bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flowerlike Sb2S3/PPy Microspheres Used as Anode Material for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Tian , Li Guangda , Zhao Lingxue , Shen Yanxin
Published: January 2018

In this work, flowerlike Sb2S3 microspheres have been synthesized with a simple solvothermal reaction and an effective preparation process using polypyrrole (PPy). When tested as an anode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the flowerlike Sb2S3/PPy exhibits improved reversibility and cycling performance for SIBs. At a current density of 100 mA g–1, a capacity of 427 mA h g–1 is maintained after 50 cycles. Even at a high current density of 800 mA g–1, a reversible capacity of 236 mA h g–1 is obtained.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Tetrahydrocarbazoles by a Vinylogous Michael/Aldol Formal [4+2] Annulation
Authors: Jafari Ehsan , Chauhan Pankaj , Kumar Mukesh , Chen Xiang‐Yu , Li Sun , von Essen Carolina , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: January 2018

A new protocol for the organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydrocarbazoles has been developed based on a vinylogous Michael/aldol reaction sequence between 3‐(trifluoroacetyl)‐2‐methyl‐indoles and enals. This formal [4+2] annulation occurs by cooperative catalysis between an achiral Brønsted base and a chiral secondary amine organocatalyst to afford tetrahydrocarbazole products bearing three vicinal stereocenters, including a trifluoromethylated tetrasubstituted stereocenter, in excellent yields, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Macroeconomic news announcements, systemic risk, financial market volatility, and jumps
Authors: Huang Xin
Published: January 2018

I study the second‐moment response to macroeconomic news announcements in financial markets. Responses can be decomposed into contributions from continuous volatility and discrete jumps. Disagreement and uncertainty are introduced to measure the second moments of market forecasts. Two decades of high frequency equity and bond futures data are examined including the global financial crisis. I report evidence that uncertainty has a stronger effect on the second‐moment response than disagreement and the second‐moment response is influenced by the level of financial stress and monetary policy regime. The zero‐lower‐bound interest rate policy constrains second‐moment responses in the bond market.
NKX6.1 hypermethylation predicts the outcome of stage II colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Chang Sou‐Yi , Kuo Chih‐Chi , Wu Chang‐Chieh , Hsiao Cheng‐Wen , Hu Je‐Ming , Hsu Chih‐Hsiung , Chou Yu‐Ching , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Lin Ya‐Wen
Published: January 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. CRC patients in the same stage often present with dramatically different clinical scenarios. Thus, robust prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed to guide therapies and improve treatment outcomes. The NKX6.1 gene has been identified as a hypermethylation marker in cervical cancer, functioning as a metastasis suppressor by regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Here, we investigated whether hypermethylation of NKX6.1 might be a prognostic biomarker for CRC. By analyzing the methylation and expression of NKX6.1 in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines. We quantitatively examined the NKX6.1 methylation levels in 151 pairs of CRC tissues by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis and found that NKX6.1 was hypermethylated in 35 of 151 CRC tissues (23%). NKX6.1 gene expression was inversely correlated with the DNA methylation level in CRC cell lines in vitro. Then, we analyzed the association of NKX6.1 methylation with clinical characteristics of these CRC patients. Our data demonstrated that patients with NKX6.1 methylation presented poorer 5‐year overall survival (P = 0.0167) and disease‐free survival (P = 0.0083) than patients without NKX6.1 methylation after receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Most importantly, these data revealed that stage II CRC patients with NKX6.1 methylation had poorer 5‐year disease‐free survival (P = 0.0322) than patients without NKX6.1 methylation after adjuvant chemotherapy. Our results demonstrate that methylation of NKX6.1 is a novel prognostic biomarker in CRC and that it may be used as a predictor of the response to chemotherapy.
A longitudinal study of cognitive trajectories and its factors for Koreans aged 60 and over: A latent growth mixture model
Authors: Min Jong Won
Published: January 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to identify cognitive trajectories of older Koreans in a population‐based longitudinal panel survey and, second, to investigate the main characteristics of the identified heterogeneous classes of cognitive trajectories.

Methods

Data came from 2445 cognitively healthy persons aged 60 or older in the 2006 to 2012 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using Korean–mini mental status examination (K‐MMSE) as a measure of global cognitive function, the latent growth mixture modeling approach examined potential heterogeneity of longitudinal changes over the 6 years.

Results

This study found that older Koreans reported an average K‐MMSE score of 27 at baseline and experienced a cognitive decline every 2 years by −1.6 (2006‐2008) and −1.2 (2008‐2010), followed by a slight increase of 0.7 in 2012. Results from the latent growth mixture modeling analysis indicated that there were 2 heterogeneous classes of longitudinal changes in the K‐MMSE over a period of 6 years: class 1 with stable cognitive function and class 2 with sharp cognitive decline over time. The sharp decline was found among those older in age and with higher level of depression at baseline. On the contrary, being male, higher education, active social engagement, and regular exercise were main characteristics of stable cognitive function.

