bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypyridyl Metallo‐Organic Assemblies for Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Lahav Michal , van der Boom Milko E.
Published: March 2018

Electrochromic films undergo optical changes in response to a redox stimulus. This intriguing phenomenon can be used for a wide range of applications, including smart windows, sensors, color displays, and memory elements. Despite the rapid progress of late, designing suitable electrochromic materials that offer low‐cost production, appealing colors, and pronounced optical contrast with high efficiency, as well as long‐term stability remains an engineering challenge. Solid‐state metal oxides, liquid crystals, and organic polymers have been for many years the leading candidates, successfully making their way into commercial products. An alternative class of materials relies on metal complexes that can be processed from solution, offer a variety of colors, and have metal‐centered stable and reversible redox chemistry. These metallo‐organic materials possess a full range of electrochromic properties, including ultrahigh coloration efficiencies, and cyclic stability. Here, some of the recent scientific developments in this field are highlighted.
The Concept of “Noble, Heteroatom‐Doped Carbons,” Their Directed Synthesis by Electronic Band Control of Carbonization, and Applications in Catalysis and Energy Materials
Authors: Antonietti Markus , Oschatz Martin
Published: March 2018

Carbonization of organic compounds with a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level more positive than 1.3 V practically automatically results in highly sp2‐conjugated, heteroatom‐doped carbons. Due to the stability of the starting compounds, carbon bond formation is restricted to result in morphologies with a surprisingly high local order which as such are noble, i.e., they are hard to oxidize and combust. The work function of electrons in these systems is so positive that the systems usually accept electrons, i.e., they oxidize other matter rather than being oxidized. Such noble, heteroatom‐doped carbons have been proven to be efficient, metal‐free electrocatalysts, but can be also beneficially used in the manufacturing of carbon nanomaterials for energy applications or as highly active, non‐innocent catalytic supports.
From All‐Printed 2D Patterns to Free‐Standing 3D Structures: Controlled Buckling and Selective Bonding
Authors: Yin Lu , Kumar Rajan , Karajic Aleksandar , Xie Lingye , You Jung‐min , Joshuia Davina , Lopez Cristian Silva , Miller Jennifer , Wang Joseph
Published: March 2018

Current methods to create 3D structures are limited to few materials and designs, are costly, and have low processing throughput. Planar designs (of printed sacrificial, flexible, and guiding layers) fabricated by thick film technique that can reversibly fold between their 2D and 3D forms through compressive buckling and selective bonding is reported in this work. Versatile ink compositions based on a wide variety of materials (e.g., carbonaceous, polymers, and nanomaterials) are used along with screen printing technique for creating variety of desired 3D structures, such as spirals, squares, and spikes. Various composite inks are printed onto substrates containing a printed sacrificial layer for selective binding, and the substrate can be prestretched for a controlled buckling process. Removal of the sacrificial layer and release of the strained substrate leads to the folding of the flat printed structures into targeted respective 3D architectures. Such use of planar screen‐printed layers to create 3D shapes brings several technological advantages, including broad selection of materials, large‐scale processing at low cost, and incorporation of numerous functional technologies. The successful control of such printed 3D architectures offers a promising route to enable numerous applications based on large variety of materials.
Progress in Scalable Coating and Roll‐to‐Roll Compatible Printing Processes of Perovskite Solar Cells toward Realization of Commercialization
Authors: Jung Yen‐Sook , Hwang Kyeongil , Heo Youn‐Jung , Kim Jueng‐Eun , Vak Doojin , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: March 2018

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their excellent photovoltaic properties, such as their proper bandgap, strong light absorption, long exciton diffusion length, and easy device fabrication with solution processes, suggesting a great potential for low‐cost, high‐performance solar cells. After a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% achieved in 2009, numerous efforts have been made to create PeSCs with high PCEs over 20% in small‐area cells. The next challenge is transition from the lab‐scale spin coating to a large‐scale coating/printing, which will preferably involve the cost‐competitive roll‐to‐roll manufacturing and vacuum‐free full‐printing process. This review provides a progress report on studies related to the scalable deposition methods for PeSCs, such as slot‐die coating, blade coating, spray coating, and various other methods, and to their processing strategies for morphology control in perovskite film formation and discusses the challenges and potential of commercialization of PeSCs in the future.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide Serves as a Dual Synthon: Construction of 5‐Methyl Pyrimidine Derivatives via Four Component Oxidative Annulation
Authors: Xu Cheng , Jiang Shi‐Fen , Wen Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Qin , Zhou Zhi‐Wen , Wu Yan‐Dong , Jia Feng‐Cheng , Wu An‐Xin
Published: March 2018

An efficient potassium persulfate mediated four component reaction for the construction of 5‐methyl pyrimidine derivatives has been established from readily available methyl ketones, amidine hydrochlorides and dimethyl sulfoxide. This transformation features dimethyl sulfoxide as a dual synthon, acting as the precursors of the methyl and methine units. Four new chemical bonds, involving two C−C and two C−N bonds were formed sequentially during the intermolecular oxidative annulation process. This synthetic method offers several advantages including broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and simplicity of operation.

