bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Access under the Data Act — A practical guidance to more clarity and compliance demonstrated in three practice-oriented scenarios
Authors: Frank Christian , Imhoff Julia von
Published: December 2024

This article focus primarily on the different data concepts and the resulting implications for the scope and extent of the associated obligations. First, the underlying system of Chapter II of the Data Act (I.) and its various data concepts (II.) are presented and both are then illustrated per three practical examples (III.): (i) connected car, (ii) connected field sprayer, and (iii) connected robotic system in plant engineering. Particular attention is paid to the resulting obligations and their impact on companies. By clarifying the different definitions of terms, it is shown how companies can design their compliance strategies as efficiently as possible to meet the new legal requirements and at the same time maintain their competitiveness. Targeted recommendations for action for companies that are still in the initial phase of dealing with the Data Act are provided in the form of a scoping guide (IV.).
Yes, This Is A Puff Piece? A Comparative Analysis of the Vendor Defences of Puffery, Statements of Future Intent and Disclaimers – Part 2 — How far does the divergence between promised and actual capabilities of an ERP implementation stretch?
Authors: Beardwood John
Published: December 2024

One of the common themes among various failed ERP implementations and outsourcing transactions is the divergence between the representations made by technology vendor sales teams as to promised skills, expertise and delivery, and the actually provided skills, expertise and delivery. Part 1 (Beardwood, CRi 2024, 85) began by providing an overview of the law of misrepresentation, and then the common vendor defences of puffery and opinion, statements of future intent, and contractual disclaimers, in Canada (I) and the United States (II). Part 2 continues by providing an overview of the law of misrepresentation, and then the common vendor defences of puffery and opinion, statements of future intent, and contractual disclaimers, in the European Union (III). The analysis then assesses how these defences were raised by vendors in two recent ERP failure lawsuits (IV), before concluding with lessons learned for vendors and customers (V).
Die eigentümliche Beschränkung der freien Arztwahl in der PKV — Eine kritische Betrachtung des § 4 Abs. 2 S. 1 MB/KK
Authors: Prütting Jens
Published: December 2024

Darf es für privat versicherte Patientinnen und Patienten einen Unterschied ergeben, in welcher der gesetzlich zulässigen Rechtsformen ärztliche Leistungserbringer ihnen gegenübertreten? Wird der durchschnittliche Patient auf die Rechtsform seiner Praxis achten? Nach Auffassung manch privater Krankenkasse sollen diese Fragen mit Blick auf § 4 Abs. 2 S. 1 MB/KK im Fall der ärztlichen Kapitalgesellschaft tatsächlich vollauf über die Ersatzfähigkeit ärztlicher Leistungen entscheiden. Dem tritt der nachfolgenden Beitrag entschieden entgegen und zeigt zugleich auf, dass die bisherige Rechtsprechung, welche die Vorschrift AGB-rechtlich für akzeptabel erachtet hatte, kaum nachvollziehbar erscheint. Jedenfalls vor dem Hintergrund jüngerer Änderungen im Recht muss nunmehr anders entschieden werden.
Die Beweiserleichterungen des § 287 ZPO — Zugleich eine Besprechung zu BGH v. 30.7.2024 – VI ZR 122/23, MDR 2024, 1442
Authors: Laumen Hans-Willi
Published: December 2024

Die Vorschrift des § 286 Abs. 1 ZPO enthält mit dem „Beweis zur vollen Überzeugung des Gerichts“ strenge Anforderungen an den Anspruchssteller. Gerade der Beweis für die Entstehung und die Höhe eines Schadens kann zu erheblichen Problemen führen. Die Beweiserleichterungen in § 287 ZPO sollen dem entgegenwirken. Mit seiner Entscheidung v. 30.7.2024 - VI ZR 122/23, MDR 2024, 1442 hat sich der BGH mit der Behauptungslast im Rahmen des § 287 ZPO befasst. Der folgende Beitrag setzt sich mit dieser Entscheidung auseinander und widmet sich auch den sonstigen Beweiserleichterungen des § 287 ZPO.
Synthesis of Isoquinoline Derivatives via Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H/C−N Bond Activation of N‐Acyl Hydrazones with α‐Substituted Vinyl Azides
Authors: Nie Biao , Wu Wanqing , Zeng Wei , Ren Qingyun , Zhang Ji , Zhang Yingjun , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: January 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed cyclization of N‐acetyl hydrazones with vinyl azides has been developed. Various substituted isoquinolines, including diverse fused isoquinolines can be prepared via this protocol in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that α‐substituted vinyl azide serves as an internal nitrogen source. Also, C−H bond activation and C−N bond cleavage have been realized using hydrazone as directing group.

