bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Ring‐Opening of Pyrazolo[3,4‐d][1,2,3]triazin‐4‐ones: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Colomer Juan P. , Sciú María L. , Ramirez Cristina L. , Soria‐Castro Silvia M. , Vera D. Mariano A. , Moyano Elizabeth L.
Published: January 2018

Several 3‐pyrazolylcarbonyl‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d][1,2,3]triazin‐4‐ones have been prepared from 5‐amino‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbonitriles through a simple sequence. In the first step, diazotization of the corresponding aminopyrazoles afforded pyrazolo[3,4‐d][1,2,3]triazin‐4‐ones. Next, thermal rearrangement of these compounds through nitrogen elimination gave the final products. The proposed mechanism for the ring‐opening of the pyrazolotriazinones to give the pyrazolylcarbonyl‐pyrazolotriazinones involves the generation of an iminoketene intermediate, which reacts with a second molecule of pyrazolotriazinone. The complete mechanism of product formation involving the iminoketene intermediate, and all other reasonable pathways, have been explored in detail through DFT calculations. Furthermore, additional experiments to corroborate the presence of the iminoketene intermediate were carried out.
Lewis‐Acid‐Catalysed Activation of Nitriles: A Microwave‐Assisted Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Quinazolines and 1,3‐Diazaspiro[5.5]undec‐1‐enes
Authors: Saikia Ujwal Pratim , Borah Geetika , Pahari Pallab
Published: January 2018

Two different modes of cyclization take place to synthesize quinazoline, quinazolinone, and 1,3‐diazaspiro[5.5]undec‐1‐ene derivatives through the Lewis‐acid‐catalysed activation of both aliphatic and aromatic nitriles in a single‐step, solvent‐free, and transition‐metal‐free reaction. An amidine is expected to form as an intermediate; this then undergoes intramolecular cyclization in a one‐pot reaction sequence. The reaction is carried out under microwave irradiation using trimethylsilyltrifluoromethane sulfonate (TMSOTf) as a catalyst and nitriles as a nitrogen source with the respective reaction partners.
Synthesis of (E)‐3‐(2‐Oxo‐2‐arylethylidene)indolin‐2‐ones through Alkyne Carbonyl Metathesis and Their Stereospecific Application towards Spiro‐oxindolopyrrolizidine Scaffolds
Authors: Basu Soumyadip , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: January 2018

An iron‐salt catalyzed, atom economic, unfamiliar type of alkyne carbonyl metathesis strategy has been developed by using isatins and acetylenes for the regioselective synthesis of (E)‐3‐(2‐oxo‐2‐arylethylidene)indolin‐2‐one derivatives, which has been further utilized to develop a catalyst‐free methodology for the synthesis of biologically active spiro‐oxindolopyrrolizidine scaffolds in a highly regio‐ and stereospecific manner by reacting with l‐proline and aldehydes. Both methods are acceptable towards various functionalities that include electron‐donating and electron‐accepting groups at the ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐positions. This protocol provides an environmentally friendly reaction methodology for the synthesis of a series of (1′S,2′R,3′R,7a′R)‐1′,3′,5′,6′,7′,7a′‐hexahydrospiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolizin]‐2‐ones.
Domino Thermal Rearrangement/[4+2] Addition Reactions of an exo‐Methylene Spirocyclopropane Isoxazolidine
Authors: Vurchio Carolina , Cordero Franca M. , Brandi Alberto
Published: January 2018

A 4‐methylene‐5‐spirocyclopropane isoxazolidine was prepared with complete regioselectivity through the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of a pyrroline N‐oxide with a cyclopropylidene acetate, followed by reduction and elimination. Thermal rearrangement of the isoxazolidine gives an indolizidinone that retains the exocyclic methylene moiety. The exo‐methylene substituent confers a particular reactivity to this heterocycle; it can undergo thermal hetero‐Diels–Alder cycloadditions and ene reactions with different reaction partners.
Selenomethoxylation of Alkenes Promoted by Oxone®
Authors: Perin Gelson , Santoni Paolo , Barcellos Angelita M. , Nobre Patrick C. , Jacob Raquel G. , Lenardão Eder J. , Santi Claudio
Published: January 2018

We describe herein an alternative method for the selenomethoxylation of unactivated alkenes using Oxone® as a stoichiometric oxidant. The electrophilic species of selenium were easily generated in situ by the reaction of diorganyl diselenides with Oxone®. By this efficient and simple approach, β‐methoxy‐selenides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields at room temperature in an open flask, starting from alkenes by using methanol as both nucleophile and solvent. When a mixture of H2O/CH3CN was employed as the solvent, β‐hydroxy‐selenides were selectively obtained under mild conditions.
Statistical downscaling of global climate model outputs to monthly precipitation via extreme learning machine: A case study
Authors: Alizamir Meysam , Azhdary Moghadam Mehdi , Hashemi Monfared Arman , Shamsipour Aliakbar
Published: January 2018

