bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of acupuncture to control hot flashes in cancer patients
Authors: Garcia M. Kay , Graham‐Getty Leslie , Haddad Robin , Li Yisheng , McQuade Jennifer , Lee Richard T. , Spano Michael , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: August 2015

Hot flashes (HFs) are a common side effect of cancer treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence related to the use of acupuncture for HFs in cancer patients. EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane (all databases), PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus were searched from their inception through December 2014. Included studies had to be randomized controlled trials with a usual‐care and/or placebo comparison group that investigated acupuncture to treat HFs in cancer patients. No language limits were applied. The risk of bias (ROB) was rated as low, high, or unclear according to Cochrane criteria. Both within‐group and between‐group changes were evaluated. Four hundred two items were identified, and 192 duplicates were omitted; this left 210 publications to be screened. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and all involved women with breast cancer. All studies showed significant within‐group improvement from the baseline for true acupuncture (TA). One study showed significant improvement in favor of TA over sham acupuncture (SA; P < .001), 1 study found in favor of TA over SA for nighttime HFs only (P = .03), and 1 study found in favor of TA over SA or untreated controls (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively). Between‐group (TA vs SA) effect size (ES) estimates for daytime and nighttime HFs were calculated (ES range, 0.04‐0.9) whenever possible. No studies were rated with a low ROB. In conclusion, the current level of evidence is insufficient to either support or refute the benefits of acupuncture for the management of HFs in cancer patients. Future studies should provide within‐group and between‐group ES estimates in addition to P values. Cancer 2015;121:3948–3958. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Incidence of testicular germ cell tumors among US men by census region
Authors: Ghazarian Armen A. , Trabert Britton , Graubard Barry I. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Altekruse Sean F. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in the United States is notably higher among white men versus other men. Previously, however, it was reported that rates were rising among Hispanics in certain areas. To determine whether this finding was evident in a wider area of the United States, data from 39 US cancer registries were examined.

METHODS

Racial/ethnic‐specific incidence rates per 100,000 man‐years were calculated overall and by census region for the period of 1998‐2011. Annual percentage changes (APCs) were estimated, and joinpoint models were fit. Differences in incidence by region were examined with the Wald test.

RESULTS

From 1998 to 2011, 88,993 TGCTs were recorded. The TGCT incidence was highest among non‐Hispanic whites (6.57 per 100,000), who were followed by Hispanics (3.88), American Indians/Alaska Natives (2.88), Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs; 1.60), and non‐Hispanic blacks (1.20). The incidence significantly increased among Hispanics (APC, 2.31; P < .0001), with rates rising in all regions except the South. Rates rose slightly among non‐Hispanic whites (APC, 0.51; P = .0076). Significant differences in rates by region were seen for Hispanics (P = .0001), non‐Hispanic whites (P < .0001), and A/PIs (P < .0001), with the highest rates among Hispanics in the West and with the highest rates among non‐Hispanic whites and A/PIs in the Northeast.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of TGCTs remained highest among non‐Hispanic whites between 1998 and 2011, the greatest increase was experienced by Hispanics. Rising rates of TGCTs among Hispanics in the United States suggest that future attention is warranted. Reasons for the increase may include variability in birthplace, changing exposures, genetic susceptibility, and the length of US residence. Cancer 2015;121:4181–4189. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term visual outcome after chemotherapy for optic pathway glioma in children: Site and age are strongly predictive
Authors: Dodgshun Andrew J. , Elder James E. , Hansford Jordan R. , Sullivan Michael J.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are commonly noted in pediatric oncology services. Radiotherapy is effective at controlling tumors, but has many undesirable late effects, especially in patients with neurofibromatosis. Chemotherapy is commonly used to preserve vision and delay or eliminate the need for radiotherapy. Despite visual threat being a common reason to initiate chemotherapy in patients with OPG, reports of visual outcome after chemotherapy are not common and reports of long‐term visual outcome are even scarcer.

METHODS

In a single institution, all patients with OPG who had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy between 1996 and 2013 were identified from hospital databases. Visual, treatment, and radiological data were recorded. Categorized visual acuity was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Of 43 patients identified, visual data were available for 42 patients. Approximately 14% of patients experienced an improvement in visual acuity during therapy, 9% of patients experienced a deterioration, and the remainder were stable. At a mean follow‐up of 78 months, 26% of patients were legally blind. Children aged <2 years and patients with a chiasmatic/hypothalamic tumor site were overrepresented in this category. An intraconal location was predictive of poor visual outcome for that eye but was unilateral with normal vision in the contralateral eye.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for long‐term visual deterioration are young age, chiasmatic/hypothalamic tumor site, and intraconal tumor site for the involved eye. The most common visual outcome for children with OPG after treatment with chemotherapy is stability. This stability is maintained over the long term for >90% of children without these risk factors. Cancer 2015;121:4190–4196. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Addition of radiotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved overall survival in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Rutter Charles E. , Park Henry S. , Corso Christopher D. , Lester‐Coll Nataniel H. , Mancini Brandon R. , Yeboa Debra N. , Johung Kimberly L.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for resected pancreatic cancer is controversial because direct comparisons of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) alone and chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRT) are limited. This study assessed outcomes of CT versus CRT in a national cohort to provide a modern estimate of comparative effectiveness.

