bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Hospital Cost Determinants Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Peel T. N. , Cheng A. C. , Liew D. , Buising K. L. , Lisik J. , Carroll K. A. , Choong P. F. M. , Dowsey M. M.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) places a significant economic burden on health care resources. This cohort study examines the costs associated with arthroplasty in 827 patients undergoing hip and knee TJA from January 2011 to June 2012 at a single center in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

Data included total inpatient, outpatient, and readmissions costs in the 30 days following TJA. Factors associated with cost were modeled using negative binomial regression and extrapolated to the Australian population.

Results

The base cost (i.e., the cost for a patient with no modifying factors) over the first 30 days following TJA was $13,060 Australian (AU) (interquartile range $12,126–14,067 AU). The median length of stay was 4 days (range 2–33 days) and 35 patients (4%) were readmitted in the first 30 days following index TJA, the majority of whom had a surgical site infection (SSI) (74%). The following factors were independently associated with increased costs: SSI, preoperative warfarin therapy, American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or 4, hip TJA, increasing operation time, increasing postoperative blood transfusion requirements, other nosocomial infections, postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE), pressure ulcers, postoperative confusion, and acute urinary retention. Based on data from the present study, the cost of TJA in Australia is estimated to exceed $1 billion AU per year. Preventable postoperative complications were major cost drivers: SSI and VTE added a further $97 million AU and $66 million AU, respectively, to arthroplasty costs in the first 30 days following surgery.

Conclusion

This unique study has identified important factors influencing TJA costs and providing guidance for future research and resource allocation.
Prevalence of Chronic Axial Pain, Inflammatory Back Pain, and Spondyloarthritis in Diagnosed Psoriasis
Authors: Thom Nicole , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Zhang Xiao , Reveille John , Weisman Michael H.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To provide prevalence estimates for inflammatory back pain (IBP) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in those subjects with psoriasis using 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

Methods

In the NHANES 2009–2010 sample set, 6,684 persons ages 20–69 years were screened for participation, and 5,103 answered questions regarding onset of back pain, location of pain, and functional limitations. Data set assembly and statistical analysis were performed using SASTM and SUDAAN software. SEs were estimated by Taylor series linearization. The equality of the prevalence estimates for selected variables was tested (univariately) at an alpha level of 0.05 using 2‐sided Student's t‐test with appropriate degrees of freedom.

Results

A total of 148 persons had self‐reported medically diagnosed psoriasis. The psoriasis group versus the nonpsoriasis group had a significantly higher prevalence of axial pain using the 3‐month duration criterion (31.1% versus 18.9%; P = 0.04) and alternating buttock pain (7.2% versus 2.4%; P = 0.03) and more frequently met IBP criteria from Berlin criteria 7b and 8a (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). The prevalence of SpA was significantly higher in the psoriasis group versus the nonpsoriasis group when using Amor or European Spondyloarthritis Study Group criteria (14.3% versus 1.5%; P < 0.001). Sudden onset of axial pain was significantly higher in the psoriasis group (23.3% versus 13.0%; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

There is a higher prevalence of lower axial pain, IBP, SpA, and alternating buttock pain associated with a prior diagnosis of psoriasis. These data may influence the way psoriasis patients are approached in primary care and specialty clinics.
Do Patients Undergoing Physical Testing Report Pain Intensity Reliably?
Authors: White Steven G. , McNair Peter , Laslett Mark , Hing Wayne
Published: December 2014

Objective

To determine the reliability of patient reports of pain intensity during the application of physical tests.

Methods

A single examiner required participants to use the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) to report the intensity of pain provoked during physical testing of the hip. Standardized versions of 14 physical tests were used on 18 people with hip pain. Tests were repeated at 1 hour and 2–7 days later. Within‐ and between‐session reliability of reports of pain intensity was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs). Standard errors of measurement (SEMs) were calculated.

Results

ICC/CCC values for within‐session reports of pain intensity ranged from 0.34 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.08, 0.66) to 0.88 (95% CI 0.73, 0.95). Patients demonstrated “substantial” or “almost perfect” reliability in reporting pain intensity with 9 of 14 tests and “moderate” reliability with 3 tests. Two tests were unreliable (ICC 0.35 and 0.34). ICC/CCC values for between‐session reports of pain intensity ranged from −0.05 (95% CI −0.42, 0.34) to 0.84 (95% CI 0.44, 0.95). Patients demonstrated substantial or almost perfect reliability in reporting pain intensity with 11 of 14 tests. Two tests were unreliable (ICC 0.26 and −0.05). The average SEM value of 0.9 points on the NPRS was the same for both within‐ and between‐session testing (range 0.6–1.6).

