bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of poly(I:C) and MF59 co‐adjuvants on immunogenicity and efficacy of survivin polypeptide immunogen against melanoma
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Guan Shanshan , Qiao Yongbo , Li Xiao , Xu Yan , Yang Lan , Kuai Ziyu , Zhang Haihong , Shi Yuhua , Kong Wei , Shan Yaming , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2017

Malignant tumors pose a public health problem that jeopardizes human life and quality of living. At present, tumor vaccines in clinical research typically are aimed at stimulating the cellular immune response, while more effective vaccines should take into account the synergy between broad spectrum antibodies and high levels of cellular immunity. In this study, epitope peptides (68–81, 95–104, 80–88) of the tumor antigen survivin were chosen as immunogens and supplemented with poly(I:C) and/or MF59 adjuvant to evaluate the immune effects and anti‐melanoma activities. The results indicated that poly(I:C) and MF59 could assist the survivin epitope peptide immunogen to control the tumor size, quality, and volume in black melanoma mouse models. Analyses by antibody titering, antibody isotyping and ELISPOT suggested that the adjuvanted immunogen could induce humoral immunity in mice. Poly(I:C) and MF59 combined with survivin peptide 95–104 could effectively induce humoral immunity mediated by type 2 T helper (Th2) cells. This study provides a basis for candidate immunogen design based on survivin and provides support for tumor therapy that can induce a more balanced Th1/Th2 immune response.
Retracted: Effects of mTOR/NF‐κB signaling pathway and high thoracic epidural anesthesia on myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury via autophagy in rats
Authors: Huang Wei‐Qiang , Wen Jian‐Lin , Lin Ri‐Qi , Wei Peng , Huang Feng
Published: December 2017

We investigated the role of mammalian target of rapamycin/nuclear factor‐kappa B (mTOR/NF‐κB) signaling pathway in high thoracic epidural anesthesia (HTEA) against myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. The rat model of myocardial I/R injury was established. Ninety rats were divided into the normal, sham, I/R, eHTEA, the PDTC, and HTEA + PDTC groups. ELISA was applied to detect cardiac function indexes. HE staining was conducted to observe histopathological changes of myocardial tissues, and TTC staining was performed to detect the myocardial infarction size. TUNEL staining was adopted to detect the cell apoptosis rate. The mRNA and protein levels of mTOR, NF‐κB, Fasl, Bcl‐2 and Bax, and LC3‐I, LC3‐II, BNIP3, and Atg5 were detected by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The findings indicated that compared with the normal and sham groups, the I/R, PDTC, and HTEA groups showed the larger myocardial infarction size and increased cell apoptosis rate, while the results in the HTEA + PDTC group were opposite. Compared with the normal and sham groups, the I/R group showed reduced mRNA and protein levels of Bcl‐2, LC3, BNIP3, and Atg5, and elevated mRNA and protein levels of mTOR, p50, p65, Bax, and Fasl, while the HTEA + PDTC group revealed the opposite results, and the PDTC and HTEA group revealed the increased mRNA and protein levels of Bcl‐2, LC3, BNIP3, Atg5, mTOR, p50, p65, Bax, and Fasl. These results prove that the inhibition of mTOR/NF‐κB signaling pathway potentiates HTEA against myocardial IR injury by autophagy and apoptosis in rats.
Ethyl chloride spray for musculoskeletal ultrasound‐guided injections: An alternative to subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic solution
Authors: Shah Amit , Vidoni Alessandro , McGarry Sharon , Davies Mark , James Steven , Botchu Rajesh
Published: December 2017

