bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, Presentation and Treatment of ‘Balloon Undilatable’ Chronic Total Occlusions: Insights from a Multicenter US Registry
Authors: Tajti Peter , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Alaswad Khaldoon , Toma Catalin , Choi James W. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Doing Anthony H. , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham , Uretsky Barry , Karatasakis Aris , Karacsonyi Judit , Danek Barbara A. , Rangan Bavana V. , Banerjee Subhash , Ungi Imre , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: January 2018

Background

The prevalence, treatment and outcomes of balloon undilatable chronic total occlusions (CTOs) have received limited study.

Methods

We examined the prevalence, clinical and angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for balloon undilatable CTOs in a contemporary multicenter US registry.

Results

Between 2012 and 2017 data on balloon undilatable lesions were available for 425 consecutive CTO PCIs in 415 patients in whom guidewire crossing was successful: 52 of 425 CTOs were balloon undilatable (12%). Mean patient age was 65 ± 10 years and most patients were men (84%). Patients with balloon undilatable CTOs were more likely to be diabetic (67 vs. 41%, P < 0.001) and have heart failure (44 vs. 28%, P = 0.027). Balloon undilatable CTOs were longer (40 mm [interquartile range, IQR 20‐50] vs. 30 [IQR 15‐40], P = 0.016), more likely to have moderate/severe calcification (87 vs. 54%, P < 0.001), and had higher J‐CTO score (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.001) and PROGRESS‐CTO complications score (3.9 ± 1.7 vs. 3.1 ± 2.0, P < 0.005). They were associated with lower technical and procedural success (92 vs. 98%, P = 0.024; and 88 vs. 96%, P = 0.034, respectively) and higher risk for in‐hospital major adverse events (8 vs. 2%, P = 0.008) due to higher perforation rates. The most frequent treatments for balloon undilatable CTOs were high pressure balloon inflations (64%), rotational atherectomy (31%), laser (21%), and cutting balloons (15%).

Conclusions

Balloon undilatable CTOs are common and are associated with lower success and higher complication rates.
Self‐Assembled Magnetic Gold Catalysts from Dual‐Functional Boron Clusters
Authors: Qi Bin , Wu Chenchen , Li Xin , Wang Dan , Sun Liang , Chen Bo , Liu Wenjing , Zhang Haibo , Zhou Xiaohai
Published: January 2018

A new class of core–shell magnetic gold nanocomposites is prepared in a raspberry‐like fashion by the controlled supramolecular host–guest assembly of γ‐cyclodextrins (γ‐CDs) and boron clusters. In this work, Cs2[closo‐B12H12], a fundamental boron cluster, can play a dual role in the preparation of highly monodispersed Au nanoparticles and in the immobilization of Au nanoparticles on the γ‐CDs@Fe3O4 surface as an effective anchor. This facile and spontaneous supramolecular strategy allows for the control of the size and composition of the highly stable gold composites. Furthermore, the obtained AuNPs@Fe3O4 composites exhibit an excellent catalytic activity and recyclability for the selective reduction of nitroaromatics to their corresponding aniline compounds, and the fastest reaction can be achieved within 20 s with a high conversion and selectivity at room temperature, which is better than that obtained previously in studies on metal nanoparticle composites as catalysts.
Complete Oxidation of Xylose for Bioelectricity Generation by Reconstructing a Bacterial Xylose Utilization Pathway in vitro
Authors: Wu Ranran , Ma Chunling , Zhang Y.‐H. Percival , Zhu Zhiguang
Published: January 2018

A variety of fuels can be utilized to achieve an extraordinarily high energy density in enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs), including glucose, fructose, and sucrose or maltodextrin composed of hexoses. However, xylose, which is the most abundant pentose, has hardly been exploited for bioelectricity generation because of its slow utilization rate and few xylose metabolic pathways in nature. Here, we demonstrate a reconstituted pentose phosphate pathway in vitro composed of 14 enzymes that completely oxidizes xylose. Either ATP or polyphosphate can be used as a phosphate donor in this system. The Faraday efficiency from xylose to electrons by this pathway was as high as 97.0 %, corresponding to the generation of nearly 20 electrons per molecule of xylose. In the presence of 20 mm xylose, an air‐breathing EFC based on the synthetic pathway generated a power density of 0.36 mW cm−2, much higher than that generated by other xylose‐fed bioelectrochemical systems. These results suggest the great potential of the co‐utilization of hexoses and pentoses from renewable abundant biomass for high‐yield bioelectricity generation in the near future.
Feinstaubmessung mit dem Smartphone
Authors: Hauck Bernhard , Schäfer Matthias , Kuhn Jochen , Ulber Roland
Published: January 2018

Der Feinstaubsensor ermöglicht als autonomes System die quantitative Bewertung von Feinstaubquellen im Alltag ohne Gefährdung der Experimentierenden. Selbst starke Emissionsquellen können aus sicherer Entfernung bewertet werden. So lässt sich die Feinstaubproblematik anhand selbst gewonnener Messwerte von der stark befahrenen Straße bis zum ruhigen Waldgebiet ausführlich und anschaulich behandeln.
Study of gas solid turbulent flow in a thermal reactor: Experimental and numerical comparison
Authors: Bellil Ahmed , Benhabib Karim , Coorevits Patrice , Ould‐Dris Aïssa
Published: January 2018

