bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectrochemistry of Paracetamol – Studied at Directly Heated Micro‐wire and Rotating Disk Electrodes
Authors: Mathivanan Johnsi , Chang Zhihua , Galagedera Sarasi K. K. , Flechsig Gerd‐Uwe
Published: April 2018

We compare the thermoelectrochemical behavior of paracetamol (acetaminophen) at both directly heated gold micro‐wire electrodes (1–115 °C) and rotating disk electrodes (100–8000 rpm). Koutecky‐Levich plots were recorded at various temperatures between 23 and 60 °C. The calculated Ik values (representing reaction rate at infinite mass transport) were plotted as Arrhenius‐type graphs, and the obtained energy values of 20–30 kJ/mol depended on the potential chosen for the corresponding Koutecky‐Levich plots. This led to the conclusion that these energy values are not activation energies, but rather an energy difference due to overvoltage as described in the Butler‐Volmer equation. Accordingly, Koutecky‐Levich plots recorded at various temperatures allowed to determine the Butler‐Volmer kinetics including transfer coefficients even at low concentrations. Arrhenius plots obtained at heated micro‐wire electrodes revealed two linear regions corresponding to diffusion control with 16 kJ/mol at high temperature and 20–30 kJ/mol at very low temperature. The latter activation energy values were found in a very narrow temperature range and probably belong to a transition region towards a kinetic activation energy.
Black cohosh extracts and powders induce micronuclei, a biomarker of genetic damage, in human cells
Authors: Smith‐Roe Stephanie L. , Swartz Carol D. , Shepard Kim G. , Bryce Steven M. , Dertinger Stephen D. , Waidyanatha Suramya , Kissling Grace E. , Auerbach Scott S. , Witt Kristine L.
Published: April 2018

Black cohosh extract (BCE) is a widely used dietary supplement marketed to women to alleviate symptoms of gynecological ailments, yet its toxicity has not been well characterized. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) previously reported significant increases in micronucleated erythrocytes in peripheral blood of female Wistar Han rats and B6C3F1/N mice administered 15–1,000 mg BCE/kg/day by gavage for 90 days. These animals also developed a dose‐dependent nonregenerative macrocytic anemia characterized by clinical changes consistent with megaloblastic anemia. Both micronuclei (MN) and megaloblastic anemia can arise from disruption of the folate metabolism pathway. The NTP used in vitro approaches to investigate whether the NTP's test lot of BCE, BCEs from various suppliers, and root powders from BC and other cohosh species, were genotoxic in general, and to gain insight into the mechanism of action of BCE genotoxicity. Samples were tested in human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells using the In Vitro MicroFlow® MN assay. The NTP BCE and a BC extract reference material (XRM) were tested in the MultiFlow® DNA Damage assay, which assesses biomarkers of DNA damage, cell division, and cytotoxicity. The NTP BCE and several additional BCEs were tested in bacterial mutagenicity assays. All samples induced MN when cells were grown in physiological levels of folic acid. The NTP BCE and BC XRM produced activity patterns consistent with an aneugenic mode of action. The NTP BCE and five additional BCEs were negative in bacterial mutagenicity tests. These findings show that black cohosh preparations induce chromosomal damage and may pose a safety concern. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:416–426, 2018. © 2018 Published 2018. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Understanding the flue gas components on the mechanism governing CO2 adsorption on the Li4SiO4 surface
Authors: Wang Ke , Sun Ji , Zhao Pengfei
Published: April 2018

The development of novel Li4SiO4‐based sorbents is hampered by a lack of understanding of the mechanisms governing CO2 adsorption on the Li4SiO4 surface. In this work, the adsorption of CO2 and flue gas components (such as H2O and SOX (SO2 and SO3)) on a simulated Li4SiO4 surface was investigated using ab initio‐based energetic calculations. The Li4SiO4 surface was modeled by a cluster of lithium silicate, in which the atoms were unsaturated to simulate the active sites. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were also analyzed. The calculated results showed that three possible configurations were determined: CO2 weakly sorbed on the oxygen sites of Li4SiO4 through physisorption; a carbonate species appeared, which was characterized by chemisorption; and a linear cluster of Li+‐O = C=O formed, having the largest sorption energy. These three possible pathways were likewise in accordance with the FTIR results. Moreover, a pre‐chemisorption of water on Li4SiO4 resulted in promoted CO2 capture, while the presence of competitive SOX sorption on the same active sites as CO2 sorption showed an inhibition effect. The results clarify the complex adsorption mechanisms on the Li4SiO4 surface. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Emissions and performance characteristics of a diesel engine operated with fuel blends obtained from a mixture of pretreated waste engine oil and waste vegetable oil methyl esters
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Ansari Tariq Mahmood , Hussain Mazhar
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to convert the Pakistani waste engine oil (WEO) and waste vegetable oils into an energy efficient and environmental friendly fuel, which may be utilized as an alternative fuel in diesel engines. In this study, the WEO was catalytically cracked using Al2O3 in a batch reactor. The composite fuel blends (CFB; CFB15, CFB25, CFB35, CFB45, and CFB55) were prepared from a 40:60 mixture of pretreated cracked WEO and canola oil methyl esters with different proportions of petroleum diesel. The fuel blends were tested in a four stroke diesel engine to investigate the emission and performance characteristics in comparison to petroleum diesel. Among the fuel blends tested, CFB15 has shown negligible difference of BSFC (2.58%) and BTE (1.51%) values in comparison to petroleum diesel. Smoke, CO, and HC emissions of all the fuel blends tested were found significantly lower than those of diesel fuel. NOx emission value of CFB15 was observed to be closer to that of diesel. Based on the engine performance and emission characteristics the fuel blend CFB15 (15% CFB derived from waste oils and 85% petroleum diesel) can be effectively used as an alternative fuel in compression ignition diesel engines. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Adsorption of Zn2+ from aqueous solutions by si‐substituted carbonated hydroxylapatite: Equilibrium, kinetics, and mechanisms
Authors: Zeng Rongying , Tang Wenqing , Liu Xing , Ding Chunxia , Gong Daoxin
Published: April 2018