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An Industrial Perspective on Counter Anions in Gold Catalysis: Underestimated with Respect to “Ligand Effects”
Authors: Schießl Jasmin , Schulmeister Jürgen , Doppiu Angelino , Wörner Eileen , Rudolph Matthias , Karch Ralf , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2018

The conversion of a variety of well‐known test reactions, representing the key reactivity patterns of gold catalysis, were analyzed by GC and 1H NMR. The study is focused on establishing of a strategical approach for the consideration of ligand influence and counter anion influence during the catalyst optimization including an industrial perspective. The study shows a dominance of the counter anion, a dominance which up to now has been neglected in most of the routine screenings. In addition, a drastic substrate‐dependency became obvious, even a marginal variation of the substrate already could strongly effect the catalytic activity and change the optimal counter anion or ligand. Based on the collected data a strategic concept for an efficient screening for a specific substrate is introduced, this concept can serve as an important guideline for catalyst optimization in homogeneous gold catalysis.

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Facile and Direct Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol over Graphene‐Based Catalysts: Integrated Utilization of Greenhouse Nitrous Oxide
Authors: Zhu Chang , Yun Jiena , Wang Qian , Hu Qiaoli , Yang Gang
Published: March 2018

Graphene catalysis has recently emerged as a focus and herein a novel and highly efficient process is computationally designed using graphene‐based catalysts that integrates the utilization of greenhouse nitrous oxide (N2O) as oxidant. The ground‐state pristine graphene is not catalytically active for benzene hydroxylation, and doping and photocatalysis through excitations are employed to improve the catalyst systems, while both strategies exhibit limited effects. A combination of Be‐doping and photocatalysis through excitations results in encouraging changes, where all energy barriers are moderate, so that the whole catalytic processes proceed facilely at mild conditions. Graphene materials, especially Be‐ and O‐doped ones, are good photocatalysts due to the low excitation energies. Mechanistic studies indicate that the active sites of the excited‐state graphene, whether pristine or doped, are oxygen anion radical (O−•) and distinct from the epoxide species for the ground state; in addition, Be‐doping pronouncedly reduces the excitation energies and enhances the interactions with the active‐site O species, which further show strong stabilization effects to transition states and reduce substantially the energy barriers.
Energy storage and loss capacity of graphene‐reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites from electrical and dielectric properties perspective: A review
Authors: Uyor Uwa O. , Popoola Abimbola P. , Popoola Olawale , Aigbodion Victor S.
Published: March 2018

Polymer/graphene nanocomposites have shown promising potentials in energy storage applications due to their high permittivity, enhanced energy storage density, flexibility, and improved thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of graphene nanosheets to polymer matrix improves existing and incorporate new properties on such nanocomposites for various engineering applications. For instance, graphene nanosheets in polymer matrix are believed to form microcapacitors. Each microcapacitor contributes to the effective capacitance and dielectric constant of the composite. Although research has proved polymer/graphene composites as high dielectric constant materials, the major challenges facing their practical applications are high energy dissipation, high dielectric loss, and low electric field strength. In view of this, many researchers have shown efforts to minimize energy losses associated with polymer/graphene composites by insulating graphene nanosheets with different organic and inorganic substances. This is believed to prevent direct contact of graphene nanosheets and reduce the high mobility of π‐orbital or free electrons in the polymer matrix. However, maintaining high dielectric constant at low dielectric loss in polymer/graphene composites has not been achieved. If this challenge can be addressed in the future, polymer/graphene composites can yield energy storage capacity comparable with those of electrochemical capacitors. Therefore, this review considered energy storage and loss capacity of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/graphene nanocomposites from the perspective of electrical and dielectric properties. This article to the best of our ability reviewed various research results on dielectric constants/losses, breakdown strengths, energy densities, and electrical and thermal conductivities of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/graphene nanocomposites. Results extracted from the different published literature were tabulated and discussed at length to outline the reasons for the high dielectric loss in the neighborhood of percolation thresholds and the way forward.
Bottom‐Up Confined Synthesis of Nanorod‐in‐Nanotube Structured Sb@N‐C for Durable Lithium and Sodium Storage
Authors: Luo Wen , Li Feng , Gaumet Jean‐Jacques , Magri Pierre , Diliberto Sébastien , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2018

Antimony (Sb) has emerged as an attractive anode material for both lithium and sodium ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of 660 mA h g−1. In this work, a novel peapod‐like N‐doped carbon hollow nanotube encapsulated Sb nanorod composite, the so‐called nanorod‐in‐nanotube structured Sb@N‐C, via a bottom‐up confinement approach is designed and fabricated. The N‐doped‐carbon coating and thermal‐reduction process is monitored by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction characterization. Due to its advanced structural merits, such as sufficient N‐doping, 1D conductive carbon coating, and substantial inner void space, the Sb@N‐C demonstrates superior lithium/sodium storage performance. For lithium storage, the Sb@N‐C exhibits a high reversible capacity (650.8 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), excellent long‐term cycling stability (a capacity decay of only 0.022% per cycle for 3000 cycles at 2 A g−1), and ultrahigh rate capability (343.3 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1). For sodium storage, the Sb@N‐C nanocomposite displays the best long‐term cycle performance among the reported Sb‐based anode materials (a capacity of 345.6 mA h g−1 after 3000 cycles at 2 A g−1) and an impressive rate capability of up to 10 A g−1. The results demonstrate that the Sb@N‐C nanocomposite is a promising anode material for high‐performance lithium/sodium storage.
Zweifach‐bioorthogonale Derivatisierung durch verschiedene Formylglycin‐generierende Enzyme
Authors: Krüger Tobias , Weiland Stefanie , Falck Georg , Gerlach Marcus , Boschanski Mareile , Alam Sarfaraz , Müller Kristian M. , Dierks Thomas , Sewald Norbert
Published: March 2018

