth of experience in agile methodology, a developer of software for the financial services sector found it difficult to obtain an objective view of its processes and ensure effective practices over the long term organization‐wide. To address this challenge, its leaders turned to Capability Maturity Model Integration® through an approach known as SPEED (for strategic, process‐oriented, effective, efficient, data‐oriented). The firm's implementation of quantitative management practices in agile software development resulted in a number of benefits, including improved visibility throughout the various development stages, in‐process control, and better predictability of outcomes. These combined to improve worker engagement and performance, as well as customer satisfaction and retention.
Influence of the pericellular and extracellular matrix structural properties on chondrocyte mechanics
Authors: Khoshgoftar Mehdi , Torzilli Peter A. , Maher Suzanne A.
Published: October 2017

Understanding the mechanical factors that drive the biological responses of chondrocytes is central to our interpretation of the cascade of events that lead to osteoarthritic changes in articular cartilage. Chondrocyte mechanics is complicated by changes in tissue properties that can occur as osteoarthritis (OA) progresses and by the interaction between macro‐scale, tissue level, properties, and micro‐scale pericellular matrix (PCM) and local extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, both of which cannot be easily studied using in vitro systems. Our objective was to study the influence of macro‐ and micro‐scale OA‐associated structural changes on chondrocyte strains. We developed a multi‐scale finite element model of articular cartilage subjected to unconfined loading, for the following three conditions: (i) normal articular cartilage, (ii) OA cartilage (where macro and micro‐scale changes in collagen content, matrix modulus, and permeability were modeled), and (iii) early‐stage OA cartilage (where only micro‐scale changes in matrix modulus were modeled). In the macro‐scale model, we found that a depth‐dependent strain field was induced in both healthy and OA cartilage and that the middle and superficial zones of OA cartilage had increased tensile and compressive strains. At the micro‐scale, chondrocyte shear strains were sensitive to PCM and local ECM properties. In the early‐OA model, micro‐scale spatial softening of PCM and ECM resulted in a substantial increase (30%) of chondrocyte shear strain, even with no structural changes in macro‐scale tissue properties. Our study provides evidence that micromechanical changes at the cellular level may affect chondrocyte activities before macro‐scale degradations at the tissue level become apparent. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:721–729, 2018.
Effect of β‐mannanase domain from Trichoderma reesei on its biochemical characters and synergistic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Ma Lijuan , Ma Qing , Cai Rui , Zong Zhiyou , Du Liping , Guo Gaojie , Zhang Yingying , Xiao Dongguang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

β‐mannanase is a key enzyme for hydrolyzing mannan, a major constituent of hemicellulose, which is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. Different structural domains greatly affect its biochemical characters and catalytic efficiency. However, the effects of linker and carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) on β‐mannanase from Trichoderma reesei (Man1) have not yet been fully described. The present study aimed to determine the influence of different domains on the expression efficiency, biochemical characteristics and hemicellulosic deconstruction of Man1.

RESULTS

The expression efficiency was improved after truncating CBM. Activities of Man1 and Man1ΔCBM (CBM) in the culture supernatant after 168 h of induction were 34.5 and 42.9 IU mL–1, although a value of only 0.36 IU mL–1 was detected for Man1ΔLCBM (lacking CBM and linker). Man1 showed higher thermostability than Man1ΔCBM at low temperature, whereas Man1ΔCBM had a higher specificity for galactomannan (Km = 2.5 mg mL–1) than Man1 (Km = 4.0 mg mL–1). Both Man1 and Man1ΔCBM could synergistically improve the hydrolysis of cellulose, galactomannan and pretreated sugarcane bagasse, with a 10–30% improvement of the reducing sugar yield.

