bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Meaning and Origins of Lignin Recalcitrance: A Critical Analysis of the Catalytic Upgrading of Lignins Obtained from Mechanocatalytic Biorefining and Organosolv Pulping
Authors: Calvaruso Gaetano , Clough Matthew T. , Rechulski Marcelo D. Kaufman , Rinaldi Roberto
Published: May 2017

In the broad context of catalysis for lignin valorization, the term “recalcitrance” is often used to describe the resistance of lignin to undergo chemical transformations (generally, reductive processes) rendering small molecules soluble in the reaction medium. Unfortunately, the current usage of the term “recalcitrance” often remains vague in meaning, hindering the search for better catalysts for lignin valorization. In the quest to address the research question—What is lignin recalcitrance?—we present our search for the factors responsible for the resistance of lignin to reductive catalytic processes, from various perspectives. In this study, lignins isolated as a precipitate obtained from the saccharification of water‐soluble lignocelluloses (produced by solvent‐free mechanocatalytic depolymerization of beechwood, pinewood, or sugarcane bagasse) and their counterparts isolated by solvent extraction (organosolv pulping) are investigated. The critical analysis of structure and bonding, in addition to the in‐depth understanding of results from the catalytic upgrading of lignin streams, in the presence of Raney Ni and H2 pressure under mild and extreme conditions, reveals that the simple evaluation of the total yield of liquid products provides no quantitative measure of the lignin recalcitrance. Our results shed light on the real meaning, origins and implications of “lignin recalcitrance” for catalysis research. The results demonstrate that lignin recalcitrance is associated not only with its intrinsic properties (i.e. molecular weight, the occurrence of native linkages, and their bond dissociation enthalpies) but also with its extrinsic properties (e.g. residual polysaccharides and solubility). Overall, this study presents a detailed evaluation of recalcitrance of lignin through the critical analysis of the product mixture properties (e.g. H/C and O/C ratios, molecular weight distribution, yield of key individual products, and several others).
Preparation of Magnesium‐Seamed C‐Alkylpyrogallol[4]arene Nanocapsules with Varying Chain Lengths
Authors: Zhang Chen , Patil Rahul S. , Li Tao , Barnes Charles L. , Teat Simon J. , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: May 2017

Novel supramolecular nanocapsules based on metal‐directed assembly have captured tremendous interest due to their applications in fields such as catalysis, selective gas adsorption, and biomedicine. Functionalization of metal–organic nanocapsules (MONCs) by using organic ligands with different pendant groups affords more complexity to the structure and may lead to novel properties. In this work, we report the solvothermal synthesis of a group of magnesium‐based MONCs using C‐alkylpyrogallol[4]arenes with varying alkyl chain lengths. The structures of these nanocapsules are characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. As expected, a progression in size of the nanocapsules is observed as the alkyl chain length increases. The effect of the chain length on the solubility of MONCs in water has been determined. This work shows the generality of the solvothermal approach for the synthesis of MONCs with different organic ligands and demonstrates that surface functionalization of MONCs may serve as an effective way to tailor their properties. The unique biocompatible nature and inherent large cavity of these magnesium‐based MONCs make these nanocapsules promising for potential applications in biomedicine.
Modeling of Water Adsorption in SAPO‐34‐Coated Aluminum Foam
Authors: Bruckner Sven , Demmer Thomas , Ganswind Markus , Bathen Dieter
Published: May 2017

After presenting the most promising continuous adsorption cooling topology for air‐conditioning of a passenger cabin, a transient, 3D model is proposed, based on a modified linear driving force approach, to simulate an adsorption process in a SAPO‐34‐coated open‐celled aluminum foam. The simulation is executed in ANSYS CFX 15.0 and the additional model equations are implemented through the CFX expression language. As a result the influence of the pore diameter onto the system simulation and the mass transport limitation is shown and the sensitivity concerning the pressure in the gas phase adsorption is confirmed.
Manufacturing of Industrial Zeolite Molecular Sieves
Authors: Gleichmann Kristin , Unger Baldur , Brandt Alfons
Published: May 2017

Zeolithische Molekularsiebe werden seit über 60 Jahren in industriellen Prozessen, hauptsächlich als hoch effiziente Adsorbenzien in Reinigungs‐ oder Trennprozessen in Gas‐ oder Flüssigphase eingesetzt. Um den unterschiedlichen Anforderungen in der Endanwendung Genüge zu tun, wurden im Laufe der Zeit unterschiedliche Herstellverfahren für Molekularsiebe entwickelt. In diesem Übersichtsartikel wird anhand von Beispielen der Einfluss von Synthese und/oder Formgebung auf die Eigenschaften hydrophiler, zeolithischer Molekularsiebe in Hinblick auf deren industriellen Anwendungen aufgezeigt und erläutert.
Association between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and circulating endothelial progenitor cell level in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: Chang Ting‐Yung , Hsu Chien‐Yi , Chiu Chun‐Chih , Chou Ruey‐Hsing , Huang Hsin‐Lei , Huang Chin‐Chou , Leu Hsin‐Ban , Huang Po‐Hsun , Chen Jaw‐Wen , Lin Shing‐Jong
Published: May 2017

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) level represents a marker of endothelial dysfunction and vascular health. However, the relationship between epicardial fat and circulating EPC remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate association between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and circulating EPC level.

