bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fully aerobic two‐step desulfurization process for purification of highly H2S‐laden biogas
Authors: Quijano Guillermo , Figueroa‐González Ivonne , Buitrón Germán 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA two‐step desulfurization technology coupling an absorption column with an airlift bioreactor (ALR) provided with continuous aeration was studied. This setup allowed the full oxygenation of the liquid phase, overcoming the typical issues of aerobic biotrickling filters such as elemental sulfur accumulation, biogas dilution or generation of explosive mixtures.RESULTSRemoval efficiencies of 100% were achieved under all the S‐H2S inlet loading rates tested (28, 56 and 112 gS‐H2S m−3 h−1). The main sulfur compound in the liquid phase was SO42− regardless of the inlet load tested with and average sulfur oxidation performance of ∼80%. The robustness of the desulfurization system over a 7‐days shutdown period was also evaluated. H2S removal efficiency of 100% was recorded only 10 h after restarting the system without H2S stripping from the ALR. The microbial communities present in the inoculum and those established in the desulfurization system at the end of the experimental time were characterized by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing.CONCLUSIONBiogas laden with H2S concentrations ranging from 2500 to 10 000 ppmv was successfully desulfurized in the fully aerobic two‐step process presented. High and stable removal performance was achieved even after a long‐term shutdown period. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cost‐effectiveness of minimally invasive pancreatic resection
Authors: Joechle Katharina , Conrad Claudius 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWhile clinical outcomes of minimally invasive pancreatic resection (MIPR) compared to open surgery are well examined, only few studies focus on its associated cost. The aim of this study is to evaluate cost analyses comparing MIPR to open pancreatic resection (OPR). A systematic review of the literature using PubMed of all published studies between 2000 and 2017 was performed. Studies reporting on cost of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) compared to open surgery were identified. Fourteen studies were included, eight that reported a cost comparison between LDP and open surgery and six that compared costs between LPD and open surgery. For both, LDP and LPD, operative costs were higher due to higher costs for surgical equipment. Reports suggest that lower postoperative costs for LDP and LPD could balance out the operative costs resulting in overall decreased costs for the laparoscopic compared to the open approach. Recent results show a positive trend towards cost savings for MIPR. To assess the overall benefit of MIPR compared to OPR comprehensive cost analyses and long‐term quality outcomes need to be investigated.
The evolution of underwater flight: The redistribution of pectoral fin rays, in manta rays and their relatives (Myliobatidae)
Authors: Hall Kayla C. , Hundt Peter J. , Swenson John D. , Summers Adam P. , Crow Karen D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBatoids are a diverse clade of flat cartilaginous fishes that occur primarily in benthic marine habitats. The skates and rays typically use their flexible pectoral fins for feeding and propulsion via undulatory swimming. However, two groups of rays have adopted a pelagic or bentho‐pelagic lifestyle and utilize oscillatory swimming—the Myliobatidae and Gymnuridae. The myliobatids have evolved cephalic lobes, anteriorly extended appendages that are optimized for feeding, while their pectoral fins exhibit several modifications that likely arose in association with functional optimization of pelagic cruising via oscillatory flight. Here, we examine variation in fin ray distribution and ontogenetic timing of fin ray development in batoid pectoral fins in an evolutionary context using the following methods: radiography, computed tomography, dissections, and cleared and stained specimens. We propose an index for characterizing variation in the distribution of pectoral fin rays. While undulatory swimmers exhibit symmetry or slight anterior bias, we found a posterior shift in the distribution of fin rays that arose in two distinct lineages in association with oscillatory swimming. Undulatory and oscillatory swimmers occupy nonoverlapping morphospace with respect to fin ray distribution illustrating significant remodeling of pectoral fins in oscillatory swimmers. Further, we describe a derived skeletal feature in anterior pectoral fins of the Myliobatidae that is likely associated with optimization of oscillatory swimming. By examining the distribution of fin rays with clearly defined articulation points, we were able to infer evolutionary trends and body plan remodeling associated with invasion of the pelagic environment. Finally, we found that the number and distribution of fin rays is set early in development in the little skate, round stingray, and cownose ray, suggesting that fin ray counts from specimens after birth or hatching are representative of adults and therefore comparable among species.
