bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of fenestration in children treated with fontan operation
Authors: Pihkala Jaana I. , Järvelä Merit , Boldt Talvikki , Jokinen Eero , Liikanen Ilkka , Mattila Ilkka , Eerola Anneli
Published: November 2015

Objective

To review the operative history and clinical and catheterization data on patients treated with total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) with baffle fenestration and to study whether it is possible to predict the fate of fenestration.

Background

A baffle fenestration may improve postoperative outcomes after Fontan operation but is later associated with cyanosis and thromboembolic risk. Fenestration may close spontaneously or it can be closed percutaneously in patients with favorable hemodynamics.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups: those with spontaneous closure of fenestration (group S, n = 34) and those with patent fenestration and favorable (group F, n = 36) or unfavorable (group U, n = 20) response to fenestration test occlusion. Clinical records were reviewed for demographic and anatomical characteristics, previous surgeries, and catheterizations.

Results

Predominant ventricular morphology was right ventricle (RV)/left ventricle (LV)/undeterminate in 19/14/1 patients in group S, 14/22/0 in group F, and 14/6/0 in group U. No differences were detected between groups in pre‐TCPC catheterization data. Type of baffle fenestration was window/tube in 20/14 in group S, 28/8 in group F, and 20/0 in group U. All tube fenestrations either closed spontaneously or could be closed percutaneously. Twenty‐nine percent of patients with window‐type fenestrations failed the test occlusion.

Conclusions

Spontaneous closure and favorable result in test occlusion are more common in tube than in window fenestrations. Since most preoperative anatomic and hemodynamic factors were similar in all patient groups, we find it difficult to predict the fate of a window‐type fenestration and the result of test occlusion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen/Sulfur Co‐Doped Graphene for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Pan Fuping , Duan Youxin , Zhang Xinkai , Zhang Junyan
Published: November 2015

The design and fabrication of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts with high performance at low cost remains a big challenge but is crucial for the commercialization of fuel cells. Here, we report a simple and economical method for the direct mass production of nitrogen/sulfur co‐doped graphene (NS‐G) by using cysteine as single precursor and self‐assembled NaCl as a structure‐directing template through the solid‐phase pyrolysis method. The resultant NS‐G possesses a high specific surface area of 435.13 m2 g−1, effective N (1.85 at %) and S (0.99 at %) dual doping and enhanced conductivity, which contribute largely to the exposure of highly active sites and to the promotion of electron transport in the ORR process. Accordingly, the NS‐G exhibits excellent ORR performance with a positive half‐wave potential of 0.768 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode), four‐electron pathway, low Tafel slope of 60 mV dec−1, and high stability in alkaline medium. These merits make NS‐G a promising alternative to costly Pt for ORR.
Dual Pathway for the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α‐Ketoimides to Chiral α‐Hydroxy Imides or Chiral α‐Hydroxy Esters
Authors: Zhao Qiankun , Zhao Yuxi , Liao Hang , Cheng Tanyu , Liu Guohua
Published: November 2015

In an enantioselective reaction, we expect to obtain two types of chiral products through a controllable strategy in asymmetric catalysis. Herein, we develop Ru‐catalysed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of α‐ketoimides to realise an enantioselective construction of chiral α‐hydroxy imides or chiral α‐hydroxy esters. The transformation of α‐ketoimides catalysed by (S,S)‐[RuCl(η6‐mesitylene)diamine] can afford various chiral α‐hydroxy imides with high yields and enantioselectivities, whereas that catalysed by (S,S)‐[RuCl(η6‐hexamethylbenzene)diamine] gives the desirable chiral α‐hydroxy esters through a slight adjustment of the reaction conditions. The method described here is a controllable organic transformation with sodium formate as a hydrogen source under mild reaction conditions, and the benefit of this transformation is that various chiral α‐hydroxy imides or α‐hydroxy esters can be obtained selectively from α‐ketoimides.
Dual Catalytic Decarboxylative Allylations of α‐Amino Acids and Their Divergent Mechanisms
Authors: Lang Simon B. , O'Nele Kathryn M. , Douglas Justin T. , Tunge Jon A.
Published: November 2015

The room temperature radical decarboxylative allylation of N‐protected α‐amino acids and esters has been accomplished via a combination of palladium and photoredox catalysis to provide homoallylic amines. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the stability of the α‐amino radical, which is formed by decarboxylation, dictates the predominant reaction pathway between competing mechanisms.
Preparation of Poly(ionic liquid)s‐Supported Recyclable Organocatalysts for the Asymmetric Nitroaldol (Henry) Reaction
Authors: Großeheilmann Julia , Bandomir Jenny , Kragl Udo
Published: November 2015

A novel strategy for the embedding of quinine‐based organocatalysts in polymerized ionic liquids‐based hydrogels is presented. With this technique, the encapsulated organocatalyst was successfully recovered and reused for four cycles without any loss of enantioselectivity (up to 91 % ee) for the asymmetric nitroaldol (Henry) reaction. In this study, high catalyst leaching was significantly reduced (<0.01 %) by controlling the water content. After catalyst removal, evaporation of the solvent affords the product in 98 % purity without any further purification.
Direct Photoredox‐Catalyzed Reductive Difluoromethylation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Zuxiao , Dolbier William R.
Published: November 2015

