bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of polymerization kinetics and copolymerization behavior ofN‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacryamide and cationic surfmers
Authors: Wang Yifan , Duan Ming , Wang Xiujun , Jing Bo , Wang Fei , Xiong Yan , Fang Shenwen
Published: June 2020

Gas flotation is one of the important technologies for oily wastewater treatment and the surface‐active polymer is an important kind of developing flotation agents. In this article, the flotation performance, polymerization kinetics, and copolymerization behavior of surface‐active copolymer ofN‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and dodecyl dimethyl propenyl ammonium chloride (C12DM) and copolymer of DMAPMA and decyl dimethyl vinylbenzyl ammonium chloride(C10MVBA) were investigated. The flotation experiment showed that both copolymers had an oil removal of 97% at the concentration of 30 mg/L. The result of polymerization kinetics showed that the polymerization initiation rate was influenced by the monomer concentration and the polymerization termination was dominated by bimolecular termination and accompanied by unimolecular termination. The activation energy of DMAPMA‐C12DM copolymerization (89.64 kJ/mol) was smaller than that of DMAPMA‐C10MVBA (91.65 kJ/mol) copolymerization. The reactivity ratios of DMAPMA and C12DM were 0.46 and 15.52, respectively, as well as the reactivity ratios of DMAPMA and C10MVBA were 1.19 and 35.77, respectively. These results are meaningful for the oily wastewater flotation and the copolymerization mechanism of DMAPMA‐based copolymer.
The Effects of Vitamin D and Marine Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Chronic Knee Pain in Older US Adults: Results From a Randomized Trial
Authors: MacFarlane Lindsey A. , Cook Nancy R. , Kim Eunjung , Lee I‐Min , Iversen Maura D. , Gordon David , Buring Julie E. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Manson JoAnn E. , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Knee pain from osteoarthritis is frequent in the adult population. Prior trials have had conflicting results concerning the therapeutic effects of vitamin D on knee pain, and few trials have investigated marine Omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3 FA).

Methods

In the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Vitamin D and Omega‐3 Trial (VITAL), 25,871 US adults were randomized in a 2‐by‐2 factorial design to receive vitamin D or n‐3 FA. We identified a subgroup with chronic knee pain prior to randomization and assessed knee pain at baseline and annually during follow‐up using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (graded on a 0–100 scale, where 100 indicates worst symptoms). Repeated measures modeling was used to test the effect of randomized treatment on WOMAC pain scores over follow‐up after adjustment for age and sex. Analyses were repeated for WOMAC function and stiffness.

Results

This study included 1,398 participants who returned at least one knee pain questionnaire. The mean age was 67.7 years, 66% were women, and the mean ± SD WOMAC pain score was 37 ± 19. The mean ± SD follow‐up time was 5.3 ± 0.7 years. WOMAC pain did not differ between the active vitamin D group and the vitamin D placebo group or between the active n‐3 FA group and the n‐3 FA placebo group at any time point during follow‐up. Linear time‐by‐treatment interactions were not significant for either treatment (vitamin D, P = 0.41; n‐3 FA, P = 0.77). Vitamin D and n‐3 FA supplementation did not significantly affect WOMAC function or stiffness scores over time.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that vitamin D and n‐3 FA supplementation for a mean of 5.3 years does not reduce knee pain or improve function or stiffness in a large sample of US adults with chronic knee pain.
Efficient Noble‐Metal‐Free Catalysts Supported by Three‐Dimensional Ordered Hierarchical Porous Carbon
Authors: Zhou Weiqiang , Liang Teo Wei , Wang Dongdong , Zuo Gancheng , Jana Deblin , Qian Cheng , Wang Hou , Liu Jiawei , Zhao Yanli
Published: June 2020

Development of heterogeneous catalysts has attracted increasing attention, owing to their remarkable catalytic performance and recyclability. Herein, we report well‐developed heterogeneous catalysts with a three‐dimensional ordered hierarchical structure, constructed from nickel or cobalt nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon. The obtained catalysts were fully characterized by several techniques. On account of the uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles in the porous carbon matrix and large diffusion channels that allow for effective mass transport, the catalysts exhibited superior catalytic performance for styrene epoxidation reaction. In particular, the catalysts showed good catalytic activity, high selectivity and excellent recyclability toward the styrene epoxidation. Thus, this facile approach developed allows for fabricating advanced heterogeneous catalysts with high catalytic activities for useful practical applications.
Planen und Bauen mit Holz – effizient und sicher
Authors: Lechner Markus , Engel Thomas , Kurzer Christoph , Rauch Michael
Published: June 2020

