bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОТДАЛЕННЫЕ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЯ РАННИХ ПРЕНАТАЛЬНЫХ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЙ НА ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И ПОВЕДЕНЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ПОТОМКОВ, "Успехи физиологических наук"
Authors: Рагаева Д.С. , Игонина Т.Н. , Брусенцев Е.Ю. , Рожкова И.Н. , Амстиславский С.Я.
Published: October 2018

Представлен обзор современных представлений о влиянии ранних пренатальных воздействий на последующее поведение, физиологические и онтогенетические особенности потомков. Особое внимание уделено таким факторам как стресс, характер диеты и гормональная терапия во время беременности. Анализируются воздействия на преимплантационной стадии различных лабораторных животных и человека как in vivo так и in vitro, в том числе и при использовании вспомогательных репродуктивных технологий с описанием их эффектов как на дальнейшее развитие эмбрионов, так и отдаленных последствий на потомках.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ФАРМАКОТЕРАПИИ БОЛЕЗНИ АЛЬЦГЕЙМЕРА, "Успехи физиологических наук"
Authors: Зуев В.А. , Дятлова А. С. , Линькова Н. С. , Кветной И. М.
Published: October 2018

Болезнь Альцгеймера (БА) является социально-значимым заболеванием. При этом молекулярные механизмы патогенеза БА не установлены и способы ее фармакотерапии требуют дальнейшей разработки. В обзоре описаны существующие и потенциальные лекарственные средства для терапии БА, механизм их действия. Ингибиторы ацетилхолинэстеразы второго поколения (Донепезил, Ривастиг-мин, Галантамин) применяются для улучшения когнитивных функций. Блокатор AMDA-рецепторов Мемантин повышает эффективность синаптической передачи у пациентов с БА. Блокатор потенциал-зависимых кальциевых каналов Z-типа Нимодипин оказывает эффекты, сходные с Мемантином. В качестве потенциального средства для терапии БА рассматривается еще один блокатор кальциевых каналов - Дантролен. Ноотропные препараты (Кортексин, Церебролизин, Глиатилин) обладают нейропротекторным действием и замедляют прогрессирование БА. Новым классом нейропротекто-ров в терапии БА являются препараты на основе коротких пептидов (Семакс, Пинеалон), обладающие физиологическим действием и нейротрофическими эффектами при когнитивных нарушениях. Тетрапептиды HAEE и RADD в экспериментах на животных показали нейропротекторный эффект, реализуемый через предотвращение агрегации -амилоида.
Bio‐Inspired Hydro‐Pressure Consolidation of Silica
Authors: Taveri Gianmarco , Grasso Salvatore , Gucci Francesco , Toušek Jaromír , Dlouhy Ivo
Published: October 2018

Room‐temperature hydro‐pressure‐driven densification of amorphous silica (nanoparticles and microbeads) is developed. This technique is inspired by biological silicification with reference to dissolution, precipitation, and hardening mechanisms. Cold sintering based on uniaxial pressure is taken as a benchmark. Starting from a green‐body relative density of 70%, densification exceeding 99% is achieved by adding distilled water or caustic solution to an amorphous powder under a hydrostatic pressure of 450–600 MPa for 5–30 min. Translucent samples are obtained. Silica microbeads are employed as a model system to define the effect of the sintering parameters: pressure, pH, and soaking time. Densification is attained through a preferential precipitation of a second phase from silica dissolution under hydro‐pressure. Precipitation is governed by minimization of the surface energy (Ostwald ripening). Transmission electron microscopy, NMR, thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal the mechanisms of the process and the analogies with biosilicification.
Gas‐Permeable, Multifunctional On‐Skin Electronics Based on Laser‐Induced Porous Graphene and Sugar‐Templated Elastomer Sponges
Authors: Sun Bohan , McCay Richard N. , Goswami Shivam , Xu Yadong , Zhang Cheng , Ling Yun , Lin Jian , Yan Zheng
Published: October 2018

Soft on‐skin electronics have broad applications in human healthcare, human–machine interface, robotics, and others. However, most current on‐skin electronic devices are made of materials with limited gas permeability, which constrain perspiration evaporation, resulting in adverse physiological and psychological effects, limiting their long‐term feasibility. In addition, the device fabrication process usually involves e‐beam or photolithography, thin‐film deposition, etching, and/or other complicated procedures, which are costly and time‐consuming, constraining their practical applications. Here, a simple, general, and effective approach for making multifunctional on‐skin electronics using porous materials with high‐gas permeability, consisting of laser‐patterned porous graphene as the sensing components and sugar‐templated silicone elastomer sponges as the substrates, is reported. The prototype device examples include electrophysiological sensors, hydration sensors, temperature sensors, and joule‐heating elements, showing signal qualities comparable to conventional, rigid, gas‐impermeable devices. Moreover, the devices exhibit high water‐vapor permeability (≈18 mg cm−2 h−1), ≈18 times higher than that of the silicone elastomers without pores, and also show high water‐wicking rates after polydopamine treatment, up to 1 cm per 30 s, which is comparable to that of cotton. The on‐skin devices with such attributes could facilitate perspiration transport and evaporation, and minimize discomfort and inflammation risks, thereby improving their long‐term feasiblity.
Bombyx mori Silkworm Cocoon Separators for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Superior Safety and Sustainability
Authors: Pereira Rui F. P. , Gonçalves Renato , Fernandes Mariana , Costa Carlos M. , Silva Maria M. , de Zea Bermudez Verónica , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu
Published: October 2018