Photoredox‐catalyzed reductive difluoromethylation of electron‐deficient alkenes was achieved in one step under tin‐free, mild and neutral conditions. This protocol affords a facile method to introduce RCF2 (R=H, Ph, Me, and CH2N3) groups at sites β to electron‐withdrawing groups. It was found that TTMS (tris(trimethylsilyl)silane) served nicely as both the H‐atom donor and the electron donor in the catalytic cycle. Experimental and DFT computational results provided evidence that RCF2 (R=H, Ph, Me) radicals are nucleophilic in nature.
Quasi‐conscious multivariate systems
Authors: Mason Jonathan W. D.
Published: November 2015

Conscious experience is awash with underlying relationships. Moreover, for various brain regions such as the visual cortex, the system is biased toward some states. Representing this bias using a probability distribution shows that the system can define expected quantities. The mathematical theory in this article links these facts using expected float entropy (efe), which is a measure of the expected amount of information needed, to specify the state of the system, beyond what is already known about the system from relationships that appear as parameters. Under the requirement that the relationship parameters minimize efe, the brain defines relationships. It is proposed that when a brain state is interpreted in the context of these relationships the brain state acquires meaning in the form of the relational content of the associated experience. For a given set, the theory represents relationships using weighted relations which assign continuous weights, from 0 to 1, to the elements of the Cartesian product of that set. The relationship parameters include weighted relations on the nodes of the system and on their set of states. Examples obtained using Monte‐Carlo methods (where relationship parameters are chosen uniformly at random) suggest that efe distributions with long left tails are most important. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 125–147, 2016
Use of internal controlT‐cell populations in the flow cytometric evaluation forT‐cell neoplasms
Authors: Hunt Alicia M. , Shallenberger Wendy , Ten Eyck Stephen P. , Craig Fiona E.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Flow cytometry is an important tool for identification of neoplastic T‐cells, but immunophenotypic abnormalities are often subtle and must be distinguished from nonneoplastic subsets. Use of internal control (IC) T‐cells in the evaluation for T‐cell neoplasms was explored, both as a quality measure and as a reference for evaluating abnormal antigen expression.

Methods

All peripheral blood specimens (3‐month period), or those containing abnormal T‐cells (29‐month period), stained with CD45 V500, CD2 V450, CD3 PE‐Cy7, CD7 PE, CD4 Per‐CP‐Cy5.5, CD8 APC‐H7, CD56 APC, CD16&57 FITC, were evaluated. IC T‐cells were identified (DIVA, BD Biosciences) and median fluorescence intensity (MFI) recorded. Selected files were merged and reference templates generated (Infinicyt, Cytognos).

Results

IC T‐cells were present in all specimens, including those with abnormal T‐cells, but subsets were less well‐represented. IC T‐cell CD3 MFI differed between instruments (p = 0.0007) and subsets (p < 0.001), but not specimen categories, and served as a longitudinal process control. Merged files highlighted small unusual IC‐T subsets: CD2+(dim) (0.25% total), CD2− (0.03% total). An IC reference template highlighted neoplastic T‐cells, but was limited by staining variability (IC CD3 MFI reference samples different from test (p = 0.003)).

Conclusions

IC T‐cells present in the majority of specimens can serve as positive and longitudinal process controls. Use of IC T‐cells as an internal reference is limited by variable representation of subsets. Analysis of merged IC T‐cells from previously analyzed patient samples can alert the interpreter to less‐well‐recognized non‐neoplastic subsets. However, application of a merged file IC reference template was limited by staining variability. © 2016 Clinical Cytometry Society
Silyl–Thioether Multidentate Ligands – Synthesis of RhIII Complexes via RhI/RhIII Mixed‐Valent and Cyclooctenyl Intermediates
Authors: Azpeitia Susan , Fernández Belén , Garralda María A. , Huertos Miguel A.
Published: November 2015

The preparation and characterization of a dimeric RhIII complex containing two SSi ligands on each rhodium fragment is reported. {Rh[SiMe2(o‐C6H4SMe)]2Cl}2 (1) was obtained by reaction of thioether–silane SiMe2H(o‐C6H4SMe) (L1) with [Rh(cod)Cl]2. Mixed‐valent RhI/RhIII complex {(cod)Rh(μ‐Cl)2Rh[SiMe2(o‐C6H4SMe)]2} (2), which is an intermediate in the formation of 1, was isolated. Furthermore, 1H NMR spectroscopic monitoring revealed the formation of cyclooctenyl intermediates. The tridentate pincer proligand, SiMeH(o‐C6H4SMe)2 (L2), reacts with [Rh(cod)Cl]2 to yield a robust cyclooctenyl RhIII complex, {Rh(η3‐cyclooctenyl)[SiMe(o‐C6H4SMe)2]Cl} (3). Complexes 1–3 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography.
On the Role of Chalcogen Donor Atoms in Diimine‐Dichalcogenolate PtII SONLO Chromophores: Is It Worth Replacing Sulfur with Selenium?
Authors: Pintus Anna , Aragoni M. Carla , Isaia Francesco , Lippolis Vito , Lorcy Dominique , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins J. Derek , Arca Massimiliano
Published: November 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Massimiliano Arca, M. Carla Aragoni, Francesco Isaia, Vito Lippolis, and Anna Pintus from the University of Cagliari (Italy), Dominique Lorcy from the University of Rennes 1 (France), and J. Derek Woollins and Alexandra M. Z. Slawin from the University of St. Andrews (UK). The cover image shows a view of the molecular orbitals involved in the solvatochromic transition peculiar to the complex [Pt(bipy)(Me‐dmet)] over a typical landscape of the city of Cagliari, where this research was coordinated.
Synthesis and Properties of Energetic 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Wang Zuoquan , Zhang Hong , Jabeen Farukh , Gopinathan‐Pillai Girinath , Arami Justin A. , Killian Benjamin J. , Stiegler Kelcie D. , Yudewitz Dalia S. , Thiemann Pauline L. , Turk Jessica D. , Zhou Wenfeng , Steel Peter J. , Hall C. Dennis , Katritzky Alan R.
Published: November 2015

