bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vitro porcine model evaluating a novel stent retriever for thrombectomy of the common carotid artery
Authors: Jiang Yongjun , Li Yun , Xu Xiaomeng , Yu Yongyi , Liu Wenhua , Liu Xinfeng
Published: October 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to test the safety and efficiency of a novel stent retriever, RECO, in a swine model.

Background

The stent retrievers show great benefit for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

The framework of the stent was optimized. The proximal stent was closed; mechanical connection replaced the electrolysis connection and the push wire located on the longitudinal axis. After tests in vitro, the safety and thrombectomy efficiency of RECO device were evaluated by angiography and histological analysis in a swine model with placement of experimental soft or hard thrombi.

Results

No device‐related thrombi were observed on the perioperative term or 1 month later. The endothelial cells were intact and the smooth muscle cells did not migrate or proliferate. Device‐related vasospasm was detected in 9% vessels undergoing the procedure and was alleviated after delivery of a dose of nitroglycerin. The RECO device demonstrated a high recanalization rate in the target vessels with a mean of 1.3 runs. No residual thrombi were observed under the DSA or microscope.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that RECO device was a novel, safe and effective stent based clot retriever. A phase IIa clinical trial, RESTORE, is undergoing (NCT01983644). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous aortic valve closure for patients with left ventricular assist device‐associated aortic insufficiency
Authors: Alkhouli Mohamad , Melito Betsy , Ling Frederick S.
Published: October 2015

The development of de novo aortic insufficiency (AI) is a significant complication of long‐term LVAD support, which can lead to ineffective support, decreased device durability, end organ malperfusion, and increased mortality. Surgical aortic valve (AV) closure has been the standard treatment for symptomatic patients, but is associated with high mortality and recurrence of AI. Percutaneous AV closure using the Amplatzer cribriform device is a feasible and may be the preferable option to treat LVAD‐associated severe AI in high‐surgical risk patients. Certain technical issues with this procedure should be taken into consideration to achieve optimal results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrograde transcatheter device closure of a complex paravalvular leak after bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement in a pediatric patient
Authors: Chikkabyrappa Sathish , Mosca Ralph S. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: October 2015

We report a case of retrograde transcatheter device closure of a complex paravalvular leak (PVL) after bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in a 13‐year‐old patient with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. There are prior reports of pulmonary PVL closure after PVR in adults (Seery and Slack, Congenit Heart Dis 2014;9:E19–F22), but indications for and technical considerations in PVL closure after bioprosthetic PVR, particularly in children, are not well defined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Studies on the Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Thiophenes with Arylboron Compounds and Their Mechanistic Implications
Authors: Schnapperelle Ingo , Breitenlechner Stefan , Bach Thorsten
Published: October 2015

Reaction orders for the key components in the palladium(II)‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐coupling between phenylboronic acid and ethyl thiophen‐3‐yl acetate were obtained by the method of initial rates. It turned out that the reaction rate not only depended on the concentration of palladium trifluoroacetate (reaction order: 0.97) and phenylboronic acid (reaction order: 1.26), but also on the concentration of the thiophene (reaction order: 0.55) and silver oxide (reaction order: −1.27). NMR spectroscopy titration studies established the existence of 1:1 complexes between the silver salt and both phenylboronic acid and ethyl thiophen‐3‐yl acetate. A low inverse kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD=0.93) was determined upon employing the 4‐deuterated isotopomer of ethyl thiophen‐3‐yl acetate and monitoring its reaction to the 4‐phenyl‐substituted product. A Hammett analysis performed with para‐substituted 2‐phenylthiophenes gave a negative ρ value for oxidative cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acid. Based on the kinetic data and additional evidence, a mechanism is suggested that invokes transfer of the phenyl group from phenylboronic acid to a 1:1 complex of palladium trifluoroacetate and thiophene as the rate‐determining step. Proposals for the structure of relevant intermediates are made and discussed.
Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers Embedded with MoS2 Nanocrystals for Extraordinary Li‐Ion Storage
Authors: Hu Shan , Chen Wen , Uchaker Evan , Zhou Jing , Cao Guozhong
Published: October 2015

MoS2 nanocrystals embedded in mesoporous carbon nanofibers are synthesized through an electrospinning process followed by calcination. The resultant nanofibers are 100–150 nm in diameter and constructed from MoS2 nanocrystals with a lateral diameter of around 7 nm with specific surface areas of 135.9 m2 g−1. The MoS2@C nanofibers are treated at 450 °C in H2 and comparison samples annealed at 800 °C in N2. The heat treatments are designed to achieve good crystallinity and desired mesoporous microstructure, resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. The small amount of oxygen in the nanofibers annealed in H2 contributes to obtaining a lower internal resistance, and thus, improving the conductivity. The results show that the nanofibers obtained at 450 °C in H2 deliver an extraordinary capacity of 1022 mA h g−1 and improved cyclic stability, with only 2.3 % capacity loss after 165 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1, as well as an outstanding rate capability. The greatly improved kinetics and cycling stability of the mesoporous MoS2@C nanofibers can be attributed to the crosslinked conductive carbon nanofibers, the large specific surface area, the good crystallinity of MoS2, and the robust mesoporous microstructure. The resulting nanofiber electrodes, with short mass‐ and charge‐transport pathways, improved electrical conductivity, and large contact area exposed to electrolyte, permitting fast diffusional flux of Li ions, explains the improved kinetics of the interfacial charge‐transfer reaction and the diffusivity of the MoS2@C mesoporous nanofibers. It is believed that the integration of MoS2 nanocrystals and mesoporous carbon nanofibers may have a synergistic effect, giving a promising anode, and widening the applicability range into high performance and mass production in the Li‐ion battery market.
Indium Tribromide Catalyzed Coupling Reaction of Enol Ethers with Silyl Ketene Imines toward the Synthesis of β,γ‐Unsaturated Nitriles
Authors: Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Nishimura Takashi , Yasuda Makoto
Published: October 2015

