bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioecological Implications of Narrative Exposure Therapy in Low‐Resource Settings: Individual, Family, Community, and Socio‐Political Contexts
Authors: Cooper Daniel K. , Wieling Elizabeth , Pfeiffer Anett
Published: November 2019

Traumatic stress can have detrimental effects on individuals, families, and communities. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an evidence‐based intervention for decreasing individuals’ post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and has been tested in some of the most challenging contexts, such as in post‐conflict refugee camps. Although the focus of NET is on reducing individual PTSD symptoms, the impact of NET can be seen beyond the individual level. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the ecological implications of using NET with trauma‐affected populations in low‐resource settings. We describe the implications of NET at the family, community, and sociopolitical levels using several case examples. Finally, we outline limitations and future directions for improving the delivery of NET in settings with limited resources.
Studying catalytic activity of ternary mixed‐metal Keggin H7SiV3W9O40as a versatile acid catalyst for the synthesis of β‐acetamido ketones
Authors: Tayebee Reza , Pejhan Akbar
Published: November 2019

One‐pot four‐component condensation of an aromatic aldehyde with an enolisable ketone and acetyl chloride is investigated in the presence of H7SiV3W9O40in acetonitrile. The prepared catalyst was characterized by standard techniques such as XRD, SEM, and FT‐IR to verify the Keggin structure of nanocatalyst. Furthermore, findings revealed a very good catalytic activity for the applied vanadium substituted heteropolyacid in this acid catalyzed condensation reaction. A series of Keggin Si and V‐substituted heteropolyacids were compared for the synthesis of β‐acetamido‐β‐(4‐chlorophenyl)propiophenone, which showed a better catalytic activity for H7SiV3W9O40and H4SiW12O40than the lacunary and mixed metal Keggin H4SiW9Mo3O40and H5SiW9Mo2VO40. In addition, effect of the nitrilating agent was also demonstrated in this catalytic system and findings show less proficiency for PhCN compared to acetonitrile. Moreover, propiophenone as an α‐substituted enolisable ketone was reacted with some aromatic aldehydes and the anti isomer is detected as the major diastereomer. Therefore, H7SiV3W9O40can be introduced as a new effective, inexpensive, and eco‐friendly catalyst for the introduced four‐component condensation reaction.
Verschiebungsverhalten von Hinterschnittdübeln unter Zuglast bei Rissöffnen und ‐schließen
Authors: Hofmann Jan , Dwenger Fabian , Sharma Akanshu , Kerkhof Klaus
Published: November 2019

Hinterschnittdübel werden in kerntechnischen Anlagen zur nachträglichen Befestigung von maschinentechnischen Komponenten an Stahlbetontragwerken eingesetzt. Um die Integrität der Komponenten auch bei außergewöhnlichen Einwirkungen wie Erdbeben zu garantieren, müssen die Dübel eine ausreichende Tragfähigkeit aufweisen. Für die Annahme einer ausreichend starren Befestigung müssen darüber hinaus bleibende Dübelverschiebungen in engen Grenzen gehalten werden, da Dübelverschiebungen unmittelbaren Einfluss auf die Lastverteilung und ‐übertragung der Rohrhalterungen haben. Zum Nachweis von Tragfähigkeit und Verschiebungsverhalten von sicherheitstechnisch wichtigen Dübelbefestigungen werden Zulassungsversuche nach europäischen und deutschen Richtlinien bei unterschiedlichen Belastungen und bei unterschiedlichen Rissbreiten bzw. Risskollektiven durchgeführt. Um die Übertragbarkeit des Verschiebungsverhaltens bei Zulassungsversuchen auf realitätsnahe Belastungsbedingungen zu überprüfen, werden Ergebnisse von Zulassungsversuchen und Ergebnisse von großmaßstäblichen Erdbebenversuchen miteinander verglichen.
Leckageverhalten von gerissenem Beton – eine mehrskalige Betrachtung
Authors: Zemann Moritz , Herrmann Nico , Dehn Frank
Published: November 2019

Bei der Betrachtung von Sicherheitsaspekten in Kernkraftwerken über ihre gesamte Betriebs‐ und Stilllegungsdauer spielt der Aspekt der Dichtheit des Containments eine bedeutende Rolle. Selbstheilende Effekte im Beton können hierbei entscheidend dazu beitragen, die Kontamination der Umwelt zu vermeiden. An der Materialprüfungs‐ und Forschungsanstalt (MPA Karlsruhe) des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) wurden in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten Durchströmungsexperimente mit Luft und Dampf an Betonprobekörpern sowohl im Labormaßstab als auch im Realmaßstab durchgeführt. Die Versuchsbedingungen entsprachen realistischen Temperaturen und Drücken, die in anzunehmenden Unfallszenarien auftreten können.

Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über Versuchsergebnisse, die im Rahmen mehrerer Forschungsvorhaben gewonnen wurden, und soll darüber hinaus Erklärungsansätze für bisher inkonsistente Ergebnisse der Großversuche liefern, die unter Berücksichtigung der Ergebnisse der kleinskaligen Versuche neu diskutiert werden.
Neue Carbonfaserbewehrung für digitalen automatisierten Betonbau
Authors: Mechtcherine Viktor , Michel Albert , Liebscher Marco , Schneider Kai , Großmann Christoph
Published: November 2019

Mineralisch gebundene Carbonfaserbewehrung ist eine neue Art der Armierung für den Betonbau, die im Vergleich zu bestehenden, kunststoffgebundenen Carbonbewehrungen beträchtliche Vorteile aufweist. Die mineralische Imprägnierung erhöht die Leistungsfähigkeit der Bewehrung bei erhöhten Temperaturen, verbessert ihren Verbund mit der Betonmatrix und steigert deutlich die technologische Flexibilität, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Digitalisierung und Automatisierung der Bauteilherstellung. Nach der Erläuterung der Technologie zur kontinuierlichen Imprägnierung von Carbongarnen mit speziell entwickelten, feinen mineralischen Bindemittelsuspensionen werden einige Beispiele für die automatisierte Herstellung von Bewehrungssystemen aus diesem neuen Verbundwerkstoff vorgestellt. Diese Fälle umfassen eindimensionale Elemente wie Stäbe und Lamellen, zweidimensionale Bewehrungen in Form von Matten und dreidimensionale Systeme wie Bewehrungskörbe für einen Balkon oder Schalenstrukturen. Schließlich wird kurz auf die Verwendung des neuartigen Komposits für die Bewehrung in hochautomatisierter additiver Fertigung wie Beton‐3D‐Druck eingegangen.
High pretreatment plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA level is a poor prognostic marker in HIV‐associated, EBV‐negative diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Malawi
Authors: Montgomery Nathan D. , Randall Cara , Painschab Matthew , Seguin Ryan , Kaimila Bongani , Kasonkanji Edwards , Zuze Takondwa , Krysiak Robert , Sanders Marcia K. , Elliott Avian , Miller Melissa B. , Kampani Coxcilly , Chimzimu Fred , Mulenga Maurice , Damania Blossom , Tomoka Tamiwe , Fedoriw Yuri , Dittmer Dirk P. , Gopal Satish
Published: November 2019

Plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA measurement has established prognostic utility in EBV‐driven lymphomas, where it serves as a circulating tumor DNA marker. The value of plasma EBV measurement may be amplified in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), where advanced imaging and molecular technologies for risk stratification are not typically available. However, its utility in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is less certain, given that only a subset of DLBCLs are EBV‐positive. To explore this possibility, we measured plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis in a cohort of patients with DLBCL in Malawi. High plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis (≥3.0 log10 copies/mL) was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = .048). When stratified by HIV status, the prognostic utility of baseline plasma EBV DNA level was restricted to HIV‐positive patients. Unexpectedly, most HIV‐positive patients with high plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis had EBV‐negative lymphomas, as confirmed by multiple methods. Even in these HIV‐positive patients with EBV‐negative DLBCL, high plasma EBV DNA remained associated with shorter OS (P = .014). These results suggest that EBV reactivation in nontumor cells is a poor prognostic finding even in HIV‐positive patients with convincingly EBV‐negative DLBCL, extending the potential utility of EBV measurement as a valuable and implementable prognostic marker in SSA.
Astrocytic AEG‐1 regulates expression of TREK‐1 under acute hypoxia
Authors: Kim Ajung , Jung Hyun‐Gug , Kim Seung‐Chan , Choi Minji , Park Jae‐Yong , Lee Seok‐Geun , Hwang Eun Mi
Published: November 2019

TREK‐1 (TWIK‐related K+ channel), a member of the two‐pore domain K+ (K2P) channel family, is highly expressed in astrocytes, where it plays a key role in glutamate release and passive conductance. In addition, TREK‐1 is induced to protect neurons under pathological conditions such as hypoxia. However, the upstream regulation of TREK‐1 remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that AEG‐1 (astrocyte elevated gene‐1) regulates the expression of astrocytic TREK‐1 under hypoxic conditions. Upregulation of AEG‐1 increased expression of TREK‐1 in astrocytes, and knockdown of AEG‐1 dramatically decreased the mRNA and protein levels of TREK‐1, which were restored by expression of shRNA‐insensitive AEG‐1. In addition, expression of TREK‐1 was not regulated in the absence of AEG‐1, even when HIF1α was present. Together, these results suggest that AEG‐1 acts as a major upstream regulator of TREK‐1 channels in astrocytes under hypoxia.

Significance of the study

Previous studies have reported that hypoxia increases the expression of astrocytic TREK‐1 and that increased TREK‐1 expression protects neuronal cells from apoptosis. However, its cellular mechanism is not clear. In this study we first showed that AEG‐1 is a major mediator of hypoxic‐regulated TREK‐1 expression in normal astrocytes independently of HIF‐1α.
Association of plasma pentraxin 3 concentration with angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty
Authors: Dharma Surya , Sari Novi Y. , Santoso Anwar , Sukmawan Renan , Rao Sunil V.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the association of plasma long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) concentration with angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary angioplasty.

