bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene Oxide‐Modified Electrode Coated with in‐situ Antimony Film for the Simultaneous Determination of Heavy Metals by Sequential Injection‐Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Ruengpirasiri Prasongporn , Punrat Eakkasit , Chailapakul Orawon , Chuanuwatanakul Suchada
Published: December 2016

The proposed chemically modified electrode was graphene oxide that was synthesized via Hummer's method followed by reduction of antimony film by in‐situ electrodeposition. The experimental process could be concluded in three main steps: preparation of antimony film, reduction of analyte ions on the electrode surface and stripping step under the conditions of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). A simple and rapid approach was developed for the determination of heavy metals simultaneously based on a sequential injection (SI), an automated flow‐based system, coupled with voltammetric method using antimony‐graphene oxide modified screen‐printed carbon electrode (SbF‐GO‐SPCE). The effects of main parameters involved with graphene oxide, antimony and measurement parameters were also investigated. Using SI‐SWASV under the optimal conditions, the proposed electrode platform has exhibited linear range from 0.1 to 1.5 M. Calculated limits of detection were 0.054, 0.026, 0.060, and 0.066 μM for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively. In addition, the optimized method has been successfully applied to determine heavy metals in real water samples with acceptable accuracy of 94.29 – 113.42 % recovery.
Highly Selective Sensing Platform Utilizing Graphene Oxide and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for the Sensitive Determination of Tramadol in the Presence of Co‐Formulated Drugs
Authors: Mohamed Mona A. , Atty Shimaa A. , Salama Nahla N. , Banks Craig E.
Published: December 2016

Novel insights into the strategy of highly precise, carbon‐based electrochemical sensors are presented by exploring the excellent properties of graphene oxide (GO) and multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (GO‐MWCNTs/CPE) for the sensitive determination of tramadol hydrochloride (TRH). Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterize the properties of the sensor. The linear response obtained for TRH using the GO‐MWCNTs/CPE was found to be over the range of 2.0x10−9 to 1.1x10−3 M with a good linearity and high correlation (0.9996). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 1.50x10−10 M and 4.99 x 10−10 M, respectively. The proposed sensor was applied for determination of TRH in the presence of presence of co‐formulated drugs ketorolac tromethamine (KTM) and paracetamol (PAR). The sensor was shown to successfully apply to the determination of TRH in plasma as real samples. Satisfactory recoveries of TRH from samples clearly revealed that the proposed sensor can be applied into clinical analysis, quality control and a routine determination of drugs in pharmaceutical formulations.
Preparation and Electrochemical Characterization of Carbonaceous Thin Layer
Authors: Oh Kyung Hee , Lee Jihye , Park Mira , Song Hyunjoon , Chang Jinho , Nam Ki Min
Published: December 2016

Current research is largely focused on the preparation of carbon complexes for eventual applications in electrochemical energy storage systems. A carbonaceous thin layer (CT) was synthesized on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by the carbonization of glucose. The morphological image from scanning electron microscopy showed the high uniformity of CT with full coverage on the FTO substrate. The carbon content increased from 40 % in glucose to 62 % in CT by the carbonization process. Furthermore, when CT was thermally treated under a constant flow of nitrogen gas (400 °C for 9 h, CT‐9), the carbon content increased from 62 to 79 %. The proficient interaction of CT on the FTO substrate was suitable for the electrochemical characterization and application. The CT on FTO was suitable to be used as a blocking layer for the electrochemical reaction. On the other hand, the CT‐9 showed completely different electrochemical behaviors. CT‐9 showed the significantly enhanced capacitive behavior resulted from the higher porosity of CT‐9, which was electrochemically interrogated by a redox reaction of FcMeOH/FcMeOH+.
Efficiency Comparison of Large‐Scale Standalone, Centralized, and Distributed Thermochemical Biorefineries
Authors: Alamia Alberto , Òsk Gardarsdòttir Stefania , Larsson Anton , Normann Fredrik , Thunman Henrik
Published: December 2016

We present a comparison of three strategies for the introduction of new biorefineries: standalone and centralized drop‐in, which are placed within a cluster of chemical industries, and distributed drop‐in, which is connected to other plants by a pipeline. The aim was to quantify the efficiencies and the production ranges to support local transition to a circular economy based on biomass usage. The products considered are biomethane (standalone) and hydrogen/biomethane and sustainable town gas (centralized drop‐in and distributed drop‐in). The analysis is based on a flow‐sheet simulation of different process designs at the 100 MWbiomass scale and includes the following aspects: advanced drying systems, the coproduction of ethanol, and power‐to‐gas conversion by direct heating or water electrolysis. For the standalone plant, the chemical efficiency was in the range of 78–82.8 % LHVa.r.50 % (lower heating value of the as‐received biomass with 50 % wet basis moisture), with a maximum production of 72 MW
, and for the centralized drop‐in and distributed drop‐in plants, the chemical efficiency was in the range of 82.8–98.5 % LHVa.r.50 % with maximum production levels of 85.6 MWSTG and 22.5 MW
/51 MW
, respectively. It is concluded that standalone plants offer no substantial advantages over distributed drop‐in or centralized drop‐in plants unless methane is the desired product.
A practical approach to nutritional screening and assessment in cirrhosis
Authors: Tandon Puneeta , Raman Maitreyi , Mourtzakis Marina , Merli Manuela
Published: December 2016