METHODS

Patients with pT1‐3N0‐1M0 pancreatic adenocarcinoma after pancreatectomy were identified in the National Cancer Data Base. Overall survival (OS) was compared for CT and CRT groups with Cox regression and propensity score matching. Subset analyses by clinicopathologic characteristics were performed.

RESULTS

This study identified 6165 patients treated with CT (n = 2334 or 38%) or CRT (n = 3831 or 62%). Most were classified as pT3 (72%), pN1 (67%), and status‐post R0 resection (84%). For CRT patients, the median radiotherapy dose was 50.4 Gy. Compared with CT, CRT was associated with improved OS in a univariate analysis (median, 20.0 vs 22.3 months; at 5 years, 16.5% vs 19.6%; P < .001) and a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.893; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.837‐0.953; P = .001). CRT remained associated with improved OS after propensity score matching (HR, 0.851; 95% CI, 0.793‐0.913; P < .001). Subset analyses showed that CRT was associated with improved OS among patients with pT3 (HR, 0.892; 95% CI, 0.828‐0.962; P = .003) or pN1 disease (HR, 0.856; 95% CI, 0.793‐0.924; P < .001) and both R0 resection (HR, 0.901; 95% CI, 0.839‐0.969; P = .005) and R1 resection (HR, 0.842; 95% CI, 0.722‐0.983; P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

CRT was independently associated with improved OS after the resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a large national cohort and particularly among patients with R1 resection and pN1 disease. Well‐designed randomized comparisons of CRT and CT are urgently needed. Cancer 2015;121:4141–4149. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
5‐(3′,4′‐Dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalate/5‐(2′,3′‐Dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalate‐Based 3D Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Structure, and Sensing of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Wang Yan‐Ning , Yu Jie‐Hui , Xu Ji‐Qing
Published: August 2015

5‐(3′,4′‐Dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalic acid (H4L1) and 5‐(2′,3′‐dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalic acid (H4L2) were reacted with Cd2+ salt with/without the assistance of N‐donor ligands, creating five 3D CdII coordination polymers [Cd2(L1)(H2O)5]⋅H2O (1), [Cd2(L1)(bpe)(H2O)] (bpe=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene; 2), [Cd2(L1)(bpa)(H2O)] (bpa=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane; 3), [Cd2(L1)(bpp)] (bpp=1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane; 4), and [Cd2(L2)(bpp)2(H2O)2]⋅H2O (5). Crystal‐structure analysis reveals 1) in 1, phthalate moieties for L1 link Cd1 centers into a 1D slightly helical chain; Cd2 centers act as bridges, linking 1D helical chains into a 3D network with a (3,5)‐connected topology; 2) in 2–4, although Cd2+ centers were further modified by the introduction of organic bases, L1 molecules still link Cd2+ centers into 3D networks, which can all be simplified as pcu topology; 3) in 2–4, phthalate moieties first link Cd2+ centers into an oligomer, in which carboxylate‐bridged discrete or rod‐shaped secondary building units (SBUs) are found (tetranuclear SBU in 2 and 3, rod‐shaped SBU in 4); and 4) in 5, L2 molecules link Cd2+ centers into a 2D (4,4) net; introduced bpp molecules serve as pillar linkers, extending Cd2+–L2 layers into a 3D network of 5. The sensing abilities of 2–5 for nitrobenzene (NB) were investigated. Results revealed that they could all serve as fluorescence probes to sense NB at ppm concentrations.
Grafting of ZnS:Mn‐Doped Nanocrystals and an Anticancer Drug onto Graphene Oxide for Delivery and Cell Labeling
Authors: Dinda Sanghamitra , Kakran Mitali , Zeng Jialiu , Sudhaharan Thankiah , Ahmed Sohail , Das Debajyoti , Selvan Subramanian Tamil
Published: August 2015

A facile method for the synthesis of highly fluorescent manganese‐doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Mn) nanocrystals covalently functionalized with polyethylene glycol conjugated graphene oxide (GO‐PEG) for drug delivery and cell labeling is reported. First, covalently functionalized GO with PEG‐bis(amine) to enhance the solubility and biocompatibility in water and physiological buffers. Second, glutathione (GSH)‐coated ZnS:Mn‐doped nanocrystals were covalently grafted onto GO‐PEG. An acid‐amidation process was employed to obtain GO‐PEG/ZnS:Mn nanocomposites, which were characterized by UV/Vis, photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was noncovalently loaded onto these GO‐PEG/ZnS:Mn composite particles. High drug entrapment efficiency (100 % due to more GO surface available for binding), slow in vitro release of drug (ca. 40 % at acidic pH), better HeLa cancer cell killing efficiency (ca. 85 %), and cell labeling capability are the important traits of these DOX‐loaded nanocomposites. It is believed these novel fluorescent [GO‐PEG/ZnS:Mn]‐DOX composite particles have great potential as theranostic agents in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Functionalized Agarose Self‐Healing Ionogels Suitable for Supercapacitors
Authors: Trivedi Tushar J. , Bhattacharjya Dhrubajyoti , Yu Jong‐Sung , Kumar Arvind
Published: August 2015