Conclusion

Patient reports of the intensity of pain provoked by physical tests are sufficiently reliable to be clinically useful. However, the SEM of 0.9 points should be considered when precise calculations of changes in pain intensity are important.
Awakening Solar Water‐Splitting Activity of ZnFe2O4 Nanorods by Hybrid Microwave Annealing
Authors: Kim Ju Hun , Kim Jin Hyun , Jang Ji‐Wook , Kim Jae Young , Choi Sun Hee , Magesh Ganesan , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Jae Sung
Published: December 2014

1D zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) photoanode is fabricated on an F‐doped tin oxide substrate at a low temperature by an all‐solution method. To activate the material for photoelectrochemical water splitting, the hybrid microwave annealing (HMA) is applied with graphite powder as a susceptor. Thus, HMA treatment of ZnFe2O4 photoanode synthesized at 550 °C increases the photocurrent density of water oxidation by 15 times. In contrast, the conventional thermal annealing at 800 °C brings only 1.7‐fold increase. The various physical characterizations and hole scavenger photooxidation experiments with H2O2 reveal that the post‐HMA treatment anneals the surface defect states and enhances the crystallinity. Hence, HMA treatment is effective to suppress charge‐carrier recombination both on the surface and in the bulk of ZnFe2O4 to bring out its latent solar water‐splitting activity.
Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Otrock Zaher K. , Eby Charles S.
Published: December 2014

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by the activation of the mononuclear phagocytic system. The diagnosis of HLH in adults is challenging not only because the majority of the reported data are from pediatric patients, but also because HLH occurs in many disease entities. This study reports the clinical and laboratory findings and prognostic factors of adult HLH in a large cohort managed at a single medical center from 2003 to 2014. Seventy‐three patients met the HLH‐2004 diagnostic criteria. The median age was 51 years (range, 18–82 years); 41 (56.2%) were male. Patients manifested fever, cytopenias, and elevated ferritin in >85% of cases. Likely causes of HLH were as follows: 30 (41.1%) infections, 21 (28.8%) malignancies, 5 (6.8%) attributed to autoimmune disorders, 1 (1.4%) primary immunodeficiency, 2 (2.7%) post solid organ transplantation, and 13 (17.8%) idiopathic. The median overall survival was 7.67 months. Patients with malignancy‐associated HLH had a markedly worse survival compared with patients with non–malignancy‐associated HLH (median overall survival 1.13 vs. 46.53 months, respectively; P < 0.0001). In a multivariable analysis, malignancy (hazard ratio = 12.22; 95% CI: 2.53–59.02; P = 0.002) correlated with poor survival. Ferritin >50,000 µg/L correlated with 30‐day mortality. Survival after a diagnosis of HLH is dismal, especially among those with malignancy‐associated HLH. The development of a registry for adults with HLH would improve our understanding of this syndrome, validate diagnostic criteria, and help develop effective treatment strategies. Am. J. Hematol. 90:220–224, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Dearomatization of Nitroquinolines through [3+2] and [4+2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Bastrakov Maxim A. , Starosotnikov Alexey M. , Kachala Vadim V. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Shevelev Svyatoslav A.
Published: December 2014

An efficient method was developed for the functionalization of nitroquinolines by employing pericyclic [3+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions. The facile dearomatization of the nitrated benzene ring under the action of unstabilized N‐alkyl azomethine ylides and dienes led to fused heterocyclic systems. The 1,3‐dipoles smoothly and selectively underwent a cycloaddition reaction with the CC(NO2) fragment of the aromatic system if the position ortho to the nitro group was vacant, whereas the [4+2] cycloaddition of dienes required a furoxan ring to be annulated to the quinoline moiety.
Layer‐Dependent Nonlinear Optical Properties and Stability of Non‐Centrosymmetric Modification in Few‐Layer GaSe Sheets
Authors: Jie Wenjing , Chen Xi , Li Dian , Xie Lu , Hui Yeung Yu , Lau Shu Ping , Cui Xiaodong , Hao Jianhua
Published: December 2014

Gallium selenide, an important second‐order nonlinear semiconductor, has received much scientific interest. However, the nonlinear properties in its two‐dimensional (2D) form are still unknown. A strong second harmonic generation (SHG) in bilayer and multilayer GaSe sheets is reported. This is also the first observation of SHG on 2D GaSe thin layers. The SHG of multilayer GaSe above five layers shows a quadratic dependence on the thickness; while that of a sheet thinner than five layers shows a cubic dependence. The discrepancy between the two SHG responses is attributed to the weakened stability of non‐centrosymmetric GaSe in the atomically thin flakes where a layer–layer stacking order tends to favor centrosymmetric modification. Importantly, two‐photon excited fluorescence has also been observed in the GaSe sheets. Our free‐energy calculations based on first‐principles methods support the observed nonlinear optical phenomena of the atomically thin layers.
Photocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Pyrochlore Oxide upon Irradiation with Visible Light: Rhodium Substitution Into Yttrium Titanate
Authors: Kiss Borbala , Didier Christophe , Johnson Timothy , Manning Troy D. , Dyer Matthew S. , Cowan Alexander J. , Claridge John B. , Darwent James R. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: December 2014

A stable visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst (λ≥450 nm) for water oxidation is reported. Rhodium substitution into the pyrochlore Y2Ti2O7 is demonstrated by monitoring Vegard′s law evolution of the unit‐cell parameters with changing rhodium content, to a maximum content of 3 % dopant. Substitution renders the solid solutions visible‐light active. The overall rate of oxygen evolution is comparable to WO3 but with superior light‐harvesting and surface‐area‐normalized turnover rates, making Y2Ti1.94Rh0.06O7 an excellent candidate for use in a Z‐scheme water‐splitting system.
A General Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Alkenes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Heck‐Type Reaction of Fluoroalkyl Bromides
Authors: Feng Zhang , Min Qiao‐Qiao , Zhao Hai‐Yang , Gu Ji‐Wei , Zhang Xingang
Published: December 2014

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed Heck‐type reaction of fluoroalkyl halides, including perfluoroalkyl bromides, trifluoromethyl iodides, and difluoroalkyl bromides, has been developed. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions with high efficiency and broad substrate scope, and provides a general and straightforward access to fluoroalkylated alkenes which are of interest in life and material sciences.
Brief Report: Long‐Term Assessment of Fibromyalgia in Patients With Culture‐Confirmed Lyme Disease
Authors: Wormser Gary P. , Weitzner Erica , McKenna Donna , Nadelman Robert B. , Scavarda Carol , Farber Shimon , Prakash Priya , Ash Julia , Nowakowski John
Published: December 2014

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) occurs in 2–8% of the general population, and one of the triggers may be Lyme disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate for FM in patients with culture‐confirmed Lyme disease.

Methods

Patients with culture‐confirmed Lyme disease who originally presented with erythema migrans were enrolled in a prospective study between 1991 and 2000 and have been evaluated annually to determine their long‐term outcomes. In 2011–2013, the patients were evaluated for FM, by both interview and tender point examination.

Results

Among the 100 patients assessed, 52% were male, and the mean age was 64.9 years (median 64 years [range 42–86 years]). The mean duration of followup was 15.4 years (median 16 years [range 11–20 years]). At least 24 of the patients (24%) had experienced a second episode of erythema migrans before being evaluated for fibromyalgia. One patient (1% [95% confidence interval 0.025–5.4%]) met the criteria for fibromyalgia. In this patient, the symptoms consistent with fibromyalgia began >19 years after Lyme disease was diagnosed.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia was observed in only 1% of 100 patients with culture‐confirmed early Lyme disease; this frequency is consistent with that observed in the general population.
Verankerungsverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten in schlanken Betongurten
Authors: Claßen Martin , Hegger Josef
Published: December 2014

In Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundträgern des Hochbaus treten Zugbeanspruchungen und Abhebewirkungen in der Verbundfuge zwischen Stahlträger und Betongurt in der Regel mit vergleichsweise kleinen Lastordinaten (verglichen mit der Abscherbeanspruchung) auf, sodass diese vertikal zur Verbundfuge wirkenden Beanspruchungen im Allgemeinen nicht bemessungsrelevant werden. Dies gilt allerdings nicht, wenn einzelne Verbundmittel oder Verbundmittelgruppen zur planmäßigen Verankerung von Zugkräften in Betongurten herangezogen werden. Während das Zugtragverhalten von Verankerungen mit konventionellen Verbundmitteln wie Kopfbolzendübeln bereits umfassend erforscht ist, fehlen entsprechende Untersuchungen und Tragmodelle für Verbunddübelleisten bislang. Dies gilt insbesondere für das Verankerungsverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten in schlanken und gerissenen Betongurten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Zugversuche an puzzleförmigen Verbunddübeln in schlanken Betongurten beschrieben, bei denen neben verschiedenen Bewehrungsführungen insbesondere der Einfluss unterschiedlicher Längsspannungszustände (Längsdruck, Längszug und Rissbildung) im Betongurt untersucht wurde. Hierzu wurden eigene Versuchsstände entwickelt. Die durchgeführten Versuche wurden mithilfe eines dreidimensionalen, nicht linearen Finite‐Elemente‐Modells simuliert und analysiert. Abschließend wird ein Ingenieurmodell zur Berechnung der Bruchlast von einzelnen Verbunddübeln und Verbunddübelgruppen in bewehrtem und unbewehrtem Beton vorgestellt.

Anchoring behavior of composite dowels in slender concrete chords

Usually, lifting and tensile stresses between the steel profile and the concrete slab of steel‐concrete composite beams are unplanned and have comparatively small load ordinates compared to the transferred shear forces. That is why, these vertically lifting forces are generally not relevant for the dimensioning of the composite joint. But, this does not apply if shear connectors are systematically used for the anchorage of tensile forces. While the anchorage behavior of conventional shear connectors, like headed studs, is already extensively studied, appropriate investigations on the anchorage behavior of composite dowels are lacking so far, especially for composite dowels in slender and cracked concrete chords. In this paper, the anchorage behavior of an innovative, puzzle‐shaped composite dowel is investigated in cracked and uncracked concrete chords. Besides different arrangements of reinforcement, the influence of different longitudinal stress levels in the concrete slab (tensile stress, compressive stress) is explored, in particular. To this end, own test setups were developed. All tests were recalculated using a three‐dimensional, nonlinear finite element model. Finally, an engineering model for the calculation of the load bearing capacity of single composite dowels and composite dowel groups in reinforced and unreinforced concrete is presented.
Grundlagen zur Entwicklung adaptiver Schalungssysteme für frei geformte Betonschalen und Wände
Authors: Michel Matthias , Knaack Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Bei gekrümmten Bauformen aus Beton bestimmt die Schalung den Aufwand maßgeblich. Formaktive frei geformte Betonstrukturen wie Schalentragwerke sind effiziente Tragsysteme, werden aber durch hohe Schalungskosten oft unwirtschaftlich. Eine wandelbare Schalung für solche Ortbetonstrukturen, die mehrmals einsetzbar und computergestützt immer wieder in andere Formen zu bringen sind, wird positive Auswirkungen auf Umsetzung und Verbreitung solcher Tragwerke haben. Dieser Artikel berichtet über Erkenntnisse der Grundlagenforschung zu adaptiven zweihäuptigen Schalungssystemen für Ortbetonschalen und Wände, die im Rahmen des DFG‐Schwerpunktprogramms ‘Leicht Bauen mit Beton’ durchgeführt wird. Beschrieben werden die gefundenen Typologien der Aktuator‐Schalhaut‐Systeme, ihre verschiedenen Funktionsweisen, Anforderungen und geometrischen Gesetzmäßigkeiten. Anhand der Entwicklung eines Materialgefüges wird der Umgang mit dem systemimmanenten Widerspruch behandelt, dass ein adaptives Schalmaterial großen Frischbetondrücken widerstehen muss, gleichzeitig aber zur Umformung ‘weich’ zu sein hat.

Fundamentals of development for adaptive formwork for free formed concrete shells and walls

When it comes to construction of free form in situ cast concrete walls and shells, the manufacturing effort of the formwork dominates the overall production costs. Concrete shells are efficient structures by themselves but get expensive due to the reason stated above. An adaptable formwork, reusable and able to adjust computer controlled to various geometries will have positive impact on the realization of such in situ cast concrete forms. This paper gives insight into the DFG‐promoted fundamental research results on adaptive two sided formwork systems. Found typologies of actuator and formwork surface will be described as well as their functionalities, requirements and geometrical principles. On the basis of the development of an adaptive formwork material, the authors describe how to cope with contradicting demands: An elastically defomable formwork material, capable to resist high fresh concrete pressures during casting at the same time.
Far‐Red Fluorogenic Probes for Esterase and Lipase Detection
Authors: Tallman Katie R. , Beatty Kimberly E.
Published: December 2014

Fluorogenic enzyme probes go from a dark to a bright state following hydrolysis and can provide a sensitive, real‐time readout of enzyme activity. They are useful for examining enzymatic activity in bacteria, including the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Herein, we describe two fluorogenic esterase probes derived from the far‐red fluorophore 7‐hydroxy‐9H‐(1,3‐dichloro‐9,9‐dimethylacridin‐2‐one) (DDAO). These probes offer enhanced optical properties compared to existing esterase probes because the hydrolysis product, DDAO, excites above 600 nm while retaining a good quantum yield (ϕ=0.40). We validated both probes with a panel of commercially available enzymes alongside known resorufin‐ and fluorescein‐derived esterase substrates. Furthermore, we used these probes to reveal esterase activity in protein gel‐resolved mycobacterial lysates. These probes represent new tools for esterase detection and characterization and should find use in a variety of applications.
Photochromic Dithienylethene‐Containing Triarylborane Derivatives: Facile Approach to Modulate Photochromic Properties with Multi‐addressable Functions
Authors: Poon Chun‐Ting , Lam Wai Han , Wong Hok‐Lai , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: December 2014

A series of dithienylethene‐containing triarylboranes has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The electrochemistry, photophysics, and photochromic behavior have also been studied. The photophysical and photochromic properties could be facilely tuned in this system by varying the thiophene spacers (thiophene, thienothiophene, and bithiophene) between the dithienylethene and the dimesitylboron (BMes2) or the position of the BMes2 substitution in the thiophene spacers. The absorption of closed form has been found to be more sensitive towards the structural modification upon incorporation of the BMes2 unit. Moreover, multi‐addressable photochromic reactivity is obtained upon addition of Lewis base (F−), which is due to the formation of boron–Lewis base adduct. The dependence of the photophysical and photochromic properties on the thiophene spacers and the position of the BMes2 substitution has been further supported by computational studies.
A Versatile Synthesis of β‐Lactam‐Fused Oxacycles through the Palladium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐, Regio‐, and Diastereoselective Cyclization of Allenic Diols
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Carrascosa Rocío , Casarrubios Luis , Soriano Elena
Published: December 2014

Chemo‐, regio‐ and stereocontrolled palladium‐catalyzed preparations of enantiopure morpholines, oxocines, and dioxonines have been developed starting from 2‐azetidinone‐tethered γ,δ‐, δ,ε‐, and ε,ζ‐allendiols. The palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of γ,δ‐allendiols 2 with allyl bromide or lithium bromide was effective as 8‐endo cyclization by attack of the primary hydroxy group to the terminal allene carbon to afford enantiopure functionalized oxocines; whereas the palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of 2‐azetidinone‐tethered ε,ζ‐allendiols 4 furnished dioxonines 16 through a totally chemo‐ and regioselective 9‐endo oxycyclization. By contrast, the palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of 2‐azetidinone‐tethered δ,ε‐allendiols 3 with aryl and alkenyl halides exclusively generated six‐membered‐ring compounds 14 a and 15 a. These results could be explained through a 6‐exo cyclization by chemo‐ and regiospecific attack of the secondary hydroxy group to the internal allene carbon. Chemo‐ and regiocontrol issues are mainly influenced by the length of the tether rather than by the nature of the metal catalysts and substituents. This reactivity can be rationalized by means of density functional theory calculations.
Chemoselective Chromium(II)‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Dichlorinated Heteroaromatics with Functionalized Aryl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Steib Andreas K. , Kuzmina Olesya M. , Fernandez Sarah , Malhotra Sushant , Knochel Paul
Published: December 2014

Chromium(II) chloride catalyzes the chemoselective cross‐coupling reaction of dichloropyridines with a range of functionalized (hetero)aromatic Grignard reagents at room temperature. Functional groups, such as esters and acetals, are well tolerated in this transformation. Previously challenging substrates, quinolines and isoquinolines, participate in the selective Cr‐catalyzed cross‐coupling in cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as the solvent. The effective purging of Cr salts is demonstrated by using various solid supports.
Biaryl Synthesis by Ring‐Opening Friedel–Crafts Arylation of 1,4‐Epoxy‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalenes Catalyzed by Iron Trichloride
Authors: Sawama Yoshinari , Asai Shota , Kawajiri Takahiro , Monguchi Yasunari , Sajiki Hironao
Published: December 2014

Biaryl and heterobiaryl compounds are important frameworks across a range of fields including pharmaceutical and functional material chemistries. We have accomplished the efficient synthesis of various naphthalene‐linked arenes and heteroarenes as biaryls and heterobiaryls by the FeCl3‐catalyzed Friedel‐Crafts reactions accompanied by the ring‐opening of the 1,4‐epoxy moiety of 1,4‐epoxy‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalenes. Especially, it is noteworthy that 1‐silylated substrates were regioselectively transformed to the 3‐aryl‐1‐silylnaphthalenes and the double Friedel–Crafts reactions using thiophene derivatives could directly produce the corresponding bis‐naphthlated thiophene derivatives.
A Convenient Synthesis of N‐Aryl Benzamides by Rhodium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Amidation and Decarboxylation of Benzoic Acids
Authors: Shi Xian‐Ying , Liu Ke‐Yan , Fan Juan , Dong Xue‐Fen , Wei Jun‐Fa , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: December 2014

The rhodium‐catalyzed amidation of substituted benzoic acids with isocyanates by directed CH functionalization followed by decarboxylation to afford the corresponding N‐aryl benzamides is demonstrated, in which the carboxylate serves as a unique, removable directing group. Notably, less common meta‐substituted N‐aryl benzamides are generated readily from more accessible para‐ or ortho‐substituted groups by employing this strategy.
Efficacy and Safety of Dronedarone in Patients Previously Treated With Other Antiarrhythmic Agents
Authors: Guerra Federico , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Kowey Peter R. , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Aliot Etienne M. , Radzik David , Roy Denis , Connolly Stuart , Capucci Alessandro
Published: December 2014

Background

Currently available antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) suffer from incomplete efficacy and poor tolerability.

Hypothesis

Dronedarone could represent an effective and safe option in patients previously treated with AADs, especially class Ic AADs and sotalol.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2 double‐blind, parallel‐group trials (EURIDIS [European Trial in Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Patients Receiving Dronedarone for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm] and ADONIS [American–Australian–African Trial With Dronedarone in Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Patients for the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm]) comparing the efficacy and safety of dronedarone with placebo over 12 months. The primary end point was AF/AFL recurrence in patients previously treated with another AAD that was discontinued for whatever reason prior to randomization.

Results

In patients previously treated with any AADs, dronedarone decreased the risk of AF recurrence by 30.4% vs placebo (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59‐0.82; P < 0.001). In patients previously treated with a class Ic agent, dronedarone decreased the risk of recurrence by 31.4% (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53‐0.89; P = 0.004), whereas in patients previously treated with sotalol, dronedarone showed a trend toward a decrease of risk of recurrence (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.67‐1.11; P = 0.244). Dronedarone was equally effective irrespective of whether class Ic or sotalol were stopped for lack of efficacy or adverse events (AEs). Discontinuation rates were similar in the 2 groups (55.9% vs 43.1%), as were incidence of AEs and serious AEs.

Conclusions

Dronedarone seems to be effective in preventing AF recurrences in patients without permanent AF previously treated with other AADs, even if those were discontinued for lack of efficacy. Dronedarone appears to be well tolerated even in patients who already had tolerability issues with AADs.
6,7‐Dimethoxy‐2‐{2‐[4‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenyl]ethyl}‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines as Superior Reversal Agents for P‐Glycoprotein‐Mediated Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Liu Baomin , Qiu Qianqian , Zhao Tianxiao , Jiao Lei , Li Yunman , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: December 2014