Background

Whether concentration of PTX3, a sensitive marker of inflammation, associates with angiographic and clinical outcomes in STEMI patients treated by primary angioplasty is unknown.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 335 consecutive patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty. Blood samples for plasma PTX3 measurement were drawn in all patients at the emergency department before primary angioplasty, and were measured by ELISA method.

Results

The median PTX3 concentrations were higher in patients with thrombus burden grade 4 and 5 versus grade <4 on initial coronary angiogram (0.29 ng/ml vs. 0.24 ng/ml, p = .02), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade <3 vs. TIMI grade‐3 flow after primary angioplasty (0.31 ng/ml vs. 0.24 ng/ml, p < .001), incomplete versus complete ST‐segment resolution within 12 hr after angioplasty (0.29 ng/ml vs. 0.22 ng/ml, p = .001) and in patients who did not survive versus those who survived at 30 days (0.44 ng/ml vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = .001). A linear correlation was observed between PTX3 concentration and baseline leukocyte count (Spearman correlation = 0.21, p < .001). After adjustment for laboratory and selected clinical variables, patients in the highest quartile of PTX3 concentration (≥0.4 ng/ml) were associated with increased risk of 30‐day mortality (hazard ratio = 11.83; 95% confidence interval = 1.52–92.27, p = .01).

Conclusion

This study suggests that higher plasma PTX3 concentration associates with worse angiographic and clinical outcomes in STEMI patients treated by primary angioplasty.
Enhanced Sensitivity to Local Dynamics in Peptides by Use of Temperature‐Jump IR Spectroscopy and Isotope Labeling
Authors: Scheerer David , Chi Heng , McElheny Dan , Keiderling Timothy A. , Hauser Karin
Published: November 2019

Site‐specific isotopic labeling of molecules is a widely used approach in IR spectroscopy to resolve local contributions to vibrational modes. The induced frequency shift of the corresponding IR band depends on the substituted masses, as well as on hydrogen bonding and vibrational coupling. The impact of these different factors was analyzed with a designed three‐stranded β‐sheet peptide and by use of selected 13C isotope substitutions at multiple positions in the peptide backbone. Single‐strand labels give rise to isotopically shifted bands at different frequencies, depending on the specific sites; this demonstrates sensitivity to the local environment. Cross‐strand double‐ and triple‐labeled peptides exhibited two resolved bands that could be uniquely assigned to specific residues, the equilibrium IR spectra of which indicated only weak local‐mode coupling. Temperature‐jump IR laser spectroscopy was applied to monitor structural dynamics and revealed an impressive enhancement of the isotope sensitivity to both local positions and coupling between them, relative to that of equilibrium FTIR spectroscopy. Site‐specific relaxation rates were altered upon the introduction of additional cross‐strand isotopes. Likewise, the rates for the global β‐sheet dynamics were affected in a manner dependent on the distinct relaxation behavior of the labeled oscillator. This study reveals that isotope labels provide not only local structural probes, but rather sense the dynamic complexity of the molecular environment.
Do mutual fund networks affect corporate social responsibility? Evidence from China
Authors: Qi Lujun , Wang Lixiang , Li Wei'an
Published: November 2019

The mutual fund plays an important role in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. From the perspective of the social network, using data from A‐listed companies in China from 2009 to 2016, this paper empirically tests the influence of mutual fund networks on corporate social responsibility behaviours. To solve the sample selection bias in this study, we utilize propensity score matching to find the different social responsibility behaviours between firms with or without highly concentrated mutual funds. Our results suggest that mutual fund investors positively impact a firm's corporate social responsibility performance, as predicted. The fund network centrality and pressure mechanism have a positive impact on corporate social responsibility performance because they provide more peer pressure and network information to firms in which they are heavily invested. This paper provides new evidence on how mutual fund investors affect corporate social responsibility performance, which is meaningful to examine in corporate green governance.
Synthesis, evaluation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics studies of novel N‐(4‐[pyridin‐2‐yloxy]benzyl)arylamine derivatives as potential antitubercular agents
Authors: Verma Ruchi , Boshoff Helena I. M. , Arora Kriti , Bairy Indira , Tiwari Mradul , Varadaraj Bhat G. , Shenoy G. Gautham
Published: November 2019

A new series of novel triclosan (2,4,4′‐trichloro‐2′‐hydroxydiphenylether) analogues were designed, synthesized, and screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial and antibacterial activities. Most of the compounds showed significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in 20–40 μM range in GAST/Fe medium when compared with triclosan (43 μM) in the first week of assay, and after additional incubation, seven compounds, that is, 2a, 2c, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j, and 2m, exhibited MIC values at the concentration of 20–40 μM. The compounds also showed more significant activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized compounds showed druggable properties, and the predicted ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties were within the acceptable limits. The in silico studies predicted better interactions of compounds with target protein residues and a higher dock score in comparison with triclosan. Molecular dynamics simulation study of the most active compound 2i was performed in order to further explore the stability of the protein–ligand complex and the protein–ligand interaction in detail.
Distinct seasonal dynamics of responses to elevated CO2in two understorey grass species differing in shade‐tolerance
Authors: Holub Petr , Klem Karel , Linder Sune , Urban Otmar
Published: November 2019

Understorey plant communities are crucial to maintain species diversity and ecosystem processes including nutrient cycling and regeneration of overstorey trees. Most studies exploring effects of elevated CO2concentration ([CO2]) in forests have, however, been done on overstorey trees, while understorey communities received only limited attention.

