bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A continuous method to prepare porous polystyrene membranes with high adsorption ability for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Yajie , Pu Hongting , Cheng Junfeng , Du Jiang , Pan Haiyan , Chang Zhihong
Published: November 2017

A convenient and continuous method to prepare porous polystyrene (PS) membranes via a microlayer coextrusion and template method is proposed. The porous PS membranes can be obtained via the acid etching of a CaCO3 template embedded in the membranes. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the porous PS membranes show that most of the CaCO3 particles can be etched away. The effects of etching time, CaCO3 content, and membrane thickness on the porous structures are investigated, which can be used to regulate and control the porous structure. To demonstrate the adsorption performance of porous PS membranes on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrene is used as the model compound. Compared with that of solid PS membranes, porous PS membranes exhibit much higher adsorption performance for trace pyrene. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of porous PS membranes can be well fit by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and a Freundlich isotherm model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45917.
Design of thermochromic polymer blends containing low‐mass compounds
Authors: Kuhakongkiat Nawaphorn , Sugiyama Mitsunari , Guesnier Mathieu , Azaman Farah Alwani , Yoshida Kento , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: November 2017

We investigated the light transmittance of an immiscible polymer blend comprising a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA) and a terpolymer of vinyl butyral, vinyl alcohol, and vinyl acetate (PVB). Both EVA and PVB are used in the interlayers of laminated glass. We found that the transparency of the blend depends on the ambient temperature. This can be attributed to the difference in the temperature dependence of the refractive index between EVA and PVB. The blend has good transparency at room temperature because the difference between the refractive indices of its components is minimal. At high or low temperatures, however, the blend becomes opaque owing to light scattering. The addition of a plasticizer favorably affects the temperature range over which the blend exhibits high transparency, because the refractive index and its temperature dependence are affected by the plasticizer. We also evaluated the interphase transfer of a plasticizer between EVA and PVB at various temperatures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45927.
Ultrafiltration membranes based on hybrids of an amphiphilic graft copolymer and titanium isopropoxide
Authors: Park Min Su , Park Byeong Ju , Kim Na Un , Park Jung Tae , Kim Jong Hak
Published: November 2017

Graft copolymer poly(vinyl chloride)‐g‐poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PVC‐g‐POEM) is combined with titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) to form hybrids that undergo phase separation in a water bath. The water permeance of the PVC‐g‐POEM membrane increases by hybridization with TTIP owing to an increase in the surface pore size and porosity. Upon heating to 80 °C, the water permeances of PVC‐g‐POEM and PVC‐g‐POEM/TTIP decrease owing to the increased thickness of the top layer. However, the bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection of PVC‐g‐POEM increases, while that of PVC‐g‐POEM/TTIP decreases. This is attributed to accelerated dissolution of TTIP at 80 °C, resulting in a large number of surface pores. The antifouling performance is significantly improved by TTIP addition and heating owing to increased hydrophilicity, as confirmed by contact angle, O/C atomic ratio, and water content measurements. The PVC‐g‐POEM/TTIP membrane prepared at 25 °C shows the best performance [338 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 (LMH) water permeance, 89.4% BSA rejection, and 91.9% flux ratio recovery]. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45932.
Comprehensive and quantitative study on the thermal oxidative stabilization reactions in poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) copolymer
Authors: Fu Zhongyu , Liu Baijun , Li Bing , Liu Yuyao , Zhang Huixuan
Published: November 2017

Thermal oxidative stabilization (TOS) reactions, mainly cyclization, oxygen uptake, dehydrogenation, crosslinking, and disproportionation termination of cyclization in poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) (PAI), are tracked quantitatively by the combination of second‐derivative and cure‐fitting operations in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra (FTIR) range of 1800–1000 cm−1 and 2300–2100 cm−1. Except the cyclization and disproportionation of cyclization are chemical‐reaction‐controlled process, the other three reactions are both diffusion‐controlled and chemical‐reaction‐controlled processes. The formation of free and conjugated carbonyl group need the optimal cyclization rate, adequate unreacted linear PAI chains, and appropriate oxidation ability coordinated. The higher temperature, the faster rate and the higher extent of the cyclization and the crosslinking reactions as well as the faster disproportionation termination of cyclization. The length of the formed cyclic structures became shorter as the evolution of TOS process, especially for 265 °C. The crosslinking, oxygen uptake, dehydrogenation, and termination of cyclization reactions become dominant with the proceeding of TOS process, especially as the cyclization extent above 0.8 and at high temperature such as 265 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45934.
Singular Linear Quadratic Optimal Control Problem for Stochastic Nonregular Descriptor Systems
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Bin
Published: November 2017

This paper is concerned with the singular linear quadratic (SLQ) optimal control problem for stochastic nonregular descriptor systems with time‐delay. By means of some reasonable assumptions and a series of equivalent transformations, the problem is finally transformed into a positive linear quadratic (LQ) problem for standard stochastic systems. Then dynamic programming principle is used to establish the solvability of the original problem, and the desired explicit presentation of the optimal controller is given in terms of matrix iterative form. The results due to Feng et al. are generalized and improved. As an application, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Manifestations of Hypoxia in the Second and Third Trimester Placenta
Authors: Parks W. Tony
Published: November 2017

