bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Birnbaum‐Saunders quantile regression and its diagnostics with application to economic data
Authors: Sánchez Luis , Leiva Víctor , Galea Manuel , Saulo Helton 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Birnbaum‐Saunders (BS) distribution is a model that frequently appears in the statistical literature and has proved to be very versatile and efficient across a wide range of applications. However, despite the growing interest in the study of the BS distribution, quantile regression modeling has not been considered for this distribution. To fill this gap, we introduce a class of quantile regression models based on the BS distribution, which allows us to describe positive and asymmetric data when a quantile must be predicted using covariates. We use an approach based on a quantile parameterization to generate the model, permitting us to consider a similar framework to generalized linear models, providing wide flexibility. The methodology proposed includes a thorough study of theoretical properties and practical issues, such as maximum likelihood parameter estimation and diagnostic analytics based on local influence and residuals. The performance of the residuals is evaluated by simulations, whereas an illustrative example of income data is conducted using the methodology to show its potential for applications. The numerical results report an adequate performance of the approach to quantile regression, indicating that the BS distribution is a good modeling choice when dealing with data that have both positive support and asymmetry. The economic implications of our investigation are discussed in the final section. Hence, it can be a valuable addition to the tool kit of applied statisticians and econometricians.
A novel approach to production of Chlorella protothecoides oil‐loaded nanoparticles via electrospraying method: Modeling of critical parameters for particle sizing
Authors: Karakaş Canan Yağmur , Özçimen Didem 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBioactive compounds in algae have chain rings that protect the tissue from chemical damage and disease symptoms. In addition, algal bioactive agents have the ability to stimulate the immune system, protective and therapeutic effects against many diseases, including various types of cancers, coronary heart disease, premature aging, and arthritis. These bioactive compounds also have antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiviral, and anti‐inflammatory properties. It is very important to encapsulate these algal compounds for preserving bioactive properties. Two of the most efficient methods used for encapsulation are electrospraying and microemulsion techniques. Although electrospraying is a novel technique to produce nanoparticles in recent years, microemulsion is more conventional method compared with electrospraying. In this study, Chlorella protothecoides oil was encapsulated by using sodium alginate and chitosan biopolymers, and the effects of production parameters of electrospraying and microemulsion methods on the particle size and loading efficiency were investigated. Statistical modeling of critical parameters for particle sizing in microemulsion method and electrospraying technique, which is a novel approach to obtain microalgal oil‐loaded nanoparticles, was also presented. It was seen that electrospraying is suitable for obtaining smaller nanoparticles (123.9–610 nm), homogeneous distribution, and higher oil loading efficiency (60%–77%) compared with microemulsion method (756.9–1128.2 nm and 57%–73%).
Fatty alcohol production: an opportunity of bioprocess
Authors: Munkajohnpong Pobthum , Kesornpun Chatchai , Buttranon Supacha , Jaroensuk Juthamas , Weeranoppanant Nopphon , Chaiyen Pimchai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFatty alcohols are widely used for various applications and are found in products ranging from detergents to cosmetics and cleaning agents. Currently, over 3 million tonnes of fatty alcohols are produced per year from bio‐based and petroleum‐based feedstocks through chemical conversion and synthetic processes. However, the environmental impact of current fatty alcohol production processes has become a major concern, and several bioprocesses have emerged as alternative methods for synthesis. These biological processes are environmentally friendly due to their metal‐free nature, low consumption of energy, and mild reaction conditions. This review overviews the current status of fatty alcohol production – both chemical and biological approaches. Our focus is on biological synthesis approaches using biocatalysis and metabolic engineering due to their proven efficacy. Potential downstream processing for these bioprocesses is also presented. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Efficient secretory production of large‐size heterologous enzymes in Bacillus subtilis: A secretory partner and directed evolution
