bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a difficulty score to predict intraoperative complications during laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Halls M C , Berardi G , Cipriani F , Barkhatov L , Lainas P , Harris S , D'Hondt M , Rotellar F , Dagher I , Aldrighetti L , Troisi R I , Edwin B , Abu Hilal M
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that patient, surgical, tumour and operative variables affect the complexity of laparoscopic liver resections. However, current difficulty scoring systems address only tumour factors. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model for the risk of intraoperative complications during laparoscopic liver resections.

Methods

The prospectively maintained databases of seven European tertiary referral liver centres were compiled. Data from two-thirds of the patients were used for development and one-third for validation of the model. Intraoperative complications were based on a modified Satava classification. Using the methodology of the Framingham Heart Study, developed to identify risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, factors found to predict intraoperative complications independently were assigned points, and grouped into low-, moderate-, high- and extremely high-risk groups based on the likelihood of intraoperative complications.

Results

A total of 2856 patients were included. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, lesion type and size, classification of resection and previous open liver resection were found to be independent predictors of intraoperative complications. Patients with intraoperative complications had a longer duration of hospital stay (5 versus 4 days; P < 0·001), higher complication rates (32·5 versus 15·5 per cent; P < 0·001), and higher 30-day (3·0 versus 0·3 per cent; P < 0·001) and 90-day (3·8 versus 0·8 per cent; P < 0·001) mortality rates than those who did not. The model was able to predict intraoperative complications (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) 0·677, 95 per cent c.i. 0·647 to 0·706) as well as postoperative 90-day mortality (AUC 0·769, 0·681 to 0·858).

Conclusion

This comprehensive scoring system, based on patient, surgical and tumour factors, and developed and validated using a large multicentre European database, helped estimate the risk of intraoperative complications.
Influence of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on the Solubility and Dissolution of Sirolimus in Solvent‐evaporated Solid Dispersions
Authors: Kim Dong Shik , Choi Han‐Gon , Jin Sung Giu
Published: May 2018

The object of this study was to investigate the influence of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on the solubility, dissolution, and crystallinity of poorly water‐soluble sirolimus in solvent‐evaporated solid dispersions. For the selection of suitable carriers, the influence of carriers on the solubility of sirolimus was identified. Among the carriers tested, HPMC and SLS gave most improved drug solubility, resulting in selecting them as a suitable polymer and surfactant, respectively. Numerous solvent‐evaporated solid dispersions were prepared with various ratios of sirolimus, SLS, and HPMC via the spray‐drying system. Then, their aqueous solubility, dissolution, and crystallinity were evaluated. All generated formulations significantly enhanced the solubility and dissolution of drug when compared with the sirolimus powder. As the amount of HPMC and SLS were increased, the solubility and dissolution in solvent‐evaporated solid dispersions were increased. Moreover, all the solid dispersions represented the amorphous form of drug. Among the solid dispersions evaluated, the solid dispersion consisted of sirolimus, HPMC, and SLS at the weight ratio of 1:5:0.1 had most improved aqueous solubility (350.83 ± 11.92 vs. 0.003 ± 0.001 μg/mL) and dissolution (12.58 ± 1.31 vs. 1.13 ± 0.60%, at 240 min) compared with drug powder, respectively. This solvent‐evaporated solid dispersion appeared as the round‐shape and reduced the particle sizes. Thus, HPMC and SLS considerably affected the solubility and dissolution. Furthermore, this novel solvent‐evaporated solid dispersion would be a potential candidate for oral preparation of sirolimus.
They think you earn too much, but they probably don't care
Authors: Blankenship James C.
Published: May 2018

Key Points

A survey of patients and physicians in southern California indicates that patients overestimate Medicare payments to hospitals for elective coronary stenting several‐fold and overestimate Medicare payments to physicians for coronary stenting over 15‐fold. Patients think payments should be less than they erroneously think hospitals and physicians are paid but should be much more than hospitals and physicians are paid.

The authors hypothesize that patients’ view of physician payments may interfere with the physician–patient relationship, but data from other studies of physician–patient relationships suggest other factors are much more important.

The importance of patients’ opinions regarding physician payments for procedures could be further assessed by surveying patients about relationships with physicians before versus after information is given about actual payments.
Delivering value through volume
Authors: Watson Matthew R. , Gray William A.
Published: May 2018

Key Points

Procedural and 30‐day outcomes with MitraClip are associated with center volumes.

FDA approval of MitraClip led to greater volumes and trends toward improved outcomes.

