bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early healing assessment with optical coherence tomography of everolimus‐eluting stents with bioabsorbable polymer (synergy™) at 3 and 6 months after implantation
Authors: de la Torre Hernández Jose M. , Tejedor Paula , Camarero Tamara Garcia , Duran Juan M. , Lee Dae‐Hyun , Monedero Jairo , Laso Fermin Sainz , Calderón Marcos Alvarez , Veiga Gabriela , Zueco Javier
Published: November 2015

Objectives

In this study we sought to evaluate coverage and apposition of Synergy™ stent at 3 and 6 months after implantation.

Background

The Pt‐Cr everolimus‐eluting stent with abluminal bioabsorbable polymer (Synergy™) is a new generation drug‐eluting stent with features potentially favoring an early healing process which could make safe a shorter period of dual antiplatelet‐therapy treatment.

Methods

Prospective, two‐centers study enrolling patients with similar lesions treated with Synergy™ stents undergoing examination with OCT at 3 and 6 months in the respective centers. Blinded analysis was done at a core lab. Co‐primary endpoints were proportion of struts with coverage and with apposition at 3 and 6 months.

Results

Finally, 22 patients (30 stents) in the 3 months group and 20 patients (30 stents) in the 6 months group were included. There were no significant differences between groups regarding clinical, angiographic measurements, and procedural data. The rate of strut coverage was 94.5% at 3 months and 96.6% at 6 months (P < 0.001), the rates of apposition were 93.8% and 96.2%, respectively, (P < 0.001), the proportion of uncovered but apposed struts was 2.5% and 1.9% (P = 0.03) and the proportion of uncovered and malapposed struts was 3% and 1.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). The maximal area of malapposition related with uncovered struts was 0.43 ± 0.4 mm2 at 3 months and 0.14 ± 0.2 mm2 at 6 months (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The everolimus‐eluting stent with absorbable polymer, Synergy™, is associated to a high degree of intimal coverage and apposition at 3 months after implantation with additional increase at 6 months. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with extreme aortic valve calcification
Authors: Abramowitz Yigal , Jilaihawi Hasan , Chakravarty Tarun , Kashif Mohammad , Matar George , Hariri Babak , Patel Jigar , Nakamura Mamoo , Cheng Wen , Makkar Raj R.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To assess the procedural and short‐term clinical outcome of performing balloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely calcified aortic valves.

Background

Quantity of aortic valve calcification predicts rates of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) post transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Nonetheless, short‐term outcomes of balloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely high calcified aortic valves have not been previously described.

Methods

We studied patients with severe aortic stenosis that underwent balloon‐expandable TAVR and had a pre‐procedural non‐contrast CT. Twenty patients that had aortic valve calcification score (AVCS) of more than 8,000 Agatston Units were compared to 279 patients with lower calcification scores. TAVR endpoints, device success and adverse events were considered according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 definitions.

Results

Device success was 80% in the extremely high calcification group compared to 95.3% in patients with less calcified aortic valves (P = 0.004). There was significantly more postprocedural PVR in the extreme calcification group: 50%, 35%, 10%, 5% vs. 72.4%, 25.8%, 1.8%, 0% for no/trace, mild, moderate and severe PVR, respectively (P < 0.001). There was one case of ascending aortic perforation resulting in intramural hematoma that resolved with no treatment. In‐hospital mortality, new pacemaker implantation and major complications were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Balloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely calcified aortic valve is associated with lower device success and greater risk of PVR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a novel hybrid strategy for transcatheter pulmonary valve placement in patients following transannular patch repair of tetralogy of fallot
Authors: Phillips Alistair B. M. , Nevin Phillip , Shah Avni , Olshove Vincent , Garg Ruchira , Zahn Evan M.
Published: November 2015

Background

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) is an accepted therapy for treatment of dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduits. At present, the majority of Fallot patients who undergo transannular patch (TAP) repair are not candidates for tPVR due to the large irregular nature of their RVOT. Herein, we describe a novel approach to assessing the RVOT in this group, which may then be used to design, test, and carry out hybrid RVOT modification and transcatheter valve implantation in this population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of TAP patients who underwent 3D modeling of the RVOT which was then used to develop individualized hybrid procedures designed to modify the RVOT, thereby rendering patients suitable for transcatheter valve implantation.

Results

Eight consecutive patients underwent 3D RVOT modeling followed by hybrid implantation of a transcatheter valve via a perventricular approach. A landing zone stent was placed in all and four required additional intravascular geometric remodeling of the RVOT prior to valve implant. Transcatheter valves were successfully implanted in all. There were no instances of valve malposition, embolization, or death. There was one minor procedural complication. No patient had more than trivial pulmonary regurgitation at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Using a hybrid approach to remodel the RVOT in TAP patients supported by preprocedural 3D‐model planning allows for successful tPVR implantation in this population. A larger cohort and longer follow‐up will be needed to determine the ultimate utility of this approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas ininfants and children: A French multicenter study
Authors: Mottin Benoît , Baruteau Alban , Boudjemline Younes , Piéchaud François J. , Godart François , Lusson Jean‐René , Hascoet Sebastien , Le Gloan Laurianne , Fresse Karine Warin , Guyomarch Beatrice , Bouzguenda Ivan , Malekzadeh‐Milani Sophie , Petit Jerome , Guérin Patrice
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The short‐term efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure (TCC) for the management of coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) was investigated in pediatric patients.

