bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Generation of Core–Shell Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) Microgels Using a Droplet Microfluidic System
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Haitao , Liu Hui , Su Wentao , Chen Wenwen , Qin Jianhua
Published: January 2019

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microgels are promising scaffolds for biological applications, such as tissue engineering and drug screening. Solid‐like GelMA microgels are limited by undefined spatial structures and inadequate protection. In this study, a simple strategy is reported for the one‐step generation of core–shell GelMA microgels using a droplet microfluidic system. A flow‐focusing microfluidic device is fabricated to produce the core–shell microgels. The device operates the laminar flow of a photocurable GelMA solution and a templated methyl cellulose solution in the system. The size of the microgels is controlled by simply adjusting the flow rates. The good biocompatibility of the microgels is demonstrated by encapsulating liver cells into the cores, in which the cells show high viability for 15 d. The microgels are also successfully used to coculture the liver cells and vascular endothelial cells, indicating the core–shell architectures are suitable for heterogenous cell cultures. The proposed core–shell GelMA microgels have potential in various fields such as the construction of microtissues, generation of organoids, and fabrication of stimuli‐responsive materials.
Highly Efficient Blue OLEDs Based on Metal‐Assisted Delayed Fluorescence Pd(II) Complexes
Authors: Zhu Zhi‐Qiang , Park Choong‐Do , Klimes Kody , Li Jian
Published: January 2019

A series of metal‐assisted delayed fluorescence (MADF) palladium(II) complexes, PdN1N, PdN1N‐dm, and PdN6N, are studied. Their 77 K photoluminescence emission spectra show a narrow primary emission peak at 464, 466, and 470 nm, respectively, with small vibronic peaks characteristic of many phosphorescent emitters. At room temperature (300 K), the dominant emission peaks for PdN1N, PdN1N‐dm, and PdN6N are slightly redshifted to 472, 470, and 476 nm, respectively. In the meantime, a broad sideband is also shown between 410 and 450 nm due to the MADF process. A blue device employing PdN1N‐dm demonstrates an electroluminescence emission peak at 476 nm and the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 25.1%. The high maximum EQE of the blue organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) device indicates that both the phosphorescence and the delayed fluorescence are very efficient. In addition, a stable OLED device of PdN1N‐dm gives a maximum EQE of 9.8% and the estimated operational lifetime LT70 of 350 h at the practical luminance of 100 cd m−2.
Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclobutane‐Fused Naphthalene Derivatives via Cascade Reactions of Allenynes with tert‐Butyl Nitrite
Authors: Feng Tian , He Yan , Zhang Xinying , Fan Xuesen
Published: January 2019

A novel synthesis of cyclobutanol‐fused 2‐nitronaphthalen‐1‐ols and nitrocyclobutane‐fused naphthalene‐1,2‐diones through cascade reactions of benzene‐linked allenynes with tert‐butyl nitrite is presented. The formation of the title compounds involves a tandem process including allenyne [2+2] cycloaddition, radical addition onto the in situ formed cyclobutenyl moiety followed by radical coupling/oxidation. Interestingly, different kinds of functionalized naphthalene derivatives could be obtained selectively from the same substrates, and the selectivity was easily controlled by finely tuning the reaction conditions.

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Enhanced Radiosensitization by Gold Nanoparticles with Acid‐Triggered Aggregation in Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Huang Fan , Ren Chunhua , Liu Jinjian , Yang Lijun , Chen Shizhu , Chang Jinglin , Yang Cuihong , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Chuangnian , Liu Qiang , Liang Xing‐Jie , Liu Jianfeng
Published: January 2019

An ideal radiosensitizer holding an enhanced tumor retention can play an incredible role in enhancing tumor radiotherapy. Herein, a strategy of acid‐triggered aggregation of small‐sized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) system within tumor is proposed and the resulting GNPs aggregates are applied as a radiosensitizer in vitro and in vivo. The GNPs system with the acid‐triggered aggregation achieves an enhanced GNPs accumulation and retention in cancer cells and tumors in the form of the resulted GNPs aggregates. As a consequence, the radiosensitization effect shows significant improvement in cancer radiotherapy, which is shown in the studies of DNA breakage and the comet assay, and the sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) value of the GNPs system (1.730) with MCF‐7 cancer cells is much larger than that of the single GNPs (1.16). In vivo antitumor studies reveal that the GNPs system also enhances the sensitivity of MCF‐7 tumor xenograft to radiotherapy. Furthermore, the GNPs aggregates improve the signal of small GNPs in vivo photoacoustic imaging. This study provides a new strategy and insights into fabricating nanoaggregates to magnify the radiosensitive efficiency of nanosystems in cancer radiotherapy.
Tailoring Lithium Deposition via an SEI‐Functionalized Membrane Derived from LiF Decorated Layered Carbon Structure
Authors: Wang Muqin , Peng Zhe , Luo Wenwei , Ren Feihong , Li Zhendong , Zhang Qiang , He Haiyong , Ouyang Chuying , Wang Deyu
Published: January 2019