Hypothesis

Epicardial fat causes inflammation and contributes to progression of CAD.

Methods

We enrolled 213 consecutive patients with stable angina, and EFT was determined by echocardiography. Quantification of EPC markers (defined as CD34
+, CD34
+
KDR
+, CD34
+
KDR
+
CD133
+ cells) in peripheral blood samples was used to measure circulating EPCs. All patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to EFT levels: group 1, low tertile of EFT; group 2, middle tertile of EFT; and group 3, high tertile of EFT.

Results

Among the 3 groups, CAD disease severity determined by SXscore was negatively correlated with EFT, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.066). Additionally, patients in the high and middle tertiles of EFT had higher circulating EPC levels than did those in the low tertile of EFT (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, EPC level was significantly associated with echocardiographic EFT (standardized β = −0.233, P = 0.001), independent of multiple covariates.

Conclusions

Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with circulating EPC levels. There was a trend between epicardial fat and severity of CAD, though analysis did not reach statistical significance, and this may be attributed to the interaction between several risk factors of CAD.
Steroid–AuI–NHC Complexes: Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Vellé Alba , Maguire Ronan , Kavanagh Kevin , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Montagner Diego
Published: May 2017

A series of gold(I) pioneer complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbenes and steroid derivatives (ethynylestradiol and ethisterone) with the generic formula [Au(R2‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene)(steroid)] (where R=CH3 or CH2CH2OCH3) were synthesized, and the X‐ray structure of a rare of gold(I)–estradiol derivative is discussed. Toxicity studies reveal notable antibacterial activity of the gold‐based compounds, which is significantly increased in vivo by the presence of the estradiol unit. Toxicity profiling was estimated in vitro versus Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and in vivo on Galleria mellonella larvae against E. coli.
Association between insurance status at diagnosis and overall survival in chronic myeloid leukemia: A population‐based study
Authors: Perry Ashley M. , Brunner Andrew M. , Zou Tao , McGregor Kristin L. , Amrein Philip C. , Hobbs Gabriela S. , Ballen Karen K. , Neuberg Donna S. , Fathi Amir T.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can be treated effectively with tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy directed at BCR‐ABL, but access to care, medication cost, and adherence may be barriers to treatment. This study was designed to determine whether the insurance status at diagnosis influences CML patient outcomes.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify 5784 patients, aged 15 years or older, who were diagnosed with CML between 2007 and 2012 and whose insurance status was documented at diagnosis. The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival (OS). Covariates of interest included the age at diagnosis, race, ethnicity, sex, county‐level socioeconomic status, and marital status. OS was evaluated with a log‐rank test and Kaplan‐Meier estimates.

RESULTS

Among patients aged 15 to 64 years, insurance status was associated with OS (P < .001): being uninsured or having Medicaid was associated with worse 5‐year OS in comparison with being insured (uninsured patients, 72.7%; Medicaid patients, 73.1%; insured patients, 86.6%). For patients who were 65 years old or older, insurance had less of an impact on OS (P = .07), with similar 5‐year OS rates for patients with Medicaid and those with other insurance (40.2% vs 43.4%). In a multivariate analysis of patients aged 15 to 64 years, both uninsured patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.93; P < .001) and Medicaid patients (HR, 1.83; P < .001) had an increased hazard of death in comparison with insured patients; patients younger than 40 years, female patients, and married patients also had a lower hazard of death.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that CML patients under the age of 65 years who are uninsured or have Medicaid have significantly worse survival than patients with other insurance coverage. Cancer 2017;123:2561–69. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
T‐cell infiltration and clonality correlate with programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in patients with soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Pollack Seth M. , He Qianchuan , Yearley Jennifer H. , Emerson Ryan , Vignali Marissa , Zhang Yuzheng , Redman Mary W. , Baker Kelsey K. , Cooper Sara , Donahue Bailey , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Cranmer Lee D. , Spraker Matthew B. , Seo Y. David , Pillarisetty Venu G. , Ricciotti Robert W. , Hoch Benjamin L. , McClanahan Terrill K. , Murphy Erin , Blumenschein Wendy M. , Townson Steven M. , Benzeno Sharon , Riddell Stanley R. , Jones Robin L.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic sarcomas have poor outcomes and although the disease may be amenable to immunotherapies, information regarding the immunologic profiles of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) subtypes is limited.