The present article explores the impacts of climate change on precipitation at station scale in the Minab basin, Iran. The data used for evaluation were large‐scale input (predictor) parameters extracted from the reanalysis data set of the National Center for Environmental Prediction and National Center for Atmospheric Research to downscale monthly precipitation. In this research, four approaches were applied to downscale precipitation, including an implementation on extreme learning machine (ELM) for single‐hidden layer feedforward neural network, artificial neural network, genetic programming, and quantile mapping. The results indicated that the ELM approach outperformed all other approaches in downscaling the large‐scale global climate model atmospheric variables to monthly precipitation at station scale. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1853–1862, 2018
Estimated differences in economic and environmental performance of forage‐based dairy herds across the UK
Authors: Bell Matthew J. , Wilson Paul
Published: January 2018

Differences in performance among the areas of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can provide some insight into the resilience of UK milk supplies from forage‐based dairy herds. This study used a Markov Chain approach to model the average herd in each region between the years 2010 and 2015. The effect of a single unit change in milk production (milk volume, fat yield, and protein yield), fitness (survival, somatic cell count, mastitis, and calving interval) and efficiency (methane) traits on the economic value and GHG emissions intensity (expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents per cow and per kg milk solids) were assessed. Production data were obtained from a total of about half a million milk recorded dairy cows in the UK and the Farm Business Surveys for each region. Across the UK improving the health, somatic cell counts (SCC and mastitis), fertility (calving intervals) and survival of cows will increase profitability and reduce emissions intensity of milk production. In Scotland, herds had higher milk yields but poorer survival, which potentially could be due to poor fertility indicated by a longer calving interval compared to other regions. Herds in Northern Ireland had the shortest average calving interval but the highest SCC, and thus greater estimated mastitis incidence and wasted milk. Notably, England had considerably higher economic values (between 10% and 30%) and emission intensity values (between 11% and 37%) for SCC and mastitis incidence than other regions, due to lost milk production and the higher gross margin. This study provides a framework that can be customized for individual herds to allow assessment of resilience and resource efficiency of milk production not only in the UK but for comparison with international dairy systems.
Robotic surgery for submandibular gland resection through a trans‐hairline approach: The first human series and comparison with applicable approaches
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Lin
Published: January 2018

Background

Many submandibular gland diseases are treated by surgical intervention. Transcervical surgery results in an obvious cervical scar, whereas the retroauricular approach leaves a scar in the postauricular area. Therefore, robotic submandibular gland resection through a trans‐hairline approach is developed to improve postoperative aesthetic outcomes.

Methods

From 2012 to 2017, 24 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria and had received submandibular gland resection through the trans‐hairline robotic surgery were analyzed.

Results

All surgical procedures were successfully performed without conversion and appreciable complications. The incision was completely concealed within the hairs. Treatments of submandibular gland benign or malignant tumors were completed without any positive margins or disease recurrence.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the trans‐hairline approach for robotic submandibular gland resection in the first human series. The procedure is applicable to many submandibular gland diseases with complete disease control, and has aesthetic advantages over other robotic surgical approaches.
Evaluation of margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from the surgeon's perspective
Authors: Baumeister Philipp , Baumüller Konstantin , Harréus Ulrich , Reiter Maximilian , Welz Christian
Published: January 2018

Background

The surgeon's evaluation of resection status based on frozen section analysis during operation and pathological examination of resected specimens often differ. For this study, we recapitulated the surgeon's perspective during an operation, accordingly classified the evaluation of margins by the surgeon, and analyzed its impact on the outcome compared with the pathological results.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis. As data sources, paper‐based and digital patient files, as well as the Munich Cancer Registry database were used.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐six cases were included in this analysis. Only the evaluation of margins by the surgeon influenced local control, and the pathological results influenced disease‐free survival (DFS). Surprisingly, margins of >5 mm of normal tissue to cancer growth led to local control and overall survival (OS) significantly worse than 1 to 5‐mm resections.

Conclusion

The evaluation of margins by the surgeon is of significant importance for local control and OS. It is largely based on frozen section analysis, which, therefore, should be used whenever possible.
Children's understanding of conditional promise contract violations
Authors: Chin Jui‐Chih , Lin Miao‐Hui
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have suggested that young children readily understand contract violations that have a prescriptive element. However, prior research has only investigated social contracts where the child is being addressed. In the current study, we reversed the child's role to the speaker (the party initiating a contract) and investigated the capability of young children to detect the violator of conditional promises. Children aged 5 to 7 were presented with scenarios in which conditional promises were made between a child protagonist and a parent or a superordinate peer. When the child in the story was the addressee, older children were better able to identify a superordinate party as a violator. Children were better able to detect a superordinate violator in stories where the conditional promise was made with a peer. Children's identification of a subordinate violation varied as a function of age and story type. In evaluating not p and not q situations, older children were better able to ignore power asymmetry to identify a superordinate violator or bilateral violation when the child in the story was the speaker. These findings reveal that young children are sensitive to the role of the speaker and obligations in a social contract.