Background

CAFS are rare with potentially severe complications and their management is still a matter of debate. Percutaneous closure appears to be the treatment of choice in anatomically suitable vessels but limited data are available in the pediatric population.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, multicenter, national study included patients under 16 years of age who underwent TCC of a congenital CAF. Patients with additional congenital heart defect were excluded.

Results

61 patients (36 girls, 25 boys) with a median age of 0.6 year [0–15.4] at diagnosis and 3.9 years [0–16] at procedure were included. The CAF was large in 48 patients (79%); it was distal in 23 (38%) and proximal in 22 (36%). Most patients (77%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure were present in seven patients (11%). Perioperative complications included three cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction (exclusively during attempted closure of a distal CAF), three devices migrations, and one case of leg ischemia. One patient died after surgical closure of a large distal CAF that could not be closed by TCC. Follow‐up data were collected for 43 patients (70%) for a median of 91 days [0–4,824]. The Kaplan‐Meyer estimate for complete occlusion at 2 years was 73 ± 7.6%.

Conclusion

TCC in the pediatric population appears to be effective and associated with few complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Olefins Enhanced by Metal–Organic Framework Additives
Authors: Vilhanová Beáta , Ranocchiari Marco , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: November 2015

The use of nonprotic solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, toluene) increases the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins with chiral [Rh(Me‐BPE)(cod)]OTf [Me‐BPE=1,2‐bis(2,5‐dimethylphospholano)ethane; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene; OTf=triflate]. Readily available achiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as additives yielded substantially enhanced reactivity. In toluene (but not dichloromethane), the MOFs adsorbed the homogeneous catalyst, which directly reduced rhodium contamination in the products of the reaction. The in situ formed heterogeneous catalyst was reused without loss in selectivity.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Mesoporous Anatase‐TiO2(B) Mixed‐Phase Nanowires Decorated with Sulfur and Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Visible‐Light Photochemical Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Qin Lei , Chen Lei , Xu Zehai , Liu Mingming , Guo Xinwen
Published: November 2015

We present a facial one‐pot synthesis method for fabrication of mesoporous anatase‐TiO2(B) mixed‐phase nanowires (TNWs) decorated with sulfur and Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). Through one‐pot calcination, control of morphology and crystal phase for TNWs was easily achieved. After calcined at 773 K, mixed‐phase heterostructured TNWs with mesoporous structure and high surface area were obtained. This can not only lead ultrafine NPs well‐disperse in porous matrix, but also greatly enhance interfacial separation and transfer of photo‐induced charges between various planes. Moreover, sulfur doping improved acid/light properties of solid and brought more orbital‐overlapping between active sites and H2O2. The prepared S‐Fe2O3/anatase‐TiO2(B) TNWs had excellent catalytic ability in visible‐light assisted Fenton oxidation at neutral pH, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of sulfur species, NPs and TNWs. The progresses are valuable in developing highly efficient and green heterogeneous catalysts.
A New Structural Family of Gas‐Sorbing Coordination Polymers Derived from Phenolic Carboxylic Acids
Authors: White Keith F. , Abrahams Brendan F. , Babarao Ravichandar , Dharma A. David , Hudson Timothy A. , Maynard‐Casely Helen E. , Robson Richard
Published: November 2015

The structure of Li(inox)⋅2/3 DMF (inox−=the N‐oxide of the isonicotinate anion) consists of a 3D framework with solvent‐filled, square cross‐section channels of approximate dimensions 5.5×5.5 Å. Unfortunately, the Li(inox) framework is unstable upon removal of DMF from the channels. When the structurally related 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (H2hba) was used in place of Hinox, and Zn2+ in place of the Li+, a structurally similar but more robust network, Zn(hba), was obtained; the isostructural compound, Co(hba), may also be prepared. Longer ligands with phenolate and carboxylate functional groups at opposite ends, such as the dianions of 4‐coumaric acid (H2cma) and 4′‐hydroxy‐4‐biphenylcarboxylic acid (H2hbpc), in combination with Zn2+ yield Zn(cma) and Zn(hbpc) frameworks, respectively, with the same PtS topology but with larger channels. The coordination polymers remain intact after desolvation and exhibit microporosity, showing the ability to sorb significant quantities of CO2, CH4, and H2.
Copper‐Catalyzed Double Additions and Radical Cyclization Cascades in the Re‐Engineering of the Antibacterial Pleuromutilin
Authors: Ruscoe Rebecca E. , Fazakerley Neal J. , Huang Huanming , Flitsch Sabine , Procter David J.
Published: November 2015

A general synthetic sequence involving simply prepared starting materials provides rapid access to diverse, novel tricyclic architectures inspired by pleuromutilin. SmII‐mediated radical cyclization cascades of dialdehydes, prepared using a new, one‐pot, copper‐catalyzed double organomagnesium addition to β‐chlorocyclohexenone, proceed with complete sequence selectivity and typically with high diastereocontrol to give analogues of the target core. Our expedient approach (ca. 7 steps) allows non‐traditional, de novo synthetic access to analogues of the important antibacterial that can′t be prepared from the natural product by semisynthesis.
Q‐Curvature on a Class of Manifolds with Dimension at Least 5
Authors: Hang Fengbo , Yang Paul C.
Published: November 2015