Conclusion

As the first to examine cognitive trajectories among older Koreans, this study highlighted heterogeneity of cognitive trajectories in the population that should be considered for developing differential intervention strategies aimed at both promoting healthy brain and delaying/preventing cognitive decline.
Prolonged survival after second autologous transplantation and lenalidomide maintenance for salvage treatment of myeloma patients at first relapse after prior autograft
Authors: Gössi Ursina , Jeker Barbara , Mansouri Taleghani Behrouz , Bacher Ulrike , Novak Urban , Betticher Daniel , Egger Thomas , Zander Thilo , Pabst Thomas
Published: January 2018

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as part of the primary therapy in multiple myeloma (MM) is standard practice. In contrast, the role of a second ASCT (ASCT2) and subsequent lenalidomide maintenance for relapsed disease remains unclear. In this study, we analysed 86 consecutive MM patients with a first relapse after prior ASCT receiving either a second ASCT or conventional chemotherapy. After a median follow‐up of 37.7 months since first relapse, 54 (62.8%) patients were still alive and 29 (33.7%) without progression. Sixty‐one (71.0%) patients received ASCT2 and had better progression‐free survival (PFS) (30.2 versus 13.0 mo; P = .0262) and overall survival (OS) rates (129.6 versus 33.5 mo; P = .0003) compared with 25 (29.0%) patients with conventional treatment. Patients relapsing later than 12 months after ASCT1 benefitted from a second ASCT with better PFS2 (P = .0179) and OS2 (P = .0009). Finally, lenalidomide maintenance after ASCT2 was associated with longer PFS (41.0 vs 21.6 mo; P = .0034) and better OS (not yet reached vs 129.6 mo; P = .0434) compared with patients without maintenance. Our data suggest that a second ASCT and lenalidomide maintenance given at first relapse in MM after prior ASCT are associated with better survival rates.
Financial consequences from smoking‐related diseases in middle‐income countries: Evidence and lessons from Mexico
Authors: Arredondo Armando , Recaman Ana Lucia , Pinzon Carlos , Azar Alejandra
Published: January 2018

Middle‐income countries are experiencing a significant growth of tobacco consumption‐related diseases, while their health systems lack the financial capacity to face them. Existing studies provide a general economic measurement of the problem but give no detailed evidence on the actual financial needs. The aim of this study was to measure the health care costs and financial consequences of the epidemiological changes related to tobacco consumption. A time‐series analysis for 2000 to 2016 was carried out in a national reference hospital in Mexico. We developed probabilistic models following the Box‐Jenkins methodology to forecast the expected changes in the epidemiologic profile and the health care services required for selected interventions. Health care costs were estimated following the instrumentation methods and validated with consensus technique. Comparing the epidemiological and economic burden in 2017 vs. 2019, there is a 20% to 90% increase in expected cases depending of the disease (p < .001) and a 25% to 93% increase in financial requirements (p < .001). Our data suggest that changes in the number of expected cases during the study period highlight the process of internal competition and add an element of intrinsic competition in the financial management of preventive and curative interventions.
Socioeconomic status and diagnosis, treatment, and mortality in men with prostate cancer. Nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Tomic Katarina , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Robinson David , Häggström Christel , Lambe Mats , Stattin Pär
Published: January 2018

Patients with high socioeconomic status (SES) have better cancer outcomes than patients with low SES. This has also been shown in Sweden, a country with tax‐financed health care aiming to provide care on equal terms to all residents. The association between income and educational level and diagnostics and treatment as outlined in national guidelines and prostate cancer (Pca) and all‐cause mortality was assessed in 74,643 men by use of data in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden and a number of other health care registers and demographic databases. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, men with high income had higher probability of Pca detected in a health‐check‐up, top versus bottom income quartile, odds ratio (OR) 1.60 (95% CI 1.45–1.77) and lower probability of waiting more than 3 months for prostatectomy, OR 0.77 (0.69–0.86). Men with the highest incomes also had higher probability of curative treatment for intermediate and high‐risk cancer, OR 1.77 (1.61–1.95) and lower risk of positive margins, (incomplete resection) at prostatectomy, OR 0.80 (0.71–0.90). Similar, but weaker associations were observed for educational level. At 6 years of follow‐up, Pca mortality was modestly lower for men with high income, which was statistically significant for localized high‐risk and metastatic Pca in men with no comorbidities. All‐cause mortality was less than half in top versus bottom quartile of income (12% vs. 30%, p < 0.001) among men above age 65. Our findings underscore the importance of adherence to guidelines to ensure optimal and equal care for all patients diagnosed with cancer.
EML4‐ALK fusion variant V3 is a high‐risk feature conferring accelerated metastatic spread, early treatment failure and worse overall survival in ALK+ non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Christopoulos Petros , Endris Volker , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Elsayed Mei , Kirchner Martina , Ristau Jonas , Buchhalter Ivo , Penzel Roland , Herth Felix J. , Heussel Claus P. , Eichhorn Martin , Muley Thomas , Meister Michael , Fischer Jürgen R. , Rieken Stefan , Warth Arne , Bischoff Helge , Schirmacher Peter , Stenzinger Albrecht , Thomas Michael
Published: January 2018