Agarose has been functionalized (acetylated/carbanilated) in an ionic liquid (IL) medium of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate at ambient conditions. The acetylated agarose showed a highly hydrophobic nature, whereas the carbanilated agarose could be dissolved in water as well as in the IL medium. Thermoreversible ionogels were obtained by cooling the IL sols of carbanilated agarose at room temperature. The ionogel prepared from a protic–aprotic mixed‐IL system (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)ammonium formate) demonstrated a superior self‐healing property, as confirmed from rheological measurements. The superior self‐healing property of such an ionogel has been attributed to the unique inter–intra hydrogen‐bonding network of functional groups inserted in the agarose. The ionogel was tested as a flexible solid electrolyte for an activated‐carbon‐based supercapacitor cell. The measured specific capacitance was found to be comparable with that of a liquid electrolyte system at room temperature and was maintained for up to 1000 charge–discharge cycles. Such novel functionalized‐biopolymer self‐healing ionogels with flexibility and good conductivity are desirable for energy‐storage devices and electronic skins with superior lifespans and robustness.
Antigen archiving by lymph node stroma: A novel function for the lymphatic endothelium
Authors: Kedl Ross M. , Tamburini Beth A.
Published: August 2015

Secondary lymphoid stroma performs far more functions than simple structural support for lymphoid tissues, providing a host of soluble and membrane‐bound cues to trafficking leukocytes during inflammation and homeostasis. More recently it has become clear that stromal cells can manipulate T‐cell responses, either through direct antigen‐mediated stimulation of T cells or more indirectly through the retention and management of antigen after viral infection or vaccination. In light of recent data, this review provides an overview of stromal cell subsets and functions during the progression of an adaptive immune response with particular emphasis on antigen capture and retention by follicular dendritic cells as well as the recently described “antigen archiving” function of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Given its impact on the maintenance of protective immune memory, we conclude by discussing the most pressing questions pertaining to LEC antigen capture, archiving and exchange with hematopoetically derived antigen‐presenting cells.
Electrochemical, Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Investigations of CeIII in a 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Ethyl Sulfate (EMIES) Ionic Liquid
Authors: Gupta Ruma , Gamare Jayashree , Jayachandran Kavitha , Gupta Santosh K. , Lohithakshan Kaiprath V. , Kamat Jayashree V.
Published: August 2015

A systematic study was carried out to explore the electrochemical behaviour of Ce in an EMIES ionic liquid at a glassy carbon (GC) electrode over the range 298–351 K. The electrode reaction of CeIII/CeIV was found to be quasi‐reversible by cyclic voltammetry. An increase in the current intensity was obtained with an increase in temperature. The diffusion coefficients (Do), the transfer coefficients (α) of CeIII and the charge‐transfer rate constants (ks) were estimated. The apparent standard potential (E0*) and the thermodynamic properties of the oxidation of CeIII to CeIV were also investigated. A photoluminescence investigation on cerium extracted in EMIES ionic liquid shows the stabilization of cerium in the CeIII state. There is a broad band at 350 nm, which is attributed to the 5d1→4f1 transitions. With an increase in temperature the CeIII peak intensity decreases gradually and is almost flattened at 350 K. This may be a result of CeIII being converted into CeIV with an increase in temperature and then not being luminescence‐active as it is an f0 system.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Quaternary Stereocenters
Authors: Manchoju Amarender , Thorat Rakesh G. , Pansare Sunil V.
Published: August 2015

An enantioselective synthesis of functionalized quaternary stereocenters was developed from amino alcohol derived (bromoalkylidene)morpholinones. Stereoselective cross‐coupling of the morpholinones with arylboronic acids or alkyl trifluoroborates provided a variety of disubstituted alkylidenemorpholinones. A highly stereoselective Prins reaction of the cross‐coupling products generated the target quaternary stereocenter. The Prins products are readily converted into a variety of acyclic, enantiomerically enriched, functionalized building blocks with a quaternary stereocenter.
CO2 chemisorption and cyclability analyses in α−Li5AlO4: effects of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 addition
Authors: Teresa Flores‐Martínez M. , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: August 2015

Lithium aluminate (α−Li5AlO4) was synthesized and mixed with potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate. The addition of these alkaline carbonates was produced during or after the synthesis process. The CO2 chemisorption was evaluated using dynamic, isothermal, and cyclic thermogravimetric analyses. The presence of the K or Na in α−Li5AlO4 changes the sorption properties in a wide temperature range. K‐ and Na‐Li5AlO4 samples, when the alkaline carbonates were added 10 wt% presented better CO2 capture properties, capturing 37−39 wt% at 660 °C and ∼50 wt% at 710 °C, for doped samples prepared mechanically or synthetically, respectively. The results revealed that the weight gained on α−Li5AlO4 mixed with K‐ or Na‐carbonates was attributed to the formation of the eutectic phases. These materials would be suitable for CO2 capture over a wide temperature range depending on the application process. Nevertheless, the cyclic experiments showed important variations in their respective efficiencies, depending on the temperature. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Dementia with Lewy bodies can be well‐differentiated from Alzheimer's disease by measurement of brain acetylcholinesterase activity—a [11C]MP4A PET study
Authors: Shimada H. , Hirano S. , Sinotoh H. , Ota T. , Tanaka N. , Sato K. , Yamada M. , Fukushi K. , Irie T. , Zhang M. R. , Higuchi M. , Kuwabara S. , Suhara T.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic performance of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity measurement using N‐[11C]‐methyl‐4‐piperidyl acetate (MP4A) and PET in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Participants were 14 DLB patients, 25 AD patients and 18 age‐matched healthy controls (HC). All subjects underwent PET scans and MP4A to measure regional brain AChE activity. We performed anatomical standardization of each brain image, and k3 values, an index of AChE activity, in each voxel were estimated by nonlinear least squares analysis. Volumes of interest (VOIs) were identified on parametric k3 images in frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital cortices, and in anterior and posterior cingulate gyri (ACG and PCG). In each VOI, the differential diagnostic performance between AD and DLB of k3 values was assessed by area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver‐operating characteristic. Voxel‐based statistical analyses were also performed.