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Three new patients with Steel syndrome and a Puerto Rican specific COL27A1 mutation
Authors: Amlie‐Wolf Louise , Moyer‐Harasink Sue , Carr Ann‐Marie , Giampietro Philip , Schneider Adele , Simon Mitchell
Published: January 2020

Steel syndrome was initially described by H. H. Steel in 1993 in Puerto Rico, at which time he described the clinical findings required for diagnosis. The responsible gene, COL27A1, was identified in 2015 (Gonzaga‐Jauregui et al., European Journal of Human Genetics, 2015;23:342–346). Eleven patients have previously been described with Steel syndrome and homozygous COL27A1 mutations, with eight having an apparent founder mutation, p.Gly697Arg. We describe three more patients identified at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (Philadelphia, PA) diagnosed with Steel syndrome. All three are of Puerto Rican ancestry with the previously described founder mutation and had either hip dislocations or hip dysplasia. Radial head dislocation was only identified in one patient while short stature and scoliosis were noted in two of these patients. There are now 51 patients in the literature with Steel syndrome, including the 3 patients in this article, and 14 patients with a genetically confirmed Steel syndrome diagnosis.
Hydrogen Bond Assisted l to d Conversion of α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Fu Rui , So Soon Mog , Lough Alan J. , Chin Jik
Published: January 2020

l to d conversion of unactivated α‐amino acids was achieved by solubility‐induced diastereomer transformation (SIDT). Ternary complexes of an α‐amino acid with 3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde and a chiral guanidine (derived from corresponding chiral vicinal diamine) were obtained in good yield as diastereomerically pure imino acid salt complexes and were hydrolysed to obtain enantiopure α‐amino acids. A combination of DFT computation, NMR spectroscopy, and crystal structure provide detailed insight into how two types of strong hydrogen bonds assist in rapid epimerization of the complexes that is essential for SIDT.
Catalytic Cracking of Rapeseed Oil with Binary Oxide Systems: An Alternative to Production of Petrochemicals
Authors: Przekop Robert E. , Osinska‐Broniarz Monika , Martyła Agnieszka , Sztorch Bogna , Stodolny Mikołaj , Kirszensztejn Piotr , Szymański Marcin
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work is to evaluate analytical tools for fast assessment of the catalysts’ ability to conduct a catalytic cracking process with the use of vegetable oils. The practical context of the presented concept relates to the use of cracking reaction products as valuable chemical raw materials. The proposed analytical tools allow for quick assessment of reaction products, indication of the molecular weight range, or the presence of specific functional groups. We want to emphasize that vegetable oils can not only be raw products for biofuels but also an alternative to petrochemicals. The study was undertaken to determine the influence of acid–base properties of catalysts on the rapeseed oil conversion process at 500°C. The effect of these properties on the character of the process and quality of the products obtained was shown to be very high. Basic correlations between the formation of coke, gaseous products and dehydrogenation products, and acid–base parameters of the individual catalysts have been observed. The use of spectroscopic methods (FTIR ‐ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, 1H NMR ‐ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) for fast qualitative analysis of the products is described.
Synthesis and characterization of novel hyperbranched fluorescent polymers that can be precisely used for metal ion detection and quantification
Authors: Tang Tengxuan , Guo Wenbo , Xu Ying , Xu Dongmei
Published: January 2020

Four novel hyperbranched polymers with 4 or 5 ring‐closed rhodamine units in each were achieved through RAFT polymerization followed by modification with rhodamine moieties. The solubility, thermostability, and photophysical properties of the polymers were studied. The polymers showed high selectivity and sensitivity to Fe3+ among various metal ions in CH3CN/H2O (75/25, v/v) and could signal Fe3+ through multichannels: emerging a new absorption around 558 nm, over 30 nm fluorescence redshift and significant fluorescence enhancement (including 33–37 folds in intensity and 8.3–12.8 folds in quantum yield), accompanied by visual and fluorescent color changes. The polymers could be applied in the analysis of Fe3+ in real water samples. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48933.
Associations Between Radiographic and Ultrasound‐Detected Features in Hand Osteoarthritis and Local Pressure Pain Thresholds
Authors: Steen Pettersen Pernille , Neogi Tuhina , Magnusson Karin , Hammer Hilde Berner , Uhlig Till , Kvien Tore K. , Haugen Ida K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Pain sensitization contributes to the complex osteoarthritis (OA) pain experience. The relationship between imaging features of hand OA and clinically assessed pain sensitization is largely unexplored. This study was undertaken to examine the association of structural and inflammatory features of hand OA with local pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in the Nor‐Hand study.

Methods

The cross‐sectional relationship of severity of structural radiographic features of hand OA (measured according to the Kellgren/Lawrence scale [grade 0–4] and the absence or presence of erosive joint disease) as well as ultrasound‐detected hand joint inflammation (assessed by gray‐scale synovitis [grade 0–3] and the absence or presence of power Doppler activity) to the PPTs of 2 finger joints was examined by multilevel regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, using beta values with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

A total of 570 joints in 285 participants included in the Nor‐Hand study were assessed. Greater structural and inflammatory severity was associated with lower PPTs, with adjusted beta values of −0.5 (95% CI −0.6, −0.4) per Kellgren/Lawrence grade increase, −1.4 (95% CI −1.8, −0.9) for erosive versus non‐erosive joints, −0.7 (95% CI −0.9, −0.6) per gray‐scale synovitis grade increase, and −1.5 (95% CI −1.8, −1.1) for joints with power Doppler activity on ultrasound versus those without.