METHODS

The authors identified patients with the common STS subtypes: leiomyosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), synovial sarcoma (SS), well‐differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and myxoid/round cell liposarcoma. Gene expression, immunohistochemistry for programmed cell death protein (PD‐1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and T‐cell receptor Vβ gene sequencing were performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumors from 81 patients. Differences in liposarcoma subsets also were evaluated.

RESULTS

UPS and leiomyosarcoma had high expression levels of genes related to antigen presentation and T‐cell infiltration. UPS were found to have higher levels of PD‐L1 (P≤.001) and PD‐1 (P≤.05) on immunohistochemistry and had the highest T‐cell infiltration based on T‐cell receptor sequencing, significantly more than SS, which had the lowest (P≤.05). T‐cell infiltrates in UPS also were more oligoclonal compared with SS and liposarcoma (P≤.05). A model adjusted for STS histologic subtype found that for all sarcomas, T‐cell infiltration and clonality were highly correlated with PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression levels (P≤.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, the authors provide the most detailed overview of the immune microenvironment in sarcoma subtypes to date. UPS, which is a more highly mutated STS subtype, provokes a substantial immune response, suggesting that it may be well suited to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The SS and liposarcoma subsets are less mutated but do express immunogenic self‐antigens, and therefore strategies to improve antigen presentation and T‐cell infiltration may allow for successful immunotherapy in patients with these diagnoses. Cancer 2017;123:3291‐304. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without surgery for patients with resectable esophageal cancer: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Naik Kushal B. , Liu Yuan , Goodman Michael , Gillespie Theresa W. , Pickens Allan , Force Seth D. , Steuer Conor E. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Higgins Kristin , Beitler Jonathan J. , Shin Dong M. , Willingham Field F. , El‐Rayes Bassel , Landry Jerome C. , Fernandez Felix G. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with resectable esophageal cancer (rEC) are managed with either concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (CRSx) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone (cCR). To the authors' knowledge, there is insufficient evidence comparing the overall survival of patients treated with these 2 options.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for rEC cases diagnosed from 2003 through 2011. Patients with previous cancers, cervical rEC, clinical stage T1N0 disease, or metastasis were excluded. cCR was defined as radiotherapy administered within 30 days of chemotherapy. CRSx was defined as cCR followed by esophagectomy within 90 days. Overall survival was compared using Kaplan‐Meier methods, propensity score matching, and extended Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Of the 11,122 eligible patients, 8091 (72.7%) received cCR and 3031 (27.3%) received CRSx. The odds of receiving CRSx were higher among patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II disease (vs stage III), adenocarcinoma (vs squamous cell carcinoma), lesions of the lower one‐third of the esophagus, private insurance, and those living >25 miles from the treating facility or in areas with a higher median income or a greater percentage of high school‐educated residents. Patients aged >70 years, female patients, African‐American patients, those with ≥2 comorbidities, or those treated at community programs were more likely to receive cCR. After propensity score matching, the median and 10‐year survival rates were found to be significantly better with CRSx (32.5 months [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 29.6‐34.8 months] and 23.8% months [95% CI, 20.0‐27.9 months], respectively) compared with cCR (14.2 months [95% CI, 13.4‐15.5 months] and 6.1% months [95% CI, 3.9‐9.0 months], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the National Cancer Data Base support the inclusion of surgery after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rEC. Cancer 2017;123:3476‐85. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Statistical Analyses
Authors: Hardin Johanna , Kloke John
Published: May 2017

In this appendix, we provide an outline of methods used in analyzing biological data. We give a summary of types of data encountered and the appropriate methods to apply for the questions of interest. Statistical techniques described include the t test, the Wilcoxon rank sum test, the Mann‐Whitney‐Wilcoxon test, ANOVA, regression, and the chi‐square test. For each method, we give the appropriate assumptions, the details of the test, and a complete concrete example to follow. We also discuss related ideas such as multiple comparisons, why correlation does not imply causation, and ideas of sampling from a population. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantification of Lactate Dehydrogenase for Cell Viability Testing Using Cell Lines and Primary Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Kaja Simon , Payne Andrew J. , Naumchuk Yuliya , Koulen Peter
Published: May 2017

Drug discovery heavily relies on cell viability studies to assess the potential toxicity of drug candidates. L‐Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a cytoplasmic enzyme that catalyzes the concomitant interconversions of pyruvate to L‐lactate and NADH to NAD+ during glycolysis, and the reverse reactions during the Cori cycle. In response to cellular damage, induced by endogenous cellular mechanisms or as a result of exogenously applied insults, LDH is released from the cytoplasm into the extracellular environment. Its stability in cell culture medium makes it a well‐suited correlate for the presence of damage and toxicity in tissues and cells. We herein present protocols for a reproducible and validated LDH assay optimized for several cell types. In contrast to commercially available LDH assays, often associated with proprietary formulations and high cost, our protocols provide ample opportunities for experiment‐specific optimization with low variability and cost. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation in Toxicology: A Step‐by‐Step Guide to Increasing Efficiency, Reducing Variability, and Expanding Applications
Authors: McCullough Shaun D. , On Doan M. , Bowers Emma C.
Published: May 2017

