bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Bedform Phase Diagrams and Discriminant Functions for Formative Conditions of Bedforms in Open‐Channel Flows
Authors: Ohata Koji , Naruse Hajime , Yokokawa Miwa , Viparelli Enrica
Published: September 2017

Understanding of the formative conditions of fluvial bedforms is significant for both river management and geological studies. Diagrams showing bedform stability conditions have been widely used for the analyses of sedimentary structures. However, the use of discriminants to determine the boundaries of different bedforms regimes has not yet been explored. In this study, we use discriminant functions to describe formative conditions for a range of fluvial bedforms in a 3‐D dimensionless parametric space. We do this by means of discriminant analysis using the Mahalanobis distance. We analyzed 3,793 available laboratory and field data and used these to produce new bedform phase diagrams. These diagrams employ three dimensionless parameters representing properties of flow hydraulics and sediment particles as their axes. The discriminant functions for bedform regimes proposed herein are quadratic functions of three dimensionless parameters and are expressed as curved surfaces in 3‐D space. These empirical functions can be used to estimate paleoflow velocities from sedimentary structures. As an example of the reconstruction of hydraulic conditions, we calculated the paleoflow velocity of the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki tsunami backwash flow from the sedimentary structures of the tsunami deposit. In so doing, we successfully reconstructed reasonable values of the paleoflow velocities.
Identification and in silico structural analysis of Gallus gallus protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4)
Authors: Berberich Hannah , Terwesten Felix , Rakow Sinja , Sahu Peeyush , Bouchard Caroline , Meixner Marion , Philipsen Sjaak , Kolb Peter , Bauer Uta‐Maria
Published: September 2017

Protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4) is an essential epigenetic regulator of fundamental and conserved processes during vertebrate development, such as pluripotency and differentiation. Surprisingly, PRMT4 homologs have been identified in nearly all vertebrate classes except the avian genome. This raises the possibility that in birds PRMT4 functions are taken over by other PRMT family members. Here, we reveal the existence of a bona fidePRMT4 homolog in the chicken, Gallus gallus. Using a biochemical approach, we initially purified a putative chicken PRMT4 protein and thus provided the first evidence for the presence of an endogenous PRMT4‐specific enzymatic activity toward histone H3 arginine 17 (H3R17) in avian cells. We then isolated a G. gallus PRMT4 (ggPRMT4) transcript encompassing the complete open reading frame. Recombinant ggPRMT4 possesses intrinsic methyltransferase activity toward H3R17. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated deletion of ggPRMT4 demonstrated that the transcript identified here encodes avian PRMT4. Combining protein–protein docking and homology modeling based on published crystal structures of murine PRMT4, we found a strong structural similarity of the catalytic core domain between chicken and mammalian PRMT4. Strikingly, in silico structural comparison of the N‐terminal Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of avian and murine PRMT4 identified strictly conserved amino acids that are involved in an interaction interface toward the catalytic core domain, facilitating for the first time a prediction of the relative spatial arrangement of these two domains. Our novel findings are particularly exciting in light of the essential function of the PH domain in substrate recognition and methylation by PRMT4.
Covalent bonding of heme to protein prevents heme capture by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Sgheiza Valerie , Novick Bethany , Stanton Sarah , Pierce Jeanetta , Kalmeta Breanne , Holmquist Melody Frink , Grimaldi Kyle , Bren Kara L. , Michel Lea Vacca
Published: September 2017

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) are Gram‐negative pathogens that contribute to a variety of diseases, including acute otitis media and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As NTHi have an absolute requirement for heme during aerobic growth, these bacteria have to scavenge heme from their human hosts. These heme sources can range from free heme to heme bound to proteins, such as hemoglobin. To test the impact of heme structural factors on heme acquisition by NTHi, we prepared a series of heme sources that systematically vary in heme exposure and covalent binding of heme to peptide/protein and tested the ability of NTHi to use these sources to support growth. Results from this study suggest that NTHi can utilize protein‐associated heme only if it is noncovalently attached to the protein.
Resting metabolic rate of Indian Junior Soccer players: Testing agreement between measured versus selected predictive equations
Authors: Cherian Keren Susan , Shahkar Faaiza , Sainoji Ashok , Balakrishna Nagalla , Yagnambhatt Venkata Ramana
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Owing to a dearth of research related to Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) among adolescent athletes in India, our study aimed to document RMR among junior soccer players (JSP) and to identify suitable RMR predictive models for JSP from nine existing equations.

Methods

Forty Indian JSP (Boys = 21, Girls = 19) representing the under‐12 and under‐16 age categories were assessed for body composition (skinfold technique) and RMR (oxycon mobile). Two‐way ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to examine the differences across age and sex. Bland‐Altman plot was used to test agreement between measured vs. predicted RMR using the equations of Cunningham (, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 33), Soares et al. (, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 47; 1998, British Journal of Nutrition, 79), Henry (, Public Health Nutrition, 8), and Patil and Bharadwaj (, Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, 59) for non‐athletic populations and the equations of De Lorenzo et al. (, The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 39), Wong et al. (, Singapore Medical Journal, 53), and ten Haaf & Weijs (, PloS One, 9) for adult athletes.

Results

RMR showed significant (P < .01) sex differences (Boys: 1343 ± 297.1; Girls: 1135 ± 116.7 kcal·day−1). While RMR values adjusted for fat‐free mass (FFM) were similar across age and sex. The equation of Soares et al. (, British Journal of Nutrition, 79) for girls and Wong et al. (, Singapore Medical Journal, 53) for boys showed better RMR predictability.

Conclusions

FFM explained variation in RMR across age and sex. The FFM‐based Soares et al. (, British Journal of Nutrition, 79) equation for girls and body weight‐based Wong et al. (, Singapore Medical Journal, 53) equation for boys are best suited for predicting RMR.
Stereoselective Direct Chlorination of Alkenyl MIDA Boronates: Divergent Synthesis of E and Z α‐Chloroalkenyl Boronates
Authors: Zeng Yao‐Fu , Ji Wei‐Wei , Lv Wen‐Xin , Chen Yunyun , Tan Dong‐Hang , Li Qingjiang , Wang Honggen
Published: September 2017

The individual molecules of α‐chloroalkenyl boronates include both an electrophilic C−Cl bond and a nucleophilic C−B bond, which makes them intriguing organic synthons. Reported herein is a stereodivergent synthesis of both E and Z α‐chloroalkenyl N‐methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) boronates through the direct chlorination of alkenyl MIDA boronates using tBuOCl and PhSeCl reagents, respectively. Both reaction processes are stereospecific and the use of sp3‐B MIDA boronate is the key contributor to the reactivity. The synthetic value of the boronate products was also demonstrated.
An Eighteen‐Membered Macrocyclic Ligand for Actinium‐225 Targeted Alpha Therapy
Authors: Thiele Nikki A. , Brown Victoria , Kelly James M. , Amor‐Coarasa Alejandro , Jermilova Una , MacMillan Samantha N. , Nikolopoulou Anastasia , Ponnala Shashikanth , Ramogida Caterina F. , Robertson Andrew K. H. , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Cristina , Schaffer Paul , Williams Clarence , Babich John W. , Radchenko Valery , Wilson Justin J.
Published: September 2017

The 18‐membered macrocycle H2macropa was investigated for 225Ac chelation in targeted alpha therapy (TAT). Radiolabeling studies showed that macropa, at submicromolar concentration, complexed all 225Ac (26 kBq) in 5 min at RT. [225Ac(macropa)]+ remained intact over 7 to 8 days when challenged with either excess La3+ ions or human serum, and did not accumulate in any organ after 5 h in healthy mice. A bifunctional analogue, macropa‐NCS, was conjugated to trastuzumab as well as to the prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐targeting compound RPS‐070. Both constructs rapidly radiolabeled 225Ac in just minutes at RT, and macropa‐Tmab retained >99 % of its 225Ac in human serum after 7 days. In LNCaP xenograft mice, 225Ac‐macropa‐RPS‐070 was selectively targeted to tumors and did not release free 225Ac over 96 h. These findings establish macropa to be a highly promising ligand for 225Ac chelation that will facilitate the clinical development of 225Ac TAT for the treatment of soft‐tissue metastases.
Semiconductive Copper(I)–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Light‐Driven Hydrogen Generation Without Additional Photosensitizers and Cocatalysts
Authors: Shi Dongying , Zheng Rui , Sun Ming‐Jun , Cao Xinrui , Sun Chun‐Xiao , Cui Chao‐Jie , Liu Chun‐Sen , Zhao Junwei , Du Miao
Published: September 2017

As the first example of a photocatalytic system for splitting water without additional cocatalysts and photosensitizers, the comparatively cost‐effective Cu2I2‐based MOF, Cu‐I‐bpy (bpy=4,4′‐bipyridine) exhibited highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production (7.09 mmol g−1 h−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations established the electronic structures of Cu‐I‐bpy with a narrow band gap of 2.05 eV, indicating its semiconductive behavior, which is consistent with the experimental value of 2.00 eV. The proposed mechanism demonstrates that Cu2I2 clusters of Cu‐I‐bpy serve as photoelectron generators to accelerate the copper(I) hydride interaction, providing redox reaction sites for hydrogen evolution. The highly stable cocatalyst‐free and self‐sensitized Cu‐I‐bpy provides new insights into the future design of cost‐effective d10‐based MOFs for highly efficient and long‐term solar fuels production.
Compatibilization and ultraviolet blocking of PLA/PCL blends via interfacial localization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Decol Marindia , Pachekoski Wagner M. , Becker Daniela
Published: September 2017

In this work, the effect of TiO2 addition over morphological and ultraviolet (UV) blocking properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends was investigated. The micrographs showed a partially co‐continuous structure in the PLA/PCL blend with 42/58 (wt %/wt %) and the TiO2 nanoparticles addition leads to a structural phase inversion, i.e., continuous PCL and partially continuous PLA with a dispersed portion. TiO2 nanoparticles were observed to be preferably localized at the interface of the two phases due to kinetic effects (large difference between the melting temperatures) and nanoparticle geometry (low aspect ratios). An adhesion improvement between the phases and morphological stability were observed with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. This behavior indicates that the nanoparticles can act as compatibilizers due to their localization at the interface between the two phases. The UV light absorption and transmission percolation threshold occurred with 1.5% TiO2 in the 42PLA/52PCL blend. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45813.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Different Spatial Constructions Based on Hexaphenylbenzene Derivatives
Authors: Chen Hua , Zhu Haoyun , Huang Yuli , Yang Junwei , Wang Weizhi
Published: September 2017

In recent years, low‐bandgap polymers have attracted much attention in a wide range of fields. The synthesis of these compounds has been focused on three factors according to the Roncali bandgap theory: 1) the degree of bond‐length alternation (Eδr), 2) the aromatic resonance energy of the cycle (ERes), and 3) the substituted groups (ESub). Herein, we have designed and prepared low‐bandgap polymers in a different way by using the factors Eθ (the deviation from planarity of the polymer chain) and EInt (the interaction of the molecular chains in the solid state). Thus, three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with different spatial constructions, based on hexaphenylbenzene derivatives, were prepared in this work: linear (P1‐OX), V (P2‐OX), and zigzag (P3‐OX) types. These well‐defined polymers exhibited interesting optical and electrochemistry behavior due to their different extents of planarity. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry gave the incremental orderly molecular weight distributions of P1, P2, and P3, the weight‐average molecular weights (
) of which were 9000, 5500, and 69 000, respectively. Their lamellar layer structures and π–π intermolecular stacking were demonstrated by using two‐dimensional grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction, which revealed the edge‐on chain conformation. Finally, the materials were perfectly adapted to fabricate high‐performance organic field‐effect transistor devices, which revealed that these compounds could have great prospects as semiconductors.
Psychiatric comorbidities and use of psychotropic medications in people with autism spectrum disorder in the United States
Authors: Houghton Richard , Ong Rose C. , Bolognani Federico
Published: September 2017

This study investigated psychotropic medication usage in two large, cohorts of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout the calendar year 2014. The cohorts referred to individuals with commercial (employer‐sponsored) and Medicaid insurance in the United States. We aimed to understand prescribing patterns of such medications across a wide age‐range and in the presence/absence of other clinical and non‐clinical characteristics, including psychiatric comorbidities. We described the prevalence and length of prescriptions by age, psychiatric comorbidity and overall. We also fitted multivariable logistic regression models to describe the relationship between treatments and subject characteristics simultaneously. Eighty percent of the identified population was male, although gender did not impact the odds of receiving medication. Medication use was strongly associated with age, increasing most rapidly before adulthood; generally plateauing thereafter. All psychiatric comorbidities studied also individually increased the chances of medication use, with epilepsy and ADHD having the highest associations in both the commercial (OR > 7) and Medicaid (OR around 12) cohorts. Those in non‐capitated insurance plans, in foster care and white individuals also had increased odds of prescriptions. Overall, slightly more Medicaid enrollees received any psychotropic treatment (commercial: 64%, Medicaid: 69%). Nonetheless in both cohorts, a large proportion of individuals received treatment even without a diagnosis of any other psychiatric comorbidity (commercial: 31%, Medicaid: 33%). In summary, this report sheds new light on the latest patterns of psychiatric comorbidity profile and psycho‐pharmacological treatment patterns in ASD Autism Res 2017, 10: 2037–2047. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

this study identified a large number of children and adults in the US with autism spectrum disorder (autism) from employer‐sponsored and government funded (Medicaid) health insurance data. Psychotropic medications were used by over two thirds of people, and four in ten people received two medications at the same time. The chances of receiving medication increased for individuals with other psychiatric conditions (e.g., ADHD), and also increased with age.
Novel Flavones from the Root of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Pan , Zhang Wen‐Fang , Yi Ping , Lan Jun‐Jie , Xia Bin , Jiang Sai , Lou Hua‐Yong , Pan Wei‐Dong
Published: September 2017

Two new flavones, 6,7‐methylenedioxy‐4‐hydroxypeltogynan‐7′‐one (1), cochliophilin B (2), as well as two known ones, cochliophilin A (3) and 6‐methoxy‐7‐hydroxy flavone (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the root of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. Compound 1 is a flavanol framework with one δ‐lactone unit, which is rather rare in nature. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) analyses, the absolute configuration of 1 was established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. The structures of known compounds were fixed by comparison with literatures data. Compounds 2 and 4 showed modest inhibitory activities against BEL‐7402 cell line, with IC50 values of 28.22 and 39.16 μmol/L, respectively.
Prognosis is similar for patients who undergo primary PCI during regular‐hours and off‐hours: A report from SCAAR*
Authors: Redfors Björn , Dworeck Christian , Angerås Oskar , Haraldsson Inger , Petursson Petur , Odenstedt Jacob , Ioanes Dan , Völz Sebastian , Hiller Magnus , Fransson Per , Stewart Jason , Fryklund Henrik , Albertsson Per , Råmunddal Truls , Omerovic Elmir
Published: September 2017

Background

Timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves prognosis in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, recent reports indicate that patients with STEMI who present during non‐regular working hours (off‐hours) have a worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare outcome between patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI during off‐hours and regular hours.

Methods

We retrieved data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) for all patients who underwent primary PCI in Region Västra Götaland due to STEMI between January 2004 and May 2013. We modeled unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional‐hazards regression and logistic regression models for the outcomes death, cardiogenic shock, stent thrombosis and in‐stent restenosis. A propensity score‐adjusted Cox proportional‐hazards model, which adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors was predefined as the primary statistical model. Death at any time during the study period was pre‐specified as primary end‐point.

Results

During the study period 4.611 (65%) patients underwent primary PCI due to STEMI during off‐hours and 2,525 (35%) during regular hours. The risk of dying was similar among the groups for the primary endpoint death at any time during the study period (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89–1.12, P = 0.991) and for secondary end‐point death within 30 days (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.85–1.25, P = 0.735). The risks of developing cardiogenic shock, stent thrombosis, or in‐stent restenosis were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

In our region, short‐ and long‐term prognosis for patients with STEMI who undergo primary PCI is similar for patients presenting during off‐hours and regular hours.
Pretreatment with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Yudi Matias B. , Farouque Omar , Andrianopoulos Nick , Ajani Andrew E. , Brennan Angela , Lefkovits Jeffrey , Reid Christopher M. , Chan William , Duffy Stephen J. , Clark David J. ,   on behalf of the Melbourne Interventional Group.
Published: September 2017

Background

The optimal time to administer P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains to be defined. We sought to assess whether a pretreatment strategy was associated with improved coronary reperfusion and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005–2014) who presented with STEMI and underwent primary PCI were included. Those who received any P2Y12 inhibitor prior to arrival in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory were included in the pretreatment group. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with initial TIMI flow grade <3 and in‐hospital bleeding. The secondary endpoints were 12‐month mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Of the 2,807 patients included, 892(31.8%) received pretreatment. Clopidogrel was the most common P2Y12 inhibitor used (79.6%). Pretreatment was associated with less thromboaspiration and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor use (both P < 0.01). Pretreatment was not associated with lower rates of TIMI flow <3 on initial angiogram (78.0% vs. 80.7%, P = 0.18) nor with increased in‐hospital bleeding (3.6% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.67). Pretreatment was associated with lower 12‐month mortality (4.7% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.02) but similar MACE rate (13.0% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.43). Multivariate analysis revealed pretreatment was not an independent predictor of 12‐month mortality (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.5–1.3, P = 0.32).

Conclusion

Pretreatment with a P2Y12 inhibitor in patients with STEMI was not routine practice in our Australian cohort and was not associated with improved coronary reperfusion or clinical outcomes. Larger studies are required to definitively ascertain the risk/benefit ratio of dual antiplatelet therapy pretreatment in STEMI.
TIOMAX: A Spanish Multicenter Registry of the real–world use of the TItanium OptiMAX® biostent: TIOMAX: Registro Español Multicéntrico Del Biostent De Titanio OptiMAX® En La Vida Real
Authors: López‐Mínguez José R. , Nogales‐Asensio Juan M. , Romani Sebastián , Rivero‐Crespo Fernando , Aragón‐Extremera Victor M. , Jiménez‐Mazuecos Jesús M. , Carrasco Fernando , Oteo‐Domínguez Juan Francisco , Bosa‐Ojeda Francisco , Gómez‐Hospital Joan A.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of the new cobalt‐chromium bioactive stent Titan Optimax® (Hexacath, France) with its predecessor, Titan‐2®.

Background

The TIOMAX registry includes 784 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with these stents in 21 Spanish hospitals.

Methods

Analysis of all patients in the registry without exclusion criteria, candidates for revascularization (March‐2013/July‐2014). Initially 273 patients received Titan‐2®, and the next 511 received the Optimax® after its launch.

Results

Mean age was 65.8 ± 13.0 (78.1% men); 49.2% were STEACS patients (n = 322), 29.8% NSTEACS, and 27.3% had stable angina or silent ischemia. Most STEACS patients (76.4% of n = 322) were treated <24 hr after developing symptoms. All‐cause death (D), cardiac death (CD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and stent thrombosis (ST) at 1 month were 1.1, 0.8, 0.1, and 0.5%, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. At 1 year, the death rate was 5.5% for Titan‐2 vs. 4.1% for Optimax®, CD was 1.8% for both groups, ST 1.1 vs. 0.6%, new AMI 3.3 vs. 2.5% and target lesion revascularization (TLR) 3.7 vs. 2.9%. The primary endpoint of the composite event (CE) of D/AMI/TLR/ST occurred in 10.3% vs. 7.6% (p = 0.211). Patients with STEACS (N = 322: Titan‐2/Optimax: 103/209) had better outcomes for secondary events, device‐oriented failure CD/AMI/TLR (7.8% vs. 5.0%; p = 0.330), and non‐fatal CE of AMI/ST/TLR (7.8% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

The Titan Optimax retains the efficacy and safety of Titan 2. It appears to perform better in the subgroup of STEACS patients, by reducing the non‐fatal CE of AMI/ST/TLR.
Chronic total occlusion in non‐infarct‐related artery is associated with increased short‐and long‐term mortality in patients with ST‐segment elevation acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (from the CREDO‐Kyoto AMI registry)
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Shiomi Hiroki , Kawaji Tetsuma , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Kimura Takeshi ,   on behalf of the CREDO‐Kyoto AMI investigators
Published: September 2017

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effect of chronic total occlusion (CTO) in non‐infarct‐related artery (IRA) on short‐ and long‐term mortality in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS).

Background

Previous studies show contradictory results about the clinical effect of CTO in non‐IRA on short‐term mortality in STEMI patients with CS.

Methods

From the CREDO‐Kyoto AMI registry enrolling 5429 patients, the current study population consisted of 313 STEMI patients with multivessel disease complicated by CS who underwent primary PCI for the nonleft main coronary artery culprit lesion within 24 hr after onset. They were divided according to the presence of CTO (CTO group: N = 100 and non‐CTO group: N = 213).

Results

Hemodynamic compromise was more profound in the CTO group as suggested by the more frequent use of intra‐aortic balloon pumping and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Infarct size estimated by the peak creatine phosphokinase level was larger in the CTO group than in the non‐CTO group. The cumulative 30‐day and 5‐year incidences of all‐cause death were significantly higher in the CTO group than in the non‐CTO group (34.0% vs 18.0%, P = 0.001, and 64.5% vs 46.0%, P = 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, the excess risk of the CTO group relative to the non‐CTO group for all‐cause death remained significant both at 30 days and at 5 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–3.29, P = 0.003, and HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.34–2.69, P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients complicated by CS, CTO in non‐IRA was associated with increased 30‐day and 5‐year mortality.
Does mild paravalvular regurgitation post transcatheter aortic valve implantation affect survival? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ando Tomo , Briasoulis Alexandros , Telila Tesfaye , Afonso Luis , Grines Cindy L. , Takagi Hisato
Published: September 2017

Background

To assess the impact of post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) mild paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) on mortality. More than moderate PVR after TAVI has decreased with the advent of new‐generation prosthetic valves. However, mild PVR remains common and its clinical impact has been inconsistent. We aimed to assess the impact of mild PVR through meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

A systematic literature search was conducted through PUBMED and EMBSE. Manuscripts that reported hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for clinical outcome of interest (all‐cause and cardiac mortality) has been included. Random‐effects model was used for calculation of HR. A total of 25 articles including total of 21,018 patients were finally included for quantitative synthesis (meta‐analysis). Our pooled analysis demonstrated higher all‐cause mortality in patients with mild PVR compared to none/trivial PVR (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.11–1.43, I2=45%, p < 0.001) (follow up duration range 6 months to 5 years). Significant heterogeneity among studies was observed (p for heterogeneity = 0.005). Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. Cardiovascular mortality was increased in patients with mild PVR compared with none/trivial PVR (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.05–1.57, I2=8%, p = 0.02) (follow up duration range 1–3 years).

Conclusions

Mild PVR was associated with increased all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality after TAVI. Whether further interventions in mild PVR is of benefit, has yet to be determined.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for stenotic bicuspid aortic valves: Systematic review and meta analyses of observational studies
Authors: Reddy Gautam , Wang Zhen , Nishimura Rick A. , Greason Kevin L. , Yoon Sung‐Han , Makkar Raj R. , Holmes David R.
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analyses of observational studies of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis (BcAV).

Background

TAVR for BcAV stenosis has been associated with an increased incidence of paravalvular leaks, valve malposition, pacemaker placement and all‐cause mortality. The conclusions drawn have been limited by small sample sizes. The use of TAVR for BcAV stenosis remains controversial.

Methods

We searched multiple databases from the inception of the databases through September 30, 2016 for studies of TAVR for BcAV stenosis. We included all observational studies with more than one patient and at least 1 month of outcomes.

Results

We analyzed 13 observational studies with 758 patients. Meta analyses showed device success rate of 95% [95% confidence interval (CI) 90.2% to 98.5%] and an early safety event in 16.9% [95% CI 12.2% to 22%]. At 30 days, moderate to severe paravalvular leak was seen in 12.2% [95% CI 3.1% to 24.8%] and new pacemaker implantation in 17.9% [95% CI 14.2% to 22%]. All‐cause mortality was 3.7% [95% CI 2.1% to 5.6%], which should be viewed in the context of an STS PROM of 5.0%.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that TAVR for BcAV is not associated with excess mortality. The incidence of paravalvular leaks and pacemaker implant is increased compared to tricuspid aortic valve cohorts undergoing TAVR, and operators should weigh these potential complications against the clinical benefit provided by TAVR for BcAV patients at high risk for surgical valve replacement.
Trends in proportions of hospitals and operators not meeting minimum percutaneous coronary intervention volume standards in Taiwan, 2001–2013
Authors: Liang Fu‐Weng , Lee Jo‐Chi , Lu Tsung‐Hsueh , Yin Wei‐Hsian
Published: September 2017

Objective

To examine trends in proportions of hospitals and operators not meeting the minimum percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volume standards in Taiwan during 2001–2013.

Background

The 2013 Clinical Competence Statement recommends that operators perform a minimum of ≥50 PCIs annually (averaged over a 2‐year period) in hospitals conducting ≥200 PCIs annually.

Methods

Taiwan National Health Insurance claims data from 2001 to 2013 are used to determine the annual numbers of PCIs performed by each hospital and operator.

Results

The percentage of hospitals conducting annual PCI volumes of <200 decreased from 57% (26/46) in 2001 to 39% (29/74) in 2007 and 33% (33/91) in 2013; the percentage of operators conducting PCI volumes <50 annually remained relatively constant at 60% (146/243) in 2001, 60% (270/452) in 2007, and 58% (354/611) in 2013; and the percentage of operators conducting low volumes (<50) in low‐volume hospitals (<200) decreased from 24% (57/243) in 2001 to 15% (66/452) in 2007 and 12% (76/611) in 2013.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of hospitals and three‐fifths of operators in Taiwan failed to meet minimum PCI volume standards. Further research examining patient outcomes from PCIs performed by low‐volume hospitals and operators is recommended.
Promyelocytic sarcoma of the right humerus: an unusual clinical presentation with unique diagnostic and treatment considerations
Authors: Sawhney Sameer , Holtzman Noa G. , Davis Derik L. , Kaizer Hannah , Giffi Victoria , Emadi Ashkan , Koka Rima
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Promyelocytic leukemia is a known medical emergency and requires rapid diagnosis and expedient therapy with differentiating agents. We present an unusual case in which the diagnosis is based on a fine needle aspirate of a humeral mass. Despite lack of systemic involvement, the sarcoma responded to traditional differentiation agents.
Effect of Air‐Aging on the Electrochemical Characteristics of TiOxCy Films for Electrocatalysis Applications
Authors: Rüdiger Celine , Valero‐Vidal Carlos , Favaro Marco , Agnoli Stefano , Granozzi Gaetano , Kunze‐Liebhäuser Julia
Published: September 2017

We report on the electrochemical characteristics of pristine and air‐aged carbon‐modified titania electrodes in acidic electrolyte, which find applications as catalyst supports in electrocatalysis. Films with different chemical compositions (including TiO2, TiOx, TiO, TiC, C) are synthesized through a carbothermal treatment of compact anodic TiO2 on Ti substrates at different temperatures, and are analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their activity towards heterogeneous outer‐sphere electron transfer and their stability against passivation and corrosion under anodic polarization are investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is found that a high fraction of TiC in the pristine carburized films in combination with a thin TiO2 surface layer yields high electron‐transfer kinetics even after aging for 9 months, and a high corrosion and passivation resistance until approximately 0.74VSHE. This finding is essential to the material‘s application as a catalyst support in general.
Natural Products from Social Amoebae
Authors: Barnett Robert , Stallforth Pierre
Published: September 2017

Natural products are invaluable sources of structural diversity and complexity ideally suited for the development of therapeutic agents. The search for novel bioactive molecules has prompted scientists to explore various ecological niches. Microorganisms have been shown to constitute such an important source. Despite their biosynthetic potential, social amoebae, that is, microorganisms with both a uni‐ and multicellular lifestyle, are underexplored regarding their secreted secondary metabolome. In this review, we present the structural diversity of amoebal natural products and discuss their biological functions as well as their total syntheses.
Advances in asymmetric oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic secondary alcohols catalyzed by chiral Mn(III) salen complexes
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Shagufta  , AlMallah Abdul Rahman
Published: September 2017

Enantiomerically pure secondary alcohols are essential compounds in organic synthesis and are used as chiral auxiliaries and synthetic intermediates in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries. One of the attractive and practical approaches to achieving optically pure secondary alcohols is oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic secondary alcohols using chiral Mn(III) salen complexes. In the last decade, several chiral Mn(III) salen complexes have been reported with excellent enantioselectivity and activity in the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis of the oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic secondary alcohols. This review article is an overview of the literature on the recent development of chiral Mn(III) salen complexes for oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic secondary alcohols. The catalytic activity of monomeric, dimeric, macrocyclic, polymeric, and silica/resin supported chiral Mn(III) salen complexes is discussed in detail.
Micro‐scale RNA Interference using Iron Oxide Nanoparticle‐modified Lentivirus
Authors: Liao Zi‐Xian , Kempson Ivan M. , Chen Man‐Jing , Fa Yu‐Chen , Huang Kuo‐Yen , Wang Li‐Fang
Published: September 2017

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of virotherapy. However, significant improvements are anticipated if effective localized infection can be achieved. Herein, we demonstrate magnetic lentivirus is guided by magnetic fields. Introduction of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the lentivirus genome enabled micro‐scale RNA interference (RNAi) therapy. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapies have successfully treated individuals with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, clinical therapeutic outcomes have been compromised by acquired resistance to first‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We assess magnetic lentivirus with NSCLC cells using an in vitro model and achieve micro‐scale RNAi through EGFR silencing. This proof‐of‐principle study demonstrates guided and highly localized micro‐scale, RNAi virotherapy.
Global/local processing style: Explaining the relationship between trait anxiety and binge eating
Authors: Becker Kendra R. , Plessow Franziska , Coniglio Kathryn A. , Tabri Nassim , Franko Debra L. , Zayas Lazaro V. , Germine Laura , Thomas Jennifer J. , Eddy Kamryn T.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Anxiety is a risk factor for disordered eating, but the mechanisms by which anxiety promotes disordered eating are poorly understood. One possibility is local versus global cognitive processing style, defined as a relative tendency to attend to details at the expense of the “big picture.” Anxiety may narrow attention, in turn, enhancing local and/or compromising global processing. We examined relationships between global/local processing style, anxiety, and disordered eating behaviors in a transdiagnostic outpatient clinical sample. We hypothesized that local (vs. global) processing bias would mediate the relationship between anxiety and disordered eating behaviors.

Method

Ninety‐three participants completed the eating disorder examination—questionnaire (EDE‐Q), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)—trait subscale, and the Navon task (a test of processing style in which large letters are composed of smaller letters both congruent and incongruent with the large letter). The sample was predominantly female (95%) with a mean age of 27.4 years (SD = 12.1 years).

Results

Binge eating, but not fasting, purging, or excessive exercise, was correlated with lower levels of global processing style. There was a significant indirect effect between anxiety and binge eating via reduced global level global/local processing.

Discussion

In individuals with disordered eating, being more generally anxious may encourage a detailed‐oriented bias, preventing individuals from maintaining the bigger picture and making them more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviors (e.g., binge eating).
Are eating disorders “all about control?” The elusive psychopathology of nonfat phobic presentations
Authors: Murray Helen B. , Coniglio Kathryn , Hartmann Andrea S. , Becker Anne E. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: September 2017

Objective

There are a subset of individuals with eating disorders (EDs) who do not overevaluate body shape/weight (i.e., nonfat phobic ED; NFP‐ED). According to the transdiagnostic cognitive–behavioral conceptualization of EDs, a need for control, in general, is hypothesized as the core psychopathology of NFP‐EDs, with shape‐ and weight‐related motivations for ED behavior merely superimposed in FP‐ED presentations. This study tested the need for control as motivation for restriction in NFP‐ED, using items aimed at assessing control from the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) Restraint scale.

Method

Females ages 13–27 years consecutively admitted to residential treatment completed the EDE, Eating Disorder Inventory‐3 Drive for Thinness subscale (EDI‐DFT), and other self‐report measures of psychopathology. We included patients with DSM‐5 EDs, but excluded patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Twenty participants had NFP‐ED (≤14 on EDI‐DFT) and 124 had fatphobic ED (FP‐ED; >14 on EDI‐DFT).

Results

NFP‐ED scored significantly lower than FP‐ED on EDE Restraint scale shape/weight [χ2(1) = 10.73–35.62, p's < .01] and on control items [χ2(1) = 10.72–20.62, p's < .01], in addition to scoring lower on measures of general psychopathology and impairment.

Discussion

Findings suggest those with NFP‐ED report lower psychopathology overall and the new EDE Restraint scale control items do not capture additional motivation for restriction beyond that captured in the original Restraint scale shape/weight items. Future research should examine whether this latter finding is due to a minimizing response style in NFP‐ED, an incomplete capture of desire for control by the EDE assessment method, or indeed reflects that need for control does not motivate restriction in NFP‐EDs.
Prevalence and severity of eating disorders: A comparison of DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 among German adolescents
Authors: Ernst Verena , Bürger Arne , Hammerle Florian
Published: September 2017

Objective

Changes in the DSM‐5 eating disorders criteria sought to increase the clarity of the diagnostic categories and to decrease the preponderance of nonspecified eating disorders. The first objective of this study was to analyze how these revisions affect threshold and EDNOS/OSFED eating disorder diagnoses in terms of prevalence, sex ratios, and diagnostic distribution in a student sample. Second, we aimed to compare the impairment levels of participants with a threshold, an EDNOS/OSFED and no diagnosis using both DSM‐IV and DSM‐5.

Method

A sample of 1654 7th and 8th grade students completed self‐report questionnaires to determine diagnoses and impairment levels in the context of an eating disorder prevention program in nine German secondary schools. Height and weight were measured.

Results

The prevalence of threshold disorders increased from .48% (DSM‐IV) to 1.15% (DSM‐5). EDNOS disorders increased from 2.90 to 6.23% when using OSFED‐categories. A higher proportion of girls was found throughout all the diagnostic categories, and the sex ratios remained stable. The effect sizes of DSM‐5 group differences regarding impairment levels were equal to or larger than those of the DSM‐IV comparisons, ranging from small to medium.

Discussion

We provide an in‐depth overview of changes resulting from the revisions of DSM eating disorder criteria in a German adolescent sample. Despite the overall increase in prevalence estimates, the results suggest that the DSM‐5 criteria differentiate participants with threshold disorders and OSFED from those no diagnosis as well as or even more distinctly than the DSM‐IV criteria.
Genetic divergence between two phenotypically distinct bottlenose dolphin ecotypes suggests separate evolutionary trajectories
Authors: Fruet Pedro F. , Secchi Eduardo R. , Di Tullio Juliana C. , Simões‐Lopes Paulo César , Daura‐Jorge Fábio , Costa Ana P. B. , Vermeulen Els , Flores Paulo A. C. , Genoves Rodrigo Cezar , Laporta Paula , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Möller Luciana M.
Published: September 2017

Due to their worldwide distribution and occupancy of different types of environments, bottlenose dolphins display considerable morphological variation. Despite limited understanding about the taxonomic identity of such forms and connectivity among them at global scale, coastal (or inshore) and offshore (or oceanic) ecotypes have been widely recognized in several ocean regions. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA), however, there are scarce records of bottlenose dolphins differing in external morphology according to habitat preferences that resemble the coastal‐offshore pattern observed elsewhere. The main aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability, and test for population structure between coastal (n = 127) and offshore (n = 45) bottlenose dolphins sampled in the SWA to assess whether their external morphological distinction is consistent with genetic differentiation. We used a combination of mtDNA control region sequences and microsatellite genotypes to infer population structure and levels of genetic diversity. Our results from both molecular marker types were congruent and revealed strong levels of structuring (microsatellites FST = 0.385, p < .001; mtDNA FST =  0.183, p < .001; ΦST = 0.385, p < .001) and much lower genetic diversity in the coastal than the offshore ecotype, supporting patterns found in previous studies elsewhere. Despite the opportunity for gene flow in potential “contact zones”, we found minimal current and historical connectivity between ecotypes, suggesting they are following discrete evolutionary trajectories. Based on our molecular findings, which seem to be consistent with morphological differentiations recently described for bottlenose dolphins in our study area, we recommend recognizing the offshore bottlenose dolphin ecotype as an additional Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) in the SWA. Implications of these results for the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in SWA are also discussed.
Pyric‐carnivory: Raptor use of prescribed fires
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , McGranahan Devan A. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Weir John R. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: September 2017

Fire is a process that shaped and maintained most terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Changes in land use and patterns of human settlement have altered fire regimes and led to fire suppression resulting in numerous undesirable consequences spanning individual species and entire ecosystems. Many obvious and direct consequences of fire suppression have been well studied, but several, albeit less obvious, costs of alteration to fire regimes on wildlife are unknown. One such phenomenon is the response of carnivores to fire events—something we refer to as pyric‐carnivory. To investigate the prevalence of pyric‐carnivory in raptors, we monitored 25 prescribed fires occurring during two different seasons and across two different locations in tallgrass prairie of the central United States. We used paired point counts occurring before and during prescribed fires to quantify the use of fires by raptors. We found a strong attraction to fires with average maximum abundance nearly seven times greater during fires than prior to ignitions (before: = 2.90,SE = 0.42; during: = 20.20;SE = 3.29) and an average difference between fire events and immediately before fires of 15.2 (±2.69) raptors. This result was driven by Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni), which were the most abundant (n = 346) of the nine species we observed using fires. Our results illustrate the importance of fire as integral disturbance process that effects wildlife behavior through multiple mechanisms that are often overshadowed by the predominant view of fire as a tool used for vegetation management.
Field swimming performance of bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus: implications for field activity cost estimates and laboratory measures of swimming performance
Authors: Cathcart Kelsey , Shin Seo Yim , Milton Joanna , Ellerby David
Published: September 2017

Mobility is essential to the fitness of many animals, and the costs of locomotion can dominate daily energy budgets. Locomotor costs are determined by the physiological demands of sustaining mechanical performance, yet performance is poorly understood for most animals in the field, particularly aquatic organisms. We have used 3‐D underwater videography to quantify the swimming trajectories and propulsive modes of bluegills sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque) in the field with high spatial (1–3 mm per pixel) and temporal (60 Hz frame rate) resolution. Although field swimming trajectories were variable and nonlinear in comparison to quasi steady‐state swimming in recirculating flumes, they were much less unsteady than the volitional swimming behaviors that underlie existing predictive models of field swimming cost. Performance analyses suggested that speed and path curvature data could be used to derive reasonable estimates of locomotor cost that fit within measured capacities for sustainable activity. The distinct differences between field swimming behavior and performance measures obtained under steady‐state laboratory conditions suggest that field observations are essential for informing approaches to quantifying locomotor performance in the laboratory.