When Breaking the Rules Relates to Creativity: The Role of Creative Problem‐Solving Demands and Organizational Constraints
Authors: Petrou Paraskevas , van der Linden Dimitri , Salcescu Oana Catalina 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDrawing on theoretical views of creative deviance, the present study hypothesized that employees with a tendency to break rules are more creative at their jobs (Hypothesis 1). Furthermore, we expected that this is particularly the case when employees face high problem‐solving demands (i.e., they are expected to be creative) but at the same time they face high organizational constraints (e.g., they are not given the resources they need in order to be creative; Hypothesis 2). To test these expectations, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey study (Study 1) and a daily diary survey study (Study 2) among employees from different occupational groups. Study 1 provided evidence that employee rule‐breaking is related to other‐rated employee creativity. Study 2 replicated this finding with a day‐level measure of self‐rated employee creativity. Furthermore, multilevel regression analyses revealed that the link is stronger when day‐level problem‐solving demands and organizational constraints are both high. Our findings contribute to the literature by providing empirical support to hardly examined propositions, namely, that non‐compliant behaviors (i.e., rule‐breaking) and obstacles (i.e., organizational constraints) may, in fact, boost creativity. Finally, suggestions for practice are made, recognizing the challenges posed to management in regulating employee rule‐breaking.
Label‐free and non‐invasive BS‐SERS detection of liver cancer based on the solid device of silver nanofilm
Authors: Liu Renming , Xiong Yang , Guo Yan , Si Minzhen , Tang Weiyue 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRapid and accurate diagnosis of cancers at early stage is clearly desirable, because it provides possibilities to cure the cancers in next treatments. Cancers at early stage usually occur and develop at a molecule level; however, it remains challenging for traditional methods to screen them timely. Here, the capability of using human blood serum surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (BS‐SERS) spectroscopy for label‐free, non‐invasive detection of liver cancer at the molecule level is presented. By using the solid device of silver nanofilms, we performed human BS‐SERS measurements of 40 liver cancer patients and 40 healthy controls and demonstrated a promising diagnostic algorithm for liver cancer detection based on the method of multivariate statistical analysis. The principal components analysis combined with independent sample t test were performed on these BS‐SERS spectral data, separating the cancerous samples from the normal ones with high‐diagnostic sensitivity of ~95.0% and diagnostic specificity of ~97.6%, respectively. This study demonstrates great potential in applications of label‐free, non‐invasive, and rapid human BS‐SERS detection for liver cancer at the molecule level.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: A nationwide study of a rare sarcoma
Authors: Stiles Zachary E. , Dickson Paxton V. , Glazer Evan S. , Murphy Andrew J. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Behrman Stephen W. , Bishop Michael W. , Martin Michael G. , Deneve Jeremiah L. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesDesmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare peritoneal surface malignancy. Current research is limited by the scarcity of this disease.MethodsPatients with DSRCT were identified in the 2004‐2014 NCDB. Factors affecting overall survival (OS) were assessed. Additionally, trends were examined based on the volume of cases treated at individual facilities.ResultsA total of 125 patients were identified with a median age of 21 (IQR 15‐27). Six had extra‐abdominal disease and 15 (12%) had liver involvement. Median OS was 28 months. Systemic chemotherapy (HR 0.4, P = 0.015) and surgery (HR 0.6, P = 0.047) were associated with reduced mortality. For the 74 patients undergoing surgery, absence of liver involvement and receipt of postoperative chemotherapy were associated with improved OS on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, two factors approached significance: adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a reduced risk of mortality (HR 0.3, P = 0.073) and residual macroscopic disease after resection correlated with increased risk of mortality (HR 5.3, P = 0.071). High‐volume facilities (≥5 cases) experienced improved OS (median 59.1 vs 28.8 months), albeit not significantly (P = 0.135), compared to low‐volume centers.ConclusionDespite multimodal treatment, DSRCT is associated with dismal outcomes. Facilities familiar with treating this uncommon disease may experience superior outcomes.