Highlights

This study aimed to investigate the capability of young children to detect the violator of conditional promises.

The results showed a three‐way interaction among the context, the status of the violating party, and the child's role as speaker or addressee.

These findings further our understanding of the deontic advantage and the impact of various types of conditional promises made with superordinates in daily life.
Dietary consumption of antioxidant vitamins and subsequent lung cancer risk: The Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study
Authors: Narita Saki , Saito Eiko , Sawada Norie , Shimazu Taichi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Ishihara Junko , Takachi Ribeka , Shibuya Kenji , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: January 2018

While many epidemiological studies have studied the association between lung cancer risk and fruits and vegetable consumption (the major sources of antioxidant vitamins), only a few have investigated the direct association with antioxidants in consideration of cancer subtypes and smoking status. Here, we examined the association between consumption of antioxidant vitamins and lung cancer risk in one of the largest prospective cohort studies in Japan. We investigated the association of dietary antioxidant vitamins intake, namely retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, α‐carotene, and β‐carotene and subsequent incidence of lung cancer among 38,207 men and 41,498 women in the Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed with adjustment for potential confounders and by strata of cancer subtypes and smoking status. Antioxidant and other dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). During 1,233,096 person‐years of follow‐up between 1995 and 2013, a total of 1,690 lung cancer cases were newly diagnosed. In a multivariate regression model, while higher retinol intake was positively associated with overall lung cancer risk in men (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05–1.51; ptrend = 0.003), the estimates were more evident with small cell carcinoma (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.13–3.24; ptrend < 0.001). Null associations were observed for other antioxidant vitamins. Our prospective study suggests that higher consumption of retinol may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in men, especially with small cell carcinoma, although confirmation is required.
Occupational radiation exposure and thyroid cancer incidence in a cohort of U.S. radiologic technologists, 1983–2013
Authors: Kitahara Cari M. , Preston Dale L. , Neta Gila , Little Mark P. , Doody Michele M. , Simon Steven L. , Sigurdson Alice J. , Alexander Bruce H. , Linet Martha S.
Published: January 2018

Although childhood exposure to ionizing radiation is a well‐established risk factor for thyroid cancer, the risk associated with adulthood exposure remains unclear. We prospectively examined the association between cumulative, low‐to‐moderate dose occupational radiation exposure to the thyroid and thyroid cancer incidence in the U.S. Radiologic Technologists cohort. The study included 89,897 members who completed at least two of four mailed questionnaires and were cancer‐free at the time of the first questionnaire. Cumulative occupational thyroid radiation dose (mean = 57 mGy, range = 0–1,600 mGy) was estimated based on self‐reported work histories, historical data and, during the years 1960–1997, 783,000 individual film badge measurements. During follow‐up, we identified 476 thyroid cancer cases. We used Poisson regression to estimate excess relative risk of thyroid cancer per 100 milliGray (ERR/100 mGy) absorbed dose to the thyroid gland. After adjusting for attained age, sex, birth year, body mass index and pack‐years smoked, we found no association between thyroid dose and thyroid cancer risk (ERR/100 mGy = −0.05, 95% CI <–0.10, 0.34). In this large cohort study of radiologic technologists, protracted, low‐to‐moderate dose ionizing radiation exposure to the thyroid gland in adulthood was not associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Evaluation of outpatient acupuncture for relief of pregnancy‐related conditions
Authors: Buchberger Barbara , Krabbe Laura
Published: January 2018

Background

Acupuncture is a non‐pharmacological option to relieve pregnancy‐related complaints.

Objectives

To critically appraise the best available evidence for the use of acupuncture in outpatient care.

Search strategy

The MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases were searched for English‐language and German‐language papers published from January 1980 to March 2017 using search terms related to pregnancy combined with ‘acupuncture’.

Selection criteria

Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing non‐pharmacological treatments in unselected or low‐risk pregnant women.

Data collection and analysis

Quality was assessed using a checklist (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta‐analyses were also performed.

Main results

High‐quality systematic reviews (n=5) and RCTs with low risk of bias (n=3) were identified. The systematic reviews were based on single studies, with small sample sizes, that showed a benefit of acupuncture for evening pelvic pain; pelvic and low‐back pain; nausea; functional disability; and sleep quality. Contradictory results were found in the RCTs regarding cesarean delivery; time to delivery; spontaneous labor; fetal distress; and Apgar score. Data pooling emphasized the heterogeneity of results.