A kind of low‐cost silicon‐substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite (Si‐CHAP) powder was successfully fabricated by using eggshell powder, H3PO4, Ca(OH)2, Na2SiO3, and Na2CO3 under sonochemistry coprecipitation condition. Si‐CHAP could serve as an ideal adsorbent to remove zinc ion (Zn2+) from aqueous solution. Under the optimized conditions, the removal efficiency of Zn2+ in solution by Si‐CHAP could reach to 96.2%. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Notably, the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order model, and the saturation adsorption capacities were calculated to be 102.0, 103.1, and 105.3 mg g−1 at 293, 303, and 313 K, respectively. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of Zn2+ by Si‐CHAP is endothermic. Mechanism studies revealed that the dominate mechanism was chemical adsorption. These results showed that Si‐CHAP is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Zn2+ from aqueous solution, and thus providing a good method to treat Zn2+ in the waste water. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Application of silica nanoparticles to develop faujasite nanocomposite for heavy metal and carcinogenic dye degradation
Authors: Maiti Moumita , Sarkar Manas , Xu Shilang , Das Sukhen , Adak Dibyendu , Maiti Soumen
Published: April 2018

Role of Silica nanoparticles as feasible advantageous material has already been recognized due to its good thermal, low density, mechanical stability, and chemical inertia whereas industrial by product; fly ash has been also modified with different approaches for better environmental solution in recent times. In this present exertion, initially about ∼20 nm of silica nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized by XRD, Zeta size analyzer, TEM, and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectra (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the synthesized silica NPs was impregnated in fly ash to synthesize the Faujasite materials at 50°C while various characterizations techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM equipped with EDS) explore the developed Faujasite material are in nanodimensioned (∼200 nm) cubical shaped. The heavy metal (Lead, Chromium, and Cobalt) adsorption and degradation of dyes (Methylene blue and Methyl red) were investigated by varying different parameters (i.e., pH, temperature, Contact time, amount of Faujasite, initial concentrations of solutions). Minimum amount (1 g) of Faujasite is adequate to adsorb the heavy metal at pH 5.0 in contact time 120 min at >35°C temperature and only 20 mg of Faujasite is considered as the optimizing value for photocatalytic activity at the similar condition. Such observations suggest budgetary and ecofriendly aspects to exploit the vast resources of fly ash along with silica NPs for wastewater treatment. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S15–S23, 2019
Effect of speed and load on exergetic parameters of a diesel engine fueled with diesel and biodiesel blends
Authors: Meisami Farshad , Ajam Hossein , Tabasizadeh Mohammad
Published: April 2018

In this work, the first and second laws of thermodynamics are employed to evaluate exergetic parameters of a diesel engine at different speed and load ranges. Various blends of waste cooking oil biodiesel with diesel fuel were tested in a direct injection diesel engine at different speeds (1300, 1600, and 2000 rpm) and loads (25%, 50%, and 75% of the rated load). Combustion reactions were determined using emission data and then exergetic parameters of the engine such as fuel exergy, heat loss exergy, exhaust loss exergy, and exergy destruction were calculated and analyzed. Results showed that fuel and heat losses as well as exhaust exergies increase by increasing engine speed and load. Exergy destruction result indicated an opposite trend. It was found that the exergy destruction is the major part of exergy losses by about 45–50% for fuel blends. The maximum exergetic efficiency was found 38.77% at engine speed of 1300 rpm and engine load of 75% rated load. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 534–541, 2019
Studies on intumescent flame retardant polypropylene composites based on biodegradable wheat straw
Authors: Nie Shibin , Wu Wei , Pan Yetang , Dong Xiang , Li Benxia , Wang De‐yi
Published: April 2018