Possible extension of indications for MitraClip may further increase volumes.
Emissivity Comparison between Chars and Demineralized Coal Chars under Oxycombustion Conditions
Authors: Graeser Philipp , Wütscher Annika , Cerciello Francesca , Muhler Martin , Schiemann Martin
Published: May 2018

Char emissivity of burning particles is an important factor for heat transfer calculations in pulverized fuel boilers. As the chemical composition is known to influence the emissivity in general, a coal sample has been prepared by a leaching method to reduce the mineral content. A flat flame burner was used for the combustion of the particles in oxyfuel atmosphere, providing boundary conditions comparable to pulverized coal applications. The burnout‐dependent emissivity of the sample was measured in a defined spectral range and compared with data for an unleached sample of the same coal, indicating that the mineral content has minor effect for the investigated conversion levels, although clear changes in the emissivity show that conversion in general is not negligible.
Application of Model Predictive Control to a Continuous Multiple‐Effect Crystallizer
Authors: Nunis da Silva André Luiz , Seckler Marcelo Martins , Odloak Darci
Published: May 2018

An infinite horizon model predictive controller (IHMPC) with zone control is applied to a continuous five‐effect evaporative sodium chloride crystallizer. Firstly, a phenomenological dynamic model of the process is developed considering mass, energy, and moment balances coupled to crystallization kinetics. The developed model plays the role of the real system in order to study the proposed optimization/control strategy. The proposed approach is compared to a classical proportional integral derivative (PID) control system. The control strategy based on the prediction of the future state of the plant provides a faster response, a better stability to the process, and a reduction in energy consumption.
Electrochemically, Spectrally, and Spatially Resolved Annihilation‐Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of Mixed‐Metal Complexes at Working and Counter Electrodes
Authors: Soulsby Lachlan C. , Hayne David J. , Doeven Egan H. , Chen Lifen , Hogan Conor F. , Kerr Emily , Adcock Jacqui L. , Francis Paul S.
Published: May 2018

Previously dismissed as an unwanted and unpredictable artifact of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) systems, emission at the counter electrode has new importance in the context of the emerging multicolor and potential‐resolved ECL systems in which a much wider range of potentials are applied at the working electrode. Herein, we explore the annihilation ECL from a mixture of two electrochemiluminophores at both the working and counter electrodes of a three‐electrode electrochemical cell. The potentials at the working and counter electrodes were both measured, and the simultaneous spatially resolved ECL was captured with a digital camera. The factors that determine the dominant emitter (and therefore the observed emission color) at the working electrode can be applied to the counter, albeit with a less well‐defined potential range. A variety of color combinations from the luminophores can be elicited at the two electrode surfaces through the selection of applied potentials.
Calibration of interface properties and application to a finite element model for predicting vena cava filter–induced vein wall failure
Authors: Pérez‐Andrés Alejandra , Peña Estefanía
Published: May 2018

We present a computational framework that integrates experimental techniques and finite element modeling to calibrate material fracture parameters of the vena cava and the interaction properties between a retrievable filter (Günther Tulip) and the vena cava wall.

The fitted parameters were then used to analyze the interaction of the inferior vena cava filter with the vena cava during the deployment process. An idealized cava finite element model was then developed including residual stresses and physiological pressure conditions. Filter deployment was simulated, and a comprehensive study of tissue‐filter interaction was performed by cohesive surface modeling. Simulations predict that there are no fracture areas for either model, so we can conclude that there is no penetration of the anchor into the vena cava. This suggests there are other physiological situations, such as the Valsalva maneuver, which could produce this penetration observed on some patients.
Union framing of conflict‐related issues in the entertainment industry
Authors: Fuller Ryan P. , Putnam Linda L.
Published: May 2018

This study examined the conflict framing of union leaders as they reacted to changes in the entertainment industry. The analysis revealed how participants named conflict‐based issues and attributed blame for them, cast them as whole stories, or reframed them. Overall, the leaders of two types of unions differed in their naming and blaming of controversial issues. This study suggested that naming and blaming of conflict‐based issues operated differently for the two types of unions. Leaders who employed naming singled out critical agenda items and often used reframing, while union leaders who depicted issues as whole stories resisted reframing the issues.
Environmentally persistent pathogens present unique challenges for studies of host–pathogen interactions: Reply to Field (2018)
Authors: Davy Christina M. , Donaldson Michael E. , Willis Craig K. R. , Saville Barry J. , McGuire Liam P. , Mayberry Heather , Wilcox Alana , Wibbelt Gudrun , Misra Vikram , Kyle Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

Linked article: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4034
Gene(s) and individual feeding behavior: Exploring eco‐evolutionary dynamics underlying left‐right asymmetry in the scale‐eating cichlid fishPerissodus microlepis
Authors: Raffini Francesca , Fruciano Carmelo , Meyer Axel
Published: May 2018