Conclusions

Evidence to support the use of acupuncture for relief of pregnancy‐related conditions was limited.
Synthesis and characterization of biogenic selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties made by Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Medina Cruz David , Mi Gujie , Webster Thomas J.
Published: January 2018

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern that affects more than two million people each year. Therefore, new approaches to kill bacteria are needed. One of the most promising methodologies may come from metallic nanoparticles, since bacteria may not develop a resistance to these nanostructures as they do for antibiotics. While metallic nanoparticle synthesis methods have been well studied, they are often accompanied by significant drawbacks such as cost, extreme processing conditions, and toxic waste production since they use harsh chemicals such as corrosive agents (hydrazine) or strong acids (hydrochloride acid). In this work, we explored the environmentally safe synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, which have shown promise in killing bacteria. Using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin‐resistance Staphylococcus aureus, and S. aureus, 90–150 nm average diameter selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using an environmentally safe approach. Nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to validate chemistry. Nanoparticles were also characterized and tested for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. A decay in bacterial growth after 24 h was achieved against both S. aureus and E. coli at biogenic selenium nanoparticle concentrations from 25 to 250 µg/mL and showed no significant cytotoxicity effect against human dermal fibroblasts for 24 h. Bacteria were able to synthesize selenium nanoparticles through the use of different functional structures within the organisms, mainly enzymes such as selenite reductases. Therefore, biogenic selenium nanoparticles made by bacteria represent a viable approach to reduce bacteria growth without antibiotics overcoming the drawbacks of synthetic methods that employ toxic chemicals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1400–1412, 2018.
Brain tumor segmentation in multi‐spectral MRI using convolutional neural networks (CNN)
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Ghani M. Usman , Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad
Published: January 2018

A tumor could be found in any area of the brain and could be of any size, shape, and contrast. There may exist multiple tumors of different types in a human brain at the same time. Accurate tumor area segmentation is considered primary step for treatment of brain tumors. Deep Learning is a set of promising techniques that could provide better results as compared to nondeep learning techniques for segmenting timorous part inside a brain. This article presents a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to segment brain tumors in MRIs. The proposed network uses BRATS segmentation challenge dataset which is composed of images obtained through four different modalities. Accordingly, we present an extended version of existing network to solve segmentation problem. The network architecture consists of multiple neural network layers connected in sequential order with the feeding of Convolutional feature maps at the peer level. Experimental results on BRATS 2015 benchmark data thus show the usability of the proposed approach and its superiority over the other approaches in this area of research.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Some Novel 2‐Amino‐4‐Aryl Thiazoles for Antitubercular Activity
Authors: Gundlewad Gangadhar B. , Patil Bhagwan R.
Published: January 2018

A series of novel 2‐amino‐4‐aryl thiazoles were synthesized from α‐chloroacetophenone and thiourea at room temperature using acetone as solvent. The structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data. All the compounds were evaluated for antitubercular activity by macro broth dilution method against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis H37Rv as standard strain. The synthesized compound displays notable antitubercular activity.
Terephthalaldehyde: An Effecient Key Precursor for Novel Synthesis of Some Interesting Bis‐thiazoles and Bis‐triazolopyrimidinones
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Abbas Eman M. H. , Alqurashi Nadia T.
Published: January 2018

Novel bis‐thiazoles were synthesized in high and efficient yields from the reaction of thiosemicarbazones with halogenated compounds. Also, new bis‐triazolopyrimidines were prepared from the reaction of hydrazonoyl chlorides with bis‐thione derivative. All prepared compounds were fully characterized by spectral methods. The synthesized bis‐compounds will be attractive species for the medicinal researchers to investigate their biological activity.
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in regulatory T-cell development, stability, and function
Authors: Pompura Saige L , Dominguez-Villar Margarita
Published: January 2018

The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an essential node in mammalian cells that controls cell growth, migration, proliferation, and metabolism. During the last decade, a number of works have demonstrated an important role for the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulatory T cell development, function, and stability. This review summarizes our current knowledge of how the PI3K/AKT pathway regulates thymic and peripheral Treg generation and function, with an emphasis on translation of these observations to therapies targeting Tregs in several pathologies.
Improved detection of fMRI activation in the cerebellum at 7T with dielectric pads extending the imaging region of a commercial head coil
Authors: Vaidya Manushka V. , Lazar Mariana , Deniz Cem M. , Haemer Gillian G. , Chen Gang , Bruno Mary , Sodickson Daniel K. , Lattanzi Riccardo , Collins Christopher M.
Published: January 2018

Background

There is growing interest in detecting cerebro‐cerebellar circuits, which requires adequate blood oxygenation level dependent contrast and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) throughout the brain. Although 7T scanners offer increased SNR, coverage of commercial head coils is currently limited to the cerebrum.

Purpose

To improve cerebellar functional MRI (fMRI) at 7T with high permittivity material (HPM) pads extending the sensitivity of a commercial coil.

Study Type

Simulations were used to determine HPM pad configuration and assess radiofrequency (RF) safety. In vivo experiments were performed to evaluate RF field distributions and SNR and assess improvements of cerebellar fMRI.

Subjects

Eight healthy volunteers enrolled in a prospective motor fMRI study with and without HPM.