In the quest for solutions to enhance the safety and sustainability of energy storage devices, Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons are proposed as separators for lithium (Li)‐ion batteries obtained literally from nature, and employed directly in a device. The suitability of the cocoons is evaluated in Li‐ion batteries using two different electrolytes: a mixture of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), ethylene carbonate (EC), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim]TFSI). Li/C–LiFePO4 half cells comprising the EC–DMC–LiPF6 electrolyte present excellent cycling performance, with a discharge capacity up to 86 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention up to 81% after 50 cycles at C rate. Values of 66 mAh g−1 at C/5 and 85% result with [Emim]TFSI, respectively. Separator/electrolyte interactions during battery cycling lead to a decrease of the degree of crystallinity of the cocoon silk fibers, and, in the presence of EC–DMC–LiPF6, to a concomitant increase of the concentration of free PF6− ions. The self‐extinguishing ability of silkworm cocoons represents an additional benefit to batteries, providing fire risk reduction or even suppression. This bio‐inspired work paves the way toward the fabrication of environmentally friendlier separators for next‐generation sustainable and safer Li‐ion batteries.
Multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the double‐flap technique as antireflux esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy (rD‐FLAP Study)
Authors: Kuroda Shinji , Choda Yasuhiro , Otsuka Shinya , Ueyama Satoshi , Tanaka Norimitsu , Muraoka Atsushi , Hato Shinji , Kimura Toshikazu , Tanakaya Kohji , Kikuchi Satoru , Tanabe Shunsuke , Noma Kazuhiro , Nishizaki Masahiko , Kagawa Shunsuke , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Kamikawa Yasuaki , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: October 2018

Aim

As a result of the difficulty in effective prevention of gastroesophageal reflux, no standard reconstruction procedure after proximal gastrectomy (PG) has yet been established. The double‐flap technique (DFT), or Kamikawa procedure, is an antireflux reconstruction procedure in esophagogastrostomy. The efficacy of DFT has recently been reported in several studies. However, these were all single‐center studies with a limited number of cases.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in which patients who underwent DFT, irrespective of disease type and reconstruction approach, at each participating institution between 1996 and 2015 were registered. Primary endpoint was incidence of reflux esophagitis at 1‐year after surgery, and secondary endpoint was incidence of anastomosis‐related complications.

Results

Of 546 patients who were eligible for this study, 464 patients who had endoscopic examination at 1‐year follow up were evaluated for reflux esophagitis. Incidence of reflux esophagitis of all grades was 10.6% and that of grade B or higher was 6.0%. Male gender and anastomosis located in the mediastinum/intra‐thorax were independent risk factors for grade B or higher reflux esophagitis (odds ratio [OR]: 4.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44‐10.9, P = 0.0109). Total incidence of anastomosis‐related complications was 7.2%, including leakage in 1.5%, strictures in 5.5% and bleeding in 0.6% of cases. Laparoscopic reconstruction was the only independent risk factor for anastomosis‐related complications (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.93‐7.80, P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Double‐flap technique might be a feasible option after PG for effective prevention of reflux, although anastomotic stricture is a complication that must be well‐prepared for.
Detection of Homologue and Isomer Vapors through Dynamic Reflection Spectra of Hollow Mesoporous Silica Sphere Photonic Crystals
Authors: Xiong Chengjia , Pan Mengyao , Wang Lebin , Geng Hongbin , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: October 2018

Vapors of homologues and isomers with very similar refractive indices can be easily distinguished by using dynamic reflection spectra (DRS) of hollow mesoporous silica sphere (HMSS) photonic crystals (PCs). Different diffusion behaviors render the HMSS PCs with a distinct response to different chemicals vapors, leading to diversity in the evolution of the reflection spectra and their DRS patterns. Therefore, by studying the geometric characteristics and color changes of color‐filled contour maps, as well as the reflection peak shift speeds at different stages, even isomers such as n‐butanol and iso‐butanol, with a refractive index difference of only 0.001, can be recognized. The reflection peak shift speed depends on both the refractive index and the diffusion speed of chemicals. The proposed strategy provides a convenient, accurate, and low‐cost method to detect vapors of homologues and isomers.
Strömungsgeräusche an Fassaden
Authors: Herget Wolfgang , Brandstätt Peter
Published: October 2018

Akustische Untersuchungen an Fassadenelementen in einem Windkanal können wichtige Erkenntnisse zu potentiellen Strömungsgeräuschen bei deren Überströmung liefern. Die Quellen für Strömungsgeräusche sind vielfältig und werden oft durch Löcher, Öffnungen, Kanten sowie vibrierende Teile verursacht. Sie können unter Umständen sehr vom Anströmwinkel und einer bestimmten Windgeschwindigkeit abhängig sein. Messungen an verschiedenen Fassadenelementen im Windkanal am Fraunhofer‐Institut für Bauphysik IBP zeigten auch, dass nicht zwangsläufig nur hohe Windgeschwindigkeiten zu Problemen führen. Gerade niedrigere Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten, die zu bestimmten geometrischen Abmessungen passen, können ausgeprägte Lärmquellen bilden. Laut Beaufortskala entspricht eine Windstärke von 10 – 20 m/s schon einem starken bis stürmischen Wind. Bei solch hohen Windgeschwindigkeiten ist das allgemeine Hintergrundgeräusch bereits deutlich angehoben und Geräusche an Fassadenelementen können von diesem maskiert werden. Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt ist die meist sehr große Fläche von Fassaden. Wenn bereits an einem Fassadenausschnitt im Windkanal markante Strömungsgeräusche entstehen, ist eine weit höhere Schallabstrahlung am Gebäude zu erwarten. Ziel der akustischen Untersuchungen und Optimierungen an einer windüberströmten Fassade sollte dabei immer sein, sie in Einklang mit dem Design und der Konstruktion der Fassade zu bringen.
Wirkung von Nachhall in Bildungsräumen
Authors: Martin Noemi , Liebl Andreas
Published: October 2018