The hypothesis that understorey grass species differ in shade‐tolerance and development dynamics, and temporally exploit different niches under elevated [CO2], was tested during the fourth year of [CO2] treatment. We assumed stimulated carbon gain by elevated [CO2] even at low light conditions in strongly shade‐tolerantLuzula sylvatica, while its stimulation under elevated [CO2] in less shade‐tolerantCalamagrostis arundinaceawas expected only in early spring when the tree canopy is not fully developed.

We found evidence supporting this hypothesis. While elevated [CO2] stimulated photosynthesis inL. sylvaticamainly in the peak of the growing season (by 55%–57% in July and August), even at low light intensities (50 µmol m−2 s−1), stimulatory effect of [CO2] inC. arundinaceawas found mainly under high light intensities (200 µmol m−2 s−1) at the beginning of the growing season (increase by 171% in May) and gradually declined during the season. Elevated [CO2] also substantially stimulated leaf mass area and root‐to‐shoot ratio inL. sylvatica, while only insignificant increases were observed inC. arundinacea.

Our physiological and morphological analyses indicate that understorey species, differing in shade‐tolerance, under elevated [CO2] exploit distinct niches in light environment given by the dynamics of the tree canopy.
Environmental DNA surveys help to identify winter hibernacula of a temperate freshwater turtle
Authors: Feng Wenxi , Bulté Grégory , Lougheed Stephen C.
Published: November 2019

Background and aims

Overwintering is a critical part of the annual cycle of animals living at high latitudes, and selection of overwintering sites (hibernacula) is important to population persistence. Identifying the overwintering sites of aquatic species is challenging in areas where water bodies are frozen for significant parts of the year. We tested whether environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches could help to locate them.

Materials and methods

We conducted environmental DNA surveys of underwater overwintering sites of the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica), a species of conservation concern in Canada. We collected water samples under the ice in winter across a mid‐sized temperate lake and used quantitative PCR with a species‐specific probe to quantify concentrations of map turtle eDNA.

Results and discussion

We found localized eDNA signals consistent with known overwintering sites and one previously suspected site. The latter was further confirmed using underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) visual surveys.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that eDNA can offer insights on a critical part of the annual cycle of aquatic species, for which we know very little.
Thermally Induced Spin Transition in a 2D Ferrous Nitroprusside
Authors: Avila Yosuan , Plasencia Yosdel , Osiry Hernandez , Martínez‐dlCruz Lorena , González Montiel Marlene , Reguera Edilso
Published: November 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Edilso Reguera from Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Legaria, Ciudad México, Mexico. The cover image shows the magnetization curves and Mössbauer spectra for temperature‐induced spin crossover in a 2D ferrous nitroprusside.
Biosynthetic Interrelationships within Polycyclic Cembranoids Isolated from Corals: Conjecture, Biomimetic Synthesis and Reality
Authors: Palframan Matthew J. , Pattenden Gerald
Published: November 2019

Macrocyclic furanobutenolide‐based cembranoids are precursors to a wide variety of complex ring‐fused diterpene structures in corals, implicating a wide variety of oxidation and photochemical processes, cyclisation and transannulation reactions, and skeletal rearrangements from a variety of reactive intermediates and pericyclic processes. This article gives an up to date personal perspective on the speculations that underpin these interesting biosynthetic interrelationships and summarises biomimetic synthesis and interconversions that would seem to vindicate some of these speculations.
Comparison of efficacy of diclofenac and tramadol in relieving pain in patients of acute pancreatitis: A randomized parallel group double blind active controlled pilot study
Authors: Kumar Nadipalli S. , Muktesh Gaurav , Samra Tanvir , Sarma Phulen , Samanta Jayanta , Sinha Saroj K. , Dhaka Narendra , Yadav Thakur D. , Gupta Vikas , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: November 2019

Background

Opioids and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief in acute pancreatitis (AP). Opioids carry risk of sphincter of oddi constriction. Although diclofenac prevents post endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis, few reports of diclofenac associated AP are also present. Although, both tramadol and diclofenac are commonly used for pain relief in AP, no study has evaluated their comparative efficacy and safety.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐six eligible participants were randomized to either diclofenac or tramadol. Primary objectives of our study were improvement in pain intensity on visual analogue scale (VAS pain score after 1 hr of drug administration) and number of patients requiring supplementary analgesia. The secondary objectives were total number of times of supplementary analgesia requirement, time to significant decrease (33%) in VAS pain score from baseline, number of painful days (VAS pain score >5), VAS pain score on 7th day, side effects, all cause death and complications of pancreatitis between the two groups.

