bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid biochemical profiling of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, hypertension and cancer metastasis by hierarchical cluster analysis of Raman spectra
Authors: Pacia Marta Z. , Mateuszuk Lukasz , Buczek Elzbieta , Chlopicki Stefan , Blazejczyk Agnieszka , Wietrzyk Joanna , Baranska Malgorzata , Kaczor Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

Raman spectroscopy is a label free, versatile, simple and fast method that is increasingly used to detect pathological changes in the cells and tissues that could be useful in medical diagnostics. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that Raman spectroscopy may serve to detect endothelial dysfunction in murine models of lifestyle diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction.

For that purpose, we analysed spectra from ex vivo vessels taken from mice with diabetes, hypertension and cancer metastasis. We extracted 50–70 random, single spectra, recorded in 0.2 s, from endothelium of mice with diseases and respective control animals and subjected them to hierarchical cluster analysis. Independently on the sample preparation protocol, very good discrimination was obtained for three‐tested murine models, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cancer metastasis. Obtained sensitivity and specificity parameters were between 93% and 96% (with the exception of sensitivity in the diabetes model equalled to 88%). Our results show that single, random spectra of endothelium, recorded in less than a second, contains enough information on biochemical content of the endothelium to detect endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that biochemical profile of the endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, hypertension or cancer metastasis differs with a very high specificity and sensitivity. This conclusion can be a good starting point for the development of in vivo fast diagnostic methodology of endothelium in the future. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomy, nutritional value and cell wall chemical analysis of foliage leaves of Guadua chacoensis (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae), a promising source of forage
Authors: Panizzo Cecilia C , Fernández Paula V , Colombatto Darío , Ciancia Marina , Vega Andrea S
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The present study combines morphological and anatomical studies, cell wall chemical composition analysis, as well as assessment of the nutritional value of Guadua chacoensis foliage leaves.

RESULTS

Foliage leaves of G. chacoensis are a promising source of forage because: (a) as a native woody bamboo, it is adapted to and helps maintain environmental conditions in America; (b) leaf anatomical studies exhibit discontinuous sclerenchyma, scarcely developed, while pilose indumentum, silica cells, prickles and hooks are also scarce; (c) it has a high protein content, similar to that of Medicago sativa, while other nutritional parameters are similar to those of common forages; and (d) glucuronoarabinoxylan, the major extracted polysaccharide, has one‐third of the 4‐linked β‐d‐xylopyranosyl units of the backbone substituted mainly with α‐l‐arabinofuranose as single stubs or non‐reducing end of short chains, but also 5‐linked α‐l‐arabinofuranose units, terminal β‐d‐xylopyranose and d‐galactopyranose units, as well as α‐d‐glucuronic acid residues and small amounts of its 4‐O‐methylated derivative.

CONCLUSION

These results constitute the first report on this species, and as culms are utilized in constructions and crafts, the remaining leaves, when used as forage, constitute a byproduct that allows an additional income opportunity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Randomized controlled trial of a bioabsorbable steroid‐releasing implant in the frontal sinus opening
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Singh Ameet , Luong Amber , Ow Randall A. , Shotts Steven D. , Sautter Nathan B. , Han Joseph K. , Stambaugh James , Raman Aarthi
Published: July 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess safety and efficacy of a steroid‐releasing implant in improving surgical outcomes when placed in the frontal sinus opening (FSO) following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Prospective, multicenter, randomized, blinded trial using an intrapatient control design.

Methods

Eighty adult (≥ 18 years) CRS patients who underwent successful bilateral frontal sinusotomy were randomized to receive a steroid‐releasing implant in one FSO, whereas the contralateral control side received no implant. All patients received standard postoperative care. Endoscopic evaluations recorded at 30‐days postendoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were graded real time by clinical investigators and by an independent, blinded sinus surgeon to assess the need for postoperative interventions in the FSO.

Results

Implants were successfully placed in all 80 frontal sinuses, resulting in 100% implant delivery success. At 30‐days post‐ESS, steroid‐releasing implants provided a statistically significant (P = 0.0070) reduction in the need for postoperative interventions compared to surgery alone by an independent reviewer, representing 38% relative reduction. Clinical investigators reported statistically significant reduction in this measure at 30 days (P < 0.0001) and 90 days (P = 0.0129). Clinical investigators also reported a 55.6% reduction in the need for oral steroid interventions (P = 0.0015), 75% reduction in the need for surgical interventions (P = 0.0225), 16.7% reduction in inflammation score, 54.3% reduction in restenosis rate (P = 0.0002), and 32.2% greater diameter of FSO (P < 0.0001) on treated sides compared to control at 30 days. No implant‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the efficacy of steroid‐releasing implants in improving outcomes of frontal sinus surgery.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 126:2659–2664, 2016
Rotational thyrotracheopexy after cricoidectomy for low‐grade laryngeal chrondrosarcoma
Authors: Rovó László , Bach Ádám , Sztanó Balázs , Matievics Vera , Szegesdi Ilona , Castellanos Paul F.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The complex laryngeal functions are fundamentally defined by the cricoid cartilage. Thus, lesions requiring subtotal or total resection of the cricoid cartilage commonly warrant total laryngectomy. However, from an oncological perspective, the resection of the cricoid cartilage would be an optimal solution in these cases. The poor functional results of the few reported cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy with different reconstruction techniques confirm the need for new approaches to reconstruct the infrastructure of the larynx post cricoidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series review.

