bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Soluble Octenyl Succinylated Cassava Starch‐Curcumin Nanoformulation With Enhanced Bioavailability and Anticancer Potential
Authors: Athira Geetha K. , Jyothi Alummoottil N. , Vishnu Vijayakumar R.
Published: March 2018

The present study reports the preparation and evaluation of a water soluble octenyl succinylated cassava starch‐curcumin nanoformulation with enhanced bioavailability and anticancer potential. The major drawback of curcumin as a bioactive compound is its poor aqueous solubility and the resultant low bioavailability. In this study, curcumin has been incorporated in octenyl succinate cassava starch by a wet grinding method and the product is characterized by Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The OSA starch loaded nanocurcumin is found to be non‐toxic to L929 cells, but shows anti‐cancer potential to HeLa cells. A significant enhancement in cellular uptake also can be achieved for the OSA starch loaded nanocurcumin as revealed by fluorescence microscopy. The in vitro release of curcumin from the nanostarch matrix is more controlled at simulated intestinal pH than that at gastric pH. Pharmacokinetic study shows that bioavailability of nanocurcumin is increased by about 71.27%.
Flibanserin for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: An Open-Label Safety Study
Authors: Simon James A. , Derogatis Leonard , Portman David , Brown Louise , Yuan James , Kissling Robert
Published: March 2018

Background

To evaluate the safety of flibanserin in premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in an open-label extension (OLE) study.

Aim

To examine the safety and tolerability of flibanserin 100 mg once daily at bedtime in the treatment of premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women with HSDD in a multicenter 28-week OLE study.

Methods

Patients entering this study received flibanserin or placebo in the double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials of premenopausal and postmenopausal women and in a pharmacokinetic study of postmenopausal women.

Outcomes

The primary end point of this OLE study was the incidence of adverse events (AEs). Secondary exploratory efficacy measures included the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised (FSDS-R) total score and FSDS-R item 13 (distress owing to low desire) score and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total score. Because the sponsor terminated the study early at discontinuation of the development of flibanserin, only descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

Of the 595 patients receiving study medication, 346 and 249 patients were premenopausal and postmenopausal, respectively. The mean number of days of exposure to flibanserin was 72.8 (SD = 41.6). AEs were reported by 352 patients (59.2%), and most AEs (93.8%) were mild or moderate. The most common AEs (≥5%) were dizziness (9.6%), somnolence (8.6%), insomnia (6.2%), and nausea (5.7%). There were no flibanserin-related serious AEs and no instances of suicidal ideation. The safety profile of flibanserin was similar for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The FSDS-R total scores and FSDS-R item 13 scores were numerically lower at weeks 4, 12, and 20 than at baseline (decrease in distress owing to low desire) for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Mean FSFI total scores were numerically higher at weeks 4, 12, and 20 than at baseline, irrespective of menopausal status of the patients.

Clinical Implications

The results of this study support the safety and tolerability of flibanserin for the treatment of HSDD in premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women.

Strengths and Limitations

Although this open-label study was designed to be 28 weeks long, it was discontinued early by the sponsor, and patients’ maximum duration of exposure to flibanserin was 23.9 weeks. The open-label design and lack of a placebo-controlled arm are other study limitations.

Conclusion

In this open-label study, flibanserin 100 mg once daily at bedtime was generally safe and well tolerated by premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women with HSDD.
Jadhav Case (India v. Pakistan): Order on Provisional Measures (I.C.J.)
Authors: Ranganathan Surabhi
Published: March 2018

On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice (ICJ or Court) granted provisional measures in the Jadhav Case brought by India against Pakistan. This unremarkable order is in line with the Court's ordinary approach to requests for interim relief in death penalty cases. The Court ordered Pakistan to stay the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national, pending a final decision in the proceedings instituted by India. It reiterated that orders on provisional measures are binding on the parties to whom they are addressed.
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2240, 2312 & 2380
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas
Published: March 2018

In response to the large number of irregular migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to southern Italy, frequently using overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels, and often facilitated by migrant smugglers, on October 9, 2015, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2240. This resolution authorizes member states to intercept, inspect, and seize vessels suspected of being used to smuggle migrants or to traffic persons. Initially limited to one year, these measures were renewed through two further UNSC resolutions on October 6, 2016, and October 5, 2017.
The Prevalence and Severity of Underreporting Bias in Machine- and Human-Coded Data
Authors: Bagozzi Benjamin E. , Brandt Patrick T. , Freeman John R. , Holmes Jennifer S. , Kim Alisha , Palao Mendizabal Agustin , Potz-Nielsen Carly
Published: March 2018

Textual data are plagued by underreporting bias. For example, news sources often fail to report human rights violations. Cook et al. propose a multi-source estimator to gauge, and to account for, the underreporting of state repression events within human codings of news texts produced by the Agence France-Presse and Associated Press. We evaluate this estimator with Monte Carlo experiments, and then use it to compare the prevalence and seriousness of underreporting when comparable texts are machine coded and recorded in the World-Integrated Crisis Early Warning System dataset. We replicate Cook et al.’s investigation of human-coded state repression events with our machine-coded events, and validate both models against an external measure of human rights protections in Africa. We then use the Cook et al. estimator to gauge the seriousness and prevalence of underreporting in machine and human-coded event data on human rights violations in Colombia. We find in both applications that machine-coded data are as valid as human-coded data.
The New Gas Ion Source at CEDAD: Improved Performances and First 14C Environmental Applications
Authors: Calcagnile Lucio , Maruccio Lucio , Braione Eugenia , Quarta Gianluca
Published: March 2018