Results

Mean cortical AChE activities in AD patients (−8.2% compared with normal mean) and DLB patients (−27.8%) were lower than HCs (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference in mean cortical AChE activities between AD and DLB patients (p < 0.001). All regional brain AChE activities of defined VOIs except ACG were able to well discriminate DLB from AD, and notably performance was the most significant in PCG (AUC = 0.989, 95% CI: 0.965–1.000).

Conclusions

Brain cholinergic deficit is consistently prominent in DLB compared with AD. PET measurement of brain AChE activity may be useful for the differential diagnosis between DLB and AD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anaphylaxis cases presenting to primary care paramedics in Quebec
Authors: Kimchi Nofar , Clarke Ann , Moisan Jocelyn , Lachaine Colette , La Vieille Sebastien , Asai Yuka , Joseph Lawrence , Mill Chris , Ben‐Shoshan Moshe
Published: August 2015

Data on anaphylaxis cases in pre‐hospital settings is limited. As part of the Cross Canada Anaphylaxis Registry (C‐CARE), we assessed anaphylaxis cases managed by paramedics in Outaouais, Quebec. A software program was developed to prospectively record demographic and clinical characteristics as well as management of cases meeting the definition of the anaphylaxis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were compared to assess factors associated with severity of reactions and epinephrine use. Among 33,788 ambulance calls of which 23,486 required transport, 104 anaphylaxis cases were identified (anaphylaxis rate of 0.31% [95%CI, 0.25%, 0.37%] among all ambulance calls and 0.44% [95%CI, 0.36%, 0.54%] among those requiring transport). The median age was 46.8 years and 41.3% were males. The common triggers included food (32.7% [95%CI, 24.0%, 42.7%]), drugs (24.0% [16.4%, 33.6%]), and venom (17.3% [10.8%, 26.2%]). Among all reactions, 37.5% (95%CI, 28.4%, 47.6%) were severe. Epinephrine was not administered in 35.6% (95%CI, 26.6%, 45.6%) of all cases. Males were more likely to have severe reactions (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.50 [95%CI, 1.03, 6.01]). Venom‐induced reactions and severe anaphylaxis were more likely to be managed with epinephrine (OR: 6.9 [95%CI, 1.3, 35.3] and 4.2 [95%CI, 1.5, 12.0], respectively). This is the first prospective study evaluating anaphylaxis managed by paramedics. Anaphylaxis accounts for a substantial proportion of the cases managed by paramedics in Outaouais, Quebec and exceeds prior reports of the proportion of Quebec emergency room visits attributed to anaphylaxis. Although guidelines recommend prompt use of epinephrine for all cases of anaphylaxis, more than a third of cases did not receive epinephrine. It is crucial to develop educational programs targeting paramedics to promote the use of epinephrine in all cases of anaphylaxis regardless of the specific trigger.
CDS Spreads and Contagion Amongst Systemically Important Financial Institutions – A Spatial Econometric Approach
Authors: Eder Armin , Keiler Sebastian
Published: August 2015

This study applies a novel way of measuring, quantifying and modelling the contagion risk amongst financial institutions. The magnitude of risk spill over effects is gauged by introducing a specific weighting scheme to the regression. This approach originally stems from spatial econometrics. The methodology allows for a decomposition of the credit spread into a contagion risk premium, a systematic risk premium and an idiosyncratic risk premium. We identify considerable risk spill overs due to the interconnectedness of the financial institutes in the sample. In stress tests, up to one‐fifth of the CDS spread changes are owing to financial contagion. These results also give an alternative explanation for the nonlinear relationship between a debtor's theoretical probability of default and the observed credit spreads – known as the ‘credit spread puzzle’. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Puerarin Protects Human Neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y Cells against Glutamate‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Zhu Xue , Wang Ke , Zhang Kai , Lin Xiufeng , Zhu Ling , Zhou Fanfan
Published: August 2015

Glutamate, the principal excitatory neurotransmitter, plays a central role in brain metabolism; however, aberrant neurotransmission of glutamate has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the effective agents that target at glutamate‐induced cell injury will be useful for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of puerarin, an active isoflavone extracted from the Chinese herb Radix puerariae, against glutamate‐induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells was evaluated for the first time. The results showed that the pretreatment of puerarin could attenuate glutamate‐induced cell injury in a dose‐dependent manner. This protective effect was mediated through inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation, attenuating the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl‐2, preserving mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), preventing cytochrome c release, and reducing caspase activity. These findings may significantly contribute to a better understanding of the neuroprotective effect of puerarin and provide new insights into its application toward neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
Continuum in the X‐Z‐‐‐Y weak bonds: Z= main group elements
Authors: Joy Jyothish , Jose Anex , Jemmis Eluvathingal D.
Published: August 2015

