bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carboxymethyl starch/alginate microspheres containing diamine oxidase for intestinal targeting
Authors: Blemur Lindsay , Le Tien Canh , Marcocci Lucia , Pietrangeli Paola , Mateescu Mircea Alexandru 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe association of carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and alginate is proposed as a novel matrix for the entrapment of bioactive agents in microspheres affording their protection against gastrointestinal degradation. In this study, the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) from white pea (Lathyrus sativus) was immobilized by inclusion in microspheres formed by ionotropic gelation of CMS/alginate by complexation with Ca2+. The association of CMS to alginate generated a more compact structure presenting a lesser porosity, thus decreasing the access of gastric fluid inside the microspheres and preventing the loss of entrapped enzyme. Moreover, the immobilized enzyme remained active and was able to oxidize the polyamine substrates even in the presence of degrading proteases of pancreatin. The inclusion yield in terms of entrapped protein was of about 82%–95%. The DAO entrapped in calcium CMS/alginate beads retained up to 70% of its initial activity in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0). In simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.2) with pancreatin, an overall retention of 65% of activity for the immobilized DAO was observed over 24 H, whereas in similar conditions the free enzyme was totally inactivated. Our project proposes the vegetal DAO as an antihistaminic agent orally administered to treat food histaminosis and colon inflammation.
Preparation, characterization, and silanization of 3D microporous PDMS structure with properly sized pores for endothelial cell culture
Authors: Zargar Reyhaneh , Nourmohammadi Jhamak , Amoabediny Ghassem 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNowadays, application of porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structure in biomedical is becoming widespread, and many methods have been established to create such structure. Although the pores created through these methods are mostly developed on the outer surface of PDMS membrane, this study offers a simple and cost‐efficient technique for creating three‐dimensional (3D) microporous PDMS structure with appropriate pore size for endothelial cell culture. In this study, combination of gas foaming and particulate leaching methods, with NaHCO3 as effervescent salt and NaCl as progen are used to form a 3D PDMS sponge. The in situ chemical reaction between NaHCO3 and HCl resulted in the formation of small pores and channels. Moreover, soaking the samples in HCl solution temporarily improved the hydrophilicity of PDMS, which then facilitated the penetration of water for further leaching of NaCl. The surface chemical modification process was performed by (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane to culture endothelial cells on porous PDMS matrix. The results are an indication of positive response of endothelial cells to the fabricated PDMS sponge. Because of simplicity and practicality of this method for preparing PDMS sponge with appropriate pore size and biological properties, the fabricated matrix can perfectly be applied to future studies in blood‐contacting devices.
Meta-analysis of the predictive value of C-reactive protein for infectious complications in abdominal surgery
Authors: Adamina M , Steffen T , Tarantino I , Beutner U , Schmied B M , Warschkow R 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
The aim of this analysis was to assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) for the early detection of postoperative infectious complications after a variety of abdominal operations.

Methods
A meta-analysis of seven cohort studies from a single institution was performed. Laparoscopic gastric bypass and colectomies, as well as open resections of cancer of the colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach and oesophagus, were included. The predictive value of CRP was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
Of 1986 patients, 577 (29·1 (95 per cent c.i. 27·1 to 31·3) per cent) had at least one postoperative infectious complication. Patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass (383 patients) or colectomy (285), and those having open gastric (97) or colorectal (934) resections were combined in a meta-analysis. Patients who had resection for cancer of the oesophagus (41) or pancreas (246) were analysed separately owing to heterogeneity. CRP levels 4 days after surgery had the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0·76, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 0·78). Sensitivity and specificity were 68·5 (60·6 to 75·5) and 71·6 (66·6 to 76·0) per cent respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 50·4 (46·0 to 54·8) and 84·3 (80·8 to 87·3) per cent. The threshold CRP varied according to the procedure performed.

