bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel H2S-releasing Amino-Bisphosphonate which combines bone anti-catabolic and anabolic functions
Authors: Rapposelli Simona , Gambari Laura , Digiacomo Maria , Citi Valentina , Lisignoli Gina , Manferdini Cristina , Calderone Vincenzo , Grassi Francesco
Published: September 2017

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the first-line treatment of bone loss resulting from various pathological conditions. Due to their high affinity to bone they have been used to develop conjugates with pro-anabolic or anti-catabolic drugs. We recently demontrated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), promotes osteogenesis and inhibits osteoclast differentiation. Here we developed an innovative molecule, named DM-22, obtained from the combination of alendronate (AL) and the H2S-releasing moiety aryl-isothiocyanate. DM-22 and AL were assayed in vitro in the concentration range 1-33 μM for effects on viability and function of human osteoclasts (h-OCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (h-MSCs) undergoing osteogenic differentiation. Amperometric measures revealed that DM-22 releases H2S at a slow rate with a thiol-dependent mechanism. DM-22 significantly inhibited h-OCs differentiation and function, maintaining a residual h-OCs viability even at the high dose of 33 μM. Contrary to AL, in h-MSCs DM-22 did not induce cytotoxicity as revealed by LDH assay, significantly stimulated mineralization as measured by Alizarin Red staining and increased mRNA expression of Collagen I as compared to control cultures. In conclusion, DM-22 is a new BP which inhibits h-OCs function and stimulate osteogenic differentiation of h-MSCs, without cytotoxicity. DM-22 is an ideal candidate for a novel family of osteoanabolic drugs.
Altered methylations of H19, Snrpn, Mest and Peg3 are reversible by developmental reprogramming in kidney tissue of ICSI-derived mice
Authors: Zhan Qitao , Qi Xuchen , Wang Ning , Le Fang , Mao Luna , Yang Xinyun , Yuan Mu , Lou Hangying , Xu Xiangrong , Chen Xijing , Jin Fan
Published: September 2017

Although the prevalence of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased year by year, there remains concern about the safety of these procedures because of reports of the increased risk for imprinting disorders. Previous research has demonstrated that gonadotropin stimulation contributes to an increased incidence of epimutations in ICSI-derived mice. However, the epimutations in ICSI offspring after removing the effect of gonadotropin stimulation and the possibility that epimutations are reversible by developmental reprogramming has not been investigated. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of ICSI itself on methylation and exclude the effect of superovulation using the kidney tissues from the adult and old mice. We found reduced methylation and up-regulated expression of the imprinted genes, H19, Mest and Peg3, in adult ICSI mice, but the above alterations observed in adult mice were not detected in old ICSI mice. At the Snrpn DMR, methylation status was not altered in adult ICSI-derived mice, but hypermethylation and correlated down-regulated expression of Snrpn were observed in old mice. In conclusion, ICSI manipulation and early embryo culture resulted in alterations of methylation in differentially methylated region of H19, Mest, Peg3 and Snrpn, and the alterations were reprogrammed by developmental reprogramming.
Complications following vaginal mesh procedures for stress urinary incontinence: an 8 year study of 92,246 women
Authors: Keltie Kim , Elneil Sohier , Monga Ashwani , Patrick Hannah , Powell John , Campbell Bruce , Sims Andrew J.
Published: September 2017

Complications of surgical mesh procedures have led to legal cases against manufacturers worldwide and to national inquiries about their safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of adverse events of these procedures for stress urinary incontinence in England over 8 years. This was a retrospective cohort study of first-time tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), trans-obturator tape (TOT) or suprapubic sling (SS) surgical mesh procedures between April 2007 and March 2015. Cases were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Outcomes included number and type of procedures, including those potentially confounded by concomitant procedures, and frequency, nature and timing of complications. 92,246 first-time surgical mesh procedures (56,648 TVT, 34,704 TOT, 834 SS and 60 combinations) were identified, including 68,002 unconfounded procedures. Peri-procedural and 30-day complication rates in the unconfounded cohort were 2.4 [2.3–2.5]% and 1.7 [1.6–1.8]% respectively; 5.9 [5.7–6.1]% were readmitted at least once within 5 years for further mesh intervention or symptoms of complications, the highest risk being within the first 2 years. Complication rates were higher in the potentially confounded cohort. The complication rate within 5 years of the mesh procedure was 9.8 [9.6:10.0]% This evidence can inform future decision-making on this procedure.
The Role of Charge Balance and Excited State Levels on Device Performance of Exciplex-based Phosphorescent Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Sangyeob , Koo Hyun , Kwon Ohyun , Jae Park Young , Choi Hyeonho , Lee Kwan , Ahn Byungmin , Min Park Young
Published: September 2017