The scale‐eating cichlid fishPerissodus microlepisis a textbook example of bilateral asymmetry due to its left or right‐bending heads and of negative frequency‐dependent selection, which is proposed to maintain this stable polymorphism. The mechanisms that underlie this asymmetry remain elusive. Several studies had initially postulated a simple genetic basis for this trait, but this explanation has been questioned, particularly by reports observing a unimodal distribution of mouth shapes. We hypothesize that this unimodal distribution might be due to a combination of genetic and phenotypically plastic components. Here, we expanded on previous work by investigating a formerly identified candidateSNPassociated to mouth laterality, documenting inter‐individual variation in feeding preference using stable isotope analyses, and testing their association with mouth asymmetry. Our results suggest that this polymorphism is influenced by both a polygenic basis and inter‐individual non‐genetic variation, possibly due to feeding experience, individual specialization, and intraspecific competition. We introduce a hypothesis potentially explaining the simultaneous maintenance of left, right, asymmetric and symmetric mouth phenotypes due to the interaction between diverse eco‐evolutionary dynamics including niche construction and balancing selection. Future studies will have to further tease apart the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions in an integrated fashion.
Local adaptation through genetic differentiation in highly fragmented Tilia cordata populations
Authors: Lobo Albin , Hansen Ole Kim , Hansen Jon Kehlet , Erichsen Eva Ortvald , Jacobsen Birgitte , Kjær Erik Dahl
Published: May 2018

We assessed the level of geographic differentiation of Tilia cordata in Denmark based on tests of 91 trees selected from 12 isolated populations. We used quantitative analysis of spring phenology and population genetic analysis based on SSR markers to infer the likely historical genetic processes within and among populations. High genetic variation within and among populations was observed in spring phenology, which correlated with spring temperatures at the origin of the tested T. cordata trees. The population genetic analysis revealed significant differentiation among the populations, but with no clear sign of isolation by distance. We infer the findings as indications of ongoing fine scale selection in favor of local growth conditions made possible by limited gene flow among the small and fragmented populations. This hypothesis fits well with reports of limited fruiting in the investigated Danish T. cordata populations, while the species is known for its ability to propagate vegetatively by root suckers. Our results suggest that both divergent selection and genetic drift may have played important roles in forming the genetic patterns of T. cordata at its northern distribution limit. However, we also speculate that epigenetic mechanism arising from the original population environment could have created similar patterns in regulating the spring phenology.
Introduction of mammalian seed predators and the loss of an endemic flightless bird impair seed dispersal of the New Zealand tree Elaeocarpus dentatus
Authors: Carpenter Joanna K. , Kelly Dave , Moltchanova Elena , O'Donnell Colin F. J.
Published: May 2018

Understanding the mutualistic services provided by species is critical when considering both the consequences of their loss or the benefits of their reintroduction. Like many other Pacific islands, New Zealand seed dispersal networks have been changed by both significant losses of large frugivorous birds and the introduction of invasive mammals. These changes are particularly concerning when important dispersers remain unidentified. We tested the impact of frugivore declines and invasive seed predators on seed dispersal for an endemic tree, hinau Elaeocarpus dentatus, by comparing seed dispersal and predation rates on the mainland of New Zealand with offshore sanctuary islands with higher bird and lower mammal numbers. We used cameras and seed traps to measure predation and dispersal from the ground and canopy, respectively. We found that canopy fruit handling rates (an index of dispersal quantity) were poor even on island sanctuaries (only 14% of seeds captured below parent trees on islands had passed through a bird), which suggests that hinau may be adapted for ground‐based dispersal by flightless birds. Ground‐based dispersal of hinau was low on the New Zealand mainland compared to sanctuary islands (4% of seeds dispersed on the mainland vs. 76% dispersed on islands), due to low frugivore numbers. A flightless endemic rail (Gallirallus australis) conducted the majority of ground‐based fruit removal on islands. Despite being threatened, this rail is controversial in restoration projects because of its predatory impacts on native fauna. Our study demonstrates the importance of testing which species perform important mutualistic services, rather than simply relying on logical assumptions.
Revision of a state‐and‐transition model to include descriptions of state functional attributes
Authors: Tipton C. Y. , Ocheltree T. W. , Mueller K. E. , Turk P. , Fernández‐Giménez M. E.
Published: May 2018

Successful conservation of ecosystems and ecosystem services requires understanding the structural–functional relationships underlying resilience to disturbance pressures. State‐and‐transition models (STMs) are box‐and‐arrow diagrams conceptualizing system resilience, but manySTMs lack functional descriptions. For a cattle‐grazed sagebrush steppe ecosystem in northwestern Colorado, we aimed to update an existingSTMby incorporating functional descriptions of the states to inform future hypotheses. In thisSTM, a diverse set of native perennial understory plants define a Diverse state, but long‐term exclusion of disturbances to sagebrush results in a shift to aDepauperatestate with increased bare ground interspaces and sagebrush dominance. We hypothesized that herbaceous species were inferior competitors to sagebrush over the long term for soil nitrogen. To examine evidence for this hypothesis, develop functional descriptions of theDiverseandDepauperatestates, and identify more specific hypotheses for future studies, we measured the following: the mass, C:N, and distribution of the litter layer; nitrogen mineralization rates; nitrate pools; and soil attributes on plots classified asDiverse(n = 5) orDepauperate(n = 5). Plots in theDepauperatestate had ~20% higher soil bulk density, half the clay and soil moisture concentrations, and 30% lower percent soil nitrogen compared toDiversestate plots; litter layer patchiness was nearly three times greater on theDepauperateplots than on theDiverseplots, but there was no significant difference between states in mean litter layer mass or C:N. We detected no significant differences between states in nitrogen mineralization rates or nitrate pools. This may be due to our sampling design, which examined nitrogen transformation at the plot level rather than at microsites within the plots, or it may be that another resource such as soil moisture is more limiting than nitrogen. Differences in soil texture between plots in theDiverseandDepauperatestates may indirectly influence the competitive interactions between sagebrush and native herbaceous understory by controlling available soil resources. These results suggest that the vulnerability of sagebrush steppe ecosystems to state changes may be dependent on soil texture, which is highly variable across this broadly distributed ecosystem. Based on these insights, we present a revisedSTMand propose future work.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Selective Iodoarylation of Pyrazoles via Heterocyclic Aryliodonium Ylides
Authors: Lu Nannan , Huang Liangsen , Xie Lili , Cheng Jiajia
Published: May 2018

