bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Added Phytosteryl/Phytostanyl Fatty Acid Esters on Chemical Parameters of Margarines upon Heating and Pan‐Frying
Authors: Raczyk Marianna , Bonte Anja , Matthäus Bertrand , Rudzińska Magdalena
Published: October 2017

The effect of the thermal treatment on chemical parameters of margarines enriched with phytosteryl fatty acid esters is evaluated. Sterols, fatty acids, polar and volatile compounds, dimers, trimers, tocopherols, 3‐MCPD and glycidyl esters are analyzed applying GPC‐RI, GC‐FID, GC‐MS, and HPLC. Additionally, a Rancimat test is performed to compare the oxidative stability of margarines. This study shows that margarines with and without added phytosteryl esters are both stable at a mild temperature of 60 °C over a period of at least 7 days. On the other side after 15 min of pan‐frying at 180 °C a degradation of unsaturated fatty acids (14–47%), phytosterols (31–49%), and vitamin‐E‐active compounds (71–100%) is found. The supplementation of margarines with phytosteryl fatty acid esters have no effect on their oxidative stability during pan‐frying characterized by Rancimat test and total polar compounds. Volatile, degradation products of fatty acids as well as phytosterols, are found after pan‐frying. The composition of volatiles after pan‐frying significantly differed depends on the presence of additional PSE in margarines. For the first time, it is shown that pan‐frying with margarines over a period of 15 min results in a remarkable formation of 3‐MCPD esters while the increase of glycidyl esters is only very moderate.

Practical Application: Based on this study results additional phytosteryl esters do not have antioxidative properties on margarines upon pan‐frying. What is more, they are not stable during pan‐frying at 180 °C. A significant amount of nutritionals as phytosterols, vitamin E active compounds, unsaturated fatty acids are degraded within 15 min and other undesired compounds as dimers, trimers, 3‐MCPD esters are formed. According to the research, heating at a high temperature over longer time should not be applied to this kind of product to avoid oxidation of valuable constituents and formation of degradation products. Volatile compounds which were found are characteristic for fatty acids and phytosterols degradation and can be used as indicators of margarines oxidation.

The research presents chemical changes in margarines with and without additional phytosteryl/phytostanyl fatty acid esters. In the graphical abstract compounds which naturally occur in those margarines are presented and compounds which are formed after thermo‐oxidative degradation during pan‐frying.
Dianionic Oxy‐Cope Rearrangement with Benzil Derivatives: meso‐Selective 3,3‐Coupling of Two Tetrahydrofuran Moieties
Authors: Abdelhamid Ismail Abdelshafy , Abdelmoniem Amr Mohamed , Fohrer Jörg , Bardenhorst Iris , Wartchow Rudolf , Butenschön Holger
Published: October 2017

Benzil and its derivatives naphthil and pyridil have been found to undergo a dianionic oxy‐Cope rearrangement upon reaction with 2‐lithio‐4,5‐dihydrofuran to give 3,3′‐octahydrobifuranyls selectively as the meso diastereomers. The diastereoselectivity is explained based on the reaction mechanism and the conformation of the starting material. 4,4′‐Di‐tert‐butylbenzil gave the respective intramolecular aldol adduct, whose relative configuration was determined by NOE experiments.
Determination of lipid bilayer affinities and solvation characteristics by electrokinetic chromatography using polymer‐bound lipid bilayer nanodiscs
Authors: Penny William M. , Palmer Christopher P.
Published: October 2017

Styrene‐maleic acid polymer‐bound lipid bilayer nanodiscs have been investigated and characterized by electrokinetic chromatography. Linear solvation energy relationship analysis was employed to characterize the changes in solvation environment of nanodiscs of varied belt to lipid ratio, belt polymer chemistry and molecular weight, and lipid composition. Increases in the lipid to belt polymer ratio resulted in smaller, more cohesive nanodiscs with greater electrophoretic mobility. Nanodisc structures with belt polymers of different chemistry and molecular weight were compared and showed only minor changes in solvent characteristics and selectivity consistent with changes in structure of the lipid bilayer. Seven phospholipid and sphingomyelin nanodiscs of different lipid composition were characterized. Changes in lipid head group structure had a significant effect on bilayer‐solute interactions. In most cases, changes in alkyl tail structure had no discernible effect on solvation environment aside from those explained by changes in the gel‐liquid transition temperature. Comparison to vesicles of similar lipid composition show only minor differences in solvation environment, likely due to differences in lipid composition and bilayer curvature. Together these results provide evidence that the dominant solute‐nanodisc interactions are with the lipid bilayer and that head group chemistry has a greater impact on bilayer‐solute interactions than alkyl tail or belt polymer structure. Nanodisc electrokinetic chromatography is demonstrated to allow characterization of solute interactions with lipid bilayers of varied composition.
Electrification of Road Transport in Singapore and its Integration into the Power System
Authors: Massier Tobias , Recalde Dante , Sellmair Reinhard , Gallet Marc , Hamacher Thomas
Published: October 2017

Being a small well‐organized city state, Singapore appears to be an ideal place to establish a fully electric road transport system. To analyze the challenges and potential of electric mobility (or “electromobility”), TUMCREATE Ltd., a company funded by Singapore's National Research Foundation, was launched in 2011 as “Centre for Electromobility in Megacities”. During the first five years, the research at TUMCREATE covered everything “from the molecule to the megacity”, that is, from fundamental research on new materials for energy storage systems to battery cells, battery packs, vehicle technology, in‐vehicle electronics to road infrastructure and the power system. One outcome was a prototype for an electric taxi for tropical megacities called EVA with a battery capacity of 50 kWh and fast charging capability of 160 kW. This paper presents a review of past and ongoing activities in the field of integration of electromobility into Singapore's power system. The focus of this publication lies on charging of electric vehicles (EVs). Results show that the integration of EVs into the power system is feasible, leads to lower emissions, and can even offer new services and support integration of renewable energies.
Real-time social selection maintains honesty of a dynamic visual signal in cooperative fish
Authors: Bachmann Judith C. , Cortesi Fabio , Hall Matthew D. , Marshall N. Justin , Salzburger Walter , Gante Hugo F.
Published: October 2017

Our understanding of animal communication has been largely driven by advances in theory since empirical evidence has been difficult to obtain. Costly signaling theory became the dominant paradigm explaining the evolution of honest signals, according to which communication reliability relies on differential costs imposed on signalers to distinguish animals of different quality. On the other hand, mathematical models disagree on the source of costs at the communication equilibrium. Here, we present an empirical framework to study the evolution of honest signals that generates predictions on the form, function, and sources of reliability of visual signals. We test these predictions on the facial color patterns of the cooperatively breeding Princess of Burundi cichlid, Neolamprologus brichardi. Using theoretical visual models and behavioral experiments we show that these patterns possess stable chromatic properties for efficient transmission in the aquatic environment, while dynamic changes in signal luminance are used by the fish to communicate switches in aggressive intent. By manipulating signal into out-of-equilibrium expression and simulating a cheater invasion, we demonstrate that social costs (receiver retaliation) promote the honesty of this dynamic conventional signal. By directly probing the sender of a signal in real time, social selection is likely to be the mechanism of choice shaping the evolution of inexpensive, yet reliable context-dependent social signals in general.
Impact of sample collection participation on the validity of estimated measures of association in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study when assessing gene‐environment interactions
Authors: Jenkins Mary M. , Reefhuis Jennita , Herring Amy H. , Honein Margaret A.
Published: October 2017

To better understand the impact that nonresponse for specimen collection has on the validity of estimates of association, we examined associations between self‐reported maternal periconceptional smoking, folic acid use, or pregestational diabetes mellitus and six birth defects among families who did and did not submit buccal cell samples for DNA following a telephone interview as part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). Analyses included control families with live born infants who had no birth defects (N = 9,465), families of infants with anorectal atresia or stenosis (N = 873), limb reduction defects (N = 1,037), gastroschisis (N = 1,090), neural tube defects (N = 1,764), orofacial clefts (N = 3,836), or septal heart defects (N = 4,157). Estimated dates of delivery were between 1997 and 2009. For each exposure and birth defect, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression stratified by race‐ethnicity and sample collection status. Tests for interaction were applied to identify potential differences between estimated measures of association based on sample collection status. Significant differences in estimated measures of association were observed in only four of 48 analyses with sufficient sample sizes. Despite lower than desired participation rates in buccal cell sample collection, this validation provides some reassurance that the estimates obtained for sample collectors and noncollectors are comparable. These findings support the validity of observed associations in gene‐environment interaction studies for the selected exposures and birth defects among NBDPS participants who submitted DNA samples.
Characterization of technical grade carbonic anhydrase as biocatalyst for CO2 capture in potassium carbonate solutions
Authors: Peirce Sara , Perfetto Rosa , Russo Maria Elena , Capasso Clemente , Rossi Mosè , Salatino Piero , Marzocchella Antonio
Published: October 2017

Reactive absorption promoted by carbonic anhydrase (CA, E.C. 4.2.1.1.) catalysis has been proposed for CO2 capture from exhaust gas as an alternative to the reactive absorption in amine solutions. Potassium carbonate solutions allow feasible CO2 capture assisted by CA. This paper reports on the characterization of a CA form supplied by Novozymes as a catalyst for CO2 capture in K2CO3 solutions at operating conditions relevant for industrial processes (2–3 M K2CO3, 298–313 K, 0–40% carbonate to bicarbonate conversion). CO2 absorption tests were carried out in a batch‐stirred cell apparatus at constant gas volume and temperature by measuring gas pressure decay. The enhancement ratio between CO2 absorption rate with and without the enzyme at biocatalyst concentration above 0.3 kg m−3 ranged between 5 and 8 depending on the solvent composition and temperature. Active enzyme aggregates formed at protein concentration larger than 0.3 kg/m3 and their contribution to the absorption rate enhancement was remarkable. Assessment of enzyme kinetics in homogeneous solutions at enzyme concentration lower than 0.018 kg·m−3 showed that kcat/KM increased with both temperature and salt concentration. kcat/KM ranged between 9.0·103 and 7.0·104 m3·kg−1·s−1 in agreement with literature data on carbonic anhydrase kinetics. Reliability of the adopted method for kinetic characterization was confirmed. The activity of enzyme aggregates formed in the carbonate solvent was verified and CA aggregates can be used to select the proper CA based biocatalyst for CO2 capture application as an alternative to free and immobilized enzyme. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of CA1 place fields in a complex maze with multiple choice points
Authors: Tanila H. , Ku S. , Kloosterman F. , Wilson M. A.
Published: October 2017

For the sake of rigorous control of task variables, hippocampal place cells have been usually studied in relatively simple environments. To approach the situation of real‐life navigation in an urban‐like environment, we recorded CA1 place cells while rats performance a memory task in a “Townmaze” with two start locations, three alternate paths in the maze midsection, followed by a two‐way choice that determined the trial outcome, access to a goal compartment. Further, to test the ability of place cells to update their spatial representation upon local changes in the environment while maintaining the integrity of the overall spatial map to allow effective navigation, we occasionally introduced barriers in the maze mid‐section to force the rat to select a nonpreferred route. The “Townmaze” revealed many new interesting features of CA1 neurons. First, we found neurons with 3–5 fields that appear to represent segments on a single common route through the maze. Second, we found neurons with 3–5 fields similarly aligned along the longitudinal or transverse maze axis. Responses to the barriers were assessed separately near and far from the barriers. Appearance of new fields in response to the barriers took place almost exclusively only locally near the barrier, whereas in‐field firing rate changes occurred throughout the maze. Further, field location changes did not correlate with the task performance, whereas firing rate changes did. These findings suggest that in a complex environment with blocked distal views, CA1 neurons code for the environment as sequences of significant nodes but are also capable of extracting and associating common elements across these sequences.
Perspectives on the underlying drivers of urgent and emergency care reconfiguration in Ireland
Authors: Droog E. , Foley C. , Healy O. , Buckley C. , Boyce M. , McHugh S. , Browne J.P.
Published: October 2017

Background

There is an increasing tendency to reconfigure acute hospital care towards a more centralised and specialised model, particularly for complex care conditions. Although centralisation is presented as “evidence‐based”, the relevant studies are often challenged by groups which hold perspectives and values beyond those implicit in the literature. This study investigated stakeholder perspectives on the rationale for the reconfiguration of urgent and emergency care in Ireland. Specifically, it considered the hypothesis that individuals from different stakeholder groups would endorse different positions in relation to the motivation for, and goals of, reconfiguration.

Methods

Documentary analysis of policy documents was used to identify official justifications for change. Semi‐structured interviews with 175 purposively sampled stakeholders explored their perspectives on the rationale for reconfiguration.

Results

While there was some within‐group variation, internal and external stakeholders generally vocalised different lines of argument. Clinicians and management in the internal stakeholder group proposed arguments in favour of reconfiguration based on efficiency and safety claims. External stakeholders, including hospital campaigners and local political representatives expressed arguments that focused on access to care. A “voter” argument, focused on the role of local politicians in determining the outcome of reconfiguration planning, was mentioned by both internal and external stakeholders, often in a critical fashion.

Conclusion

Our study adds to an emerging literature on the interaction between a technocratic approach to health system planning advocated by clinicians and health service managers, and the experiential “non‐expert” claims of the public and patients.
SOX8 regulates cancer stem‐like properties and cisplatin‐induced EMT in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by acting on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Xie S.‐L. , Fan S. , Zhang S.‐Y. , Chen W.‐X. , Li Q.‐X. , Pan G.‐K. , Zhang H.‐Q. , Wang W.‐W. , Weng B. , Zhang Z. , Li J.‐S. , Lin Z.‐Y.
Published: October 2017

A sub‐population of chemoresistant cells exhibits biological properties similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs), and these cells are believed to be a main cause for tumor relapse and metastasis. In our study, we explored the role of SOX8 and its molecular mechanism in the regulation of the stemness properties and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cisplatin‐resistant tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells. We found that SOX8 was upregulated in cisplatin‐resistant TSCC cells, which displayed CSC‐like properties and exhibited EMT. SOX8 was also overexpressed in chemoresistant patients with TSCC and was associated with higher lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage and shorter overall survival. Stable knockdown of SOX8 in cisplatin‐resistant TSCC cells inhibited chemoresistance, tumorsphere formation, and EMT. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway mediated the cancer stem‐like properties in cisplatin‐resistant TSCC cells. Further studies showed that the transfection of active β‐catenin in SOX8 stable‐knockdown cells partly rescued the SOX8 silencing‐induced repression of stem‐like features and chemoresistance. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we observed that SOX8 bound to the promoter region of Frizzled‐7 (FZD7) and induced the FZD7‐mediated activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In summary, SOX8 confers chemoresistance and stemness properties and mediates EMT processes in chemoresistant TSCC via the FZD7‐mediated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
The ethically challenging trade of forced surrogacy in Nepal
Authors: Atreya Alok , Kanchan Tanuj
Published: October 2017

In the absence of adequate legal provisions surrounding surrogacy, women in Nepal face exploitation through surrogacy as a means of trade.
A high‐throughput all‐optical laser‐scanning imaging flow cytometer with biomolecular specificity and subcellular resolution
Authors: Yan Wenwei , Wu Jianglai , Wong Kenneth K. Y. , Tsia Kevin K.
Published: October 2017

Image‐based cellular assay advances approaches to dissect complex cellular characteristics through direct visualization of cellular functional structures. However, available technologies face a common challenge, especially when it comes to the unmet need for unraveling population heterogeneity at single‐cell precision: higher imaging resolution (and thus content) comes at the expense of lower throughput, or vice versa. To overcome this challenge, a new type of imaging flow cytometer based upon an all‐optical ultrafast laser‐scanning imaging technique, called free‐space angular‐chirp‐enhanced delay (FACED) is reported. It enables an imaging throughput (>20 000 cells s−1) 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than the camera‐based imaging flow cytometers. It also has 2 critical advantages over optical time‐stretch imaging flow cytometry, which achieves a similar throughput: (1) it is widely compatible to the repertoire of biochemical contrast agents, favoring biomolecular‐specific cellular assay and (2) it enables high‐throughput visualization of functional morphology of individual cells with subcellular resolution. These capabilities enable multiparametric single‐cell image analysis which reveals cellular heterogeneity, for example, in the cell‐death processes demonstrated in this work—the information generally masked in non‐imaging flow cytometry. Therefore, this platform empowers not only efficient large‐scale single‐cell measurements, but also detailed mechanistic analysis of complex cellular processes.
Combination of carvacrol with simvastatin improves the lipid‐lowering efficacy and alleviates simvastatin side effects
Authors: Abd El Aal Hayat A. , Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Hassan Wedad A. , Fawzy Hala M. , Moawad Helmy
Published: October 2017

The present investigation was designed to examine the possible additive hypolipidemic effect of carvacrol (CARV) in combination with simvastatin (SIM) on poloxamer 407 (P407)‐induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were injected with P407, (500 mg/ kg; i.p.), twice a week, for 30 days. Treatment was carried out by administration of SIM (20 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or CARV (50 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or combination of them. Treatment with CARV significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, leptin, and increased high‐density lipoprotein and adiponectin. Moreover, CARV potentiated the hypolipidemic effect of SIM. Both SIM and CARV alleviated the oxidative stress induced by P407. Interestingly, CARV, when combined with SIM, significantly ameliorated SIM‐induced liver and muscle injury by reducing the level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and myoglobin and restoring the normal histological picture of both liver and muscle as well as apoptosis.
BMP9/COX‐2 axial mediates high phosphate‐induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: He Fang , Wang Han , Ren Wen‐Yan , Ma Yan , Liao Yun‐Peng , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Cui Jin , Deng Zhong‐Liang , Su Yu‐Xi , Gan Hua , He Bai‐Cheng
Published: October 2017

Vascular calcification is a notable risk factor for cardiovascular system. High phosphate can induce calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the detail mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. In the present study, we determined the relationship between high phosphate and bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) in VSMCs, the effect of BMP9 on calcification in VSMCs and the effect of COX‐2 on BMP9 induced calcification in VSMCs, as well as the possible mechanism underlying this biological process. We found that high phosphate obviously up‐regulates the expression of BMP9 in VSMCs. Over‐expression of BMP9 decreases the level of alpha‐smooth muscle cell actin (α‐SMA) apparently, but increases the level of Runx‐2, Dlx‐5, and ALP in VSMCs. Meanwhile, BMP9 increases the level of OPN and OCN, promotes mineralization in VSMCs and induces calcification in thoracic aorta. High phosphate and over‐expression of BMP9 increases the level of COX‐2. Over‐expression of COX‐2 enhances the inhibitory effect of BMP9 on α‐SAM and increases the level of OPN and OCN induced by BMP9. However, inhibition of COX‐2 decreases the BMP9‐induced calcification in VSMCs and thoracic aorta. For mechanism, we found that high phosphate or BMP9 increases the level of β‐catenin and p‐GSK3β in VSMCs, but no substantial effect on GSK3β. However, COX‐2 inhibitor decreases the expression of β‐catenin induced by BMP9. Our findings indicated that BMP9 is involved in the phosphate‐induced calcification in VSMCs and COX‐2 partly mediates the BMP9‐induced calcification in VSMCs through activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
MALAT1 modulates the autophagy of retinoblastoma cell through miR‐124‐mediated stx17 regulation
Authors: Huang Jun , Yang Yuting , Fang Fang , Liu Ke
Published: October 2017

The retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in infants and children; it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its limited sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In several cancers, chemoresistance is associated with autophagy induction. Non‐coding RNAs, including long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate physiological activities of the cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, as well as autophagy. MALAT1, a well‐established lncRNA acts as an oncogene, promotes cancer proliferation, and metastasis via the stimulation of autophagy. In addition to MALAT1, miR‐124, a known tumor suppressor, has also been reported to regulate cell apoptosis and autophagy in dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, we investigated the roles of MALAT1 and miR‐124 in the regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy through evaluating the changes of autophagy‐related proteins. Through direct targeting miR‐124, MALAT1 promotes retinoblastoma cell autophagy. Further, we investigated whether Syntaxin 17 (STX17), a Soluble NSF Attachment Protein receptor (SNARE) of the autophagosome, is involved in MALAT1/miR‐124 regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy, and the underlying mechanism. Taken together, we provided novel experimental and theoretical basis for regulation of retinoblastoma cell autophagy, and potential direction of dealing with autophagy‐induced chemoresistance of retinoblastoma, which need further in‐depth study.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Structural, Thermodynamic, and Optical Properties of MoO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Ali Shaista , Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar
Published: October 2017

Temperature dependence of the structural, thermodynamic, and optical properties of MoO3 nanoparticles synthesized using sol–gel and sonication methods were studied. MoO3 nanoparticles showed variation in crystallite shape from hexagonal to orthorhombic and crystallite size in the range 3.05–5.21 nm with bandgap in the range 4.11–4.36 eV with change in the calcination temperature and the method of synthesis. Rietveld refinement of the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data confirmed the crystallite phase transition with space group PE and Pbnm with change in the lattice parameter ratio. Activation energy was calculated using XRD and TGA–DSC (thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis) data and was found to be close to 4 kJ/mol. The bandgap fluctuation was due to the size dependence of the blue shift, which indicates strong quantum confinement due to the Bohr radius effect. Optical parameters such as the extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, dielectric functions, and Urbach energy were calculated and found to depend on electron–phonon interactions.
Molecular and epidemiological analysis of pandemic and post‐pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus from central India
Authors: Sahu Mahima , Singh Neeru , Shukla Mohan K. , Potdar Varhsa A. , Sharma Ravendra K. , Sahare Lalit Kumar , Ukey Mahendra J. , Barde Pradip V.
Published: October 2017

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus pandemic struck India in 2009 and continues to cause outbreaks in its post‐pandemic phase. Diminutive information is available about influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 from central India. This observational study presents epidemiological and molecular findings for the period of 6 years. Throat swab samples referred from districts of Madhya Pradesh were subjected to diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 following WHO guidelines. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded and analyzed. Hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The H275Y mutation responsible for antiviral resistance was tested using allelic real‐time RT‐PCR. Out of 7365 tested samples, 2406 (32.7%) were positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, of which 363 (15.08%) succumbed to infection. Significant trends were observed in positivity (χ2 = 50.8; P < 0.001) and mortality (χ2 = 24.4; P < 0.001) with increasing age. Mutations having clinical and epidemiological importance were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of HA gene sequences revealed that clade 7, 6A, and 6B viruses were in circulation. Oseltamivir resistance was detected in three fatal cases. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses having genetic diversity were detected from central India and continues to be a concern for public health. This study highlights the need of year‐round monitoring by establishment of strong molecular and clinical surveillance program.
Updates on immunity and inflammation in Parkinson disease pathology
Authors: Joshi Neeraj , Singh Sarika
Published: October 2017

Studies in the last decade have suggested the association of both neuroinflammatory processes and immune responses in Parkinson disease (PD) pathology. PD pathology is related to depleted dopamine levels, α‐synuclein aggregation, and death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Reports have suggested central and peripheral inflammation in the prodromal stage of the disease, which is sustained during disease progression. Alongside the activation of peripheral immune system exacerbates the dissonant central inflammatory responses and could contribute in synergistic neurodegeneration. Activated glial cells contribute significantly in the neuroinflammatory process during the occurrence of the disease and are also acknowledged as a hallmark of disease progression. However, the contribution of glial cells is not well defined in the context of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. This review provides an overview of the roles of immune and inflammatory responses and their consequences in PD disease pathogenesis and also discusses possible therapeutic strategies for PD based on these findings.
Measuring Creativity: A 40+ Year Retrospective
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: October 2017

This article describes how, as theories of creativity evolved, so have measures of creativity. Measures thus reflect the theories that generated them.
Evaluation of a new method for librarian‐mediated literature searches for systematic reviews
Authors: Bramer Wichor M. , Rethlefsen Melissa L. , Mast Frans , Kleijnen Jos
Published: October 2017

Objective

To evaluate and validate the time of completion and results of a new method of searching for systematic reviews, the exhaustive search method (ESM), using a pragmatic comparison.

Methods

Single‐line search strategies were prepared in a text document. Term completeness was ensured with a novel optimization technique. Macros in MS Word converted the syntaxes between databases and interfaces almost automatically. We compared search characteristics, such as number of search terms and databases, and outcomes, such as number of included and retrieved references and precision, from ESM searches and other Dutch academic hospitals identified by searching PubMed for systematic reviews published between 2014 and 2016. We compared time to perform the ESM with a secondary comparator of recorded search times from published literature and contact with authors to acquire unpublished data.

Results

We identified 73 published Erasmus MC systematic reviews and 258 published by other Dutch academic hospitals meeting our criteria. We pooled search time data from 204 other systematic reviews. The ESM searches differed by using 2 times more databases, retrieving 44% more references, including 20% more studies in the final systematic review, but the time needed for the search was 8% of that of the control group. Similarities between methods include precision and the number of search terms.

Conclusions

The evaluated similarities and differences suggest that the ESM is a highly efficient way to locate more references meeting the specified selection criteria in systematic reviews than traditional search methods. Further prospective research is required.
Oxidation pretreatment by calcium hypochlorite to improve the sensitivity of enzyme inhibition‐based detection of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Yang Xiao , Dai Juan , Yang Li , Ma Ming , Zhao Su‐Juan , Chen Xiang‐Gui , Xiao Hang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Enzyme inhibition‐based detection is the most widely used method for rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in food and agricultural products. However, the accuracy of the method is negatively affected by low inhibitory activities of OPs with PS moiety on acetylcholinesterase.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that oxidation pretreatments with bromine, hydrogen peroxide, or calcium hypochlorite significantly enhanced the enzyme inhibitory activities of these OPs. Especially, calcium hypochlorite (0.05%) pretreatment converted the PS moiety in OPs to PO and produced the most potent and steady inhibitory effect on the enzyme. This, in turn, resulted in a dramatic increase in the sensitivity of enzyme inhibition‐based detection of these OPs by as much as 2 to 7 orders of magnitude. Importantly, this enhanced detection of OPs was validated in various vegetable samples.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide a solid basis to use calcium hypochlorite pretreatment for the improved detection of OPs by the enzyme inhibition‐based method. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective excision of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the face using analysis of intra‐operative frozen sections from the whole specimen
Authors: Hutting Kor H. , Bos Paul G. , Kibbelaar Robby E. , Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Marck Klaas W. , Mouës Chantal M.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

We excised cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the face while using intra‐operative frozen section analysis of the margins in an optimized bread‐loafing fashion (WIFSA).

Methods

Medical records were reviewed of 160 cSCCs of the face that were treated by surgical excision with WIFSA between April 2007 and January 2013. The accuracy of WIFSA was verified by comparing results with postoperative formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) sections. Also, recurrence and metastasis during follow‐up were studied and duration of treatment and complications were analyzed.

Results

The 160 cSCCs affected 152 patients. In 131 cSCCs (mean follow‐up: 41.0 months, SD: ±26.3, range: 3.0‐110.7) occurred 6 (4.6%) recurrences and 2 (1.5%) metastases. Of the WIFSA results, 98.8% corresponded with postoperative FFPE sections. Mean duration of treatment was 77 min (SD: ±25, range: 34‐159) and complication rate was 8.1%.

Conclusions

Surgical excision with WIFSA is an excellent treatment modality for cSCC of the face because of its accurate method for assessment of complete tumor removal, low recurrence and metastasis rate, short average duration of treatment, and low complication rate.
Isolation of ellagic acid from pomegranate peel extract by hydrophobic interaction chromatography using graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber adsorbent
Authors: Peng Rong , Wu Qijiayu , Chen Jingling , Ghosh Raja , Chen Xiaonong
Published: October 2017

Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol, was isolated from pomegranate peel extract by hydrophobic interaction using graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber as a stationary adsorbent. The grafted graphene oxide moieties served as hydrophobic interaction‐binding sites for ellagic acid adsorption. The graphene oxide grafted cotton fiber was made into a membrane‐like sheet in order to complete ellagic acid purification by using a binding–elution mode. The effects of operational parameters, such as the composition of the binding buffer/elution buffer, buffer pH, and buffer concentration, on the isolation process were investigated. It was found that 5 mmol/L sodium carbonate aqueous solution is a proper‐binding buffer, and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution ranging from 0.04 to 0.06 mol/L is a suitable elution solution for ellagic acid purification. Under the optimized condition, the purity of ellagic acid increased significantly from 7.5% in the crude extract to 75.0–80.0%. The pH value was found to be a key parameter that determines the adsorption and desorption of ellagic acid. No organic solvent is involved in the entire purification process. Thus, a simple and environmentally friendly method is established for ellagic acid purification using a graphene oxide‐modified biodegradable and bio‐sourced fibrous adsorbent.
Construction of a novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective determination of chlorpyrifos in real samples
Authors: Xu Wanzhen , Wang Qingqing , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming
Published: October 2017

We present a novel electrochemical sensor based on an electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of chlorpyrifos. The modified electrode was constructed by the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers by a precipitation method then coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The surface morphology of the modified electrode was characterized by using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the imprinted sensor was thoroughly investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The imprinted electrochemical sensor displayed high repeatability, stability, and selectivity towards the template molecules. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the peak current response of the imprinted electrochemical sensor was linearly related to the concentration of chlorpyrifos over the range 1 × 10−10–1 × 10−5 mol/L with a limit of detection of 4.08 × 10−9 mol/L (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3). Furthermore, the proposed molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was applied to the determination of chlorpyrifos in the complicated matrixes of real samples with satisfactory results. Therefore, the molecularly imprinted polymers based electrochemical sensor might provide a highly selective, rapid, and cost‐effective method for chlorpyrifos determination and related analysis.
Kinetic Modeling of Secondary Methane Formation and 1‐Olefin Hydrogenation in Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis over a Cobalt Catalyst
Authors: Todic Branislav , Ma Wenping , Jacobs Gary , Nikacevic Nikola , Davis Burtron H. , Bukur Dragomir B.
Published: October 2017

A detailed kinetic model of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) product formation, including secondary methane formation and 1‐olefin hydrogenation, has been developed. Methane formation in FTS over the cobalt‐based catalyst is well known to be higher‐than‐expected compared to other n‐paraffin products under typical reaction conditions. A novel model proposes secondary methane formation on a different type of active site, which is not active in forming C2+ products, to explain this anomalous methane behavior. In addition, a model of secondary 1‐olefin hydrogenation has also been developed. Secondary 1‐olefin hydrogenation is related to secondary methane formation with both reactions happening on the same type of active sites. The model parameters were estimated from experimental data obtained with Co/Re/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst in a slurry‐phase stirred tank reactor over a range of conditions (T = 478, 493, and 503 K, P = 1.5 and 2.5 MPa, H2/CO feed ratio = 1.4 and 2.1, and XCO = 16–62%). The proposed model including secondary methane formation and 1‐olefin hydrogenation is shown to provide an improved quantitative and qualitative prediction of experimentally observed behavior compared to the detailed model with only primary reactions.
Nutrition and the transplant candidate
Authors: Mazurak Vera C. , Tandon Puneeta , Montano‐Loza Aldo J.
Published: October 2017

Cirrhosis is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Malnutrition is present in at least two‐thirds of patients with cirrhosis awaiting LT. It negatively impacts survival, quality of life, and the ability to respond to stressors, such as infection and surgery. Muscle wasting or sarcopenia is the most objective feature of chronic protein malnutrition in cirrhosis, and this condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality before and after LT. In addition to its objectivity, muscularity assessment with cross‐sectional imaging studies is a useful marker of nutritional status in LT candidates, as sarcopenia reflects a chronic decline in the general physical condition, rather than acute severity of the liver disease. Despite the high prevalence and important prognostic role, malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently overlooked because standards for nutritional assessment are lacking and challenges such as fluid retention and obesity are prevalent. In this review, current diagnostic methods to evaluate malnutrition, including muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis, are discussed and current knowledge regarding the incidence and clinical impact of malnutrition in cirrhosis and its impact after LT are presented. Existing and potential novel therapeutic strategies for malnutrition in cirrhosis are also discussed, emphasizing the treatment of muscle wasting in the LT candidate in an effort to improve survival while waiting for LT and to reduce morbidity and mortality after LT.Liver Transplantation 23 1451–1464 2017AASLD.
Mouse double minute 4 variants modify susceptibility to risk of recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Lu Zhongming , Sturgis Erich M. , Zhu Lijun , Zhang Hua , Tao Ye , Wei Peng , Wei Qingyi , Li Guojun
Published: October 2017

Given the crucial role of Mouse double minute 4 (MDM4) oncoprotein in p53 pathway, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could serve as such biomarkers for prediction of SCCOP recurrence. Thus, we investigated associations between three tagging putatively functional variants of MDM4, two in the 3′ untranslated region of 3′ UTR [rs11801299 (NC_000001.10:g.204529084G>A) and rs10900598(NC_000001.10:g.204525568G>T)] and one in intron 1 [rs1380576(NC_000001.10:g.204488278G>C)], and recurrence risk of SCCOP in 1,008 incident patients. A log‐rank test and multivariable Cox models were used to assess associations. Patients with MDM4‐rs10900598 GT/TT had a worse disease‐free survival (DFS) compared with corresponding GG genotype, while those with rs11801299 AG/AA genotypes had a lower recurrence risk than the cases with rs11801299 GG genotype (both log‐rank, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that significantly different recurrence risk were found among patients with MDM4‐rs10900598 GT/TT and rs11801299 AG/AA variant genotypes (HR, 2.0, 95% CI, 1.4‐2.9 and HR, 0.4, 95% CI, 0.3‐0.6, respectively) compared with their corresponding common homozygous genotypes. Furthermore, after combining the risk genotypes of the three SNPs, patients among low‐risk group had a significantly lower risk of SCCOP recurrence than those in high‐risk group (HR, 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1‐0.3). The risk for both individual SNPs or combined risk genotypes was restricted to HPV‐positive SCCOP patients. Our findings suggest that the MDM4 polymorphisms may, individually or in combination, confer an independent risk of SCCOP recurrence, particularly in HPV‐positive SCCOP patients. However, larger studies are needed to validate our findings.
A new endoscopic minimal invasive approach for pudendal nerve and inferior cluneal nerve neurolysis: An anatomical study
Authors: Ploteau Stéphane , Robert Roger , Bruyninx Luc , Rigaud Jérome , Jottard Katleen
Published: October 2017

Aim

To describe a new minimal invasive approach of the gluteal region which will permit to perform neurolysis of the pudendal and cluneal nerves in case of perineal neuralgia due to an entrapment of these nerve trunks.

Method

Ten transgluteal approaches were performed on five cadavers. Relevant anatomic structures were dissected and further described. Neurolysis of the pudendal nerve or cluneal nerves were performed. Landmarks for secure intraoperative navigation were indicated.

Results

The first operative trocar for the camera was inserted with regards to the iliac crest in the deep gluteal space. With the aid of pneumodissection, the infragluteal plane was dissected. The piriformis muscle was identified as well as the sciatic and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. Consequently, the sciatic tuberosity was visualized together with the cluneal nerves. Hereafter, the second trocar was introduced caudal to the first one and placed on an horizontal line passing at the level of the coccyx, allowing access to the ischial spine and the visualization of the pudendal nerve and vessels. A third 5 mm trocar was then inserted medial from the first one, permitting to dissect and transsect the sacrospinous ligament. The pudendal nerve was subsequently transposed and followed on its course in the pudendal channel.

Conclusions

A reliable exploration of the gluteal region including identification of the sciatic, pudendal, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves is feasible using a minimal invasive transgluteal procedure. Consequently, the transposition of the pudendal nerve and the liberation of the cluneal nerves can be performed.
Radiomics in paediatric neuro‐oncology: A multicentre study on MRI texture analysis
Authors: Fetit Ahmed E. , Novak Jan , Rodriguez Daniel , Auer Dorothee P. , Clark Christopher A. , Grundy Richard G. , Peet Andrew C. , Arvanitis Theodoros N.
Published: October 2017

Brain tumours are the most common solid cancers in children in the UK and are the most common cause of cancer deaths in this age group. Despite current advances in MRI, non‐invasive diagnosis of paediatric brain tumours has yet to find its way into routine clinical practice. Radiomics, the high‐throughput extraction and analysis of quantitative image features (e.g. texture), offers potential solutions for tumour characterization and decision support.

In the search for diagnostic oncological markers, the primary aim of this work was to study the application of MRI texture analysis (TA) for the classification of paediatric brain tumours. A multicentre study was carried out, within a supervised classification framework, on clinical MR images, and a support vector machine (SVM) was trained with 3D textural attributes obtained from conventional MRI. To determine the cross‐centre transferability of TA, an assessment of how SVM performs on unseen datasets was carried out through rigorous pairwise testing. The study also investigated the nature of features that are most likely to train classifiers that can generalize well with the data. Finally, the issue of class imbalance, which arises due to some tumour types being more common than others, was explored.

For each of the tests carried out through pairwise testing, the optimal area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged between 76% and 86%, suggesting that the model was able to capture transferable tumour information. Feature selection results suggest that similar aspects of tumour texture are enhanced by MR images obtained at different hospitals. Our results also suggest that the availability of equally represented classes has enabled SVM to better characterize the data points.

The findings of the study presented here support the use of 3D TA on conventional MR images to aid diagnostic classification of paediatric brain tumours.
Value of whole breast magnetic resonance elastography added to MRI for lesion characterization
Authors: Balleyguier Corinne , Lakhdar Aicha Ben , Dunant Ariane , Mathieu Marie‐Christine , Delaloge Suzette , Sinkus Ralph
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this work was to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in addition to MRI to differentiate malignant from benign breast tumors, and the feasibility of performing MRE on the whole breast.

MRE quantified biomechanical properties within the entire breast (50 slices) using an 11 min acquisition protocol at an isotropic image acquisition resolution of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3. Fifty patients were included. Finally, 43 patients (median age 52) with a suspect breast lesion detected by mammography and/or ultrasound were examined by MRI and MRE at 1.5 T. The viscoelastic parameters, i.e. elasticity (Gd), viscosity (Gl), the magnitude of the complex shear modulus
, and the phase angle
, were measured via MRE and correlated with MRI Breast Imaging—Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) score, histological type, and histological grade. Stroma component and angiogenesis were also correlated with viscoelastic properties.

In the 43 lesions, Gd decreased and y increased with the MRI BI‐RADS score (pGd = 0.02, py = 0.002), whereas (Gl) and y were increased in malignant lesions (pGl = 0.045, py = 0.0004). The area under the curve increased from 0.84 for MRI BI‐RADS alone to 0.92 with the MRI BI‐RADS and y (AUC increase +0.08; 95% CI (−0.003; 0.16)). Lesion characterization using the y parameter increased the diagnostic accuracy. The phase angle y was found to have a significant role (p = 0.01) in predicting malignancy independently of the MRI BI‐RADS. Interestingly, histological analysis showed no correlation between viscoelastic parameters and percentage and type of stroma, CD34 quantification of vessels, or histological grade.

The combination of MRE and MRI improves the diagnostic accuracy for breast lesions in the studied cohort. In particular, the phase angle y was found to have a significant role in predicting malignancy in addition to BI‐RADS.