Conclusion
The negative predictive value of serum CRP concentration on day 4 after surgery facilitates reliable exclusion of postoperative infectious complications.
Outcome after surgical resection for duodenal adenocarcinoma in the UK
Authors: Solaini L , Jamieson N B , Metcalfe M , Abu Hilal M , Soonawalla Z , Davidson B R , McKay C , Kocher H M ,   UK Duodenal Cancer Study Group, Tamburrini R , Spoletini G , Shamali A , Thomasset S 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Factors influencing long-term outcome after surgical resection for duodenal adenocarcinoma are unclear.

Methods
A prospectively created database was reviewed for patients undergoing surgery for duodenal adenocarcinoma in six UK hepatopancreaticobiliary centres from 2000 to 2013. Factors influencing overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were identified by regression analysis.

Results
Resection with curative intent was performed in 150 (84·3 per cent) of 178 patients. The postoperative morbidity rate for these patients was 40·0 per cent and the in-hospital mortality rate was 3·3 per cent. Patients who underwent resection had a better median survival than those who had a palliative surgical procedure (84 versus 8 months; P &lt; 0·001). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates for patients who underwent resection were 83·9, 66·7 and 51·2 per cent respectively. Median DFS was 53 months, and 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 80·8 and 56·5 per cent respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that node status (hazard ratio 1·73, 95 per cent c.i. 1·07 to 2·79; P = 0·006) and lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio 3·49, 1·83 to 6·64; P = 0·003) were associated with overall survival.

Conclusion
Resection of duodenal adenocarcinoma in specialist centres is associated with good long-term survival. Lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastases are independent prognostic indicators.
Fear of Self and Unacceptable Thoughts in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Melli Gabriele , Aardema Frederick , Moulding Richard 
Published: March 2015

Cognitive‐behavioural models have linked unacceptable or repugnant thoughts in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) with vulnerable self‐themes and fear‐of‐self concerns. To investigate this notion, Aardema and coworkers recently developed and validated the Fear of Self‐Questionnaire (FSQ) in non‐clinical samples, finding it had strong internal inconsistency, and good divergent and convergent validity, including strong relationships to obsessional symptoms and with other processes implicated in cognitive models of OCD (e.g., obsessive beliefs and inferential confusion). The current article describes two studies that aim to replicate and extend these findings in clinical OCD and non‐clinical samples. Study 1 investigated the psychometric properties of an Italian translation of the FSQ in a non‐clinical sample (n = 405). Results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensionality of the scale; the FSQ also showed very good internal consistency and temporal stability. Study 2 investigated the role of fear of self in OCD symptoms, and unacceptable thoughts and repugnant obsessions in particular, using a clinical OCD sample (n = 76). As expected, fear of self was a unique, major predictor of unacceptable thoughts independent of negative mood states and obsessive beliefs. Moreover, even when considered with obsessive beliefs, anxiety and depression, the feared self was the only unique predictor of obsessionality, providing support for the notion that self‐themes could explain why some intrusions convert into obsessions, whereas others do not. Implications for current cognitive‐behavioural models are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message

Unacceptable thoughts in OCD have been linked with vulnerable self‐themes and a fear of self.
Aardema and coworkers recently developed and validated the Fear of Self‐Questionnaire (FSQ).
Study 1 investigated the Psychometric properties of an Italian translation of the FSQ in a non‐clinical sample.
Study 2 investigated the role of fear of self in unacceptable thoughts, using a clinical OCD sample.
Fear of self was a unique, major predictor of unacceptable thoughts in OCD over and beyond obsessive beliefs.
The immunosuppressive enzyme IL4I1 promotes FoxP3+ regulatory T lymphocyte differentiation
Authors: Cousin Céline , Aubatin Aude , Le Gouvello Sabine , Apetoh Lionel , Castellano Flavia , Molinier‐Frenkel Valérie 
Published: March 2015

