bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What have multicentre registries across the world taught us about the disease features of systemic sclerosis?
Authors: Proudman Susanna M. , Huq Molla , Stevens Wendy , Wilson Michelle E. , Sahhar Joanne , Baron Murray , Hudson Marie , Pope Janet , Allanore Yannick , Distler Oliver , Kowal-Bielecka Otylia , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Low Andrea H.L. , Teng Gim Gee , Law Weng Giap , Santosa Amelia , Nikpour Mandana ,   Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG),   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG),   EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR),   Singapore Scleroderma Workgroup (SCORE)
Published: October 2017

Introduction The aim of this study is to compare the clinical features, mortality and causes of death of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in four large multicentre registries. Methods Patients seen at least once in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS) (n = 1714), the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) (n = 1628), the European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) Network (n = 13,996) and the Systemic Sclerosis Cohort in Singapore (SCORE) (n = 500) before August 2016 were included. Clinical manifestations and survival in cohorts and disease subtypes were compared. Results Among 17,838 SSc patients, most were female (86.1%), Caucasian (84.6%) and had the limited cutaneous subtype (lcSSc) (65.0%). The anti-centromere autoantibody was the most prevalent (37.6%). More patients in SCORE had the diffuse subtype (dcSSc) (49.3%) and Scl-70 autoantibody (38.8%) (p<0.001). Patients with dcSSc were more likely to be younger and male (p<0.001) and have shorter disease duration, more calcinosis, tendon friction rubs and synovitis (all p<0.001). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurred more frequently in dcSSc but prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was similar in both subtypes. More deaths occurred among SCORE patients who had the shortest median survival (p<0.001). The survival of patients with early disease, males and those with dcSSc was shorter than that of patients with prevalent disease, female gender and lcSSc, respectively. SSc-related complications accounted for more than 50% of deaths, with PAH and ILD being the most common. Conclusions This meta-cohort of SSc patients, the largest reported to date, provides insights into the impact of race and sex on disease manifestations and survival and confirms the early mortality in this disease.
Combined PRP and microfat graft for facial disability in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Philandrianos Cécile , Magalon Jéremy , Daumas Aurélie , Veran Julie , Sabatier Florence , Magalon Guy , Granel Brigitte 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and microvascular damage. Facial signs are frequent and include perioral skin thickening, facial atrophy and microstomia. Facial handicap is overlooked by physicians but when patients are questioned, they frequently declare discomfort and distress due to their facial disability and appearance. As ideal autologous filler, fat graft has previously been considered in the treatment of facial handicap in SSc. To enhance fat graft survival, we combined fat graft and autologous platelet-rich plasma. Cases Description Two patients suffering from SSc with facial disability, facial skin thickening and aesthetic discomfort were treated with combined subcutaneous microinjection of autologous fat and platelet-rich plasma. Conclusions Regular follow-up until 12 months showed that facial disability decreased, skin texture appeared softer, and mouth opening increased. Patients declared to be very satisfied from a functional and aesthetic point of view until their last follow-up at 12 months. Fat grafting is beneficial in the improvement of facial symptoms of patients with SSc, and the addition of platelet-rich plasma is a feasible, simple and safe method. Further studies are required to better assess the advantage on fat graft retention, trophicity and the lasting effect offered by this combined therapy.
Male infertility rate: a retrospective study
Authors: Mehra Bihari L. , Skandhan Kalanghot P. , Prasad Buduru S. , Pawankumar Godatwar , Singh Gurdip , Jaya Vasudevan 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Worldwide, male responsible infertility is on the rise. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the infertility rate of this area. Materials and methods: Cases reported from 1989 to 1993 to the Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurved University were studied. Semen reports were also scrutinized. Results: A total number of 1,17,979 cases were examined. Male infertility rate was 45%. Patients’ semen report showed that they were with oligozoospermia (22%), asthenozoospermia (11%) and azoospermia (12%). Discussion: The reported value (45%) for male infertility is high, which is compared and discussed with that of authors from worldwide.
Topical alprostadil (Vitaros©) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Camera Pier Andrea Della , Morselli Simone , Cito Gianmartin , Tasso Giovanni , Laruccia Nicola , Cocci Andrea , Ruffo Antonio , Gacci Mauro , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco , Natali Alessandro 
Published: October 2017

