bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralization of Calcium Carbonate Induced by Egg Substrate and an Electric Field
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Jiang Minghuang , Su Min , Han Jian , Li Shenyu , Wu Qing
Published: May 2019

Egg substrates, including eggshell, egg membranes, and egg white, exert a significant influence on CaCO3 biomineralization. CaCO3 crystallization at different temperatures, concentrations, and with various egg substrates was systematically investigated via rapidly mixing solution method. The crystals were determined by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. As the CaCl2 concentration increased, the CaCO3 crystal form gradually changed from calcite to vaterite. Under rising temperature, the single‐hole vaterite and besom‐like aragonite were formed on the raw and boiled egg white substrate, respectively. The effects of electric field on CaCO3 crystallization were also explored. The findings may offer a novel approach to CaCO3 synthesis.
Coalescence Modeling for Design of Technical Equipment
Authors: Leleu David , Pfennig Andreas
Published: May 2019

A coalescence model in the context of the ReDrop concept (Representative Drops) is proposed to design technical equipment for separating liquid‐liquid dispersions in settlers or extraction columns. A fundamental study of drop interactions has been performed to obtain the complete picture of coalescence. The model proposed accounts for collision frequency of the drops, bouncing probability, and coalescence probability, for which the film‐drainage approach is applied. The model proposed allows considering the appropriate formulation for different types of equipment. Especially noteworthy is that the coalescence probability fundamentally differs from the expression of Coulaloglou and Tavlarides, which is frequently used, but which shows inconsistencies at fundamental level.
Chiroptical Redox Switching of Tetra‐Cationic Derivatives of Azoniahelicenes
Authors: Rončević Igor , Jirásek Michael , Severa Lukáš , Reyes‐Gutierrez Paul E. , Teplý Filip , Bednárová Lucie , Hromadová Magdaléna , Pospíšil Lubomír
Published: May 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is a group of synthetic and physical chemists from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences and J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic). The cover picture shows folding of azoniahelicene by electron transfer. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201900204.
(CH3NH3)AuX4⋅H2O (X=Cl, Br) and (CH3NH3)AuCl4: Low‐Band Gap Lead‐Free Layered Gold Halide Perovskite Materials
Authors: Worley Chris , Yangui Aymen , Roccanova Rachel , Du Mao‐Hua , Saparov Bayrammurad
Published: May 2019

Perovskite solar cells have recently enabled power conversion efficiency comparable to established technologies such as silicon and cadmium telluride. Ongoing efforts to improve the stability of halide perovskites in ambient air has yielded promising results. However, the presence of toxic heavy element lead (Pb) remains a major concern requiring further attention. Herein, we report three new Pb‐free hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite‐type halides based on gold (Au), (CH3NH3)AuBr4⋅H2O (1), (CH3NH3)AuCl4⋅H2O (2), and (CH3NH3)AuCl4 (3). Hydrated compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in a brand‐new structure type featuring perovskite‐derived 2D layers and 1D chains based on pseudo‐octahedral AuX6 building blocks. In contrast, the novel crystal structure of the solvent‐free compound 3 shows an exotic non‐perovskite quasi‐2D layered structure containing edge‐ and corner‐shared AuCl6 octahedra. The use of Au metal instead of Pb results in unprecedented low band gaps below 2.5 eV for single‐layered metal chlorides and bromides. Moreover, at room temperature the three compounds show a weak blue emission due to the electronic transition between Au‐6s and Au‐5d, in agreement with the density function theory (DFT) calculation results. These findings are discussed in the context of viability of Au‐based halides as alternatives for Pb‐based halides for optoelectronic applications.
An Octahedral Cobalt(III) Complex with Axial NH3 Ligands that Templates and Selectively Stabilises G‐quadruplex DNA
Authors: Ruehl Carmen L. , Lim Aaron H. M. , Kench Timothy , Mann David J. , Vilar Ramon
Published: May 2019

Guanine‐rich sequences of DNA are known to readily fold into tetra‐stranded helical structures known as G‐quadruplexes (G4). Due to their biological relevance, G4s are potential anticancer drug targets and therefore there is significant interest in molecules with high affinity for these structures. Most G4 binders are polyaromatic planar compounds which π–π stack on the G4′s guanine tetrad. However, many of these compounds are not very selective since they can also intercalate into duplex DNA. Herein we report a new class of binder based on an octahedral cobalt(III) complex that binds to G4 via a different mode involving hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and π–π stacking. We show that this new compound binds selectivity to G4 over duplex DNA (particularly to the G‐rich sequence of the c‐myc promoter). This new octahedral complex also has the ability to template the formation of G4 DNA from the unfolded sequence. Finally, we show that upon binding to G4, the complex prevents helicase Pif1‐p from unfolding the c‐myc G4 structure.
Carbon‐Nanotube‐Appended PAMAM Dendrimers Bearing Iron(II) α‐Keto Acid Complexes: Catalytic Non‐Heme Oxygenase Models
Authors: Sheet Debobrata , Bera Abhijit , Fu Yang , Desmecht Antonin , Riant Olivier , Hermans Sophie
Published: May 2019

