bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between the BMI‐adjusted weight loss grading system and quality of life in patients with incurable cancer
Authors: Daly Louise , Dolan Ross , Power Derek , Ní Bhuachalla Éadaoin , Sim Wei , Fallon Marie , Cushen Samantha , Simmons Claribel , McMillan Donald C. , Laird Barry J. , Ryan Aoife 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundWeight loss (WL) has long been recognized as an important factor associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and reduced survival in patients with cancer. The body mass index (BMI)‐adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS) has been shown to be associated with reduced survival. However, its impact on QoL has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between this WLGS and QoL in patients with advanced cancer.MethodsA biobank analysis was undertaken of adult patients with advanced cancer. Data collected included patient demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and anthropometric parameters (BMI and %WL). Patients were categorized according to the BMI‐adjusted WLGS into one of five distinct WL grades (grades 0–4). QoL was collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐C30. The Kruskal–Wallis test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the WLGS and QoL scores. Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsA total of 1027 patients were assessed (51% male, median age: 66 years). Gastrointestinal cancer was most prevalent (40%), and 87% of patients had metastatic disease. Half (58%) of patients had a WL grade of 0–1, while 12%, 20%, and 10% had WL grades of 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Increasing WL grades were significantly associated with poorer QoL functioning and symptoms scales (all P < 0.05). Physical, role, and emotional functioning decreased by a median of >20 points between WL grade 0 and WL grade 4, while appetite loss, pain, dyspnoea, and fatigue increased by a median score >20 points, indicative of a large clinical significant difference. Increasing WL grades were associated with deteriorating QoL summary score. WL grades 2, 3, and 4 were independently associated with a QoL summary score below the median (<77.7) [odds ratio (OR) 1.69, P = 0.034; OR 2.06, P = 0.001; OR 4.29, P < 0.001, respectively]. WL grades 3 and 4 were independently associated with reduced overall survival [hazard ratio 1.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.22–1.93), P < 0.001 and hazard ratio 1.87 (95% confidence interval: 1.42–2.45), P < 0.001, respectively].ConclusionsOur findings support that the WLGS is useful in identifying patients at risk of poor QoL that deteriorates with increasing WL grades. WL grade 4 is independently associated with a particularly worse prognosis and increased symptom burden. Identification and early referral to palliative care services may benefit these patients.
Reactive oxygen species‐induced heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant Rhodamine B by copper and zinc aluminate spinels
Authors: Vieira Yasmin , Leichtweis Jandira , Foletto Edson Luiz , Silvestri Siara 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe importance of potable water is immeasurable and its contamination by pollutants is a serious environmental problem. Rhodamine B (RhB), one such pollutant, is highly toxic to various organisms and may cause long‐term undesirable effects when improperly disposed of. Thus, development of an efficient treatment technique is necessary. Among the new oxidation methods, heterogeneous photocatalysis is an emerging pollutant destructive technology.RESULTSThe photocatalytic activities of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) aluminate spinels (CuAl2O4 and ZnAl2O4) was evaluated. Chemical and physical properties were considered, and ZnAl2O4 showed higher RhB degradation efficiency (73.90% in only 10 min) than CuAl2O4 (51.95% in 10 min), reaching up to 100% in 30 min. According to results, a further RhB catalytic degradation pathway by ZnAl2O4 was monitored by UV‐visible spectrometry and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (UHPLC‐DAD) analysis. When applied to wastewater from gemstone beneficiation, containing elevated RhB concentration, the ZnAl2O4 caused 88% color removal in 120 min and its pollutant removal rate was 18 times greater than the commonly used ZnO.CONCLUSIONThe superior performance of ZnAl2O4 can be attributed to better pore properties, responsible for providing more active sites. These identified reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced interactions and the species demonstrated that degradation occurs due to generation of O2•‐ and h+. Thus, ZnAl2O4 proved to be an efficient photocatalyst for quick RhB pollutant degradation with promising potential for real wastewater treatment applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Methyl lactate production from levoglucosan by using Sn‐Beta and H‐Beta catalysts
Authors: Luo Dan , Liu Shengnan , Yin Wang , Xia Shuqian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDFast pyrolysis of lignocellulosics has provided an abundant sugar source for production of value‐added chemicals, and levoglucosan is the most representative sugar in pyrolysis liquid (bio oil). This paper explored the potential for producing methyl lactate from levoglucosan by employing the mixed catalysts of zeolite tin beta (Sn‐Beta) and zeolite hydrogen beta (H‐Beta).RESULTSUnder the optimal conditions (at 200 °C and mixed catalysts with H‐Beta:Sn‐Beta ratio of 1:5), the yield of methyl lactate obtained from levoglucosan conversion was as high as 35%. And the yield was comparable to that of methyl lactate obtained from glucose conversion under the similar conditions (at 200 °C and pure Sn‐Beta). In order to investigate the reason, a contrasting experiment with glucose as substrate also was carried out with the mixed catalysts. The results indicated that during the levoglucosan conversion process, ‘the methanolysis of levoglucosan’ was likely to compete with ‘the dehydration of glucose’ for the Brønsted acid sites of H‐Beta. In addition, the catalytic functions of H‐Beta and Sn‐Beta, and the reaction pathway were deeply investigated through tracking and comparing the conversion of levoglucosan over mixed H‐Beta/Sn‐Beta and over pure Sn‐Beta catalysts, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe appropriately lower ratio of H‐Beta:Sn‐Beta and relatively higher temperature were favorable for the reaction. H‐Beta containing Brønsted acid could remarkably accelerate the conversion of levoglucosan and methyl‐glucosides to glucose. Sn‐Beta containing Lewis acid mainly promoted the retro‐aldol condensation of glucose and formation of methyl lactate. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Transgender women on oral HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis have significantly lower tenofovir and emtricitabine concentrations when also taking oestrogen when compared to cisgender men
Authors: Shieh Eugenie , Marzinke Mark A , Fuchs Edward J , Hamlin Allyson , Bakshi Rahul , Aung Wutyi , Breakey Jennifer , Poteat Tonia , Brown Todd , Bumpus Namandjé N , Hendrix Craig W 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionOral HIV Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) is highly effective. Transgender women (TGW) have increased HIV risk, but have been underrepresented in trials. For TGW on oestrogens for gender‐affirming hormone treatment (GAHT), TDF/FTC‐oestrogen interactions may negatively affect HIV prevention or gender‐affirming goals. Our aim was to evaluate any pharmacokinetic drug‐drug interaction between GAHT and TDF/FTC.MethodsWe performed a pharmacokinetic study, in an urban outpatient setting in 2016 to 2018, of the effects of GAHT on TFV, FTC and the active forms TFV diphosphate (TFV‐DP) and FTC triphosphate (FTC‐TP) in eight TGW and eight cisgender men (CGM). At screening, participants were HIV negative. TGW were to maintain their GAHT regimens and have plasma oestradiol concentrations >100 pg/mL. Under direct observation, participants took oral TDF/FTC daily for seven days. At the last dose, blood was collected pre‐dose, one, two, four, six, eight and twenty‐four hours, and colon biopsies were collected at 24 hours to measure drug concentration. TGW versus CGM concentration comparisons used non‐parametric tests. Blood and colon tissue were also obtained to assess kinase expression.ResultsPlasma TFV and FTC C24 (trough) concentrations in TGW were lower by 32% (p = 0.010) and 32% (p = 0.038) respectively, when compared to CGM. Plasma TFV and FTC 24‐hr area under the concentration‐time curve in TGW trended toward and was significantly lower by 27% (p = 0.065) and 24% (p = 0.028) respectively. Peak plasma TFV and FTC concentrations, as well as all other pharmacokinetic measures, were not statistically significant when comparing TGW to CGM. Oestradiol concentrations were not different comparing before and after TDF/FTC dosing. Plasma oestrogen concentration, renal function (estimated creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate), and TFV and FTC plasma concentrations (trough and area under the concentration‐time curve) were all correlated.ConclusionsGAHT modestly reduces both TFV and FTC plasma concentrations. In TGW taking GAHT, it is unknown if this reduction will impact the HIV protective efficacy of a daily PrEP regimen. However, the combination of an on demand (2 + 1 + 1) PrEP regimen and GAHT may result in concentrations too low for reliable prevention of HIV infection.
Differentiated HIV care in South Africa: the effect of fast‐track treatment initiation counselling on ART initiation and viral suppression as partial results of an impact evaluation on the impact of a package of services to improve HIV treatment adherence
Authors: Pascoe Sophie JS , Fox Matthew P , Huber Amy N , Murphy Joshua , Phokojoe Mokgadi , Gorgens Marelize , Rosen Sydney , Wilson David , Pillay Yogan , Fraser‐Hurt Nicole 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionIn response to suboptimal adherence and retention, South Africa’s National Department of Health developed and implemented National Adherence Guidelines for Chronic Diseases. We evaluated the effect of a package of adherence interventions beginning in January 2016 and report on the impact of Fast‐Track Treatment Initiation Counselling (FTIC) on ART initiation, adherence and retention.MethodsWe conducted a cluster‐randomized mixed‐methods evaluation in 4 provinces at 12 intervention sites which implemented FTIC and 12 control facilities providing standard of care. Follow‐up was by passive surveillance using clinical records. We included data on subjects eligible for FTIC between 08 Jan 2016 and 07 December 2016. We adjusted for pre‐intervention differences using difference‐in‐differences (DiD) analyses controlling for site‐level clustering.ResultsWe enrolled 362 intervention and 368 control arm patients. Thirty‐day ART initiation was 83% in the intervention and 82% in the control arm (RD 0.5%; 95% CI: −5.0% to 6.0%). After adjusting for baseline ART initiation differences and covariates using DiD we found a 6% increase in ART initiation associated with FTIC (RD 6.3%; 95% CI: −0.6% to 13.3%). We found a small decrease in viral suppression within 18 months (RD −2.8%; 95% CI: −9.8% to 4.2%) with no difference after adjustment (RD: −1.9%; 95% CI: −9.1% to 5.4%) or when considering only those with a viral load recorded (84% intervention vs. 86% control). We found reduced crude 6‐month retention in intervention sites (RD −7.2%; 95% CI: −14.0% to −0.4%). However, differences attenuated by 12 months (RD: −3.6%; 95% CI: −11.1% to 3.9%). Qualitative data showed FTIC counselling was perceived as beneficial by patients and providers.ConclusionsWe saw a short‐term ART‐initiation benefit to FTIC (particularly in districts where initiation prior to intervention was lower), with no reductions but also no improvement in longer‐term retention and viral suppression. This may be due to lack of fidelity to implementation and delivery of those components that support retention and adherence. FTIC must continue to be implemented alongside other interventions to achieve the 90‐90‐90 cascade and fidelity to post‐initiation counselling sessions must be monitored to determine impact on longer‐term outcomes. Understanding the cost‐benefit and role of FTIC may then be warranted.
The ontogeny of the lateral line system in Telmatobius atacamensis (Anura, Telmatobiidae)
Authors: Quinzio Silvia I. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe lateral line system in anurans is functional during aquatic stages and therefore could provide characters related to larval morphological variation. However, few studies have addressed its components in an integrated overview, and little is known about its ontogenetic variation. This study describes the postembryonic trajectory of the lateral system in Telmatobius atacamensis up to its metamorphic regression. This includes structure, number, topography, and innervation of neuromasts, to contribute new and complete information about its larval organization and its temporal sequence of regression. The arrangement and innervation of lateral lines in T. atacamensis resembles those described for other Type IV tadpoles. Its distinctive features are the orientation of the neuromast stitches in the lateral lines, the presence of supraotic neuromasts, and the first‐described case of asymmetry of the ventral trunk line. The temporal sequence of regression during metamorphosis differs between the lateral lines and the lateral line nerves, which remain myelinated into postmetamorphic stages. This asynchronous pattern between different components of the system has also been described for Pseudis paradoxa, which shares with T. atacamensis a remarkably long larval period. This long larval period and gradual metamorphosis could also be related to the constitutive metamorphic regression of the system, in spite of the aquatic lifestyle of these frogs.
Application of proteometric approach for identification of functional mutant sites to improve the binding affinity of anticancer biologic trastuzumab with its antigen human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
Authors: Balakrishnan Nataraj , Gurunathan Baskar , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to develop a linear regression model aiding to a quick scan of the most important sites for mutation of an anticancer biologic trastuzumab. The important sites identified on trastuzumab can be used to carry out site‐directed mutagenesis to improve the binding affinity of the drug towards its antigen, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This will lead to low dosage requirement of the drug for treating cancer patients, which in turn help to cut the cost and combat development of resistance. A quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model was built by multiple linear regressions using genetic algorithm‐based feature selection (GA‐MLR) method using 48 dependent variables (dissociation constant Kd) and 226 independent variables (theoretical descriptors generated using a proteometrics approach). The final QSAR model selected in the study was more on the basis of ability to predict accurately independent test data and generalization ability of the model rather than mere statistical significance of the model. With combined analysis of descriptors presented in final QSAR model and most frequent descriptors pooled from all solution models, it was demonstrated that the modeling procedure was able to bring on the factors important for antigen‐antibody interactions with an example of HER2‐trastuzumab interaction reported in previous experimental studies. This paper will allow the prediction of the most preferable site to mutate for improving the binding affinity of trastuzumab with HER2 and also will be helpful in selecting most preferable amino acids to substitute in the selected site for mutations. This is the novel report on proteometrics approach with autocorrelation formalism for antibody engineering, which can be extended to other antibody‐antigen pairs.
Coronary CT radiation dose reduction strategies at an Australian Tertiary Care Center – improvements in radiation exposure through an evidence‐based approach
Authors: Hamilton‐Craig Christian R. , Tandon Karman , Kwan Bianca , DeBoni Karen , Burley Chris , Wesley Allan J. , O’Rourke Rachael , Neill Johanne , Branch Kelley R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionCoronary CT Angiography (CCTA) is a rapidly increasing technique for coronary imaging; however, it exposes patients to ionising radiation. We examined the impact of dose reduction techniques using ECG‐triggering, kVp/mAs reduction and high‐pitch modes on radiation exposure in a large Australian tertiary CCTA service.MethodsData on acquisition modes and dose exposure were prospectively collected on all CCTA scans from November 2009 to March 2014 at an Australian tertiary care centre. A dose reduction algorithm was developed using published techniques and implemented with education of medical staff, radiographers and referrers. Associations of CCTA acquisition to radiation over time were analysed with multivariate regression. Specificity in positive CCTA was assessed by correlation with invasive coronary angiography.Results3333 CCTAs were analysed. Mean radiation dose decreased from 8.4 mSv to 5.3, 4.4, 3.7, 2.9 and 2.8 mSv (P < 0.001) per year. Patient characteristics were unchanged. Dose reduction strategies using ECG‐triggering, kVp/mAs reduction accounted for 91% of the decrease. High‐pitch scanning reduced dose by an additional 9%. Lower dose was independently related to lower kVp, heart rate, tube current modulation, BMI, prospective triggering and high‐pitch mode (P < 0.01). CCTA specificity remained unchanged despite dose reduction.ConclusionImplementation of evidence‐based CCTA dose reduction algorithm and staff education programme resulted in a 67% reduction in radiation exposure, while maintaining diagnostic specificity. This approach is widely applicable to clinical practice for the performance of CCTA.
Modeling the impact of fundamental and quantum resistance on the performance of SWCNT‐based RLC interconnects
Authors: Jadav Sunil , Chandel Rajeevan , Vashishath Munish 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn analytical interconnect model for single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interconnects is proposed using Fourier method. Nonapproximated transfer function of the RLC SWCNT interconnect is modeled. The effect of fundamental and quantum resistance of SWCNT is incorporated in the transfer function. The propagation delay and overshoot/undershoot voltages are computed using Fourier series technique for SWCNT interconnects. Further, the effect of inductance that is prominent in CNTs is shown in terms of increased number of harmonics. Comparative analysis is carried out for SWCNT and Cu interconnects using MATLAB and SPICE at 65‐nm technology node for various performance parameters. Good accuracy is observed between the analytical and simulated results.
czcD gene from Bacillus megaterium and Microbacterium liquefaciens as a potential nickel–vanadium soil pollution biomarker
Authors: Fierros‐Romero Grisel , Gómez‐Ramírez Marlenne , Sharma Ashutosh , Pless Reynaldo C. , Rojas‐Avelizapa Norma G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMetals are among the most prevalent pollutants released into the environment. For these reasons, the use of biomarkers for environmental monitoring of individuals and populations exposed to metal pollution has gained considerable attention, offering fast and sensitive detection of chemical stress in organisms. There are different metal resistance genes in bacteria that can be used as biomarkers, including cation diffusion facilitators carrying metal ions; the prototype is the cobalt–zinc–cadmium transporter (czcD). The present study reports the expression changes in the czcD gene in Bacillus megaterium and Microbacterium liquefaciens under nickel and vanadium exposure by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The nickel–vanadium‐resistant strains of B. megaterium and M. liquefaciens used in this study were isolated from mine tailings in Guanajuato, Mexico. The czcD gene showed high expression under exposure to 200 ppm of Ni and 200 ppm of V during the logarithmic growth phase of M. liquefaciens in PHGII liquid media. In contrast, no changes were observed in B. megaterium during logarithmic and stationary growth, perhaps due to the gene having differential expression during the growth phases. The expression profiles obtained for czcD show the possibility of using this gene from M. liquefaciens as a biomarker of nickel and vanadium pollution in microorganisms.
Relationship Between Insertion Torque and Compression Strength in the Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Baseplate
Authors: Diaz Miguel A. , Garrigues Grant E. , Ricchetti Eric T. , Gutierrez Sergio , Frankle Mark A. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTReverse shoulder arthroplasty is a well‐established procedure, however, there is limited data in the literature regarding adequate insertion torque and the resulting compression for glenoid baseplate fixation. In this biomechanical study, we evaluated the relationship between insertion torque and baseplate compression by simultaneously measuring the insertion torque and axial compressive forces generated by two reverse shoulder arthroplasty baseplates with central screw design. Three different bone surrogates were chosen to mimic clinical scenarios where differences in compression achieved during baseplate insertion may exist due to varying bone quality. Epoxy resin sheets were combined with the bone surrogates to simulate the glenoid vault. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion torque applied to the baseplate, while compression data were collected continuously from a load cell. A strong positive correlation was found between baseplate compression and insertion torque. Among the lower density bone surrogates, neither baseplate design reached maximum insertion torque (6.8 Nm) due to material strip‐out. This phenomenon did not occur in denser bone surrogates. Both baseplate designs experienced a significant increase in mean baseplate compression as insertion torque increased and were found to behave similar in the denser bone surrogates. The results presented here suggest that larger compressive forces can be achieved with an increase in insertion torque in denser bone surrogates, but caution must be used when trying to achieve fixation in poor‐quality bone. Clinically, this could be useful preoperatively to minimize baseplate failure, and in further studies regarding baseplate design for improved initial fixation and stability. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:871‐879, 2020