Ultrasound‐guided injections such as steroid injections are common procedures involving the musculoskeletal system. They are usually performed after a subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic (LA), which can be painful. In 126 consecutive patients, local anesthesia was performed using ethyl chloride spray prior to a therapeutic ultrasound‐guided injection in joints, tendons, or bursae. Ninety‐nine (78.5%) patients found the use of ethyl chloride spray helpful. The use of ethyl chloride spray is an effective, patient‐friendly alternative to the standard injection of local aesthetic for ultrasound‐guided therapeutic musculoskeletal injections with the advantage of a lower cost of $0.18 per procedure.
Mechanisms underlying maternal care in a viviparous snake, Sistrurus miliarius: Does maternal body condition, corticosterone, or arginine vasotocin mediate post‐birth maternal investment?
Authors: Lind Craig M. , Ramis Fatima , Paredes Donna‐Jael G. , Moore Ignacio T. , Vernasco Ben J. , Farrell Terence M.
Published: December 2017

The level of parental investment in free‐living offspring varies greatly within and among vertebrate taxa, and the mechanisms that mediate investment are likely targets of selection in the evolution of reproductive strategies. In mammalian and avian systems, individual investment is adjusted according to parental energetic status, and regulatory mechanisms have been described. Parental care is also a component of the life history of several groups of squamates and archosaurs, but little to nothing is known regarding the mechanisms that underlie individual variation in parental investment in these groups. Therefore, we examined the relationships among maternal body condition, corticosterone, arginine vasotocin (AVT), and maternal care in postparturient pigmy rattlesnakes. Energetic status was manipulated in pregnant females by supplemental feeding, and AVT was manipulated in postparturient mothers by intraperitoneal injection. Circulating corticosterone and body condition were recorded in postparturient mothers. Mother‐offspring spatial relationships were analyzed to determine the closeness of mother‐offspring associations. No significant relationship between maternal body condition and baseline corticosterone was observed in mothers, and no significant relationship was found between corticosterone and the level of maternal association with offspring. Manipulation of AVT did not stimulate maternal care. There was a strong and repeatable positive relationship between maternal postparturient body condition and the level of maternal association with offspring. The lack of a significant correlation between body condition and corticosterone does not support the hypothesis that a postparturient glucocorticoid response drives the observed condition‐dependence of maternal offspring association.
Multigraphs without large bonds are wqo by contraction
Authors: Kamiński Marcin , Raymond Jean‐Florent , Trunck Théophile
Published: December 2017

We show that the class of multigraphs with at most p connected components and bonds of size at most k is well‐quasi‐ordered by edge contraction for all positive integers . (A bond is a minimal nonempty edge cut.) We also characterize canonical antichains for this relation.
Synthesis of Some Novel Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine and Pyrido[3,2‐e][1,3,4]triazolo and Tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents
Authors: AbedelRehim Elsayed Mohmoud , AbdEllatif Mohamed
Published: December 2017

A novel series of pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines 3a–d, 4a–d, 5a–d, 6a–d, and 7a–d; pyrido[3,2‐e][1,3,4]triazolo; and tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidines 10a–d and 11a–d was synthesized through different chemical reactions starting from 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,6‐diarylpyridines. The newly synthesized heterocycles were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectral data. Compounds have been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The data showed that the presence of electron‐donating group such as p‐methoxyphenyl increases the antimicrobial activity. Also, the compounds have shown anticancer activity for colon and liver cancer cells.
Automated production of [18F]FTHA according to GMP
Authors: Savisto Nina , Viljanen Tapio , Kokkomäki Esa , Bergman Jörgen , Solin Olof
Published: December 2017

14‐(R,S)‐[18F]fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid is a tracer for fatty acid imaging by positron emission tomography. High demand for this tracer required us to replace semiautomatic synthesis with a fully automated procedure. An automated synthesis device was constructed in‐house for multistep nucleophilic 18F‐fluorination and a control system was developed. The synthesis device was combined with a sterile filtration unit and both were qualified. 14‐(R,S)‐[18F]fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid was produced according to good manufacturing practice guidelines set by the European Union. The synthesis includes an initial nucleophilic labelling reaction, deprotection, preparative HPLC separation, purification of the final product, and formulation for injection. The duration and temperature of the reaction and hydrolysis were optimized, and the radiochemical stability of the formulated product was determined. The rotary evaporator used to evaporate the solvent after HPLC purification was replaced with solid phase extraction purification. We also replaced the human serum albumin used in the earlier procedure with a phosphate buffer‐ascorbic acid mixture in the final formulation solution. From 2011 to 2016, we performed 219 synthesis procedures, 94% of which were successful. The radiochemical yield of 14‐(R,S)‐[18F]fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid, decay‐corrected to the end of bombardment, was 13% ± 6.3%. The total amount of formulated end product was 1.7 ± 0.8 GBq at end of synthesis.
Transcriptional regulation of acetyl CoA and lipid synthesis by PII protein in Synechococcus PCC 7942
Authors: Verma Ekta , Chakraborty Sindhunath , Tiwari Balkrishna , Mishra Arun K.
Published: December 2017

