bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex selection and non‐invasive prenatal testing: A review of current practices, evidence, and ethical issues
Authors: Bowman‐Smart Hilary , Savulescu Julian , Gyngell Christopher , Mand Cara , Delatycki Martin B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNon‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can determine the sex of the fetus very accurately and very early in gestation. There are concerns that the ease, timing, and accuracy of NIPT sex determination will facilitate sex‐selective termination of pregnancy (TOP). Here, we review current practices, the evidence for a link between NIPT and sex‐selective TOP, and associated ethical issues. Sex‐selective TOP, usually motivated by son preference, has had serious demographic consequences in countries such as India and China. Currently, ultrasound is the primary method by which parents determine the sex of the fetus. The diffusion of ultrasound technology has had a direct impact on the rates of sex‐selective TOP. Although NIPT is currently more costly, it is feasible that increased uptake of this technology could have a similar effect. Partly because NIPT is a relatively recent development in prenatal screening, there is little data on the impact of NIPT on sex selection practices. Evidence that NIPT is playing a role in sex‐selective TOP remains largely anecdotal. Further research is required to assess and quantify TOP resulting from NIPT sex determination. The use of these technologies for sex selection raises a number of ethical issues, in addition to practical demographic consequences.
Evaluation of Patients with Heart Failure to Determine Eligibility for Treatment with Sacubitril/Valsartan: Insights from a Veterans Administration Healthcare System
Authors: Han Jamie , Chung Francisco , Nguyen Quyen L. , Mody Freny Vaghaiwalla , Jackevicius Cynthia A. 
Published: September 2019

Study ObjectiveDespite evidence that supports the use of sacubitril/valsartan – the first angiotensin II receptor blocker–neprilysin inhibitor – for mortality reduction in patients with heart failure (HF), it remains underprescribed. The objective of this study was to evaluate eligibility for initiation of sacubitril/valsartan treatment in patients with HF within the largest Veterans Administration healthcare system in the United States.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS).PatientsA total of 2985 patients with a HF diagnosis who were alive as of November 1, 2017.Measurements and Main ResultsEligibility for sacubitril/valsartan initiation was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor with Angiotensin‐Converting–Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM‐HF) trial and the VA Criteria for Use. The proportion of eligible patients was estimated, and characteristics of eligible patients were compared with those in the PARADIGM‐HF trial. Of the 2985 patients with HF who were alive as of November 1, 2017, 965 (32.3%) had HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Of these patients with HFrEF, 263 (27.3%) fulfilled eligibility criteria and were considered candidates for sacubitril/valsartan initiation. Of the 702 patients who did not fulfil eligibility criteria, the most common reasons were New York Heart Association functional class I (35.3%) and B‐type natriuretic peptide level of 100 pg/ml or lower (22.2%). Compared with patients in the PARADIGM‐HF trial, VAGLAHS patients were older (70.4 vs 63.8 yrs) and more likely to be male (98.5% vs 79.0%), and a higher proportion had New York Heart Association functional class III symptoms (35.4% vs 23.1%). Of the 965 patients with HFrEF, 34 (3.5%) had an active sacubitril/valsartan prescription as of November 1, 2017, of whom 27 (79.4%) did not meet criteria.ConclusionWhereas 27% of patients with HFrEF were eligible to initiate sacubitril/valsartan, only 3.5% of these patients were prescribed the medication. Although sacubitril/valsartan reduced morbidity and mortality in clinical trials, it remains underused within this VA healthcare system. This analysis provides important insights into the VA and other healthcare systems regarding the opportunity for optimizing guideline‐directed HF therapy.
Construction of a Dual Drug Carrier on the Basis of Hollow Structured Upconversion Nanoparticles for pH‐Responsive Drug Delivery and UCL/MRI Dual Mode Imaging
Authors: Liu Yana , Feng Yiming , Xu Chen , He Hailu , Zhang Yongqi , Xu Zushun , Li Ling , Wang Jing 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA series of Gd3+ doping hollow upconversion nanoparticles NaYF4:Yb,Gd,Tm (h‐UNCP) are prepared successfully. The hollow NaYF4:Yb,Gd,Tm possess excellent upconversion luminescence (UCL) and large longitudinal relativity (r1 = 128.3 mm−1 s−1), which can be potentially used for UCL/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dual mode imaging. On the basis of the optimal h‐UCNP, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and methotrexate (MTX) are used as drug models to prepare a dual drug carrier. After the encapsulation of DOX on the h‐UCNP, chitosan (CS) is further wrapped and then used to load MTX to obtain a dual drug carrier h‐UCNPs/DOX/CS/MTX. The pH responsive release of DOX and MTX is discussed. The MTX release climbs from 33% to 100% by regulating the pH from 5.8 to 7.4. The DOX release is different at different pH conditions. The synergistic effect of DOX and MTX on the cancer cells is confirmed by cell viability. The h‐UCNPs/DOX/CS/MTX are tracked by cells UCL imaging and vivo MRI imaging. The excellent performance of UCL imaging and positive MRI images demonstrates that h‐UCNPs/DOX/CS/MTX can be used for UCL/MRI dual mode imaging. All the results show the potential application of h‐UCNPs/DOX/CS/MTX in pH responsive release and UCL/MRI dual imaging.