Wheat straw (WS) has numerous advantages compared with traditional bioadditives such as starch and lignin. So in this work, based on WS and silica microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate, flame retardant polypropylene/wheat straw (WSP) composites were prepared by melted blend method. Flame retardant and thermal properties of WSP composites have been investigated. The results of cone calorimeter show that peaks of heat release rate and total heat release of the flame retardant WSP composite decrease substantially compared with those of pure polypropylene. The peak of heat release rate value of the flame retardant WSP composite decreases from 1290.5 to 247.9 kW/m2, and the total heat release value decreases from 119.4 to 46.3 MJ/m2. Meanwhile, thermal degradation and gas products of the flame retardant WSP composite were monitored by thermogravimetric analysis and thermogravimetric analysis‐infrared spectrometry. The result of thermal analysis shows that the flame retardant WSP composite has a high thermal stability and has a 30.0 wt% residual char at 600°C. From this work, we hope to provide a method to prepare flame retardant polymer composites with a biodegradable natural material‐WS.
When are emerging market multinationals more risk taking?
Authors: Luo Yadong , Bu Juan
Published: April 2018

Research Summary: This study examines the endogenous conditions under which emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) are more risk taking in entering and competing abroad. We argue that strategic asset‐seeking intent, financial abundance, and inward internationalization enable EMNEs to better manage uncertainty and capture benefits, resulting in greater levels of risk‐taking behaviors in foreign entry mode and global dispersion. We offer a process framework showing that the effects of endogenous forces on risk‐taking behaviors take place via a partial mediating role of risk‐taking propensity (entrepreneurial attitude toward risk). Our analysis of Chinese MNEs provides strong evidence validating these arguments. We discuss implications of our findings, intending to invigorate scholarly interests in risk management in a new era of globalization and stimulate understanding of EMNEs' strategic behaviors.

Managerial Summary: Many EMNEs are risk taking and radical in undertaking outbound foreign direct investment (OFDI). Yet, it is misleading to assume that all EMNEs have high risk‐taking propensity or that all risk‐taking EMNEs are necessarily equally radical in all their international business (IB) activities. We seek to understand which firm‐specific forces importantly affect these firms' risk‐taking behaviors. Our analyses based upon Chines MNEs reveal that firms with greater levels of strategic asset‐seeking intent, financial abundance, and inward internationalization present significantly higher risk‐taking propensity and risk‐taking acts, including risky entry modes such as acquisitions and aggressive geographic dispersion.
Metabolic risk factors are associated with non‐hepatitis B non‐hepatitis C hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan, an endemic area of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Shiu‐Feng , Chang Il‐Chi , Hong Chih‐Chen , Yen Tseng‐Chang , Chen Chao‐Long , Wu Cheng‐Chung , Tsai Cheng‐Chung , Ho Ming‐Chih , Lee Wei‐Chen , Yu Hsien‐Chung , Shen Ying‐Ying , Eng Hock‐Liew , Wang John , Tseng Hui‐Hwa , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Yeh Chau‐Ting , Chen Chi‐Ling , Chen Pei‐Jer , Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: April 2018

Metabolic risk factors, such as obesity, fatty liver, high lipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are associated with increased risk for nonviral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, few nonviral HCC studies have stratified patients according to underlying etiologies. From 2005 to 2011, 3,843 patients with HCC were recruited into the Taiwan Liver Cancer Network. Of these patients, 411 (10.69%) who were negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV), surface antigen, HBV DNA, and anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody were classified as non‐HBV non‐HCV (NBNC)‐HCC. Detailed clinical analyses of these patients were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched patients with HBV‐HCC or HCV‐HCC for the associated metabolic risk factors. For this comparison, 420 patients with HBV‐HCC and 420 patients with HCV‐HCC were selected from the 3,843 patients with HCC. Multivariate analyses showed fatty liver (by echography), high triglyceride levels (>160 mg/dL), and diabetes mellitus history to be significantly associated only with NBNC‐HCC and not with the matched patients with HBV‐ or HCV‐HCC. When the patients with HCC were further divided into four groups based on history of alcoholism and cirrhotic status, the group without alcoholism and without cirrhosis exhibited the strongest association with the metabolic risk factors. Based on trend analyses, patients with NBNC‐HCC with or without alcoholism were significantly different from the matched patients with HBV‐ or HCV‐HCC, except for patients with alcoholism and cirrhosis, in having more than two of the above three risk factors. Conclusion: Metabolic risk factors are significantly associated with nonviral HCC, especially for patients without alcoholism in Taiwan. Because the prevalence of viral HCC is decreasing due to the success of universal vaccination and antiviral therapy, strategies for cancer prevention, prediction, and surveillance for HCC will require modification. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:747‐759)
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in a flexible office‐based workplace: Employee perceptions and priorities for change
Authors: Olsen Heidi M. , Brown Wendy J. , Kolbe‐Alexander Tracy , Burton Nicola W.
Published: April 2018

Issue addressed

Many Australian employees now regularly work from home in some capacity. This new way of working has not been widely studied in relation to the potential implications for employees’ health‐related behaviour or workplace health promotion. The aim of this study was to explore office‐based employees’ perceptions of the impact of flexible work on physical activity and sedentary behaviour; and preferences for associated interventions.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted with office‐based employees (n = 28) 6 months after the introduction of a flexible work policy. A semi‐structured interview format with open‐ended questions was used with summary statements to check understanding. Sessions were audiotaped, and dominant themes were identified. Findings on intervention preferences were interpreted using a social cognitive framework. An overview of results was provided to a group of managers (n = 9) for comment.

Results

Employees reported that physical activity was not impacted, but sedentary behaviour had increased, with flexible work. Intervention preferences focussed on occupational sedentary behaviour, self‐regulation, prompts and social connections, and not the physical work environment. Managers agreed with employees’ preferences and also wanted interventions to be sustainable.

Conclusion

Self‐directed interventions with social components and targeting occupational sedentary behaviour were more acceptable than physical activity interventions in this flexible workplace.

So what?

Health promotion for workplaces with flexible work practices may benefit from prioritising strategies that promote self‐regulation and social connections rather than being linked to the physical worksite.
Ameliorative effect of nanoencapsulated flavonoid against chlorpyrifos‐induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Suke Sanvidhan G , Sherekar Prasad , Kahale Vivek , Patil Shaktipal , Mundhada Dharmendra , Nanoti Vivek M
Published: April 2018

The theme of the present work is to evaluate the protective effect of nanoencapsulated quercetin (NEQ) against chlorpyrifos (CPF)‐induced hepatic damage and immune alterations in animals. Nanoparticles (NP) drug encapsulation was prepared. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. Two groups served as control and CPF (13.5 mg/kg) treatment for 28 days. Other three groups were free quercetin (QC), NP and NEQ treated with 3 mg/kg respectively for 15 days; whereas remaining three groups received treatment of CPF and QC, NP, NEQ, respectively, for 15 days. The results show that significantly altered oxidative stress in the liver tissue and liver enzyme parameters in blood and immune responses in CPF‐treated rats compared to controls. Administration of NEQ attenuated biochemical and immunological parameters. The liver histopathological analysis confirmed pathological improvement. Hence, use of NEQ appeared to be beneficial to a great extent in attenuating and restoring hepatic oxidative damage and immune alteration sustained by pesticide exposure.
Benzyl isothiocyanate attenuates the hydrogen peroxide‐induced interleukin‐13 expression through glutathione S‐transferase P induction in T lymphocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Tang Yue , Naito Sho , Abe‐Kanoh Naomi , Ogawa Seiji , Yamaguchi Shu , Zhu Beiwei , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: April 2018

We investigated the effect of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on the hydrogen peroxide‐induced gene expression of a T‐helper‐2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐13, in T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. The 24‐h pretreatment of BITC significantly inhibited the IL‐13 expression enhanced by hydrogen peroxide. Although the BITC pretreatment did not change the enhanced level of the phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), it significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of c‐Jun induced by hydrogen peroxide. BITC also increased the protein expression of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) isozymes, GSTP1/2, as well as the total GST activity. A GSTP1/2‐specific inhibitor, 6‐(7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly counteracted the inhibitory effect of BITC on the hydrogen peroxide‐enhanced IL‐13 upregulation as well as the c‐Jun nuclear translocation. Taken together, these results suggested that BITC inhibits the oxidative stress‐mediated IL‐13 mRNA expression, possibly through interference of the c‐Jun phosphorylation by GSTP.
DNA methylation biomarkers for the occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma from TCGA data mining
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Feng , Zhu Bi‐Sheng , Wu Fei‐Ma , Hu Hai‐Bo
Published: April 2018

The development of lung cancer is a combination of multifactor, multistage, and multiple genetic alterations processes. DNA methylation is an important factor. Currently, the study on the genome‐scale epigenetic modification for studying the pathogenesis of lung cancer is still lacking. Here, we aimed to identify the epigenetic modifications of lung cancer, thus to provide scientific basis for the personalized medicine, and research of classification screening for lung adenocarcinoma patients. The DNA methylation data, and the corresponding clinical information of lung adenocarcinoma samples were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We explored the association of DNA methylation and gene transcription expression of lung adenocarcinoma by identifying the differentially expressed genes, DNA methylated locis, functional gene clusters, and the relevant genes associated with the survival. We identified 17 differentially expressed genes which had differentially methylated locis, 4 functional gene clusters regulated by methylation, and 522 genes, which were relevant to the survival time of patients. Our study suggested that methylation controlled the gene expression in a variety of ways, which had high/low expression and hyper‐/hypo‐methylation. Genes of different methylation status showed the different survival curve. The genes and methylated locis identified in this study could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma.
Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update
Authors: Simioni Carolina , Martelli Alberto M. , Zauli Giorgio , Vitale Marco , McCubrey James A. , Capitani Silvano , Neri Luca M.
Published: April 2018

Despite considerable progress in treatment protocols, B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) displays a poor prognosis in about 15–20% of pediatric cases and about 60% of adult patients. In addition, life‐long irreversible late effects from chemo‐ and radiation therapy, including secondary malignancies, are a growing problem for leukemia survivors. Targeted therapy holds promising perspectives for cancer treatment as it may be more effective and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. The phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a key regulatory cascade which controls proliferation, survival and drug‐resistance of cancer cells, and it is frequently upregulated in the different subtypes of B‐ALL, where it plays important roles in the pathophysiology, maintenance and progression of the disease. Moreover, activation of this signaling cascade portends a poorer prognosis in both pediatric and adult B‐ALL patients. Promising preclinical data on PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have documented their anticancer activity in B‐ALL and some of these novel drugs have entered clinical trials as they could lead to a longer event‐free survival and reduce therapy‐associated toxicity for patients with B‐ALL. This review highlights the current status of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in B‐ALL, with an emphasis on emerging evidence of the superior efficacy of synergistic combinations involving the use of traditional chemotherapeutics or other novel, targeted agents.
Beyond voltage‐gated ion channels: Voltage‐operated membrane proteins and cellular processes
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Chen Xingjuan , Xue Yucong , Gamper Nikita , Zhang Xuan
Published: April 2018

Voltage‐gated ion channels were believed to be the only voltage‐sensitive proteins in excitable (and some non‐excitable) cells for a long time. Emerging evidence indicates that the voltage‐operated model is shared by some other transmembrane proteins expressed in both excitable and non‐excitable cells. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about voltage‐operated proteins, which are not classic voltage‐gated ion channels as well as the voltage‐dependent processes in cells for which single voltage‐sensitive proteins have yet to be identified. Particularly, we will focus on the following. (1) Voltage‐sensitive phosphoinositide phosphatases (VSP) with four transmembrane segments homologous to the voltage sensor domain (VSD) of voltage‐gated ion channels; VSPs are the first family of proteins, other than the voltage‐gated ion channels, for which there is sufficient evidence for the existence of the VSD domain; (2) Voltage‐gated proton channels comprising of a single voltage‐sensing domain and lacking an identified pore domain; (3) G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the depolarization‐evoked potentiation of Ca2+ mobilization; (4) Plasma membrane (PM) depolarization‐induced but Ca2+‐independent exocytosis in neurons. (5) Voltage‐dependent metabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PtdIns[4,5]P2, PIP2) in the PM. These recent discoveries expand our understanding of voltage‐operated processes within cellular membranes.
Adsorption/desorption characteristics, separation and purification of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid from fermentation extract by macroporous adsorbing resins
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Yue Sheng‐Jie , Hu Hong‐Bo , Wang Wei , Zhang Xue‐Hong
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas chlororaphisGP72 is a biocontrol strain with great capacity to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites including phenazine derivatives. Phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) is an environmentally friendly antibiotic with broad‐spectrum biological and pharmaceutical activities. Many studies have been focused on engineering high‐yielding strains and optimizing fermentation bioprocesses to enhance PCA biosynthesis. However, the separation and purification of PCA in biotechnological production remain to be addressed. In this context, the present work intended to develop a simple and proficient technique for the separation and purification of PCA from the fermentation broth of engineeredP. chlororaphisGP72AN.

RESULTS

Five macroporous adsorbents with different physicochemical characteristics were screened to present their PCA separation potential. Among them, HP‐20 resin was found highly suitable based on its promising adsorption and desorption performance in a static batch process. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms deciphered the solute binding affinity towards HP‐20 adsorbent at varying temperatures, and the experimental data fitted best to the Langmuir isotherm model. The column‐assisted dynamic adsorption–desorption trials were executed to optimize the functional parameters for PCA separation. Under standardized separating conditions, the average adsorption capacity and desorption ratio of PCA were 24.4 ± 1.5 mg g−1dry resin and 86.5 ± 1.3%, respectively. After treatment with HP‐20 resin, PCA contents in the product were considerably increased with a recovery yield of 78.4 ± 2.4%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the method proposed herein achieved effective separation and purification of PCA by applying HP‐20 resin. The results obtained also suggest an encouraging basis for scale‐up preparation of PCA and other high‐value phenazine compounds of industrial interests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative analyses of the gut microbiota among three different wild geese species in the genus Anser
Authors: Wang Wen , Liu Yingbao , Yang Yongsheng , Wang Aizhen , Sharshov Kirill , Li Yao , Cao Mengyao , Mao Puzhen , Li Laixing
Published: April 2018

In this study, we characterized for the first time the gut microbiota of Greylag geese (Anser anser) using high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. The results showed that the phyla Firmicutes (78.55%), Fusobacteria (9.38%), Proteobacteria (7.55%), Bacteroidetes (1.82%), Cyanobacteria (1.44%), and Actinobacteria (0.61%) dominated the gut microbial communities in the Greylag geese. Then, the variations of gut microbial community structures and functions among the three geese species, Greylag geese, Bar‐headed geese (Anser indicus), and Swan geese (Anser cygnoides), were explored. The greatest gut microbial diversity was found in Bar‐headed geese group, while other two groups had the least. The dominant bacterial phyla across all samples were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, but several characteristic bacterial phyla and genera associated with each group were also detected. At all taxonomic levels, the microbial community structure of Swan geese was different from those of Greylag geese and Bar‐headed geese, whereas the latter two groups were less different. Functional KEGG categories and pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were differentially expressed among different geese species. Taken together, this study could provide valuable information to the vast, and yet little explored, research field of wild birds gut microbiome.
The Chan Hol cave near Tulum (Quintana Roo, Mexico): evidence for long‐lasting human presence during the early to middle Holocene
Authors: Hering Fabio , Stinnesbeck Wolfgang , Folmeister Jens , Frey Eberhard , Stinnesbeck Sarah , Avilés Jerónimo , Aceves Núñez Eugenio , González Arturo , Terrazas Mata Alejandro , Benavente Martha Elena , Rojas Carmen , Velázquez Morlet Adriana , Frank Norbert , Zell Patrick , Becker Julia
Published: April 2018

Numerous charcoal accumulations discovered in the submerged Chan Hol cave near Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, have been 14C‐dated revealing ages between 8110 ± 28 14C a BP (9122–8999 cal a BP) and 7177 ± 27 14C a BP (8027–7951 cal a BP). These charcoal concentrations, interpreted here as ancient illumination sites, provide strong evidence that the Chan Hol cave was dry and accessible during that time interval. Humans used the cave for at least 1200 years during the early and middle Holocene, before access was successively interrupted by global sea level rise and flooding of the cave system. Our data thus narrow the gap between an early settlement in the Tulum area reaching from the late Pleistocene (∼13 000 a) to middle Holocene (e.g. 7177 14C a BP), and the Maya Formative period at approximately 3000 a bp. Yet, no evidence has been presented to date for human settlement during the ∼4000‐year interval between 7000 and 3000 a. This is remarkable as settlement in other areas of south‐eastern Mexico (e.g. Chiapas, Tabasco) and in Guatemala was apparently continuous.
Co‐culture of adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes on three‐dimensionally printed bioscaffolds for craniofacial cartilage engineering
Authors: Morrison Robert J. , Nasser Hassan B. , Kashlan Khaled N. , Zopf David A. , Milner Derek J. , Flanangan Colleen L. , Wheeler Matthew B. , Green Glenn E. , Hollister Scott J.
Published: April 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Reconstruction of craniofacial cartilagenous defects are among the most challenging surgical procedures in facial plastic surgery. Bioengineered craniofacial cartilage holds immense potential to surpass current reconstructive options, but limitations to clinical translation exist. We endeavored to determine the viability of utilizing adipose‐derived stem cell‐chondrocyte co‐culture and three‐dimensional (3D) printing to produce 3D bioscaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. We describe a feasibility study revealing a novel approach for cartilage tissue engineering with in vitro and in vivo animal data.

Methods

Porcine adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes were isolated and co‐seeded at 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, and 0:1 experimental ratios in a hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel in the pores of 3D‐printed polycaprolactone scaffolds to form 3D bioscaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. Bioscaffolds were cultured in vitro without growth factors for 4 weeks and then implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of athymic rats for an additional 4 weeks before sacrifice. Bioscaffolds were subjected to histologic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis.

Results

Successful production of cartilage was achieved using a co‐culture model of adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes without the use of exogenous growth factors. Histology demonstrated cartilage growth for all experimental ratios at the post–in vivo time point confirmed with type II collagen immunohistochemistry. There was no difference in sulfated‐glycosaminoglycan production between experimental groups.

Conclusion

Tissue‐engineered cartilage was successfully produced on 3D‐printed bioresorbable scaffolds using an adipose‐derived stem cell and chondrocyte co‐culture technique. This potentiates co‐culture as a solution for several key barriers to a clinically translatable cartilage tissue engineering process.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E251–E257, 2018
Treatment of chronic neurogenic cough with in‐office superior laryngeal nerve block
Authors: Simpson C. Blake , Tibbetts Kathleen M. , Loochtan Michael J. , Dominguez Laura M.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Neurogenic cough is believed to result from a sensory neuropathy involving the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). We present our outcomes for the treatment of neurogenic cough with localized blockade of the internal branch of the SLN.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent in‐office percutaneous SLN block for treatment of neurogenic cough between 2015 and 2017 was conducted. Patient demographics, indications for injection, and response to treatment were recorded and analyzed. Cough severity index (CSI) scores before and after treatment were compared.

Results

Twenty‐three patients underwent percutaneous blockade of the internal branch of the SLN in the clinic setting, and five patients were excluded for incomplete records. The indication was neurogenic cough as a diagnosis of exclusion. The injectable substance used was a 1:1 mixture of a long‐acting particulate corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. Unilateral injections were performed in 13 patients, and five patients underwent bilateral injections. Of the unilateral injections, 10 were left‐sided. Patients underwent an average of 2.4 SLN block procedures (range 1–7). Mean follow‐up time postinjection was 85.4 days (7–450 days). Cough severity index scores decreased significantly from an average of 26.8 pretreatment to 14.6 posttreatment (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The SLN block is an effective treatment for neurogenic cough, with average CSI scores significantly improved following injection. Further study is necessary to determine the characteristics of patients' responses to treatment, long‐term outcomes, and efficacy of the procedure when compared to placebo and other accepted treatments for neurogenic cough.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 1898–1903, 2018
Human papillomavirus: An unlikely etiologic factor in sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Mohajeri Sepideh , Lai Chi , Purgina Bibianna , Almutairi Dakheelallah , Baghai Tabassom , Dimitroulakos Jim , Kilty Shaun
Published: April 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Tenuous evidence has supported the hypothesis that sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) arise from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To clarify the role of HPV in SNIP, all known HPV sub‐types were evaluated by employing a robust polymerase chain reaction–based method in a wide variety of SNIPs from a single institution.

Study Design

Retrospective surgical specimen tumor sample analysis.

Methods

HPV positivity among SNIP samples and those with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were compared. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify p16 (over)expression among tumors as a surrogate marker for HPV.

Results

HPV was detected in 10/76 (13%) SNIP specimens. Identified HPV subtypes included nononcogenic 6 and 11 (6/76, 8%) and oncogenic 16, 18, 45, 56 (4/76, 5%). There was no HPV positivity among SCC samples. Only 4/10 (40%) HPV + samples had > 75% p16 cell staining.

Conclusion

HPV is not supported as an etiological driver of SNIP development or progression to SCC. The p16 biomarker is not a sensitive indicator of HPV positivity in SNIP.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2443–2447, 2018
Multi‐100‐Watt Femtosecond Laser Perspectives
Authors: Hönninger Clemens , Audouard Eric
Published: April 2018

Femtosecond lasers are today delivering output powers of several hundred watts. The challenge is to translate the available power into high throughput micromachining by combining the laser with fast scanning systems or multiple beam generation. Free triggering of the laser output pulses with good precision (also known as “pulse on demand”) is particularly useful for exploiting advanced functionalities of processing tools.
The Value of Metal Additve Manufacturing with Diode Lasers
Authors: Knothe Mirjam Tabea
Published: April 2018

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an established additive manufacturing (AM) process for the production of metal components. Despite its great potential, the technology has not yet arrived in many small and medium enterprises. The article shows the potential of metal 3D printing with diode lasers to increase the customer value of market accessibility.
Gully erosion as a mechanism for wetland formation: An examination of two contrasting landscapes
Authors: Pulley Simon , Ellery William N. , Lagesse Juliette V. , Schlegel Philippa K. , McNamara Shaun J.
Published: April 2018

Wetlands occupy broad, gently sloping valleys characterised by net deposition. Consequently, gully incision is viewed as an agent of wetland destruction. However, little attention has been given to the role of gullies in natural wetland formation. This paper determines if gully cutting and filling cycles have led to wetland formation in both an extant eroding wetland and a semi‐arid environment that once supported wetlands. At both sites, the valley fill was investigated to identify infilled gullies, and a 14C date was obtained from the gully fill. The longitudinal slopes of the valley floor prior to incision, the valley bedrock floor, and the gully fill were also measured. In the Krom wetland, four infilled gullies (5–8.2 m deep) were found adjacent to alluvial fans and dated to 470–7060 bp. Ten infilled gullies were found at Zuurplaats (Karoo), which were more recent, although one gully started filling 1260 bp. At both sites, large gullies were grounded on bedrock. Alluvial fans deposited by tributaries cause a reduction in mainstem valley width and locally increase longitudinal slope, leading to gully initiation. The slope of the gully beds was less than the surface prior to erosion, and the slope of the gully fill was comparable with the valleys' regional slope. The bedrock on both valley floors had a near‐horizontal cross‐sectional profile, suggesting that repeated gully incisions had led to valley floor planing. A new model of wetland formation is proposed where gully cut‐and‐fill cycles laterally plane valley bottoms and contribute to valley widening and longitudinal slope reduction.
High Arctic coasts at risk—the case study of coastal zone development and degradation associated with climate changes and multidirectional human impacts in Longyearbyen (Adventfjorden, Svalbard)
Authors: Jaskólski Marek W. , Pawłowski Łukasz , Strzelecki Mateusz C.
Published: April 2018

Longyearbyen is the major administrative, touristic, and scientific centre in Svalbard and so‐called ‘European Gateway’ to the Arctic. The number of inhabitants and tourists as well as community infrastructure has significantly expanded over the recent decade, and present‐day community faces development thresholds associated with climate warming and disturbance of cold region landscape. Coastal zone is a key interface where severe environmental changes impact directly on Longyearbyen infrastructure. We applied the combination of environmental assessment methods and geographic information system analyses together with field mapping to investigate the scale of degradation of coastal zone in Longyearbyen and examine the impact of coastal hazards on major elements of community infrastructure. Rate of observed coastal changes, the diversity of natural and man‐made hazards mapped along the coast, and observed damages in infrastructure suggest a need for coastal change monitoring and coastal protection in Longyearbyen. The part of the Longyearbyen coast that should be monitored and protected are sections spreading between new port and surroundings of Longyearelva delta significantly modified by coastal erosion and landsliding. In order to improve coastal zone protection and safety of town development, we present arguments supporting the incorporation of Longyearbyen into recently established Circum‐Arctic Coastal Communities Knowledge Network.
Insights on the Sargassum horneri golden tides in the Yellow Sea inferred from morphological and molecular data
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Xingfeng , Wang Yu , Jin Zhe , Moejes Fiona Wanjiku , Sun Song
Published: April 2018

Large‐scale drifting Sargassum biomass, known as golden tides, has caused considerable damage to the local environment and economy associated with the Yellow Sea of China. To understand the reoccurrence of Sargassum horneri golden tides in the Yellow Sea, large‐scale spatio‐temporal sampling was performed across nine cruises and five coastal surveys. Morphological data indicated that the floating S. horneri thalli with differing reproductive timing coexisted in the Yellow Sea. A total of 196 S. horneri samples had identical sequences of partial cox3 and rbcL‐S spacer region, revealing very low genetic diversity in the floating biomass. A total of 19 haplotypes for partial cox3 previously found in the Yellow Sea were not detected in our large‐scale sampling. Based on four novel mtDNA markers, the 196 samples could be further distinguished into two forms, which varied in proportions at various locations, but coexisted in each of the spatio‐temporal sampling. These results indicated that the floating Sargassum biomass in the Yellow Sea came from only two dominating haplotypes. The novel findings uncovered by this work will provide further insight into the underlying mechanisms of reoccurring golden tides in the Yellow Sea, and lead to the improved management of the Sargassum biomass.
Intraurethral Erbium:YAG laser for the management of urinary symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A pilot study
Authors: Gaspar Adrian , Maestri Sandra , Silva Joaquin , Brandi Hugo , Luque Daniel , Koron Neža , Vižintin Zdenko
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) combines the conditions of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and urinary tract dysfunction, which is a result of urethral atrophy. There are several treatment methods available for the management of vulvovaginal symptoms of GSM, whereas urinary tract dysfunction often remains overlooked and undertreated. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intraurethral Er:YAG laser treatment of urinary symptoms of GSM.

Patients and Methods

Patients with diagnosed GSM, having less than 5% of vaginal superficial cells in the cytology, vaginal pH higher than 5, with urinary symptoms of GSM (dysuria, frequency, urgency) and impaired continence due to urethral atrophy, received two sessions of intraurethral Er:YAG laser with a 3‐week interval in‐between the sessions. Laser energy was delivered in non‐ablative way using Erbium SMOOTH™ mode technology and a 4‐mm thick cannula. Therapeutic efficacy was determined using ICIQ‐SF, the 1‐hour pad test and VAS scores. Occurrence of adverse effects was followed at every visit. Follow ups (FU) were at 3 and 6 months.

Results

29 female patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this pilot study and received two sessions of the intraurethral non‐ablative Erbium SMOOTH™ laser therapy. Significant improvement was observed in all measured parameters at both FU. ICIQ‐SF improved by an average of 64% at 3 months FU and by 40% at 6 months. The 1‐hour pad test showed a reduction of the quantity of leaked urine by 59% at 3 months FU and by 42% at 6 months FU. All urinary symptoms of GSM improved. Dysuria dropped to 13% and 31% of baseline values at three and 6 months respectively, urinary urgency dropped to 23% and 47% and frequency dropped to 22% and 43% after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Adverse effects were mild and transient.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that intraurethral Er:YAG laser is an efficacious and safe modality for treatment of urinary symptoms of GSM, however, prospective, randomized, and controlled trials with larger number of patients are needed to better assess the long‐term effect of this novel procedure. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:802–807, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.