Herein, a coupling reaction of enol ethers with silyl ketene imines in the presence of catalytic amounts of InBr3 and Me3SiBr is described. Kinetic studies have revealed that an indium catalyst and Me3SiBr accelerated the coupling process and the regeneration of the catalyst, respectively. Various types of enol ethers and silyl ketene imines are applicable. In addition, a formal synthesis of verapamil was achieved by using this novel coupling reaction.
Regioselective Synthesis of Polyheterohalogenated Naphthalenes via the Benzannulation of Haloalkynes
Authors: Lehnherr Dan , Alzola Joaquin M. , Lobkovsky Emil B. , Dichtel William R.
Published: October 2015

Independent control of halide substitution at six of the seven naphthalene positions of 2‐arylnaphthalenes is achieved through the regioselective benzannulation of chloro‐, bromo‐, and iodoalkynes. The modularity of this approach is demonstrated through the preparation of 44 polyheterohalogenated naphthalene products, most of which are difficult to access through known naphthalene syntheses. The outstanding regioselectivity of the reaction is both predictable and proven unambiguously by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction for many examples. This synthetic method enables the rapid preparation of complex aromatic systems poised for further derivatization using established cross‐coupling methods. The power and versatility of this approach makes substituted naphthalenes highly attractive building blocks for new organic materials and diversity‐oriented synthesis.
Collection of NMR Scalar and Residual Dipolar Couplings Using a Single Experiment
Authors: Gil‐Silva Leandro F. , Santamaría‐Fernández Raquel , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Gil Roberto R.
Published: October 2015

A new DMSO‐compatible aligning gel based on cross‐linked poly(2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate) (poly‐HEMA) has been developed. Due to a significant difference in bulk magnetic susceptibility between the DMSO inside and outside the gel, it is possible to simultaneously collect isotropic and anisotropic NMR data, such as residual dipolar couplings (RDC), in the same NMR tube. RDC‐assisted structural analysis of menthol and the alkaloid retrorsine is reported as proof of concept.
Direct Carboxylation of Aryl Tosylates by CO2 Catalyzed by In situ‐Generated Ni0
Authors: Rebih Fatima , Andreini Manuel , Moncomble Aurélien , Harrison‐Marchand Anne , Maddaluno Jacques , Durandetti Muriel
Published: October 2015

A novel Ni0‐catalyzed carboxylation of aryl tosylates with carbon dioxide has been achieved under moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure. In this procedure, the active Ni0 species is generated in situ by simply mixing the Ni0 precatalyst [NiBr2(bipy)] with an excess of manganese metal. This approach requires neither a glove‐box nor the tedious preparation of sophisticated intermediate organometallic derivatives. This mild, convenient, and user‐friendly process is successfully applied to the valorization of carbon dioxide and the synthesis of versatile reactants with broad tolerance of substituents.
Fast Pyrolysis of Fresh Bio Waste and Ensiled Municipal Green Cut
Authors: Weber Christoph , Boscagli Chiara , Raffelt Klaus , Richter Daniel , Zevaco Thomas
Published: October 2015

The aim of the work was to estimate the feasibility of utilizing fresh bio waste and ensiled green cut for the bioliq process, which includes downstream entrained flow gasification in a GSP gasifier. Fast pyrolysis experiments are carried out after leaching and mechanical dewatering. The solid and liquid products of the green cut waste contained up to 94 % of the energy content of the starting material. The pyrolysis products are chemically similar to those of other biomasses, except for a distinct share of fatty acids due to the variability of the feedstock. The results show that the use of these leached and dried waste materials in the bioliq process is possible.
Methodik zur einfachen Standardisierung von Probenahmesystemen auf Basis der beteiligten Fluidphasen
Authors: Trostorf Robin , Kockmann Norbert
Published: October 2015

In chemischen, biotechnologischen und pharmazeutischen Produktionsbetrieben sind viele unterschiedliche Apparateelemente und Anlagenkomponenten im Einsatz, die trotz langjähriger Bemühungen um Standardisierung eine große Vielfalt aufweisen. In diesem Artikel wird eine Vorgehensweise zur Standardisierung von bestehenden Komponenten, die sich häufig wiederholen, hier Probenahmesysteme, vorgestellt. Auf Basis der beteiligten Phasen (Gase, Flüssigkeiten, Suspensionen und Feststoffe) und Prozessbedingungen wird eine Einteilung und Bewertungstabelle erstellt, die einen einfachen Vergleich der bestehenden, aber auch neuen Systeme ermöglicht. Die Auswahl der am besten geeigneten Lösung führt zu einem betriebsinternen Standard, der die Planung, den Betrieb und die Wartung und Ersatzteilhaltung wesentlich vereinfacht.
Einfluss der Plattendicke auf die Kontaktzeit beim elastischen Stoßvorgang
Authors: Müller Peter , Böttcher Ronny , Trüe Michael , Russell Alexander , Aman Sergej , Tomas Jürgen
Published: October 2015