Conclusion

Greater severity of structural pathologic features and hand joint inflammation was associated with lower PPTs in the finger joints of patients with hand OA, indicating pain sensitization. Our results indicate that pain sensitization might be driven by structural and inflammatory pathology in hand OA.
Inhibition of Ligand Binding Ability of Three Porphyrins by an Organic Effector
Authors: Nishimura Tomoaki , Sasaki Yoshito , Tachi Yoshimitsu , Suzuki Shuichi , Okada Keiji , Kozaki Masatoshi
Published: January 2020

A stimulus‐responsive receptor 1 was designed and prepared to control the ligand‐binding ability of three active sites, two zinc tetraphenylporphyrin units (P1) and one zinc diethynyldiphenylporphyrin unit (P2), with one effector molecule 2. Bulky hexarylbenzene units were incorporated as shielding panels in the middle of the flexible side arms of 1. Spectroscopic titrations indicated that a stable supramolecular complex 1⋅2 (K1⋅2=6.7×106 m−1) was produced by the cooperative formation of multiple hydrogen and coordination bonds. As a result, the binding of a ligand to P1 was inhibited by 2 in a competitive manner. Additionally, the formation of 1⋅2 brought about conformational restriction of the side arms to cover both faces of P2 with the shielding panels. The binding constant of 4‐phenylpyridine with P2 in 1⋅2 decreased to 8.9 % of that in 1. Namely, the ligand‐binding ability of P2 was inhibited according to an allosteric mechanism.
Reasons or rationalizations: The role of principles in the moral dumbfounding paradigm
Authors: McHugh Cillian , McGann Marek , Igou Eric R. , Kinsella Elaine L.
Published: January 2020

Moral dumbfounding occurs when people maintain a moral judgment even though they cannot provide reasons for it. Recently, questions have been raised about whether dumbfounding is a real phenomenon. Two reasons have been proposed as guiding the judgments of dumbfounded participants: harm‐based reasons (believing an action may cause harm) or norm‐based reasons (breaking a moral norm is inherently wrong). Participants in that research (see Royzman, Kim, & Leeman, 2015), who endorsed either reason were excluded from analysis, and instances of moral dumbfounding seemingly reduced to non‐significance. We argue that endorsing a reason is not sufficient evidence that a judgment is grounded in that reason. Stronger evidence should additionally account for (a) articulating a given reason and (b) consistently applying the reason in different situations. Building on this, we develop revised exclusion criteria across three studies. Study 1 included an open‐ended response option immediately after the presentation of a moral scenario. Responses were coded for mention of harm‐based or norm‐based reasons. Participants were excluded from analysis if they both articulated and endorsed a given reason. Using these revised criteria for exclusion, we found evidence for dumbfounding, as measured by the selecting of an admission of not having reasons. Studies 2 and 3 included a further three questions relating to harm‐based reasons specifically, assessing the consistency with which people apply harm‐based reasons across differing contexts. As predicted, few participants consistently applied, articulated, and endorsed harm‐based reasons, and evidence for dumbfounding was found.
Effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on lipid droplet growth in adipocytes
Authors: Xiang Wei , Cheng Shi , Zhou Yong , Ma Ling
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to explore the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on lipid droplet (LD) growth in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes of hypertrophy model. Cocktail method was used to induce differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. After 8 days, the cells were modeled by 100, 300, 600, and 900 μM palmitic acid (PA) for 24 hr. The best concentration of modeling was screened by MTT results and triglycerides (TG) content. The model cells were intervened by 1, 10, and 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 for 24 hr. Then, the TG content of cells were detected and stained by oil red O. The diameter and quantity of LDs were analyzed. mRNA relative expression levels of genes related to LD (CIDE‐a, Fsp27, PLIN‐1), upstream response factor (PPAR‐α, PPAR‐γ, and VDR), and TG metabolism (long chain acyl‐CoA synthetase 3, 1‐acylglycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 1, adipose triglyceride lipase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, glycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 3, glycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 4, hormone‐sensitive lipase, mannosyl (alpha‐1,3‐)‐glycoprotein beta‐1,2‐N‐acetyl glucosaminyl transferase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase, and uncoupling protein‐1) were detected by RT‐qPCR. A total of 300 μM PA was selected as the optimum concentration. Compared with model group, 10 and 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased the average diameter, increased the quantity of LDs, upregulated PPAR‐α and PLIN‐1 mRNA expression levels, and downregulated CIDE‐a and Fsp27 mRNA expression levels significantly (p < .05). However, 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 did not alter LD morphology and TG content. mRNA expression levels of long chain acyl‐CoA synthetase 3, 1‐acylglycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 1, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, glycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 3, and glycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase 4 in 10 and 100 nM groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (p < .05); mRNA expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, hormone‐sensitive lipase, mannosyl (alpha‐1,3‐)‐glycoprotein beta‐1,2‐N‐acetyl glucosaminyl transferase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase, and uncoupling protein‐1 were significantly increased in the 100 nM group (p < .05). The 10 and 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 can inhibit LD fusion, promote LD decomposition, reduce LD volume, and inhibit lipogenesis through the PPAR‐α signaling pathway.
Ghost Cells for Mechanical Circulatory Support In Vitro Testing: A Novel Large Volume Production
Authors: Schöps Malte , Clauser Johanna C. , Menne Matthias F. , Faßbänder Dennis , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Arens Jutta
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work is to establish a large volume batch production system to produce sufficient volumes of ghost cells to facilitate hemolysis testing of mechanical circulatory support devices. A volume of more than 405 mL with a hematocrit of at least 28% is required to perform in vitro hemolysis testing of mechanical circulatory support devices according to international standards. The established ghost cell production method performed at the institute is limited to 3.1 mL of concentrated cells, that is, cells with 100% hematocrit, due to predominantly manual process steps. Through semi‐automation of the existing method by using the large volume batch production system, productivity is increased 60‐fold to 188 mL while almost doubling process efficiency to 23.5%. Time‐consuming manual work such as pipetting is now supported by sensor‐based process engineering. With the help of the large volume batch production system, the objective of producing large quantities of ghost cells is successfully achieved. Thus, this work lays the foundation for spatially resolved hemolysis evaluation of mechanical circulatory support devices in combination with the small‐scale fluorescent hemolysis detection method.
Variation in global uptake of the Surgical Safety Checklist
Authors: Delisle M , Pradarelli J C , Panda N , Koritsanszky L , Sonnay Y , Lipsitz S , Pearse R , Harrison E M , Biccard B , Weiser T G , Haynes A B
Published: January 2020