The synthesis and characterization of a series of 3,5‐di‐aryl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles are reported and the effects of nitro groups in the aromatic rings on the experimental heats of decomposition (ΔHd) and heats of combustion (ΔHc) are evaluated. Heats of formation (ΔHf) and densities (ρ) were calculated and correlations between ΔHd and ΔHf were assessed for these compounds. Experimental determination of ρ (by gas pycnometry) on a selection of the compounds led to the calculation of detonation velocity (VD), detonation pressure (PD) and specific impulse (ISP) parameters by the Explo 5 program. An X‐ray analysis of compound (4i) confirmed the structure and showed a crystal density (at 120 K) close to that determined by gas pycnometry.
Reactivity of α‐Bromosulfones Obtained from gem‐Dibromides
Authors: Münster Niels , Werel Laura , Rennar Georg Alexander , Harms Klaus , Koert Ulrich
Published: November 2015

α‐Bromosulfones have been synthesized diastereoselectively by reaction of β‐hydroxy gem‐dibromides with aromatic sulfinates. More steric demanding groups in the β‐position led to increased stereoselectivity in these SN2 reactions. Lithiated α‐bromosulfones react diastereoselectively with alkylating agents, aldehydes, and ketones. No configurational stability of the lithiated α‐bromosulfones was observed except fast equilibration towards a chelate‐stabilized intermediate. Treatment of the α‐bromosulfone with methylcuprate resulted in substitution of the bromine by a methyl group.
RhIII‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of Quinoline N‐Oxides with Alkenes: N‐Oxide as Traceless Directing Group for Remote C–H Activation
Authors: Sharma Ritika , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Inder , Sharma Upendra
Published: November 2015

A RhIII‐catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling reaction of quinoline N‐oxides with alkenes has been developed that provides C‐8 olefinated quinoline derivatives by employing a remote C–H activation strategy. Main features of this catalytic method include the use of N‐oxide as a traceless directing group, the high selectivity of the reaction for the C‐8 position, and the broad scope of possible substrates. Mechanistic studies have also been performed. A five‐membered rhodacycle of quinoline N‐oxide, a possible key reaction intermediate, was synthesized and characterized for the first time.
Secretome analysis of Pleurotus eryngii reveals enzymatic composition for ramie stalk degradation
Authors: Xie Chunliang , Luo Wei , Li Zhimin , Yan Li , Zhu Zuohua , Wang Jing , Hu Zhenxiu , Peng Yuande
Published: November 2015

Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) can secrete large amount of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes to degrade lignocellulosic biomass. In spite of several researches on the individual lignolytic enzymes, a direct deconstruction of lignocellulose by enzyme mixture is not yet possible. Identifying more high‐performance enzymes or enzyme complexes will lead to efficient in vitro lignocelluloses degradation. In this report, secretomic analysis was used to search for the new or interesting enzymes for lignocellulose degradation. Besides, the utilization ability of P. eryngii to ramie stalk substrate was evaluated from the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in medium and six extracellular enzymes activities during different growth stages were discussed. The results showed that a high biological efficiency of 71% was obtained; cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin decomposition rates of P. eryngii were 29.2, 26.0, and 51.2%, respectively. Enzyme activity showed that carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase, laccase, and peroxidase activity peaks appeared at the primordial initiation stage. In addition, we profiled a global view of the secretome of P. eryngii cultivated in ramie stalk media to understand the mechanism behind lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis. Eighty‐seven nonredundant proteins were identified and a diverse group of enzymes, including cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinase, ligninase, protease, peptidases, and phosphatase implicated in lignocellulose degradation were found. In conclusion, the information in this report will be helpful to better understand the lignocelluloses degradation mechanisms of P. eryngii.
Comprehensive review of several surfactants in marine environments: Fate and ecotoxicity
Authors: Jackson Mathew , Eadsforth Charles , Schowanek Diederik , Delfosse Thomas , Riddle Andrew , Budgen Nigel
Published: November 2015