IL4I1 (interleukin‐4‐induced gene 1) is a phenylalanine oxidase produced mainly by APCs of myeloid origin, and converts phenylalanine (Phe) to phenylpyruvate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia. We have previously shown that IL4I1 is highly expressed by tumor‐associated macrophages from various human cancers and facilitates immune evasion from the cytotoxic response in a murine tumor model. Indeed, IL4I1 inhibits T‐cell proliferation via hydrogen peroxide toxicity on effector/memory T cells. Here, we explored the effect of IL4I1 on naïve CD4+ T‐cell differentiation. We show that IL4I1 stimulates the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in vitro from human and mouse T cells. This effect was observed with IL4I1 from different sources, including the naturally produced enzyme. Conversely, IL4I1 limits Th1 and Th2 polarization while modifying the Th17 phenotype, in particular, by inducing its own production. Analysis of Treg‐cell induction under conditions of Phe deprivation and hydrogen peroxide addition suggests that Phe consumption by the enzyme participates in Treg‐cell enrichment. In line with this hypothesis, IL4I1 inhibits mTORC1 signaling shortly after T‐cell activation. Thus, the IL4I1 enzyme may act on T cells both by direct inhibition of effector cell proliferation and by indirect immunoregulation mediated by Treg‐cell induction.
Analysis of Leakages in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack in a System Environment
Authors: Halinen M. , Pennanen J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack can exhibit both anodic and cathodic leakages, i.e. a fuel leak from the anode side and an air leak from the cathode side of the stack, respectively. This study describes the results of an in‐situ leakage analysis conducted for a planar SOFC stack during 2000 hours of operation in an actual system environment. The leakages are quantified experimentally at nominal system operating conditions by conducting composition analysis and flow metering of gases for both fuel and air subsystems. Based on the calculated atomic hydrogen‐to‐carbon ratio of the fuel and air gases, it is found that the fuel leakages are mostly selective by nature: the leaking fuel gas does not have the same composition as the fuel system gas. A simple diffusive leakage model, based on the leakage being driven by concentration differences weighted by diffusion coefficients, is applied to quantify the amount of leakages. The leakage model provides a good correspondence with the experimental results of the gas analysis.
Assessing the fit of biotic ligand model validation data in a risk management decision context
Authors: McLaughlin Douglas B 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Biotic ligand models (BLMs) have advanced the ability to predict the concentrations of metals in surface waters likely to harm aquatic organisms. BLMs have been developed for several metals including Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ag. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency has published guidance on the use of a BLM to develop water quality criteria for Cu. To validate the predictive performance of many BLMs, model predictions based on test water quality have been compared with corresponding laboratory toxicity measurements. Validation results are typically described in the published literature in terms of the proportion of predicted effect concentrations that fall within a factor of 2 of measured values. In this article, an alternative is presented using a receiver operating characteristics approach and regression prediction limit analyses, quantifying the probabilities of true and false predictions of excess toxicity risk based on toxic unit calculations and a risk management threshold of 1. The approaches are applied to a published Zn BLM and 3 simulated data sets that reflect attributes of other published BLM validation data. The overall accuracy of the unified Zn BLM is estimated to be 80% to 90%, and analyses of simulated data suggest a similar level of accuracy for other published BLMs. Further application of these validation methods to other BLMs may provide more complete and transparent information on their possible predictive value when used in the management of risks due to aqueous metals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;9999:1–8. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