Methods

Four consecutive patients with low‐grade chondrosarcoma were treated by cricoidectomy with rotational thyrotracheopexy reconstruction to enable the functional creation of a complete cartilaginous ring that can substitute the functions of the cricoid cartilage. The glottic structures were stabilized with endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. Patients were evaluated with objective and subjective function tests.

Results

Tumor‐free margins were proven; patients were successfully decannulated within 3 weeks. Voice outcomes were adequate for social conversation in all cases. Oral feeding was possible in three patients.

Conclusion

Total and subtotal cricoidectomy can be a surgical option to avoid total laryngectomy in cases of large chondrosarcomas destroying the cricoid cartilage. The thyrotracheopexy rotational advancement technique enables the effective reconstruction of the structural deficit of the resected cricoid cartilage in cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy. An adequate airway for breathing, swallowing, and voice production can be reconstructed with good oncological control. In cases where the pharynx is not involved, good swallowing function can also be achieved.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1109–1115, 2017
Systematic Analysis of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Response to RET Gatekeeper Mutations in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Meng Shu , Wu Hongyan , Wang Jing , Qiu Qiyuan
Published: July 2016

The proto‐oncogene protein RET is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in the development and progress of various human cancers. Currently, targeting RET with small‐molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been established as promising therapeutic strategy for thyroid carcinoma (TC). However, two gatekeeper mutations V804M and V804L in RET kinase domain have been frequently observed to cause drug resistance during the targeted therapy, largely limiting the application of reversible TKIs in TC. Here, we described an integrative protocol that combined literature curation, computational analysis, and in vitro kinase assay to systematically investigate the response profile of 9 approved RET TKIs to the two clinical RET gatekeeper mutations. It was revealed that the two mutations exhibit a similar energetic behavior to influence TKI binding, which can moderately decrease competitive inhibitor affinity and modestly increase substrate ATP affinity simultaneously. However, the binding potency of few second‐generation kinase inhibitors such as Ponatinib and Alectinib can be improved to overcome the increased ATP affinity, thus restoring their inhibitory activity against the kinase mutants. Subsequently, the established protocol was employed to investigate the response profile of 4 commercially available RET TKIs that are under preclinical or clinical development. Three out of the four TKIs were found to become resistant upon the mutations due to steric hindrance effect introduced by the mutated residues, while the remaining one was moderately sensitized by the mutations since the mutated residues can form additional hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions with the inhibitor.
On some hyperbolic type equations and weighted anisotropic Hardy operators
Authors: Lundberg Staffan , Samko Natasha
Published: July 2016

We introduce a version of weighted anisotropic Morrey spaces and anisotropic Hardy operators. We find conditions for boundedness of these operators in such spaces. We also reveal the role of these operators in solving some classes of degenerate hyperbolic partial differential equations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Admissible perturbations of α‐ψ‐pseudocontractive operators: convergence theorems
Authors: Toscano Elena , Vetro Calogero
Published: July 2016

We prove some convergence theorems for α‐ψ‐pseudocontractive operators in real Hilbert spaces, by using the concept of admissible perturbation. Our results extend and complement some theorems in the existing literature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolomics reveals differences between three daidzein metabolizing phenotypes in adults with cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Reverri Elizabeth J. , Slupsky Carolyn M. , Mishchuk Darya O. , Steinberg Francene M.
Published: July 2016

Scope

The soy isoflavone, daidzein, is metabolized by gut microbiota to O‐desmethylangolensin (ODMA) and/or equol. Producing equol is postulated as a contributing factor for the beneficial effects of soy.

Methods and results

This randomized, controlled, cross‐over design used an untargeted metabolomic approach to assess the metabolic profile of different daidzein metabolizers. Adults (n = 17) with cardiometabolic risk factors received soy nuts or control food for 4 weeks, separated by a 2‐week washout. No significant differences were detected pre‐ and postintervention and between interventions. Examination of the ability to metabolize daidzein revealed three groups: ODMA only producers (n = 4), equol + ODMA producers (n = 8), and nonproducers (n = 5). Analysis of the serum metabolome revealed nonproducers could be distinguished from ODMA‐only and equol + ODMA producers. Differences between these phenotypes were related to obesity and metabolic risk (methionine, asparagine, and trimethylamine) with equol + ODMA producers having lower concentrations, yet paradoxically higher pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In urine, nonproducers clustered with ODMA producers and were distinct from equol + ODMA producers. Urinary metabolite profiles revealed significantly higher excretion of fumarate and 2‐oxoglutarate, as well as pyroglutamate, alanine, and the gut microbial metabolite dimethylamine in equol + ODMA producers.

