bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Assembly of PtNi Alloy Nanosticks with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity and Ultrahigh Stability for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Yi Baolian , Jiang Shangfeng , Zeng Yachao , Shao Zhigang
Published: March 2017

A three‐dimensional (3D) assembly of PtNi alloy nanosticks (NSA) is synthesized through an effective organic solvothermal approach to enhance the specific activity and long‐term durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The 3D PtNi NSA is composed of interconnected nanosticks with an average diameter of approximately 5 nm, which are confirmed to be of high crystallinity with ordered atomic arrangement of ORR‐favorable PtNi (111). After an electrochemical dealloying process, the surface of the nanosticks becomes rough with a large quantity of step‐like nanostructures, which are verified to effectively improve the ORR activity. The electrochemical results of half‐cell tests demonstrate that the 3D PtNi alloy NSA exhibits a 4.5 times higher mass activity than the Pt/C (20 wt%, JM) catalyst (0.58 A/mg) and a 5.1 times higher specific activity (742 μA/cm2). Most importantly, after the accelerated deterioration test, the 3D PtNi alloy NSA catalyst shows almost no activity decrease, both in half‐ and single‐cell tests. The 3D PtNi alloy NSA prepared here is indeed a promising electrocatalyst for practical electrocatalytic applications.
Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Cyclohexane by Bimetallic Ag/Pd Nanoparticles on Magnesium Oxide
Authors: Liu Xi , Conte Marco , He Qian , Knight David W. , Murphy Damien M. , Taylor Stuart H. , Whiston Keith , Kiely Christopher J. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: March 2017

The liquid‐phase oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone was investigated by synthesizing and testing an array of heterogeneous catalysts comprising: monometallic Ag/MgO, monometallic Pd/MgO and a set of bimetallic AgPd/MgO catalysts. Interestingly, Ag/MgO was capable of a conversion comparable to current industrial routes of approximately 5 %, and with a high selectivity (up to 60 %) to cyclohexanol, thus making Ag/MgO an attractive system for the synthesis of intermediates for the manufacture of nylon fibres. Furthermore, following the doping of Ag nanoparticles with Pd, the conversion increased up to 10 % whilst simultaneously preserving a high selectivity to the alcohol. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy of the catalysts showed a systematic particle‐size‐composition variation with the smaller Ag–Pd nanoparticles being statistically richer in Pd. Analysis of the reaction mixture by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with the spin‐trapping technique showed the presence of large amounts of alkoxy radicals, thus providing insights for a possible reaction mechanism.
Reactivity Patterns of (Protonated) Compound II and Compound I of Cytochrome P450: Which is the Better Oxidant?
Authors: Li Xiao‐Xi , Postils Verònica , Sun Wei , Faponle Abayomi S. , Solà Miquel , Wang Yong , Nam Wonwoo , de Visser Sam P.
Published: March 2017

The cytochromes P450 are versatile enzymes in human physiology that perform substrate hydroxylation reactions extremely efficiently. In this work, we present results of a computational study on the reactivity patterns of Compound I, Compound II, and protonated Compound II with model substrates, and we address the question of which of these compounds is the most effective oxidant? All calculations, regardless of the substrate, implicated that Compound I is the superior oxidant of the three. However, Compound II and protonated Compound II were found to react with free energies of activation that are only a few kcal mol−1 higher in energy than those obtained with Compound I. Therefore, Compound II and protonated Compound II should be able to react with aliphatic groups with moderate C−H bond strengths. We have analysed all results in detail and have given electronic, thermochemical, valence bond, and molecular orbital rationalizations on the reactivity differences and explained experimental product distributions. Overall, the findings implied that alternative oxidants could operate alongside Compound I in complex reaction mechanisms of enzymatic and synthetic iron porphyrinoid complexes.
Coordination of Tetravalent Actinides (An=ThIV, UIV, NpIV, PuIV) with DOTA: From Dimers to Hexamers
Authors: Tamain Christelle , Dumas Thomas , Hennig Christoph , Guilbaud Philippe
Published: March 2017

Three tetravalent actinide (AnIV) hexanuclear clusters with the octahedral core [An6(OH)4O4]12+ (AnIV=UIV, NpIV, PuIV) were structurally characterized in the solid state and in aqueous solution by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption, IR, Raman, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The observed structure, [An6(OH)4O4(H2O)8(HDOTA)4]⋅HCl/HNO3⋅n H2O (An=U(I), Np(II), Pu(III)), consists of a AnIV hexanuclear pseudo‐octahedral cluster stabilized by DOTA (1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid) ligands. The six actinide atoms are connected through alternate μ3‐O2− and μ3‐OH− groups. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) investigations combined with UV/Vis spectroscopy provide evidence for the same local structure in moderate acidic and neutral aqueous solutions. The synthesis mechanism was partially elucidated and the main physicochemical properties (pH range stability, solubility, and protonation constant) of the cluster were determined. The results underline the importance of: 1) considering such polynuclear species in thermodynamic models, and 2) competing reactions between hydrolysis and complexation. It is interesting to note that the same synthesis route with thorium(IV) led to the formation of a dimer, Th2(H2O)10(H2DOTA)2⋅4 NO3⋅x H2O (IV), which contrasts to the structure of the other AnIV hexamers.
Ethylene production from diluted bioethanol solutions
Authors: Rossetti Ilenia , Compagnoni Matteo , De Guido Giorgia , Pellegrini Laura A. , Ramis Gianguido , Dzwigaj Stanislaw
Published: March 2017