Integration of the Rosetta suite with the python software stack via reproducible packaging and core programming interfaces for distributed simulation
Authors: Ford Alexander S. , Weitzner Brian D. , Bahl Christopher D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Rosetta software suite for macromolecular modeling is a powerful computational toolbox for protein design, structure prediction, and protein structure analysis. The development of novel Rosetta‐based scientific tools requires two orthogonal skill sets: deep domain‐specific expertise in protein biochemistry and technical expertise in development, deployment, and analysis of molecular simulations. Furthermore, the computational demands of molecular simulation necessitate large scale cluster‐based or distributed solutions for nearly all scientifically relevant tasks. To reduce the technical barriers to entry for new development, we integrated Rosetta with modern, widely adopted computational infrastructure. This allows simplified deployment in large‐scale cluster and cloud computing environments, and effective reuse of common libraries for simulation execution and data analysis. To achieve this, we integrated Rosetta with the Conda package manager; this simplifies installation into existing computational environments and packaging as docker images for cloud deployment. Then, we developed programming interfaces to integrate Rosetta with the PyData stack for analysis and distributed computing, including the popular tools Jupyter, Pandas, and Dask. We demonstrate the utility of these components by generating a library of a thousand de novo disulfide‐rich miniproteins in a hybrid simulation that included cluster‐based design and interactive notebook‐based analyses. Our new tools enable users, who would otherwise not have access to the necessary computational infrastructure, to perform state‐of‐the‐art molecular simulation and design with Rosetta.
Phase 1b trial of docetaxel, prednisone, and pazopanib in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: George Daniel J. , Halabi Susan , Healy Patrick , Barak Ian , Winters Carolyn , Anand Monika , Wilder Rhonda , Klein Melissa , Martinez Elia , Nixon Andrew B. , Harrison Michael R. , Szmulewitz Russell , Armstrong Andrew J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundDocetaxel prednisone is a standard of care for men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are a poor prognostic factor in this population; therefore, we evaluated the combination of docetaxel prednisone with pazopanib, an oral VEGF receptor inhibitor, for safety and preliminary efficacy.MethodsThis is a two‐site phase 1b Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium trial of docetaxel, prednisone, and pazopanib once daily and ongoing androgen deprivation therapy and prophylactic pegfilgrastim in men with mCRPC. The primary endpoint was safety and the determination of a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) through a dose‐escalation and expansion design; secondary endpoints included progression‐free and overall survival (OS), prostate specific antigen (PSA) declines, radiographic responses, and pharmacokinetic and plasma angiokine biomarker analyses.ResultsTwenty‐five men were treated over six dose levels. Pegfilgrastim was added to the regimen after myelosuppression limited dose escalation. With pegfilgrastim, our target MTD of docetaxel 75 mg/m2 q3 weeks; prednisone 10 mg daily; and pazopanib 800 mg daily was reached. Eleven additional patients were accrued at this dose level for a total of 36 patients. Dose‐limiting toxicities included neutropenia, syncope, and hypertension. Three deaths attributed to study treatment occurred. The objective response rate was 31%; median PFS was 14.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1 and 22.2); and OS was 18.6 months (95% CI: 11.8 and 22.2).ConclusionsThe combination of docetaxel, prednisone, and pazopanib (with pegfilgrastim) was tolerable at full doses and demonstrated promising efficacy in a relatively poor risk patients with mCRPC. Further development of predictive biomarkers may enrich for patients who receive clinical benefit from this regimen.
Li+‐Containing, Continuous Silica Nanofibers for High Li+ Conductivity in Composite Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Yu Jianming , Wang Chao , Li Shiheng , Liu Nian , Zhu Jia , Lu Zhenda 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes have recently attracted significant attention toward safe and high‐energy lithium chemistries. In particular, polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) have shown outstanding mechanical flexibility and manufacturing feasibility. However, their limited ionic conductivity, poor electrochemical stability, and insufficient mechanical strength are yet to be addressed. In this work, a novel CPE supported by Li+‐containing SiO2 nanofibers is developed. The nanofibers are obtained via sol–gel electrospinning, during which lithium sulfate is in situ introduced into the nanofibers. The uniform doping of Li2SO4 in SiO2 nanofibers increases the Li+ conductivity of SiO2, generates mesopores on the surface of SiO2 nanofibers, and improves the wettability between SiO2 and PEO. As a result, the obtained SiO2/Li2SO4/PEO CPE yields high Li+ conductivity (1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C, ≈4.9 times the Li2SO4‐free CPE) and electrochemical stability. Furthermore, the all‐solid‐state LiFePO4‐Li full cell demonstrates stable cycling with high capacities (over 80 mAh g−1, 50 cycles at C/2 at 60 °C). The Li+‐containing mesoporous SiO2 nanofibers show great potential as the filler for CPEs. Similar methods can be used to incorporate Li salts into other filler materials for CPEs.