Surfactants are a commercially important group of chemicals widely used on a global scale. Despite high removal efficiencies during wastewater treatment, their high consumption volumes mean that a certain fraction will always enter aquatic ecosystems, with marine environments being the ultimate sites of deposition. Consequently, surfactants have been detected within marine waters and sediments. However, aquatic environmental studies have mostly focused on the freshwater environment, and marine studies are considerably underrepresented by comparison. The present review aims to provide a summary of current marine environmental fate (monitoring, biodegradation, and bioconcentration) and effects data of 5 key surfactant groups: linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alcohol ethoxysulfates, alkyl sulfates, alcohol ethoxylates, and ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride. Monitoring data are currently limited, especially for alcohol ethoxysulfates and alkyl sulfates. Biodegradation was shown to be considerably slower under marine conditions, whereas ecotoxicity studies suggest that marine species are approximately equally as sensitive to these surfactants as freshwater species. Marine bioconcentration studies are almost nonexistent. Current gaps within the literature are presented, thereby highlighting research areas where additional marine studies should focus. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1077–1086. © 2015 SETAC
Quantitatively assessing the effect of exposure time and cooling time of fabric assemblies representative of those used in firefighter clothing on the thermal protection
Authors: He Jiazhen , Li Jun
Published: November 2015

In addition to direct thermal energy from a heat source, a large amount of thermal energy stored in clothing will continuously transfer to skin during the cooling of fabric assemblies. In real situations, the durations of thermal exposure and cooling in protective clothing vary. Eight exposure times ranging from 6 to 27 s and a maximum duration of 80 s cooling time were used. To quantitatively investigate the levels of thermal protection, a new index was applied. The effects of exposure and cooling times on the grade of thermal protection were discussed. The effective cooling time was found to be 9–40 s for the selected fabric systems. In addition, a safety time region was identified and proposed as an indicator to evaluate the thermal protective insulation of fabric assemblies. The data analyses clearly showed that in addition to the inherent properties of the fabric materials, the levels of protection were not only related to exposure time but also depended upon the cooling time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gray matter structural compromise is equally distributed in left and right temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Liu Min , Bernhardt Boris C. , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda
Published: November 2015

In drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), MRI studies have shown consistent mesiotemporal and neocortical structural alterations when comparing patients to healthy controls. It remains, however, relatively unclear whether the side of seizure focus differentially impacts the degree of structural damage. This work performed a comprehensive surface‐based analysis of mesiotemporal and neocortical morphology on preoperative 1.5 T MRI in 25/35 LTLE/RTLE patients that achieved seizure freedom after surgery (i.e., Engel‐I outcome; 7 ± 2 years follow‐up), an imaging‐independent confirmation of focus lateralization. Compared to 46 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, both TLE groups displayed marked ipsilateral atrophy in mesiotemporal regions, while cortical thinning was bilateral. Direct contrasts between LTLE and RTLE did not reveal significant differences. Bootstrap simulations indicated low reproducibility of observing a between‐cohort difference; power analysis revealed that more than 110 patients would be necessary to detect subtle differences. No difference between LTLE and RTLE was confirmed when using voxel‐based morphometry, an independent proxy of gray matter volume. Similar results were obtained analyzing a separate 3 T dataset (15/15 LTLE/RTLE patients; Engel‐I after 4 ± 2 years follow‐up; 42 controls). Our results strongly support equivalent gray matter compromise in left and right TLE. The morphological profile of seizure‐free patients, presenting with ipsilateral mesiotemporal and bilateral cortical atrophy, motivates the development of neuromarkers of outcome that consider both mesiotemporal and neocortical structures. Hum Brain Mapp 37:515–524, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The profile of platelet α‐granule released molecules affects postoperative liver regeneration
Authors: Starlinger Patrick , Haegele Stefanie , Offensperger Florian , Oehlberger Lukas , Pereyra David , Kral Julia B , Schrottmaier Waltraud C. , Badrnya Sigrun , Reiberger Thomas , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Stift Judith , Luf Florian , Brostjan Christine , Gruenberger Thomas , Assinger Alice
Published: November 2015

Platelets promote liver regeneration through site‐specific serotonin release from dense granules, triggering proliferative signaling in hepatocytes. However, the effects of factors derived from platelet α‐granules on liver regeneration are unclear, because α‐granules contain bioactive molecules with opposing functions. Because α‐granule molecules are stored in separate compartments, it has been suggested that platelets selectively release their α‐granule content dependent on the environmental stimulus. Therefore, we investigated the pattern of circulating α‐granule molecules during liver regeneration in 157 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy. We measured plasma levels of α‐granule‐derived factors in the liver vein at the end of liver resection, as well as on the first postoperative day. We observed a rapid accumulation of platelets within the liver after induction of liver regeneration. Platelet count and P‐selectin (a ubiquitous cargo of α‐granules) were not associated with postoperative liver dysfunction. However, low plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but high levels of thrombospondin 1 (TSP‐1), predicted liver dysfunction after resection. Patients with an unfavorable postoperative α‐granule release profile (high TSP‐1/low VEGF) showed substantially worse postoperative clinical outcomes. The unfavorable postoperative α‐granule release profile was associated with increased postoperative portal venous pressure and von Willebrand factor antigen levels as a marker for intrahepatic endothelial dysfunction. Conclusion: The postoperative profile of circulating platelet‐derived factors correlates with the ability of the remnant liver to regenerate. Portal venous pressure and intrahepatic endothelial dysfunction might account for the selective granule release profile. Selective modulation of platelet α‐granule release in patients may represent an attractive target for therapeutic interventions to improve liver regeneration and clinical outcomes after partial hepatectomy. (Hepatology 2016;63:1675‐1688)
Mucosal alpha‐papillomaviruses are not associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas: Lack of mechanistic evidence from South Africa, China and Iran and from a world‐wide meta‐analysis
Authors: Halec Gordana , Schmitt Markus , Egger Sam , Abnet Christian C. , Babb Chantal , Dawsey Sanford M. , Flechtenmacher Christa , Gheit Tarik , Hale Martin , Holzinger Dana , Malekzadeh Reza , Taylor Philip R. , Tommasino Massimo , Urban Margaret I. , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , Sitas Freddy ,   on behalf of the InterSCOPE Collaboration
Published: November 2015