Dysfunctions observed in thermochemical conversion reactors, like dead zones and short‐ circuits, generally lead to inaccurate pricing of energy resources and air pollution, and originate in the air flow conditions in these aeraulic reactors.[1–3] Therefore, they can be prevented by better control of flows. In this work, we propose to develop a new tool for determining the distribution of residence time of the solid phase, based on the luminescence of particles previously coated with phosphorescent pigments. This optical method, which is non‐intrusive and flexible, has been implemented at a laboratory scale, on an aeraulic test bench.[3]

On the other hand, we have developed a numerical model allowing the determination of the distribution of the residence time. This development aims to master the flows at the exit of surrounding walls, which optimizes them and allows their extrapolation to the industrial scale. Our analytical approach is based on modelling by coupling MFN by finite volume types via the Code Saturn, and DEM by discrete elements of the solid behaviour by means of the code SIGRAME. Finally, a confrontation of the RTD of the digital model with the experimental RTD has been conducted.
Reaction of o‐Carboryne with Furans: Facile Synthesis of Carborane‐ Fused Oxanorbornenes and Their Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Rongyi , Yuan Yinggen , Qiu Zaozao , Xie Zuowei
Published: January 2018

o‐Carboryne (1,2‐dehydro‐o‐carborane) is a very useful synthon for the synthesis of a variety of carborane‐functionalized molecules. Diels‐Alder reaction of o‐carboryne with furans gave a series of carborane‐fused oxanorbornenes in moderate to high yields using 1‐OTf‐1,2‐C2B10H11 as carboryne precursor. The resultant cycloadducts can undergo hydrogenation, cyclic oxidation, bromination, [4 + 2]/[2 + 2] cycloaddition and nucleophilic ring opening reaction to afford a variety of highly functionalized carboranes that may find applications as useful basic units in medicine and materials science.
Bone marrow versus mobilized peripheral blood stem cells in haploidentical transplants using posttransplantation cyclophosphamide
Authors: Ruggeri Annalisa , Labopin Myriam , Bacigalupo Andrea , Gülbas Zafer , Koc Yener , Blaise Didier , Bruno Benedetto , Irrera Giuseppe , Tischer Johanna , Diez‐Martin Jose Luiz , Castagna Luca , Ciceri Fabio , Mohty Mohamad , Nagler Arnon
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Incidence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in haploidentical bone marrow (BM) transplants using posttransplantion cyclophosphamide (PT‐Cy) is low, whereas GVHD using mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) ranges between 30% and 40%.

METHODS

To evaluate the effect of stem cell source in haploidentical transplantation with PT‐Cy, we analyzed 451 patients transplanted for acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia reported to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

RESULTS

BM was used in 260 patients, and PBSC were used in 191 patients. The median follow‐up was 21 months. Engraftment was lower in BM (92% vs 95%, P < 0.001). BM was associated with a lower incidence of stage II‐IV and stage III‐IV acute GVHD (21% vs 38%, P ≤ .01; and 4% vs 14%, P < .01, respectively). No difference in chronic GVHD, relapse, or nonrelapse mortality were found for PBSC or BM. The 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 55% versus 56% (P = .57) and leukemia‐free survival (LFS) was 49% versus 54% (P = .74) for BM and PBSC, respectively. On multivariate analysis, PBSC were associated with an increased risk of stage II‐IV (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; P < .001) and stage III‐IV acute GVHD (HR, 3.8; P < .001). For LFS and OS, reduced intensity conditioning was the only factor associated with treatment failure (LFS: HR, 1.40; P = .04) and relapse (HR, 1.62; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute leukemia in first or second remission receiving haploidentical transplantation with PT‐Cy, the use of PBSC increases the risk of acute GVHD, whereas survival outcomes are comparable. Cancer 2018;124:1428‐37. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Trends in multiple myeloma presentation, management, cost of care, and outcomes in the Medicare population: A comprehensive look at racial disparities
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Frank Ryan D. , Sharma Mayank , Menghani Richa , Temkit M'hamed , Paulus Shumail , Khera Nandita , Hashmi Shahrukh , Advani Pooja , Swaika Abhisek , Paulus Aneel , Aslam Nabeel , Sher Taimur , Roy Vivek , Colon‐Otero Gerardo , Chanan‐Khan Asher
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Outcomes have improved significantly in multiple myeloma (MM), but racial disparities in health care access and survival exist. A comprehensive analysis exploring MM care and racial disparities is warranted.