Background

The Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a patient safety tool shown to reduce mortality and to improve teamwork and adherence with perioperative safety practices. The results of the original pilot work were published 10 years ago. This study aimed to determine the contemporary prevalence and predictors of SSC use globally.

Methods

Pooled data from the GlobalSurg and Surgical Outcomes studies were analysed to describe SSC use in 2014–2016. The primary exposure was the Human Development Index (HDI) of the reporting country, and the primary outcome was reported SSC use. A generalized estimating equation, clustering by facility, was used to determine differences in SSC use by patient, facility and national characteristics.

Results

A total of 85 957 patients from 1464 facilities in 94 countries were included. On average, facilities used the SSC in 75·4 per cent of operations. Compared with very high HDI, SSC use was less in low HDI countries (odds ratio (OR) 0·08, 95 per cent c.i. 0·05 to 0·12). The SSC was used less in urgent compared with elective operations in low HDI countries (OR 0·68, 0·53 to 0·86), but used equally for urgent and elective operations in very high HDI countries (OR 0·96, 0·87 to 1·06). SSC use was lower for obstetrics and gynaecology versus abdominal surgery (OR 0·91, 0·85 to 0·98) and where the common or official language was not one of the WHO official languages (OR 0·30, 0·23 to 0·39).

Conclusion

Worldwide, SSC use is generally high, but significant variability exists. Implementation and dissemination strategies must be developed to address this variability.
Randomized clinical trial of intraoperative dexmedetomidine to prevent delirium in the elderly undergoing major non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Li C-J , Wang B-J , Mu D-L , Hu J , Guo C , Li X-Y , Ma D , Wang D-X
Published: January 2020

Background

Delirium is common in elderly patients after surgery and is associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on the incidence of delirium in elderly patients undergoing major surgery.

Methods

This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Elderly patients (aged 60 years or more) scheduled to undergo major non-cardiac surgery were randomized into two groups. Patients in the intervention group received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0·6 μg/kg 10 min before induction of anaesthesia followed by a continuous infusion (0·5 μg per kg per h) until 1 h before the end of surgery. Patients in the control group received volume-matched normal saline in the same schedule. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium during the first 5 days after surgery. Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for non-ventilated patients and CAM for the Intensive Care Unit for ventilated patients.

Results

In total, 309 patients who received dexmedetomidine and 310 control patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The incidence of delirium within 5 days of surgery was lower with dexmedetomidine treatment: 5·5 per cent (17 of 309) versus 10·3 per cent (32 of 310) in the control group (relative risk (RR) 0·53, 95 per cent c.i. 0·30 to 0·94; P = 0·026). The overall incidence of complications at 30 days was also lower after dexmedetomidine (19·4 per cent (60 of 309) versus 26·1 per cent (81 of 310) for controls; RR 0·74, 0·55 to 0·99, P = 0·047).

Conclusion

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine halved the risk of delirium in the elderly after major non-cardiac surgery. Registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-15007654 (www.chictr.org.cn).
International multicentre review of perioperative management and outcome for catecholamine-producing tumours
Authors: Groeben H , Walz M K , Nottebaum B J , Alesina P F , Greenwald A , Schumann R , Hollmann M W , Schwarte L , Behrends M , Rössel T , Groeben C , Schäfer M , Lowery A , Hirata N , Yamakage M , Miller J A , Cherry T J , Nelson A , Solorzano C C , Gigliotti B , Wang T S , Wietasch J K G , Friederich P , Sheppard B , Graham P H , Weingarten T N , Sprung J
Published: January 2020

Background

Surgery for catecholamine-producing tumours can be complicated by intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic instability. Several perioperative management strategies have emerged but none has been evaluated in randomized trials. To assess this issue, contemporary perioperative management and outcome data from 21 centres were collected.

Methods

Twenty-one centres contributed outcome data from patients who had surgery for phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma between 2000 and 2017. The data included the number of patients with and without α-receptor blockade, surgical and anaesthetic techniques, complications and perioperative mortality.

