bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Forgotten Nitroaromatic Phosphines as Weakly Donating P‐ligands: An N‐Aryl‐benzimidazolyl Series in RhCl(CO) Complexes
Authors: Zhu Chongwei , Gras Emmanuel , Duhayon Carine , Lacassin Francis , Cui Xiuling , Chauvin Remi
Published: August 2017

The coordination chemistry of a priori weakly σ‐donating nitroaromatic phosphines is addressed through a series of nitro‐substituted (N‐phenyl‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)diphenylphosphines in RhI complexes. From a set of seven such phosphines L=Lxyz(′) (x, y, z=0 or 1=number of NO2 substituents at the 5, 6 and N‐Ph para positions, respectively), including the non‐nitrated parent L000 and its dicationic N‐methyl counterpart L000′, three LRhCl(COD) and seven L2RhCl(CO) complexes have been obtained in 72–95 % yield. Despite of a cis orientation of the L and CO ligands, the C=O IR stretching frequency νCO varies in the expected sense, from 1967±1 cm−1 for Lxy0 to 1978±1 cm−1 for Lxy1, and 2005 cm−1 for L000′. The 103Rh NMR chemical shift δRh varies from −288 ppm for L000 to −316±1 ppm for L10z or L01z, and −436 ppm for L000′. The νCO and δRh probes thus reveal moderate but systematic variations, and act as “orthogonal” spectroscopic indicators of the presence of nitro groups on the N‐Ph group and the benzimidazole core, respectively. For the dicationic ligand L000′, a tight electrostatic sandwiching of the Rh‐Cl bond by the benzimidazole moities is evidenced by X‐ray crystallography (RhClδ−⋅⋅⋅CN2+ ≈3.01 Å). Along with the LRhCl(CO) complexes, dinuclear side‐products (μ‐CO)(RhClL)2 were also obtained in low spectroscopic yield: for the dinitro ligand L=L011, a unique 1:6.7 clathrate structure, with dichloromethane as solvate, is also revealed by X‐ray crystallography.
Anilines as C‐Nucleophiles in Ir‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Zhao Zheng‐Le , Gu Qing , Wu Xin‐Yan , You Shu‐Li
Published: August 2017

Anilines generally act as N‐nucleophiles in transition‐metal‐catalyzed allylic substitution reactions. In this paper, a highly enantioselective intramolecular Friedel–Crafts‐type allylic alkylation of aniline derivatives was realized by using an iridium catalyst derived from [Ir(cod)Cl]2 and (Ra)‐BHPphos. Various tetrahydroisoquinilin‐5‐amines were obtained in moderate to good yields, excellent enantioselectivity and regioselectivity under mild reaction conditions. BHPphos=N‐benzhydryl‐N‐phenyldinaphthophosphoramidite.
Recombinant Domain V of Human Perlecan Is a Bioactive Vascular Proteoglycan
Authors: Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , Tang Fengying , Lin Xiaoting , Whitelock John M. , Lord Megan S.
Published: August 2017

The C‐terminal domain V of the extracellular matrix proteoglycan perlecan plays unique and often divergent roles in a number of biological processes, including angiogenesis, vascular cell interactions, wound healing, and autophagy. Recombinant forms of domain V have been proposed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer, stroke, and the development of cardiovascular devices and bioartificial tissues. However, the effect of domain V appears to be related to the differences in domain V structure and function observed in different expression systems and environments and exactly how this occurs is not well understood. In this study, the sequence from amino acid 3626 to 4391 of the perlecan protein core, which includes domain V, is expressed in HEK‐293 cells and purified as a secreted product from conditioned media. This recombinant domain V (rDV) is expressed as a proteoglycan decorated with heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains and supports endothelial cell interactions to the same extent as full‐length perlecan. This expression system serves as an important model of recombinant proteoglycan expression, as well as a source of biologically active rDV for therapeutic applications.
Targeted axillary dissection after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer
Authors: Ahmed M. , Douek M.
Published: August 2017

Enables de-escalation of surgery
Potential Application of Redox Mediators and Metabolic Uncouplers in Environmental Research – A Review
Authors: Baskaran Suganya , Subramani Vishal Bellie , Detchanamurthy Swaminathan , Rangasamy Parthiban
Published: August 2017

Redox mediators (electronophores) and metabolic uncouplers (protonophores) play a major role in the sub‐atomic particle transportation in chemical and biological processes. Application areas include activated sludge treatment, excess biomass removal, bio‐filtration of gaseous pollutants, electricity generation by means of solar or microbial fuel cell (MFCs), biosensors, and dye degradation. Through a detailed review of peer‐reviewed and environmental literature, redox mediators and metabolic uncouplers, their mode of action as well as major factors influencing the redox mediators and metabolic uncouplers are discussed. This review article will help researchers to enhance their understanding of the application of redox mediators and metabolic uncouplers in environmental research.
Metal‐Free Reduction of Phosphine Oxides, Sulfoxides, and N‐Oxides with Hydrosilanes using a Borinic Acid Precatalyst
Authors: Chardon Aurélien , Maubert Orianne , Rouden Jacques , Blanchet Jérôme
Published: August 2017

