bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An examination of racial differences in 5‐year survival of cervical cancer among African American and white American women in the southeastern US from 1985 to 2010
Authors: Weragoda Janaka , Azuero Andres , Badiga Suguna , Bell Walter C. , Matthews Roland , Piyathilake Chandrika
Published: May 2016

Disparities in Cervical Cancer (CC) mortality outcomes between African American (AA) and White women have been studied for decades. However, conclusions about the effect of race on CC survival differ across studies. This study assessed differences in CC survival between AA and White women diagnosed between 1985 and 2010 and treated at two major hospitals in the southeastern US. The study sample included 925 AA and 1192 White women diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. Propensity score adjustment and matching were employed to compare 5‐year survival between the two racial groups. Crude comparisons suggested relevant racial differences in survival. However, the racial differences became of small magnitude after propensity‐score adjustment and in matched analyses. Nonlinear models identified age at diagnosis, cancer stage, mode of treatment, and histological subtype as the most salient characteristics predicting 5‐year survival of CC, yet these characteristics were also associated with race. Crude racial differences in survival might be partly explained by underlying differences in the characteristics of racial groups, such as age at diagnosis, histological subtype, cancer stage, and the mode of treatment. The study results highlight the need to improve access to early screening and treatment opportunities for AA women to improve posttreatment survival from CC.
Percutaneous Transcatheter Treatment for Tricuspid Bioprosthesis Failure
Authors: Ruparelia Neil , Mangieri Antonio , Ancona Marco , Giannini Francesco , Agricola Eustachio , Montorfano Matteo , De Bonis Michele , Alfieri Ottavio , Colombo Antonio , Latib Azeem
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To report procedural and 30‐day outcomes following percutaneous transcatheter valve‐in‐valve (VIV) implantation for tricuspid bioprosthesis failure, with a new generation balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation prosthesis.

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation is associated with a reduction in survival and increased morbidity. Many patients previously treated with tricuspid valve replacement require further intervention due to bioprosthesis failure. Surgical redo is the “gold standard” treatment however this is technically challenging and associated with significant risk. Percutaneous VIV intervention that is now well established in the management of aortic and mitral bioprosthesis failure may therefore be an alternative treatment option.

Methods

The study population consisted of all patients that underwent percutaneous transcatheter tricuspid VIV implantation for tricuspid bioprosthesis failure at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Results

Five patients underwent successful transfemoral transcatheter tricuspid VIV implantation for bioprosthetic failure. One patient suffered acute kidney injury that was successfully medically managed. The remaining patients suffered no complications prior to hospital discharge. During 30‐day follow‐up, all patients reported a significant improvement in their functional status with normal valve function. Additionally, we observed an improvement in renal function (eGFR baseline 62.0 ± 16.5 vs. follow‐up 70.2 ± 23.1 ml/min/m2, P = 0.12) and improved hepatic congestion: bilirubin (1.47 ± 0.8 vs. 1.01 ± 0.7 mg/DL, P = 0.12), alanine aminotransferase (31.0 ± 11.1 vs. 23.2 ± 5.1 U/L, P = 0.11) and aspartate aminotransferase (35.8 ± 6.3 vs. 29.8 ± 13.6 U/L, P = 0.12).

Conclusions

Transfemoral, transcatheter VIV treatment with a new generation balloon expandable devices appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment option for tricuspid bioprosthesis failure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tunable Oxygen Functional Groups as Electrocatalysts on Graphite Felt Surfaces for All‐Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Estevez Luis , Reed David , Nie Zimin , Schwarz Ashleigh M , Nandasiri Manjula I. , Kizewski James P , Wang Wei , Thomsen Edwin , Liu Jun , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Sprenkle Vincent , Li Bin
Published: May 2016

A dual oxidative approach using O2 plasma followed by treatment with H2O2 to impart oxygen functional groups onto the surface of a graphite felt electrode. When used as electrodes for an all‐vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) system, the energy efficiency of the cell is enhanced by 8.2 % at a current density of 150 mA cm−2 compared with one oxidized by thermal treatment in air. More importantly, by varying the oxidative techniques, the amount and type of oxygen groups was tailored and their effects were elucidated. It was found that O−C=O groups improve the cells performance whereas the C−O and C=O groups degrade it. The reason for the increased performance was found to be a reduction in the cell overpotential after functionalization of the graphite felt electrode. This work reveals a route for functionalizing carbon electrodes to improve the performance of VRB cells. This approach can lower the cost of VRB cells and pave the way for more commercially viable stationary energy storage systems that can be used for intermittent renewable energy storage.
Investigating the reinforcing value of binge anticipation
Authors: Pearson Carolyn M. , Chester David S. , Powell David , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: May 2016