For a smooth compact Riemannian manifold with positive Yamabe invariant, positive Q‐curvature, and dimension at least 5, we prove the existence of a conformal metric with constant Q‐curvature. Our approach is based on the study of an extremal problem for a new functional involving the Paneitz operator.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compact model order reduction of weakly nonlinear systems by associated transform
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wong Ngai
Published: November 2015

We advance a recently proposed approach, called the associated transform, for computing slim projection matrices serving high‐order Volterra transfer functions in the context of weakly nonlinear model order reduction (NMOR). The innovation is to carry out an association of multivariate (Laplace) variables in high‐order multiple‐input multiple‐output transfer functions to generate univariate single‐s transfer functions. In contrast to conventional projection‐based NMOR which finds projection subspaces about every si in multivariate transfer functions, only that about a single s is required in the proposed approach. This leads to much more compact reduced‐order models without compromising accuracy. Specifically, the proposed NMOR procedure first converts the original set of Volterra transfer functions into a new set of linear transfer functions, which then allows direct utilization of linear MOR techniques for modeling weakly nonlinear systems with either single‐tone or multi‐tone inputs. An adaptive algorithm is also given to govern the selection of appropriate basis orders in different Volterra transfer functions. Numerical examples then verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation in infancy: Part 2. Hand preferences for object acquisition and RDBM—continuity or discontinuity?
Authors: Babik Iryna , Michel George F.
Published: November 2015

This second paper in a series of three investigated the development of hand preference for role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM) relative to the infant's hand preference for object acquisition and to the infant's hand‐use for acquiring the objects used to assess RDBM. The same 90 infants (30 with a right preference, 30 with a left preference, and 30 with no preference to acquire objects) from the first paper were tested from 9 to 14 months for hand preference for acquiring those objects used to assess RDBM and for a hand preference for RDBM. Multilevel analysis revealed that infants with a hand preference for acquiring objects decreased in their use of the preferred hand for object acquisition during the 11 to 14 month interval, which coincided with the development of a hand preference for RDBM. These results are discussed in relation to the cascade theory of hand preference development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 257–267, 2016.
Prediction of designer drugs: synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of synthetic cannabinoid analogues of 1H‐indol‐3‐yl(2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone and 1H‐indol‐3‐yl(adamantan‐1‐yl)methanone
Authors: Carlsson Andreas , Lindberg Sandra , Wu Xiongyu , Dunne Simon , Josefsson Martin , Åstot Crister , Dahlén Johan
Published: November 2015

In this work, emergence patterns of synthetic cannabinoids were utilized in an attempt to predict those that may appear on the drug market in the future. Based on this information, two base structures of the synthetic cannabinoid analogues – (1H‐indol‐3‐yl(2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone and 1H‐indol‐3‐yl(adamantan‐1‐yl)methanone) – together with three substituents – butyl, 4‐fluorobutyl and ethyl tetrahydropyran – were selected for synthesis. This resulted in a total of six synthetic cannabinoid analogues that to the authors’ knowledge have not yet appeared on the drug market. Spectroscopic data, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (solid and gas phase), are presented for the synthesized analogues and some additional related cannabinoids. In this context, the suitability of the employed techniques for the identification of unknowns is discussed and the use of GC‐FTIR as a secondary complementary technique to GC‐MS is addressed. Examples of compounds that are difficult to differentiate by their mass spectra, but can be distinguished based upon their gas phase FTIR spectra are presented. Conversely, structural homologues where mass spectra are more powerful than gas phase FTIR spectra for unambiguous assignments are also exemplified. This work further emphasizes that a combination of several techniques is the key to success in structural elucidations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Photophysical Investigation of Tetraazaporphyrin Substituted with Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) Active Moieties
Authors: Tasso Thiago Teixeira , Furuyama Taniyuki , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: November 2015

The synthesis and characterization of free‐base and ZnII tetraazaporphyrins with tetraphenylethylene (TPE) or diphenylphenanthrene (DPP) moieties that are known to be aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) active is reported. The optical spectra contain the characteristic Q and B absorption bands of Gouterman's four‐orbital model and a broad envelope of weaker charge‐transfer bands in the 450–600 nm region. The observed fluorescence emission lies beyond 670 nm and originates exclusively from the decay of the S1 state of the macrocycle, regardless of the excitation wavelength used. Theoretical calculations provide further evidence of strong electronic communication between the peripheral TPE or DPP moieties and the central ring. The ZnII complexes were found to have relatively high singlet‐oxygen quantum yields.
Ambient‐Temperature Synthesis of 2‐Phosphathioethynolate, PCS–, and the Ligand Properties of ECX– (E = N, P; X = O, S)
Authors: Jupp Andrew R. , Geeson Michael B. , McGrady John E. , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: November 2015