Ethylene production by ethanol dehydration has been investigated over a set of zeolites with BEA structure in acidic form (HAlBEA). The effect on Ni addition (up to 0.03 g/g (3 mass%)) is explored as a means to improve ethylene selectivity limiting the formation of heavier byproducts. The reaction temperature has been varied between 300 and 500 °C and the effect of cofeeding water has been also explored. Both an increase of the operating temperature and of the water/ethanol ratio can improve stability of coking and thus catalyst life. The use of diluted bioethanol solutions was shown to be beneficial for catalyst stability. The effect of possible impurities present in less purified raw materials was also checked by testing two diluted second generation bioethanol solutions (0.5 and 0.9 g/g (50 and 90 mass%)). A first reactor layout and the integration with the bioethanol purification strategy are also proposed, including two purification options which are much less energy demanding than traditional rectification.
The protective effects of a novel fitness‐fatness index on all‐cause mortality among adults with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Frith Emily , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: March 2017

Background

We evaluated the specific association between a fitness‐fatness index (FFI) and all‐cause mortality among a national sample of US adults with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or myocardial infarction. This FFI has recently emerged in the literature as a novel index of health.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that FFI will be inversely associated with mortality risk.

Methods

The FFI was calculated as cardiorespiratory fitness divided by waist‐to‐height ratio. Data from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to identify 1206 participants, ages 20 to 85. Person‐months of follow‐up were calculated from the date of interview until date of death or censoring on December 31, 2011, whichever came first.

Results

In a Cox proportional hazards model, for every 1‐FFI‐unit increase, participants had a 6% reduced all‐cause mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91‐0.97, P = 0.001; N = 1206). Results were similar among those diagnosed with coronary artery disease (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90‐0.98, P = 0.007), congestive heart failure (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91‐0.99, P = 0.02), or myocardial infarction (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92‐0.99, P = 0.04). When examined in isolation, only fitness (and not fatness) was linked with survival benefits.

Conclusions

In this national sample, increased FFI was associated with reduced risk of all‐cause mortality; this association was driven by the beneficial effects of fitness. This underscores the importance of tailored cardiac rehabilitation programs designed to promote fitness, in particular, among cardiac populations.
Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: An emerging option
Authors: Ludmir Ethan B. , Palta Manisha , Willett Christopher G. , Czito Brian G.
Published: March 2017

The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has benefited from improved surgical techniques and from the implementation of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), which have markedly decreased the rates of local recurrence. However, distant metastatic disease remains the most significant cause of death for these patients. Although adjuvant chemotherapy (ChT) after neoadjuvant CRT and definitive surgery is commonly recommended, the value of adjuvant systemic therapy remains less clear. Trials evaluating adjuvant ChT for rectal cancer have been handicapped by poor compliance rates and inconsistent survival results. Shifting systemic therapy delivery to the neoadjuvant setting has the promise to improve compliance rates, reduce toxicity, and decrease distant relapse rates. Recently, multiple prospective trials have reported on the use of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for patients with LARC, incorporating both ChT and CRT in the neoadjuvant setting. Here, the authors review the promising results from those trials. Because the studies have largely focused on pathologic outcomes (primarily pathologic complete response rates), ongoing phase 2 and 3 trials are now underway assessing the long‐term disease‐related outcomes with TNT. In addition to improving survival, TNT has the potential to increase the pool of patients with LARC who are eligible for organ preservation, which is also being evaluated. Cancer 2017;123:1497–1506. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Basophil activation test: Implementation and standardization between systems and between instruments
Authors: Depince-Berger Anne‐Emmanuelle , Sidi‐Yahya Khaled , Jeraiby Mohammed , Lambert Claude
Published: March 2017

The basophil activation test (BAT) is a good ex vivo alternative for measuring hypersensitivity to an allergen in sensitized patients but still lacks standardization. In this present study, we have implemented one of the systems and proposed inter‐systems, inter‐instrument standardization. Our method for basophil activation and labeling on whole blood: EDTA in one step using BasoflowEx® and FlowCast®. Setup on Navios and fluorescence targets converted to set up FACSCanto™ instrument. Our results: 1) A CD203c/CD63 (BasoflowEx) method was adapted for EDTA samples and simplified. 2) Final washing and concentration and use of time parameter help acquiring as many basophils as possible, spare acquisition time and noise. 3) The modified method was validated according to ISO15189 with a precision at 5.1% RCV, linearity between 1 and 1/8 of anti‐IgE stimulation. Results were very close with CCR3/CD63 system (FlowCast). 4) Standardization, between systems and even between instruments. Mean Fluorescence Intensity targets are proposed using standard beads (Cytocal®) middle peak: FITC = 19.4; PE = 28.8 on Navios® corresponding to FITC = 4,966; PE = 7,373 for FACSCanto. Data analyzed on common software (Kaluza®) were very closely correlated. 5) Co‐labeling of B cells (CD20+) gives the possibility to monitor a significant drop of basophils under stimulation that could explain some underestimation in case of strong hypersensitivity. In conclusion, BAT would strongly benefit from easy implementation [EDTA, one step stimulation/labeling, wash, full sample analysis over time parameter, B cell relative basophil count] and standardization of instrument settings on MFI targets whatever system or instrument is used. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Choosing a new CD4 technology: Can statistical method comparison tools influence the decision?
Authors: Scott Lesley E. , Kestens Luc , Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Sukapirom Kasma , Stevens Wendy S.
Published: March 2017