Binge eating is a hallmark feature of several types of eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa (binge/purge type), and binge‐eating disorder, and is associated with numerous harmful consequences. For decades, researchers have sought to understand what maintains and reinforces this behavior in the face of such profound negative consequences. In this context, researchers have focused on the binge‐eating behavior itself, and given little consideration to what may be a crucial part of the process: anticipating or planning binge‐eating episodes. In this article, we discuss binge anticipation, its potential reinforcing value, and methodologies which would allow researchers to investigate this potentially critical process in individuals who binge eat. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:539–541)
A novel “complement–metabolism–inflammasome axis” as a key regulator of immune cell effector function
Authors: Arbore Giuseppina , Kemper Claudia
Published: May 2016

The inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes that induce and regulate the generation of the key pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18 in response to infectious microbes and cellular stress. The activation of inflammasomes involves several upstream signals including classic pattern or danger recognition systems such as the TLRs. Recently, however, the activation of complement receptors, such as the anaphylatoxin C3a and C5a receptors and the complement regulator CD46, in conjunction with the sensing of cell metabolic changes, for instance increased amino acid influx and glycolysis (via mTORC1), have emerged as additional critical activators of the inflammasome. This review summarizes recent advances in our knowledge about complement‐mediated inflammasome activation, with a specific focus on a novel “complement – metabolism – NLRP3 inflammasome axis.”
Nuclear receptor expression atlas in BMDCs: Nr4a2 restricts immunogenicity of BMDCs and impedes EAE
Authors: Saini Ankita , Mahajan Sahil , Gupta Pawan
Published: May 2016

The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors regulates various key aspects of physiological processes; however, their role(s) in immune cells’ function are just beginning to unravel. Although few NRs have been shown to be critical for dendritic cell (DC) function, a lack of knowledge about their complete representation in DCs has limited the ability to harness their full potential. Here, we performed a comprehensive NR expression profiling and identified the key members of NR superfamily being expressed in immature, immunogenic, and tolerogenic DCs. Comparative analysis revealed discrete changes in the expression of various NRs among the studied DC subtypes, indicating a likely role in the modulation of DC functionality. Next, we characterized Nr4a2, a member of orphan NR family, and found that it suppresses the activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells triggered by LPS. Overexpression and knockdown of Nr4a2 demonstrated that Nr4a2 orchestrates the expression of immunoregulatory genes, hence inducing a tolerogenic phenotype in bone marrow derived dendritic cells. Furthermore, we also found that Nr4a2 provides protection from EAE by promoting an increase in Treg cells, while limiting effector T cells. Our findings suggest a previously unidentified role for Nr4a2 as a regulator of DC tolerogenicity and demonstrate its potential as therapeutic target in DC‐associated pathophysiologies.
Understanding Complex Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Corrosion Systems Using in‐situ Synchrotron Radiation Grazing Incidence X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Alam Muhammad Tanzirul , Wai Lyn Chan Emilyn , De Marco Roland , Huang Yanliang , Bailey Stuart
Published: May 2016

The difficulty in interpreting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data has limited the potential of the method despite its utility as an electrochemical method for studies of electrode reactions and interfacial structures. Taking the test case of the carbon dioxide corrosion of carbon steel, in‐situ synchrotron radiation grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (SR‐GIXRD) has been demonstrated to be a powerful technique for validating and understanding the interfacial structures associated with complex EIS data. Carbon dioxide corrosion was found to occur in several steps, which may only be surmised by EIS, but the use of SR‐GIXRD in conjunction with EIS has enabled the establishment of a link between EIS time constants and structural changes associated with the evolution of corrosion products with time. By comparison to previous studies by the authors and others in this field, this communication provides the first direct experimental evidence linking SR‐GIXRD surface compositional data to otherwise indistinctive EIS time constants.
Methyl jasmonate enhanced production of rosmarinic acid in cell cultures of Satureja khuzistanica in a bioreactor
Authors: Khojasteh Abbas , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Palazon Javier , Eibl Regine , Cusido Rosa M.
Published: May 2016

The growing interest in rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid, is due to its biological activities, which include cognitive‐enhancing effects, slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease, cancer chemoprotection, and anti‐inflammatory activity. Inspired by the challenge of meeting the growing demand for this plant secondary metabolite, we developed a biotechnological platform based on cell suspension cultures of Satureja khuzistanica. The high amounts of RA produced by this system accumulated mainly inside the cells. To further improve production, two elicitors, 100 μM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 40 mM cyclodextrin (CD), were tested, separately and together. MeJA increased RA productivity more than 3‐fold, the elicited cultures achieving an RA production of 3.9 g L−1 without affecting biomass productivity. CD did not have a clear effect on RA production, and under the combined treatment of MeJA + CD only a small amount of RA was released to the medium. When the cell culture was transferred from a shake flask to a wave‐mixed bioreactor, a maximum RA production of 3.1 g L−1 and biomass productivity of 18.7 g L−1 d−1 was achieved under MeJA elicitation, demonstrating the suitability of S. khuzistanica cell suspensions for the biotechnological production of this bioactive plant secondary metabolite.
Evaluation and comparison of trace metal accumulation in different tissues of potential bioindicator organisms: Macrobenthic filter feeders Styela plicata, Sabella spallanzanii, and Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Bellante Antonio , Piazzese Daniela , Cataldo Salvatore , Parisi Maria Giovanna , Cammarata Matteo
Published: May 2016