The Continuum in the variation of the X‐Z bond length change from blue‐shifting to red‐shifting through zero‐ shifting in the X‐Z‐‐‐Y complex is inevitable. This has been analyzed by ab‐initio molecular orbital calculations using Z= Hydrogen, Halogens, Chalcogens, and Pnicogens as prototypical examples. Our analysis revealed that, the competition between negative hyperconjugation within the donor (X‐Z) molecule and Charge Transfer (CT) from the acceptor (Y) molecule is the primary reason for the X‐Z bond length change. Here, we report that, the proper tuning of X‐ and Y‐group for a particular Z‐ can change the blue‐shifting nature of X‐Z bond to zero‐shifting and further to red‐shifting. This observation led to the proposal of a continuum in the variation of the X‐Z bond length during the formation of X‐Z‐‐‐Y complex. The varying number of orbitals and electrons available around the Z‐atom differentiates various classes of weak interactions and leads to interactions dramatically different from the H‐Bond. Our explanations based on the model of anti‐bonding orbitals can be transferred from one class of weak interactions to another. We further take the idea of continuum to the nature of chemical bonding in general. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SCC‐DFTB parameters for simulating hybrid gold‐thiolates compounds
Authors: Fihey Arnaud , Hettich Christian , Touzeau Jérémy , Maurel François , Perrier Aurélie , Köhler Christof , Aradi Bálint , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: August 2015

We present a parametrization of a self‐consistent charge density functional‐based tight‐binding scheme (SCC‐DFTB) to describe gold‐organic hybrid systems by adding new Au‐X (X = Au, H, C, S, N, O) parameters to a previous set designed for organic molecules. With the aim of describing gold‐thiolates systems within the DFTB framework, the resulting parameters are successively compared with density functional theory (DFT) data for the description of Au bulk, Aun gold clusters (n = 2, 4, 8, 20), and AunSCH3 (n = 3 and 25) molecular‐sized models. The geometrical, energetic, and electronic parameters obtained at the SCC‐DFTB level for the small Au3SCH3 gold–thiolate compound compare very well with DFT results, and prove that the different binding situations of the sulfur atom on gold are correctly described with the current parameters. For a larger gold–thiolate model, Au25SCH3, the electronic density of states and the potential energy surfaces resulting from the chemisorption of the molecule on the gold aggregate obtained with the new SCC‐DFTB parameters are also in good agreement with DFT results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Breaking a bottleneck: Accurate extrapolation to “gold standard” CCSD(T) energies for large open shell organic radicals at reduced computational cost
Authors: Sengupta Arkajyoti , Ramabhadran Raghunath O. , Raghavachari Krishnan
Published: August 2015

Open Shell organic radicals are principal species involved in many diverse areas such as combustion, photochemistry, and polymer chemistry. Computational studies of such species with an accurate method like coupled‐cluster with single and double and perturbative triple (CCSD(T)) may be restricted to systems of modest size due to the steep computational scaling of the method. Herein, we assess the accuracy of extrapolated CCSD(T) energies determined using the connectivity‐based hierarchy (CBH) method on medium to large sized radicals. In our method, an MP2 calculation on the target radical is coupled with CCSD(T) energies of fragments determined uniquely by our hierarchy to perform accurate extrapolations. A careful assessment is done with a robust CBH‐rad49 test set comprising of 49 diverse cyclic and acyclic radicals with a variety of functional groups. We demonstrate that the extrapolation method with CBH‐2 or CBH‐3 is sufficient to obtain sub‐kcal accuracy. ROMP2 and PMP2 calculations with both Pople‐style and Dunning‐style basis‐sets resulted in mean absolute errors for CCSD(T) extrapolation (full CCSD(T)—extrapolated CCSD(T)) within 0.5 kcal/mol. Further speedup for such CCSD(T) extrapolations are obtained with ROHF‐based RI‐MP2 calculations. Challenging systems with (a) high ring strain, (b) delocalized character, and (c) spin contamination are identified and analyzed in detail. Finally, we apply our extrapolation method on 10 larger radicals containing 10−15 heavy atoms, where accurate CCSD(T) energies are obtained at a fractional cost of full CCSD(T) calculations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin D Induces Cyclooxygenase 2 Dependent Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis in HaCaT Keratinocytes
Authors: Ravid Amiram , Shenker Ohad , Buchner‐Maman Efrat , Rotem Carmela , Koren Ruth
Published: August 2015

The active metabolite of vitamin D calcitriol and its analogs are well‐known for their anti‐inflammatory action in the skin, while their main side effect associated with topical treatment of inflammatory disorders is irritant contact dermatitis. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is pro‐inflammatory at the onset of inflammation and anti‐inflammatory at its resolution. We hypothesized that induction of PGE2 synthesis by calcitriol in epidermal keratinocytes may contribute both to its pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory effects on the skin. Treatment of human immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes with calcitriol (3–100 nM, 2–24 h) increased PGE2 production due to increased mRNA and protein expression of COX‐2, but not to increase of COX‐1 or release of arachidonic acid. The effect of calcitriol on COX‐2 mRNA was observed also in primary human keratinocytes. The increase in COX‐2 mRNA is associated with COX‐2 transcript stabilization. Calcitriol exerts this effect by a rapid (2 h) and protein synthesis independent mode of action that is dependent on PKC and Src kinase activities. Treatment with a COX‐2 inhibitor partially prevented the attenuation of the keratinocyte inflammatory response by calcitriol. We conclude that upregulation of COX‐2 expression with the consequent increase in PGE2 synthesis may be one of the mechanisms explaining the Janus face of calcitriol as both a promoter and attenuator of cutaneous inflammation. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 837–843, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of cholesterol crystals in atherosclerosis is unmasked by altering tissue preparation methods
Authors: Nasiri Mojdeh , Janoudi Abed , Vanderberg Abigail , Frame Melinda , Flegler Carol , Flegler Stanley , Abela George S.
Published: August 2015

Standard tissue preparation for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) uses ethanol as a dehydrating agent but that can also dissolve cholesterol crystals (CC) leaving behind empty tissue imprints or “clefts”. Cholesterol crystals may contribute to plaque rupture by their sharp tips that can tear membranes and trigger inflammation. Therefore, use of ethanol in tissue processing can mask the pathological role of CC. Here we evaluated the amount of cholesterol dissolved from CC with single and complete series of standard graded ethanol concentrations (25−100%) used in tissue preparation. Also, solubility of CC in ethanol at physiological levels was measured. Furthermore, we compared the effect of ethanol on CC in fresh human atherosclerotic plaques to matched segments dehydrated using vacuum (−1 atm, 12h). Tissue crystal density ranging from 0 to +3 was measured semi‐quantitatively by SEM. For CC exposed to 25% and 100% ethanol for 10 min each, 0.38% and 95% of CC were dissolved respectively. Also, increase in CC solubility was significant at physiological levels of ethanol (0.16%) compared to water (43.4 ± 18.0 ng/mL vs. 30.9 ± 13.9 ng/mL; p < 0.05). We speculate that this could represent a potential mechanism of cardio‐protective effects of alcohol consumption. In atherosclerotic plaques, CC density was lower in ethanol vs. saline treatment (+1.2 vs. +2.8; P < 0.01) with visible dissolving noted by SEM. Ethanol has been used for centuries in tissue preparation for microscopy. Here we demonstrate how current tissue preparation methods greatly alter histological findings with SEM by masking the potential mechanism of plaque rupture. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:969–974, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partitioning a Graph into Highly Connected Subgraphs
Authors: Borozan Valentin , Ferrara Michael , Fujita Shinya , Furuya Michitaka , Manoussakis Yannis , N Narayanan , Stolee Derrick
Published: August 2015

Given , a k‐proper partition of a graph G is a partition of such that each part P of induces a k‐connected subgraph of G. We prove that if G is a graph of order n such that , then G has a 2‐proper partition with at most parts. The bounds on the number of parts and the minimum degree are both best possible. We then prove that if G is a graph of order n with minimum degree
urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt21904:jgt21904-math-0007where , then G has a k‐proper partition into at most parts. This improves a result of Ferrara et al. ( Discrete Math 313 (2013), 760–764), and both the degree condition and the number of parts is best possible up to the constant c.
MiR‐133b‐5p regulates the expression of the heat shock protein 70 during rat neuronal cell apoptosis induced by the gp120 V3 loop peptide
Authors: Xia Chenglai , Cai Yantao , Lin Yuyi , Guan Ronghua , Xiao Guohong , Yang Jie
Published: August 2015

Neuronal cell dysfunction and apoptosis, the main causes of HIV‐associated dementia, and its underlying mechanism are important unsolved health problems. Many research reports suggest that miRNAs regulate HIV‐1‐induced apoptosis. We used the HIV‐1 gp120 V3 Loop peptide to induce primary rat cortical neurons apoptosis. Next, we used a microRNA microarray to identify the significant changes of miRNA in the rat cortical neurons treated with the gp120 V3 loop peptide. We used western blot and real‐time PCR to measure the regulation of heat shock protein 70 by rno‐miR‐133b‐5p. In response to the gp120 V3 loop peptide treatment, rat cortical neurons exhibited 11 up‐regulated and 21 down‐regulated miRNAs. We further examined miR‐133b‐5p, a microRNA that was up‐regulated more than 118‐fold. In addition, both HSP70 mRNA and protein expression were dose‐dependent in rats cortical neurons treated with gp120 V3 loop peptide for 48 hr. MiR‐133b‐5p could regulate heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) at both transcription and translation levels. Rno‐miR‐133b‐5p might be less significant for the gp120 V3 loop peptide induced neuron apoptosis. Thus, we discovered a potential new target for the regulation of HIV‐1 gp120‐ induced apoptosis. J. Med. Virol. 88:437–447, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal resting‐state functional connectivity of the nucleus accumbens in multi‐year abstinent heroin addicts
Authors: Zou Feng , Wu Xinhuai , Zhai Tianye , Lei Yu , Shao Yongcong , Jin Xiao , Tan Shuwen , Wu Bing , Wang Lubin , Yang Zheng
Published: August 2015