Objective: The aim of the study is the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the treatment with topical alprostadil (Vitaros©) in post-robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) rehabilitation therapy of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Seventy-four patients were enrolled and underwent non-nerve-sparing RARP. Inclusion criteria: age <75, preoperatively International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) >16, erection hardness score (EHS) ⩾2, weekly sexual intercourse ⩾1, affirmative answers to Sexual Encounter Profile Question (SEP-Q) 2 and SEP-Q3, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ⩽5, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ⩽1, no moderate/severe cardiovascular disease. Results: Vitaros was administered ⩾2 twice a week. At month 6, the IIEF-5 decreased from 20.5 preoperative to 18.1 post-treatment. EHS score decreased from a mean of 3.3 to a mean of 3.0. The quality of life score decreased from an average of 5.1 to 2.3. Weekly sexual intercourse decreased from an average of 2.1 to 1.7. Six patients dropped out; 89.7% patients showed a positive SEP-Q2 and 77.8% a positive SEP-Q3. All patients responded positively to Global Assessment Questions (GAQ)-1 and 97% to GAQ-2. Of all 68 analyzed patients, 13 (17.6%) switched to intracavernous injection therapy. Conclusions: In conclusion, Vitaros may become a viable alternative to common injective therapies in well-selected patients after RARP.
Bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with renal failure caused by malacoplakia
Authors: Cavallone Barbara , Serao Armando , Audino Patrizia , Di Stasio Andrea , Tiranti Donatella , Vota Paolo 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Malacoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that most commonly involves the genitourinary tract with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation. Case description: A 65-year-old woman presented with obstructive nephropathy with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. Bilateral nephrostomy-tube placement saw an improvement in her renal function. A computerized tomography (CT) scan with contrast showed suspect lesions in the bladder, which were confirmed by cystoscopy. A transurethral resection of the suspect areas of bladder on histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malacoplakia. Bilateral ureteral recanalization was performed with placement of ureteral stents, after balloon dilation of strictures. The treatment was continued with ascorbic acid 500 mg daily and ciprofloxacin 500 mg once daily. Conclusions: Malacoplakia is a rare disease. Treatment is not standard and depends on the disease location. Malacoplakia that is isolated to the lower genitourinary tract, after a transurethral resection indicating to obtain a biopsy and debulking, can typically be treated with medication, whereas upper tract disease commonly requires a combination of medical and surgical intervention.
Current Evidence Does Not Warrant Frozen Section Evaluation for the Presence of Tumor Spread Through Alveolar Spaces
Authors: Walts Ann E. , Marchevsky Alberto M. 
Published: October 2017

Context.—
Tumor spread through alveolar spaces (STAS) has been correlated with unfavorable prognosis in lung adenocarcinomas treated with sublobar resection, but it is unknown whether STAS can be reliably identified in frozen section (FS) to help stratify patients for lobectomy or sublobar resection.

Objective.—
To evaluate STAS in FS.

Design.—
Tumor spread through alveolar spaces was evaluated in hematoxylin-eosin–stained FS, FS control slides, and all additional slides with lung tissue adjacent to tumor (AdLT) from 48 pT1–2 adenocarcinomas operated on using video-assisted thoracotomy (n = 25) or open thoracotomy (n = 23). The samples included lobectomies (n = 27) and sublobar resections (n = 21). The STAS incidences were compared by FS versus FS control versus AdLT, video-assisted thoracotomy versus open thoracotomy, and lobectomy versus sublobar resection. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of STAS+ findings were calculated. The literature was queried for best evidence regarding incidence and predictive value of STAS in FS.

Results.—
Tumor spread through alveolar spaces positivity was identified in 46 of 48 cases (95.8%), including 23 FS (47.9%), 32 FS control (66.7%), and 43 AdLT (89.6%). The STAS incidence was significantly higher in AdLT than in FS or FS control. Only 2 of the 25 cases that were STAS− in FS were true negatives. Frozen section sensitivity to detect STAS positivity was 50%, with a 100% positive predictive value and 8% negative predictive value. Systematic literature review identified no evidence regarding STAS identification in FS.

Conclusions.—
The sensitivity and negative predictive value of FS for STAS detection are unacceptably low. There are insufficient data to support intraoperative detection of STAS as a useful predictive feature to help stratify patients for lobectomy or sublobar resections.
Pediatric Thalamic Gliomas: An Updated Review
Authors: Gupta Avneesh , Shaller Nathan , McFadden Kathryn A. 
Published: October 2017

Context.—
Neoplasms originating in the thalamus are rare overall (1% of all brain tumors); however, they comprise approximately 5% of pediatric intracranial tumors and approach 15% of all malignant pediatric intracranial tumors in some series.

Objective.—
To update readers about the current understanding of the diverse histology, biology, and behavior of pediatric thalamic tumors. Histologic verification is now thought to be critical for planning treatment, and, as a result, biopsy and total/subtotal resections are much more common today than in the past.

Data Sources.—
A PubMed search using the keywords “pediatric + thalamic + glioma” yielded 45 publications with a total of 445 cases of thalamic gliomas in patients less than 18 years of age. We found only 9 substantial institutional series tabulating all encountered thalamic histologic types in children. This survey confirmed a high proportion of astrocytomas, 81% (214 of 265), of which approximately two-thirds were diffuse astrocytomas (146 of 214) and one-third were pilocytic astrocytomas (68 of 214). Of the diffuse astrocytomas, 34% (49 of 146) were low grade (World Health Organization grade II) and 55% (81 of 146) were high grade (World Health Organization grade III or IV), making the latter subgroup the largest single category of all pediatric thalamic tumors. Oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas (mostly anaplastic in both cases) comprised 10% and 3% of all pediatric thalamic tumors, respectively.

Conclusions.—
Tissue diagnosis is now thought crucial for prognostication and treatment, particularly as more potentially therapeutic molecular targets are discovered. Secure diagnosis allows identification of tumors for which resection is more feasible and beneficial.
Temporal variations of water pCO2 and the air–water CO2 flux at a coastal location in the southern California Current System: diurnal to interannual scales
Authors: Coronado-Álvarez Luz de Lourdes Aurora , Álvarez-Borrego Saúl , Lara-Lara José Rubén , Solana-Arellano Elena , Hernández-Ayón José Martín , Zirino Alberto 
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work was to identify processes that cause surface CO2 partial pressure (pCO2W) and air–water CO2 flux (FCO2) variations at a coastal location in the California Current System, from semidiurnal to interannual time scales. Such processes may include sea breeze, upwelling, El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, and “The Blob” (strong positive temperature anomalies in the NE Pacific). Sea surface temperature (SST, 2008–2014) and pCO2W (2008–2015) time series were generated with data collected from a MAPCO2 buoy anchored at 100 m depth and 5 km from Punta Banda (31.6ºN, 116.6ºW), Baja California, México. There were significant changes in SST, pCO2W, and FCO2 that lasted periods that were as short as a few hours and as large as interannual time frames. Spectral analysis showed significant semidiurnal, diurnal, ~15-d, and ~28-d components of variation. Time series were divided into periods according to the Multivariate ENSO Index and the Blob event. Bayesian t tests show that both pCO2W and FCO2 had high credibility of being different between periods. During La Niña conditions (2010–2011), maximum pCO2W and FCO2 values were higher, and the minimum values were lower, than during “normal,” El Niño, and Blob conditions. The pCO2W range during this La Niña event was from 131 to 864 µatm, and the FCO2 range was from–6.9 to 40.4 mmol C·m–2·d–1. The FCO2 range during the Blob was from near equilibrium to ~2.5 mmol C·m–2·d–1. The extreme values for the FCO2 integral (± standard error), for all periods, were –57.0 ± 0.01 mmol C·m–2 for El Niño, and 257.0 ± 0.03 mmol C·m–2 for La Niña. Themean FCO2 value (± standard error) was 0.04 ± 0.02 mol C·m–2·yr–1. The buoy location was found to be a very weak source of CO2 during thestudy period.
Optimal state filter from sequential unknown input reconstruction: Application to distributed state filtering
Authors: Rhouma Taouba , Keller Jean‐Yves , Chabir Karim , Sauter Dominique , Abdelkrim Mohamed Naceur 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThis paper generalizes Kalman filtering with an intermittent unknown input problem to be left invertible discrete‐time stochastic linear systems with zero, one, or more structural delays. Contrary to the state filtering–based system inversion where the unknown input vector is reconstructed with a time delay that is equal to the structural delay of the plant, we propose an optimal state filtering by reconstructing some linear combinations of the unknown input vector with a time delay less than the structural delay. Designed under a sequential unknown input decoupling constraint, which has never been previously studied in the literature, all presented filters are very computationally efficient. The proposed state filtering is used to solve the autonomous distributed state filtering problem in large‐scale networked control systems when the unknown input vector represents interactions between subsystems and when each subsystem receives intermittent information about the interaction from unreliable networks. The stochastic stability conditions of the extended intermittent unknown input Kalman filter are established when the arrival binary sequence of packet dropouts follows a random Bernoulli process.
Silver‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Carbazoles through a Tandem Intramolecular Hydroamination/Cyclization Sequence
Authors: Purnachandar Dalovai , Suneel Kanaparthy , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Karunakar Galla V. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA silver‐catalyzed synthesis of substituted carbazoles from 2‐(6‐substituted‐3‐hexanol‐1,5‐diynyl)anilines has been achieved. In this transformation, new C−C and C−N bonds were formed through a hydroamination reaction, followed by cyclization. The carbazole derivatives were obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields in a one‐pot synthesis at ambient temperature.
A Triple Salting‐Out Effect is Required for the Formation of Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Aqueous Multiphase Systems
Authors: Passos Helena , Costa Sara H. , Fernandes Ana M. , Freire Mara G. , Rogers Robin D. , Coutinho João A. P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNovel aqueous multiphase systems (MuPSs) formed by quaternary mixtures composed of cholinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs), polymers, inorganic salts, and water are reported herein. The influence of several ILs, polymers, and salts was studied, demonstrating that a triple salting‐out is a required phenomenon to prepare MuPSs. The respective phase diagrams and “tie‐surfaces” were determined, followed by the evaluation of the effect of temperature. Finally, the remarkable ability of IL‐based MuPSs to selectively separate mixtures of textile dyes is shown.
Functional Cellular Mimics for the Spatiotemporal Control of Multiple Enzymatic Cascade Reactions
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Formanek Petr , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNext‐generation therapeutic approaches are expected to rely on the engineering of biomimetic cellular systems that can mimic specific cellular functions. Herein, we demonstrate a highly effective route for constructing structural and functional eukaryotic cell mimics by loading pH‐sensitive polymersomes as membrane‐associated and free‐floating organelle mimics inside the multifunctional cell membrane. Metabolism mimicry has been validated by performing successive enzymatic cascade reactions spatially separated at specific sites of cell mimics in the presence and absence of extracellular organelle mimics. These enzymatic reactions take place in a highly controllable, reproducible, efficient, and successive manner. Our biomimetic approach to material design for establishing functional principles brings considerable enrichment to the fields of biomedicine, biocatalysis, biotechnology, and systems biology.
Single and Twofold Metal‐ and Reagent‐Free Anodic C−C Cross‐Coupling of Phenols with Thiophenes
Authors: Wiebe Anton , Lips Sebastian , Schollmeyer Dieter , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe first electrochemical dehydrogenative C−C cross‐coupling of thiophenes with phenols has been realized. This sustainable and very simple to perform anodic coupling reaction enables access to two classes of compounds of significant interest. The scope for electrochemical C−H‐activating cross‐coupling reactions was expanded to sulfur heterocycles. Previously, only various benzoid aromatic systems could be converted, while the application of heterocycles was not successful in the electrochemical C−H‐activating cross‐coupling reaction. Here, reagent‐ and metal‐free reaction conditions offer a sustainable electrochemical pathway that provides an attractive synthetic method to a broad variety of bi‐ and terarylic products based on thiophenes and phenols. This method is easy to conduct in an undivided cell, is scalable, and is inherently safe. The resulting products offer applications in electronic materials or as [OSO]2− pincer‐type ligands.
Simultaneous construction of dual Borgen plots. I: The case of noise‐free data
Authors: Sawall Mathias , Jürß Annekathrin , Schröder Henning , Neymeyr Klaus 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn 1985, Borgen and Kowalski [DOI:10.1016/S0003‐2670(00)84361‐5] introduced a geometric construction algorithm for the regions of feasible nonnegative factorizations of spectral data matrices for three‐component systems. The resulting Borgen plots represent the so‐called area of feasible solutions (AFS). The AFS can be computed either for the spectral factor or for the factor of the concentration profiles. In the latter case, the construction algorithm is applied to the transposed spectral data matrix. The AFS is a low‐dimensional representation of all possible nonnegative solutions, either of the possible spectra or of the possible concentration profiles. This work presents an improved algorithm for the simultaneous construction of the two dual Borgen plots for the spectra and for the concentration profiles. The new algorithm makes it possible to compute the two Borgen plots roughly at the costs of a single classical Borgen plot. The new algorithm comes without any loss of precision or spatial resolution. The new method is benchmarked against various program codes for the geometric‐constructive and for the numerical optimization‐based AFS computation.
Template‐Assisted Benzannulation Route to Pentacene and Tetracene Derivatives and its Application to Construct Amphiphilic Acenes That Self‐Assemble into Helical Wires
Authors: Pal Bikash , Chang Chun‐Hsiung , Zeng Cian‐Jhe , Lin Chih‐Hsiu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPentacene is one of the most versatile organic semiconductors. New synthetic strategies to construct the pentacene skeleton are imperative to produce pentacene derivatives with appropriate solubility, stability, and optoelectronic properties for various applications. This paper describes a template‐directed approach to pentacene derivatives. In the retrosynthesis, the acene skeleton is viewed as a laddered double strand polyene instead of the more intuitive linearly fused hexagons. Based on this vision, the template strand of polyene is constructed with Wittig olefination, whereas the second strand is accomplished with Knoevenagel condensation to produce pentacene and tetracene derivatives. The synthetic scheme is flexible enough to generate an array of acene derivatives with substitution patterns that were hitherto difficult to access. Amphiphilic pentacene and tetracene derivatives were also synthesized by the template strategy. One pentacene based amphiphilic rod‐coil molecule undergoes self‐assembly to form helical wire structures that were visualized with TEM.
Peptide‐Based Probes with an Artificial Anion‐Binding Motif for Direct Fluorescence “Switch‐On” Detection of Nucleic Acid in Cells
Authors: Maity Debabrata , Matković Marija , Li Shang , Ehlers Martin , Wu Junchen , Piantanida Ivo , Schmuck Carsten 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis work reports two new peptide‐based fluorescence probes (1and2) for the detection of ds‐DNA at physiological pH. Probes1and2contain a fluorophore, either amino‐naphthalimide or diethyl‐aminocoumarin, respectively, and two identical peptide arms each equipped with a guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole (GCP) anion‐binding motif. These probes show “switch‐on” fluorescence response upon binding to ds‐DNA, whereby they can differentiate between various types of polynucleotides. For instance, they exhibit more pronounced fluorescence response for AT‐rich polynucleotides than GC‐rich polynucleotides, and both give only negligible response to ds‐RNA. The fluorimetric response of1is proportional to the AT‐basepair content in DNA, whereas the fluorescence of2is sensitive to the secondary structure of the polynucleotide. Fluorescence experiments, thermal melting experiments and circular dichroism studies suggest that1interacts with ds‐DNA in a combined intercalation and minor groove binding, whereas2interacts mainly with the outer surface of DNA/RNA. As1and2have a very low cytotoxicity,1can be applied for the imaging of nuclear DNA in cells.