The general reduction of phosphine oxides, sulfoxides, and amine N‐oxides was achieved by combining bis(2‐chlorophenyl)borinic acid with phenylsilane. The reaction was shown to tolerate a wide range of substrates and could be performed under mild conditions, with only 2.5 mol % of the easily synthesized catalyst. Mechanistic investigations pointed to a key borohydride as the real catalyst and at bis(2‐chlorophenyl)borinic acid as a precatalyst.
Deceleration capacity of heart rate predicts 1‐year mortality of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Duckheim Martin , Bensch Charlotte , Kittlitz Linn , Götz Nin , Klee Katharina , Groga‐Bada Patrick , Mizera Lars , Gawaz Meinrad , Zuern Christine , Eick Christian
Published: August 2017

Background

Risk prediction in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is challenging. Development of novel markers for patient risk assessment is of great clinical value. Deceleration capacity (DC) of heart rate is a strong risk predictor in post‐infarction patients.

Hypothesis

DC provides prognostic information in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

We enrolled 374 consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. All patients received 24‐hour Holter recording or continuous heart‐rate monitoring to assess DC before intervention. Primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality after 1 year.

Results

Forty‐nine patients (13.1%) died within 1 year. DC was significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors (1.2 ± 4.8 ms vs 3.3 ± 2.9 ms; P < 0.001), whereas the logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II were comparable between groups (logistic EuroSCORE: 27.3% ± 17.0% vs 22.9% ± 14.2%; P = 0.122; EuroSCORE II: 8.0% ± 6.9% vs 6.7% ± 4.8%, P = 0.673). One‐year mortality in the 116 patients with impaired DC (<2.5 ms) was significantly higher than in patients with normal DC (23.3% vs 8.5%; P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis that included DC, sex, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hemoglobin level before TAVI, and logistic EuroSCORE, DC was the strongest predictor of 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.85‐0.94, P < 0.001). DC yielded an AUC in the ROC analysis of 0.645.

Conclusions

DC of heart rate is a strong and independent predictor of 1‐year mortality in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI.
Relation of premature atrial complexes with stroke and death: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Bao‐tao , Huang Fang‐yang , Peng Yong , Liao Yan‐biao , Chen Fei , Xia Tian‐li , Pu Xiao‐bo , Chen Mao
Published: August 2017

Frequent premature atrial complexes (PACs) are universal in the general population; however, their clinical significance is unclear. We hypothesize that frequent PACs are associated with increased risk of stroke and death. The PubMed (from 1966 to April 2017) and Embase (from 1974 to April 2017) databases were searched for longitudinal studies that reported the relation of PACs with incidence of stroke and death with various etiologies. Study quality was evaluated, and the relative risks (RR) of unfavorable outcomes in subjects with frequent PACs vs those without were calculated. Eleven studies with overall high quality were eligible according to inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that frequent PACs were associated with an increased risk of stroke (unadjusted RR: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79‐2.70; adjusted RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.25‐1.60) and death from all causes (unadjusted RR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.80‐2.63; adjusted RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13‐1.41), cardiovascular diseases (unadjusted RR: 2.89, 95% CI: 2.20‐3.79; adjusted RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.24‐1.54), and coronary artery disease (unadjusted RR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.64‐4.58; adjusted RR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.27‐2.37). No significant publication bias was detected. The association was robust in sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and pooled analysis of estimates adjusting for confounding factors. Frequent PACs are not benign phenomena; they are associated with higher risk of unfavorable outcomes. Further research on the optimal management of subjects with frequent PACs is urgently required.
Future Scenarios Modeling of Urban Stormwater Management Response to Impacts of Climate Change and Urbanization
Authors: Wang Mo , Zhang Dong Q. , Su Jin , Trzcinski Antoine P. , Dong Jian W. , Tan Soon K.
Published: August 2017

Future scenarios modeling is used to investigate the effectiveness of the urban stormwater infrastructure and its response to potential future changes. The changes of urban stormwater, both in‐flow quantity and water quality, in response to climate change and urbanization are examined and tested in two highly developed urban catchments using the US Environmental Protection Agency's Storm Water Management Model. Similar responses are observed in the two catchments, despite their differences in size and land use. Flow quantity and water quality appears to be more sensitive to urbanization factors than to climatic change. With respect to factors attributable to urbanization, urban intensification (land use plus population density) has more of an effect than land‐use changes alone. Low‐impact development, as a key adaptation measure, could be effective in mitigating the adverse impacts of future changes on urban stormwater. The methodology developed in this study may be useful for urban stormwater planning and testing such plans against future urbanization and climate change scenarios.
Rationalizing the 2.25 Å Resolution Crystal Structure of the Water Oxidising Complex of Photosystem II in the S3 State
Authors: Petrie Simon , Stranger Rob , Pace Ron J.
Published: August 2017