Field Strength/Sequence

Gradient echo (GRE) echo planar imaging for fMRI, turbo FLASH for flip angle mapping, GRE sequence for SNR maps, and T1‐weighted MPRAGE were acquired with and without HPM pads at 7T.

Assessment

Field maps, SNR maps, and anatomical images were evaluated for coverage. Simulation results were used to assess SAR levels of the experiment. Activation data from fMRI experiments were compared with and without HPM pads.

Statistical Tests

fMRI data were analyzed using FEAT FSL for each subject followed by group level analysis using paired t‐test of acquisitions with and without HPM.

Results

Simulations showed 52% improvement in transmit efficiency in cerebellum with HPM and SAR levels well below recommended limits. Experiments showed 27% improvement in SNR in cerebellum and improvement in coverage on T1‐weighted images. fMRI showed greater cerebellar activation in individual subjects with the HPM pad present (Z > = 4), especially in inferior slices of cerebellum, with 59% average increase in number of activated voxels in the cerebellum. Group‐level analysis showed improved functional activation (Z > = 2.3) in cerebellar regions with HPM pads without loss of measured activation elsewhere.

Data Conclusion

HPM pads can improve cerebellar fMRI at 7T with a commonly‐used head coil without compromising RF safety.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:431–440.
White Matter Integrity Disruptions Correlate With Cognitive Impairments in Asthma
Authors: Bian Rongrong , Zhang Yuqun , Yang Yuan , Yin Yingying , Zhao Xiaoxin , Chen Huanxin , Yuan Yonggui
Published: January 2018

Background

Cognitive impairments are common in asthma, which is a serious global health problem characterized by chronic airway inflammation. However, the underlying neuromechanism is still unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate the neuromechanism underlying cognitive impairments of asthma. We hypothesized that asthma patients exhibit altered white matter (WM) microstructures, which may contribute to their cognitive impairments.

Study Type

Case–control study.

Subjects

37 patients with asthma (14 male) and 31 healthy controls (10 male).

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) covering the whole brain was acquired on a 3.0T scanner using a single‐shot echo planar imaging sequence.

Assessment

A DTI with tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) approach was used to investigate the whole‐brain differences in the WM fractional anisotropy (FA) values.

Statistical Tests

Demographic and neuropsychological data were performed using two independent sample t‐test or chi‐square test or Mann–Whitney rank test. The relationship between cognitive impairments and WM abnormalities was studied using correlation analyses.

Results

Impairments of language ability, executive function, and visual‐spatial processing and widespread WM disruptions reflected by FA reduction were found in asthma patients. The executive function was related to left forceps major, cingulum, and right uncinate fasciculus, ILF (inferior longitudinal fasciculus) positively (P < 0.05). FA abnormalities were positively correlated with duration of asthma and asthma control test (ACT) scores.

Data Conclusion

Asthma patients display multiple cognitive impairments and universally WM integrity disruptions, among which executive dysfunction closely correlates with WM abnormalities.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:748–756.
Variations in coaching style and their impact on subordinates' work outcomes
Authors: Hui Ray Tak‐yin , Sue‐Chan Christina
Published: January 2018

Variations in the coaching style used by supervisors and/or managers (n = 51) at a variety of businesses in mainland China were examined for their impact on a range of subordinates' (n = 373) work outcomes. The data, collected in four waves over several months, showed as hypothesized that style variations reflected by guidance versus facilitation‐based coaching had differential effects on subordinates' adaptive performance (AP), task performance, and job‐related feelings of anxiety. Guidance coaching, for example, was negatively related to AP, whereas facilitation was positively associated; this pattern was reversed for task performance. Also, as expected, AP partially mediated both the positive relationship between guidance coaching and task performance, as well as the negative association between facilitation and task performance. Finally, a post hoc study revealed that subordinates' job‐related anxiety partially mediated the negative relationship between guidance coaching and AP, as well as the positive association involving facilitation and AP.
Identification of a maize (Zea mays L.) inbred line adapted to low‐P conditions via analyses of phosphorus utilization, root acidification, and calcium influx
Authors: Bera Tanumoy , McLamore Eric S. , Wasik Brett , Rathinasabapathi Bala , Liu Guodong
Published: January 2018