METHODS

Patients with MM from 1991 to 2010 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare database were evaluated for racial trends in clinical myeloma‐defining events (MDEs), the receipt of treatment (drugs and stem cell transplantation; [SCT]), the cost of care, and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Among 35,842 patients, the frequency of all MDEs at diagnosis increased over time; whereas, in recent years (2006‐2010), all MDEs with the exception of renal dialysis decreased. Blacks had highest rates for all MDEs except bone fractures, which were highest in whites. Over time, the proportion of patients who received any treatment, multiple agents, and SCT increased significantly, and the largest increase was observed in the receipt of immunomodulatory drugs and steroids. There was greater receipt of bortezomib and SCT among whites and blacks and higher receipt of immunomodulatory drugs among Hispanics and Asians (P < .001). Medicare claims were highest during first 6 months after MM diagnosis for blacks and at any time after MM diagnosis for Hispanics. Over time, Medicare claims increased most steadily for Hispanics (P < .001). Hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, and bone fractures were associated with inferior OS. Blacks and Asians had superior OS compared with whites, but racial differences in OS became less pronounced during 2006 through 2010 (P = .182) compared with prior years (P < .01). Better OS was noted among patients who had higher median incomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicate that there have been significant changes in the management of patients with MM over time and provide an in‐depth understanding of the factors that may help explain racial disparities. Cancer 2018;124:1710‐21. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Facet‐Selective Deposition of Metal (M=Au, Pt, Pd) Nanoparticles on Co3O4 Crystals: Magnetically Separable Photocatalyst with Improved Catalytic Performance
Authors: Liu Qipeng , Cao Muhan , Chen Lei , Yuan Xiaolei , Zhong Qixuan , Wu Linzhong , Yang Di , Hu Huicheng , Xu Yong , Zhang Qiao
Published: January 2018

Depositing noble metals on specific facets of semiconductors can improve the separation of photoexcited hole–electron pairs during the photocatalytic reaction, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance. This work describes the selective deposition of noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Pt, Pd) on some specific facets of p‐type Co3O4 through a simple and facile photoassisted method. The deposition of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on {111} facets of Co3O4 nanocrystals (NCs) can remarkably improve their photocatalytic activity towards water oxidation, which can be attributed to enhanced charge spatial separation. Moreover, the magnetically separated photocatalysts are good examples of new designed photocatalysts that can be recovered easily.
Initial Damage and Damage Growth of KDP Crystals Induced by 355 nm Pulse Laser
Authors: Huang Jin , Wu Zhiqing , Wang Fengrui , Liu Hongjie , Sun Laixi , Zhou Xiaoyan , Ye Xin , Deng Qinghua , Jiang Xiaodong , Zheng Wanguo , Sun Dunlu
Published: January 2018

Bulk damage of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals induced by high power UV pulse laser irradiation is the main factor limiting inertial confinement fusion (ICF) laser output performance. In this study, investigated KDP crystal bulk damage behavior induced by nanosecond 355 nm laser is investigated. Bulk damage density exponentially increases with the increasing laser flux. Damage manifests as a central hole and radially extends crack. The bulk damage size of sample can be significantly reduced by the laser pretreatment. When damage density reachs 3 mm−3, functional damage criterion is observed. From the reseach on the damage growth process, it can be further found that there is a certain probability to induce the density and size growth of damage points for KDP crystal when the laser energy density is over 10 J cm−2. Moreover, the laser pretreatment had no effect on the behavior. The outcomes of this study provide a reference for optimizing KDP crystal application in high power lasers.
Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction/Oxygen Evolution Activity of Mixed Fe/Co Oxide Nanoparticles with Variable Fe/Co Ratios Supported on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Elumeeva Karina , Kazakova Mariya A. , Morales Dulce Maria , Medina Danea , Selyutin Alexander , Golubtsov Georgiy , Ivanov Yurii , Kuznetzov Vladimir , Chuvilin Andrey , Antoni Hendrik , Muhler Martin , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Masa Justus
Published: January 2018

A facile strategy is reported for the synthesis of Fe/Co mixed metal oxide nanoparticles supported on, and embedded inside, high purity oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) of narrow diameter distribution as effective bifunctional catalysts able to reversibly drive the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solutions. Variation of the Fe/Co ratio resulted in a pronounced trend in the bifunctional ORR/OER activity. Controlled synthesis and in‐depth characterization enabled the identification of an optimal Fe/Co composition, which afforded a low OER/OER reversible overvoltage of only 0.831 V, taking the OER at 10 mA cm−2 and the ORR at −1 mA cm−2. Importantly, the optimal catalyst with a Fe/Co ratio of 2:3 exhibited very promising long‐term stability with no evident change in the potential for both the ORR and the OER after 400 charge/discharge (OER/ORR) cycles at 15 mA cm−2 in 6 m KOH. Moreover, detailed investigation of the structure, size, and phase composition of the mixed Fe/Co oxide nanoparticles, as well as their localization (inside of or on the surface of the MWCNTs) revealed insight of the possible contribution of the individual catalyst components and their synergistic interaction in the catalysis.
The Monoclonal Anti‐CD157 Antibody Clone SY11B5, Used for High Sensitivity Detection of PNH Clones on WBCs, Fails to Detect a Common Polymorphic Variant Encoded byBST‐1
Authors: Blaha Johanna , Schwarz Klaus , Fischer Claudia , Schauwecker Peter , Höchsmann Britta , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Anliker Markus
Published: January 2018

Background

CD157, encoded byBST‐1, has been described as a useful flow cytometric marker for the analysis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) as it is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐linked molecule highly expressed on normal monocytes and neutrophils. We and others observed isolated CD157 signal dropouts during intended PNH analysis. We hypothesize that these negative populations occur due to an antibody failure. To investigate the reason for this finding, we compared two different anti‐CD157 antibody clones for PNH analysis.