A one‐pot transition‐metal‐free selective iodoarylation of pyrazoles with aryliodine diacetates has been developed. The reaction proceeds via the generation of NH‐pyrazole‐iodonium salts in situ, followed by sequential phen/K2CO3‐mediated intermolecular arylation. When the iodonium ylide was directly used as substrate, the difunctionalization products could be prepared in high yield under base‐ and metal‐free conditions. This transformation provides an efficient route to high‐value multisubstituted pyrazole derivatives from simple and readily available substrates.
Evolution of bacteria specialization along an antibiotic dose gradient
Authors: Harmand Noémie , Gallet Romain , Martin Guillaume , Lenormand Thomas
Published: May 2018

Antibiotic and pesticide resistance of pathogens are major and pressing worldwide issues. Resistance evolution is often considered in simplified ecological contexts: treated versus nontreated environments. In contrast, antibiotic usually present important dose gradients: from ecosystems to hospitals to polluted soils, in treated patients across tissues. However, we do not know whether adaptation to low or high doses involves different phenotypic traits, and whether these traits trade-off with each other. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of such fitness trade-offs along a dose gradient by evolving experimentally resistant lines of Escherichia coli at different antibiotic concentrations for ∼400 generations. Our results reveal fast evolution toward specialization following the first mutational step toward resistance, along with pervasive trade-offs among different evolution doses. We found clear and regular fitness patterns of specialization, which converged rapidly from different initial starting points. These findings are consistent with a simple fitness peak shift model as described by the classical evolutionary ecology theory of adaptation across environmental gradients. We also found that the fitness costs of resistance tend to be compensated through time at low doses whereas they increase through time at higher doses. This cost evolution follows a linear trend with the log-dose of antibiotic along the gradient. These results suggest a general explanation for the variability of the fitness costs of resistance and their evolution. Overall, these findings call for more realistic models of resistance management incorporating dose-specialization.
Generalized Hotelling's test for paired compositional data with application to human microbiome studies
Authors: Zhao Ni , Zhan Xiang , Guthrie Katherine A , Mitchell Caroline M , Larson Joseph
Published: May 2018

The human microbiome is a dynamic system that changes due to diseases, medication, change in diet, etc. The paired design is a common approach to evaluate the microbial changes while controlling for the inherent differences between people. For example, microbiome data may be collected from the same individuals before and after a treatment. Two challenges exist in analyzing this type of data. First, microbiome data are compositional such that the reads for all taxa in each sample are constrained to sum to a constant. Second, the number of taxa can be much larger than the sample size. Few statistical methods exist to analyze such data besides methods that test one taxon at a time. In this paper, we propose to first conduct a log‐ratio transformation of the compositions, and then develop a generalized Hotelling's test (GHT) to evaluate whether the average microbiome compositions are equivalent in the paired samples. We replace the sample covariance matrix in standard Hotelling's statistic by a shrinkage‐based covariance, calculated as a weighted average of the sample covariance and a positive definite target matrix. The optimal weighting can be obtained for many commonly used target matrices. We develop a permutation procedure to assess the statistical significance. Extensive simulations show that our proposed method has well‐controlled type I error and better power than a few ad hoc approaches. We apply our method to examine the vaginal microbiome changes in response to treatments for menopausal hot flashes. An R package “ GHT” is freely available athttps://github.com/zhaoni153/GHT.
Water Productivity of Rice Genotypes with Irrigation and Drainage
Authors: López‐López Rutilo , Jiménez‐Chong José Alfredo , Hernández‐Aragón Leonardo , Inzunza Ibarra Marco Antonio
Published: May 2018