Das mehrgeschossige Bauen mit Holz erfreut sich steigender Beliebtheit und nimmt in den europäischen und außereuropäischen Ländern in den letzten Jahren stark zu. Diese Entwicklung wird in Deutschland gegenwärtig noch von bauordnungsrechtlichen Einschränkungen für den brennbaren Baustoff Holz gebremst. Abweichungen vom landesspezifischen Bauordnungsrecht sind oftmals die einzige Lösung und stellen eine besondere Herausforderung für die Planer dar. Unabhängig vom Baustoff müssen Planung und Bau immer unter Berücksichtigung der geltenden Gesetze, Verordnungen und Richtlinien erfolgen. Zur Gestaltung eines effizienten und sicheren Planungs‐ und Bauablaufs stehen dem Bauherren, dem Entwurfsverfasser, den Fachplanern und den ausführenden Firmen praxisorientierte Planungshilfen wie der „Brandschutznavigator“ und die Bauteildatenbank „dataholz.eu“ zur Verfügung. Während der Brandschutznavigator Hintergründe und Vorgaben in Bezug auf das Bauordnungsrecht für den Baustoff Holz präsentiert, stellt die Bauteildatenbank dataholz.eu eine umfangreiche Auswahl an Bauteilen mit Nachweisdokumenten, Anschlussdetails und Projektbeispielen zur Verfügung. Dieser Beitrag zeigt anhand von ausgewählten Anwendungsbeispielen im Holzbau die bauordnungsrechtliche Sachlage und die zielgerichtete Einbindung der beiden Webseiten in den Planungs‐ und Bauprozess.
How to arouse students' desire to learn biochemistry
Authors: Yang Rongwu
Published: June 2020

Teaching biochemistry well is not an easy job for teachers and so is learning biochemistry well for students. Just as many students often complain, they virtually always fail in either physiology or biochemistry. I have been teaching biochemistry at Nanjing University for over 25 years and am very successful in my biochemistry‐teaching career. The way and style that I teach biochemistry is highly praised by both my students and my fellow teachers. As an instructor, the most important thing is, I think, you have to do your best to arouse or ignite students' interest in biochemistry learning. But how? In this article, I will introduce many first‐hand practical tips on how to arouse the students ‘interest in studying biochemistry from giving the first lecture to last lecture, from how to combine advanced teaching methods with traditional teaching methods to how to combine classic biochemistry with latest biochemical developments, from the main classroom teaching to organization of extracurricular activities as the second classroom, and so on. These tips are proven very useful and then can be followed by other professors who are teaching biochemistry. Hopefully, they can help many professors improve their skills for teaching biochemistry.
Incubators: Building community networks and developing open educational resources to integrate bioinformatics into life science education
Authors: Ryder Elizabeth F. , Morgan William R. , Sierk Michael , Donovan Samuel S. , Robertson Sabrina D. , Orndorf Hayley C. , Rosenwald Anne G. , Triplett Eric W. , Dinsdale Elizabeth , Pauley Mark A. , Tapprich William E.
Published: June 2020

While it is essential for life science students to be trained in modern techniques and approaches, rapidly developing, interdisciplinary fields such as bioinformatics present distinct challenges to undergraduate educators. In particular, many educators lack training in new fields, and high‐quality teaching and learning materials may be sparse. To address this challenge with respect to bioinformatics, the Network for the Integration of Bioinformatics into Life Science Education (NIBLSE), in partnership with Quantitative Undergraduate Biology Education and Synthesis (QUBES), developed incubators, a novel collaborative process for the development of open educational resources (OER). Incubators are short‐term, online communities that refine unpublished teaching lessons into more polished and widely usable learning resources. The resulting products are published and made freely available in the NIBLSE Resource Collection, providing recognition of scholarly work by incubator participants. In addition to producing accessible, high‐quality resources, incubators also provide opportunities for faculty development. Because participants are intentionally chosen to represent a range of expertise in bioinformatics and pedagogy, incubators also build professional connections among educators with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and promote the discussion of practical issues involved in deploying a resource in the classroom. Here we describe the incubator process and provide examples of beneficial outcomes. Our experience indicates that incubators are a low cost, short‐term, flexible method for the development of OERs and professional community that could be adapted to a variety of disciplinary and pedagogical contexts.
Altered somatosensory evoked potentials associated with improved reaction time in a simple sensorimotor response task following repetitive practice
Authors: Akaiwa Mayu , Iwata Koki , Saito Hidekazu , Sasaki Takeshi , Sugawara Kazuhiro
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Repetitive practice of sensorimotor tasks is widely used for neurorehabilitation; however, it is unknown how practice alters sensory processing (e.g., recognition, discrimination, and attentional allocation) and associated cognitive processing, such as decision‐making. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether long‐latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) reflecting sensory processing, attention, and decision‐making are altered by sensorimotor learning.

Methods

Fifteen participants performed a simple sensorimotor response task (thumb opposition in response to surface electrical stimulation), with experimental recording sessions before and after three days of practice. We then compared multiple SEP waveforms and reaction times (RTs) between pre‐ and postpractice trials.