A synthesis of the 2‐phosphathioethynolate anion, PCS–, under ambient conditions is reported. The coordination chemistry of PCO–, PCS– and their nitrogen‐containing congeners is also explored. Photolysis of a solution of W(CO)6 in the presence of PCO– [or a simple ligand displacement reaction using W(CO)5(MeCN)] affords [W(CO)5(PCO)]– (1). The cyanate and thiocyanate analogues, [W(CO)5(NCO)]– (2) and [W(CO)5(NCS)]– (3), are also synthesised using a similar methodology, allowing for an in‐depth study of the bonding properties of this family of related ligands. Our studies reveal that, in the coordination sphere of tungsten(0), the PCO– anion preferentially binds through the phosphorus atom in a strongly bent fashion, while NCO– and NCS– coordinate linearly through the nitrogen atom. Reactions between PCS– and W(CO)5(MeCN) similarly afford [W(CO)5(PCS)]–; however, due to the ambidentate nature of the anion, a mixture of both the phosphorus‐ and sulfur‐bonded complexes (4a and 4b, respectively) is obtained. It was possible to establish that, as with PCO–, the PCS– ion also coordinates to the metal centre in a bent fashion.
Small‐Molecule Therapeutics for Ebola Virus (EBOV) Disease Treatment
Authors: Izawa Kunisuke , Aceña José Luis , Wang Jiang , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Liu Hong
Published: November 2015

The current epidemic of Ebola virus (EBOV) hemorrhagic fever in sub‐Saharan West‐African countries, in terms of severity, is second only to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Besides the strong pathogenicity of EBOV, the unprecedented fatality rates (up to 90 %) are partially the result of a near total absence of any proper vaccines and therapeutics to combat the EBOV epidemic. This review highlights the recent progress in identification of purely chemical, small‐molecule drugs of considerable potential to be used as effective therapeutics for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of EBOV. In particular, we profile three compounds – favipiravir, BCX‐4430, and brincidofovir – identified by the World Health Organization as high‐priority targets. The detailed syntheses and modes of antiviral activity of these drugs are critically discussed. The major goal of this review is to encourage the chemistry community to focus research on this area of high social impact.
Ligand‐Free Pd/C‐Catalyzed One‐Pot, Three‐Component Synthesis of Aryl‐Substituted Benzimidazoles by Hydrogen‐Transfer and Suzuki Reactions in Water
Authors: Xu Chen , Xiao Zhi‐Qiang , Li Hong‐Mei , Han Xin , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Fu Wei‐Jun , Ji Bao‐Ming , Hao Xin‐Qi , Song Mao‐Ping
Published: November 2015

An efficient protocol for the ligand‐free and heterogeneous Pd/C‐catalyzed one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of aryl‐substituted benzimidazoles from benzyl alcohols by using water as the solvent was developed. The reaction involves hydrogen‐transfer and Suzuki reactions. This method is quite convenient and environmentally friendly.
A Common Precursor Approach to Structurally Diverse Natural Products: The Synthesis of the Core Structure of (±)‐Clausenamide and the Total Synthesis of (±)‐Hyalodendrin
Authors: Szulc Blanka R. , Sil Bruno C. , Ruiz Arnaud , Hilton Stephen T.
Published: November 2015

Structurally diverse natural products from unrelated sources typically require the development of individual synthetic routes. In a novel approach, we have shown that the epidithiodiketopiperazine‐derived natural product (±)‐hyalodendrin and the core structure of the unrelated pyrrolidine‐derived natural product clausenamide can be synthesised from a common synthetic precursor in good yield by simple variation of the reaction conditions.
Sensory survey of key compounds of toilet malodour in Switzerland, India and Africa
Authors: Chappuis Charles Jean‐François , Niclass Yvan , Cayeux Isabelle , Starkenmann Christian
Published: November 2015

Improving sanitation in developing countries is a key issue. New toilets must be clean and well maintained and must present a pleasant olfactory experience. Knowledge about toilet malodour is crucial to create pleasant perfumes for toilets. To identify the key constituents of toilet malodour, we created synthetic reconstitutions based on our previous analytical work, and we performed sensory surveys in Switzerland, India and Africa to evaluate the efficiency of our synthetic reconstitutions made of selected key compounds to evoke toilet malodor. The olfactory stimuli were two reconstitutions of faecal odours and a reconstitution of stale urine odour. We also used three perfumes as controls: banana, lemon and lavender. Participants from Geneva (N = 21, Switzerland) and from the slums of Ahmedabad (N = 105, India), Nairobi (N = 143, Kenya) and Durban N = 144, South Africa) were familiar with all odours presented. They described banana, lemon and lavender as pleasant odours and both faecal reconstitutions and stale urine reconstitution as unpleasant odours. Faecal reconstitutions were identified as odours that emanate from faeces or latrines in all countries. These results confirm and consolidate those of previous studies on faecal odours in identifying butyric acid, p‐cresol, indole and dimethyl trisulfide as strong contributors to human faecal odour. © 2015 The Authors. Flavour and Fragrance Journal published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Stabilisation of AMG solvers for saddle‐point stokes problems
Authors: Webster Ronald
Published: November 2015

