bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanomedicine: a pharma perspective
Authors: Brown Peter D. , Patel Piyush R. 
Published: September 2014

Nanotechnology as applied to medicine is not a new field. The first nanomedicines approved for use were developed from research dating back to the 1970s. These liposomal formulations of existing drugs showed improved therapeutic activity and reduced toxicity in the nonclinical model systems. However, these benefits proved more subtle and harder to demonstrate in patients. This fact, combined with the technical challenges in commercial‐scale production of nanoparticles, led to only limited investment in nanomedicines by the major pharmaceutical companies. Even so, research on nanomedicines has proceeded apace in academic laboratories and smaller biopharmaceutical companies. New materials and drug combinations have been studied, and targeting moieties added with the aim of improving the therapeutic index. Today many of these new designs are in, or are approaching, clinical testing. It will take only one or two to be successful to change the way pharmaceutical companies view this field of innovative research. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:125–130. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1288This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
The issues and tentative solutions for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at ultra‐high field strength
Authors: Fries Peter , Morelli John N. , Lux Francois , Tillement Olivier , Schneider Günther , Buecker Arno 
Published: September 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at ultra‐high field strengths beyond 3 Tesla (T) has become increasingly prevalent in research and preclinical applications. As such, the inevitable clinical implementation of such systems lies on the horizon. The major benefit of ultra‐high field MRI is the markedly increased signal‐to‐noise ratios achievable, enabling acquisition of MR images with simultaneously greater spatial and temporal resolution. However, at field strengths higher than 3 T, the efficacy of Gd(III)‐based contrast agents is diminished due to decreased r1 relaxivity, somewhat limiting imaging of the vasculature and contrast‐enhanced imaging of tumors. There have been extensive efforts to design new contrast agents with high r1 relaxivities based on macromolecular compounds or nanoparticles; however, the efficacy of these agents at ultra‐high field strengths has not yet been proven. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the basic principles of MR contrast enhancement processes and to highlight the main factors influencing relaxivity. In addition, challenges and opportunities for contrast‐enhanced MRI at ultra‐high field strengths will be explored. Various approaches for the development of effective contrast agent molecules that are suitable for a broad spectrum of applied field strengths will be discussed in the context of the current literature. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2014, 6:559–573. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1291This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Relative Survival of Rectal Cancer Most Obvious in Stage III
Authors: Olsson L. I. , Granstrom F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe association between socioeconomic status (SES) and relative survival of rectal cancer is little investigated. We hypothesized that the impact on risk of death by SES would be much smaller when differences in background mortality (comorbidity, lifestyle factors) were taken into account, i.e. in modelling relative survival of rectal cancer.MethodsIndividual data on civil status, education, and income were linked to the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry 1995–2005 (n = 16,713). Specific life tables by socioeconomic group were used to calculate relative survival, and modelling included age, sex, stage, time period, and SES. The same covariates were applied in a Cox regression based on absolute survival.ResultsStage distribution was associated with civil status, education, and income (p < 0.001). In spite of modelling based on relative survival, an increased risk of death was found for all other patients compared with those who were married, as well as for all other patients compared with those with the highest income. The pattern was fundamentally the same as in a Cox regression model, only the point estimates were slightly reduced using the relative approach. In stage‐specific modelling of relative survival, income was of particular importance in stage III; the hazard ratio (HR) for lowest versus the highest income was 1.37 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.64]. There were also significant differences by income among patients who had a major surgical resection (stage IV excluded).ConclusionLarge and clinically relevant socioeconomic inequalities remained in stage‐adjusted analyses of relative survival, also in a setting of universal healthcare and no screening program operating.
Single Versus Double Roux‐en‐Y Reconstruction Techniques in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Comparative Single‐Center Study
Authors: Uzunoglu Faik G. , Reeh Matthias , Wollstein Romy , Melling Nathaniel , Perez Daniel , Vashist Yogesh K. , Bogoevski Dean , Izbicki Jakob R. , Bockhorn Maximilian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the impact of single Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction (RYR) and double Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction (dRYR) on intraoperative outcome and postoperative morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD).MethodsAll patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2005 for dRYR and RYR after PD or PPPD at the study hospital were evaluated for inclusion. Comparison of categorical patient characteristics was performed using the χ2 test. Data were reported as median and range. Differences were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification scheme and the recommendations of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS).ResultsA total of 319 patients were included in final analysis. The median time of surgery was significantly shorter when performing a single Roux‐en‐Y loop reconstruction (55 min in PD and 50 min in PPPD) (p < 0.001). Saved time had a significant effect on the cost of surgery (p < 0.001). No impact on postoperative outcome according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification, the ISGPS definitions of pancreatic fistulas, and delayed gastric emptying was evident. The relaparotomy rate due to severe postoperative hemorrhage was significantly higher in the dRYR PD cohort (2.2 vs. 11.9 %, p < 0.001).ConclusionsDouble Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction of the alimentary tract is not beneficial in terms of surgical outcome and postoperative morbidity and mortality and should be avoided due to unnecessarily prolonged surgery.