Mit einer Fallversuchsanlage werden die Stoßzahl und die Kontaktzeit von Stahlkugeln beim Stoßvorgang gegen goldbeschichtete dünne Glasplatten gemessen. Untersucht werden der Einfluss der Aufprallgeschwindigkeit, der Partikelgröße und der Prallplattendicke. Die Ergebnisse lassen sich gut mit dem Modell nach Zener wiedergeben. Die gemessenen Stoßzahlen bleiben allerdings im gesamten Messbereich etwas unterhalb der theoretischen Zenerkurve, da das Modell lediglich die Energiedissipation aufgrund elastischer Wellen (Biegewellen) beinhaltet, weitere Energiedissipationen jedoch nicht beachtet. Bei den Experimenten können zusätzlich Reibung, viskose Einflüsse und plastische Deformation auftreten.
Immunophenotypic and cytogenetic findings of B‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma associated with combined IGH/BCL2 and MYC rearrangement
Authors: Kelemen Katalin , Holden Jaclyn , Johnson Laura J. , Davion Simone , Robetorye Ryan S.
Published: October 2015

Background

B‐lymphoblastic leukemias (B‐LBL) with combined IGH/BCL2 and MYC rearrangement are rare and their clinical, cytogenetic and immunophenotypic features are not well characterized. Here, we describe a case of a 61‐year‐old woman with B‐LBL associated with these cytogenetic alterations and present a review of the literature of this disease.

Methods

Four‐color flow cytometry (FC) was performed on a BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer. Data were analyzed with BD FACSDiva software. Cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular studies were performed by conventional methods. A review of the literature was performed by a PubMed‐assisted search.

Results

Including our case, eight B‐LBLs associated with a documented “double‐hit” karyotype (IGH/BCL2 and 8q24/MYC rearrangement) were identified in the literature (male/female 2/6, age 15‐65). Three occurred de‐novo, and five had a history of a CD10+ B‐cell lymphoma. The typical immunophenotype was CD10, CD19, TdT positive, and negative for CD34 and surface immunoglobulin (Ig), established either by FC or immunohistochemistry. Seven cases were CD20‐, and one case was CD20+. Translocation partners of MYC varied, and included IGH, lambda light chain, and an unknown gene on chromosome 9. Prognosis was poor with median survival of five months.

Conclusions

Patients with B‐LBL associated with a combined IGH/BCL2 and MYC rearrangement often have a history of a mature B‐cell lymphoma. The immunophenotype of these cases is different from that of mature “double‐hit” lymphomas; FC is essential to differentiate the B‐LBL cases from the leukemic phase of mature B‐cell lymphomas. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
A study of cortisol reactivity and recovery among young adolescents: Heterogeneity and longitudinal stability and change
Authors: Ji Juye , Negriff Sonya , Kim Hansung , Susman Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2015

The dominance of reactivity‐based theories of the cortisol response and lack of attention to cortisol recovery makes it difficult to compile an integrated theory of the stress response. This report examined a reactivity and recovery model of the cortisol response using variable‐centered and person‐centered approaches. Age and sex differences and heterogeneity in the pattern of cortisol response were examined. Participants were 135 healthy young adolescents participating in a three‐wave longitudinal study of puberty and psychological development. At each wave, five saliva‐cortisol samples were collected prior to and following a modified Trier Social Stressor Test for Children. Linear, quadratic, and piece‐wise models of latent growth curve analyses and latent class analyses were conducted. Age differences in cortisol reactivity and recovery were found at wave 1 and sex differences in cortisol reactivity emerged at wave 3. Meaningful heterogeneity in the pattern of cortisol response was found cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. The implications of heterogeneity in the cortisol response during early adolescence for developmental science are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 283–302, 2016.
Amino acid substitutions in GyrA affect quinolone susceptibility in Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Kongsoi Siriporn , Changkwanyeun Ruchirada , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Nakajima Chie , Changkaew Kanjana , Suthienkul Orasa , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: October 2015