The placental pathologies that develop in the context of hypoxic insults to the fetus and placenta are termed maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM). On molecular analysis, these lesions primarily show evidence of oxidative damage, suggesting that they arise in the context of hypoxia‐reperfusion injury. The earliest abnormalities are likely incomplete or absent remodeling of maternal spiral arteries (decidual arteriopathy). These vascular remodeling defects then lead to subsequent damage patterns, including accelerated villous maturation, distal villous hypoplasia, increased syncytial knots, villous infarction, retroplacental hemorrhage, and placental hypoplasia. MVM may occur in a surprisingly wide array of clinical disorders, but the relation between these clinical disorders and placental MVM is complex. It seems likely that these clinical disorders represent final common pathways for multiple etiologies, only some of which result in MVM. Birth Defects Research 109:1345–1357, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoxic Stress Forces Adaptive and Maladaptive Placental Stress Responses in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Yang Yu , Abdulhasan Mohammed , Awonuga Awoniyi , Bolnick Alan , Puscheck Elizabeth E. , Rappolee Daniel A.
Published: November 2017

This review focuses on hypoxic stress and its effects on the placental lineage and the earliest differentiation events in mouse and human placental trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Although the placenta is a decidual organ at the end of pregnancy, its earliest rapid growth and function at the start of pregnancy precedes and supports growth and function of the embryo. Earliest function requires that TSCs differentiate, however, “hypoxia” supports rapid growth, but not differentiation of TSCs. Most of the literature on earliest placental “hypoxia” studies used 2% oxygen which is normoxic for TSCs. Hypoxic stress happens when oxygen level drops below 2%. It decreases anabolism, proliferation, potency/stemness and increases differentiation, despite culture conditions that would sustain proliferation and potency. Thus, to study the pathogenesis due to TSC dysfunction, it is important to study hypoxic stress below 2%. Many studies have been performed using 0.5 to 1% oxygen in cultured mouse TSCs. From all these studies, a small number has examined human trophoblast lines and primary first trimester placental hypoxic stress responses in culture. Some other stress stimuli, aside from hypoxic stress, are used to elucidate common and unique aspects of hypoxic stress. The key outcomes produced by hypoxic stress are mitochondrial, anabolic, and proliferation arrest, and this is coupled with stemness loss and differentiation. Hypoxic stress can lead to depletion of stem cells and miscarriage, or can lead to later dysfunctions in placentation and fetal development. Birth Defects Research 109:1330–1344, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EMP‐induced BBB‐disruption enhances drug delivery to glioma and increases treatment efficacy in rats
Authors: Li Kangchu , Zhang Keying , Xu Shenglong , Wang Xiaowu , Zhou Yongchun , Zhou Yan , Gao Peng , Lin Jiajin , Ding Guirong , Guo Guozhen
Published: November 2017

Chemotherapy on gliomas is not satisfactorily efficient because the presence of blood‐brain barriers (BBB) leads to inadequate exposure of tumor cells to administered drugs. In order to facilitate chemotherapeutics to penetrate BBB and increase the treatment efficacy of gliomas, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) was applied and the 1‐(2‐Chlorethyl)‐cyclohexyl‐nitrosourea (CCNU) lomustine concentration in tumor tissue, tumor size, tumor apoptosis, and side effects were measured in glioma‐bearing rat model. The results showed that EMP exposure could enhance the delivery of CCNU to tumor tissue, facilitate tumor apoptosis, and inhibit tumor growth without obvious side effects. The data indicated that EMP‐induced BBB disruption could enhance delivery of CCNU to glioblastoma multiforme and increase treatment efficacy in glioma‐bearing rats. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:60–67, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of a software for calculating isoelectric point of a polypeptide according to their net charge using the graphical programming language LabVIEW
Authors: Tovar Glomen
Published: November 2017

A software to calculate the net charge and to predict the isoelectric point (pI) of a polypeptide is developed in this work using the graphical programming language LabVIEW. Through this instrument the net charges of the ionizable residues of the polypeptide chains of the proteins are calculated at different pH values, tabulated, pI is predicted and an Excel (‐xls) type file is generated. In this work, the experimental values of the pIs (pI) of different proteins are compared with the values of the pIs (pI) calculated graphically, achieving a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.934746 which represents a good reliability for a p < 0.01. In this way the generated program can constitute an instrument applicable in the laboratory, facilitating the calculation to graduate students and junior researchers. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(1):39–46, 2018.
Edu‐Cloud: On‐the‐fly employability skills as a service
Authors: Shahzadi Sonia , Iqbal Muddesar , Dagiuklas Tasos
Published: November 2017