Lithium (Li) metal is a key anode material for constructing next generation high energy density batteries. However, dendritic Li deposition and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers still prevent practical application of Li metal anodes. In this work, it is demonstrated that an uniform Li coating can be achieved in a lithium fluoride (LiF) decorated layered structure of stacked graphene (SG), leading to the formation of an SEI‐functionalized membrane that retards electron transfer by three orders of magnitude to avoid undesirable Li deposition on the top surface, and ameliorates Li+ ion migration to enable uniform and dendrite‐free Li deposition beneath such an interlayer. Surface chemistry analysis and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that these beneficial features arise from the formation of C–Fx surface components on the SG sheets during the Li coating process. Based on such an SEI‐functionalized membrane, stable cycling at high current densities up to 3 mA cm−2 and Li plating capacities up to 4 mAh cm−2 can be realized in LiPF6/carbonate electrolytes. This work elucidates the promising strategy of modifying Li plating behavior through the SEI‐functionalized carbon structure, with significantly improved cycling stability of rechargeable Li metal anodes.
Diagnostic impact of high serum midkine level in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Ito Masaaki , Oshima Yoko , Yajima Satoshi , Suzuki Takashi , Nanami Tatsuki , Shiratori Fumiaki , Funahashi Kimihiko , Shimada Hideaki
Published: January 2019

Aim

We evaluated the diagnostic impact of serum midkine (s‐MK) levels in patients with gastric cancer using a monoclonal antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system (ELISA) to detect s‐MK levels.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 131 patients with gastric cancer including stage I (n = 71), stage II (n = 28), stage III (n = 16), and stage IV (n = 16) before surgery. Serum samples were analyzed using ELISA to detect soluble midkine. A cut‐off value was fixed at 421 pg/mL, and the sample divided into two groups: a high s‐MK group and a low s‐MK group. Clinicopathological factors and prognosis were compared between these two groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. Comparison of two groups was analyzed by Fisher's exact probability test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Results

High s‐MK was significantly associated with high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (P < 0.01). Positive rate of s‐MK was higher than the positive rates of CEA in patients with stage I/II gastric cancer. Combination with CEA + CA19‐9 + s‐MK increased the positive rates of patients with stage I/II gastric cancer. No other clinicopathological factors were associated with s‐MK. Although the high s‐MK group showed worse overall survival than the low s‐MK group, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

s‐MK level is increased even during early‐stage gastric cancer. Combined with s‐MK, the positive rate of CEA + CA19‐9 was increased in patients with stage I/II gastric cancer.
High‐level language competencies and Theory of Mind in a group of children with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Melogno Sergio , Pinto M. Antonietta , Badolato Fausto , Sist Eleonora , Esposito Antonella , Orsolini Margherita , Tarani Luigi
Published: January 2019

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic anomaly involving the presence of one or more supernumerary X chromosomes in male individuals. In the cognitive profile of these individuals, strengths are found in nonverbal abilities, whereas weaknesses are observed in executive function, language, and academic performance. Our study is based on a comparison between eight children diagnosed with KS (47,XXY) (age range: 9–13 years; IQ range: 80–123), with no delay in language development, and eight typically developing (TD) controls. We explored a range of high‐level language competencies and Theory of Mind (ToM) in addition to basic language competency. High‐level language competencies were assessed by a battery that measures pragmatic language skills and a metaphor comprehension test (MCT). To assess ToM, we administered the corresponding subtest of the NEPSY II. Basic language competence was assessed by the NEPSY II Comprehension of Instructions subtest. Although basic language performance did not differentiate the individuals with KS from the TD controls, relevant differences appeared in some of the high‐level language competencies as well as in the ToM task. All tasks in which the individuals with KS performed less well were characterized by complex inferential processes. Some possible clinical and educational implications are discussed.
Fulleren‐gefüllte Flüssigkristall‐Sterne: Ein supramolekularer Klick‐Mechanismus zur Bildung von maßgeschneiderten Donor‐Akzeptor‐Strukturen
Authors: Lehmann Matthias , Dechant Moritz , Holzapfel Marco , Schmiedel Alexander , Lambert Christoph
Published: January 2019

Zwei formtreue Sternmesogene mit Oligo(phenylenethenylen)‐Armen und einem Phthalocyanin‐Kern wurden erfolgreich synthetisiert. Dabei stellt eines (2) Freiraum bereit, und das andere (3) ist mit vier Fullerenen, die mittels eines Abstandhalters verbunden sind, sterisch überfrachtet. Im Gegensatz zu einem kleineren diskotischen Derivat (1), bildet Mesogen 2 eine kolumnare flüssigkristalline (LC) Phase aus, die keine π‐Stapelung zeigt und nur zum Teil orientiert werden kann, während 3 kein LC ist. Die 1:1‐Mischung von 2 und 3 generiert einen außergewöhnlichen, orientierbaren kolumnaren LC mit deutlicher π‐Stapelung und einer Fulleren‐Quadrupelhelix. Dies ist die Folge eines beispiellosen Klick‐Mechanismus, der einem Kugelarretierungs‐Mechanismus ähnelt. Die C60‐Einheiten verbinden dabei auch unterschiedliche Kolumnen. Dieser Prozess wird durch Nanosegregation und Raumfüllung der Lücken durch die Fullerene angetrieben. Photophysikalische Untersuchungen bestätigen das Vorhandensein eines Lichtsammelsystems, wobei sowohl in Lösung als auch im Festkörper ladungsgetrennte Zustände generiert wurden, was solche hochgeordneten Materialien attraktiv für das Studium in zukünftigen photovoltaischen Zellen macht.
Quaternary Centers by Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Tertiary Carboxylic Acids and (Hetero)Aryl Zinc Reagents
Authors: Chen Tie‐Gen , Zhang Haolin , Mykhailiuk Pavel K. , Merchant Rohan R. , Smith Courtney A. , Qin Tian , Baran Phil S.
Published: January 2019

This work bridges a gap in the cross‐coupling of aliphatic redox‐active esters with aryl zinc reagents. Previously limited to primary, secondary, and specialized tertiary centers, a new protocol has been devised to enable the coupling of general tertiary systems using nickel catalysis. The scope of this operationally simple method is broad, and it can be used to simplify the synthesis of medicinally relevant motifs bearing quaternary centers.
From As‐Zincoarsasilene (LZn‐As=SiL′) to Arsaethynolato (As≡C−O) and Arsaketenylido (O=C=As) Zinc Complexes
Authors: Ballestero‐Martínez Ernesto , Szilvási Tibor , Hadlington Terrance J. , Driess Matthias
Published: January 2019

The reactivity of the As‐zincosilaarsene LZn−As=SiL′ A (L=[CH(CMeNDipp)2]−, Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3, L′=[{C(H)N(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)}2]2−) towards small molecules was investigated. Due to the pronounced zwitterionic character of the Si=As bond of A, it undergoes addition reactions with H2O and NH3, forming LZnAs(H)SiOH(L′) 1 and LZnAs(H)SiNH2(L′) 2. Oxygenation of A with N2O at −60 °C furnishes the deep blue 1,2‐disiloxydiarsene, [LZnOSi(L′)As]2 4, presumably via dimerization of the arsinidene intermediate LZnOSi(L′)As 3. Oxygenation of A with CO2 leads to the monomeric arsaethynolato siloxido zinc complex LZnOSi(L′)(OC≡As) 5, essentially trapping the intermediary arsinidene 3 with liberated CO following initial oxidation of the Si=As bond. DFT calculations confirm the ambident coordination mode of the anionic [AsCO] ligand in solution, with the O‐arsaethynolato [As≡C−O].− in 5, and the As‐arsaketenylido ligand mode [O=C=As]− present in LZnO−Si(L′)(−As=C=O) 5′ akin to the analogous phosphorus system, [PCO]−.
Regiodivergent Hydroaminoalkylation of Alkynes and Allenes by a Combined Rhodium and Photoredox Catalytic System
Authors: Zheng Jun , Breit Bernhard
Published: January 2019

A rhodium/photoredox dual catalyzed regiodivergent α‐allylation of amines is described. As an atom‐economic and efficient method, alkynes and allenes are used as allylic electrophile surrogates in this novel protocol. With different reaction conditions, synthetically useful branched or linear homoallylic amines could be synthesized in good to excellent yields and regioselectivity. This straightforward strategy complements the traditional transition‐metal catalyzed allylation reactions.
Approaching the Lithiation Limit of MoS2 While Maintaining Its Layered Crystalline Structure to Improve Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Tang Yuxin , Leow Wan Ru , Xia Huarong , Lv Zhisheng , Wei Jiaqi , Ge Xiang , Cao Shengkai , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hongwei , Xi Shibo , Du Yonghua , Chen Xiaodong
Published: January 2019

MoS2 holds great promise as high‐rate electrode for lithium‐ion batteries since its large interlayer can allow fast lithium diffusion in 3.0–1.0 V. However, the low theoretical capacity (167 mAh g−1) limits its wide application. Here, by fine tuning the lithiation depth of MoS2, we demonstrate that its parent layered structure can be preserved with expanded interlayers while cycling in 3.0–0.6 V. The deeper lithiation and maintained crystalline structure endows commercially micrometer‐sized MoS2 with a capacity of 232 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and circa 92 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. Moreover, the enlarged interlayers enable MoS2 to release a capacity of 165 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, which is double the capacity obtained under 3.0–1.0 V at the same rate. Our strategy of controlling the lithiation depth of MoS2 to avoid fracture ushers in new possibilities to enhance the lithium storage of layered transition‐metal dichalcogenides.
Characterization of a novel silicon‐containing hybrid polymer by thermal curing, pyrolysis behavior, and fluorescence analysis
Authors: Chen Mingfeng , Liu Yuhui , Lin Jinhuo , Liu Canpei
Published: January 2019

A novel linear silicon‐containing hybrid polymer with C  C and SiH linkages, diphenyl‐dihydroethynyl‐silane (DPHES), had been conveniently synthesized and well characterized. The thermal curing, crosslinked structure and pyrolysis behavior were studied by DSC, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). The results suggest the crosslinked structures consist mainly of phenyl and aromatic fused rings, which are formed through cyclotrimerization, addition reaction, and hydrosilylation reaction. The thermal properties indicate that the crosslinked DPHES exhibits excellent thermal stability with the temperature at 5% weight loss are higher than 572 and 509 °C under nitrogen and air atmosphere, respectively. The fluorescence emission spectra show DPHES and its crosslinked product also have moderate fluorescence properties, emitting purple light, and visible blue light, respectively, which further verified the structure of DPHES. These results suggest that DPHES has the potential to be used as light‐emitting materials with excellent thermal properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47403.
Ternary nanocomposites based on epoxy, modified silica, and tetrabutyl titanate: Morphology, characteristics, and kinetics of the curing process
Authors: Minh Ho Ngoc , Chinh Nguyen Thuy , Thanh Van Tran Thi , Hoang Thai
Published: January 2019

In this study, the effects of unmodified nanosilica and nanosilica modified by an isopropyl tri[di(octyl) phosphate] titanate coupling agent (KR‐12;m‐nanosilica) on the structure, morphology, thermomechanical properties, and kinetics of the curing process of epoxy–tetrabutyl titanate (TBuT) nanocomposites were investigated. The viscosity, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the cured epoxy and cured epoxy–m‐silica–TBuT nanocomposites were determined with a Brookfield viscometer and an Instron 5582‐100KN universal machine. The morphology and gel fraction content of the nanocomposites were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods and Soxhlet extraction. The viscosity, mechanical properties, gel fraction content, and morphology results of the cured epoxy–m‐silica–TBuT nanocomposites confirm that 5 wt %m‐nanosilica was the most suitable for improving the dispersion ofm‐nanosilica in the epoxy matrix and the properties of these materials. The thermal behavior of the nanocomposites was determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. On the basis of DSC data, the average value of the activation energy of the cured epoxy–TBuT system, calculated according to Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger equations, was 67.893 kJ/mol. The calculation according to the Crane equation showed that the first‐order kinetics complied with the curing reaction for the neat epoxy. When we introduced the unmodified nanosilica and modified nanosilica into the epoxy matrix, the order kinetics of the curing reaction for the nanocomposites also followed first‐order kinetics, but the activation energy of their curing reaction decreased significantly. Some other properties were also investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis and Fourier transform infrared analysis and are discussed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47412.
Regeneration and utilization of waste phenolic formaldehyde resin: A performance investigation
Authors: Yang Lve , Runt James , Kuo Mu‐chen , Huang Kuo‐shien , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: January 2019

Recycled thermosetting phenolic formaldehyde (RPF) resins were pulverized to micron‐sized powders and successfully reused as an effective component by reactive‐injecting with neat phenolic formaldehyde (PF) and/or trioxymethylene (TOX) to prepare regenerated phenolic formaldehyde (i.e., and ). Tensile strength (σf), impact strength (Is), and density (ρ) of and specimens were reduced as RPF concentrations or average particle sizes increased. It is worth emphasizing that σf, Is, and ρ of each reaction‐injected series having a fixed RPF concentration and average particle size improved to a maximum value, as TOX concentrations reached a corresponding optimal value. This is the first investigation to report that σf and Is of proper regenerated PF/RPF/TOX specimens using ≦20 wt % RPF waste were ≥ 95% of those of the virgin reaction‐injected PF. Possible reasons accounting for these improved mechanical properties were proposed based on results from their Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47445.
Silica nanoparticles reinforced natural rubber latex composites: The effects of silica dimension and polydispersity on performance
Authors: Xia Lijian , Song Jianhui , Wang Hui , Kan Ze
Published: January 2019

The nano‐size autonomous monodisperse silica (AS) particles were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane usingl‐lysine as catalyst. The silica/natural rubber (NR) masterbatches were then produced via latex compounding, in which NR latex was mixed with the above AS dispersion. The commercial precipitated silica (PS) was introduced as a control. The effects of both AS and PS particles on the interfacial and mechanical properties of composites were systematically examined. It was found that the AS formed bead‐like morphology wherein the clear particle edges can be distinguished in rubber matrix. Compared with PS/NR, the AS/NR composites were proved to possess more bound rubber and weaker filler–filler interaction resulting in higher tensile strength, abrasive resistance, and resilience. Meanwhile, the efficiency of premodified AS and PS surfaces using bis‐(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide on reinforcing the properties of silica/NR composites was studied. The results presented that the overall properties of modified silica/NR vulcanizates were improved significantly. In special, the values of heating building‐up and compression set showed an evident decline which was of great significance for tire tread or other rubber products. For the dynamic properties, the magic angle spinning/NR composites had lower rolling resistance. In short, AS may be applied as an ideal substitution of PS in rubber. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47449.
Preparation of silica/epoxy hybrid polymers as sealing layers on ceramic coatings and their stability study upon thermal treatment
Authors: Wang Yuye , Wang Jinwei
Published: January 2019

Amine end silica sol (NH2‐silica) was prepared to react with epoxy to make hybrid polymers. With the addition of NH2‐silica, the viscosity exhibited a declining trend until their amount reached around 20%. The hybrids possessed higher decomposing temperatures and higher residues relative to neat epoxy in air; their decomposing behaviors depended on the silica additions, attributing to the joint effects of incorporation of Si‐O segments and unstable state of silica sol upon heating. When these hybrids were brushed on ceramic coatings, they infiltrated into a depth of around 60 μm. As sealing layers, they probably experienced partially decomposing, slumping, and then filling the internal defects of the ceramic coatings, some hybrid residue even moved to the boundary areas adjacent to the steel substrates after repeated heating. These hybrids may be applied as sealants on ceramic coatings to prolong the lifespan of steel construction structure at high temperature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47481.
Bi‐heterocyclic benzamides as alkaline phosphatase inhibitors: Mechanistic comprehensions through kinetics and computational approaches
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad A. , Nazir Majid , ur‐Rehman Aziz , Siddiqui Sabahat Z. , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Shah Syed A. A. , Shahid Muhammad , Seo Sung‐Yum
Published: January 2019

Novel bi‐heterocyclic benzamides were synthesized by sequentially converting 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)butanoic acid (1) into ethyl 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)butanoate (2), 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)butanohydrazide (3), and a nucleophilic 5‐[3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)propyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol (4). In a parallel series of reactions, various electrophiles were synthesized by reacting substituted anilines (5a–k) with 4‐(chloromethyl)benzoylchloride (6) to afford 4‐(chloromethyl)‐N‐(substituted‐phenyl)benzamides (7a–k). Finally, the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4 was carried out with newly synthesized electrophiles, 7a–k, to acquire the targeted bi‐heterocyclic benzamides, 8a–k. The structural confirmation of all the synthesized compounds was done by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EI‐MS, and CHN analysis data. The inhibitory effects of these bi‐heterocyclic benzamides (8a–k) were evaluated against alkaline phosphatase, and all these molecules were identified as potent inhibitors relative to the standard used. The kinetics mechanism was ascribed by evaluating the Lineweaver–Burk plots, which revealed that compound 8b inhibited alkaline phosphatase non‐competitively to form an enzyme–inhibitor complex. The inhibition constant Ki calculated from Dixon plots for this compound was 1.15 μM. The computational study was in full agreement with the experimental records and these ligands exhibited good binding energy values. These molecules also exhibited mild cytotoxicity toward red blood cell membranes when analyzed through hemolysis. So, these molecules might be deliberated as nontoxic medicinal scaffolds to render normal calcification of bones and teeth.
Contemporary Prevalence of Gout and Hyperuricemia in the United States and Decadal Trends: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2016
Authors: Chen‐Xu Michael , Yokose Chio , Rai Sharan K. , Pillinger Michael H. , Choi Hyon K.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To estimate the current prevalence rates and decadal trends of gout and hyperuricemia in the US, as well as the prevalence of urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) among gout patients, using 2007–2016 data from a nationally representative survey of American men and women (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES]).

Methods

Using data from 5,467 participants in the NHANES 2015–2016, we estimated the most recent prevalence rates of gout and hyperuricemia. When the NHANES was conducted, all participants were asked about their history of gout (as diagnosed by a health professional) and medication use. Hyperuricemia was defined as having a serum urate level of >7.0 mg/dl in men and >5.7 mg/dl in women. We examined decadal trends in these estimates using data from the NHANES 2007–2016 and investigated ULT usage trends using the NHANES 2007–14 (the most recent data available to date).

Results

In 2015–2016, the prevalence of gout was 3.9% among adults in the US (9.2 million people), with 5.2% [5.9 million] in men and 2.7% [3.3 million] in women. Mean serum urate levels were 6.0 mg/dl in men and 4.8 mg/dl in women, and hyperuricemia prevalence rates were 20.2% and 20.0%, respectively. The prevalence rates of gout and hyperuricemia remained stable between 2007 and 2016 (P for trend > 0.05). The prevalence of ULT use among patients with gout was 33% in 2007–2014 and remained stable over time (P for trend > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this nationally representative survey sample of adults in the US, the prevalence rates of gout and hyperuricemia remained substantial, albeit unchanged, between 2007 and 2016. Despite these rates, only one‐third of gout patients were receiving ULT.
A Dinuclear Dysprosium Complex as an Air‐Stable and Recyclable Catalyst: Applications in the Deacetylation of Carbohydrate, Aliphatic, and Aromatic Molecules
Authors: Chiu Ting‐Yu , Chin Wei , Guo Jiun‐Rung , Liang Chien‐Fu , Lin Po‐Heng
Published: January 2019

Two dinuclear DyIII complexes, [Dy2(hmb)2(OTf)2(H2O)4]⋅HOTf⋅2 THF (A⋅HOTf⋅2 THF) and [Dy2(hmi)3(H2O)2]⋅2 HOTf (B⋅2 HOTf), have been synthesized by the reaction of Dy(OTf)3 and the Schiff‐base ligands H2hmb (N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide) or H2hmi ((2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)methylene isonicotinohydrazine). Disarmed glycosyl trichloroacetimidates can be activated by complex A in the synthesis of 1,2‐trans‐glycosides with primary and secondary acceptors. This method offers an efficient route to selectively deacetylated monosaccharides and disaccharides in high yields and a green catalyst that can be easily recycled and reused.
Decreasing number of propagating mesoscale convective systems in Bangladesh and surrounding area during 1998–2015
Authors: Habib S. M. Ahsan , Sato Tomonori , Hatsuzuka Daisuke
Published: January 2019

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are important precipitation‐bearing phenomena in the Tropics. Hence, it is important to elucidate the temporal variation of MCSs. This study investigated the interannual variation of MCSs in Bangladesh and surrounding area during June–September using 3‐hr TRMM3B42 precipitation data. After objective detection of propagating MCSs (PMCSs), their statistical features were analyzed. It was found that the annual number of PMCSs decreased significantly during 1998–2015. The most remarkable decrease was in southward PMCSs generated over land, consistent with the observed decrease in precipitation. Recent weakening of the low‐level southwesterly and stabilization of the atmosphere probably contributed to the decrease of PMCSs. Because southward PMCSs generated over land were present on about 40% of days with heavy rain, PMCSs clearly have a crucial role in precipitation variability. The findings of this study suggest that investigation of MCSs is essential for understanding precipitation response to climate change in South Asia.
Aberrant “deep connectivity” in autism: A cortico–subcortical functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Maximo Jose O. , Kana Rajesh K.
Published: January 2019

The number of studies examining functional brain networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has risen over the last decade and has characterized ASD as a disorder of altered brain connectivity. However, these studies have focused largely on cortical structures, and only a few studies have examined cortico–subcortical connectivity in regions like thalamus and basal ganglia in ASD. The goal of this study was to characterize the functional connectivity between cortex and subcortical regions in ASD using the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE‐II). Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were used from 168 typically developing (TD) and 138 ASD participants across different sites from the ABIDE II dataset. Functional connectivity of basal ganglia and thalamus to unimodal and supramodal networks was examined in this study. Overconnectivity (ASD > TD) was found between unimodal (except for medial visual network) and subcortical regions, and underconnectivity (TD > ASD) was found between supramodal (except for default mode and dorsal attention networks) and subcortical regions; positive correlations between ASD phenotype and unimodal–subcortical connectivity were found and negative ones with supramodal–subcortical connectivity. These findings suggest that brain networks heavily involved in sensory processing had higher connectivity with subcortical regions, whereas those involved in higher‐order thinking showed decreased connectivity in ASD. In addition, brain–behavior correlations indicated a relationship between ASD phenotype and connectivity. Thus, differences in cortico–subcortical connectivity may have a significant impact on basic and higher‐order cognitive processes in ASD. Autism Res 2019, 12: 384–400 © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study focused on examining the functional connectivity (synchronization of brain activity across regions) of two types of brain networks (unimodal and supramodal) with subcortical areas (thalamus and basal ganglia) in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how this relates to ASD phenotype. ASD participants showed overconnectivity in unimodal networks and underconnectivity in supramodal networks. These findings provide new insights into cortico–subcortical connections between basic sensory and high‐order cognitive processes.
Change in Injury Prevention Approach Yields Big Safety Gains
Authors: Woodard David M. , Ambrose Michael R.
Published: January 2019

By focusing on prevention instead of worker behavior, a California water utility district reduced injury frequency to build a safer, healthier workplace for all employees.
US Survey Reveals Gaps, Opportunities for Health, Safety, and Environment Programs
Authors: Milligan Frank
Published: January 2019

Overall findings related to health, safety, and environment programs and practices are encouraging, but there are opportunities for significant improvement.
Corrosion Management Can Save Water and Wastewater Utilities Billions of Dollars Annually
Authors: Kroon David H. , Bowman Elaine , Jacobson Gretchen
Published: January 2019

While continued investing in corrosion control is important, managing the related technology and systems by specific business impacts is essential for maintaining appropriate actions.
The role of gibberellin synthase geneGhGA2ox1in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) responses to drought and salt stress
Authors: Shi Jian‐Bin , Wang Ning , Zhou Hong , Xu Qing‐Hua , Yan Gen‐Tu
Published: January 2019

Gibberellins (GAs) is one kind of important endogenous hormone in plants that regulates vegetative and reproductive growth of plants.GA2oxis a class of oxidase that plays a regulatory role in the third stage of GAs synthesis. In this paper, we cloned theGhGA2ox1gene from an upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL. var. CCRI49). The results showed that the CDS ofGhGA2ox1is 996 bp, which encode 331 amino acids, which has high homology withGhGA2ox2andNtGA2ox1. The quantitative real‐time PCR showed that under the conditions of salt and drought stress, the expression ofGhGA2ox1had a higher upregulation in root, stem, and leaf of transgenic plant, compared with non‐transgenic plant. Cotton plant that overexpressed theGhGA2ox1gene showed higher drought and salt tolerance than non‐transgenic cotton plant, and these results were supported by data of higher free proline, chlorophyll, and relative water content in transgenic plant compared with control plant. The expression level of antiretroviral genes, includingGhEREB2,GhDREB1,GhWRKY5, andGhP5CS, was upregulated to varying degrees in transgenic plant. The above results indicate that overexpressedGhGA2ox1gene can increases the tolerance to respond to drought and salt stress in upland cotton.
Random main effects of treatment: A case study with a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Senn Stephen , Schmitz Susanne , Schritz Anna , Salah Samir
Published: January 2019

If the number of treatments in a network meta‐analysis is large, it may be possible and useful to model the main effect of treatment as random, that is to say as random realizations from a normal distribution of possible treatment effects. This then constitutes a third sort of random effect that may be considered in connection with such analyses. The first and most common models treatment‐by‐trial interaction as being random and the second, rather rarer, models the main effects of trial as being random and thus permits the recovery of intertrial information. Taking the example of a network meta‐analysis of 44 similar treatments in 10 trials, we illustrate how a hierarchical approach to modeling a random main effect of treatment can be used to produce shrunk (toward the overall mean) estimates of effects for individual treatments. As a related problem, we also consider the issue of using a random‐effect model for the within‐trial variances from trial to trial. We provide a number of possible graphical representations of the results and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach.
Mixed-methods assessment of surgical capacity in two regions in Ethiopia
Authors: Iverson K R , Garringer K , Ahearn O , Alidina S , Citron I , Esseye S , Teshome A , Mukhopadhyay S , Burssa D ,   Safe Surgery 2020 Collaborators, Mengistu A , Ashengo T , Meara J G , Barash D , Drown L , Kuchuckhidze S , Reynolds C , Joshua B , Barringer E , Skeels A , Shrime M G , Gultie T , Sharma S , Geiger J
Published: January 2019

Background

Surgery is among the most neglected parts of healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia has launched a national strategic plan to address challenges in the surgical system. This study aimed to assess surgical capacity in two Ethiopian regions to inform priority areas for improvement.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted using two tools adapted from the Lancet Commission's Surgical Assessment Tools: a quantitative Hospital Assessment Tool and a qualitative semistructured interview tool. Fifteen hospitals selected by the Federal Ministry of Health were surveyed in the Tigray and Amhara regions to assess the surgical system across five domains: service delivery, infrastructure, workforce, information management and financing.

Results

Service delivery was low across hospitals with a mean(s.d.) of 5(6) surgical cases per week and a narrow range of procedures performed. Hospitals reported varying availability of basic infrastructure, including constant availability of electricity (9 of 15) and running water (5 of 15). Unavailable or broken diagnostic equipment was also common. The majority of surgical and anaesthesia services were provided by non-physician clinicians, with little continuing education available. All hospitals tracked patient-level data regularly and eight of 15 hospitals reported surgical volume data during the assessment, but research activities were limited. Hospital financing specified for surgery was rare and the majority of patients must pay out of pocket for care.

Conclusion

Results from this study will inform programmes to simultaneously improve each of the health system domains in Ethiopia; this is required if better access to and quality of surgery, anaesthesia and obstetric services are to be achieved.
Implementation and evaluation of nationwide scale-up of the Surgical Safety Checklist
Authors: White M C , Randall K , Capo-Chichi N F E , Sodogas F , Quenum S , Wright K , Close K L , Russ S , Sevdalis N , Leather A J M
Published: January 2019

Background

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist improves surgical outcomes, but evidence and theoretical frameworks for successful implementation in low-income countries remain lacking. Based on previous research in Madagascar, a nationwide checklist implementation in Benin was designed and evaluated longitudinally.

Methods

This study had a longitudinal embedded mixed-methods design. The well validated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to structure the approach and evaluate the implementation. Thirty-six hospitals received 3-day multidisciplinary training and 4-month follow-up. Seventeen hospitals were sampled purposively for evaluation at 12–18 months. The primary outcome was sustainability of checklist use at 12–18 months measured by questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were CFIR-derived implementation outcomes, measured using the WHO Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scale (WHOBARS), safety questionnaires and focus groups.

Results

At 12–18 months, 86·0 per cent of participants (86 of 100) reported checklist use compared with 31·1 per cent (169 of 543) before training and 88·8 per cent (158 of 178) at 4 months. There was high-fidelity use (median WHOBARS score 5·0 of 7; use of basic safety processes ranged from 85·0 to 99·0 per cent), and high penetration shown by a significant improvement in hospital safety culture (adapted Human Factors Attitude Questionnaire scores of 76·7, 81·1 and 82·2 per cent before, and at 4 and 12–18 months after training respectively; P < 0·001). Acceptability, adoption, appropriateness and feasibility scored 9·6–9·8 of 10. This approach incorporated 31 of 36 CFIR implementation constructs successfully.

Conclusion

This study shows successfully sustained nationwide checklist implementation using a validated implementation framework.
Determination of a novel antifibrotic small molecule GDC‐3280 in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to support its first‐in‐human clinical trial
Authors: Wang Jianshuang , Van Parys Michael , Pan Lin , Chen Yuan , Cheung Dorothy , McKnight Janine , Milanowski Dennis , Ding Xiao , Dean Brian
Published: January 2019

A specific and robust LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of GDC‐3280 in human plasma and urine. The nonspecific binding associated with urine samples was overcome by the addition of CHAPS. The sample volume was 25 μL for either matrix, and supported liquid extraction was employed for analyte extraction. d6‐GDC‐3280 was used as the internal standard. Linear standard curves (R2 > 0.9956) were established from 5.00 to 5000 ng/mL in both matrices with quantitation extended to 50,000 ng/mL through dilution. In plasma matrix, the precision (RSD) ranged from 1.5 to 9.9% (intra‐run) and from 2.4 to 7.2% (inter‐run); the accuracy (RE) ranged from 96.1 to 107% (intra‐run) and from 96.7 to 104% (inter‐run). Similarly, in urine the precision was 1.5–6.2% (intra‐run) and 1.9–6.1% (inter‐run); the accuracy was 83.1–99.3% (intra‐run) and 87.1–98.3% (inter‐run). Good recovery (>94%) and negligible matrix effect were achieved in both matrices. Long‐term matrix stability was established for at least 703 days in plasma and 477 days in urine. Bench‐top stability of 25 h and five freeze–thaw cycles were also confirmed in both matrices. The method was successfully implemented in GDC‐3280's first‐in‐human trial for assessing its pharmacokinetic profiles.
A Modular Ligation Strategy for Asymmetric Bivalent Nucleosomes Trimethylated at K36 and K27
Authors: Guidotti Nora , Lechner Carolin C. , Bachmann Andreas L. , Fierz Beat
Published: January 2019

In nature, individual histones in the same nucleosome can carry identical (symmetric) or different (asymmetric) post‐translational modification (PTM) patterns, increasing the combinatorial complexity. Embryonic stem cells exhibit “bivalent” nucleosomes, some of which are marked by an asymmetric arrangement of H3K36me3 (an activating PTM) and H3K27me3 (a repressive PTM). Here we describe a modular synthetic method to access such asymmetrically modified nucleosomes and show that H3K36me3 inhibits the activity of the methyltransferase PRC2 locally while still prolonging its chromatin binding time.
Maladaptive daydreaming: Is it a “real thing”?
Authors: Witkin Mandy
Published: January 2019

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a psychological concept first introduced in 2002 by Eli Somer, a professor of clinical psychology in the School of Social Work at the University of Haifa. MD is a preoccupation and compulsive fantasy process that causes distress because it interferes with social, academic, interpersonal, or professional functioning. The experience is described as an excessive form of immersive daydreaming that produces a rewarding experience based on a created fantasy of a parallel reality, and also impairment and distress associated with persistent and continual fantasizing. In recent years, interest in MD has produced a high degree of international attention, and yet it has not been acknowledged by the medical and psychological organizations, and is often encountered with doubt or confusion by mental health practitioners.
MTF: Dramatic increase in teen vaping of nicotine
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2019

It shouldn't be a surprise that more teens are vaping, but the increase from last year to this year was dramatic, according to results from the 2018 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey announced by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) last December. In 2017, 27.8% of 12th graders reported vaping in the past year; in 2018, this was up to 37.3%. In addition, it's clear that more teens are vaping nicotine, not flavors. Last year, teens may not have been sure what they were getting.
Discharge disposition of older patients undergoing trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement and its impact on survival
Authors: Okoh Alexis K. , Haik Nicky , Singh Swaiman , Kaur Komalpreet , Fugar Setri , Cohen Marc , Haik Bruce , Chen Chunguang , Russo Mark J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are likely to be discharged to a location other than home. We aimed to assess the association between discharge disposition after TAVR and patient survival at 1 year.

Methods

Patients admitted from home and survived till discharge after TAVR were divided into two groups based on discharge disposition (home discharge vs. non‐home discharge). Pre‐operative factors predicting the odds of not being discharged home were identified by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Study patients were matched one‐to‐one via a propensity scoring method. Differences in procedural outcomes were compared. Survival of both unmatched and matched pairs was evaluated by using the Kaplan‐Meier method with the Kleine‐Moesch‐Berger stratified log‐rank test.

Results

Out of 1,160 TAVR patients, 851 were admitted from home and survived till discharge. The incidence non‐home discharge was 19% (n = 159). Factors that were significantly associated with non‐home discharge were older age, non‐transfemoral approach, female sex, frailty status, history of chronic lung disease, pacemaker placement and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. One‐to‐one propensity score matching resulted in 141 patient pairs with similar age, operative risk, frailty and functional status. At 1‐year follow‐up, all‐cause mortality rates were significantly higher in the non‐home group than their home counterparts (18% vs. 3%, P = 0.006; stratified log rank test: P = 0.006).

Conclusions

A considerable number of TAVR patients are discharged to a location other than home after the procedure. Not being discharged home after TAVR is associated with a high mortality risk at 1 year.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent spinal myeloid sarcomas 3 years before developing leukemia: A case report with review of literature
Authors: Yamashita Tomoko , Nishijima Akihiko , Noguchi Yuma , Narukawa Kensuke , Oshikawa Gaku , Takano Hina
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

The de novo myeloid sarcoma (MS) type of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is rare, and clinical features may differ from extramedullary diseases in advanced APL. Many cases occur as a spinal tumor, and some occur in the absence of bone‐marrow diseases or coagulation abnormalities. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of MS tissue is useful for accurate diagnosis, even in preserved tissue.
Ultrafine Ruthenium Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Molybdenum Oxide Nanosheets as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution in Acidic Medium
Authors: Sadhanala Hari Krishna , Harika Villa Krishna , Penki Tirupathi Rao , Aurbach Doron , Gedanken Aharon
Published: January 2019

Engineering of efficient, robust and inexpensive Pt‐free catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction has drawn great attention, and there is a rapidly growing demand for electrochemical water‐splitting reactions. Here, we report, for the first time, synthesis of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles supported on molybdenum oxide nanosheets (MoO3@RuO2). This composite catalyst was prepared sonochemically, followed by calcination of the product in air at 400 °C for one hour. The as‐synthesized MoO3@RuO2 composite catalyst was used to explore the electro‐catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic medium. Notably, compared to MoO3 or RuO2, the composite exhibited high exchange current density of 0.57 mA cm−2, and a current density of 10 mA cm−2 was achieved at low overpotential of 110 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4. The Tafel slope of the MoO3@RuO2 catalyst was 62 mV dec−1 and it showed excellent stability. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the synergetic effect generated by the strong interaction between MoO3 nanosheets and RuO2 nanoparticles, which resulted in enhanced long‐term stability as well.