The prevalence of quinolone‐resistant Salmonella has become a public health concern. Amino acid substitutions have generally been found within the quinolone resistance‐determining region in subunit A of DNA gyrase (GyrA) of Salmonella Typhimurium. However, direct evidence of the contribution of these substitutions to quinolone resistance remains to be shown. To investigate the significance of amino acid substitutions in S. Typhimurium GyrA to quinolone resistance, we expressed recombinant wild‐type (WT) and five mutant DNA gyrases in Escherichia coli and characterized them in vitro. WT and mutant DNA gyrases were reconstituted in vitro by mixing recombinant subunits A and B of DNA gyrase. The correlation between the amino acid substitutions and resistance to quinolones ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and sitafloxacin was assessed by quinolone‐inhibited supercoiling assays. All mutant DNA gyrases showed reduced susceptibility to all quinolones when compared with WT DNA gyrases. DNA gyrase with a double amino acid substitution in GyrA, serine to phenylalanine at codon 83 and aspartic acid to asparagine at 87 (GyrA‐S83F‐D87N), exhibited the lowest quinolone susceptibility amongst all mutant DNA gyrases. The effectiveness of sitafloxacin was shown by the low inhibitory concentration required for mutant DNA gyrases, including the DNA gyrase with GyrA‐S83F‐D87N. We suggest sitafloxacin as a candidate drug for the treatment of salmonellosis caused by ciprofloxacin‐resistant S. Typhimurium. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells using a simple and defined protocol
Authors: Kokkinopoulos Ioannis , Ishida Hidekazu , Saba Rie , Coppen Steven , Suzuki Ken , Yashiro Kenta
Published: October 2015

Background: Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells with the ability to differentiate to any cell type of the resident organism. In recent years, significant advances have been made in using these cells to obtain large numbers of cardiomyocyte (CM) ‐like cells for scientific research and clinical application. A vast number of protocols have emerged describing differentiation methods without the use of animal serum or extracts restrictive for use in a human clinical setting. These techniques follow a complicated procedure, which although successful, show a relatively varied yield among cell batches. Results: We have designed a three‐step differentiation protocol using defined reagents and a monolayer culture without feeder cells, avoiding embryoid body formation and multiple trypsin treatment, in which beating foci appeared as early as day 6 in in vitro differentiating conditions. Our results show a high yield of CM reaching approximately 60% of the differentiated cells after 13 days in vitro. Conclusions: We provide a fast, simple, reliable and reproducible protocol for inducing murine ES cells toward a CM‐like phenotype comparable to available high‐yield protocols, without the use of intermediate trypsinization/passage steps. Developmental Dynamics 245:157–165, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature rise severely affects pan and soil evaporation in the Negev Desert
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Kronenfeld Rafael
Published: October 2015

Global warming may affect the moisture content of soil, subsequently affecting plant productivity. This is all the more so in deserts where water is the major limiting factor. In an attempt to evaluate the possible effect of temperature rise on pan and soil evaporation, the evaporation rates of water from variable‐size pans and of plots of variable degree of shading (all with different water/soil temperatures) were compared. A close link between the water temperature of the pan (resulting from the different diameter‐size pans) and class A pan evaporation was found. The data showed that an increase of 1 °C in the maximum temperatures implied an increase of 0.08 mm/day, i.e. ~8.3% in the evaporation rate of the pan. Similarly, an increase in the subsurface temperatures (at 5 cm depth) substantially decreased the available water content at the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil, with the evaporation rate increasing by 0.07 mm/day (~6.6%) for each 1 °C increase in soil temperature. The findings suggest an increase of ~10% in the evaporation rate of the soil surface for each 1 °C increase in soil temperature. The advantage in estimating the possible effect of temperature rise upon soil evaporation via shaded plots in comparison with the classical approach of soil heating is discussed, as well as the possible effect of temperature rise on biocrusts, seedling germination and plant productivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecohydrology of groundwater‐dependent grasslands of the semi‐arid Horqin sandy land of inner Mongolia focusing on evapotranspiration partition
Authors: Wu Yao , Liu Tingxi , Paredes Paula , Duan Limin , Wang Haiyan , Wang Tianshuai , Pereira Luis S.
Published: October 2015

The Horqin sandy steppe is an ecosystem where groundwater‐dependent grasslands are main components. To study the dynamics of soil water and evapotranspiration, and its partition into transpiration and soil evaporation, the SIMDualKc model was applied to two sites in the Agula eco‐hydrological study area, Inner Mongolia, China. This model adopts the dual crop coefficient approach to compute daily crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and uses a parametric function to compute capillary rise from a shallow watertable. The application refers to three years of field observations, 2008 with high rainfall and higher watertable, 2009 with low rainfall and lower watertable, and 2011 with average rainfall and watertable conditions. Model calibration and validation were performed comparing simulated against observed soil water content throughout the vegetation seasons, with regression coefficients close to 1.0 and small root mean square errors (RMSE < 0.013 cm3 cm−3). The groundwater contribution represented 41–47% of the actual ETc in the higher rainfall year and 56–59% in the dry year, which clearly shows the role of groundwater in sustaining grasslands in the Horqin steppe. The ratio between transpiration and actual ETc ranged 88 to 94%, which is much higher than observations in other grasslands because capillary rise contributes to extraction by crop roots, not to soil evaporation. Simulations relative to lowering the watertable show that groundwater contribution decreases up to 25% for a dry year with a consequent decrease of transpiration of 24%. Hence, there is the need for developing appropriate groundwater protection measures to preserve the Horqin landscape. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial 3‐year outcomes with left ventricular assist devices in a country with a nascent heart transplantation program
Authors: Pya Yuriy , Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Jetybayeva Saltanat , Bekbossynov Serik , Andossova Saltanat , Salov Roman , Medressova Assel , Novikova Svetlana , Murzagaliyev Muradym
Published: October 2015

Aims

The need for the left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in patients with end‐stage heart failure is well established, but prior to 2011, this was not available to patients in Kazakhstan. We describe the development of the sole LVAD programme in the context of a nascent heart transplantation programme and clinical outcomes for the first three years.