Results

Although 46 patients were randomized, the final analysis included 41 participants. Five patients were withdrawn from the study (intubation = 3, altered sensorium = 2). No significant difference was seen in terms of VAS score after 1 hr of drug administration, number of patients requiring supplementary analgesic and number of painful days. However, time taken to significant reduction of pain was lower in the diclofenac group (p = .028). Both the agents were comparable in terms of safety. Although complications were less in the diclofenac group, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Both diclofenac and tramadol are equally effective in controlling pain in AP with similar safety profile.

Significance

There are no studies that have compared the safety and efficacy of two commonly used analgesics for pain relief in patients with AP. We found that both diclofenac and tramadol are equally effective in decreasing the pain associated with AP. There is also no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between both the groups. Hence both diclofenac and tramadol can be used safely and effectively for pain control in AP.

Trial registration: The trial was registered with clinical trials registry India (Number‐ CTRI/2018/05/014309).
Environmental and Preliminary Cost Assessments of Redox Flow Batteries for Renewable Energy Storage
Authors: Fernandez-Marchante Carmen M. , Millán María , Medina-Santos Jesús. I. , Lobato Justo
Published: November 2019

The sustainable use of energy is one of the main challenges currently. The increase in the use of renewable energies must also be accompanied by storage systems that respect the environment or are as harmless as possible. In this work, life‐cycle assessment (LCA) “from cradle to gate” and a preliminary cost assessment of two types of redox flow batteries, such as vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) and zinc/cerium batteries (ZCBs), are studied. Ecoinvent 3.3 data base, AWARE, and CML Baseline v3.04 methodologies are used to quantify the environmental burden into 12 midpoint impact categories (water footprint, global warming 100a, abiotic depletion, abiotic depletion [fossil fuel], ozone layer depletion, human toxicity, fresh water ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, photochemical oxidation, acidification, and eutrophication). All impact categories are higher in ZCBs than in VRFBs except water footprint and acidification. These midpoint impacts are also compared with conventional batteries (lithium) and nonconventional ones (NaNiCl). VRFBs have the lowest environmental impact and a longer life considering the reuse of vanadium electrolytes. Regarding the cost analysis, the electrolyte is the most expensive component of both batteries.
The role of professional groups in policy change: Physician's organizations and the issue of local medical provision shortages in France and Germany
Authors: Hassenteufel Patrick , Schweyer François‐Xavier , Gerlinger Thomas , Henkel Rüdiger , Lückenbach Caspar , Reiter Renate
Published: November 2019

This article proposes an endogenous perspective on policy change, combining the analysis of the policy process (policy framing, decision and implementation) with the analysis of the transformation of professional groups and their organizational representation. It deals with the case of territorial undersupply in primary care provision, which has become a key issue in healthcare policies in France and Germany since 2000 (the analysis goes up to 2018). Policy changes in these two health insurances systems cannot be explained only by the salience of the problem, framed as “medical deserts” in France and as “lack of physicians” in Germany. We propose an explanation based on the internal fragmentation of the medical profession, playing a paradoxical role: as limiters of change (for the established and institutionalized organizations) and as promoters of change (for the medical entrepreneurs shaping new organizations defining and supporting new primary care service structures).
Divergent breast cancer incidence trends by hormone receptor status in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Sung Hyuna , Devi Beena C.R. , Tang Tieng S. , Rosenberg Philip S. , Anderson William F. , Yang Xiaohong R.
Published: November 2019

Recent studies from high‐risk countries such as the US, Denmark and Ireland have shown rising incidence rates of hormone receptor (HR)‐positive and falling rates of HR‐negative breast cancers (BC). However, it remains unclear whether a similar pattern occurs in low‐risk countries. Detailed clinical and risk factor data were collected from 2,977 female invasive BC patients (≥20 years) in Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia, representing 93% of the population. The population‐at‐risk was obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Secular trends in age‐standardized incidence rates were assessed using estimated average annual percent changes. Associations between established BC risk factors and tumor subtypes defined by HR or joint human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HR/HER2) status were examined by case–case comparisons using logistic regression. From 2006 to 2015, incidence rates increased for HR‐positive cancers by 4.46%/year (95% CI = 2.19–6.78) and decreased for HR‐negative cancers by 2.29%/year (95% CI = −4.31 to −0.24). When further stratified by HER2, the most contrasting difference in linear trends was observed between HR+/HER2− and HR−/HER2− subtypes. After controlling for potential confounders, cases with excess body weight (ORoverweight vs. normal = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69–0.98; ORobese vs. normal = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.48–0.80), later age at first birth (OR≥26 years vs. <23 years = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.66–1.02), nulliparity (ORnulliparous vs. <23 years = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.59–0.94) and never‐breastfeeding (ORnever vs. ever = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.55–0.97) were less frequent among HR‐negative cases than among HR‐positive cases. Diverging incidence trends by HR expression were similar in Sarawak and Western countries, possibly reflecting changes in the prevalence of risk factors with opposing effects by tumor subtypes in low‐ and high‐risk populations.
Prexasertib (LY2606368) reduces clonogenic survival by inducing apoptosis in primary patient‐derived osteosarcoma cells and synergizes with cisplatin and talazoparib
Authors: Heidler Christopher L. , Roth Eva K. , Thiemann Markus , Blattmann Claudia , Perez Ramon L. , Huber Peter E. , Kovac Michal , Amthor Beate , Neu‐Yilik Gabriele , Kulozik Andreas E.
Published: November 2019