Malnutrition is one of the most common complications of cirrhosis, associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. As a potentially modifiable condition, it is of particular importance to identify malnourished patients so that nutritional therapy can be instituted. Nutrition screening and assessment are infrequently performed in patients with cirrhosis. The reasons for this are multifactorial, including the absence of a validated “rapid” screening tool, multiple definitions of what constitutes malnutrition, and challenges with interpreting body composition and laboratory results in the setting of volume overload and liver dysfunction. This article summarizes the clinically relevant evidence and presents key issues, tools, and clinical options that are applicable to patients with cirrhosis. The definition, etiology, and clinically relevant outcomes associated with malnutrition are reviewed. Rapid nutritional screening is differentiated from more detailed nutritional assessment. Nutritional assessment in special populations, including women and the obese, and the role of inflammation are discussed. Multicenter studies using a common nutritional screening/assessment strategy are the next steps to fast‐track adoption and implementation of nutrition‐related evaluations into routine clinical practice. (Hepatology 2017;65:1044‐1057).
Human macrophage ferroportin biology and the basis for the ferroportin disease
Authors: Sabelli Manuela , Montosi Giuliana , Garuti Cinzia , Caleffi Angela , Oliveto Stefania , Biffo Stefano , Pietrangelo Antonello
Published: December 2016

Ferroportin (FPN1) is the sole iron exporter in mammals, but its cell‐specific function and regulation are still elusive. This study examined FPN1 expression in human macrophages, the cells that are primarily responsible on a daily basis for plasma iron turnover and are central in the pathogenesis of ferroportin disease (FD), the disease attributed to lack‐of‐function FPN1 mutations. We characterized FPN1 protein expression and traffic by confocal microscopy, western blotting, gel filtration, and immunoprecipitation studies in macrophages from control blood donors (donor) and patients with either FPN1 p.A77D, p.G80S, and p.Val162del lack‐of‐function or p.A69T gain‐of‐function mutations. We found that in normal macrophages, FPN1 cycles in the early endocytic compartment does not multimerize and is promptly degraded by hepcidin (Hepc), its physiological inhibitor, within 3‐6 hours. In FD macrophages, endogenous FPN1 showed a similar localization, except for greater accumulation in lysosomes. However, in contrast with previous studies using overexpressed mutant protein in cell lines, FPN1 could still reach the cell surface and be normally internalized and degraded upon exposure to Hepc. However, when FD macrophages were exposed to large amounts of heme iron, in contrast to donor and p.A69T macrophages, FPN1 could no longer reach the cell surface, leading to intracellular iron retention. Conclusion: FPN1 cycles as a monomer within the endocytic/plasma membrane compartment and responds to its physiological inhibitor, Hepc, in both control and FD cells. However, in FD, FPN1 fails to reach the cell surface when cells undergo high iron turnover. Our findings provide a basis for the FD characterized by a preserved iron transfer in the enterocytes (i.e., cells with low iron turnover) and iron retention in cells exposed to high iron flux, such as liver and spleen macrophages. (Hepatology 2017;65:1512‐1525)
Defects in myosin VB are associated with a spectrum of previously undiagnosed low γ‐glutamyltransferase cholestasis
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Ling , Gong Jing‐Yu , Feng Jia‐Yan , Wang Ren‐Xue , Han Jun , Liu Teng , Lu Yi , Li Li‐Ting , Zhang Mei‐Hong , Sheps Jonathan A. , Wang Neng‐Li , Yan Yan‐Yan , Li Jia‐Qi , Chen Lian , Borchers Christoph H. , Sipos Bence , Knisely A.S. , Ling Victor , Xing Qing‐He , Wang Jian‐She
Published: December 2016

Hereditary cholestasis in childhood and infancy with normal serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is linked to several genes. Many patients, however, remain genetically undiagnosed. Defects in myosin VB (MYO5B; encoded by MYO5B) cause microvillus inclusion disease (MVID; MIM251850) with recurrent watery diarrhea. Cholestasis, reported as an atypical presentation in MVID, has been considered a side effect of parenteral alimentation. Here, however, we report on 10 patients who experienced cholestasis associated with biallelic, or suspected biallelic, mutations in MYO5B and who had neither recurrent diarrhea nor received parenteral alimentation. Seven of them are from two study cohorts, together comprising 31 undiagnosed low‐GGT cholestasis patients; 3 are sporadic. Cholestasis in 2 patients was progressive, in 3 recurrent, in 2 transient, and in 3 uncategorized because of insufficient follow‐up. Liver biopsy specimens revealed giant‐cell change of hepatocytes and intralobular cholestasis with abnormal distribution of bile salt export pump (BSEP) at canaliculi, as well as coarse granular dislocation of MYO5B. Mass spectrometry of plasma demonstrated increased total bile acids, primary bile acids, and conjugated bile acids, with decreased free bile acids, similar to changes in BSEP‐deficient patients. Literature review revealed that patients with biallelic mutations predicted to eliminate MYO5B expression were more frequent in typical MVID than in isolated‐cholestasis patients (11 of 38 vs. 0 of 13). Conclusion: MYO5B deficiency may underlie 20% of previously undiagnosed low‐GGT cholestasis. MYO5B deficiency appears to impair targeting of BSEP to the canalicular membrane with hampered bile acid excretion, resulting in a spectrum of cholestasis without diarrhea. (Hepatology 2017;65:1655‐1669).
TM6SF2 rs58542926 impacts lipid processing in liver and small intestine
Authors: O'Hare Elizabeth A. , Yang Rongze , Yerges‐Armstrong Laura M. , Sreenivasan Urmila , McFarland Rebecca , Leitch Carmen C. , Wilson Meredith H. , Narina Shilpa , Gorden Alexis , Ryan Kathy A. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Farber Steve A. , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Robishaw Janet D. , Sztalryd Carole , Zaghloul Norann A.
Published: December 2016

The transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) loss‐of‐function variant rs58542926 is a genetic risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and progression to fibrosis but is paradoxically associated with lower levels of hepatically derived triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. TM6SF2 is expressed predominantly in liver and small intestine, sites for triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein biogenesis and export. In light of this, we hypothesized that TM6SF2 may exhibit analogous effects on both liver and intestine lipid homeostasis. To test this, we genotyped rs58542926 in 983 bariatric surgery patients from the Geisinger Medical Center for Nutrition and Weight Management, Geisinger Health System, in Pennsylvania and from 3,556 study participants enrolled in the Amish Complex Disease Research Program. Although these two cohorts have different metabolic profiles, carriers in both cohorts had improved fasting lipid profiles. Importantly, following a high‐fat challenge, carriers in the Amish Complex Disease Research Program cohort exhibited significantly lower postprandial serum triglycerides, suggestive of a role for TM6SF2 in the small intestine. To gain further insight into this putative role, effects of TM6SF2 deficiency were studied in a zebrafish model and in cultured human Caco‐2 enterocytes. In both systems TM6SF2 deficiency resulted in defects in small intestine metabolism in response to dietary lipids, including significantly increased lipid accumulation, decreased lipid clearance, and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Conclusions: These data strongly support a role of TM6SF2 in the regulation of postprandial lipemia, potentially through a similar function for TM6SF2 in the lipidation and/or export of both hepatically and intestinally derived triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. (Hepatology 2017;65:1526‐1542).
Flexible Working, Individual Performance, and Employee Attitudes: Comparing Formal and Informal Arrangements
Authors: De Menezes Lilian M. , Kelliher Clare
Published: December 2016

In the context of a wider trend to individualize human resource management, this article examines the relationship between flexible working arrangements and individual performance. Drawing on a range of theories, this article also examines potential indirect effects on employee performance via job satisfaction and organizational commitment and analyzes whether these relationships vary according to whether the arrangement was set up through a formal process or negotiated informally between the employee and his or her line manager. Extant research has tended to focus on formal arrangements, however, informal arrangements are widespread and may better accommodate work‐life preferences, thereby potentially fostering more positive attitudes from employees. Survey data from 2,617 employees in four large organizations with well‐established flexible working policies are analyzed. Results from structural equation models show average positive indirect effects from informal flexible working, but also negative direct effects from formal flexible working. When two forms of flexible working amenable to being set up by both formal and informal means are examined separately, formal arrangements for flexibility over working hours are found to be negatively associated with performance, but also a source of greater job satisfaction; informal remote working arrangements have positive indirect effects via organizational commitment and job satisfaction on worker performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding and Evaluating English Learners’ Oral Reading With Miscue Analysis
Authors: Latham Keh Melissa
Published: December 2016

Miscue analysis provides a unique opportunity to explore English learners’ (ELs’) oral reading from an asset‐based perspective. This article focuses on insights about eight adolescent ELs’ oral reading patterns that were gained through miscue analysis. The participants’ miscues were coded with the Reading Miscue Inventory, and participants were also interviewed about their miscues. The data illustrate how ELs use linguistic information to construct meaning despite high numbers of miscues. Qualitative analysis revealed miscue patterns that require special attention in instruction and assessment of ELs. Additionally, the author discusses how teachers can begin to discern whether oral reading differences stem from nonnative language features or from the act of reading.
Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of the biocompatibility of resin‐modified cements
Authors: Almeida Mesquita Janaina , Lacerda‐Santos Rogério , Pina Godoy Gustavo , Franscisco Weege Nonaka Cassiano , Muniz Alves Pollianna
Published: December 2016