A new sputtering ion source has been installed at CEDAD (Centre for Dating and Diagnostics) at the University of Salento in Lecce, Italy. The installation of the new ion source, capable of accepting both solid and gas samples, required significant modifications of the existing low energy injector of the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) system. The new ion source is connected, through an in-house designed gas handling interface, to an elemental analyzer which combusts the samples to carbon dioxide and splits the gas into an IRMS system and also to the gas feed line of the ion source. This arrangement allows the simultaneous measurement of C, N content (in the EA), carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic ratios by IRMS and radiocarbon (14C) by AMS on samples with masses in the microgram range. The results of different tests performed to find optimal operational conditions and to improve the system performances are presented. The performances of the system as a function of the diameter of the glass capillary used to feed the source and the pressure of the gas mixture in the syringe are also presented. The achievable precision and blank levels are discussed together with the results obtained in environmental studies.
Getting a Hand By Cutting Them Off: How Uncertainty over Political Corruption Affects Violence
Authors: Zachary Paul , Spaniel William
Published: March 2018

Criminal violence differs from other conflicts because illegal cartels primarily use violence to eliminate rivals rather than overthrow the state. However, politicians’ ability to influence cartel behavior remains unclear. This article argues that politicians alter the use of violence by setting their jurisdiction’s police enforcement levels, but that cartels can bribe politicians to look the other way. Because cartels are uncertain about politicians’ corruptibility, not every bribe is successful. Following an election, cartels must invest resources into learning politicians’ level of corruption. Cartels only increase their level of violence after successfully bribing political leaders, which implies that local violence levels should increase the longer parties remain in office. The study formalizes this argument and tests its implications using data on homicides and political tenure from Mexico. The results link incumbency to violence and suggest Mexico experiences an additional 948 homicides for each year of increased political tenure after holding an election.
The Behavioral Consequences of Election Outcomes: Evidence From Campaign Contributions
Authors: Dumas Nicolas K. , Shohfi Kyle
Published: March 2018

Existing research offers competing predictions as to whether election outcomes affect the future political behavior of individual supporters. Drawing on a dataset of millions of donors across thousands of candidates in different races, this study analyzes a series of regression discontinuities to estimate the effect of donating to a barely winning candidate as opposed to a barely losing one. It finds that winning donors were substantially more likely to donate in the future to that same office type. These effects are large and occur even when their original candidate was not up for re-election. The results show that the consequences of election outcomes extend beyond control of a particular seat, and affect the future behavior of ordinary citizens.
Association of tribbles homologue 1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells with duration of intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia
Authors: POPOVA POLINA V. , VASILEVA LIUDMILA B. , TKACHUK ALEXANDRA S. , PUZANOV MAXIM V. , BOLOTKO YANA A. , PUSTOZEROV EVGENII A. , GERASIMOV ANDREY S. , ZAZERSKAYA IRINA E. , LI OLGA A. , VASILYEVA ELENA Y. , KOSTAREVA ANNA A. , DMITRIEVA RENATA I. , GRINEVA ELENA N.
Published: March 2018

Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered to be an important factor that epigenetically predisposes offspring to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of how intrauterine hyperglycaemia affects offspring have not been thoroughly studied. The mammalian tribbles homologue 1 (TRIB1) gene is associated with plasma lipid concentrations and coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to study the effect of GDM and its treatment terms on the level of TRIB1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) of newborns from women with and without GDM. The study included 50 women with GDM and 25 women without GDM (control group). Women with GDM were divided into three groups according to their gestational age when the treatment of GDM started: 24–28 weeks (GDM1, N = 16), 29–32 weeks (GDM2, N = 25) and >34 weeks (GDM3, N = 9). The levels of TRIB1 gene expression in GDM3, GDM2, GDM1 and control groups were 2.8 ± 1.1, 4.2 ± 2.4, 6.0 ± 3.4 and 8.1 ± 6.1, respectively (p = 0.001). After comparison in pairs the difference was significant for the following pairs: GDM2–control (p = 0.004), GDM3–control (p = 0.002), GDM1–GDM3 (p = 0.012). Notably, if treatment had been started before the 28th week of gestation, the difference in TRIB1 gene expression in HUVECs was not significant (p = 0.320 for comparison between GDM1 and control groups). Our findings support the hypothesis that TRIB1 gene expression in HUVECs depends on the duration of intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia.
Effects of isovalerate supplementation on morphology and functional gene expression of small intestine mucosa in pre- and post-weaned dairy calves
Authors: Liu Q. , Wang C. , Zhang Y. L , Pei C. X. , Zhang S. L , Guo G. , Huo W. J. , Yang W. Z.
Published: March 2018

The present study evaluated the effects of isovalerate supplementation on the development of the small intestinal mucosa in dairy calves. Forty-eight Chinese Holstein bull calves at 15 days of age and 45.1 ± 0.36 kg of body weight were assigned randomly to four groups. The treatments were control, low-isovalerate, moderate-isovalerate and high-isovalerate with 0, 3, 6 and 9 g isovalerate per calf per day, respectively. The study comprised 75 days with a 15-day adaptation period followed by a 60-day sampling period. Calves were weaned at 60 days of age. Six calves were chosen from each treatment at random and slaughtered at 30 and 90 days of age. The small intestine morphology and activities of amylase and trypsin improved significantly with increasing age. No interaction between treatments and age was observed. The small intestine length, mucosa layer thickness, villus height and crypt depth increased linearly with increasing isovalerate supplementation. However, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth was not affected by treatment. Activities of amylase and trypsin increased linearly. The lactase activity increased linearly during the 75-day period and for pre-weaned calves but was unaltered for post-weaned calves. The relative mRNA expressions of growth hormone receptor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and sodium-glucose co-transporter-1 in the small intestine mucosa increased linearly, and a similar pattern was observed for the expression of peptide transporter-1 in the duodenum and proximal jejunum. The results suggested that small intestine development was promoted by isovalerate in a dose-dependent manner.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN INTELLIGENCE OF 5- TO 11-YEAR-OLDS ON THE COLOURED PROGRESSIVE MATRICES IN EGYPT
Authors: Ziada Khaled Elsayed , Metwaly Hanaa Abdelazim Mohamed , Bakhiet Salaheldin Farah , Cheng Helen , Lynn Richard
Published: March 2018

This study was based on data for a sample of 1756 Egyptian primary school children (863 boys and 893 girls) aged 5–11 years assessed for intelligence with Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). The results showed that boys obtained a slightly higher IQ than girls and had greater variance.
Facing up to Constantine: Reassessing the Stonegate Monumental Head from York
Authors: Russell Miles
Published: March 2018

A damaged and badly weathered stone head, discovered prior to 1823 in York, and interpreted as an early portrait of the emperor Constantine I, is here re-examined and identified as a modified image of an earlier, deified emperor, almost certainly Hadrian. A re-analysis of the image as it survives today further suggests that the recarving, into a likeness of Constantine, occurred aftera.d.312 and not, as widely believed, at the moment of Constantine's proclamation as emperor in York ina.d.306.
The experience of a developing country using an electronic portal imaging device for the verification of patient positioning and dosimetry in radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Farhat Leila , Fourati N. , Mnejja W. , Daoud J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This is a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of routine use of electronic portal imaging device (EPID) in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for localised prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

Data from 20 patients with localised prostate cancer treated by radical radiotherapy using intensity-modulated technique in Habib Bourguiba Hospital were analysed to define the action levels for pretreatment planer dose distribution of 100 treatment fields and the set-up errors of 418 portal imaging. Pretreatment planar dose distribution was measured with the EPID. The additional dose from repeated portal imaging was determined with treatment planning system.

Results

For all 100 fields, the predicted and the measured planar dose distribution agrees well with mean±standard deviation value for γmax=2·31±0·57, γavg=0·36±0·07 and γ%≤1=98·94%±0·71%, respectively. For the evaluation of set-up errors, the mean total errors with 1 SD in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions were 0·11±0·44 cm; 0·02±0·37 cm and −0·02±0·21 cm, respectively. The imaging additional dose was evaluated as 1 cGy per monitor unit.

Conclusion

EPID is a useful tool to verify pretreatment dose distribution and to assess the correct field position without a significant increase in the absorbed dose due to the repetition of portal imaging.
TNFα and IL-1β modify the miRNA cargo of astrocyte shed extracellular vesicles to regulate neurotrophic signaling in neurons
Authors: Chaudhuri Amrita Datta , Dastgheyb Raha M. , Yoo Seung-Wan , Trout Amanda , Talbot Jr C. Conover , Hao Haiping , Witwer Kenneth W. , Haughey Norman J.
Published: March 2018

Astrocytes are known to be critical regulators of neuronal function. However, relatively few mediators of astrocyte to neuron communication have been identified. Recent advancements in the biology of extracellular vesicles have begun to implicate astrocyte derived extracellular vesicles (ADEV) as mediators of astrocyte to neuron communication, suggesting that alterations in the release and/or composition of ADEVs could influence gliotransmission. TNFα and IL-1β are key mediators of glial activation and neuronal damage, but the effects of these cytokines on the release or molecular composition of ADEVs is unknown. We found that ADEVs released in response to IL-1β (ADEV-IL-1β) and TNFα (ADEV-TNFα) were enriched with miRNAs that target proteins involved in neurotrophin signaling. We confirmed that miR-125a-5p and miR-16-5p (both enriched in ADEV-IL-1β and ADEV-TNFα) targeted NTKR3 and its downstream effector Bcl2. Downregulation of these targets in neurons was associated with reductions in dendritic growth, dendritic complexity, reduced spike rates, and burst activity. Molecular interference of miR-125a-5p and miR-16-5p prevented ADEV-IL-1β from reducing dendritic complexity, spike, and burst rates. These findings suggest that astrocytes respond to inflammatory challenge by modifying the miRNA cargo of ADEVs to diminish the activity of target neurons by regulating the translational expression of proteins controlling programs essential for synaptic stability and neuronal excitability.
Stabilizing spin spirals and isolated skyrmions at low magnetic field exploiting vanishing magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Hervé Marie , Dupé Bertrand , Lopes Rafael , Böttcher Marie , Martins Maximiliano D. , Balashov Timofey , Gerhard Lukas , Sinova Jairo , Wulfhekel Wulf
Published: March 2018

Skyrmions are topologically protected non-collinear magnetic structures. Their stability is ideally suited to carry information in, e.g., racetrack memories. The success of such a memory critically depends on the ability to stabilize and manipulate skyrmions at low magnetic fields. The non-collinear Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction originating from spin-orbit coupling drives skyrmion formation. It competes with Heisenberg exchange and magnetic anisotropy favoring collinear states. Isolated skyrmions in ultra-thin films so far required magnetic fields as high as several Tesla. Here, we show that isolated skyrmions in a monolayer of Co/Ru(0001) can be stabilized down to vanishing fields. Even with the weak spin-orbit coupling of the 4d element Ru, homochiral spin spirals and isolated skyrmions were detected with spin-sensitive scanning tunneling microscopy. Density functional theory calculations explain the stability of the chiral magnetic features by the absence of magnetic anisotropy energy.
Publisher Correction: Total synthesis of the reported structure of 13a-hydroxytylophorine
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Gang , Su Bo , Deng Meng , Liu Yu-Xiu , Gu Yu-Cheng , Wang Qing-Min
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Optimising the transport properties and reactivity of microbially-synthesised magnetite for in situ remediation
Authors: Joshi Nimisha , Liu Feixue , Watts Mathew Paul , Williams Heather , Coker Victoria S. , Schmid Doris , Hofmann Thilo , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: March 2018

Engineered nanoparticles offer the potential for remediation of land and water that has been contaminated by organics and metals. Microbially synthesized nano-scale magnetite, prepared from Fe(III) oxides by subsurface Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, offers a scalable biosynthesis route to such a nano-scale remediation reagent. To underpin delivery of “bionanomagnetite” (BNM) nanomaterial during in situ treatment options, we conducted a range of batch and column experiments to assess and optimise the transport and reactivity of the particles in porous media. Collectively these experiments, which include state of the art gamma imaging of the transport of 99m Tc-labelled BNM in columns, showed that non-toxic, low cost coatings such as guar gum and salts of humic acid can be used to enhance the mobility of the nanomaterial, while maintaining reactivity against target contaminants. Furthermore, BNM reactivity can be enhanced by the addition of surface coatings of nano-Pd, extending the operational lifetime of the BNM, in the presence of a simple electron donor such as hydrogen or formate.
Author Correction: A role for small secreted proteins (SSPs) in a saprophytic fungal lifestyle: Ligninolytic enzyme regulation in Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Feldman Daria , Kowbel David J. , Glass N. Louise , Yarden Oded , Hadar Yitzhak
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Factors influencing neurocognitive function in patients with neuroepithelial tumors
Authors: Gempt Jens , Lange Nicole , Bette Stefanie , Foreman Sarah Charlotte , Cammardella Jasmin Hernandez , Albertshauser Jennifer , Gradtke Corinna , Buchmann Niels , Ryang Yu-Mi , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Mass & secondary structure propensity of amino acids explain their mutability and evolutionary replacements
Authors: Bohórquez Hugo J. , Suárez Carlos F. , Patarroyo Manuel E.
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Expanding the toolbox for cryopreservation of marine and freshwater diatoms
Authors: Stock Willem , Pinseel Eveline , De Decker Sam , Sefbom Josefin , Blommaert Lander , Chepurnova Olga , Sabbe Koen , Vyverman Wim
Published: March 2018

Diatoms constitute the most diverse group of microalgae and have long been recognised for their large biotechnological potential. In the wake of growing research interest in new model species and development of commercial applications, there is a pressing need for long-term preservation of diatom strains. While cryopreservation using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent is the preferred method for long-term strain preservation, many diatom species cannot be successfully cryopreserved using DMSO. Therefore, in this study, we studied cryopreservation success in six different diatom species, representing the major morphological and ecological diatom groups, using a range of DMSO concentrations and Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) as an alternative cryoprotectant to DMSO. In addition, we tested whether suppressing bacterial growth by antibiotics accelerates the post-thaw recovery process. Our results show that the effects of cryoprotectant choice, its concentration and the addition of antibiotics are highly species specific. In addition, we showed that PVS2 and antibiotics are useful agents to optimize cryopreservation of algae that cannot survive the traditional cryopreservation protocol using DMSO. We conclude that a species-specific approach will remain necessary to develop protocols for diatom cryopreservation and to increase their representation in public culture collections.
Author Correction: Quantitative inheritance of volatile pheromones and darcin and their interaction in olfactory preferences of female mice
Authors: Liu Ying-Juan , Guo Hui-Fen , Zhang Jian-Xu , Zhang Yao-Hua
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
PSMA expression: a potential ally for the pathologist in prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Bravaccini Sara , Puccetti Maurizio , Bocchini Martine , Ravaioli Sara , Celli Monica , Scarpi Emanuela , De Giorgi Ugo , Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Raulli Giandomenico , Cardinale Loredana , Paganelli Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients are risk-stratified on the basis of clinical stage and PSA level at diagnosis and the Gleason Score (GS) in prostate biopsy. However, these parameters are not completely accurate in discriminating between high- and low-risk disease, creating a need for a reliable marker to determine aggressiveness. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) appears to fulfill this need. We analyzed 79 prostate biopsies and 28 prostatectomies to assess whether PSMA expression detected by immunohistochemistry is related to GS. PSMA expression was correlated with GS in both sample types (biopsies, P < 0.0001 and prostatectomy samples, P = 0.007). We observed lower PSMA expression in Gleason pattern 3 than Gleason pattern 4, suggesting that this biomarker could be useful to distinguish between these entities (p < 0.0001). The best cut-off value of 45% immunopositivity was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In Gleason pattern 3 vs. Gleason pattern 4 and 5, PSMA sensitivity was 84.1% (95% CI 76.5%-91.7%) and specificity was 95.2% (95% CI 90.6%-99.8%), with an area under the curve of 93.1 (95% CI 88.8–97.4). Our results suggest that PSMA represents a potential ally for the pathologist in the diagnostic work-up of PCa to overcome long-standing morphological classification limits.
Publisher Correction: Composition, diversity and bioactivity of culturable bacterial endophytes in mountain-cultivated ginseng in Korea
Authors: Chowdhury MD. Emran Khan , Jeon Junhyun , Rim Soon Ok , Park Young-Hwan , Lee Seung Kyu , Bae Hanhong
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
NF-κB is weakly activated in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Irvin Allison E. , Jhala Gaurang , Zhao Yuxing , Blackwell Timothy S. , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian , Thomas Helen E. , Kay Thomas W. H.
Published: March 2018

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterised by selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells by the immune system. The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) regulates innate and adaptive immune responses. Using gene targeting andin vitroanalysis of pancreatic islets and immune cells, NF-κB activation has been implicated in type 1 diabetes development. Here we use a non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model that expresses a luciferase reporter of transcriptionally active NF-κB to determine its activationin vivoduring development of diabetes. Increased luciferase activity was readily detected upon treatment with Toll-like receptor ligandsin vitroandin vivo, indicating activation of NF-κB. However, activated NF-κB was detectable at low levels above background in unmanipulated NOD mice, but did not vary with age, despite the progression of inflammatory infiltration in islets over time. NF-κB was highly activated in an accelerated model of type 1 diabetes that requires CD4+T cells and inflammatory macrophages. These data shed light on the nature of the inflammatory response in the development of type 1 diabetes.
Intolerable side effects during propranolol therapy for infantile hemangioma: frequency, risk factors and management
Authors: Ji Yi , Chen Siyuan , Wang Qi , Xiang Bo , Xu Zhicheng , Zhong Lin , Yang Kaiying , Lu Guoyan , Qiu Liqin
Published: March 2018

Currently, propranolol is the most preferred systemic therapy for problematic infantile hemangiomas (IHs). However, the side effects such as bronchial hyperreactivity may be intolerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, risk factors and management of intolerable side effects (ISEs) during propranolol therapy. In total, 1260 children were studied. The incidence of ISEs was 2.1% (26 patients). Severe sleep disturbance was the most common reason for propranolol cessation, accounting for 65.4% of cases. In total, 23 and 3 patients received atenolol and prednisolone as second-line therapy, respectively. Treatment response was observed in 92.3% (24/26) of cases (showing excellent or good response to therapy). No toxicity-related permanent treatment discontinuation occurred during atenolol or prednisolone therapy. In the univariate analysis, younger age, premature birth, and lower body weight were associated with ISEs (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only age (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.201–2.793, P = 0.009) and body weight (95% CI: 1.036–1.972, P = 0.014) were associated with ISEs. Our study suggests that ISEs are rare in patients with IHs who are treated with propranolol. Predictive factors for ISEs include younger age and lower body weight. Atenolol and prednisolone are effective and safe alternatives to propranolol in the treatment of refractory IHs.
Microbial community structure with trends in methylation gene diversity and abundance in mercury-contaminated rice paddy soils in Guizhou, China
Authors: Vishnivetskaya Tatiana A. , Hu Haiyan , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Wymore Ann M. , Xu Xiaohang , Qiu Guangle , Feng Xinbin , Zhou Jizhong , Brown Steven D. , Brandt Craig C. , Podar Mircea , Gu Baohua , Elias Dwayne A.
Published: March 2018

Sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens are the primary Hg-methylators in Chinese rice paddies.
Bioactive peptide isolated from casein phosphopeptides promotes calcium uptake in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Guo , Sun Shengwei , Guo Baoyan , Miao Benchun , Luo Zhen , Xia Zumeng , Ying Danyang , Liu Fei , Guo Bin , Tang Jian , Cao Yong , Miao Jianyin
Published: March 2018

A monomeric peptide isolated from casein phosphopeptides promoted calcium uptake in cells via the transcellular pathway and was beneficial for bone calcification in rats.
Electrospun Nb-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 nanobelts for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lv Congjie , Peng Yi , Yang Jing , Duan Xiaochuan , Ma Jianmin , Wang Taihong
Published: March 2018

Nb-Doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.2O2 nanobelts have been fabricated by an electrospinning method and used in lithium-ion batteries, which exhibit superior electrochemical performances. It is highly expected that this facile method may lead to further developments for other 1D multi-element oxide systems.
Exploiting the interactions between the ruthenium Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst and Al-modified mesoporous silica: the case of SBA15vs.KCC-1
Authors: Werghi Baraa , Pump Eva , Tretiakov Mykyta , Abou-Hamad Edy , Gurinov Andrei , Doggali Pradeep , Anjum Dalaver H. , Cavallo Luigi , Bendjeriou-Sedjerari Anissa , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: March 2018

2ndgeneration Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst immobilized onto well-ordered 2D hexagonal (SBA15) and 3D fibrous (KCC-1) mesostructured silica displaying tetra-coordinated Al–HviaSurface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC).
An early investigative serum Raman spectroscopy study of meningioma
Authors: Mehta Kanika , Atak Apurva , Sahu Aditi , Srivastava Sanjeeva , C Murali Krishna
Published: March 2018

Serum Raman spectroscopy is explored to classify meningiomas, which are the most frequently reported non-malignant brain and CNS tumors and are often misdiagnosed. We find the technique can be prospectively extended to the screening of high-risk populations and for therapeutic monitoring.
A novel high hydrothermal stability amino-functionalized stationary phase prepared by a vapour deposition method
Authors: Chen Meng , Chen Lei
Published: March 2018

A novel bistrimethoxysilylethane hydrolysis aminopropyltrimethoxysilane silica stationary phase was prepared through a three-step vapour deposition method, which was shown to have higher hydrothermal stability, longer service time and an equal selectivity compared with a conventional amine column.
Albumin as a “Trojan Horse” for polymeric nanoconjugate transendothelial transport across tumor vasculatures for improved cancer targeting
Authors: Yin Qian , Tang Li , Cai Kaimin , Yang Xujuan , Yin Lichen , Zhang Yanfeng , Dobrucki Lawrence W. , Helferich William G. , Fan Timothy M. , Cheng Jianjun
Published: March 2018

An albumin-functionalized polymeric NC (Alb-NC) capable of crossing the endothelium barrier through a caveolaemediated transcytosis pathway to better target cancer is reported.
Correction: Metallacyclopentadienes: synthesis, structure and reactivity
Authors: Ma Wangyang , Yu Chao , Chen Tianyang , Xu Ling , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Metallacyclopentadienes: synthesis, structure and reactivity’ by Wangyang Ma et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, 46, 1160–1192.
Correction: Design of anaerobic membrane bioreactors for the valorization of dilute organic carbon waste streams
Authors: Shoener Brian D. , Zhong Cheng , Greiner Anthony D. , Khunjar Wendell O. , Hong Pei-Ying , Guest Jeremy S.
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Design of anaerobic membrane bioreactors for the valorization of dilute organic carbon waste streams’ by Brian D. Shoener et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2016, 9, 1102–1112.
Correction: Stereoselective synthesis of natural product inspired carbohydrate fused pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones as antiproliferative agents
Authors: Kumari Priti , Narayana Chintam , Dubey Shraddha , Gupta Ashish , Sagar Ram
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Stereoselective synthesis of natural product inspired carbohydrate fused pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones as antiproliferative agents’ by Priti Kumari et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7ob03186f.
Thionating iso-diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers: from p-type to ambipolar field effect transistors with enhanced charge mobility
Authors: Zhang Haichang , Yang Kun , Zhang Kai , Zhang Zhenzhen , Sun Qikun , Yang Wenjun
Published: March 2018

Two polymers based on isoDPP and isoDTPP were designed and synthesized. Thionation reactions could transform p-type polymers into ambipolar polymers for field effect transistors with enhanced charge mobility.
Ultrasmall Ir nanoparticles for efficient acidic electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Fu Luhong , Zeng Xiang , Huang Chaozhang , Cai Ping , Cheng Gongzhen , Luo Wei
Published: March 2018

1.8 nm monodisperse Ir nanoparticles have been prepared through a colloidal synthetic method, and further used as electrocatalysts for superior activity and long-term stability toward overall water splitting in acidic media.
A novel symmetrically multifunctionalized dodecamethoxy-cycloparaphenylene: synthesis, photophysical, and supramolecular properties
Authors: Lu Dapeng , Zhuang Guilin , Jia Hongxing , Wang Jinyi , Huang Qiang , Cui Shengsheng , Du Pingwu
Published: March 2018

In the present study, we report the synthesis of a novel symmetrically multifunctionalized cycloparaphenylene (CPP), dodecamethoxy-[9]CPP, through nickel-mediated macrocyclization and subsequent reductive aromatization reactions.
A pre-protective strategy for precise tumor targeting and efficient photodynamic therapy with a switchable DNA/upconversion nanocomposite
Authors: Yu Zhengze , Ge Yegang , Sun Qiaoqiao , Pan Wei , Wan Xiuyan , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: March 2018

A pre-protective strategy for precise tumor targeting and efficient photodynamic therapy was developed using a switchable DNA/upconversion nanocomposite.
Constraints on submicrojansky radio number counts based on evolving VLA-COSMOS luminosity functions
Authors: Novak M. , Smolčić V. , Schinnerer E. , Zamorani G. , Delvecchio I. , Bondi M. , Delhaize J.
Published: March 2018

We present an investigation of radio luminosity functions (LFs) and number counts based on the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array-COSMOS 3 GHz Large Project. The radio-selected sample of 7826 galaxies with robust optical/near-infrared counterparts with excellent photometric coverage allows us to construct the total radio LF since z ~ 5.7. Using the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, we fit the redshift dependent pure luminosity evolution model to the data and compare it with previously published VLA-COSMOS LFs obtained on individual populations of radio-selected star-forming galaxies and galaxies hosting active galactic nuclei classified on the basis of presence or absence of a radio excess with respect to the star-formation rates derived from the infrared emission. We find they are in excellent agreement, thus showing the reliability of the radio excess method in selecting these two galaxy populations at radio wavelengths. We study radio number counts down to submicrojansky levels drawn from different models of evolving LFs. We show that our evolving LFs are able to reproduce the observed radio sky brightness, even though we rely on extrapolations toward the faint end. Our results also imply that no new radio-emitting galaxy population is present below 1 μJy. Our work suggests that selecting galaxies with radio flux densities between 0.1 and 10 μJy will yield a star-forming galaxy in 90–95% of the cases with a high percentage of these galaxies existing around a redshift of z ~ 2, thus providing useful constraints for planned surveys with the Square Kilometer Array and its precursors.
Monte Carlo modelling of clinical accelerator beams and estimation of primary electron beam parameters
Authors: Horová S. , Judas L.
Published: March 2018

The accuracy of Monte Carlo simulations of clinical photon beams in radiation oncology is dependent on the linac head model accuracy and on parameters of the primary electron beam. While the internal composition and geometry of the accelerator head are known precisely, at least in principle, the energy spectrum and the spatial characteristics of the primary electron beam are unknown and immeasurable. The mean energy and FWHM of the electron beam are commonly estimated by comparing the simulation results with measured dosimetric data. Percentage depth doses (PDDs) and dose profiles are sensitive to changes in the electron beam parameters and are therefore in general used for the comparison. In the published studies which deal with parameter estimation, the determination of electron beam parameters is typically performed through a trial and error process. As to the parameter optimization, there is no unified methodology agreed upon, and the uncertainty of the resulting parameter values is usually not quantified by the authors. The aim of our work was not only to estimate the mean energy and the FWHM of the primary electron beam, but also to determine the confidence region of the optimized values in a defined and repeatable way. A model of Varian Clinac 2100C/D linear accelerator 6 MV photon beam was built in the EGSnrc/BEAMnrc Monte Carlo system. PDDs and dose profiles for different field sizes and different depths were obtained from water phantom measurements. We show that an approach based on a large number of simulations, each with a relatively low number of primary particles, in combination with non-linear regression methods allows to find both the optimized values of the electron beam parameters and their common 95% confidence region.
Erratum to: Educating Architects in Turkish Culture, Gains and Loses: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Numan Ibrahim , Budi Santosa Revianto
Published: March 2018

This erratum corrects some mistakes appearing in the original article.
Digitalisierung als Thema im Koalitionsvertrag: Es müssen endlich Taten folgen!
Authors: Ekkernkamp Axel
Published: March 2018

Es ist ein wegweisender Satz, der seinen Weg in den Koalitionsvertrag gefunden hat: „Die Digitalisierung ist eine der größten Herausforderungen für das Gesundheitswesen in den nächsten Jahren.“ Jetzt gilt es, diese von Fachleuten schon seit Langem gepredigte Erkenntnis endlich auch mit Leben zu erfüllen. Denn bislang ist der Bereich Klinik und Praxis im Vergleich zu anderen Branchen Schlusslicht bei der Digitalisierung. Der vergleichende Blick auf Israel, Dänemark und Estland – und zwar in dieser Reihenfolge – macht das überdeutlich.
Digitalisierung der Medizin: „Technik ist Copilot, nicht Autopilot“
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: March 2018

Beim 2. KI-Kongress des Uniklinikums Essen standen nicht nur neueste Entwicklungen bei künstlicher Intelligenz und Robotik im Fokus. Erstmals debattierten die Teilnehmer über die ethischen Folgen dieser Entwicklung für die Medizin. Die teils hitzige Diskussion zeigte, wie notwenig die Debatte ist.
Digitalisierung: Zwischen Vielfalt und Chaos
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2018

Mit der Digitalisierungsdebatte wächst auch die größte deutsche Messe für Gesundheit-IT. Der Wildwuchs von Patientenakten sorgt auf der conhIT für Gesprächsstoff, doch es gibt auch viele neue Themen.
Reduzierung von Wartezeiten: So wird der Service zum Wettbewerbsvorteil
Authors: Otten Hubert , Kordonouri Olga , Busse Bärbel
Published: March 2018

Patienten bewerten den Service einer Klinik meist schlechter als die medizinische Leistung. Einer neuen Studie zufolge, bewerten Patienten, die kürzer warten, auch die Qualität einer Klinik besser. Ergo: Wer Wartezeiten reduziert, verschafft sich als Klinik einen Wettbewerbsvorteil.
Mitarbeiterbindung: Gesunde Patienten – kranke Mitarbeiter
Authors: Born Michael
Published: March 2018

Viele Kliniken haben heute einen hohen bis sehr hohen Qualitätsstandard in der Versorgung ihrer Patienten erreicht. Dieses Level erreichen sie beim Umgang mit ihren Mitarbeitern und deren Gesundheit an vielen Stellen nicht. Kommt es hier zu keinen Veränderungen, werden ihnen die Mitarbeiter weglaufen.
IT-Sicherheitskonzept bei Sana: Die Schwachstelle Mensch wird intensiv gecheckt
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: March 2018

Sana versucht mithilfe von Penetrationstests die IT-Sicherheit zu erhöhen. Der Klinikkonzern schickt Profis in die Kliniken und die versuchen, sich unerlaubten Zugang zum IT-System zu verschaffen. kma sprach darüber mit Sana-IT-Chef Bernd Christoph Meisheit.
Einrichtung und Ausstattung: „Auch Pflegende und Ärzte sollten sich im Gebäude wohl fühlen“
Authors: Grether Thomas
Published: March 2018

Die Einrichtung muss austauschbar sein – darauf richten Krankenhaus-Planer beim Thema Einrichtung und Ausstattung ihr Augenmerk.
Branche in Zahlen
Authors: Grether Thomas
Published: March 2018

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Ist Blockchain eine Disruptive Technologie?: Welche Rolle spielen in Zukunft Smart Contracts?
Authors: Hohenberg Gregor
Published: March 2018

Die Digitalisierung ist mehr als ein technologischer Trend – sie verändert auch die Organisation im Krankenhaus. Daher ist dieses Thema zur Chefsache geworden. Schließlich geht es um die grundsätzlichen Geschäftsmodelle und daher um die Zukunftsfähigkeit der Einrichtung. Speziell die Blockchaintechnologie wirft grundsätzliche Fragen auf.
Komplikationen in der orthopädischen Kinderrheumatologie
Authors: Arbogast M.
Published: March 2018

Operationen im Kindes- und Jugendalter bei rheumatischen Erkrankungen stehen im Gegensatz zu der Erwachsenenrheumatologie am Ende der Therapieoptionen 1. Über die Hälfte der betroffenen Patienten leiden an einer Monarthritis oder Oligoarthritis 2. Bei inkomplettem Ansprechen auf die medikamentöse Basistherapie entbrennt ein Wettlauf um ein gelenkerhaltendes Vorgehen und bei entzündlich-destruktiv veränderten Gelenken die Frage der adäquaten konservativen oder operativen Vorgehensweise. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer operativen Therapie bei jugendlichen Rheumatikern sollen im Folgenden dargestellt werden und die Komplikationen dabei bedacht werden.
Besonderheiten in der Nachsorge von gastrointestinalen Tumoren
Authors: Artzner Kerstin , Malek Nisar
Published: March 2018

Treatment for gastrointestinal malignancies has evolved over the past two decades. Long-term outcomes have considerably improved, however a high rate of recurrence persists. With the exception of colon cancer, clear consensus strategies with regards to post-treatment surveillance are lacking. Current surveillance practices in non-colon cancer cases are inadequately based on retrospective case analyses and expert recommendations which are not uniformly consistent.

This article presents the key follow-up aspects such as recurrence frequency, timing, localization, and therapeutic efficacy for the most common gastrointestinal tumors, and summarizes current recommendations for early detection of recurrence. In particular, we compare and contrast the recommendations of the German S3 guideline, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the American National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
The Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of Motion
Authors: Thomas Ewan , Bianco Antonino , Paoli Antonio , Palma Antonio
Published: March 2018

Different stretching strategies and protocols are widely used to improve flexibility or maintain health, acting on the muscle tendon-unit, in order to improve the range of motion (ROM) of the joints. This review aims to evaluate the current body of literature in order to understand the relation between stretching typology and ROM, and secondly to evaluate if a relation exists between stretching volume (either as a single training session, weekly training and weekly frequency) and ROM, after long-term stretching. Twenty-three articles were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. All stretching typologies showed ROM improvements over a long-term period, however the static protocols showed significant gains (p<0.05) when compared to the ballistic or PNF protocols. Time spent stretching per week seems fundamental to elicit range of movement improvements when stretches are applied for at least or more than 5 min, whereas the time spent stretching within a single session does not seem to have significant effects for ROM gains. Weekly frequency is positively associated to ROM. Evaluated data indicates that performing stretching at least 5 days a week for at least 5 min per week using static stretching may be beneficial to promote ROM improvements.
Action-at-a-distance metamaterials: Distributed local actuation through far-field global forces
Authors: Hedayati R. , Mirzaali M. J. , Vergani L. , Zadpoor A. A.
Published: March 2018

Mechanical metamaterials are a sub-category of designer materials where the geometry of the material at the small-scale is rationally designed to give rise to unusual properties and functionalities. Here, we propose the concept of “action-at-a-distance” metamaterials where a specific pattern of local deformation is programmed into the fabric of (cellular) materials. The desired pattern of local actuation could then be achieved simply through the application of one single global and far-field force. We proposed graded designs of auxetic and conventional unit cells with changing Poisson’s ratios as a way of making “action-at-a-distance” metamaterials. We explored five types of graded designs including linear, two types of radial gradients, checkered, and striped. Specimens were fabricated with indirect additive manufacturing and tested under compression, tension, and shear. Full-field strain maps measured with digital image correlation confirmed different patterns of local actuation under similar far-field strains. These materials have potential applications in soft (wearable) robotics and exosuits.