Conclusion

These results emphasize that the serum and urine metabolomes are distinct based on the ability to metabolize isoflavones.
Super‐resolution T1 estimation: Quantitative high resolution T1 mapping from a set of low resolution T1‐weighted images with different slice orientations
Authors: Van Steenkiste Gwendolyn , Poot Dirk H. J. , Jeurissen Ben , den Dekker Arnold J. , Vanhevel Floris , Parizel Paul M. , Sijbers Jan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Quantitative T1 mapping is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that estimates the spin‐lattice relaxation time of tissues. Even though T1 mapping has a broad range of potential applications, it is not routinely used in clinical practice as accurate and precise high resolution T1 mapping requires infeasibly long acquisition times.

Method

To improve the trade‐off between the acquisition time, signal‐to‐noise ratio and spatial resolution, we acquire a set of low resolution T1‐weighted images and directly estimate a high resolution T1 map by means of super‐resolution reconstruction.

Results

Simulation and in vivo experiments show an increased spatial resolution of the T1 map, while preserving a high signal‐to‐noise ratio and short scan time. Moreover, the proposed method outperforms conventional estimation in terms of root‐mean‐square error.

Conclusion

Super resolution T1 estimation enables resolution enhancement in T1 mapping with the use of standard (inversion recovery) T1 acquisition sequences. Magn Reson Med 77:1818–1830, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Somatic syndromes and chronic pain in women with overactive bladder
Authors: Reynolds W. Stuart , Mock Stephen , Zhang Xuechao , Kaufman Melissa , Wein Alan , Bruehl Stephen , Dmochowski Roger
Published: July 2016

Aims

Mechanisms underlying pain perception and afferent hypersensitivity, such as central sensitization, may impact overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. However, little is known about associations between OAB symptom severity, pain experience, and presence of comorbid chronic pain syndromes. This study examined relationships between OAB symptoms, somatic symptoms, and specific chronic pain conditions in which central sensitization is believed to play a primary role, in a community‐based sample of adult women with OAB.

Methods

We recruited adult women with OAB to complete questionnaires assessing urinary symptoms, pain and somatic symptoms, and preexisting diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes. We analyzed the effects of overall bodily pain intensity, general somatic symptoms, and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes on OAB symptom bother and health‐related quality of life.

Results

Of the 116 women in this study, over half (54%) stated their urge to urinate was associated with pain, pressure, or discomfort. Participants reported a wide range of OAB symptoms and health‐related quality of life. There was a significant, positive correlation between OAB symptoms and somatic symptoms as well as overall pain intensity. Only 7% of women met diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia; yet these women demonstrated significantly increased OAB symptom burden and decreased OAB quality of life compared to those without fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

Women with more severe OAB symptoms reported increased general somatic symptom burden and increased overall body pain intensity, especially women with fibromyalgia. These findings suggest that attributes of pain and co‐morbidity with chronic pain conditions may impact the experience of OAB symptoms for many women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1113–1118, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association between passive and active tobacco smoke exposure and child weight status among Spanish children
Authors: Robinson Oliver , Martínez David , Aurrekoetxea Juan J. , Estarlich Marisa , Somoano Ana Fernández , Íñiguez Carmen , Santa‐Marina Loreto , Tardón Adonina , Torrent Maties , Sunyer Jordi , Valvi Damaskini , Vrijheid Martine
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of passive and active tobacco smoke exposure, both pre‐ and postnatally, on child body mass index (BMI) and overweight.

Methods

Pregnant women were enrolled into the Spanish INMA prospective birth cohort during 1997 to 2008. Tobacco smoke exposure was assessed by questionnaire and corroborated by pre‐ and postnatal cotinine measurements. Children were followed up until 4 years in newer subcohorts (N = 1866) and until 14 years in one older subcohort (N = 427). Child age‐ and sex‐specific BMI Z‐scores were calculated, and generalized estimating equations were used to model their relationship with repeated measures of tobacco smoke exposure.

Results

Associations between prenatal passive exposure to tobacco smoke (adjusted β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05–0.25) and active maternal smoking (adjusted β = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.08–0.33) and child zBMI up to 4 years were observed. Stronger associations were observed in the older subcohort between both prenatal and child passive smoke exposure and zBMI up to 14 years.

