bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning curve and outcome of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis
Authors: Zhu J G , Han W , Guo W , Su W , Bai Z G , Zhang Z T 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Background
The best approach for cholecystocholedocholithiasis remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical aspects, learning curve and outcome of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE).

Methods
Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with LTCBDE between January 2007 and December 2012 were identified from an institutional database. Data on preoperative investigations, intraoperative and postoperative findings were retrieved retrospectively from the patients' hospital notes.

Results
There were 399 women (56·4 per cent) and 309 men (43·6 per cent), with a median age of 58 (range 18–87) years. Microincision (incision of the cystic duct at the confluence with the common bile duct (CBD) with extension of only 3–5 mm at the lateral margin of the CBD) and lithotripsy were used in the transcystic exploration in 119 patients, and increased the success rate of LTCBDE from 74·2 to 91·0 per cent. The median duration of operation was 85 (i.q.r. 65–120) min and the median postoperative hospital stay was 2 (1–3) days. Retained common bile duct stones were observed in 13 patients, and postoperative complications developed in 27 patients. The cumulative sum duration of operation learning curve comprised two phases; phase 1 included the first 250 patients and phase 2 the remaining 458 patients. Duration of operation and postoperative hospital stay decreased with increasing volume per surgeon. Recurrence of common bile duct stones was diagnosed in 26 patients during a median follow-up of 4 years.

Conclusion
LTCBDE with or without microincision and/or lithotripsy is a safe and effective approach.
Determination of Cefalothin and Cefazolin in Human Plasma, Urine and Peritoneal Dialysate by UHPLC‐MS/MS: application to a pilot pharmacokinetic study in humans
Authors: Parker Suzanne L. , Guerra Valero Yarmarly C. , Roberts Darren M. , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A. , Wallis Steven C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAn ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method for the analysis of cefazolin and cefalothin in human plasma (total and unbound), urine and peritoneal dialysate has been developed and validated. Total plasma concentrations are measured following protein precipitation and are suitable for the concentration range of 1–500 µg/mL. Unbound concentrations are measured from ultra‐filtered plasma acquired using Centrifree® devices and are suitable for the concentration range of 0.1–500 µg/mL for cefazolin and 1–500 µg/mL for cefalothin. The urine method is suitable for a concentration range of 0.1–20 mg/mL for cefazolin and 0.2–20 mg/mL for cefalothin. Peritoneal dialysate concentrations are measured using direct injection, and are suitable for the concentration range of 0.2–100 µg/mL for both cefazolin and cefalothin. The cefazolin and cefalothin plasma (total and unbound), urine and peritoneal dialysate results are reported for recovery, inter‐assay precision and accuracy, and the lower limit of quantification, linearity, stability and matrix effects, with all results meeting acceptance criteria. The method was used successfully in a pilot pharmacokinetic study with patients with peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis, receiving either intraperitoneal cefazolin or cefalothin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to improve outcome in acute ischemic stroke: possible mechanisms and clinical evidence
Authors: Siepmann Timo , Penzlin Ana Isabel , Kepplinger Jessica , Illigens Ben Min‐Woo , Weidner Kerstin , Reichmann Heinz , Barlinn Kristian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundSeveral clinical studies have indicated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) administered in patients after acute ischemic stroke can improve clinical recovery independently of depression. Due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs interpretability was limited in these studies. The mechanisms of action whereby SSRI might improve recovery from acute ischemic stroke are not fully elucidated.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE using the PubMed interface to identify evidence of SSRI mediated improvement of recovery from acute ischemic stroke and reviewed the literature on the potential underlying mechanisms of action.ResultsAmong identified clinical studies, a well‐designed randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study (FLAME ‐ fluoxetine for motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke) demonstrated improved recovery of motor function in stroke patients receiving fluoxetine. The positive effects of SSRIs on stroke recovery were further supported by a meta‐analysis of 52 trials in a total of 4060 participants published by the Cochrane collaboration. Based on animal models, the mechanisms whereby SSRIs might ameliorate functional and structural ischemic‐brain damage were suggested to include stimulation of neurogenesis with migration of newly generated cells toward ischemic‐brain regions, anti‐inflammatory neuroprotection, improved regulation of cerebral blood flow, and modulation of the adrenergic neurohormonal system. However, to date, it remains speculative if and to what degree these mechanisms convert into humans and randomized controlled trials in large populations of stroke patients comparing different SSRIs are still lacking.ConclusionIn addition to the need of comprehensive‐clinical evidence, further elucidation of the beneficial mechanisms whereby SSRIs may improve structural and functional recovery from ischemic‐brain damage is needed to form a basis for translation into clinical practice.
