bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
They're NICE and Neat, but Are They Useful? A Grounded Theory of Clinical Psychologists' Beliefs About and Use of NICE Guidelines
Authors: Court Alex John , Cooke Anne , Scrivener Amanda
Published: November 2016

Guidelines are ubiquitous but inconsistently used in UK mental health services. Clinical psychologists are often influential in guideline development and implementation, but opinion within the profession is divided. This study utilized grounded theory methodology to examine clinical psychologists' beliefs about and use of NICE guidelines. Eleven clinical psychologists working in the NHS were interviewed. The overall emerging theme was; NICE guidelines are considered to have benefits but to be fraught with dangers. Participants were concerned that guidelines can create an unhelpful illusion of neatness. They managed the tension between the helpful and unhelpful aspects of guidelines by relating to them in a flexible manner. The participants reported drawing on specialist skills such as idiosyncratic formulation and integration. However, due to the pressures and dominant discourses within services they tended to practice in ways that prevent these skills from being recognized. This led to fears that their professional identity was threatened, which impacted upon perceptions of the guidelines. To our knowledge, the theoretical framework presented in this paper is the first that attempts to explain why NICE guidelines are not consistently utilized in UK mental health services. The current need for services to demonstrate ‘NICE compliance’ may be leading to a perverse incentive for clinical psychologists in particular to do one thing but say another and for specialist skills to be obscured. If borne out by future studies, this represents a threat to continued quality improvement and also to the profession. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Guidelines have many benefits, but the current pressure for services to be ‘NICE compliant’ may be having unintended negative as well as positive effects.

Lack of implementation may be partly the result of active choice by clinicians concerned to use the full range of professional skills and to offer flexibility and choice to service users.

The current context is creating a perverse incentive for clinicians to say one thing but do another. This is problematic for services and a potential threat to the profession of clinical psychology.
Enhancing value of clinical pharmacodynamics in oncology drug development: An alliance between quantitative pharmacology and translational science
Authors: Venkatakrishnan K , Ecsedy JA
Published: November 2016

Clinical pharmacodynamic evaluation is a key component of the “pharmacologic audit trail” in oncology drug development. We posit that its value can and should be greatly enhanced via application of a robust quantitative pharmacology framework informed by biologically mechanistic considerations. Herein, we illustrate examples of intersectional blindspots across the disciplines of quantitative pharmacology and translational science and offer a roadmap aimed at enhancing the caliber of clinical pharmacodynamic research in the development of oncology therapeutics.
Sequential Enzymatic Conversion of α‐Angelica Lactone to γ‐Valerolactone through Hydride‐Independent C=C Bond Isomerization
Authors: Turrini Nikolaus G. , Eger Elisabeth , Reiter Tamara C. , Faber Kurt , Hall Mélanie
Published: November 2016

A case of hydride‐independent reaction catalyzed by flavin‐dependent ene‐reductases from the Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE) family was identified. α‐Angelica lactone was isomerized to the conjugated β‐isomer in a nicotinamide‐free and hydride‐independent process. The catalytic cycle of C=C bond isomerization appears to be flavin‐independent and to rely solely on a deprotonation–reprotonation sequence through acid–base catalysis. Key residues in the enzyme active site were mutated and provided insight on important mechanistic features. The isomerization of α‐angelica lactone by OYE2 in aqueous buffer furnished 6.3 mm β‐isomer in 15 min at 30 °C. In presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), the latter could be further reduced to γ‐valerolactone. This enzymatic tool was successfully applied on semi‐preparative scale and constitutes a sustainable process for the valorization of platform chemicals from renewable resources.
Good‐bye to tropical alpine plant giants under warmer climates? Loss of range and genetic diversity inLobelia rhynchopetalum
Authors: Chala Desalegn , Brochmann Christian , Psomas Achilleas , Ehrich Dorothee , Gizaw Abel , Masao Catherine A. , Bakkestuen Vegar , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: November 2016

The main aim of this paper is to address consequences of climate warming on loss of habitat and genetic diversity in the enigmatic tropical alpine giant rosette plants using the Ethiopian endemicLobelia rhynchopetalumas a model. We modeled the habitat suitability ofL. rhynchopetalumand assessed how its range is affected under two climate models and four emission scenarios. We used three statistical algorithms calibrated to represent two different complexity levels of the response. We analyzed genetic diversity using amplified fragment length polymorphisms and assessed the impact of the projected range loss. Under all model and scenario combinations and consistent across algorithms and complexity levels, this afro‐alpine flagship species faces massive range reduction. Only 3.4% of its habitat seems to remain suitable on average by 2,080, resulting in loss of 82% (CI75%–87%) of its genetic diversity. The remaining suitable habitat is projected to be fragmented among and reduced to four mountain peaks, further deteriorating the probability of long‐term sustainability of viable populations. Because of the similar morphological and physiological traits developed through convergent evolution by tropical alpine giant rosette plants in response to diurnal freeze‐thaw cycles, they most likely respond to climate change in a similar way as our study species. We conclude that specialized high‐alpine giant rosette plants, such asL. rhynchopetalum, are likely to face very high risk of extinction following climate warming.
Heterotri‐ and Heteropentanuclear Copper(I)–Ferrocenyl Complexes Assembled through a “Click” Strategy: A Structural, Electrochemical, and Spectroelectrochemical Investigation
Authors: Manck Sinja , Röger Marc , van der Meer Margarethe , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: November 2016