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers are essential for achieving high crop productivity, but declining soil P reserves and cost of fertilizers suggest that improving crop varieties for improved use efficiency of P be important for sustainability. To explore the possibility of selecting crops suitable for low P conditions, two maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines, i.e., W22 and W23 were compared for growth, root morphology, and electrophysiological parameters, under hydroponic conditions with either insoluble P source (LP) or soluble P source (HP) in a factorial completely randomized design. Relative shoot biomass of W23 was significantly (38%) greater than that of W22 with LP, while relative root biomass of the two inbred lines did not differ. With LP, the P stress factor was the lowest (25%) and P dissolution in hydroponic solution was the greatest for W23. Root electrophysiological analysis revealed that W23 had 89% greater H+ efflux and 225% greater Ca2+ influx than W22 with LP. The distant elongation zone (DEZ) of W23 root was significantly longer and more shoot‐ward than W22 with LP. Thus, W23, having significantly greater relative shoot biomass, lower P stress factor, greater P dissolution, greater H+ efflux and Ca2+ influx, longer and more shoot‐ward DEZ, was better adapted to low‐P condition compared to W22. In the future, the W23 inbred line can be used for developing low‐P stress resistant varieties to utilize native insoluble soil P efficiently or to produce commercially acceptable yields using lower rates of soluble P fertilizers.
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with favorable outcome in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Nishizuka Satoshi S. , Tamura Gen , Nakatochi Masahiro , Fukushima Norimasa , Ohmori Yukimi , Sumida Chihiro , Iwaya Takeshi , Takahashi Takashi , Koeda Keisuke ,   Northern Japan Gastric Cancer Study Consortium
Published: January 2018

Background and Objectives

Limited information exists regarding beneficial effects of Helicobacter pylori. To examine the effect in advanced gastric cancer, we compared survival for patients treated with surgery‐only or adjuvant chemotherapy on the basis of H. pylori infection status.

Methods

A cohort of 491 patients who underwent R0 resection for locally advanced gastric cancer between 2000 and 2009 at 12 institutions in northern Japan was included. H. pylori infection status, was assessed from paraffin‐embedded formalin‐fixed samples. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in surgery‐only (Surgery) and adjuvant chemotherapy (S‐1) groups were analyzed. A propensity score matching was employed to correct for confounding factors by indication.

Results

H. pylori infection was positive in 175 patients and negative in 316 patients. H. pylori‐positive patients showed significantly better survival than H. pylori‐negative patients in both OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.593, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.417‐0.843; P = 0.003]) and DFS (HR 0.679, 95%CI 0.492‐0.937; P = 0.018). Propensity score matching further confirmed that S‐1 was virtually only effective when tumors were H. pylori‐positive.

Conclusions

The favorable outcome of H. pylori‐positive patients implies that the host immune system is modulated by H. pylori enhancing the chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Fabrication of magnetic zinc adeninate metal–organic frameworks for the extraction of benzodiazepines from urine and wastewater
Authors: Zhang Suling , Yao Weixuan , Fu Defeng , Zhang Chunxiao , Zhao Hongting
Published: January 2018

In this study, an alternative method for synthesizing magnetic cobalt adeninate metal–organic frameworks was developed, and the synthesized materials were examined for their potential application for separating and enriching benzodiazepines from complex samples. Benzodiazepines, widely used as hypnotics, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and anxiolytics, are a class of drugs that require accurate detection and monitoring. Results showed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles could be well anchored onto the external surface of cobalt adeninate metal–organic frameworks by using amino‐silane as a linkage. Their adsorption of benzodiazepines was mainly promoted by intermolecular hydrogen binding, π–π interactions and electrostatic attraction. Their potential application was evaluated by extraction of benzodiazepines in urine and wastewater samples prior to liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curves were linear with a correlation coefficient of ≥0.9928 in the concentration range of 10–5000 ng/L for lorazepam and 5–5000 ng/L for estazolam, chlordiazepoxide, alprazolam, midazolam and triazolam. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.71–2.49 ng/L. The percent of extraction recoveries were 80.2–94.5% for urine and 84.1–94.4% for wastewater, respectively. Results suggested that magnetic cobalt adeninate metal–organic frameworks could potentially be a promising material for enriching benzodiazepines from urine and wastewater with high accuracy and precision.
Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies of the Interaction of Some Gold(III) Complexes with Biologically Relevant Thiones
Authors: A. Sulaiman Adam A. , Omer Khalid H. , Kawde Abdel‐Nasser , M. Wazeer M. I. , Altaf Muhammad , Musa Musa M. , Ahmad Saeed , Isab Anvarhusein A.
Published: January 2018

The interaction of gold(III) complexes, [Au(cis‐DACH)Cl2]Cl and [Au(cis‐DACH)2]Cl3 complexes (DACH = cis‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane), with 13C, 15N‐enriched thiourea (Tu) and 1,3‐diazinane‐2‐thione ligands was investigated. The progress of these reactions was monitored by NMR (1H, 13C, and 15N) and UV–vis spectroscopy as well as square wave stripping voltammetry. The kinetic studies of the substitution reactions between the above‐mentioned complexes with thiones in aqueous solutions containing 30 mM KCl, which is used to suppress the hydrolysis of the chloride complexes, were conducted. These reactions were followed under pseudo–first‐order conditions as functions of ligand concentration, pH, and temperature. The activation parameters (ΔH#, ΔS#) were calculated from Eyring plots, and the negative values of ΔS≠ lend support for an associative mechanism. The kinetic data also indicated a relatively higher reactivity of [Au(cis‐DACH)Cl2]Cl than that of [Au(cis‐DACH)2]Cl3 toward the thiones.
Early‐injection laryngoplasty may lower risk of thyroplasty: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vila Peter M. , Bhatt Neel K. , Paniello Randal C.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine whether injection laryngoplasty within 6 months following the onset of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) decreases the rate of permanent thyroplasty in adults.

