bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the stock market reactions to fiscal policies
Authors: Foresti Pasquale , Napolitano Oreste 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a panel analysis is employed to investigate the effects of fiscal policies on stock market indexes in 11 members of the Eurozone. Many studies have focused on the effects of monetary policy on the stock market, whereas the number of contributions studying the effects of fiscal policy on the stock market is surprisingly limited. Therefore, we know little, if any, on the sign and stability of the stock market reaction to fiscal policies. Our results show that fiscal policies influence the stock market and that, following an increase (decrease) in public deficit, stock market indexes go down (up). Nevertheless, further analysis shows that the signs of the estimated stock market reactions are not constant over time and that they change according to the surrounding macroeconomic scenario.
MMP1 and MMP3 gene polymorphisms in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Pawlik Andrzej , Plucinska Marzenna , Kopec Mikołaj , Głabowski Daniel , Czerewaty Michał , Safranow Krzysztof 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the group of proteolytic enzymes that break down the components of the connective tissue matrix leading to unstable atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to examine the association between MMP1‐1607dupG (rs1799750) and MMP3‐1171dupA (rs3025058) gene polymorphisms and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the form of unstable angina. This study included 197 patients with ACS in the form of unstable angina confirmed by coronary angiography (defined by >70% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery) and 144 healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the MMP1‐1607dupG (rs1799750) polymorphism between patients with unstable angina and the control group. With regard to the MMP3‐1171dupA (rs3025058) polymorphism, a significant increase in the frequency of the 6A/6A genotype among patients with unstable angina was detected. This association was confirmed in multivariate logistic regression analysis, where male sex and rs3025058 6A/6A genotype were significantly associated with an increased risk of ACS. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(11):850–855, 2017
Enhanced NH3 capture by imidazolium‐based protic ionic liquids with different anions and cation substituents
Authors: Shang Dawei , Bai Lu , Zeng Shaojuan , Dong Haifeng , Gao Hongshuai , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIonic liquids have become potential absorbents to treat exhausted gases containing NH3, which threatens the living environment of human beings.RESULTSIn this study, 10 kinds of protic and conventional ILs were synthesized and characterized and their densities, viscosities and thermal decomposition temperatures measured. The NH3 solubility in ILs from the vapor liquid equilibrium (VLE) experiments revealed that the chain length of cations had little influence on the NH3 solubility of the protic ILs because of the high NH3 capacities in protic ILs resulting from protic hydrogen atom compared with conventional ILs. The 2‐H atom on the cation influenced the NH3 solubility in both protic and conventional ILs with different trends as the pressure was increased. Considering the effect of anions with the same cation [Bim]+, the order of NH3 solubility in protic ILs was [Bim][NTf2] > [Bim][SCN] > [Bim][NO3]. Dynamic absorption of NH3 in [Eim][NTf2] preliminarily revealed that the absorption was fast under ambient pressure and through 5 cycles of absorption and desorption, the NH3 absorption ability remained stable.CONCLUSIONSThe relationship between the NH3 solubility and the structures of both protic and conventional ILs was revealed, indicating the protic ILs as an alternative material for the treatment of NH3‐containing exhaust gases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the pericellular and extracellular matrix structural properties on chondrocyte mechanics
Authors: Khoshgoftar Mehdi , Torzilli Peter A. , Maher Suzanne A. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the mechanical factors that drive the biological responses of chondrocytes is central to our interpretation of the cascade of events that lead to osteoarthritic changes in articular cartilage. Chondrocyte mechanics is complicated by changes in tissue properties that can occur as osteoarthritis (OA) progresses and by the interaction between macro‐scale, tissue level, properties, and micro‐scale pericellular matrix (PCM) and local extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, both of which cannot be easily studied using in vitro systems. Our objective was to study the influence of macro‐ and micro‐scale OA‐associated structural changes on chondrocyte strains. We developed a multi‐scale finite element model of articular cartilage subjected to unconfined loading, for the following three conditions: (i) normal articular cartilage, (ii) OA cartilage (where macro and micro‐scale changes in collagen content, matrix modulus, and permeability were modeled), and (iii) early‐stage OA cartilage (where only micro‐scale changes in matrix modulus were modeled). In the macro‐scale model, we found that a depth‐dependent strain field was induced in both healthy and OA cartilage and that the middle and superficial zones of OA cartilage had increased tensile and compressive strains. At the micro‐scale, chondrocyte shear strains were sensitive to PCM and local ECM properties. In the early‐OA model, micro‐scale spatial softening of PCM and ECM resulted in a substantial increase (30%) of chondrocyte shear strain, even with no structural changes in macro‐scale tissue properties. Our study provides evidence that micromechanical changes at the cellular level may affect chondrocyte activities before macro‐scale degradations at the tissue level become apparent. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:721–729, 2018.
Effect of β‐mannanase domain from Trichoderma reesei on its biochemical characters and synergistic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Ma Lijuan , Ma Qing , Cai Rui , Zong Zhiyou , Du Liping , Guo Gaojie , Zhang Yingying , Xiao Dongguang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDβ‐mannanase is a key enzyme for hydrolyzing mannan, a major constituent of hemicellulose, which is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. Different structural domains greatly affect its biochemical characters and catalytic efficiency. However, the effects of linker and carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) on β‐mannanase from Trichoderma reesei (Man1) have not yet been fully described. The present study aimed to determine the influence of different domains on the expression efficiency, biochemical characteristics and hemicellulosic deconstruction of Man1.RESULTSThe expression efficiency was improved after truncating CBM. Activities of Man1 and Man1ΔCBM (CBM) in the culture supernatant after 168 h of induction were 34.5 and 42.9 IU mL–1, although a value of only 0.36 IU mL–1 was detected for Man1ΔLCBM (lacking CBM and linker). Man1 showed higher thermostability than Man1ΔCBM at low temperature, whereas Man1ΔCBM had a higher specificity for galactomannan (Km = 2.5 mg mL–1) than Man1 (Km = 4.0 mg mL–1). Both Man1 and Man1ΔCBM could synergistically improve the hydrolysis of cellulose, galactomannan and pretreated sugarcane bagasse, with a 10–30% improvement of the reducing sugar yield.CONCLUSIONLinker and CBM domains were vital for mannanase activity and expression efficiency. CBM affected the thermostability and adsorption ability of Man1. The results obtained in the present study should help guide the rational design and directional modification of Man with respect to improving its catalytic efficiency. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Primary systemic therapy in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using mFOLFIRINOX: A pilot study
Authors: de W. Marsh Robert , Talamonti Mark S. , Baker Marshall S. , Posner Mitchell , Roggin Kevin , Matthews Jeffrey , Catenacci Daniel , Kozloff Mark , Polite Blase , Britto Michele , Wang Chi , Kindler Hedy 
Published: October 2017

Background and ObjectivesSurgery followed by gemcitabine and/or a fluoropyrimidine is standard therapy for resectable PDAC. mFOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 Day 1, 5‐FU 2400 mg/m2 × 48 h IV, peg‐filgrastim 6 mg SQ day 3, every 14 days) has substantial activity in metastatic PDAC. We wished to determine the tolerability/efficacy of peri‐operative mFOLFIRINOX in resectable PDAC.MethodsPatients with resectable PDAC (ECOG PS 0/1) received four cycles of mFOLFIRINOX pre‐ and post‐surgery. The primary endpoint was completion of preoperative chemotherapy plus resection. Secondary endpoints included completion of all therapy, R0 resection, treatment related toxicity, PFS, and OS.ResultsTwenty‐one patients enrolled: median age 62 (47‐78); 20/21 (95%) completed four cycles of preoperative mFOLFIRINOX; response by RECIST was 1 CR, 3 PR, 16 SD; 17/21 (81%) completed resection, 16/21 (76%) R0; 14/21 (66%) completed four cycles of postoperative mFOLFIRINOX. Grade 3 and 4 toxicity occurred in 23% and 14% patients pre‐operatively, 26% and 6.0% post‐operatively. Nine patients are alive with median follow‐up of 27.7 (3.1‐47.1) months.ConclusionsPST using mFOLFIRINOX in resectable PDAC is feasible and tolerable. R0 resection rate is high and survival promising, requiring longer follow‐up and larger studies for definitive assessment.