Epidemiological and mechanistic evidence on the causative role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unclear. We retrieved alcohol‐ and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded ESCC tissues from 133 patients seropositive for antibodies against HPV early proteins, from high‐incidence ESCC regions: South Africa, China and Iran. With rigorous care to prevent nucleic acid contamination, we analyzed these tissues for the presence of 51 mucosotropic human alpha‐papillomaviruses by two sensitive, broad‐spectrum genotyping methods, and for the markers of HPV‐transformed phenotype: (i) HPV16/18 viral loads by quantitative real‐time PCR, (ii) type‐specific viral mRNA by E6*I/E6 full‐length RT‐PCR assays and (iii) expression of cellular protein p16INK4a. Of 118 analyzable ESCC tissues, 10 (8%) were positive for DNA of HPV types: 16 (4 tumors); 33, 35, 45 (1 tumor each); 11 (2 tumors) and 16, 70 double infection (1 tumor). Inconsistent HPV DNA+ findings by two genotyping methods and negativity in qPCR indicated very low viral loads. A single HPV16 DNA+ tumor additionally harbored HPV16 E6*I mRNA but was p16INK4a negative (HPV16 E1 seropositive patient). Another HPV16 DNA+ tumor from an HPV16 E6 seropositive patient showed p16INK4a upregulation but no HPV16 mRNA. In the tumor tissues of these serologically preselected ESCC patients, we did not find consistent presence of HPV DNA, HPV mRNA or p16INK4a upregulation. These results were supported by a meta‐analysis of 14 other similar studies regarding HPV‐transformation of ESCC. Our study does not support the etiological role of the 51 analyzed mucosotropic HPV types in the ESCC carcinogenesis.
ERK Plays a Role in Chromosome Alignment and Participates in M‐Phase Progression
Authors: Iwamoto Erika , Ueta Natsumi , Matsui Yuki , Kamijo Keiju , Kuga Takahisa , Saito Youhei , Yamaguchi Naoto , Nakayama Yuji
Published: November 2015

Cell division, a prerequisite for cell proliferation, is a process in which each daughter cell inherits one complete set of chromosomes. The mitotic spindle is a dedicated apparatus for the alignment and segregation of chromosomes. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 plays crucial roles in cell cycle progression, particularly during M‐phase. Although, association with the mitotic spindle has been reported, the precise roles played by ERK in the dynamics of the mitotic spindle and in M‐phase progression remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used MEK inhibitors U0126 and GSK1120212 to dissect the roles of ERK in M‐phase progression and chromosome alignment. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that ERK is localized to the spindle microtubules in a manner independent of Src kinase, which is one of the kinases upstream of ERK at mitotic entry. ERK inhibition induces an increase in the number of prophase cells and a decrease in the number of anaphase cells. Time‐lapse imaging revealed that ERK inhibition perturbs chromosome alignment, thereby preventing cells from entering anaphase. These results suggest that ERK plays a role in M‐phase progression by regulating chromosome alignment and demonstrate one of the mechanisms by which the aberration of ERK signaling may produce cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1340–1351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a Hematopoietic Cell Dedifferentiation‐Inducing Factor
Authors: Li Yunyuan , Adomat Hans , Guns Emma Tomlinson , Hojabrpour Payman , Duronio Vincent , Curran Terry‐Ann , Jalili Reza Baradar , Jia William , Delwar Zahid , Zhang Yun , Elizei Sanam Salimi , Ghahary Aziz
Published: November 2015

It has long been realized that hematopoietic cells may have the capacity to trans‐differentiate into non‐lymphohematopoietic cells under specific conditions. However, the mechanisms and the factors for hematopoietic cell trans‐differentiation remain unknown. In an in vitro culture system, we found that using a conditioned medium from proliferating fibroblasts can induce a subset of hematopoietic cells to become adherent fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs). FLCs are not fibroblasts nor other mesenchymal stromal cells, based on their expression of type‐1 collagen, and other stromal cell marker genes. To identify the active factors in the conditioned medium, we cultured fibroblasts in a serum‐free medium and collected it for further purification. Using the fractions from filter devices of different molecular weight cut‐offs, and ammonium sulfate precipitation collected from the medium, we found the active fraction is a protein. We then purified this fraction by using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and identified it by mass spectrometer as macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). The mechanisms of M‐CSF‐inducing trans‐differentiation of hematopoietic cells seem to involve a tyrosine kinase signalling pathway and its known receptor. The FLCs express a number of stem cell markers including SSEA‐1 and ‐3, OCT3/4, NANOG, and SOX2. Spontaneous and induced differentiation experiments confirmed that FLCs can be further differentiated into cell types of three germ layers. These data indicate that hematopoietic cells can be induced by M‐CSF to dedifferentiate to multipotent stem cells. This study also provides a simple method to generate multipotent stem cells for clinical applications. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1350–1363, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloning, expression of, and evidence of positive selection for, the prolactin receptor gene in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Hu Qiaomu , Meng Yan , Tian Haifeng , Chen Songlin , Xiao Hanbing
Published: November 2015