Progress in the systemic control of osteosarcoma has been limited over the past decades thus indicating the urgent clinical need for the development of novel treatment strategies. Therefore, we have recently developed new preclinical models to study promising novel agents for the treatment of pediatric osteosarcoma. The checkpoint kinase (chk) inhibitor prexasertib (LY2606368) and its salt form (LSN2940930) have recently been shown to be active in adult and pediatric malignancies, including sarcoma. We have now tested the potency of prexasertib in clonogenic survival assays in two new lines of primary patient‐derived osteosarcoma cells and in two established osteosarcoma cell lines as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin and the poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor talazoparib. Prexasertib alone results in strongly reduced clonogenic survival at low nanomolar concentrations and acts by affecting cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis and induction of double‐stranded DNA breakage at concentrations that are well below clinically tolerable and safe plasma concentrations. In combination with cisplatin and talazoparib, prexasertib acts in a synergistic fashion. Chk1 inhibition by prexasertib and its combination with the DNA damaging agent cisplatin and the PARP‐inhibitor talazoparib thus emerges as a potential new treatment option for pediatric osteosarcoma which will now have to be tested in preclinical primary patient derived in vivo models and clinical studies.
Foreign exchange risk in stock returns
Authors: Rendón Jairo Andrés
Published: November 2019

This paper examines whether regional currency premiums explain foreign stock returns in a multifactor global asset pricing model for four different geographical regions. In the model, the regional currency premium is the spread between the return of a portfolio of currency investments from a given region and the average global currency return. The estimation is performed by adding the regional currency premium to a global four‐factor model that includes momentum and the Fama and French factors (market, size, and book‐to‐market factors). Tests of the model's ability to explain both the time series and the cross section of stock returns show that currency risk premium improves the fitness of global factors in explaining domestic returns, although models with domestic factors still outperform the model with global factors and currency risk. The results indicate that the regional currency premium factor captures dimensions of risks not captured by the Fama and French and momentum factors.
Do long‐term swap rate and stock price give an impact on Japanese Real Estate Investment Trust market under quantitative and qualitative easing and negative interest rate policy?
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: November 2019

An increase in stock price has a positive impact on the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market, but an increase in interest rate has a negative impact on the REIT market in the regime of quantitative and qualitative easing (QQE). The wealth effect holds. As for the impact of interest rate, swap rate of 30 years is larger than that of 20 years in the period of QQE. On the other hand, all the negative coefficients of stock price are statistically significant at the 1% level in the period of negative interest rate policy (NIRP). But none of the negative coefficients of interest rate are significant even at the 10% level. This result is very rare in the analysis of REIT market not only in Japan, but also in other countries such as USA. Investors tend to buy REITs to compensate for the sluggish stock market and reduced gains in the fixed income market. When the Bank of Japan adopts QQE, normal function of REIT market is maintained. But after they introduce NIRP, normal function of REIT market is lost. This phenomenon is a negative effect of NIRP.
Evaluation of ionic liquid separation ability for the benzene–methanol mixture by extractive distillation
Authors: Li Wenxiu , Zhang Yu , Wang Lida , Feng Huisheng , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Benzene–methanol azeotrope can be formed at atmospheric pressure. Extractive distillation is widely used in the separation of azeotrope. The key factor for extractive distillation is the selection of entrainer. The minimal total annual cost of extractive distillation process can be used as objective function to evaluate the separation performance of ionic liquid entrainer. Intermolecular interaction energy can be used to analyze separation mechanisms.

RESULT

An Aspen Plus software database belonging to the three ionic liquids 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate, 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate and 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate was established. The minimal total annual costs of three extractive distillation processes for the separation of benzene–methanol mixture with different ionic liquids were obtained by sequential iterative method. The feed rate of entrainer was also obtained under the optimized conditions. Among the three extractive distillation processes with different ionic liquid, the total annual cost and the entrainer feed rate of the extractive distillation process with 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate as entrainer are the smallest. The intermolecular interaction energies in the ternary system of benzene–methanol–ionic liquid were obtained using the Gaussian 09 software package based on the density functional theory. The separation mechanisms and the extractive distillation process of benzene–methanol azeotrope with ionic liquid as entrainer was interpreted by the intermolecular interaction energy.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the separation ability of 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate is higher than that of 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate or 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate. Intermolecular interaction energy analysis can be used in the screening and design of ionic liquid entrainer. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A convenient green synthetic approach to the synthesis of novel bioactive selenolo[2,3‐c]pyrazoles as antibacterial and antifungal agents
Authors: Zaki Remon M. , El‐Ossaily Yasser A. , Geies Ahmed A.
Published: November 2019

