bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized clinical trial of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis
Authors: Park H C , Kim M J , Lee B H
Published: September 2017

Background

Uncomplicated appendicitis may resolve spontaneously or require treatment with antibiotics or appendicectomy. The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the outcome of a non-antibiotic management strategy with that of antibiotic therapy in uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods

Patients presenting to a university teaching hospital with CT-verified uncomplicated simple appendicitis (appendiceal diameter no larger than 11 mm and without any signs of perforation) were randomized to management with a no-antibiotic regimen with supportive care (intravenous fluids, analgesia and antipyretics as necessary) or a 4-day course of antibiotics with supportive care. The primary endpoint was rate of total treatment failure, defined as initial treatment failure within 1 month and recurrence of appendicitis during the follow-up period.

Results

Some 245 patients were randomized within the trial, and followed up for a median of 19 months. The duration of hospital stay was shorter (mean 3·1 versus 3·7 days; P < 0·001) and the medical costs lower (€1181 versus 1348; P < 0·001) among those randomized to therapy without antibiotics. There was no difference in total treatment failure rate between the groups: 29 of 124 (23·4 per cent) in the no-antibiotic group and 25 of 121 (20·7 per cent) in the antibiotic group (P = 0·609). Eighteen patients (9 in each group) had initial treatment failure, 15 of whom underwent appendicectomy and three received additional antibiotics. Thirty-six patients (20 in the no-antibiotic group, 16 in the antibiotic group) experienced recurrence, of whom 30 underwent appendicectomy and six received further antibiotics.

Conclusion

Treatment failure rates in patients presenting with CT-confirmed uncomplicated appendicitis appeared similar among those receiving supportive care with either a no-antibiotic regimen or a 4-day course of antibiotics. Registration number: KCT0000124 (http://cris.nih.go.kr).
Ligands Modulate Reaction Pathway in the Hydrogenation of 4‐Nitrophenol Catalyzed by Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Nasaruddin Ricca Rahman , Chen Tiankai , Li Jingguo , Goswami Nirmal , Zhang Jiaguang , Yan Ning , Xie Jianping
Published: September 2017

Protective ligands are key components of ligand‐protected metal nanoclusters (NCs), as they offer good stability and multiple functionalities to the metal NCs in solution. Herein, we demonstrated that the ligand landscape on the NC surface could also be used to modulate the catalytic active sites of metal NCs in solution thus to direct the catalytic reaction towards desirable products through a different pathway. We found that thiolate ligands, namely, p‐mercaptobenzoic acid (p‐MBA), in Au25(p‐MBA)18 NCs could influence the reaction pathway in the catalytic hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol in solution. In particular, the well‐defined ligand structure of Au25(p‐MBA)18 NCs in solution provided a unique environment for the coadsorption of two substrate molecules (4‐nitrophenol) on the Au NC surface, and this ligand modulation could activate a reaction pathway involving the formation of azobenzene intermediates from the two adsorbed substrate molecules, which are missing in nanogold catalysts without protective ligands. The discovery of this alternative reaction pathway highlights the importance of ligands on nanogold catalysts in modulating their active sites and directing their catalytic reaction pathways in solution and provides good opportunities to tailor the selectivity of ligand‐protected metal NC catalysts.
Ontologies in Process Systems Engineering
Authors: Batres Rafael
Published: September 2017

An overview of the use of ontologies in process systems engineering, which has increased continuously since the early 1990s, is presented. Ontologies have formal semantics that can be exploited when part of the information is missing, enabling engineers and stakeholders to independently develop partial descriptions of the same artifact (product, plant, or process) and check consistency when the descriptions are combined. Likewise, ontologies are useful for generating new conclusions from existing data. Because of their intrinsic foundation in mathematical logic, ontologies provide the structure and semantics for validating information.
Benzothiophene adsorption on M/SBA‐15 and M/SBA‐15/NH4F modified (M = Fe or Co) in liquid phase batch system
Authors: Correia Leandro Marques , Cecilia Juan Antonio , de Luna Francisco Murilo Tavares , Vilarrasa‐García Enrique , Cavalcante Célio Loureiro , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Vieira Rodrigo Silveira
Published: September 2017

In this study the removal of benzothiophene (BT) from a synthetic solution with n‐octane was evaluated using batch adsorption on modified mesoporous silicas impregnated with iron and cobalt species. The silica was modified to limit the aggregation and enlargement of mesochannels and produce a less ordered structure if compared to SBA‐15. The synthesized adsorbents were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at −196 °C, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Adsorption equilibrium was investigated using different sulphur concentrations (3–15 mmol/L) and temperatures (30–50 °C). Under optimized conditions, the SBA‐15 sample modified with NH4F containing 10 g/g of Co showed the highest adsorption capacity (0.101 mmol/g), at 30 °C. Thus it may be inferred that these materials are promising for removal of sulphur in low concentrations from liquid fuels.
Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing Metal‐Free Organic, Porphyrin, and Phthalocyanine Sensitizers for Panchromatic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Brogdon Phillip , Cheema Hammad , Delcamp Jared H.
Published: September 2017