The association of renal cell carcinoma with gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Mendonca Shawn J. , Sanchez Alejandro , Blum Kyle A. , Ghanaat Mazyar , Kashan Mahyar Y. , Benfante Nicole , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan A. , Crago Aimee M. , Hakimi A. Ari 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesPrior small studies have reported a possible association between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). In the largest known series, our objective was to describe the prevalence of RCC among patients with GISTs over 26 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed MSKCC's prospectively maintained sarcoma and RCC databases and identified all patients with both RCC and GIST between 1980 and 2016. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were obtained.ResultsA total of 9/405 (2.2%) GIST patients were identified with RCC, with a mean follow‐up of 9.2 (range 3.8‐28.4) years. Five out of nine (55.6%) patients had RCC and GIST diagnosis within 6 months of each other. Mean RCC tumor size was 3.0 (range 1.8‐8) cm and 8/9 (88.9%) patients were RCC stage 1. A total of 4/9 (44.4%) patients had papillary RCC (pRCC) histology, 5/9 (55.6%) had additional alternative malignancies, and 4/9 (44.4%) had primary small bowel GIST.ConclusionsOur series suggests a possible association of RCC with GISTs. In addition, we found a high frequency of pRCC histology, alternative malignancies, and small bowel GISTs in co‐occurring RCC‐GIST patients. Further investigation to identify genetic mutations, in this population, would assist in surveillance and treatment.
Resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma en‐bloc with inferior vena cava: 20 year outcomes of a single institution
Authors: Blair Alex B. , Reames Bradley N. , Singh Jasvinder , Gani Faiz , Overton Heidi N. , Beaulieu Robert J. , Lum Ying W. , Black James H. , Johnston Fabian M. , Ahuja Nita 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundMargin negative resection offers the best chance of long‐term survival in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). En‐bloc resection of adjacent structures, including the inferior vena cava (IVC), is often required to achieve negative margins. We review our 20‐year experience of en‐bloc IVC and RPS resection.MethodsRetrospective review of patients with RPS resection involving the IVC were matched 1:3 by age and histology to RPS without IVC resection. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were assessed.ResultsThirty‐two patients underwent RPS resection en‐bloc with IVC. They were matched with 96 cases of RPS without IVC resection. Median OS of 59 months and DFS 18 months in IVC resection group was comparable to RPS resection without vascular involvement: median OS 65 months, DFS 18 months (P = 0.519, P = 0.604). On multivariate analyses, R2 margin (OS: HR = 6.52 [95%CI: 1.18‐36.09], P = 0.032) was associated with inferior OS. R2 margin and increased number of organs resected (DFS: HR = 5.07, [1.15‐22.27], P = 0.031, HR = 1.28 [1.01‐1.62], P = 0.014) were associated with inferior DFS. Reconstructions included graft (n = 19, 59%), patch (n = 4, 13%), primary repair (n = 6, 19%), and ligation (n = 4, 13%).ConclusionsRPS resection en‐bloc with IVC can achieve equivalent rates of DFS and OS to patients without vascular involvement.