Conclusions

Evidence for an effect of both passive and maternal active smoking on child postnatal growth has been provided. Although residual confounding cannot be completely ruled out, associations were robust to adjustment for a range of lifestyle factors.
Engagement in Play Activities as a Means for Youth in Detention to Acquire Life Skills
Authors: Shea Chi‐Kwan , Siu Andrew M.H.
Published: July 2016

This study describes how occupational therapists in a community‐based programme, Occupational Therapy Training Program (OTTP), use play activities to facilitate the acquisition of life skills by youth in detention. This pilot study explored the extent of engagement of male and female inmates aged 14 to 18 years old in structured play activities on topics such as interpersonal relationships, self‐awareness, cultural celebrations and the transition to community. Retrospective analysis of data collected from surveys using the Engagement in OTTP Activities Questionnaire (EOAQ), completed by youth participants at the end of each group session, was used to measure the extent of occupational engagement. Worksheets and artworks produced by OTTP participants during those group sessions were also analysed.

The participants reported very high engagement in OTTP. Engagement scores for male participants were higher than those for female participants, and male and female participants had higher engagement scores for different activities. Over 90% of the worksheets and artworks were found to be complete and relevant to the topic of the session. Play activities could be an appropriate way for occupational therapists to encourage youth in detention to acquire life skills. Demographic information and the actual number of participants are unknown because of how the existing data were collected. Future studies examining the potential gender‐related preferences for specific topics deserve further investigation as well as research comparing the youth's engagement in OTTP interventions using play activities to other group interventions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical characteristics of adverse events associated with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in Korea
Authors: Sim Da Woon , Park Kyung Hee , Park Hye Jung , Son Young Woong , Lee Sang Chul , Park Jung‐Won , Lee Jae‐Hyun
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is increasing in various clinical fields. Although mAb safety must be demonstrated prior to approval, targeted pharmacovigilance is essential for the recognition and assessment of adverse reactions. The purpose of this study was to identify the major clinical features of adverse reactions to mAbs in Korea.

Methods

Spontaneous reports of adverse reactions attributed to 18 mAbs from January 2005 to December 2014 were extracted from the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System. We analyzed these reports for information relating to patient characteristics and the types of adverse reactions.

Results

In total, 11 492 adverse reactions were reported in 7569 patients. Almost 19% of total study population showed suspected hypersensitivity reactions. Leukocyte abnormalities were reported frequently (10.0%), as well as infections (9.5%), drug eruptions (7.5%), and pruritus (5.0%). Furthermore, 3716 of the adverse reactions in 2538 patients were classified as serious; these included severe infections (18.2%), neutropenia (12.1%), visual dysfunctions (6.6%), and anaphylaxis (4.8%). The mAbs with the highest number of adverse reaction reports were rituximab (27.6%), adalimumab (17.5%), cetuximab (11.9%), and infliximab (10.7%).

Conclusions

Hypersensitivity reactions were observed more frequently than expected, although no previously unrecognized reactions were observed. Adverse reactions occurred more frequently in children and in elderly patients. Close monitoring of adverse reactions to therapeutic mAbs is therefore warranted because these can potentially cause serious medical conditions or death. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between statins and infections among patients with diabetes: a cohort and prescription sequence symmetry analysis
Authors: Pouwels Koen B. , Widyakusuma Niken N. , Bos Jens H. J. , Hak Eelko
Published: July 2016

Purpose

A previous meta‐analysis of randomized trials did not confirm findings from observational studies that suggested that statins reduce the risk of infection. However, animal experiments indicate that statins may be more effective in reducing the risk and/or the severity of infection among patients with diabetes. Hence, we evaluated the effect of statins on antibiotic prescriptions (a proxy for infections) among patients with drug‐treated type 2 diabetes using two confounding‐reducing observational designs.

Methods

We conducted a prescription sequence symmetry analysis and a cohort study using the IADB.nl pharmacy prescription database. For the prescription sequence symmetry analysis, a sequence ratio was calculated. The matched cohort study, comparing the time to first antibiotic prescription between periods that statins are initiated and non‐use periods, was analyzed using stratified Cox regression.

Results

Prescription sequence symmetry analysis of 4684 patients with drug‐treated type 2 diabetes resulted in an adjusted sequence ratio of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81 to 0.91). Corresponding figures for the cohort analysis comparing 9852 statin‐initiation with 4928 non‐use periods showed similar results (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.83 to 0.95).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that statins are associated with a reduced risk of infections among patients with drug‐treated type 2 diabetes. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pendeln zwischen Pferden und Physik
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: July 2016

Über Jahre hinweg schwankt er: Soll er in die Fußstapfen des Vaters treten und den Gutshof übernehmen? Schüchtern und introvertiert, wie er ist, versagt er indes schon beim Dealen mit dem Pferdehändler. Die Tradition will es, dass er hoch zu Ross lernt, wie man gesunde Kühe von kranken unterscheidet, und Tradition ist viel wert, da, wo er aufwächst. Als Erstgeborener ist er der wichtigste Spross, als Einzelkind doppelt wichtig. Seine Eltern geben ihm sechs Vornamen.
Pulled Pork – temperaturkontrollierte Faserseparation
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: July 2016