Formylglycin‐generierende Enzyme haben in den letzten Jahren breite Anwendung in der bioorthogonalen Chemie gefunden. Sie katalysieren die ortsspezifische Oxidation eines Cysteinrestes zur Aldehyd‐haltigen Aminosäure Cα‐Formylglycin (FGly). FGly kann in jedem beliebigen Zielprotein generiert und anschließend für bioorthogonale Konjugationsreaktionen genutzt werden. Das prototypische Formylglycin‐generierende Enzym (FGE) und das Eisen‐Schwefel‐Protein AtsB zeigen leichte Variationen in ihren Erkennungssequenzen. Spezifische Motive in Peptiden und Proteinen wurden entworfen, die selektiv von diesen Enzymen adressiert werden. Die Kombination dieser Motive innerhalb eines Peptids oder rekombinanten Proteins ermöglichte die unabhängige und sukzessive Einführung von zwei FGly‐Resten und die Generierung hetero‐difunktionalisierter Proteinkonjugate.
Blending PPO‐based molecules with Pebax MH 1657 in membranes for gas separation
Authors: Didden Jeroen , Thür Raymond , Volodin Alexander , Vankelecom Ivo F. J.
Published: March 2018

This work explores the possibilities to blend block copolymers, i.e., Pebax MH 1657, with a variety of cheap poly(propylene oxide)‐rich molecules which could potentially play a double role in the resulting membranes as dispersing/stabilizing agents in multi‐component casting solutions and as a gas transport medium in the final membrane. These membranes were prepared by solution casting and were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, density measurements, and Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflection, while additive incorporation was also studied with theoretical calculations. Gas permeation measurements showed that this approach resulted in increased permeabilities at the expense of mixed‐gas selectivity. An interpretation of the blend structure was finally made using gas transport models. The compatibility of these additives with the synthesis of selective gas separation membranes may enable a potential double role in membrane synthesis, i.e., as stabilizing agents in membrane synthesis and as a gas transport medium in the final membrane. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46433.
Positive temperature coefficient effect and mechanism of compatible LLDPE/HDPE composites doping conductive graphite powders
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Bin‐bin
Published: March 2018

Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends doped conductive graphite powders were constructed by the traditional melt‐blending method to acquire the conductive compatible polymer composites, and corresponding positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect of electrical resistivity was investigated. The results indicated that the room‐temperature resistivity gradually decreased and PTC effects were remarkably enhanced by regulating the graphite contents or LLDPE/HDPE ratios. Especially, with increasing graphite contents, the polymer‐fixed composites showed the notable double PTC effects, originating from the volume expansion of the co‐crystallization or their fraction. Whereas, with increasing the LLDPE/HDPE ratio, the PTC effects of the graphite‐fixed composites occurred at the lower temperature, even far below the melting points of the co‐crystallization. Therefore, the regulation of co‐crystallization morphology of compatible polymer matrices was a new idea in the improvement of PTC materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46453.
Review: Synovial Cell Metabolism and Chronic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Falconer Jane , Murphy Anne N. , Young Stephen P. , Clark Andrew R. , Tiziani Stefano , Guma Monica , Buckley Christopher D.
Published: March 2018

Metabolomic studies of body fluids show that immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with metabolic disruption. This is likely to reflect the increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of sustained inflammation and changes in nutrient and oxygen availability in damaged tissue. The synovial membrane lining layer is the principal site of inflammation in RA. Here, the resident cells are fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) and synovial tissue macrophages, which are transformed toward overproduction of enzymes that degrade cartilage and bone and cytokines that promote immune cell infiltration. Recent studies have shown metabolic changes in both FLS and macrophages from RA patients, and these may be therapeutically targetable. However, because the origins and subset‐specific functions of synoviocytes are poorly understood, and the signaling modules that control metabolic deviation in RA synovial cells are yet to be explored, significant additional research is needed to translate these findings to clinical application. Furthermore, in many inflamed tissues, different cell types can forge metabolic collaborations through solute carriers in their membranes to meet a high demand for energy or biomolecules. Such relationships are likely to exist in the synovium and have not been studied. Finally, it is not yet known whether metabolic change is a consequence of disease or whether primary changes to cellular metabolism might underlie or contribute to the pathogenesis of early‐stage disease. In this review article, we collate what is known about metabolism in synovial tissue cells and highlight future directions of research in this area.
Relevance of Local Flexibility Near the Active Site for Enzymatic Catalysis: Biochemical Characterization and Engineering of Cellulase Cel5A From Bacillus agaradherans
Authors: Saavedra Juan M. , Azócar Mauricio A. , Rodríguez Vida , Ramírez‐Sarmiento César A. , Andrews Barbara A. , Asenjo Juan A. , Parra Loreto P.
Published: March 2018