Biotic Ligand Models are used increasingly in the assessment of risks to aquatic life due to metals. BLM validation results have typically been described in the literature in terms of the proportion of predicted effect concentrations that fall within a factor of 2 of measured values. This paper presents an alternative which quantifies model accuracy and prediction error rates for a toxicity threshold of 1 toxic unit. Such performance metrics may be more directly relevant to risk managers considering the use of BLMs.
Gaseous emissions and soil fertility of homegardens in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan
Authors: Goenster Sven , Wiehle Martin , Predotova Martina , Gebauer Jens , Ali Abdalla Mohamed , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntensification of homegardens in the Nuba Mountains may lead to increases in C and nutrient losses from these small‐scale land‐use systems and potentially threaten their sustainability. This study, therefore, aimed at determining gaseous C and N fluxes from homegarden soils of different soil moisture, temperature, and C and N status. Emissions of CO2, NH3, and N2O from soils of two traditional and two intensified homegardens and an uncultivated control were recorded bi‐weekly during the rainy season in 2010. Flux rates were determined with a portable dynamic closed chamber system consisting of a photo‐acoustic multi‐gas field monitor connected to a PTFE coated chamber. Topsoil moisture and temperature were recorded simultaneously to the gas measurements. Across all homegardens emissions averaged 4,527 kg CO2‐C ha−1, 22 kg NH3‐N ha−1, and 11 kg N2O‐N ha−1 for the observation period from June to December. Flux rates were largely positively correlated with soil moisture and predominantly negatively with soil temperature. Significant positive, but weak (rs < 0.34) correlations between increasing management intensity and emissions were noted for CO2‐C. Similarly, morning emissions of NH3 and increasing management intensity were weakly correlated (rs = 0.17). The relatively high gaseous C and N losses in the studied homegardens call for effective management practices to secure the soil organic C status of these traditional land‐use systems.
Optimisation of α‐terpineol production by limonene biotransformation using Penicillium digitatumDSM 62840
Authors: Tai Ya‐Nan , Xu Min , Ren Jing‐Nan , Dong Man , Yang Zi‐Yu , Pan Si‐yi , Fan Gang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, (R)‐(+)‐limonene biotransformation using three fungal strains was compared. Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840 was distinguished for its capacity to transform limonene into α‐terpineol with high regioselectivity. Growth kinetics in submerged liquid culture and the effects of growth phase and contact time on biotransformation were studied using this strain. Substrate concentration, co‐solvent selection, and cultivation conditions were subsequently optimised.RESULTSThe maximum concentration of α‐terpineol (833.93 mg L−1) was obtained when the pre‐culture medium was in medium log‐phase by adding 840 mg L−1 substrate dissolved in ethanol and cultivation was performed at 24 °C, 150 rpm, and pH 6.0 for 12 h. Addition of small amounts of (R)‐(+)‐limonene (84 mg L−1) at the start of fungal log‐phase growth yielded a 1.5‐fold yield of α‐terpineol, indicating that the enzyme was inducible.CONCLUSIONAmong these three strains tested, P. digitatum DSM 62840 was proved to be an efficient biocatalyst to transform (R)‐(+)‐limonene to α‐terpineol. Further studies revealed that the optimal growth phase for biotransformation was in the medium log phase of this strain. The biotransformation represented a wide tolerance of temperature; α‐terpineol concentration underwent no significant change at 8–32 °C. The biotransformation could also be performed using resting cells. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Late Emergence of Parkinsonian Phenotype and Abnormal Dopamine Transporter Scan in Chorea‐Acanthocytosis
Authors: Nagy Anna , Noyce Alastair , Velayos‐Baeza Antonio , Lees Andrew J. , Warner Thomas T. , Ling Helen 
Published: March 2015

AbstractChorea‐acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a neurodegenerative condition predominantly manifesting with chorea and often acanthocytes on peripheral blood film. Abnormal appearances with 123I‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have not previously been reported in ChAc. We describe 2 cases with typical presentations of ChAc and late development of parkinsonism with asymmetric reduction in presynaptic striatal uptake on 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT. Case 1, a 50‐year‐old male, developed micrographia and limb bradykinesia 14 years after initial presentation at the age of 30. Case 2, a 42‐year‐old female presenting with vocal tics and generalized dystonia at the age of 25, developed tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity 11 years into the disease course. These cases represent the best description to date of the natural history of ChAc, in which the early hyperkinetic clinical syndromes give way to a parkinsonian phenotype. This is consistent with a gradual deterioration of presynaptic nigrostriatal projections, reflected in the clinical parkinsonism and abnormal 123I FP‐CIT SPECT.
Revisiting the Syndrome of “Obsessional Slowness”
Authors: Ganos Christos , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Cerdan Maria , Erro Roberto , Balint Bettina , Price Gary , Edwards Mark J. , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundObsessional slowness (OS) denotes a rare condition of disablingly slow motor performance. It was originally described in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder as a “primary” condition; however, subsequent reports have included heterogeneous clinical populations. We wished to reassess patients with this diagnosis at our own institution and also revisit the literature to provide an overview of this condition.MethodsClinical documentation and videos of 3 patients diagnosed with OS in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (London, UK) were reviewed. One of the patients was clinically reappraised. A systematic review of published articles with sufficient clinical patient information was also conducted.ResultsOur 3 cases were male with symptom onset in adolescence or early adulthood. Motor slowness with poverty of movement and a history of obsessive‐compulsive symptoms were characteristic. Poor speech production, bizarre postures, mannerisms, echophenomena, and oculogyric tics were also noted. Dopaminergic imaging was normal in 2 cases. One case had autistic features. Systematic literature review identified 77 further cases. Male preponderance with symptom onset mainly during the second decade and presence of obsessive‐compulsive symptoms were noted. Additional motor and neuropsychiatric features were often present.ConclusionThe existence of OS as a “primary” condition is doubtful. This diagnosis has been given to characterize different clinical presentations ranging from obsessive‐compulsive disorder with motor slowness resulting from covert obsessive‐compulsive symptoms to catatonia. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome to separate it from juvenile parkinsonism and other causes of motor slowness given that diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies differ.
Lymph node flap transfer for patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema
Authors: Batista Bernardo N. , Germain Michel , Faria José Carlos M. , Becker Corinne 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundPrevious authors have shown benefits from the use of lymph node flap transfer (LNFT) to treat lymphedema of the arms, but there is little evidence for its use for lower limb lymphedema. We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of patients suffering from secondary lower limb lymphedema treated with a free LNFT.Methods52 cases of LNFT to treat 41 legs in 38 patients with secondary lymphedema were retrospectively reviewed. The causes of the lymphedema included lymphedema secondary to hysterectomy for uterine cancer, melanoma resections on the leg, lymphoma treatment and testicular cancer, cosmetic surgery to the limb, lipoma resection at the inguinal region, and a saphenectomy. Patients had been suffering with lymphedema for an average of 9.1 ± 7.3 years at the time of LNFT.ResultsEleven patients (28.9%) presented with minor complications treated conservatively. For 23 legs there was enough data to follow limb volume evolution after a single LNFT. Total volume reduction in eight legs (two patients with no measures of the healthy limb and three bilateral) was 7.1 ± 8.6%. Another group of 15 patients with unilateral lymphedema had an average 46.3 ± 34.7% reduction of excess volume. Better results (>30% REV) were associated with smaller preoperative excess volume (P = 0.045).ConclusionPatients with secondary leg lymphedema can benefit from LNFT. Results in patients with mild presentations seem to be better than in more severe cases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:29–33, 2017.
Displacement‐based simulation of time‐dependent behaviour of RC beams with prestressed FRP or steel tendons
Authors: Knight Daniel , Visintin Phillip , Oehlers Deric J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPredicting the time‐dependent behaviour of prestressed concrete (PC) beams is crucial as time effects under serviceability loading can result in a critical loss of prestress. The conventional technique using moment–curvature (M/χ) to simulate the behaviour of PC beams is based on the Euler‐Bernoulli corollary of a linear strain profile in which all deformations are accommodated through changes in the material strain, i.e. it is strain based. Consequently, the M/χ approach cannot directly accommodate discrete deformations associated with tension stiffening, such as the formation of individual cracks and reinforcement slip. Hence, the M/χ approach can simulate the behaviour prior to cracking purely through mechanics. However, for post‐cracking behaviour it requires empirically derived correction factors, such as empirically derived flexural rigidities, to allow for the deformations associated with tension stiffening. This paper presents a displacement‐based moment–rotation (M/Θ) approach for determining the behaviour of PC beams by applying the Euler‐Bernoulli theorem of plane sections, as opposed to the conventional M/χ approach of a linear strain profile. Being based on plane sections, the M/Θ approach deals directly with displacements and, consequently, can simulate the mechanics of tension stiffening directly. The approach is shown to accommodate the time effects of concrete creep, shrinkage and reinforcement relaxation and can develop equivalent flexural rigidities directly from mechanics.