Results

The RT was reduced after practice of three days, and we found a significant positive correlation between ΔRT and ΔN140lat at F3, Cz, and C3′, ΔRT and ΔN250lat at F3, and there was a significant negative correlation between ΔRT and ΔP300amp at C3′.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that motor learning improves somatosensory processing and attentional allocation via neuroplasticity and that these alterations are reflected by specific SEP changes.
Memory deficits in Sprague Dawley rats with spontaneous ventriculomegaly
Authors: Luna‐Munguia Hiram , Gasca‐Martinez Deisy , Marquez‐Bravo Luis , Concha Luis
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Spontaneous ventriculomegaly has been observed in rats that were presumed normal. Because the external phenotype of these animals is unremarkable, they can be inadvertently included in behavioral experiments, despite the considerable enlargement of the ventricular system, reduced cortical thickness, and hippocampal atrophy upon imaging. Given the role of such structures in memory consolidation, we evaluated long‐term memory retention while decision making in rats with spontaneous ventriculomegaly.

Methods

We studied adult male Sprague Dawley rats, identified as having spontaneous ventriculomegaly, while performing baseline magnetic resonance imaging scanning intended for a different research protocol. Control (n = 7) and experimental (n = 6) animals were submitted to a delayed‐alternation task (no delay, 30, 60, and 180 s) and an object‐in‐context recognition task. During the first task, we evaluated the number of correct choices as well as the latency to reach any of the cavities located at the end of each branch arm during each trial. The second task assessed the rodents’ ability to remember where they had previously encountered a specific object, calculating the context recognition index.

Results

When compared to control animals, rats with spontaneous ventriculomegaly required significantly more training sessions to reach the 80% criterion during the training phase. Moreover, they showed reduced delayed‐alternation performance in the evaluated times, reaching significance only at 180 s. Increased latencies while trying to reach the cavity were also observed. Evaluation of the long‐term memory formation during the object‐in‐context recognition task showed that subjects with ventriculomegaly spent less time investigating the familiar object, resulting in a significantly decreased recognition index value.

Conclusion

Our results are the first to show how spontaneous ventriculomegaly‐induced cerebral structural damage affects decision‐making behaviors, particularly when comparing between immediate and delayed trials. Moreover, this lesion disrupts the animals’ ability to recall or express contextual information.
Modulation of transmembrane pressure in manufacturing scale tangential flow filtration N‐1 perfusion seed culture
Authors: Karst Daniel J. , Ramer Kevin , Hughes Erik H. , Jiang Canping , Jacobs Pieter J. , Mitchelson Fernie G.
Published: June 2020

Mammalian cells were grown to high density in a 3,000 L culture using perfusion with hollow fibers operated in a tangential flow filtration mode. The high‐density culture was used to inoculate the production stage of a biomanufacturing process. At constant permeate flux operation, increased transmembrane pressures (TMPs) were observed on the final day of the manufacturing batches. Small scale studies suggested that the filters were not irreversibly fouled, but rather exposed to membrane concentration polarization that could be relieved by tangential sweeping of the hollow fibers. Studies were undertaken to analyze parameters that influence the hydrodynamic profile within hollow fibers; including filter area, cell density, recirculation flow rate, and permeate flow rate. Results indicated that permeate flow rate had the greatest influence on modulating TMP. Further evaluation showed a significant decrease in TMP when permeate flow was reduced, and this occurred without any negative effect on cell growth or viability. Hence, a 30% reduction of permeate flow rate was implemented at manufacturing scale. A stable operation was achieved as TMP was successfully reduced by 75% while preserving all critical factors for performance in the perfusion bioreactor.
High throughput solubility and redissolution screening for antibody purification via combinedPEGand zinc chloride precipitation
Authors: Gu Qin , Li Zhao , Coffman Jonathan L. , Przybycien Todd M. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: June 2020

As upstream product titers increase, the downstream chromatographic capture step has become a significant “downstream bottleneck.” Precipitation becomes more attractive under these conditions as the supersaturation driving force increases with the ever‐increasing titer. In this study, two precipitating reagents with orthogonal mechanisms, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a volume excluder and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a cross linker, were examined as precipitants for two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), one stable and the other aggregation‐prone, in purified drug substance and harvested cell culture fluid forms. Manual batch solubility and redissolution experiments were performed as scouting experiments. A high throughput (HTP) liquid handling system was used to investigate the design space as fully as possible while reducing time, labor, and material requirements. Precipitation and redissolution were studied by systematically varying the concentrations of PEG and ZnCl2to identify combinations that resulted in high yield and good quality for the stable mAb; PEG concentrations in the range 7–7.5 wt/vol% together with 10 mM ZnCl2gave a yield of 97% and monomer contents of about 93%. While yield for the unstable mAb was high, quality was not acceptable. Performance at selected conditions was further corroborated for the stable mAb using a continuous tubular precipitation reactor at the laboratory scale. The HTP automation system was a powerful tool for locating desired (customized) conditions for antibodies of different physicochemical properties.
Genetic risk factors for lumbar disc disease
Authors: Doraisamy Ravichandran , Ramaswami Karthikeyan , Shanmugam Jeevithan , Subramanian Rashmi , Sivashankaran Balasubramanian
Published: June 2020

Aim and Background

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is thought to be multifactorial in origin. Very recently the focus has shifted to the involvement of a family of candidate genes in the pathogenesis of LDD. There is particular emphasis on the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR gene). The VDR polymorphisms FOK1, TAQ1, and APO1 have been variably associated with LDD.