Detailed molecular mechanisms underpinning enzymatic reactions are still a central problem in biochemistry. The need for active site flexibility to sustain catalytic activity constitutes a notion of wide acceptance, although its direct influence remains to be fully understood. With the aim of studying the relationship between structural dynamics and enzyme catalysis, the cellulase Cel5A from Bacillus agaradherans is used as a model for in silico comparative analysis with mesophilic and psychrophilic counterparts. Structural features that determine flexibility are related to kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of catalysis. As a result, three specific positions in the vicinity of the active site of Cel5A are selected for protein engineering via site‐directed mutagenesis. Three Cel5A variants are generated, N141L, A137Y and I102A/A137Y, showing a concomitant increase in the catalytic activity at low temperatures and a decrease in activation energy and activation enthalpy, similar to cold‐active enzymes. These results are interpreted in structural terms by molecular dynamics simulations, showing that disrupting a hydrogen bond network in the vicinity of the active site increases local flexibility. These results provide a structural framework for explaining the changes in thermodynamic parameters observed between homologous enzymes with varying temperature adaptations.
Prediction of morbidity following cytoreductive surgery for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour in patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Fairweather M , Cavnar M J , Li G Z , Bertagnolli M M , DeMatteo R P , Raut C P
Published: March 2018

Background

Although cytoreductive surgery has been shown to be beneficial in carefully selected patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), factors predictive of postoperative morbidity have not been investigated previously.

Methods

A surgical complexity score for GIST metastasectomy (GM-SCS) composed of patient-related and surgical factors was assigned retrospectively to patients with metastatic GIST treated with TKI therapy and surgery at two institutions between 2002 and 2014. The ability of clinicopathological factors and GM-SCS to predict postoperative morbidity was assessed by means of a multivariable logistic regression model. Postoperative complications were categorized using the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

Some 400 operations on 323 patients with metastatic GIST on TKIs were included. Complications were observed following 110 operations (27·5 per cent) including 70 major complications (grade III–V) (17·5 per cent of 400 operations). Patients were divided into low (5 points or less; 100 patients, 25·0 per cent), intermediate (6–9 points; 191, 47·8 per cent) and high (at least 10 points; 109, 27·3 per cent) complexity scoring groups based on the GM-SCS. An intermediate (odds ratio (OR) 2·88; P = 0·008) and high (OR 5·40; P < 0·001) GM-SCS were independent predictors of overall complications, whereas only a high GM-SCS was independently predictive of a major complication (OR 3·65; P = 0·018). Metastatic mitotic index was also an independent predictor of overall complications (OR 2·55; P = 0·047). GM-SCS did not predict progression-free or overall survival.

Conclusion

A gastrointestinal stromal tumour metastastectomy surgical complexity score can predict morbidity, which may help in preoperative risk stratification and optimal treatment planning.
Randomized clinical trial of platysma muscle suture versus no suture for wound closure after thyroid surgery
Authors: Senne M , Zein R , Falch C , Kirschniak A , Koenigsrainer A , Müller S
Published: March 2018

Background

Suturing the platysma muscle during wound closure after thyroid surgery is frequently described in the literature. There is no prospective evidence to support its use or benefit. The aim of this study was to evaluate how a platysma muscle suture influences initial postoperative pain following thyroid surgery.

Methods

Patients were assigned randomly to receive a platysma suture or no platysma suture in this prospective, patient-blinded trial. The duration of follow-up was 6 months. The primary endpoint was wound-specific pain 24 h after thyroid resection. Secondary endpoints were intraoperative and perioperative analgesia requirement, postoperative pain and complications until postoperative day 14, and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS) 6 months after surgery.

Results

Forty-one patients were randomized to each group. Visual analogue scale scores for wound-specific pain were lower in patients without a platysma suture 24 h after surgery (mean(s.d.) 3·15(1·46) versus 2·17(1·41) in groups with and without suture respectively; P = 0·002). There were no differences in the perioperative and postoperative need for analgesics, postoperative wound complications or cervical scar cosmesis 6 months after surgery (mean(s.d.) POSAS 23·99(9·53) versus 26·51(8·69); P = 0·148).