The ferrocene moiety with its well‐defined redox behavior and its substitution potential is ideally suited for the assembly of multinuclear complexes. Utilizing the “click” strategy, we present here mono‐ and disubstituted pyridyl–triazolyl–ferrocene units. The “pyridyl–triazolyl” chelating pocket is then used to chelate to copper(I) centers that additionally contain dppf [dppf = 1,1′‐(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene], which has an additional ferrocene moiety. This strategy delivers a heterotrinuclear (Fe–Cu–Fe) and a heteropentanuclear (Fe–Cu–Fe–Cu–Fe) complex. All complexes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry, and the heteropentanuclear complex was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Electrochemistry and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry were used to investigate the redox properties of the complexes and to determine the site of electron transfer. The results presented here show the potential of “click”‐derived ligands in generating heteromultinuclear assemblies and the potential of ferrocene to function as a rigid, redox‐active unit in these assemblies.
Not all that glitters is gold—Electron microscopy study on uptake of gold nanoparticles in Daphnia magna and related artifacts
Authors: Jensen Louise Helene Søgaard , Skjolding Lars Michael , Thit Amalie , Sørensen Sara Nørgaard , Købler Carsten , Mølhave Kristian , Baun Anders
Published: November 2016

Increasing use of engineered nanoparticles has led to extensive research into their potential hazards to the environment and human health. Cellular uptake from the gut is sparsely investigated, and microscopy techniques applied for uptake studies can result in misinterpretations. Various microscopy techniques were used to investigate internalization of 10-nm gold nanoparticles in Daphnia magna gut lumen and gut epithelial cells following 24-h exposure and outline potential artifacts (i.e., high-contrast precipitates from sample preparation related to these techniques). Light sheet microscopy confirmed accumulation of gold nanoparticles in the gut lumen. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and elemental analysis revealed gold nanoparticles attached to the microvilli of gut cells. Interestingly, the peritrophic membrane appeared to act as a semipermeable barrier between the lumen and the gut epithelium, permitting only single particles through. Structures resembling nanoparticles were also observed inside gut cells. Elemental analysis could not verify these to be gold, and they were likely artifacts from the preparation, such as osmium and iron. Importantly, gold nanoparticles were found inside holocrine cells with disrupted membranes. Thus, false-positive observations of nanoparticle internalization may result from either preparation artifacts or mistaking disrupted cells for intact cells. These findings emphasize the importance of cell integrity and combining elemental analysis with the localization of internalized nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1503–1509. © 2016 SETAC
Micromorphological Analyses of Inuit Communal Sod Houses in Northern Labrador, Canada
Authors: Couture Andréanne , Bhiry Najat , Woollett James
Published: November 2016

As part of ongoing multidisciplinary research at Uivak Point (HjCl‐09) and Oakes Bay 1 (HeCg‐8) in Labrador, Canada, undisturbed soil samples were collected in order to document archaeological sediments and examine anthropogenic processes within Inuit sod houses through soil micromorphology. These structures consist of multifamily winter dwellings used in Labrador and Greenland, which have been variously associated with Inuit social changes following contact with Europeans and environmental conditions prevailing during the “Little Ice Age.” Analyses of thin sections revealed anthropogenic features that can be associated with specific activities that are also documented independently through archaeological, anthropological, and historical sources. While sleeping platforms were characterized by low frequencies of wood and burnt organic matter, adjacent floor areas had moderate accumulations of a variety of anthropogenic features. The entrance tunnel area collected dense deposits of various kinds of detritus that showed evidence of trampling. Nevertheless, dedicated activity areas could not be documented with precision because of the small number of samples and the unexpected impact of household cleaning events.
An explicit finite difference model for prediction of wellbore pressure and temperature distribution in CO2 geological sequestration
Authors: Wu Haiqing , Bai Bing , Li Xiaochun , Liu Mingze , He Yuanyuan
Published: November 2016

To conveniently realize the coupling calculation between wellbore pressure and temperature and consider the friction loss in the process of wellbore flow and heat transfer, this work takes the one‐dimensional steady flow with homogeneous fluid in wellbores as the analysis object and divides the wellbore into finite micro‐segments. Then we derive the explicit finite difference model (EFDM) about pressure in a certain micro‐segment of wellbore, based on the mass and momentum equations. Next we deduce the EFDM about temperature reflecting the wellbore heat transfer in the same micro‐segment according to the energy balance equation. After that, a coupling calculation method for the EFDM about pressure and temperature is presented. Finally, a comparison of the simulation results of the EFDM, other models, and the log data from engineering is implemented, which demonstrates that the prediction results of the EFDM are more consistent with the log data than the results of other models. Therefore, the reliability of the EFDM about pressure and temperature and their coupling calculation method is verified. Discussion of the friction loss in the energy balance equation and the isobaric specific heat capacity showed that both have a great impact on wellbore temperature distribution, which means the friction loss should not be ignored and the isobaric specific heat capacity should not be assumed as a constant in applications. Generally, the prediction of wellbore pressure and temperature distribution and the comprehension of the internal essence of wellbore flow and heat transfer will be effectively promoted by this work. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating causation in investigative ecological weight of evidence assessments
Authors: Stevenson Ryan W , Chapman Peter M
Published: November 2016

Weight of evidence (WOE) frameworks integrate environmental assessment data to reach conclusions regarding relative certainty of adverse environmental effects due to stressors, possible causation, and key uncertainties. Such studies can be investigative (i.e., determining whether adverse impact is occurring to identify a need for management) or retrospective (i.e., determining the cause of a detected impact such that management efforts focus on the correct stressor). Such WOE assessments do not themselves definitively establish causation; they provide the basis for subsequent follow-up studies to further investigate causation. We propose a modified investigative WOE framework that includes an additional weighting step, which we term “direction weighting.” This additional step allows for the examination of alternative hypotheses and provides improved certainty regarding possible causation. To our knowledge, this approach has not been previously applied in investigative ecological WOE assessments. We provide a generic example of 2 conflicting hypotheses related to a mine discharging treated effluent to a freshwater lake: chemical toxicity versus nutrient enrichment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:702–713. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

A novel weight of evidence (WOE) approach has been developed for investigative ecological assessment with an example conceptual model involving a northern lake receiving treated effluent from a mine. Through the application of novel “direction weighting,” the WOE approach can provide a high level of discrimination between 2 competing hypotheses: toxicity due to metals and other substances, or nutrient enrichment. This WOE approach is broadly applicable to other investigative ecological assessment situations in which both nutrient enrichment and toxicological impairment are possible. The approach can also be used to assist in resolving other competing hypotheses.
Generation of Amyloid‐β Peptides by γ‐Secretase
Authors: Aguayo‐Ortiz Rodrigo , Dominguez Laura
Published: November 2016

γ‐Secretase is a four‐component membrane‐embedded aspartyl protease involved in the final cleavage step of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate the amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide. Different amino‐acid lengths of Aβ peptide can be produced by this enzyme, of which the oligomerization and aberrant accumulation of the product containing 42 amino acids (Aβ42) has been associated with the development and formation of amyloid‐β plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Herein, we review some of the most important topics associated with the structure and activity of γ‐secretase and the factors that alter the substrate cleavage pattern, critical to the formation of the different isoforms of the amyloid‐β peptides.
The pathology of the foreign body reaction against biomaterials
Authors: Klopfleisch R. , Jung F.
Published: November 2016

The healing process after implantation of biomaterials involves the interaction of many contributing factors. Besides their in vivo functionality, biomaterials also require characteristics that allow their integration into the designated tissue without eliciting an overshooting foreign body reaction (FBR). The targeted design of biomaterials with these features, thus, needs understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the FBR. Much effort has been put into research on the interaction of engineered materials and the host tissue. This elucidated many aspects of the five FBR phases, that is protein adsorption, acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, foreign body giant cell formation, and fibrous capsule formation. However, in practice, it is still difficult to predict the response against a newly designed biomaterial purely based on the knowledge of its physical–chemical surface features. This insufficient knowledge leads to a high number of factors potentially influencing the FBR, which have to be analyzed in complex animal experiments including appropriate data‐based sample sizes. This review is focused on the current knowledge on the general mechanisms of the FBR against biomaterials and the influence of biomaterial surface topography and chemical and physical features on the quality and quantity of the reaction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 927–940, 2017.
Synthesis of novel quaternary silica hybrid bioactive microspheres
Authors: Angelopoulou A. , Efthimiadou E. Κ. , Kordas G.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To survey the preparation of novel hybrid microspheres of quaternary silicate glassy composition (SiO2P2O5CaONa2O) and the prospect of using them as an osteogenic system with enhanced bioactive properties for the development of hydroxyapatite.

Method

In line with our previous synthetic procedure a two‐step process was followed, wherein polystyrene (PS) microspheres were prepared by the emulsifier free‐emulsion polymerization method and constituted the core for the sol–gel coating of the silicate inorganic shell. The development of the hybrid microspheres was based on silane and phosphate precursors and was assesses at different ratio of ethanol/water (of 9/1, 4/1, and 2/1, in mL) and at varied ammonia concentration of 4.8–1.0 mL.