Methods and results

From November 2011 to November 2014, 146 patients underwent implantation of 152 VADs (approximately 50 devices implanted per year). We retrospectively analyzed data from 135 LVAD patients who received HeartMate II (n = 95) or HeartWare (n = 40) devices. In 75 patients LVAD was used as a bridge‐to‐transplantation and in 60 patients as destination therapy, but only 3 of 135 LVAD patients received heart transplant. Forty‐three patients of the LVAD cohort had died by the end of the follow‐up period. The mean time on LVAD was 466 ± 330 days (range 5–1200 days). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for patients who continued on LVAD support were 93% after 1 month, 86% after 6 months and 77% after 12 months. The most common complications within the first 30 days after implant included right ventricular failure (n = 20, 1.85 events/patient‐year), renal failure (n = 19, 1.76 events/patient‐year) and bleeding (n = 33, 3.0 events/patient‐year). Beyond 30 days adverse events included driveline infections (n = 46, 0.56 events/patient‐year) and stroke (n = 33, 0.21 events/patient‐year).

Conclusions

LVADs are an important therapeutic alternative to heart transplantation in the context of a developing heart transplant programme with outcomes that are comparable to those reported by other centres.
Ventricular conduction abnormalities as predictors of long‐term survival in acute de novo and decompensated chronic heart failure
Authors: Tolppanen Heli , Siirila‐Waris Krista , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Marono David , Parenica Jiri , Kreutzinger Philipp , Nieminen Tuomo , Pavlusova Marie , Tarvasmaki Tuukka , Twerenbold Raphael , Tolonen Jukka , Miklik Roman , Nieminen Markku S. , Spinar Jindrich , Mueller Christian , Lassus Johan
Published: October 2015

Aims

Data on the prognostic role of left and right bundle branch blocks (LBBB and RBBB), and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD; QRS ≥ 110 ms, no BBB) in acute heart failure (AHF) are controversial. Our aim was to investigate electrocardiographic predictors of long‐term survival in patients with de novo AHF and acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF).

Methods and Results

We analysed the admission electrocardiogram of 982 patients from a multicenter European cohort of AHF with 3.9 years' mean follow‐up. Half (51.5%, n = 506) of the patients had de novo AHF. LBBB, and IVCD were more common in ADCHF than in de novo AHF: 17.2% vs. 8.7% (P < 0.001) and 20.6% vs. 13.2% (P = 0.001), respectively, and RBBB was almost equally common (6.9% and 8.1%; P = 0.5), respectively. Mortality during the follow‐up was higher in patients with RBBB (85.4%) and IVCD (73.7%) compared with patients with normal ventricular conduction (57.0%); P < 0.001 for both. The impact of RBBB on prognosis was prominent in de novo AHF (adjusted HR 1.93, 1.03–3.60; P = 0.04), and IVCD independently predicted death in ADCHF (adjusted HR 1.79, 1.28–2.52; P = 0.001). Both findings were pronounced in patients with reduced ejection fraction. LBBB showed no association with increased mortality in either of the subgroups. The main results were confirmed in a validation cohort of 1511 AHF patients with 5.9 years' mean follow‐up.

Conclusions

Conduction abnormalities predict long‐term survival differently in de novo AHF and ADCHF. RBBB predicts mortality in de novo AHF, and IVCD in ADCHF. LBBB has no additive predictive value in AHF requiring hospitalization.
What does the lay public know about heart failure? Findings from the Heart Failure Awareness Day Initiative
Authors: Störk Stefan , Kavoliuniene Ausra , Vinereanu Dragos , Ludwig Rafael , Seferovic Petar , Dickstein Kenneth , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ponikowski Pjotr , Lainscak Mitja
Published: October 2015

Aim & Methods

One critical factor enhancing the implementation of successful diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice is awareness among the lay public. We describe awareness in a contemporary, multinational convenience sample of subjects attending the Heart Failure Awareness (HFA) Day Initiatives in 2013.

Results

We analysed 2,438 subjects (Germany 33%, Lithuania 42%, Romania 8%, Slovenia 17%) : 53% were female, 58% were aged >60 years, 11% (had) worked in the medical sector, 82% heard about HF before. Shortness of breath and tiredness were correctly identified as symptoms of heart failure in 71% and 61%, but only 52% recognized swelling of feet and legs as a clinical sign; 31% considered heart failure a normal symptom of old age, and only 38% realized the particularly poor prognosis after a heart failure related hospitalization. Subjects who had heard about heart failure before had a lower prevalence of common misbeliefs about HF.