Pulled Pork ist die Herausforderung am Grill. Durchwachsenes Schweinefleisch wie Schulter oder Nacken wird in den nur schwach beheizten Grill mit Räucherspänen gelegt und sanft über 12 bis 18 Stunden “gesmoked”, um es danach entlang der Muskelfasern zu separieren. Interessant ist dabei der Verlauf der Kerntemperatur. Sie zeigt eine lange Plateauphase, die Thermodynamik und Proteinphysik verbindet.
Crosslinked copolymer with low dielectric constant and dissipation factor based on poly(2,6‐Dimethylphenol‐co−2,6‐Diphenylphenol) and a crosslinker
Authors: Yang Min Chi , Higashihara Tomoya , Su Hung Wen , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: July 2016

The crosslinked poly(2,6‐dimethylphenol (95 mol %)‐co−2,6‐diphenylphenol (5 mol %)) (poly(2,6‐DMP95‐co−2,6‐DPP5)) was successfully developed as an insulating material separating conducting elements with a low dielectric constant and dissipation factor. The crosslinked poly(2,6‐DMP95‐co−2,6‐DPP5) was prepared by the oxidative coupling polymerization of 2,6‐DMP with 2,6‐DPP, followed by the reaction with 4,4′‐methylenebis[2,6‐bis(methoxymethyl)]phenol (MBMP) as a crosslinking agent. The crosslinked poly(2,6‐DMP95‐co−2,6‐DPP5) exhibited a good thermal stability and glass transition temperature. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor of the crosslinked poly(2,6‐DMP95‐co−2,6‐DPP5) were 2.6 and 0.004 at 10 GHz, respectively. Moreover, a flexible double layer copper clad laminate based on the crosslinked poly(2,6‐DMP95‐co−2,6‐DPP5) composite was successfully prepared, indicating a useful material for high‐speed and high‐frequency electrical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3218–3223
An objective Bayesian analysis of a crossover design via model selection and model averaging
Authors: Li Dandan , Sivaganesan Siva
Published: July 2016

Inference about the treatment effect in a crossover design has received much attention over time owing to the uncertainty in the existence of the carryover effect and its impact on the estimation of the treatment effect. Adding to this uncertainty is that the existence of the carryover effect and its size may depend on the presence of the treatment effect and its size. We consider estimation and testing hypothesis about the treatment effect in a two‐period crossover design, assuming normally distributed response variable, and use an objective Bayesian approach to test the hypothesis about the treatment effect and to estimate its size when it exists while accounting for the uncertainty about the presence of the carryover effect as well as the treatment and period effects. We evaluate and compare the performance of the proposed approach with a standard frequentist approach using simulated data, and real data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einfluss des Verdübelungsgrades auf das Tragverhalten von Verbundträgern mit profilierten Betongurten
Authors: Eggert Florian , Kuhlmann Ulrike
Published: July 2016

Im Rahmen eines europäischen Projekts wurden Verbundträger mit Obergurten aus Profilblechen mit Stahlbeton untersucht. Unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen führen die momentan gültigen Regeln in Eurocode 4 für den Mindestverdübelungsgrad dieser Träger zu einer unwirtschaftlichen Bemessung, besonders unter Verwendung moderner Trapezprofilbleche. Des Weiteren ist die Verdübelung durch den Sickenabstand der Profilbleche begrenzt. Um das realistische Verhalten von Verbundträgern mit niedrigem Verdübelungsgrad zu untersuchen, wurde eine umfassende Studie mit Versuchen an Push‐out‐Prüfkörpern sowie Biegeträgern durchgeführt. Die mit Hilfe dieser Versuche neu gewonnenen Erkenntnisse sollen zu neuen Regeln für die Mindestverdübelung und die Kopfbolzentragfähigkeit bei Anwendung mit Profilblechen führen.

Influence of the degree of shear connection on the load‐bearing behaviour of composite beams with additional profiled steel decking. In the frame of a European research project, composite beams with additional profiled steel decking were investigated. Under certain conditions, current rules of Eurocode 4 lead to inefficient dimensions of composite beams especially in view of the minimum degree of shear connection, above all when using modern profiled steel decking. Furthermore, the connection of steel beam and concrete slab is limited by the rib distance of the steel decking profiles. To investigate the realistic behaviour of composite beams with low degrees of shear connection, a comprehensive study on push‐out specimens and short composite beams was carried out. New findings gained by these tests should lead to new rules for the minimum degree of shear connection and for the load‐bearing capacity of headed studs in combination with additional profiled steel decking.
Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: July 2016

Papula, L.: Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler. Band 1. Ein Lehr‐ und Arbeitsbuch für das Grundstudium.

Papula, L.: Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler. Band 2. Ein Lehr‐ und Arbeitsbuch für das Grundstudium.

Papula, L.: Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler. Band 3. Vektoranalysis, Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung, Mathematische Statistik, Fehler‐ und Ausgleichsrechnung.

Papula, L.: Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler – Anwendungsbeispiele. 222 Aufgabenstellungen mit ausführlichen Lösungen.