Menschen, welche bspw. aufgrund von Hörstörungen oder eingeschränkten Sprachkenntnissen ein erhöhtes Bedürfnis für gute Hörsamkeit haben, sollten in der Erfüllung dieses Bedürfnisses von der raumakustischen Umgebung unterstützt werden. In der Neufassung der DIN 18041 aus dem Jahr 2016 werden daher Anforderungen an die Nachhallzeit definiert, die je nach Nutzergruppe und Nutzungskontext eines Raumes das Hörverstehen optimal unterstützen sollen. Die in dieser Norm festgelegten Anforderungen basieren auf der Annahme, dass in den oben beschriebenen Fällen von Inklusion eine Verringerung der Nachhallzeit zu einem verbesserten Sprachverstehen führt. Das Projekt „Wirkungen von Nachhall in Bildungsräumen” beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, ob empirisch nachgewiesen werden kann, dass die Anwendung der DIN 18041: 2016 diese Anforderung in der Praxis erfüllt, d. h. ob die definierten Zielwerte ausreichen, um dem Thema Inklusion aus raumakustischer Sicht gerecht zu werden. Die Forschungsfrage wurde sowohl in einer Literaturstudie als auch über die empirische Evaluation in einen Hörversuch adressiert. In diesem Artikel werden die Ergebnisse der Literaturrecherche berichtet.
Elemente zur akustischen Gestaltung von Sporthallen
Authors: Späh Moritz , Koehler Mark , Leistner Philip
Published: October 2018

In Sporthallen lässt die Akustik in vielen Fällen zu wünschen übrig. Oft beschweren sich die Betroffenen berechtigt über eine schlechte Akustik, geringe Sprachverständlichkeit und viel zu hohe Pegel. Dieser Beitrag behandelt Aspekte und Ansätze, mit denen sich die Anforderungen an die akustische Gestaltung von Sporthallen insgesamt besser erfüllen lassen. Raumakustisch ist eine schallabsorbierende Decke zwar gut, aber nicht ausreichend. Deutlich besser sind schallabsorbierende Flächen möglichst in allen drei Raumrichtungen, z. B. durch die Kombination von Decken und Prallwänden. Die analog zu Prallwänden gestalteten, aber akustisch doch etwas anders funktionierenden Geräteraumtore stellen dabei wirksame Tiefenabsorber dar. Die schallabsorbierende Eigenschaft von Trennvorhängen ist in Mehrfeld‐Sporthallen eine sinnvolle Option. Sie sind großflächig und müssen keine Absorptionsrekorde brechen, um Pegel zu mindern und Flatterechos zu vermeiden. Der Schallschutz zwischen Teilhallen bleibt ein akustischer Dauerbrenner. Die untersuchten Maßnahmen sind unter realen Bedingungen umsetzbar und können bei guter Planung zu einer deutlichen Erhöhung der Schalldämmung zwischen den Teilhallen einer Sporthalle führen. Neben einer angemessenen Schallabsorption sollten die Elemente wie Sportböden und Prallwände, die bei der Nutzung selbst Lärm verursachen, möglichst leise sein. Hierzu liegen jetzt konkrete Messungen und erste Vorschläge zur akustischen Behandlung vor.
BauCycle – Verwertungsstrategie für feinkörnigen Bauschutt
Authors: Dittrich Sebastian , Thome Volker , Nühlen Jochen , Gruna Robin , Dörmann Joseph
Published: October 2018

Das Fraunhofer‐interne Projekt „BauCycle” entwickelt eine ganzheitliche Verwertungsstrategie für feinkörnigen Bauschutt, welcher bisher meist ungenutzt auf Deponien verbracht wird. In einem ersten Schritt wurde eine Methodik zur „chemischen” Sortierung von Bauschutt kleiner 2 mm entwickelt um Störstoffe wie Gips selektiv aus Beton oder Kalksandstein austragen zu können. Basierend auf den Sortiermöglichkeiten fand die Entwicklung von Bauprodukten mit einem signifikanten Anteil an Bauschutt statt. Es konnte ein Porenbetonstein hergestellt werden bei dem der Primärrohstoff Sand zu 30 Ma.‐Prozent durch feinkörniges Bauschuttmaterial ersetzt werden konnte. Zudem wurde ein Akustikputz für Innenanwendungen entwickelt, welcher absolut vergleichbar zu marktüblichen Produkten ist. Neben der Entwicklung neuer Produkte steht auch die Betrachtung geltender Richtlinien im Hinblick auf den Einsatz von neuentwickelten Baustoffen sowie deren ökologische Wirkung im Fokus. Dazu wurden relevante Indikatoren wie Rohstoffqualität und ‐verfügbarkeit definiert und für eine Modellregion dargestellt. Dies geschah nicht zuletzt unter Berücksichtigung logistischer Parameter. Der finale Schritt im Projekt ist die Implementierung einer Handelsplattform über welche Bauschuttfraktionen bedarfsgerecht angeboten bzw. nachgefragt werden können.
A Recombinant 12‐His Tagged Pyrococcus furiosus Soluble [NiFe]‐Hydrogenase I Overexpressed in Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 Facilitates Hydrogen‐Powered in vitro NADH Regeneration
Authors: Song Yunhong , Liu Meixia , Xie Leipeng , You Chun , Sun Junsong , Zhang Yi‐Heng P. Job
Published: October 2018