Amputations for extremity soft tissue sarcoma in an era of limb salvage treatment: Local control and survival
Authors: Stevenson Marc G. , Musters Annelie H. , Geertzen Jan H.B. , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Hoekstra Harald J. , Been Lukas B. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundDespite multimodality limb salvage treatment (LST) for locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS), some patients still need an amputation. Indications for amputation and oncological outcome for these patients are described.MethodsBetween 1996 and 2016, all patients who underwent an amputation for ESTS were included. Patients who underwent an amputation as primary or as non‐primary treatment formed Group I and II, respectively.ResultsThirty‐nine patients were included, 16 in Group I (41%) and 23 in Group II (59%). Tumor size or local recurrence which could not be treated with LST were the two main reasons for amputation. Local recurrence free survival (LRFS) (P = 0.396), distant metastases free survival (DMFS) (P = 0.965), disease‐specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.745), and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.718) were comparable for both groups. Ten‐year LRFS was 90.0% versus 83.7%; DMFS was 31.0% versus 42.2%; DSS was 52.2% versus 44.1%; and OS was 44.2% versus 41.6%, for group I and II respectively.ConclusionsOncological outcome seems to be comparable between patients who underwent a primary or a non‐primary amputation for ESTS. With the on‐going possibilities concerning prosthesis and rehabilitation programs, it remains important to decide in a multidisciplinary sarcoma team meeting which treatment suits best for each individual patient.
No Adverse Programming by Post‐Weaning Dietary Fructose of Body Weight, Adiposity, Glucose Tolerance, or Metabolic Flexibility
Authors: Bouwman Lianne M. S. , Fernández‐Calleja José M. S. , Swarts Hans J. M. , van der Stelt Inge , Oosting Annemarie , Keijer Jaap , van Schothorst Evert M. 
Published: October 2017

ScopeMetabolic programming can occur not only in the perinatal period, but also post‐weaning. This study aims to assess whether fructose, in comparison to glucose, in the post‐weaning diet programs body weight, adiposity, glucose tolerance, metabolic flexibility, and health at adult age.Methods and resultsThree‐week‐old male and female C57BL6/JRccHsd mice are given an intervention diet with 32 energy percent (en%) glucose or fructose for only 3 weeks. Next, all animals are switched to the same 40 en% high fat diet for 9 weeks. Neither body weight nor adiposity differs significantly between the animals fed with glucose or fructose diets at any point during the study in both sexes. Glucose tolerance in adulthood is not affected by the post‐weaning diet, nor are activity, energy expenditure, and metabolic flexibility, as measured by indirect calorimetry. At the end of the study, only in females fasting serum insulin levels and HOMA‐IR index are lower in post‐weaning fructose versus glucose diet (p = 0.02), without differences in pancreatic β‐cell mass.ConclusionsOur present findings indicate no adverse programming of body weight, adiposity, glucose tolerance, and metabolic flexibility by dietary (solid) fructose in comparison to glucose in the post‐weaning diet in mice.
A nationwide survey of patient problem occurrence across different nursing healthcare sectors
Authors: Kieft Renate , de Veer Anke , Francke Anneke , Delnoij Diana 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the patient problems that nurses encounter in different clinical settings and the extent to which they report being able to influence those patient problems.DesignExploratory online survey research.MethodData were collected through an online questionnaire. We prepared a 2 × 2 matrix to compare the rate of occurrence against the average level of reported influence. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis.ResultsA total of 440 nurses working in different settings completed the questionnaire. Nurses report having the most influence on patient problems related to self‐care, mobility and functions of the skin. Nurses experience less influence on problems with voice/speech and the tasks required for participation in work/employment.