The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of thin‐grain rice genotypes with high yield potential under irrigation conditions; (ii) to quantify water productivity (WP) in thin‐grain rice genotypes, based on crop evapotranspiration (ETC) and irrigation and surface drainage control. Eight genotypes were planted: four varieties, two promising lines and hybrid Clearfield XL745 and IRGA. Direct dry seeding was carried out mechanically at a density of 80 kg ha‐1 for the varieties and 32 kg ha‐1 for the hybrid; drainage was performed every 9.3 m inside of the border. The results indicate that there are significant differences (P > 0.05) among genotypes for grain yield and its components, except for lodging. The varieties and promising rice lines evaluated expressed good productive capacity, but they were surpassed by 19% by the average productivity recorded by the variety IRGA and the hybrid Clearfield. The variation in water demand based on ETC is evident in the optimal irrigation depth applications of 264 mm for the hybrid and 318 mm for the intermediate‐cycle genotypes. The border irrigation method with drainage troughs significantly increases water productivity based on the applied irrigation (WPI), averaging 2.0 kg m‐3. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic polymorphisms in the FVII gene is associated with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis: A case‐control study
Authors: Liu Jian‐Wei , Chen Dong‐Qiong
Published: May 2018

This study aims to explore the associations between FVII gene polymorphisms (R353Q, 5′F7, and −402G/A) and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) in a Chinese Han population. LEDVT patients (153) and healthy people (174) were, respectively, as case and control groups and evaluated related biochemical indicators. Gene polymorphisms of R353Q, 5′F7, and −402G/A of FVII, serum FVII level, antithrombin activity, plasma fibrinogen content, and plasma D‐dimer (D‐D) level were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), ELISA, chromogenic substrate assay, coagulating assay, and Immunoturbidimetry assay, respectively. Compared with the control group, the case group had a higher level of body mass index (BMI), glucose, and fibrinogen, and lower level of total cholesterol (TC). Notable differences were found in GG genotype, G and A alleles, as well as distribution of recessive model of −402G/A. The serum FVII level of GG genotype was higher than that of GA and AA genotypes. FIB and D‐D had a higher level had a lower level in GG genotype when compared with GA and AA genotypes. Smoking, drinking, serum FVII level, and −402G/A‐GG were the independent risk factors for LEDVT. This study demonstrates that −402G/A of FVII may be a risk factor for LEDVT patients in a Chinese Han population.
RETRACTED: Long non‐coding RNA LOC554202 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression through regulating miR‐31
Authors: Yang Shujuan , Wang Jing , Ge Wensheng , Jiang Yanfang
Published: May 2018

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one aggressive malignancy and accounts for 20% of all head and neck cancer. However, the role of LOC554202 in human LSCC remains unknown. The expression level of LOC554202 and miR‐31 was detected in the LSCC tiussues by using qRT‐PCR. Cell growth was measured by CCK‐8 assay. Flow cytometry and matrigel‐coated membrane was used to detect for cell cycle and invasion respectively. We indicated that lncRNA LOC554202 expression was overexpressed in LSCC tissues compared with the paired adjacent samples and higher LOC554202 expression was associated with the advanced stage. In addition, we demonstrated that the expression level of miR‐31 was downregulated in LSCC tissues compared to the paired adjacent samples and lower miR‐31 expression was correlated with the advanced stage. Moreover, the expression of miR‐31 was negatively correlated with the expression of LOC554202 in LSCC tissues. Ectopic expression of LOC554202 promoted LSCC cell growth, cell cyle and cell invasion and overexpression of miR‐31 inhibited LSCC cell growth, cell cyle and cell invasion. Elevated expression of LOC554202 suppressed miR‐31 expression and promoted RhoA expression in LSCC cell, which was a direct target gene of miR‐31. Furthermore, LOC554202 increased LSCC cell growth, cell cyle and cell invasion through suppressing miR‐31 expression. These results suggested that LOC554202 acted as an oncogene in the development of LSCC.
Notch signaling promotes angiogenesis and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhou Xue‐liang , Zhu Rong‐rong , Liu Sheng , Xu Hua , Xu Xinping , Wu Qi‐cai , Liu Ji‐chun
Published: May 2018

Currently, the role of Notch signaling during myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversy. In this study we used in vitro and in vivo approaches to investigate the role of Notch signaling in MI. Using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), we demonstrated that H/R inhibited the proliferation, VEGF secretion, and tube formation of HUVECs, and these effects were correlated with the inhibition of Notch signaling. Furthermore, these effects were antagonized by overexpression of NICD but aggravated by knockdown of NICD. In addition, in MI model rats we found that heart dysfunction and angiogenesis in model rats was partly improved by NICD overexpression but was aggravated by knockdown of NICD. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that Notch signaling is downregulated in H/R injury in the hearts. Artificial activation of Notch signaling could promote myocardial survival and angiogenesis and improve cardiac function following H/R injury.
Size‐guided multi‐seed heuristic method for geometry optimization of clusters: Application to benzene clusters
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Since searching for the global minimum on the potential energy surface of a cluster is very difficult, many geometry optimization methods have been proposed, in which initial geometries are randomly generated and subsequently improved with different algorithms. In this study, a size‐guided multi‐seed heuristic method is developed and applied to benzene clusters. It produces initial configurations of the cluster with n molecules from the lowest‐energy configurations of the cluster with n − 1 molecules (seeds). The initial geometries are further optimized with the geometrical perturbations previously used for molecular clusters. These steps are repeated until the size n satisfies a predefined one. The method locates putative global minima of benzene clusters with up to 65 molecules. The performance of the method is discussed using the computational cost, rates to locate the global minima, and energies of initial geometries. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phytosomal curcumin inhibits tumor growth in colitis‐associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Marjaneh Reyhaneh Moradi , Rahmani Farzad , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Rezaei Nastaran , Hashemzehi Milad , Bahrami Afsane , Ariakia Fatemeh , Fiuji Hamid , Sahebkar Amirhosein , Avan Amir , Khazaei Majid
Published: May 2018