Soluble hydrogenase I (SHI) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus is a heterotetrameric [NiFe] hydrogenase that catalyzes the reversible reduction of protons by NADPH into hydrogen gas (H2). Here, the authors expressed the four αβγδ subunits of SHI encoded by one gene cluster in another hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1, which uses its hydrogenase maturation apparatus without the coexpression of native P. furiosus hydrogenase endopeptidases (maturation proteases). The SHI overexpression of T. kodakarensis resulted in more than 1200‐fold enhancement in the hydrogenase activity of the cell lysate compared to that of the host strain with an empty vector. An active, purified 12‐His tagged recombinant SHI (rSHI) is obtained by one‐step affinity adsorption on nickel‐charged resin. Size‐exclusion chromatography show that purified rSHI is heterotetrameric and has a molecular mass of 150 kDa. The purified rSHI has a half‐life of 70 h at 80 °C. This rSHI is used to design a novel in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystem to convert pyruvate and H2 gas into lactate in a theoretical yield, whereas rSHI is used for NADPH regeneration; an FMN‐containing diaphorase (DI) is used to match NADP‐preferred SHI and NAD‐preferred lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This study provides a cost‐efficient method to obtain hyperthermostable hydrogenases, which can be used in in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystems for cofactor regeneration and hydrogen production.
From Commodity to Brand: The Country of Origin Branding Perspective for Indian Medicinal and Aromatic plants
Authors: Chandra Pramod , Sharma Vinay , Kant Shashi
Published: October 2018

The medicinal and aromatic plants resources of India are known as a source of economy, sustainable livelihood, and employment for many rural communities. However, perhaps the recognition for medicinal and aromatic plants as a source for sustainable economy generation without linking sustainable marketing orientation, such as branding, is less appropriate. Because, the lack of required marketing orientation is leading challenges for resource sustainability in the sector. Therefore, to address the need of sustainable marketing orientation in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector of India and to conceptualize the branding strategy for the medicinal and aromatic plants resources, this qualitative study, based on the brand heritage of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants, demonstrates the implications of country of origin branding framework to brand the Indian medicinal and aromatic plants. Our study provides a fresh perspective on the branding of natural products and offers strategies for differentiation, competitiveness, and authenticity while trading across the globe.
Comparative Study of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Pyrolyzed FePc in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Zhang Xue , Chen Chi , Dong Jiao , Wang Rui‐Xiang , Wang Qiang , Zhou Zhi‐You , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: October 2018

Transition‐metal and nitrogen co‐doped carbon materials (M/N/C) have received increasing attention as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). M/N/C catalysts usually exhibit distinct ORR catalytic activity between acidic and alkaline media. The origin of such pH‐dependent activity is so far unclear. Herein, we investigate the dependence of ORR activity of FePc/C catalysts on the pyrolysis temperature (300–1000 °C) in both acidic and alkaline media to speculate the difference between active sites in the different media. The highest ORR activity is achieved at 800 °C and 500 °C in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. In particular, at 600–800 °C, the ORR activity increases greatly with increasing pyrolysis temperature in acidic medium, whereas it decreases in alkaline medium, indicating different active sites present in the two media. Thermal decomposition analysis of FePc suggests that highly active sites in acidic medium are formed through the decomposition of FePc or Fe‐N4 structures at 600–800 °C after releasing phthalonitrile (C6H5−C2N2), whereas intact FePc or Fe‐N4 incorporated in the carbon matrix are the main active sites in alkaline medium. XPS measurements show that there is a good relationship between the ORR activity and metal N in alkaline medium. This study is of significance to the development of highly active non‐precious metal catalysts.
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Monolith for Binder‐Free All‐Carbon Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Aibing , Fu Xinyu , Liu Lei , Wang Wei , Yu Yifeng , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2018

A nitrogen‐doped porous carbon monolith (N‐PCM) was synthesized following a simple self‐assembly method in a one‐pot hydrothermal process. A solution of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in formaldehyde and ammonia was used as partial carbon precursor and nitrogen source, respectively. The monolithic polymer was formed through self‐assembly of formaldehyde and resorcinol catalyzed by ammonia. After the annealing process, the N‐PCM was prepared. The N‐PCM with tailorable macrostructure possessed a high specific surface area (1124 m2 g−1), rich porous structure and reasonable N content (up to 2.1 %). Used as binder‐free all‐carbon supercapacitor electrode, the N‐PCM allowed efficient migration of electrolyte ions and electrons, showing a high specific capacitance up to 202 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and favorable capacitance retention (93.5 % capacitive retention after 5000 cycles) in a 6 M KOH solution. This advanced monolith carbon material with high surface area and controllable morphology produced in a simple and efficient method could be used as a promising electrode material for high‐performance supercapacitors.
Clinical trials involving carbon‐ion radiation therapy and the path forward
Authors: Lazar Ann A. , Schulte Reinhard , Faddegon Bruce , Blakely Eleanor A. , Roach Mack
Published: October 2018