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are a promising source of renewable energy. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices has been limited largely by the difficulty of producing electricity using photons from the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral region. Metal‐free organic sensitizers frequently employ strong electron‐donating or ‐withdrawing moieties to tune the optical band gap to allow the absorption of lower energy wavelengths in charge‐transfer systems, whereas porphyrins and phthalocyanines use substituents to shift the Soret and Q bands toward lower energy absorption. Very few devices employing precious metal‐free dyes have achieved panchromatic and NIR photon conversion for electricity generation at wavelengths >750 nm despite a tremendous number of sensitizers published over the last 25 years. This Minireview seeks to compile a summary of these sensitizers to encourage assimilation, analysis, and development of efficient future sensitizers with absorption extending into the NIR. Herein, we discuss common synthetic strategies, optical properties, and electronic properties of the most successful panchromatic organic sensitizers.
Electrokinetic motion of a spherical micro particle at an oil−water interface in microchannel
Authors: Wang Chengfa , Li Mengqi , Song Yongxin , Pan Xinxiang , Li Dongqing
Published: September 2017

The electrokinetic motion of a negatively charged spherical particle at an oil−water interface in a microchannel is numerically investigated and analyzed in this paper. A three−dimensional (3D) transient numerical model is developed to simulate the particle electrokinetic motion. The channel wall, the surface of the particle and the oil−water interface are all considered negatively charged. The effects of the direct current (DC) electric field, the zeta potentials of the particle−water interface and the oil−water interface, and the dynamic viscosity ratio of oil to water on the velocity of the particle are studied in this paper. In addition, the influences of the particle size are also discussed. The simulation results show that the micro−particle with a small value of negative zeta potential moves in the same direction of the external electric field. However, if the zeta potential value of the particle−water interface is large enough, the moving direction of the particle is opposite to that of the electric field. The velocity of the particle at the interface increases with the increase in the electric field strength and the particle size, but decreases with the increase in the dynamic viscosity ratio of oil to water, and the absolute value of the negative zeta potentials of both the particle−water interface and the oil−water interface. This work is the first numerical study of the electrokinetic motion of a charged particle at an oil−water interface in a microchannel.
Transformative Empowerment Evaluation and Freirean Pedagogy: Alignment With an Emancipatory Tradition
Authors: Fetterman David
Published: September 2017

Empowerment evaluation and Freirean pedagogy share a common emancipatory tradition. These approaches help people learn to confront the status quo, by questioning assumptions and prescribed roles, unpacking myths, rejecting dehumanization, and no longer blindly accepting the “truth” about how things are or can be. They help people think critically about the world around them.
Primary Osteoporosis Is Not Reflected by Disease-Specific DNA Methylation or Accelerated Epigenetic Age in Blood
Authors: Fernandez-Rebollo Eduardo , Eipel Monika , Seefried Lothar , Hoffmann Per , Strathmann Klaus , Jakob Franz , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: September 2017

Osteoporosis is an age-related metabolic bone disease. Hence, osteoporotic patients might suffer from molecular features of accelerated aging, which is generally reflected by specific age-associated DNA methylation (DNAm) changes. In this study, we analyzed genomewide DNAm profiles of peripheral blood from patients with manifest primary osteoporosis and non-osteoporotic controls. Statistical analysis did not reveal any individual CG dinucleotides (CpG sites) with significant aberrant DNAm in osteoporosis. Subsequently, we analyzed if age-associated DNAm patterns are increased in primary osteoporosis (OP). Using three independent age-predictors we did not find any evidence for accelerated epigenetic age in blood of osteoporotic patients. Taken together, osteoporosis is not reflected by characteristic DNAm patterns of peripheral blood that might be used as biomarker for the disease. The prevalence of osteoporosis is age-associated—but it is not associated with premature epigenetic aging in peripheral blood. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The synonymous nucleotide substitution RHD 1056C>G alters mRNA splicing associated with serologically weak D phenotype
Authors: Chun Sejong , Yun Jae Won , Park Geon , Cho Duck
Published: September 2017

Background

D antigen is one of the most clinically significant blood group antigens. Variation of the RHD gene can cause weak D or partial D phenotypes. While most variations are missense substitutions with amino acid changes, those without are called “silent” or “synonymous” substitutions. Synonymous substitutions often have little effect on the protein, not altering the phenotype. However, effect on splicing can affect end‐product protein. We report a new synonymous variation, RHD 1056C>G, that resulted in weak D phenotype, and predicted its effect with various in silico methods.

Methods

Serologic testing of the D antigen with full sequencing of the RHD gene was done. Human Splice Finder was used to predict the effect of this variation, and validation of this method was done with all known RHD variations reported in the literature.

Results

RHD 1056C>G was predicted to cause the formation of an exonic splicing silencer (ESS) site. The creation of new ESS site potentially inhibits the splicing event, resulting alteration of splicing. This is similar to remodeling of splice acceptor or donor site, as this kind of deep exonic variation could affect the D antigen's quality or quantity. This is in concordance with serologic results, which showed only delayed weak agglutination to anti‐D reagents.