Authors: Liu Shan , Wang Juan , Zhu Zhiguang , Shi Ting , Zhang Yi‐Heng P. Job 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSecretory production of recombinant proteins provides a simple approach to the production and purification of target proteins in the enzyme industry. We developed a combined strategy for the secretory production of three large‐size heterologous enzymes with a special focus on 83‐kDa isoamylase (IA) from an archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii in a bacterium Bacillus subtilis. First, a secretory protein of the B. subtilis family 5 glycoside hydrolase endoglucanase (Cel5) was used as a fusion partner, along with the NprB signal peptide, to facilitate secretory production of IA. This secretory partner strategy was effective for the secretion of two other large enzymes: family 9 glycoside hydrolase from Clostridium phytofermentas and cellodextrin phosphorylase from Clostridium thermocellum. Second, the secretion of Cel5‐IA was improved by directed evolution with two novel double‐layer Petri‐dish‐based high‐throughput screening (HTS) methods. The high‐sensitivity HTS relied on the detection of high‐activity Cel5 on the carboxymethylcellulose/Congo‐red assay. The second modest‐sensitivity HTS focused on the detection of low‐activity IA on the amylodextrin‐I2 assay. After six rounds of HTS, a secretory Cel5‐IA level was increased to 234 mg/L, 155 times the wild‐type IA with the NprB signal peptide only. This combinatory strategy could be useful to enhance the secretory production of large‐size heterologous proteins in B. subtilis.
Modelling centralization of pancreatic surgery in a nationwide analysis
Authors: Balzano G , Guarneri G , Pecorelli N , Paiella S , Rancoita P M V , Bassi C , Falconi M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
The benefits of centralization of pancreatic surgery have been documented, but policy differs between countries. This study aimed to model various centralization criteria for their effect on a nationwide cohort.

Methods
Data on all pancreatic resections performed between 2014 and 2016 were obtained from the Italian Ministry of Health. Mortality was assessed for different hospital volume categories and for each individual facility. Observed mortality and risk-standardized mortality rate (RSMR) were calculated. Various models of centralization were tested by applying volume criteria alone or in combination with mortality thresholds.

Results
A total of 395 hospitals performed 12 662 resections; 305 hospitals were in the very low-volume category (mean 2·6 resections per year). The nationwide mortality rate was 6·2 per cent, increasing progressively from 3·1 per cent in very high-volume to 10·6 per cent in very low-volume hospitals. For the purposes of centralization, applying a minimum volume threshold of at least ten resections per year would lead to selection of 92 facilities, with an overall mortality rate of 5·3 per cent. However, the mortality rate would exceed 5 per cent in 48 hospitals and be greater than 10 per cent in 17. If the minimum volume were 25 resections per year, the overall mortality rate would be 4·7 per cent in 38 facilities, but still over 5 per cent in 17 centres and more than 10 per cent in five. The combination of a volume requirement (at least 10 resections per year) with a mortality threshold (maximum RSMR 5 or 10 per cent) would allow exclusion of facilities with unacceptable results, yielding a lower overall mortality rate (2·7 per cent in 45 hospitals or 4·2 per cent in 76 respectively).

Conclusion
The best performance model for centralization involved a threshold for volume combined with a mortality threshold.
Relationship between insecure attachment and physical symptom severity is mediated by sensory sensitivity
Authors: Le Thao Lan , Geist Rose , Hunter Jon , Maunder Robert G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveVarious models have been used to explain somatization, including attachment theory, which describes how formative experiences influence perceptions of vulnerability and threat. Although attachment insecurity is associated with greater physical symptoms, the mechanisms by which attachment insecurity influences the experience of physical symptoms are not clear. Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) describes a low threshold to responding to stimuli and high emotional reactivity. It is associated with both attachment insecurity and physical symptoms. The purpose of this study is to test a model in which attachment insecurity, depression, and SPS interact to influence physical symptoms.MethodsCross‐sectional data from the online Self‐Assessment Kiosk were used (N = 186). Participants were surveyed regarding attachment insecurity (ECR‐M16), physical symptom severity (PHQ‐15), sensory processing sensitivity (HSPS), and depression (PHQ‐9). A path analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsModal participants were white (74%) single (45%) women (80%) with university education (79%). Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and sensitivity were correlated with physical symptom severity. The data suggested that sensitivity mediates between attachment anxiety and physical symptoms (βindirect = 0.070, p = .003 and βdirect = −0.030, p> .05) and this relationship remains significant when controlling for depression.ConclusionsThis study extends our understanding of the potential pathways that lead individuals with attachment insecurity to experience burdensome physical symptoms by supporting a mediating role for SPS.