CONCLUSION

Linker and CBM domains were vital for mannanase activity and expression efficiency. CBM affected the thermostability and adsorption ability of Man1. The results obtained in the present study should help guide the rational design and directional modification of Man with respect to improving its catalytic efficiency. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Primary systemic therapy in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using mFOLFIRINOX: A pilot study
Authors: de W. Marsh Robert , Talamonti Mark S. , Baker Marshall S. , Posner Mitchell , Roggin Kevin , Matthews Jeffrey , Catenacci Daniel , Kozloff Mark , Polite Blase , Britto Michele , Wang Chi , Kindler Hedy
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Surgery followed by gemcitabine and/or a fluoropyrimidine is standard therapy for resectable PDAC. mFOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 Day 1, 5‐FU 2400 mg/m2 × 48 h IV, peg‐filgrastim 6 mg SQ day 3, every 14 days) has substantial activity in metastatic PDAC. We wished to determine the tolerability/efficacy of peri‐operative mFOLFIRINOX in resectable PDAC.

Methods

Patients with resectable PDAC (ECOG PS 0/1) received four cycles of mFOLFIRINOX pre‐ and post‐surgery. The primary endpoint was completion of preoperative chemotherapy plus resection. Secondary endpoints included completion of all therapy, R0 resection, treatment related toxicity, PFS, and OS.

Results

Twenty‐one patients enrolled: median age 62 (47‐78); 20/21 (95%) completed four cycles of preoperative mFOLFIRINOX; response by RECIST was 1 CR, 3 PR, 16 SD; 17/21 (81%) completed resection, 16/21 (76%) R0; 14/21 (66%) completed four cycles of postoperative mFOLFIRINOX. Grade 3 and 4 toxicity occurred in 23% and 14% patients pre‐operatively, 26% and 6.0% post‐operatively. Nine patients are alive with median follow‐up of 27.7 (3.1‐47.1) months.

Conclusions

PST using mFOLFIRINOX in resectable PDAC is feasible and tolerable. R0 resection rate is high and survival promising, requiring longer follow‐up and larger studies for definitive assessment.
Amputations for extremity soft tissue sarcoma in an era of limb salvage treatment: Local control and survival
Authors: Stevenson Marc G. , Musters Annelie H. , Geertzen Jan H.B. , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Hoekstra Harald J. , Been Lukas B.
Published: October 2017

Background

Despite multimodality limb salvage treatment (LST) for locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS), some patients still need an amputation. Indications for amputation and oncological outcome for these patients are described.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2016, all patients who underwent an amputation for ESTS were included. Patients who underwent an amputation as primary or as non‐primary treatment formed Group I and II, respectively.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were included, 16 in Group I (41%) and 23 in Group II (59%). Tumor size or local recurrence which could not be treated with LST were the two main reasons for amputation. Local recurrence free survival (LRFS) (P = 0.396), distant metastases free survival (DMFS) (P = 0.965), disease‐specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.745), and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.718) were comparable for both groups. Ten‐year LRFS was 90.0% versus 83.7%; DMFS was 31.0% versus 42.2%; DSS was 52.2% versus 44.1%; and OS was 44.2% versus 41.6%, for group I and II respectively.

Conclusions

Oncological outcome seems to be comparable between patients who underwent a primary or a non‐primary amputation for ESTS. With the on‐going possibilities concerning prosthesis and rehabilitation programs, it remains important to decide in a multidisciplinary sarcoma team meeting which treatment suits best for each individual patient.
Laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry: Recent progress in matrix‐free and label‐assisted techniques
Authors: Mandal Arundhoti , Singha Monisha , Addy Partha Sarathi , Basak Amit
Published: October 2017

The MALDI‐based mass spectrometry, over the last three decades, has become an important analytical tool. It is a gentle ionization technique, usually applicable to detect and characterize analytes with high molecular weights like proteins and other macromolecules. The earlier difficulty of detection of analytes with low molecular weights like small organic molecules and metal ion complexes with this technique arose due to the cluster of peaks in the low molecular weight region generated from the matrix. To detect such molecules and metal ion complexes, a four‐prong strategy has been developed. These include use of alternate matrix materials, employment of new surface materials that require no matrix, use of metabolites that directly absorb the laser light, and the laser‐absorbing label‐assisted LDI‐MS (popularly known as LALDI‐MS). This review will highlight the developments with all these strategies with a special emphasis on LALDI‐MS.
Coexistence states for a Lotka‐Volterra symbiotic system with cross‐diffusion
Authors: Dong Yaying , Li Shanbing
Published: October 2017