Conclusions

The analytic methods we applied showed good correlation with the actual phenotype, along with concordant results when analyzing other known variants reported in the literature. We conclude that RHD 1056C>G results in serologic weak D phenotype.
Model‐Based Assessment Using Conventional Bioequivalence Limits to Ensure Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Replacement
Authors: González‐Sales Mario , Fang Lanyan , Kim Myong‐Jin , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2017

We evaluated whether the current bioequivalence limit is adequate to ensure safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in patients under total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty based on its model informed benefit/risk profile. Clinical data from a total of 7145 patients from 3 phase 2 and 4 phase 3 clinical trials were included in the current model‐based exposure‐response analysis. The relationships between rivaroxaban exposure measurements (ie, minimum or trough, maximum, average concentration, and area under the concentration–time curve [AUC] at steady state) and clinical outcomes (ie, the probabilities of major bleeding [MB] and venous thromboembolism [VTE]) were modeled using NONMEM 7.3. Model evaluation was performed using predictive checks and nonparametric bootstrap. Simulations were conducted to assess the study objectives. A shallow relationship was observed between explored exposure measurements within the tested dose range and the probability of VTE following rivaroxaban treatment. Trough concentrations were found to be a statistically significant predictor of the probability of MB. This relationship was better described using a power function. Model validation confirmed model adequacy. Based on the simulations results, the relative risk of MB of a hypothetical test product (with 20% change in AUC) will not statistically differ from the brand name drug. Twenty percent AUC variations do not change the relative risk of MB and is unlikely to compromise efficacy of therapy. A generic drug of rivaroxaban passing the typical bioequivalence assessment is expected to have similar safety and efficacy as the brand name drug.
The effect of furfural and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural on butyric acid fermentation by Clostridium tyrobutyricum
Authors: Liu Ying , Geng Yingxi , Zhou Quan , Yuan Wenqiao
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Potential inhibitory effects of byproducts from lignocellulosic hydrolysis process, including furfural and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), on butyric acid fermentation by Clostridium tyrobutyricum were studied by adding furfural (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 g L‐1) and HMF (0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 g L‐1) separately into the xylose medium.

RESULTS

Increases in furfural or HMF concentration led to reduced butyric acid productivity. Delays on cell growth and xylose consumption were also noticed with increasing concentrations of furfural and HMF. Complete inhibition of C. tyrobutyricum fermentation was observed at 1.2 g L‐1 of furfural, while HMF showed less severe effects, and that C. tyrobutyricum could tolerate up to 2.4 g L‐1 of HMF. Both furfural and HMF could be metabolized by C. tyrobutyricum.

CONCLUSION

Furfural at concentrations higher than 0.3 g L‐1 and HMF at concentrations higher than 0.6 g L‐1 can significantly inhibit the butyric acid fermentation of C. tyrobutyricum, and furfural had more severe effects in terms of cell growth and metabolisms. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality
Authors: Davidson Ian J.
Published: September 2017

Recently, attention has been drawn toward an overlooked and nearly forgotten personality type: the ambivert. This paper presents a genealogy of the ambivert, locating the various contexts it traversed in order to highlight the ways in which these places and times have interacted and changed—ultimately elucidating our current situation. Proposed by Edmund S. Conklin in 1923, the ambivert only was meant for normal persons in between the introvert and extravert extremes. Although the ambivert could have been taken up by early personality psychologists who were transitioning from the study of the abnormal to the normal, it largely failed to gain traction. Whether among psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, or applied and personality psychologists, the ambivert was personality non grata. It was only within the context of Eysenck's integrative view of types and traits that the ambivert marginally persisted up to the present day and is now the focus of sales management and popular psychology.
Design, Synthesis, and Trypanocidal Activity of Novel 5‐Nitroimidazolyl O‐Benzyloxime Ethers
Authors: Carvalho Samir Aquino , Osorio Luis Felipe Baumotte , Salomão Kelly , de Castro Solange Lisboa , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , Wardell James Lewis , da Silva Edson Ferreira , Fraga Carlos Alberto Manssour
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we describe the synthesis and the action against of the trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi of a new class of nitroimidazole‐2‐carbaldehyde O‐benzyloximes. These derivatives were designed through the application of molecular hybridization concept between two potent antiprotozoal compounds, the 5‐nitrothiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde O‐oxime 6 and the trypanocidal piperidinyl‐4‐carbaldehyde O‐benzyloxime 7 with the intention of reaching two distinct molecular targets of T. cruzi. The activity of these benzyl ether derivatives was tested against the infective trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, and the derivative (E)‐1‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazole‐2‐carbaldehyde O‐(4‐nitrobenzyl) oxime (1) presented moderate trypanocidal activity (IC50 = 12.7 μM) when compared with the standard drug benznidazole, which showed to be a good starting point for the design of more effective trypanocide agents.
Biliary reconstructive techniques and associated anatomic variants in adult living donor liver transplantations: The adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation cohort study experience
Authors: Baker Talia B. , Zimmerman Michael A. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Samstein Benjamin , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Pomposelli James J. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Berg Carl L. , Emond Jean C. , Merion Robert M.
Published: September 2017

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a technically demanding endeavor, requiring command of the complex anatomy of partial liver grafts. We examined the influence of anatomic variation and reconstruction techniques on surgical outcomes and graft survival in the 9‐center Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL). Data from 272 adult LDLT recipients (2011‐2015) included details on anatomic characteristics and types of intraoperative biliary reconstruction. Associations were tested between reconstruction technique and complications, which included first biliary complication (BC; leak, stricture, or biloma) and first vascular complication (VC; hepatic artery thrombosis [HAT] or portal vein thrombosis [PVT]). Time to patient death, graft failure, and complications were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier curves and tested with log‐rank tests. Median posttransplant follow‐up was 1.2 years. Associations were found between the type of biliary reconstruction and the incidence of VC (P = 0.03) and BC (P = 0.05). Recipients with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy had the highest probability of VC. Recipients with biliary reconstruction involving the use of high biliary radicals on the recipient duct had the highest likelihood of developing BC (56% by 1 year) compared with duct‐to‐duct (42% by 1 year). In conclusion, the varied surgical approaches in the A2ALL centers offer a novel opportunity to compare disparate LDLT approaches. The choice to use higher biliary radicals on the recipient duct for reconstruction was associated with more BC, possibly secondary to devascularization and ischemia. The use of Roux‐en‐Y biliary reconstruction was associated with VCs (HAT and PVT). These results can be used to guide biliary reconstruction decisions in the setting of anatomic variants and inform further improvements in LDLT reconstructions. Ultimately, this information may contribute to a lower incidence of technical complications after LDLT. Liver Transplantation 23 1519–1530 2017 AASLD.
Current (Food) Allergenic Risk Assessment: Is It Fit for Novel Foods? Status Quo and Identification of Gaps
Authors: Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Holzhauser Thomas , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Molina Elena , Roncada Paola , Rodrigues Pedro , Verhoeckx Kitty , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin
Published: September 2017

Food allergies are recognized as a global health concern. In order to protect allergic consumers from severe symptoms, allergenic risk assessment for well‐known foods and foods containing genetically modified ingredients is installed. However, population is steadily growing and there is a rising need to provide adequate protein‐based foods, including novel sources, not yet used for human consumption. In this context safety issues such as a potential increased allergenic risk need to be assessed before marketing novel food sources. Therefore, the established allergenic risk assessment for genetically modified organisms needs to be re‐evaluated for its applicability for risk assessment of novel food proteins. Two different scenarios of allergic sensitization have to be assessed. The first scenario is the presence of already known allergenic structures in novel foods. For this, a comparative assessment can be performed and the range of cross‐reactivity can be explored, while in the second scenario allergic reactions are observed toward so far novel allergenic structures and no reference material is available. This review summarizes the current analytical methods for allergenic risk assessment, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each method and discussing the gaps in this assessment that need to be addressed in the near future.
Medical marijuana in pediatric oncology: A review of the evidence and implications for practice
Authors: Ananth Prasanna , Reed‐Weston Anne , Wolfe Joanne
Published: September 2017

Medical marijuana (MM) has become increasingly legal at the state level and accessible to children with serious illness. Pediatric patients with cancer may be particularly receptive to MM, given purported benefits in managing cancer‐related symptoms. In this review, we examine the evidence for MM as a supportive care agent in pediatric oncology. We describe the current legal status of MM, mechanism of action, common formulations, and potential benefits versus risks for pediatric oncology patients. We offer suggestions for how providers might approach MM requests. Throughout, we comment on avenues for future investigation on this growing trend in supportive care.
Glass transition temperature of amino groups grafted carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy resin composites: Role of strong interphase
Authors: Jiang Cai , Jiang Dazhi , Zhang Jianwei , Lin Shaofeng , Shang Xinlong , Ju Su
Published: September 2017