Papula, L.: Mathematische Formelsammlung. Für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler.

Papula, L.: Mathematik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler – Klausur und Übungsaufgaben.
Can risk factors, clinical history and symptoms be used to predict risk of ectopic pregnancy in women attending an early pregnancy assessment unit?
Authors: Ayim F. , Tapp S. , Guha S. , Ameye L. , Al-Memar M. , Sayasneh A. , Bottomley C. , Gould D. , Stalder C. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine whether risk factors and symptoms may be used to predict the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women attending early pregnancy assessment units in the UK.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of pregnant women under 12 weeks' gestation who were recruited from three London university hospitals between August 2012 and April 2013. One hospital continued recruitment between January and June 2015. A standardized information sheet incorporating patient demographics, medical history and symptoms was completed by patients and confirmed by examining clinicians. The outcome measure was final pregnancy location.

Results

There were 1320 eligible patients included in the analysis, with a total of 72 EPs (rate of 6%). Pelvic pain and diarrhea > three times in the previous 24 h were independent symptoms that increased the risk of EP, with relative risks of 2.4 (95% CI, 1.4–4.0; P = 0.002) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.08–4.5; P = 0.03), respectively. The only other independent marker of risk of EP was duration of vaginal bleeding; the risk of EP increased by 20% (95% CI, 14%–27%) for every 1‐day increment in duration (P < 0.001). A logistic regression model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.67–0.79). The prevalence of EP was low when there was no pelvic pain, no diarrhea and the duration of bleeding was ≤ 3 days, with an EP rate of 2% (6/391). In the presence of a single risk factor, the EP rate increased to 5% (29/631) when only pelvic pain was present, 8% (1/12) when only diarrhea > three times in the previous 24 h was reported and 9% (9/103) when there was only vaginal bleeding with a duration > 3 days. Women with pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding of any severity for > 3 days had a high EP rate of 16% (23/146). In the nine women who also reported diarrhea > three times in the previous 24 h, two had EP.

Conclusions

Only the presence of pelvic pain, diarrhea > three times in the previous 24 h and duration of bleeding were symptoms that significantly increased the risk for EP in women attending early pregnancy assessment units. Risk factors and symptoms alone could not be used to predict reliably an EP. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy
Authors: Eschbach S. J. , Boons L. S. T. M. , Van Zwet E. , Middeldorp J. M. , Klumper F. J. C. M. , Lopriore E. , Teunissen A. K. K. , Rijlaarsdam M. E. , Oepkes D. , Ten Harkel A. D. J. , Haak M. C.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is a potential complication in recipient twins of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) that requires postnatal follow‐up or treatment. We aimed to evaluate pregnancy characteristics of neonates with RVOTO from complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies, determine the incidence of RVOTO in TTTS cases and construct a prediction model for its development.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of all complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies with a postnatal diagnosis of RVOTO examined at our center. Cases were referred for evaluation of the need for fetal therapy or intervention because of TTTS, selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) or multiple congenital malformations in one of the twins. Ultrasound data were retrieved from our monochorionic twin database. Among liveborn TTTS recipients treated prenatally with laser therapy, those with RVOTO were compared with those without RVOTO (controls). We describe four additional cases with RVOTO that were not TTTS recipients.

Results

A total of 485 twin pregnancies received laser therapy for TTTS during the study period. RVOTO was diagnosed in 3% (11/368) of liveborn TTTS recipients, of whom two showed mild Ebstein's anomaly. Before laser therapy, pericardial effusion was seen in 45% (5/11) of RVOTO cases (P < 0.01) and abnormal A‐wave in the ductus venosus (DV) in 73% (8/11) (P = 0.03), significantly higher proportions than in controls. Mean gestational age at laser therapy was 17 + 3 weeks in RVOTO cases compared with 20 + 3 weeks in controls (P = 0.03). A prediction model for RVOTO was constructed incorporating these three significant variables. One TTTS donor had RVOTO after the development of transient hydrops following laser therapy. Three larger twins in pregnancies complicated by sIUGR developed RVOTO, the onset of which was detectable early in the second trimester.

Conclusions

RVOTO occurs in TTTS recipient twins but can also develop in TTTS donors and larger twins of pregnancies complicated by sIUGR. Abnormal flow in the DV, pericardial effusion and early gestational age at onset of TTTS are predictors of RVOTO in TTTS recipients, which suggests increased vulnerability to hemodynamic imbalances in the fetal heart in early pregnancy. These findings could guide diagnostic follow‐up protocols after TTTS treatment. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Longitudinal follow‐up of levator ani muscle avulsion: does a second delivery affect it?
Authors: Chan S. S. C. , Cheung R. Y. K. , Lee L. L. , Choy R. K. W. , Chung T. K. H.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the morphological outcome of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion 3–5 years after a first delivery and to assess the effect of a second delivery on this condition. The impact of LAM avulsion on pelvic floor disorders was also studied.