Robot‐assisted therapy for upper‐limb rehabilitation in subacute stroke patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chien Wai‐tong , Chong Yuen‐yu , Tse Man‐kei , Chien Cheuk‐woon , Cheng Ho‐yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundStroke survivors often experience upper‐limb motor deficits and achieve limited motor recovery within six months after the onset of stroke. We aimed to systematically review the effects of robot‐assisted therapy (RT) in comparison to usual care on the functional and health outcomes of subacute stroke survivors.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019 were identified from six electronic databases. Pooled estimates of standardized mean differences for five outcomes, including motor control (primary outcome), functional independence, upper extremity performance, muscle tone, and quality of life were derived by random effects meta‐analyses. Assessments of risk of bias in the included RCTs and the quality of evidence for every individual outcomes were conducted following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration.ResultsEleven RCTs involving 493 participants were included for review. At post‐treatment, the effects of RT when compared to usual care on motor control, functional independence, upper extremity performance, muscle tone, and quality of life were nonsignificant (all ps ranged .16 to .86). The quality of this evidence was generally rated as low‐to‐moderate. Less than three RCTs assessed the treatment effects beyond post‐treatment and the results remained nonsignificant.ConclusionRobot‐assisted therapy produced benefits similar, but not significantly superior, to those from usual care for improving functioning and disability in patients diagnosed with stroke within six months. Apart from using head‐to‐head comparison to determine the effects of RT in subacute stroke survivors, future studies may explore the possibility of conducting noninferiority or equivalence trials, given that the less labor‐intensive RT may offer important advantages over currently available standard care, in terms of improved convenience, better adherence, and lower manpower cost.
External validation of life expectancy prognostic models in patients evaluated for palliative radiotherapy at the end‐of‐life
Authors: Mojica‐Márquez Adrianna E. , Rodríguez‐López Joshua L. , Patel Ankur K. , Ling Diane C. , Rajagopalan Malolan S. , Beriwal Sushil 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe TEACHH and Chow models were developed to predict life expectancy (LE) in patients evaluated for palliative radiotherapy (PRT). We sought to validate the TEACHH and Chow models in patients who died within 90 days of PRT consultation.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on patients evaluated for PRT from 2017 to 2019 who died within 90 days of consultation. Data were collected for the TEACHH and Chow models; one point was assigned for each adverse factor. TEACHH model included: primary site of disease, ECOG performance status, age, prior palliative chemotherapy courses, hospitalization within the last 3 months, and presence of hepatic metastases; patients with 0‐1, 2‐4, and 5‐6 adverse factors were categorized into groups (A, B, and C). The Chow model included non‐breast primary, site of metastases other than bone only, and KPS; patients with 0‐1, 2, or 3 adverse factors were categorized into groups (I, II, and III).ResultsA total of 505 patients with a median overall survival of 2.1 months (IQR: 0.7‐2.6) were identified. Based on the TEACHH model, 10 (2.0%), 387 (76.6%), and 108 (21.4%) patients were predicted to live >1 year, >3 months to ≤1 year, and ≤3 months, respectively. Utilizing the Chow model, 108 (21.4%), 250 (49.5%), and 147 (29.1%) patients were expected to live 15.0, 6.5, and 2.3 months, respectively.ConclusionNeither the TEACHH nor Chow model correctly predict prognosis in a patient population with a survival <3 months. A better predictive tool is required to identify patients with short LE.