In order to verify roles of interphase played in glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy resin (CNT/epoxy) composites, three types of interphase were produced between the CNTs and the cured epoxy. It was achieved by selection of pristine CNTs (p‐CNTs), amino groups grafted CNTs (NH2‐CNTs) and hydroxyl groups grafted CNTs (OH‐CNTs) as the reinforcement, respectively. Both dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation were conducted to study Tg of the CNT/epoxy composites. The DMA tests showed that Tg of NH2‐CNT/epoxy composites increased, while Tg of OH‐CNT/epoxy composites decreased, compared with p‐CNT/epoxy composites. The MD simulation of the CNT/epoxy composites models explained effects of interphases on Tgs of the CNT/epoxy composites. Tg of the NH2‐CNT/epoxy composites increased with the formation of covalent bonds between the NH2‐CNTs and the cured epoxy. Although Tg of the OH‐CNT/epoxy composites decreased due to the weak interphase, where no such covalent bonds were formed. It can be inferred that the covalent bonds between the CNTs and the polymer matrix is beneficial to increase Tg of the CNT/polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1129–E1138, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
ReliaCloud‐NS: A scalable web‐based simulation platform for evaluating the reliability of cloud computing systems
Authors: Snyder Brett , Green Robert C. , Devabhaktuni Vijay , Alam Mansoor
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the implementation, architecture, and use of a graphical web‐based application called ReliaCloud‐NS that allows users to (1) evaluate the reliability of a cloud computing system (CCS) and (2) design a CCS to a specified reliability level for both public and private clouds. The software was designed with a RESTful application programming interface for performing nonsequential Monte Carlo simulations to perform reliability evaluations of a CCS. Simulation results are stored and presented to the user in the form of interactive charts and graphs from within a web browser. The software contains multiple types of CCS components, simulations, and virtual machine allocation schemes. ReliaCloud‐NS also contains a novel feature that evaluates CCS reliability across a range of varying virtual machine allocations and establishes and graphs a CCS reliability curve. This paper discusses the software architecture, the interactive web‐based interface, and the different types of simulations available in ReliaCloud‐NS and presents an overview of the results generated from a simulation.
Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery in the Combined Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Colorectal Cancer: Preliminary Results and Considerations
Authors: Lieto Eva , Auricchio Annamaria , Cardella Francesca , Mabilia Andrea , Basile Nicoletta , Castellano Paolo , Orditura Michele , Galizia Gennaro
Published: September 2017

Background

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a near‐infrared fluorescent contrast agent, which preferentially accumulates in cancer tissue. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of fluorescence imaging (FI) with ICG (ICG‐FI) for detecting peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Four CRC patients with PC scheduled for cytoreductive surgery + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were enrolled in this prospective study. At a median time of 50 min after 0.25 mg/kg ICG injected intravenously, intraoperative ICG‐FI using Fluobeam® was performed in vivo and ex vivo on all specimens. The Peritoneal Cancer Index was used to estimate the likelihood of complete cytoreduction.

Results

No severe complications were recorded. ICG‐FI took a median of 20 min (range 10–30, IQR 15–25). Sixty‐nine nodules were harvested. Fifty‐two nodules had been diagnosed preoperatively by conventional imaging (n = 30; 43%) or intraoperatively by visual inspection/palpation (n = 22; 32%). With ICG‐FI, 47 (90%) nodules were hyperfluorescent, and five hypofluorescent. Intraoperative ICG‐FI identified 17 additional hyperfluorescent nodules. On histopathology, 16 were metastatic nodules. Sensitivity increased from 76.9%, with the conventional diagnostic procedures, to 96.9% with ICG‐FI. The positive predictive value of ICG‐FI was 98.4%, and test accuracy was 95.6%. Diagnostic performance of ICG‐FI was significantly better than preoperative (p = 0.027) and intraoperative conventional procedures (p = 0.042). The median PCI score increased from 7 to 10 after ICG‐FI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that intraoperative ICG‐FI can improve outcomes in patients undergoing CS for PC from CRC. Further studies are needed to determine the role of ICG‐FI in this patient population.
Recombinant Parathyroid Hormone Versus Usual Care: Do the Outcomes Justify the Cost?
Authors: Chomsky‐Higgins Kathryn H. , Rochefort Holly M. , Seib Carolyn D. , Gosnell Jessica E. , Shen Wen T. , Duh Quan‐Yang , Suh Insoo
Published: September 2017

Background

Hypoparathyroidism is a potential outcome of anterior neck surgery. Commonly it is managed by calcium and vitamin D supplementation in large doses, with attendant side effects. A recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH) is now available in the USA, offering a potentially more effective treatment. No cost‐effectiveness model investigating this new medication versus standard care has yet been published.

Methods

We constructed a decision analytic model comparing usual care versus rhPTH treatment for postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. Threshold and sensitivity analyses on key parameters were conducted to assess robustness of the model. Costs and health outcomes were represented in US dollars and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs).

Results

The rhPTH strategy was both more costly and more effective than the usual care (UC) strategy. In the base case, UC cost $37,196 and provided 7.54 QALYs. The rhPTH strategy cost $777,224 and provided 8.46 QALYs for an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $804,378/QALY. As this was above our willingness‐to‐pay of $100,000, treatment with rhPTH was not considered cost‐effective. The model was robust to all other parameters.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first formal cost‐effectiveness analysis of rhPTH in comparison with UC. Our model suggests that although the new treatment is slightly more effective than UC, the modest gain in quality of life for patients who are reasonably well‐managed by UC does not justify the cost. However, consideration must be given to rhPTH for patients who have failed UC, as the expenditure may be justified in that context.
Isolation and characterization of racemase from Ensifer sp. 23-3 that acts on α-aminolactams and α-amino acid amides
Authors: Matsui Daisuke , Fuhshuku Ken-ichi , Nagamori Shingo , Takata Momoko , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: September 2017