Are there limits of robotic partial nephrectomy? TRIFECTA outcomes of open and robotic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumors
Authors: Harke Nina N. , Mandel Philipp , Witt Jorn H. , Wagner Christian , Panic Andrej , Boy Anselm , Roosen Alexander , Ubrig Burkhard , Schneller Andreas , Schiefelbein Frank , Wagener Nina , Honeck Patrick , Schoen Georg , Hadaschik Boris , Michel Maurice S. , Kriegmair Maximilian C. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundTo compare the outcomes of robot‐assisted (RAPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for completely endophytic renal tumors.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing OPN or RAPN for entirely endophytic tumors in four high‐volume centers between 2008 and 2016 were identified. Endophytic masses were identified based on sectional imaging. Patient characteristics and surgical outcome were compared using Mann‐Whitney‐U‐test and chi‐squared‐tests. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of TRIFECTA achievement and excisional volume loss.ResultsOut of 1128 patients, 10.9% (64) of RAPN and 13.9% (76) of OPN underwent surgery for entirely endophytic tumors. Operative time was longer for RAPN (169 vs 140 min, P = 0.03) while ischemia time was shorter (13 vs 18 min, P = 0.001). Complication rates were comparable (21% OPN vs 22% RAPN, P = 0.91) and TRIFECTA achievement was not different between the groups (68% OPN vs 75% RAPN, P = 0.39). In multivariate analyses type of surgery was not associated with TRIFECTA achievement or excisional volume loss. Here, only tumor complexity (OR 0.48, P = 0.001) and size (OR 1.01, P = 0.002) were independent predictors.ConclusionFor entirely endophytic tumors, both RAPN and OPN offer good TRIFECTA achievement. This encourages the use of NSS even for these highly complex tumors using the surgeon's preferred approach.
Hormone receptors analysis in Chinese patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Meng Tian , Shi Xiao‐hua , Wu Sha‐fei , Luo Yu‐feng , Wang Xiao‐jun , Long Xiao 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a relatively rare skin tumor. Clinical observations indicated that DFSP has a more aggressive behavior during pregnancy, which suggest there might be a hormonal influence on this tumor. We evaluated the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in DFSP patients.MethodsIn our present case series, patients with histopathological‐confirmed DFSP at a single institution were identified. The clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical data were gathered for each patient. Expression of ER and PR were determined on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections using immunohistochemistry. Some objective clinical and pathological indicators were then selected to compare between ER and PR status.ResultsImmunoreactivity revealed none of these tumors stained positively for ER, while eight tumors (28.6%) stained positively for PR. There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of tumor location between the PR‐positive/negative groups.ConclusionsThis finding suggests that progesterone may have potential effects in growth of DFSPs. Further studies are needed to fully address this question.
A collaborative surgical approach to upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer
Authors: Eng Oliver S. , Raoof Mustafa , Blakely Andrew M. , Yu Xian , Lee Stephen J. , Han Ernest S. , Wakabayashi Mark T. , Yuh Bertram , Lee Byrne , Dellinger Thanh H. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesCytoreductive surgery with complete macroscopic resection in patients with ovarian cancer is associated with improved survival. Institutional reports of combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery for more advanced disease have described multidisciplinary approaches. We sought to investigate outcomes in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery in patients with upper and lower abdominal disease at our institution.MethodsPatients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian malignancies from 2008 to 2015 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Upper abdominal cytoreduction was defined anatomically as debulking of disease proximal to the ligament of Treitz. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed.ResultsA total of 258 operations were performed, the majority for serous ovarian carcinoma (70%). The gynecologic oncologist was the primary surgeon and often assisted by either a surgical oncology fellow and/or attending. In operations with combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreduction, patients were more likely to have an American society of anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA) of 3, peritoneal implants, and liver/spleen metastases. Preoperative chemotherapy and optimal cytoreduction were similar between groups. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were not significantly different between groups.ConclusionsA collaborative surgical approach to combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery in patients with ovarian cancer should be performed, if needed, to achieve an optimal cytoreduction.