To describe the international landscape of clinical trials in carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT), the authors reviewed the current status of 63 ongoing clinical trials (median, 47 participants) involving CIRT identified from the US clinicaltrials.gov trial registry and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Registry. The objectives were to evaluate the potential for these trials to define the role of this modality in the treatment of specific cancer types and identify the major challenges and opportunities to advance this technology. A significant body of literature suggested the potential for advantageous dose distributions and, in preclinical biologic studies, the enhanced effectiveness for CIRT compared with photons and protons. In addition, clinical evidence from phase I/II trials, although limited, indicated the potential for CIRT to improve cancer outcomes. However, current high‐level phase III randomized clinical trial evidence does not exist. Although there has been an increase in the number of trials investigating CIRT since 2010, and the number of countries and sites offering CIRT is slowly growing, this progress has excluded other countries. Several recommendations are proposed to study this modality to accelerate progress in the field, including: 1) increasing the number of multinational randomized clinical trials, 2) leveraging the existing CIRT facilities to launch larger multinational trials directed at common cancers combined with high‐level quality assurance; and 3) developing more compact and less expensive next‐generation treatment systems integrated with radiobiologic research and preclinical testing.
Risk of cardiovascular disease among Nordic childhood cancer survivors with diabetes mellitus: A report from adult life after childhood cancer in Scandinavia
Authors: Winther Jeanette F. , Bhatia Smita , Cederkvist Luise , Gudmundsdottir Thorgerdur , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Wesenberg Finn , Hasle Henrik , Sällfors Holmqvist Anna ,   for the ALiCCS Study Group
Published: October 2018

Background

Childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Because diabetes is a potentially modifiable risk factor for CVD in the general population, it is important to understand how diabetes affects the risk of CVD among childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

This study examined the risk of CVD among survivors with diabetes and 142,742 population comparison subjects. From the national cancer registries of the 5 Nordic countries, 29,324 one‐year survivors of cancer diagnosed before the age of 20 years between 1968 and 2008 were identified. Study subjects were linked to the national hospital registers. The cumulative incidence of CVD was determined with competing risk methods. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the effects of diabetes and cancer on the hazard of CVD. The interaction between diabetes and cancer was analyzed.

Results

Diabetes was diagnosed in 324 of the 29,324 one‐year survivors, and CVD was diagnosed in 2108. The hazard of diabetes was 1.7 times higher among survivors than comparison subjects (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5‐1.9), whereas the HR of CVD was 3.6 (95% CI, 3.3‐3.8) 1 to 15 years after the cancer diagnosis and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.8‐2.0) after more than 15 years. Individuals with diabetes had a 2.4 times higher hazard of CVD (95% CI, 2.1‐2.8) among both survivors and comparison subjects in comparison with individuals without diabetes.

Conclusions

Childhood cancer survivors with diabetes have a markedly increased risk of CVD in comparison with survivors without diabetes. However, diabetes does not increase the risk of CVD more in survivors than the general population.
Factors influencing delayed presentation of breast cancer at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Baig Mehreen , Sohail Iram , Altaf Humera Naz , Altaf Omar Shahzad
Published: October 2018

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death despite the continuous development of newer and more effective modalities of treatment for breast cancer. In Asia, Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer. Breast cancer treatment shows better prognosis when it is diagnosed at an early stage, but mortality increases significantly with delayed diagnosis and advanced stage of disease. Delay in diagnosis and nonavailability of treatment are the major factors responsible for advanced stage and low survival.

Aims

The objective of our study was to identify the factors responsible for delayed presentation of patients with breast carcinoma.

Methods and results

A cross‐sectional study using a questionnaire method was conducted at the Foundation University Medical College from January 2015 to December 2016. A total of 89 patients gave consent and were interviewed using a prestructured questionnaire during the study. Age ranged from 25 to 64 years. Majority of patients were in stage T3N1M0 (31.5%). Second most common stage was T4N0M0 (14.6%). Thirteen patients (12.4%) were in stage T3N0M0, and 10 patients (11.2%) were in T3N2M0. Delay ranged from 3 months to more than 1 year; 43.8% presented with delay of 3 to 6 months. The reasons for delay were lack of knowledge about breast cancer (41%), lack of availability of health care services (32.6%), purdah and religious reasons (6.7%), and fear of being diagnosed with cancer (10.1%).

Conclusion

The main reasons for delay identified in our study were lack of knowledge and availability of appropriate health care facilities. In order to improve outcome of breast cancer, more focus is needed on spreading awareness and improving health care services in rural areas.
Partially Reversible Thermal‐Induced Oxidation During a Dehydration Process in an H‐bonded Supramolecular System
Authors: Ferlay Sylvie , Hellwig Petra , Wais Hosseini Mir
Published: October 2018

The thermal behaviour of an H‐bonded molecular network A based on [FeII(CN)6]4− anions and organic bisamidium cations 12+ was investigated. Heating was found to induce the partial oxidation of [FeII(CN)6]4− into [FeIII(CN)6]3−, together with a thermochromic effect and also a loss of crystallinity was evidenced from mid and far FT‐IR spectroscopic data, XRPD and DSC/TGA analysis. Rehydration also partially reversed the redox reaction and its colour, and after that, a mixture of A with an amorphous phases was observed. FT‐IR spectroscopy revealed that the oxidation of Fe(II) was accompanied by a deprotonation of the cation.
Catalytic Cleavage of the Amide Bond in Urea Using a Cobalt(III) Amino‐Based Complex
Authors: Uprety Bhawna , Arderne Charmaine , Bernal Ivan
Published: October 2018