The aim of this double‐blind randomized study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of resin‐modified glass ionomer cements (RMGIC) by means of morphological and immunohistochemical analyses. RMGICs were selected and divided into four groups: Group CK (Crosslink Orthodontic Band Cement); Group RS (Resilience Light Cure Band Cement) Group RMO (RMO Band Cement), Group TP (Transbond Plus Light Cure Band), and Group C (Control‐polyethylene). The materials were implanted in rat subcutaneous tissues, randomly selected for this study. After time intervals of 7, 15, and 30 days the tissues were submitted to morphological analysis. In immunohistochemical analysis, the immuno‐marking of antibody CD68 was evaluated. The results obtained were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests (p < .05). In the morphological analysis after 7 days, Groups RS, RMO and TP showed more intense inflammatory infiltrate (p = .004) and only Group RMO presented greater intensity of multinucleated giant cells (p = .027). In the immunohistochemical analysis, Groups RMO and RS were observed to present a larger quantity of CD68+ (p = .004) in the time interval of 7 days and only Group RMO presented statistically significant difference for this parameter after 15 days (p = .026). In the time interval of 30 days, Group RMO presented the largest quantity of multinucleated giant cells (p < .004). The RMGICS Crosslink and Transbond Plus provided significantly better tissue biocompatibility than the Resilience and RMO Cements.
Dynamic mislocalizations of nuclear pore complex proteins after focal cerebral ischemia in rat
Authors: Li Qian , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Shang Jingwei , Deguchi Kentaro , Feng Tian , Sato Kota , Hishikawa Nozomi , Nakano Yumiko , Abe Koji
Published: December 2016

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) play an important role in coordinating the transport of proteins and nucleic acids between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and are therefore essential for maintaining normal cellular function and liability. In the present study, we investigated the temporal immunohistochemical distribution of five representative components of NPCs—Ran GTPase‐activating protein 1 (RanGap1), glycoprotein‐210 (Gp210), nucleoporin 205 (Nup205), nucleoporin 107 (Nup107), and nucleoporin 50 (Nup50)—after 90 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) up to 28 days after the reperfusion in rat brains. Single immunohistochemical analyses showed ring‐like stainings along the periphery of the nucleus in sham control brains. After tMCAO, Gp210 and Nup107 immunoreactivity continuously increased from 1 day, and RanGap1, Nup205, and Nup50 increased from 2 days until 28 days, which also displayed progressive precipitations within the nucleus in the peri‐ischemic area, while the ischemic core showed scarce expression with collapsed structure. Double immunofluorescent analyses revealed nuclear retention and apparent colocalization of RanGap1 with Nup205, Gp210 with Nup205, and partial colocalization of Nup205 with Nup107; most of the ischemic changes above were similar to those observed in patients with C9orf72‐genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Taken together, these observations suggest that the mislocalization of these nucleoporins may be a common pathogenesis of both ischemic and neurodegenerative disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the opposite relation between extreme precipitation over west Amazon and southeastern Brazil: observations and model simulations
Authors: Cavalcanti Iracema Fonseca de Albuquerque , Marengo Jose A. , Alves Lincoln Muniz , Costa Duarte Filipe
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

During the austral summer of 2014 and 2015, a severe drought occurred in southeastern Brazil at the same time when flooding conditions were registered in the state of Acre in the western Amazonia of Brazil. This study aimed the identification of the atmospheric and oceanic large‐scale characteristics and regional features associated with these conditions, and verification of the Center of Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies/National Institute of Space Research (CPTEC/INPE) atmospheric global circulation model ability in reproducing the observed features. The state of Acre was chosen as a pilot area of the PULSE‐Brazil project – a web platform tool that contains climate, ecological and health data for Brazil. The observational data and model results were analysed for the climatological period of 1981–2010. Correlation analyses between precipitation over west Amazon and atmospheric and oceanic variables indicated the main patterns in both data sets. Extreme wet and dry Januaries over west Amazon were selected to explore the regional and large‐scale associated features. The general results of climate analyses indicated an opposite relation of precipitation between western Amazon and southeastern Brazil, in January, besides the typical precipitation dipole between the south Atlantic convergence zone and southeastern South America. This configuration is related to anomalous humidity flux at low levels and associated anomalous sea level pressure over southeastern South America induced by subsidence. The role of convection anomalies over the Pacific Ocean on South America anomalies is discussed. The wet and dry cases in Acre region display opposite atmospheric anomalies over South America that are linked to wavetrains over the Pacific Ocean, likely related to the opposite conditions of Indonesia‐Pacific tropical convection. Similar patterns of the dry cases were observed during January of 2014 and 2015. The model reproduced some observed atmospheric patterns related to precipitation extremes and the results are discussed in terms of regional and large‐scale climate variability.
Hierarchical structures in Northern Hemispheric extratropical winter ocean–atmosphere interactions
Authors: Wiedermann Marc , Donges Jonathan F. , Handorf Dörthe , Kurths Jürgen , Donner Reik V.
Published: December 2016

In recent years extensive studies on the Earth's climate system have been carried out by means of advanced complex network statistics. The great majority of these studies, however, have been focusing on investigating correlation structures within single climatic fields directly on or parallel to the Earth's surface. Here, we develop a novel approach of node weighted coupled network measures to study correlations between ocean and atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics and construct 18 coupled climate networks, each consisting of two subnetworks. In all cases, one subnetwork represents monthly sea‐surface temperature (SST) anomalies, while the other is based on the monthly geopotential height (HGT) of isobaric surfaces at different pressure levels covering the troposphere as well as the lower stratosphere. The weighted cross‐degree density proves to be consistent with the leading coupled pattern obtained from maximum covariance analysis. Network measures of higher order allow for a further analysis of the correlation structure between the two fields and consistently indicate that in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics the ocean is correlated with the atmosphere in a hierarchical fashion such that large areas of the ocean surface correlate with multiple statistically dissimilar regions in the atmosphere. Ultimately we show that this observed hierarchy is linked to large‐scale atmospheric variability patterns, such as the Pacific North American pattern, forcing the ocean on monthly time scales.
Phosphorus reduces the zinc concentration in cereals pot‐grown on calcareous Vertisols from southern Spain
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Antonio Rafael , del Campillo María Carmen , Torrent José
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Zinc deficiency, a major problem in crops grown on soils low in available Zn, is even more important in phosphorus‐rich soils. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of soil P and Zn levels, and of fertilizer application, on yield and Zn concentration in cereal grains.