Conclusion

In subjects participating in the HFA Day initiative 2013, the level of awareness was unsatisfactory, and important misconceptions remain. The educational and awareness activities for both the population at large and also for decision makers should be broadened and intensified.
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Cycloplatinated Complexes with a Chelating N∧C Pyridine‐Derived N‐Heterocyclic Carbene – Influence of 2,4,6‐Triphenyl­phosphinine versus Triphenylphosphine
Authors: Moussa Jamal , Freeman Gemma R. , Williams J. A. Gareth , Chamoreau Lise‐Marie , Herson Patrick , Amouri Hani
Published: October 2015

Two cycloplatinated complexes of the form [Pt(NC)CH3(P)]+ incorporating a rare, bidentate NC‐chelating pyridylpyridylidene ligand are reported. The phosphorus‐based ligand P is either 2,4,6‐triphenylphosphinine or triphenylphosphine. These mononuclear complexes have been fully characterised in solution and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. UV/Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy studies reveal strong phosphorescence from the phosphinine compound at 77 K but no emission from its triphenylphosphine analogue. This contrasting behaviour can be traced to the π‐acceptor ability of the phosphabenzene ring, as corroborated by electrochemical and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations.
Quantification of the Nucleophilic Reactivities of Cyclic β‐Keto Ester Anions
Authors: Corral‐Bautista Francisco , Mayr Herbert
Published: October 2015

Kinetics of the reactions of enolate anions derived from acyclic and cyclic β‐keto esters with benzhydrylium ions and quinone methides have been determined photometrically in dimethyl sulfoxide solution at 20 °C. The reactions follow second‐order rate laws: first‐order with respect to the electrophile and first‐order with respect to the enolate. Reactions conducted in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 ether and in the presence of variable concentrations of K+ allowed the influence of ion‐pairing on the nucleophilic reactivities of the various enolate ions to be determined quantitatively. Enolate ions derived from oxocycloalkanecarboxylic esters show reactivities similar to those of their acyclic analogue. Enolate ions derived from δ‐lactones are less nucleophilic, which is explained by the enforced (E) conformation of the corresponding esters.
Acute pain Factors predictive of post‐operative pain and opioid requirement in multimodal analgesia following knee replacement
Authors: Thomazeau J. , Rouquette A. , Martinez V. , Rabuel C. , Prince N. , Laplanche J.L. , Nizard R. , Bergmann J.F. , Perrot S. , Lloret‐Linares C.
Published: October 2015

Background

Despite the development of multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain management, opioids are still required for effective pain relief after knee arthroplasty. We aimed to identify the determinants of post‐operative pain intensity and post‐operative opioid requirement in this context.

Methods

In this observational prospective study, we recorded patient characteristics, pre‐operative pain intensity, anxiety and depression levels, sensitivity and pain thresholds in response to an electrical stimulus, and mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of post‐operative pain at rest and opioid requirement.

Results

We included 109 patients. Pre‐operative pain at rest (p = 0.047), anxiety level (p = 0.001) and neuropathic pain symptoms (p = 0.030) were independently and positively associated with mean post‐operative pain intensity adjusted for mean post‐operative morphine equivalent dose (MED). Mean post‐operative pain intensity at rest was lower (p = 0.006) in patients receiving celecoxib and pregabalin in the post‐operative period, with all other variables constant. Mean post‐operative MED over 5 days was low, but highly variable (78.2 ± 32.1 mg, from 9.9 to 170 mg). Following adjustment for mean post‐operative pain intensity, it was independently negatively correlated with age (p = 0.004), and positively correlated with associated paracetamol treatment (p = 0.031). No genetic effect was detected in our sample.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that clinicians could use the pre‐operative pain profile, in terms of anxiety levels, neuropathic pain symptoms, and chronic pre‐operative pain intensity, to improve the efficacy of pain management after knee surgery.
A follow‐up on Acute Pain Services in Germany compared to international survey data
Authors: Erlenwein J. , Koschwitz R. , Pauli‐Magnus D. , Quintel M. , Meißner W. , Petzke F. , Stamer U.M.
Published: October 2015

Background

After the introduction of instruments for benchmarking, certification and a national guideline for acute pain management, the aim of this study was to describe the current structure, processes and quality of German acute pain services (APS).

Methods

All directors of German departments of anaesthesiology were invited to complete a postal questionnaire on structures und processes of acute pain management. The survey asked for staff, techniques and quality criteria, which enabled a comparison to previous data from 1999 and surveys from other countries.

Results

Four hundred and eight (46%) questionnaires were returned. APS have increased considerably and are now available in 81% of the hospitals, mainly anaesthesia based. However, only 45% fulfilled the minimum quality criteria, such as the assignment of personnel, the organization of patient care during nights and weekends, written protocols for postoperative pain management, regular assessments and documenting pain scores. Staff resources varied considerably, but increased compared to 1999. Two daily rounds were performed in 71%, either by physicians and nurses (42%), by physicians only (25%) or by supervised nurses (31%). Most personnel assigned to the APS shared this work along with other duties. Only 53% of the hospitals had an integrated rotation for training their specialty trainees.