Comparison of Weight‐Based Dosing Strategies for Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Stump Sarah E. , Schepers Allison J. , Jones Alexis R. , Alexander Maurice D. , Auten Jessica J. 
Published: October 2017

Study ObjectiveIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a weight‐based therapy used to treat and prevent infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. IVIG doses were calculated traditionally using actual body weight (ABW). However, limited pharmacokinetic data suggest dosing strategies using ideal body weight (IBW) or adjusted body weight (adjBW) may be appropriate given the small volume of distribution of IVIG. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of using a precision‐dosing strategy (IBW or adjBW) with a traditional‐dosing strategy (ABW) for IVIG in patients with hematologic malignancies or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well as to perform an IVIG drug use analysis.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAcademic medical center.PatientsBetween April 2014 and September 2016, 209 IVIG encounters met inclusion criteria for the primary outcome. Of those encounters, 125 were dosed using the traditional‐dosing strategy, and 84 used the precision‐dosing strategy.Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome was infection rate within 30 days of IVIG administration. Secondary outcomes included 60‐day infection rate, immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐level response (IgG higher than 400 mg/dl), and realized and potential IVIG savings. No difference in 30‐day infection rate between precision‐ and traditional‐dosing strategies was identified (15.5% vs 16%, respectively, p=0.823). Similarly, no difference was identified in the 60‐day infection rate between groups (23.2% vs 19.8%, respectively, p=0.568). Levels of IgG obtained after IVIG repletion showed a treatment response rate of 86% in both groups. Use of a precision‐dosing strategy achieved $2600/month in institutional savings with the opportunity for an additional $4600/month in savings with complete adherence to this dosing strategy.ConclusionNo differences in infection rate and IgG‐level response were identified when a precision‐dosing strategy was used. Implementation of an IVIG precision‐dosing strategy provided institutional cost savings.
Impact of omalizumab in children from a middle‐income country with severe therapy‐resistant asthma: A real‐life study
Authors: Pitrez Paulo M. , de Souza Rodrigo G. , Roncada Cristian , Heinzmann‐Filho Joao P. , Santos Giovana , Pinto Leonardo A. , Jones Marcus H. , Stein Renato T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundSevere asthma in children is a global health problem. Severe therapy‐resistant asthma (STRA) in children is a major clinical challenge due to persistent symptoms despite high doses of corticosteroids and results in high public health costs. Omalizumab (anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody) has been described as an effective add‐on therapy in these patients. The characteristics of children with STRA from low‐ and middle‐income countries have scarcely been reported, and no real‐life study has been published on the effects of omalizumab in this group of patients. The aim of our study is to report the first clinical real‐life experiences with omalizumab in Brazilian children with STRA.MethodsChildren (6‐18 years old) from a referral center who were diagnosed with STRA were included in this retrospective study based on our clinical databases. The included children had undergone at least 6 months of omalizumab treatment and fulfilled the following initial criteria: 1) >6 years old; 2) a positive skin‐prick test for at least one aeroallergen; and 3) a serum total IgE level between 30 and 1500 IU/mL. Clinical and lung function variables were analyzed before and after treatment.ResultsFourteen children (mean age: 11.9 years; percentage female: 72%) were included in this study. Omalizumab treatment significantly increased control of the disease according to a standardized questionnaire administered at every visit (P < 0.0001), ceased hospitalizations in 70% (P = 0.02) of patients, and allowed 8/9 (89%) patients to be weaned off oral steroids (P = 0.004).ConclusionsIn this retrospective report, the use of omalizumab in Brazilian children with STRA significantly improved disease control, decreased hospitalizations, and allowed suspension of continuous oral corticosteroids.