Quantum chemical calculations are described which rationalize the recent X‐ray diffraction (XRD) structure at 2.25 Å of the Mn4Ca water oxidising complex (WOC) of photosystem II (PSII) in the S3 intermediate state. The new S3 XRD structure shows remarkable similarity to earlier atomic resolution (1.9, 1.95 Å) WOC structures in the dark stable S1 state and is inconsistent with most current proposals, from computational chemistry and other sources, regarding the Mn oxidation state levels in the WOC cluster and the nature of water substrate binding, particularly in S3. This mirrors earlier failures to rationalise the WOC geometry in the 1.9 and 1.95 Å S1 XRD structures, assuming “high” paradigm Mn oxidation models. However, we recently showed that a lower Mn oxidation assumption closely reproduces the S1 XRD structures, computationally. This same “low” Mn oxidation model, now computationally applied in S3, not only reproduces the latest 2.25 Å XRD structure but also rationalises a number of other important, experimental features of the WOC, including the metal–metal distances inferred from EXAFS studies as well as earlier S3 state XRD structures of lower resolution (4–5 Å). As found previously for S1, the WOC in the S3 state is computationally revealed to be structurally variable, consistent with some EXAFS and lower‐resolution XRD data. This is a direct consequence of at least two MnIII ions being present in all metastable S states.
Triplet Harvesting with a Simple Aromatic Carbonyl
Authors: Torres Ziegenbein Christian , Fröbel Sascha , Glöß Maria , Nobuyasu Roberto S. , Data Przemyslaw , Monkman Andrew , Gilch Peter
Published: August 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. Peter Gilch (HHU Düsseldorf) and Prof. Andrew Monkman (Durham University). The image shows a chimera illuminated by the fluorescence emission of thioxanthone, the aromatic carbonyl studied here. Due to singlet and triplet excitations in close energetic vicinity, its photophysics exhibits a chimeric behavior. This behavior renders the class of molecules interesting as emitters in OLEDs. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201700683.
Electrolyte Engineering towards Efficient Water Splitting at Mild pH
Authors: Shinagawa Tatsuya , Ng Marcus Tze‐Kiat , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: August 2017

The development of processes for the conversion of H2O and CO2 driven by electricity generated by renewable means is essential to achieving sustainable energy and chemical cycles, in which the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the bottlenecks. In this study, the influences of the electrolyte molarity and identity on the OER at alkaline to neutral pH were investigated at an appreciable current density of around 10 mA cm−2, revealing both the clear boundary of reactant switching between H2O/OH−, owing to the diffusion limitation of OH−, and the substantial contribution of the mass transport of the buffered species in buffered mild‐pH conditions. These findings suggest a strategy of electrolyte engineering: tuning the electrolyte properties to maximize the mass‐transport flux. The concept is successfully demonstrated for the OER, as well as overall water electrolysis in buffered mild‐pH conditions, shedding light on the development of practical solar fuel production systems.
Facile Spray‐Pyrolysis Synthesis of Yolk–Shell Earth‐Abundant Elemental Nickel–Iron‐Based Nanohybrid Electrocatalysts for Full Water Splitting
Authors: Li Hao , Ci Suqin , Zhang Mengtian , Chen Junxiang , Lai Keyuan , Wen Zhenhai
Published: August 2017

The development of high‐activity electrocatalysts for water splitting that comprise only inexpensive, earth‐abundant elements is critical but remains a daunting challenge. In this work, yolk–shell Ni3Fe/Ni3FeN was prepared by a spray‐pyrolysis technique, which could be scaleable. The yolk–shell Ni3Fe/Ni3FeN presents excellent catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with overpotentials of 268 and 166 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively, and bears a prominent electrochemical durability. Overall water splitting with an electrolyzer containing the yolk–shell Ni3Fe/Ni3FeN as the cathode and anode only requires a cell voltage of 1.62 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The present research not only introduces a new route for the synthesis of advanced functional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting but also sheds light on their potential commercial applications.
Heart failure oral therapies at discharge are associated with better outcome in acute heart failure: a propensity‐score matched study
Authors: Gayat Etienne , Arrigo Mattia , Littnerova Simona , Sato Naoki , Parenica Jiri , Ishihara Shiro , Spinar Jindrich , Müller Christian , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Lassus Johan , Miró Òscar , Maggioni Aldo P. , AlHabib Khalid F. , Choi Dong‐Ju , Park Jin Joo , Zhang Yuhui , Zhang Jian , Januzzi James L. , Kajimoto Katsuya , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Mebazaa Alexandre ,   on behalf of the GREAT Network
Published: August 2017

Aims

Heart failure oral therapies (HFOTs), including beta‐blockers (BB), renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, administered before hospital discharge after acute heart failure (AHF) might improve outcome. However, concerns have been raised because early administration of HFOTs may worsen patient's condition. We hypothesized that HFOTs at hospital discharge might be associated with better post‐discharge survival.

Methods and results

The study population was composed of 19 980 AHF patients from the GREAT registry. The primary and secondary outcomes were 90‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, respectively. Survival was estimated with univariate and covariate‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models for the whole population and after propensity‐score matching. HFOTs at discharge were consistently associated with no excess mortality in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses of the whole and matched cohorts. In the matched cohort, BB and RASi at discharge were associated with lower 90‐day mortality risks compared to the respective untreated groups [hazard ratio (HR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.69; and HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42–0.66, respectively]. The favourable associations of BB and RASi at discharge with 90‐day mortality were present in many subgroups including patients with reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and persisted up to 1 year after discharge. The combination of RASi and BB was associated with an even lower risk of death than RASi or BB alone.