Limited information is available on α-amino-ε-caprolactam (ACL) racemase (ACLR), a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme that acts on ACL and α-amino acid amides. In the present study, eight bacterial strains with the ability to racemize α-amino-ε-caprolactam were isolated and one of them was identified as Ensifer sp. strain 23-3. The gene for ACLR from Ensifer sp. 23-3 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant ACLR was then purified to homogeneity from the E. coli transformant harboring the ACLR gene from Ensifer sp. 23-3, and its properties were characterized. This enzyme acted not only on ACL but also on α-amino-δ-valerolactam, α-amino-ω-octalactam, α-aminobutyric acid amide, and alanine amide.
Retained Austenite Transformation during Heat Treatment of a 5 Wt Pct Cr Cold Work Tool Steel
Authors: Rehan M. Arbab , Medvedeva Anna , Svensson Lars-Erik , Karlsson Leif
Published: September 2017

Retained austenite transformation was studied for a 5 wt pct Cr cold work tool steel tempered at 798 K and 873 K (525 °C and 600 °C) followed by cooling to room temperature. Tempering cycles with variations in holding times were conducted to observe the mechanisms involved. Phase transformations were studied with dilatometry, and the resulting microstructures were characterized with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Tempering treatments at 798 K (525 °C) resulted in retained austenite transformation to martensite on cooling. The martensite start (M

s
) and martensite finish (M

f
) temperatures increased with longer holding times at tempering temperature. At the same time, the lattice parameter of retained austenite decreased. Calculations from the M

s
temperatures and lattice parameters suggested that there was a decrease in carbon content of retained austenite as a result of precipitation of carbides prior to transformation. This was in agreement with the resulting microstructure and the contraction of the specimen during tempering, as observed by dilatometry. Tempering at 873 K (600 °C) resulted in precipitation of carbides in retained austenite followed by transformation to ferrite and carbides. This was further supported by the initial contraction and later expansion of the dilatometry specimen, the resulting microstructure, and the absence of any phase transformation on cooling from the tempering treatment. It was concluded that there are two mechanisms of retained austenite transformation occurring depending on tempering temperature and time. This was found useful in understanding the standard tempering treatment, and suggestions regarding alternative tempering treatments are discussed.
Assessment of Lithology and Geomorphic Control on Slope Instability in Raigad District, Maharashtra
Authors: Autade Sumant E. , Pardeshi Sudhakar D.
Published: September 2017

Landslides are common along western slopes of Sahyadri ranges and isolated hills of coastal plains in Konkan region of Maharashtra. Numerous landslides with low magnitude is an important characteristic of slope failures in this region. Though the magnitude of landslides in this region is low, they result in huge losses in terms of property damage and even loss of lives especially those occur along major communication routes. Present paper deals with the spatial distribution of landslides in Raigad district, Maharashtra based on the historical landslide records and field investigations. The landslide occurrence and its relationship with the rainfall has been assessed to determine the role of rainfall, lithology and geomorphology in slope failures. The results of the study revealed that the concentration of landslides in Raigad district is observed in the south and south-eastern hilly tracts of the district. It is observed that the landslide process in this study area is also influenced by geo-environmental factors such as slope, aspect, structure, drainage, roads etc.
Complexity in Elucidating Crustal Thermal Regime in Geodynamically Affected Areas: A Case Study from the Deccan Large Igneous Province (Western India)
Authors: Pandey O. P. , Vedanti Nimisha , Srivastava Ravi P.
Published: September 2017

Complexity in the earth’s crustal structure plays an important role in governing earth’s thermal and geodynamic behavior. In the present study, an attempt has been made taking insights from our recent geological, geochemical, petrophysical and geophysical findings from specially drilled deep boreholes, to understand the lithospheric thermal evolution of the highly complex western India, which forms the core region of the Deccan large igneous province. This region was severely affected by the Deccan volcanic eruptions 65 Ma ago, which resulted in a totally degenerated, reworked and exhumed mafic crust, which presently contains several Tertiary basins with proven hydrocarbon reserves. Our detailed case study from the disastrous 1993 Killari earthquake (Mw 6.3) region, apart from some other geotectonically important localities like seismically active 2001 Bhuj and 1967 Koyna earthquake regions together with Tertiary Cambay graben, indicate that the western part of India, is perhaps one of the warmest segments of the earth. It is characterized by an average high mantle heat flow and Moho temperatures of about 43 mW/m2 (range: 31-65 mW/m2) and 660°C (range: 540-860°C) respectively. Estimated thickness of the lithosphere beneath these areas varies from as low as about 45 km to 100 km. Consequently, melting conditions in certain segments are expected at extremely shallow depths due to asthenospheric swell, like northern part of Cambay basin and Bhuj seismic zone beneath which only about half of original crystalline crust now remains due to sub-crustal melting and massive exhumation of deeper crustal layers. Sustained thermal heating and rise of isotherms appear to have resulted in substantial enhancement of hydrocarbon generation and maturation processes in Tertiary sediments. The present study highlights the need of an integrated geological, geochemical and geophysical study, if reasonably accurate deep crustal thermal regime is to be investigated.
Identification of Landslide Susceptible Villages around Kalsubai Region, Western Ghats of Maharashtra Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Gawali Praveen B. , Aher Sainath P. , Lakshmi B. V. , Gaikwad Ravindra D. , Deendayalan K. , Hanamgond Pramod T. , Babu J. L. V. Mahesh , Arote Sandeep A. , Bairage Shashikant I.
Published: September 2017