Data Sources

Search strategies created by a medical librarian were implemented in multiple online research databases.

Review Methods

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture randomized clinical trials and cohort studies examining adults with UVFP who received injection laryngoplasty early in the course of treatment, within 6 months of onset, or who were observed. The primary outcome was the rate of thyroplasty. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was used to assess quality of included cohort studies. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate an overall relative risk (RR). Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic.

Results

The search strategy resulted in 1,177 studies, of which four cohort studies remained for meta‐analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies were rated as 9 of 9 on the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Meta‐analysis of 275 patients with UVFP revealed that the overall pooled RR of undergoing thyroplasty in those receiving an early injection was 0.25 (95% confidence interval 0.14–0.45) compared to conservative management (late or no injection). The I2 overall was 62.4%.

Conclusion

Otolaryngologists should offer injection laryngoplasty to patients with a diagnosis of UVFP within 6 months of diagnosis (recommendation based on grade C evidence with a preponderance of benefit over harm). Laryngoscope, 128:935–940, 2018
Light‐emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jagdeo Jared , Austin Evan , Mamalis Andrew , Wong Christopher , Ho Derek , Siegel Daniel M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

In dermatology, patient and physician adoption of light‐emitting diode (LED) medical technology continues to grow as research indicates that LEDs may be used to treat skin conditions. The goal of this systematic review is to critically analyze published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and provide evidence‐based recommendations on the therapeutic uses of LEDs in dermatology based on published efficacy and safety data.

Methods

A systematic review of the published literature on the use of LED treatments for skin conditions was performed on September 13th 2017.

Results

Thirty‐one original RCTs were suitable for review.

Conclusions

LEDs represent an emerging modality to alter skin biology and change the paradigm of managing skin conditions. Acne vulgaris, herpes simplex and zoster, and acute wound healing received grade of recommendation B. Other skin conditions received grade of recommendation C or D. Limitations of some studies include small patient sample sizes (n < 20), absent blinding, no sham placebo, and varied treatment parameters. Due to few incidences of adverse events, affordability, and encouraging clinical results, we recommend that physicians use LEDs in clinical practice and researchers continue to explore the use of LEDs to treat skin conditions. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:613–628, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐resolved fluorescence (TRF) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for margin analysis in breast cancer
Authors: Shalaby Nourhan , Al‐Ebraheem Alia , Le Du , Cornacchi Sylvie , Fang Qiyin , Farrell Thomas , Lovrics Peter , Gohla Gabriela , Reid Susan , Hodgson Nicole , Farquharson Michael
Published: January 2018

Purpose

One of the major problems in breast cancer surgery is defining surgical margins and establishing complete tumor excision within a single surgical procedure. The goal of this work is to establish instrumentation that can differentiate between tumor and normal breast tissue with the potential to be implemented in vivo during a surgical procedure.

Methods

A time‐resolved fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy (tr‐FRS) system is used to measure fluorescence intensity and lifetime as well as collect diffuse reflectance (DR) of breast tissue, which can subsequently be used to extract optical properties (absorption and reduced scatter coefficient) of the tissue. The tr‐FRS data obtained from patients with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) whom have undergone lumpectomy and mastectomy surgeries is presented. A preliminary study was conducted to determine the validity of using banked pre‐frozen breast tissue samples to study the fluorescence response and optical properties. Once the validity was established, the tr‐FRS system was used on a data‐set of 40 pre‐frozen matched pair cases to differentiate between tumor and normal breast tissue. All measurements have been conducted on excised normal and tumor breast samples post surgery.

Results

Our results showed the process of freezing and thawing did not cause any significant differences between fresh and pre‐frozen normal or tumor breast tissue. The tr‐FRS optical data obtained from 40 banked matched pairs showed significant differences between normal and tumor breast tissue.

Conclusion

The work detailed in the main study showed the tr‐FRS system has the potential to differentiate malignant from normal breast tissue in women undergoing surgery for known invasive ductal carcinoma. With further work, this successful outcome may result in the development of an accurate intraoperative real‐time margin assessment system. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:236–245, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature and pH Controlled Self‐Assembly of a Protein–Polymer Biohybrid
Authors: Jiang Lingdong , Bonde Johan Svensson , Ye Lei
Published: January 2018