Robust gain scheduling baseline controller for floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Lemmer (né Sandner) Frank , Yu Wei , Schlipf David , Cheng Po Wen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe possibility of a pitch instability for floating wind turbines, due to the blade‐pitch controller, has been discussed extensively in recent years. Contrary to many advanced multi‐input‐multi‐output controllers that have been proposed, this paper aims at a standard proportional‐integral type, only feeding back the rotor speed error. The advantage of this controller is its standard layout, equal to onshore turbines, and the clearly defined model‐based control design procedure, which can be fully automated. It is more robust than most advanced controllers because it does not require additional signals of the floating platform, which make controllers often sensitive to unmodeled dynamics. For the design of this controller, a tailored linearized coupled dynamic model of reduced order is used with a detailed representation of the hydrodynamic viscous drag. The stability margin is the main design criterion at each wind speed. This results in a gain scheduling function, which looks fundamentally different than the one of onshore turbines. The model‐based controller design process has been automated, dependent only on a given stability margin. In spite of the simple structure, the results show that the controller performance satisfies common design requirements of wind turbines, which is confirmed by a model of higher fidelity than the controller design model. The controller performance is compared against an advanced controller and the fixed‐bottom version of the same turbine, indicating clearly the different challenges of floating wind control and possible remedies.
Regulation of gap junction intercellular communication by connexin ubiquitination: physiological and pathophysiological implications
Authors: Totland Max Zachrisson , Rasmussen Nikoline Lander , Knudsen Lars Mørland , Leithe Edward 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGap junctions consist of arrays of intercellular channels that enable adjacent cells to communicate both electrically and metabolically. Gap junctions have a wide diversity of physiological functions, playing critical roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues. Gap junction channels are formed by integral membrane proteins called connexins. Inherited or acquired alterations in connexins are associated with numerous diseases, including heart failure, neuropathologies, deafness, skin disorders, cataracts and cancer. Gap junctions are highly dynamic structures and by modulating the turnover rate of connexins, cells can rapidly alter the number of gap junction channels at the plasma membrane in response to extracellular or intracellular cues. Increasing evidence suggests that ubiquitination has important roles in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of connexins as well as in the modulation of gap junction endocytosis and post-endocytic sorting of connexins to lysosomes. In recent years, researchers have also started to provide insights into the physiological roles of connexin ubiquitination in specific tissue types. This review provides an overview of the advances made in understanding the roles of connexin ubiquitination in the regulation of gap junction intercellular communication and discusses the emerging physiological and pathophysiological implications of these processes.
Radiotherapy in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin: review of the literature and report of a recurrent and metastatic case
Authors: Mucha-Małecka A. , Urbanek K. , Ambicka A. , Majchrzak P. , Małecki K. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin (LELCS) is a very rare cutaneous neoplasm. Only about 70 cases have been documented in the literature. There are no prospective data regarding treatment methods. Surgical excision is sufficient therapy in the majority of cases. Radiation therapy is sometimes used in case of recurrence or positive margins after surgery. The metastatic potential of LELCS is extremely low and only five previously documented cases of lymph node spread have been reported. We present the case of an 80-year-old male with a tumor primarily located on the lower eyelid, with two regional recurrences and cervical lymph node spread after surgery, treated with concurrent chemoradiation. According to the available data, this is the first case of lymph node spread from an eyelid location and the first nodal recurrence after surgery.