Background

Method comparison tools are used to determine the accuracy, precision, agreement, and clinical relevance of a new or improved technology versus a reference technology. Guidelines for the most appropriate method comparison tools as well as their acceptable limits are lacking and not standardized for CD4 counting technologies.

Methods

Different method comparison tools were applied to a previously published CD4 dataset (n = 150 data pairs) evaluating five different CD4 counting technologies (TruCOUNT, Dual Platform, FACSCount, Easy CD4, CyFlow) on a single specimen. Bland–Altman, percentage similarity, percent difference, concordance correlation, sensitivity, specificity and misclassification method comparison tools were applied as well as visualization of agreement with Passing Bablock and Bland–Altman scatter plots.

Results

The FACSCount (median CD4 = 245 cells/µl) was considered the reference for method comparison. An algorithm was developed using best practices of the most applicable method comparison tools, and together with a modified heat map was found useful for method comparison of CD4 qualitative and quantitative results. The algorithm applied the concordance correlation for overall accuracy and precision, then standard deviation of the absolute bias and percentage similarity coefficient of variation to identify agreement, and lastly sensitivity and misclassification rates for clinical relevance.

Conclusion

Combining method comparison tools is more useful in evaluating CD4 technologies compared to a reference CD4. This algorithm should be further validated using CD4 external quality assessment data and studies with larger sample sizes. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Biological soil crust and disturbance controls on surface hydrology in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Faist Akasha M. , Herrick Jeffrey E. , Belnap Jayne , Van Zee Justin W. , Barger Nichole N.
Published: March 2017

Biological soil crust communities (biocrusts) play an important role in surface hydrologic processes in dryland ecosystems and can be dramatically altered with soil surface disturbance. In this study, through a simulated rainfall experiment, we examined biocrust hydrologic responses to disturbance (trampling and scraping) at different developmental stages on sandy soils on the Colorado Plateau. Our results showed that all disturbance treatments of the early‐successional light cyanobacterial biocrusts reduced runoff after 10 min of cumulative rainfall. Scraped and scraped + trampled treatments also reduced runoff after 30 min in the light biocrust when compared to the intact controls but runoff in the trampling treatments was not significantly reduced. Light biocrust sediment loss trended toward a decrease in total amount of sediment lost in all disturbance treatments but not significantly so. In contrast, trampling well‐developed dark cyano‐lichen biocrusts demonstrated an opposite response than the less‐developed light biocrusts and increased runoff after 30 min of cumulative rainfall and in total sediment loss relative to intact controls. Scraping in dark crusts did not increase runoff, implying that soil aggregate structure was important to the infiltration process. Well‐developed, intact dark biocrusts generally had lower runoff and sediment loss and highest aggregate stability, whereas the less‐developed light biocrusts were highest in runoff and sediment loss after disturbance when compared to the controls. These results suggest the importance of maintaining the well‐developed dark biocrusts, as they are beneficial for lowering runoff and reducing soil loss and redistribution on the landscape. These data also suggest that upslope patches of light biocrust may either support water transport to downslope vegetation patches or alternatively this runoff may place dark biocrust patches at risk of disruption and loss, given that light patches increase runoff and thus soil erosion potential.
GRPR antagonist protects from drug‐induced liver injury by impairing neutrophil chemotaxis and motility
Authors: Czepielewski Rafael S. , Jaeger Natália , Marques Pedro E. , Antunes Maísa M. , Rigo Maurício M. , Alvarenga Débora M. , Pereira Rafaela V. , da Silva Rodrigo D. , Lopes Tiago G. , da Silva Vinícius D. , Porto Bárbara N. , Menezes Gustavo B. , Bonorino Cristina
Published: March 2017