Trace metal concentrations were measured in different tissues of Sabella spallanzanii, Styela plicata, and Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in the Termini Imerese Harbor (Sicily, Italy) to evaluate the potential use of these species as bioindicators. Higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated in the tube of S. spallanzanii, except for As, which had a higher BAF in the branchial crown of the same species. Regarding the other species analyzed, higher BAFs were found in the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis. An exception was Pb, which was significantly more concentrated in the branchial basket and tunic of S. plicata. The BAFs calculated in the present study show that all the species analyzed accumulate a certain amount of metals as a consequence of filter feeding mechanisms, and thus it was possible to assess the suitability of S. plicata, S. spallanzanii, and M. galloprovincialis as indicators of water quality. In particular, the tube of S. spallanzanii is an important compartment in terms of metal retention and is more suitable for the evaluation of contamination from trace elements. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3062–3070. © 2016 SETAC
Hyperfractionated radiation therapy in Burkitt's lymphoma: a reconsideration aspect
Authors: Charafeddine Khalil , Hilal Lara , Bazarbachi Ali , Salame Nassima , Youssef Bassem
Published: May 2016

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non‐Hodgkin's B‐cell lymphoma with an extremely short doubling time that often presents in extra nodal sites or as an acute leukaemia. Nowadays, with the rapid response to chemotherapy and the diffuse nature of BL, there is no established role for radiation therapy (RT) even in localized disease. Regarding the relapsed/refractory BL, the treatment recommendations remain undefined.

We present a 56‐year‐old woman, diagnosed with BL refractory to 6 cycles of R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone), who had disease progression on R‐DHAP (rituximab, dexamethasone, high dose cytarabine and cisplatin) with intrathecal methotrexate, then a partial response on RICE (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide). Patient received high dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Then, she was treated with hyperfractionated involved‐field RT regimen. Currently, the patient remains disease free for around 2 years after remission.

We acknowledge that RT is not a standard treatment of BL, especially in patients who attain complete response (CR) after first‐line multi‐agent chemotherapy or even in those who have a CR after second‐line chemotherapy pre‐transplant. Yet, the use of a superfractionated regimen of consolidative radiation could be justified in the treatment of recurrent/refractory localized BL who do not achieve a CR even with second‐line salvage chemotherapy. Radiation therapy in this context, given that it is a well‐tolerated treatment, is a modality worthy of being re‐considered in relapsed/refractory BL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chance Events and Executive Career Rebranding: Implications For Career Coaches and Nonprofit HRM
Authors: Schlosser Francine , McPhee Deborah M. , Forsyth Janice
Published: May 2016

We conducted and analyzed interviews with 20 executives from the for‐profit sector who had transitioned into second careers in the nonprofit sector. Our qualitative study provides an in‐depth analysis of the critical events that triggered career agency and stimulated the change process. At each stage of transition, the executives revisited their personal brands, deciding how to best position their skills, knowledge, and values within the context of their new nonprofit organizations. This research contributes to academic and practitioner knowledge of new career paths open to mid‐ and late‐career executives and insights for nonprofit leadership, as many nonprofits can anticipate major shortages of qualified executives. Each stage in the career transition process provides opportunities for human resource professionals to contribute to successful nonprofit leadership change: first, by creating opportunities for “chance events” motivating transition, followed by career coaching opportunities before and throughout the transition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of α‐Thalassemia on HbA1c Measurement
Authors: Xu Anping , Ji Ling , Chen Weidong , Xia Yong , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2016

Background

α‐Thalassemia is a benign condition that is often present in patients with diabetes mellitus. Here, we evaluated the effects of different genotypes α‐thalassemia on HbA1c measurement.

Methods

A total of 189 samples from nondiabetic patients were analyzed. HbA1c analysis was performed by ion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography, boronate affinity HPLC, immunoassay, and capillary electrophoresis. Fasting glucose, fructosamin, and HbA2 were also performed. All samples were confirmed by genotyping for thalassemia.

Results

In patients with two or three functional α‐genes, HbA1c values were not significantly different from those of controls (P > 0.05); however, in individuals with α‐thalassemia with one functional α‐gene (i.e., HbH disease), HbA1c levels were significantly different from those of controls (P < 0.01). HbA1c values were significantly lower in individuals with HbH disease than in control individuals and patients in the other two α‐thalassemia groups. For patients with HbH disease, there were no significant differences in the four HbA1c measurement systems (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In this study, HbA1c values in samples from individuals with two or three functional α‐genes basically reflected the normal mean blood glucose level, while those in samples from individuals with one functional α‐gene did not.
Evaluation of the Role of Circulating Long Non‐Coding RNA H19 as a Promising Novel Biomarker in Plasma of Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hashad Doaa , Elbanna Amany , Ibrahim Abeer , Khedr Gihan
Published: May 2016

Background

H19 is one of the long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNA) that is related to the progression of many diseases including cancers. This work was carried out to study the level of the long non‐coding RNA; H19, in plasma of patients with gastric cancer (GC) and to assess its significance in their clinical management.