Functional neuroimaging studies suggest that abnormal brain functional connectivity may be the neural underpinning of addiction to illicit drugs and of relapse after successful cessation therapy. Aberrant brain networks have been demonstrated in addicted patients and in newly abstinent addicts. However, it is not known whether abnormal brain connectivity patterns persist after prolonged abstinence. In this cross‐sectional study, whole‐brain resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images (8 min) were collected from 30 heroin‐addicted individuals after a long period of abstinence (more than 3 years) and from 30 healthy controls. We first examined the group differences in the resting‐state functional connectivity of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region implicated in relapse‐related processes, including craving and reactivity to stress following acute and protracted withdrawal from heroin. We then examined the relation between the duration of abstinence and the altered NAc functional connectivity in the heroin group. We found that, compared with controls, heroin‐dependent participants exhibited significantly greater functional connectivity between the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the NAc and weaker functional connectivity between the NAc and the left putamen, left precuneus, and supplementary motor area. However, with longer abstinence time, the strength of NAc functional connectivity with the left putamen increased. These results indicate that dysfunction of the NAc functional network is still present in long‐term‐abstinent heroin‐dependent individuals. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large scale synthesis of pinhole‐free shell‐isolated nanoparticles (SHINs) using improved atomic layer deposition (ALD) method for practical applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Dong Jin‐Chao , Li Chao‐Yu , Chen Shu , Zhan Chao , Panneerselvam Rajapandiyan , Yang Zhi‐Lin , Li Jian‐Feng , Zhou Yong‐Liang
Published: August 2015

Shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) as a new member of Raman technique garnered great attention among scientific community. In this work, we used an improved experimental setup to float the bare silver nanoparticles in air with the help of extraneous airflow, and used atomic layer deposition (ALD) method to coat ultra‐thin inert shell without pinholes. Under optimal conditions, we successfully prepared three kinds of SHINERS NPs (Ag@Al2O3, Ag@SiO2 and Ag@TiO2) in large quantity without pinholes. The ultra‐thin inert shell maintains the SERS activity of silver nanoparticles for long period of time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirm the uniform coating of shell material on silver nanoparticles. Finally, the as‐prepared SHINs have been applied to detect various samples to demonstrate the applications. The presented ALD method offers a unique way to coat ultrathin shell (1–10 nm) on metal nanoparticles in large quantity (1–10 g) for practical applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are preoperative blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratios useful in predicting malignancy in surgically‐treated mucin‐producing pancreatic cystic neoplasms?
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Tan Damien M. Y. , Chan Chung‐Yip , Lee Ser‐Yee , Lee Victor T. W. , Thng Choon‐Hua , Low Albert S. C. , Tai David W. M. , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Chow Pierce K. H. , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine if neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were predictive of malignancy in mucin‐producing pancreatic cystic neoplasms (MpPCN).

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients with MpPCN were retrospectively reviewed. Malignant neoplasms were defined as neoplasms harbouring invasive carcinoma or high grade dysplasia. A high NLR and PLR were defined as ≥2.551 and ≥208.1, respectively.

Results

High NLR was significantly associated with symptomatic tumors, larger tumors, solid component, main‐duct IPMN, and Sendai high risk category. High PLR was significantly associated with jaundice and Sendai high risk category. On univariate analyses, symptomatic tumors, jaundice, solid component, dilated pancreatic duct, and both a high NLR and PLR were significant predictors of malignant and invasive MpPCN. On multivariate analyses, solid component and dilated pancreatic duct were independent predictors of malignant and invasive MpPCN. PLR was an independent predictor for invasive MpPCN. When MpPCN were stratified by the Fukuoka and Sendai Guidelines, both a high NLR and PLR were significantly associated with malignant neoplasms within the high risk categories.

Conclusions

PLR is an independent predictor of invasive carcinoma. The addition of PLR as a criterion to the FCG and SCG significantly improved the predictive value of these guidelines in detecting invasive neoplasms.J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:366–371. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fractional laser‐assisted drug delivery: Active filling of laser channels with pressure and vacuum alteration
Authors: Erlendsson Andrés M. , Doukas Apostolos G. , Farinelli William A. , Bhayana Brijesh , Anderson R. Rox , Haedersdal Merete
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

Ablative fractional laser (AFXL) is rapidly evolving as one of the foremost techniques for cutaneous drug delivery. While AFXL has effectively improved topical drug‐induced clearance rates of actinic keratosis, treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) has been challenging, potentially due to insufficient drug uptake in deeper skin layers. This study sought to investigate a standardized method to actively fill laser‐generated channels by altering pressure, vacuum, and pressure (PVP), enquiring its effect on (i) relative filling of individual laser channels; (ii) cutaneous deposition and delivery kinetics; (iii) biodistribution and diffusion pattern, estimated by mathematical simulation.

Methods

Franz diffusion chambers (FCs) were used to evaluate the PVP‐technique, comparing passive (AFXL) and active (AFXL + PVP) channel filling. A fractional CO2‐laser generated superficial (225 µm;17.5 mJ/channel) and deep (1200 µm; 130.5 mJ/channel) channels, and PVP was delivered as a 3‐minutes cycle of 1 minute pressure (+1.0 atm), 1 minute vacuum (−1.0 atm), and 1 minute pressure (+1.0 atm). Filling of laser channels was visualized with a colored biomarker liquid (n = 12 FCs, n = 588 channels). Nuclear magnetic resonance quantified intracutaneous deposition of topically applied polyethylene glycol (PEG400) over time (10 minutes, 1 hour, and 4 hours), investigated with (n = 36 FCs) and without (n = 30 FCs) PVP‐filling. Two‐dimensional mathematical simulation was used to simulate intradermal biodistribution and diffusion at a depth of 1,000 µm.