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers grafted on carbon nanotubes have been appended with iron(II)‐α‐keto acid (benzoylformate) complex of polypyridyl ligand to design artificial non‐heme oxygenase model. This nano‐enzyme was applied for selective catalytic oxidation of organic molecules. Although the carbon nanotubes serve as a robust heterogeneous platform, the amine terminals of dendrimers provide catalysts binding sites and the amide bonds provide a necessary second coordination sphere similar to the enzymatic polypeptide chains. Such a hybrid design prevented the deactivation of the primary active sites leading to 8 times faster oxidative decarboxylation rates than those of its homogeneous analogue. An electrophilic iron(IV)‐oxo intermediate has been intercepted, which catalyzes the selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and incorporates single oxygen atoms into sulfides and olefins by using aerial oxygen with multiple turnover numbers. The catalyst was consecutively regenerated three times by mild chemical treatment and showed negligible loss of activity.
The Outcomes of Decorated Prolines in the Discovery of Antimicrobial Peptides from Temporin‐L
Authors: Buommino Elisabetta , Carotenuto Alfonso , Antignano Ignazio , Bellavita Rosa , Casciaro Bruno , Loffredo Maria Rosa , Merlino Francesco , Novellino Ettore , Mangoni Maria Luisa , Nocera Francesca Paola , Brancaccio Diego , Punzi Pasqualina , Roversi Daniela , Ingenito Raffaele , Bianchi Elisabetta , Grieco Paolo
Published: May 2019

Previously, we identified a potent antimicrobial analogue of temporin L (TL), [Pro3]TL, in which glutamine at position 3 was substituted with proline. In this study, a series of analogues in which position 3 is substituted with non‐natural proline derivatives, was investigated for correlations between the conformational properties of the compounds and their antibacterial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities. Non‐natural proline analogues with substituents at position 4 of the pyrrolidine ring were considered. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of these analogues were performed by means of antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assays along with circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopic analyses for selected compounds. The most promising peptides were additionally evaluated for their activity against some representative veterinary microbial strains to compare with those from human strains. We identified novel analogues with interesting properties that make them attractive lead compounds.
A pilot study of intrahepatic yttrium‐90 microsphere radioembolization in combination with intravenous cisplatin for uveal melanoma liver‐only metastases
Authors: Arulananda Surein , Parakh Sagun , Palmer Jodie , Goodwin Mark , Andrews Miles C. , Cebon Jonathan
Published: May 2019

Background

Metastatic uveal melanoma is a highly aggressive disease with no standard of care treatment option. A large proportion of patients have liver‐only metastatic disease which raises the question if liver‐directed therapy can be efficacious in this subpopulation.

Aims

The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiosensitizing chemotherapy in combination with yttrium‐90 microspheres in patients with uveal melanoma with liver‐only metastases.

Methods and results

This single arm, open labeled, non‐randomized study enrolled 10 patients with liver‐only metastatic uveal melanoma between November 2012 and January 2018. Eligible patients received intrahepatic yttrium‐90 microspheres followed by intravenous cisplatin (20 mg/m2) for 5 days. Ten patients were enrolled, but nine patients received treatment who were included in the final analysis with a median follow‐up of 30 months (range 7 to 44). Five (50%) were female, five (50%) had an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and one (10%) had prior anti‐PD‐1 therapy. The combination was well tolerated with no greater than or equal to grade 3 toxicity observed. The liver objective response rate (ORR) was 33% (3/9), the median progression‐free survival (PFS) in the liver was 3 months (95% CI, 3‐NA), and the extrahepatic PFS was 3 months (95% CI, 3‐NA). Seventy‐eight percent (7/9) received an immune checkpoint inhibitor on disease progression, with no responses seen. The median overall survival (OS) was 10 months (95% CI, 7‐NA).

Conclusion

The combination of cisplatin with yttrium‐90 microspheres was well tolerated; however, it was associated with intrahepatic disease control of relatively short duration. No responses were seen in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors post radioembolization.
Effects of Pressure and pH on the Physical Stability of an I‐Motif DNA Structure
Authors: Lepper Christopher P. , Williams Martin A. K. , Edwards Patrick J. B. , Filichev Vyacheslav V. , Jameson Geoffrey B.
Published: May 2019

The thermodynamic stability of a cytosine(C)‐rich i‐motif tract of DNA, which features pH‐sensitive [C..H..C]+ moieties, has been studied as function of both pressure (0.1–200 MPa) and pH (3.7–6.2). Careful attention was paid to correcting citrate buffer pH for known variations that stem from changes in pressure. Once pH‐corrected, (i) at pH >4.6 the i‐motif becomes less stable as pressure is increased (KD decreases), giving a small negative volume change for dissociation (ΔDV°) of the i‐motif – a conclusion opposite to that which would be drawn if the buffer pH was not corrected for the effects of pressure; (ii) the i‐motif's melting temperature increases by more than 30 K between pH 6.5 and 4.5, the consequence of an enthalpy for dissociation (ΔDH°) of 77(3) and 90(3) kJ (mol H+)−1 at 0.1 and 200 MPa, respectively; (iii) below pH 4.6 at 0.1 MPa (pH 4.3 at 200 MPa) the melting temperature decreases as a result of double protonation of cytosine pairs, and ΔDH° and ΔDV° change signs; and (iv) the combination of ΔDH° and ΔDV° lead to the melting temperature at pH 4.3 being 3 K higher at 200 MPa than at 0.1 MPa.
Overcoming Steric Hindrance in Aryl‐Aryl Homocoupling via On‐Surface Copolymerization
Authors: Urgel José I. , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Gandus Guido , Chen Qiang , Liu Xunshan , Hayashi Hironobu , Ruffieux Pascal , Decurtins Silvio , Narita Akimitsu , Passerone Daniele , Yamada Hiroko , Liu Shi‐Xia , Müllen Klaus , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Fasel Roman
Published: May 2019