The urease mimetic activity of CoIII amine complexes with respect to cleavage of urea was explored using SCXRD and spectroscopic techniques. The reaction of [CoIII(tren)Cl2]Cl [tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine] with urea results in the formation of an isocyanato complex {[CoIII(tren)(NH3)(NCO)]Cl2} and ammonia, following the cleavage of the amide bond. The reaction progress and the subsequent formation of cleavage products were confirmed by SCXRD analysis of the reactants as well as the products obtained during the reaction. The reaction was found to be pH and temperature dependent, and the reaction conditions were optimized to maximize conversion. The reaction kinetics was followed spectroscopically (1H NMR and UV/Vis), following the decrease in urea concentration or the increase in pH succeeding ammonia formation. A detailed kinetic study revealed an overall second order rate law and kobs was found to be 3.89 × 10–4 m–1 s–1.
Gamma‐H2AX immunofluorescence for the detection of tissue‐specific genotoxicity in vivo
Authors: Plappert‐Helbig Ulla , Libertini Silvana , Frieauff Wilfried , Theil Diethilde , Martus Hans‐Jörg
Published: October 2018

The phosphorylation of histone H2AX in Serine 139 (gamma‐H2AX) marks regions of DNA double strand breaks and contributes to the recruitment of DNA repair factors to the site of DNA damage. Gamma‐H2AX is used widely as DNA damage marker in vitro, but its use for genotoxicity assessment in vivo has not been extensively investigated. Here, we developed an image analysis system for the precise quantification of the gamma‐H2AX signal, which we used to monitor DNA damage in animals treated with known genotoxicants (EMS, ENU and doxorubicin). To compare this new assay to a validated standard procedure for DNA damage quantification, tissues from the same animals were also analyzed in the comet assay. An increase in the levels of gamma‐H2AX was observed in most of the tissues from animals treated with doxorubicin and ENU. Interestingly, the lesions induced by doxorubicin were not easily detected by the standard comet assay, while they were clearly identified by gamma‐H2AX staining. Conversely, EMS appeared strongly positive in the comet assay but only mildly in the gamma‐H2AX immunofluorescence. These observations suggest that the two methods could complement each other for DNA damage analysis, where gamma‐H2AX staining allows the detection of tissue‐specific effects in situ. Moreover, since gamma‐H2AX staining can be performed on formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue sections generated during repeated‐dose toxicity studies, it does not require any further treatments or extra procedures during dissection, thus optimizing the use of resources and animals. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:4–16, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and utilization of lime‐mud waste as filler for production of green paper
Authors: Said Abd El‐Aziz A. , Aly Aref A.M. , Ahmed Hazem S.
Published: October 2018

In this article, the lime‐mud (LM) as a waste generated in the Kraft pulping process was treated to improve its quality to be utilized again as filler. The final treated LM was characterized by different techniques and compared with the currently used calcium carbonate filler. The laboratory hand sheets were prepared from treated LM and the filler used in the factory with the target filler loads lying in the range 0–10 ash. The effect of filler loads on the physical, optical and mechanical properties of paper sheets was studied and compared with the used filler. The results revealed that the optical properties of paper sheets were greatly improved whereas the mechanical properties decreased. In addition, the best mixture composed of the treated LM and calcium carbonate filler used in Quena paper plant was selected and investigated. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13022, 2019
Resource treatment of coking sulfur paste: Characterization analysis and composition of impurities
Authors: Li Tao , Li Guoqiang , Zhao Yongle , Wang Hongyu , Zhang Yongfa
Published: October 2018

Coking sulfur paste (CSP) generated from coking oven gas desulfurization process is an extremely harmful pollutant. In this article, modern analytic methods, such as X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermo gravimetric‐differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscope, were utilized to analyze CSP. Results showed that sulfur in CSP mainly existed in the form of elemental sulfur, which is presented mostly in the form of rhombic sulfur (Sα). The rest of sulfur existed in the form of NH4SCN, (NH4)2S2O3, FeSO4. There were also microelements in CSP, such as Fe, Br, Ca, P, Mo and Cl, whose contents were less than 2.50%. Impurities in CSP could be divided into three categories: water‐soluble impurities (WI), dichloromethane‐soluble impurities (DI) and other impurities (OI), accounting for 4.2%, 12.16% and 2.61%, respectively, among the whole CSP. WI is consisted of NH4SCN, (NH4)2S2O3, FeSO4, PDS and hydroquinone accounting for 58.39%, 9.05%, 24.67%, 3.70%, and 3.37%, respectively, of the total WI. DI mainly contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzenes, naphthalenes, fluorenes, phenanthrenes, anthraquinones and pyrenes. Carbon in OI existed mainly in the form of C–C and C–H, oxygen in OI existed in the form of C=O and C–OH groups. A composite extraction process was proposed to deal with CSP in this paper, which separated sulfur from impurities in CSP at normal temperature efficiently, based on the existing conditions of coking enterprises. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13023, 2019
Modification of Tamarix hispida Biochar by Lanthanum Chloride for Enhanced Fluoride Adsorption from Synthetic and Real Wastewater
Authors: Habibi Nasim , Rouhi Parham , Ramavandi Bahman
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this research was the preparation of Tamarix hispida biochar during a pyrolysis process and then improvement its fluoride adsorption capacity by lanthanum chloride. The biochar powder was amended by lanthanum during a precipitation‐oxidation method to make biochar–lanthanum (biochar–La). Adsorbent characteristics of the fresh and fluoride loaded biochar–La were determined by using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectrometer, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, pH of zero point charge, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy methods. The mesoporous adsorbent had a surface area of 164.5 m2/g. Effects of some important factors such as initial fluoride concentration (20, 40, and 70 mg/L), biochar–La dose (1–10 g/L), contact time (3–100 min), solution temperature (25–50°C), and initial pH (2–10) were tested. The results showed that fluoride uptake by modified biochar is much more effective than simple one. The adsorption data well followed the Langmuir isotherm (maximum adsorption capacity = 164.23 mg/g) and second‐order kinetic model. Increasing the amount of biochar–La and fluoride concentration was led to increasing and reducing the adsorption efficiency, respectively. The biochar–La adsorbent had a good performance at sixth cycle of reuse (>50% removal). The fluoride content in a real wastewater was reduced from 23 mg/L to around 3 mg/L at conditions of biochar–La: 5 g/L, time: 50 min, and original pH: 6.8. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S298–S305, 2019
Radiotherapy modality as a predictor of survival in hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Kılıç Suat , Kılıç Sarah S , Hsueh Wayne D , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Woo Park Richard Chan , Mahmoud Omar
Published: October 2018