Conclusion

Omitting the platysma muscle suture after thyroid surgery resulted in less wound-specific pain initially, with no difference in postoperative wound complications or cosmetic results. Registration number: NCT02951000 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
A Phosphonic Acid Self‐assembled Monolayer on UV‐Cured Metal Oxides as Gate Dielectrics for Low‐Voltage Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Yujin , Ha Young‐Geun
Published: March 2018

Herein, we report on the design, preparation, and electrical properties of organic/inorganic hybrid bilayer dielectric films via facile solution‐based fabrication at room temperature for the low‐voltage operation of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). The hybrid bilayer dielectric films are easily fabricated by a two‐step process involving ultraviolet curing of a sol–gel zirconium oxide and deposition of hydrophobic self‐assembled monolayers. These novel dielectrics exhibit great insulating properties (leakage current densities <10−6 A/cm2 at 2 V), high capacitances (500 nF/cm2), and ultra‐smooth surfaces (root‐mean‐square roughness <0.2 nm). Consequently, the hybrid dielectrics integrated into pentacene OFETs function at relatively low voltages (less than −2.5 V) with great FET characteristics (mobility: 0.4 cm2/V s, low subthreshold swing: down to 0.2 V/dec, on/off current ratio: 105).
Simultaneous determination of six coptis alkaloids in urine and feces by LC–MS/MS and its application to excretion kinetics and the compatibility mechanism of Jiao‐Tai‐Wan in insomniac rats
Authors: Chen Ning , Guo Chang‐e , Chen Hongying , Chen Jianhua , Bi Xinning , Li Hongpin , Zhu Hongyu , Ma Pengkai , Zhang Yujie , Lin Hongying
Published: March 2018

Jiao‐Tai‐Wan (JTW) is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine prescription composed of Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) and Cortex Cinnamon (10:1, g/g). It has been used to treat insomnia in China for centuries. This study investigates the excretion properties of coptis alkaloids from RC and JTW in normal and insomniac rats, and it examines the compatibility mechanism for this prescription. A new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of six alkaloids – berberine, epiberberine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine – in rat urine and feces. The normal and model rats were orally treated with RC and JTW powder at a dosage containing 3.0 g kg−1 day−1 RC once per day for 7 days. Briefly, the results showed that the cumulative amounts of urinary and fecal excretion of the six alkaloids were significantly different in the pathological condition, as well as in compatibility. In normal rats, the urinary and fecal excretion of coptis alkaloids, especially berberine, coptisine and palmatine, increased significantly in the JTW group compared with the RC group, while the urinary and fecal excretion of six alkaloids decreased in insomniac rats. These data suggested that pathological conditions might have a notable influence on the excretion of alkaloids in rats, and demonstrated that the compatibility could promote better therapeutic effects through the accumulation of alkaloids in the body. These results might explain the compatibility of JTW.
Beauty‐related perceptual bias: Who captures the mind of the beholder?
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xiang Yu , Guo Ying , Zhang Lili
Published: March 2018

Introduction

To explore the beauty‐related perceptual bias and answers the question: Who can capture the mind of the beholder? Many studies have explored the specificity of human faces through ERP or other ways, and the materials they used are general human faces and other objects. Therefore, we want to further explore the difference between attractive faces and beautiful objects such as flowers.

Methods

We recorded the eye movement of 22 male observers and 23 female observers using a standard two‐alternative forced choice.

Results

(1) The attractive faces were looked at longer and more often in comparison with the beautiful flowers; (2) fixation counts of female participants are more than male participants; and (3) the participants watched the beautiful flowers first, followed by the attractive faces, but there was no significant difference on the first fixation duration between the beautiful flowers and the attractive faces.

Conclusions

The data in this study may suggest that people prefer attractive faces to beautiful flowers.
Decompression of the anterior thoracic spinal canal using a novel full‐endoscopic uniportal transthoracic retropleural technique—an anatomical feasibility study in human cadavers
Authors: Ruetten Sebastian , Hahn Patrick , Oezdemir Semih , Baraliakos Xenophon , Godolias Georgios , Komp Martin
Published: March 2018

Surgery for thoracic disc herniation and spinal stenosis is comparatively rare and often demanding. The goal is to achieve sufficient decompression without manipulating the spinal cord. Individual planning and various surgical techniques and approaches are required. This anatomical study examines the feasibility of a novel full‐endoscopic uniportal technique with a transthoracic retropleural approach for decompression of the anterior thoracic spinal canal. Operations were performed on three fresh adult cadavers. The endoscope used, from RIWOspine, Germany, has a shaft cross‐section of 6.9 × 5.9 mm and a 25° view angle. It contains an eccentric intraendoscopic working channel with a diameter of 4.1 mm. A transthoracic retropleural approach was used. The anatomical structures were dissected and the anterior thoracic epidural space was decompressed. The planned steps of the operation were performed on all cadavers. The transthoracic retropleural approach allowed the target region to be accessed easily. The anatomical structures could be identified and dissected. The anterior thoracic epidural space could be decompressed sufficiently. Using the uniportal full‐endoscopic operation technique with a transthoracic retropleural approach, the anterior thoracic epidural space can be adequately reached. This is a minimally invasive method with the known advantages of an endoscopic technique under continuous irrigation. The retropleural approach allows direct access. The instruments are available for clinical use and have been established for years in other operations on the entire spine. Clin. Anat. 31:716–723, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The anatomy of the male inferior hypogastric plexus: What should we know for nerve sparing surgery
Authors: Röthlisberger Raphael , Aurore Valerie , Boemke Susanne , Bangerter Hannes , Bergmann Mathias , Thalmann George N. , Djonov Valentin
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the nerve supply to the structures in the male lesser pelvis and review its clinical relevance, especially during nerve sparing surgery. Three formalin‐embalmed and 16 Thiel‐embalmed male hemipelves were used. They were microdissected after repeated treatments with nitric acid diluted 1:10 with milliQ‐water. The inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) is a fan‐like structure lateral from the rectum on the fascia of the levator ani. Nerves emerging from the proximal, solid part of the plexus follow the internal iliacal vessels and reach the prostate from dorsolateral. The innervation of the urethra and the corpora cavernosa derives from two origins: one follows the ejaculatory duct and the seminal vesicle, reaching the proximal urethra and the prostate from dorsal; the other follows the inferior vesical artery to reach the prostate from lateral, and then forms the neurovascular bundle on both sides of the prostatic fascia, spreading to the pelvic floor muscles and the corpora cavernosa along with the distal urethra. A connection between the two parts was demonstrated in approximately one third of the samples investigated. The nerve supply to the urinary bladder, the urethra, and the corpora cavernosa emerges mainly from the IHP. The innervation of the proximal urethra and its autonomic muscular structures has a dorsal (ejaculatory duct) and lateral (inferior vesical artery) origin. To maintain good erectile and continence function it is important to save both the dorsal and lateral neurovascular roots. Clin. Anat. 31:788–796, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of thyroid cancer in relation to height, weight, and body mass index in Japanese individuals: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sado Junya , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sobue Tomotaka , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Sasazuki Shizuka , Yamaji Taiki , Shimazu Taichi , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   the JPHC Study Group
Published: March 2018