Conclusions

The availability of APS in Germany and other countries has increased over the last decade; however, the quality of nearly half of the APS is questionable. Against the disillusioning background of recently reported unfavourable pain‐related patient outcomes, the structures, organization and quality of APS should be revisited.
Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide Production by Chemical Looping over Iron‐Aluminium Oxides
Authors: Rihko‐Struckmann Liisa K. , Datta Pradyot , Wenzel Marcus , Sundmacher Kai , Dharanipragada N. V. R. A. , Poelman Hilde , Galvita Vladimir V. , Marin Guy B.
Published: October 2015

H2 and CO production from H2O and CO2 is investigated experimentally using a two‐step chemical looping process based on the redox cycles of iron‐alumina mixed oxides. The reduction of Fe3O4 in the first endothermic step is followed by the splitting of CO2 or H2O in a second exothermic step. The iron‐aluminum oxides are more reactive with H2O than with CO2 in the range 650–750 °C. In situ XRD shows that deactivation results from different processes: iron oxide sintering and the formation of spinel (FeAl2O4) with a lower oxygen‐storage capacity. However, FeAl2O4 assumes the role of Al2O3 and mitigates the iron oxide sintering. Deactivation at 650 °C is governed predominantly by sintering, and the further loss of activity is caused by combined sintering and spinel formation. Spinel formation is more dominant at 750 °C. A mixed oxide of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 with a mass ratio of 70:30 was the most active and stable for H2O and CO2 splitting in chemical looping.
Enhancement in Photocurrent through Efficient Geometrical Light Trapping in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Xu Jie , Hu Ziyang , Zhang Ke , Huang Like , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuejin
Published: October 2015

Geometrical light trapping is a simple and promising strategy to substantially improve the optical absorption and efficiency of solar cells. Nonetheless, implementation of geometrical light trapping in organic photovoltaics is challenging due to the fact that a uniform organic active layer can rarely be achieved on textured substrates. In this work, geometrical light trapping is achieved by introducing a randomly nanostructured front electrode, which enhances the performance in organic photovoltaics. A uniform and conformal active layer exhibiting the morphology of the nanostructured electrode is realized, which guarantees high open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Efficient geometrical light trapping leads to enhanced light absorption in the active layer, which results in an enhanced short‐circuit current density. Compared with the reference device with a flat electrode, the device utilizing a geometrical light‐trapping electrode can yield an additional 1–2 mA cm−2 increase in photocurrent.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cN0 squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: A retrospective study
Authors: Sollamo Erik Mikael Jan , Ilmonen Suvi Kristiina , Virolainen Maria Susanna , Suominen Sinikka Hilkka Helena
Published: October 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically lymph node–negative (cN0) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip deemed high risk for occult nodal metastasis.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with cT1 to T2 cN0 with SCC of the lip underwent SLNB at a tertiary referral center between January 2001 and March 2012. Initial staging methods were clinical examination only (65.4%), ultrasound (23.1%), or CT (11.5%). Operations were performed with the patients under local anesthesia with sedation (50%) or general anesthesia (50%).

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 53 months. Three patients (11.5%) had a positive sentinel node and were upstaged. One SLNB‐related complication was observed. Regional recurrence occurred in 2 patients (7.7%). The relationship between regional status and both tumor diameter and tumor thickness was statistically significant (p < .05).

Conclusion

SLNB can be a viable staging technique in SCC of the lip. Tumor diameter of ≥ 20 mm and increasing tumor thickness seem to delineate higher risk for regional disease in our study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1375–E1380, 2016
Comparison of outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma: A systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Terence S. , Monteiro Eric , Muhanna Nidal , Goldstein David P. , de Almeida John R.
Published: October 2015

Background

Endoscopic approaches have been adopted as an alternative to craniofacial resection in the surgical management of olfactory neuroblastoma.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL (2000–2014) to compare outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches.

Results

Thirty‐six studies containing 609 patients were included. Meta‐analysis of (a) all patients, (b) Kadish C/D only, and (c) Hyams III/IV only, failed to show a difference in locoregional control and metastasis‐free survival between approaches. However, endoscopic approaches were associated with improved overall survival (OS) for all 3 groups (p = .001, .04, and .001, respectively), and higher disease‐specific survival (DSS) for all patients (p = .004) and Hyams III/IV only (p = .002).

Conclusion

The current study suggests that endoscopic approaches have comparable control rates to open approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2306–E2316, 2016
Functional decline in patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation: Results from the functional assessment in liver transplantation (FrAILT) study
Authors: Lai Jennifer C. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Sen Saunak , Covinsky Kenneth , Feng Sandy
Published: October 2015