Twenty‐first century global job market competition requires Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) university curricula to support both state‐of‐the‐art technical and soft skills learning to improve graduate employment. This necessitates the transformation of the current teaching and learning methodology powered by a social and collaborative platform to provide a social co‐learning environment. This social co‐learning will provide students with opportunities for self‐enrichment while supporting their technical skills and hands‐on needs. The platform must also provide the required lab infrastructure for hands‐on experimentation. This paper proposes the design and implementation of a cloud based platform called Edu‐Cloud. The Edu‐Cloud has been designed to provide automated resource provisioning and perform on‐the‐fly deployment of scalable virtual network functions to stream multimedia content closer to the global learners. This would help to meet the specific learning needs of a group of global interconnected students with similar learning skills and abilities. The benchmarking performance results show that the proposed framework works efficiently while reducing primary network traffic by deploying resources closer to the users and support scalability for a global deployment scenario.
Toward a Novel Drug To Target the EGF–EGFR Interaction: Design of Metabolically Stable Bicyclic Peptides
Authors: Guardiola Salvador , Seco Jesús , Varese Monica , Díaz‐Lobo Mireia , García Jesús , Teixidó Meritxell , Nevola Laura , Giralt Ernest
Published: November 2017

In cancer, proliferation of malignant cells is driven by overactivation of growth‐signalling mechanisms, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Despite its therapeutic relevance, the EGF–EGFR interaction has remained elusive to inhibition by synthetic molecules, mostly as a result of its large size and lack of binding pockets and cavities. Designed peptides, featuring cyclic motifs and other structural constraints, have the potential to modulate such challenging protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Herein, we present the structure‐based design of a series of bicyclic constrained peptides that mimic an interface domain of EGFR and inhibit the EGF–EGFR interaction by targeting the smaller partner (i.e., EGF). This design process was guided by the integrated use of in silico methods and biophysical techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and surface acoustic wave. The best analogues were able to reduce selectively the viability of EGFR+ human cancer cells. In addition to their efficacy, these bicyclic peptides are endowed with exceptional stability and metabolic resistance—two features that make them suitable candidates for in vivo applications.
Anticoagulation with heparin The art of simplicity even in patients on dialysis
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Albertal Mariano
Published: November 2017

Key Points

In current PCI practice, anticoagulation with either bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin in patients with ACS share comparable efficacy and safety.

Nonetheless, their individual performance in patients on dialysis remains unclear.

This observational PCI study reported in‐hospital clinical outcome in patients on dialysis undergoing PCI according to drug regimen: bivalirudin versus heparin.

Similar clinical outcome was observed with both drug regimens.
“To close or not to close?” When should vascular closure devices be used after cardiac catheterization procedures?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Vascular closure devices (VCD) appear to be safe when compared to manual compression or surgical closure.

VCDs’ main advantage seems to stem from lower time to hemostasis (TTH) and time to mobilization.

In anticoagulated patients with 6‐Fr femoral sheaths, the new Celt ACT VCD, which uses a stainless‐steel permanent implant, seems to be safe and decreases TTH when compared to manual pressure.
Hemodynamic classification of paravalvular leakage after transcatheter aortic valve implantation compared with angiographic or echocardiographic classification for prediction of 1‐year mortality
Authors: Schoechlin Simon , Brennemann Tim , Allali Abdelhakim , Ruile Philip , Jander Nikolaus , Allgeier Martin , Gick Michael , Richardt Gert , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed
Published: November 2017

Objectives

We sought to assess angiographic, echocardiographic and hemodynamic grading of paravalvular leakage (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with respect to prediction of 1‐year mortality.

Background

Meaningful criteria for the severity of PVL are needed to allow intraprocedural guidance and patient management after TAVI.

Methods

We pooled the prospective TAVI databases of 2 German centers. During TAVI, PVL was assessed angiographically and by the aortic regurgitation index (ARI). ARI was calculated as ratio of the gradient between diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure to systolic blood pressure times hundred. In addition, we performed transthoracic echocardiography before discharge.

Results

A total of 723 patients undergoing TAVI with self‐expandable (20.9%) or balloon‐expandable (79.1%) valves were included. Grades of PVL as assessed during the procedure by angiography or ARI (below the previously defined cut‐off of 25) did not show a significant association with 1‐year mortality (P = 0.312 and 0.776, respectively). One‐year mortality was 15.7% (39/249) in patienths with an ARI < 25 and 16.5% (71/430) in patients with an ARI ≥ 25. Echocardiographic classes of PVL at discharge showed a significant (P = 0.029) association with 1‐year mortality, which was 11.5% (37/322) in patients with no/trace PVL, 18.0% (62/345) in patients with mild PVL and 23.1% (6/26) in patients with more than mild PVL. These findings prevailed after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

ARI did not help identify PVLs that are relevant to 1‐year survival. Angiographic assessment during the procedure was less predictive than echocardiographic assessment before discharge.
Transverse partial stent ablation with rotational atherectomy for suboptimal culotte technique in left main stem bifurcation
Authors: De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Kharbanda Rajesh , Banning Adrian P.
Published: November 2017

Longitudinal rotational atherectomy of metal struts is well described as bail‐out strategy to treat undilatable instent restenosis. Ablation of metal stent struts jailing the ostium of a major side branch in a coronary bifurcation is not described. In the current report, we describe a case of “transverse” rotational atherectomy to treat a failure of culotte stenting in a left main stem bifurcation. We document for the first time in vivo and in man the effect of this strategy using optical coherence tomography.
Ferrocene as a Privileged Framework for Chiral Organocatalysts
Authors: Zhu Jun‐Chao , Cui Dong‐Xiao , Li Yue‐Dan , Jiang Ru , Chen Wei‐Ping , Wang Ping‐An
Published: November 2017

Ferrocene (Fc) as a privileged framework for chiral organocatalysts (Orgcat) has been developed rapidly in recent years. Herein, five categories have been summarized, including Fc‐based nucleophilic, bifunctional, Brønsted acid, hydrogen‐bonding organocatalysts and Fc‐based frustrated Lewis pairs. Their applications in enantioselective transformations were also highlighted and discussed in this Minireview.
VUV/Vis Photoluminescence, Site Occupancy, and Thermal‐Resistance Properties of K4SrSi3O9:Ce3+
Authors: He Jin , Guo Xiaoxuan , Chen Yibo , Shi Rui , Huang Yan , Zhang Jing , Wang Yufei , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: November 2017

A series of Ce3+‐activated K4SrSi3O9 materials emitting bright blue light under near‐UV excitation was obtained by a facile solid‐state reaction. The luminescence of Ce3+‐doped K4SrSi3O9 shows excellent thermal stability in a large temperature range. The detailed temperature/concentration‐dependent luminescent properties of Ce3+ confirm that there are two different Ce3+ sites in K4SrSi3O9:Ce3+, and energy transfer from the high‐energy Ce(1)3+ sites to the low‐energy Ce(2)3+ sites was demonstrated to occur by electric dipole–dipole interaction. The maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of Ce3+‐doped K4SrSi3O9 can reach 56 %, and a UV‐excited white LED device with low correlated color temperature (CCT=4617 K) and high color‐rendering index (Ra=80) was fabricated with K4SrSi3O9:Ce3+.
Iron‐Catalyzed Hydroborylative Cyclization of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Cabrera‐Lobera Natalia , Rodríguez‐Salamanca Patricia , Nieto‐Carmona Juan C. , Buñuel Elena , Cárdenas Diego J.
Published: November 2017

We report first Fe‐catalyzed hydroborylative cyclization reaction. The process provides one C−C and one C−B bond in a single operation and shows a wide scope, allowing the formation of carbo‐ and heterocycles containing a homoallylic boryl unit that can be further functionalized. The reaction takes place in smooth conditions, with inexpensive catalytic system and full atom economy since HBpin is the borylation agent, in contrast to our previously reported Pd‐catalyzed reaction. Both aryl and alkyl substituted alkynes are reactive, revealing a wide reaction scope. Mechanistic studies suggest the intermediacy of FeII‐hydride active catalyst capable to react with the alkyne group prior to alkene insertion, and computational studies suggest the occurrence of barrierless σ‐bond metathesis involving HBpin and Fe−C bonds along the catalytic cycle.
Novel Viologen Derivative Based Uranyl Coordination Polymers Featuring Photochromic Behaviors
Authors: Hu Kong‐Qiu , Wu Qun‐Yan , Mei Lei , Zhang Xiao‐Lin , Ma Lei , Song Gang , Chen Di‐Yun , Wang Yi‐Tong , Chai Zhi‐Fang , Shi Wei‐Qun
Published: November 2017

A series of novel uranyl coordination polymers have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. Both complexes 1 and 2 prosess two ipbp− ligands (H2ipbpCl=1‐(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium chloride), one uranyl cation, and two coordination water molecules, which can further extend to 2D networks through hydrogen bonding. In complex 1, two sets of equivalent nets are entangled together, resulting in a 2D + 2D → 3D polycatenated framework. In complex 2, the neighbouring equivalent nets interpenetrate each other, forming a twofold interpenetrated network. Complexes 3 and 4 are isomers, and both of them are constructed from (UO2)2(OH)2 dinuclear units, which are connected with four ipbp− ligands. The 3D structures of complexes 3 and 4 are similar along the b axis. Similar to other viologen‐based coordination polymers, complexes 3 and 4 exhibit photochromic and thermochromic properties, which are rarely observed in actinide coordination polymers. Unlike the monotonous coordination mode in complexes 1–4, the ipbp− ligands feature a μ3‐bridge through two kinds of coordination modes in complex 5. Notably, complex 5 presents a unique example in which terminal pyridine nitrogen atom is involved in the coordination.
Rapid Iododeboronation with and without Gold Catalysis: Application to Radiolabelling of Arenes
Authors: Webster Stacey , O'Rourke Kerry M. , Fletcher Conor , Pimlott Sally L. , Sutherland Andrew , Lee Ai‐Lan
Published: November 2017

Radiopharmaceuticals that incorporate radioactive iodine in combination with single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging play a key role in nuclear medicine, with applications in drug development and disease diagnosis. Despite this importance, there are relatively few general methods for the incorporation of radioiodine into small molecules. This work reports a rapid air‐ and moisture‐stable ipso‐iododeboronation procedure that uses NIS in the non‐toxic, green solvent dimethyl carbonate. The fast reaction and mild conditions of the gold‐catalysed method led to the development of a highly efficient process for the radiolabelling of arenes, which constitutes the first example of an application of homogenous gold catalysis to selective radiosynthesis. This was exemplified by the efficient synthesis of radiolabelled meta‐[125I]iodobenzylguanidine, a radiopharmaceutical that is used for the imaging and therapy of human norepinephrine transporter‐expressing tumours.
Adsorptive Purification of Ionic Liquids and their Reuse in Cellulose Processing
Authors: Watts Marcus , Kosan Birgit , Hammerschmidt Jochen , Dorn Susann , Meister Frank , Scholl Stephan
Published: November 2017

Unfortunately, imidazole‐based ionic liquids (ILs) tend to build high‐boiling impurities like chromophores. This results in reduced process stability and product conditions like stained cellulose fibers. Therefore, different adsorbent materials were tested for their capability to purify the IL 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate. The product quality was monitored by UV‐vis spectroscopy. It was observed that activated carbon showed the best purification results. The purified IL was successfully reused in the process of cellulose dissolution and shaping.
Cross‐Classified Multilevel Modelling of the Effectiveness of Similarity‐Based Virtual Screening
Authors: Mazalan Lucyantie , Bell Andrew , Sbaffi Laura , Willett Peter
Published: November 2017

The screening effectiveness of a chemical similarity search depends on a range of factors, including the bioactivity of interest, the types of similarity coefficient and fingerprint that comprise the similarity measure, and the nature of the reference structure that is being searched against a database. This study introduces the use of cross‐classified multilevel modelling as a way to investigate the relative importance of these four factors when carrying out similarity searches on the ChEMBL database. Two principal conclusions can be drawn from the analyses: that the fingerprint plays a more important role than the similarity coefficient in determining the effectiveness of a similarity search, and that comparative studies of similarity measures should involve many more reference structures than has been the case in much previous work.
Five‐year relative survival for human papillomavirus‐associated cancer sites
Authors: Razzaghi Hilda , Saraiya Mona , Thompson Trevor D. , Henley S. Jane , Viens Laura , Wilson Reda
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can potentially prevent greater than 90% of cervical and anal cancers as well as a substantial proportion of vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers caused by certain HPV types. Because more than 38,000 HPV‐associated cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States, current studies are needed to understand how relative survival varies for each of these cancers by certain demographic characteristics, such as race and age.

METHODS

The authors examined high‐quality data from 27 population‐based cancer registries covering approximately 59% of the US population. The analyses were limited to invasive cancers that were diagnosed during 2001 through 2011 and followed through 2011 and met specified histologic criteria for HPV‐associated cancers. Five‐year relative survival was calculated from diagnosis until death for these cancers by age, race, and sex.

RESULTS

The 5‐year age‐standardized relative survival rate was 64.2% for cervical carcinomas, 52.8% for vaginal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 66% for vulvar SCCs, 47.4% for penile SCCs, 65.9% for anal SCCs, 56.2% for rectal SCCs, and 51.2% for oropharyngeal SCCs. Five‐year relative survival was consistently higher among white patients compared with black patients for all HPV‐associated cancers across all age groups; the greatest differences by race were observed for oropharyngeal SCCs among those aged <60 years and for penile SCCs among those ages 40 to 49 years compared with other age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There are large disparities in relative survival among patients with HPV‐associated cancers by sex, race, and age. HPV vaccination and improved access to screening (of cancers for which screening tests are available) and treatment, especially among groups that experience higher incidence and lower survival, may reduce disparities in survival from HPV‐associated cancers. Cancer 2018;124:203‐211. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Transforming the Activation of Clinical Trials
Authors: Watters Julie T. , Pitzen Jason H. , Sanders Linda J. , Bruce Virginia (Nickie) M. , Cornell Alissa R. , Cseko Gary C. , Grace Janice S. , Kwon Pamela S. , Kukla Andrea K. , Lee Michael S. , Monosmith Michelle D. , Myren John D. , Kottschade Rebecca S. , Shaft Marc N. , Weis Jennifer (Jenny) A. , Welter Jane C. , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: November 2017

The Institute of Medicine and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize that activating clinical trials in the United States is lengthy and inefficient. Downstream consequences include increased expense, suboptimal accrual, move of clinical trials overseas, and delayed availability of treatments for patients. An in‐tandem processing initiative is here highlighted that transformed the activation of clinical trials (TACT), reduced the activation time by 70%, and offers a paradigm for enhanced translational readiness.
The Emerging Role of Digital Technologies in Early Clinical Development
Authors: Krishna Rajesh
Published: November 2017

Pharmaceutical development is witnessing an increase in the use of digital technologies in the delivery of pharmaceutical substances, data generation, and data interpretation. These digital technologies offer the valuable benefits of speed, enhanced integration with various other components, visualization of a continuum, and improving precision of delivery or measurement. The adoption of these opportunities in early clinical development has been slow and sparse. This commentary analyzes these benefits, including the socialization and adoption of such practices.
Regulation of continuous but complex expression pattern of Six1 during early sensory development
Authors: Sato Shigeru , Furuta Yasuhide , Kawakami Kiyoshi
Published: November 2017