Results

Across all centres, data were reported on 1860 patients with phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma, of whom 343 underwent surgery without α-receptor blockade. The majority of operations (78·9 per cent) were performed using minimally invasive techniques, including 16·1 per cent adrenal cortex-sparing procedures. The cardiovascular complication rate was 5·0 per cent overall: 5·9 per cent (90 of 1517) in patients with preoperative α-receptor blockade and 0·9 per cent (3 of 343) among patients without α-receptor blockade. The mortality rate was 0·5 per cent overall (9 of 1860): 0·5 per cent (8 of 517) in pretreated and 0·3 per cent (1 of 343) in non-pretreated patients.

Conclusion

There is substantial variability in the perioperative management of catecholamine-producing tumours, yet the overall complication rate is low. Further studies are needed to better define the optimal management approach, and reappraisal of international perioperative guidelines appears desirable.
Strategies to minimize intraoperative blood loss during major surgery
Authors: Shah A , Palmer A J R , Klein A A
Published: January 2020

Background

Reducing operative blood loss improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. The aim of this article was to review current surgical, anaesthetic and haemostatic intraoperative blood conservation strategies.

Methods

This narrative review was based on a literature search of relevant databases up to 31 July 2019 for publications relevant to reducing blood loss in the surgical patient.

Results

Interventions can begin early in the preoperative phase through identification of patients at high risk of bleeding. Directly acting anticoagulants can be stopped 48 h before most surgery in the presence of normal renal function. Aspirin can be continued for most procedures. Intraoperative cell salvage is recommended when anticipated blood loss is greater than 500 ml and this can be continued after surgery in certain situations. Tranexamic acid is safe, cheap and effective, and routine administration is recommended when anticipated blood loss is high. However, the optimal dose, timing and route of administration remain unclear. The use of topical agents, tourniquet and drains remains at the discretion of the surgeon. Anaesthetic techniques include correct patient positioning, avoidance of hypothermia and regional anaesthesia. Permissive hypotension may be beneficial in selected patients. Promising haemostatic strategies include use of pharmacological agents such as desmopressin, prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate, and use of viscoelastic haemostatic assays.

Conclusion

Reducing perioperative blood loss requires a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach. Although high-quality evidence exists in certain areas, the overall evidence base for reducing intraoperative blood loss remains limited.
UNC5B‐AS1 promoted ovarian cancer progression by regulating the H3K27me on NDRG2 via EZH2
Authors: Wang Hao , Su Hong , Tan Yujie
Published: January 2020

The role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and development of ovarian cancer (OC) has caught the attention of scientists. UNC5B antisense RNA 1 (UNC5B‐AS1) is a newly identified carcinogenic lncRNA in thyroid papillary carcinoma, but its role in OC remains unclear. This study is proposed to investigate the function and mechanism of UNC5B‐AS1 in OC. UNC5B‐AS1 expression in OC samples was obtained from gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Gene expressions were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. Biological functions of UNC5B‐AS1 were assessed by cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and caspase‐3 analysis. GEPIA revealed the UNC5B‐AS1 upregulation in OC samples. RT‐qPCR assay confirmed the upregulation of UNC5B‐AS1 in OC cells. Functionally, depletion of UCN5B‐AS1 hindered proliferation and prompted apoptosis in OC cells. Mechanistically, we found that UNC5B‐AS1 interacted with zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) to trigger trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) on N‐myc downstream regulated gene‐2 (NDRG2) promoter and epigenetically repressed NDRG2. Rescue assay indicated the participation of NDRG2 in the regulation of UNC5B‐AS1 on OC progression. Together, we first illustrated that UNC5B‐AS1 promoted OC progression by regulating the H3K27me on NDRG2 via EZH2, indicating UNC5B‐AS1 as a potential molecular target for OC treatment.
Gimmicks of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pancreatic β‐cell regeneration through transdifferentiation of pancreatic α‐ to β‐cells
Authors: Yi Zhao , Waseem Ghani Muhammad , Ghani Hammad , Jiang Wu , Waseem Birmani Muhammad , Ye Li , Bin Liu , Cun Lang Guan , Lilong An , Mei Xiao
Published: January 2020

In vivo regeneration of lost or dysfunctional islet β cells can fulfill the promise of improved therapy for diabetic patients. To achieve this, many mitogenic factors have been attempted, including gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA remarkably affects pancreatic islet cells’ (α cells and β cells) function through paracrine and/or autocrine binding to its membrane receptors on these cells. GABA has also been studied for promoting the transformation of α cells to β cells. Nonetheless, the gimmickry of GABA‐induced α‐cell transformation to β cells has two different perspectives. On the one hand, GABA was found to induce α‐cell transformation to β cells in vivo and insulin‐secreting β‐like cells in vitro. On the other hand, GABA treatment showed that it has no α‐ to β‐cell transformation response. Here, we will summarize the physiological effects of GABA on pancreatic islet β cells with an emphasis on its regenerative effects for transdifferentiation of islet α cells to β cells. We will also critically discuss the controversial results about GABA‐mediated transdifferentiation of α cells to β cells.
3D Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Encapsulated Metallic Nickel–Iron Alloy Nanoparticles for Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Liao Xiaobin , Lin Zifeng , Huang Fuzhi , Jiang Yalong , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Xu Lin , Liu Ziang , Li Jiantao , Zhao Yan , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Mai Liqiang
Published: January 2020