On‐surface synthesis is a unique tool for growing low‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials with precise structural control down to the atomic level. This novel approach relies on carefully designed precursor molecules, which are deposited on suitable substrates and activated to ultimately form the desired nanostructures. One of the most applied reactions to covalently interlink molecular precursors is dehalogenative aryl‐aryl coupling. Despite the versatility of this approach, many unsuccessful attempts are also known, most of them associated to the poor capability of the activated precursors to couple to each other. Such failure is often related to the steric hindrance between reactants, which may arise due to their coplanarity upon adsorption on a surface. Here, we propose a copolymerization approach to overcome the limitations that prevent intermolecular homocoupling. We apply the strategy of using suitable linkers as additional reactants to the formation of fully conjugated polycyclic nanowires incorporating non‐benzenoid rings.
CO2 Reduction by Hydrogen Pre‐Reduced Acceptor‐Doped Ceria
Authors: Grünbacher Matthias , Klötzer Bernhard , Penner Simon
Published: May 2019

The reactivity of H2 pre‐reduced acceptor‐doped ceria materials Gd0.10Ce0.90O2‐δ (GDC10) and Sm0.15Ce0.85O2‐δ (SDC15) was tested with respect to the reduction of CO2 to CO in the context of the reverse water‐gas shift reaction. It was demonstrated that not only oxygen vacancies, but also dissolved hydrogen is a reactive species for the reduction of CO2. Dissolved hydrogen must be considered upon discussion of the mechanism of the reverse water‐gas shift reaction on ceria‐derived materials apart from oxygen vacancies and formates. The reduction of CO2 is preceded by the formation of carbonate species of different thermal stability and reactivity. The stability of these carbonates was directly demonstrated by in situ infrared spectroscopy and revealed the largely reversible nature of CO2 ad‐ and desorption. In comparison to pre‐reduced samples, decreased carbonate coverage is obtained after oxidative treatments of GDC10 and SDC15. No significant effect of the sample treatment (O2 oxidation or H2 reduction) on the surface carbonate stability was noticed. Mono‐dentate carbonates and carboxylates appear to be more easily formed on pre‐reduced (i. e. defective) samples. Ce4+ reduction to Ce3+ (by H2) and re‐oxidation to Ce4+ (by CO2) on GDC10/SDC15 were directly monitored by infrared spectroscopic analysis of a distinct, IR‐active electronic transition of Ce3+. These results show the complex interplay of oxygen vacancy/dissolved hydrogen reactivity and surface chemical aspects in acceptor‐doped ceria materials.
The competitive advantage of a constitutive CAM species over a C4 grass species under drought and CO2 enrichment
Authors: Yu Kailiang , D'Odorico Paolo , Collins Scott L. , Carr David , Porporato Amilcare , Anderegg William R. L. , Gilhooly William P. , Wang Lixin , Bhattachan Abinash , Bartlett Mark , Hartzell Samantha , Yin Jun , He Yongli , Li Wei , Tatlhego Mokganedi , Fuentes Jose D.
Published: May 2019

Plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) are increasing in distribution and abundance in drylands worldwide, but the underlying drivers remain unknown. We investigate the impacts of extreme drought and CO2 enrichment on the competitive relationships between seedlings of Cylindropuntia imbricata (CAM species) and Bouteloua eriopoda (C4 grass), which coexist in semiarid ecosystems across the Southwestern United States. Our experiments under altered water and CO2 water conditions show that C. imbricata positively responded to CO2 enrichment under extreme drought conditions, while B. eriopoda declined from drought stress and did not recover after the drought ended. Conversely, in well‐watered conditions B. eriopoda had a strong competitive advantage on C. imbricata such that the photosynthetic rate and biomass (per individual) of C. imbricata grown with B. eriopoda were lower relative to when growing alone. A meta‐analysis examining multiple plant families across global drylands shows a positive response of CAM photosynthesis and productivity to CO2 enrichment. Collectively, our results suggest that under drought and elevated CO2 concentrations, projected with climate change, the competitive advantage of plant functional groups may shift and the dominance of CAM plants may increase in semiarid ecosystems.
Faster movement in nonhabitat matrix promotes range shifts in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Crone Elizabeth E. , Brown Leone M. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Lutscher Frithjof , Schultz Cheryl B.
Published: May 2019