Methods

We sequencedBST‐1of CD157‐negative probands that are not suffering from PNH and expressed wild type and a discovered variant form of CD157 in HEK293 cells. We compared the binding patterns of two different anti‐CD157 antibody clones (SY11B5 and RF3) by flow cytometry and western blot analysis.

Results

When sequencing two CD157‐negative probands we detected a common SNP (p.Arg145Gln) in exon 3 ofBST‐1. We found that only anti‐CD157 antibody clone RF3 but not the more widely used clone SY11B5 was able to detect both, the wild type and the variant form of CD157 in flow cytometric experiments.

Conclusion

The failure of anti‐CD157 antibody clone SY11B5 to detect a common SNP can explain some CD157‐negative cytometric data. This provides crucial knowledge for laboratories performing PNH analyses as such results can potentially lead to false‐positive PNH interpretation. Our results confirm the importance of published PNH guidelines. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Fine‐needle aspiration of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with prominent rhabdoid features
Authors: Fite J. Judd , Ali Syed Z. , VandenBussche Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are uncommon neoplasms that conventionally possess architectural and cytomorphological features seen in neuroendocrine neoplasms found at other sites. When present, these features often allow rapid identification of neuroendocrine differentiation and an accurate diagnosis. Here, we report the cytologic findings seen on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of a PanNET with distinct rhabdoid features. This morphology is rare in PanNETs and has been reported in only two case series examining surgical resection specimens and has not been described on FNA. It is important to recognize this morphology as this variant appears to portend an aggressive clinical course. Furthermore, unfamiliarity with this morphologic variant may lead to a larger initial differential and thus delay final diagnosis.
Female mate choice of male signals is unlikely to promote ecological adaptation inEnchenopatreehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae)
Authors: Fowler‐Finn Kasey D. , Kilmer Joseph T. , Cruz Daniel C. , Rodríguez Rafael L.
Published: January 2018

A key question in speciation research is how ecological and sexual divergence arise and interact. We tested the hypothesis that mate choice causes local adaptation and ecological divergence using the rationale that the performance~signal trait relationship should parallel the attractiveness~signal trait relationship. We used female fecundity as a measure of ecological performance. We used a species in theEnchenopa binotatatreehopper complex, wherein speciation involves adaptation to novel environments and divergence in sexual communication. We used a full‐sibling, split‐family rearing design to estimate genetic correlations (rG) between fecundity and signal traits, and compared those relationships against population‐level mate preferences for the signal traits. Animal model estimates forrGbetween female fecundity and male signal traits overlapped zero—rejecting the hypothesis—but could reflect sample size limitations. The magnitude ofrGcorrelated with the strength of the mate preferences for the corresponding signal traits, especially for signal frequency, which has the strongest mate preference and the most divergence in the complex. However, signal frequencies favored by the population‐level mate preference are not associated with high fecundity. Therefore, mate preferences do not appear to have been selected to favor high‐performance genotypes. Our findings suggest that ecological and sexual divergence may arise separately, but reinforce each other, during speciation.
Evaluation of High Energy Density Plasma in Counter‐Facing Plasma Focus Device Driven by Laser‐Triggered Pulse Power System
Authors: SODEKODA TATSUYA , KUWABARA HAJIME , KITTAKA SHOTARO , HORIOKA KAZUHIKO
Published: January 2018

A laser‐trigger system has been introduced to a pulse power system composed of counter‐facing plasma focus electrodes in order to make high energy density plasma. Lithium plasmas made by a YAG laser ablation were used for both triggering the plasma focus and supplying the source of the high energy density plasma. Also the supply system of plasma source has been improved for stability and repeatability of the device. Operational principle of the device, details of the configuration, and basic characteristics of the triggering system are shown together with possible applications of the device.
Coordination of Carbon Dioxide to the Lewis Acid Site of a Zinc‐Substituted Polyoxometalate and Formation of an Adduct Using a Polyoxometalate–2,4,6‐Trimethylpyridine Frustrated Lewis Pair
Authors: Chen Bo , Neumann Ronny
Published: January 2018

The coordination of CO2 to Lewis bases is well‐known; however, its binding to Lewis acids is much less common. The ligation of CO2 to a zinc‐substituted Wells–Dawson type polyoxometalate yielded [(n‐C8H17)4N]8[α2‐P2W17O61Zn(CO2)], which was studied by variable temperature 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy from room temperature to 201 K. The spectra were analyzed in consideration of predicted “end‐on” coordination, POM‐Zn‐O‐C‐O, and “side‐on” coordination where in addition an adjacent basic oxygen atom in the polyoxometalate binds the carbon atom of CO2. After adding 2,4,6‐trimethypyridine into the solution, a plausible adduct, POM‐CO2‐2,4,6‐trimethypyridine, was observed.
Sultams: Recent Syntheses and Applications
Authors: Debnath Sudarshan , Mondal Shovan
Published: January 2018