It is extremely desirable to explore high‐efficient, affordable and robust oxygen electrocatalysts toward rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs). A 3D porous nitrogen‐doped graphene encapsulated metallic Ni3Fe alloy nanoparticles aerogel (Ni3Fe‐GA1) was constructed through a facile hydrothermal assembly and calcination process. Benefiting from 3D porous configuration with great accessibility, high electrical conductivity, abundant active sites, optimal nitrogen content and strong electronic interactions at the Ni3Fe/N‐doped graphene heterointerface, the obtained aerogel showed outstanding catalytic performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Specifically, it exhibited an overpotential of 239 mV to attain 10 mA cm−2 for OER, simultaneously providing a positive onset potential of 0.93 V within a half‐wave potential of 0.8 V for ORR. Accordingly, when employed in the aqueous ZABs, Ni3Fe‐GA1 achieved higher power density and superior reversibility than Pt/C−IrO2 catalyst, making it a potential candidate for rechargeable ZABs.
Outcomes of transvenous lead extraction in patients with lead perforation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Zhou Xu , Ze Feng , Li Ding , Wang Long , Guo Jihong , Li Xuebin
Published: January 2020

Background

Management of cardiac perforation caused by the lead of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) is currently unclear. This study evaluated the outcomes of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in patients with cardiac perforation caused by a transvenous lead.

Hypothesis

Removal of perforated lead by transvenous approach is safe and effective.

Methods

The medical records of all patients diagnosed with cardiac perforation by a pacing or defibrillator lead in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2008 to January 2019 were reviewed. We included patients who were managed by TLE.

Results

A total of 53 patients (30 men; mean age: 67 ± 15 years) with lead perforation managed by TLE were included. Most of the perforated leads (94.9%) were pacemaker leads. Forty‐three leads (81.1%) were implanted within 1 year. Ten patients with a high risk of hemopericardium underwent percutaneous subxiphoid pericardial puncture prior to TLE. All 53 culprit leads were removed completely without major complications. Simple traction with or without a locking stylet was sufficient in 51 patients (96.2%). Forty‐eight patients (90.6%) had a new active‐fixation lead reimplanted. No patients showed evidence of new‐onset or worsening pericardial effusion during the procedure and hospital stay. During a median follow‐up time of 16 months, no recurrence of symptoms associated with lead perforation or CIED‐related infection were reported.

Conclusion

In most patients with lead perforation, TLE can be a safe and effective management approach.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition of solid mass lesions of the pancreas: A retrospective comparison study of fine‐needle aspiration and fine‐needle biopsy
Authors: Sweeney Jacob , Soong Lauren , Goyal Abha
Published: January 2020

Background

Although endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) has emerged as an alternative to fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) for the sampling of solid pancreatic mass lesions, it remains unclear which method is more effective. We compared the diagnostic yields of FNA, FNB, and combined FNA/FNB at a tertiary care institution.

Methods

Specimens from EUS‐FNA (04/2014‐08/2017) and EUS‐FNB (10/2015‐08/2017) with SharkCore needle of pancreatic solid mass lesions were retrieved. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data was recorded. Pathology results of malignancy/neoplasms with uncertain malignant potential were considered as true positive. The “negative” cases included were with ≥6 months of follow‐up. Nondiagnostic cases showed unremarkable pancreatic tissue, nonpancreatic elements, atypia, or features suspicious for malignancy. Diagnostic yield was defined as percentage of lesions sampled in which a benign or malignant tissue diagnosis, as defined above, was obtained. Statistical comparisons were performed using Fisher's exact test and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study cohort included 76 FNA only cases, 88 FNB only cases, and 40 combined FNA/FNB cases. Diagnostic yields were 70% (FNA), 70% (FNB), and 83% (FNA/FNB), which were not statistically different. Increase in lesion size and presence of ROSE were significantly associated with a diagnostic outcome on both univariable and multivariable analysis, unlike the number of passes.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that for solid pancreatic lesions, the diagnostic yields of FNA, FNB, and combined FNA and FNB are comparable. Presence of ROSE and increasing lesion size increased the diagnostic yield while the number of passes had no significant impact.
Sequential organ failure assessment score on admission predicts long‐term mortality in acute heart failure patients
Authors: Aoyama Daisetsu , Morishita Tetsuji , Uzui Hiroyasu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Ishida Kentaro , Kaseno Kenichi , Hasegawa Kanae , Fukuoka Yoshitomo , Tama Naoto , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Shiomi Yuichiro , Tada Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Aims

The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score has been a widely used predictor of outcomes in the intensive care unit, whereas short‐term and long‐term survivals of heart failure (HF) patients are predicted by the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines–Heart Failure (GWTG‐HF) risk score. The purpose of present study was to examine whether the SOFA score on admission is more useful for predicting long‐term mortality in acute HF patients than the GWTG‐HF risk score.

Methods and results

A total of 269 patients (mean age, 78.5 ± 10.9 years; all‐cause mortality, 53.9%) seen in a single facility from January 2007 to December 2016 were enrolled retrospectively. They were followed up for a mean of 32.1 ± 22.3 months. All‐cause death was associated with higher SOFA and GWTG‐HF risk scores. However, no significant difference was observed in the area under the curve value between the scores. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that higher SOFA scores (P < 0.001) and GWTG‐HF risk scores (P < 0.001) were related to increased probabilities of all‐cause death. On multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis, the SOFA score (P < 0.001) and GWTG‐HF (P < 0.001) score were independent predictors of all‐cause death. Incorporating the SOFA score into the GWTG‐HF risk score yielded a significant net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement. On decision curve analysis, the net benefit of the SOFA score model when compared with the reference model was greater across the range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

In acute HF patients, long‐term all‐cause mortality can be predicted by the SOFA score. Discriminative performance metrics, such as net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and decision curve analysis, for predicting mortality were improved when the SOFA score was incorporated.
Dihalides of Sterically Constrained Tricyclic Phosphines, Lewis Acidity and Fluoride Affinity, Chloride Abstraction, and a Phosphonium Cation, Dimethylphosphorane
Authors: Brand Alexander , Hentschel Anne , Hepp Alexander , Uhl Werner
Published: January 2020

Treatment of the trilithium compounds 3 with PCl3 afforded sterically constrained tricyclic phosphines with annulated five‐ (2 ×) and six‐membered rings and the P atoms in the bridgehead positions (2a, vinylic SiMe2Ph; 2b, vinylic SiMe3 groups). Their AuCl complexes (4) were used for an estimation of the buried volumes (4b: %V = 46 %). Reactions of 2b with XeF2 or SO2Cl2 afforded PX2 derivatives [X = F (5b), Cl (6b)]. Crystal structure determinations including the recently reported difluorides and diiodides of 2a (5a and 7) allow a systematic comparison of structural details. The P atoms have trigonal bipyramidal to square pyramidal surroundings. The PF2 phosphorane 5a behaves as a Lewis acid and coordinates F– to yield a phosphate anion (8) with a PF3C3 molecular centre, while Cl– abstraction from 3a afforded an unstable phosphonium cation (9). Unusual methylphosphoranes with one or two methyl groups attached to phosphorus were obtained by reactions of the dihalides 5a or 6a with methyllithium.
Importance of Indigenous Peoples’ lands for the conservation of Intact Forest Landscapes
Authors: Fa Julia E , Watson James EM , Leiper Ian , Potapov Peter , Evans Tom D , Burgess Neil D , Molnár Zsolt , Fernández‐Llamazares Álvaro , Duncan Tom , Wang Stephanie , Austin Beau J , Jonas Harry , Robinson Cathy J , Malmer Pernilla , Zander Kerstin K , Jackson Micha V , Ellis Erle , Brondizio Eduardo S , Garnett Stephen T
Published: January 2020

Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) are critical strongholds for the environmental services that they provide, not least for their role in climate protection. On the basis of information about the distributions of IFLs and Indigenous Peoples’ lands, we examined the importance of these areas for conserving the world's remaining intact forests. We determined that at least 36% of IFLs are within Indigenous Peoples’ lands, making these areas crucial to the mitigation action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. We also provide evidence that IFL loss rates have been considerably lower on Indigenous Peoples’ lands than on other lands, although these forests are still vulnerable to clearing and other threats. World governments must recognize Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including land tenure rights, to ensure that Indigenous Peoples play active roles in decision‐making processes that affect IFLs on their lands. Such recognition is critical given the urgent need to reduce deforestation rates in the face of escalating climate change and global biodiversity loss.
Citizen science in developing countries: how to improve volunteer participation
Authors: Requier Fabrice , Andersson Georg KS , Oddi Facundo J , Garibaldi Lucas A
Published: January 2020

Citizen science is a powerful tool for connecting members of the public with research and for obtaining large amounts of data. However, it is far less commonly implemented in developing countries than in developed countries. We conducted a large‐scale citizen‐science program monitoring honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses in Argentina to examine how a national consortium composed of local coordinators and two different recruitment strategies influenced volunteer participation. These strategies consisted of online questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews with beekeepers to record bee health issues. We found that use of both recruitment strategies was necessary because they reached different volunteer profiles and different locations, and therefore influenced the survey's results. Furthermore, public participation increased when the number of local coordinators was higher, regardless of recruitment strategy. These findings could also apply to other developing countries, where lack of internet access for some potential volunteers, logistical constraints such as long distances, and poor infrastructure hamper implementing large‐scale citizen‐science programs.
The mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway downregulates bone morphogenetic protein signaling to promote oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Ornelas Isis M. , Khandker Luipa , Wahl Stacey E. , Hashimoto Hirokazu , Macklin Wendy B. , Wood Teresa L.
Published: January 2020