Prolactin receptor (PRLR) is a protein associated with reproduction in mammals and with osmoregulation in fish. In this study, the complete length of Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus prolactin receptor (AD‐prlr) was cloned. Andrias davidianus prlr expression was high in the kidney, pituitary, and ovary and low in other examined tissues. The AD‐prlr levels were higher in ovary than in testis, and increased in ovaries with age from 1 to 6 years. To determine effect of exogenous androgen and aromatase inhibitor on AD‐prlr expression, methyltestosterone (MT) and letrozole (LE) were injected, resulting in decreased AD‐prlr in both brain and ovary, with MT repressing prlr transcription more rapidly than did LE. The molecular evolution of prlr was assessed, and found to have undergone a complex evolution process. The obranch‐site test detected four positively selected sites in ancestral lineages prior to the separation of mammals and birds. Fourteen sites underwent positive selection in ancestral lineages of birds and six were positively selected in amphibians. The site model showed that 16, 7, and 30 sites underwent positive selection in extant mammals, amphibians, and birds, respectively. The positively selected sites in amphibians were located outside the transmembrane domain, with four in the extracellular and three in the intracellular domain, indicating that the transmembrane region might be conserved and essential for protein function. Our findings provide a basis for further studies of AD‐prlr function and molecular evolution in Chinese giant salamander. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 707–719, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The curious ability of polyethylene glycol fusion technologies to restore lost behaviors after nerve severance
Authors: Bittner G.D. , Sengelaub D.R. , Trevino R.C. , Peduzzi J.D. , Mikesh M. , Ghergherehchi C.L. , Schallert T. , Thayer W.P.
Published: November 2015

Traumatic injuries to PNS and CNS axons are not uncommon. Restoration of lost behaviors following severance of mammalian peripheral nerve axons (PNAs) relies on regeneration by slow outgrowths and is typically poor or nonexistent when after ablation or injuries close to the soma. Behavioral recovery after severing spinal tract axons (STAs) is poor because STAs do not naturally regenerate. Current techniques to enhance PNA and/or STA regeneration have had limited success and do not prevent the onset of Wallerian degeneration of severed distal segments. This Review describes the use of a recently developed polyethylene glycol (PEG) fusion technology combining concepts from biochemical engineering, cell biology, and clinical microsurgery. Within minutes after microsuturing carefully trimmed cut ends and applying a well‐specified sequence of solutions, PEG‐fused axons exhibit morphological continuity (assessed by intra‐axonal dye diffusion) and electrophysiological continuity (assessed by conduction of action potentials) across the lesion site. Wallerian degeneration of PEG‐fused PNAs is greatly reduced as measured by counts of sensory and/or motor axons and maintenance of axonal diameters and neuromuscular synapses. After PEG‐fusion repair, cut‐severed, crush‐severed, or ablated PNAs or crush‐severed STAs rapidly (within days to weeks), more completely, and permanently restore PNA‐ or STA‐mediated behaviors compared with nontreated or conventionally treated animals. PEG‐fusion success is enhanced or decreased by applying antioxidants or oxidants, trimming cut ends or stretching axons, and exposure to Ca2+‐free or Ca2+‐containing solutions, respectively. PEG‐fusion technology employs surgical techniques and chemicals already used by clinicians and has the potential to produce a paradigm shift in the treatment of traumatic injuries to PNAs and STAs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new allele of γ‐kafirin gene coding for a protein with high lysine content in Mexican white sorghum germplasm
Authors: Chiquito‐Almanza Elizabeth , Ochoa‐Zarzosa Alejandra , López‐Meza Joel E , Pecina‐Quintero Víctor , Nuñez‐Colín Carlos A , Anaya‐López José L
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Low protein digestibility and lysine content of white sorghum grain limit its use as a foodstuff. The increase in γ‐kafirin cross‐linking, has an important role in the reduction of protein digestibility. The objective of this study was to characterize the γ‐kafirin gene in 12 Mexican tannin‐free white sorghum genotypes and its relationship with protein digestibility and lysine content.