Histone modifications work in concert with DNA methylation to regulate cellular structure, function, and response to environmental stimuli. More than 130 unique histone modifications have been described to date, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) allows for the exploration of their associations with the regulatory regions of target genes and other DNA/chromatin‐associated proteins across the genome. Many variations of ChIP have been developed in the 30 years since its earliest version came into use, which makes it challenging for users to integrate the procedure into their research programs. Furthermore, the differences in ChIP protocols can confound efforts to increase reproducibility across studies. The streamlined ChIP procedure presented here can be readily applied to samples from a wide range of in vitro studies (cell lines and primary cells) and clinical samples (peripheral leukocytes) in toxicology. We also provide detailed guidance on the optimization of critical protocol parameters, such as chromatin fixation, fragmentation, and immunoprecipitation, to increase efficiency and improve reproducibility. Expanding toxicoepigenetic studies to more readily include histone modifications will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the role of the epigenome in environmental exposure effects and the integration of epigenetic data in mechanistic toxicology, adverse outcome pathways, and risk assessment. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Primary Rat Hepatocytes for Prediction of Drug‐Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Liu Cong , Sekine Shuichi , Song Binbin , Ito Kousei
Published: May 2017

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in drug‐induced liver injury. To evaluate drug‐induced mitochondrial impairment, several isolated mitochondria‐ or cell line‐based assays have been reported. Among them, culturing HepG2 cells in galactose provides a remarkable method to assess mitochondrial toxicity by activating mitochondrial aerobic respiration. We applied this assay to primary rat hepatocytes by culturing cells in galactose and hyperoxia to enhance the evaluation of metabolism‐related drug‐induced mitochondrial toxicity. Conventional culture of primary hepatocytes under high‐glucose and hypoxic conditions could force cells to switch energy generation to glycolysis. By contrast, cells cultured in galactose and hyperoxia could maintain energy generation from mitochondrial aerobic respiration, which is consistent with physiological conditions, and consequently improve the susceptibility of cells to mitochondrial toxicants. Measuring the toxicities of test compounds in primary rat hepatocytes cultured in modified conditions provides a useful model to identify mitochondrial dysfunction‐mediated drug‐induced hepatotoxicity. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Short hairpin RNA is more effective than long hairpin RNA in eliciting pointed loss‐of‐function phenotypes in Drosophila
Authors: Bartoletti Rosa , Capozzoli Benjamin , Moore Joneisha , Moran Jaynie , Shrawder Brandy , Vivekanand Pavithra
Published: May 2017

Pointed (Pnt) is a transcriptional activator that functions downstream of the highly conserved Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) signaling pathway. Pnt is an ETS family transcription factor and encodes for two proteins, PntP1 and PntP2. However, while PntP1 is constitutively active, PntP2 is only active after being phosphorylated by MAPK in the RTK pathway. As mutations in pnt perturb the development of several tissues, we wanted to examine the effect and efficacy of using RNAi to target Pnt. We have expressed pnt RNAi in the eyes, oocyte, and heart cells using three different RNAi lines: Valium20, Valium10, and VDRC. Valium20 is distinct since it generates a short hairpin RNA (shRNA), while Valium10 and VDRC produce long hairpin dsRNA. We found that for each tissue examined Valium20 exhibited the strongest phenotype while the Valium10 and VDRC lines produced varying levels of severity and that the long hairpin RNA produced by the Valium10 and VDRC lines are unable to effectively knockdown pnt in embryonic tissues.
Restoring fire to grasslands is critical for migrating shorebird populations
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , Carroll J. Matthew , Elmore R. Dwayne , Davis Craig A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: May 2017

Fire is a disturbance process that maintains the structure and function of grassland ecosystems while sustaining grassland biodiversity. Conversion of grasslands to other land uses coupled with altered disturbance regimes has greatly diminished the habitat available to many grassland‐dependent species. These changes have been linked to declines in breeding bird populations, but may also be critical for migrating bird populations such as those shorebird species that depend on mesic grasslands during migration. We examined migratory shorebird use of burned grasslands in the southern Great Plains of North America using DISTANCE sampling to estimate and compare bird densities across recently burned and not recently burned landscapes (1–5 yr post fire). We conducted two surveys per week for 8–10 weeks along a 54‐km route starting at the end of March and concluding in mid‐May during 2014–2015. We encountered 2,509 total shorebirds in recently burned areas compared to 130 individuals in areas that were unburned. Fire was a major attractant for our three focal species with American Golden‐plover (Pluvialis dominica), Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), and Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) densities of 20.48, 11.09, and 26.09 birds/km2in burned areas compared with 0.00, 1.27, and 0.92 birds/km2in unburned areas, respectively. This research illustrates the importance of burned grassland for migrating shorebirds, a phenomenon that has largely gone unreported previously. Generally, these findings add to a body of knowledge that demonstrates the value of managing grasslands with historic disturbances that vary over space and time. The application of these findings should improve decision‐making for shorebird conservation and provides evidence that prescribed fire planning should include consideration for breeding, transient, and non‐breeding populations that vary in their temporal use of the landscape.
Floral resource availability from groundcover promotes bee abundance in coffee agroecosystems
Authors: Fisher Kaleigh , Gonthier David J. , Ennis Katherine K. , Perfecto Ivette
Published: May 2017

Patterns of bee abundance and diversity across different spatial scales have received thorough research consideration. However, the impact of short‐ and long‐term temporal resource availability on biodiversity has been less explored. This is highly relevant in tropical agricultural systems for pollinators, as many foraging periods of pollinators extend beyond flowering of any single crop species. In this study, we sought to understand how bee communities in tropical agroecosystems changed between seasons, and if short‐ and long‐term floral resource availability influenced their diversity and abundance. We used a threshold analysis approach in order to explore this relationship at two time scales. This study took place in a region dominated by coffee agroecosystems in Southern Mexico. This was an ideal system because the landscape offers a range of coffee management regimes that maintain heterogeneity in floral resource availability spatially and temporally. We found that the bee community varies significantly between seasons. There were higher abundances of native social, solitary and managed honey bees during the dry season when coffee flowers. Additionally, we found that floral resources from groundcover, but not trees, were associated with bee abundance. Further, the temporal scale of the availability of these resources is important, whereby short‐term floral resource availability appears particularly important in maintaining high bee abundance at sites with lower seasonal complementarity. We argue that in addition to spatial resource heterogeneity, temporal resource heterogeneity is critical in explaining bee community patterns, and should thus be considered to promote pollinator conservation.
Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease: analysis of survival according to the haemodynamic classification of the 2015 ESC/ERS guidelines and insights for future changes
Authors: Palazzini Massimiliano , Dardi Fabio , Manes Alessandra , Bacchi Reggiani Maria L. , Gotti Enrico , Rinaldi Andrea , Albini Alessandra , Monti Enrico , Galiè Nazzareno
Published: May 2017

Aims

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a relevant complication of left heart disease (LHD). The 2015 ESC/ERS PH guidelines report two different haemodynamic subsets of PH due to LHD (PH‐LHD) based on levels of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and diastolic pressure gradient (DPG): isolated post‐capillary PH (Ipc‐PH) and combined post‐ and pre‐capillary PH (Cpc‐PH). The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of Ipc‐PH and Cpc‐PH.

Methods and results

Data from 276 consecutive incident patients with PH‐LHD were included. According to the guidelines, Ipc‐PH is defined by DPG <7 mmHg and/or PVR ≤3 Wood units (WU) and Cpc‐PH by DPG ≥7 mmHg and/or PVR >3 WU. Using this definition, we identified three patient groups: Ipc‐PH with both normal PVR and DPG (108 patients); Cpc‐PH with both increased PVR and DPG (66 patients); and an intermediate group with either increased PVR or DPG (102 patients). Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between groups using the log‐rank test. Patients with Ipc‐PH had better survival compared with the group of patients with Cpc‐PH (P = 0.026) and the intermediate group (P = 0.025). No survival difference was detected between patients with Cpc‐PH and the intermediate group (P = 0.891). Patients with normal PVR had a better survival compared with those with elevated PVR (P = 0.012); while no difference was observed according to the level of DPG (P = 0.253).

Conclusion

Patients with Ipc‐PH have a better prognosis compared with patients with Cpc‐PH and with patients with isolated increase of PVR or DPG. Pulmonary vascular resistance has a better predictive value than DPG in patients with PH‐LHD.
Clinical phenotypes and outcome of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: the ESC Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry
Authors: Chioncel Ovidiu , Mebazaa Alexandre , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Coats Andrew J. , Piepoli Massimo Francesco , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Laroche Cecile , Seferovic Petar M. , Anker Stefan D. , Ferrari Roberto , Ruschitzka Frank , Lopez‐Fernandez Silvia , Miani Daniela , Filippatos Gerasimos , Maggioni Aldo P. ,   on behalf of the ESC Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry Investigators
Published: May 2017

Aims

To identify differences in clinical epidemiology, in‐hospital management and 1‐year outcomes among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) and enrolled in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term (ESC‐HF‐LT) Registry, stratified by clinical profile at admission.

Methods and results

The ESC‐HF‐LT Registry is a prospective, observational study collecting hospitalization and 1‐year follow‐up data from 6629 AHF patients. Among AHF patients enrolled in the registry, 13.2% presented with pulmonary oedema (PO), 2.9% with cardiogenic shock (CS), 61.1% with decompensated heart failure (DHF), 4.8% with hypertensive heart failure (HT‐HF), 3.5% with right heart failure (RHF) and 14.4% with AHF and associated acute coronary syndromes (ACS‐HF). The 1‐year mortality rate was 28.1% in PO, 54.0% in CS, 27.2% in DHF, 12.8% in HT‐HF, 34.0% in RHF and 20.6% in ACS‐HF patients. When patients were classified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) at initial presentation, 1‐year mortality was 34.8% in patients with SBP <85 mmHg, 29.0% in those with SBP 85–110 mmHg, 21.2% in patients with SBP 110–140 mmHg and 17.4% in those with SBP >140 mmHg. These differences tended to diminish in the months post‐discharge, and 1‐year mortality for the patients who survived at least 6 months post‐discharge did not vary significantly by either clinical profile or SBP classification.

Conclusion

Rates of adverse outcomes in AHF remain high, and substantial differences have been found when patients were stratified by clinical profile or SBP. However, patients who survived at least 6 months post‐discharge represent a more homogeneous group and their 1‐year outcome is less influenced by clinical profile or SBP at admission.
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron(II) Complexes with a BPMEN‐Type Ligand Bearing π‐Accepting Nitro Groups
Authors: Bohn Antoine , Sénéchal‐David Katell , Vanoutryve Jonathan , Guillot Régis , Rivière Eric , Banse Frédéric
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we describe the synthesis, characterization, and stability studies of new FeII complexes prepared with the ligand N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis(4‐nitropyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (L42NO2). The properties of these complexes were probed by magnetic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques and compared with those of the parent complexes prepared with the unsubstituted ligand N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (BPMEN or L42). The para functionalization of the pyridine moieties with π‐accepting nitro groups increases the ligand‐field strength and the Lewis acidity of the metal center without altering the stability of the complex.
Simulation to Enhance Shale Gas Recovery Using Carbon Dioxide in Silica Nanopores with Different Sizes
Authors: Sun Haoyang , Zhao Hui , Qi Na , Li Ying
Published: May 2017

An understanding of molecular behavior on a microscopic level is always important not only to find out the natural principles but also to decide how to solve problems in applications. In this study, the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods were employed to investigate the adsorption and diffusion properties of CH4 and CO2 in silica nanopores with different sizes, and the displacement of residual CH4 in silica nanopores by CO2 at a constant temperature of 323 K and various pressures was studied. The microscopic molecular states of the adsorbed CH4 and CO2 in nanopores of various sizes are different. The competitive adsorption of CO2 over CH4 occurs broadly because of the different intensity of interactions between the gases molecules and the pore surface, of which the degree decreases with the increase of the pore size. An effective displacement process of residual adsorbed CH4 by CO2 was performed, and it is found that the displacement is enhanced with the increase of the CO2 bulk pressure and that the pore size has a significant influence on the displacement. According to the results, CO2 capture and storage (CCS) and the enhancement of CH4 recovery could be achieved at the same time in silica nanopores. This work provides microscopic information on the molecular behavior of CH4 and CO2 in silica nanopores and testifies to the efficiency of the displacement of CH4 by CO2 in silica nanopores with various sizes to provide useful guidance for applications in the enhancement of shale gas recovery by CO2.
Nanostructured phenolic matrices: Effect of different nanofillers on the thermal degradation properties and reaction to fire of a resol
Authors: Rallini M. , Wu H. , Natali M. , Koo J. , Torre L.
Published: May 2017

In this work, the effect of 6 different fillers as a nanomodifier of phenolic matrix was evaluated in thermal stability and reaction to fire. The chosen nanoparticles were montmorillonite, silica, carbon black, and 3 carbides—boron, silicon, and zirconium carbides. The nanofillers were mechanically dispersed in the matrix, and the dispersion and distribution of the nanosized particles in the matrix was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability of nanocomposites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis both in nitrogen and in air while the thermal combustion properties were measured using a microscale combustion calorimeter. The experimental data highlighted the remarkable effects of nanoboron carbide on the thermal properties it can confer to the phenolic matrix. Rheological behavior of the blends was also investigated to evaluate the effect of the different fillers on the viscosity of the nanostructured matrices.
Changing trends in the management of the neck in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jouhi Lauri , Atula Timo , Saarilahti Kauko , Hagström Jaana , Haglund Caj , Mohamed Hesham , Mäkitie Antti , Keski‐Säntti Harri
Published: May 2017

Background

Treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has changed toward a more oncologic approach. We evaluated treatment of the neck, the incidence of regional recurrences, and factors associated with regional recurrence during the treatment approach transition period in patients with regional lymph node metastasis.

Methods

All patients with oropharyngeal SCC diagnosed at the Helsinki University Hospital during 2000‐2009 were analyzed for clinicopathological factors, treatment, p16 expression, and regional recurrence.

Results

Altogether, 169 patients had a complete response, and among them regional recurrence occurred in 5 patients (4.7%) treated with surgery ± radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and in 2 patients (3.2%) treated with RT or CRT ± surgery. All these 7 patients had N2b disease or higher, and 5 of them had regional recurrence in the contralateral side of the neck.

Conclusion

The incidence of regional recurrence was low, and remained unchanged despite the increased use of RT or CRT ± surgery. Treatment and follow‐up of the contralateral neck warrants special attention in patients with advanced neck disease (≥N2b).
Photobiomodulation therapy on wound treatment subsequent to Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser tattoo removal in rat model
Authors: Imrigha Nada Abusalah Almabrouk , Bidin Noriah , Lau Pik Suan , Musa Nurfatin , Zakaria Nurlaily , Krishnan Ganesan
Published: May 2017

Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser is the most effective laser for tattoo removal. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is an alternative method applied to accelerate the wound healing. This paper investigated the effects of PBM therapy using 808 nm diode laser on tattooed skin after laser tattoo removal. Forty‐five rats were selected and tattooed with black ink on their dorsal, and then distributed into three groups. G0 was received non‐laser irradiation. G1 was treated by laser tattoo removal using 1064 nm with energy density of 3.4 J/cm2 without PBM therapy, while G2 was treated daily with PBM therapy using 808 nm diode laser of 5 J/cm2 after a single session of laser tattoo removal. The effects of tattoo removal and healing progress of the wound were analyzed using histological studies. Findings showed 808 nm laser promotes the healing process through enhancing epithelialization and collagen deposition. Moreover, PBM therapy stimulated immune cells to improve phagocytosis process for removing the tattoo ink fragments effectively. The PBM therapy treated group was capable of improving the healing process and increasing the quality of skin following the laser tattoo removal. It was also found that stimulation of cellular function by PBM therapy increased tattoo clearance efficiency.
Light‐driven photosensitizer uptake increases Candida albicans photodynamic inactivation
Authors: Romano Renan A. , Pratavieira Sebastião , Silva Ana P. da , Kurachi Cristina , Guimarães Francisco E. G.
Published: May 2017

Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is based on the use of a photosensitizer (PS) and light that results mainly in the production of reactive oxygen species, aiming to produce microorganism cell death. PS incubation time and light dose are key protocol parameters that influence PDI response; the correct choice of them can increase the efficiency of inactivation. The results of this study show that a minor change in the PDI protocol, namely light‐driven incubation leads to a higher photosensitizer and more uniform cell uptake inside the irradiated zone. Furthermore, as the uptake increases, the damage caused by PDI also increases. The proposed light‐driven incubation prior to the inactivation illumination dose has advantages when compared to the traditional PDI treatments since it can be more selective and effective. Using a violet light as pre‐illumination (light‐driven incubation) source and a red‐light system as PDI source, it was possible to demonstrate that when compared to the traditional protocol of dark incubation, the pre‐illuminated cell culture showed an inactivation increase of 7 log units. These in vitro results performed in Candida albicans cells may result in the introduction of a new protocol for PDI.
Low‐level light emitting diode therapy promotes long–term functional recovery after experimental stroke in mice
Authors: Lee Hae In , Lee Sae‐Won , Kim Nam Gyun , Park Kyoung‐Jun , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Yong‐Il , Shin Hwa Kyoung
Published: May 2017

We aimed to investigate the effects of low‐level light emitting diode therapy (LED‐T) on the long‐term functional outcomes after cerebral ischemia, and the optimal timing of LED‐T initiation for achieving suitable functional recovery. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in mice via photothrombosis. These mice were assigned to a sham‐operated (control), ischemic (vehicle), or LED‐T group [initiation immediately (acute), 4 days (subacute) or 10 days (delayed) after ischemia, followed by once‐daily treatment for 7 days]. Behavioral outcomes were assessed 21 and 28 days post‐ischemia, and histopathological analysis was performed 28 days post‐ischemia. The acute and subacute LED‐T groups showed a significant improvement in motor function up to 28 days post‐ischemia, although no brain atrophy recovery was noted. We observed proliferating cells (BrdU+) in the ischemic brain, and significant increases in BrdU+/GFAP+, BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/NeuN+, and CD31+ cells in the subacute LED‐T group. However, the BrdU+/Iba‐1+ cell count was reduced in the subacute LED‐T group. Furthermore, the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was significantly upregulated in the subacute LED‐T group. We concluded that LED‐T administered during the subacute stage had a positive impact on the long‐term functional outcome, probably via neuron and astrocyte proliferation, blood vessel reconstruction, and increased BDNF expression. Picture: The rotarod test for motor coordination showed that acute and subacute LED‐T improves long‐term functional recovery after cerebral ischemia.
Association of the rs1760944 polymorphism in the APEX1 base excision repair gene with risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a population from an endemic area in South China
Authors: Lu Zhifang , Li Sisi , Ning Sisi , Yao Mengwei , Zhou Xunzhao , Wu Yuan , Zhong Changtao , Yan Kui , Wei Zhengbo , Xie Ying
Published: May 2017

Background

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEX1) plays a central role in the repair of oxidative DNA lesions via base excision repair, and polymorphism in the APEX1 gene may affect susceptibility to carcinogenesis.