In order to identify anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐driven non‐small cell lung cancer (ALK+ NSCLC) patients with a worse outcome, who might require alternative therapeutic approaches, we retrospectively analyzed all stage IV cases treated at our institutions with one of the main echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4)‐ALK fusion variants V1, V2 and V3 as detected by next‐generation sequencing or reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (n = 67). Progression under tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment was evaluated both according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and by the need to change systemic therapy. EML4‐ALK fusion variants V1, V2 and V3 were found in 39%, 10% and 51% of cases, respectively. Patients with V3‐driven tumors had more metastatic sites at diagnosis than cases with the V1 and V2 variants (mean 3.3 vs. 1.9 and 1.6, p = 0.005), which suggests increased disease aggressiveness. Furthermore, V3‐positive status was associated with earlier failure after treatment with first and second‐generation ALK TKI (median progression‐free survival [PFS] by RECIST in the first line 7.3 vs. 39.3 months, p = 0.01), platinum‐based combination chemotherapy (median PFS 5.4 vs. 15.2 months for the first line, p = 0.008) and cerebral radiotherapy (median brain PFS 6.1 months vs. not reached for cerebral radiotherapy during first‐line treatment, p = 0.028), and with inferior overall survival (39.8 vs. 59.6 months in median, p = 0.017). Thus, EML4‐ALK fusion variant V3 is a high‐risk feature for ALK+ NSCLC. Determination of V3 status should be considered as part of the initial workup for this entity in order to select patients for more aggressive surveillance and treatment strategies.
Lower Bone Density, Impaired Microarchitecture, and Strength Predict Future Fragility Fracture in Postmenopausal Women: 5-Year Follow-up of the Calgary CaMos Cohort
Authors: Burt Lauren A , Manske Sarah L , Hanley David A , Boyd Steven K
Published: January 2018

The aim of this prospective study was to use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to determine if baseline skeletal parameters can predict incident fragility fracture in women and, secondly, to establish if women that fracture lose bone at a faster rate than those who do not fracture. Women older than 60 years who experienced a fragility fracture during the 5-year follow-up period (incident fracture group, n = 22) were compared with those who did not experience a fragility fracture during the study (n = 127). After image registration between baseline and follow-up measures, standard and cortical morphological analyses were conducted. Odds ratios were calculated for baseline values and annualized percent change of HR-pQCT and finite element variables. At the radius, baseline HR-pQCT results show women who fractured had lower total bone mineral density (Tt.BMD; 19%), trabecular bone mineral density (Tb.BMD; 25%), and trabecular number (Tb.N; 14%), with higher trabecular separation (Tb.Sp; 19%) than women who did not fracture. At the tibia, women with incident fracture had lower Tt.BMD (15%), Tb.BMD (12%), cortical thickness (Ct.Th; 14%), cortical area (Ct.Ar; 12%), and failure load (10%) with higher total area (Tt.Ar; 7%) and trabecular area (Tb.Ar; 10%) than women who did not fracture. Odds ratios (ORs) at the radius revealed every SD decrease of Tt.BMD (OR = 2.1), Tb.BMD (OR = 2.0), and Tb.N (OR = 1.7) was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of fragility fracture. At the tibia, every SD decrease in Tt.BMD (OR = 2.1), Tb.BMD (OR = 1.7), Ct.Th (OR = 2.2), Ct.Ar (OR = 1.9), and failure load (OR = 1.7) were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of fragility fracture. Irrespective of scanning modality, the annualized percent rate of bone loss was not different between fracture groups. The results suggest baseline bone density, microarchitecture, and strength rather than change in these variables are associated with incident fragility fractures in women older than 60 years. Furthermore, irrespective of fragility fracture status, women experienced changes in skeletal health at a similar rate. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteogenic and osteoclastogenic potential of jaw bone‐derived cells—A case study
Authors: Ruppeka‐Rupeika Elizabete , Hogervorst Jolanda , Wouters Fenne , Schoenmaker Ton , Forouzanfar Tim , de Vries Teun J.
Published: January 2018

Though the stem cell properties of tooth‐derived periodontal ligament and gingival cells have been widely documented, surprisingly little is known about both the osteogenic and osteoclastogenic differentiation capacities of the more clinically relevant jaw bone‐derived cells. These cells could be considered being recruited during bone healing such as after tooth extraction, after placing an implant, or after surgical or traumatic injury. Here, we compared the osteoblast and osteoclastogenesis features of four consecutive bone outgrowths with periodontal ligament and gingiva cells. For osteogenesis assay, cells were cultured in osteogenic medium, whereas in osteoclastogenesis assays, cells were cultured in the presence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a source of osteoclast precursors. After osteogenic stimulus, all six cell types responded by an increased expression of osteoblast markers RUNX2 and DMP1. Periodontal ligament cells expressed significantly higher levels of RUNX2 compared to all bone outgrowths. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in periodontal ligament cells reached earlier and higher peak expression. Mineral deposits were highest in periodontal ligament, gingiva and the first bone outgrowth. Osteoclastogenesis revealed a stepwise increase of secreted pro‐osteoclastogenesis proteins M‐CSF, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the last three consecutive bone cultures. OPG mRNA showed the opposite: high expression in periodontal and gingiva cells and the first outgrowth. Osteoclast numbers were similar between the six cultures, both on bone and on plastic. This first study reveals that jaw bone outgrowths contain bone remodelling features that are slightly different from tooth‐associated cells.
Inexpensive Synthesis of Poly(Ethylenedioxythiophene‐Sulfobetaine) Films with High Bio‐Antifouling Ability
Authors: Shen Mo‐Yuan , Huang Tzu‐Yang , Luo Chun‐Hao , Huang Yu‐Chun , Tsai Yu‐Han , Wang Tian‐Lin , Yu Hsiao‐hua
Published: January 2018