When a block factorisation is used to precondition the saddle‐point equations of the discrete Stokes problem, the stability that this gives for the relaxation of residual errors may not be conserved in the coarse‐grid approximations (CGA) of algebraic multi‐grid (AMG) solvers. If the same first‐order interpolation is used in the inter‐grid transfer operators for the scalar and the vector fields, the conditioning degrades with each coarsening step until eventually a critical coarsening is reached beyond which residual errors are no longer damped and will become divergent with any further coarsening. It is shown that by introducing the same block pre‐conditioner as an integral part of the coarsening algorithm, stable smoothing can be maintained at all levels of the CGA. The pre‐conditioning need only be applied at preselected grid levels, one immediately before the critical threshold and others beyond that level if required. Excessive complexity in the CGA is thereby avoided. The method is purely algebraic and may be used for both classical AMG solvers and for smoothed‐aggregation AMG solvers. It should be applicable to other coupled vector and scalar fields in science and engineering that involve second‐order (block‐diagonal) and first‐order (block‐off‐diagonal) discrete difference operators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid hormone activation of retinoic acid synthesis in hypothalamic tanycytes
Authors: Stoney Patrick N. , Helfer Gisela , Rodrigues Diana , Morgan Peter J. , McCaffery Peter
Published: November 2015

Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for adult brain function and its actions include several key roles in the hypothalamus. Although TH controls gene expression via specific TH receptors of the nuclear receptor class, surprisingly few genes have been demonstrated to be directly regulated by TH in the hypothalamus, or the adult brain as a whole. This study explored the rapid induction by TH of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (Raldh1), encoding a retinoic acid (RA)‐synthesizing enzyme, as a gene specifically expressed in hypothalamic tanycytes, cells that mediate a number of actions of TH in the hypothalamus. The resulting increase in RA may then regulate gene expression via the RA receptors, also of the nuclear receptor class. In vivo exposure of the rat to TH led to a significant and rapid increase in hypothalamic Raldh1 within 4 hours. That this may lead to an in vivo increase in RA is suggested by the later induction by TH of the RA‐responsive gene Cyp26b1. To explore the actions of RA in the hypothalamus as a potential mediator of TH control of gene regulation, an ex vivo hypothalamic rat slice culture method was developed in which the Raldh1‐expressing tanycytes were maintained. These slice cultures confirmed that TH did not act on genes regulating energy balance but could induce Raldh1. RA has the potential to upregulate expression of genes involved in growth and appetite, Ghrh and Agrp. This regulation is acutely sensitive to epigenetic changes, as has been shown for TH action in vivo. These results indicate that sequential triggering of two nuclear receptor signalling systems has the capability to mediate some of the functions of TH in the hypothalamus. GLIA 2016;64:425–439
Selective reduction of fMRI responses to transient achromatic stimuli in the magnocellular layers of the LGN and the superficial layer of the SC of early glaucoma patients
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wen Wen , Sun Xinghuai , He Sheng
Published: November 2015

Glaucoma is now viewed not just a disease of the eye but also a disease of the brain. The prognosis of glaucoma critically depends on how early the disease can be detected. However, early glaucomatous loss of the laminar functions in the human lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and superior colliculus (SC) remains difficult to detect and poorly understood. Using functional MRI, we measured neural signals from different layers of the LGN and SC, as well as from the early visual cortices (V1, V2 and MT), in patients with early‐stage glaucoma and normal controls. Compared to normal controls, early glaucoma patients showed more reduction of response to transient achromatic stimuli than to sustained chromatic stimuli in the magnocellular layers of the LGN, as well as in the superficial layer of the SC. Magnocellular responses in the LGN were also significantly correlated with the degree of behavioral deficits to the glaucomatous eye. Finally, early glaucoma patients showed no reduction of fMRI response in the early visual cortex. These findings demonstrate that ‘large cells’ in the human LGN and SC suffer selective loss of response to transient achromatic stimuli at the early stage of glaucoma. Hum Brain Mapp 37:558–569, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis: Good and bad
Authors: Fernández Javier , Tandon Puneeta , Mensa Jose , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe
Published: November 2015

Patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated cirrhosis, are at increased risk of bacterial infections that may further precipitate other liver decompensations including acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. Infections constitute the main cause of death in patients with advanced cirrhosis, and strategies to prevent them are essential. The main current strategy is the use of prophylactic antibiotics targeted at specific subpopulations at high risk of infection: prior episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and low‐protein ascites with associated poor liver function. Antibiotic prophylaxis effectively prevents not only the development of bacterial infections in all these indications but also further decompensation (variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome) and improves survival. However, antibiotic prophylaxis is also associated with a clinically relevant and increasing drawback, the development of infections due to multidrug‐resistant organisms. Several strategies have been suggested to balance the risks and benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusion: Antibiotic stewardship principles such as the restriction of antibiotic prophylaxis to subpopulations at a very high risk for infection, the avoidance of antibiotic overuse, and early deescalation policies are key to achieve this balance; nonantibiotic prophylactic measures such as probiotics, prokinetics, bile acids, statins, and hematopoietic growth factors could also contribute to ameliorate the development and spread of multidrug‐resistant bacteria in cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2016;63:2019‐2031)
Three‐dimensional multispectral optoacoustic mesoscopy reveals melanin and blood oxygenation in human skin in vivo
Authors: Schwarz Mathias , Buehler Andreas , Aguirre Juan , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: November 2015

Optical imaging plays a major role in disease detection in dermatology. However, current optical methods are limited by lack of three‐dimensional detection of pathophysiological parameters within skin. It was recently shown that single‐wavelength optoacoustic (photoacoustic) mesoscopy resolves skin morphology, i.e. melanin and blood vessels within epidermis and dermis. In this work we employed illumination at multiple wavelengths for enabling three‐dimensional multispectral optoacoustic mesoscopy (MSOM) of natural chromophores in human skin in vivo operating at 15–125 MHz. We employ a per‐pulse tunable laser to inherently co‐register spectral datasets, and reveal previously undisclosed insights of melanin, and blood oxygenation in human skin. We further reveal broadband absorption spectra of specific skin compartments. We discuss the potential of MSOM for label‐free visualization of physiological biomarkers in skin in vivo.