Objective

To evaluate the association between the FOK1/Taq1 genes and LDD.

Materials and Methods

One hundred unrelated healthy (asymptomatic) individuals who presented for routine health checkup and 93 consecutive patients (43 males and 50 females) with no history of low back pain were enrolled in the study after informed consent was obtained. The MRI images of cases and controls were graded and peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants and sent for genetic analysis.

Results

Individuals with the dominant genotype for Taq1 had a significantly higher association with LDD than those without it. There was no association between LDD and the Fok1 genotype.

Conclusion

Genetic predisposition is an important risk factor for LDD.
The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on patients with advanced gastric cancer: A multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Qun , Lian Changhong , Huo Zhibin , Li Ming , Liu Yang , Fan Liqiao , Tan Bibo , Zhao Xuefeng , Zhang Zhidong , Wang Dong , Liu Yu , Guo Honghai , Yang Peigang , Tian Yuan , Li Yong
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Exploring the efficacy and safety of perioperative chemotherapy on patients with AGC at different clinical and pathological stages.

Methods

A phase III randomized, multicenter, trial comparing adjuvant (arm A) or perioperative S‐1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX, arm B), and perioperative capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX, arm C) was initiated in T3/4, node + gastric cancer patients (unclear). Each patient received an 8‐cycle chemotherapy (3 weeks for one cycle). Group arms B and C received two cycles preoperatively, and six cycles postoperatively. Primary endpoints were R0 resection rate and DFS, and secondary endpoints included OS, ORR, DCR, and safety. This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT01516944.

Results

A total of 749 patients were randomly assigned into groups A, B, and C. Group A received 1460 circles chemotherapy and group B received 1177 circles while group C received 1200 circles. R0 resection rates in the three groups were 81.7%, 88.7%, and 83.1%, respectively. The difference between groups A and B was considered to be statistically significant (P = .018), and no significant difference between groups B and C (P = .051). Hazard ratio were compared between groups B and C and DFS showed 0.72 (0.67‐0.77 with 95% CI), Pnon‐inferiority < .0001, Plog‐rank = .064). The CI top limit actually lower than the estimated value of 1.38, which indicated noninferiority of SOX to XELOX.

Conclusions

Compared with PAC, perioperative chemotherapy showed a significant improvement in R0 resection rates and prognosis in AGC patients with higher safety rates. This study was powered to show superiority of perioperative over adjuvant SOX, and noninferiority of SOX to XELOX. Volume measurement, repeated laparoscopic exploration combined with exfoliative cytology can be used as a supplementary method in the clinical staging and efficacy evaluation of AGC.
The effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients with pT3N0M0 renal pelvic urothelial carcinomas: An inverse probability of treatment weighting comparison using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data
Authors: Liu Zefu , Huang Jialing , Li Xiangdong , Huang Chaowen , Ye Yunlin , Zhang Jinxin , Liu Zhouwei
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Unlike the established evidence to use chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, presently there are insufficient data to inform a recommendation on upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treatment. The prognosis for patients with stage T4 and positive lymph nodes is poor; however, primary tumors in the renal pelvis are associated with favorable prognoses compared to those located in the ureter. Our study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with pT3N0M0 renal pelvic urothelial carcinomas (RPUC) who have relative favorable prognosis.

Methods

Patients with pT3N0M0 tumors who underwent radical nephroureterectomy combined with bladder cuff excision between 2005 and 2014 and registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were eligible for inclusion (n = 939). Baseline characteristics between the chemotherapy and observation groups were controlled for with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)‐adjusted analysis.

Results

After the IPTW‐adjusted analysis, the 5‐year IPTW‐adjusted rates of overall survival (OS) for the chemotherapy and observation groups were 53.1% and 44.9%, respectively. The IPTW‐adjusted Kaplan‐Meier curves suggested that chemotherapy was associated with increased OS compared with observation (P = .028). In the IPTW‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model, chemotherapy was associated with favorable survival benefits compared with observation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.52‐0.92, P = .031), and this was maintained after bootstrapping (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49‐0.93). Chemotherapy had a protective effect on OS benefits, which were found in a majority of the results of the subgroup analysis and were consistent with the main results (all P‐interactions > 0.05).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy may provide significant OS benefits for patients with pT3N0M0 RPUC. The results of our study could strengthen the evidence for using adjuvant chemotherapy in this rare group of patients.
Development and Validation of a Paediatric Abusive Head Trauma Awareness Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals: A Two‐Stage Questionnaire Development Study
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Feng Jui‐Ying
Published: June 2020