Colorectal‐cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of death due to cancer, supporting the need for identification of novel anticancer drug to improve the efficacy of current‐therapy. There is growing bodies of data showing the antitumor‐activity of curcumin, although it is associated with low absorption. The aim of current study was explored the therapeutic‐potential of novel phytosomal curcumin as well as its application in combination with 5‐Flurouracil (5‐FU) in a mouse‐model of colitis‐associated colon‐cancer. The anti‐proliferative‐activity of phytosomal curcumin was assessed in 2‐ and 3‐dimensional cell‐culture‐models as well as in a mouse‐model of colitis‐associated colon‐cancer. The expression‐levels of CyclinD1, beclin, E‐cadherin, and p‐GSK3a/b were investigated by qRT‐PCR and/or Western‐blotting. We evaluated the anti‐inflammatory of this agent by pathological‐evaluation and disease‐activity‐index (DAI). Moreover, oxidant/antioxidant activity was examined by malondialdehyde (MDA), total‐thiols (T‐SH), superoxide‐dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity parameters. Our data showed that phytosomal curcumin and its combination with 5‐FU inhibited cell growth and invasive behavior of CRC cells through modulation of Wnt‐pathway and E‐cadherin. Combination of curcumin with 5‐FU dramatically reduced the tumor‐number and tumor‐size in both distal and middle parts of colon in colitis‐associated colon cancer followed by reduction in DAI. Also, curcumin suppressed the colonic inflammation and notably recovered the increased levels of MDA, decreased thiol level and reduced activity of CAT. We demonstrated the antitumor‐activity of novel form of curcumin in CRC, supporting further investigations on the therapeutic‐potential of this approach in colorectal‐cancer.
MiR‐181a inhibits vascular inflammation induced by ox‐LDL via targeting TLR4 in human macrophages
Authors: Du Xian‐Jin , Lu Jing‐Min , Sha Yin
Published: May 2018

Atherosclerosis is a kind of chronic inflammation disease with lipid accumulation in in blood vessel linings. Increasing evidence has reported that microRNAs can exert crucial roles in atherosclerosis. In previous study, miR‐181a has been implicated to be abnormally expressed in atherosclerosis mice, however its detailed function in atherosclerosis remains uninvestigated. Hence, in our current study, we focused on the biological role of miR‐181a in atherosclerosis progression. Ox‐LDL has been commonly identified as an important atherosclerosis regulator. We observed that ox‐LDL induced THP‐1 cell apoptosis dose‐dependently and time‐ dependently. Meanwhile, 25 µg/ml ox‐LDL can promote foam cell formation and increased miR‐181a expression significantly. CD36 has been involved in atherosclerosis progression and it was found that overexpression of miR‐181a inhibited its protein levels. Moreover, miR‐181a mimics repressed foam cell formation, TC and TG levels induced by ox‐LDL dramatically. In addition, miR‐181a mimics were able to reverse THP‐1 cell apoptosis, increased IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α protein expression triggered by 25 µg/ml ox‐LDL. TLR4 has been linked to various inflammation‐associated diseases. In our present study, TLR4 was indicated as miR‐181a target and the binding correlation between them was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. In conclusion, these results improves the understanding of atherosclerosis modulated by miR‐181a/TLR4 and can contribute to development of new approaches for atherosclerosis.
Neural differentiation of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by glial cell conditioned media
Authors: Lo Furno Debora , Mannino Giuliana , Giuffrida Rosario , Gili Elisa , Vancheri Carlo , Tarico Maria S. , Perrotta Rosario E. , Pellitteri Rosalia
Published: May 2018

Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) may transdifferentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal lineages. The aim of this study was to verify whether a neural differentiation of ASCs could be induced by a conditioned medium (CM) obtained from cultures of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or Schwann cells (SCs). ASCs were isolated from the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue and expanded for 2–3 passages. They were then cultured in OEC‐CM or SC‐CM for 24 hr or 7 days. At each stage, the cells were tested by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometer analysis to evaluate the expression of typical neural markers such as Nestin, PGP 9.5, MAP2, Synapsin I, and GFAP. Results show that both conditioned media induced similar positive effects, as all tested markers were overexpressed, especially at day 7. Overall, an evident trend toward neuronal or glial differentiation was not clearly detectable in many cases. Nevertheless, a higher tendency toward a neuronal phenotype was recognized for OEC‐CM (considering MAP2 increases). On the other hand, SC‐CM would be responsible for a more marked glial induction (considering GFAP increases). These findings confirm that environmental features can induce ASCs toward a neural differentiation, either as neuronal or glial elements. Rather than supplementing the culture medium by adding chemical agents, a “more physiological” condition was obtained here by means of soluble factors (cytokines/growth factors) likely released by glial cells. This culture strategy may provide valuable information in the development of cell‐based therapeutic approaches for pathologies affecting the central/peripheral nervous system.
Genotype I hepatitis A virus introduction in Italy: Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to date different epidemics
Authors: Cella Eleonora , Riva Elisabetta , Angeletti Silvia , Fogolari Marta , Blasi Aletheia , Scolamacchia Vittoria , Spoto Silvia , Bazzardi Riccardo , Lai Alessia , Sagnelli Caterina , Sagnelli Evangelista , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: May 2018

Despite a significant decrease in acute hepatitis A in the last 2 decades in Italy, outbreaks were observed occurring mostly in southern Italy. In this study, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was used to analyze the origin of these epidemics. With this aim, 5 different data sets of hepatitis A virus sequences were built to perform genotyping by the neighbor‐joining method to estimate the evolutionary rates by using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach and to investigate the demographic history by independent Markov chain Monte Carlo runs enforcing both a strict and relaxed clock. The estimated mean value of the evolutionary rate, representing Ia and Ib strains, was 1.21 × 10−3 and 2.0 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year, respectively. The Bayesian maximum clade credibility tree of hepatitis A virus (HAV) Ia and Ib strains showed that Italian sequences mostly formed separate clusters. The root of the time for the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for HAV Ia and Ib strains dated back to 1981 and to 1988, respectively, showing in both cases different epidemic entrances. Phylodynamic analysis showed that genotype Ia increased in 1997, when the Apulia epidemic started, then suffered a bottleneck, probably consequent to vaccination and to the herd immunity, followed by a new increase in virus population in the years 2013‐2014 consequent to the epidemic caused by the ingestion of mixed frozen berries. A similar trend without an evident bottleneck was observed also in the case of genotype Ib. In conclusion, the Bayesian phylogenetic analysis represents a good tool to measure the effectiveness of the public health plans used for HAV control.
Development of a peptide substrate for detection of sunn pest damage in wheat flour
Authors: Hançerlioğulları Begüm Zeynep , Köksel Hamit , Dudak Fahriye Ceyda
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Since the common protease substrates did not give satisfactory results for the determination of Sunn pest protease activity in damaged wheat, different peptide substrates derived from the repeated sequences of high molecular weight glutenin subunits were synthesized.

RESULTS

Hydrolysis of peptides by pest protease was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Among three peptides having the same consensus motifs, peptide1 (PGQGQQGYYPTSPQQ) showed the best catalytic efficiency. A novel assay was described for monitoring the enzymatic activity of protease extracted from damaged wheat flour. The selected peptide was labeled with a fluorophore (EDANS) and quencher (Dabcyl) to display fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The proteolytic activity was measured by the change in fluorescence intensity that occurred when the protease cleaved the peptide substrate. Furthermore, the assay developed was modified for rapid and easy detection of bug damage in flour. Flour samples were suspended in water and mixed with fluorescence peptide substrate. After centrifugation, the fluorescence intensities of the supernatants, which are proportional to the protease content of the flour, were determined.

CONCLUSION

The total analysis time for the assay developed is estimated as 15 min. The assay developed permits a significant decrease in time and labor, offering sensitive detection of Sunn pest damage in wheat flour. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of electronic displays using CMOS single‐photon avalanche diode image sensors
Authors: Mai Hanning , Gyongy Istvan , Dutton Neale A.W. , Henderson Robert K. , Underwood Ian
Published: May 2018

Advanced complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor‐compatible single‐photon avalanche diode array technology is progressing rapidly and is being deployed in a wide range of applications. We report for the first time the use of a complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor‐compatible single‐photon avalanche diode array to perform detailed optical measurements on pixels of an organic light‐emitting diode microdisplay at very high sampling rate, very low light level, and over a very wide dynamic range of luminance. This offers a clear demonstration of the huge potential of this single‐photon avalanche diode technology to reveal hitherto obscure details of the optical characteristics of individual and groups of organic light‐emitting diode pixels.
The role of industry influence in sinus balloon dilation: Trends over time
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Rathi Vinay K. , Gottschalk Esther , Feng Allen L. , Phillips Katie M. , Scangas George A. , Metson Ralph
Published: May 2018

Objective

Balloon dilation (BD) is a controversial alternative to conventional sinus surgery. The role of industry on practice patterns remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether industry payments from BD manufacturers influence practice patterns for otolaryngologists and evaluate how these payments change over time.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment (PUP) Data and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments (OP) general payment datasets. A total of 294 otolaryngologists identified in the PUP dataset who performed BD procedures from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, were cross‐referenced in the OP dataset from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, for BD manufacturer payments. Payments to surgeons performing BD stratified by amount, type, and number of procedures performed were primary outcome measures.

Results

Of the 294 otolaryngologists reporting BD procedures, 223 (76%) received payments from a company that manufactures BD devices. Receipt of $2,500 in BD payments was associated with performance of one additional BD procedure, and consulting fees were most positively associated with performing additional BD procedures (P = 0.006). The providers receiving the most in BD payments were more likely to continue to receive the most in payments, regardless of number of BD procedures performed. Performing more BD procedures did not correlate with decrease in other sinus procedures.

Conclusion

Payments to otolaryngologists from manufacturers of sinus BD devices are associated with the performance of an increased number of such procedures. Surgeons should consider the impact of interactions with industry when evaluating patients for BD procedures.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1540–1545, 2018
Effects of seasonal variability of climatic factors on vegetation coverage across drylands in northern China
Authors: Zhang Jutao , Zhang Yuqing , Qin Shugao , Wu Bin , Wu Xiuqin , Zhu Yakun , Shao Yanying , Gao Yan , Jin Qiutong , Lai Zongrui
Published: May 2018

The relationships between vegetation and climatic factors are extremely complex and nonlinear. To identifying these relationships across the drylands in northern China, we analysed the driving effects of air temperature, precipitation, actual evapotranspiration, and reference crop evapotranspiration (i.e., potential evapotranspiration) on the seasonal variability of the leaf area index (LAI) in various locations including Horqin, Hulun Buir, Otindag, Mu Us, Tengger, and Junggar by using convergent cross mapping and multivariate empirical dynamic modelling based on meteorological datasets of 421 stations and remote sensing datasets at 8‐day intervals during 2000 to 2014. Over the study period, the strengths of the driving effects of the climatic factors on LAI were related to their own seasonality. Except in Junggar, the sensitivity of LAI to the climatic factors weakened with decreases in the aridity index, and these relationships changed over different seasons, but LAI was most vulnerable to the effects of climatic factors in the early growing season. Our results show that vegetation in the eastern drylands (e.g., Horqin, Hulun Buir, and Otindag) of northern China is more sensitive to seasonal climatic variations than that in the western drylands (e.g., Mu Us and Tengger), which suggests that vegetation in the eastern drylands may face greater risks of degradation under climate change. On the basis of our results, we recommend the application of differential management strategies for the drylands in northern China to prevent ongoing desertification and to achieve the target of land degradation neutrality by 2030.
Balancing organic carbon supply and consumption in the ocean's interior: Evidence from repeated biogeochemical observations conducted in the subarctic and subtropical western North Pacific
Authors: Uchimiya Mario , Fukuda Hideki , Wakita Masahide , Kitamura Minoru , Kawakami Hajime , Honda Makio C. , Ogawa Hiroshi , Nagata Toshi
Published: May 2018

The heterotrophic prokaryotic carbon demand (PCD) in the ocean's interior often substantially exceeds (by up to two orders of magnitude) the amount of organic carbon supplied by sinking particulate organic carbon (POC). A hypothesis to explain this carbon imbalance proposes that some non‐steady‐state processes have not been considered in previous studies based on snapshot data. To test this hypothesis, we collected time‐series (2.5 yr) data on sinking POC fluxes using moored sediment traps (trap deployment depths: 200 m, 500 m, and 4810 m) and compared them with the PCD data collected seasonally at two stations in the subarctic and subtropical western North Pacific. The POC supplies (ΔPOC) in the 200–500 m and 500–4810 m layers were estimated with a correction, when appropriate, for the non‐steady‐state effect arising from the change in the POC flux during the transit of POC between the upper and deeper traps. In the 200–500 m layer, ΔPOC generally exceeded or equaled PCD. In contrast, in the 500–4810 m layer, PCD generally exceeded ΔPOC by up to sevenfold. However, on a yearly basis, this carbon imbalance in the deeper layer decreased, with PCD balancing ΔPOC within a factor of 2. Therefore, the enigma of the high PCD relative to the POC flux in deep water is partially resolved by assuming a temporal uncoupling between supply and consumption, which partly equilibrates the carbon budget over a longer (yearly) time scale.
Poly(2‐oxazoline) Hydrogels: State‐of‐the‐Art and Emerging Applications
Authors: Dargaville Tim R. , Park Jong‐Ryul , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: May 2018

The synthesis of poly(2‐oxazoline)s has been known since the 1960s. In the last two decades, they have risen in popularity thanks to improvements in their synthesis and the realization of their potential in the biomedical field due to their “stealth” properties, stimuli responsiveness, and tailorable properties. Even though the bulk of the research to date has been on linear forms of the polymer, they are also of interest for creating network structures due to the relatively easy introduction of reactive functional groups during synthesis that can be cross‐linked under a variety of conditions. This opinion article briefly reviews the history of poly(2‐oxazoline)s and examines the in vivo data on soluble poly(2‐oxazoline)s to date in an effort to predict how hydrogels may perform as implantable materials. This is followed by an overview of the most recent hydrogel synthesis methods and emerging applications, and is concluded with a section on the future directions predicted for these fascinating yet underutilized polymers.