Results

The hybrid microspheres had an average size ranged between 350 and 550 nm according to SEM, depending on the ethanol/water solution rate and ammonia content. The final microspheres probably exhibited a porous‐like structure through the formation of diffused voids along with the low carbon content of the EDX analysis, which could be regulated by the catalyst content. The hybrid microspheres exhibited effective in vitro bioactivity assessed in simulated body fluids (SBF).

Conclusion

Quaternary hybrid silica microspheres were effectively synthesized. The bioassay evaluation of the final microspheres revealed the rapid in vitro formation of a bone‐like apatite layer. The results verify the bioactivity of the microspheres and promote further research of their suitability on regenerative treatment of bone abnormalities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 112–120, 2018.
Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity But Not Sedentary Time Is Associated With Musculoskeletal Health Outcomes in a Cohort of Australian Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Wu Feitong , Wills Karen , Laslett Laura L , Oldenburg Brian , Jones Graeme , Winzenberg Tania
Published: November 2016

Associations between physical activity and time spent sedentary and musculoskeletal outcomes remain unclear in middle-aged adults. This study aimed to describe associations between objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time and musculoskeletal health outcomes in middle-aged women. This cross-sectional study from a population-based sample of 309 women (age 36 to 57 years) examined associations of total physical activity (accelerometer counts/min of wear time), and time spent sedentary, in light physical activities and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPA) (by Actigraph GT1M accelerometer) with lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), lower limb muscle strength (LMS), and functional mobility and balance tests (timed up and go test [TUG], functional reach test [FRT], lateral reach test [LRT], and step test [ST]) using linear regression. Total physical activity was beneficially associated with FN BMD (values are β; 95% CI) (0.011 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.019 g/cm2), LMS (2.13 kg; 95% CI, 0.21 to 4.06 kg), and TUG (–0.080 s; 95% CI, –0.129 to –0.030 s), after adjustment for confounders. MVPA was also beneficially associated with FN BMD (0.0050 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.0007 to 0.0094 g/cm2), LMS (1.48 kg; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.52 kg), ST (0.12 steps; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.23 steps), and TUG (–0.043 s; 95% CI, –0.070 to –0.016 s). Associations between MVPA and LMS, TUG and ST persisted after further adjustment for sedentary time. Only TUG was associated with sedentary time, with a detrimental effect (0.075 s; 95% CI, 0.013 to 0.137 s) and this did not persist after further adjustment for MVPA. Light physical activity was not associated with any outcome. MVPA appears more important than light physical activity or sedentary time for many musculoskeletal outcomes in middle-aged women. This needs to be considered when developing interventions to improve habitual physical activity that aim to improve musculoskeletal health. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hypercalcemia in Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma: First Reported Case and Insight Into Treatment
Authors: Sfeir Jad G , Zogala Richard J , Popii Violeta B
Published: November 2016

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a rare systemic and progressive granulomatous disease first described in 1980. Given no established first-line therapy, treatment focuses on the control of skin lesions and associated complications. Despite it being a granulomatous disease, NXG has not been associated with hypercalcemia. About 140 cases of NXG have been reported to date but, to our knowledge, this is the first case to be complicated by hypercalcemia. Our case confirms a granulomatous disease–mediated production of 1α-hydroxylase leading to increased synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and subsequent hypercalcemia. Based on this pathophysiology, we elected to start systemic glucocorticoids, titrated to clinical and metabolic response. Steroid-sparing agents need to be considered to avoid long-term complications but continue controlling this granulomatous disease. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Direct hydrodeoxygenation of algal lipids extracted from Chlorella alga
Authors: Nguyen Hoang SH , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Akhmetzyanova Uliana , Tišler Zdeněk , Hachemi Imane , Rudnäs Andre , Smeds Annika , Eränen Kari , Aho Atte , Kumar Narendra , Hemming Jarl , Peurla Markus , Murzin Dmitry Yu
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of Chlorella algal oil extracted with supercritical hexane and stearic acid as a model compound was investigated over several supported Ni and Mo2N–MoO2 catalysts in a semibatch reactor at 300 °C under 30 bar in the presence of hydrogen.

RESULTS

The results showed that all catalysts were very active in HDO of stearic acid. With crude algal oil, a maximum conversion of lipids of 35% was found with an acidic Ni‐HY‐80 zeolite catalyst after 360 min. The main products in algal oil HDO were fatty acids; whereas maximally only 7% hydrocarbons were formed with Ni‐HY‐80. The main hydrocarbon products were formed via decarbonylation, as the hydrogenation/dehydration route was suppressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrodeoxygenation of crude Chlorella algal oil was demonstrated over nickel supported on beta zeolite and with a molybdenum oxide–nitride catalyst. Strong catalyst deactivation occurred for the former catalyst, whereas the latter retained its activity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Long‐term straw returning affectsNitrospira‐like nitrite oxidizing bacterial community in a rapeseed‐rice rotation soil
Authors: Luo Xuesong , Han Shun , Lai Songsong , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Wenli
Published: November 2016