Polydopamine as a Catalyst for Thiol Coupling
Authors: Du Yong , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Xu Xiao‐Ling , Wu Jian , Xu Zhi‐Kang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn biological systems, disulfide bonds are formed efficiently under mild conditions without the release of harmful byproducts. Inspired by nature, we report a biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) catalyst for oxidative thiol coupling. This reaction was accelerated with only a small amount of PDA particles in neutral, weakly alkaline, and even weakly acidic aqueous media at room temperature under an air atmosphere. The catalytic particles were facilely separated and were reused without a decrease in activity. The entire process is totally biofriendly, including the synthesis of the PDA particles. This route is especially useful for the synthesis of pharmaceutical molecules.
Facile Construction of Mesoporous N‐Doped Carbons as Highly Efficient 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Wen , Ma Xiaohui , Zhao Hairui , Zhang Xin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHerein we propose a novel in situ N‐doping method to develop a new type of mesoporous N‐doped carbons constructed by direct pyrolysis of properly rigid strut N‐rich metal–organic frameworks at 950 °C. This facile fabrication method creates doped N that is evenly dispersed on mesoporous carbons (≈4.0 nm) formed simultaneously without the need for a second carbon precursor, external nitrogen supplier, or pore‐forming agent. The resulting mesoporous N‐doped carbons bear a low N content but a high proportion of graphitic N species and exhibit superior catalytic performance toward the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol relative to that shown by previously reported metal catalysts and N‐doped graphene. The ensemble effect of the mesostructured framework and effective N doping is responsible for the excellent performance, as better diffusion, adsorption, and activation of 4‐nitrophenol in wastewaters are achieved through the elaborately fabricated mesoporous N‐doped carbons.
Solid‐State NMR and DFT Combined for the Surface Study of Functionalized Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Daniel , Kaushik Monu , Coustel Romain , Chenavier Yves , Chanal Myriam , Bardet Michel , Dubois Lionel , Okuno Hanako , Rochat Névine , Duclairoir Florence , Mouesca Jean‐Marie , De Paëpe Gaël 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSilicon nanoparticles (NPs) serve a wide range of optical, electronic, and biological applications. Chemical grafting of various molecules to Si NPs can help to passivate their reactive surfaces, “fine‐tune” their properties, or even give them further interesting features. In this work, 1H, 13C, and 29Si solid‐state NMR spectroscopy has been combined with density functional theory calculations to study the surface chemistry of hydride‐terminated and alkyl‐functionalized Si NPs. This combination of techniques yields assignments for the observed chemical shifts, including the contributions resulting from different surface planes, and highlights the presence of physisorbed water. Resonances from near‐surface 13C nuclei were shown to be substantially broadened due to surface disorder and it is demonstrated that in an ambient environment hydride‐terminated Si NPs undergo fast back‐bond oxidation, whereas long‐chain alkyl‐functionalized Si NPs undergo slow oxidation. Furthermore, the combination of NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations showed that the employed hydrosilylation reaction involves anti‐Markovnikov addition of the 1‐alkene to the surface of the Si NPs.