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiate and mature into oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin in the central nervous system. Prior studies have shown that the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is necessary for proper myelination of the mouse spinal cord and that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation, in part by promoting expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2). Here we provide evidence that mTOR functions specifically in the transition from early stage OPC to immature oligodendrocyte by downregulating BMP signaling during postnatal spinal cord development. When mTOR is deleted from the oligodendrocyte lineage, expression of the FK506 binding protein 1A (FKBP12), a suppressor of BMP receptor activity, is reduced, downstream Smad activity is increased and Id2 expression is elevated. Additionally, mTOR inhibition with rapamycin in differentiating OPCs alters the transcriptional complex present at the Id2 promoter. Deletion of mTOR in oligodendroglia in vivo resulted in fewer late stage OPCs and fewer newly formed oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord with no effect on OPC proliferation or cell cycle exit. Finally, we demonstrate that inhibiting BMP signaling rescues the rapamycin‐induced deficit in myelin protein expression. We conclude that mTOR promotes early oligodendrocyte differentiation by suppressing BMP signaling in OPCs.
Prophylactic swallowing therapy for patients with head and neck cancer: A three‐arm randomized parallel‐group trial
Authors: Wall Laurelie R. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Cartmill Bena , Hill Anne J. , Isenring Elizabeth , Byrnes Joshua , Porceddu Sandro V.
Published: January 2020

Background

Intensive prophylactic swallowing therapy can mitigate dysphagia in patients with oropharyngeal (OP) SCC, however, presents service challenges. This trial investigated the clinical efficacy of three service models delivering prophylactic swallowing therapy during (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT).

Methods

Patients (n = 79) with OPSCC receiving (C)RT were were randomized to: (a) clinician‐directed face‐to‐face therapy (n = 26); (b) telepractice therapy via “SwallowIT” (n = 26); or (c) patient self‐directed therapy (n = 27). Swallowing, nutritional, and functional status were compared at baseline, 6‐weeks, and 3‐months post‐(C)RT. Patients' perceptions/preferences for service‐delivery were collated posttreatment.

Results

Service‐delivery mode did not affect clinical outcomes, with no significant (P > .05) between‐group differences or group‐by‐time interactions observed for swallowing, nutrition, or functional measures. Therapy adherence declined during (C)RT in all groups. SwallowIT and clinician‐directed models were preferred by significantly (P = .002) more patients than patient‐directed.

Conclusions

SwallowIT provided clinically equivalent outcomes to traditional service models. SwallowIT and clinician‐directed therapy were preferred by patients, likely due to higher levels of therapy support.
Lifestyle factors and risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms in the NIH‐AARP diet and health study
Authors: Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Rong , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Liao Linda M. , Zeidan Amer M. , Mesa Ruben , Ma Xiaomei
Published: January 2020

The etiology of Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is largely unknown. We assessed potential associations between lifestyle factors and MPN risk in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study. In this prospective cohort with 463,049 participants aged 50–71 years at baseline (1995–1996) and a median follow‐up of 15.5 years, we identified 490 MPN cases, including 190 with polycythemia vera (PV) and 146 with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Smoking was not associated with MPN risk in the overall cohort, but analyses stratified by sex suggested that smoking increased the risk of MPN in women (former smoker vs. nonsmokers, HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03–2.00, p = 0.03; current smokers vs. nonsmokers, HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.08–2.71, p = 0.02). Coffee consumption was inversely associated with the risk of PV (high vs. low intake, HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33–0.84, p‐trend < 0.01), but not the risk of ET or MPN overall. Further analysis revealed an inverse association between the amount of caffeine intake and PV risk (high vs. low intake, HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.79, p‐trend < 0.01). While the consumption of caffeinated coffee appeared to confer a protective effect against PV, the consumption of decaffeinated coffee did not. This large prospective study identified smoking as a risk factor for MPN in women and suggests that caffeine intake is associated with a lower risk of PV.
Circular RNA circ‐EGLN3 promotes renal cell carcinoma proliferation and aggressiveness via miR‐1299‐mediated IRF7 activation
Authors: Lin Ling , Cai Jianhua
Published: January 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly lethal cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the functions and molecular mechanisms of circular RNA (circRNA), circ‐EGLN3, in RCC progression. The expression levels of circ‐EGLN3 were assessed by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was applied to uncover the prognostic role of circ‐EGLN3 in patients with RCC. Cell viability was analyzed using cell counting kit‐8 and cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometric experiment. Cell migratory and invasive abilities were determined by wound scratch and transwell experiments. Subcellular distribution detection was utilized to investigate the location of circ‐EGLN3. Dual‐luciferase reporter test was utilized for identifying the molecular mechanism of circ‐EGLN3. The results indicated that circ‐EGLN3 was elevated in RCC tissues and cell lines and predicted unfavorable prognosis for the patients with RCC. Silenced circ‐EGLN3 hindered cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but facilitated apoptosis of RCC cells. Ectopic expressed circ‐EGLN3 induced the opposite effects mentioned above. Mechanistically, circ‐EGLN3 was mainly located at the cytoplasm. Circ‐EGLN3 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to enhance the IRF7 level via sponging miR‐1299. Moreover, circ‐EGLN3 mediated elevation of IRF7 is responsible for RCC cell proliferation and aggressiveness. Collectively, our study suggested that circ‐EGLN3 knockdown suppressed RCC progression through acting as a ceRNA to regulate the IRF7 expression by targeting miR‐1299. Circ‐EGLN3 might be a potential therapeutic target for RCC management.