The design of novel exciplex-forming co-host materials provides new opportunities to achieve high device performance of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), including high efficiency, low driving voltage and low efficiency roll-off. Here, we report a comprehensive study of exciplex-forming co-host system in OLEDs including the change of co-host materials, mixing composition of exciplex in the device to improve the performance. We investigate various exciplex systems using 5-(3–4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl-3,9-diphenyl-9H-carbazole, 5-(3–4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)-9-phenyl-9H-3,9′-bicarbazole, and 2-(3-(6,9-diphenyl-9H-carbazol-4-yl)phenyl)-4-phenylbenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine, as electron transporting (ET: electron acceptor) hosts and 9,9′-dipenyl-9H, 9′H-3,3′-bicarbazole and 9-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-9′-phenyl-9H,9′H-3,3′-bicarbazole as hole transporting (HT: electron donor) hosts. As a result, a very high current efficiency of 105.1 cd/A at 103 cd/m2 and an extremely long device lifetime of 739 hrs (t95: time after 5% decrease of luminance) are achieved which is one of the best performance in OLEDs. Systematic approach, controlling mixing ratio of HT to ET host materials is suggested to select the component of two host system using energy band matching and charge balance optimization method. Furthermore, our analysis on exciton stability also reveal that lifetime of OLEDs have close relationship with two parameters; singlet energy level difference of HT and ET host and difference of singlet and triplet energy level in exciplex.
Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Electronic-Nose Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Scarlata Simone , Pennazza Giorgio , Santonico Marco , Santangelo Simona , Rossi Bartoli Isaura , Rivera Chiara , Vernile Chiara , De Vincentis Antonio , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele
Published: September 2017

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) carries important social and economic implications. Once the suspicion of OSAS has arisen, Polysomnography (PSG) represents the diagnostic gold standard. However, about 45% of people who have undergone PSG are free from OSAS. Thus, efforts should be made to improve the selection of subjects. We verified whether the pattern of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) helps to select patients amenable to PSG. We studied 136 subjects (20 obese non-OSAS, 20 hypoxic OSAS, 20 non-hypoxic OSAS, and 20 non-hypoxic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) vs 56 healthy controls) without any criteria of exclusion for comorbidity to deal with a real-life population. VOCs patterns were analyzed using electronic-nose (e-nose) technology. A Discriminant Analysis (Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis) was performed to predict respiratory functions and PSG parameters. E-nose distinguished controls (100% correct classification) from others and identified 60% of hypoxic, and 35% of non-hypoxic OSAS patients. Similarly, it identified 60% of COPD patients. One-by-one group comparison yielded optimal discrimination of OSAS vs controls and of COPD vs controls (100% correct classification). In conclusion, e-nose technology applied to breath-analysis can discriminate non-respiratory from respiratory diseased populations in real-life multimorbid populations and exclude OSAS. If confirmed, this evidence may become pivotal for screening purposes.
Targeting Neph1 and ZO-1 protein-protein interaction in podocytes prevents podocyte injury and preserves glomerular filtration function
Authors: Sagar Amin , Arif Ehtesham , Solanki Ashish Kumar , Srivastava Pankaj , Janech Michael G. , Kim Seok-Hyung , Lipschutz Joshua H. , Kwon Sang-Ho , Ashish  , Nihalani Deepak
Published: September 2017

Targeting protein-protein interaction (PPI) is rapidly becoming an attractive alternative for drug development. While drug development commonly involves inhibiting a PPI, in this study, we show that stabilizing PPI may also be therapeutically beneficial. Junctional proteins Neph1 and ZO-1 and their interaction is an important determinant of the structural integrity of slit diaphragm, which is a critical component of kidney’s filtration system. Since injury induces loss of this interaction, we hypothesized that strengthening this interaction may protect kidney’s filtration barrier and preserve kidney function. In this study, Neph1-ZO-1 structural complex was screened for the presence of small druggable pockets formed from contributions from both proteins. One such pocket was identified and screened using a small molecule library. Isodesmosine (ISD) a rare naturally occurring amino acid and a biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension was selected as the best candidate and to establish the proof of concept, its ability to enhance Neph1-CD and ZO-1 binding was tested. Results from biochemical binding analysis showed that ISD enhanced Neph1 and ZO-1 interaction under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Importantly, ISD treated podocytes were resistant to injury-induced loss of transepithelial permeability. Finally, mouse and zebrafish studies show that ISD protects from injury-induced renal damage.
Modulation of cyclic nucleotide-mediated cellular signaling and gene expression using photoactivated adenylyl cyclase as an optogenetic tool
Authors: Tanwar Meenakshi , Khera Lohit , Haokip Nemneineng , Kaul Rajeev , Naorem Aruna , Kateriya Suneel
Published: September 2017

Cyclic nucleotide signaling pathway plays a significant role in various biological processes such as cell growth, transcription, inflammation, in microbial pathogenesis, etc. Modulation of cyclic nucleotide levels by optogenetic tools has overcome certain limitations of studying transduction cascade by pharmacological agents and has allowed several ways to modulate biological processes in a spatiotemporal manner. Here, we have shown the optogenetic modulation of the cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) gene expression and their downstream effector molecule (PGE2) in HEK-293T cells and the development process of Dictyostelium discoideum via modulating the cyclic nucleotide (cAMP) signaling pathway utilizing photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) as an optogenetic tool. Light-induced activation of PACs in HEK-293T cells increases the cAMP level that leads to activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor and further upregulates downstream Cox-2 gene expression and their downstream effector molecule prostaglandin E2. In D. discoideum, the light-regulated increase in cAMP level affects the starvation-induced developmental process. These PACs could modulate the cAMP levels in a light-dependent manner and have a potential to control gene expression and their downstream effector molecules with varying magnitude. It would enable one to utilize PAC as a tool to decipher cyclic nucleotide mediated signaling pathway regulations and their mechanism.
Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria isolated from Pulmonary samples in sub-Saharan Africa - A Systematic Review and Meta Analyses
Authors: Okoi Catherine , Anderson Suzanne T. B. , Antonio Martin , Mulwa Sarah N. , Gehre Florian , Adetifa Ifedayo M. O.
Published: September 2017

Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa is not as well described as for pulmonary tuberculosis. Earlier reviews of global NTM epidemiology only included subject-level data from one sub-Saharan Africa country. We systematically reviewed the literature and searched PubMed, Embase, Popline, OVID and Africa Wide Information for articles on prevalence and clinical relevance of NTM detection in pulmonary samples in sub-Saharan Africa. We applied the American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society of America criteria to differentiate between colonisation and disease. Only 37 articles from 373 citations met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of pulmonary NTM colonization was 7.5% (95% CI: 7.2%–7.8%), and 75.0% (2325 of 3096) occurred in males, 16.5% (512 of 3096) in those previously treated for tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complex predominated (27.7% [95% CI: 27.2–28.9%]). In seven eligible studies, 27.9% (266 of 952) of participants had pulmonary NTM disease and M. kansasii with a prevalence of 69.2% [95% CI: 63.2–74.7%] was the most common cause of pulmonary NTM disease. NTM species were unidentifiable in 29.2% [2,623 of 8,980] of isolates. In conclusion, pulmonary NTM disease is a neglected and emerging public health disease and enhanced surveillance is required.
Excessive Activation of TLR4/NF-κB Interactively Suppresses the Canonical Wnt/β-catenin Pathway and Induces SANFH in SD Rats
Authors: Pei Junpeng , Fan Lihong , Nan Kai , Li Jia , Shi Zhibin , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Kunzheng
Published: September 2017

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) interactively affects the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and is closely related to different diseases. However, such crosstalk effect in steroid-associated necrosis of femoral head (SANFH) has not been fully explored and evaluated. In this study, early-stage SANFH was induced by two doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg/day) and three doses of methylprednisolone (MPS, 40 mg/kg/day). LPS and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) were administered to activate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and selectively block the activation of NF-κB, respectively. Results showed that PDTC treatment significantly reduced NF-κB expression, diminished inflammation, and effectively decreased bone resorption processes (osteoclastogenesis, adipogenesis, and apoptosis), which were evidently reinforced after osteonecrosis induction. Moreover, PDTC remarkably increased the interfered Wnt/β-catenin pathway and elevated bone formation processes (osteogenesis and angiogenesis). Ultimately, PDTC treatment effectively reduced the incidence of SANFH. Therefore, the excessive activation of TLR4/NF-κB may interactively suppress the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and induce SANFH. Hence, we propose NF-κB-targeted treatment as a novel therapeutic strategy for SANFH.
Salidroside ameliorates sepsis-induced acute lung injury and mortality via downregulating NF-κB and HMGB1 pathways through the upregulation of SIRT1
Authors: Lan Kuo-Cheng , Chao Sung-Chuan , Wu Hsiao-Yi , Chiang Chia-Lien , Wang Ching-Chia , Liu Shing-Hwa , Weng Te-I.
Published: September 2017

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition. Salidroside, a substance isolated from Rhodiola rosea, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect and mechanism of salidroside on sepsis-induced acute lung injury still remains to be well clarified. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of salidroside on septic mouse models and explored the role of salidroside-upregulated SIRT1. Salidroside inhibited the inflammatory responses and HMGB1 productions in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages and mice. Salidroside could also reverse the decreased SIRT1 protein expression in LPS-treated macrophages and mice. Salidroside also alleviated the sepsis-induced lung edema, lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes and the mortality, and improved the lung PaO2/FiO2 ratio in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mice. Salidroside significantly decreased the serum TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and HMGB1 productions, pulmonary inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 protein expressions, and pulmonary HMGB1 nuclear translocation in CLP septic mice. Moreover, sepsis decreased the SIRT1 protein expression in the lungs of CLP septic mice. Salidroside significantly upregulated the SIRT1 expression and inhibited the inflammatory responses in CLP septic mouse lungs. These results suggest that salidroside protects against sepsis-induced acute lung injury and mortality, which might be through the SIRT1-mediated repression of NF-κB activation and HMGB1 nucleocytoplasmic translocation.
Alpha TC1 and Beta-TC-6 genomic profiling uncovers both shared and distinct transcriptional regulatory features with their primary islet counterparts
Authors: Lawlor Nathan , Youn Ahrim , Kursawe Romy , Ucar Duygu , Stitzel Michael L.
Published: September 2017

Alpha TC1 (αTC1) and Beta-TC-6 (βTC6) mouse islet cell lines are cellular models of islet (dys)function and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, genomic characteristics of these cells, and their similarities to primary islet alpha and beta cells, are undefined. Here, we report the epigenomic (ATAC-seq) and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) landscapes of αTC1 and βTC6 cells. Each cell type exhibits hallmarks of its primary islet cell counterpart including cell-specific expression of beta (e.g., Pdx1) and alpha (e.g., Arx) cell transcription factors (TFs), and enrichment of binding motifs for these TFs in αTC1/βTC6 cis-regulatory elements. αTC1/βTC6 transcriptomes overlap significantly with the transcriptomes of primary mouse/human alpha and beta cells. Our data further indicate that ATAC-seq detects cell-specific regulatory elements for cell types comprising ≥ 20% of a mixed cell population. We identified αTC1/βTC6 cis-regulatory elements orthologous to those containing type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated SNPs in human islets for 33 loci, suggesting these cells’ utility to dissect T2D molecular genetics in these regions. Together, these maps provide important insights into the conserved regulatory architecture between αTC1/βTC6 and primary islet cells that can be leveraged in functional (epi)genomic approaches to dissect the genetic and molecular factors controlling islet cell identity and function.
Ionic Liquid-based Surfactants: A Step Forward
Authors: Pacheco-Fernández Idaira , González-Hernández Providencia , Pino Verónica , Ayala Juan H. , Afonso Ana M.
Published: September 2017