Results

Active filling with application of PVP increased the number of filled laser channels. At a depth of 1,000 µm, filling increased from 44% (AFXL) to 94% with one PVP cycle (AFXL + PVP; P < 0.01). Active filling greatly enhanced intracutaneous deposition of PEG400, resulting in a rapid delivery six‐folding uptake at 10 minutes (AFXL 54 µg/ml vs. AFXL + PVP 303 µg/ml, P < 0.01). AFXL alone generated an inhomogeneous uptake of PEG400, which greatly improved with active filling, resulting in a uniform uptake within the entire tissue.

Conclusion

Active filling with PVP secures filling of laser channels and induces a deeper, greater, more rapid delivery than conventional AFXL. This delivery technique has promise to improve treatment efficacy for medical treatments of dermally invasive lesions, such as BCCs. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:116–124, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Advances in Platinum (IV) Complex‐Based Delivery Systems to Improve Platinum (II) Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Han Xiaopeng , Sun Jin , Wang Yongjun , He Zhonggui
Published: August 2015

Cisplatin and its platinum (Pt) (II) derivatives play a key role in the fight against various human cancers such as testicular, ovarian, head and neck, lung tumors. However, their application in clinic is limited due to dose‐ dependent toxicities and acquired drug resistances, which have prompted extensive research effort toward the development of more effective Pt (II) delivery strategies. The synthesis of Pt (IV) complex is one such an area of intense research fields, which involves their in vivo conversion into active Pt (II) molecules under the reducing intracellular environment, and has demonstrated encouraging preclinical and clinical outcomes. Compared with Pt (II) complexes, Pt (IV) complexes not only exhibit an increased stability and reduced side effects, but also facilitate the intravenous‐to‐oral switch in cancer chemotherapy. The overview briefly analyzes statuses of Pt (II) complex that are in clinical use, and then focuses on the development of Pt (IV) complexes. Finally, recent advances in Pt (IV) complexes in combination with nanocarriers are highlighted, addressing the shortcomings of Pt (IV) complexes, such as their instability in blood and irreversibly binding to plasma proteins and nonspecific distribution, and taking advantage of passive and active targeting effect to improve Pt (II) anticancer therapy.
Dipole antennas for ultrahigh‐field body imaging: a comparison with loop coils
Authors: Raaijmakers A. J. E. , Luijten P. R. , van den Berg C. A. T.
Published: August 2015

Although the potential of dipole antennas for ultrahigh‐field (UHF) MRI is largely recognized, they are still relatively unknown to the larger part of the MRI community. This article intends to provide electromagnetic insight into the general operating principles of dipole antennas by numerical simulations. The major part focuses on a comparison study of dipole antennas and loop coils at frequencies of 128, 298 and 400 MHz. This study shows that dipole antennas are only efficient radiofrequency (RF) coils in the presence of a dielectric and/or conducting load. In addition, the conservative electric fields (E‐fields) at the ends of a dipole are negligible in comparison with the induced E‐fields in the center. Like loop coils, long dipole antennas perform better than short dipoles for deeply located imaging targets and vice versa. When the optimal element is chosen for each depth, loop coils have higher B1+ efficiency for shallow depths, whereas dipole antennas have higher B1+ efficiency for large depths. The cross‐over point depth decreases with increasing frequency: 11.6, 6.2 and 5.0 cm for 128, 298 and 400 MHz, respectively. For single elements, loop coils demonstrate a better B1+/√SARmax ratio for any target depth and any frequency. However, one example study shows that, in an array setup with loop coil overlap for decoupling, this relationship is not straightforward. The overlapping loop coils may generate increased specific absorption rate (SAR) levels under the overlapping parts of the loops, depending on the drive phase settings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arid1a inactivation in an Apc‐ and Pten‐defective mouse ovarian cancer model enhances epithelial differentiation and prolongs survival
Authors: Zhai Yali , Kuick Rork , Tipton Courtney , Wu Rong , Sessine Michael , Wang Zhong , Baker Suzanne J , Fearon Eric R , Cho Kathleen R
Published: August 2015

Inactivation of the ARID1A tumour suppressor gene is frequent in ovarian endometrioid (OEC) and clear cell (OCCC) carcinomas, often in conjunction with mutations activating the PI3K–AKT and/or canonical Wnt signalling pathways. Prior work has shown that conditional bi‐allelic inactivation of the Apc and Pten tumour suppressor genes in the mouse ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) promotes outgrowth of tumours that reflect the biological behaviour and gene expression profiles of human OECs harbouring comparable Wnt and PI3K–AKT pathway defects, although the mouse tumours are more poorly differentiated than their human tumour counterparts. We found that conditional inactivation of one or both Arid1a alleles in OSE concurrently with Apc and Pten inactivation unexpectedly prolonged the survival of tumour‐bearing mice and promoted striking epithelial differentiation of the cancer cells, resulting in morphological features akin to those in human OECs. Enhanced epithelial differentiation was linked to reduced expression of the mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin and vimentin, and increased expression of the epithelial markers Crb3 and E‐cadherin. Global gene expression profiling showed enrichment for genes associated with mesenchymal–epithelial transition in the Arid1a‐deficient tumours. We also found that an activating (E545K) Pik3ca mutation, unlike Pten inactivation or Pik3ca H1047R mutation, cannot cooperate with Arid1a loss to promote ovarian cancer development in the mouse. Our results indicate that the Arid1a tumour suppressor gene has a key role in regulating OEC differentiation, and paradoxically the mouse cancers with more initiating tumour suppressor gene defects had a less aggressive phenotype than cancers arising from fewer gene alterations. Microarray data have been deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE67695). Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.