Sultams are very important scaffolds both in medicinal chemistry and in synthetic organic chemistry. Very important methodologies for the asymmetric and non‐asymmetric synthesis of sultams, including asymmetric synthesis with memory of chirality (MOC), have recently been developed. Nowadays sultams are tremendously widely applied both in the medicinal field and in the synthetic field for the synthesis of different natural and non‐natural heterocycles. This review covers the recent development (2011–June 2017) of powerful methodologies for the synthesis of sultams and their applications in various fields during this period. A critical view of the mechanisms of the developed methodologies together with the scope and limitations of these methods add an extra dimension to the text.
Serum proteomic pattern in female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Koch Marianne , Umek Wolfgang , Hanzal Engelbert , Mohr Thomas , Seyfert Sonja , Koelbl Heinz , Mitulović Goran
Published: January 2018

The pathophysiology of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the serum proteomic profile in patients with SUI and to replicate findings from a preceding study in which a significant difference in the urinary proteome was identified. Serum samples were collected from 38 patients (19 SUI; 19 matched, continent controls). Sample preparation included serum albumin depletion, in‐solution enzymatic digestion of proteins applying a combination of Gluc‐C and trypsin and peptide separation using nano High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Label‐free quantitation of peptides and proteins was performed after triplicate measurements using quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Peptide identification was achieved by searching the Human SwissProt Database using Mascot and X!Tandem. Main outcome measure was the relative abundance of each detected protein in serum. Of 7012 identified proteins, 33 proteins were induced (detected in SUI, not in controls) and five proteins were depleted (detected in controls, not in SUI). All depleted proteins play a role in immune/DNA damage response. Induced proteins are involved in inflammatory response, response to cellular stress, coagulation and cytoskeleton stability/ motility. Plasma serine protease inhibitor (SERPINA5) was found induced and previously also showed a higher abundance in urine samples of SUI patients. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008553.
Simultaneous identification of the anaphylactoid components from traditional Chinese medicine injections using rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 and laboratory of allergic disease 2 dual‐mixed/cell membrane chromatography model
Authors: Han Shengli , Lv Yanni , Kong Liyun , Sun Yueming , Fu Jia , Li Lingjun , He Langchong
Published: January 2018

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for prevention and treatment of various diseases for many decades. TCM injection is a new dosage form, with incidence of anaphylactoid reactions increasing every year. In this study, the rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 (RBL‐2H3) and laboratory of allergic disease 2 (LAD2) dual‐mixed/CMC was established and was coupled with an HPLC‐ESI‐IT‐TOF‐MS system to identify the potential allergenic components in Haqing injection. Cinobufagin, piperine, osthole, praeruptorin A, and schizandrin A were screened from Haqing injection via this coupled system. Competitive binding assay showed piperine, praeruptorin A, and schizandrin A acting on MrgprX2 and cinobufagin and osthole act on the IgE receptor. The release of mediators of anaphylaxis results showed cinobufagin and osthole can cause anaphylactoid reactions by triggering the release of β‐hexosaminidase and histamine via IgE‐R. Praeruptorin A and schizandrin A could promote the release of β‐hexosaminidase and histamine via MrgprX2 receptor. In summary, the dual‐mixed/CMC model can significantly improve the efficiency of target component identification from a complex sample. When combined with competitive binding assay and validation of biological activities, this model enables accurate determination of the dual‐target components, offering improved methods for quality control of TCM injections.
Modeling European industrial production with multivariate singular spectrum analysis: A cross‐industry analysis
Authors: Silva Emmanuel Sirimal , Hassani Hossein , Heravi Saeed
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an optimized multivariate singular spectrum analysis (MSSA) approach is proposed to find leading indicators of cross‐industry relations between 24 monthly, seasonally unadjusted industrial production (IP) series for German, French, and UK economies. Both recurrent and vector forecasting algorithms of horizontal MSSA (HMSSA) are considered. The results from the proposed multivariate approach are compared with those obtained via the optimized univariate singular spectrum analysis (SSA) forecasting algorithm to determine the statistical significance of each outcome. The data are rigorously tested for normality, seasonal unit root hypothesis, and structural breaks. The results are presented such that users can not only identify the most appropriate model based on the aim of the analysis, but also easily identify the leading indicators for each IP variable in each country. Our findings show that, for all three countries, forecasts from the proposed MSSA algorithm outperform the optimized SSA algorithm in over 70% of cases. Accordingly, this new approach succeeds in identifying leading indicators and is a viable option for selecting the SSA choices L and r, which minimizes a loss function.
Outcomes after free tissue transfer for composite oral cavity resections involving skin
Authors: Alvi Sameer A. , Hamill Chelsea S. , Lepse Jason P. , Ayala Marco , Girod Douglas A. , Tsue Terance T. , Shnayder Yelizaveta , Kakarala Kiran
Published: January 2018

Background

Resections involving oral cavity mucosa, bone, and skin present a unique challenge. Optimizing outcomes often requires technically demanding reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of several reconstructive approaches for patients with composite through‐and‐through defects, with a focus on the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the cohort of patients treated for composite through‐and‐through defects with cutaneous involvement who underwent free flap reconstruction from August 2012 through October 2015.