RESULTS

Two alleles of γ‐kafirin gene were identified: alleles 1 and 7. The predicted amino acid sequence of allele 7 showed seven point mutations; six were silent, and one missense (C235G), causing the substitution P79A in the deduced amino acid sequence. In silico analysis showed that γ‐kafirin codified by allele 1 has five α‐helixes without disulfide bonds, while γ‐kafirin coding by allele 7 has four α‐helixes and three disulfide bonds. Genotypes with allele 7 had higher lysine content than those with allele 1, showing no differences in the kafirin electrophoretic profile, neither a correlation with the protein content nor the in vitro pepsin digestibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Mexican tannin‐free white sorghum genotypes showed two γ‐kafirin alleles, 1 and 7. Allele 7 was associated with higher lysine content; in silico analysis showed that the substitution of P79A in this allele could modify γ‐kafirin secondary structure. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of the almond kernel (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Li Shugang , Geng Fang , Wang Ping , Lu Jiankang , Ma Meihu
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a popular tree nut worldwide and offers many benefits to human health. However, the importance of almond kernel proteins in the nutrition and function in human health requires further evaluation. The present study presents a systematic evaluation of the proteins in the almond kernel using proteomic analysis.

RESULTS

The nutrient and amino acid content in almond kernels from Xinjiang is similar to that of American varieties; however, Xinjiang varieties have a higher protein content. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis demonstrated a wide distribution of molecular weights and isoelectric points of almond kernel proteins. A total of 434 proteins were identified by LC‐MS/MS, and most were proteins that were experimentally confirmed for the first time. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the 434 proteins indicated that proteins involved in primary biological processes including metabolic processes (67.5%), cellular processes (54.1%), and single‐organism processes (43.4%), the main molecular function of almond kernel proteins are in catalytic activity (48.0%), binding (45.4%) and structural molecule activity (11.9%), and proteins are primarily distributed in cell (59.9%), organelle (44.9%), and membrane (22.8%).

CONCLUSION

Almond kernel is a source of a wide variety of proteins. This study provides important information contributing to the screening and identification of almond proteins, the understanding of almond protein function, and the development of almond protein products. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Modelling postharvest quality of blueberry affected by biological variability using image and spectral data
Authors: Hu Meng‐Han , Dong Qing‐Li , Liu Bao‐Lin
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Hyperspectral reflectance and transmittance sensing as well as near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were investigated as non‐destructive tools for estimating blueberry firmness, elastic modulus and soluble solid content (SSC). Least squares–support vector machine models were established from these three spectra based on samples from three cultivars viz. Bluecrop, Duke and M2 and two harvest years viz. 2014 and 2015 for predicting blueberry postharvest quality.

RESULTS

One‐cultivar reflectance models (establishing model using one cultivar) derived better results than the corresponding transmittance and NIR models for predicting blueberry firmness with few cultivar effects. Two‐cultivar NIR models (establishing model using two cultivars) proved to be suitable for estimating blueberry SSC with correlations over 0.83. Rp (RMSEp) values of the three‐cultivar reflectance models (establishing model using 75% of three cultivars) were 0.73 (0.094) and 0.73 (0.186), respectively , for predicting blueberry firmness and elastic modulus. For SSC prediction, the three‐cultivar NIR model was found to achieve an Rp (RMSEp) value of 0.85 (0.090). Adding Bluecrop samples harvested in 2014 could enhance the three‐cultivar model robustness for firmness and elastic modulus.

CONCLUSION

The above results indicated the potential for using spatial and spectral techniques to develop robust models for predicting blueberry postharvest quality containing biological variability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of surgery with radiation on pelvic Ewing sarcoma survival
Authors: Ng Vincent Y. , Jones Robin , Bompadre Viviana , Louie Philip , Punt Stephanie , Conrad Ernest U.
Published: November 2015

Background

Pelvic Ewing sarcoma (ES) has poorer outcomes than extremity‐based lesions and the method of local control is controversial.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 40 primary pelvic or sacral ES treated by a single surgeon. All received modern chemotherapy and those that received radiation were treated with modern dosages.

Results

Fifty‐five percent were disease‐free at latest follow‐up (median, 83.1 mos). Sixty‐one percent had ≥99% necrosis, which was associated with 65% disease‐free survival. Larger size (P = 0.016) and the absence of metastatic disease (P = 0.005) was predictive of survival. Eighty‐three percent of relapsed patients were DOD. Half of patients who received surgery alone or RT alone have NED while 57% of those who received S/RT have NED. Complication rates were 69% (S/RT), 75% (surgery alone), 10% (RT alone). Functional outcomes were similar.

Conclusion

Primary pelvic ES is localized at presentation in 50% and the absence of metastases is the strongest predictor for survival. Chemotherapy is key, but excellent histologic response is neither a guarantee nor a necessity for survival. More than one‐third die despite an excellent histologic response and at least one‐third with lung metastases survive. With chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, reasonable control of disease can be achieved.

Level of Evidence III

Case‐control or retrospective cohort study. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:861–865. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of race and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal operations
Authors: Hauch Adam , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Kandil Emad
Published: November 2015

Background

Disparities following different operations exist. We seek to measure the effects of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal surgery.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of adrenal operations identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2009.