Investigations of the Vicarious C‐Aminations of 5,7‐Dinitrobenzotriazole and 4,6‐Dinitrobenzotriazol‐3‐ium‐1‐oxide and Their Energetic Properties
Authors: Ehlers Dieter , Klapötke Thomas M. , Pflüger Carolin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis combined experimental and theoretical study details the vicarious nucleophilic substitution by amination of 5,7‐dinitrobenzotriazol (1) and 4,6‐dinitrobenzotriazole‐3‐ium‐1‐oxide (4) with trimethylhydrazinium iodide to afford the new corresponding one‐ and two‐time aminated compounds and investigations of its mechanism by EPR spectroscopy. The preferred position for the first amination is computed by spin density population and verified by X‐ray crystallography. The zwitterionic structure of 4 is investigated in solution by 1H NMR spectroscopy and in solid state by X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the crystal structure of 1 is presented. The energetic behavior of the aminated products as well as the starting materials 1 and 4 was investigated, regarding sensitivities and performance.
Dynamics of Excess‐Electron Transfer through Alternating Adenine:Thymine Sequences in DNA
Authors: Lin Shih‐Hsun , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an investigation into the sequence‐dependent excess‐electron transfer (EET) dynamics in DNA, which plays an important role in DNA damage/repair. There are many published studies on EET in consecutive adenine:thymine (A:T) sequences (Tn), but those in alternating A:T sequences (ATn) remain limited. Here, two series of functionalized DNA oligomers, Tn and ATn, were synthesized with a strongly electron‐donating photosensitizer, a trimer of ethylenedioxythiophene (3 E), and an electron acceptor, diphenylacetylene (DPA). Laser flash photolysis experiments showed that the EET rate constant of AT3 is two times lower than that of T3 due to the lack of π‐stacking of Ts in AT3. Thus, it was indicated that excess‐electron hopping is affected by the interaction between LUMOs of nucleotides.
Sensing Protein Surfaces with Targeted Fluorescent Receptors
Authors: Nissinkorn Yael , Lahav‐Mankovski Naama , Rabinkov Aharon , Albeck Shira , Motiei Leila , Margulies David 
Published: September 2015

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of David Margulies at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel). The image highlights the analogy between fluorescent molecular sensors and a miniaturized camera that can capture changes that occur at the nanoscale and shed light on the structural state of proteins. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201502069.
Immersion Calorimetry: Molecular Packing Effects in Micropores
Authors: Madani S. Hadi , Silvestre‐Albero Ana , Biggs Mark J. , Rodríguez‐Reinoso Francisco , Pendleton Phillip 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRepeated and controlled immersion calorimetry experiments were performed to determine the specific surface area and pore‐size distribution (PSD) of a well‐characterized, microporous poly(furfuryl alcohol)‐based activated carbon. The PSD derived from nitrogen gas adsorption indicated a narrow distribution centered at 0.57±0.05 nm. Immersion into liquids of increasing molecular sizes ranging from 0.33 nm (dichloromethane) to 0.70 nm (α‐pinene) showed a decreasing enthalpy of immersion at a critical probe size (0.43–0.48 nm), followed by an increase at 0.48–0.56 nm, and a second decrease at 0.56–0.60 nm. This maximum has not been reported previously. After consideration of possible reasons for this new observation, it is concluded that the effect arises from molecular packing inside the micropores, interpreted in terms of 2D packing. The immersion enthalpy PSD was consistent with that from quenched solid density functional theory (QSDFT) analysis of the nitrogen adsorption isotherm.
Spontaneous Chiral Symmetry Breaking for Finite Systems
Authors: Boscheto Emerson , López‐Castillo Alejandro 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTheoretical clues are desirable to help uncover the origin of bio‐homochirality in life, as well as the mechanisms for the asymmetric production of functional chiral substances. Here, an open‐to‐matter reaction network based on a model proposed by Plasson et al. is studied. In the extended model, the statistical fluctuations lead the system to break chiral symmetry autonomously, that is, without any initial enantiomeric excess or external influence. In the stability diagrams, we observe regions of parameter space that correspond to racemic, homochiral, chiral oscillatory, and, to our knowledge, for the first time in a chiral model, chaotic regimes. The dependencies of the final concentrations of chiral substances on the parameters are determined analytically and discussed for both the racemic and homochiral regimes.
Pressure—A Gateway to Fundamental Insights into Protein Solvation, Dynamics, and Function
Authors: Luong Trung Quan , Kapoor Shobhna , Winter Roland 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNow that the centennial anniversary of the first report on pressure denaturation of proteins by Nobel Laureate P. W. Bridgman can be celebrated, this Review on the application of high pressure as a key variable for studying the energetics and interactions of proteins appears. We demonstrate that combined temperature–pressure‐dependent studies help delineate the free‐energy landscape of proteins and elucidate which features are essential in determining their stability. Pressure perturbation also serves as an important tool to explore fluctuations in proteins and reveal their conformational substates. From shaping the free‐energy landscape of proteins themselves to that of their interactions, conformational fluctuations not only dictate a plethora of biological processes, but are also implicated in a number of debilitating diseases. Finally, the advantages of using pressure to explore biomolecular assemblies and modulate enzymatic reactions are discussed.
Changes in dam and pup behavior following repeated postnatal exposure to a predator odor (TMT): A preliminary investigation in long‐evans rats
Authors: Ayers Luke W. , Asok Arun , Blaze Jennifer , Roth Tania L. , Rosen Jeffrey B. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated whether repeated early postnatal exposure to the predator odor 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline (TMT) alters behavioral responses to the stimulus later in life, at postnatal day (PN30). Long‐Evans rat pups with their mothers were exposed for 20 min daily to TMT, water, or a noxious odor, butyric acid (BTA), during the first three weeks of life. Mothers exposed to TMT displayed more crouching and nursing behavior than those exposed to BTA, and TMT exposed pups emitted more ultrasonic vocalizations than BTA exposed pups. At PN30, rats were tested for freezing to TMT, water, or BTA. Rats exposed to TMT during the postnatal period displayed less freezing to TMT than rats exposed postnatally to water or BTA. Our data indicate that early‐life experience with a predator cue has a significant impact on later fear responses to that same cue, highlighting the programming capacity of the postnatal environment on the development of behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 176–184, 2016.
Food security through translational biology between wheat and rice
Authors: Valluru Ravi , Reynolds Matthew P. , Lafarge Tanguy 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWheat and rice are the most important food crops in agriculture providing around 50% of all calories consumed in the human diet. While both are C3 species, the evolution and domestication of wheat and rice occurred in very different environments, resulting in diverse anatomical and metabolic adaptation. This review focuses on the current understanding of their adaptation in an agronomic context. The similarities and differences between wheat and rice are discussed, focusing on traits related to phenology, photosynthesis, assimilate partitioning, and lodging resistance, these being the main abiotic drivers of yield expression in most agro‐ecosystems. Currently, there are significant knowledge gaps in the major biological processes that account not only for differential adaption among cultivars within each species, but even between the two species. By addressing what is known as well as where gaps exist in a comparative context, this review aims to highlight translational research approaches that could provide insights into the genetic improvement of both crops.
Factors controlling the deterioration of spray dried flavourings and unsaturated lipids
Authors: Reineccius G. A. , Yan C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDespite many years of research, the industry still struggles with improving the shelf‐life of oxidizable food components (e.g. flavourings, polyunsaturated triglycerides, natural pigments, vitamins, flavourings etc.) or highly volatile components (e.g. aroma components in flavourings). Microencapsulation has been serving as an effective way to preserve flavour and other active ingredients, to control their release rate, and/or to mask their unpleasant odour or taste. Among a variety of microencapsulation methods, spray drying is the most widely used process in the food and beverage industries, due to its ease of processing and low operating cost. Unfortunately, most food encapsulating materials (hereafter called ‘wall materials’) are not the best barriers so the desired shelf‐life of encapsulated flavourings and other active ingredients is difficult to achieve. However, significant progress has been made through research on encapsulation formulations, processes, and evaluation technologies. This review summarizes the information in the scientific literature on how to optimize both the encapsulation matrix and the process to maximize product shelf‐life. This review presents literature from both the ‘oil’ and flavour areas. While there are some different issues in preserving highly unstable oils vs. flavourings, there is significant overlap. It is worthwhile to summarize, analyse and critique the literature in these two domains so both industries and academia can benefit from the sharing of this knowledge. First, factors that influence permeability of wall materials and microcapsules are discussed. Then, deterioration of flavourings or unsaturated lipids microencapsulated by spray drying is reviewed. The final section offers thoughts as to ways to improve upon the current practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical and morphological changes in human dentin after Er:YAGlaser irradiation: EDS and SEM analysis
Authors: Contreras‐Arriaga Belinda , Rodríguez‐Vilchis Laura Emma , Contreras‐Bulnes Rosalía , Olea‐Mejìa Oscar Fernando , Scougall‐Vilchis Rogelio José , Centeno‐Pedraza Claudia 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTSixty samples of human dentin were divided into six groups (n = 10) and were irradiated with Er:YAG laser at 100 mJ–19.9 J/cm2, 150 mJ–29.8 J/cm2, 100 mJ–35.3 J/cm2, 150 mJ–53.0 J/cm2, 200 mJ–70.7 J/cm2, and 250 mJ–88.5 J/cm2, respectively, at 7 Hz under a water spray. The atomic percentages of carbon, oxygen, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio on the dentin were determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. A paired t‐test was used in statistical analysis before and after irradiation, and a one‐way ANOVA was performed (P ≤ 0.05). The atomic percent of C tended to decrease in all of the groups after irradiation with statistically significant differences, O and Mg increased with significant differences in all of the groups, and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio increased in groups IV, V, and VI, with statistically significant differences between groups II and VI. All the irradiated samples showed morphological changes. Major changes in the chemical composition of dentin were observed in trace elements. A significant increase in the Ca‐to‐P ratio was observed in the higher energy density groups. Morphological changes included loss of smear layer with exposed dentinal tubules. The changes produced by the different energy densities employed could have clinical implications, additional studies are required to clarify them. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1019–1025, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prognostic value of residual nodal disease following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer in patients with complete primary tumor response
Authors: Blackham Aaron U. , Yue Binglin , Almhanna Khaldoun , Saeed Nadia , Fontaine Jacques P. , Hoffe Sarah , Shridhar Ravi , Frakes Jessica , Coppola Domenico , Pimiento Jose M. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe prognostic significance of residual nodal disease in otherwise complete pathologic responders (ypT0N+) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) for esophageal cancer is unknown.MethodsypT0N+ responders were identified from a single institution database of esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy and were compared to patients without locoregional disease (ypT0N0) and to non‐complete responders (ypT+).ResultsOut of 487 patients, 196 ypT0N0 and 14 ypT0N+ patients were identified. Pre‐treatment stage was similar between ypT0N0 and ypT0N+ patients: 66% versus 73% of patients had uT3 disease (P = 0.50) and 76% versus 55% had nodal involvement (P = 0.49), respectively. Locoregional recurrence (43%) was more common in ypT0N+ patients. Median overall survival (OS) was worse in ypT0N+ patients (14.8 months) compared to ypT0N0 patients (92.2 months) and ypT+ patients (38.0 months, P < 0.001). Median OS of ypT0N+ patients was similar to ypT+ stage II (29.6 months, P = 0.84) and stage III (27.5 months, P = 0.95) disease. No difference in median OS existed in patients with residual nodal disease (n = 163) based on local response (14.8 months in ypT0N+ and 22.5 months in ypT+N+ patients, P = 0.55).ConclusionsResidual nodal disease in esophageal cancer patients with complete response in the primary tumor following nCRT portends a poor prognosis and behaves similar to pathologic stage II/III disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:597–602. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.