Ecologists often assume that range expansion will be fastest in landscapes composed entirely of the highest‐quality habitat. Theoretical models, however, show that range expansion depends on both habitat quality and habitat‐specific movement rates. Using data from 78 species in 70 studies, we find that animals typically have faster movement through lower‐quality environments (73% of published cases). Therefore, if we want to manage landscapes for range expansion, there is a trade‐off between promoting movement with nonhostile matrix, and promoting population growth with high‐quality habitat. We illustrate how this trade‐off plays out with the use of an exemplar species, the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. For this species, we calculate that the expected rate of range expansion is fastest in landscapes with ~15% high‐quality habitat. Behavioral responses to nonhabitat matrix have often been documented in animal populations, but rarely included in empirical predictions of range expansion. Considering movement behavior could change land‐planning priorities from focus on high‐quality habitat only to integrating high‐ and low‐quality land cover types, and evaluating the costs and benefits of different matrix land covers for range expansion.
Relationship between diet/exercise and pharmacotherapy to enhance the GLP‐1 levels in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fujiwara Yuki , Eguchi Shunsuke , Murayama Hiroki , Takahashi Yuri , Toda Mitsutoshi , Imai Kota , Tsuda Kinsuke
Published: May 2019

The rapid rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a huge healthcare burden across the world. Although there are several antihyperglycaemic agents (AHAs) available including addition of new drug classes to the treatment algorithm, more than 50% of patients with T2DM do not achieve glycaemic targets, suggesting an urgent need for treatment strategies focusing on prevention and progression of T2DM and its long‐term complications. Lifestyle changes including implementation of healthy diet and physical activity are cornerstones for the management of T2DM. The positive effects of diet and exercise on incretin hormones such as glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) have been reported. We hypothesize an IDEP concept (Interaction between Diet/Exercise and Pharmacotherapy) aimed at modifying the diet and lifestyle, along with pharmacotherapy to enhance the GLP‐1 levels, would result in good glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. Consuming protein‐rich food, avoiding saturated fatty acids and making small changes in eating habits such as eating slowly with longer mastication time can have a positive impact on the GLP‐1 secretion and insulin levels. Further the type of physical activity (aerobic/resistance training), intensity of exercise, duration, time and frequency of exercise have shown to improve GLP‐1 levels. Apart from AHAs, a few antihypertensive drugs and lipid‐lowering drugs have also shown to increase endogenous GLP‐1 levels, however, due to quick degradation of GLP‐1 by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) enzyme, treatment with DPP‐4 inhibitors would protect GLP‐1 from degradation and prolong its activity. Thus, IDEP concept can be a promising treatment strategy, which positively influences the GLP‐1 levels and provide additive benefits in terms of improving metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM and slowing the progression of T2DM and its associated complications.
The clinical significance of interleukin‐6 in heart failure: results from the BIOSTAT‐CHF study
Authors: Markousis‐Mavrogenis George , Tromp Jasper , Ouwerkerk Wouter , Devalaraja Matt , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , van der Harst Pim , Lang Chim C. , Metra Marco , Ng Leong L. , Ponikowski Piotr , Samani Nilesh J , Zannad Faiez , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Hillege Hans L. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Kakkar Rahul , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter
Published: May 2019

Aims

Inflammation is a central process in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), but trials targeting tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were largely unsuccessful. Interleukin (IL)‐6 is an important inflammatory mediator and might constitute a potential pharmacologic target in HF. However, little is known regarding the association between IL‐6 and clinical characteristics, outcomes and other inflammatory biomarkers in HF. We thus aimed to identify and characterize these associations.

Methods and results

Interleukin‐6 was measured in 2329 patients [89.4% with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%] of the BIOSTAT‐CHF cohort. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization during 2 years, with all‐cause, cardiovascular (CV), and non‐CV death as secondary outcomes. Approximately half (56%) of all included patients had plasma IL‐6 values greater than the previously determined 95th percentile of normal values at baseline. Elevated N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, procalcitonin and hepcidin, younger age, TNF‐α/IL‐1‐related biomarkers, or having iron deficiency, atrial fibrillation and LVEF > 40% independently predicted elevated IL‐6 levels. IL‐6 independently predicted the primary outcome [HR (95% confidence interval) per doubling: 1.16 (1.11–1.21), P < 0.001], all‐cause mortality [1.22 (1.16–1.29), P < 0.001] and CV as well as non‐CV mortality [1.16 (1.09–1.24), P < 0.001; 1.31 (1.18–1.45), P < 0.001], but did not improve discrimination in previously published risk models.