To prevent nonspecific interactions with biomolecules (e.g., proteins), blood cells, and microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that can exert severe side effects, several bio‐inspired antifouling materials, including poly(ethylene glycol) and zwitterionic phosphocholine, sulfobetaine (SB), and carboxybetaine derivatives have been applied in biomedical electronic devices. In this paper, we report the development of an economical strategy for synthesizing ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT)‐SB and creating the corresponding highly antifouling polymer films though electrochemical polymerization. The poly(EDOT‐SB) films inhibited 95% of the nonspecific binding of proteins from serum and prevented the adhesion of fibroblast cells. Moreover, the antifouling properties of the conducting film were maintained in both the oxidized and reduced states of PEDOT. Such zwitterionic, functionalized conducting polymer films appear to have great potential for application to bio‐electronic implant devices.
Investigation of the binding characteristics between ligands and epidermal growth factor receptor by cell membrane chromatography
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhu Man , Kang Yuan , Yang Tianfeng , Ma Weina
Published: January 2018

The binding property between a ligand and its receptor is very important for numerous biological processes. In this study, we developed a high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐expression cell membrane chromatography (CMC) method to investigate the binding characteristics between EGFR and the ligands gefitinib, erlotinib, canertinib, afatinib, and vandetanib. Competitive binding analysis using gefitinib as the marker was used to investigate the interactions that occurred at specific binding sites on EGFR. The ability of displacement was measured from the HEK293‐EGFR/CMC column on the binding sites occupied by gefitinib for these ligands, which revealed the following order: gefitinib (KD, 8.49 ± 0.11 × 10−7 M) > erlotinib (KD, 1.07 ± 0.02 × 10−6 M) > canertinib (KD, 1.41 ± 0.07 × 10−6 M) > afatinib (KD, 1.80 ± 0.12 × 10−6 M) > vandetanib (KD, 1.99 ± 0.03 × 10−6 M). This order corresponded with the values estimated by frontal displacement analysis and the scores obtained with molecular docking. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis indicated that the hydrogen bond or Van der Waals force was the main interaction force in the process of EGFR binding to all 5 ligands. Overall, these results demonstrate that a CMC method could be an effective tool to investigate the binding characteristics between ligands and receptors.
Pricing mergers with differential synergies
Authors: Agarwal Nipun , Kwan Paul
Published: January 2018

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction pricing is a negotiation between the acquirer (buyer) and the target firm (seller). Both these firms have a different estimate of the synergies that can be obtained from this merger and as a result the valuation of the target firm is different for the acquirer and the target firm. This perception of synergies can be easily impacted by the behavior of the acquirer and the target. This article analyzes the pricing of M&A transactions based on differential synergy perceptions, while looking at risk‐averse–risk‐taking behavior of acquirers and optimistic–pessimistic behavior of the target firm. Results show that the acquirer’s risk‐taking behavior and perception of merger synergies determines the price offered for the M&A transaction. The target firm’s perception of synergies is less relevant (if at all) and their optimistic behavior is most useful, when the acquirer perceives high synergies existing in the potential M&A transaction.
Behavioral merger and acquisition pricing: Application to Verizon mergers with AOL and Yahoo
Authors: Agarwal Nipun , Kwan Paul , Paul David
Published: January 2018

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are important to companies as it allows them to acquire capabilities that they cannot create internally and to grow quickly. M&A transaction pricing relates to the pricing of these M&A deals and this article analyzes if behavioral finance factors like risk aversion, optimism, and loss aversion have an impact on this pricing. Prospect Theory and Cumulative Prospect Theory are applied to an agent‐based model to solve this problem. Results of this article show that M&A transaction price does respond to a change in risk aversion and optimism traits of the acquirer and target companies respectively, as well as, loss aversion and certainty (probability of gains and losses). When, the acquirer is risk taking and target company is optimistic, the M&A transaction price increases. However, with increasing certainty of gains and reducing loss aversion (increasing loss aversion co‐efficient; as gains are perceived to have the same weight as losses), the M&A transaction price seems to reduce. These results are compared with the recent mergers of Verizon and AOL as well as Verizon and Yahoo, to understand if these results would occur in practice. Analyzing these mergers, it seems that the outcomes from this model does provide insight on the pricing of these M&A transactions. This article also analyzes how these behaviors would impact the pricing when three different acquirers are trying to take over a target company. Results show that loss aversion has a significant effect on this pricing with risk aversion and optimism also having some minor impact. But, the existence of multiple acquirers does positively increase the M&A transaction price.
Interorganizational imitation and payment mode decisions in cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Chhabra Ankita , Popli Manish
Published: January 2018