RESULTS

Wheat and barley were successively pot‐grown on 20 calcareous Vertisols low in available Zn and ranging widely in available P. Grain yield in the plants grown on the native soils was positively correlated with Olsen P but not with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)‐extractable Zn except for wheat on P‐rich soils. Grain Zn concentration was negatively correlated with Olsen P. Grain Zn uptake differed little among soils. Application of P to the soils increased grain yield insignificantly and P concentration significantly; however, it reduced grain Zn concentration (particularly at low Olsen P values). Applying Zn alone only increased grain Zn concentration, whereas applying P and Zn in combination increased yield and grain Zn concentration at low and high Olsen P values, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Applying P alone to plants grown on calcareous Vertisols low in available P and Zn may in practice reduce grain Zn concentrations while not increasing grain yield significantly. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes utilizing imported liver grafts for recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Battula Narendra , Reichman Trevor W. , Amiri Yamah , Carmody Ian C. , Galliano Gretchen , Seal John , Bugeaud Emily , Bohorquez Humberto , Bruce David , Cohen Ari , Loss George E.
Published: December 2016

Liver transplantation (LT) offers the best chance of survival in selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Wait‐list mortality or dropout due to tumor progression can be significant, and therefore, timely transplantation is critical. Liver grafts discarded by outside organ procurement organizations are a potential source of grafts for low Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease tumor patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess the disease‐free and overall survival of patients with HCC transplanted with imported liver grafts (ILGs). Review of all patients transplanted for HCC between June 2005 and December 2014 was performed. Data on demographics, survival, and HCC recurrence were analyzed. During this time period, 59 out of 190 (31%) recipients with HCC received ILG. Of these 59 grafts, 54 were imported from within the region and 5 were from national offers (outside the region). The mean cold ischemia time for local liver grafts (LLGs) was 4.1 ± 1.5 hours versus 5.1 ± 1.4 hours for ILG (P < 0.001). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival was 90%, 85%, and 83% and 85%, 80%, and 79% for LLG and ILG (P = 0.08), respectively. The observed disease recurrence rate for both LLG and ILG recipients was equivalent. The median wait‐list time for HCC recipients was 43 days (range, 2‐1167 days). In conclusion, with careful graft assessment, the use of ILGs results in comparable outcomes following LT and no increased risk of HCC recurrence. Use of ILGs maximizes the donor pool and results in a higher rate of transplantation for HCC recipients. Liver Transplantation 23 299–304 2017 AASLD.
Longterm prognosis of combined hepatocellular carcinoma‐cholangiocarcinoma following liver transplantation and resection
Authors: Jung Dong‐Hwan , Hwang Shin , Song Gi‐Won , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Moon Deok‐Bog , Kim Ki‐Hun , Ha Tae‐Yong , Park Gil‐Chun , Hong Seung‐Mo , Kim Wan‐Jun , Kang Woo‐Hyoung , Kim Seok‐Hwan , Yu Eun Sil , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: December 2016

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma–cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC‐CC) is a rare disease. We investigated the clinicopathological features of cHCC‐CC and compared the longterm outcomes following liver transplantation (LT) and hepatic resection (HR). We identified 32 LT patients with cHCC‐CC through an institutional database search. The HR control group (n = 100) was selected through propensity score‐matching. The incidence of cHCC‐CC among all adult LT patients was 1.0%. Mean patient age was 53.4 ± 6.7 years, and 26 patients were male. Thirty patients had hepatitis B virus infection. All patients of cHCC‐CC were diagnosed incidentally in the explanted livers. Mean tumor diameter was 2.5 ± 1.3 cm, and 28 patients had single tumors. Tumor stage was stage I in 23 and II in 9. Concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was detected in 12 patients with stage I in 5 and II in 7. Mean tumor diameter was 1.9 ± 1.2 cm, and 5 had single tumors. Tumor recurrence and survival rates were 15.6% and 84.4% at 1 year and 32.2% and 65.8% at 5 years, respectively. Patients with very early stage cHCC‐CC (1 or 2 tumors ≤ 2.0 cm) showed 13.3% tumor recurrence and 93.3% patient survival rates at 5 years, which were significantly improved than those with advanced tumors (P = 0.002). Tumor recurrence and survival rates did not differ significantly between the LT and HR control groups (P = 0.22 and P = 0.91, respectively); however, postrecurrence patient survival did (P = 0.016). In conclusion, cHCC‐CC is rarely diagnosed following LT, and one‐third of such patients have concurrent HCC. The longterm posttransplant prognosis was similar following LT and HR. Very early cHCC‐CC resulted in favorable posttransplant prognosis, thus this selection condition can be prudently considered for LT indication. Liver Transplantation 23 330–341 2017 AASLD.
Representation of quasi‐monotone functionals by families of separating hyperplanes
Authors: Steinwart Ingo
Published: December 2016