Results

Seventeen patients received a single flap (12 cases of osteocutaneous RFFF), whereas 10 patients underwent a combination of flaps. Complication rates and functional outcomes were favorable in patients who underwent osteocutaneous RFFFs. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) was used as a second flap in 3 cases.

Conclusion

The osteocutaneous RFFF provides a valuable reconstructive option for complex composite resection defects involving skin. When 2 flaps are required, the SCAIF is a viable alternative to a second free flap or pectoralis flap.
Predictors of clinical‐pathologic stage discrepancy in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A National Cancer Database study
Authors: Kılıç Sarah S. , Kılıç Suat , Crippen Meghan M. , Varughese Denny , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Mahmoud Omar M. , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: January 2018

Background

Few studies have examined the frequency and survival implications of clinicopathologic stage discrepancy in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

Oral cavity SCC cases with full pathologic staging information were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Clinical and pathologic stages were compared. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with stage discrepancy.

Results

There were 9110 cases identified, of which 67.3% of the cases were stage concordant, 19.9% were upstaged, and 12.8% were downstaged. The N classification discordance (28.5%) was more common than T classification discordance (27.6%). In cases of T classification discordance, downstaging is more common than upstaging (15.4% vs 12.1% of cases), but in cases of N classification discordance, the reverse is true; upstaging is much more common than downstaging (20.1 vs 8.4% of cases).

Conclusion

Clinicopathologic stage discrepancy in oral cavity SCC is a common phenomenon that is associated with a number of clinical factors and has survival implications.
Rational and participative task allocation between the nursing staff and the logistics support service provider in healthcare
Authors: Kekkonen Päivi , Pohjosenperä Timo , Kantola Hannele , Väyrynen Seppo
Published: January 2018

This study aims to answer how rational task allocation between the nursing staff and the support service provider in the healthcare context can increase the positive outcome of the work system. The work system model is used as a theoretical framework, with resilience and cost as complementary concepts. This qualitative case study used action research and participatory design to develop the work system with the interplay of two parallel personnel groups in the healthcare environment. First, the case of an ongoing relationship between the target organization's nursing staff and in‐house logistics and material supply services was studied. The development process resulted in a variety of practical ideas to improve the cooperation between the personnel groups. In the second case, a prospective relationship between the nursing staff and an external logistics service provider was examined. This research's conceptual results identify the main characteristics of rational support services as comprehensive, resilient, reliable, and easily accessible.
Glycosylated Cell‐Penetrating Poly(disulfide)s: Multifunctional Cellular Uptake at High Solubility
Authors: Morelli Paola , Bartolami Eline , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: January 2018

The glycosylation of cell‐penetrating poly(disulfide)s (CPDs) is introduced to increase the solubility of classical CPDs and to achieve multifunctional cellular uptake. With the recently developed sidechain engineering, CPDs decorated with α‐d‐glucose (Glu), β‐d‐galactose (Gal), d‐trehalose (Tre), and triethyleneglycol (TEG) were readily accessible. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of HeLa Kyoto cells incubated with the new CPDs at 2.5 μm revealed efficient uptake into cytosol and nucleoli of all glycosylated CPDs, whereas the original CPDs and TEGylated CPDs showed much precipitation into fluorescent aggregates at these high concentrations. Flow cytometry analysis identified Glu‐CPDs as most active, closely followed by Gal‐CPDs and Tre‐CPDs, and all clearly more active than non‐glycosylated CPDs. In the MTT assay, all glyco‐CPDs were non‐toxic at concentrations as high as 2.5 μm. Consistent with thiol‐mediated uptake, glycosylated CPDs remained dependent on thiols on the cell surface for dynamic covalent exchange, their removal with Ellman's reagent DTNB efficiently inhibited uptake. Multifunctionality was demonstrated by inhibition of Glu‐CPDs with d‐glucose (IC50 ca. 20 mm). Insensitivity toward l‐glucose and d‐galactose and insensitivity of conventional CPDs toward d‐glucose supported that glucose‐mediated uptake of the multifunctional Glu‐CPDs involves selective recognition by glucose receptors at the cell surface. Weaker but significant sensitivity of Gal‐CPDs toward d‐galactose but not d‐glucose was noted (IC50 ca. 110 mm). Biotinylation of Glu‐CPDs resulted in the efficient delivery of streptavidin together with a fluorescent model substrate. Protein delivery with Glu‐CPDs was more efficient than with conventional CPDs and remained sensitive to DTNB and d‐glucose, i.e., multifunctional.
Descriptive assessment of problem behavior during transitions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Castillo Mariana I. , Clark Daniel R. , Schaller Erin A. , Donaldson Jeanne M. , DeLeon Iser G. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: January 2018