Methods

Six hundred and sixty‐six women who had been assessed for LAM avulsion 8 weeks after their first delivery were invited for a follow‐up examination 3–5 years later. Women completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory including the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) questionnaires to explore symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, and the pelvic floor was examined using three‐dimensional translabial ultrasound and assessed using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.

Results

Three hundred and ninety‐nine women completed the study, of whom 151 were multiparous. Mean interval between first delivery and follow‐up was 42.3 ± 7.6 months. Among 69 women who had LAM avulsion 8 weeks after their first delivery, nine (13.0%) had no LAM avulsion at follow‐up. One (0.9%) woman had a new LAM avulsion after her second vaginal delivery. A greater proportion of women with LAM avulsion reported symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.09 (95% CI, 1.18–3.70); P = 0.01) and symptoms of prolapse than did women without avulsion; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.61). Women with LAM avulsion had higher UDI and POPDI scores than did women without avulsion (median UDI score, 17.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 5.0–32.4) vs 9.2 (IQR, 0.0–22.1); P = 0.045 and median POPDI score, 20.8 (IQR, 8.8–40.5) vs 10.7 (IQR, 0.0–32.8); P = 0.021).

Conclusions

The risk of developing new LAM avulsion after a second vaginal delivery is low (0.9%). Healing of LAM avulsion was observed in 13% of women who had at least one vaginal delivery. At 3–5 years after delivery, women with LAM avulsion reported symptoms of SUI more often than did those without, and had higher UDI and POPDI scores, implying more bothersome symptoms. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal laser ablation of feeding artery of cystic lung lesions with systemic arterial blood supply
Authors: Cruz‐Martinez R. , Martínez‐Rodríguez M. , Bermúdez‐Rojas M. , Magaña‐Abarca C. , Narvaez‐Dominguez V. , Rojas‐Macedo A. , Bautista‐García N. , Alcocer‐Alcocer M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of laser surgery in fetuses with a cystic lung lesion with systemic arterial blood supply (hybrid lung lesion) at risk of perinatal death.

Methods

A cohort of five consecutive fetuses with a large hybrid lung lesion associated with hydrops and/or pleural effusion with severe lung compression was selected for percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fetal laser ablation of the feeding artery (FLAFA) before 32 weeks' gestation in a single tertiary national referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. The primary outcomes were survival and need for postnatal surgery.

Results

FLAFA was performed successfully in all cases at a median gestational age of 24.9 (range, 24.4–31.7) weeks. After fetal intervention, dimensions in both lungs increased and fluid effusions resolved in all cases. All cases were delivered liveborn at term at a median gestational age of 39.6 (range, 38.0–39.7) weeks, without respiratory morbidity or need for oxygen support, resulting in perinatal survival of 100%. During follow‐up, three (60%) cases showed progressive regression of the entire lung mass and did not require postnatal surgery, whereas in two (40%) cases a progressive decrease in size of the mass was observed but a cystic portion of the lung mass persisted and postnatal lobectomy was required.

Conclusion

In fetuses with large hybrid lung lesions at risk of perinatal death, FLAFA is feasible and could improve survival and decrease the need for postnatal surgery. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
GPS interferometric reflectometry: applications to surface soil moisture, snow depth, and vegetation water content in the western United States
Authors: Larson Kristine M.
Published: July 2016

GPS interferometric reflectometry is a new environmental sensing technique that can be used to measure near‐surface soil moisture, snow depth, and vegetation water content variations. The spatial scale of this technique, ~1000 m2, is intermediate to that of other in situ sensors (<1 m2) and satellites (>100 km2). Soil moisture and snow depth retrievals have accuracies of 0.04 m3/m3 and 0.04 m, respectively. These accuracies are sufficient for many hydrologic applications. Fortuitously, GPS interferometric reflectometry can be used with consumer‐grade off the shelf GPS instruments that are operated by the geodetic, geophysical, and surveying communities. This means that GPS data from thousands of sites are potentially available for environmental scientists seeking new in situ data for soil moisture, snow depth, and vegetation water content. The technique can be applied to data from existing archives or for new sites. Although the accuracy of the technique has only been evaluated for the GPS constellation, the technique can also be used for other navigation constellations such as GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou. WIREs Water 2016, 3:775–787. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1167

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods
Expanding the molecular diversity and phenotypic spectrum of glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 1 deficiency
Authors: Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Shteyer Eyal , Niceta Marcello , Rizzo Cristiano , Pode‐Shakked Ben , Chillemi Giovanni , Bruselles Alessandro , Semeraro Michela , Barel Ortal , Eyal Eran , Kol Nitzan , Haberman Yael , Lahad Avishai , Diomedi‐Camassei Francesca , Marek‐Yagel Dina , Rechavi Gideon , Tartaglia Marco , Anikster Yair
Published: July 2016