We characterize when the level sets of a continuous quasi‐monotone functional defined on a suitable convex subset of a normed space can be uniquely represented by a family of bounded continuous functionals. Furthermore, we investigate how regularly these functionals depend on the parameterizing level. Finally, we show how this question relates to the recent problem of property elicitation that simultaneously attracted interest in machine learning, statistical evaluation of forecasts, and finance.
A Cocatalytic Effect between Meldrum's Acid and Benzoxazine Compounds in Preparation of High Performance Thermosetting Resins
Authors: Chen Yi , Lin Liang‐Kai , Chiang Shu‐Jen , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: December 2016

In this work, a cocatalytic effect between Meldrum's acid (MA) and benzoxazine (Bz) compounds has been explored to build up a self‐promoting curing system. Consequently, the MA/Bz reactive blend exhibits a relatively low reaction temperature compared to the required temperatures for the cross‐linking reactions of the pure MA and Bz components. This feature is attractive for energy‐saving processing issues. Moreover, the thermosetting resins based on the MA/Bz reactive blends have been prepared. The MA component can generate additional free volume in the resulting resins, so as to trap air in the resin matrix and consequently to bring low dielectric constants to the resins. The MA‐containing agent is an effective modifier for benzoxazine resins to reduce their dielectric constants.

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Trends in Regenerative Medicine: Repigmentation in Vitiligo Through Melanocyte Stem Cell Mobilization
Authors: Birlea Stanca A. , Costin Gertrude‐E. , Roop Dennis R. , Norris David A.
Published: December 2016

Vitiligo is the most frequent human pigmentary disorder, characterized by progressive autoimmune destruction of mature epidermal melanocytes. Of the current treatments offering partial and temporary relief, ultraviolet (UV) light is the most effective, coordinating an intricate network of keratinocyte and melanocyte factors that control numerous cellular and molecular signaling pathways. This UV‐activated process is a classic example of regenerative medicine, inducing functional melanocyte stem cell populations in the hair follicle to divide, migrate, and differentiate into mature melanocytes that regenerate the epidermis through a complex process involving melanocytes and other cell lineages in the skin. Using an in‐depth correlative analysis of multiple experimental and clinical data sets, we generated a modern molecular research platform that can be used as a working model for further research of vitiligo repigmentation. Our analysis emphasizes the active participation of defined molecular pathways that regulate the balance between stemness and differentiation states of melanocytes and keratinocytes: p53 and its downstream effectors controlling melanogenesis; Wnt/β‐catenin with proliferative, migratory, and differentiation roles in different pigmentation systems; integrins, cadherins, tetraspanins, and metalloproteinases, with promigratory effects on melanocytes; TGF‐β and its effector PAX3, which control differentiation. Our long‐term goal is to design pharmacological compounds that can specifically activate melanocyte precursors in the hair follicle in order to obtain faster, better, and durable repigmentation.
Upper and lower extremity reconstructive applications utilizing free flaps from the medial genicular arterial system: A systematic review
Authors: Kazmers Nikolas H. , Thibaudeau Stephanie , Steinberger Zvi , Scott Levin L.
Published: December 2016

Background

Free flaps derived from the medial genicular artery (MGA) system, including the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial femoral trochlear (MFT) flaps, are potential reconstructive options to address upper and lower extremity bony pathology. Our primary aim was to comprehensively search the literature to describe the spectrum of pathology treated with these flaps, and to assess patient outcomes to improve our understanding of expected union and complication rates.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review using Pubmed and Embase databases with citation cross‐referencing was performed to identify all original clinical articles characterizing MGA flap treatment of upper and lower extremity pathology.

Results

The initial search identified 173 articles which was narrowed down to 40 meeting inclusion criteria, representing a total of 248 cases: 174 and 74 in the upper and lower extremities, respectively. Sixteen distinct recipient sites were identified with union rates ranging from 66 to 100% (98.7% overall). The majority (83.9%) of patients had undergone prior failed surgery. Major complications (those with limb/flap loss or requiring unplanned reoperation) were more frequent for lower versus upper extremity applications (17.1% vs. 6.2%, respectively). Donor site femoral fracture or persistent knee dysfunction occurred in 0.8% and 0.4% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

MGA free flaps are a versatile option for upper and lower extremity osseous reconstruction, offering high rates of union with minimal complications for a complex patient population. This study furthers our understanding of patient outcomes following MGA flap reconstruction, which previously was limited to case reports and small case series.
Long‐term outcomes for transobturator tension‐free vaginal tapes in women with urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah Mohamed , Cao Gabriel , Mostafa Alyaa
Published: December 2016

AIMS

To assess the long‐term patient reported outcomes following transobturator tension‐free vaginal tapes (TO‐TVT) in women with urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the 9‐year follow‐up of the E‐TOT study: 341 women with predominant stress urinary incontinence symptoms were randomized to undergo either inside‐out or outside‐in TO‐TVT between April 2005 and April 2007. Forty‐eight women had preoperative urodynamic MUI and were available for 9‐year follow‐up. Primary outcome was the patient‐reported success rate defined as very/much improved on Patient's Global Impression of Improvement PGI‐I. Secondary outcomes included impact on women's quality of life, sexual function, overactive bladder symptoms,and late adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.23.

RESULTS

Forty‐eight women completed the 9‐year follow‐up, with adjusted response rate of 63%. The success based on the PGI‐I was 64.6% (n = 31), with a further 14.6% (n = 7) who reported “improved.” There was no significant difference between groups (OR 1.11; 95%CI 0.33, 3.70; P > 0.999). Clinically significant improvement in quality of life was found in 85.3%. Cure of urgency and UUI was reported by 35% and 41%, whereas worsening was reported in 6.5% and 2.3%, respectively. One patient reported chronic groin/leg pain. The small sample size and the sizeable loss to follow‐up are limitations in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report the long‐term outcomes of TO‐TVT in women with urodynamic MUI; TO‐TVT is associated with a good and sustained patient‐reported success rate in women with MUI up to 9‐years follow‐up.
The evidence for and against different modes of tumour cell extravasation in the lung: diapedesis, capillary destruction, necroptosis, and endothelialization
Authors: Paku Sándor , Laszlo Viktoria , Dezso Katalin , Nagy Peter , Hoda Mir Alireza , Klepetko Walter , Renyi‐Vamos Ferenc , Timar Jozsef , Reynolds Andrew R , Dome Balazs
Published: December 2016

The development of lung metastasis is a significant negative prognostic factor for cancer patients. The extravasation phase of lung metastasis involves interactions of tumour cells with the pulmonary endothelium. These interactions may have broad biological and medical significance, with potential clinical implications ranging from the discovery of lung metastasis biomarkers to the identification of targets for intervention in preventing lung metastases. Because of the potential significance, the mechanisms of tumour cell extravasation require cautious, systematic studies. Here, we discuss the literature pertaining to the proposed mechanisms of extravasation and critically compare a recently proposed mechanism (tumour cell‐induced endothelial necroptosis) with the already described extravasation mechanisms in the lung. We also provide novel data that may help to explain the underlying physiological basis for endothelialization as a mechanism of tumour cell extravasation in the lung. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved TLC Bioautographic Assay for Qualitative and Quantitative Estimation of Tyrosinase Inhibitors in Natural Products
Authors: Zhou Jinge , Tang Qingjiu , Wu Tao , Cheng Zhihong
Published: December 2016

Introduction

TLC bioautography for tyrosinase inhibitors has made recent progress; however, an assay with a relative low consumption of enzyme and quantitative capability would greatly advance the efficacy of related TLC bioautographic assays.

Objective

An improved TLC bioautographic assay for detecting tyrosinase inhibitors was developed and validated in this study.

Methods

L‐DOPA (better water‐solubility than L‐tyrosine) was used as the substrate instead of reported L‐tyrosine. The effects of enzyme and substrate concentrations, reaction temperatures and times, and pH values of the reaction system as well as different plate types on the TLC bioautographic assay were optimised. The quantitative analysis was conducted by densitometric scanning of spot areas, and expressed as the relative tyrosinase inhibitory capacity (RTIC) using a positive control (kojic acid) equivalent.

Results

The limit of detection (LOD) of this assay was 1.0 ng for kojic acid. This assay has acceptable accuracy (101.73–102.90%), intra‐ and inter‐day, and intra‐ and inter‐plate precisions [relative standard deviation (RSD), less than 7.0%], and ruggedness (RSD, less than 3.5%). The consumption of enzyme (75 U/mL) is relatively low. Two tyrosinase inhibitory compounds including naringenin and 1‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐4‐allylbenzene have been isolated from Rhodiola sacra guided by this TLC bioautographic assay.

Conclusion

Our improved assay is a relatively low‐cost, sensitive, and quantitative method compared to the reported TLC bioautographic assays. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC‐ELSD Quantification and Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Isolation of 8‐O‐Acetylharpagide from Oxera coronata (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Remeur Camille , Le Borgne Erell , Gauthier Léa , Grougnet Raphaël , Deguin Brigitte , Poullain Cyril , Litaudon Marc
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Iridoid glycosides possess highly functionalised monoterpenoid aglycon with several contiguous stereocentres. For the most common, they are often present in quantities reaching several percentage of the fresh plant weight, and thus they may be regarded as starting material for the synthesis of a number of new chiral and bioactive molecules.

Objective

To quantify and to isolate 8‐O‐acetylharpagide (AH) from several extracts of Oxera coronata R.P.J. de Kok, a Lamiaceae species endemic to New Caledonia, using HPLC‐ELSD (evaporative light scattering detector) and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC).

Methodology

Oxera coronata produces high amounts of AH in leaves, twigs and fruits. Water and methanol extracts of these plant parts were prepared. The content of AH in each extract was quantified by HPLC‐ELSD, using acetonitrile–water (+0.1% formic acid) gradient elution. The HPLC method was validated for precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and accuracy. A ternary solvent system ethyl acetate/n‐propanol/water (3:2:5, v/v/v) was selected and applied to recover the target compound using Spot CPC from the leaves aqueous extract.

Results

HPLC‐ELSD analysis followed by CPC purification led to the efficient isolation of AH from O. coronata leaves aqueous extract.

Conclusion

HPLC‐ELSD has proven to be a well‐adapted detection and quantification method for iridoid glycosides, while CPC confirmed to be an efficient technique for the isolation of polar compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Odds of Viral Suppression by Single‐Tablet Regimens, Multiple‐Tablet Regimens, and Adherence Level in HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Sutton S. Scott , Magagnoli Joseph , Hardin James W.
Published: December 2016

Study Objective

To evaluate the odds of achieving viral suppression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients using antiretroviral therapy as a single‐tablet regimen (STR) or multiple‐tablet regimen (MTR).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Data Sources

South Carolina Medicaid medical and pharmacy paid claims data were obtained from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office; laboratory data were obtained from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Patients

A total of 1536 patients who were dispensed a complete STR (477 patients) or MTR (1059 patients) regimen lasting at least 60 days between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013.

Measurements and Main Results

The analysis examined adherence levels and regimen type on odds of viral load suppression. Regimen adherence levels (90–94%, 85–89%, 80–84%, and less than 80%) were compared with the gold standard adherence for HIV of 95% or greater. Patients were followed from index date until the earliest date of regimen discontinuation, treatment switch, end of study period, last date of eligibility, or death. Differences in outcomes were evaluated by χ2, Wilcoxon rank sum statistical tests, and multivariate regression models controlling for covariates. For STR regimens we find that, when compared with 95% or greater adherence, there is no statistical difference in the odds of viral suppression with adherence levels greater than or equal to 80%. However, adherence levels greater than or equal to 95% were associated with a greater odds of viral suppression when compared with less than 80% STR adherence (odds ratio [OR] 2.57, Dunnett 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–6.32). For MTR regimens, there was no statistical difference in the odds of viral suppression for the adherence level 90–94% compared with the 95% or greater adherence (OR 3.59, Dunnett 95% CI 0.805–16.043). However, the 95% or greater adherence has greater odds of viral suppression compared with all other MTR adherence levels. In addition, no difference was found in the odds of viral suppression between STR and MTR for all adherence levels.

Conclusions

Compared with 95% or greater adherence, STR regimens achieve viral suppression with adherence levels of 80% or greater, whereas MTR regimens require adherence levels of 90% or greater to achieve viral suppression in South Carolina Medicaid patients with HIV/AIDS.
Caregiver, patient, and nurse visit communication patterns in cancer home hospice
Authors: Reblin Maija , Clayton Margaret F. , Xu Jiayun , Hulett Jennifer M. , Latimer Seth , Donaldson Gary W. , Ellington Lee
Published: December 2016

Objective

Few studies have examined the triadic communication between patients, spouse caregivers, and nurses in the home hospice setting. Thus, little is known about the types of communication patterns that unfold. The goals of the study were to, first, identify common patterns of communication in nurse‐patient‐caregiver home hospice visits and, second, to identify nurse, caregiver‐patient dyad, and visit characteristics that predict visit communication patterns.

Method

Nurses (N = 58) and hospice cancer patient and spouse caregiver dyads (N = 101; 202 individuals) were recruited from 10 hospice agencies. Nurses audio recorded visits to patient/caregiver homes from study enrollment until patient death. All patient, caregiver, and nurse utterances from the audio recordings were coded using an adapted Roter interaction analysis system. Using identified codes, cluster analysis was conducted to identify communication patterns within hospice visits. Logistic regression was used with demographic variables to predict visit communication patterns.

Results

Six visit communication patterns were identified and were defined largely by 2 dimensions: (1) either the patient, the caregiver, or the patient and caregiver dyad interacting with the nurse and (2) the relatively high or low expression of distress during the visit. Time until death significantly predicted several clusters.

Conclusion

This study leads the way in outlining triadic communication patterns in cancer home hospice visits. Our findings have implications for nursing education, letting future nurses know what to expect, and lays the foundation for future research to determine effectiveness and interventions to improve health care communication.
When and why to treat the child who snores?
Authors: Tan Hui‐Leng , Alonso Alvarez Maria Luz , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Weber Silke , Kaditis Athanasios G.
Published: December 2016

Obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) can result in cardiovascular and neurocognitive morbidity as well as adversely affect behavior, growth, quality of life, and nocturnal continence. This article summarizes the latest evidence regarding the morbidity related to obstructive SDB, commenting on the impact of severity of obstruction, that is, the difference in effects seen of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) compared to those of mild OSAS or primary snoring. The impact of therapy is discussed, focusing on which children are likely to benefit from treatment interventions; namely those with moderate or severe OSAS irrespective of the presence of morbidity, children with mild OSAS with associated morbidity or predictors of SDB persistence such as obesity, and children with complex conditions accompanied by upper airway obstruction like craniosynostosis and Prader–Willi syndrome. The co‐existing conditions which may improve when treatment for obstructive SDB is offered are reviewed, while the clinical parameters associated with spontaneous improvement or resolution of obstructive SDB are discussed. The intention being to enable clinicians to make informed decisions on who should be treated, when and why. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:399–412. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.