Heavy rainfall triggered landslides are on the rise along the Western Ghats making it a matter of priority to identify landslide-prone areas well in advance. The present effort is aimed at identifying landslide susceptible villages (LSV) around the Kalsubai region of Deccan volcanic province (DVP), Maharashtra, India from 8 weighted landslide parameters-rainfall, slope, lithology, land use and land cover (LULC), soil properties, relative relief, aspect and lineament. These parameters were combined with advanced remote sensing (RS) data and processed in geographical information system (GIS) as well as in image processing software, which are an integral part of geospatial techniques. Out of the total 59 villages, the study identified 9 villages are situated in very high, 13 in high, 12 in moderate, 11 in low and 14 in very low risk zones. Our data reveals incessant heavy rains and steep slopes are the dominant factors in triggering landslides, exacerbated by anthropogenic activity prevalent in the study area. The spatial and non-spatial database created will help to take effective steps in preventing and/or mitigating landslide disasters in the study area. The methodology can be applied to identify other landslide prone areas in a cost effective way.
Mineralogical and Ash Geochemical Studies of Coal-mine Shale and its Hydrocarbon Potential: A Case Study of Shale from Makum Coalfield, Northeast India
Authors: Choudhury Rahul , Saikia Jyotilima , Saikia Binoy K.
Published: September 2017

The mineralogy and geochemical studies of the coal-mine shale collected from the Tirap opencast coal-mine (Makum coalfield, Northeast India) are reported in this paper. Thermo-chemical conversion (pyrolysis) of coal-mine shale has been studied to see its hydrocarbon potential. A combined approach using X-Ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), thermogravimetry-derivative and differential thermogravimetric (TG-DTG and DTA) analysis is made to obtain new information on the mineralogical and geochemical studies of a coal-mine shale (CMS) sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis is performed to evaluate the quality of the liquid fraction (tar) obtained after pyrolysis at 600°C. The shale sample is dominated by quartz, clay minerals (kaolinite and illite), sulphate bearing phase like gypsum with minor proportion of anatase, probably as artifacts of the plasma-ashing process. GC-MS analysis illustrates the presence of highly oxygenated organic components (M.W. around 94-108) and high molecular weight (M.W. 256) cyclic sulphur (e.g. octathiocane with molecular formula S8) compounds along with the complex N-containing organic sulphur compounds (M.W. around 255-486) in the tar produced.
Groundwater Modeling of Hiranyakeshi Watershed of Ghataprabha Sub-basin
Authors: Patil Nagraj S. , Chetan N. L.
Published: September 2017

Groundwater modeling is an effective tool for managing the groundwater resource and to predict for the future. There is a need for proper quantification of the scarce water resources that are under threat because of the population explosion, industrialization, urbanization and climate change. More than 60% of India is underlained by hard rock aquifers. The Hiranyakeshi watershed of Ghataprabha sub-basin, chosen for the study is also under hard rock aquifer and faces severe groundwater problems. This is due to majority of the agricultural and industrial activities in the watershed depend on the groundwater. A 3-D groundwater flow model, viz. Visual MODFLOW was used for the study with two conceptual layers. The first layer is a weathered zone which is about 20-30m from the top, followed by a second layerof fractured zone which is about 30-40m from the first. The model was simulated for a period of seven years (2008-2014), under transient case. The results from the modeling shows that for the next 10 years the water table is believed to decrease more than 50m in the study area. To overcome this critical stage, the present draft should be reduced by nearly 50%.
A systematic integrated analysis of brain expression profiles reveals YAP1 and other prioritized hub genes as important upstream regulators in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Min , Zhang Deng‐Feng , Luo Rongcan , Wu Yong , Zhou Hejiang , Kong Li‐Li , Bi Rui , Yao Yong‐Gang
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Profiling the spatial‐temporal expression pattern and characterizing the regulatory networks of brain tissues are vital for understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We performed a systematic integrated analysis of expression profiles of AD‐affected brain tissues (684 AD and 562 controls). A network‐based convergent functional genomic approach was used to prioritize possible regulator genes during AD development, followed by functional characterization.

Results

We generated a complete list of differentially expressed genes and hub genes of the transcriptomic network in AD brain and constructed a Web server (www.alzdata.org) for public access. Seventeen hub genes active at the early stages, especially YAP1, were recognized as upstream regulators of the AD network. Cellular assays proved that early alteration of YAP1 could promote AD by influencing the whole transcriptional network.