Surgery for Secondary Aorto‐Enteric Fistula or Erosion (SAEFE) Complicating Aortic Graft Replacement: A Retrospective Analysis of 32 Patients with Particular Focus on Digestive Management
Authors: Schoell Thibaut , Manceau Gilles , Chiche Laurent , Gaudric Julien , Gibert Hadrien , Tresallet Christophe , Hannoun Laurent , Vaillant Jean‐Christophe , Koskas Fabien , Karoui Mehdi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundOptimal management of patients with abdominal secondary aorto‐enteric fistula or erosion (SAEFE) complicating aortic graft replacement is controversial.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to report on the postoperative and long‐term outcomes of patients operated on for SAEFE.MethodsFrom 2002 to 2012, consecutive patients operated on for SAEFE were identified. All were managed with in situ revascularization by cryopreserved allograft associated with the treatment of the digestive tract involved. Postoperative and long‐term outcomes were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively.ResultsA total of 32 patients (median age 65 years) underwent an aortic replacement for SAEFE after a median of 5 years after the initial aortic surgery. Fistula location was duodenal (n = 20), small bowel (n = 6), colonic (n = 5), or gastric (n = 1). Digestive treatment included suture (n = 16), resection with anastomosis (n = 13), and Hartmann’s procedure (n = 3). An omentoplasty was performed in 18 patients (56 %), and 17 patients (53 %) had a feeding jejunostomy. Postoperative mortality was 25 %. Among perioperative risk factors, preoperative shock was associated with postoperative mortality (p = 0.009). Among the 24 patients who survived, 15 patients developed 27 postoperative complications (overall morbidity rate of 62.5 %), including six (25 %) patients with severe morbidity (Dindo III–IV). Reoperation was required in five (21 %) patients. During follow‐up (median 31 months), no patient developed a recurrent aorto‐enteric fistula.ConclusionsSurgery for SAEFE is a major undertaking, with high mortality and morbidity. Excision of the prosthetic graft with cryopreserved allograft replacement and management in a tertiary referral centre with expertise in both vascular and digestive surgery allows good long‐term results.
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism and Its Pharmacological Prophylaxis in Asian General Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yeo Danson X. W. , Junnarkar Sameer , Balasubramaniam Sunder , Tan Yen Pin , Low Jee Keem , Woon Winston , Pang Tony Chun Yeung 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that has always been perceived to be rare in Asia. The aim of this systematic review was to gather the current available evidence on the incidence of VTE in this population. A secondary aim was to assess the efficacy of pharmacological prophylaxis, and hence determine its role, in the Asian population.Methods
A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in June 2014. Articles found using search terms related to venous thromboembolism (VTE), Asian countries and general surgery procedures and pathologies were screened using the following inclusion criteria: (1) either the population studied was primarily Asian or the study was conducted in an Asian country, (2) the subjects studied underwent a major gastrointestinal or other general surgery procedure, (3) the primary outcome was the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE), and (4) secondary outcomes assessed included mortality and complications due to the VTE or prophylaxis against VTE.Results
Fourteen publications with a total of 11,218 patients were analyzed. Nine of the fourteen were observational studies, with half being prospective in nature. There were five interventional studies of which two were randomized controlled trials. Among the observational studies, the median (range) incidence of above‐knee DVT was 0.08 % (0–2.9 %), while the median (range) incidence of PE was 0.18 % (0–0.58 %). The rates of DVT in the control groups were reported to be between 0 and 7.4 %, while the incidence of PE in the control groups ranged from 0 to 1.9 %. Analysis of the comparative studies revealed that the incidence of bleeding‐related complications varied from 0 to 18.1 % in the low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) group compared to 0–7.5 % in the control group. The difference in minor bleeding complications between the LMWH group and the control group was found to be statistically significant.ConclusionData from this systematic review suggest that the risk of VTE in Asian general surgery patients is low, even in the context of risk factors typically regarded as high risk.
Is Resection of an Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticulum Always Necessary in the Setting of Achalasia?
Authors: Allaix Marco E. , Borraez Segura Bernardo A. , Herbella Fernando A. , Fisichella Piero M. , Patti Marco G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground
Esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum (ED) is usually secondary to a primary esophageal motility disorder, such as achalasia. Whereas the recommended surgical treatment includes esophageal myotomy and diverticulectomy, the outcome of patients in whom a myotomy without ED resection is performed is not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of ED patients who underwent ED resection and myotomy and those of ED patients who had a myotomy only.Methods
Retrospective review of a prospective database. Thirteen ED patients had symptom evaluation, barium swallow, endoscopy, and esophageal high‐resolution manometry (HRM). All patients underwent laparoscopic myotomy and Dor fundoplication. In six patients, the ED was resected (excised ED group), whereas in seven it was left in place (nonexcised ED group): in three because it was small and in four for technical reasons.ResultsPreoperatively all patients had dysphagia and 85 % had regurgitation. The mean preoperative Eckardt score was 6.5 ± 2.1 in excised ED group and 6.6 ± 3.3 in nonexcised ED group (p = 0.95). HRM showed type II esophageal achalasia in 85 % of patients. One excised ED group patient had a staple line leak (17 %). At a median follow‐up of 2 years, the Eckardt score was 0 in excised ED group and 0.1 in nonexcised ED group (p = 0.56).Conclusions
The results of this study showed that patients in whom a myotomy without ED resection was performed had resolution of their symptoms. These findings suggest that in patients with achalasia and ED the underlying motility disorder rather than the ED may be the cause of symptoms. Studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow‐up will determine the validity of this approach.
Rethinking the Two-Body Problem: The Segregation of Women Into Geographically Dispersed Occupations
Authors: Benson Alan 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Empirical research on the family cites the tendency for couples to relocate for husbands’ careers as evidence against the gender neutrality of household economic decisions. For these studies, occupational segregation is a concern because occupations are not random by sex and mobility is not random by occupation. I find that the tendency for households to relocate for husbands’ careers is better explained by the segregation of women into geographically dispersed occupations rather than by the direct prioritization of men’s careers. Among never-married workers, women relocate for work less often than men, and the gender effect disappears after occupational segregation is accounted for. Although most two-earner families feature husbands in geographically clustered jobs involving frequent relocation for work, families are no less likely to relocate for work when it belongs to the wife. I conclude that future research in household mobility should treat occupational segregation occurring prior to marriage rather than gender bias within married couples as the primary explanation for the prioritization of husbands’ careers in household mobility decisions.
Analysis of Presenilin 1 and 2 interacting proteins in mouse cerebral cortex during development
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Thakur M.K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn our previous report, we showed that Presenilin (PS)1 and 2 have differential expression profile from early embryonic stages till adulthood in mouse cerebral cortex, suggesting that both of these proteins are crucial for brain development. Genetic manipulation studies have also shown the involvement of PS1 in brain development, but PS2 remains largely unexplored. In order to understand how PS1 and 2 mediate developmental functions, we have investigated the interaction of PS1 and 2 with proteins of mouse cerebral cortex during development. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) combined with MALDI‐MS/MS analysis revealed 12 interacting partners of PS1 and 11 partners of PS2. The interacting proteins were different for PS1 and 2, and involved in cell division, glycolysis, cell adhesion and protein trafficking. Densitometric analysis of protein bands visualized after SDS‐PAGE separation of Co‐IP proteins revealed variation in their amount and degree of interaction during different developmental stages of mice. Further, immunoblot based validation of PS1 interacting protein Notch‐1 showed maximum interaction at embryonic day (E) 12.5, decline at E18.5, upregulation from postnatal day 0 (P0) to P20 and thereafter reduction at P45 and 20 weeks. In‐silico analysis of PS and its interacting proteins indicated conformation based interaction through common type of secondary structures having alpha helical, extended beta strand and random coil, and CK2, PKC phosphorylation and myristoylation motifs. Taken together, our study showed that PS1 and PS2 interact to varying extent with different proteins of mouse cerebral cortex and suggests their interaction based on specific conformation and involvement in diverse functions essential for the brain development.
On (co)homology of Frobenius Poisson algebras
Authors: Zhu Can , Van Oystaeyen Fred , Zhang Yinhuo 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we study Poisson (co)homology of a Frobenius Poisson algebra. More precisely, we show that there exists a duality between Poisson homology and Poisson cohomology of Frobenius Poisson algebras, similar to that between Hochschild homology and Hochschild cohomology of Frobenius algebras. Then we use the non-degenerate bilinear form on a unimodular Frobenius Poisson algebra to construct a Batalin-Vilkovisky structure on the Poisson cohomology ring making it into a Batalin-Vilkovisky algebra.
High Rayleigh number convection in a porous medium containing a thin low-permeability layer
Authors: Hewitt Duncan R. , Neufeld Jerome A. , Lister John R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPorous geological formations are commonly interspersed with thin, roughly horizontal, low-permeability layers. Statistically steady convection at high Rayleigh number $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Ra}$ is investigated numerically in a two-dimensional porous medium that is heated at the lower boundary and cooled at the upper, and contains a thin, horizontal, low-permeability interior layer. In the limit that both the dimensionless thickness $h$ and permeability $\Pi $ of the low-permeability layer are small, the flow is described solely by the impedance of the layer $\Omega = h/\Pi $ and by $\mathit{Ra}$. In the limit $\Omega \to 0$ (i.e. $h \to 0$), the system reduces to a homogeneous Rayleigh–Darcy (porous Rayleigh–Bénard) cell. Two notable features are observed as $\Omega $ is increased: the dominant horizontal length scale of the flow increases; and the heat flux, as measured by the Nusselt number $\mathit{Nu}$, can increase. For larger values of $\Omega $, $\mathit{Nu}$ always decreases. The dependence of the flow on $\mathit{Ra}$ is explored, over the range $2500 \leqslant \mathit{Ra} \leqslant 2\times 10^4$. Simple one-dimensional models are developed to describe some of the observed features of the relationship $\mathit{Nu}(\Omega )$.
Flow and solute transport through a periodic array of vertical cylinders in shallow water
Authors: Guo Xiaoyu , Wang Benlong , Mei Chiang C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA micro-mechanical theory is proposed for the prediction of macro-scale properties of flow and dispersion in a current through a periodic array of vertical cylinders standing on a horizontal bed. A two-scale analysis reduces the numerical task to the solution of two canonical boundary value problems in a unit cell. Using measured data on the drag coefficient measured for an array in open channels, the eddy viscosity in the interstitial flow on the micro-scale is calculated for a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The macro-scale relation between the mean velocity and the surface gradient is found in the form of a nonlinear Darcy’s law. The interstitial velocity is then used to derive the macro-scale convection diffusion equation for the solute concentration, also by a two-scale analysis. The Taylor dispersivity and the total effective diffusivity are computed for a wide range of flow rates and solid fractions. Features specific to the periodic geometry are pointed out.
A Modified Travelling Wave Dielectrophoretic Method for the Measurement of the Imaginary Part of the Clausius-Mossotti Factor Using Dual Frequency Operation
Authors: Lin Y.-Y. , Lei U. , Lo Y.-J. , Wu M.-S. , Yang P.-C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe imaginary part of the Clausius-Mossotti factor, Ki, is crucial for quantitative particle/cell manipulation and characterization using travelling wave dielectrophoresis (twDEP) and electrorotation (ER). It can be measured rather easily using twDEP instead of using ER, as numerical calculation of the electric field and complicated devices are not needed for evaluating Ki using twDEP. However, the current single frequency twDEP method works only for particles/cells exhibiting negative dielectrophoresis (DEP), which is in general the case when cells are manipulated in physiological strength buffers with conductivity of order of 1S/m. In order to remove such a restriction, a modified twDEP method is proposed using dual frequency operation here capable of measuring the Ki spectra of particles/cells for the entire range of medium conductivity, irrespectively of whether the particles/cells exhibit positive or negative DEP. The success of the modified method relies on the adequate design of force balance between various forces in a designed micro channel, which was discussed in details. The method was validated, and demonstrated by measuring Ki spectra of three human cancer cells for medium conductivity from 0.01 ~ 1.2S/m. Both the method and the cell result find biomedical and other industrial applications.
Mixed Convection Hydromagnetic Flow with Heat Generation, Thermophoresis and Mass Transfer over an Inclined Nonlinear Porous Shrinking Sheet: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Sinha A. , Misra J. C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe paper is devoted to a study of steady hydromagnetic fluid flow with heat and mass transfer over an inclined nonlinear shrinking porous sheet in the presence of thermophoresis and heat generation. The problem is formulated as a non-linear boundary value problem. A numerical method is developed to solve the problem. The surface velocity of the shrinking sheet and the applied transverse magnetic field are considered as power functions of the distance from the origin. The viscosity and thermal conductivity of the fluid are considered temperature-dependent. The viscosity is taken to be an inverse function of temperature, while the thermal conductivity is supposed to vary linearly with temperature. By using suitable transformation, the equations governing the flow, temperature and concentration fields are reduced to a system of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically by developing an appropriate numerical method. Velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as the skin-friction coefficient and wall heat transfer are studied with particular emphasis. Their variations with different parameters are investigated. The computed numerical results are presented graphically.