Robust semiglobal swarm tracking of coupled harmonic oscillators with input saturation and external disturbance
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Su Housheng , Wang Xiaofan , Chen Guanrong 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe robust semiglobal swarm tracking problem of N coupled harmonic oscillators and 1 actual leader with input saturation and external disturbance on a directed communication topology is considered, in which the N coupled harmonic oscillators are referred to followers. First, the low‐and‐high gain feedback technique is introduced to construct a relative state‐dependent control algorithm. Then, an observer‐based control algorithm is designed based on the low‐and‐high gain feedback technique and the high‐gain observer design methodology. Sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee robust semiglobal swarm tracking for state‐feedback control and output‐feedback control, respectively. Numerical simulations are finally provided to verify the theoretic results.
Concise Review: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Authors: Adegbola Abidemi , Bury Luke A. , Fu Chen , Zhang Meixiang , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The major neuropsychiatric conditions of schizophrenia, affective disorders, and infantile autism are characterized by chronic symptoms of episodic, stable, or progressive nature that result in significant morbidity. Symptomatic treatments are the mainstay but do not resolve the underlying disease processes, which are themselves poorly understood. The prototype psychotropic drugs are of variable efficacy, with therapeutic mechanisms of action that are still uncertain. Thus, neuropsychiatric disorders are ripe for new technologies and approaches with the potential to revolutionize mechanistic understanding and drive the development of novel targeted treatments. The advent of methods to produce patient-derived stem cell models and three-dimensional organoids with the capacity to differentiate into neurons and the various neuronal cellular lineages mark such an advance. We discuss numerous techniques involved, their applications, and areas that require further optimization.
Dissecting gene‐environment interactions: A penalized robust approach accounting for hierarchical structures
Authors: Wu Cen , Jiang Yu , Ren Jie , Cui Yuehua , Ma Shuangge 
Published: October 2017

Identification of gene‐environment (G × E) interactions associated with disease phenotypes has posed a great challenge in high‐throughput cancer studies. The existing marginal identification methods have suffered from not being able to accommodate the joint effects of a large number of genetic variants, while some of the joint‐effect methods have been limited by failing to respect the “main effects, interactions” hierarchy, by ignoring data contamination, and by using inefficient selection techniques under complex structural sparsity. In this article, we develop an effective penalization approach to identify important G × E interactions and main effects, which can account for the hierarchical structures of the 2 types of effects. Possible data contamination is accommodated by adopting the least absolute deviation loss function. The advantage of the proposed approach over the alternatives is convincingly demonstrated in both simulation and a case study on lung cancer prognosis with gene expression measurements and clinical covariates under the accelerated failure time model.
Drug Delivery to the Brain across the Blood–Brain Barrier Using Nanomaterials
Authors: Tsou Yung‐Hao , Zhang Xue‐Qing , Zhu He , Syed Sahla , Xu Xiaoyang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA major obstacle facing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and strokes is the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB prevents the passage of certain molecules and pathogens from the circulatory system into the brain. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for therapeutic drugs to target the diseased cells without the assistance of carriers. Nanotechnology is an area of growing public interest; nanocarriers, such as polymer‐based, lipid‐based, and inorganic‐based nanoparticles can be engineered in different sizes, shapes, and surface charges, and they can be modified with functional groups to enhance their penetration and targeting capabilities. Hence, understanding the interaction between nanomaterials and the BBB is crucial. In this Review, the components and properties of the BBB are revisited and the types of nanocarriers that are most commonly used for brain drug delivery are discussed. The properties of the nanocarriers and the factors that affect drug delivery across the BBB are elaborated upon in this review. Additionally, the most recent developments of nanoformulations and nonconventional drug delivery strategies are highlighted. Finally, challenges and considerations for the development of brain targeting nanomedicines are discussed. The overall objective is to broaden the understanding of the design and to develop nanomedicines for the treatment of brain diseases.