The Effect of Fibrinogen/Thrombin‐Coated Collagen Patch (TachoSil®) Application in Pancreaticojejunostomy for Prevention of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kwon Jaewoo , Shin Sang Hyun , Lee Sukyung , Park Guisuk , Park Yejong , Lee Seung Jae , Lee Woohyung , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol , Lee Jae Hoon 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundFibrin sealants and topical glue have been studied to reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) after pancreatico‐enteric anastomosis, but a definitive innovation is still needed. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of fibrin sealant patch applied to pancreatico‐enteric anastomosis to reduce postoperative complications, including POPF.MethodsThis study was a single‐center, prospective, randomized, phase IV trial involving three pancreaticobiliary surgeons. The primary outcome was POPF; secondary outcomes included complications, drain removal days, hospital stay, readmission rate, and cost. Risk factors for POPF were identified by logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 124 patients were enrolled. Biochemical leakage (BL) or POPF occurred in 16 patients (25.8%) in the intervention group and 23 patients (37.1%) in the control group (no statistical significance). Clinically relevant POPF occurred in 4 patients (6.5%) in both the intervention and control groups (p = 1.000). Hospital stay (11.6 days vs. 12.1 days, p = 0.585) and drain removal days (5.7 days vs. 5.3 days, p = 0.281) were not statistically different between two groups. Complication rates were not different between the two groups (p = 0.506); nor were readmission rates (12.9% vs. 11.3%, p = 1.000) or cost ($13,549 vs. $15,038, p = 0.103). In multivariable analysis, age and soft pancreas texture were independent risk factors for BL or POPF in this study. Applying fibrin sealant patch is not a negative risk factor, but the p value may indicate a likelihood of reducing the incidence of BL (p = 0.084).ConclusionsFibrin sealant patches after pancreaticojejunostomy did not reduce the incidence of POPF or other postoperative complications. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03269955).
Paclitaxel-Coated Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Stent Treatment Does Not Result in Increased Long-Term All-Cause Mortality Compared to Uncoated Devices
Authors: Dake Michael D. , Ansel Gary M. , Bosiers Marc , Holden Andrew , Iida Osamu , Jaff Michael R. , Lottes Aaron E. , O’Leary Erin E. , Saunders Alan T. , Schermerhorn Marc , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Zeller Thomas 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Patient-level data from two large studies of the Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent (DES) with long-term follow-up and concurrent non-drug comparator groups were analyzed to determine whether there was an increased mortality risk due to paclitaxel.

Methods
Data from the Zilver PTX randomized controlled trial (RCT) and Zilver PTX and bare metal stent (BMS) Japan post-market surveillance studies were analyzed. Five-year follow-up is complete in both DES studies; follow-up for the BMS study was limited to 3 years and is complete. Kaplan–Meier analyses assessed mortality. A Cox proportional hazards model identified significant factors related to mortality.

Results
In the RCT, there were 336 patients treated with the DES and 143 patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or BMS. In Japan, there were 904 DES patients and 190 BMS patients. There was no difference in all-cause mortality for the DES compared to PTA/BMS in the RCT (19.1% DES versus 17.1% PTA/BMS through 5 years, p = 0.60) or Japan (15.8% DES versus 15.3% BMS through 3 years, p = 0.89). Cox proportional hazard models revealed that age, tissue loss, and congestive heart failure were significantly associated with mortality in the RCT, and critical limb ischemia, age, renal failure, and gender were significantly associated with mortality in Japan (all p < 0.05). Neither treatment with Zilver PTX (p = 0.46 RCT, p = 0.49 Japan) nor paclitaxel dose (p = 0.86 RCT, p = 0.07 Japan) was associated with mortality.

Conclusion
Analyses of the Zilver PTX patient-level data demonstrated no increase in long-term all-cause mortality.

Level of Evidence
Zilver PTX RCT: Level 1, randomized controlled trial; Japan PMS studies: Level 3, post-market surveillance study.
Incidence of wound dehiscence after colorectal cancer surgery: results from a national population-based register for colorectal cancer
Authors: Söderbäck Harald , Gunnarsson Ulf , Martling Anna , Hellman Per , Sandblom Gabriel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatient-related risk factors for wound dehiscence after colorectal surgery remain obscure.MethodsAll open abdominal procedures for colorectal cancer registered in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR, 5) 2007–2013 were identified. Potential risk factors for wound dehiscence were identified by cross-matching between the SCRCR and the National Patient Register (NPR). The endpoint in this study was reoperation for wound dehiscence registered in either the SCRCR or NPR and patients not reoperated were considered controls.ResultsA total of 30,050 patients were included in the study. In a multivariable regression analysis, age > 70 years, male gender, BMI > 30, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of generalised inflammatory disease, and duration of surgery less than 180 min were independently and significantly associated with increased risk for wound dehiscence. A history of diabetes, chronic renal disease, liver cirrhosis, and distant metastases was not associated with wound dehiscence. The hazard ratio for postoperative death was 1.24 for patients who underwent reoperation for wound dehiscence compared with that for controls.DiscussionPatients reoperated for wound dehiscence face a significantly higher postoperative mortality than those without. Risk factors include male gender, age > 70 years, obesity, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and history of generalised inflammatory disease. Patients at high risk for developing wound dehiscence may, if identified preoperatively, benefit from active prevention measures implemented in routine surgical practice.