Background

The impact of radiotherapy (RT) modality and dose on survival in hypopharyngeal cancer managed with definitive RT is unclear.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) treated with definitive RT. Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was compared with other RT techniques. Clinicopathologic variables, RT modality, and dose impact on overall survival (OS) were assessed using log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 3928 patients with HPSCC were identified. Patients receiving IMRT (2098 patients) were more likely to be white, have higher income, have advanced classification, receive ≥66 Gy, and receive chemoradiotherapy compared with those receiving non‐IMRT techniques (1830 patients). The 5‐year OS was 41.9% (95% CI = 39.4%‐44.4%) for the IMRT group and 36.8% for the non‐IMRT group (95% CI = 34.3%‐39.2%). After propensity score matching, IMRT had significantly better OS (P = .013).

Conclusion

In HPSCC treated with definitive RT, IMRT may provide a significant survival benefit over non‐IMRT modalities.
The optimal hedge strategy of crude oil spot and futures markets: Evidence from a novel method
Authors: Zhao Lu‐Tao , Meng Ya , Zhang Yue‐Jun , Li Yun‐Tao
Published: October 2018

Hedging is an important measure for investors to resist extreme risks and improve their profits. This paper develops a FIGARCH–EVT–copula–VaR model to derive hedge ratio when hedging crude oil spot and futures markets, overcoming the limitations of static models and simple dynamic models in existing literature. The empirical results indicate that the FIGARCH–EVT–copula–VaR model is superior to the other three commonly used models based on four criteria: mean of returns, variance of returns, ratio of mean to variance of returns, and hedging effectiveness. Comparatively, the new model has superior performance to other three models during the sample period and can be used by investors to obtain excellent hedging effect.
Interrelations of U.S. market fears and emerging markets returns: Global evidence
Authors: Sarwar Ghulam , Khan Walayet
Published: October 2018

We investigate the interrelations between U.S. stock market uncertainty (VIX) and equity returns in several emerging markets (EMs) in an integrated multivariate system that allows the interactions through the first and second moments of VIX and return processes. Our VARMAX‐CCC‐QGARCH model finds significant interactions in the covariance terms of VIX and EM returns, which facilitate risk transmission. Changes in VIX negatively affect EM returns, which also significantly affect VIX changes. We find that VIX changes and EM returns collectively have predictive ability for each other. Further, VIX shocks contribute 22–42% to the prediction error of EM returns. Our results underscore the importance of capturing interactions between VIX changes and EM returns through their variance–covariance matrix and have important implications for global diversification, flight‐to‐safety choices, and hedging the cross‐market risks.
Ownership structure, economic fluctuation, and capital structure: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Xi , Manry David , Rosa Gina
Published: October 2018

We investigate the influence of controlling shareholders, including governmental ownership, on the debt levels of Chinese firms during varying economic conditions. Consistent with previous research, we find that listed firms in China have significantly more short‐term debt than long‐term debt. We also find that as the percentage ownership of the largest shareholder increases, less debt (as a percentage of total assets) is generally preferred. During economic slowdowns, firms tend to reduce their short‐term debt levels, although long‐term debt appears to increase.

Further tests reveal that entrepreneur‐controlled firms reduce long‐term debt during economic slowdowns, suggesting that they take into consideration the implications of changes in macroeconomic conditions for earnings and liquidity when making debt financing decisions. However, we also find that State‐controlled firms in China tend to increase short‐term borrowing during declines in macroeconomic conditions, consistent with the implications of “tunneling and propping.”
Financial liberalization, exchange‐rate regime, and banking crisis likelihood
Authors: Richey Greg M.
Published: October 2018

This paper provides empirical evidence of the impact that financial liberalization plays, within various exchange rate regimes, on the likelihood of systemic banking crisis. Using a sample of 50 banking crisis episodes over the period of 1985–2005, I investigate the impact of financial liberalization and exchange‐rate regime on the likelihood of systemic banking crisis. When interacted with an overall financial liberalization measure, exchange‐rate regime was significant and positive under a flexible regime. Other empirical results show that when interacted with financial liberalization dimensions, exchange‐rate regime variables produced significant results under intermediate and flexible exchange‐rate regimes.
Cancer of the cervix uteri
Authors: Bhatla Neerja , Aoki Daisuke , Sharma Daya Nand , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy
Published: October 2018