A series of new pyrimidine, triazine, and isoindole heterocycles fused to the selenolopyrazole ring system was synthesized by various condensation reactions of the amino selenolopyrazole carboxamide 1, which was performed by a new green methodology. The pyrimidinone compound 6 was used as a versatile precursor for several aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions to produce the sulfanyl pyrimidines 10a‐c and the corresponding amines 11a‐c and 12a, b. Assignment of the chemical structures for the newly synthesized compounds was confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR and mass spectroscopy for some of them. Furthermore, some of these compounds were screened against various pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Their results demonstrated that some of them revealed remarkable antimicrobial activities.
Transfer‐learning‐based Raman spectra identification
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xie Huimin , Cai Shuning , Hu Yong , Liu Guo‐kun , Hong Wenjing , Tian Zhong‐qun
Published: November 2019

Deep‐learning‐based spectral identification received intensive interests benefiting from the availability of large scale spectral databases. However, for the identification of spectroscopic data such as Raman, the massive experimental data remained challenging, impeding the application of deep neural networks. Here, we describe a new approach with a transfer‐learning model pretrained on a standard Raman spectral database for the identification of Raman spectra data of organic compounds that are not included in the database and with limited data. Our results show that, with transfer learning, classification accuracy improvement of our convolutional neural network reaches 4.1% and that of our fully connected deep neural network reaches 5.0%. By investigating the influence of the source datasets, we find that our transfer learning method is able to incorporate both relevant and seemingly irrelevant source datasets for pretraining, and the relevant source dataset brings better classification accuracy than that of the seemingly irrelevant source dataset. This study demonstrates that the transfer learning technique has great potential in the effective identification of Raman spectra when the number of Raman data is limited.
Synthesis of high added value compounds through catalytic oxidation of 2‐phenylethanol: A Kinetic study
Authors: Ben Hmida Rania , Frikha Nourzed , Bouguerra Neji Soumaya , Kit Geoffrey , Medina Francisco , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: November 2019

An effective procedure was developed to produce high‐value added phenolic compounds through the conversion of 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PhEt) by using acid‐activated clays KSF for the hydrogen peroxide. Owing to KSF's ability to catalyze a variety of complex oxidations, it was likely to convert 2‐PhEt to hydroxytyrosol (HTY) and tyrosol (TY) derivatives. The analyses of catalytic solution revealed that the optimum conditions, giving a higher concentration of oxidation products such as HTY, were as follows: 2‐PhEt concentration 10−2 mol/L, the hydrogen peroxide concentration 5.05 × 10−2 and 0.6 g L–1 of KSF clays . The yield during the conversion reaction into HTY was around 25%. All compounds in the reaction mixture were identified by mass spectrophotometry using a LC‐MS apparatus. HTY, TY, meta‐tyrosol and ortho‐tyrosol were the major compounds. The antioxidant activity was realized by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. In fact, it is revealed that the strongest inhibition percentage (PI = 96) was detected with the increase in the concentration of HTY. The approach proposed in the present work presents an environment friendly method.
Main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN for management of laryngospasm due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Jianxiong , Tang Haihong , Gao Yingna , Chen Shicai , Li Meng , Zheng Hongliang
Published: November 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study explored the feasibility and efficiency of main branch of ansa cervicalis nerve (ACN)‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) anastomosis for management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP).

Methods

Thirteen patients who underwent main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis for management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to UVCP were enrolled in the present study. Multidimensional assessments, including videostroboscopy, voice assessment, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), were performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

This series was limited to UVCP with iatrogenic causes, including thyroidectomy, cervical spine surgery, and thoracic surgery. After main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis, all cases showed significant airway improvement, and laryngospasm was completely abolished in 92.3% (12 of 13) of cases. Videostroboscopy showed that the bulging and paradoxical adduction of the affected vocal cord during a sniff were abolished immediately after operation, and there was no significant difference in vocal fold position or glottal closure before versus after the operation. LEMG showed that the postoperative recruitment and amplitude of voluntary motor unit potential in the affected thyroarytenoid muscle during a sniff were significantly decreased compared to preoperative values, and postoperative recruitment showed significant improvement during phonation compared to that preoperatively. Voice assessment showed that there were no significant differences in overall grade, roughness, breathiness, jitter (local), shimmer (local), noise‐to‐harmonics ratio, or maximum phonation time after the operation compared to the preoperative values.

Conclusions

Main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis could have long‐lasting efficacy in the management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to UVCP, with no apparent compromise of voice quality.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2412–2419, 2020
Agrobacterium‐mediated inoculation of asymptomatic Apple latent spherical virus as gene silencing vector in pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Xiong Ruyi , Pajak Aga , Wang Aiming , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Marsolais Frédéric , Todd Christopher D.
Published: November 2019

Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) has been developed into a virus‐induced gene silencing vector with a broad host range, including legumes. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, delivered via stem injection, we introduced ALSV vectors carrying a phytoene desaturase (PDS) sequence from Phaseolus vulgaris, resulting in highly uniform knockdown phenotypes on Pisum sativum L., 23 days postinoculation. The infection rate ranged from 7.6% to 36.3% on five different P. sativum varieties using Agrobacterium stem inoculation. Mechanical inoculation using infected pea sap improved the infection rates to 80% on P. sativum cultivar AAC Lacombe. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that ALSV virus RNA accumulated in roots, tendrils and leaves, accompanied by decreased PsPDS (Pisum sativum phytoene desaturase) expression level. ALSV virus RNA was also detected from sepals, petals, carpels, pods, and seed coats but not in embryos. This method simplifies the ALSV inoculation and improves the use of ALSV vectors for functional genomics in P. sativum.
The intestinal microbiota of lake anchovy varies according to sex, body size, and local habitat in Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Jiang Min , Xu Mengyuan , Ying Congping , Yin Denghua , Dai Pei , Yang Yanping , Ye Kun , Liu Kai
Published: November 2019