Methods

Sixty‐two participants were enrolled in the present study. The first group included 32 GC patients. The second group was formed of 30 age and sex matched healthy volunteers serving as a control group. Plasma samples were used to assess H19 gene expression using real‐time quantitative PCR technique.

Results

H19 expression was up‐regulated and closely related to TNM cancer stages in GC patients. Using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cutoff level of 0.5 was set for H19 expression to diagnose GC cases achieving a sensitivity of 68.75%, specificity of 56.67%, positive predictive value (PPV) 62.86% and negative predictive value (NPV) 62.96% with an area under the curve (AUC) of 72.4%. Combined use of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and H19 level in GC diagnosis was evaluated using ROC curve revealing improvement in performance with an area under the curve of 80.4%.

Conclusions

Up‐regulation of H19 is closely associated with gastric cancer displaying progressive up‐regulation in advanced stages of the disease implementing its role as a potential non‐invasive diagnostic biomarker in gastric cancer and as a novel tool in gastric cancer management with better performance achieved on using both CEA and H19 simultaneously.
A Comparison of Mindray BC‐6800, Sysmex XN‐2000, and Beckman Coulter LH750 Automated Hematology Analyzers: A Pediatric Study
Authors: Ciepiela Olga , Kotuła Iwona , Kierat Szymon , Sieczkowska Sandra , Podsiadłowska Anna , Jenczelewska Anna , Księżarczyk Karolina , Demkow Urszula
Published: May 2016

Background

Modern automated laboratory hematology analyzers allow the measurement of over 30 different hematological parameters useful in the diagnostic and clinical interpretation of patient symptoms. They use different methods to measure the same parameters. Thus, a comparison of complete blood count made by Mindray BC‐6800, Sysmex XN‐2000 and Beckman Coulter LH750 was performed.

Materials and methods

A comparison of results obtained by automated analysis of 807 anticoagulated blood samples from children and 125 manual microscopic differentiations were performed. This comparative study included white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and erythrocyte indices, as well as platelet count.

Results

The present study showed a poor level of agreement between white blood cell enumeration and differentiation of the three automated hematology analyzers under comparison. A very good agreement was found when comparing manual blood smear and automated granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes differentiation. Red blood cell evaluation showed better agreement than white blood cells between the studied analyzers.

Conclusion

To conclude, studied instruments did not ensure satisfactory interchangeability and did not facilitate a substitution of one analyzer by another.
Serum and Urinary Interferon‐Gamma‐Inducible Protein 10 in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: El‐Gohary Ahmed , Hegazy Ann , Abbas Mostafa , Kamel Noha , Nasef Samah Ismail
Published: May 2016

Background

Lupus nephritis is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of this study was to identify the sensitivity, specificity, and cut‐off values of IP‐10 in the serum and urine of patients with lupus nephritis compared to renal biopsy, albumin/creatinine ratio, and serum anti‐dsDNA.

Methods

Thirty female SLE patients were included. SLEDAI was calculated and blood and urine samples were collected. Patients were divided into 10 SLE patients with renal involvement (six active and four inactive), 10 active SLE, and 10 inactive SLE patients. Ten age‐matched healthy (control) were included. Serum and urinary levels of IP‐10 were measured by ELISA. Anti‐dsDNA, urine albumin/creatinine ratio were performed.

Results

Serum and urinary IP‐10 in active SLE patients had significantly increased levels as compared to inactive SLE patients (P = 0.015, P = 0.033, respectively). However, there was no difference in serum and urinary levels between active renal and active non‐renal patients. Albumin/creatinine ratio is a better marker in differentiating between lupus nephritis and SLE with no renal involvement. Any of serum and urinary IP‐10, albumin/creatinine ratio, and anti‐dsDNA did not correlate with the class of lupus nephritis in renal biopsy.

Conclusion

Urinary and serum IP‐10 are useful markers of lupus activity, but not indicative of renal activity. Albumin/creatinine ratio is superior in identifying lupus nephritis and renal activity.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Evaluations of New 2‐Oxochromene and Benzofuran Derivatives Catalyzed by KF/CP
Authors: Sajjadi‐Ghotbabadi Hadi , Javanshir Shahrzad , Rostami‐Charati Faramarz
Published: May 2016

An eco‐friendly one‐pot procedure has been developed for the preparation of novel 2‐oxochromene and benzofuran derivatives through the sequential addition/intramolecular cyclization reactions of 1‐(6‐hydroxy‐2‐isopropenyl‐1‐benzofuran‐5‐yl)‐1‐ethanone, activated acetylenic compounds, and triphenylphosphine in the presence of catalytic amount of potassium fluoride impregnated clinoptilolite nanocatalyst in water at room temperature. The antioxidant activities of the newly synthesized derivatives (4a, 4b, and 5a) were also screened by diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric ion reducing potential assays compared with the synthetic antioxidants (2‐tert‐butylhydroquinone and butylated hydroxytoluene). Compounds 4a and 4b were shown good antioxidant activities.
External validation of risk stratification strategy in the use of renal ultrasonography in the evaluation of acute kidney injury
Authors: Ip Ivan K. , Silveira Patricia C. , Alper Emily C. , Benson Carol B. , Khorasani Ramin
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Per the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, renal ultrasound is the most appropriate imaging examination to evaluate patients with acute kidney injury. However, recent studies suggest that renal ultrasound may be more selectively performed, which could lead to reductions in the use of medical imaging.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate a published risk stratification prediction model (the Licurse model) for using renal ultrasound in hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING

A 793‐bed, quaternary care, academic hospital.

PATIENTS

All adult hospitalized patients who underwent renal ultrasound for the indication of acute kidney injury.

INTERVENTION/EXPOSURE

None.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was rate of hydronephrosis diagnosed on ultrasound. Secondary outcome was rate of hydronephrosis resulting in urologic intervention.

RESULTS

Of 778 patients who underwent renal ultrasonography to evaluate acute kidney injury, hydronephrosis was present in 106 (13.6%); urologic intervention was performed in 23 patients (3.0%). The Licurse model had sensitivity of 91.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.2%‐97.6%) for urologic intervention and 93.4% (95% CI: 87.2%‐96.8%) for hydronephrosis, respectively. Specificity was low for urologic intervention (23.0% [95% CI: 20.2‐26.2]) and hydronephrosis (25.1% [95% CI: 22.0‐28.6]). We estimated that for 22.6% of patients, hydronephrosis could be ruled out based on clinical predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the Licurse renal ultrasonography risk stratification model was sufficiently accurate in classifying patients at risk for ureteral obstruction among hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:763–767. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Ultrastructural characterization of the pronephric glomerulus development in zebrafish
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Zhaohong , Zeng Caihong , Wang Ling , Xu Feng , Hou Qing , Liu Zhihong
Published: May 2016

The zebrafish pronephros is a valuable model for studying kidney development and diseases. Ultrastructural studies have revealed that zebrafish and mammals share similarities in nephron structures such as podocytes, slit diaphragms, glomerular basement membrane, and endothelium. However, the basic ultrastructural features of the pronephric glomerulus during glomerulogenesis have not been characterized. To understand these features, it is instructive to consider the developmental process of the pronephros glomerulus. Here, we describe the ultrastructural features of pronephric glomerulus in detail from 24 h hours post‐fertilization (hpf) to 144 hpf, the period during which the pronephric glomerulus develops from initiation to its mature morphology. The pronephric glomerulus underwent progressive morphogenesis from 24 to 72 hpf, and presumptive glomerular cells were observed ventral to the aorta region at 24 hpf. The nascent glomerular basement membrane and initial lumen were formed at 36 hpf. A lumen was clearly visible in the region of the pronephros at 48 hpf. At 60 hpf, the pronephric glomerulus contained more patches of capillaries. After these transformations, the complex capillary vessel networks had formed inside the glomerulus, which was surrounded by podocyte bodies with elaborate foot processes as well as well‐formed glomerular basement membrane by 72 hpf. The number of renal glomerular cells rapidly increased, and the glomerulus presented its delicate structural features by 96 hpf. Morphogenesis was completed at 120 hpf with the final formation of the pronephric glomerulus. J. Morphol. 277:1104–1112, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimize the interactions at S4 with efficient inhibitors targeting 3C proteinase from enterovirus 71
Authors: Zhang Lanjun , Huang Guolong , Cai Qixu , Zhao Chen , Tang Liuyun , Ren Haixia , Li Peng , Li Ning , Huang Jianwei , Chen Xueqin , Guan Yi , You Han , Chen Shuhui , Li Jian , Lin Tianwei
Published: May 2016

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease and can spread its infections to the central nervous and other systems with severe consequences. The replication of EV71 depends on its 3C proteinase (3Cpro), a significant drug target. By X‐ray crystallography and functional assays, the interactions between inhibitors and EV71 3Cpro were evaluated. It was shown that improved interactions at S4 for the substrate binding could significantly enhance the potency. A new series of potent inhibitors with high ligand efficiency was generated for developing antivirals to treat and control the EV71‐associated diseases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium hydroxide as a processing base in alkali‐aided pH‐shift protein recovery process
Authors: Paker Ilgin , Jaczynski Jacek , Matak Kristen E
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Protein may be recovered by using pH shifts to solubilize and precipitate protein. Typically, sodium hydroxide is used as the processing base; however, this has been shown to significantly increase sodium in the final recovered protein.

RESULTS

Protein was extracted from black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas) using a pH‐shift method. Protein was solubilized using either sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and precipitated at pH 5.5 using hydrochloric acid (HCl). Protein solubility was greater when Ca(OH)2 was used compared to NaOH during this process. Using Ca(OH)2 as the processing base yielded the greatest lipid recovery (P < 0.05) at 77 g 100 g−1, whereas the greatest (P < 0.05) protein recovery yield was recorded as 53 g 100 g−1 protein using NaOH. Protein solubilized with Ca(OH)2 had more (P < 0.05) calcium in the protein fraction, whereas using NaOH increased (P < 0.05) sodium content.

CONCLUSION

Results of our study showed that protein solubility was increased and the recovered protein had significantly more calcium when Ca(OH)2 was used as the processing base. Results showed both NaOH and Ca(OH)2 to be an effective processing base for pH‐shift protein recovery processes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural characterization and bioactivity of proanthocyanidins from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum)
Authors: Lin Gong‐Min , Lin Huan‐You , Hsu Chia‐Yun , Chang Shang‐Tzen
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Barks and twigs of common species of cinnamon with abundant proanthocyanidins are used as a spice, fold medicine or supplement. Cinnamomum osmophloeum is an endemic species in Taiwan and coumarin was not detected in the oil of the C. osmophloeum twig. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the bioactivities and proanthocyanidins of C. osmophloeum twig extracts (CoTE). The n‐butanol soluble fraction from CoTE was divided into 10 subfractions (F1–F10) by Sephadex LH‐20 gel chromatography. The antihyperglycemic activities were examined by α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory assays. Total antioxidant activities were examined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and ferrous ion‐chelating assays.

RESULTS

The results revealed that subfractions F6–F10, with high proanthocyanidin contents, showed excellent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities. Subfractions F6–F10 were analyzed further by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight/mass spectrometry and thiolysis‐reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods. The results showed that the mean degrees of polymerization of proanthocyanidins in subfractions F6–F10 ranged from 3.5 to 5.1, with the highest degrees of polymerization of proanthocyanidins reaching 8 in subfractions F8–F10. Two compounds in F6 were identified as cinnamtannin B1 and parameritannin A1. These proanthocyanidins contained at least one A‐type and major B‐type linkages.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that proanthocyanidins are associated with their antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities in CoTE. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of five 3‐MCPD fatty acid esters, and the effects of their chemical structures on acute oral toxicity in Swiss mice
Authors: Liu Man , Liu Jie , Wu Yizhen , Gao Boyan , Wu Pingping , Shi Haiming , Sun Xiangjun , Huang Haiqiu , Wang Thomas TY , Yu Liangli(Lucy)
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

3‐monochloro‐1, 2‐propanediol fatty acid esters (3‐MCPDEs) comprise a group of food toxicants formed during food processing. 3‐MCPDEs have received increasing attention concerning their potential negative effects on human health. However, reports on the toxicity of 3‐MCPD esters are still limited. To determine the effects of fatty acid substitutions on the toxicity of their esters, 1‐stearic, 1‐oleic, 1‐linoleic, 1‐linoleic‐2‐palmitic and 1‐palmitic‐2‐linoleic acid esters of 3‐MCPD were synthesized and evaluated with respect to their acute oral toxicities in Swiss mice.

RESULTS

3‐MCPDEs were obtained through the reaction of 3‐MCPD and fatty acid chlorides, and their purities and structures were characterized by ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS), infrared, 1H and 13C spectroscopic analyses. Medial lethal doses of 1‐stearic, 1‐oleic, 1‐linoleic, 1‐linoleic‐2‐palmitic and 1‐palmitic‐2‐linoleic acid esters were 2973.8, 2081.4, 2016.3, 5000 and > 5000 mg kg−1 body weight. For the first time, 3‐MCPDEs were observed for their toxic effects in the thymus and lung. In addition, major histopathological changes, as well as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, were examined for mice fed the five 3‐MCPDEs.

CONCLUSION

The results from the present study suggest that the degree of unsaturation, chain length, number of substitution and relative substitution locations of fatty acids might alter the toxicity of 3‐MCPDEs. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Individual changes in zooplankton pigmentation in relation to ultraviolet radiation and predator cues
Authors: Brüsin Martin , Svensson P. Andreas , Hylander Samuel
Published: May 2016

Copepods are common crustaceans in aquatic systems and one of the most important producers of carotenoid astaxanthin pigments, which can enhance the animals' resistance against potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation (UVR), but at the same time, increases the risk of fish predation. Previous studies have demonstrated that copepods have different pigmentation levels matching the current threat level in terms of UVR and fish occurrence. However, these other studies have quantified population‐levels changes in pigmentation, making it difficult to disentangle the role of individual phenotypic colour changes from that of selection. We quantified carotenoid‐based pigmentation with colorimetric methods, which enabled us to track changes within individual copepods. Two species of copepods, Diaptomus castor and Eudiaptomus gracilis, were exposed to high and low UVR and fish cues in a factorial design. L*a*b* colour values (CIE; Commission International de l'Eclairage) were extracted from digital photographs of each copepod and used as proxies for carotenoid concentration. Our results showed that individual copepods significantly changed their pigmentation in response to both UVR and fish cues within a period of 2 weeks. However, the responses differed between sexes and between adults and juveniles. UVR effects were present in all life‐stages whereas fish effects were only detected in juveniles, with largest responses in D. castor. This confirms that carotenoid pigmentation is a phenotypically plastic trait, and highlights that strategies for trading off risks of UVR and predation differ between males and females as well as between life‐stages.
Temperature‐Controlled Antimicrobial Release from Poly(diethylene glycol methylether methacrylate)‐Functionalized Bottleneck‐Structured Porous Silicon for the Inhibition of Bacterial Growth
Authors: Müller Stephanie , Cavallaro Alex , Vasilev Krasimir , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Schönherr Holger
Published: May 2016

Bacterial infections in wounds slow down the healing process and lead to increased morbidity in affected patients. Polymer coatings on porous membranes were investigated, which facilitate the in situ detection and treatment of, e.g., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infections. The theranostic approach relies on the thermoresponsive polymer poly(diethylene glycol methylether methacrylate) (PDEGMA). The increase of the wound temperature due to infection is targeted in this proof of concept study for triggering the release of the fluorescent antibiotic levofloxacin from bottle‐shaped porous silicon (pSi) membranes capped with PDEGMA brushes. Below their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) the PDEGMA brushes are expanded and the levofloxacin release is significantly retarded. By contrast, above the LCST the PDEGMA brushes collapse and levofloxacin is released rapidly, which is detectable in solution owing to its fluorescence properties. The concomitant inhibition of bacterial growth agrees favorably with the drug release determined by fluorescence spectroscopy.

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Facile Preparation of Monodisperse Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)‐Grafted Poly(methyl methacrylate) Microspheres via Photoinitiated RAFT Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Tan Jianbo , Peng Yicheng , Liu Dongdong , Huang Chundong , Yu Mingguang , Jiang Dan , Zhang Li
Published: May 2016

Highly monodisperse poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)‐grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres are prepared by a facile photoinitiated dispersion polymerization in ethanol/water mixtures at room temperature. Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) homopolymers with different molecular weights are synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) solution polymerization and employed as steric stabilizers in photoinitiated dispersion polymerization. The effect of macro‐RAFT agent (both concentration and molecular weight) on particle diameter is studied in detail. Kinetic study indicates that the polymerization proceeded rapidly with 96% yield being reached with 1 h of UV irradiation. Finally, the obtained hydroxyl‐rich PMMA microspheres are used as building blocks for the preparation of covalently cross‐linked colloidosomes.

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Effects of human serum and apo‐Transferrin on Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A biofilm formation
Authors: She Pengfei , Chen Lihua , Qi Yong , Xu Huan , Liu Yuan , Wang Yangxia , Luo Zhen , Wu Yong
Published: May 2016

Biofilm‐associated Staphylococcus epidermidis infections present clinically important features due to their high levels of resistance to traditional antibiotics. As a part of human innate immune system, serum shows different degrees of protection against systemic S. epidermidis infection. We investigated the ability of human serum as well as serum component to inhibit the formation of, and eradication of mature S. epidermidis biofilms. In addition, the synergistic effect of vancomycin combined with apo‐Transferrin was checked. Human serum exhibited significant antibiofilm activities against S. epidermidis at the concentration without affecting planktonic cell growth. However, there was no effect of human serum on established biofilms. By component separation, we observed that antibiofilm effect of serum components mainly due to the proteins could be damaged by heat inactivation (e.g., complement) or heat‐stable proteins ≥100 kDa. In addition, serum apo‐Transferrin showed modest antibiofilm effect, but without influence on S. epidermidis initial adhesion. And there was a synergistic antibiofilm interaction between vancomycin and apo‐Transferrin against S. epidermidis. Our results indicate that serum or its components (heat‐inactivated components or heat‐stable proteins ≥100 kDa) could inhibits S. epidermidis biofilm formation. Besides, apo‐Transferrin could partially reduce the biofilm formation at the concentration that does not inhibit planktonic cell growth.
Protest Policing in Hong Kong: Maintaining Professionalism and Solidarity in the Face of Renewed Political Challenges
Authors: Lin Tingjin , Burns John P.
Published: May 2016

Protest has been a feature of Hong Kong political life since the mid‐1950s. The structure of protest policing in Hong Kong should be seen from institutional, organizational, and individual levels. We examine the norms and values, staffing, professionalism, and individual motivation of police officers. Based on a questionnaire and performance data, we seek to understand police behavior in the context of increasing protest in Hong Kong. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policing Reform in the South Korean Maritime Police After the Sewol Ferry Disaster
Authors: Lim Seunghoo , Moon Jieun , Oh Youngmin
Published: May 2016

The disbanding of the Maritime Police was the Korean President's political attempt to avoid blame after the Sewol ferry accident. Under the government reorganization bill, which was drafted by the government and submitted to the National Assembly, the Maritime Police will be renamed the Maritime Safety Agency and put under the control of the newly created ministry of national safety. Furthermore, the Maritime Police's investigation and intelligence functions will be transferred to the National Police Agency, and its roles of rescue operations and maritime security will be moved to the new national safety body. The reality of this policing reform is closer to “organization succession” than it is to “organization termination.” Borrowing the concept of blame avoidance, we will examine the nature, causes, and consequences of the blame observed in this process of policing reform, which is intertwined with the historical background of the developmental state in South Korea. In this study, we expect to acquire important lessons about how the reformation of police organizations was used by the Korean government as an instrument for responding to disaster by providing new insights into the study of the complex forms of political interactions among multiple stakeholders in times of crisis. In particular, we will try to understand the causes and effects of this extreme case, the Sewol ferry accident, and the subsequent disintegration of the Maritime Police Agency through the perspective of the Korean police bureaucracy and the developmental states. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Politics and Management of Policing Reforms in Newly Industrialized, Industrializing and Developmental States: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Collins Paul , Marenin Otwin , Chu Michael Chin‐Chih
Published: May 2016

This Special Issue of Public Administration Development on The Politics and Management of Policing Reforms in Newly Industrialized, Industrializing and Developmental States was undertaken in co‐operation and with the support of the Central Police University in Taiwan by the Guest Editorial team of Paul Collins, Otwin Marenin and Michael Chin‐Chih Chu. In this Introduction, we first of all deal with the context in which policing reforms may arise the different types of policing, how reforms arise from multiple domestic and international sources and the differences in the level and degree of reforms. Next, we outline the Special Issue (SI) approach and focus, which is to build on what is already known and the lessons of past efforts seeking to establish and sustain more professional and democratic policing. The essence of the conceptual approach is that reforming policing systems is fundamentally a political process. We need to focus on specific policies, practices and behaviour and shifting the balance of policing toward more professional behaviour. A key element that follows from this balancing is then the possibilities of reforms taking hold in the long run and becoming sustained. Within this framework, the essays then summarized cover a wide variety of topics and geographical areas — Africa, Asia, Europe and Americas — countries on the way toward economic and political modernisation with a variety of backgrounds in authoritarianism. A number of emerging patterns and cross cutting issues emerge. The final section addresses needs for future research. The unaddressed or partially addressed aspects across all the essays suggest several matter, including the character of policing systems, police decision making at managerial and individual levels, how to assess police work and civilianization of police work, informal policing systems and the impact of security policies on policing — militarization and secrecy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe Radiation Necrosis Successfully Treated With Bevacizumab in an Infant with Low‐Grade Glioma and Tumor‐Associated Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Pillay Smiley Natasha , Alden Tord , Hartsell William , Fangusaro Jason
Published: May 2016

We present a unique case of radiation necrosis in a child with brain stem low‐grade glioma (LGG) presenting with trigeminal neuralgia. Despite extensive therapies, severe pain persisted. She received proton beam radiation with significant improvement. However, she developed radiation necrosis and hydrocephalus. Despite surgical correction of hydrocephalus, the patient remained critically ill. She was treated with dexamethasone and bevacizumab with rapid clinical improvement. Subsequent MRIs revealed almost complete resolution of the necrosis. This case illustrates the successful treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with radiation and a rare case of radiation necrosis in an LGG successfully treated with bevacizumab and dexamethasone.
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics in isotactic polypropylene/microcrystalline cellulose (II) composites
Authors: Xu Ning , Xue Feng , Ding Enyong
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the polymorphous transformation of microcrystalline cellulose at different NaOH concentrations and the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene/microcrystalline cellulose (II) composites by differential scanning calorimetric technique (DSC) with various cooling rates. The synchrotron X‐ray diffraction reveals that the polymorphous transition from cellulose (I) to cellulose (II) begins at NaOH concentration of 10 (wt%) and the complete transformation is obtained at the NaOH concentration of 15–20 (wt%) during the mercerization process. The Avrami equation was applied to depict the nonisothermal crystallization process and to analyze the experimental data of the composites. The DSC results show that the values of t1/2 for iPP/MCC (II) composites are lower than that for pure iPP. The polarized optical microscopy images reveal that the peculiar hybrid shish–calabash structure (HSC) with MCC (II) fibers serving as shish and iPP spherulites as calabash finally be formed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1064–1075, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers