bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Shin Hye , Hong Sun Pyo , Cho Woojae , Kim Jeongkwon , Lee Tae Geol , Yoon Sohee
Published: May 2017

This study describes a new approach to rapidly detecting of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) without sample preparation such as extraction or purification. Our strategy utilizes the ambient ionization mass spectrometry for ionizing and detecting oligonucleotides from restriction fragment mass polymorphism (RFMP) assay, and is to identify which HPV genotype from combinations of multiply charged ions of oligonucleotides. In DESI‐MS, the spray solvent system operates at the stage of washing a complex mixture of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, so that the oligonucleotides can be detected without sample treatment. The study was verified to rapid diagnosis of cervical cancer by detecting and genotyping of HPV DNA based RFMP assay using DESI‐MS.
A simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection assay for the quantitative determination of monoamines and respective metabolites in six discrete brain regions of mice
Authors: Allen Serena A. , Rednour Stephanie , Shepard Samantha , Pond Brooks Barnes
Published: May 2017

A rapid, sensitive, and reproducible assay is described for the quantitative determination of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, their metabolites, and the internal standard 3,4‐dihydroxybenzlyamine hydro‐bromide in mouse brain homogenate using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The method was validated in the following brain areas: frontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. Biogenic amines and relevant metabolites were extracted from discrete brain regions using a simple protein precipitation procedure, and the chromatography was achieved using a C18 column. The method was accurate over the linear range of 0.300–30 ng/mL (r = 0.999) for dopamine and 0.300–15 ng/mL (r = 0.999) for norepinephrine, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzlyamine hydro‐bromide, homovanillic acid and 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid, with detection limits of ~0.125 ng/mL (5 pg on column) for each of these analytes. Accuracy and linearity for serotonin were observed throughout the concentration range of 0.625–30 ng/mL (r = 0.998) with an analytical detection limit of ~0.300 ng/mL (12 pg on column). Relative recoveries for all analytes were approximately ≥90% and the analytical run time was <10 min. The described method utilized minimal sample preparation procedures and was optimized to provide the sensitivity limits required for simultaneous monoamine and metabolite analysis in small, discrete brain tissue samples.
Biomarkers expression in benign breast diseases and risk of subsequent breast cancer: a case–control study
Authors: Posso Margarita , Corominas Josep M. , Serrano Laia , Román Marta , Torá‐Rocamora Isabel , Domingo Laia , Romero Anabel , Quintana María Jesús , Vernet‐Tomas María , Baré Marisa , Vidal Carmen , Sánchez Mar , Saladié Francina , Natal Carmen , Ferrer Joana , Servitja Sònia , Sala María , Castells Xavier ,   the BELE Study Group
Published: May 2017

Women with benign breast diseases (BBD) have a high risk of breast cancer. However, no biomarkers have been clearly established to predict cancer in these women. Our aim was to explore whether estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki67 expression stratify risk of breast cancer in screened women with BBD. We conducted a nested case–control study. Women with breast cancer and prior BBDs (86 cases) were matched to women with prior BBDs who were free from breast cancer (172 controls). The matching factors were age at BBD diagnosis, type of BBD, and follow‐up time since BBD diagnosis. ER, PR, and Ki67 expression were obtained from BBDs’ specimens. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer risk according to ER, PR, and Ki67 expression. Women with >90% of ER expression had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.26–5.51) than women with ≤70% of ER expression. Similarly, women with >80% of PR expression had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.15–4.27) than women with ≤40% of PR expression. Women with proliferative disease and ≥1% of Ki67 expression had a nonsignificantly increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.46–2.90) than women with <1% of Ki67 expression. A high expression of ER and PR in BBD is associated with an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer. In proliferative disease, high Ki67 expression may also have an increased risk. This information is helpful to better characterize BBD and is one more step toward personalizing the clinical management of these women.
Three in One: Temperature, Solvent and Catalytic Stability by Engineering the Cofactor‐Binding Element of Amine Transaminase
Authors: Börner Tim , Rämisch Sebastian , Bartsch Sebastian , Vogel Andreas , Adlercreutz Patrick , Grey Carl
Published: May 2017

Amine transaminase (ATA) catalyse enantioselectively the direct amination of ketones, but insufficient stability during catalysis limits their industrial applicability. Recently, we revealed that ATAs suffer from substrate‐induced inactivation mechanism involving dissociation of the enzyme–cofactor intermediate. Here, we report on engineering the cofactor‐ring‐binding element, which also shapes the active‐site entrance. Only two point mutations in this motif improved temperature and catalytic stability in both biphasic media and organic solvent. Thermodynamic analysis revealed a higher melting point for the enzyme–cofactor intermediate. The high cofactor affinity eliminates the need for pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate supply, thus making large‐scale reactions more cost effective. This is the first report on stabilising a tetrameric ATA by mutating a single structural element. As this structural “hotspot” is a common feature of other transaminases it could serve as a general engineering target.
Access to the native atria following conduit total cavopulmonary anastomosis
Authors: Petersen Robert L. , Danon Saar , Jureidini Saadeh
Published: May 2017

Objectives

We describe the use of trans‐thoracic and trans‐conduit puncture to access the atria and perform interventional procedures in patients who have undergone conduit total cavopulmonary anastomosis.

Background

Catheter access to the atria following intra or extra‐cardiac Fontan is desirable when there is a need for trans‐atrial interventions.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2014, 5 patients ages 7 to 28 years underwent this approach; three trans‐thoracic and 2 trans‐conduit punctures. Various therapeutic aims were achieved. Included are: placement of pacing wire in the left atrial appendage, access to re‐canalized left superior vena cava via the coronary sinus for device occlusion eliminating cyanosis, access with subsequent device closure of a dormant pulmonary valve thought to be the nidus of an embolic event, and access to the atria for ablation of an atrial tachycardia.

Results

Entry to the atria was successful in all five patients with either trans‐thoracic access or trans‐conduit puncture with subsequent intended intervention performed successfully.

Conclusions

Trans‐conduit puncture and trans‐thoracic access may allow therapeutic procedures which mitigate the need for further open heart surgery. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards a contemporary, comprehensive scoring system for determining technical outcomes of hybrid percutaneous chronic total occlusion treatment: The RECHARGE score
Authors: Maeremans Joren , Spratt James C. , Knaapen Paul , Walsh Simon , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Wilson William , Avran Alexandre , Faurie Benjamin , Bressollette Erwan , Kayaert Peter , Bagnall Alan J. , Smith Dave , McEntegart Margaret B. , Smith William H.T. , Kelly Paul , Irving John , Smith Elliot J. , Strange Julian W. , Dens Jo
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study sought to create a contemporary scoring tool to predict technical outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from patients treated by hybrid operators with differing experience levels.

Background

Current scoring systems need regular updating to cope with the positive evolutions regarding materials, techniques, and outcomes, while at the same time being applicable for a broad range of operators.

Methods

Clinical and angiographic characteristics from 880 CTO‐PCIs included in the REgistry of CrossBoss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce, the NetheRlands, BelGium and UnitEd Kingdom (RECHARGE) were analyzed by using a derivation and validation set (2:1 ratio). Variables significantly associated with technical failure in the multivariable analysis were incorporated in the score. Subsequently, the discriminatory capacity was assessed and the validation set was used to compare with the J‐CTO score and PROGRESS scores.

Results

Technical success in the derivation and validation sets was 83% and 85%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified six parameters associated with technical failure: blunt stump (beta coefficient (b) = 1.014); calcification (b = 0.908); tortuosity ≥45° (b = 0.964); lesion length 20 mm (b = 0.556); diseased distal landing zone (b = 0.794), and previous bypass graft on CTO vessel (b = 0.833). Score variables remained significant after bootstrapping. The RECHARGE score showed better discriminatory capacity in both sets (area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) = 0.783 and 0.711), compared to the J‐CTO (AUC = 0.676) and PROGRESS (AUC = 0.608) scores.

Conclusions

The RECHARGE score is a novel, easy‐to‐use tool for assessing the risk for technical failure in hybrid CTO‐PCI and has the potential to perform well for a broad community of operators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Twenty years of experience with intraoperative pulmonary artery stenting
Authors: Zampi Jeffrey D. , Loccoh Emefah , Armstrong Aimee K. , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray , Rocchini Albert P. , Hirsch‐Romano Jennifer C.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To describe our 20‐year experience with intraoperative pulmonary artery (PA) stent placement and evaluate long‐term patient outcomes, specifically the need and risk factors for reintervention.

Background

Intraoperative PA stent placement is an alternative to surgical patch arterioplasty and percutaneous angioplasty or stent placement to treat branch PA stenosis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all intraoperative PA stents placed at our institution from 1994‐2013. Patient and stent characteristics and outcome data were collected. Risk factors associated with reintervention were identified using univariate cox regression analysis.

Results

Eighty‐one PA stents were placed in 68 patients. The procedural complication rate was 4.4%. During a median follow‐up period of 6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.9‐12.7), 30 patients (44%) underwent reintervention on the stented PA with a median time to first reintervention of 2.6 years (IQR 0.7–4.4 years). The first reintervention was surgical in 30% and catheter‐based in 70%. Risk factors for reintervention included age < 18 months (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.97, P = 0.005) and body surface area < 0.47 m2 (HR 3.20, P = 0.003) at the time of stent implantation, and the presence of multiple aortopulmonary collaterals in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (HR 4.61, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Intraoperative PA stent implantation is a safe and effective alternative to percutaneous stent implantation and offers several advantages, including the ability to implant adult‐size stents in small patients while avoiding injury to peripheral vessels, to position stents to facilitate future percutaneous stent redilation, and to access the PAs directly, which eliminates radiation exposure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The inherent catastrophic traps in retrograde CTO PCI
Authors: Wu Eugene B. , Tsuchikane Etsuo
Published: May 2017

When we learn to drive, our driving instructor tells us how to check the side mirror and turn your head to check the blind spot before changing lanes. He tells us how to stop at stop signs, how to drive in slippery conditions, the safe stopping distances, and these all make our driving safe. Similarly, when we learn PCI, our mentors teach us to seat the guiding catheter co‐axially, to wire the vessel safely, to deliver balloon and stents over the wire, to watch the pressure of the guiding, in order that we perform PCI safely and evade complications. In retrograde CTO PCI, there is no such published teaching. Also many individual mentors have not had the wide experience to see all the possible complications of retrograde CTO PCI and, therefore, may not be able to warn their apprentice. As the number of retrograde procedures increase worldwide, there is a corresponding increase in catastrophic complications, many of which, we as experts, can see are easily avoidable. To breach this gap in knowledge, this article describes 12 commonly met inherent traps in retrograde CTO PCI. They are inherent because by arranging our equipment in the manner to perform retrograde CTO PCI, these complications are either induced directly or happen easily. We hope this work will enhance safety of retrograde CTO PCI and avoid many catastrophic complications for our readers and operators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interosseous artery as an access artery in case of late radial artery occlusion
Authors: Babunashvili Avtandil M. , Pancholy Samir B.
Published: May 2017

We report a new technique of arterial access through the ipsilateral interosseous artery in a case of late radial artery occlusion (RAO). RAO, although not frequent, is a limiting iatrogenic complication after transradial intervention (TRI) and precludes repeat use of the same radial artery for future procedures. Our technique involves obtaining access to the ipsilateral radial artery (RA) in the distal postocclusion segment and use of collateral channel between this segment and the interosseous artery (IOA) for advancing a guidewire and sheath in the IOA lumen and in brachial artery thereafter. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Watchman in ascending aorta for systemic protection (WAASP): Novel use of Watchman in ascending aorta for embolic protection—first in man
Authors: Yadav Pradeep K. , Wang Dee Dee , Eng Marvin H. , O'Neill William W.
Published: May 2017

We report two cases where left atrial appendage closure (LAA) with Watchman was successfully performed despite presence of definite LAA thrombus. Because there was the risk of thrombus dislodgement, we transiently placed an additional Watchman device in the ascending aorta for embolic protection. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Purification and Characterization of an Enone Reductase from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor TPU 2001 Reacting with Large Monocyclic Enones
Authors: Yamamoto Kazunori , Oku Yuko , Ina Atsutoshi , Izumi Atsushi , Doya Masaharu , Ebata Syuji , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: May 2017

We discovered a novel enone reductase from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor TPU 2001 (SsERD) and expressed the gene in Escherichia coli. The enzyme catalyzed the reduction of (E)‐3‐methylcyclopentadec‐2‐en‐1‐one (E‐2), cyclopentadec‐2‐en‐1‐one (3), and cyclododec‐2‐en‐1‐one (4) to (S)‐muscone (S‐1), cyclopentadecan‐1‐one (5), and cyclododecan‐1‐one (6), respectively. The apparent Km and Vmax values for E‐2 were estimated to be 4.9±0.4 μm and 100±1.4 nmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. The enzyme was specific to NADPH, and cysteine residues strongly affected the enzyme activity. The enzyme exhibited the highest activity at pH 8.0 and high stability in the pH range from 4.5 to 11.0. Using 10 mU of the enzyme, S‐1 was synthesized from 0.1 mm E‐2 with 94.8 % yield and 100 % enantiomeric excess by incubation at pH 7.0 and 30 °C for 60 min. We further successfully constructed an enone reductase with high specific activity by mutation of SsERD. The Y67A variant from SsERD exhibited 4.5 times higher specific activity and 3 times higher catalytic efficiency toward E‐2. This is the first report of an enzyme catalyzing the reduction of carbon–carbon double bond of large monocyclic enones.
One‐Pot Biocatalytic Double Oxidation of α‐Isophorone for the Synthesis of Ketoisophorone
Authors: Tavanti Michele , Parmeggiani Fabio , Castellanos J. Rubén Gómez , Mattevi Andrea , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: May 2017

The chemical synthesis of ketoisophorone, a valuable building block of vitamins and pharmaceuticals, suffers from several drawbacks in terms of reaction conditions and selectivity. Herein, the first biocatalytic one‐pot double oxidation of the readily available α‐isophorone to ketoisophorone is described. Variants of the self‐sufficient P450cam‐RhFRed with improved activity have been identified to perform the first step of the designed cascade (regio‐ and enantioselective allylic oxidation of α‐isophorone to 4‐hydroxy‐α‐isophorone). For the second step, the screening of a broad panel of alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) led to the identification of Cm‐ADH10 from Candida magnoliae. The crystal structure of Cm‐ADH10 was solved and docking experiments confirmed the preferred position and geometry of the substrate for catalysis. The synthesis of ketoisophorone was demonstrated both as a one‐pot two‐step process and as a cascade process employing designer cells co‐expressing the two biocatalysts, with a productivity of up to 1.4 g L−1 d−1.
A Titanium Dioxide Supported Gold Nanoparticle Catalyst for the Selective N‐Formylation of Functionalized Amines with Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen
Authors: Mitsudome Takato , Urayama Teppei , Fujita Shu , Maeno Zen , Mizugaki Tomoo , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi
Published: May 2017

A TiO2‐supported, gold nanoparticle catalyst was found to allow the N‐formylation of various amines, including normally unreactive anilines, by using CO2 as the carbonyl source under a H2 atmosphere. A series of reducible functional groups, such as olefins, halogens, carbonyls, carbamates, and cyano moieties, were completely retained during the formylation, which proved the highly selective nature of the formylation reaction. The catalyst was also found to be reusable without any loss of activity or selectivity.
5‐(Hetero)aryl‐Substituted 9‐Hydroxyphenalenones: Synthesis and Electronic Properties of Multifunctional Donor–Acceptor Conjugates
Authors: Bensch Lisa , Gruber Irina , Janiak Christoph , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: May 2017

5‐(Hetero)aryl‐substituted 9‐hydroxyphenalenones (9‐HP) can be readily synthesized by Suzuki coupling of 5‐bromo 9‐HP with (hetero)aryl boronic acid (derivatives) without protection of the hydroxyl functionality in moderate to excellent yields (57–94 %). A library of 5‐(hetero)aryl substituted 9‐HP with broad substituent variation was studied with respect to their electronic properties (absorption and emission spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry) and their computed electronic structures. All compounds show reversible reductive potentials between −1230 and −1110 mV and the donor‐substituted representatives possess irreversible oxidation potentials around 600 mV. Compounds with electron‐rich donors even show reversible oxidation potentials. Especially the donor‐substituted 9‐HPs display emission bands between 466 and 567 nm with quite large Stokes shifts (up to 4100 cm−1). TD‐DFT calculations nicely reproduce the spectroscopic data and Hammett correlations underline a pronounced resonance substituent influence on the photophysical properties.
Synthesis and Characterization of Heterobenzenacyclo‐octaphanes Derived from Cyclotetrabenzoin
Authors: Hahn Sebastian , Alrayyani Maymounah , Sontheim Anna , Wang Xiqu , Rominger Frank , Miljanić Ognjen Š. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: May 2017

We describe the modular synthesis and characterization of several substituted N‐hetero benzenacyclooctaphanes (BAOs), a new motif for heteroaromatic conjugated macrocycles. The targets were synthesized via condensation of substituted aromatic ortho‐diamines with a cyclic octaketone building block in moderate to excellent yields (41–91 %). We evaluated the optical and electronic properties and the solid‐state structures of the targets and discuss their properties through comparison with their linear diphenyl N‐heteroacene counterparts.
Formation of Group 11 Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles Using Bismuth Dithioates under Mild Conditions
Authors: Senevirathna Dimuthu C. , Werrett Melissa V. , Pai Narendra , Blair Victoria L. , Spiccia Leone , Andrews Philip C.
Published: May 2017

The formation of mixed‐metal sulfides with the general structure AgBiS2 and Cu3BiS2 by a simple two‐step process utilizing bismuth dithiocarboxylates as Bi and S precursors is described. A sonochemical reaction of Bi2O3 with six different aryl dithioic acids: dithiobenzoic acid (BDT‐H), 4‐methoxydithiobenzoic acid (4‐MBDT‐H), 3‐methyldithiobenzoic acid (3‐MBDT‐H), 2‐mesitylenedithioic acid (2‐MDT‐H), 4‐fluorodithiobenzoic acid (4‐FBDT‐H), and 2‐thiophenedithioic acid (2‐TDT‐H) resulted in the corresponding complexes: [Bi(BDT)3] 1, [Bi(4‐MBDT)3] 2, [{Bi(3‐MBDT)3}2⋅C7H8] (32⋅C7H8), [Bi(2‐MDT)3] 4, [Bi(4‐FBDT)3] 5 and [Bi(2‐TDT)3] 6. Microwave irradiation of these bismuth(III)aryldithioate complexes with AgNO3 or CuCl under mild reaction conditions (140 °C) resulted in the respective mixed‐metal sulfides. Attempt to synthesize AuBiS2 using similar reaction protocols were unsuccessful, resulting only in the formation of elemental Au0, S8 and BiOCl.
The association of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation in patients with cancer
Authors: Vehling Sigrun , Kissane David W. , Lo Christopher , Glaesmer Heide , Hartung Tim J. , Rodin Gary , Mehnert Anja
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Demoralization refers to a state in which there is a perceived inability to cope, that is associated with a sense of disheartenment and a loss of hope and meaning. This study investigated the co‐occurrence versus independence of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation to evaluate its features as a concept of distress in the context of severe illness.

METHODS

In a cross‐sectional sample of 430 mixed cancer patients, we assessed demoralization with the Demoralization Scale (DS); the 4‐week prevalence of mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders and suicidal ideation with the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Oncology (CIDI‐O); and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). We compared the relative risk (RR) for mental disorders associated with demoralization to that associated with self‐reported depression.

RESULTS

Clinically relevant levels of demoralization were present in 21% of the patients. Demoralization co‐occurred with a mood/anxiety disorder in 7%; 14% were demoralized in absence of any mood/anxiety disorder. Demoralization and adjustment disorders co‐occurred in 2%. The RR for any mood/anxiety disorder was 4.0 in patients with demoralization (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5‐6.2) and 3.0 in those with depression (95% CI, 1.9‐4.6). Demoralization, but not depression, was associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation after controlling for mental disorders (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1‐3.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically relevant demoralization frequently occurs independently of a mental disorder in patients with cancer and has a unique contribution to suicidal ideation. Demoralization is a useful concept to identify profiles of psychological distress symptoms amenable to interventions improving psychological well‐being in this population. Cancer 2017;123:3394‐401. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Programmed cell death ligand 1 as a biomarker in head and neck cancer
Authors: Pai Sara I. , Faquin William C.
Published: May 2017

The evaluation of programmed cell death ligand 1 has a potential role in the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors for select cancers of the head and neck.

See also pages 521‐8.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 immunohistochemistry testing for non‐small cell lung cancer in practice
Authors: Mino‐Kenudson Mari
Published: May 2017

Given the recent approval by the US Food and Drug Administration of an anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 agent as a first‐line therapy for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer, programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing has become routine in pathology laboratories in the United States. Each pathology laboratory needs to select a PD‐L1 IHC assay among the multiple assays available, conduct appropriate optimization and validation processes, and pay close attention to appropriate preanalytical tissue handling and the selection of optimal tissue samples.

See also pages 529‐33.
Explicit prioritization of parallel Intent broadcasts in real‐time Android
Authors: Kalkov Igor , Gurghian Alexandru , Kowalewski Stefan
Published: May 2017

Different approaches for extending the original Android platform with real‐time capabilities were presented in the last few years. Most of the work covers fundamental issues like real‐time scheduling and non‐blocking memory management. This article shows the weak predictability of Android's internal intra‐process and inter‐process communication based on Intent messaging and presents a concept to improve its soft real‐time capability. The proposed approach introduces a priority‐based broadcast handling using explicit priority values, instead of the original first in – first out processing. Furthermore, the size of responsible critical sections is reduced in order to improve the preemptibility and to assure predictable processing times for applications with real‐time requirements. Our evaluation highlights the improvements in comparison with the original Android implementation without any loss of the system performance. Additionally, the compatibility with already existing components and applications is preserved. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the particle spin properties on the velocity space instability in high‐density plasmas
Authors: Khanzadeh H. , Mahdavi M.
Published: May 2017

The nonresonant electromagnetic instabilities of the anisotropic velocity space (Weibel‐like) have always been one of the interesting subjects for researchers. These electromagnetic instabilities play an important role in generating strong magnetic fields in laboratory plasmas for applications such as inertial confinement fusion and space plasmas. In this paper, we investigate the quantum effects of the particle spin on the electromagnetic instabilities. In the case of the presence of a magnetic dipole force and an electron precession frequency like the Vlasov equation, we derive the full quantum equation. This study shows that, in the presence of the spin‐polarized effects, the growth rate of the instabilities is reduced compared to the classical cases and will not arise for low fractions of the temperature anisotropy for different values of the magnetic field. Indeed, it is expected that the probability of electron capture in the background magnetic fields and the effective collision with the particle increase because of the spin effect, so that a high portion of the electron energy is transmitted to the background plasma, and the temperature anisotropy governing the electron distribution is reduced.
The relationship between direct predation and antipredator responses: a test with multiple predators and multiple prey
Authors: Creel Scott , Dröge Egil , M'soka Jassiel , Smit Daan , Becker Matt , Christianson Dave , Schuette Paul
Published: May 2017

Most species adjust their behavior to reduce the likelihood of predation. Many experiments have shown that antipredator responses carry energetic costs that can affect growth, survival, and reproduction, so that the total cost of predation depends on a trade‐off between direct predation and risk effects. Despite these patterns, few field studies have examined the relationship between direct predation and the strength of antipredator responses, particularly for complete guilds of predators and prey. We used scan sampling in 344 observation periods over a four‐year field study to examine behavioral responses to the immediate presence of predators for a complete antelope guild (dominated by wildebeest, zebra, and oribi) in Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia, testing for differences in response to all large carnivores in the ecosystem (lions, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, and African wild dogs). We quantified the proportion that each prey species contributed to the kills made by each predator (516 total kills), used distance sampling on systematic line transects to determine the abundance of each prey species, and combined these data to quantify the per‐capita risk of direct predation for each predator–prey pair. On average, antelopes increased their vigilance by a factor of 2.4 when predators were present. Vigilance varied strongly among prey species, but weakly in response to different predators. Increased vigilance was correlated with reduced foraging in a similar manner for all prey species. The strength of antipredator response was not detectably related to patterns of direct predation (n = 15 predator–prey combinations with sufficient data). This lack of correlation has implications for our understanding of the role of risk effects as part of the limiting effect of predators on prey.
Prevalence of hemolysis and metabolic acidosis in patients with circulatory failure supported with extracorporeal life support: a marker for survival?
Authors: Lehle Karla , Lubnow Matthias , Philipp Alois , Foltan Maik , Zeman Florian , Zausig York , Lunz Dirk , Schmid Christof , Müller Thomas
Published: May 2017

Aims

Elevated levels of plasma free hemoglobin (fHb) indicate red blood cell (RBC) damage. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hemolysis and metabolic acidosis in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and to investigate whether it is a marker for outcome.

Methods and Results

This retrospective analysis included 215 adult patients with cardiac failure treated with ECLS. The cohort was divided into three groups: ECLS (1) during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, n = 110); (2) after CPR with return of spontaneous circulation and sustained cardiogenic shock (n = 45); (3) in severe cardiogenic shock without previous CPR (n = 60). Lactate, arterial pH value and fHb were measured daily before (pre‐fHb) and during ECLS.

CPR caused a pronounced increase in pre‐fHb (group1, 318 (138/586) mg/L; group2, 212 (107/439) mg/L; group3, 79 (53/232) mg/L; p < 0.001). Within 24 hours on ECLS, fHb declined significantly. Compared to group 3 without CPR, group1 and 2 had a lower pH value (group1, 7.10 (6.93/7.20); group2, 7.21 (7.16/7.27); group3, 7.28 (7.20/7.35); p < 0.001), and an increased lactate level (group1, 88 (55/129) mg/dL; group2, 76 (36/111) mg/dL; group3, 52 (25/83) mg/dL; p < 0.0001). Multivariante analysis showed that pre‐fHb had no prognostic value for survival. Only a low pre‐lactate was a surrogate marker for successful weaning (p < 0.0001) and discharge from hospital (p = 0.0028).

Conclusions

CPR was associated with a strongly increased fHb irrespective of ECLS. Implantation of ECLS did not aggravate hemolysis but instead decreased it within 24 hours. In this study low pre‐fHb had no predictive value for survival.
Tackling variability: A multicenter study to provide a gold‐standard network approach for frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Sedeño Lucas , Piguet Olivier , Abrevaya Sofía , Desmaras Horacio , García‐Cordero Indira , Baez Sandra , Alethia de la Fuente Laura , Reyes Pablo , Tu Sicong , Moguilner Sebastian , Lori Nicolas , Landin‐Romero Ramon , Matallana Diana , Slachevsky Andrea , Torralva Teresa , Chialvo Dante , Kumfor Fiona , García Adolfo M. , Manes Facundo , Hodges John R , Ibanez Agustin
Published: May 2017

Biomarkers represent a critical research area in neurodegeneration disease as they can contribute to studying potential disease‐modifying agents, fostering timely therapeutic interventions, and alleviating associated financial costs. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis represents a promising approach to identify early biomarkers in specific diseases. Yet, virtually no study has tested whether potential FC biomarkers prove to be reliable and reproducible across different centers. As such, their implementation remains uncertain due to multiple sources of variability across studies: the numerous international centers capable conducting FC research vary in their scanning equipment and their samples’ socio‐cultural background, and, more troublingly still, no gold‐standard method exists to analyze FC. In this unprecedented study, we aim to address both issues by performing the first multicenter FC research in the behavioral‐variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), and by assessing multiple FC approaches to propose a gold‐standard method for analysis. We enrolled 52 bvFTD patients and 60 controls from three international clinics (with different fMRI recording parameters), and three additional neurological patient groups. To evaluate FC, we focused on seed analysis, inter‐regional connectivity, and several graph‐theory approaches. Only graph‐theory analysis, based on weighted‐matrices, yielded consistent differences between bvFTD and controls across centers. Also, graph metrics robustly discriminated bvFTD from the other neurological conditions. The consistency of our findings across heterogeneous contexts highlights graph‐theory as a potential gold‐standard approach for brain network analysis in bvFTD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3804–3822, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transoral laser microsurgery for treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer in 211 patients
Authors: Weiss Bernhard G. , Ihler Friedrich , Wolff Hendrik A. , Schneider Simon , Canis Martin , Steiner Wolfgang , Welz Christian
Published: May 2017

Background

The oncologic and functional outcome of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for primary treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer was examined in a multimodal treatment concept.

Methods

Two hundred eleven patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hypopharynx (pT1‐4a, pN0‐2, M0) were treated by TLM +/− neck dissection (88%) +/− (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT; 51%). The majority of cases were advanced stages III and IVa (85%).

Results

The 5‐year Kaplan‐Meier estimates for local control after TLM were pT category‐related 88.1%, 74.8%, 77.3%, and 61.8% for pT1‐4a tumors. The 5‐year estimates of overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for early stages I and II were 68.2%, 96.7%, and 74.6%, respectively; for stage III they were 65.9%, 83.8%, and 56.4%, respectively; and the rates for stage IVa were 44.5%, 60.7%, and 50.3%, respectively. Overall, 95.7% of the patients maintained regular oral nutrition without feeding tube dependency.

Conclusion

Primary TLM in multimodal concepts of treatment (+/− neck dissection, +/− [C]RT) offers favorable oncologic results as compared with other therapeutic regimes.
Running promotes spatial bias independently of adult neurogenesis
Authors: Snyder Jason S. , Cahill Shaina P. , Frankland Paul W.
Published: May 2017

Different memory systems offer distinct advantages to navigational behavior. The hippocampus forms complex associations between environmental stimuli, enabling flexible navigation through space. In contrast, the dorsal striatum associates discrete cues and favorable behavioral responses, enabling habit‐like, automated navigation. While these two systems often complement one another, there are instances where striatal‐dependent responses (e.g. approach a cue) conflict with hippocampal representations of spatial goals. In conflict situations, preference for spatial vs. response strategies varies across individuals and depends on previous experience, plasticity and the integrity of these two memory systems. Here, we investigated the role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and exercise on mouse search strategies in a water maze task that can be solved with either a hippocampal‐dependent place strategy or a striatal‐dependent cue‐response strategy. We predicted that inhibiting adult neurogenesis would impair hippocampal function and shift behavior towards striatal‐dependent cue responses. However, blocking neurogenesis in a transgenic nestin‐TK mouse did not affect strategy choice. We then investigated whether a pro‐neurogenic stimulus, running, would bias mice towards hippocampal‐dependent spatial strategies. While running indeed promoted spatial strategies, it did so even when neurogenesis was inhibited in nestin‐TK mice. These findings indicate that exercise‐induced increases in neurogenesis are not always required for enhanced cognitive function. Furthermore, our data identify exercise as a potentially useful strategy for promoting flexible, cognitive forms of memory in habit‐related disorders that are characterized by excessive responding to discrete cues.
The value of remotely sensed surface soil moisture for model calibration using SWAT
Authors: Kundu Dipangkar , Vervoort R. Willem , van Ogtrop Floris F.
Published: May 2017

Remotely sensed (RS) data can add value to a hydrological model calibration. Among this, RS soil moisture (SM) data have mostly been assimilated into conceptual hydrological models using various transformed variable or indices. In this study, raw RS surface SM is used as a calibration variable in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model. This means the SM values were not transformed into another variable (e.g., soil water index and root zone SM index). Using a nested catchment, calibration based only on RS SM and optimizing model parameters sensitive to SM using particle swarm optimization improved variations in streamflow predictions at some of the gauging stations compared to the uncalibrated model. This highlighted part of the catchments where the SM signal directly influenced the flow distribution. Additionally, highlighted high and low flow signals were mostly influenced. The seasonal breakdown indicates that the SM signal is more useful for calibrating in wetter seasons and in areas with higher variations in elevation. The results identified that calibration only on RS SM improved the general rainfall–runoff response simulation by introducing delays but cannot correct the overall routing effect. Furthermore, catchment characteristics (e.g., land use, elevation, soil types, and precipitation) regulating SM variation in different seasons highlighted by the model calibration are identified. This provides further opportunities to improve model parameterization.
The changing psychology of culture in German‐speaking countries: A Google Ngram study
Authors: Younes Nadja , Reips Ulf‐Dietrich
Published: May 2017

This article provides evidence for the long‐term affiliation between ecological and cultural changes in German‐speaking countries, based on the assumptions derived from social change and human development theory. Based on this theory, the increase in urbanisation, as a measure of ecological change, is associated with significant cultural changes of psychology. Whereas urbanisation is linked to greater individualistic values and materialistic attitudes, rural environments are strongly associated with collectivistic values like allegiance, prevalence of religion, and feelings of belonging and benevolence. Due to an increase in the German urbanisation rate over time, our study investigates whether Germany and the German‐speaking countries around show the presumed changes in psychology. By using Google Books Ngram Viewer, we find that word frequencies, signifying individualistic (collectivistic) values, are positively (negatively) related to the urbanisation rate of Germany. Our results indicate that predictions about implications of an urbanising population for the psychology of culture hold true, supporting international universality of the social change and human development theory. Furthermore, we provide evidence for a predicted reversal for the time during and after World War II, reflecting Nazi propaganda and influence.
Efficacy and Safety of Single‐ or Double‐Drug Antidiabetic Regimens in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yang Xi‐Ling , Duo‐Ji Mi‐Ma , Long Zi‐Wen
Published: May 2017

A network meta‐analysis was performed in order to compare the efficacy and safety of single‐ or double‐drug antidiabetic regimens in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed and Cochrane Library searches were conducted since inception to February 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of different antidiabetic regimens in the treatment of T2DM were included in this study. Direct and indirect evidences were combined to calculate the odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and in order to draw the surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA). A total of 19 RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria were finally incorporated into our network meta‐analysis, including 19 single‐ or double‐drug antidiabetic regimens. The network meta‐analysis showed that the anti‐hyperglycemic effects of Sitagliptin + Metformin, Empagliflozin + Metformin, Exenatide + Metformin, Vildagliptin + Metformin, Taspoglutide + Metformin, and Pioglitazone + Metformin were better than individual Metformin regimens. Dulaglutide + Metformin and Taspoglutide + Metformin regimens were comparatively less safe than individual Metformin regimens. The cluster ranking analysis based on SUCRA values suggested that Taspoglutide + Metformin regimens had best efficacy and worst safety among the different therapy regimens. Our data confirmed previous observations and suggested that Taspoglutide + Metformin regimen may have better efficacy for the treatment of T2DM among 19 therapy regimens, while its incidence of adverse events was relatively higher. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4536–4547, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
lncRNA CCAT1 Promotes Glioma Tumorigenesis by Sponging miR‐181b
Authors: Cui Bingzhou , Li Baoshan , Liu Qi , Cui Youqiang
Published: May 2017

Colon cancer‐associated transcript 1 (CCAT1), a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), is upregulated and has a vital role in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. Recently, its high expression was found in glioma tissues. miR‐181b is downregulated in glioma and acts as a tumor suppressor. However, the exact mechanism of CCAT1 action in the regulation of glioma development remains unknown. CCAT1 and miR‐181b expression was firstly examined in glioma tissue samples by real‐time PCR. An RNA interference approach was used to downregulate CCAT1 expression and we analyzed the underlying mechanism of CCAT1 by using bioinformatics analysis, CCK‐8 assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, luciferase assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, real‐time PCR, Western blot, and xenograft models. CCAT1 expression was significantly increased, while miR‐181b decreased, in glioma tissues. Interestingly, miR‐181b expression was negatively correlated with the CCAT1 level in glioma samples. Knockdown of CCAT1 notably suppressed proliferation, migration and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and promoted the apoptosis of U87 and LN229 glioma cells, which could be enhanced by transfection with miR‐181b mimic while it was abolished by anti‐miR‐181b. Additionally, we found that CCAT1 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐181b, regulating the de‐repression of FGFR3 and PDGFRα. In conclusion, CCAT1 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by sponging miR‐181b, leading to the de‐repression of its endogenous targets FGFR3 and PDGFRα, which provides a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4548–4557, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COX2 and NOS3 gene polymorphisms in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Tarnowski Maciej , Tkacz Marta , Dziedziejko Violetta , Safranow Krzysztof , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: May 2017

Background

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance occurring in pregnancy. Low‐grade inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The present study aimed to examine the association between COX2 (rs6681231) and NOS3 (rs1799983 and rs2070744) gene polymorphisms and GDM.

Methods

The study included 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. The diagnosis of GDM was based on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of gestation.

Results

We observed an increased frequency of COX2 rs6681231 CC and GC genotype carriers among women with GDM (CC + GC versus GG, odds ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–2.36, p = 0.043; C versus G, odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–2.30, p = 0.013). There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of NOS3 rs1799983 and rs2070744 between GDM and healthy women. Moreover, among women treated with insulin, we observed an increased frequency of COX2 rs6681231 CC and NOS3 rs1799983 TT genotype carriers.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that the CC genotype of the COX2 rs6681231 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of GDM and the need for insulin therapy, whereas the TT genotype of the NOS3 rs1799983 polymorphism may be associated with the need for insulin therapy in women with GDM.
Future climate change of stability indices for the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Viceto C. , Marta‐Almeida M. , Rocha A.
Published: May 2017

Stability indices evaluate the atmospheric instability which is a basic and precursor ingredient needed for storms to develop. In this study, we evaluated changes of some atmospheric stability indices, namely Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), Deep‐Layer Wind Shear (SHR06) and Severe Weather Threat (SWEAT), for the Iberian Peninsula, for a future climate scenario (2081–2100), considering the greenhouse gases emission scenario RCP8.5, relative to a historical period (1986–2005). The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) was forced by ERA‐Interim, for validation purposes, and by the Max Planck Institute (MPI) Earth System Model. The novelty of this approach is the study of extreme weather events through the evaluation of conditions favourable to their development instead of directly studying them. The latter approach may be problematic since these phenomena are known to be poorly reproduced by models due to their relatively low resolution and parametrization processes such as clouds and precipitation. Our approach uses stability indices obtained from simulated variables, such as temperature and winds, which are, generally, much better simulated by models. The WRF‐MPI model was validated against WRF‐ERA. Overall, the WRF‐MPI simulates well the three indices considered here, particularly CAPE, when compared to WRF‐ERA. Their spatial patterns were similar, although there is a systematic positive bias in the WRF‐MPI. This is minimized when we evaluate climate change by computing differences of WRF‐MPI simulations between the future climate scenario and the historical period.

In the future, it is estimated a significant increase of CAPE and SWEAT intensity, mainly in summer and autumn. It is also expected a decrease of SHR06 intensity in summer and autumn and an increase in the remaining seasons. Therefore, we may anticipate an increase of the probability of occurrence of environments favourable to the development of severe weather, mainly in the Mediterranean, mostly associated to higher CAPE values.