Cross‐sectional optoacoustic image of human skin in vivo. The epidermal layer is characterized by melanin absorption. A vascular network runs through the dermal layer, exhibiting blood oxygenation values of 50–90%. All scale bars: 250 µm

magnified image

Cross‐sectional optoacoustic image of human skin in vivo. The epidermal layer is characterized by melanin absorption. A vascular network runs through the dermal layer, exhibiting blood oxygenation values of 50–90%. All scale bars: 250 µm
Lithium‐doped β‐tricalcium phosphate: Effects on physical, mechanical and in vitro osteoblast cell–material interactions
Authors: Vahabzadeh Sahar , Hack Vaughn Kohsei , Bose Susmita
Published: November 2015

In this work, we have investigated the effects of lithium (Li) dopant at different concentrations and sintering temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). Our results showed that Li addition at concentrations of 0.65 and 1.0 wt % inhibits the β‐TCP to α‐TCP phase transformation. 0.15 wt % Li addition resulted in grain growth and extensive liquid phase was formed at higher concentrations. At 1150°C, compressive strength of β‐TCP increased from 138.7 ± 19.9 MPa to 170.9 ± 29.8 MPa with the addition of 0.15 wt % Li. Addition of higher amounts of Li decreased the compressive strength and the lowest compressive strength of 99.8 ± 13.7 MPa was found in samples containing 1.0 wt % Li. After 3 days of culture, osteoblast cells grew to confluence on samples containing 0.65 and 1.0 wt % Li. Cells grew to confluence on all doped samples after 11 days of culture and optical cell density was 4–5 folds higher on 0.15 and 1.0 wt % Li‐doped TCP samples. Our results show that both Li content and sintering temperature have significant influence toward physicochemical and mechanical properties of β‐TCP which affects the osteoblast cell–materials interaction in Li‐doped TCP scaffolds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 391–399, 2017.
Boron nitride nanotubes and nanoplatelets as reinforcing agents of polymeric matrices for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Farshid Behzad , Lalwani Gaurav , Shir Mohammadi Meisam , Simonsen John , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the mechanical properties andin vitrocytotoxicity of one‐ and two‐dimensional boron nitride nanomaterials‐reinforced biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites. Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) nanocomposites were fabricated using crosslinking agentN‐vinyl pyrrolidone and inorganic nanomaterials: boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) dispersed at 0.2 wt % in the polymeric matrix. The incorporation of BNNPs and BNNTs resulted in a ∼38 and ∼15% increase in compressive (Young's) modulus, and ∼31 and ∼6% increase in compressive yield strength compared to PPF control, respectively. The nanocomposites showed a time‐dependent increased protein adsorption for collagen I protein. The cytotoxicity evaluation of aqueous BNNT and BNNP dispersions (at 1–100 μg/mL concentrations) using murine MC3T3 preosteoblast cells showed ∼73–99% viability. The cytotoxicity evaluation of media extracts of nanocomposites before crosslinking, after crosslinking, and upon degradation (using 1×–100× dilutions) showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity responses. Crosslinked nanocomposites showed excellent (∼79–100%) cell viability, cellular attachment (∼57–67%), and spreading similar to cells grown on the surface of tissue culture polystyrene control. The media extracts of degradation products showed a dose‐dependent cytotoxicity. The favorable cytocompatibility results in combination with improved mechanical properties of BNNT and BNNP nanocomposites opens new avenues for furtherin vitroandin vivosafety and efficacy studies towards bone tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 406–419, 2017.
Recombinant Mitochondrial Manganese Containing Superoxide Dismutase Protects Against Ochratoxin A‐Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Ciarcia Roberto , Damiano Sara , Squillacioti Caterina , Mirabella Nicola , Pagnini Ugo , Florio Alessia , Severino Lorella , Capasso Giovambattista , Borrelli Antonella , Mancini Aldo , Boffo Silvia , Romano Gaetano , Giordano Antonio , Florio Salvatore
Published: November 2015

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a natural mycotoxin, involved in the development of important human and animal diseases. In this work we have studied the role of oxidative stress in the development of OTA nephrotoxicity and the effect of a new recombinant mitochondrial manganese containing superoxide dismutase (rMnSOD) to prevent kidney damage induced by OTA. Blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate and renal histology were analyzed in control rats and in OTA treated rats. In addition, lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase productions were measured. Our data showed that animals treated with OTA presented hypertension and reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These effects are most probably related to an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions. In fact, we have shown that treatment with rMnSOD restored the levels of blood pressure and GFR simultaneously. Moreover, we have noted that OTA induced alteration on glomerular and tubular degeneration and interstitial infiltrates and that use of rMnSOD combined with OTA prevent this renal histological damage confirming the potential therapeutic role in the treatment of rMnSOD OTA nephrotoxicity. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1352–1358, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of delocalized electron transfer in periodic and embedded cluster DFT calculations: The case of Cu on ZnO (100)
Authors: Hellström Matti , Spångberg Daniel , Hermansson Kersti
Published: November 2015

We assess the consequences of the interface model—embedded‐cluster or periodic‐slab model—on the ability of DFT calculations to describe charge transfer (CT) in a particularly challenging case where periodic‐slab calculations indicate a delocalized charge‐transfer state. Our example is Cu atom adsorption on ZnO(10
0), and in fact the periodic slab calculations indicate three types of CT depending on the adsorption site: full CT, partial CT, and no CT. Interestingly, when full CT occurs in the periodic calculations, the calculated Cu atom adsorption energy depends on the underlying ZnO substrate supercell size, since when the electron enters the ZnO it delocalizes over as many atoms as possible. In the embedded‐cluster calculations, the electron transferred to the ZnO delocalizes over the entire cluster region, and as a result the calculated Cu atom adsorption energy does not agree with the value obtained using a large periodic supercell, but instead to the adsorption energy obtained for a periodic supercell of roughly the same size as the embedded cluster. Different density functionals (of GGA and hybrid types) and basis sets (local atom‐centered and plane‐waves) were assessed, and we show that embedded clusters can be used to model Cu adsorption on ZnO(10
0), as long as care is taken to account for the effects of CT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revision of the GROMOS 56A6CARBO force field: Improving the description of ring‐conformational equilibria in hexopyranose‐based carbohydrates chains
Authors: Plazinski Wojciech , Lonardi Alice , Hünenberger Philippe H.
Published: November 2015

This article describes a revised version 56A6CARBO_R of the GROMOS 56A6CARBO force field for hexopyranose‐based carbohydrates. The simulated properties of unfunctionalized hexopyranoses are unaltered with respect to 56A6CARBO. In the context of both O1‐alkylated hexopyranoses and oligosaccharides, the revision stabilizes the regular 4C1 chair for α‐anomers, with the opposite effect for β‐anomers. As a result, spurious ring inversions observed in α(1→4)‐linked chains when using the original 56A6CARBO force field are alleviated. The 4C1 chair is now the most stable conformation for all d‐hexopyranose residues, irrespective of the linkage type and anomery, and of the position of the residue along the chain. The methylation of a d‐hexopyranose leads to a systematic shift in the ring‐inversion free energy (4C1 to 1C4) by 7–8 kJ mol−1, positive for the α‐anomers and negative for the β‐anomers, which is qualitatively compatible with the expected enhancement of the anomeric effect upon methylation at O1. The ring‐inversion free energies for residues within chains are typically smaller in magnitude compared to those of the monomers, and correlate rather poorly with the latter. This suggests that the crowding of ring substituents upon chain formation alters the ring flexibility in a nonsystematic fashion. In general, the description of carbohydrate chains afforded by 56A6CARBO_R suggests a significant extent of ring flexibility, i.e., small but often non‐negligible equilibrium populations of inverted chairs, and challenges the “textbook” picture of conformationally locked carbohydrate rings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction Between Human Polyomavirus BK and Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1 alpha
Authors: Signorini Lucia , Croci Mattia , Boldorini Renzo , Varella Rafael Brandao , Elia Francesca , Carluccio Silvia , Villani Sonia , Bella Ramona , Ferrante Pasquale , Delbue Serena
Published: November 2015

BK polyomavirus (BKV) has a worldwide seroprevalence of approximately 90%. After primary infection, BKV establishes a life‐long latency within the urogenital tract. The severe immunological impairment occurring in renal transplant recipients leads to BKV reactivation, which may result in polyomavirus associated nephropathy (PVAN). While the transplanted kidney is transiently unperfused, Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) mediate the cellular response to hypoxia. The α‐subunit of HIF isoform 1 (HIF‐1α) may interact with several viruses, but until now, there has been no information regarding the interaction between BKV and HIF‐1α. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible interaction between HIF‐1α and BKV and its potential effect on the pathogenesis of PVAN. Screening of 17 kidney tissue samples revealed that HIF‐1α expression was 13.6‐fold higher in PVAN tissues compared to control tissues. A luminometric assay in co‐transfected African green monkey kidney cells (VERO) demonstrated BKV promoter activation ranging from two to sixfold (P < 0.05) when HIF‐1α was over‐expressed. A Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation (ChIP) assay showed structural binding between the BKV promoter and HIF‐1α. The amount of BKV DNA increased by threefold in VERO infected cells that were exposed to simulated hypoxia, compared to the cells not subjected to hypoxia. Both ex vivo and in vitro interactions between HIF‐1α and BKV were observed, suggesting that HIF‐1α, stabilized during transplantation, may be able to bind the BKV promoter and enhance BKV replication. Thus, hypoxia should be considered a risk factor for the development of PVAN in kidney transplant recipients. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1343–1349, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stromal derived factor‐1 and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor treatment improves regeneration of Pax7−/− mice skeletal muscles
Authors: Kowalski Kamil , Archacki Rafał , Archacka Karolina , Stremińska Władysława , Paciorek Anna , Gołąbek Magdalena , Ciemerych Maria A. , Brzoska Edyta
Published: November 2015

Background

The skeletal muscle has the ability to regenerate after injury. This process is mediated mainly by the muscle specific stem cells, that is, satellite cells. In case of extensive damage or under pathological conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, the process of muscle reconstruction does not occur properly. The aim of our study was to test whether mobilized stem cells, other than satellite cells, could participate in skeletal muscle reconstruction.

Methods

Experiments were performed on wild‐type mice and mice lacking the functional Pax7 gene, that is, characterized by the very limited satellite cell population. Gastrocnemius mice muscles were injured by cardiotoxin injection, and then the animals were treated by stromal derived factor‐1 (Sdf‐1) with or without granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for 4 days. The muscles were subjected to thorough assessment of the tissue regeneration process using histological and in vitro methods, as well as evaluation of myogenic factors' expression at the transcript and protein levels.

Results

Stromal derived factor‐1 alone and Sdf‐1 in combination with G‐CSF significantly improved the regeneration of Pax7−/− skeletal muscles. The Sdf‐1 and G‐CSF treatment caused an increase in the number of mononucleated cells associated with muscle fibres. Further analysis showed that Sdf‐1 and G‐CSF treatment led to the rise in the number of CD34+ and Cxcr4+ cells and expression of Cxcr7.

Conclusions

Stromal derived factor‐1 and G‐CSF stimulated regeneration of the skeletal muscles deficient in satellite cells. We suggest that mobilized CD34+, Cxcr4+, and Cxcr7+ cells can efficiently participate in the skeletal muscle reconstruction and compensate for the lack of satellite cells.
Real‐time monitoring of the penetration of amphiphilic acrylate copolymer in leather using a fluorescent copolymer as tracer
Authors: Du Jin‐Xia , Shi Lu , Peng Bi‐Yu
Published: November 2015

A fluorescent tracer, poly (acrylic‐co‐stearyl acrylate‐co−3‐acryloyl fluorescein) [poly (AA‐co‐SA‐co‐Ac‐Flu)], used for real‐time monitoring the penetration of amphiphilic acrylate copolymer, poly (acrylic‐co‐stearyl acrylate) [poly (AA‐co‐SA)], in leather was synthesized by radical polymerization of acrylic, stearyl acrylate and fluorescent monomer, 3‐acryloyl fluorescein (Ac‐Flu). The structure, molecular weight, introduced fluorescent group content and fluorescent characteristics of the fluorescent tracer and target copolymer, amphiphilic acrylate copolymer, were also characterized. The results show that the tracer presents the similar structural characteristics to the target and enough fluorescence intensity with 1.68 wt % of the fluorescent monomer introduced amount. The vertical section of the leather treated with the target copolymer mixing with 7% of the tracer exhibits evident fluorescence, and the change of fluorescence intensity along with the vertical section with treating time increasing can reflect the penetration depth of the target copolymer. The introduction of the fluorescent group in polymer structure through copolymerization with a limited amount of fluorescent monomer, Ac‐Flu, is an effective way to make a tracer to monitor the penetration of the target in leather, which provides a new thought for the penetration research of syntans such as vinyl copolymer materials in leather manufacture. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1146–1153, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The strange case of the tetragenous Anodonta anatina
Authors: Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Hinzmann Mariana , Teixeira Amílcar , Varandas Simone , Machado Jorge , Sousa Ronaldo , Froufe Elsa
Published: November 2015

Unionoid freshwater mussels have a unique life cycle with a form of parental care where the larvae are developed and kept inside the gills until release, followed by an obligate parasitic stage on fish. The size and location of the marsupium have been used as important phylogenetic characters in unionoids and in Anodontini its location was described exclusively on the outer demibranchs. Two recent surveys in a lake in the North of Portugal revealed large anodontine mussels morphological identical to Anodonta anatina but with glochidia in both demibranchs and with an unusual large size. In order to establish the identity of these mussels, a barcoding approach was used and an anatomical description of the gills and glochidia was performed. These mussels were identified as A. anatina and presented an inner demibranch pair with tripartite tubes. The glochidial sizes were much higher than previously reported for the species reaching maximum (length × height) values of 566 × 552 μm. This species reveals a high ecological plasticity being able to change its size and anatomy to increase its fertility as well as infestation performance. J. Exp. Zool. 325A:52–56, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselective Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 4‐Hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazinane‐2‐thiones
Authors: Nasiri Farough , Zolali Amin , Kadkhoda Jamileh
Published: November 2015

An efficient solvent‐free one‐pot stereoselective synthesis of 4‐hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazinane‐2‐thione derivatives from the reaction of primary amines and carbon disulfide in the presence of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes has been reported. The 4‐hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazinane‐2‐thione derivatives were easily converted to the related dehydrated or acetylated products.
Synthesis of New Bis‐1,2,4‐Oxadiazoline Derivatives via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Chen Fei , Zeng Hua , Liu Fang‐Ming
Published: November 2015

A series of novel bis‐oxadiazoline derivatives 4 was synthesized via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of bis‐aldimines 3, and nitrile oxides generated in situ from various benzohydroximinoyl chlorides in the presence of Et3N. The target products were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectrometry.