bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligand‐Controlled Copper‐Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Difluoromethylation of Allylic Chlorides/Bromides and Propargyl Bromides
Authors: Gu Yang , Lu Changhui , Gu Yucheng , Shen Qilong
Published: November 2017

Highly regiodivergent copper‐catalyzed allylic/propargylic difluoromethylation reactions by employing different ligands are described. When 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline was used as the ligand, exclusively α‐difluoromethylated products were obtained, while γ‐selective difluoromethylated products were generated when N‐heterocyclic carbene‐SIPr was used as the ligand. Likewise, high α‐ vs. γ‐selectivities were achieved in the presence of similar copper catalysts for the reactions of propargyl bromides. Moreover, a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic difluoromethylation reaction with moderate to good enantioselectivity by the use of chiral ligands was developed.
Structure–Activity Relationship of Propargylamine‐Based HDAC Inhibitors
Authors: Wünsch Matthias , Senger Johanna , Schultheisz Philipp , Schwarzbich Sabrina , Schmidtkunz Karin , Michalek Carmela , Klaß Michaela , Goskowitz Stefanie , Borchert Philipp , Praetorius Lucas , Sippl Wolfgang , Jung Manfred , Sewald Norbert
Published: November 2017

As histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in the treatment of cancer, their selective inhibition has been the subject of various studies. These continuous investigations have given rise to a large collection of pan‐ and selective HDAC inhibitors, containing diverse US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved representatives. In previous studies, a class of alkyne‐based HDAC inhibitors was presented. We modified this scaffold in two previously neglected regions and compared their cytotoxicity and affinity toward HDAC1, HDAC6, and HDAC8. We were able to show that R‐configured propargylamines contribute to increased selectivity for HDAC6. Docking studies on available HDAC crystal structures were carried out to rationalize the observed selectivity of the compounds. Substitution of the aromatic portion by a thiophene derivative results in high affinity and low cytotoxicity, indicating an improved drug tolerance.
Dual‐Fluorescent Nanoscale Coordination Polymers via a Mixed‐Ligand Synthetic Strategy and Their Use for Multichannel Imaging
Authors: Nador Fabiana , Wnuk Karolina , García‐Pardo Javier , Lorenzo Julia , Solorzano Rubén , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Novio Fernando
Published: November 2017

Two rationally designed strategies for covalent bonding of fluorescent dyes in coordination polymer nanoparticles aiming to achieve bifunctional fluorescent nanostructures have been developed. The first strategy was based on the synthesis of the coordination polymers structured as nanoparticles by coordination of CoII ions to two different catechol ligands containing free functional chemical groups (dopamine and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde), and a bis(imidazole)‐based ligand (1,4‐bis(imidazole‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, bix). Subsequently, different dyes, namely fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), 1‐pyrenebutanoic acid hydrazide (PBH) or Alexa Fluor® 568 (A568), could be sequentially attached to the surface of the nanoparticles. The second strategy was focused on the prefunctionalization of catechol ligands with the corresponding dyes and, afterwards, the coordination with the metal ions in presence of bix. In vitro studies demonstrated the internalization of the bifunctional nanoparticles and the persistence of the fluorescent properties after cell uptake without dye leaching.
Real‐Time Reaction Monitoring of an Organic Multistep Reaction by Electrospray Ionization‐Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Zühlke Martin , Sass Stephan , Riebe Daniel , Beitz Toralf , Löhmannsröben Hans‐Gerd
Published: November 2017

The capability of electrospray ionization (ESI)‐ion mobility (IM) spectrometry for reaction monitoring is assessed both as a stand‐alone real‐time technique and in combination with HPLC. A three‐step chemical reaction, consisting of a Williamson ether synthesis followed by a hydrogenation and an N‐alkylation step, is chosen for demonstration. Intermediates and products are determined with a drift time to mass‐per‐charge correlation. Addition of an HPLC column to the setup increases the separation power and allows the determination of further species. Monitoring of the intensities of the various species over the reaction time allows the detection of the end of reaction, determination of the rate‐limiting step, observation of the system response in discontinuous processes, and optimization of the mass ratios of the starting materials. However, charge competition in ESI influences the quantitative detection of substances in the reaction mixture. Therefore, two different methods are investigated, which allow the quantification and investigation of reaction kinetics. The first method is based on the pre‐separation of the compounds on an HPLC column and their subsequent individual detection in the ESI‐IM spectrometer. The second method involves an extended calibration procedure, which considers charge competition effects and facilitates nearly real‐time quantification.
Azospirillum brasilense: Laboratory Maintenance and Genetic Manipulation
Authors: Gullett Jessica , O'Neal Lindsey , Mukherjee Tanmoy , Alexandre Gladys
Published: November 2017

Bacteria of the genus Azospirillum, including the most comprehensively studied Azospirillum brasilense, are non‐pathogenic soil bacteria that promote the growth of diverse plants, making them an attractive model to understand non‐symbiotic, beneficial plant‐bacteria associations. Research into the physiology and genetics of these organisms spans decades and a range of molecular tools and protocols have been developed for allelic exchange mutagenesis, in trans expression of genes, and fusions to reporter genes. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Azospirillum brasilense, a Beneficial Soil Bacterium: Isolation and Cultivation
Authors: Alexandre Gladys
Published: November 2017

Bacteria of the genus Azospirillum comprise 15 species to date, with A. brasilense the best studied species in the genus. Azospirillum are soil bacteria able to promote the growth of plants from 113 species spanning 35 botanical families. These non‐pathogenic and beneficial bacteria are ubiquitous in soils and inhabit the roots of diverse plants. These bacteria are microaerophilic, able to fix nitrogen under free‐living conditions, motile, and able to navigate in gradients of various chemicals, including oxygen. These physiological traits are used to isolate these soil bacteria from soil and plant root samples, providing isolates that can be used for studying microbial physiology and plant growth promotion. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Computational Methods for Human Microbiome Analysis
Authors: Miossec Matthieu J. , Valenzuela Sandro L. , Mendez Katterinne N. , Castro‐Nallar Eduardo
Published: November 2017

As the field of microbiomics advances, the burden of computational work that scientists need to perform in order to extract biological insight has grown accordingly. Likewise, while human microbiome analyses are increasingly shifting toward a greater integration of various high‐throughput data types, a core number of methods form the basis of nearly every study. In this unit, we present step‐by‐step protocols for five core stages of human microbiome research. The protocols presented in this unit provide a base case for human microbiome analysis, complete with sufficient detail for researchers to tailor certain aspects of the protocols to the specificities of their data. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Leptospira: Molecular Detection of Pathogenic Species in Natural Sources
Authors: Beigel Brittney , Verma Ashutosh
Published: November 2017

This protocol describes a method for the rapid detection of leptospiral DNA in environmental water. In summary, the DNA is extracted from water samples and tested in a TaqMan‐based real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the presence of lipl32, a gene that is present only in pathogenic Leptospira spp. The gene target used in this assay is important in that it only detects pathogenic leptospires and not the saprophytic leptospires that may be present in environmental samples. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Beyond Solar Fuels: Renewable Energy‐Driven Chemistry
Authors: Lanzafame Paola , Abate Salvatore , Ampelli Claudio , Genovese Chiara , Passalacqua Rosalba , Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: November 2017

The future feasibility of decarbonized industrial chemical production based on the substitution of fossil feedstocks (FFs) with renewable energy (RE) sources is discussed. Indeed, the use of FFs as an energy source has the greatest impact on the greenhouse gas emissions of chemical production. This future scenario is indicated as “solar‐driven” or “RE‐driven” chemistry. Its possible implementation requires to go beyond the concept of solar fuels, in particular to address two key aspects: i) the use of RE‐driven processes for the production of base raw materials, such as olefins, methanol, and ammonia, and ii) the development of novel RE‐driven routes that simultaneously realize process and energy intensification, particularly in the direction of a significant reduction of the number of the process steps.
Long‐term antagonistic effect of increased precipitation and nitrogen addition on soil respiration in a semiarid steppe
Authors: Han Hongyan , Du Yue , Hui Dafeng , Jiang Lin , Zhong Mingxing , Wan Shiqiang
Published: November 2017

Changes in water and nitrogen (N) availability due to climate change and atmospheric N deposition could have significant effects on soil respiration, a major pathway of carbon (C) loss from terrestrial ecosystems. A manipulative experiment simulating increased precipitation and atmospheric N deposition has been conducted for 9 years (2005–2013) in a semiarid grassland in Mongolian Plateau, China. Increased precipitation and N addition interactively affect soil respiration through the 9 years. The interactions demonstrated that N addition weakened the precipitation‐induced stimulation of soil respiration, whereas increased precipitation exacerbated the negative impacts of N addition. The main effects of increased precipitation and N addition treatment on soil respiration were 15.8% stimulated and 14.2% suppressed, respectively. Moreover, a declining pattern and 2‐year oscillation were observed for soil respiration response to N addition under increased precipitation. The dependence of soil respiration upon gross primary productivity and soil moisture, but not soil temperature, suggests that resources C substrate supply and water availability are more important than temperature in regulating interannual variations of soil C release in semiarid grassland ecosystems. The findings indicate that atmospheric N deposition may have the potential to mitigate soil C loss induced by increased precipitation, and highlight that long‐term and multi‐factor global change studies are critical for predicting the general patterns of terrestrial C cycling in response to global change in the future.
Weak whole‐plant trait coordination in a seasonally dry South American stressful environment
Authors: Silva José L. A. , Souza Alexandre F. , Caliman Adriano , Voigt Eduardo L. , Lichston Juliana E.
Published: November 2017

A core question involving both plant physiology and community ecology is whether traits from different organs are coordinated across species, beyond pairwise trait correlations. The strength of within‐community trait coordination has been hypothesized to increase along gradients of environmental harshness, due to the cost of adopting ecological strategies out of the viable niche space supported by the abiotic conditions. We evaluated the strength of trait relationship and coordination in a stressful environment using 21 leaf and stem traits of 21 deciduous and evergreen woody species from a heath vegetation growing on coastal sandy plain in northeastern South America. The study region faces marked dry season, high soil salinity and acidity, and poor nutritional conditions. Results from multiple factor analyses supported two weak and independent axes of trait coordination, which accounted for 25%–29% of the trait variance using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Trait correlations on the multiple factor analyses main axis fit well with the global plant economic spectrum, with species investing in small leaves and dense stems as opposed to species with softer stems and large leaves. The species’ positions on the main functional axis corresponded to the competitor‐stress‐tolerant side of Grime's CSR triangle of plant strategies. The weak degree of trait coordination displayed by the heath vegetation species contradicted our expectation of high trait coordination in stressful environmental habitats. The distinct biogeographic origins of the species occurring in the study region and the prevalence of a regional environmental filter coupled with local homogeneous conditions could account for prevalence of trait independence we observed.
Evolution and comparative ecology of parthenogenesis in haplodiploid arthropods
Authors: van der Kooi Casper J. , Matthey-Doret Cyril , Schwander Tanja
Published: November 2017

Changes from sexual reproduction to female-producing parthenogenesis (thelytoky) have great evolutionary and ecological consequences, but how many times parthenogenesis evolved in different animal taxa is unknown. We present the first exhaustive database covering 765 cases of parthenogenesis in haplodiploid (arrhenotokous) arthropods, and estimate frequencies of parthenogenesis in different taxonomic groups. We show that the frequency of parthenogenetic lineages extensively varies among groups (0–38% among genera), that many species have both sexual and parthenogenetic lineages and that polyploidy is very rare. Parthenogens are characterized by broad ecological niches: parasitoid and phytophagous parthenogenetic species consistently use more host species, and have larger, polewards extended geographic distributions than their sexual relatives. These differences did not solely evolve after the transition to parthenogenesis. Extant parthenogens often derive from sexual ancestors with relatively broad ecological niches and distributions. As these ecological attributes are associated with large population sizes, our results strongly suggests that transitions to parthenogenesis are more frequent in large sexual populations and/or that the risk of extinction of parthenogens with large population sizes is reduced. The species database presented here provides insights into the maintenance of sex and parthenogenesis in natural populations that are not taxon specific and opens perspectives for future comparative studies.
Synthesis of descriptive sensory attributes and hedonic rankings of dried persimmon (Diospyros kaki sp.)
Authors: Milczarek Rebecca R. , Woods Rachelle D. , LaFond Sean I. , Breksa Andrew P. , Preece John E. , Smith Jenny L. , Sedej Ivana , Olsen Carl W. , Vilches Ana M.
Published: November 2017

This work aimed to characterize the sensory attributes of hot air‐dried persimmon (Diospyros kaki) chips, correlate these attributes with consumer hedonic information, and, by doing so, present recommendations for cultivars that are most suitable for hot‐air drying. A trained sensory panel evaluated dried persimmon samples (representing 40 cultivars) for flavor, taste/aftertaste, and texture. In addition, in each of two tests conducted in different years, more than 100 consumers provided hedonic evaluations of 21 unique samples in a ranking task with a balanced incomplete block design. A partial least squares regression model correlating the mean hedonic ranking to the trained panel data was developed using the data from the first consumer panel. The predictions from the model were correlated with the second panel to verify the model. It was found that including taste, aftertaste, and texture data (but not specific flavor attribute data) produced a predictive model (Spearman's ρ=0.83). This indicates that flavor is likely secondary to taste and texture in dried persimmon chips. Using the validated predictive model, 6 of the 40 persimmon cultivars tested are recommended for a dried chip product; these cultivars are ‘Fuyu’, ‘Lycopersicon’, ‘Maekawa Jiro’, ‘Nishimura Wase’, ‘Tishihtzu’, and ‘Yotsumizo’.
Changing the shift system in a mining company: An intervention study
Authors: Castellucci H. I. , Altamirano I.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to determine the shift system that allows for sustainable time management, considering the characteristics of the mining company analyzed. Regarding the methodology, the Standard Shiftwork Index was used to characterize the workers perceptions of the shift system. In order to increase the chances of changing the shift system, the Besiak method of shifts was applied to the following: modified 4 × 4 (current shift); 6 × 6 modified and 7 × 7. Furthermore, with input from company representatives, the method seeks to jointly identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the different shift systems. The main results show that the level in which the shift system (modified 4 × 4) interferes with leisure, social, and domestic life is associated with the city of residence. The application of Besiak concluded that the order of the highest risk to the lowest risk is as follows: 7 × 7, modified 6 × 6, and modified 4 × 4. Once the 7 × 7 shift work was discarded, a second level of analysis was performed between the two remaining shift work systems. Both have strengths, but the worker's place of residence on the days off became the determining factor. Hence, the 6 × 6 modified model met the biopsychosocial factors and favored residence in other cities during the days off. Finally, it was clear that during the shift system change, it is very important to involve workers, labor unions, and managers in the process of designing and introducing a new shift system.
Impaired expression of CXCL5 and matrix metalloproteinases in the lungs of mice with high susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Mancuso Rubia I. , Miyaji Eliane N. , Silva Cristiane C.F. , Portaro Fernanda V. , Soares‐Schanoski Alessandra , Ribeiro Orlando G. , Oliveira Maria Leonor S.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizes the nasopharynx of healthy individuals establishing a commensal relationship with the host. In some conditions, bacteria invade the lower respiratory tract and innate immune responses are crucial to avoid diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis.

Methods

Here, we compared the susceptibility to pneumococcal respiratory infection of two outbred mouse lines, AIRmin and AIRmax, selected for low or high acute inflammatory responses, respectively.

Results

AIRmin mice showed increased susceptibility to infection with different pneumococcal serotypes, when compared to AIRmax. Significant higher numbers of alveolar macrophages expressing the CD206 mannose receptor were observed in AIRmin mice when compared to AIRmax mice. Despite this difference, secretion of several cytokines and chemokines in the respiratory tract of AIRmin and AIRmax mice, after infection, was similar. The only exception was CXCL5, which was highly induced after pneumococcal infection in AIRmax mice but not in AIRmin mice. Reduced expression of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, 3, 8, and 9, as well as reduced activities of MMPs were also observed in the lungs of AIRmin mice, after infection. Such impaired responses may have contributed to the low influx of neutrophils observed in the airways of these mice. Finally, high percentages of macrophages and neutrophils in apoptosis or necrosis, at the site of infection, were also observed in AIRmin mice, suggesting that leukocyte functionality is also compromised.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CXCL5 and MMPs contribute to the resistance to pneumococcal infection in mice.
FATHER PLAY: IS IT SPECIAL?
Authors: Cabrera Natasha J. , Roggman Lori
Published: November 2017

Both mothers and fathers play with their children, but research on parent–child play interactions is conducted with mothers three times more often than it is with fathers. The articles in this special issue address this gap by focusing on the nature and quality of father–child play, across cultural contexts, and considering whether father play offers something unique and special for early human development, in infancy or early childhood. The studies show that fathers can be just as developmentally supportive as are mothers in terms of being playful and engaged with their children in ways that are related to greater child socioemotional competence, emotion regulation, and vocabulary, and to less aggression, anxiety, and negativity. We encourage future research to examine the cultural influences, family system dynamics, and specificity of timing and types of father–child play in relation to children's developmental competence.
Bayesian sparse‐based reconstruction in bioluminescence tomography improves localization accuracy and reduces computational time
Authors: Feng Jinchao , Jia Kebin , Li Zhe , Pogue Brian W. , Yang Mingjie , Wang Yaqi
Published: November 2017

Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) provides fundamental insight into biological processes in vivo. To fully realize its potential, it is important to develop image reconstruction algorithms that accurately visualize and quantify the bioluminescence signals taking advantage of limited boundary measurements. In this study, a new 2‐step reconstruction method for BLT is developed by taking advantage of the sparse a priori information of the light emission using multispectral measurements. The first step infers a wavelength‐dependent prior by using all multi‐wavelength measurements. The second step reconstructs the source distribution based on this developed prior. Simulation, phantom and in vivo results were performed to assess and compare the accuracy and the computational efficiency of this algorithm with conventional sparsity‐promoting BLT reconstruction algorithms, and results indicate that the position errors are reduced from a few millimeters down to submillimeter, and reconstruction time is reduced by 3 orders of magnitude in most cases, to just under a few seconds. The recovery of single objects and multiple (2 and 3) small objects is simulated, and the recovery of images of a mouse phantom and an experimental animal with an existing luminescent source in the abdomen is demonstrated. Matlab code is available at https://github.com/jinchaofeng/code/tree/master.
Assessment of hydrogels for bioprinting of endothelial cells
Authors: Benning Leo , Gutzweiler Ludwig , Tröndle Kevin , Riba Julian , Zengerle Roland , Koltay Peter , Zimmermann Stefan , Stark G. Björn , Finkenzeller Günter
Published: November 2017

In tissue engineering applications, vascularization can be accomplished by coimplantation of tissue forming cells and endothelial cells (ECs), whereby the latter are able to form functional blood vessels. The use of three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies has the potential to improve the classical tissue engineering approach because these will allow the generation of scaffolds with high spatial control of endothelial cell allocation. This study focuses on a side by side comparison of popular commercially available bioprinting hydrogels (Matrigel, fibrin, collagen, gelatin, agarose, Pluronic F‐127, alginate, and alginate/gelatin) in the context of their physicochemical parameters, their swelling/degradation characteristics, their biological effects on vasculogenesis‐related EC parameters and their printability. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable hydrogel or hydrogel combination for inkjet printing of ECs to build prevascularized tissue constructs. Most tested hydrogels displayed physicochemical characteristics suitable for inkjet printing. However, Pluronic F‐127 and the alginate/gelatin blend were rapidly degraded when incubated in cell culture medium. Agarose, Pluronic F‐127, alginate and alginate/gelatin hydrogels turned out to be unsuitable for bioprinting of ECs because of their non‐adherent properties and/or their incapability to support EC proliferation. Gelatin was able to support EC proliferation and viability but was unable to support endothelial cell sprouting. Our experiments revealed fibrin and collagen to be most suitable for bioprinting of ECs, because these hydrogels showed acceptable swelling/degradation characteristics, supported vasculogenesis‐related EC parameters and showed good printability. Moreover, ECs in constructs of preformed spheroids survived the printing process and formed capillary‐like cords. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 935–947, 2018.
Palovarotene Inhibits Osteochondroma Formation in a Mouse Model of Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Inubushi Toshihiro , Lemire Isabelle , Irie Fumitoshi , Yamaguchi Yu
Published: November 2017

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), also known as multiple osteochondromas (MO), is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple cartilage-capped bone tumors (osteochondromas). The large majority of patients with MHE carry loss-of-function mutations in the EXT1 or EXT2 gene, which encodes a glycosyltransferase essential for heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis. Increasing evidence suggests that enhanced bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling resulting from loss of HS expression plays a role in osteochondroma formation in MHE. Palovarotene (PVO) is a retinoic acid receptor γ selective agonist, which is being investigated as a potential drug for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), another genetic bone disorder with features that overlap with those of MHE. Here we show that PVO inhibits osteochondroma formation in the Fsp1Cre;Ext1flox/flox model of MHE. Four-week daily treatment with PVO starting at postnatal day (P) 14 reduced the number of osteochondromas that develop in these mice by up to 91% in a dose-dependent manner. An inhibition of long bone growth observed in animals treated from P14 was almost entirely abrogated by delaying the initiation of treatment to P21. We also found that PVO attenuates BMP signaling in Fsp1Cre;Ext1flox/flox mice and that aberrant chondrogenic fate determination of Ext1-deficient perichondrial progenitor cells in these mice is restored by PVO. Together, the present data support further preclinical and clinical investigations of PVO as a potential therapeutic agent for MHE. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Short Review on the Synthesis of Thiophene, Pyrazole, and Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia Ali Ahmed
Published: November 2017

The review summarizes the synthesis of different thiophene, pyrazole, and thiazole derivatives by refluxing9ain ethanol with a catalytic amount of TEA or leaving it in DMF containing potassium carbonate at room temperature overnight to afford the corresponding thiophene derivative10a. In addition, cyclization of Schiff bases with thioglycollic acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of ZnCl2yielded novel thiophene derivatives. Condensation of 2‐substituted‐4‐methylythio semi‐carbazides92with carbonyl compounds under strong acidic conditions afforded 2‐thiazolines. Also, carboxylic acid reacted with 2‐thioethylamine in the presence of triphenylphosphine and triethylamine to afford 2‐thiazolines98.
Nutritional status is associated with the return home in a long‐term care health facility
Authors: Nishida Yuri , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Maeda Keisuke , Nishioka Shinta
Published: November 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between nutritional status and the return home of older people living in a long‐term care health facility (LCHF).

Methods

A nested case control study was performed in 116 people ≥65 years of age in a single LCHF. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF) and activities of daily living by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The return home, duration of rehabilitation, and the family wanting the patient to return home were obtained from clinical records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether malnutrition had independent effects on the return home.

Results

The participants included 36 males and 80 females with a mean age of 82 years. Thirty‐seven people returned home while 79 did not. The MNA‐SF showed that 80 subjects were malnourished. Sixty‐six of the participants received rehabilitation for longer than 1 hour per week, while 50 received rehabilitation for <1 hour. The proportion of subjects with malnutrition who returned home was significantly lower (P = .003) than in participants who did not return home. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08‐0.65; P = .006), total FIM score (AOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.06; P = .012), and the family wanting the patient to return home (AOR, 9.46; 95% CI, 3.19‐28.12; P < .001) were independently associated with the return home.

Conclusions

Nutritional status is associated with the return home in older people living in LCHF.
Ultrasonographic Features of Eccrine Spiradenoma
Authors: Hwang Cheol Mog , Kang Byeong Seong , Hong Hyeok Jin , Lee Joo Yeon , Suh Jae Hee , Han Eun Mee , Song In Hye , Shim Hyun Seok , Lee Sang Hoon
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this series was to evaluate the features of eccrine spiradenoma on ultrasonography (US). We reviewed the clinical data of 8 patients with eccrine spiradenoma who underwent preoperative US at 4 different medical institutions from 2004 to 2016 and analyzed the US features in terms of the tumor location, size, shape, margin, echo texture, echogenicity, posterior acoustic enhancement, calcification, septum, and color Doppler flow. There were 7 female patients and 1 male patient. The mean patient age was 45.6 years (range, 28–60 years). Most of the tumors were located primarily in the subcutaneous fat layer. The mean size of the tumors was 14.3 mm. The masses had a lobular appearance in 7 patients and had a tractlike structure in 3 patients. In 6 patients, the masses had a heterogeneous echo texture. Six cases showed hypoechogenicity with more hypoechoic foci in the masses, and 2 cases showed hypoechogenicity only. Color Doppler flow was evaluated in 7 patients; the blood flow was central and peripheral in 4 patients and only peripheral in 3 patients. All cases showed posterior acoustic enhancement and had well‐defined margins. Calcification and septa were not seen in any cases. Eccrine spiradenoma is usually located in the subcutaneous fat layer, has a well‐defined margin, a lobulated appearance, occasionally with a tractlike structure, a heterogeneous echo texture, a hypoechoic appearance with internal hypoechoic foci and posterior acoustic enhancement, and shows blood flow in the peripheral portion, with or without blood flow in the central portion.
Ultrasound Features of Breast Cancer for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Guo Qiang , Dong Zhiwu , Zhang Lei , Ning Chunping , Li Ziyao , Wang Dongmo , Liu Chong , Zhao Ming , Tian Jiawei
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value of ultrasound (US) features of breast lesions for predicting the risk of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 425 patients with breast cancer were recruited, and their preoperative US features and postoperative pathologic results were collected. The association of these US features of breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among the 425 patients, 200 (47.1%) had axillary lymph node metastasis, and 225 (52.9%) did not. The parameters of tumor shape, color Doppler flow imaging grades, histologic grade, and E‐cadherin level were significantly and independently associated with axillary lymph node metastasis (P < .05 for all).

Conclusions

Axillary lymph node metastasis was prone to happen in patients with US features of an irregular tumor shape and higher color Doppler flow imaging grades. Ultrasound imaging provides a promising tool for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer.
Natural Course of Fetal Axillary Lymphangioma Based on Prenatal Ultrasound Studies
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Luewan Suchaya , Khorana Jiraporn , Sirilert Sirinart , Charoenratana Cholaros
Published: November 2017

This series and literature review aimed to prenatally characterize the nature of axillary lymphangioma. A total of 30 cases, including our 5 cases, were analyzed. Insights gained from this review are as follows: Septate and nonseptate cysts seem to be different entities. The nonseptate type tends to be small and transient but more highly associated with aneuploidies. Septate cysts are very rarely associated with other abnormalities and hydrops fetalis, unlike cystic hygroma colli, but are more progressive with gestational age and associated with adverse outcomes. The cases with high flow have a higher risk of intralesional hemorrhage. Prenatal diagnosis is important for the route of timely delivery and possibly prenatal interventions. Shoulder dystocia is common and should always be taken into account for decisions on the route of delivery.
An Early Pregnancy Unit in the United States: An Effective Method for Evaluating First‐Trimester Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Rovner Polina , Stickrath Elaine , Alston Meredith , Lund Kirsten
Published: November 2017

In the United Kingdom, early pregnancy assessment clinics have existed since the early 1990s and have become the reference standard for evaluating and treating women with first‐trimester pregnancy complications. These units have now been established in many countries and have been found to be effective and efficient, saving money and unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital admissions. To our knowledge, no such model has been described in the United States. A PubMed search using a combination of “early pregnancy unit,” “early pregnancy assessment clinic,” and “United States,” “U.S.,” and “America” on May 14, 2017, yielded no results. Denver Health, a safety net hospital in Denver, Colorado, has established the first known early pregnancy unit in the United States. Patients with positive urine pregnancy test results who are in their first trimester by best estimation, have not had a prior ultrasound examination, and present to their primary care providers with pain, bleeding, history of an ectopic pregnancy, history of a tubal ligation, or conception with an intrauterine device in place are eligible to be evaluated in the early pregnancy unit. This article describes our clinical setup, methods, and findings in the first 2 years of the unit's inception with the intention of serving as a model for the establishment of more early pregnancy units throughout the United States.
Depth‐sensing indentation and nano‐dynamic mechanical properties of aluminum nitride nanoparticles reinforced high density poly‐ethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Rajeshwari P. , Rao V.V. , Dey T.K.
Published: November 2017

Inorganic aluminum nitride (AlN) nanoparticles offer numerous innovative applications in the field of electronic packaging due to its outstanding features; viz., high mechanical strength, stable crystal structure, excellent thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, low‐cost, and non‐toxicity. In this research, attempts have been made to investigate the effect of reinforcement of nano‐AlN particles in high density poly‐ethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic polymer on their nano‐mechanical properties using depth‐sensing indentation (DSI) technique. Polymer‐matrix nanocomposites composed of pure HDPE and 1–20 vol% nano‐AlN/HDPE composites are prepared via melt mixing followed by compression molding. Surface‐morphology and crystallinity of HDPE/nano‐AlN composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nano‐scale hardness, modulus of elasticity, storage modulus, and loss tangent (tanδ) of HDPE/nano‐AlN composites have been evaluated using static and dynamic‐DSI. Both static and dynamic‐DSI results indicate that with increasing concentration of AlN nanoparticles in pristine HDPE, the nano‐mechanical properties display significant improvement. Results are discussed in relation to the surface‐morphology, crystallinity and interfacial adhesion between pure HDPE and nano‐AlN particles. A comparison between nano‐mechanical data extracted from static‐DSI and dynamic‐DSI techniques analysis is also attempted. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:240–254, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite bioactive nanocomposites for fused deposition modeling
Authors: Wu Jintian , Chen Ning , Bai Feng , Wang Qi
Published: November 2017

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydroxyapatite (PVA/HA) has excellent mechanical properties and osteoconductivity that allow it to be used for cartilage repair. However, nanofillers, such as HA, cause PVA to foam during the extrusion process, making it difficult to produce filament feedstocks with uniform diameters that are suitable for fused deposition modeling (FDM). In this article, a novel method was developed to prevent the foaming of PVA‐based nanocomposites during extrusion by selectively distributing HA in the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) phase. To achieve this, HA was treated with 3‐Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). The results showed that HA treated with KH560 was segregated from the PVA phase, thus preventing the foaming of PVA. Finally, filament feedstocks with a uniform diameter of 1.75 ± 0.05 mm, which is suitable for FDM, were successfully fabricated. Meanwhile, a mathematical equation for characterizing the printability of feedstock materials was improved. The results indicated that in combination with PLA, composites with a higher compressive modulus and better melt flowability were able to be processed by FDM. Finally, complex PVA‐based bioactive nanocomposite scaffolds with high dimensional accuracy, good mechanical properties, and biocompatibility were fabricated by the FDM machine. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E508–E518, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcing effects of functionalized graphene oxide on glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Ashori Alireza , Fallah Akram , Ghiyasi Mehdi , Rabiee Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Glass fiber (GF)/epoxy (EP) matrix composites containing graphene oxide (GO) nanoplatelets were manufactured for improving the mechanical properties. GO nanoplatelets were functionalized using dodecylamin (DA) and 1‐(3‐aminopropyl) imidazole (IL) to improve their dispersion in the matrix and to reinforce EP adhesive. The structural properties of GO and functionalized GOs (FGOs) were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction and BET surface area measurements. In the sample preparation, 3‐ply composites were prepared by hand lay‐up process, using a fiber‐to‐resin ratio of 40:60 (w:w). The high performance GO and FGOs were next incorporated into EP matrix resin to generate the reinforced GO/EP/GF and FGO/EP/GF composites. The GO and FGO contents varied in the range of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 wt%. Decreasing of oxygenated functional groups on FGOs and the appearance of aminated groups were proved by the FT‐IR spectra. The specific surface area of DA‐GO (295.8 m2/g) was much larger than IL‐GO (42.88 m2/g) or GO (2.49 m2/g), indicating a better interfacial interlocking of the DA‐GO in EP matrix. In addition, the BET surface areas of the FGOs were increased as compared to that of GO, which could be ascribed to the addition of functional groups on the GO sheet. Results showed that the mechanical properties, in terms of tensile and flexural properties, were mainly dependent on the type of GO functionalization followed by the percentage of modified GO. As a result, both the tensile and flexural strengths are effectively enhanced by the FGOs addition. However, the reinforcing effect of DA‐GO on the mechanical properties was much better than IL‐GO and GO nanoparticles. The tensile and flexural moduli are also increased by the FGO filling in the EP resin due to the excellent elastic modulus of FGO. Although incorporating FGO into the EP matrix effectively improves mechanical properties, this improvement comes at proper loading. The optimal DA‐GO and IL‐GO contents for effectively improving the mechanical performance were found to be 0.5 and 0.8 wt%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the failure mechanism of GFs pulled out from the EP matrix contributed to the enhancement of the mechanical performance. These results show that FGOs can strengthen the interfacial bonding between the GFs and the EP adhesive. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2324–E2333, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Medication Management of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Kalich Bethany A. , Allender J. Erin , Hollis Ian B.
Published: November 2017

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common form of valvular heart disease. A detailed diagnostic workup is necessary to promptly stage and classify disease severity to determine optimal management. Medical therapy and valvuloplasty are options that fail to delay or reverse disease progression. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is curative but has significant limitations for some patient populations. A newer option, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), has become more widely available to patients with intermediate‐ or high‐operative risk. Periprocedural medication management is imperative for successful valve implantation and to minimize adverse events. Stroke remains one of the most common complications of TAVR and is associated with increased mortality. Thus, intra‐ and postprocedural antithrombotic therapy is required, although the regimen that best minimizes thromboembolic events and bleeding complications has yet to be defined. Patients undergoing TAVR with comorbid conditions requiring oral anticoagulation or individuals who develop subvalvular thromboses pose unique challenges. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy should be carefully balanced. This article summarizes key literature supporting the pharmacologic management of patients receiving TAVR.
Community Health Workers Supporting Clinical Pharmacists in Diabetes Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sharp Lisa K. , Tilton Jessica J. , Touchette Daniel R. , Xia Yinglin , Mihailescu Daniel , Berbaum Michael L. , Gerber Ben S.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical pharmacists and community health workers (CHWs) in improving glycemic control within a low‐income ethnic minority population.

Methods

In a two‐arm 2‐year crossover trial, 179 African‐American and 65 Hispanic adult patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1C] of 8% or higher) were randomized to CHW support either during the first or second year of the study. All participants received clinical pharmacist support for both years of the study. The primary outcome was change in HbA1C over 1 and 2 years.

Results

Similar HbA1C declines were noted after receiving the 1 year of CHW support: −0.45% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.96 to 0.05) with CHW versus −0.42% (95% CI −0.93 to 0.08) without CHW support. In addition, no differences were noted in change on secondary outcome measures including body mass index, systolic blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, quality of life, and perceived social support. A difference in diastolic blood pressure change was noted: 0.80 mm Hg (95% CI −1.92 to 3.53) with CHW versus −1.85 mm Hg (95% CI −4.74 to 1.03) without CHW support (p=0.0078). Patients receiving CHW support had more lipid‐lowering medication intensifications (0.39 [95% CI 0.27–0.52]) compared with those without CHW support (0.26 [95% CI 0.14–0.38], p<0.0001). However, no significant differences in intensification of antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive medications were observed between patients receiving CHW support and those without CHW support. Patients with low health literacy completed significantly more encounters with the pharmacist and CHW than those with high health literacy, although outcomes were comparable.

Conclusions

No significant differences were noted between a clinical pharmacist–CHW team and clinical pharmacist alone in improving glycemic control within a low‐income ethnic minority population.
Wintersweet Branch‐Like C/C@SnO2/MoS2 Nanofibers as High‐Performance Li and Na‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhou Huimin , Xia Xin , Lv Pengfei , Zhang Jin , Pang Zengyuan , Li Dawei , Cai Yibing , Wei Qufu
Published: November 2017

Structure and morphology of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) play an important role in improving its reversible lithium storage and sodium storage as anodes. In this study, a facile method is developed to prepare C/C@SnO2/MoS2 nanofibers with MoS2 nanoflakes anchoring on the core–shell C/C@SnO2 nanofibers through hydrothermal reaction. By adjusting the concentration of MoS2 precursors, the synthesized MoS2 with different slabs dimensions, size, and morphologies are obtained, constituting budding and blooming wintersweet branch‐like composite structure, respectively. Owing to scattered MoS2 nanoparticles and sporadic MoS2 nanoflakes, the budding wintersweet branch‐like composite nanofibers processes less slabs of staking in number and large specific surface area. Benefiting from the exposed C@SnO2 shell layer, the synergistic effect among SnO2, carbon, and MoS2 is strengthened, which maximizes the advantage of each material to exhibit stable specific capacities of 650 and 230 mAh g−1 for Li‐ion batteries and Na‐ion batteries after 200 cycles.
A Simple Paper Based Microfluidic Electrochemical Biosensor for Point‐of‐Care Cholesterol Diagnostics
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: November 2017

Paper based microfluidic devices have emerged as a simple and low cost platform for efficient clinical diagnostics. An effort has been made in the present work to develop a microfluidic cholesterol biosensor using paper based platform. Microfluidic channels have been fabricated by patterning filter paper (Whatman 1) using photolithography. SU 8 photoresist formed a hydrophobic barrier on the paper with microchannels of dimensions 1000 μm(w)×100 μm(t). A three electrode system was fabricated by simple mask printing of graphite as the working, as well as the counter electrodes, and silver as the reference electrode. The working electrode was modified using nickel oxide nanoparticles prepared using co‐precipitation method. Cholesterol oxidase enzyme is spotted on the test zone and chronoamperometric measurements are taken for different concentrations of cholesterol in the range of 0.12–10.23 mM, giving a quick and sensitive detection with a sensitivity of 24 µA mM−1 cm−2.
Reducing Thermal Hysteresis in Epitaxial Ni–Mn–Ga–Co Films by Transformation Cycling
Authors: Diestel Anett , Chekhonin Paul , Niemann Robert , Skrotzki Werner , Nielsch Kornelius , Fähler Sebastian
Published: November 2017

Films are of particular interest for magnetocaloric refrigeration as they allow for a fast heat exchange. Here we report on metamagnetic epitaxial Ni–Mn–Ga–Co films, where a reduction of thermal hysteresis to 50% during several tens of temperature cycles is observed. This reduction occurs by an increase of the martensitic start temperature and thus can be attributed to a facilitated nucleation of martensite. Two mechanisms for reduction of hysteresis are identified: 1) delamination, which reduces constraints from the rigid substrate and 2) the formation of defects, which reduces the nucleation barrier. The detailed analysis and interpretation of microstructure before and after cycling gives a detailed understanding of the nucleation and delamination process.