Prioritizing elective cardiovascular procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The cardiovascular medically necessary, time‐sensitive procedure scorecard
Authors: Waxman Sergio , Garg Aakash , Torre Sabino , Wasty Najam , Roelke Marc , Cohen Marc , Salemi Arash 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundFollowing the surge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, government regulations, and recommendations from professional societies have conditioned the resumption of elective surgical and cardiovascular (CV) procedures on having strategies to prioritize cases because of concerns regarding the availability of sufficient resources and the risk of COVID‐19 transmission.ObjectivesWe evaluated the use of a scoring system for standardized triage of elective CV procedures.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed records of patients scheduled for elective CV procedures that were prioritized ad hoc to be either performed or deferred when New Jersey state orders limited the performance of elective procedures due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Patients in both groups were scored using our proposed CV medically necessary, time‐sensitive (MeNTS) procedure scorecard, designed to stratify procedures based on a composite measure of hospital resource utilization, risk of COVID‐19 exposure, and time sensitivity.ResultsA total of 109 scheduled elective procedures were either deferred (n = 58) or performed (n = 51). The median and mean cumulative CV MeNTS scores for the group of performed cases were significantly lower than for the deferred group (26 (interquartile range (IQR) 22–31) vs. 33 (IQR 28–39), p < .001, and 26.4 (SE 0.34) vs. 32.9 (SE 0.35), p < .001, respectively).ConclusionsThe CV MeNTS procedure score was able to stratify elective cases that were either performed or deferred using an ad hoc strategy. Our findings suggest that the CV MeNTS procedure scorecard may be useful for the fair triage of elective CV cases during the time when available capacity may be limited due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Access site related vascular complications with third generation transcatheter heart valve systems
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Burri Melchior , Erlebach Magdalena , Lange Ruediger 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study examines the impact of anatomical and procedural factors on Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2‐defined vascular complications at the femoral access site in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with third generation transcatheter heart valve (THV)‐systems.BackgroundRandomized clinical trials reported on vascular complications with current THV‐systems. However, clinical presentation and consequences of these events are not well studied.MethodsAll patients who underwent a transfemoral TAVR using an Edwards Sapien3®/Sapien3ultra® or a Medtronic Evolut‐R®/Evolut‐PRO® have been identified from our institutional database. Only procedures utilizing the PerClose‐ProGlide® vascular closure device were included. Risk factors for vascular complications were analyzed with a logistic regression model. Preoperative and procedural data were collected. The postoperative course of patients with and without vascular complications was compared.ResultsA total of 878 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 152 patients (17.3%) had an access‐site related vascular complication (87 major complications, 9.9%). Sheath‐to‐femoral‐artery‐ratio (SFAR) (OR per 0.1 increase = 1.35, p < .001) and more than 2 vessel entries with large bore sheaths (OR = 1.76, p = .029) were independent risk factors for vascular complications. Female gender (OR = 1.44, p = .07) and two vessel entries with large bore sheaths (OR = 1.2, p = .53) increased the risk, although no statistical significance was shown.Age (OR = 1.07, p = .62), body mass index (OR = 1.1 per 5 points, p = .32) and vessel wall calcification at puncture site (OR = 0.93, p = .7) had no influence on vascular complications. Patients with vascular complications had a higher need for blood transfusion (p < .001) and a higher in‐hospital mortality (2.6 vs. 0.4%, p = .019).ConclusionsProcedural risk assessment should include SFAR calculation and consider the need for large bore sheath exchange. This might reduce the vascular trauma, lower vascular complication rates and improve the clinical outcome after TAVR.
Drug‐Coated balloons vs drug‐eluting stents for the treatment of small coronary artery disease: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Sanz Sánchez Jorge , Chiarito Mauro , Cortese Bernardo , Moretti Andrea , Pagnotta Paolo , Reimers Bernhard , Stefanini Giulio G. , Ferrante Giuseppe 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectives and backgroundThere is conflicting evidence about the effects of drug‐coated balloons (DCB) compared with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in patients with native small vessel coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and main international conference proceedings were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing DCB versus DES in patients with native small vessel CAD. Data were pooled by meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model. The primary endpoint was target vessel revascularization (TVR). Secondary clinical endpoints were: myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), all‐cause death, cardiac death, and stent thrombosis or target vessel thrombosis. Secondary angiographic outcomes were: in‐segment restenosis, in‐segment percentage‐diameter stenosis, in‐segment late lumen loss, in‐segment net luminal gain, and in‐segment minimal lumen diameter.ResultsFive trials enrolling 1,459 patients were included. Mean clinical follow‐up was 10.2 months. The use of DCB, compared with DES, was associated with similar risk of TVR (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56 to 1.68; p = .92), TLR (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 0.57 to 5.28; p = .33), all‐cause death (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.14 to 7.48; p = .98), with a trend toward a lower risk of MI (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.03; p = .06), and with significant lower risk of vessel thrombosis (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.94; p = .04). DCB use was associated with similar risk of angiographic restenosis (OR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.84; p = .64), comparable late luminal loss (standardized mean difference (SMD): –0.18; 95% CI: −0.39 to 0.03; p = .09), while leading to significant higher percentage diameter stenosis (SMD: 0.27; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41; p < .01) and smaller minimal luminal diameter (SMD: ‐0.52; 95% CI: −0.86 to −0.18; p = .003).ConclusionCompared with DES, the use of DCB for the treatment of native small vessel CAD is associated with similar TVR and restenosis and reduces the risk of vessel thrombosis, although DES implantation yields slightly better angiographic surrogate endpoints.
An asymptomatic mediastinal cyst in a young child: Case report and summary of the literature
Authors: Votto Martina , Castagnoli Riccardo , Prevedoni Gorone Maria Sole , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Licari Amelia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBronchogenic cyst is a rare congenital chest malformation that mainly presents with wheeze and feeding issues in early life. A multidisciplinary approach and follow‐up are pivotal for the improvement of lung function, mostly in cases of mediastinal complications.
Effects of imatinib mesylate on cutaneous neurofibromas associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Yasuda Ken‐ichi , Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Ishiji Takaoki , Ota Arihito , Asahina Akihiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractImatinib mesylate seemed to inhibit development of cutaneous neurofibromas (c‐NFs) and promote growth of pre‐existing c‐NFs in our neurofibromatosis type 1 case. This report potentially provides new findings in the effects of imatinib mesylate.
Enzyme Dynamics: Looking Beyond a Single Structure
Authors: Agarwal Pratul K. , Bernard David N. , Bafna Khushboo , Doucet Nicolas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractConventional understanding of how enzymes function strongly emphasizes the role of structure. However, increasing evidence clearly indicates that enzymes do not remain fixed or operate exclusively in or close to their native structure. Different parts of the enzyme (from individual residues to full domains) undergo concerted motions on a wide range of time‐scales, including that of the catalyzed reaction. Information obtained on these internal motions and conformational fluctuations has so far uncovered and explained many aspects of enzyme mechanisms, which could not have been understood from a single structure alone. Although there is wide interest in understanding enzyme dynamics and its role in catalysis, several challenges remain. In addition to technical difficulties, the vast majority of investigations are performed in dilute aqueous solutions, where conditions are significantly different than the cellular milieu where a large number of enzymes operate. In this review, we discuss recent developments, several challenges as well as opportunities related to this topic. The benefits of considering dynamics as an integral part of the enzyme function can also enable new means of biocatalysis, engineering enzymes for industrial and medicinal applications.