Ionic liquid-based surfactants are a group of ionic liquid derivatives capable of forming micellar aggregates when dissolved in water above a certain concentration, known as the critical micelle concentration (CMC). This new class of surfactants was initially obtained by incorporating long alkyl chain substituents within the charged cationic group of conventional monocationic IL structures. More recently, dicationic, tricationic, and functionalized IL-based surfactants have been described. IL-based surfactants present great tuneability as original ILs: simple modifications in their structures produce important variations in their micellar properties. Furthermore, micelles formed by IL-based surfactants exhibit lower CMC values than conventional cationic surfactants when comparing similar structures. It is important to characterize the micellization and interfacial behaviour of IL-based surfactants in order to apply them successfully in specific fields. Several techniques can be used for such characterization, such as surface tension, fluorescence and conductivity measurements. Due to their structural versatility and singular properties, IL-based surfactants have generated a great deal of interest, which is reflected in the increasing number of applications that have been reported in recent years. Among the main applications of IL-based surfactants, worthy of mention are biomedicine, catalysis, solvents, nanotechnology, and separation science fields.
Laser Deposition of Nano-ionic Liquids and Their Process Applications in a Vacuum
Authors: Matsumoto Yuji , Maruyama Shingo
Published: September 2017

The year 2005, until when ionic liquids (ILs) had been investigated in a vacuum with a common preconception among the research community that they would not evaporate even in vacuum, saw a breakthrough in IL-related research in a vacuum. Since then, there have been many reports on vapor deposition of ILs and related studies. In this chapter, a new deposition method using a continuous wave infrared laser (CW-IR) is proposed to fabricate micro- and nano-ILs; this is a promising technique, potentially opening new research fields of nanoscale physics and chemistry of ILs. As one of the applications of such micro- and nano-ILs, a new vacuum process with ILs – IL-assisted vapor synthesis and growth in a vacuum – is also introduced, in which they are used as micro- and nano-scale reactors; its applications are now being extended as one of the new chemical routes to various organic, inorganic single crystals and films as well as porous polymer films.
Applications of Ionic Liquid Materials in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Akyazi Tugçe , Saez Janire , Tudor Alexandru , Delaney Colm , Francis Wayne , Diamond Dermot , Basabe-Desmonts Lourdes , Florea Larisa , Benito-Lopez Fernando
Published: September 2017

“Lab-on-a-chip” (LOC) and microfluidics enable the manipulation of fluids at small length scales (from micrometers to millimeters). These systems often have well-defined fabrication processes and are capable of integrating multiple functional elements, to provide complete sample-in/answer-out systems. Nevertheless, the development of fully integrated microfluidic devices still faces some considerable obstacles, including fluidic control, miniaturisation and high costs. Due to their unique properties, ionic liquids have arisen as smart solutions to circumvent some of the hurdles facing current LOC technologies. They can directly benefit microfluidic devices by aiding miniaturised fabrication and passive microfluidic elements for fluid control, sensing and sample storage. Improved chemical reactions and separation, in addition to power generation, temperature control, and electrowetting show potential for reducing manufacturing costs and widening market possibilities. In this chapter we will review and discuss the fundamental applications of ionic liquids within microfluidic systems.
Aspects of Recent Advances in Smart Ionic Liquid Based Sensors
Authors: Kumar B. Natesh , Redhi G. G. , Rajasekhar C.
Published: September 2017

This chapter includes some basic concepts and the most recent advancements of ionic liquids in the electrochemical field are briefly discussed. Although ionic liquids are known by only a few scientists and engineers, their potential applications in future technologies is unlimited and holds great promise. Electrochemistry has become a large field covering several key ideas such as energy, environment, nanotechnology, and analysis. It is hoped that the contributions on ionic liquids in this book chapter will stimulate new insight in the sensory field as well. The applications of ionic liquids in this chapter have been narrowed to the latest results of electrochemistry, especially focused on electrochemical and biosensors and its application in identifying the bioactive compounds, metal detections and food supplements.
Design and New Energy Application of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Seki Shiro , Ono Shimpei , Serizawa Nobuyuki , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuzuki Seiji , Ueno Kazuhide , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: September 2017

New electrochemical application using room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) are introduced, such as lithium secondary batteries, electrochemical double layer capacitors, and novel types of electrical devices for sustainable and renewal energy society. ILs have so many combinations, owing to many cation/anion species. In this chapter, we introduce properties from fundamental (general and special physicochemical properties) to electrochemical applications of ILs. We also discuss importance of molecular design and application target of ILs.
Ionic Liquid Based Nanocarriers for Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Moniruzzaman M. , Mahmood H. , Goto M.
Published: September 2017