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp)‐mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle for successful cancer chemotherapy. Based on our previous study, 17 novel compounds with the 6,7‐dimethoxy‐2‐{2‐[4‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenyl]ethyl}‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold were designed and synthesized. Among them, 2‐[(1‐{4‐[2‐(6,7‐dimethoxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐2(1H)‐yl)ethyl]phenyl}‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]‐N‐(p‐tolyl)benzamide (compound 7 h) was identified as a potent modulator of P‐gp‐mediated MDR, with high potency (EC50=127.5±9.1 nM), low cytotoxicity (TI>784.3), and long duration (>24 h) in reversing doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in K562/A02 cells. Compound 7 h also enhanced the effects of other MDR‐related cytotoxic agents (paclitaxel, vinblastine, and daunorubicin), increased the accumulation of DOX and blocked P‐gp‐mediated rhodamine 123 efflux function in K562/A02 MDR cells. Moreover, 7 h did not have any effect on cytochrome (CYP3A4) activity. These results indicate that 7 h is a relatively safe modulator of P‐gp‐mediated MDR that has good potential for further development.
Quality of life and mood of patients and family caregivers during hospitalization for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: El‐Jawahri Areej R. , Traeger Lara N. , Kuzmuk Kailyn , Eusebio Justin R. , Vandusen Harry B. , Shin Jennifer A. , Keenan Tanya , Gallagher Emily R. , Greer Joseph A. , Pirl William F. , Jackson Vicki A. , Ballen Karen K. , Spitzer Thomas R. , Graubert Timothy A. , McAfee Steven L. , Dey Bimalangshu R. , Chen Yi‐Bin A. , Temel Jennifer S.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

We conducted a study to investigate the impact of hospitalization for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) on the quality of life (QOL) and mood of patients and family caregivers (FC).

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal study of patients who were hospitalized for HCT and their FC. We assessed QOL (using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bone Marrow Transplantation) and mood (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at baseline (6 days before HCT), day +1, and day +8 of HCT. We administered the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey Short Form‐36 to examine FC QOL (Physical Component Scale and Mental Component Scale). To identify predictors of changes in QOL, we used multivariable linear mixed models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 97% of eligible patients undergoing autologous (30 patients), myeloablative (30 patients), or reduced intensity (30 patients) allogeneic HCT. Patients' QOL markedly declined (mean Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bone Marrow Transplantation score, 109.6 to 96.0; P<.0001) throughout hospitalization. The percentage of patients with depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Depression score of >7) more than doubled from baseline to day +8 (15.6% to 37.8%; P<.0001), whereas the percentage of patients with anxiety remained stable (22.2%; P = .8). These results remained consistent when data were stratified by HCT type. Baseline depression (β, −2.24; F, 42.2 [P<.0001]) and anxiety (β, −0.63; F, 4.4 [P =.03]) were found to independently predict worse QOL throughout hospitalization. FC QOL declined during the patient's hospitalization (physical component scale: 83.1 to 79.6 [P =.03] and mental component scale: 71.6 to 67.4 [P =.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing HCT reported a steep deterioration in QOL and substantially worsening depression during hospitalization. Baseline anxiety and depression predicted worse QOL during hospitalization, underscoring the importance of assessing pre‐HCT psychiatric morbidity. Cancer 2015;121:951–959. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Disparities in black and white patients with multiple myeloma referred for autologous hematopoietic transplantation: A single center study
Authors: Bhatnagar Vishal , Wu Yin , Goloubeva Olga G. , Ruehle Kathleen T. , Milliron Todd E. , Harris Carolynn G. , Rapoport Aaron P. , Yanovich Saul , Sausville Edward A. , Baer Maria R. , Badros Ashraf Z.
Published: December 2014

Background

Racial disparity in the incidence of multiple myeloma is well established; however, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the impact of racial differences on disease characteristics, response to therapy, and clinical outcome.

Methods

The authors studied 453 patients (174 of whom were black and 279 of whom were white) who underwent transplant between 2000 and 2013. The median follow‐up was 4.4 years.

Results

Black patients were significantly younger than white patients (median age, 54 years vs 59 years; P<.0001), more frequently presented with anemia (P = .04), had more of the immunoglobulin G isotype (P<.001), and had a borderline favorable cytogenetic risk (P = .06). Overall response to induction was similar, but deeper responses were observed in more white patients compared with black patients receiving immunomodulatory drug‐based induction (P = .02). Referral for transplant was significantly delayed in black individuals (median, 1.3 years vs 0.9 years; P = .003). Overall survival from the time of transplant was similar for black and white patients, with medians of 6.2 years and 5.7 years, respectively, but survival from the time of diagnosis was significantly longer among black individuals (median, 7.7 years vs 6.1 years; P = .03). Maintenance therapy was found to positively impact progression‐free survival but not overall survival, irrespective of race.

Conclusions

The results of the current study confirm ethnic differences in age, referral patterns, response to therapy, and overall survival. Future validation of these disparities is urgently needed. Cancer 2015;121:1064–1070. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Selenium–Selenium Bond Cleavage of Diaryl Diselenide Radical Anions During Pulse Radiolysis
Authors: Tojo Sachiko , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Ouchi Akihiko , Majima Tetsuro
Published: December 2014

Invited for this month’s cover are collaborators from the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), Osaka University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan. The cover picture shows selenium–selenium σ‐bond cleavage of the di‐α‐naphthyl diselenide radical anion elucidated by transient absorption measurements during pulse radiolysis using the L‐band linear accelerator (background picture). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402300.
A new metaheuristic algorithm based on shark smell optimization
Authors: Abedinia Oveis , Amjady Nima , Ghasemi Ali
Published: December 2014

In this article, a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm is introduced. This algorithm is based on the ability of shark, as a superior hunter in the nature, for finding prey, which is taken from the smell sense of shark and its movement to the odor source. Various behaviors of shark within the search environment, that is, sea water, are mathematically modeled within the proposed optimization approach. The effectiveness of the suggested approach is compared with many other heuristic optimization methods based on standard benchmark functions. Also, to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed optimization method for solving real‐world engineering problems, it is applied for the solution of load frequency control problem in electrical power systems. The obtained results confirm the validity of the proposed metaheuristic optimization algorithm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 97–116, 2016
Chitosan as a Sustainable Organocatalyst: A Concise Overview
Authors: El Kadib Abdelkrim
Published: December 2014

Increased demand for more sustainable materials and chemical processes has tremendously advanced the use of polysaccharides, which are natural biopolymers, in domains such as adsorption, catalysis, and as an alternative chemical feedstock. Among these biopolymers, the use of chitosan, which is obtained by deacetylation of natural chitin, is on the increase due to the presence of amino groups on the polymer backbone that makes it a natural cationic polymer. The ability of chitosan‐based materials to form open‐network, macroporous, high‐surface‐area hydrogels with accessible basic surface sites has enabled their use not only as macrochelating ligands for active metal catalysts and as a support to disperse nanosized particles, but also as a direct organocatalyst. This review provides a concise overview of the use of native and modified chitosan, possessing different textural properties and chemical properties, as organocatalysts. Organocatalysis with chitosan is primarily focused on carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions, multicomponent heterocycle formation reactions, biodiesel production, and carbon dioxide fixation through [3+2] cycloaddition. Furthermore, the chiral, helical organization of the chitosan skeleton lends itself to use in enantioselective catalysis. Chitosan derivatives generally display reactivity similar to homogeneous bases, ionic liquids, and organic and inorganic salts. However, the introduction of cooperative acid–base interactions at active sites substantially enhances reactivity. These functional biopolymers can also be easily recovered and reused several times under solvent‐free conditions. These accomplishments highlight the important role that natural biopolymers play in furthering more sustainable chemistry.
Synthesis of Lithium Iron Phosphate/Carbon Microspheres by Using Polyacrylic Acid Coated Iron Phosphate Nanoparticles Derived from Iron(III) Acrylate
Authors: Xu Dongwei , He Yan‐Bing , Chu Xiaodong , Ding Zhaojun , Li Baohua , He Jianfu , Du Hongda , Qin Xianying , Kang Feiyu
Published: December 2014

Lithium iron phosphate/carbon (LiFePO4/C) microspheres with high rate and cycling performance are synthesized from iron phosphate/polyacrylic acid (FePO4/PAA) nanoparticles. Iron(III) acrylate is used as a precursor for both the iron and carbon sources. FePO4 nanoparticles are first produced by a coprecipitation reaction. The byproduct, acrylic acid ions, is polymerized in situ to form a uniform PAA layer on the surface of the FePO4 nanoparticles. The as‐prepared LiFePO4/C microspheres are composed of primary nanoparticles with sizes of 40–50 nm. The nanoparticles are fully coated with a thin, uniform carbon layer derived from the decomposition of the PAA layer. The uniform carbon‐coating layer cooperates with interstitial and boundary carbon derived from sucrose successfully to construct an excellent interconnecting conductive network in the microspheres. As a result of the unique structure, the as‐prepared LiFePO4/C microspheres display both high electronic and ionic conductivities, which contribute to their high rate performance (162.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 126.1 mAh g−1 at 5C) and excellent cycling stability (97.1 % of capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5C/5C).
Across the Board: Jairton Dupont
Authors: Dupont Jairton
Published: December 2014

In this series of articles the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. Jairton Dupont, who discusses how recent works on fine‐tuning of the electronic and steric properties of ruthenium and rhodium complexes and reaction conditions generates efficient homogeneous transition‐metal catalysts for the transformation of CO2 under hydrogen pressure.
Photochemical Carbon–Carbon Bond Cleavage of CF3‐Substituted (dppbe)Pt0(η2‐tolane) Complexes
Authors: Gröber Sebastian , Görls Helmar , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

Three different complexes of the (dppbe)Pt(η2‐tolane) [dppbe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene] type bearing CF3 groups at the 2,2′‐ (4a), 3,3′‐ (4b), and 4,4′‐positions (4c) of the tolane ligand were synthesized. A one‐pot procedure for the synthesis of the tolane ligands from 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol as the acetylene derivative was developed. To investigate their selective photochemical carbon–carbon bond cleavage, 4a–4c were exposed to UV light (1 W, 356 nm) in the solid state and in solution. The oxidative addition of the C(sp)–C(sp2) bond to the (dppbe)Pt0 complex fragment to form the corresponding CF3‐substituted (dppbe)Pt(ethynylphenyl)(phenyl) complex was followed by 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The reactivity of 4a–4c relative to the position of the CF3 substituent and the torsion angle between the substituted phenyl rings is discussed. All of the complexes were isolated and characterized by various spectroscopic methods and additionally by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry.
A Simple Fluorescent Probe Derived from Naphthylamine for Selective Detection of HgII, FeII and FeIII Ions in Mixed Aqueous Media: Applications in Living Cells and Logic Gates
Authors: Ghosh Kaushik , Rathi Sweety , Gupta Pankaj , Vashisth Priya , Pruthi Vikas
Published: December 2014

A naphthylamine‐based probe was utilized for the detection of HgII, FeII and FeIII in mixed aqueous media by fluorescence quenching. These sensitive metal ions bind with the probe by forming a 1:1 complex. The time‐resolved fluorescence and quantum yield of the probe in the absence as well as in the presence of metal ions were investigated. The extent of binding of the probe with sensitive metal ions was calculated. The sensitivity of the probe in the presence of other metal ions was examined using competitive binding studies. The probe displayed sensitivity towards HgII during in vitro as well as in vivo studies. This multianalyte probe has potential biological applications in cell imaging and in logic gates.

Correspondence that discusses a caveat with regard to these studies is available: DOI 10.1002/ejic.201500566
Electrochemical Morphine Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles Metalphthalocyanine Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Atta Nada F. , Galal Ahmed , Abdel‐Gawad Fatma M. , Mohamed Eman F.
Published: December 2014

Composites of gold nanoparticles (Au) electrochemically deposited and different metal phthalocyanines (Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) were chemically prepared. The composites were used as modifiers for carbon paste electrodes and were used for the determination of morphine in presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. Central metal atoms of phthalocyanine moiety affected the rate of electron transfer. Thus, the electroactivity of different modifiers were evaluated towards morphine oxidation. Au‐CoPcM‐CPE possessed the highest rate for charge transfer rate in all studied pH electrolytes. Limit of detection was 5.48×10−9 mol L−1 in the range of 4.0×10−7 to 9.0×10−4 mol L−1.
Multi‐modal robust inverse‐consistent linear registration
Authors: Wachinger Christian , Golland Polina , Magnain Caroline , Fischl Bruce , Reuter Martin
Published: December 2014

Registration performance can significantly deteriorate when image regions do not comply with model assumptions. Robust estimation improves registration accuracy by reducing or ignoring the contribution of voxels with large intensity differences, but existing approaches are limited to monomodal registration. In this work, we propose a robust and inverse‐consistent technique for cross‐modal, affine image registration. The algorithm is derived from a contextual framework of image registration. The key idea is to use a modality invariant representation of images based on local entropy estimation, and to incorporate a heteroskedastic noise model. This noise model allows us to draw the analogy to iteratively reweighted least squares estimation and to leverage existing weighting functions to account for differences in local information content in multimodal registration. Furthermore, we use the nonparametric windows density estimator to reliably calculate entropy of small image patches. Finally, we derive the Gauss–Newton update and show that it is equivalent to the efficient second‐order minimization for the fully symmetric registration approach. We illustrate excellent performance of the proposed methods on datasets containing outliers for alignment of brain tumor, full head, and histology images. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1365–1380, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitroelectromagnetic stimulation to enhance cell proliferation in extracellular matrix constructs with and without metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Grant Daniel N. , Cozad Matthew J. , Grant David A. , White Richard A. , Grant Sheila A.
Published: December 2014

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMFs) can induce beneficial effects including enhanced protein synthesis and cell proliferation on healing bone and skin wounds. This study investigated the effects of ELF‐EMFs on acellular tissue constructs with and without gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to determine if cell proliferation could be increase and thus provide an enhanced mechanism forin vitrocell seeding on tissue engineered constructs. Different sized AuNPs, 20 and 100 nm, were conjugated to acellular porcine tissue, seeded with L929 murine fibroblasts and exposed to a continuous 12 gauss, 60 Hz electromagnetic field for 2 hours each day up to 10 days. Scanning electron microscopy and cell culture assays were performed to ascertain cell proliferation and viability before and after exposure. Results indicate the ELF‐EMF stimulation significantly increased cell proliferation. The presence of AuNPs did not boost the stimulatory effects, but they did demonstrated higher rates of proliferation from day 3 to day 10. In addition, unstimulated 100 nm AuNPs constructs resulted in significant increases in proliferation as compared to unstimulated crosslinked constructs. In conclusion, ELF‐EMF stimulation enhanced cellular proliferation and while the presence of AuNPs did not significantly enhance this effect, AuNPs resulted in increased proliferation rates from day 3 to day 10. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1532–1540, 2015.
Chaos projective synchronization of the chaotic finance system with parameter switching perturbation and input time‐varying delay
Authors: Xu Yuhua , Xie Chengrong , Wang Yuling , Zhou Wuneng , Fang Jian'an
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses some basic dynamical properties of the chaotic finance system with parameter switching perturbation, and investigates chaos projective synchronization of the chaotic finance system with the time‐varying delayed feedback controller, which are not fully considered in the existing research. Different from the previous methods, in this paper, the delayed feedback controller is not only time‐varying, but also the time‐varying delay is adaptive. Finally, an illustrate example is provided to show the effectiveness of this method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A decomposition heuristic for the twin robots scheduling problem
Authors: Boysen Nils , Briskorn Dirk , Emde Simon
Published: December 2014

This article provides an efficient heuristic based on decomposition for the twin robots scheduling problem (TRSP). TRSP concerns two moving robots executing storage and retrieval requests in parallel along a shared pathway. The depots are located at both ends of the line and a dedicated robot is assigned to each of them. While moving goods between their respective depots and some storage locations on the line, noncrossing constraints among robots need to be considered. Our heuristic uses a dynamic programming framework to determine the schedule of one robot while keeping the other one's fixed. It finds near‐optimal solutions even for large problem instances with hundreds of jobs in a short time span. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 62:16–22, 2015