High cyclin A expression, but not Ki67, is associated with early recurrence in desmoid tumors
Authors: Santti Kirsi , Ihalainen Hanna , Rönty Mikko , Böhling Tom , Karlsson Christina , Haglund Caj , Tarkkanen Maija , Blomqvist Carl 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesDesmoid tumors are soft‐tissue tumors originating from myofibroblasts with a tendency to recur after surgery. High expression of proliferation markers is associated with shortened progression‐free and/or overall survival in many neoplasms, including soft‐tissue sarcomas. We investigated the prognostic role of cyclin A and Ki67 in desmoid tumors by immunohistochemistry.MethodsThe study included 76 patients with desmoid tumor operated at Helsinki University Hospital between 1987 and 2011. A tissue micro array (TMA) was constructed and the TMA sections were immunostained with cyclin A and Ki67 antibodies. A computer‐assisted image analysis was performed.ResultsCyclin A expression was evaluable in 74 and Ki67 in 70 patients. Cyclin A immunopositivity varied from 0% to 9.9%, with a mean of 1.9%. Cyclin A expression correlated significantly with Ki67. Cyclin A expression was associated with recurrence‐free survival (HR 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1‐3.2, P = .02), as were positive margin (HR 6.0, 95% CI = 1.6‐22.5, P = .008) and extremity location (HR 5.3, 95% CI = 1.7‐16.8, P = 0.005). Ki67 immunopositivity varied from 0.33% to 13.8%, with a mean of 4.6%, but had no significant prognostic impact (HR 1.1, P = .2).ConclusionsOur study indicates that cyclin A may be a new prognostic biomarker in surgically treated desmoid tumors.
Solid‐phase microextraction based on an agarose‐chitosan‐multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film combined with HPLC–UV for the determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Nazihah , Sanagi Mohd Marsin , Mohamad Hanapi Nor Suhaila , Kamaruzaman Sazlinda , Yahaya Noorfatimah , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe describe the preparation, characterization, and application of a composite film adsorbent based on blended agarose‐chitosan‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the preconcentration of selected nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples before determination by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The composite film showed a high surface area (4.0258 m2/g) and strong hydrogen bonding between the multiwalled carbon nanotubes and agarose/chitosan matrix, which prevent adsorbent deactivation and ensure long‐term stability. Several parameters, such as sample pH, addition of salt, extraction time, desorption solvent, and concentration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the composite film were optimized using a one‐factor‐at‐time approach. The optimum extraction conditions obtained were as follows: isopropanol as conditioning solvent, 10 mL of sample solution at pH 2, extraction time of 30 min, stirring speed of 600 rpm, 100 μL of isopropanol as desorption solvent, desorption time of 5 min under ultrasonication, and 0.4% w/v of composite film. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curve showed good linearity in the range of 1–500 ng/mL (r2 = 0.997–0.999), and good limits of detection (0.89–8.05 ng/mL) were obtained with good relative standard deviations of < 4.59% (n = 3) for the determination of naproxen, diclofenac sodium salt, and mefenamic acid drugs.
Determination of N‐nitrosamines in cosmetic products by vortex‐assisted reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Miralles Pablo , Chisvert Alberto , Salvador Amparo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA new analytical method for the simultaneous determination of trace levels of seven prohibited N‐nitrosamines (N‐nitrosodimethylamine, N‐nitrosoethylmethylamine, N‐nitrosopyrrolidine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosopiperidine, N‐nitrosomorpholine, and N‐nitrosodiethanolamine) in cosmetic products has been developed. The method is based on vortex‐assisted reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, which allows the extraction of highly polar compounds, followed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The variables involved in the extraction process were studied to obtain the highest enrichment factor. Under the selected conditions, 75 μL of water as extraction solvent was added to 5 mL of n‐hexane sample solution and assisted by vortex mixing during 30 s to form the cloudy solution. The method was successfully validated showing good linearity (0.5–50 ng/mL), enrichment factors up to 65 depending on the target compound, limits of detection values of 1.8–50 ng/g, and good repeatability (RSD < 9.8%). Finally, the proposed method was applied to different cosmetic samples. Quantitative relative recovery values (80–113%) were obtained, thus showing that matrix effects were negligible. The achieved analytical features of the proposed method, besides of its simplicity and affordability, make it useful to perform the quality control of cosmetic products to ensure the safety of consumers.