Discussion

Early expression disturbance of hub genes is an important feature of AD development, and interfering with this process may reverse the disease progression.
Total Knee Replacement with iASSIST Navigation System
Authors: Lo Chi-Kin , Li Hok-Yin , Wong Yiu-Chung , Wai Yuk-Leung
Published: September 2017

Background/Purpose

The iASSIST system is a novel navigation system for total knee replacement. It is based on accelerometers built within electronic pods attached to the instruments within the operative field. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of iASSIST navigation with that of the conventional alignment technique.

Methods

A total of 91 patients (92 knees) retrospectively matched for age, gender, preoperative range of motion, and lower limb deformity underwent total knee replacement using iASSIST navigation (45 patients, 46 knees) or conventional instrumentation (46 patients, 46 knees). Operative time and radiological alignments were compared.

Results

The use of iASSIST navigation resulted in fewer outliners (as defined by >3° deviation from the neutral mechanical axis) in lower limb alignment. Operative time with iASSIST navigation was not longer than that using conventional instruments.

Conclusion

iASSIST navigation reduces the incidence of lower limb malalignment without adding extra time to the procedure.
Origin of false components of NRM during conventional stepwise thermal demagnetization
Authors: Shcherbakov V.P. , Latyshev A.V. , Veselovskiy R.V. , Tselmovich V.A.
Published: September 2017

Many Permian–Triassic dolerite samples from the Siberian Trap Large Igneous Province exposed to conventional stepwise thermal demagnetization at 250–450 °C display mid-temperature remanence (MTC) directed opposite to the high-temperature NRM component. Alternating field (A.C.) demagnetization fails to isolate the antipodal component, but it appears during continuous thermal demagnetization, though in a different temperature range. Laboratory experiments and simulations prove that MTC remanence is an artifact resulting from magnetic memory of self-reversing titanomagnetite grains oxidized at low temperature. This effect can deform the results stepwise thermal cleaning and be responsible for misleading patterns of paleomagnetic directions. Given that oxidized titanomagnetite grains are widespread in volcanic rocks, we suggest to identify true paleodirections by combined continuous and stepwise thermal demagnetization. The extension of our model to the case of NRM2 overprint directed at some angle to partially reversed primary NRM1 component accounts for the difference between the results of stepwise and continuous thermal demagnetization observed in samples of the Steens Mountain basalt (USA).
Biomathematical screening of amyloid radiotracers with clinical usefulness index
Authors: Nai Ying‐Hwey , Shidahara Miho , Seki Chie , Watabe Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

Introduction

To facilitate radiotracers' development, a screening methodology using a biomathematical model and clinical usefulness index (CUI) was proposed to evaluate radiotracers' diagnostic capabilities.

Methods

A total of 31 amyloid positron emission tomography radiotracers were evaluated. A previously developed biomathematical model was used to simulate 1000 standardized uptake value ratios with population and noise simulations, which were used to determine the integrated receiver operating characteristics curve (Az), effect size (Es), and standardized uptake value ratio (Sr) of conditions‐pairs of healthy control–mild cognitive impaired and mild cognitive impaired–Alzheimer's disease. CUI was obtained from the product of averaged , , and .

Results

The relationships of , , and with CUI were different, suggesting that they assessed different radiotracer properties. The combination of Az, Es, and Sr complemented each other and resulted in CUI of 0.10 to 5.72, with clinically applied amyloid positron emission tomography radiotracers having CUI greater than 3.0.

Discussion

The CUI rankings of clinically applied radiotracers were close to their reported clinical results, attesting to the applicability of the screening methodology.
Interfacial pattern selection in defiance of linear growth
Authors: Picardo Jason R. , Narayanan R.
Published: September 2017

In this study, we revisit Rayleigh’s visionary hypothesis (Rayleigh, Proc. R. Soc. Lond., vol. 29, 1879a, pp. 71–97), that patterns resulting from interfacial instabilities are dominated by the fastest-growing linear mode, as we study nonlinear pattern selection in the context of a linear growth (dispersion) curve that has two peaks of equal height. Such a system is obtained in a physical situation consisting of two liquid layers suspended from a heated ceiling, and exposed to a passive gas. Both interfaces are then susceptible to thermocapillary and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities, which lead to rupture/pinch off via a subcritical bifurcation. The corresponding mathematical model consists of long-wavelength evolution equations which are amenable to extensive numerical exploration. We find that, despite having equal linear growth rates, either one of the peak-modes can completely dominate the other as a result of nonlinear interactions. Importantly, the dominant peak continues to dictate the pattern even when its growth rate is made slightly smaller, thereby providing a definite counter-example to Rayleigh’s conjecture. Although quite complex, the qualitative features of the peak-mode interaction are successfully captured by a low-order three-mode ordinary differential equation model based on truncated Galerkin projection. Far from being governed by simple linear theory, the final pattern is sensitive even to the phase difference between peak-mode perturbations. For sufficiently long domains, this phase effect is shown to result in the emergence of coexisting patterns, wherein each peak-mode dominates in a different region of the domain.