Results

A total of 7,537 procedures were included. Operations by high‐volume surgeons had shorter length of stay (LOS) (3.4 days vs. 5.2 days, P < 0.001) and fewer complications (11.6% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001). Hispanics were more likely to be operated on by low‐volume surgeons [OR: 2.17, 95%CI: (1.33, 3.55)]. There were significant differences in LOS and cost among races/ethnicities, income categories, and insurance types (P < 0.05). Hispanics had longer LOS compared to Whites (P = 0.002) and their management was associated with a higher cost ($20,754.00 ± 1,478.40). Patients with either Medicaid [OR: 1.70, 95%CI: (1.30, 2.22)] or Medicare [OR: 1.86, 95%CI: (1.36, 2.54)] were more likely to have a LOS >5 days.

Conclusions

Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist; however, they are not solely related to access. A complex interplay between various racial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors likely influence outcomes in adrenal surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:822–827. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pipette vial dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of benzoylurea insecticide in fruit juice
Authors: Xi Xuefei , Yang Miyi , Shen Ganni , Wu Xiaoling , Lu Runhua , Zhou Wenfeng , Zhang Sanbing , Gao Haixiang
Published: November 2015

A simple, sensitive, and efficient method of using a pipette vial to perform dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets was coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a diode array detector for the preconcentration and analysis of four benzoylurea insecticides in fruit juice. In this method, 1‐dodecanol was used as an extractant, and a snipped pipette was used as an experimental vial to simplify the procedure of collecting and separating solidified extractant. The experimental parameters were optimized using a Plackett–Burman design and one‐factor‐at‐a‐time method. Under the optimal conditions in the water model, the limits of detection for analytes varied from 0.03 to 0.28 μg/L, and the enrichment factors ranged from 147 to 206. Linearity was achieved for diflubenzuron and flufenoxuron in a range of 0.5–500 μg/L, for hexaflumuron in a range of 1–500 μg/L, and for triflumuron in a range of 5–500 μg/L. The correlation coefficients for the analytes ranged from 0.9986 to 0.9994 with recoveries of 91.4–110.9%. Finally, the developed technique was successfully applied to fruit juice samples with acceptable results. The relative standard deviations of the analytes at two spiking levels (50 and 200 μg/L) varied between 0.2 and 4.5%.
The impact of resident involvement on otolaryngology surgical outcomes
Authors: Vieira Brittany L. , Hernandez David J. , Qin Charles , Smith Stephanie S. , Kim John Y. S. , Dutra Jose C.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Intraoperative experience is an essential element of surgical training, but has the potential to impact patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was two‐fold: 1) to evaluate the effect of resident involvement on morbidity and mortality following otolaryngology procedures and 2) to examine the influence of resident training level on the same outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study reviewed 2,320,920 patients captured in the 2005 to 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases to identify surgical otolaryngology cases. Outcomes of interest included surgical complications, medical complications, and mortality. Cases with and without resident involvement were propensity matched (caliper = 0.2) to account for nonrandomized assignment, and data were subject to multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Residents participated in 38.4% of the 20,307 cases identified. Cases with resident involvement demonstrated longer operative duration (178.8 minutes vs. 80.1 minutes, P < .001), increased surgical complexity (23.5 relative value units [RVU] vs. 12.4 RVU, P < .001) and greater overall morbidity burden. Logistic regression analyses of the matched cohort revealed that resident participation did not independently increase morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.969, P = .751) or mortality (OR = 0.893, P = .758). A separate logistic regression analysis of the unmatched cohort using resident postgraduate year showed that training level did not confer differential risk to patients.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that resident involvement does not increase the risk of morbidity or mortality, and that trainees are being assigned to appropriate cases for their level of experience. These findings suggest that the contemporary paradigm of graduate otolaryngology surgical education does not negatively impact patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 126:602–607, 2016
Sulcus vocalis: A new clinical paradigm based on a re‐evaluation of histology
Authors: Lee Andrew , Sulica Lucian , Aylward Alana , Scognamiglio Theresa
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sulcus vocalis is an epithelial invagination adherent to deep tissues of the vocal fold. Traditionally, dysphonia is believed to result from attenuation or absence of lamina propria and consequent alteration of mucosal dynamics. This conception does not account for several clinical features of the lesion, most notably inflammation. The goal of this study is to elucidate the clinical nature of sulcus by re‐examination of its histopathology.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Clinical features, including stroboscopic examination, and hematoxylin and eosin sections of 19 lesions in 15 patients who underwent surgery were reviewed.

Results

Epithelial change was found uniformly in all specimens, consisting of parakeratosis (78.9%), epithelial thickening (77.8%), dyskeratosis (63.2%), basement membrane thickening (47%), epithelial inflammation (52.6%), and retention of keratin debris (36.8%). In contrast, submucosal findings were less prevalent. Seven patients (36.8%) had essentially normal subepithelial tissues. Submucosal inflammation was present in seven (36.8%), and other submucosal changes in four of 17 (23.5%). Clinical characteristics demonstrated general improvement after surgical intervention in most cases.

Conclusions

Sulcus vocalis appears to have an important component of epithelial pathology, with especially high prevalence of parakeratosis, dyskeratosis, and epithelial thickening. Clinical changes may result from prominent perilesional inflammation related to epithelial changes instead of or in addition to any alteration of the lamina propria. Surgical treatment, when necessary, should refocus on removal of pathologic epithelium as a source of inflammation independent of reconstructive considerations.

Level of Evidence

4Laryngoscope, 126:1397–1403, 2016