Conclusions

Administration of HFOTs at hospital discharge is associated with better survival of AHF patients.
CTLA‐4‐expression on VZV‐specific T cells in CSF and blood is specifically increased in patients with VZV related central nervous system infections
Authors: Schub David , Fousse Mathias , Faßbender Klaus , Gärtner Barbara C. , Sester Urban , Sester Martina , Schmidt Tina
Published: August 2017

VZV‐reactivation may lead to symptomatic central nervous system (CNS) diseases, but identification of VZV as causative pathogen of CNS‐diseases is challenging. This study was performed to characterize VZV‐specific T cells from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of patients with active CNS‐disease and to determine whether this may improve differential diagnosis. 27 patients with pleocytosis in the CSF were recruited and classified into three groups (10 VZV‐related, 10 non‐VZV‐related, 7 unclear). VZV‐specific CD4+ T cells were quantified in CSF and blood after simultaneous stimulation with a VZV‐antigen lysate and detection of cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐2, TNF‐α) and CTLA‐4. Polyclonal stimulation served as positive control. VZV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell frequencies were highest in both CSF (p = 0.0001) and blood (p = 0.011) of patients with VZV‐infection, and were enriched at the site of infection (p = 0.002). While cytokine‐expression profiles only showed minor differences between the groups, CTLA‐4‐expression levels on VZV‐specific T cells from CSF and blood were significantly increased in VZV‐related CNS‐infections (p = 0.0002 and p<0.0001) and clearly identified VZV‐related CNS‐diseases (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). Polyclonally stimulated T cells did not show any quantitative and phenotypical differences between the groups. Increased frequency and CTLA‐4‐expression of VZV‐specific T cells from CSF or blood are specifically found in patients with VZV‐related CNS‐infection.
Regioselective Access to Structurally Diverse Coumarin Analogues through Iron‐Catalysed Annulation Reactions
Authors: Ren Qiao , Kang Jie , Li Muyao , Yuan Lujiang , Chen Ruoyun , Wang Lei
Published: August 2017

A highly efficient iron‐catalysed propargylation/alkyne oxacyclization/isomerization strategy is described. Biologically active furo[3,2‐c]coumarins and pyrano[3,2‐c]coumarins are expeditiously assembled in moderate to good yields and with a broad substrate scope. The regioselective access to different coumarins is mainly dependent on the terminal group of the secondary propargylic alcohol.
Synthetic Studies Probing Elansolid Biosynthesis: A para‐Quinone‐Methide‐Triggered Intramolecular Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Wang Liang‐Liang , Candito David , Dräger Gerald , Kirschning Andreas
Published: August 2017

The elansolids A1/A2 and B1–B3 are secondary metabolites formed by the gliding bacterium Chitinophaga sancti. They show antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. It has been proposed that the biosynthesis of the tetrahydroindane unit involves an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IMDA). To study the biosynthetic proposal, the influence of an oxygen functionality at C‐20, the regiochemistry of the allylic alcohol precursor, and the nature of the phenol group were investigated. The oxygen functionality at C‐20 has a profound effect on the outcome of this reaction, resulting in a Prins‐type reaction cascade initiated by a p‐quinone methide intermediate, and leading to an unexpected cycloadduct. The corresponding 20‐deoxy precursor, as suggested for the naturally occurring IMDA precursor smoothly yields the desired IMDA product as a mixture of two endo products. These results support the hypothesis that nature probably uses an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition to generate the bicyclic core of the elansolids starting from a 20‐deoxygenated precursor.
Thin‐Film Fuel Cells using a Sodium Silicate Binder with La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) and LaCePr Oxides (LCP) Membranes
Authors: Feng Chu , Wang Baoyuan , Zhu Jing , Wang Hao , Zhu Bin
Published: August 2017

Sodium silicate was used as a binder to prepare LaCePr oxides (LCP) and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) thin films on a Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05Li oxide ceramic substrate for the first time. The microstructure, morphology, and electrical properties of the LSCF–LCP thin films were characterized and investigated by using XRD, SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The film sintered at 600 °C presents promising density and has been successfully applied as the electrolyte membrane for solid‐oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Such a device achieved a respectable electrochemical performance with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.04 V and a maximum power output of 545 mW cm−2 at 575 °C. These findings suggest that sodium silicate is a suitable binder for the preparation of dense thin‐film membranes for SOFCs. Moreover, the preparation technology based on sodium silicate eliminated degumming and high‐temperature sintering, which resulted in greatly simplifying the preparation process of the thin‐film fuel cell towards potential fuel cell commercialization.
Enhanced Coverage of All‐Inorganic Perovskite CsPbBr3 through Sequential Deposition for Green Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ng Yan Fong , Neo Wei Jian , Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Yantara Natalia , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Mathews Nripan
Published: August 2017