Cirrhosis is characterized by sarcopenia and malnutrition, leading to progressive functional decline. We aimed to objectively measure functional decline in patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation and its association with waiting list mortality. Consecutive adults listed for liver transplantation with laboratory Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) ≥12 at a single center underwent functional status assessments at every outpatient visit using the Short Physical Performance Battery (0 = impaired to 12 = robust), consisting of gait, chair stands, and balance tests. Joint linear time‐to‐event analyses modeled the simultaneous impact of the longitudinal trajectory of physical function on waiting list mortality (=death or delisted for being too sick for liver transplantation). Included were 309 liver transplantation candidates. Median laboratory MELD was 15, serum albumin was 3.0 g/dL, 28% had ascites, 18% had hepatic encephalopathy, and 83% were Child class B or C. At a median follow‐up of 14 months, 15% died or were delisted and 28% underwent liver transplantation. Average physical function worsened per 3 months on the waiting list: −0.38 kg in grip strength, −0.05 meters/second in gait, 0.03 seconds in chair stands, and −0.16 Short Physical Performance Battery points. In joint models of longitudinal trajectories of physical function and waiting list mortality adjusted for MELD‐Na, albumin, hepatocellular carcinoma, and baseline physical function, the longitudinal trajectories of each physical function measure were significantly associated with waiting list mortality: grip (hazard ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.83‐0.95), gait (hazard ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.62‐0.84), chair stands (hazard ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.09‐1.25), and Short Physical Performance Battery <10 (hazard ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.15‐2.20). Conclusion: Liver transplantation candidates experience significant functional decline on the waiting list, despite modest wait time and low baseline MELD; decline in physical function is associated with an increased risk of death or delisting, independent of liver disease severity. (Hepatology 2016;63:574–580)
Tailoring sub‐micron PLGA particle release profiles via centrifugal fractioning
Authors: Dutta Dipankar , Salifu Mariama , Sirianni Rachael W. , Stabenfeldt Sarah E.
Published: October 2015

Poly(D,L‐lactic‐co ‐glycolic) acid (PLGA)‐based sub‐micron particles are uniquely posed to overcome limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. However, tailoring cargo/payload release profiles from PLGA micro/nanoparticles typically requires optimization of the multi‐parameter formulation, where small changes may cause drastic shifts in the resulting release profiles. In this study, we aimed to establish whether refining the average diameter of sub‐micron particle populations after formulation alters protein release profiles. PLGA particles were first produced via double emulsion‐solvent evaporation method to encapsulate bovine serum albumin. Particles were then subjected to centrifugal fractioning protocols varying in both spin time and force to determine encapsulation efficiency and release profile of differently sized populations that originated from a single batch. We found the average particle diameter was related to marked alterations in encapsulation efficiencies (range: 36.4–49.4%), burst release (range: 15.8–49.1%), and time for total cargo release (range: 38–78 days). Our data corroborate previous reports relating PLGA particle size with such release characteristics, however, this is the first study, to our knowledge, to directly compare particle population size while holding all formulation parameters constant. In summary, centrifugal fractioning to selectively control the population distribution of sub‐micron PLGA particles represents a feasible tool to tailor release characteristics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 104A: 688–696, 2016.
cAMP and cGMP Play an Essential Role in Galvanotaxis of Cell Fragments
Authors: Zhu Kan , Sun Yaohui , Miu Anh , Yen Michael , Liu Bowei , Zeng Qunli , Mogilner Alex , Zhao Min
Published: October 2015

Cell fragments devoid of the nucleus and major organelles are found in physiology and pathology, for example platelets derived from megakaryocytes, and cell fragments from white blood cells and glioma cells. Platelets exhibit active chemotaxis. Fragments from white blood cells display chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal functions. Signaling mechanisms underlying migration of cell fragments are poorly understood. Here we used fish keratocyte fragments and demonstrated striking differences in signal transduction in migration of cell fragments and parental cells in a weak electric field. cAMP or cGMP agonists completely abolished directional migration of fragments, but had no effect on parental cells. The inhibition effects were prevented by pre‐incubating with cAMP and cGMP antagonists. Blocking cAMP and cGMP downstream signaling by inhibition of PKA and PKG also recovered fragment galvanotaxis. Both perturbations confirmed that the inhibitory effect was mediated by cAMP or cGMP signaling. Inhibition of cathode signaling with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 also prevented the effects of cAMP or cGMP agonists. Our results suggest that cAMP and cGMP are essential for galvanotaxis of cell fragments, in contrast to the signaling mechanisms in parental cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1291–1300, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Mice Bone Marrow and Spleen B Lymphopoiesis
Authors: Lungato Lisandro , Nogueira‐Pedro Amanda , Carvalho Dias Carolina , Paredes‐Gamero Edgar Julian , Tufik Sergio , D'Almeida Vânia
Published: October 2015

B lymphocytes are immune cells crucial for the maintenance and viability of the humoral response. Sleep is an essential event for the maintenance and integrity of all systems, including the immune system (IS). Thus, sleep deprivation (SD) causes problems in metabolism and homeostasis in many cell systems, including the IS. In this study, our goal was to determine changes in B lymphocytes from the bone marrow (BM) and spleen after SD. Three‐month‐old male Swiss mice were used. These mice were sleep deprived through the modified multiple platform method for different periods (24, 48, and 72 h), whereas another group was allowed to sleep for 24 h after 72 h of SD (rebound group) and a third group was allowed to sleep normally during the entire experiment. After this, the spleen and BM were collected, and cell analyses were performed. The numbers of B lymphocytes in the BM and spleen were reduced by SD. Additionally, reductions in the percentage of lymphocyte progenitors and their ability to form colonies were observed. Moreover, an increase in the death of B lymphocytes from the BM and spleen was associated with an increase in oxidative stress indicators, such as DCFH‐DA, CAT, and mitochondrial SOD. Rebound was not able to reverse most of the alterations elicited by SD. The reduction in B lymphocytes and their progenitors by cell death, with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress, showed that SD promoted a failure in B lymphopoiesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1313–1320, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.