In this work, we study coexistence states for a Lotka‐Volterra symbiotic system with cross‐diffusion under homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. By using topological degree theory and bifurcation theory, we prove the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions under certain conditions on the parameters. Asymptotic behaviors of positive solutions are respectively studied as the cross‐diffusion coefficient tends to infinity and the interaction rate tends to zero. Finally, we compare our results with those of the Lotka‐Volterra predator and competition systems.
No Adverse Programming by Post‐Weaning Dietary Fructose of Body Weight, Adiposity, Glucose Tolerance, or Metabolic Flexibility
Authors: Bouwman Lianne M. S. , Fernández‐Calleja José M. S. , Swarts Hans J. M. , van der Stelt Inge , Oosting Annemarie , Keijer Jaap , van Schothorst Evert M.
Published: October 2017

Scope

Metabolic programming can occur not only in the perinatal period, but also post‐weaning. This study aims to assess whether fructose, in comparison to glucose, in the post‐weaning diet programs body weight, adiposity, glucose tolerance, metabolic flexibility, and health at adult age.

Methods and results

Three‐week‐old male and female C57BL6/JRccHsd mice are given an intervention diet with 32 energy percent (en%) glucose or fructose for only 3 weeks. Next, all animals are switched to the same 40 en% high fat diet for 9 weeks. Neither body weight nor adiposity differs significantly between the animals fed with glucose or fructose diets at any point during the study in both sexes. Glucose tolerance in adulthood is not affected by the post‐weaning diet, nor are activity, energy expenditure, and metabolic flexibility, as measured by indirect calorimetry. At the end of the study, only in females fasting serum insulin levels and HOMA‐IR index are lower in post‐weaning fructose versus glucose diet (p = 0.02), without differences in pancreatic β‐cell mass.

Conclusions

Our present findings indicate no adverse programming of body weight, adiposity, glucose tolerance, and metabolic flexibility by dietary (solid) fructose in comparison to glucose in the post‐weaning diet in mice.
Clean pure shift 2D J‐resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Sinnaeve Davy
Published: October 2017

2D J‐resolved spectroscopy is one of the oldest and conceptually most elegant ways to separate homonuclear scalar couplings from chemical shift information. In practice, the classical experiment suffers from a number of complications that limits accuracy and resolution, including phasetwist lineshapes, strong coupling artifacts, and the need for shearing the spectrum by 45° to obtain a (J,δ)‐representation. Here, a novel pure shift 2DJ experiment based on the TSE‐PSYCHE experiment is reported that deals with all these issues. Previous experiments proposed z‐filtration to avoid excessive artifacts caused by chunked pure shift acquisition. It will be shown that these artifacts can also easily be avoided by means of the Pell–Keeler method. As opposed to its z‐filtered counterparts, the new experiment provides pure shift 2DJ spectra that are free of artifacts from pulse imperfections and minimize responses related to strong coupling. In this way, multiplet analysis becomes possible at maximal resolution and a minimum of spectral complications.
A nationwide survey of patient problem occurrence across different nursing healthcare sectors
Authors: Kieft Renate , de Veer Anke , Francke Anneke , Delnoij Diana
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the patient problems that nurses encounter in different clinical settings and the extent to which they report being able to influence those patient problems.

Design

Exploratory online survey research.

Method

Data were collected through an online questionnaire. We prepared a 2 × 2 matrix to compare the rate of occurrence against the average level of reported influence. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis.