Acquiring firm imitates the payment method decisions made by prior foreign acquirers targeting the same host country in cross‐border acquisitions. Information asymmetry and bounded rationality induces acquirers to imitate the decisions of other foreign firms in the similar context. Mimetic behavior of the firms is more salient when the acquiring firm belongs to a country with high uncertainty avoidance cultural attribute and when institutional uncertainty is high in host country. The hypotheses are tested using binary logistic regression on a dataset of 1,136 cross‐border acquisitions done by a group of seven countries during 2000–2010.
Interfaces for enterprise valuation from a real options lens
Authors: Tan Jackson J.
Published: January 2018

Variables that expand real options models provide interfaces by which entrepreneurs may view prospective ventures, or resources. Factors affecting real option values extend from the external environment of a venture and are forms of various terms of business between entrepreneurs, the venture, and the external environment. The identification of interfaces increases the resulting value of a real option and provides entrepreneurs information by which to structure ventures that extract value from arbitrage and innovation opportunities.
Effects of washing, soaking and domestic cooking on cadmium, arsenic and lead bioaccessibilities in rice
Authors: Liu Kunlun , Zheng Jiabao , Chen Fusheng
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The health risk of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in rice can be assessed by their concentration and bioaccessibility. In this work, japonica cultivar Xinfeng 2 and indica cultivar T‐You 15 were washed, soaked and cooked using three common domestic cooking methods. The present study investigated the effects of washing, soaking, normal cooking, high‐pressure cooking and microwave cooking on the concentration, bioaccessibility and health risk of Cd, As and Pb in rice.

RESULTS

Washing significantly reduced concentrations of Cd, As and Pb, and all three types of cooking reduced bioaccessibilities of these elements. No significant differences in bioaccessibility were observed among rice prepared with different cooking methods. Concentrations and bioaccessibilities of Cd, As and Pb highly affected the values of average daily dose, hazard quotient and lifetime cancer risk. High concentration and bioaccessibility cause As to pose non‐carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to adults and children. Moreover, compared with adults, children have a high chance of exposure to non‐carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks.

CONCLUSION

Washing and cooking of rice lowered the health risk by reducing Cd, As and Pb concentrations and bioaccessibilities respectively. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential effects of sulforaphane to fight obesity
Authors: Martins Tânia , Colaço Bruno , Venâncio Carlos , Pires Maria J , Oliveira Paula A , Rosa Eduardo , Antunes Luís M
Published: January 2018

Obesity is linked to the onset of many diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, among others. The prevalence of obesity nearly doubled worldwide between 1980 and 2014. Simultaneously, in the last decade, the effects of sulforaphane as a potential treatment for obesity have been investigated, with promising results. Fruits and vegetables and their processed agri‐food co‐products are good sources of natural health‐promoting compounds. Brassica crops are among the most produced crops in the world and are a good source of glucoraphanin, which, following hydrolysis, releases sulforaphane. The Brassicaceae family generates large amounts of co‐products with no intended use, causing negative economic and environmental impact. Valorization of these co‐products could be achieved through their exploitation for the extraction of bioactive compounds such as sulforaphane. However, the extraction process still needs further improvement for its economic feasibility. This article reviews the potential effects of sulforaphane in the treatment of obesity, linked to the relevance of giving Brassica co‐products added value, which is of key importance for the competitiveness of farmers and the agri‐food industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Structured emulsions as butter substitutes: effects on physicochemical and sensory attributes of shortbread cookies
Authors: Curti Elena , Federici Enrico , Diantom Agoura , Carini Eleonora , Pizzigalli Emanuele , Wu Symon Veronica , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Vittadini Elena
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Reformulation of foods products to reduce total and saturated fats while maintaining acceptable structure, texture and mouthfeel poses an important challenge to the food industry. In this work, the use of structured emulsions (fibre‐induced oil‐in‐water biphasic systems with reduced total and saturated fats) is proposed to replace butter in shortbread cookies.

RESULTS

Use of structured emulsions resulted in softer dough that was still workable using a traditional process. Shortbread cookies containing structured emulsions were harder and paler than the butter control but had a significantly reduced saturated fat content. They also received promising scores in the sensory analysis in terms of texture and overall acceptability, despite the butter product still being the preferred sample.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that structured emulsions represent a good solution to produce nutritionally improved shortbreads. Optimization of the structured emulsion formulation can provide further improvement of the nutritional, sensory and physicochemical properties of shortbread cookies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Whey protein isolate with improved film properties through cross‐linking catalyzed by small laccase from Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Quan Wei , Zhang Chong , Zheng Meixia , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Fengxia
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The effects of small laccase (SLAC) from Streptomyces coelicolor on the properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films were studied.