Greater height and body mass index (BMI) have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer incidence in Western countries. However, few epidemiological studies have assessed the association between anthropometric factors, such as BMI, height, or weight, and thyroid cancer incidence in Asian populations. Using the population‐based Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study database, we investigated the relationship between anthropometric factors and thyroid cancer incidence. Data on anthropometric factors were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire at baseline. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model, and the exposure level was categorized into quintiles. A total of 49,062 men and 53,661 women enrolled between 1990 and 1994 were included in our analyses, and 191 cases (37 in men and 154 in women) of thyroid cancer were identified, with 1,695,702 person‐years of follow‐up until 2010. Compared with the male group with height ≤160 cm, HRs of the male groups with height 165–168 cm and ≥169 cm were 3.92 (95% CI; 1.33–11.55, P = 0.013) and 4.24 (95% CI; 1.32–13.61, P = 0.015), respectively, and the HR per 5‐cm increase in height was 1.12 (95% CI 1.06–1.18, P < 0.001). In contrast, the association between anthropometric features and the risk of thyroid cancer did not significantly differ among women. In this population, an increase in risk for increased height was observed in men, but no associations between anthropometric indexes and thyroid cancer risk were observed in women.
Inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by methyl pyropheophenylchlorin photodynamic therapy is mediated though endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced autophagy in vitro and vivo
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Tian Si , Li Kai‐Ting , Chen Qing , Jiang Yuan , Lin Hai‐Dan , Yu Le‐Hua , Bai Ding‐Qun
Published: March 2018

Autophagy and ER stress participated in the inhibition of MPPa‐PDT on tumor growth, but the molecular links between them remain undefined. We just explore the molecular mechanism between them in vitro and vivo. CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometer were used to detect the cytotoxicity and mode of cell death after MPPa‐PDT. Furthermore, the role of autophagy was verified in MPPa‐PDT. Confocal microscopy was used to show the intracellular distribution of MPPa. ER stress markers and PERK signaling pathway were detected by western blot. While in vivo, tumor histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to show the effect of MPPa‐PDT in mice. After MPPa‐PDT, cells viability decreased in dose‐dependent manner. Besides, the cell apoptosis increased along with the increasing of Beclin‐1and LC3B II but declining of P62. When pretreated with 3‐MA, LC3B II formation and the cytotoxicity declined. MPPa‐PDT caused increasing of ER stress markers (GRP78, CHOP) as MPPa accumulated in ER. However, pretreatment with ER stress inhibitor 4PBA, the expression of GRP78 and LC3B II was blocked but the PERK signaling pathway activated and the expression of P62 increased. In vivo, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited by MPPa‐PDT. Besides, the appearance of ER stress and autophagy was further demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Our findings demonstrate that autophagy mediated by MPPa‐PDT was regulated by ER stress, via PERK signaling pathway, to kill MDA‐MB‐231 cells in vitro and vivo.
Prognostic significance of NFIA and NFIB in esophageal squamous carcinoma and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhou Zhi‐hang , Chen Li , Cui Xiang , Hou Jun‐yan , Fan Kai‐jie , Han Si‐hao , Li Peng , Yi Shao‐qiong , Liu Yang
Published: March 2018