Film morphology has a major influence on the performance of halide perovskite semiconductors, where poor coverage and pinholes are generally detrimental and result in undesirable current leakage. All‐inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) has an advantage of improved stability especially under device operation, but the low solubility of the ionic precursor CsBr limits the coverage of the solution‐processed film. To tackle this, a sequential deposition technique is proposed whereby PbBr2 is first deposited on a planar substrate prior to exposure to a CsBr solution to initiate conversion to the desired CsPbBr3 phase. This approach essentially nullifies the solubility problem of CsBr and the final perovskite film coverage now chiefly depends on the initial PbBr2 concentration and the duration of exposure to the CsBr solution. With over 90 % film coverage achieved, a proof of concept perovskite light‐emitting diode (PeLED) with green emission at 527 nm has also been achieved, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this methodology for future device fabrication.
Prospective mixture risk assessment and management prioritizations for river catchments with diverse land uses
Authors: Posthuma Leo , Brown Colin D. , de Zwart Dick , Diamond Jerome , Dyer Scott D. , Holmes Christopher M. , Marshall Stuart , Burton G. Allen
Published: August 2017

Ecological risk assessment increasingly focuses on risks from chemical mixtures and multiple stressors because ecosystems are commonly exposed to a plethora of contaminants and nonchemical stressors. To simplify the task of assessing potential mixture effects, we explored 3 land use–related chemical emission scenarios. We applied a tiered methodology to judge the implications of the emissions of chemicals from agricultural practices, domestic discharges, and urban runoff in a quantitative model. The results showed land use–dependent mixture exposures, clearly discriminating downstream effects of land uses, with unique chemical “signatures” regarding composition, concentration, and temporal patterns. Associated risks were characterized in relation to the land-use scenarios. Comparisons to measured environmental concentrations and predicted impacts showed relatively good similarity. The results suggest that the land uses imply exceedances of regulatory protective environmental quality standards, varying over time in relation to rain events and associated flow and dilution variation. Higher-tier analyses using ecotoxicological effect criteria confirmed that species assemblages may be affected by exposures exceeding no-effect levels and that mixture exposure could be associated with predicted species loss under certain situations. The model outcomes can inform various types of prioritization to support risk management, including a ranking across land uses as a whole, a ranking on characteristics of exposure times and frequencies, and various rankings of the relative role of individual chemicals. Though all results are based on in silico assessments, the prospective land use–based approach applied in the present study yields useful insights for simplifying and assessing potential ecological risks of chemical mixtures and can therefore be useful for catchment-management decisions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:715–728. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritional variation in baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp and seeds based on Africa geographical regions
Authors: Muthai Kinuthia U. , Karori Mbuthia S. , Muchugi Alice , Indieka Abwao S. , Dembele Catherine , Mng'omba Simon , Jamnadass Ramni
Published: August 2017

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous fruit tree associated with the Savannah drylands of sub‐Saharan Africa. Local communities mainly utilize the leaves, pulp, and seeds of baobab as a source of food and for income generation. The present study was conducted to determine the nutritive attributes of baobab fruit pulp and seeds across provenances in east, west, and southern Africa and to determine whether the nutrient content varied with the provenance of origin. Pulp and seed proximate composition and mineral element concentration were determined using the AOAC 1984 methods and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), respectively. The results showed that there exist significant variation (p < .05) in pulp moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and elemental content among provenances. The highest mean pulp crude fiber (8.68 g 100 g−1 dw) was recorded in Kenya. At country level, Malawi had the highest mean pulp potassium (22.2 mg g−1), calcium (4,300 mg kg−1), magnesium (2,300 mg kg−1), sodium (1,000 mg kg−1), and phosphorus (1,100 mg kg−1) levels. Kenya had the highest mean pulp iron (57.4 μg g−1) and manganese (27.2 μg g−1) content, while Mali had the lowest iron (13.1 μg g−1) and manganese (8.6 μg g−1). At country level, the mean seed calcium content was highest (3,200 mg kg−1) in Malawi and lowest (2,000 mg kg−1) in Kenya. The highest mean iron content of 63.7 μg g−1 was recorded in seeds from Kenya, while the lowest (25.8 μg g−1) was in Mali. Baobab seed mineral and proximate content varied significantly (p < .001) among the selected countries. Overall, baobab fruit pulp and seeds contain significant amounts of nutritionally essential minerals and proximate components but the amounts varied significantly among the selected countries. This variation offers opportunities for selecting provenances to concentrate on during germplasm collection for conservation and domestication of baobab.
Effects of thermal processing on the nutritional and functional properties of defatted conophor nut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) flour and protein isolates
Authors: Iyenagbe David O. , Malomo Sunday A. , Idowu Atinuke O. , Badejo Adebanjo A. , Fagbemi Tayo N.
Published: August 2017

Conophor nut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) was processed using different heat treatments to explore its full potential as food ingredients. The raw, boiled, and toasted nuts were defatted and the proteins isolated by alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation. The variously processed nuts were analyzed for the proximate and amino acid compositions, and functional properties. The protein contents of the isolate ranges between 86.86 g/100g and 87.74 g/100 g, about 1.5‐fold higher than those of the defatted flour samples. The essential amino acids of the isolates ranged between 40.57%–41.55%. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine were the most predominant amino acids, while methionine and lysine were the first and second limiting amino acids, respectively. The protein efficiency ratio, biological values as well as the functional properties of the proteins were improved with processing. These properties may enhance the potential use of conophor nut protein isolates as high‐quality protein ingredient in food systems.
Multiple functional networks modeling for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
Authors: Kam Tae‐Eui , Suk Heung‐Il , Lee Seong‐Whan
Published: August 2017

Despite countless studies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosis relies on specific behavioral criteria and neuroimaging biomarkers for the disorder are still relatively scarce and irrelevant for diagnostic workup. Many researchers have focused on functional networks of brain activities using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) to diagnose brain diseases, including ASD. Although some existing methods are able to reveal the abnormalities in functional networks, they are either highly dependent on prior assumptions for modeling these networks or do not focus on latent functional connectivities (FCs) by considering discriminative relations among FCs in a nonlinear way. In this article, we propose a novel framework to model multiple networks of rsfMRI with data‐driven approaches. Specifically, we construct large‐scale functional networks with hierarchical clustering and find discriminative connectivity patterns between ASD and normal controls (NC). We then learn features and classifiers for each cluster through discriminative restricted Boltzmann machines (DRBMs). In the testing phase, each DRBM determines whether a test sample is ASD or NC, based on which we make a final decision with a majority voting strategy. We assess the diagnostic performance of the proposed method using public datasets and describe the effectiveness of our method by comparing it to competing methods. We also rigorously analyze FCs learned by DRBMs on each cluster and discover dominant FCs that play a major role in discriminating between ASD and NC. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5804–5821, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microanatomical profiles on the lymphatic system in the human ampulla of Vater (immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy)
Authors: Kagiya Takuji , Shimoda Hiroshi , Narita Hirokazu , Odagiri Tadashi , Watanabe Seiji , Ishido Keinosuke , Kudo Daisuke , Kimura Norihisa , Wakiya Taiichi , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: August 2017

Background

Little information is available regarding microanatomy of lymphatic system in the ampulla of Vater, though it is of critical importance for an understanding of tumor progression via the lymphatics and determination of surgical strategy. The present study, therefore, aimed to demonstrate the distribution and microanatomical profiles on the lymphatic system in the ampulla.

Methods

The fine distribution and structure of the lymphatic vessels were investigated in the ampulla and the stomach by immunohistochemistry for lymphatic‐ (D2‐40) and blood vascular‐ (CD31) specific markers and scanning electron microscopy. The densities of lymphatic and blood vessels were also compared.

Results

The duodenal papilla densely developed the lymphatics with distinct aspects of lymphatic capillaries, together with blood vessels. The density of lymphatic capillaries in the extramuscular layer in the ampulla was higher than those of both the other ampullary layers and the gastric extramuscular (subserosal) layer.

Conclusions

The ampulla of Vater showed widespread lymphatic capillaries throughout the entire wall. The specific vascular system is suited to produce lymph everywhere and drain without via such a large vessel as lymphatic collector. This suggests that tumor cells invade the lymphatics and metastasize more easily in the ampulla than in the other gastrointestinal regions.
Loss of Fbxw7 expression is a predictor of recurrence in colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Kawashita Yoichiro , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Saito Yu , Iwahashi Syuichi , Yamada Shinichiro , Higashijima Jun , Imura Satoru , Ogawa Hirohisa , Yagi Toshiyuki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: August 2017

Background

Fbxw7 is a tumor suppressor through ubiquitination and degradation of multiple oncoproteins. Loss of Fbxw7 is frequently observed in various human cancers. In this study, we examined the role of Fbxw7 expression in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and its mechanism.

Methods

Fifty‐six patients with CRLM who undergo curative resection were enrolled. Fbxw7 in tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Patients were divided into two groups, the Fbxw7 high and low groups. Clinicopathological factors including miR‐223 expression were compared between the high (n = 32) and low Fbxw7 groups (n = 24).

Results

Fbxw7 expression in tumor tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. The disease‐free survival in the low Fbxw7 group was significantly worse than that in the high Fbxw7 group, and 3 years disease‐free survival of the low and high Fbxw7 groups were 12.5% and 47.0%, respectively (P = 0.023). On multivariate analysis, loss of Fbxw7 was detected as one of the independent risk factors for recurrence of CRLM (hazard ratio: 2.390, P = 0.017). Likewise, Fbxw7 expression inversely correlated to miR‐223 expression (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

Loss of Fbxw7 in tumor tissues could be a reliable predictor of recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with CRLM, and miR‐223 might be a possible regulator of Fbxw7.
An examination of surface epithelium structures of the embryo across the genus Poeciliopsis (Poeciliidae)
Authors: Panhuis Tami M. , Fris Megan , Tuhela Laura , Kwan Lucia
Published: August 2017

In viviparous, teleost fish, with postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning, embryonic structures that facilitate maternal‐fetal nutrient transfer are predicted to be present. For the family Poeciliidae, only a handful of morphological studies have explored these embryonic specializations. Here, we present a comparative morphological study in the viviparous poeciliid genus, Poeciliopsis. Using microscopy techniques, we examine the embryonic surface epidermis of Poeciliopsis species that vary in their level of postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning and placentation across two phylogenetic clades and three independent evolutionary origins of placentation. We focus on surface features of the embryo that may facilitate maternal‐fetal nutrient transfer. Specifically, we studied cell apical‐surface morphology associated with the superficial epithelium that covers the body and sac (yolk and pericardial) of embryos at different developmental stages. Scanning electron microscopy revealed common surface epithelial cells across species, including pavement cells with apical‐surface microridges or microvilli and presumed ionocytes and/or mucus‐secreting cells. For three species, in the mid‐stage embryos, the surface of the body and sac were covered in microvillus epithelium. The remaining species did not display microvillus epithelium at any of the stages examined. Instead, their epithelium of the body and sac were composed of cells with apical‐surface microridges. For all species, in the late stage embryos, the surface of the body proper was composed of apical‐surface microridges in a “fingerprint‐like arrangement.” Despite the differences in the surface epithelium of embryos across Poeciliopsis species and embryonic developmental stages, this variation was not associated with the level of postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning. We discuss these results in light of previous morphological studies of matrotrophic, teleost fish, phylogenetic relationships of Poeciliopsis species, and our earlier comparative microscopy work on the maternal tissue of the Poeciliopsis placenta.
Presence of different hepatitis C virus genotypes in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples of Iranian patients with HIV infection
Authors: Dehghani‐Dehej Farzaneh , Sarvari Jamal , Esghaei Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Y. , Garshasbi Saba , Kalantari Saeed , Monavari Seyed H. , Fakhim Atousa , Keyvani Hossein , Bokharaei‐Salim Farah
Published: August 2017

Due to the similar routes of transmission, individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may become infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) simultaneously. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of HCV co‐infection in Iranian individuals with HIV infection, and to genotype HCV in plasma and PBMC specimens of these patients. From September 2015 to October 2016, a total of 140 Iranian individuals with HIV infection were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The RNA from plasma and PBMC specimens was extracted, and genomic HCV‐RNA was amplified using RT‐nested PCR with primers that target 5′‐UTR. The HCV genotyping used the RFLP technique. To confirm HCV genotype, 10 randomly selected HCV‐positive samples were also submitted for sequencing. The mean age of patients was 35.7 ± 13.5 years (range: 1‐66). Out of 140 patients, 62 (44.3 %) were positive for anti‐HCV antibodies; among these, viral genomic RNA was detected in 34 (24.3%) and 39 (27.9%) of the plasma and PBMC specimens, respectively. The HCV genotyping showed a similar pattern of subtypes 1a (44% vs 46.2%), 3a (32.4% vs 33.3%), and 1b (17.6% vs 17.9%) in all sera and PBMC samples. It is noteworthy that the HCV genotypes in plasma and PBMC specimens of 6 HCV co‐infected patients were not the same. This study reveals that HIV/HCV co‐infection is high in Iranian patients (44.3%), especially in people who have high‐risk factors (83.9%). Also, HIV/HCV co‐infected individuals may have dissimilar HCV genotypes in their plasma and PBMC specimens.
Teacher's Encouragement on Creativity, Intrinsic Motivation, and Creativity: The Mediating Role of Creative Process Engagement
Authors: Yuan Yu‐Hsi , Wu Ming‐Hsiung , Hu Meng‐Lei (Monica) , Lin I‐Chien
Published: August 2017

Drawing on Dewey's pragmatic perspective on talent cultivation and previous research on promoting employee creativity in industry, this study investigates student creativity performance in relation to teacher's encouragement, intrinsic motivation, and creative process engagement. Based on survey data collected from 140 vocational high school students who participated in a nation‐wide contest in Taiwan, path analyses were performed using structure equation modeling techniques. The results indicate that both teacher's encouragement and intrinsic motivation have a significant, although indirect, effect on student creativity, and that creative process engagement, as opposed to teacher encouragement or intrinsic motivation, has a direct and significant mediating effect on student creativity. This finding is in partial agreement with prior research which reports student creativity is positively associated with teacher encouragement and intrinsic motivation, highlighting the mediating role of creative process engagement in facilitating student creative performance.
Enantioselective determination of 1‐[4‐(2‐methoxyethyl)phenoxy]‐3‐[2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino]‐2‐propanol hydrochloride, a novel antihypertensive agent, in rat plasma and tissues by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: He Sijie , Wu Sanlan , Zhu Wenwen , Guan Yeli , Li Gao , Si Luqin , Huang Jiangeng
Published: August 2017

Enantioselective biodistribution studies of 1‐[4‐(2‐methoxyethyl)phenoxy]‐3‐[2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino]‐2‐propanol hydrochloride (TJ0711), a novel antihypertensive agent, require the accurate and precise quantification of each TJ0711 enantiomer in biological fluids and tissues. Here we report a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of (R)‐TJ0711 and (S)‐TJ0711 in rat plasma and tissue samples using protein precipitation. The influence of column type, temperature, mobile phase composition, and flow rate on the retention and enantioselectivity was evaluated. The separation of the TJ0711 enantiomers was ultimately achieved on a SUMICHIRAL OA‐2500 column in 15 min using isocratic elution with ethanol/hexane (40:60) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Good linearities of spiked analyte concentration from 5 to 2000 ng/mL were achieved and the correlation coefficients (R) were greater than 0.99. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision for both analytes were <15% at all concentration levels, and the extraction recoveries were consistent among the five quality control concentrations. This assay was successfully applied to quantify plasma and tissue concentrations of TJ0711 enantiomers in a preclinical study.
Novel Macromolecular Emulsifiers as Coatings with Water‐Tolerant Antifogging Properties Based on Coumarin‐Containing Copolymeric Micelles
Authors: Wang Feng , Yang Xinwei , Zhang Lulu , Xu Wenshuang , Liu Hui
Published: August 2017

An efficient macromolecular emulsifier as water‐tolerant antifogging coating based on coumarin‐containing copolymeric micelles is reported. Compared to the previous work using poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate), coumarin unit in copolymer‐based coating can be photo‐crosslinked under UV light to form an interchain network, successfully avoiding the use of chemical crosslinking agents.
Polymer‐Based Surfaces Designed to Reduce Biofilm Formation: From Antimicrobial Polymers to Strategies for Long‐Term Applications
Authors: Riga Esther K. , Vöhringer Maria , Widyaya Vania Tanda , Lienkamp Karen
Published: August 2017

Contact‐active antimicrobial polymer surfaces bear cationic charges and kill or deactivate bacteria by interaction with the negatively charged parts of their cell envelope (lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycan, and membrane lipids). The exact mechanism of this interaction is still under debate. While cationic antimicrobial polymer surfaces can be very useful for short‐term applications, they lose their activity once they are contaminated by a sufficiently thick layer of adhering biomolecules or bacterial cell debris. This layer shields incoming bacteria from the antimicrobially active cationic surface moieties. Besides discussing antimicrobial surfaces, this feature article focuses on recent strategies that were developed to overcome the contamination problem. This includes bifunctional materials with simultaneously presented antimicrobial and protein‐repellent moieties; polymer surfaces that can be switched from an antimicrobial, cell‐attractive to a cell‐repellent state; polymer surfaces that can be regenerated by enzyme action; degradable antimicrobial polymers; and antimicrobial polymer surfaces with removable top layers.
Clinical rating scale for pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration: A pilot study
Authors: Darling Alejandra , Tello Cristina , Martí María Josep , Garrido Cristina , Aguilera‐Albesa Sergio , Tomás Vila Miguel , Gastón Itziar , Madruga Marcos , González Gutiérrez Luis , Ramos Lizana Julio , Pujol Montserrat , Gavilán Iglesias Tania , Tustin Kylee , Lin Jean Pierre , Zorzi Giovanna , Nardocci Nardo , Martorell Loreto , Lorenzo Sanz Gustavo , Gutiérrez Fuencisla , García Pedro J. , Vela Lidia , Hernández Lahoz Carlos , Ortigoza Escobar Juan Darío , Martí Sánchez Laura , Moreira Fradique , Coelho Miguel , Correia Guedes Leonor , Castro Caldas Ana , Ferreira Joaquim , Pires Paula , Costa Cristina , Rego Paulo , Magalhães Marina , Stamelou María , Cuadras Pallejà Daniel , Rodríguez‐Blazquez Carmen , Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Lupo Vincenzo , Stefanis Leonidas , Pons Roser , Espinós Carmen , Temudo Teresa , Pérez Dueñas Belén
Published: August 2017

Background

Pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration is a progressive neurological disorder occurring in both childhood and adulthood. The objective of this study was to design and pilot‐test a disease‐specific clinical rating scale for the assessment of patients with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration.

Methods

In this international cross‐sectional study, patients were examined at the referral centers following a standardized protocol. The motor examination was filmed, allowing 3 independent specialists in movement disorders to analyze 28 patients for interrater reliability assessment. The scale included 34 items (maximal score, 135) encompassing 6 subscales for cognition, behavior, disability, parkinsonism, dystonia, and other neurological signs.

Results

Forty‐seven genetically confirmed patients (30 ± 17 years; range, 6‐77 years) were examined with the scale (mean score, 62 ± 21; range, 20‐106). Dystonia with prominent cranial involvement and atypical parkinsonian features were present in all patients. Other common signs were cognitive impairment, psychiatric features, and slow and hypometric saccades. Dystonia, parkinsonism, and other neurological features had a moderate to strong correlation with disability. The scale showed good internal consistency for the total scale (Cronbach's α = 0.87). On interrater analysis, weighted kappa values (0.30‐0.93) showed substantial or excellent agreement in 85% of the items. The scale also discriminated a subgroup of homozygous c.1583C>T patients with lower scores, supporting construct validity for the scale.

Conclusions

The proposed scale seems to be a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of pediatric and adult patients with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration. Additional validation studies with a larger sample size will be required to confirm the present results and to complete the scale validation testing. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society