RESULTS

WPI was catalyze by SLAC without phenolic acid assistance. Particle size distribution results showed that some complexes with higher relative molecular weight formed in WPI samples treated with SLAC. The content of α‐helixes decreased while those of β‐sheets and random coils increased following SLAC treatment according to circular dichroism results. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis suggested that some conformational changes occurred in WPI following SLAC treatment. Analysis of WPI films prepared by casting after SLAC treatment indicated that their film properties were all improved, including mechanical properties, solubility, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties, film color, light transmission, transparency and thermal properties. Compared with that of the control film, some obvious differences in the morphology of the WPI films were observed following SLAC treatment. This report demonstrates that laccase can directly catalyze protein cross‐linking, which may be useful to improve the performance of protein films.

CONCLUSION

In this study, SLAC was applied to WPI edible film during the film‐making process. The results showed that SLAC can catalyze WPI cross‐linking without phenolic acid assistance, and WPI film properties were improved after SLAC treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determining degree of roasting in cocoa beans by artificial neural network (ANN)‐based electronic nose system and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: Tan Juzhong , Kerr William L
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Roasting is a critical step in chocolate processing, where moisture content is decreased and unique flavors and texture are developed. The determination of the degree of roasting in cocoa beans is important to ensure the quality of chocolate. Determining the degree of roasting relies on human specialists or sophisticated chemical analyses that are inaccessible to small manufacturers and farmers. In this study, an electronic nose system was constructed consisting of an array of gas sensors and used to detect volatiles emanating from cocoa beans roasted for 0, 20, 30 and 40 min. The several signals were used to train a three‐layer artificial neural network (ANN). Headspace samples were also analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with 23 select volatiles used to train a separate ANN.

RESULTS

Both ANNs were used to predict the degree of roasting of cocoa beans. The electronic nose had a prediction accuracy of 94.4% using signals from sensors TGS 813, 826, 822, 830, 830, 2620, 2602 and 2610. In comparison, the GC/MS predicted the degree of roasting with an accuracy of 95.8%.

CONCLUSION

The electronic nose system is able to predict the extent of roasting, as well as a more sophisticated approach using GC/MS. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method combined with gold nanoparticles for determination of paraquat in apple juice
Authors: Luo Hairui , Wang Xiaohui , Huang Yiqun , Lai Keqiang , Rasco Barbara A , Fan Yuxia
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Paraquat, a highly efficient herbicide, is widely used in agricultural practices throughout the world. However, paraquat residues in food pose a threat to human health. In order to develop a rapid and sensitive method, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with gold nanoparticles was applied to analysis of paraquat in apple juice.

RESULTS

Natural organic compounds (sugars and organic acids) in apple juice interfered with SERS measurement. Sample preparation was needed. Paraquat could be detected at concentrations as low as 0.02 and 0.1 µg mL− 1 with the weak cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction (WCX‐SPE) method and dilution method for sample preparation, respectively. For quantitative analysis, the R2 cv of the partial least‐squares regression model with the dilution method (0.939) was not as good as with the WCX‐SPE method (0.984), but the dilution method is much less costly, simpler and time saving. Satisfactory recovery values were obtained ranging from 94.73% to 114.81%, with the exception of 56.55% for the lowest concentration.

CONCLUSION

This work showed that SERS combined with gold nanoparticles could determine paraquat in apple juice. As a simple, rapid and ultrasensitive method, it has great practical potential for detection of other contaminants in a variety of foods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
New types of topological structures via graphs
Authors: Nada Shokry , El Atik Abd El Fattah , Atef Mohammed
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we present a relation on graphs that induces new types of topological structures to the graph and then study some of the properties of this graph. Also, we investigate an algorithm to generate the topological structures from different graphs. Finally, some applications in medicine and geographs will be given, and we verify our results in the real life.
Low‐order stabilized finite element methods for the unsteady Stokes/Navier‐Stokes equations with friction boundary conditions
Authors: Qiu Hailong , Xue Changfeng , Xue Liang
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we consider low‐order stabilized finite element methods for the unsteady Stokes/Navier‐Stokes equations with friction boundary conditions. The time discretization is based on the Euler implicit scheme, and the spatial discretization is based on the low‐order element (P1−P1 or P1−P0) for the approximation of the velocity and pressure. Moreover, some error estimates for the numerical solution of fully discrete stabilized finite element scheme are obtained. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to confirm our theoretical results.
The Cauchy problem for semilinear hyperbolic equation with characteristic degeneration on the initial hyperplane
Authors: Zhang Kangqun
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study the well posed‐ness of Cauchy problem for a class of hyperbolic equation with characteristic degeneration on the initial hyperplane. By a delicate analysis of two integral operators in terms of Bessel functions, we give the uniform weighted estimates of solutions to the linear problem with a parameter m∈(0,1) and establish local and global existences of solution to the semilinear equation. Meanwhile, we derive the existence of solutions to semilinear generalized Euler‐Poisson‐Darboux equation with a negative parameter α∈(−1,0).
A High‐Fat Diet Rich in Saturated and Mono‐Unsaturated Fatty Acids Induces Disturbance of Thyroid Lipid Profile and Hypothyroxinemia in Male Rats
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Chen Wenbin , Shao Shanshan , Xu Guowang , Song Yongfeng , Xu Chao , Gao Ling , Hu Chunxiu , Zhao Jiajun
Published: January 2018

Scope

Increasing evidence has shown that the disturbance of lipid metabolism might make a possible contribution to the pathogenesis of organ dysfunction, including thyroid, yet it is unknown whether excess intake of dietary fat interferes in thyroid lipid profile. We investigate the effects of dietary fat toward the thyroid lipid profile and thyroid function.