This two‐stage study aimed to develop and validate a paediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) awareness questionnaire for healthcare professionals. In stage one, an item pool was created for the AHT awareness questionnaire. Four experts assessed the content validity. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were examined using a pilot study of 24 healthcare professionals. In stage two, 302 healthcare professionals from a medical centre in southern Taiwan were recruited to establish the questionnaire's psychometric properties. The final version of the questionnaire comprised 81 items, including demographics, attitudes towards childrearing and four sub‐concepts on AHT awareness (infant crying, soothing skills, clinical manifestations and consequences of AHT, and risk factors of AHT). The content validity of the questionnaire was satisfactory with a score of 0.91 to 1.0 for the scale content validity index. The test–retest reliability was 0.51–0.71. Cronbach's alphas for the final sample were 0.52–0.93 for the four subscales. Exploratory factor analysis extracted two factors as risk factors of AHT with a total explained variance of 55.9 per cent. This questionnaire is useful in understanding AHT awareness with identified aspects among healthcare professionals and other professionals working in child protection fields. Items and subscales of the AHT awareness questionnaire could act as a reference guide for future training programmes.

‘This two‐stage study aimed to develop and validate a paediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) awareness questionnaire for healthcare professionals’

Key Practitioner Messages

We developed and validated a questionnaire to assess healthcare professionals' awareness of paediatric AHT.

This is the first instrument developed to measure healthcare professionals' awareness of paediatric AHT with acceptable psychometric properties for use in Taiwan.

The questionnaire can be used to understand healthcare professionals' awareness of paediatric AHT.

This questionnaire may also be used to explore other professionals' awareness of paediatric AHT and to design related education programmes.
A Hydroxyquinoline‐Based Unnatural Amino Acid for the Design of Novel Artificial Metalloenzymes
Authors: Drienovská Ivana , Scheele Remkes A. , Gutiérrez de Souza Cora , Roelfes Gerard
Published: June 2020

We have examined the potential of the noncanonical amino acid (8‐hydroxyquinolin‐3‐yl)alanine (HQAla) for the design of artificial metalloenzymes. HQAla, a versatile chelator of late transition metals, was introduced into the lactococcal multidrug‐resistance regulator (LmrR) by stop codon suppression methodology. LmrR_HQAla was shown to complex efficiently with three different metal ions, CuII, ZnII and RhIII to form unique artificial metalloenzymes. The catalytic potential of the CuII‐bound LmrR_HQAla enzyme was shown through its ability to catalyse asymmetric Friedel‐Craft alkylation and water addition, whereas the ZnII‐coupled enzyme was shown to mimic natural Zn hydrolase activity.
Association between surgical risk and 30‐day stroke after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Matsuda Yuji , Nai Fovino Luca , Giacoppo Daniele , Scotti Andrea , Massussi Mauro , Ueshima Daisuke , Sasano Tetsuo , Fabris Tommaso , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Background

Stroke is a feared complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Objectives

With this meta‐analysis we aimed to evaluate the incidence of 30‐day stroke with TAVR and SAVR focusing on its possible correlation with surgical risk.

Methods

Major electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 2002 and October 2019 reporting the rates of 30‐day stroke after TAVR and SAVR. Data were pooled using fixed‐ and random‐effects models. The primary outcome of the study was stroke rate within 30‐day from TAVR or SAVR. Results were stratified according to surgical risk score (high, intermediate and low).

Results

A total of 23 studies were identified (TAVR: 14,589 patients; SAVR: 11,681 patients). Regardless of the model used, in the overall population TAVR was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of stroke compared with SAVR (fixed effect: OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.92, p = .003; random‐effects: OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–1.00, p = .045). Rates of 30‐day stroke after TAVR and SAVR were not significantly different in the high‐ (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.44–1.98, p = .105) and intermediate‐risk groups (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63–1.36, p = .319), while low‐risk patients had a lower rate of 30‐day stroke after TAVR than SAVR (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50–0.83, p < .001). Meta‐regression showed a significant association between surgical risk score and 30‐day stroke rate (p = .007).

Conclusions

TAVR is associated with a lower risk of 30‐day stroke compared with SAVR, mainly as a result of the significant advantage observed in patients at low surgical risk.
Robotic telestenting performance in transcontinental and regional pre‐clinical models
Authors: Madder Ryan D. , VanOosterhout Stacie , Parker Jessica , Sconzert Kalyna , Li Yao , Kottenstette Nicholas , Madsen Abigail , Sungur John‐Michael , Bergman Per
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the association of geographic distance with robotic telestenting performance by comparing performance measures in transcontinental and regional pre‐clinical models of telestenting.

Background

Robotic telestenting, in which percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed on a remotely located patient, might improve PCI access, but has not been attempted over vast distances likely required to reach many underserved regions.

Methods

Telestenting performance was compared in regional (Boston to New York [206 miles]) and transcontinental (Boston to San Francisco [3,085 miles]) ex vivo models of telestenting, wherein a physician in Boston attempted robotic PCI on endovascular simulators in New York and San Francisco, respectively. PCI was attempted over both wired and fifth generation (5G)‐wireless networks. Outcome measures included procedural success, procedural time, and perceived latency.

Results

Procedural success was achieved in 20 consecutive target lesions in the regional model and in 16 consecutive target lesions in the transcontinental model. The transcontinental model had a greater latency than the regional model over both wired (121.5 ± 2.4 ms vs. 67.8 ± 0.9 ms; p < .001) and 5G‐wireless networks (162.5 ± 1.1 ms vs. 86.6 ± 0.6 ms; p < .001), but perceived latencies were graded “imperceptible” in all cases in both models. Transcontinental and regional models did not have significantly different procedural times over wired (4.1 ± 1.9 min vs. 9.0 ± 7.1 min; p = .051) or 5G‐wireless (3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 6.3 ± 1.2; p = .36) networks.

Conclusions

Transcontinental robotic manipulation of coronary devices is now possible and was not associated with adverse performance compared to robotic telestenting conducted regionally.
Distributed Control Strategy with Smith's Predictor in a Pilot‐Scale Diabatic Distillation Unit
Authors: Zierhut Elton Joao , Battisti Rodrigo , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco , Marangoni Cintia
Published: June 2020

Intrinsic characteristics of distillation such as dead time and high nonlinearities do not allow the complete elimination of transient times when any external disturbance or set‐point change occurs. Thus, aiming at the use of easy‐tuning systems, a distributed‐action control in trays of a diabatic distillation unit with Smith's predictor was implemented in the Simulink environment to further reduce transient times and out‐of‐specification product. The distributed‐action strategy with Smith's predictor led to a reduction of 33.3 min (33 %) in the transient time of the top temperature control loop and 66 % in out‐of‐specification product, when compared with the conventional strategy, and thus is shown to be an efficient approach to increasing the productivity of distillation plants.
Atmospheric Oxygen Mediated Radical Hydrothiolation of Alkenes
Authors: McCourt Ruairí O. , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: June 2020

A mild, metal‐free, atmospheric oxygen‐mediated radical hydrothiolation of alkenes (and alkyne) is reported. A variety of sulfur containing motifs including alkanethiols, thiophenols and thioacids undergo an atmospheric oxygen‐mediated radical hydrothiolation reaction with a plethora of alkenes in good yield with excellent functional group compatibility, typically with short reaction times to furnish a range of functionalized products. Biomolecules proved tolerant to the conditions and the procedure is robust and easily executable requiring no specialized equipment. Concise mechanistic studies confirm the process proceeds through radical intermediates in a thiol‐ene reaction manifold. The methodology offers an efficient “green” approach for thiol‐ene mediated “click” ligation and a milder alternative to thermally initiated hydrothiolation processes.
Doxycycline as an initial treatment of bullous pemphigoid in Japanese patients
Authors: Kimura Kiyoto , Kawai Kazuhiro
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Tetracycline antibiotics have been used in bullous pemphigoid (BP) for their anti‐inflammatory effects. In Japan, tetracycline and minocycline, but not doxycycline, have been generally used in BP, although doxycycline has a better side‐effect profile than other tetracycline antibiotics. To determine the effectiveness and safety of doxycycline in Japanese BP patients, we performed a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We analyzed 27 Japanese BP patients in whom doxycycline was used as a first‐line treatment at Kido Hospital between April 1, 2014, and August 31, 2019. We estimated time to prednisolone treatment as a primary measure of effectiveness of doxycycline, because second‐line prednisolone treatment was initiated when each physician judged that disease activity could not be controlled with doxycycline alone.

Results

During the median follow‐up of 63 weeks, second‐line prednisolone treatment was initiated in 22 of 27 patients. Median time to prednisolone treatment was 7 weeks. Severe disease based on the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) and eosinophilia were the risk factors for prednisolone treatment. At 6 weeks, 14 of 27 patients were under doxycycline treatment without prednisolone, and significant decreases of BPDAI scores were achieved. In 9 of these 14 patients, prednisolone treatment was started after 6 weeks, but the recurrent or mild remaining lesions could be controlled with relatively low‐dose prednisolone in combination with doxycycline. No severe adverse events related to doxycycline occurred.

Conclusions

Doxycycline has short‐term effectiveness, potential corticosteroid‐sparing effect, and long‐term safety in Japanese BP patients with mild to moderate disease and no eosinophilia.
Rationally Designed Polypharmacology: α‐Helix Mimetics as Dual Inhibitors of the Oncoproteins Mcl‐1 and HDM2
Authors: Conlon Ivie L. , Drennen Brandon , Lanning Maryanna E. , Hughes Samuel , Rothhaas Rebecca , Wilder Paul T. , MacKerell Alexander D. , Fletcher Steven
Published: June 2020

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs), many of which are dominated by α‐helical recognition domains, play key roles in many essential cellular processes, and the dysregulation of these interactions can cause detrimental effects. For instance, aberrant PPIs involving the Bcl‐2 protein family can lead to several diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. Interactions between Bcl‐2 pro‐life proteins, such as Mcl‐1, and pro‐death proteins, such as Bim, regulate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. p53, a tumor‐suppressor protein, also has a pivotal role in apoptosis and is negatively regulated by its E3 ubiquitin ligase HDM2. Both Mcl‐1 and HDM2 are upregulated in numerous cancers, and, interestingly, there is crosstalk between both protein pathways. Recently, synergy has been observed between Mcl‐1 and HDM2 inhibitors. Towards the development of new anticancer drugs, we herein describe a polypharmacology approach for the dual inhibition of Mcl‐1 and HDM2 by employing three densely functionalized isoxazoles, pyrazoles, and thiazoles as mimetics of key α‐helical domains of their partner proteins.
Biomarker‐driven phase 2 umbrella trial study for patients with recurrent small cell lung cancer failing platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Park Sehhoon , Shim Joonho , Mortimer Peter G. S. , Smith Simon A. , Godin Robert E. , Hollingsworth Simon J. , Kim Hee‐Jung , Jung Hyun Ae , Sun Jong‐Mu , Park Woong‐Yang , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung‐Ju , Lee Se‐Hoon , Park Keunchil
Published: June 2020

Background

A high percentage of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cases harbor cell cycle–related gene mutations and RICTOR amplification. Based on underlying somatic mutations, the authors have conducted a phase 2 biomarker‐driven, multiarm umbrella study.

Methods

The SCLC Umbrella Korea StudiES (SUKSES) is an adaptive platform trial that undergoes continual modification according to the observed outcomes. This study included 286 patients with SCLC who failed platinum therapy and who had known genomic profiles based on a predesigned screening trial. Patients with MYC amplification or CDKN2A and TP53 co‐alterations were allocated to adavosertib (SUKSES protocol C [SUKSES‐C]; 7 patients) and those with RICTOR amplification were allocated to vistusertib (SUKSES‐D; 4 patients). Alternatively, patients who were without any predefined biomarkers were assigned to a non–biomarker‐selected arm: adavosertib (SUKSES‐N1; 21 patients) or AZD2811NP (SUKSES‐N3; 15 patients).

Results

Patients in the SUKSES‐C and SUKSES‐N1 arms demonstrated no objective response. Three patients presented with stable disease (SD) in SUKSES‐C and 6 patients in SUKSES‐N1. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 1.3 months (95% confidence interval, 0.9 months to not available) for SUKSES‐C and 1.2 months (95% CI, 1.1‐1.4 months) for SUKSES‐N1. Patients in the SUKSES‐D arm demonstrated no objective response and no SD, with a PFS of 1.2 months (95% CI, 1.0 months to not available). The SUKSES‐N3 arm had 5 patients with SD and a PFS of 1.6 months (95% CI, 0.9‐1.7 months), without an objective response. Grade≥3 adverse events (graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 4.03]) were observed as follows: 3.2% in the SUKSES‐C and SUKSES‐N1 arms and 50.0% in the SUKSES‐D arm. Target‐related neutropenia (grade≥3) was observed in approximately 60.0% of patients in the AZD2811NP arm using the current dosing schedule.

Conclusions

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first biomarker‐driven umbrella study conducted in patients with recurrent SCLC. Although the current study demonstrated the limited clinical efficacy of monotherapy, novel biomarker approaches using other cell cycle inhibitor(s) or combinations warrant further investigation.
A Joint Action in Times of Pandemic: The German BioImaging Recommendations for Operating Imaging Core Facilities During the SARS‐Cov‐2 Emergency
Authors: Dietzel Steffen , Ferrando‐May Elisa , Fried Hans , Kukat Christian , Naumann Angela , Nitschke Roland , Pasierbek Pawel , Peychl Jan , Rasse Tobias Manuel , Schroth‐Diez Britta , Stöckl Martin Thomas , Terjung Stefan , Thuenauer Roland , Tulok Silke , Weidtkamp‐Peters Stefanie ,   German BioImaging‐Society for Microscopy and Image Analysis
Published: June 2020

Operating shared resource laboratories (SRLs) in times of pandemic is a challenge for research institutions. In a multiuser, high‐turnover working space, the transmission of infectious agents is difficult to control. To address this challenge, imaging core facility managers being members of German BioImaging discussed how shared microscopes could be operated with minimal risk of spreading SARS‐CoV‐2 between users and staff. Here, we describe the resulting guidelines and explain their rationale, with a focus on separating users in space and time, protective face masks, and keeping surfaces virus‐free. These recommendations may prove useful for other types of SRLs. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Support online students during campus closures
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2020

Students may have left your campus due to the COVID‐19 crisis, but they need your support to succeed. NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education presented a webinar featuring Alicia Battle, Assistant Professor and Director of the Online Master of Public Health Program at Tulane University; Jaimie Hoffman, Ed.D., Vice President for Student Affairs at Noodle Partners, which produces and runs online and hybrid higher ed programs; and James McGhee, Assistant Dean of Students at Randolph‐Macon College.
Ecological forecasts reveal limitations of common model selection methods: predicting changes in beaver colony densities
Authors: Johnson‐Bice Sean M. , Ferguson Jake M. , Erb John D. , Gable Thomas D. , Windels Steve K.
Published: June 2020

Over the past two decades, there have been numerous calls to make ecology a more predictive science through direct empirical assessments of ecological models and predictions. While the widespread use of model selection using information criteria has pushed ecology toward placing a higher emphasis on prediction, few attempts have been made to validate the ability of information criteria to correctly identify the most parsimonious model with the greatest predictive accuracy. Here, we used an ecological forecasting framework to test the ability of information criteria to accurately predict the relative contribution of density dependence and density‐independent factors (forage availability, harvest, weather, wolf [Canis lupus] density) on inter‐annual fluctuations in beaver (Castor canadensis) colony densities. We modeled changes in colony densities using a discrete‐time Gompertz model, and assessed the performance of four models using information criteria values: density‐independent models with (1) and without (2) environmental covariates; and density‐dependent models with (3) and without (4) environmental covariates. We then evaluated the forecasting accuracy of each model by withholding the final one‐third of observations from each population and compared observed vs. predicted densities. Information criteria and our forecasting accuracy metrics both provided strong evidence of compensatory density dependence in the annual dynamics of beaver colony densities. However, despite strong within‐sample performance by the most complex model (density‐dependent with covariates) as determined using information criteria, hindcasts of colony densities revealed that the much simpler density‐dependent model without covariates performed nearly as well predicting out‐of‐sample colony densities. The hindcast results indicated that the complex model over‐fit our data, suggesting that parameters identified by information criteria as important predictor variables are only marginally valuable for predicting landscape‐scale beaver colony dynamics. Our study demonstrates the importance of evaluating ecological models and predictions with long‐term data and revealed how a known limitation of information criteria (over‐fitting of complex models) can affect our interpretation of ecological dynamics. While incorporating knowledge of the factors that influence animal population dynamics can improve population forecasts, we suggest that comparing forecast performance metrics can likewise improve our knowledge of the factors driving population dynamics.
A Bayesian nested patch occupancy model to estimate steelhead movement and abundance
Authors: Waterhouse Lynn , White Jody , See Kevin , Murdoch Andrew , Semmens Brice X.
Published: June 2020

Anthropogenic impacts on riverine systems have, in part, led to management concerns regarding the population status of species using these systems. In an effort to assess the efficacy of restoration actions, and in order to improve monitoring of species of concern, managers have turned to PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag studies with in‐stream detectors to monitor movements of tagged individuals throughout river networks. However, quantifying movements in a river network using PIT tag data with incomplete coverage and imperfect detections presents a challenge. We propose a flexible Bayesian analytic framework that models the imperfectly detected movements of tagged individuals in a nested PIT tag array river network. This model structure provides probabilistic estimates of up‐stream migration routes for each tagged individual based on a set of underlying nested state variables. These movement estimates can be converted into abundance estimates when an estimate of abundance is available for a location within the river network. We apply the model framework to data from steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Upper Columbia River basin and evaluate model performance (precision/variance of simulated population sizes) as a function of population tagging rates and PIT tag array detection probability densities within the river system using a simulation framework. This simulation framework provides both model validation (precision) and the ability to evaluate expected performance improvements (variance) due to changes in tagging rates or PIT receiver array configuration. We also investigate the impact of different network configurations on model estimates. Results from such investigations can help inform decisions regarding future monitoring and management.
Meta‐analysis on the long‐term effectiveness of psychological and medical treatments for binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Petroff David , Herpertz Stephan , Pietrowsky Reinhard , Tuschen‐Caffier Brunna , Vocks Silja , Schmidt Ricarda
Published: June 2020

Objective

Long‐term effectiveness is a critical aspect of the clinical utility of a treatment; however, a meta‐analytic evaluation of psychological and medical treatments for binge‐eating disorder (BED), including weight loss treatments, is outstanding. This meta‐analysis sought to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the long‐term effectiveness in diverse treatments for BED regarding a range of clinically relevant outcomes.

Method

Based on a systematic search up to February 2018, 114 published and unpublished randomized‐controlled (RCTs), nonrandomized, and uncontrolled treatment studies, totaling 8,862 individuals with BED (DSM‐IV, DSM‐5), were identified and analyzed using within‐group random‐effect modeling.

Results

Effectiveness (regarding binge‐eating episodes and abstinence, eating disorder and general psychopathology) up to 12 months following treatment was demonstrated for psychotherapy, structured self‐help treatment, and combined treatment, while the results regarding body weight reduction were inconsistent. These results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses with RCTs on the most common treatments—cognitive‐behavioral therapy and self‐help treatment based on this approach. Follow‐up intervals longer than 12 months were rarely reported, mostly supporting the long‐term effectiveness of psychotherapy. Few follow‐up data were available for pharmacotherapy, and behavioral and self‐help weight loss treatment, while follow‐up data were lacking for pharmacological and surgical weight loss treatment. Study quality varied widely.

Discussion

This comprehensive meta‐analysis demonstrated the medium‐term effectiveness of psychotherapy, structured self‐help treatment, and combined treatment for patients with BED, and supported the long‐term effectiveness of psychotherapy. The results were derived from uncontrolled comparisons over time. Further long‐term high quality research on psychological and medical treatments for BED is required.