In the pharmaceutical industry, there are challenges in topical and transdermal administration of drugs, which are sparingly soluble in water and most organic solvents. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been found to be very effective for dissolution of sparingly soluble drugs. However, hydrophilic IL-borne drugs cannot penetrate into or across the skin because of the highly hydrophobic barrier function of the outer skin. In this chapter we report a novel IL-in-oil (IL/o) microemulsion (ME) that is able to dissolve a significant amount of sparingly soluble drug, acyclovir, in the IL core while the continuous oil phase can provide the desired features for topical/transdermal transport through the skin. The ME is composed of a blend of the nonionic surfactants polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and sorbitan laurate (Span 20), isopropyl myristate (IPM) as an oil phase, and the IL [C1mim][(MeO)2PO2] (dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate) as a dispersed phase. The size and size distribution of the aggregates in the MEs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, showing formation of the nanocarrier in the size range 8–34 nm. In vitro drug permeation studies into and across the skin showed that the IL/o ME increased drug administration compared with other formulations. The safety profile of the new carrier was evaluated using a cytotoxicity assay on the human epidermal model LabCyte. We believe that these IL-assisted nonaqueous MEs can serve as a versatile and efficient nanodelivery system for sparingly soluble drug molecules.
Functional DNA in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Olave B. , Schäfer T.
Published: September 2017

The use of functional nucleic acids started two decades ago and nowadays their application in nanotechnology as smart building blocks is of great interest. The structure and function of nucleic acids are determined by the interactions with their liquid environment, which conventionally resembles physiological conditions. Conceiving DNA-based nanomachines that function in non-conventional liquid environments, however, bears a great degree of freedom for designing functional molecular devices. Ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have emerged as alternative solvents due to their unique capacity in acting as electrolytes and solvents, as well as the possibility of fine-tuning their physico-chemical properties such as to maintain the stability and function of nucleic acids. While the long-term stability of the structure of nucleic acids has already been studied in the presence of ionic liquids, the stability of their function has so far been given little attention. It is, however, the latter that would offer a plethora of new applications exploring the molecular recognition capacity of DNA. This chapter will present deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as a smart, functional molecule and discuss its applications, particularly in the presence of ionic liquids.
NiSe2/FeSe2nanodendrites: a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Du Yeshuang , Cheng Gongzhen , Luo Wei
Published: September 2017

NiSe2/FeSe2nanodendrites have been synthesized through a facile colloidal synthetic approach. Thanks to its unique 3D structure with branched architectures and the synergistic effect after Fe doping, the resulting Ni0.5Fe0.5Se2catalyst exhibits superior OER activity with an overpotential of 235 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Synthesis of a highly dispersed CuO catalyst on CoAl-HT for the epoxidation of styrene
Authors: Hu Rui , Yang Pengfei , Pan Yongning , Li Yunpeng , He Yufei , Feng Junting , Li Dianqing
Published: September 2017

Non-noble CuO/CoAl-HT catalyst with high dispersion and rich electronic density exhibits excellent catalytic performance for the epoxidation of styrene.
Selective formation of discrete versus polymeric copper organophosphates: DNA cleavage and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Bhat Gulzar A. , Maqbool Raihana , Dar Aijaz A. , Ul Hussain Mahboob , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: September 2017

Selective formation of discrete versus polymeric copper organophosphates was achieved by tuning the stoichiometry of reactants and the reaction conditions. The dimeric copper phosphates were employed as antitumor and cytotoxic agents.
Flexible Zn– and Li–air batteries: recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Tan Peng , Chen Bin , Xu Haoran , Zhang Houcheng , Cai Weizi , Ni Meng , Liu Meilin , Shao Zongping
Published: September 2017

Key challenges include rational design of flexible cell components, exploration of novel configurations, and optimization of operation management.
Imperfect crowding adaptation of mammalian cells towards osmotic stress and its modulation by osmolytes
Authors: Gnutt David , Brylski Oliver , Edengeiser Eugen , Havenith Martina , Ebbinghaus Simon
Published: September 2017

The short-term adaptation of cellular crowding after osmotic stress is imperfect but can be modulated by the osmolyte TMAO.
Heterostructural MnO2@NiS2/Ni(OH)2 materials for high-performance pseudocapacitor electrodes
Authors: Ji Ying , Liu Wei , Zhang Ziqing , Wang Ying , Zhao Xudong , Li Benxian , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoyang , Liu Bingbing , Feng Shouhua
Published: September 2017

Novel heterostructural MnO2@NiS2/Ni(OH)2 nanomaterials are prepared through a seeded hydrothermal method with an enhancement of capacitor performance.
Simultaneous degradation of tetracycline by a microbial fuel cell and its toxicity evaluation by zebrafish
Authors: Wang Ji , He Ming-Fang , Zhang Dalu , Ren Ziyu , Song Tian-shun , Xie Jingjing
Published: September 2017

Tetracycline (TC) is the second most commonly used antibiotic despite its high toxicity and persistence.
Characterization of extracellular polymeric substances produced during nitrate removal by a thermophilic bacterium Chelatococcus daeguensis TAD1 in batch cultures
Authors: Wei Zhendong , Huang Shaobin , Zhang Yongqing , Li Han , Zhou Shaofeng
Published: September 2017

Positive correlation was observed between EPS production and nitrate removal efficiency during aerobic denitrification byChelatococcus daeguensisTAD1.
Novel aggregate control model of air conditioning loads for fast regulation service
Authors: Song Meng , Ciwei Gao , Yang Jianlin , Liu Yao , Cui Gaoying
Published: September 2017

As a significant demand response resource, air conditioning (AC) loads can respond to control signals quickly by on–off switches to provide fast regulation service. A uniform‐time state bin aggregate model (UTIM) with higher accuracy is introduced and the corresponding modelling constraints are first presented. Then, based on the UTIM, a novel aggregate control model that takes into account both the external control signals and the time delay of the AC compressor is proposed to follow the dynamic collective behaviour of ACs, which will make the UTIM more practical and accurate. To relieve the communication burden and reduce the number of switching times, a generalised control method is also proposed to control ACs through the global signal. The simulation results show that considering the time delay of the compressor, the novel aggregate control model can track the collective performances of ACs more closely. In addition, the proposed control method needs fewer control signals and switch times.
Managing and Supporting Surgery in Patients with Bleeding Disorders
Authors: Curnow Jennifer
Published: September 2017

Patients with inherited bleeding disorders are likely to require surgery at various times throughout life. In some cases, this may be major orthopaedic surgery required due to their underlying condition, for example, hemophilic arthropathy. For inherited disorders with significant bleeding risk, surgery should take place in a hemophilia treatment center with the availability of hematologic, anesthetic, surgical, nursing, scientific laboratory, and allied health expertise. Preoperative assessment, planning, and communication between team members are crucial. Specific replacement therapy is usually required, as may other adjunctive therapies. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment is individualized, taking account of other underlying risks in the patient and risks associated with the procedure, including the replacement agent itself, and use of mechanical prophylaxis may be the safest approach in many cases. Pain management is also modified to take account of risks associated with the bleeding disorder, and spinal or epidural analgesia is restricted compared with patients who do not have hemostatic defects. In patients with acquired bleeding disorders, the preoperative assessment includes decisions regarding how best to optimize management of the underlying condition prior to proceeding with surgery. If this is achieved, specific replacement therapy may not be required. If complete remission of the acquired bleeding disorder is achieved preoperatively, then VTE prophylaxis and pain management options will not be limited by the bleeding disorder. The perioperative management of both hereditary and acquired bleeding disorders is discussed and contrasted.
Complications in Salvage Surgery for Nasal and Paranasal Malignant Tumors Involving the Skull Base
Authors: Shinomiya Hirotaka , Otsuki Naoki , Kimura Hidehito , Taniguchi Masaaki , Hashikawa Kazunobu , Kohmura Eiji , Nibu Ken-ichi , Teshima Masanori
Published: September 2017

Objective Nasal and paranasal malignant tumors invading the skull base are rare and poorly studied. We evaluated postoperative complications in patients undergoing salvage surgery for such tumors.

Design Retrospective study.

Setting Kobe University Hospital.

Participants Among 48 patients who underwent surgery for tumors involving the skull base between 1993 and 2015, 21 patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 13 had olfactory neuroblastoma, 5 had adenocarcinoma, 2 had sarcoma, 2 had adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 each had malignant melanoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Prior to skull base surgery, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy (CRT), particle radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery were applied in 3, 15, 4, 5, and 3 patients, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures were postoperative complications in patients who underwent skull base surgery after concomitant CRT and/or particle therapy.

Results Major postoperative complications were observed in 14 surgical procedures (29%; 2 patients with cerebral herniation, 3 with cerebrospinal fluid leakages, 3 with meningitis, 1 with hydrocephalus, 6 with epidural abscesses, 2 with local infections, and 2 with partial flap necrosis). Four patients developed ≥2 complications. One patient died of postoperative lung infarction. Three (16.7%) of 18 patients without prior treatment and 9 (50%) of 18 patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy/CRT had severe postoperative complications. Two (50%) of four patients treated with particle radiotherapy had postoperative complications.

Conclusions CRT or particle radiotherapy were significantly associated with a high risk of severe postoperative complications after skull base surgery. Meticulous care should be taken in patients treated with radiotherapy/particle therapy prior to skull base surgery.
Isolated Rectal Perforation Presenting as Peritonitis in a Child with Enteric Fever
Authors: Chaubey Digamber , Verma Ajay , Pandey Anand , Gupta Archika
Published: September 2017

Typhoid fever is common in developing countries. It may lead to bowel perforation. Terminal ileum is the most frequent site of perforation. However, perforation at uncommon sites such as rectosigmoid junction may occur occasionally. In this study we report a patient who we treated for perforation peritonitis; on exploratory laparotomy, it turned out to be a rectal perforation. The patient was operated successfully. As an unusual presentation, it is being reported with a review of the relevant literature.
What Is the Important Point Related to Follow-Up Sonographic Evaluation for the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?
Authors: Donma M. , Dogru M. , Demirkol M. , Ozcaglayan O. , Topcu B. , Ozcaglayan T. , Gonen K. , Nalbantoglu B. , Nalbantoglu A. , Dogru R. , Ulucan H. , Karakoyun O. , Erol M. , Guzelant A. , Donma O.
Published: September 2017

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important cause of childhood disability. Subluxation or dislocation can be diagnosed through pediatric physical examination; nevertheless, the ultrasonographic examination is necessary in diagnosing certain borderline cases. It has been evaluated routine sonographic examination of 2,444 hips of 1,222 babies to determine differences in both, developmental dysplasia and types of hips, and evaluated their development on the 3-month follow-up. Evaluating the pathologic “α” angles under 59, there was no statistically significant differences between girls and boys in both right (55.57 ± 3.73) (56.20 ± 4.01), (p = 0.480), and left (55.79 ± 3.96) (57.00 ± 3.84), (p = 0.160) hips on the 45th day of life. Routine sonographic examinations on the 45th day of life revealed that 51 of (66.2%) 77 type 2a right hips were girls and 26 (33.8%) were boys. The number of the right hips that develop into type 1 was 38 (74.5%) for girls and 26 (100%) for boys on the 90th day of life (p = 0.005). A total of 87 type 2a left hips included 64 girls (73.6%) and 23 boys (26.4%). In the 90th day control, 49 right hip of girls (76.6%) and 21 right hip of boys (91.3%) developed into type 1 (p = 0.126). In the assessment of both left and right hips, girls showed a significantly higher frequency in latency and boys showed significantly higher development in the control sonography. A total of 31 girls (2.5%) and 11 boys (0.9%) accounted for a total of 42 (3.4%) cases who showed bilateral type 2a hips in 1,222 infants. On the 90th day control, 26 girls (83.9%) and all 11 boys (100%) developed into type 1 (p = 0.156). The study emphasizes the importance of the sonographic examination on the 90th day of life. Results of the investigation include the data of sonographic screening of DDH on the 45th day, and also stress the importance of the 90th-day control sonography after a close follow-up with physical examination between 45th and 90th days of life.
The Association between Fetal Fibronectin, Cervical Length, and Amniotic Fluid Sludge with Histological Indicators of Placental Inflammation in Twin Gestations
Authors: Ayodele Aboluwade , Gupta Simi , Spiegelman Jessica , Saltzman Daniel , Booker Whitney , Rebarber Andrei , Fox Nathan
Published: September 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of screening tests for preterm birth (short cervical length [CL], positive fetal fibronectin (FFN), and amniotic fluid [AF] sludge) in twin gestations with histologic evidence of placental inflammation.

Study Design Historical cohort study of 596 twin gestations delivered in a single maternal–fetal medicine practice with CL and FFN testing from 22 to 256/7 weeks. A short CL was defined as ≤25 mm. Placental lesions evaluated were chronic and acute membrane inflammation and funisitis. Fischer's exact test and logistic regression were used.

Results None of the screening tests was associated with chronic inflammation. All were associated with acute inflammation. On regression analysis, a short CL and positive FFN remained independently associated with acute inflammation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.66 and 2.51, respectively) and funisitis (aOR: 5.66 and 7.17, respectively). AF sludge was not independently associated with acute inflammation nor funisitis.

Conclusion In twin gestations, a short CL and a positive FFN at 22 to 26 weeks are associated with acute but not chronic inflammation on placental histology. These findings imply that mechanisms underlying preterm birth in twins that result in positive screening tests weeks prior to delivery are not reflected as chronic placental inflammation. Therefore, pathologic interpretation of etiologic mechanisms for preterm birth may be limited using solely histologic reports.
Estudio de injertos óseos vascularizados en el tratamiento de pseudoartrosis de escafoides, mediante RMN tras inyección de gadolinio
Authors: Martos M. , Labaca V. , González J. , Dendariarena I. , de los Mozos J.L.
Published: September 2017

Se presenta la experiencia obtenida con injerto óseo vascularizado dependiente de la arteria del cuarto compartimento extensor de radio distal en siete pacientes con pseudoartrosis de escafoides. 5 de ellos presentaban necrosis avascular del polo proximal. Se realiza un RMN con inyección de gadolinio en 6 casos, comprobándose revascularización del escafoides en 5 casos. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica y se discuten las indicaciones.
Estabilización escafolunar mediante la técnica «3LT». Indicaciones, técnica quirúrgica y resultados
Authors: Garcia-Elias M. , Lluch A. , Stanley J. K.
Published: September 2017

La rotura traumática o degenerativa de los ligamentos escafolunares suele inducir un cuadro de inestabilidad progresiva del carpo en el curso de la cual el escafoides sufre un colapso en flexión y pronación, mientras que el semilunar y el piramidal adoptan una postura anómala en extensión, supinación y traslación cubital. Si la lesión es diagnosticada en la fase aguda, y sus características permiten una reparación eficaz, los resultados que pueden obtenerse suelen ser satisfactorios. Lamentablemente, las roturas escafolunares suelen pasar desapercibidas de entrada con lo que aparece la denominada disfunción escafolunar crónica caracterizada por pérdida de fuerza, disminución progresiva de la movilidad, y la presencia de resaltes esporádicos dolorosos. Con el tiempo dicha disfunción genera cambios artrósicos siguiendo un patrón característico, denominado SLAC («scaphoid-lunate advanced collapse»). El tratamiento de la disfunción escafolunar crónica depende del grado evolutivo en que se encuentre. En este artículo se describe un algoritmo que resulta útil en el momento de diseñar un tratamiento para cada caso concreto de inestabilidad escafolunar.

Uno de los grados de inestabilidad escafolunar más difíciles de tratar es aquel en el cual el ligamento escafolunar dorsal es irreparable, y sin embargo la pérdida de alineación es reducible y no existe todavía artrosis. Para este tipo de inestabilidad (grado 4, según el algoritmo que proponemos), la muñeca puede recuperar un buen grado de función indolora mediante la técnica 3LT («Three-ligament-tenodesis»). En este artículo se detalla este tipo de tenodesis, así como los resultados obtenidos en 38 pacientes, con un seguimiento promedio de 47 meses, destacando una movilidad global superior al 70% de la contralateral, una fuerza de prensión del 65%, y mínimas molestias residuales en la gran mayoría de casos.
Síntesis intramedular encerrrojada en las fracturas del extremo distal del radio
Authors: Velilla R. , Renobales J. , Gallego J. A.
Published: September 2017

Introducción: Las fracturas del extremo distal del radio, son una de las patologías mas frecuentes de la extremidad superior. Fundamentalmente afectan a dos grupos poblacionales bien diferenciados. Un primer grupo, el más numeroso, correspondería a mujeres posmenopáusicas, y un segundo grupo a jóvenes de cualquier sexo que practican deporte habitualmente. El tratamiento de estas lesiones, debido a la alta agresividad quirúrgica de las síntesis extramedulares, sean estas dorsales y/o volares, implica un excesivo número de tratamientos incruentos, no siempre con el resultado funcional debido.

Material y Método: Presentamos, además de la técnica quirúrgica específica de la síntesis intramedular encerrojada, una serie de treinta y siete fracturas en treinta y seis enfermos, que fueron tratados con dicho método. Esta técnica, presenta una mínima agresividad quirúrgica y un resultado funcional muy bueno, acortando los tiempos medios de incapacidad en parámetros significativos.

Resultados: En la serie que presentamos, todos los enfermos han consolidado sus fracturas en menos de ocho semanas, con tiempos de inmovilización postquirúrgica mínimos, una recuperación funcional excelente y una magnífica aceptación por parte de los accidentados.

Conclusiones: La síntesis intramendular encerrojada de las fracturas del extremo distal del radio, por la rápida recuperación de los enfermos, la baja agresividad quirúrgica y las buenas condiciones postquirúrgicas obtenidas, constituye una técnica alternativa de tratamiento muy válida para este tipo de lesiones.
Artrodesis de muñeca con resección simultánea de la primera fila del carpo. Nuestra experiencia en la mano reumatoide
Authors: Renart I. , Gómez C. , Pujals J. , Gómez E.
Published: September 2017

Objetivo: Dar a conocer los resultados obtenidos en una serie de pacientes con artritis reumatoide a los que se les practicó una artrodesis de muñeca con resección simultánea de los huesos de la primera fila del carpo, utilizando como material de osteosíntesis la placa premoldeada de muñeca.

Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de 13 artrodesis de muñeca en 12 pacientes con artritis reumatoide. Excepto en dos muñecas que ya habían sido tratadas previamente mediante sendos implantes radiocarpianos de Swanson y que evolucionaron hacia la ruptura de los mismos, los demás casos presentaban un grado V de destrucción articular según la clasificación de Larsen et al. y/o de grado III de inestabilidad según la clasificación de Simmen y Huber. Después de la colocación de la placa sobre el radio, hueso grande y tercer metacarpiano, se rellenó las zonas de artrodesis con injerto óseo proveniente de los huesos de la primera fila del carpo. Al año de la intervención, se valoró el grado de dolor, movimiento de pronospinación, fuerza de prensión y satisfacción subjetiva del paciente.

Resultados: A excepción de una muñeca que evolucionó hacia la seudoartrosis, y que fue el paciente al que se le artrodesaron ambas, todos los casos consolidaron sin problemas. Los resultados clínicos, en cuanto a los parámetros valorados, mostraron una mejoría significativa en el 100% de los pacientes.

Conclusiones: En pacientes con artritis reumatoide y con una grave destrucción articular y/o inestabilidad de muñeca, la artrodesis de la misma con resección simultánea de los huesos de la primera fila del carpo y fijación con placa premoldeada de muñeca, constituye una técnica muy válida para conseguir una articulación sólida, estable y libre de dolor.
Artroplastia total trapézio-metacarpiana. Resultado a curto prazo de 2 implantes diferentes
Authors: Claro R. , Vilaça A. , Negrão P. , Trigueiros M. , Silva C.
Published: September 2017

Arizartrose é uma patologia muito comum que afecta frequentemente mulheres de meia-idade e por norma bilateralmente.

Muitas técnicas cirúrgicas têm vindo a ser descritas para o tratamento da rizartrose em estádios avançados, como é o caso da artrodese, da trapezectomia com ou sem interposição de tendão e/ou reconstrução ligamentar, dos implantes de silicone e das próteses totais trapézio-metacarpianas.

Os autores pretendem com este estudo comparar 2 tipos diferentes de implantes analisando retrospectivamente a utilização destes no tratamento de 15 doentes com rizartrose bilateral.

Na série estudada, a prótese trapézio-metacarpiana provou ser eficaz no alívio sintomático e no aumento da mobilidade e da força do polegar. O implante do tipo «ball-and-socket» obteve melhores resultados funcionais e um menor tempo de recuperação, em relação à prótese «anatómica».