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of acute liver failure (ALF), where hepatocyte necrotic products trigger liver inflammation, release of CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) ligands (IL‐8) and other neutrophil chemotactic molecules. Liver infiltration by neutrophils is a major cause of the life‐threatening tissue damage that ensues. A GRPR (gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor) antagonist impairs IL‐8‐induced neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. We investigated its potential to reduce acetaminophen‐induced ALF, neutrophil migration, and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. We found that acetaminophen‐overdosed mice treated with GRPR antagonist had reduced DILI and neutrophil infiltration in the liver. Intravital imaging and cell tracking analysis revealed reduced neutrophil mobility within the liver. Surprisingly, GRPR antagonist inhibited CXCL2‐induced migration in vivo, decreasing neutrophil activation through CD11b and CD62L modulation. Additionally, this compound decreased CXCL8‐driven neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro independently of CXCR2 internalization, induced activation of MAPKs (p38 and ERK1/2) and downregulation of neutrophil adhesion molecules CD11b and CD66b. In silico analysis revealed direct binding of GRPR antagonist and CXCL8 to the same binding spot in CXCR2. These findings indicate a new potential use for GRPR antagonist for treatment of DILI through a mechanism involving adhesion molecule modulation and possible direct binding to CXCR2.
Two Dysprosium(III)‐Based Single‐Molecule Magnets Derived from 1,10‐Phenanthroline Ligands and Different Anions as Bridging Groups
Authors: She Shixiong , Su Gangping , Wang Bo , Lei Quan , Yang Yan , Gong Li , Liu Beibei
Published: March 2017

Two Dy compounds, [Dy2(Phen)2(CH3COO)6] (1; Phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) and [Dy(Phen)2(NO3)3] (2), were obtained by the reactions of Phen with different dysprosium salts containing different anions, which act as bridging groups and greatly affect the coordination polyhedra of the metal ions. In the former complex, the DyIII ions are bridged by acetate anions and adopt a spherical capped square antiprismatic (C4v) coordination environment, whereas a bicapped square antiprism (D4d) was observed for 2, in which the DyIII ions are bridged by nitrate anions. Static and dynamic magnetic measurements revealed that both compounds display slow magnetic relaxation but with fast quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). In an applied direct‐current (dc) field, the QTM was suppressed, and two slow magnetic relaxation processes occurred for both compounds. Comparative studies on the magnetic properties indicate how the ligand field and the local geometric symmetry of the magnetic anisotropy of the DyIII center leads to differing magnetic behavior.
Reductive Dehalogenation of Monobromo‐ and Tribromoacetic Acid by Sodium Borohydride Catalyzed by Gold Nanoparticles Entrapped in Sol–Gel Matrices Follows Different Pathways
Authors: Adhikary Jaydeep , Meistelman Michael , Burg Ariela , Shamir Dror , Meyerstein Dan , Albo Yael
Published: March 2017

An efficient, green, and reusable system comprising gold nanoparticles entrapped in an organically modified sol–gel silica matrix was found to catalyze the reduction of monobromo‐ and tribromoacetic acid by NaBH4. Interestingly, the reduction of tribromoacetic acid yielded succinic acid along with acetic acid, whereas monobromoacetic acid was reduced only to acetic acid. The relative yields of succinic acid and acetic acid depended on the rate of addition of BH4–. Slow addition resulted in the formation of succinic acid as the major product. A variable product distribution was achieved as a result of the different pathways for dehalogenation.
Three‐Component Coupling Reaction in Water: A One‐Pot Protocol for the Construction of P–S–C(sp3) and P–Se–C(sp3) Bonds
Authors: Zhang Xinghua , Shi Zheng , Shao Changwei , Zhao Jinlong , Wang Dungai , Zhang Gaoqi , Li Liang
Published: March 2017

A one‐pot, three‐component coupling reaction of primary alkyl halides (or tosylates), elemental sulfur/selenium, and P(O)–H compounds in water was developed. This procedure affords valuable phosphorothioates/phosphoroselenoates, including P‐chiral compounds, with broad substrate scope and high efficiency. Moreover, this facile protocol can be applied to gram‐scale preparations.
Pilot plant fluidized‐bed reactor for degradation of basic blue 3 in heterogeneous fenton process in the presence of natural magnetite
Authors: Aghdasinia Hassan , Khataee Alireza , Sheikhi Mohammad , Takhtfiroozeh Pariya
Published: March 2017

Degradation of basic blue 3 (BB3) was studied in a pilot scale fluidized‐bed reactor (FBR) utilizing natural magnetite (NM) nanostructures for heterogeneous Fenton process. The morphology, structure, and specific surface area of NM nanostructure were determined employing scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) methods, respectively. High mass transfer coefficients, continuous operating condition and high reaction rates due to suitable and sufficient contact of phases, can be noted as significant advantages of FBR. Influences of factors, which affect performance of fluidized‐bed heterogeneous Fenton process (NM/H2O2), for instances initial concentration of contaminant and H2O2, initial pH of solution and dosage of catalyst were investigated. At the desired operational condition, pH 5, 4 mM of H2O2, and 2.27 g/L of NM after 190 min, the degradation percentage of 84%. Excess amounts of catalyst dosage and hydrogen peroxide tend to scavenge hydroxyl radicals by H2O2 molecules. Whereas low initial concentration of the dye and low initial solution pH, enhanced the BB3 degradation. Reusability of NM through five successive experiments, demonstrated the acceptable proficiency of NM as catalyst for oxidative BB3 degradation. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1039–1048, 2017
Hippocampal formation alterations differently contribute to autobiographic memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Wolf Robert C. , Remmele Barbara , Seidl Ulrich , Thomann Anne K. , Kubera Katharina M. , Schröder Johannes , Maier‐Hein Klaus H. , Thomann Philipp A.
Published: March 2017

Autobiographical memory (AM) is part of declarative memory and includes both semantic and episodic aspects. AM deficits are among the major complaints of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) even in early or preclinical stages. Previous MRI studies in AD patients have showed that deficits in semantic and episodic AM are associated with hippocampal alterations. However, the question which specific hippocampal subfields and adjacent extrahippocampal structures contribute to deficits of AM in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients has not been investigated so far. Hundred and seven participants (38 AD patients, 38 MCI individuals and 31 healthy controls [HC]) underwent MRI at 3 Tesla. AM was assessed with a semi‐structured interview (E‐AGI). FreeSurfer 5.3 was used for hippocampal parcellation. Semantic and episodic AM scores were related to the volume of 5 hippocampal subfields and cortical thickness in the parahippocampal and entorhinal cortex. Both semantic and episodic AM deficits were associated with bilateral hippocampal alterations. These associations referred mainly to CA1, CA2‐3, presubiculum, and subiculum atrophy. Episodic, but not semantic AM loss was associated with cortical thickness reduction of the bilateral parahippocampal and enthorinal cortex. In MCI individuals, episodic, but not semantic AM deficits were associated with alterations of the CA1, presubiculum and subiculum. Our findings support the crucial role of CA1, presubiculum, and subiculum in episodic memory. The present results implicate that in MCI individuals, semantic and episodic AM deficits are subserved by distinct neuronal systems.
Doppler assessment of patients with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome and survival following fetoscopic laser surgery
Authors: Gil Guevara Enrique , Pazos Andrea , Gonzalez Otilia , Carretero Pilar , Molina Francisca S.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate fetal‐survival rates following laser surgery for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and the impact of Doppler analysis.

Methods

The present retrospective single‐center study included data from patients with pregnancies exhibiting TTTS treated with fetoscopic laser surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016. Perinatal outcomes were examined and variables were compared between the donor and recipient fetuses that survived and died, respectively.

Results

There were 86 pregnancies exhibiting TTTS treated with fetoscopic laser surgery included in the study. The median length of pregnancy at the time of surgery was 21.1 weeks. Both twin fetuses and at least one fetus survived in 61 (71%) and 73 (85%) pregnancies, respectively. Among recipient fetuses, ductus venosus a‐wave anomalies (P=0.026), shorter cervical length (P=0.044), and a greater than 25% discrepancy in the estimated weight of the twin fetuses (P=0.045) were associated with reduced survival.

Conclusion

Among pregnancies exhibiting TTTS, laser surgery was associated with significant dual‐fetus survival. Preoperative ductus venosus anomalies were associated with lower survival among recipient fetuses, and 1‐week postsurgical ultrasonography data demonstrated lower survival among recipient fetuses with persistent anomalous ductus venosus compared with normalized ductus venosus.
Retrospective comparison of perinatal outcomes following emergency cervical cerclage with or without prolapsed membranes
Authors: Steenhaut Patricia , Hubinont Corinne , Bernard Pierre , Debiève Frédéric
Published: March 2017

Objective

To compare perinatal outcomes following emergency cerclage between patients with singleton pregnancies with prolapsed and non‐prolapsed membranes.

Methods

The present retrospective cohort study included data from women who underwent physical examination‐indicated emergency cerclage at between 15 and 25 weeks of pregnancy at Saint Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium, between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. Outcomes were compared based on the presence of prolapsed or non‐prolapsed membranes. The primary outcome measures were the duration of pregnancy at delivery and the interval between cerclage and delivery. Secondary outcomes included delivery weight, fetal or neonatal death, and neonatal morbidity, including neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Results

Data were included from 140 patients with cervical dilation of at least 1 cm; 85 women had non‐prolapsed membranes and 55 women had prolapsed membranes. Among patients with non‐prolapsed membranes, the mean duration of pregnancy at delivery was later (P<0.001), the latency between cerclage and delivery was longer (P<0.001), neonatal survival was higher (P=0.036), mean delivery weight was higher (P<0.001), the prevalence of preterm delivery was lower (P<0.001), and severe neonatal morbidity and neonatal intensive care unit admission were lower (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Having non‐prolapsed membranes was associated with improved perinatal outcomes following emergency cerclage.
Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction induced by single‐ and multiwall carbon nanotubes: A comparative study
Authors: Ghanbari Fatemeh , Nasarzadeh Parvaneh , Seydi Enayatollah , Ghasemi Alireza , Taghi Joghataei Mohammad , Ashtari Khadijeh , Akbari Mohsen
Published: March 2017

With the ever‐increasing use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in health‐related and engineering applications, the hazardous risks of this material have become a major concern. It is well known that CNTs accumulate with cytotoxic and genotoxic levels within vital organs. It has also been shown that treating cell cultures with CNTs resulted in cell‐cycle arrest and increased apoptosis/necrosis. The goal of this pilot study is to perform a comprehensive comparative study on the toxicity of single‐wall (SW) and multiwall (MW) CNTs in rat skin cells. Our results confirm a dose‐dependent toxicity of SWCNTs and MWCNTs due to the loss of mitochondrial activity, increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse before mitochondrial swelling. Moreover, disturbance in the oxidative phosphorylation is observed by a decrease in ATP level. These events induced the release of cytochrome c via outer membrane rupture or MPT pore opening and subsequently programmed cell death of all doses compared to control group. Our results demonstrate that although MWCNTs can be very toxic, SWCNTs cause more mitochondrial damage to the cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2047–2055, 2017.
A new material for tissue engineered vagina reconstruction: Acellular porcine vagina matrix
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Kun , Du Run‐Xuan , Zhang Lin , Li Ya‐Nan , Zhang Ming‐Le , Zhao Shuo , Huang Xiang‐Hua , Xu Yan‐Fang
Published: March 2017

Acellular matrix materials have been widely used to repair various tissues and organs. According to the plastic principle, when a part of the body is lost, it should be replaced with a similar material. Therefore, the use of a homologous organ‐specific acellular vaginal tissue in vagina reconstruction repair surgery may show good results. However, the acellular vagina matrix (AVM) form large vertebrates is difficult to isolate. In this study, we described a multistep method to prepare porcine AVM and evaluated the efficacy of acellularization. We also investigated the biomechanical properties, biological activity elements, and biocompatibility of the porcine AVM. We then used this material to reconstruct a rat vagina and performed further morphologic and functional analyses. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS), which is a commonly used acellular matrix material, was used in a control group. Histological examination, DNA content analysis, and agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that the decellularization procedure was effective. The AVM had acceptable biomechanical properties and sufficient growth factor production (VEGF, FGF, TGF‐β1, and PDGF‐BB) compared with that of the SIS. Subcutaneous transplantation in rats showed that the AVM had good biocompatibility. The tissue‐engineered vagina using the AVM more resembled normal‐appearing tissue than did that using SIS following morphologic and functional analyses. The AVM has great potential for application in vaginal reconstructive surgery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1949–1959, 2017.
Crocin Suppresses Constitutively Active STAT3 Through Induction of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP‐1
Authors: Kim Buyun , Lee Ki Yong , Park Byoungduck
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of a natural compound crocin, one of the active components of saffron, on human multiple myeloma cells. Crocin effectively suppressed constitutive STAT3 activation, translocation of STAT3 to the nucleus, and its target gene expression. The suppression of STAT3 was mediated through the inhibition of activation of protein tyrosine kinases JAK1, JAK2, and c‐Src. We found that crocin induced the expression of SHP‐1, a tyrosine protein phosphatase, and pervanadate treatment reversed the crocin‐induced downregulation of STAT3, suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Moreover, suppression of SHP‐1 by its inhibitor overturned the effect of crocin on induction of SHP‐1 and the inhibition of STAT3 activation. Finally, crocin downregulated the expression of STAT3‐mediated gene products including anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2), pro‐apoptotic (BAX), invasive (CXCR4), angiogenic (VEGF), and cell cycle regulator (cyclin D1), which are correlated with suppression of proliferation, the accumulation of cells in sub‐G1 phase of cell cycle, and induction of apoptosis. Overall, our results suggested that crocin is a novel inhibitor of STAT3 activation pathway and thus may have potential in prevention and treatment of human multiple myeloma. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3290–3298, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization in Preterm Infants With Sepsis Is Associated With Improved Survival
Authors: Siavashi Vahid , Asadian Simin , Taheri‐Asl Masoud , Keshavarz Samaneh , Zamani‐Ahmadmahmudi Mohamad , Nassiri Seyed Mahdi
Published: March 2017

Microvascular dysfunction plays a key role in the pathology of sepsis, leading to multi‐organ failure, and death. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) are critically involved in the maintenance of the vascular homeostasis in both physiological and pathological contexts. In this study, concentration of cEPCs in preterm infants with sepsis was determined to recognize whether the EPC mobilization would affect the clinical outcome of infantile sepsis. One hundred and thirty‐three preterm infants (81 with sepsis and 52 without sepsis) were enrolled in this study. The release of EPCs in circulation was first quantified. Thereafter, these cells were cultivated and biological features of these cells such as, proliferation and colony forming efficiency were analyzed. The levels of chemoattractant cytokines were also measured in infants. In mouse models of sepsis, effects of VEGF and SDF‐1 as well as anti‐VEGF and anti‐SDF‐1 were evaluated in order to shed light upon the role which the EPC mobilization plays in the overall survival of septic animals. Circulating EPCs were significantly higher in preterm infants with sepsis than in the non‐sepsis group. Serum levels of VEGF, SDF‐1, and Angiopoietin‐2 were also higher in preterm infants with sepsis than in control non‐sepsis. In the animal experiments, injection of VEGF and SDF‐1 prompted the mobilization of EPCs, leading to an improvement in survival whereas injection of anti‐VEGF and anti‐SDF‐1 was associated with significant deterioration of survival. Overall, our results demonstrated the beneficial effects of EPC release in preterm infants with sepsis, with increased mobilization of these cells was associated with improved survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3299–3307, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ameloblastin Upregulates Inflammatory Response Through Induction of IL‐1β in Human Macrophages
Authors: Otsuka Mai , Okinaga Toshinori , Ariyoshi Wataru , Kitamura Chiaki , Nishihara Tatsuji
Published: March 2017

Ameloblastin (AMBN) is an enamel matrix protein that has various biological functions such as healing dental pulp and repairing bone fractures. In the present study, we clarified the effect of AMBN on the expression of an inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated human macrophages. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis showed that LPS treatment upregulated expression of the IL‐1β gene in U937 cells. Interestingly, AMBN significantly enhanced IL‐1β gene expression in LPS‐treated U937 cells as well as the secretion of mature IL‐1β into culture supernatants by these cells. AMBN also activated caspase‐1 p10 expression in LPS‐treated U937 cells. Pretreatment with a caspase‐1 inhibitor, Z‐YVAD‐FMK, downregulated the mature IL‐1β expression enhanced by AMBN treatment in LPS‐treated U937 cells. A co‐immunoprecipitation assay showed that treatment with LPS and AMBN upregulated toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) interactions, but there was no significant difference compared with LPS treatment alone in U937 cells. In contrast, western blot analysis revealed that AMBN remarkably prolonged the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. An ERK1/2‐selective inhibitor, U0126, suppressed expression of the IL‐1β gene as well as its protein expression in U937 cells treated with LPS and AMBN. Taken together, these results indicate that AMBN enhances IL‐1β production in LPS‐treated U937 cells through ERK1/2 phosphorylation and caspase‐1 activation, suggesting that AMBN upregulates the inflammatory response in human macrophages and plays an important role in innate immunity. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3308–3317, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Associations Between Army National Guard Versus Active Duty Soldier Status and Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Acquired Capability
Authors: Podlogar Matthew C. , Houtsma Claire , Khazem Lauren R. , Ringer Fallon , Mofield Thomas , Green Bradley A. , Anestis Michael D. , Lim Ingrid C. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study aimed to examine if levels of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability significantly differed between guardsmen and active duty soldiers.

Method

Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to test for differences between active duty Army (n = 1,393) and Army National Guard (n = 623) groups, before and after controlling for the effects of age, gender, race, marital status, level of education, and deployment history.

Results

Guardsmen reported significantly higher mean levels of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness than did active duty soldiers, even after adjusting for demographic differences. Guardsmen also reported slightly lower levels of acquired capability, though this effect was accounted for by demographic differences.

Conclusion

These findings support the notion that National Guard and active duty soldiers differ on perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additional research investigating sources of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness among guardsmen is needed.
UV/Vis spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for monitoring solid‐state fermentation with Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus
Authors: Ito Shuri , Barchi Augusto César , Escaramboni Bruna , de Oliva Neto Pedro , Herculano Rondinelli Donizetti , Azevedo Borges Felipe , Romeiro Miranda Matheus Carlos , Fernández Núñez Eutimio Gustavo
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Difficulties in bioprocess monitoring are a drawback of solid‐state fermentation (SSF). Specifically, monitoring of enzyme activities in SSF is not an easy task. This work aimed to calibrate partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN) models for inferring protease and amylase activities, as well as protein concentration, from UV‐Vis spectra of aqueous extracts of samples removed during SSF using Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus.

RESULTS

SSFs were performed using single agro‐industrial wastes (wheat bran, type II wheat flour, sugarcane bagasse and soybean meal) and ternary mixtures of them. Enzyme activities and protein concentrations in the aqueous extracts were quantified biochemically. The corresponding UV‐Vis spectra of diluted extracts were also collected. The prediction quality of the ANN was higher than that of the PLS model. The relative errors considering the range for amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes were 4% (3–442 U g−1) and 6% (0–256 U g−1), respectively, for the best ANN architectures (8 and 6 neurons in hidden layer, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results, in combination with correlation coefficients (R > 0.94), suggest that this approach is suitable for developing a chemosensor for monitoring SSFs, reducing the analytical work for quantification of enzyme activities. No satisfactory results were obtained for protein concentration. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Packing Countably Many Branchings with Prescribed Root‐Sets in Infinite Digraphs
Authors: Joó Attila
Published: March 2017

We generalize an unpublished result of C. Thomassen. Let be a digraph and let be a multiset of subsets of V in such a way that any backward‐infinite path in D meets all the sets . We show that if all is simultaneously reachable from the sets by edge‐disjoint paths, then there exists a system of edge‐disjoint spanning branchings in D where the root‐set of is .
Integration of arterial spin labeling into stereotactic radiosurgery planning of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Ozyurt Onur , Dincer Alp , Erdem Yildiz Mehmet , Peker Selcuk , Yilmaz Meltem , Sengoz Meric , Ozturk Cengizhan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To test whether the combined use of 4D arterial spin labeling angiography (4D ASL) and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (4D CE‐MRA) can work as a prospective alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the delineation of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) nidus in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) planning.

Materials and Methods

A custom 4D ASL sequence and a proof‐of‐concept software tool to integrate 4D ASL data to SRS planning were implemented. Ten AVM patients were scanned at 3T. Two observers independently contoured niduses in two separate sessions. Reference niduses were contoured using DSA, 4D ASL, and 4D CE‐MRA. Test niduses were contoured using 4D ASL and 4D CE‐MRA only. Reference and test niduses from both observers were compared in terms of volume, distance between centers of volumes (dCOV), and the Jaccard index (JI).

Results

In volume comparisons, excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements were obtained (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.99 and 0.98, respectively). Median dCOV, JIs between reference and test niduses were 0.55 mm, 0.78 for Observer 1 and were 0.6 mm, 0.78 for Observer 2. None of the dCOV and JI parameters varied significantly among the delineation methods or the observers (P = 0.84, P = 0.39).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results indicate that reproducibility of the target volumes with high agreement levels is achievable without using DSA. The combined use of high temporal resolution 4D ASL and high spatial resolution and vessel‐to‐background contrast 4D CE‐MRA provided sufficient spatiotemporal angiographic information for the delineation of AVM niduses.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1718–1727.
Learning in the health care enterprise
Authors: Rouse William B. , Johns Michael M.E. , Pepe Kara M.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The overall enterprise of health care delivery is considered. The 4 levels of the enterprise include clinical practices, processes that provide capabilities and information, structure that includes the business entities involved, and ecosystem that includes Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Congress, as well as societal values and norms. It is argued that the enterprise of health care delivery needs to be transformed to enable high‐quality, affordable care for everyone.

Discussion

The constructs of enterprise transformation and organizational learning are reviewed. The distinction of single‐loop versus double‐loop learning is discussed and illustrated for all levels of the health care delivery enterprise. Three health care examples are used to elaborate this distinction—cancer, population health, and health IT. Four strategies are outlined that the health care delivery enterprise can use to more effectively learn at all levels of the enterprise.

Conclusions

This overall line of reasoning suggests several important research issues. The health care delivery enterprise involves much more than treating disease and paying for it. We need to improve our methods and tools for addressing the overall enterprise. Research is also needed on better means for portraying consequences of decisions to the full range of stakeholders in the enterprise. In general, the overall goal should be a healthy, educated, and productive population that is competitive in the global marketplace. We need to better understand the available levers for achieving this goal and how to best portray the intricacies of the overall enterprise to motivate those who can pull these levers to do so.
Improving Mechanical Properties of Carbon/Epoxy Composite by Incorporating Functionalized Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers
Authors: Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Naeimirad Mohammadreza , Lee Jeremy Kong Yoong , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: March 2017

Electrospun functionalized polyacrylonitrile grafted glycidyl methacrylate (PAN‐g‐GMA) nanofibers are incorporated between the plies of a conventional carbon fiber/epoxy composite to improve the composite's mechanical performance. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is successfully grafted onto polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer powder via a free radical mechanism. Characterization of the electrospun PAN and PAN‐g‐GMA nanofibers indicates that the grafting of GMA does not significantly alter the tensile properties of the PAN nanofibers but results in an increase in the diameter of nanofibers. Statistical analysis of the mechanical characterization studies on PAN‐carbon/epoxy hybrid composites conclusively shows that the composite reinforced with functionalized PAN nanofibers has greater mechanical properties than that of both the neat PAN nanofiber enriched hybrid composite and control composite (without nanofibers). The improved performance is attributed to the grafted glycidyl groups on PAN, leading to stronger interactions between the nanofibers and the epoxy matrix. PAN‐g‐GMA nanofiber reinforced composite outperforms their neat PAN counterparts in tensile strength, short beam shear strength, flexural strength, and Izod impact energy absorption by 8%, 9%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Compared to the control composite, the improvements resulting from the PAN‐g‐GMA nanofiber incorporation are even more pronounced at 28%, 41%, 32%, and 21% in the corresponding tests, respectively.

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Surface Infused Interpenetrating Network as Gate Dielectric for High Performance Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Han Guoqiang , Zhang Jun , Zhang Guocheng , Yang Huihuang , Lan Shuqiong , Wang Xiumei , Chen Huipeng , Guo Tailiang
Published: March 2017

An effectively novel surface infusion method is proposed and employed as a modification process of insulator to simultaneously improve surface morphology and densification of dielectric layers in an organic filed effect transistor. The process involves two steps: infusion of liquid monomers into the cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylphenol) films and photopolymerization to form interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) within the surface. The modified films exhibit excellent insulating properties with smooth surface, high densification, and low leakage current. Moreover, the improved dielectric surface with infused IPN results in a better semiconducting polymer ordering, which facilitates charge transport. In correlation to device performance, it shows that the charge mobility improves from 0.24 to 1.60 cm2 V−1 s−1 along with improved threshold voltage and on/off ratio. This novel method can be broadly applicable to the simple optimization of polymeric gate dielectric for the further improvement of organic thin film transistors.

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An example of synergistic coupling of upper‐ and lower‐level jets associated with flash flooding
Authors: Kastman Joshua S. , Mccoy Laurel D. , Market Patrick S. , Fox Neil I.
Published: March 2017

A brief case study is provided of a striking example of vertical and horizontal jet coupling associated with the upper jet level as well as upper‐ and lower‐level jet coupling; these jet interactions also supported the development of elevated convection and led to flash flooding. The case constitutes a faithful, real‐world verification of what has been suggested in idealized conceptual models by several investigators for similar situations of elevated convection with excessive precipitation.