Since the publication of the last FIGO Cancer Report there have been giant strides in the global effort to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, with WHO announcing a call for elimination. In over 80 countries, including LMICs, HPV vaccination is now included in the national program. Screening has also seen major advances with implementation of HPV testing on a larger scale. However, these interventions will take a few years to show their impact. Meanwhile, over half a million new cases are added each year. Recent developments in imaging and increased use of minimally invasive surgery have changed the paradigm for management of these cases. The FIGO Gynecologic Oncology Committee has revised the staging system based on these advances. This chapter discusses the management of cervical cancer based on the stage of disease, including attention to palliation and quality of life issues.
Uterine sarcomas
Authors: Mbatani Nomonde , Olawaiye Alexander B. , Prat Jaime
Published: October 2018

Uterine sarcomas account for approximately 3%–7% of all uterine cancers. Since carcinosarcomas are currently classified as metaplastic carcinomas, leiomyosarcomas remain the most common subtype. Exclusion of several histologic variants of leiomyoma, as well as atypical smooth muscle tumors (so‐called “smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential”), has highlighted that the vast majority of leiomyosarcomas are high‐grade tumors associated with poor prognosis even when apparently confined to the uterus. Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcomas are indolent tumors associated with long‐term survival. High‐grade endometrial stromal sarcomas and undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas behave more aggressively than tumors showing nuclear uniformity. Adenosarcomas have a favorable prognosis except for tumors showing myometrial invasion or sarcomatous overgrowth. The prognosis for carcinosarcomas (which are considered here in a postscript fashion) is usually worse than that for grade 3 endometrial carcinomas. Tumor stage is the single most important prognostic factor for uterine sarcomas.
Targeted therapy for gynecologic cancers: Toward the era of precision medicine
Authors: Basu Partha , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Konishi Ikuo
Published: October 2018

Recent advances in molecular biology of cancer have led to the development of targeted agents, mainly of monoclonal antibodies and small‐molecule compounds. Unlike traditional drugs that inhibit DNA synthesis and mitosis, these agents target the signaling pathways of cancer cells, stroma, and vasculature in tumor tissues. For gynecologic cancers, drugs targeting angiogenesis such as anti‐VEGF antibody have been used in the treatment of advanced or recurrent ovarian and cervical cancers, and the drugs targeting homologous recombination deficiency such as PARP inhibitors have been approved for maintenance after chemotherapy in platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer. In addition, novel immunotherapy using the immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti‐PD‐1 antibody has received much attention for modulation of local immunity, resulting in the durable response of platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer. In the precision medicine era, further understanding of cancer genomics and identification of predictive biomarkers are essential to ensure better health for women with gynecologic cancer.
Effect of locally tailored clinical guidelines on intrapartum management of severe hypertensive disorders at Zanzibar's tertiary hospital (the PartoMa study)
Authors: Maaløe Nanna , Andersen Camilla B. , Housseine Natasha , Meguid Tarek , Bygbjerg Ib C. , van Roosmalen Jos
Published: October 2018

Objective

To estimate the effect of locally tailored clinical guidelines on intrapartum care and perinatal outcomes among women with severe hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (sHDP).

Methods

A pre–post study at Zanzibar's low‐resource Mnazi Mmoja Hospital was conducted. All labouring women with sHDP were included at baseline (October 2014 to January 2015) and at 9–12 months after implementation of the ongoing intervention (October 2015 to January 2016). Background characteristics, clinical practice, and delivery outcomes were assessed by criterion‐based case file reviews.

Results

Overall, 188 of 2761 (6.8%) women had sHDP at baseline, and 196 of 2398 (8.2%) did so during the intervention months. The median time between last blood pressure recording and delivery decreased during the intervention compared with baseline (P=0.015). Among women with severe hypertension, antihypertensive treatment increased during the intervention compared with baseline (relative risk [RR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.66). Among the neonates delivered (birthweight ≥1000 g), stillbirths decreased (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.90) and Apgar scores of seven or more increased during the intervention compared with baseline (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03–1.33).

Conclusion

Although health system strengthening remains crucial, locally tailored clinical guidelines seemed to help work‐overloaded birth attendants at a low‐resource hospital to improve care for women with sHDP.

ClinicalTrials.org

NCT02318420.
Molecular understanding of the adhesive interactions between silica surface and epoxy resin: Effects of interfacial water
Authors: Higuchi Chisa , Tanaka Hiromasa , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: October 2018

The molecular mechanism of the adhesion between silica surface and epoxy resin under atmospheric conditions is investigated by periodic density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations. Slab models of the adhesion interface were built by integrating a fragment of epoxy resin and hydroxylated (0 0 1) surface of α‐cristobalite in the presence of adsorbed water molecules. Effects of adsorbed water on the adhesion interaction are evaluated on the basis of geometry‐optimized structures, adhesion energies, and forces. Calculated results demonstrate that adsorbed water molecules significantly reduce both the adhesion energies and forces of the silica surface–epoxy resin interface. The reduction of adhesion properties can be associated with structural deformation of water molecules confined in the tight space between the adhesive and adherend as well as structural flexibility of the hydrogen‐bonding network in the interfacial region during detachment of the epoxy resin from the hydrophilic silica surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.