Lake anchovy (Coilia ectenes taihuensis) is a sedentary, dominant fish species that forms an unmanaged fishery in Taihu Lake, eastern China. The environment and developmental stage of lake anchovy are likely important drivers of their gut microbiome, which is linked to host health and development. To investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and three defined factors (fish sex, fish body size, and the local habitat), high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to study the microorganisms of 184 fish samples and four water samples collected in Taihu Lake. Four dominant bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, and Cyanobacteria) were present in all fish samples. We compared the microbial communities of males and females and found that the relative abundance of Corynebacteriaceae was significantly higher in males than in females, while the opposite trend was detected for Sphingomonadaceae. We also discovered that the relative abundance of Firmicutes was positively correlated with fish body size and that the proportions of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes were lower in larger fish than in fish of other sizes. Finally, we found that the difference in microbial richness between eastern and northern Taihu Lake was the most marked. Lake anchovy was rich in Lactobacillus and Clostridium in the eastern site, while those in the northern site had the highest abundance of Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, suggesting that the local habitat may also influence the intestinal microbiome. These findings will not only help researchers understand the community composition of the intestinal microflora of lake anchovy but also contribute to the protection of fish resources in Lake Taihu and the sustainable use of lake anchovy.
A multi‐criteria decision analysis for the public distribution system of food grains in Indian Punjab: Towards decentralized food policies in developing countries
Authors: Grover Abhay K. , Chopra Shweta , Krejci Caroline C.
Published: November 2019

In 2014, the government of the state of Indian Punjab amended its existing system of public distribution of food grains by launching the “new atta‐daal (wheat‐pulses) scheme”. Instead of distributing subsidized food grains monthly to its underprivileged citizens, the state started distributing grains on a biannual basis (i.e., every 6 months). The state claims that the new system yields logistical and monetary benefits that favour the state treasury; however, beneficiaries have voiced concerns regarding grain handling and one‐time payments. To achieve a beneficial outcome for multiple stakeholders with conflicting objectives, a formal analysis of different policy alternatives is necessary. This research paper applies multi‐criteria decision analysis to evaluate alternative public grain distribution schemes for the district of Ludhiana in Indian Punjab. First, an objectives hierarchy and measures for the decision problem were developed using emergent codes from qualitative data collected via semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided conversations with 40 participants representing eight different stakeholders. Using the rank‐order method, weights were then assessed to identify the relative importance of these measures. Five feasible grain distribution policy alternatives were generated, and data describing the performance of these alternatives with respect to each measure were collected via Likert scale surveys of over 300 beneficiary households across 14 different villages (rural) and localities (urban) of Ludhiana district in Punjab. Value functions were assigned to each measure to identify the best performing alternative, and sensitivity analysis was performed to establish the robustness of the final solution. Overall, beneficiaries preferred a 6‐monthly distribution system with improvements, such as better communication and disciplined distribution.
Urological presentations of adult primary tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Son Hee Seo , Kim Jang Hwan
Published: November 2019

Aims

To investigate the urological presentations of patients initially diagnosed with closed spinal dysraphism in adulthood: adult primary tethered cord syndrome (ApTCS).

Methods

Patients with ApTCS who underwent subsequent untethering were studied. Urological presentations were evaluated grouped by symptom onset period of either after (group 1) or before (group 2) the completion of physical growth.

Results

Of the 43 patients, median age at diagnosis and initial untethering was 35.5 (18.4‐67.2) years. At diagnosis, 90.7% (39/43) had urological symptoms and 18.6% (8/43) initially consulted a urologist without noticeable neurological symptoms. Enuresis was observed in 16.3% (7/43) and common among patients without significant neurological symptoms (62.5%, 5/8). Urgency urinary incontinence and frequency prevailed in group 1. Stress urinary incontinence and straining to void prevailed in group 2. Among 26 patients with pre‐ and post‐operative urodynamics, detrusor overactivity predominated in group 1 and acontractile detrusor predominated in group 2. Glomerular filtration rate ≥90 mL/min/1.73m2 was noted in 86.0% (37/43) and 84.9% (73/86) of renal units were morphometrically intact. More patients in group 2 (93.3%) relied on assisted emptying than in group 1 (53.6%).

Conclusions

In ApTCS, enuresis was prevalent among patients without noticeable neurological symptoms. Over 80% in both groups had favorable renal function. Bladder conditions were different based on symptom onset period. Significantly more patients whose symptoms developed before completion of growth relied on assisted emptying. Proper discerning might be crucial in ApTCS which has a potential of misdiagnosis even in the modern developed era.