Transitions from one activity to another may evoke problem behavior from individuals with intellectual disabilities. One explanation for the occurrence of problem behavior could be the change in relative densities of reinforcement between the two activities. We conducted a descriptive assessment of problem behavior with four children during transitions to and from several different contexts. We observed that, in most cases, the probability of problem behavior was greater during a transition to an activity with a lower density of reinforcement than during a transition to an activity with a higher density of reinforcement. We discuss our findings in terms of problem behavior associated with transitions in activities with different reinforcer densities, as well as the possibility that the problem behavior may be associated with shifts in motivating operations.
Ratiometric Fluorescent Chemosensor for Selective Detection Cr3+ based on Carbazole and Benzimidazole
Authors: Zhu Weiju , Fang Min , Zhang Qing , Xu Ying , Wu Zhenyu , Li Cun
Published: January 2018

A novel Cr3+‐selective ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor 1‐substitued‐2‐carbazoleylbenzoimidazole (L) based on benzimidazole and carbazole was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H/13C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and mass spectroscopy. L could selectively detect Cr3+ over other metal ions by UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopic methods in CH3CN. L showed ratiometric fluorescent recognition of Cr3+; the fluorescent responses could be observed by naked eye under a UV lamp. The binding stoichiometry ratio of the L–Cr3+ complex was found to be 1:1 according to Job’s plot and MALDI‐TOF MS analysis. The results of DFT calculation supported this conclusion.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of 2‐substitued‐(3‐pyridyl)‐quinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Qin , Li Xiao‐Qin , Wu Shou‐Qun , Wan Jin‐Lin , Ouyang Gui‐Ping
Published: January 2018

A series of 2‐substitued‐(3‐pyridyl)‐quinazolinone derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for bacteriostatic activity against three species of phytopathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Xoo, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, Xac). Biological evaluation showed that compounds 4b, 4g, 4h, 4l, and 4m exhibited higher antibacterial activity than bismerthiazol, the positive control, under conditions. In particular, compounds 4l and 4m exhibited significant bacteriostatic activity against Xac.
Adrenomedullin surges are linked to acute episodes of the systemic capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease)
Authors: Xie Zhihui , Chen Wei-Sheng , Yin Yuzhi , Chan Eunice C , Terai Kaoru , Long Lauren M , Myers Timothy G , Dudek Arkadiusz Z , Druey Kirk M
Published: January 2018

Background

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (SCLS) is an extremely rare and life-threatening vascular disorder of unknown etiology. SCLS is characterized by abrupt and transient episodes of hypotensive shock and edema due to plasma leakage into peripheral tissues. The disorder has garnered attention recently because its initial presentation resembles more common vascular disorders including systemic anaphylaxis, sepsis, and acute infections with the Ebola/Marburg family of filoviruses. Although approximately 70–85% of patients with SCLS have a concurrent monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), any contribution of the paraprotein to acute flares is unknown.

Procedure

To identify circulating factors that might trigger acute SCLS crises, we profiled transcriptomes of paired peripheral blood mononuclear cell fractions obtained from patients during acute attacks and convalescent intervals by microarray.

Results

This study uncovered 61 genes that were significantly up- or downregulated more than 2.5-fold in acute samples relative to respective baselines. One of the most upregulated genes was ADM, which encodes the vasoactive peptide adrenomedullin. A stable ADM protein surrogate (pro-ADM) was markedly elevated in SCLS acute sera compared to remission samples or sera from healthy controls. Monocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) from SCLS subjects expressed significantly more ADM in response to proinflammatory stimuli compared to healthy control cells. Application of ADM to ECs elicited protective effects on vascular barrier function, suggesting a feedback protective mechanism in SCLS.

Conclusions

Since ADM has established hypotensive effects, differentiating between these dual actions of ADM is crucial for therapeutic applications aimed at more common diseases associated with increased ADM levels.
Obesity does not influence prostate intrafractional motion
Authors: Brown Amy , Tan Alex , Cooper Scott , Fielding Andrew
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Motion of the prostate is problematic in the accurate delivery of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer. This study investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI), an easily measured indicator of obesity, and prostate motion.

Methods

Prostate motion during EBRT was assessed by measuring the displacement of fiducial markers implanted within the prostate in 130 prostate cancer patients. Interfractional motion was corrected on daily imaging through pre‐treatment cone‐beam‐computed tomography (CBCT) and intrafractional motion measured using movie sequences captured using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) during treatment delivery.

Results

There was no statistically significant relationship between the mean intrafractional motion and BMI, except in the left‐right (LR) translation (P = 0.049) over the study population. For each BMI category, there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05) between any of the translations/rotations except LR (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

While intrafractional motion is an important consideration, prostate motion cannot be reliably predicted through measurement of patient's BMI.
Interprofessional education: evaluation of a radiation therapy and medical physics student simulation workshop
Authors: Jimenez Yobelli A. , Thwaites David I. , Juneja Prabhjot , Lewis Sarah J.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Interprofessional education (IPE) involves two or more professions engaged in learning with, from and about each other. An initiative was undertaken to explore IPE for radiation therapy (RT) and medical physics (MP) students through a newly developed workshop based around simulated learning. The aims of this study were to explore RT and MP students’ perceptions of working as part of a collaborative team and of their own and the other group's professional roles. Student perceptions of the simulation education tool, the virtual environment for radiotherapy training (VERT) system, were also investigated.