A novel pH and temperature dual‐responsive bioconjugate is prepared by grafting thermoresponsive polymer chains from a pH‐responsive protein amelogenin via atom transfer radical polymerization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that amelogenin is exploited to prepare a hybrid biomaterial with new stimuli‐responsive property. In both basic and acidic solutions the protein–polymer bioconjugate is able to self‐assemble into uniform and stable nanoparticles when heated to above the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer. The amelogenin‐based stimuli‐responsive bioconjugate may be of great use in the fields of bioseparation and drug/gene delivery, and the synthetic approach reported here should provide a convenient means to preparing amelogenin‐based functional biohybrid materials.
Gene encoding the CTP synthetase as an appropriate molecular tool for identification and phylogenetic study of the family Bifidobacteriaceae
Authors: Killer Jiří , Mekadim Chahrazed , Pechar Radko , Bunešová Věra , Mrázek Jakub , Vlková Eva
Published: January 2018

An alternative molecular marker with respect to the 16S rRNA gene demonstrating better identification and phylogenetic parameters has not been designed for the whole Bifidobacteriaceae family, which includes the genus Bifidobacterium and scardovial genera. Therefore, the aim of the study was to find such a gene in available genomic sequences, suggest appropriate means and conditions for asmplification and sequencing of the desired region of the selected gene in various strains of the bacterial family and verify the importance in classification and phylogeny. Specific primers flanking the variable region (~800 pb) within the pyrG gene encoding the CTP synthetase were designed by means of gene sequences retrieved from the genomes of strains belonging to the family Bifidobacteriaceae. The functionality and specificity of the primers were subsequently tested on the wild (7) and type strains of bifidobacteria (36) and scardovia (7). Comparative and phylogenetic studies based on obtained sequences revealed actual significance in classification and phylogeny of the Bifidobacteriaceae family. Gene statistics (percentages of mean sequence similarities and identical sites, mean number of nucleotide differences, P‐ and K‐distances) and phylogenetic analyses (congruence between tree topologies, percentages of bootstrap values >50 and 70%) indicate that the pyrG gene represents an alternative identification and phylogenetic marker exhibiting higher discriminatory power among strains, (sub)species, and genera than the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences of the particular gene fragment, simply achieved through specific primers, enable more precisely to classify and evaluate phylogeny of the family Bifidobacteriaceae including, with some exceptions, health‐promoting probiotic bacteria.
Branch order regression for modeling brain vasculature
Authors: Roy Choudhury Kingshuk , Skwerer Sean
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Many biological objects, including neuronal dendrites, blood vasculature, airways, phylogenetic trees, produce tree structured data. Current methods of analysis either ignore the complex structure of trees or use distance‐based methods which limit the scope of multivariate modeling.

Methods

We propose a branching process model which enables analysis of both the branching structure and associated properties. Our novel parametrization preserves an important aspect of tree structure, namely its branch order. The model is amenable to standard methods of analysis, like generalized linear/additive models.

Results

The model fit the distribution of the observed data quite well when applied to a collection of 98 brain artery systems. The estimated probability of branching decreases log linearly with branch order. Likewise, the average diameter of arteries decreases, while average length increases with branch order. Frontal arterial branches are on average longer and thinner than those in the back at equivalent branch orders. A mechanistic arterial branching model based on Poiseuille's blood flow law, which uses vessel length and diameter information, fit the observed branching structure significantly better. This model is further improved by including branch order, suggesting viscoelastic flow impacts branching in narrower vessels.

Conclusion

After adjustment for branch order, brain arterial branching probabilities decreased significantly with age and length, but increased with diameter. Arteries become thicker and branch less frequently with increasing age, but the age effect decreases with branch order.
Pretransplant defunctionalized bladder—overrated condition?
Authors: Neves Neto João F. , Palomino Zaira , Mizuno Watanabe Ingrid K. , Aguiar Wilson F. , Medina‐Pestana Jose O. , Soler Roberto
Published: January 2018

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of bladder receptors in patients with defunctionalized bladder (DB) and to assess voiding behavior after refunctionalization.

Methods

A total of 68 pretransplant patients were divided in two groups: DB (diuresis <300 mL/24 h; n = 33) and NDB (non‐DB; diuresis ≥300 mL/24 h; n = 35). A sample of mucosa and detrusor at the site of the future ureteral implantation was collected. The following receptors were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR): M2, M3, α1D, β3, P2X2, P2X3, TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1, and TRPM8. At 3, 6, and 12 months after transplant patients answered IPSS and ICIQ‐OAB questionnaires and filled a 3‐day 24 h frequency/volume chart (FVC) at 6 and 12 months.

Results

The expression of all receptors in the mucosa and in the detrusor was similar in both groups, except from α1D, which was overexpressed in the detrusor of DB relatively to NDB group. ICIQ‐OAB symptom score was similar between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. There was a reduction of this score in both groups with time. The same pattern was found for IPSS score. Bother scores were similar between groups. No difference was observed for all FVC parameters between DB and NDB patients.

Conclusion

Gene expression of bladder receptors involved in micturition control was similar in patients with or without DB. Bladder behavior had a similar pattern independently of pretransplant residual diuresis. These findings question the relevance of the term DB in pretransplant patients.