Conclusions

In a large, heterogeneous cohort of HF patients, elevated IL‐6 levels were found in more than 50% of patients and were associated with iron deficiency, reduced LVEF, atrial fibrillation and poorer clinical outcomes. These findings warrant further investigation of IL‐6 as a potential therapeutic target in specific HF subpopulations.
High Quality Oil Extracted from Sardine By‐Products as an Alternative to Whole Sardines: Production and Refining
Authors: Soldo Barbara , Šimat Vida , Vlahović Jelena , Skroza Danijela , Ljubenkov Ivica , Generalić Mekinić Ivana
Published: May 2019

Sardine (S) and sardine by‐product (SBP) oils are produced and refined in the interest of grading the potential by‐products as raw materials for the production of fish oil high in both quality and nutritional value. The oils are compared throughout different stages of refining in terms of free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide (PV), p‐anisidine (pAV), total oxidation (TOTOX), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), tocopherol content, fatty acid profile, and volatile components. The results of quality parameters FFA, PV, pAV, TOTOX, and TBARS of crude S are determined as 3.13% oleic acid, 5.91 meq O2/kg, 18.46, 30.29 and 1.27 µm g−1 while for SBP they were 2.94% oleic acid, 4.81 meq O2/kg, 17.66, 27.28, and 2.86 µm g−1, respectively. The refining enhances the quality parameters without a loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are 39.5 and 40.46% in refined S and SBP oil, respectively. The nutritional n‐6/n‐3 is 0.09 in both oils. Volatile compounds of the oils are quantified (in mg kg−1) and the major components are 2,4‐heptadienal, pentadecane, 2,4‐decadienal, 2,4‐nonadienal, and docecane. The results clearly show that the sardine by‐products can be used as an alternative source of PUFAs, contributing to waste management and sustainable fisheries.

Practical Application: The utilization of by‐products as a source of valuable compounds such as fish oil and omega‐3 will help improve waste management, allowing for fish the industry to benefit economically with isolated compounds having numerous applications in the food and feed production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Quality parameters, fatty acid composition and volatiles of oils produced from whole sardine and sardine canning industry by‐products are compared throughout production and chemical refining. A high potential of by‐products as raw materials for the production of fish oil high in both quality and nutritional value is demonstrated. Both oils have good quality characteristics which would ensure their competitiveness with commercial fish oils and could be used as a very good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Comparison of the adsorption of H2S by ZnO–TiO2 and Ni–ZnO–TiO2 nanoparticles: An adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic study
Authors: Mohammadi Amir , Saadati Zohreh , Joohari Shiva
Published: May 2019

Nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol–gel method and evaluated for adsorption of hydrogen sulfide using a continuous fixed‐bed column. The effects of the parameters were examined, and the optimum values for nanoparticles were found to be mass of adsorbent 0.2 g, gas volume 5.7 L, flow rate 0.22 L min−1, and gas pressure 7 Psi at 12 °C. These conditions resulted in a maximum adsorption of H2S of 83.24% and 90.43% for ZnO–TiO2 and Ni–ZnO–TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Weight-of-Evidence Approach for Assessing Removal of Metals from the Water Column for Chronic Environmental Hazard Classification
Authors: Burton G. Allen , Hudson Michelle L. , Huntsman Philippa , Carbonaro Richard F. , Rader Kevin J. , Waeterschoot Hugo , Baken Stijn , Garman Emily
Published: May 2019

The United Nations and the European Union have developed guidelines for the assessment of long-term (chronic) chemical environmental hazards. This approach recognizes that these hazards are often related to spillage of chemicals into freshwater environments. The goal of the present study was to examine the concept of metal ion removal from the water column in the context of hazard assessment and classification. We propose a weight-of-evidence approach that assesses several aspects of metals including the intrinsic properties of metals, the rate at which metals bind to particles in the water column and settle, the transformation of metals to nonavailable and nontoxic forms, and the potential for remobilization of metals from sediment. We developed a test method to quantify metal removal in aqueous systems: the extended transformation/dissolution protocol (T/DP-E). The method is based on that of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The key element of the protocol extension is the addition of substrate particles (as found in nature), allowing the removal processes to occur. The present study focused on extending this test to support the assessment of metal removal from aqueous systems, equivalent to the concept of “degradability” for organic chemicals. Although the technical aspects of our proposed method are different from the OECD method for organics, its use for hazard classification is equivalent. Models were developed providing mechanistic insight into processes occurring during the T/DP-E method. Some metals, such as copper, rapidly decreased (within 96 h) under the 70% threshold criterion, whereas others, such as strontium, did not. A variety of method variables were evaluated and optimized to allow for a reproducible, realistic hazard classification method that mimics reasonable worst-case scenarios. We propose that this method be standardized for OECD hazard classification via round robin (ring) testing to ascertain its intra- and interlaboratory variability. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1839–1849. © 2019 SETAC.
Performance of Three-Dimensional Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Hepatocyte Spheroids for Evaluating Biotransformation of Pyrene
Authors: Hultman Maria Therese , Løken Katharina Bjarnar , Grung Merete , Reid Malcolm J. , Lillicrap Adam
Published: May 2019

The aquatic bioconcentration of a chemical is typically determined using conventional fish tests. To foster the approach of alternatives to animal testing, a combination of computational models and in vitro substrate depletion bioassays (e.g., primary hepatocytes) can be used. One recently developed in vitro assay is the three-dimensional (3D) hepatic spheroid model from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the metabolic competence of the 3D spheroids from rainbow trout when exposed to pyrene, using 2 different sampling procedures (SP1 and SP2). The results were compared with previously published intrinsic clearance (CL) results from S9 fractions and primary hepatocyte assays. Extraction of pyrene using SP1 suggested that the spheroids had depleted 33% of the pyrene within 4 h of exposure, reducing to 91% after 30 h. However, when applying SP2 a substantial amount (36%) of the pyrene was bound to the exposure vial within 2 h, decreasing after 6 h of exposure. Formation of hydroxypyrene-glucuronide (OH-PYR-Glu) was obtained throughout the study, displaying the metabolic competence of the 3D spheroids. The 2 sampling procedures yielded different CLin vitro, where pyrene depletion using SP2 was very similar to published studies using primary hepatocytes. The 3D spheroids demonstrated reproducibile, log-linear biotransformation of pyrene and displayed formation of OH-PYR-Glu, indicating their metabolic competence for 30 h or more. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1738–1747. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) spheroids efficiently depleted pyrene (PYR) between 0–30 h. The intrinsic clearance (CL) rate was comparable with previous published data for cryopreserved hepatocytes. k = rate constant.
Supporting multiattribute decisions in scenario planning using a simple method based on ranks
Authors: Goodwin Paul
Published: May 2019

A neglected area of scenario planning is the provision of support for strategic decisions that involve multiple attributes. When the number of scenarios and attributes is large, conventional multiattribute decision analysis methods require the elicitation of a large number of values and weights, which can be demanding and time consuming for decision makers. This paper examines the effectiveness of using a simple approximation to the simple multiattribute rating method (SMART) that is based purely on the ranking of options and attributes. The method was tested on 250,000 simulated decision problems and was found to perform well when assessed on the basis of its hit rate (the percentage of times it identified the same best option as SMART) and the utility loss resulting from the approximation. In large problems, where simplifications are likely to be most useful, it outperformed an alternative approximation method, SMARTER, which is more complex to apply, and it was almost as effective as SMARTER on smaller problems.
Novel oleogel formulation based on amaranth oil: Physicochemical characterization
Authors: Kamali Elahe , Sahari Mohammad Ali , Barzegar Mohsen , Ahmadi Gavlighi Hassan
Published: May 2019

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of oleogel (OG) produced from amaranth oil at four concentrations of 7%, 9%, 10%, and 12% of the monoglyceride (MG). The physicochemical and structural aspects were performed by using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and gas chromatography. The results show that oleogels (OGs) had higher oxidative stability during storage at ambient temperature in comparison with amaranth oil. Moreover, polarized optical microscopy revealed that an increase in percentage of the oleogelator leads to the formation of needle‐shaped crystals followed by oil entrapment. Also, MG improves the solid content of amaranth oil from 0.5% to 11% and creates a solid structure in spite of the low solid fat as compared to cocoa butter (CB) (82%), as control sample. Crystals similar to CB were also observed when evaluating the crystalline structure of the OG. The fatty acid ratio and the essential linoleic fatty acid were preserved in the OG by only 2%–6% reduction.
Integrative analysis of Dupuytren's disease identifies novel risk locus and reveals a shared genetic etiology with BMI
Authors: Major Megan , Freund Malika K. , Burch Kathryn S. , Mancuso Nicholas , Ng Michael , Furniss Dominic , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Ophoff Roel A.
Published: May 2019

Dupuytren's disease is a common inherited tissue‐specific fibrotic disorder, characterized by progressive and irreversible fibroblastic proliferation affecting the palmar fascia of the hand. Although genome‐wide association study (GWAS) have identified 24 genomic regions associated with Dupuytrens risk, the biological mechanisms driving signal at these regions remain elusive. We identify potential biological mechanisms for Dupuytren's disease by integrating the most recent, largest GWAS (3,871 cases and 4,686 controls) with eQTLs (47 tissue panels from five consortia, total n = 3,975) to perform a transcriptome‐wide association study. We identify 43 tissue‐specific gene associations with Dupuytren's risk, including one in a novel risk region. We also estimate the genome‐wide genetic correlation between Dupuytren's disease and 45 complex traits and find significant genetic correlations between Dupuytren's disease and body mass index (BMI), type II diabetes, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), suggesting a shared genetic etiology between these traits. We further examine local genetic correlation to identify 8 and 3 novel regions significantly correlated with BMI and HDL respectively. Our results are consistent with previous epidemiological findings showing that lower BMI increases risk for Dupuytren's disease. These 12 novel risk regions provide new insight into the biological mechanisms of Dupuytren's disease and serve as a starting point for functional validation.
Hospital readmission in persons with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Ma Chenjuan , Bao Silin , Dull Peter , Wu Bei , Yu Fang
Published: May 2019

Objective

Hospital readmission in persons with dementia is becoming a critical safety and cost issue. The purpose of this review is to systematically assess published evidence on hospital readmissions in persons with dementia, including rate, clinical reasons, risk factors, and prevention programs.

Methods

A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted. Literature were searched in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase as well as hand searching. Quality of reviewed studies were assessed independently by reviewers using quality assessment checklists.

Results

Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. In persons with dementia, all‐cause 30‐day readmission rate was most frequently reported and ranged from 7% to 35%. Compared with those without dementia, persons with dementia had significantly higher rate of readmission. Reported risk factors of readmission varied across studies from patient sociodemographic and clinical status, history of health care utilization, to family caregivers. Reasons for readmission were rarely documented. Programs of home‐based individualized care and interdisciplinary team care were used for preventing readmissions. Findings from some of the studies were limited by small sample sizes, single data source, and other methodologic flaws.

Conclusions

Persons with dementia are at high risk for hospital readmission, but many of the readmissions are potentially preventable. Multiple strategies such like identifying high‐risk individuals and the clinical reasons for index admission and readmission and implementing home‐based individualized care by interdisciplinary team can reduce preventable hospital readmissions. Future studies should use multiple national data sources and advanced methodology to identify risk factors and clinical reasons of hospital readmissions.
Hepatitis E Virus Infections Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Positive Individuals During an Outbreak of Acute Hepatitis A in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Yin , Lin Pi‐Han , Sun Hsin‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Ting , Su Li‐Hsin , Su Yi‐Ching , Ho Shu‐Yuan , Liu Wen‐Chun , Chang Sui‐Yuan , Hung Chien‐Ching , Chang Shan‐Chwen
Published: May 2019

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) share the similar fecal‐oral transmission route. During an outbreak of sexually transmitted acute hepatitis A among men who have sex with men (MSM) worldwide between 2015 and 2017, we investigated the possibility of sexual transmission and related morbidity of HEV infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients. From March 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017, anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G was retrospectively determined among 3,293 HIV‐positive patients, who were mainly MSM (87.6%) with a median CD4 count of 575 cells/μL. Prevalence and incidence of HEV infection were 3.7% (123 of 3,293) and 4.35 per 1,000 person‐years of follow‐up (PYFU), respectively, which were significantly lower compared with those of HAV infection (31.1% [996 of 3,204] and 12.61 per 1,000 PYFU, respectively). The number of patients with HEV infection did not increase with the hepatitis A epidemic. The factor associated with prevalent HEV infection was older age (per 1‐year increase, adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐1.09), but neither sexual orientation nor acquisition of sexually transmitted infections was related to prevalent or incident HEV infection. Among 23 patients with incident HEV infection, 22 patients had viremia caused by HEV genotype 4. No patients had prolonged HEV viremia or clinical symptoms, and only a mild elevation of serum aminotransferase, ranging from 34 to 77 IU/L, was noted. Although 4 patients had hepatitis for a prolonged duration of between 8 and 17 months, no abdominal imaging revealed liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Conclusion: HEV endemicity remained low among HIV‐positive patients in Taiwan during the outbreak of acute hepatitis A. Our data suggest that sexual transmission of HEV with significant morbidity of HEV infection, if any, is rare in this population.
IL‐6 Trans‐signaling Controls Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Fazel Modares Nastaran , Polz Robin , Haghighi Fereshteh , Lamertz Larissa , Behnke Kristina , Zhuang Yuan , Kordes Claus , Häussinger Dieter , Sorg Ursula R. , Pfeffer Klaus , Floss Doreen M. , Moll Jens M. , Piekorz Roland P. , Ahmadian M. Reza , Lang Philipp A. , Scheller Jürgen
Published: May 2019

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is critically involved in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PHX). Previous reports suggest that IL‐6 trans‐signaling through the soluble IL‐6/IL‐6R complex is involved in this process. However, the long‐term contribution of IL‐6 trans‐signaling for liver regeneration after PHX is unknown. PHX‐induced generation of the soluble IL‐6R by ADAM (a disintegrin and metallo) proteases enables IL‐6 trans‐signaling, in which IL‐6 forms an agonistic complex with the soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R) to activate all cells expressing the signal‐transducing receptor chain glycoprotein 130 (gp130). In contrast, without activation of ADAM proteases, IL‐6 in complex with membrane‐bound IL‐6R and gp130 activates classic signaling. Here, we describe the generation of IL‐6 trans‐signaling mice, which exhibit boosted IL‐6 trans‐signaling and abrogated classic signaling by genetic conversion of all membrane‐bound IL‐6R into sIL‐6R proteins phenocopying hyperactivation of ADAM‐mediated shedding of IL‐6R as single substrate. Importantly, although IL‐6R deficient mice were strongly affected by PHX, survival and regeneration of IL‐6 trans‐signaling mice was indistinguishable from control mice, demonstrating that IL‐6 trans‐signaling fully compensates for disabled classic signaling in liver regeneration after PHX. Moreover, we monitored the long‐term consequences of global IL‐6 signaling inhibition versus IL‐6 trans‐signaling selective blockade after PHX by IL‐6 monoclonal antibodies and soluble glycoprotein 130 as fragment crystallizable fusion, respectively. Both global IL‐6 blockade and selective inhibition of IL‐6 trans‐signaling results in a strong decrease of overall survival after PHX, accompanied by decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and proliferation of hepatocytes. Mechanistically, IL‐6 trans‐signaling induces hepatocyte growth factor production by hepatic stellate cells. Conclusion: IL‐6 trans‐signaling, but not classic signaling, controls liver regeneration following PHX.
Barriers to the implementation of clinical guidelines for maternal alcohol consumption in antenatal services: A survey using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Doherty Emma , Kingsland Melanie , Wiggers John , Anderson Amy E. , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Symonds Ian , Tully Belinda , Dray Julia , Wolfenden Luke
Published: May 2019

Issue addressed

The aim of this study was to assess potential barriers to the implementation of clinical guideline recommendations regarding maternal alcohol consumption by antenatal clinicians and managers.

Methods

Cross‐sectional surveys of antenatal clinicians and managers employed in a New South Wales Local Health District were undertaken. Survey items were developed based on 11 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. Consistent with previous studies, a cut point of less than 4 was applied to mean values of survey items (range: 1‐5) to identify domains representing barriers to the implementation.

Results

Thirty‐three antenatal clinicians and eight managers completed the surveys. For clinicians, the domains with the lowest mean values included “environmental context and resources” (ie, complexity of appointments and availability of supporting systems) (mean: 3.13, SD: 0.93); “social influences” (ie, expectations of others that alcohol will be addressed) (mean: 3.33, SD: 0.68); “beliefs about capabilities” (ie, confidence in providing guideline recommendations) (mean: 3.51, SD: 0.67); and “behavioural regulation” (ie, planning and responding to feedback) (mean: 3.53, SD: 0.64). For managers, “emotion regulation” (ie, stress in managing change) (mean: 2.13, SD: 0.64) and “environmental context and resources” (ie, complexities of managing change) (mean: 3.13, SD: 0.83) were the lowest scoring domains.

Conclusions

The antenatal service environment and availability of resources appear to be primary barriers to both clinicians and managers implementing guidelines for maternal alcohol consumption.

So what?

In the development of interventions to support the delivery of clinical guideline recommendations addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a broad range of potential barriers at both the clinician and manager levels need to be considered and targeted by effective implementation strategies.
Assessment of mobile phone applications for care management in gynecology and obstetrics
Authors: Medeiros Kleyton S. , Silva Brenda O. , Queiroz Janice F. , Cobucci Ricardo Ney , Stransky Beatriz , Gonçalves Ana K.
Published: May 2019

We identified mobile applications (apps) found on digital platforms (iTunes Store and Google Play) that addressed topics about gynecology and obstetrics.
“What support would you find helpful?” The relationship between treatment expectations, therapeutic engagement, and clinical outcomes in parent–infant psychotherapy
Authors: Ransley Rachel , Sleed Michelle , Baradon Tessa , Fonagy Peter
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pretreatment expectations on clinical outcomes and engagement in Parent–Infant Psychotherapy (PIP). Sixty‐one mothers who were experiencing mental health difficulties and who were receiving PIP with their young infants participated in the study. A mixed‐methodology was used to examine participants’ expectations through transformation content analysis of pretreatment interviews; recurring themes were classified and quantified. Further statistical analyses explored relationships between the quantified themes of parental expectations and clinical outcomes and engagement in treatment. No significant correlation was found between expectations and engagement. One of the six clinical outcomes significantly correlated with parental expectations. Improved reflective functioning (RF) was predicted by participants describing expectations of wanting to improve their parent–infant relationship through the treatment, and expressing concerns about discussing their past experiences. These two expectations predicted improvements in RF independently and when combined. These results indicate that PIP may be more effective for some mothers than others and that assessing future clients’ expectations before beginning PIP may be beneficial.
The (Mis)match Between Sub‐Baccalaureate Credentials and Middle‐Skill Jobs: A Community College Spatial Research Agenda
Authors: Rios‐Aguilar Cecilia , Wells Ryan , Bills David , Lopez Diana D.
Published: May 2019

This chapter urges researchers to use a “spatial lens” to identify mismatches between educational offerings and the local labor market for middle‐skill careers. Students who are unlikely to relocate for a job will benefit from occupational credentials aligned with geographically local and available careers. The proposed spatial research agenda offers examples of how institutional researchers may explore the link between education, employment, and place to improve outcomes for community college students.
Contrast of nuclei in stratified squamous epithelium in optical coherence tomography images at 800 nm
Authors: Chen Si , Liu Xinyu , Wang Nanshuo , Ding Qianshan , Wang Xianghong , Ge Xin , Bo En , Yu Xiaojun , Yu Honggang , Xu Chenjie , Liu Linbo
Published: May 2019

Imaging nuclei of keratinocytes in the stratified squamous epithelium has been a subject of intense research since nucleus associated cellular atypia is the key criteria for the screening and diagnosis of epithelial cancers and their precursors. However, keratinocyte nuclei have been reported to be either low scattering or high scattering, so that these inconsistent reports might have led to misinterpretations of optical images, and more importantly, hindered the establishment of optical diagnostic criteria. We disclose that they are generally low scattering in the core using Micro‐optical coherence tomography (μOCT) of 1.28‐μm axial resolution in vivo; those previously reported “high scattering” or “bright” signals from nuclei are likely from the nucleocytoplasmic boundary, and the low‐scattering nuclear cores were missed possibly due to insufficient axial resolutions (~4μm). It is further demonstrated that the high scattering signals may be associated with flattening of nuclei and cytoplasmic glycogen accumulation, which are valuable cytologic hallmarks of cell maturation.