Results

A total of 440 nurses working in different settings completed the questionnaire. Nurses report having the most influence on patient problems related to self‐care, mobility and functions of the skin. Nurses experience less influence on problems with voice/speech and the tasks required for participation in work/employment.
The role of disgust sensitivity in volunteer recruitment and retention
Authors: Hamerman Eric J. , Schneider Abigail B.
Published: October 2017

In the United States, many volunteers contribute unpaid labor to nonprofit organizations. This labor includes direct volunteer service (working in close physical proximity to individuals who receive assistance, such as homeless and elderly individuals) and indirect volunteer service (administrative or fundraising tasks that do not require direct engagement with the target population). This paper extends the marketing theory of product contagion, in which proximity to disgust‐inducing stimuli devalues consumer products, to preferences for direct versus indirect volunteer activities. A study conducted among U.S.‐based adults found that higher sensitivity to disgust led to a greater preference for indirect volunteer service opportunities over direct volunteer opportunities. This result—which did not differ by gender—was mediated by the likelihood that indirect (vs. direct) volunteering was perceived as representative of volunteer work. Disgust sensitivity did not predict the total amount of volunteer work performed. Implications for recruitment and retention of volunteers are discussed.
Preparation and properties of poly(hexamethylene oxamide) copolymers containing ether moiety
Authors: Dong Yusheng , Chen Jizong , Mutua Fredrick Nzioka , Gao Yuanbo , Yang Tingting , He Yong
Published: October 2017

To modify the properties of poly(hexamethylene oxamide) (PA62), amine‐terminated polyoxypropylene glycols (PGs) were introduced into the polyoxamide main chain as soft segments. A series of PA62/PG2 copolymers were synthesized successfully by a two‐step method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction were used to analyze the structures and to investigate the properties of these copolymers. The saturated water absorption was also evaluated by gravimetric analysis for PA62/PG2 copolymers. The results revealed the incorporation of PG2 effectively modified the properties of PA62 and the copolymers with PG2 content of 10–20 mol% possessed high melting point (293°C–314°C), good thermal stability and low saturated water absorption. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1523–1529, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of Weight‐Based Dosing Strategies for Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Stump Sarah E. , Schepers Allison J. , Jones Alexis R. , Alexander Maurice D. , Auten Jessica J.
Published: October 2017

Study Objective

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a weight‐based therapy used to treat and prevent infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. IVIG doses were calculated traditionally using actual body weight (ABW). However, limited pharmacokinetic data suggest dosing strategies using ideal body weight (IBW) or adjusted body weight (adjBW) may be appropriate given the small volume of distribution of IVIG. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of using a precision‐dosing strategy (IBW or adjBW) with a traditional‐dosing strategy (ABW) for IVIG in patients with hematologic malignancies or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well as to perform an IVIG drug use analysis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patients

Between April 2014 and September 2016, 209 IVIG encounters met inclusion criteria for the primary outcome. Of those encounters, 125 were dosed using the traditional‐dosing strategy, and 84 used the precision‐dosing strategy.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary outcome was infection rate within 30 days of IVIG administration. Secondary outcomes included 60‐day infection rate, immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐level response (IgG higher than 400 mg/dl), and realized and potential IVIG savings. No difference in 30‐day infection rate between precision‐ and traditional‐dosing strategies was identified (15.5% vs 16%, respectively, p=0.823). Similarly, no difference was identified in the 60‐day infection rate between groups (23.2% vs 19.8%, respectively, p=0.568). Levels of IgG obtained after IVIG repletion showed a treatment response rate of 86% in both groups. Use of a precision‐dosing strategy achieved $2600/month in institutional savings with the opportunity for an additional $4600/month in savings with complete adherence to this dosing strategy.