Background: In vertebrates, cranial sensory placodes give rise to neurosensory and endocrine structures, such as the olfactory epithelium, inner ear, and anterior pituitary. We report here the establishment of a transgenic mouse line that expresses Cre recombinase under the control of Six1‐21, a major placodal enhancer of the homeobox gene Six1. Results: In the new Cre‐expressing line, mSix1‐21‐NLSCre, the earliest Cre‐mediated recombination was induced at embryonic day 8.5 in the region overlapping with the otic‐epibranchial progenitor domain (OEPD), a transient, common precursor domain for the otic and epibranchial placodes. Recombination was later observed in the OEPD‐derived structures (the entire inner ear and the VIIth–Xth cranial sensory ganglia), olfactory epithelium, anterior pituitary, pharyngeal ectoderm and pouches. Other Six1‐positive structures, such as salivary/lacrimal glands and limb buds, were also positive for recombination. Moreover, comparison with another mouse line expressing Cre under the control of the sensory neuron enhancer, Six1‐8, indicated that the continuous and complex expression pattern of Six1 during sensory organ formation is pieced together by separate enhancers. Conclusions: mSix1‐21‐NLSCre has several unique characteristics to make it suitable for analysis of cell lineage and gene function in sensory placodes as well as nonplacodal Six1‐positive structures. Developmental Dynamics 247:250–261, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should body image programs be inclusive? A focus group study of college students
Authors: Ciao Anna C. , Ohls Olivia C. , Pringle Kevin D.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Most evidence‐based body image programs for college students (e.g., the Body Project) are designed for female‐only audiences, although body dissatisfaction is not limited to female‐identified individuals. Furthermore, programs do not explicitly discuss diversity, although individuals with marginalized gender, racial, and sexual identities may be particularly vulnerable to body image disturbances. Making programs more inclusive may increase their disseminability.

Method

This qualitative study examined the feasibility of adapting the Body Project for universal and inclusive use with college students. Participants (N = 36; M age = 21.66 years; 73% female‐identified; 20% sexual minority; 23% racial minority) attended one of five semi‐structured focus groups to explore the inclusivity of appearance‐based cultural norms using adapted Body Project activities and discuss the feasibility of universal and inclusive interventions. Inductive qualitative content analysis with three‐rater consensus identified focus group themes.

Results

There was consensus that inclusive interventions could have a positive impact (broadening perspectives, normalizing body image concerns, increasing awareness) despite potential barriers (poor diversity representation, vulnerability). There was strong consensus regarding advice for facilitating inclusive interventions (e.g., skilled facilitation, education, increasing diversity).

Discussion

Results suggest that inclusive body image programs are desirable and provide a framework for creating the EVERYbody Project, a program for more universal audiences.
Early childhood adversities and risk of eating disorders in women: A Danish register‐based cohort study
Authors: Larsen Janne Tidselbak , Munk‐Olsen Trine , Bulik Cynthia M. , Thornton Laura M. , Koch Susanne Vinkel , Mortensen Preben Bo , Petersen Liselotte
Published: November 2017

Objective

Previous studies evaluating the association between early childhood adversities and eating disorders have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this study is to examine the association between a range of adversities and risk of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) in 495,244 women.

Method

In this nationwide, register‐based cohort study, nine types of early childhood adversity (family disruption, residential instability, placement in out‐of‐home care, familial death, parental somatic illness, parental psychiatric illness, parental disability, severe parental criminality, and parental substance use disorder) were defined and exposure during the first 6 years of life was determined. Hazard ratios for eating disorders were calculated using Cox regression.

Results

Few adversities were significantly associated with AN, and for each, the presence of the adversity was associated with lower risk for AN. BN, and EDNOS were positively associated with several types of adversities. AN rates were unchanged or reduced by up to 54% by adversities, whereas rates of BN and EDNOS were unchanged or increased by adversities by up to 49 and 89%, respectively.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that childhood adversities appear to be associated with an increased risk of BN and in particular EDNOS, whereas they seem to be either unassociated or associated with a decreased risk of AN.
Predicting landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions on soil organic carbon sequestration
Authors: Wang Hongqing , Steyer Gregory D. , Couvillion Brady R. , Beck Holly J. , Rybczyk John M. , Rivera‐Monroy Victor H. , Krauss Ken W. , Visser Jenneke M.
Published: November 2017

Large Mississippi River (MR) diversions (peak water flow >1416 m3/s and sediment loads >165 kg/s) have been proposed as part of a suite of coastal restoration projects and are expected to rehabilitate and rebuild wetlands to alleviate the significant historic wetland loss in coastal Louisiana. These coastal wetlands are undergoing increasing eustatic sea‐level rise, land subsidence, climate change, and anthropogenic disturbances. However, the effect of MR diversions on wetland soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in receiving basins remains unknown. The rate of SOC sequestration or carbon burial in wetlands is one of the variables used to assess the role of wetland soils in carbon cycling and also to construct wetland carbon budgets. In this study, we examined the effects of MR water and sediment diversions on landscape‐scale SOC sequestration rates that were estimated from vertical accretion for the next 50 yr (2010–2060) under two environmental (moderate and less optimistic) scenarios. Our analyses were based on model simulations taken from the Wetland Morphology model developed for Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan. The master plan modeled a “future‐without‐action” scenario as well as eight individual MR diversion projects in two of the hydrologic basins (Barataria and Breton Sound). We examined the effects that discharge rates (peak flow) and locations of these individual diversion projects had on SOC sequestration rates. Modeling results indicate that large river diversions are capable of improving basin‐wide SOC sequestration capacity (162–222 g C·m−2·yr−1) by up to 14% (30 g C·m−2·yr−1) in Louisiana deltaic wetlands compared to the future‐without‐action scenario, especially under the less optimistic scenario. When large river diversions are placed in the upper receiving basin, SOC sequestration rates are 3.7–10.5% higher (6–24 g C·m−2·yr−1) than when these structures are placed in the lower receiving basin. Modeling results also indicate that both diversion discharge and location have large effects on SOC sequestration in low‐salinity (freshwater and intermediate marshes) as compared to high‐salinity marshes (brackish and saline marshes).
Freshwater eutrophication drives sharp reductions in temporal beta diversity
Authors: Cook Stephen C. , Housley Lauren , Back Jeffrey A. , King Ryan S.
Published: November 2017

Eutrophication has become one of the most widespread anthropogenic forces impacting freshwater biological diversity. One potentially important mechanism driving biodiversity changes in response to eutrophication is the alteration of seasonal patterns of succession, particularly among species with short, synchronous, life cycles. We tested the hypothesis that eutrophication reduces seasonally driven variation in species assemblages by focusing on an understudied aspect of biodiversity: temporal beta diversity (βt). We estimated the effect of eutrophication on βt by sampling benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages bimonthly for two years across 35 streams spanning a steep gradient of total phosphorus (P) and benthic algal biomass (as chlorophyll a [chl a]). Two widely used metrics of β diversity both declined sharply in response to increasing P and chl a, regardless of covariates. The most parsimonious explanatory model for βt included an interaction between P and macroinvertebrate biomass, which revealed that βt was lower when macroinvertebrate biomass was relatively high. Macroinvertebrate biomass explained a greater amount of deviance in βt at lower to moderate concentrations of P, providing additional explanatory power where P concentration alone was unable to fully explain declines in βt. Chl a explained similar amounts of deviance in βt in comparison to the best P model, but only when temperature variability, which was positively related to βt, also was included in the model. Declines in βt suggest that nutrient enrichment decreases the competitive advantage that specialists gain by occupying particular temporal niches, which leads to assemblages dominated by generalists that exhibit little seasonal turnover. The collapse of seasonal variation in assemblage composition we observed in our study suggests that treating dynamic communities as static assemblages is a simplification that may fail to detect the full impact of anthropogenic stressors. Our results show that eutrophication leads to more temporally homogenous communities and therefore degrades a fundamental facet of biodiversity.
Left ventricular geometry as a major determinant of left ventricular ejection fraction: physiological considerations and clinical implications
Authors: Triposkiadis Filippos , Giamouzis Gregory , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean , Karagiannis Georgios , Skoularigis John , Boudoulas Harisios , Parissis John
Published: November 2017

The limited myocardial fibre thickening and shortening alone cannot explain the marked left ventricular (LV) volume reduction during LV ejection. This can only be achieved with LV helical (spiral) orientation of myocardial fibres, which is determined by the non‐contractile LV myocardial components (intrasarcomeric and extrasarcomeric cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix). Preservation of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in heart failure (HF) is due to the presence of normal ellipsoid LV configuration and spiral myocardial fibre orientation. Conversely, reduction of LVEF in HF results from spherical LV configuration associated with impaired myocardial fibre orientation. These mechanisms are supported by the fact that biomarkers of inflammation and fibrosis are strong predictors of LV reverse remodelling in HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) and therapeutic interventions in HFrEF that retard or inhibit extracellular matrix remodelling are effective, whereas those that increase myocardial contractility are ineffective. Thus, current classification of HF, based on LVEF, should be revised, and future therapy in HF should focus on interventions affecting the non‐contractile LV myocardial components rather than on LV myocardial contractility.
Chronic intensive care‐related pain: Exploratory analysis on predictors and influence on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Baumbach P. , Götz T. , Günther A. , Weiss T. , Meissner W.
Published: November 2017

Background

There is growing evidence for the development of chronic pain after intensive care. Nonetheless, there is only limited knowledge about factors leading to chronic intensive care‐related pain (CIRP). Thus, the primary objective was the identification of predictors of CIRP. Moreover, we aimed to assess the impact of CIRP on patients’ health‐related quality of Life (HRQOL).

Methods

Comprehensive information on patients’ pain before ICU admission and present pain was collected longitudinally by means of the German Pain Questionnaire 6 and 12 months after ICU discharge (ICUDC). In addition, a subsample of patients underwent Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). We used Generalized Estimating Equations to identify predictors of CIRP with logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 204 patients (197/159 at 6/12 months after ICUDC) were available for the analyses. In the multivariate models, moderate to severe average pain in the 4 weeks after ICUDC, lower age, female sex, increased inflammation and chronic pain conditions and increased levels of anxiety before ICU admission were predictive for CIRP. In addition, small fibre deficits and lower disease severity were associated with CIRP in the QST subsample (81 patients, 77/55 at 6/12 months after ICUDC). Patients with CIRP reported significantly lower HRQOL than patients without CIRP.

Conclusions

Chronic intensive care‐related pain is associated with specific decrements in HRQOL. Knowledge about the identified predictors is of clinical and scientific importance and might help to reduce the incidence of CIRP.

Significance

Chronic intensive care‐related pain is associated with specific decrements in health‐related quality of life. While most of the identified predictors for CIRP can only be considered as risk factors, especially adequate (post‐) acute pain management should be studied as preventive strategy.
Assessment and manifestation of central sensitisation across different chronic pain conditions
Authors: Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Morlion B. , Perrot S. , Dahan A. , Dickenson A. , Kress H.G. , Wells C. , Bouhassira D. , Drewes A. Mohr
Published: November 2017

Different neuroplastic processes can occur along the nociceptive pathways and may be important in the transition from acute to chronic pain and for diagnosis and development of optimal management strategies. The neuroplastic processes may result in gain (sensitisation) or loss (desensitisation) of function in relation to the incoming nociceptive signals. Such processes play important roles in chronic pain, and although the clinical manifestations differ across condition processes, they share some common mechanistic features. The fundamental understanding and quantitative assessment of particularly some of the central sensitisation mechanisms can be translated from preclinical studies into the clinic. The clinical perspectives are implementation of such novel information into diagnostics, mechanistic phenotyping, prevention, personalised treatment, and drug development. The aims of this paper are to introduce and discuss (1) some common fundamental central pain mechanisms, (2) how they may translate into the clinical signs and symptoms across different chronic pain conditions, (3) how to evaluate gain and loss of function using quantitative pain assessment tools, and (4) the implications for optimising prevention and management of pain. The chronic pain conditions selected for the paper are neuropathic pain in general, musculoskeletal pain (chronic low back pain and osteoarthritic pain in particular), and visceral pain (irritable bowel syndrome in particular). The translational mechanisms addressed are local and widespread sensitisation, central summation, and descending pain modulation.

Significance

Central sensitisation is an important manifestation involved in many different chronic pain conditions. Central sensitisation can be different to assess and evaluate as the manifestations vary from pain condition to pain condition. Understanding central sensitisation may promote better profiling and diagnosis of pain patients and development of new regimes for mechanism based therapy. Some of the mechanisms underlying central sensitisation can be translated from animals to humans providing new options in development of therapies and profiling drugs under development.
Electrochemical Studies of Ethoxyquin and its Determination in Salmon Samples by Flow Injection Analysis with an Amperometric Dual Detector
Authors: Vandeput Marie , Rodríguez‐Gómez Rocío , Izere Ange‐Michaëlla , Zafra‐Gómez Alberto , De Braekeleer Kris , Delporte Cédric , Van Antwerpen Pierre , Kauffmann Jean‐Michel
Published: November 2017

Ethoxyquin (EQ) is an antioxidant widely used in the food industry. Some concerns for human health have been reported since its utilization in animal feed may lead to residues in human food such as salmon samples. This work aimed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of EQ and its major oxidation products namely a dimer of EQ (EQDM) and ethoxyquin quinone imine (EQI) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) at a carbon screen printed electrode (cSPE). The stability of these products and their reactivity against glutathione (GSH) were also studied. Oxidized products and thiol adducts were identified by a microelectrolysis of an EQ solution onto a cSPE in the absence and in the presence of GSH. The products were analyzed off‐line, by liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (LC‐MS). One of the generated product (EQI) was shown to be highly reactive towards GSH. Based on the redox pattern of EQ, a flow injection analysis with a dual cSPE was developed in order to detect in a rapid manner EQ in salmon samples. Since matrix effects were observed, matrix‐matched calibration curves with spiked samples were built. A linear response was obtained between 20–100 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.5 μM (8.2 mg/kg of salmon). Trueness was assessed with recovery assays at three levels of concentration. The recovery was close to 100 %. Precision was determined as RSD (%) with values lower than 6 % in all cases.
A color‐code for glycosaminoglycans identification by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis stained with the cationic carbocyanine dye Stains‐all
Authors: Andrade João Pedro Souza , Oliveira Caroline Pacheco , Tovar Ana Maria Freire , Mourão Paulo Antonio de Souza , Vilanova Eduardo
Published: November 2017

Cationic dyes such as toluidin blue are commonly employed to visualize glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on electrophoresis gels; however, the carbocyanine‐based dye Stains‐all have been increasingly used to stain the non‐sulfated hyaluronic acid and other GAGs in submicrogram quantities. In this short communication, we demonstrate that Stains‐all is able to stain the most common GAGs on polyacrylamide gels with distinct and contrasting colors in a reproducible manner. We also show that this staining method is useful to identify GAGs present both in mixtures and in submicrogram quantities. Therefore, Stains‐all has shown to be useful in identifying GAGs on polyacrylamide gels with basis on their specific colors, at least on screening level.