Methods and results

Male Sprague–Dawley rats are fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) rich in saturated and mono‐unsaturated fatty acids or chow diet for 18 weeks. LC–MS analysis of thyroid shows that total free fatty acids (FFAs) content is significantly higher in HFD rats. The concentration of highly saturated triglycerides significantly increases in HFD rats, whereas the polyunsaturated triglyceride significantly decreases, indicating the decrease in unsaturation in the HFD group. Significant increase of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) is observed in HFD rats. Thyroid function tests show hypothyroxinemia (total thyroxine [TT4] and free thyroxine [FT4]) in HFD rats, and elevated thyrotropin (TSH) concentration. The HFD rats also show decreased thyroid uptake of iodine.

Conclusion

Excess intake of dietary fat induces disturbance of thyroid lipid profile and hypothyroxinemia, indicating thyroid dysfunction. We speculate that it may provide a new prospect in understanding the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism.
The Oral Bioavailability of 8‐Prenylnaringenin from Hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) in Healthy Women and Men is Significantly Higher than that of its Positional Isomer 6‐Prenylnaringenin in a Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Calvo‐Castro Laura A. , Burkard Markus , Sus Nadine , Scheubeck Gabriel , Leischner Christian , Lauer Ulrich M. , Bosy‐Westphal Anja , Hund Verena , Busch Christian , Venturelli Sascha , Frank Jan
Published: January 2018

Scope

Prenylated chalcones and flavonoids from hop (Humulus lupulus L.), such as 6‐prenylnaringenin (6‐PN) and 8‐prenylnaringenin (8‐PN), are investigated for their health beneficial and anticancer activities. We, thus, compare the oral bioavailability and safety of 6‐PN and 8‐PN in healthy young women and men, and investigated their effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Methods and results

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial is conducted with 16 healthy volunteers (eight women, eight men) given a single oral dose of 500 mg 6‐PN, 8‐PN, or placebo in random order. Maximum total concentrations of 6‐PN and 8‐PN in plasma (Cmax; 543 and 2834 nmol L–1) and their respective area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC; 3635 and 15801 nmol L–1 × h) are significantly (5.2‐ and 4.3‐fold) higher for 8‐PN than for 6‐PN (p ˂ 0.05). PBMC for ex vivo experiments are isolated from blood sampled before and 6 h after intake of 6‐PN, 8‐PN, or placebo. Despite the single‐treatment regime and low blood concentrations, both 6‐PN and 8‐PN increase the survival of PBMC relative to control.

Conclusion

8‐PN is significantly more bioavailable in healthy humans than its isomer 6‐PN. Interestingly, 6‐PN, despite being less bioavailable, is similarly effective as 8‐PN in enhancing PBMC viability.
A comparison of prostate tumor targeting strategies using magnetic resonance imaging‐targeted, transrectal ultrasound‐guided fusion biopsy
Authors: Martin Peter R. , Cool Derek W. , Fenster Aaron , Ward Aaron D.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐targeted, three‐dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy aims to reduce the 21–47% false‐negative rate of clinical two‐dimensional (2D) TRUS‐guided systematic biopsy, but continues to yield false‐negative results. This may be improved via needle target optimization, accounting for guidance system errors and image registration errors. As an initial step toward the goal of optimized prostate biopsy targeting, we investigated how needle delivery error impacts tumor sampling probability for two targeting strategies.

Methods

We obtained MRI and 3D TRUS images from 49 patients. A radiologist and radiology resident assessed these MR images and contoured 81 suspicious regions, yielding tumor surfaces that were registered to 3D TRUS. The biopsy system's root‐mean‐squared needle delivery error (RMSE) and systematic error were modeled using an isotropic 3D Gaussian distribution. We investigated two different prostate tumor‐targeting strategies using (a) the tumor's centroid and (b) a ring in the lateral–elevational plane. For each simulation, targets were spaced at equal arc lengths on a ring with radius equal to the systematic error magnitude. A total of 1000 biopsy simulations were conducted for each tumor, with RMSE and systematic error magnitudes ranging from 1 to 6 mm. The difference in median tumor sampling probability and probability of obtaining a 50% core involvement was determined for ring vs centroid targeting.