Transient infantile hypertriglyceridemia (HTGT1; OMIM #614480) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which manifests in early infancy with transient hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, persistent fatty liver and hepatic fibrosis. This rare clinical entity is caused by inactivating mutations in the GPD1 gene, which encodes the cytosolic isoform of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Here we report on four patients from three unrelated families of diverse ethnic origins, who presented with hepatomegaly, liver steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia, with or without fasting ketotic hypoglycemia. Whole exome sequencing revealed the affected individuals to harbor deleterious biallelic mutations in the GPD1 gene, including the previously undescribed c.806G > A (p.Arg269Gln) and c.640T > C (p.Cys214Arg) mutations. The clinical features in three of our patients showed several differences compared to the original reports. One subject presented with recurrent episodes of fasting hypoglycemia along with hepatomegaly, hypetriglyceridemia, and elevated liver enzymes; the second showed a severe liver disease, with intrahepatic cholestasis associated with kidney involvement; finally, the third presented persistent hypertriglyceridemia at the age of 30 years. These findings expand the current knowledge of this rare disorder, both with regard to the phenotype and molecular basis. The enlarged phenotypic spectrum of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 1 deficiency can mimic other inborn errors of metabolism with liver involvement and should alert clinicians to recognize this entity by considering GPD1 mutations in appropriate clinical settings.
Phase I dose-finding study of monotherapy with atezolizumab, an engineered immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody targeting PD-L1, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Mizugaki Hidenori , Yamamoto Noboru , Murakami Haruyasu , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Fujiwara Yutaka , Ishida Yoshimasa , Kawakami Tomohisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2016

Background Atezolizumab is an engineered immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 pathway. Methods In this phase I dose-finding study, we assessed the safety, feasibility, pharmacokinetics (PK), and exploratory anti-tumor activity of atezolizumab monotherapy up to 20 mg/kg in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors who had failed standard therapy or for whom there is no standard therapy. Results Six patients were enrolled and received intravenous atezolizumab every 3 weeks (q3w) at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg. Tumor types were non-small cell lung cancer (n = 3), melanoma (n = 1), pancreatic cancer (n = 1), and thymic cancer (n = 1). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. All adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2 in severity. No discontinuations or deaths due to AEs were observed. As of the data cutoff, no partial responses were observed; however, stable disease was observed in all six patients. The maximum mean serum atezolizumab concentration was 220 μg/mL (SD ± 21.9), with 10-mg/kg dosing and 536 μg/mL (SD ± 49.4) with 20-mg/kg dosing. Three patients were still on treatment, and three of the six had achieved a progression-free survival of >12 months. Conclusions Atezolizumab was well tolerated in Japanese patients at doses up to 20 mg/kg q3w. The safety profile and Cycle 1 serum atezolizumab concentrations were similar to those previously observed in non-Japanese patients. These data support the participation of Japanese patients in ongoing pivotal global studies of atezolizumab.
Patient Recall, Interpretation, and Perspective of an Inconclusive Long QT Syndrome Genetic Test Result
Authors: Predham Sarah , Hathaway Julie , Hulait Gurdip , Arbour Laura , Lehman Anna
Published: July 2016

Patients’ perceptions of inconclusive results have been previously investigated in cancer genetics. The differences in how patients recall and interpret an uninformative test result compared to a known pathogenic result can affect medical decisions post disclosure. However, there is little to no data available on patients’ interpretation and perception of uninformative genetic results in inherited heart disease. We report the results of a qualitative analysis of 16 telephone interviews with participants who received a negative or a variant of unknown significance (VUS) result from Long QT syndrome (LQTS) genetic testing. Our results suggest that the type of result (negative versus VUS) does not affect recall, regardless of the reason for testing. When receiving a negative result, a majority of participants appropriately perceived no change in their diagnosis, while the perception of risk for family members varied. The majority of participants felt they maintained an awareness of their condition after the result disclosure, and that clinical follow‐up was similar to that planned prior to the genetic test result. Further work is needed to determine if there are any differences between obtaining a VUS result versus a negative result in this population.
A Recursive Partitioning Method for the Prediction of Preference Rankings Based Upon Kemeny Distances
Authors: D’Ambrosio Antonio , Heiser Willem J.
Published: July 2016

Preference rankings usually depend on the characteristics of both the individuals judging a set of objects and the objects being judged. This topic has been handled in the literature with log-linear representations of the generalized Bradley-Terry model and, recently, with distance-based tree models for rankings. A limitation of these approaches is that they only work with full rankings or with a pre-specified pattern governing the presence of ties, and/or they are based on quite strict distributional assumptions. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new prediction tree method for ranking data that is totally distribution-free. It combines Kemeny’s axiomatic approach to define a unique distance between rankings with the CART approach to find a stable prediction tree. Furthermore, our method is not limited by any particular design of the pattern of ties. The method is evaluated in an extensive full-factorial Monte Carlo study with a new simulation design.