bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disordered Atomic Packing Structure of Metallic Glass: Toward Ultrafast Hydroxyl Radicals Production Rate and Strong Electron Transfer Ability in Catalytic Performance
Authors: Jia Zhe , Duan Xiaoguang , Qin Peng , Zhang Wenchang , Wang Weimin , Yang Chao , Sun Hongqi , Wang Shaobin , Zhang Lai‐Chang
Published: August 2017

Developing new functional applications of metallic glasses in catalysis is an active and pivotal topic for materials science as well as novel environmental catalysis processes. Compared to the crystalline materials with highly ordered atomic packing, metallic glass has a simply disordered atomic structure. Recent reports have demonstrated that the metallic glasses are indeed having many superiorly catalytic properties, yet the understanding of the mechanism is insufficient. In this work, the structural relaxation (α‐relaxation) by annealing in an amorphous Fe78Si9B13 alloy is studied for unraveling the catalytic mechanism at the atomic scale. The volume fractions of the crystalline structures, such as α‐Fe, Fe2Si, and Fe2B, in the as‐received and annealed metallic glasses are fully characterized. It is found that the randomly atomic packing structure with weak atomic bonding in the as‐received metallic glass has an efficient electron transfer capability, presenting advanced superiorities in the aspects of production rate of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), dye degradation rate (k), and essential degradation ability (KSA) for water treatment. The discovery of this critically important work unveils why using metallic glasses as catalysts has higher reactivity than the crystalline materials, and more importantly, it provides new research opportunities into the study of synthetic catalysts.
Extracellular Hyaluronic Acid Influences the Efficacy of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in a Biomaterial Model of Glioblastoma
Authors: Pedron Sara , Hanselman Jacob S. , Schroeder Mark A. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Harley Brendan A. C.
Published: August 2017

3D biomaterial models have potential to explore the influence of the tumor microenvironment on aberrant signaling pathways and compensatory signals using patient‐derived cells. Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors are highly heterogeneous, with both cell composition and extracellular matrix biophysical factors seen as key regulators of malignant phenotype and treatment outcomes. Amplification, overexpression, and mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase have been identified in 50% of GBM patients. Here, hyaluronic acid (HA) decorated methacrylamide‐functionalized gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels are used to examine the synergies between microenvironmental factors and a model EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) using patient‐derived xenograft cells. The in vitro behavior of 3 patient‐derived xenografts that reflect a clinically relevant range of EGFR variants is characterized: GBM10 (EGFR, wild type), GBM12 (EGFR+), and GBM6 (EGFRvIII). GelMA hydrogels support xenograft culture; cells remain viable, active, respond to matrix‐immobilized HA, and upregulate genes associated with matrix remodeling and tumor growth. Interestingly, matrix‐immobilized HA alters the response of GBM cells to a model tyrosine kinase inhibitor, erlotinib. While constitutively activated EGFRvIII cells are sensitive to TKI in gelatin hydrogels, hyaluronic acid mediated adhesive signaling interacts with EGFRvIII signaling to increase cell metabolic activity, increase soluble hyaluronic acid synthesis, and modify response to erlotinib exposure.
The effect of long working hours on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease; A case‐crossover study
Authors: Shin Kyong‐sok , Chung Yun kyung , Kwon Young‐Jun , Son Jun‐Seok , Lee Se‐hoon
Published: August 2017

Background

This study investigated the relationship between weekly working hours and the occurrence of cerebro‐cardiovascular diseases using a case‐crossover study design.

Methods

We investigated average working hours during the 7 days before the onset of illness (hazard period) and average weekly working hours between 8 days and 3 months before the onset of cerebro‐cardiovascular diseases (control period) for 1,042 cases from the workers’ compensation database for 2009.

Results

Among all subjects, the odds ratio by conditional logistic regression for the risk of cerebro‐cardiovascular diseases with a 10 hr increase in average weekly working hours was 1.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.72), a significant association.

Conclusions

An increase in average weekly working hours may trigger the onset of cerebro‐cardiovascular disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:753–761, 2017. © 2017. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expanding the phenotype of DST‐related disorder: A case report suggesting a genotype/phenotype correlation
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Pinelli Michele , Torella Annalaura , Alagia Marianna , Auricchio Renata , Staiano Annamaria , Nigro Vincenzo ,   TUDP, Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: August 2017

The gene DST encodes for the large protein BPAG1 involved in hemidesmosomes. Its alternative splicing gives rise to tissue‐enriched isoforms in brain, muscle, and skin. The few patients described so far with bi‐allelic mutations in the DST gene have either a skin phenotype of epidermolysis bullosa simplex or a neurological phenotype. Here, we report a 17‐year‐old female individual presenting with a more complex phenotype consisting of both skin and neuronal involvement, in addition to several previously unreported findings, such as iris heterochromia, cataract, hearing impairment, syringomyelia, behavioral, and gastrointestinal issues, osteoporosis, and growth hormone deficiency. Family‐trio whole exome sequencing revealed that she was a compound heterozygous for two variants in the DST gene with highly‐predicted functional impact, c.3886A>G (p.R1296X) in exon 29 and c.806C>T (p.H269R) in exon 7. Interestingly, exon 7 is included in the neuronal isoform whereas exon 29 is expressed in both skin and neuronal isoforms. The patient we described is the first case with a mutation affecting an exon expressed in both the neuronal and skin isoforms that can explain the more complex phenotype compared to previously reported cases.
Two unrelated children with overlapping 6q25.3 deletions, motor speech disorders, and language delays
Authors: Peter Beate , Lancaster Hope , Vose Caitlin , Fares Amna , Schrauwen Isabelle , Huentelman Matthew
Published: August 2017

Interstitial and terminal 6q25 deletions are associated with developmental delays, hypotonia, eye pathologies, craniofacial dysmorphologies, and structural brain anomalies. In most cases, speech and language deficits are not described in detail. We report on a case (Patient 1, age 7 years) with a de novo 6q25.3‐qter deletion, 11.1 Mb long and encompassing 108 genes, and a case (Patient 2, age 5 years) with an inherited interstitial 6q25.3 deletion, located within Patient 1's deletion region and 403 kb long, the smallest 6q25 deletion reported to date. Both children have hypotonia, motor speech disorders, and expressive language delays. Patient 1's speech was characterized by childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and dysarthria. Other findings include developmental delay, ataxic cerebral palsy, optic nerve dysplagia, and atypical brain morphologies regarding the corpus callosum and gyration patterns, a clinical profile that closely matches a previously reported case with a nearly identical deletion. Patient 2 had speech characterized by CAS and typical nonverbal processing abilities. His father, a carrier, had typical speech and language but showed difficulties with complex motor speech and hand motor tasks, similar to other adults with residual signs of CAS. The small deletion in this family contains the IGF2R‐AIRN‐SLC22A2‐SLC22A3 gene cluster, which is associated with imprinting and maternal‐specific expression of Igf2R, Slc22a2, and Slc22a3 in mice, whereas imprinting in humans is a polymorphic trait. The shared phenotypes in the two patients might be associated with the deletion of the gene cluster.
Posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa coexisting with sensory‐autonomic neuropathy and leukemia due to the homozygous p.Pro221Ser FLVCR1 mutation
Authors: Castori Marco , Morlino Silvia , Ungelenk Martin , Pareyson Davide , Salsano Ettore , Grammatico Paola , Tolosano Emanuela , Kurth Ingo , Chiabrando Deborah
Published: August 2017

FLVCR1 encodes for a ubiquitous heme exporter, whose recessive mutations cause posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP). Recently, FLVCR1 recessive mutations were also found in two sporadic children with hereditary sensory‐autonomic neuropathy (HSAN). We report the unique case of a 33‐year‐old Italian woman with a combination of typical PCARP, sensory‐autonomic neuropathy with sensory loss to all modalities and multiple autonomic dysfuctions, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Molecular analysis demonstrated homozygosity for the previously identified FLVCR1 p.Pro221Ser variation. The same variation, in combination with a frameshift mutation, was previously identified in an Italian child with HSAN. Functional studies carried out on patient‐derived lymphoblastoid cell lines showed decreased FLVCR1a transcript, increased reactive oxygen species, excessive intracellular heme accumulation, and increased number of Annexin V positive cells. This indicates that the homozygous p.Pro221Ser FLVCR1 variation compromises the ability of FLVCR1a to export heme leading to enhanced susceptibility to programmed cell death. Our study demonstrates the existence of a phenotypic continuum among the discrete disorders previously linked to FLVCR1 mutations, and suggests that the related alteration of heme metabolism may lead to the degeneration of specific neuronal cell populations.
Lack of TMEM230 mutations in patients with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Fan Tian‐Sin , Lin Chin‐Hsien , Lin Hang‐I , Chen Meng‐Ling , Wu Ruey‐Meei
Published: August 2017

Mutations in transmembrane protein 230 (TMEM230) have recently been reported to be associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) in a North American population. A highly prevalent mutation, c.550_552delTAGinsCCCGGG (p.*184ProGlyext*5) was found in 3.1% of Chinese familial PD patients. However, subsequent studies failed to replicate these findings in different populations. Our objective was to confirm the role of this gene in a large number of PD patients and controls in a Taiwanese population. Among 1,672 participants, we sequenced all coding exons and exon–intron boundary junctions of the TMEM230 gene in 180 probands with familial PD. We also genotyped the potential pathogenic variants identified and the previously reported mutations (p.Arg141Leu, p.Tyr92Cys, p.*184Trpext*5, and p.*184ProGlyext*5) in an additional cohort of 500 patients with sporadic PD, and 992 age and gender‐matched neurologically normal control subjects. We did not find any of the previously reported mutations, but we observed one novel missense exonic variant, c.G68A (p.Arg23Gln), in one patient with familial PD, and two patients with sporadic PD in a heterozygous state. However, subsequent analysis of this variant in 992 controls did not find any significant associations between p.Arg23Gln and the risk of PD (0.44% vs. 0.30%, p = 0.22). Our findings suggest that genetic variants of TMEM230 do not play a major role in PD in our Taiwanese population. Further experimental studies are warranted to confirm the pathogenicity of this gene in PD disease process.
The dopamine transporter role in psychiatric phenotypes
Authors: Salatino‐Oliveira Angélica , Rohde Luis A. , Hutz Mara H.
Published: August 2017

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is one of the most relevant and investigated neurotransmitter transporters. DAT is a plasma membrane protein which plays a homeostatic role, controlling both extracellular and intracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA). Since unbalanced DA levels are known to be involved in numerous mental disorders, a wealth of investigations has provided valuable insights concerning DAT role into normal brain functioning and pathological processes. Briefly, this extensive but non‐systematic review discusses what is recently known about the role of SLC6A3 gene which encodes the dopamine transporter in psychiatric phenotypes. DAT protein, SLC6A3 gene, animal models, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging investigations are also concisely discussed. To conclude, current challenges are reviewed in order to provide perspectives for future studies.
Beyond the BET Family: Targeting CBP/p300 with 4‐Acyl Pyrroles
Authors: Hügle Martin , Lucas Xavier , Ostrovskyi Dmytro , Regenass Pierre , Gerhardt Stefan , Einsle Oliver , Hau Mirjam , Jung Manfred , Breit Bernhard , Günther Stefan , Wohlwend Daniel
Published: August 2017

Bromodomain and extra‐terminal domain (BET) inhibitors are widely used both as chemical tools to study the biological role of their targets in living organisms and as candidates for drug development against several cancer variants and human disorders. However, non‐BET bromodomains such as those in p300 and CBP are less studied. XDM‐CBP is a highly potent and selective inhibitor for the bromodomains of CBP and p300 derived from a pan‐selective BET BRD‐binding fragment. Along with X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis and thermodynamic profiling, XDM‐CBP was used in screenings of several cancer cell lines in vitro to study its inhibitory potential on cancer cell proliferation. XDM‐CBP is demonstrated to be a potent and selective CBP/p300 inhibitor that acts on specific cancer cell lines, in particular malignant melanoma, breast cancer, and leukemia.
Group 6 Transition‐Metal/Boron Frustrated Lewis Pair Templates Activate N2and Allow its Facile Borylation and Silylation
Authors: Simonneau Antoine , Turrel Raphaël , Vendier Laure , Etienne Michel
Published: August 2017

The reaction oftrans‐[M(N2)2(dppe)2] (M=Mo,1Mo, M=W,1W) with B(C6F5)3(2) provides the adducts [(dppe)2M=N=N‐B(C6F5)3] (3) which can be regarded as M/B transition‐metal frustrated Lewis pair (TMFLP) templates activating dinitrogen. Easy borylation and silylation of the activated dinitrogen ligands in complexes3with a hydroborane and hydrosilane occur by splitting of the B−H and Si−H bonds between the N2moiety and the perfluoroaryl borane. This reactivity of3is reminiscent of conventional frustrated Lewis pair chemistry and constitutes an unprecedented approach for the functionalization of dinitrogen.
Markovnikov‐Selective Palladium Catalyst for Carbonylation of Alkynes with Heteroarenes
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Haoquan , Dühren Ricarda , Liu Jiawang , Spannenberg Anke , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2017

A new class of palladium catalysts, based on heterocyclic diphosphines, was rationally designed and synthesized. Application of one of these catalysts allows novel Markovnikov‐selective carbonylation of non‐activated alkynes with heteroarenes to give the corresponding branched α,β‐unsaturated ketones in excellent yields (up to 97 %) and regioselectivities (b/l up to 99:1). In addition to heteroarenes, other common nucloephiles (alcohol, phenol, amine, and amide) furnish the desired carbonylation products smoothly in high yields.
The Effect of Additives on the Early Stages of Growth of Calcite Single Crystals
Authors: Kim Yi‐Yeoun , Freeman Colin L. , Gong Xiuqing , Levenstein Mark A. , Wang Yunwei , Kulak Alexander , Anduix‐Canto Clara , Lee Phillip A. , Li Shunbo , Chen Li , Christenson Hugo K. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: August 2017

As crystallization processes are often rapid, it can be difficult to monitor their growth mechanisms. In this study, we made use of the fact that crystallization proceeds more slowly in small volumes than in bulk solution to investigate the effects of the soluble additives Mg2+ and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) on the early stages of growth of calcite crystals. Using a “Crystal Hotel” microfluidic device to provide well‐defined, nanoliter volumes, we observed that calcite crystals form via an amorphous precursor phase. Surprisingly, the first calcite crystals formed are perfect rhombohedra, and the soluble additives have no influence on the morphology until the crystals reach sizes of 0.1–0.5 μm for Mg2+ and 1–2 μm for PSS. The crystals then continue to grow to develop morphologies characteristic of these additives. These results can be rationalized by considering additive binding to kink sites, which is consistent with crystal growth by a classical mechanism.
Auf dem Weg vom Fenestrindan zu sattelförmigen Nanographenen mit einem tetrakoordinierten Kohlenstoff‐Atom
Authors: Wong Wai‐Shing , Ng Chun‐Fai , Kuck Dietmar , Chow Hak‐Fun
Published: August 2017

Die Synthese zweier polycyclischer aromatischer Verbindungen (8 a und 8 b) mit aufgrund eines all‐cis‐[5.5.5.5]Fenestran‐Kerns und eines o,p,o,p,o,p,o,p‐Cyclooctaphenylen‐Gürtels sattelförmiger Molekülstruktur sowie ihre Charakterisierung durch NMR‐Spektroskopie und Massenspektrometrie wird beschrieben. Der Schlüsselschritt der Synthese besteht in einer nichtklassischen Scholl‐Reaktion der entsprechenden elektronenreichen 1,4,9,12‐Tetraarylfenestrindan‐Derivate 7 a und 7 b unter Bildung von vier Cycloheptatrien‐Ringen. Die strukturellen Details des D2d‐symmetrischen Sattels 8 a wurden durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse ermittelt, und die UV‐vis‐ und emissionsspektroskopischen und cyclovoltammetrischen Eigenschaften von 8 a und 8 b wurden ebenfalls untersucht.
Baltic Sea genetic biodiversity: Current knowledge relating to conservation management
Authors: Wennerström Lovisa , Jansson Eeva , Laikre Linda
Published: August 2017

The Baltic Sea has a rare type of brackish water environment which harbours unique genetic lineages of many species. The area is highly influenced by anthropogenic activities and is affected by eutrophication, climate change, habitat modifications, fishing and stocking. Effective genetic management of species in the Baltic Sea is highly warranted in order to maximize their potential for survival, but shortcomings in this respect have been documented. Lack of knowledge is one reason managers give for why they do not regard genetic diversity in management.

Here, the current knowledge of population genetic patterns of species in the Baltic Sea is reviewed and summarized with special focus on how the information can be used in management. The extent to which marine protected areas (MPAs) protect genetic diversity is also investigated in a case study of four key species.

Sixty‐one species have been studied genetically in the Baltic Sea, but comprehensive genetic information exists for only seven of them. Genetic monitoring shows genetic stability in some species but fluctuations and genetic changes in others. About half of the scientific studies published during the last 6 years provide conservation advice, indicating a high interest in the scientific community for relating results to practical management.

Populations in MPAs do not differ genetically from populations outside MPAs, indicating that MPAs in the Baltic Sea do not protect genetic diversity specifically, but that populations in MPAs are a representative subset of populations in the Baltic Sea.

Recommendations are provided for cases where genetic information is available but not used in management, particularly for non‐commercial species with important ecosystem function.

Improved channels for effective communication between academia and practical management on Baltic Sea genetic biodiversity are needed. A web page that can be used for knowledge transfer is highlighted here.
Towards the identification of ecological management units: A multidisciplinary approach for the effective management of bottlenose dolphins in the southern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Giménez Joan , Louis Marie , Barón Enrique , Ramírez Francisco , Verborgh Philippe , Gauffier Pauline , Esteban Ruth , Eljarrat Ethel , Barceló Damià , G. Forero Manuela , de Stephanis Renaud
Published: August 2017

Determining discrete and demographically independent management units within wildlife populations is critical for their effective management and conservation. However, there is a lack of consensus on the most appropriate criteria to delimit such management units.

A multi‐disciplinary, multi‐scale approach that combines tools informing in the short‐term (i.e. photo‐identification), with mid‐term ecological tracers (stable isotopes –δ13C, δ15N and δ34S– and persistent organic pollutants –POPs–), and mid‐ to long‐term genetic markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA), was used to define management units within bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the southern Iberian Peninsula.

Although genetically indistinguishable, individuals inhabiting the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz showed differences in their isotopic composition and the concentrations of certain POPs. Accordingly, the lack of photographic recaptures between the two sites pointed to the existence of at least two different ecological management units that segregate spatially and may require different conservation strategies.

Different time‐scale approaches can reveal different management units. The results highlighted the use of medium‐ and short‐term approaches for properly identifying ecologically different units for effective management and conservation.

Furthermore, these results have important management implications as European legislation promotes specific management plans for this species.
Effects of translocation on survival and growth of freshwater mussels within a West Gulf Coastal Plain river system
Authors: Tsakiris Eric T. , Randklev Charles R. , Blair Andrew , Fisher Mark , Conway Kevin W.
Published: August 2017

Human‐mediated threats have led to the rapid decline of species inhabiting freshwater ecosystems, and among the groups most affected are freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae. As a result, species translocation is increasingly used in conservation programmes, yet experimental evidence documenting the success of this strategy is limited.

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of translocation on survival probability, shell growth and body condition of a state‐threatened (Quadrula houstonensis) and common (Amblema plicata) species of freshwater mussel in the San Saba River, located in a West Gulf Coastal Plain river system, USA.

Survival probability estimated from a joint live and dead encounter model was high (> 0.85) and varied by treatment for both species. However, differences in survival probability between resident and transplant treatments were relatively small for A. plicata (0.01) and Q. houstonensis (0.12). Generalized additive mixed models of yearly proportional growth and linear mixed models of Fulton's K index for A. plicata varied by treatment and were lower in transplant treatments. Shell growth of Q. houstonensis was unaffected by translocation; whereas, Fulton's K was higher in the transplant treatment.

Methods used to translocate mussels were important factors leading to high survival and limited impacts to shell growth and body condition in this study. Differences in shell growth rate between treatments are attributed to possible differences in habitat quality between sites.

Our results demonstrate that A. plicata and Q. houstonensis are tolerant of translocation, despite the broad assumption that translocation is detrimental to mussels. Thus, there is a continuing need to study species' responses to translocation to test and improve the ecological soundness of this strategy, particularly because climate change and other human stressors will exacerbate the need to implement conservation measures such as translocation in future decades.
Hydroarylation of 2‐Aryloxybut‐1‐en‐3‐ynes via Pd/Acid‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation: A Concise Synthesis of 2,3‐Bismethylene‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Sakai Megumi , Sakamaki Takumi , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: August 2017

An intramolecular exo‐hydroarylation of 2‐aryloxy‐1,4‐disilylbut‐1‐en‐3‐ynes via ortho‐C−H bond activation under palladium(0) and acid catalysis was found to give 2,3‐bis(silylmethylidene)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans. The two silyl groups present probably promoted the reaction and played a key role in stabilizing the diene moiety in the product. The products readily led to functionalized condensed cycles by a Diels–Alder reaction.
A marginal contribution coefficient for sequences of nonstationary continuous Markov chains
Authors: de Souza Sílvio Alves , Duarte Denise , Mendes Eduardo M. A. M.
Published: August 2017

In this work, a set of sequences of information (time series), under nonstationary regime, with continuous space state, discrete time, and a Markovian dependence, is considered. A new model that expresses the marginal transition density function of one sequence as a linear combination of the marginal transition density functions of all sequences in the set is proposed. The coefficients of this combination are denominated marginal contribution coefficients and represent how much each transition density function contributes to the calculation of a chosen transition density function. The proposed coefficient is a marginal coefficient because it can be computed instantaneously, and it may change from one time to another time since all calculations are performed before stationarity is reached. This clearly differentiates the new coefficient from well‐known measures such as the cross‐correlation and the coherence. The idea behind the model is that if a specific sequence has a high marginal contribution for the transition density function from another sequence, the first may be replaced by the latter without losing much information that means that the knowledge of few densities should be enough to recover the overall behaviour. Simulations, considering 2 chains, are presented so as to check the sensitivity of the proposed model. The methodology is also applied to a real data originated from a wire‐drawing machine whose main function is to decrease the transverse diameter of metal wires. The behaviour of the level of acceleration of each bearing in relation to the other ones is then verified.
Truncal varicose vein diameter and patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Lane T R A , Varatharajan L , Fiorentino F , Shepherd A C , Zimmo L , Gohel M S , Franklin I J , Davies A H
Published: August 2017

Background

Varicose veins and chronic venous disease are common, and some funding bodies ration treatment based on a minimum diameter of the incompetent truncal vein. This study assessed the effect of maximum vein diameter on clinical status and patient symptoms.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study of patients presenting with symptomatic varicose veins to a tertiary referral public hospital vascular clinic between January 2011 and July 2012. Patients underwent standardized assessment with venous duplex ultrasonography, and completed questionnaires assessing quality of life (QoL) and symptoms (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, EuroQol Five Domain QoL assessment and EuroQol visual analogue scale). Clinical scores (Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) class) were also calculated. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between QoL, symptoms and vein diameter.

Results

Some 330 patients were assessed before surgery. The median maximum vein diameter was 7·0 (i.q.r. 5·3–9·2) mm overall, 7·9 (6·0–9·8) mm for great saphenous vein and 6·0 (5·2–8·9) mm for small saphenous vein. In linear regression analysis, vein diameter was shown to have a significant association with VCSS (P = 0·041). For every 1-mm increase in vein diameter, there was a 2·75-fold increase in risk of being in CEAP class C4 compared with C2. No other QoL or symptom measures were related to vein diameter.

Conclusion

Incompetent truncal vein diameter was associated with increasing VCSS, but not a variety of other varicose vein disease-specific and generic patient-reported outcome measures.
Effect of food intake on 92 neurological biomarkers in plasma
Authors: Dencker Magnus , Björgell Ola , Hlebowicz Joanna
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study evaluates the effect of food intake on 92 neurological biomarkers in plasma. Moreover, it investigated if any of the biomarkers were correlated with body mass index.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐two healthy subjects (11 male and 11 female aged 25.9 ± 4.2 years) were investigated. A total of 92 biomarkers were measured before a standardized meal as well as 30 and 120 min afterward with the Proseek Multiplex Neurology I kit.

Results

The levels for 13 biomarkers decreased significantly (p < .001) 30 min after food intake. The levels for four biomarkers remained significantly decreased (p < .001) 120 min after food intake. One biomarker increased significantly (p < .001) 30 min after food intake. The changes were between 1% and 12%, with an average difference of about 5%. Only one biomarker showed a difference over 10% due to food intake. The biggest difference was observed for Plexin‐B3 120 min after food intake (12%). Of all the 92 neurological biomarkers, only one was correlated with BMI, Kynureninase r = .46, p < .05.

Conclusions

This study shows that food intake has a very modest effect on 92 different neurological biomarkers. Timing of blood sampling in relation to food intake, therefore, appears not to be a major concern. Only Kynureninase was correlated with BMI. Further studies are warranted in older healthy subjects and in patients with various neurological diseases to determine whether the findings are reproducible in such populations.
Identification of sentinel lymph nodes by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid in patients with breast cancer: a feasibility study in three hospitals
Authors: Shimazu Kenzo , Ito Toshikazu , Uji Kumiko , Miyake Tomohiro , Aono Toyokazu , Motomura Kazuyoshi , Naoi Yasuto , Shimomura Atsushi , Shimoda Masafumi , Kagara Naofumi , Kim Seung Jin , Noguchi Shinzaburo
Published: August 2017

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility of periareolar injection of the contrast agent Sonazoid (SNZ) followed by ultrasonography (US) for the identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer patients with clinically negative node. Patients (n = 100) with T1‐2N0M0 breast cancer received a periareolar injection of SNZ followed by US to identify contrast‐enhanced SLN. Each contrast‐enhanced SLN underwent fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) followed by SLN biopsy with a conventional method using blue dye and/or radiocolloid (B/R). In almost all cases, contrast‐enhanced lymphatic vessels were clearly visualized by US soon after the periareolar injection of SNZ and the SLNs were easily identified with an identification rate of 98% (98/100) for SNZ and 100% (100/100) for B/R. The number of SLNs identified by SNZ (SNZ‐SLN) (mean per patient, 1.52) was significantly lower than that identified by B/R (B/R‐SLN) (2.19) (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐five patients with positive SLNs had at least one positive SNZ‐SLN. On a node‐by‐node basis, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC for SNZ‐SLNs (n = 149) were 33.3%, 99.2%, and 85.9%, respectively. Identification of SLN by periareolar injection of SNZ is a technically simple method with an identification rate as high as 98%. SNZ‐SLN thus seems to be a good target for FNAC, but sensitivity of FNAC for SNZ‐SLNs needs to be improved.
Antecedents of trust in the sharing economy: A systematic review
Authors: ter Huurne Maarten , Ronteltap Amber , Corten Rense , Buskens Vincent
Published: August 2017

Users and potential users of the sharing economy need to place a considerable amount of trust in both the person and the platform with which they are dealing. The consequences of transaction partners’ opportunism may be severe, for example damage to goods or endangered personal safety. Trust is, therefore, a key factor in overcoming uncertainty and mitigating risk. However, there is no thorough overview of how trust is developed in this context. To understand how the trust of users in the sharing economy is influenced, we performed a systematic literature review. After screening, 45 articles were included in a qualitative synthesis in which the results were grouped according to a well‐established trust typology. The results show various antecedents of trust in the sharing economy (e.g. reputation, trust in the platform, and interaction experience) related to multiple entities (i.e. seller, buyer, platform, interpersonal, and transaction). Trust in this economy is often reduced to the use of reputation systems alone. However, our study suggests that trust is much more complex than that and extends beyond reputation. Furthermore, our review clearly shows that research on trust in the sharing economy is still scarce and thus more research is needed to understand how trust is established in this context. Our review is the first that brings together antecedents of trust in online peer‐to‐peer transactions and integrates these findings within an existing framework. Additionally, the study suggests directions for future research in order to advance the understanding of trust in the sharing economy.
The relationship between the basal coronary translesional pressure ratio and fractional flow reserve
Authors: Wilson William M. , Shah Anoop S. V. , Birse Duncan , Harley Emma , Northridge David B. , Uren Neal G.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows for physiological definition of coronary lesion severity but requires induction of maximal coronary circulation hyperemia with administration of adenosine leading to coronary resistive vessel vasodilatation. However, the hyperemic response to adenosine, and therefore the calculation of FFR, may be affected by dysfunction of the coronary microvasculature. The aim was to define the relationship between basal Pd/Pa and FFR and identify lesion‐independent predictors of the change in Pd/Pa with hyperemia.

Methods and Results

One hundred and sixty‐six consecutive patients undergoing FFR measurement were prospectively enrolled (mean age 62.6 ± 10.3 years, 27% females). Basal Pd/Pa, FFR, and delta Pd/Pa (difference between basal Pd/Pa and FFR) were recorded. Independent predictors of delta Pd/Pa included angiographic lesion severity, lesion length, gender, body mass index, and total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio. The best basal Pd/Pa cutoff value to predict lesion physiological significance was 0.87 (positive predictive value of 100% for an FFR value ≤0.80) and the best cutoff for nonsignificance was 0.93 (negative predictive value of 98% for an FFR value >0.80).

Conclusion

The delta Pd/Pa may be affected by patient gender, body mass index, and cholesterol profile. A basal Pd/Pa value of ≥0.93 is highly predictive of an FFR >0.80. Conversely, a basal Pd/Pa value of ≤0.87 is highly predictive of an FFR ≤0.80. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Doppler echocardiography underestimates the prevalence and magnitude of mid‐cavity obstruction in patients with symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malcolmson James W. , Hamshere Stephen M. , Joshi Abhishek , O'Mahony Constantinos , Dhinoja Mehul , Petersen Steffen E. , Sekhri Neha , Mohiddin Saidi A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To evaluate utility of Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) mid‐cavity obstructive (LVMCO) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Background

LVMCO is a relatively under‐diagnosed complication of HCM and may occur alone or in combination with LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Identifying and quantifying LVMCO and differentiating it from LVOTO has important implications for patient management. We aimed to assess diagnostic performance of Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of suspected LV obstruction.

Methods

Forty symptomatic HCM patients with suspected obstruction underwent cardiac catheterization, and comparison of location and magnitude of Doppler derived gradients with synchronous invasive measurements (reference standard), at rest and isoprenaline stress (IS).

Results

Doppler's diagnostic accuracy for any obstruction (≥30 mmHg) in this cohort was 75% with false positive and false negative rates of 2.5 and 22.5%, respectively. During subanalysis, Doppler's diagnostic accuracy for isolated LVOTO in this selected cohort is 83% with false positive and false negative rates of 4 and 12.5%, respectively. For LVMCO, the accuracy is only 50%, with false positive and false negative rates of 10 and 40%, respectively.

Doppler gradients for isolated LVOTO were similar to invasive: 85 ± 51 and 87 ± 35 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.77). Doppler gradients in LVMCO were consistently lower than invasive: 45 ± 38 and 81 ± 31 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.0002). Mid‐systolic flow cessation and/or contamination of spectral signals were identified as causes of Doppler‐derived inaccuracies.

Conclusions

Doppler echocardiography under‐diagnoses and underestimates severity of LVMCO in symptomatic HCM patients. Recognition of abrupt mid‐systolic flow cessation and invasive measurements may improve detection of LVMCO in HCM.
Bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion: A single‐center pilot study
Authors: Li Chenguang , Xu Rende , Shen Yi , Dai Yuxiang , Zhang Feng , Ma Jianying , Ge Lei , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: August 2017

Background

Bivalirudin has been reported to be an alternative to unfractionated heparin (UFH) for anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and associated with less bleeding risk. However, the feasibility of bivalirudin during PCI of chronic total occlusion lesions (CTO) remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus UFH in CTO PCI. Methods: In this prospective and randomized controlled trial in single center, CTO patients with high bleeding risk were randomized to treatment with bivalirudin (bolus 0.75 mg/kg followed by infusion of 1.75, extra bolus 0.3 mg/kg before stenting) or UFH (100 IU/kg). The primary efficacy end point was the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, composite of all‐cause mortality, cardiac death, stent thrombosis, periprocedural myocardial infarction, or additional unplanned target lesion revascularization, or any other post‐PCI ischemic event) in‐hospital, and at 1‐year follow‐up. The primary safety end point was the occurrence of any bleeding or entry‐site complications after PCI.

Results

A total of 84 high bleeding risk patients undergoing PCI for CTO lesions were enrolled. The baseline characteristics were similar in both treatment arms. In hospital MACEs rates were 21.4% in the bivalirudin group and 14.3% in the UFH group (P = 0.393). During 1‐year's follow‐up, end points did not significantly differ between the groups either. Occurrence of the major bleeding events were 4.8% in the bivalirudin group and 9.5% in the UFH group (P = 0.676). No entry‐site complication was observed.

Conclusion

In CTO patients at high risk for bleeding undergoing PCI, our data indicates that bivalirudin appears to be at least comparable in efficacy and safety to UFH. A larger clinical trial should be designed to further elucidate its efficacy and safety.
Factors associated with performing urgent coronary angiography in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients
Authors: Lam David H. , Glassmoyer Lauren M. , Strom Jordan B. , Davis Roger B. , McCabe James M. , Cutlip Donald E. , Donnino Michael W. , Cocchi Michael N. , Pinto Duane S.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Factors associated with performing urgent coronary angiography (UCA) in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) were identified.

Background

Current guidelines for resuscitated OHCA patients recommend UCA if there is ST‐elevation on post‐arrest electrocardiogram or high suspicion of acute myocardial infarction. Some have advocated for UCA in all OHCA regardless of suspected etiology. The reasons for variations in performing UCA are not well understood.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of subjects presenting with resuscitated OHCA to a single academic medical center from 12/15/2007 to 8/31/2014 was conducted. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing UCA, defined as angiography within 6 hr of presentation, were compared with those not undergoing UCA. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of UCA.

Results

A total of 323 resuscitated OHCA patients (mean age, 64 years; women, 35%) were included in the analysis; 107 (33.1%) underwent coronary angiography during their hospitalization and 66 (20.4%) underwent UCA. Multivariable adjusted factors associated with UCA were ST‐elevation [odds ratio (OR) 14.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.28–34.24, P < 0.001], initial shockable rhythm (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.52–8.97, P = 0.004), and history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.43–7.95, P = 0.005). Higher age (OR 0.71 per decade, 95% CI 0.55–0.92, P = 0.01) and obvious non‐cardiac cause of arrest (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.38, P = 0.001) were negatively associated with UCA.

Conclusions

In resuscitated out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients, ST‐elevation, shockable rhythm, and history of CAD were associated with performing urgent coronary angiography; older patients and those with obvious non‐cardiac causes of arrest were negatively associated.
Transseptal puncture using surgical electrocautery in children and adults with and without complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Gowda Srinath T. , Qureshi Athar M. , Turner Daniel , Madan Nitin , Weigand Justin , Lorber Richard , Singh Harinder R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Atrial transseptal puncture (TSP) for cardiac catheterization procedures remain challenging in children and adults with complex congenital heart disease (CHD).

Objectives

We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency (RF) current via surgical electrocautery needle for TSP to facilitate diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients (pts) who underwent TSP using RF energy (10–25 W) via surgical electrocautery from three centers from January 2011 to January 2017 were evaluated. Echocardiograms were reviewed to define the atrial septum as normal and complex (thin aneurysmal, thick/fibrotic, synthetic patch material, and extra cardiac conduit).

Results

A total of 54 pts underwent 55 successful TSP. Median age was 12.5 years (1 day–54 years) and weight was 52.7 kg (2–162). Indications for TSP included; EP study and ablation procedures in structurally normal hearts (n = 24) and in complex atrial septum/CHD and structural heart disease pts (n = 30): Electrophysiology study and ablation in 4, diagnostic catheterization in 9, and interventional procedures in 17 pts were performed. Atrial TSP was successful in 54/55 (98%). Atrial perforation with tiny‐small pericardial effusion not requiring intervention was noted in 2 pts. TSP was unsuccessful in one critically ill neonate with unobstructed TAPVR and restricted atrial septum who experienced cardiac arrest requiring CPR, ECMO, and emergent surgery.

Conclusions

RF current delivery using surgical electrocautery for TSP is a feasible and an effective option in patients with complex CHD for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.
Simulation‐based education leads to decreased use of fluoroscopy in diagnostic coronary angiography
Authors: Prenner Stuart B. , Wayne Diane B. , Sweis Ranya N. , Cohen Elaine R. , Feinglass Joe M. , Schimmel Daniel R.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine whether simulation‐based education (SBE) translates into reduced procedure time, radiation, and contrast use in actual clinical care.

Background

As a high volume procedure often performed by novice cardiology fellows, diagnostic coronary angiography represents an excellent target for SBE. Reports of SBE in interventional cardiology are limited and there is little understanding of the potential downstream clinical impact of these interventions.

Methods

All diagnostic coronary angiograms performed at a single center between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015 were analyzed. Random effects linear regression models were used to compare outcomes between procedures performed by 12 cardiology fellows who underwent simulation‐based training and those performed by 20 traditionally trained fellows.

Results

Thirty‐two cardiology fellows performed 2,783 diagnostic coronary angiograms. Procedures performed by fellows trained with SBE were shorter (mean of 23.98 min vs. 24.94 min, P = 0.034) and were performed with decreased radiation (mean of 56,348 mGycm2 vs. 66,120 mGycm2, P < 0.001). After controlling for year in training, procedure year, access site, and supervising attending physician, training on the simulator was independently associated with 117 fewer seconds of fluoroscopy time per procedure (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Diagnostic coronary angiography SBE is associated with decreased use of fluoroscopy in downstream clinical care. SBE may be a useful tool to reduce radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
First reported case of magnesium‐made bioresorbable scaffold to treat spontaneous left anterior descending coronary artery dissection
Authors: Quadri Giorgio , Tomassini Francesco , Cerrato Enrico , Varbella Ferdinando
Published: August 2017

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of Acute Coronary Syndrome. Although its treatment is still debated, use of Bioreasorbable Scaffold was recently advocated as an attractive option in this setting. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a new magnesium‐made Bioresorbable Scaffold implantation in a young woman presenting with Non‐ST‐ Elevation Myocardial Infarction and a rapid worsening SCAD.
Design and Synthesis of Chiral Diene Ligands for RhI‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Arylation of N‐DPP‐protected Aldimines: Synthesis of the Antifungal Agent Bifonazole
Authors: Syu Jin‐Fong , Lin Huang‐Ying , Cheng Yu‐Yi , Tsai Yao‐Chu , Ting Yi‐Ching , Kuo Ting‐Shen , Janmanchi Damodar , Wu Ping‐Yu , Henschke Julian P. , Wu Hsyueh‐Liang
Published: August 2017

Herein we describe the design and synthesis of a novel family of bifunctional, chiral bicyclo[2.2.1]heptadiene ligands bearing aryl and secondary amido groups, and demonstrate their usefulness in the RhI‐catalyzed enantioselective addition reaction of arylboronic acids to N‐diphenylphosphinyl (N‐DPP)‐protected aldimines. Unlike the analogous RhI‐catalysts comprising diene ligands substituted with aryl and carboxylic ester groups, or only with aryl groups, the addition reaction proceeded with high stereoselectivity. The protocol tolerated a range of N‐DPP‐aldimines and arylboronic acids, producing the desired optically active N‐DPP‐protected amines with yields between 31–99 % and with ee values up to 91–99 %. The synthetic utility of the method was demonstrated by the conversion of N‐DPP‐protected amine 3 ae into the antifungal agent, bifonazole (13).
Efficient and Selective N‐Methylation of Nitroarenes under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Pedrajas Elena , Sorribes Iván , Guillamón Eva , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias , Llusar Rosa
Published: August 2017

Herein, we report a straightforward protocol for the preparation of N,N‐dimethylated amines from readily available nitro starting materials using formic acid as a renewable C1 source and silanes as reducing agents. This tandem process is efficiently accomplished in the presence of a cubane‐type Mo3PtS4 catalyst. For the preparation of the novel [Mo3Pt(PPh3)S4Cl3(dmen)3]+ (3+) (dmen: N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine) compound we have followed a [3+1] building block strategy starting from the trinuclear [Mo3S4Cl3(dmen)3]+ (1+) and Pt(PPh3)4 (2) complexes. The heterobimetallic 3+ cation preserves the main structural features of its 1+ cluster precursor. Interestingly, this catalytic protocol operates at room temperature with high chemoselectivity when the 3+ catalyst co‐exists with its trinuclear 1+ precursor. N‐heterocyclic arenes, double bonds, ketones, cyanides and ester functional groups are well retained after N‐methylation of the corresponding functionalized nitroarenes. In addition, benzylic‐type as well as aliphatic nitro compounds can also be methylated following this protocol.