The nuclear factor I (NFI) family members, especially NFIA and NFIB, play essential roles in cancers. The roles of NFIA and NFIB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EJA) remain poorly known. This study aimed to determine the expression of NFIA and NFIB in ESCC and EJA and elucidate their prognostic significance. The expression of NFIA and NFIB was examined in 163 ESCC samples and 26 EJA samples by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that high NFIA expression correlated significantly with poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and advanced TNM stage in patients with ESCC. High NFIB expression only correlated with poor differentiation in patients with ESCC. Survival analysis showed that NFIA but not NFIB associated with short overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients with ESCC. On the other hand, high NFIB expression correlated with lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and short OS and DFS in patients with EJA. Finally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that high NFIA expression was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC. Taken together, these results demonstrated that NFIA and NFIB could serve as prognostic indicators for ESCC and EJA, respectively.
Determination of a radotinib dosage regimen based on dose–response relationships for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Noh Hayeon , Jung Su Young , Kwak Jae‐Yong , Kim Sung‐Hyun , Oh Suk Joong , Zang Dae Young , Lee Suhyun , Park Hye Lin , Jo Dae Jin , Shin Jae Soo , Do Young Rok , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jangik I.
Published: March 2018

Radotinib is a second‐generation BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CP‐CML). Here, using the data from a Phase 3 study conducted in patients with newly diagnosed CP‐CML, the dose–efficacy as well as dose–safety relationship analyses were performed to determine a safe and effective initial dosage regimen of radotinib. A significant positive association was detected between the starting dose of radotinib adjusted for body weight (Dose/BW) and the probability of dose‐limiting toxicity (≥grade 3 hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity) (P = 0.003). In contrast, a significant inverse association was discovered between Dose/BW and the probability of major molecular response (BCR‐ABL1/ABL1 ≤ 0.1%) when controlled for sex (P = 0.033). Moreover, frequent dose interruptions and reductions secondary to radotinib toxicities occurred in the Phase 3 study, resulting in nearly half (44%) of patients receiving a reduced dose at a 12‐month follow‐up. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate the need for initial radotinib dose attenuation to improve the long‐term efficacy and safety of radotinib. Hence, the authors suggest a new upfront radotinib dose of 400 mg once daily be tested in patients with newly diagnosed CP‐CML.
Attitudes toward early palliative care in cancer patients and caregivers: a Korean nationwide survey
Authors: Yoo Shin Hye , Kim Miso , Yun Young Ho , Keam Bhumsuk , Kim Young Ae , Kim Yu Jung , Shim Hyun‐Jeong , Song Eun‐Kee , Kang Jung Hun , Kwon Jung Hye , Lee Jung Lim , Lee Soon Nam , Kim Si‐Young , Kang Eun Joo , Do Young Rok , Choi Yoon Seok , Jung Kyung Hae
Published: March 2018

Integrated early palliative care (EPC) improves quality of life and reduces psychological distress in adult patients with cancer and caregivers, but attitudes toward EPC have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate attitudes toward EPC in a nationwide survey of patients with cancer and caregivers. From July to October 2016, we administered nationwide questionnaires examining attitudes toward EPC in patients with cancer (n = 1001) and their families (n = 1006) from 12 Korean hospitals. When an individual considered EPC unnecessary, the reasons were collected and analyzed. Factors associated with perception of EPC were examined. A majority of patients (84.5%) and caregivers (89.5%) had positive attitudes toward EPC. The most common reasons for deeming EPC unnecessary were that EPC may be an obstacle to cancer treatment (patients: 37%; caregivers: 23%; respectively) or that they were not sure if EPC is beneficial (patients: 21%; caregivers: 24%; respectively). Financial burden as a reason was more evident in caregivers (23%) than in patients (17%). Male gender, age <50, early stage, intensive care unit admission, and not believing that dying people should prepare to practice charity were associated with patients’ negative attitudes. In caregivers, opposition to EPC was associated with not thinking death should be feared, not thinking people should be remembered, and lower educational level. Our findings showed that significant numbers of patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers showed positive attitudes toward EPC. However, more than 10% of participants did not consider EPC necessary. Physicians’ communication with patients and caregivers and financial support could help overcome the barriers of EPC.
Performance of theUroVysion®FISHassay for the diagnosis of malignant effusions using two cutoff strategies
Authors: Rosolen Débora C. B. , Faria Daniel K. , Faria Caroline S. , Antonangelo Leila
Published: March 2018

The cytological examination of cavity fluids has limited sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignancy. Aneuploidy, which is commonly observed in neoplastic cells, could potentially be used as an ancillary diagnostic tool. To evaluate the detection of aneuploid cells in cavitary effusion samples using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assayUroVysion®with some adaptations and two different cutoff strategies. Seventy samples of pleural or peritoneal fluid with positive (n = 40), negative (n = 15), or suspicious (n = 15) oncotic cytology were subjected toFISHassay with the multitargetUroVysion®kit, which is composed of probes that hybridize to the centromeric region of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17 and to the locus 9p21.FISHperformance was evaluated using two different cutoffs: (1) the manufacturer's cutoff (M‐FISH) and 2) a proposed cutoff (P‐FISH). UsingM‐FISH, the diagnostic sensitivity was 57.1%, specificity 87.5%, and accuracy 60.0%; withP‐FISH, the sensitivity was 87.3%, specificity 71.4%, and accuracy 85.7%. When combined with cytology, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.0%, 83.3%, and 87.8%, respectively. Malignant cells presented a predominance of chromosomal gains. TheUroVysion®test using theP‐FISHcutoff was effective in demonstrating aneuploid cells in all malignant effusions, confirming the diagnosis of malignancy even in cases with suspicious cytology.
Cancer risk in patients with alopecia areata: a nationwide population‐based matched cohort study
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chiang , Chang Yun‐Ting , Liu Han‐Nan , Chen Yi‐Ju
Published: March 2018

Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder. Defective immune system related disorders are prone to increase the risk of cancer formation. However, the association among AA and variety of cancer types had never been studied. A nationwide population‐based matched cohort study was conducted to evaluate the cancer risk in patients with AA. Records from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed. Cases of AA from 1997 to 2013 and cancers registered in the catastrophic illness profile from the same time period were collected. The standard incidence ratio (SIR) of each cancer was calculated. In total, 2099 cancers among 162,499 patients with AA and without prior cancers were identified. The overall cancer risks in AA patients were slightly decreased, especially among male subjects (SIR: 0.89). Refer to individual cancer, the cancer risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (SIR: 0.59), upper GI cancer (SIR: 0.70), liver cancer (SIR: 0.82), uterine, and cervix cancer (SIR: 0.84) were significantly lower in patients with AA. In contrast, AA patients were inclined to have lymphoma, breast cancer, kidney, and urinary bladder cancer with the SIR of 1.55, 2.93, and 2.95, respectively. Age stratified analyses revealed female AA patients younger than 50 years old have even higher risk of breast cancer (SIR: 3.37). Further sensitivity analysis showed similar results after excluding major autoimmune disorders. Cancer risk in AA patients is organ specific, and it is not associated with the underlying autoimmune disorders in patients with AA.
Correlation of infarct size with invasive hemodynamics in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Goins Allie E. , Rayson Robert , Caughey Melissa C. , Sola Michael , Venkatesh Kiran , Dai Xuming , Yeung Michael , Stouffer George A.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To identify invasive hemodynamic parameters that correlate with infarction size in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

Invasive hemodynamics obtained during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) are predictive of mortality in STEMI, but which parameters correlate best with the size of the infarction are unknown.

Methods

This is a single‐center study of 405 adult patients with STEMI who had left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measured during PPCI. Size of infarction was estimated by peak troponin I level and ejection fraction (LVEF) determined by echocardiography.

Results

The average (±SD) age was 61 ± 14 years, TIMI STEMI risk score was 3.5 ± 2.7 and Grace score was 157 ± 42. Hemodynamic parameters that correlated best with EF were LVEDP (r = −0.40), PP (r = 0.24), and SBP/LVEDP ratio (r = 0.22) and with peak troponin were SBP/LVEDP ratio (r = −0.41), LVEDP (r = 0.31), and PP (r = −0.29). SBP/LVEDP (AUC = 0.76) and SBP (AUC = 0.77) had a stronger association with in‐hospital mortality than did LVEDP (AUC = 0.66) or PP (AUC = 0.64). Door‐to‐balloon time did not affect the correlations between hemodynamic parameters and infarct size.

Conclusions

In this sample of 405 patients undergoing PPCI, SBP/LVEDP ratio had the strongest correlation with peak troponin levels and LVEDP with EF, whereas SBP/LVEDP and SBP had a strong association with in‐hospital mortality. These results suggest that measurement of LVEDP as well as SBP may help risk stratify patients during PPCI.
Bleachorexia—an addictive behavior to tooth bleaching: a case report
Authors: Lee Denzel Kun‐Tsung , Kastl Cameron , Chan Daniel C. N.
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Bleachorexia, addiction to tooth bleaching, is a behavioral disorder similar to anorexia. The patient feels that their teeth are always not white enough and continues to use whiteners to obtain a “perfect” smile. Such behavior falls under the category of a body dysmorphic disorder and may need medical counseling.
Photoregulating Antifouling and Bioadhesion Functional Coating Surface Based on Spiropyran
Authors: Yu Leixiao , Schlaich Christoph , Hou Yong , Zhang Jianguang , Noeske Paul‐Ludwig Michael , Haag Rainer
Published: March 2018

Dynamic regulation of the interactions between specific molecules on functional surfaces and biomolecules, for example, proteins or cells, is critical for biosensor and biomedical devices. Herein, we present a spiropyran (SP)‐based light‐responsive surface coating, hPG (hyperbranched polyglycerol)‐SP, to control the adsorption of proteins and adhesion of cells. In the normal state, the SP groups on the coating surface were in hydrophobic ring‐closed form, which promotes the nonspecific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Under UV irradiation, the grafted SP groups were dynamically isomerized into hydrophilic/zwitterionic merocyanine. Both hydrophilicity and zwitterions support the formation of a hydrated layer and hence the resulting hPG‐MC coatings highly resist protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Moreover, the presented hPG also provided a robust bioinert background to suppress the nonspecific protein adsorption and cells adhesion. Therefore, this functionalized coating exhibited a good photoregulated antifouling behavior. Moreover, the detachment of adsorbed proteins and adhered cells from the coating surface was also realized.