Methods

RT and MP students were invited to participate in a 4‐hour interprofessional workshop. Pre‐ and post‐workshop surveys were employed to collect demographic data, students’ perceptions of interdisciplinary education (interdisciplinary education perception scale (IEPS)) and workshop evaluation (bespoke questionnaire).

Results

Fifteen students attended the workshop (RT, n = 8; MP, n = 7). Thirteen pre‐ and post‐questionnaires were returned (Pre‐questionnaire: RT, n = 6, response rate, 75%; MP, n = 7, response rate, 100%; post‐questionnaire: RT, n = 7, response rate, 87.5%; MP, n = 6, response rate 85.7%). For both student groups combined, IEPS scores ranged from 64 to 108 and 71 to 108 in the pre‐ and post‐questionnaires, respectively, with insignificant differences in the mean scores post‐intervention (Z = −1.305, P = 0.192). Satisfaction with VERT as a simulation tool was high for both student groups.

Conclusions

The interprofessional student workshop served to promote interprofessional collaboration for RT and MP students. VERT was reported as an appropriate education tool for this purpose, enabling access to virtual clinical equipment common to both student groups. It is suggested that IPE continues to be offered and investigated in RT and MP students, in order to improve effective interprofessional strategies which may enrich future professional collaboration.
Compton scatter imaging: A promising modality for image guidance in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Redler Gage , Jones Kevin C. , Templeton Alistair , Bernard Damian , Turian Julius , Chu James C. H.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) requires delivering large radiation doses with millimeter accuracy, making image guidance essential. An approach to forming images of patient anatomy from Compton‐scattered photons during lung SBRT is presented.

Methods

To investigate the potential of scatter imaging, a pinhole collimator and flat‐panel detector are used for spatial localization and detection of photons scattered during external beam therapy using lung SBRT treatment conditions (6 MV FFF beam). MCNP Monte Carlo software is used to develop a model to simulate scatter images. This model is validated by comparing experimental and simulated phantom images. Patient scatter images are then simulated from 4DCT data.

Results

Experimental lung tumor phantom images have sufficient contrast‐to‐noise to visualize the tumor with as few as 10 MU (0.5 s temporal resolution). The relative signal intensity from objects of different composition as well as lung tumor contrast for simulated phantom images agree quantitatively with experimental images, thus validating the Monte Carlo model. Scatter images are shown to display high contrast between different materials (lung, water, bone). Simulated patient images show superior (~double) tumor contrast compared to MV transmission images.

Conclusions

Compton scatter imaging is a promising modality for directly imaging patient anatomy during treatment without additional radiation, and it has the potential to complement existing technologies and aid tumor tracking and lung SBRT image guidance.
CorrectingTG119 confidence limits
Authors: Kearney Vasant , Solberg Timothy , Jensen Shane , Cheung Joey , Chuang Cynthia , Valdes Gilmer
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Task Group 119 (TG‐119) has been adopted for evaluating the adequacy of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) commissioning and for establishing patient‐specificIMRTquality assurance (QA) passing criteria in clinical practice.TG‐119 establishes 95% confidence limits (CLs), which help clinics identify systematicIMRT QAerrors and identify outliers. InTG‐119, the 95%CLs are established by fitting the Gamma Γ analysis passing rate results to an assumed distribution, then calculating the limit in which 95% of the data fall.CLs for a given dataset will depend greatly on the type of distribution used, and those determined by following theTG‐119 guidelines are only valid if the underlying data follows a Gaussian distribution. Gaussian distributions assume symmetry about the mean, which would imply the possibility of negative Γ analysis failing rates. This study demonstrates that the gamma distribution is a more reasonable assumption for establishingCLs than the Gaussian distribution used inTG‐119. Thus, the gamma distribution is suggested as a replacement to the conventional Gaussian statistical model used inTG‐119.

Materials and methods

The moments estimator (ME) for the gamma family is used to obtain theCLs of the failing rates for all Γ analysis criteria. To demonstrate the congruence of the gamma distribution, the root mean squared error and theCLvalues for theMEs of the gamma and the Gaussian families were compared.

Results

In this study, the empirical 95%CLs generated using 302 plans represent the ground truth, which resulted in a 91.83% passing rate using 3%/3 mm error local criteria. The gamma distribution underestimates the 95%CLby 0.09%, while the Gaussian distribution overestimates the 95%CLby 4.12%.

Conclusions

AlthoughIMRT QAequipment may vary between clinics, the mathematical formalism presented in this study applies to any combination of planning and delivery systems. This study has demonstrated that a gamma distribution should be favored over a Gaussian distribution when establishingCLs forIMRT QA.