Methods

Here, we assessed possible relationships between single‐nucleotide polymorphism at APEX1 rs1760944 and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in 477 NPC patients and 558 healthy controls from Guangxi province, which is the second largest NPC endemic area in South China.

Results

Genotype frequencies in controls were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Logistic regression analysis identified the genotypes GT or GG as associated with significantly lower risk than the genotype TT (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.745, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.573‐0.970). This apparent protective effect of GT/GG was even greater among those with no smoking history (adjusted OR 0.679, 95%CI 0.494‐0.934).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that APEX1 rs1760944 polymorphism may correlate with NPC susceptibility in a population from an endemic area in South China.
UriSed 3 and UX‐2000 automated urine sediment analyzers vs manual microscopic method: A comparative performance analysis
Authors: Laiwejpithaya Sathima , Wongkrajang Preechaya , Reesukumal Kanit , Bucha Chonticha , Meepanya Suriya , Pattanavin Chanutchaya , Khejonnit Varanya , Chuntarut Achara
Published: May 2017

Background

Fully automated urine analyzers now play an important role in routine urinalysis in most laboratories. The recently introduced UriSed 3 has a new automated digital imaging urine sediment analyzer with a phase contrast feature. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the UriSed 3 and UX‐2000 automated urine sediment analyzers with each other and with the results of the manual microscopic method.

Methods

Two hundred seventy‐seven (277) samples of leftover fresh urine from our hospital's central laboratory were evaluated by two automated urine sediment analyzers—UriSed 3 and UX‐2000. The results of urine sediment analysis were compared between the two automated analyzers and against the results of the manual microscopic method.

Results

Both devices demonstrated excellent agreement for quantitative measurement of red blood cells and white blood cells. UX‐2000 had a lower coefficient correlation and demonstrated slightly lower agreement for squamous epithelial cells. Regarding semiquantitative analysis, both machines demonstrated very good concordance, with all applicable rates within one grade difference of the other machine. UriSed 3 had higher sensitivity for small round cells, while UX‐2000 showed greater sensitivity for detecting bacteria and hyaline casts. UriSed 3 demonstrated slightly better specificity, especially in the detection of hyaline and pathological casts.

Conclusions

Both instruments had nearly similar performance for red blood cells and white blood cells measurement. UriSed 3 was more reliable for measuring squamous epithelial cells and small round cells, while the UX‐2000 was more accurate for detecting bacteria and hyaline casts.
An improved method for primary culture of normal cervical epithelial cells and establishment of cell model in vitro with HPV‐16 E6 gene by lentivirus
Authors: Fan Tingting , Li Xiaofu , Li Ya , Zhi Yanfang , Rong Shouhua , Cheng Guomei , Zhang Xiaoan
Published: May 2017

Normal human cervical epitheliums infected with HPVs gene in vitro are underlying molecular models to investigate physiological mechanisms of cervical epithelia and cervical disease. The current study aimed to establish a modified culture method for cervical epithelium and explore the feasibility of transfection with HPV‐16 E6 gene mediated by lentivirus in primary cervical cells. The cells were dissociated enzymatically using Dispase II combined with 0.25% Trypsin–0.01% ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) or Collagenase I. The detached effectiveness of Dispase II at different times was compared. Isolated cells were cultured and subcultured in modified keratinocyte serum‐free medium (K‐SFM) supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or K‐SFM alone. Cytokeratin was used as the identification of cervical epitheliums. Proliferative capacity and growth curve of cervical epitheliums were evaluated by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8). The cells at passages 3 were used to infect with HPV‐16 E6 gene by lentivirus. The expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) presented in the infected cells was observed via fluorescence microscopy and the levels of E6 mRNA were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results indicate that cervical epithelial cells can be isolated successfully by Dispase II combined with 0.25% Trypsin–0.01% EDTA method for 20 hr and maintained for five or six passages in K‐SFM medium with 5% FBS. The present study proposed a brief and high‐yield protocol for isolation and culture of human cervical epitheliums. Moreover, an infected cell model with HPV‐16 E6 gene mediated by lentivirus was established which can do duty for studies in vitro on the carcinogenic mechanism of HR‐HPVs.
A case of adult‐onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome in Japan
Authors: Yasuura Shusuke , Harada Yukinori
Published: May 2017

Adult‐onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is rare. We report the case of a 23‐year‐old woman with PFAPA syndrome in Japan. Her symptoms lasted for approximately 5 days in each period regardless of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug or antibiotic treatment. She was diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome based on her periodic self‐limiting symptoms and no evidence of other febrile diseases. Following cimetidine therapy, her periodic symptoms diminished. PFAPA syndrome should be considered in patients presenting with periodic fever and upper respiratory symptoms regardless of their age or ethnicity.