Nitrospiraare the most widespread and well known nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and putatively key nitrite‐oxidizers in acidic ecosystems. Nevertheless, their ecology in agriculture soils has not been well studied. To understand the impact of straw incorporation on soilNitrospira‐like bacterial community, a cloned library analysis of the nitrite oxidoreductase gene‐nxrBwas performed for a long‐term rapeseed‐rice rotation system. In this study, most members of theNitrospira‐like NOB in the paddy soils from the Wuxue field experiment station were phylogenetically related withNitrospiralineages II. The Shannon diversity index possessed a decrease trend in the straw applied soils. The relative abundances of 16 OTUs (accounting 72% of the total OTUs, including 11 unique OTUs and 5 shared OTUs) were different between in the straw applied and control soils. These data suggested a selection effect from the long‐term straw fertilization. Canonical correspondence analysis data showed that a centralized group ofNitrospira‐like NOB OTUs in the community was partly explained by the soil ammonium, nitrate, available phosphorus, and the available potassium. This could suggest that straw fertilization led to the soilNitrospira‐like NOB community shift, which was correlated with the change of available nutrients in the bulk soil.
The influence of ENSO on South American precipitation: simulation and projection in CMIP5 models
Authors: Tedeschi Renata G. , Collins Matthew
Published: November 2016

This paper analyses the influence of different types of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on South American precipitation under a climate change scenario. We use two sub‐selections of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models that have a good representation of teleconnections to the region, albeit with reduced magnitude anomalies. Comparing historical simulations and the RCP 8.5 scenario experiments, after removing the trend in the mean due climate change, the sub‐ensemble means show similar global sea surface temperature anomalies and South American precipitation anomaly patterns in the future. No robust changes in the pattern or magnitude of precipitation anomalies are found, despite significant ENSO‐related shifts in the Pacific basin, as highlighted in other studies. However, if the models are analysed individually, some show relatively strong changes in ENSO‐related precipitation anomalies for both canonical and Modoki events. We show that, in individual models, tropical teleconnection changes associated with ENSO are primarily driven by changes in the magnitude of ENSO‐related circulation but with no agreement on the sign. Increases in background moisture, which have been hypothesized to drive an intensification of ENSO‐related precipitation anomalies, are of secondary importance.
Extension of physical scaling method and its application towards downscaling climate model based near surface air temperature
Authors: Gaur Abhishek , Simonovic Slobodan P.
Published: November 2016

Physical scaling (SP) method is a statistical downscaling approach where model‐based climate data are downscaled taking into consideration large‐scale climate, elevation and land‐cover at the location of interest. In this study, the downscaling skills of an ensemble ofSPmethod and its variants and StatisticalDownScalingModel (SDSM) towards downscaling North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) temperature data are compared. Two downscaling approaches: direct and indirect, two versions:SPand surrounding pixel information and three functional forms: linear regression, quantile regression and generalized additive models are considered to prepare the method ensemble. To evaluate method performance, a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation approach is adopted. Results indicate thatSPmethod and its variants have comparable skill toSDSM. Further method skill is found to be only marginally influenced by the choice of method version and functional form, and considerably influenced by the choice of approach. The ensemble of models is thereafter used to downscale future air temperature projections made by a global climate model:FGOALS‐s2. It is found that downscaled future projections are most significantly influenced by the choice of version, followed by the choice of approach and the choice of functional form in the decreasing order of importance.
Climate change scenarios for Angola: an analysis of precipitation and temperature projections using four RCMs
Authors: Carvalho S. C. P. , Santos F. D. , Pulquério M.
Published: November 2016

Climate change is expected to have a major impact on the world's environment, economy and society, especially in African countries such as Angola due to the dependence of many vital sectors on climate variability (e.g. agriculture) and their low adaptive capacity. With the advances in the availability of climate model data sets provided by programs such as the CORDEX, Angola can benefit from studies on future climate change using high‐spatial‐resolution data, which have previously been absent for this region. The purpose of this study is to analyse the projected changes in temperature and precipitation over Angola during the 21st century based on four regional climate models (RCMs). The spatial and temporal changes were analysed using a high‐ and medium‐low radiative forcing scenario to consider the uncertainty in greenhouse gas emissions. Changes in the average annual precipitation, average annual temperature and a drought index are studied for short‐, mid‐ and long‐term projections. Compared to the reference period, relevant changes are projected in temperature and precipitation indices for the different models under both emission scenarios. These changes include an increase in both the maximum and minimum temperature of up to 4.9 °C by the end of the century and an intensification of droughts. The precipitation projections are highly variable – increasing and decreasing – across the region and dependent on the RCMs. Despite these differences, the precipitation generally decreases over time (approximately −2% by 2100), with the southern region experiencing a stronger decrease in precipitation. Further investigation is needed to minimize projections uncertain, as the annual mean precipitation was overestimated by three of the RCMs (especially in the northern coastal units). Overall, these projected changes in climate can have important implications for the future of Angola, because they are expected to magnify existing problems, thus creating new risks for human and natural systems.
The effect of pH and amino acids on the formation of methylglyoxal in a glucose–amino acid model system
Authors: Yu Pei , Xu Xian‐Bing , Yu Shu‐Juan
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Methylglyoxal (MGO) as a α‐dicarbonyl compound not only affects food flavor and color but also contributes to the loss of nutrition and the generation of toxic compounds. The study was carried out using a glucose–amino acid model system with incubation at 120 °C to investigate the effect of amino acids and pH on the formation of MGO. MGO derivative (2‐methylquinoxaline) was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. Changes in glucose, amino acids and products such as acetic acid were tested using high‐performance anion exchange chromatography with an electrochemical detector or an electrical conductivity detector.

RESULTS

Lysine and glycine had higher reactivity to form MGO and melanoidins than arginine and proline. More acetic acid was produced and a higher consumption of arginine was observed in glucose–arginine solution. Moreover, higher pH significantly accelerated the formation of MGO.

CONCLUSION

Amino reactivity and pH were two important factors affecting the formation of MGO in the Maillard reaction. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Valorization of functional properties of extract and powder of olive leaves in raw and cooked minced beef meat
Authors: Aouidi Fathia , Okba Aicha , Hamdi Moktar
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Olive leaves (OL), available in huge amounts from pruning, are known to be a useful source of biologically active compounds. This study investigated the potential application of OL as a supplement to minced beef meat in order to develop a functional product. The effect of OL extract or powder (100 and 150 µg phenols g−1 meat) on the quality and stability of raw and cooked meat during refrigerated storage was examined.

RESULTS

Microwave drying at 600 W gave OL with the highest antioxidant quality (evaluated by TEAC/[phenols] (mg mg−1) and DPPH/[phenols] (mg mg−1)) compared with other methods. OL showed an ability to inhibit (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation (TBARS values (mg MDA kg−1) were reduced by 25–65%) and myoglobin oxidation (metmyoglobin production was 43–65% in control samples and 14–35% in treated samples). OL also improved the technological quality of the meat, decreasing (P < 0.05) storage loss (%) and defrosting loss (%) without affecting cooking loss (%) and Napole yield (%). Sensory properties were not modified by the added ingredient at the tested levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

OL (extract or powder) may have applications in the development of functional meat products of good technological quality that remain stable during storage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Intratissue lymphovenous communications in the mechanism of action of vascularized lymph node transfer
Authors: Miranda Garcés María , Pons Gemma , Mirapeix Rosa , Masià Jaume
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) as a surgical treatment for cancer‐related lymphedema has shown beneficial effects. The mechanism of action of this procedure involves lymphangiogenesis and lymphovenous communications (LVC) within the lymph nodes. We propose intratissue LVC as an additional element responsible for drainage of lymph to blood in the flap and examine this hypothesis in the current study.

Methods

This prospective study determined the passage of lymph to the venous system via intratissue LVC in 26 free flaps used for breast reconstruction. We evaluated whether fluorescence was positive in the pedicle vein after increasing time intervals following intradermal injection of indocyanine green (ICG) dye into the flaps using near infra‐red fluorescence lymphography.

Results

We studied 26 free flaps, 22 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps (84.6%), and 4 superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps (15.4%). Fluorescence in the pedicle vein was positive in 22 of the 26 flaps (P = 0.000). The median time for fluorescence evaluation in the pedicle vein was 120 min.

Conclusions

Fluorescence in the pedicle vein after ICG intradermal injection indicates functional intratissue LVC in free flaps. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:27–31. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gastric and small intestine gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Do outcomes differ?
Authors: Giuliano Katherine , Nagarajan Neeraja , Canner Joseph , Najafian Alireza , Wolfgang Christopher , Schneider Eric , Meyer Christian , Lennon Anne Marie , Johnston Fabian M. , Ahuja Nita
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Previous literature has suggested that small intestine GISTs are more aggressive than gastric GISTs. Our primary objective was to compare the outcomes of gastric and small intestine GISTs in the decade after approval of imatinib for treatment.

Methods

The SEER database was queried for cases of gastric and small intestine GIST between the years 2002 and 2012, using the ICD‐O‐3 histology code 8936. Survival analysis was performed using generalized gamma models for time to cause‐specific mortality (CSM).

Results

CSM was 14.0% for the 3,759 gastric GIST patients and 14.3% for the 1,848 small intestine GIST patients. Five‐year survival was 82.2% and 83.3% for gastric and small intestine patients, respectively. The number of diagnosed cases of GIST increased over the course of this study, especially for tumors <5 cm in size and in patients over age 50 years.

Conclusions

In this large nation‐wide study, we found that patients with gastric and small intestine GISTs had similar outcomes, in contrast to previous reports. The diagnosis of GIST has significantly increased in the last decade, which may reflect the increased recognition of this entity and frequent use of imaging. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:351–357. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distance‐based mixing models of δ18 and δ18 in a marsh‐lined estuary with multiple, distinct sources (Murderkill Estuary, Delaware, USA)
Authors: Fischer Sarah J. , York Joanna K. , Voynova Yoana G. , Ullman William J.
Published: November 2016

The Murderkill Estuary (Delaware, USA) receives principally from its upland watershed and from a wastewater treatment facility. Due to disparate
sources, one‐dimensional salinity‐based mixing models were inadequate for describing distributions of
, δ15
, and δ18
. Distance‐based mixing models with multiple, spatially‐specified inputs were, therefore, applied to describe conservative mixing of these constituents and determine the extent to which biogeochemical reactions lead to non‐conservative behavior of
. These models closely matched Si observations in both winter and summer, consistent with high wastewater silicate loads and light limitation, and serve to validate modeling parameters for both seasons. A close fit of distance‐based models to estuarine
observations suggested a lack of uptake and fractionation in early winter. In the summer, modeled predictions of
, δ15
, and δ18
diverged from estuarine observations, particularly in the oligohaline and polyhaline regions, consistent with in situ nitrogen cycling or additional sources and sinks. Effluent from an adjacent marsh in the lower estuary contained
with low δ15
and δ18ONO3, low DO and high
concentrations in late summer. This data and previous studies of adjacent Delaware Bay suggest that reactions in marshes and Bay waters likely drove the non‐conservative behavior of
and its stable isotopes. Potential uncertainty in watershed discharge, however, limited explicit quantitation of
loss in the estuary. Nonetheless, distance‐based models are useful tools for the study of
, δ15
and δ18
distributions and cycling patterns in complex marsh‐lined estuaries with multiple
inputs.
The role of egg cannibalism for the Calanus succession in the Disko Bay, Western Greenland
Authors: Frank‐Gopolos Thomas , Friis Møller Eva , Gissel Nielsen Torkel
Published: November 2016

The present study is the first to describe egg cannibalism in the key Arctic copepod species Calanus finmarchicus, Calanus glacialis, and Calanus hyperboreus. Initially, a series of staining experiments evaluated the application of Neutral Red for staining Calanus eggs. The method was effective and applied in subsequent feeding experiments, where adult females were incubated in bottles with their own eggs. The results showed that all Calanus spp. ingested C. finmarchicus and C. glacialis eggs. However, consumers showed a slight preference for C. finmarchicus eggs when incubated with those of both species. The addition of phytoplankton even at high concentrations did not decrease clearance rates for eggs, suggesting that the presence of alternative food does not afford eggs any protection from cannibalism. To evaluate the potential impact of egg cannibalism on the succession of the three species, we calculated and compared field egg mortality rates with potential egg clearance rates for the Calanus complex based on rates from the experiments. Our results show that in Disko Bay cannibalism by Calanus spp., even at its highest level just before the spring bloom, could only account for about 10% of observed in situ egg mortality, and much less for most of the season.
Dampened copepod‐mediated trophic cascades in a microzooplankton‐dominated microbial food web: A mesocosm study
Authors: Pree Bernadette , Larsen Aud , Egge Jorun Karin , Simonelli Paolo , Madhusoodhanan Rakhesh , Tsagaraki Tatiana Margo , Våge Selina , Erga Svein Rune , Bratbak Gunnar , Thingstad T. Frede
Published: November 2016

Interactions of bottom‐up factors such as the availability of mineral and organic nutrients, and top‐down factors like predation and viral infection affect microbial communities of the pelagic food web. Hypothesis derived from previous experimental and modeling work suggest some general mechanisms on how these factors may be linked and call for an experiment to test interactions between (1) nitrogen source and diatom cell size, (2) bacterial growth rate limitation by mineral nutrients versus organic carbon, and (3) enhanced versus decreased predation pressure by copepods (Calanus finmarchicus). We performed a mesocosm experiment using a replicated three factor––two level full factorial design (
/
, +/− glucose, and +/− copepods). Diatoms, pico‐ and nano‐sized autotrophs, prokaryotes, heterotrophic nanoflagellates, micro‐ and mesozooplankton abundances were monitored for 19 days. The main finding was a system that responded remarkably little to these manipulations with no effects of nitrogen source and only moderate effects of carbon treatments. Zooplankton manipulations had the strongest impact on microbial communities, but, opposite to our hypothesis based on previous studies, microzooplankton and diatoms increased during the first 7–10 days when mesozooplankton abundances were experimentally enhanced. We suggest that high abundances of dinoflagellates and ciliates and occurrence of rotifers, which dominated microzooplankton community in the first half of the experiment complicated trophic linkages between copepods, microzooplankton and diatoms. Apart from this dampened copepod mediated trophic cascade, we found tight couplings between communities of the microbial food web, with maxima of predator communities coinciding with low abundances of prey communities.
Fractional laser‐assisted drug uptake: Impact of time‐related topical application to achieve enhanced delivery
Authors: Banzhaf Christina A. , Thaysen‐Petersen Daniel , Bay Christiane , Philipsen Peter A. , Mogensen Mette , Prow Tarl , Haedersdal Merete
Published: November 2016

Background and Objective

Ablative fractional laser (AFXL) is acknowledged to increase uptake of topically applied agents in skin. AFXL channels gradually close over time, which may impair this capability. The time frame for applying a drug after AFXL exposure remains to be established. The aim of this study, was to investigate the importance of time‐related topical application after AFXL exposure and to relate resultant uptake in skin with AFXL channel morphology and skin integrity.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Buttock skin of healthy volunteers (n = 11) was exposed to 10,600 nm fractional CO2 laser using 5% density, 120 μm beam diameter, 15 mJ pulse energy. Sodium fluorescein (NaF) a small, hydrophilic molecule (370 MW, log P =  −1.52) was applied under standardized conditions at specific time points after laser exposure (0, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90 minutes, 6, 24, and 48 hours). Fluorescence photography collected fluorescence images up to 180 minutes after NaF application. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessed AFXL channel dimensions and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) estimated loss of skin integrity.

Results

Fluorescence intensities (FI) were significantly elevated when NaF was applied up to 6 hours after laser exposure compared to non‐laser‐processed skin (median FI 1947 arbitrary units [interquartile range 1,246–3,560] versus 1,004 [350–1,538], P < 0.02). The highest FI occurred when NaF was applied within 30 minutes after laser exposure and similar FI were reached for applications at 0, 2, 5, 10, and 30 minutes after AFXL exposure (0 minutes: 3,866 [3,526–4,575], 30 minutes: 3,775 AU [3,070–4,484], P > 0.1). NaF application later than 30 minutes after AFXL exposure resulted in gradually decreasing FI, becoming similar to intact skin when applied at 24–48 hours after AFXL exposure (P > 0.2). OCT images demonstrated that AFXL channels closed over time (100% [100–100%] open up to 30 minutes, 75% [4–86%] at 6 hours and 3% [0–15%] at 24–48 hours after AFXL exposure). TEWL measurements proved loss of skin integrity up to 6 hours after AFXL exposure, while integrity was similar in laser‐exposed and non‐laser‐exposed skin at 24–48 hours.

Conclusions

The time frame to maintain enhanced drug delivery sustained for several hours after AFXL exposure, corresponding to channel morphology and loss of skin integrity. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:348–354, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of Core/Shell Nanofibers with Desirable Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties by Pickering Emulsion Electrospinning
Authors: Cai Ning , Han Chao , Luo Xiaogang , Chen Guo , Dai Qin , Yu Faquan
Published: November 2016

To endow nanofibers with the desirable antibacterial and mechanical properties, a facile strategy using Pickering emulsion (PE) electrospinning is proposed to prepare functional nanofibers with core/shell structure for the first time. The water‐in‐oil (W/O) Pickering emulsion stabilized by oleic acid (OA)‐coated magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (OA‐MIONs) is comprised of aqueous vancomycin hydrochloride (Van) solution and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) solution. The core/shell structure of the electrospun Van/OA‐MIONs‐PLA nanofibers is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observation. Sustained release of Van from the PE electrospun nanofiber membrane is achieved within the time of 600 h. Compared with the neat PLA electrospun nanofiber membrane, 57% increase of tensile strength and 36% elevation of elongation at break are achieved on PE electrospun nanofiber membrane. In addition, the PE electrospun nanofiber membrane demonstrates excellent antibacterial property stemming from the combinational antibacterial activities of OA‐MIONs and Van. The Van‐loaded PE electrospinning nanofibers with sustained antibacterial performance possess potential applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery.

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Loading of Drug‐Polymer Matrices in Microreservoirs for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Petersen Ritika Singh , Keller Stephan Sylvest , Boisen Anja
Published: November 2016

For major advances in microfabricated drug delivery systems (DDS), fabrication methods with high throughput using biocompatible polymers are required. Once these DDS are fabricated, loading of drug poses a significant challenge. Here, hot punching is presented as an innovative method for drug loading in microfabricated DDS. The microfabricated DDS are microcontainers fabricated in photoresist SU‐8 and biopolymer poly‐l‐lactic‐acid (PLLA). Furosemide (F) drug is embedded in poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) polymer matrix. This F‐PCL drug polymer matrix is loaded in SU‐8 and PLLA microcontainers using hot punching with >99% yield. Thus, it is illustrated that hot punching allows high‐throughput, parallel loading of 3D polymer microcontainers with drug‐polymer matrices in a single process step.

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