Results

Our simulation results indicate that ring targeting outperformed centroid targeting in situations where systematic error exceeds RMSE. In these instances, we observed statistically significant differences showing 1–32% improvement in sampling probability due to ring targeting. Likewise, we observed statistically significant differences showing 1–39% improvement in 50% core involvement probability due to ring targeting.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the optimal targeting scheme for prostate biopsy depends on the relative levels of systematic and random errors in the system. Where systematic error dominates, a ring‐targeting scheme may yield improved probability of tumor sampling. The findings presented in this paper may be used to aid in target selection strategies for clinicians performing targeted prostate biopsies on any MRI targeted, 3D TRUS‐guided biopsy system and could support earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer while it remains localized to the gland and curable.
Effect of Dietary Energy to Protein Ratio on Growth, Biological Indices, Proximate Composition, and Amino Acid Profiles in the Muscle of Varicorhinus macrolepis
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Wang Shuiping , Wang Wenxiu , Wang Huihong , Xiang Xiao , Zhou Xinghua
Published: January 2018

A 150-d feeding experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the dietary energy to protein ratio (E/P ratio) on growth, biological indices, proximate composition, and amino acid profiles in the muscle of Varicorhinus macrolepis. Six experimental diets were formulated with different E/P ratios (30.51, 33.90, 37.82, 42.34, 47.70, and 54.09 kJ/g). In the experiment, 360 fish with a mean weight of 8.75 g (SD, 0.59) were randomly divided into six groups (three replicates per group, 20 fish per replicate) and fed three times daily with the experimental diet. Results showed that when the dietary E/P ratio was 37.82 kJ/g, Varicorhinus macrolepis tended to gain the highest specific growth rate. With a change in the increment of dietary E/P ratio, the condition factor, intestosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index all changed in the quadric polynomial regression model. Muscle crude lipid content showed a tendency of leveling-off first and then increased with increasing dietary E/P ratio. Varicorhinus macrolepis gained the highest concentration of total amino acids and essential amino acids when the dietary E/P ratio was 37.82 kJ/g. Except for methionine + cysteine, phenylalanine + tyrosine, and the amino acid score of lysine, the amino acid scores and chemical scores of the other essential amino acids were highest when the dietary E/P ratio was 37.82 kJ/g. These results suggest that Varicorhinus macrolepis obtained optimal growth and muscle amino acid composition when the dietary E/P ratio was 37.82 kJ/g.
Muscle Fiber Differentiation and Growth Patterns During Hyperplasia and Hypertrophy in the Ricefield Eel Regulated by Myogenic Regulatory Factors
Authors: Chu Wuying , Chen Dunxue , Li Yulong , Wu Ping , Zhang Jianshe , Liu Li
Published: January 2018

Muscle growth is mainly achieved by two processes, hyperplasia (fiber number increase) and hypertrophy (fiber size increase), and is regulated by the myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) family. The muscle fiber composition and expressional patterns of the four MRFs (Myf5, MRF4, MyoD, and myogenin [MyoG]) were characterized in the white muscle of Ricefield Eels Monopterus albus ranging from 5 to 180 g. Results showed that the mean muscle fiber diameters gradually increased as body mass increased from 5 to 114 g. The small muscle fibers (diameter < 20 μm) were found in the highest ratio in 5–45-g eels; most of the fibers ranged from 20 to 60 μm for 64–104-g fish; and muscle mainly consisted of fibers over 60 μm in 114–180-g fish. The expression of Myf5 and MyoD increased continuously at the stages mainly consisting of the small and medium muscle fibers. Expression of MRF4 and MyoG was low at the stages with high ratios of small muscle fibers, but their expression levels increased at the stages with high ratios of medium muscle fibers. The expression levels of the four MRFs exhibited a regulatory effect on the process of muscle hyperplasia or hypertrophy. The data indicated that hyperplasia was the major event at the earlier stages of the Ricefield Eel, whereas hypertrophy occurred at later developmental stages. The results of our study provide valuable knowledge regarding muscle development in Ricefield Eels.
The efficacy of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation in the management of interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), what do we know? ICI‐RS 2017 think thank, Bristol
Authors: Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , Marcelissen Tom , Apostolidis Apostolos , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Schurch Brigitte , Cardozo Linda , Dmochowski Roger
Published: January 2018

Aims

This manuscript aims to address the evidence availale in the literature on the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT‐A) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/BPS and propose further research to identify mechanisms of action and establish the clinical efficacy of either therapy.

Methods

At the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) in 2017, a panel of Functional Urologists and Urogynaecologists participated in a Think Tank (TT) discussing the management of IC/BPS by BoNT‐A and SNM, using available data from both PubMed and Medicine literature searches.

Results

The role of BoNT‐A and SNM in the treatment of IC/BPS are discussed and mechanisms of actions are proposed. Despite the available randomized trial data on the effect of intravesical BoNT‐A treatment on symptoms of IC/BPS, a consistent conclusion of a positive effect cannot be drawn at the moment, as the published studies are small and heterogeneous in design. There is substantive evidence for the positive effects of SNM on symptoms of IC/BPS patients however, during patient selection, it is important to distinguish the degree and the location of pain in order to tailor the best therapy to the right patients.

Conclusions

Both intravesical BoNT‐A treatment and SNM have been shown to have positive effects in patients with IC/BPS. However, firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn. Patient‐reported outcomes and quality of life should be assessed in addition to urinary and pain symptoms. Since current treatments mainly focus on symptomatic relief, future research should also focus on clarifying the pathogenic mechanisms involved in IC/BPS.