Conclusion

No differences in infection rate and IgG‐level response were identified when a precision‐dosing strategy was used. Implementation of an IVIG precision‐dosing strategy provided institutional cost savings.
Low temperature plasma induced apoptosis in CNE‐2Z cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways
Authors: Song Wencheng , Wang Enjun , Gao Ying , Wu Qibing , Rao Shenghong , Wang Hongzhi , Bao Lingzhi
Published: October 2017

This study is designed to investigate the effect of low temperature plasma (LTP) on the apoptosis of CNE‐2Z cell (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line) and the potential mechanisms. We find out that LTP provoked the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in CNE‐2Z cells and significantly inhibit the cell viability and induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) almost completely blocked LTP‐induced apoptosis. LTP triggered mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced apoptotic pathways indicated by significant upregulation of CHOP, p53, and Bax‐to‐Bcl‐2 ratio. This work will provide the molecular theoretical basis of clinical application of LTP for the treatment of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Impact of omalizumab in children from a middle‐income country with severe therapy‐resistant asthma: A real‐life study
Authors: Pitrez Paulo M. , de Souza Rodrigo G. , Roncada Cristian , Heinzmann‐Filho Joao P. , Santos Giovana , Pinto Leonardo A. , Jones Marcus H. , Stein Renato T.
Published: October 2017

Background

Severe asthma in children is a global health problem. Severe therapy‐resistant asthma (STRA) in children is a major clinical challenge due to persistent symptoms despite high doses of corticosteroids and results in high public health costs. Omalizumab (anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody) has been described as an effective add‐on therapy in these patients. The characteristics of children with STRA from low‐ and middle‐income countries have scarcely been reported, and no real‐life study has been published on the effects of omalizumab in this group of patients. The aim of our study is to report the first clinical real‐life experiences with omalizumab in Brazilian children with STRA.

Methods

Children (6‐18 years old) from a referral center who were diagnosed with STRA were included in this retrospective study based on our clinical databases. The included children had undergone at least 6 months of omalizumab treatment and fulfilled the following initial criteria: 1) >6 years old; 2) a positive skin‐prick test for at least one aeroallergen; and 3) a serum total IgE level between 30 and 1500 IU/mL. Clinical and lung function variables were analyzed before and after treatment.

Results

Fourteen children (mean age: 11.9 years; percentage female: 72%) were included in this study. Omalizumab treatment significantly increased control of the disease according to a standardized questionnaire administered at every visit (P < 0.0001), ceased hospitalizations in 70% (P = 0.02) of patients, and allowed 8/9 (89%) patients to be weaned off oral steroids (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

In this retrospective report, the use of omalizumab in Brazilian children with STRA significantly improved disease control, decreased hospitalizations, and allowed suspension of continuous oral corticosteroids.
Natural medicines for acute renal failure: A review
Authors: Boozari Motahareh , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: October 2017

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a life‐threating disease with high mortality percentage. Two important mechanisms of ARF are inflammation and oxidative stress. Plants are rich source of antioxidant compounds and have a strong anti‐inflammatory activity, so they may be useful for the treatment of ARF. Some herbal medicines are effective against different models of experimentally induced ARF such as cisplatin, gentamicin, glycerol, and ischemia–reperfusion injury. Some of these plants such as ginseng, black seed, ginger, garlic, grape, pomegranate, saffron, and green tea are so famous and are effective against various models of ARF. However, we found several articles examining the effectiveness of different plants for treating ARF. In the current article, we discussed plants and natural products that are effective in the treatment of ARF.
Pulmonary schistosomiasis mimicking IgG4‐related lung disease
Authors: Baird Timothy , Cooper Caroline L , Wong Richard , Runnegar Naomi , Keir Gregory
Published: October 2017

IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory disease characterized by tumefactive lesions in various organ systems, including the lungs. Clinical and radiological manifestations of IgG4‐RD are relatively non‐specific, and we report a case highlighting the importance of histopathological confirmation in cases of suspected IgG4‐related lung disease. A 44‐year‐old male with significantly elevated serum IgG4 levels, patchy consolidation on thoracic CT imaging, and cough was referred with suspected IgG4‐related lung disease. However, surgical lung biopsy revealed an unexpected diagnosis of pulmonary schistosomiasis, and following treatment with praziquantel, cough resolved and IgG4 levels significantly declined. This case highlights the potentially diverse array of conditions that may mimic IgG4‐related lung disease and the importance of comprehensive evaluation including histopathological confirmation where possible.