PII protein family is widespread in prokaryotes and plants. In this study, impacts of PII deficiency on the synthesis of acetyl CoA and acetyl CoA carboxylase enzyme (ACCase) was analyzed in the Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 by evaluating the mRNA levels of pyruvate kinase (PK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), citrate synthase (CS), biotin synthase (BS), biotin carboxylase (BC), biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), carboxyl transferase (CT) α and β subunits. The PII deficient Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 showed upregulation of all the above‐mentioned genes, except CS. Analyses of genes required for acetyl coA synthesis exhibited a substantial increase in the transcript levels of PK and PDH in the PII mutant strain. In addition, the PII mutant also displayed reduced acetyl CoA content, high ACCase activity, and increased lipid content. The lessening of acetyl CoA content was attributed to the rapid utilization of acetyl CoA in fatty acid synthesis as well as in the TCA cycle whereas the increased ACCase activity was ascribed to the rise in mRNA levels of BS, BC, BCCP, CT α, and β genes. However, increased lipid content was correlated with the declined total protein content. Hence, the study suggested that PII protein regulates the synthesis of acetyl CoA and ACCase enzyme at the transcriptional level.
Statistical analysis of wheat under different seed treatments: development of a discriminative model based on physicochemical and rheological properties
Authors: Molotto Luiz Antonio , Scheres Firak Daniele , Lagner da Silveira Estevão Priscila , Boger Beatriz , Nagata Noemi , Peralta‐Zamora Patricio , Garabeli Trojan Daiane
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Quality control in the wheat industry comprises numerous analyses that are time‐consuming and demand numerous procedures and specific apparatus. The application of multivariate calibration techniques contributes to the interpretation of the data generated during these analyses. The present study aimed to correlate a representative number of wheat properties with the treatment applied to the wheat seeds using multivariate calibration techniques.

RESULTS

In the present study, a wheat pilot planting experiment applying different fungicides combination as a seed treatment (carbendazim, carbendazim + thiram, carboxin + thiram, and triadimenol) was conducted. The resulting wheat grains were subjected to 33 analyses routinely performed in industry. A principal components analysis indicated all analyses were relevant for the different seed treatment discrimination. Afterwards, a k‐nearest neighbors discriminative model was developed and was able to classify the seed treatments. In accordance with this model, the most relevant variables for the seed treatment discrimination were the rheological properties of the dough.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to develop a discriminative model that directly correlated the wheat seed treatment with the properties of the resulting grains and flours. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic impact of postoperative pulmonary complications following salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hayami Masaru , Watanabe Masayuki , Ishizuka Naoki , Mine Shinji , Imamura Yu , Okamura Akihiko , Kurogochi Takanori , Yamashita Kotaro
Published: December 2017

Background

Postoperative complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer have a negative effect on patients’ survival. Although postoperative complications are more frequently observed after salvage esophagectomy than after planned esophagectomy, the effects of postoperative complications on long‐term oncologic outcomes after salvage esophagectomy remain unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study of 70 esophageal cancer patients after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) compared long‐term outcomes between those with and without complications. The association between morbidity and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by a Cox regression analysis. To identify the risk factors for pulmonary complications, logistic regression analysis was carried out.

Results

Postoperative complications occurred in 42 (60.0%) patients. Pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage occurred in 23 (32.9%) and 9 (12.9%) patients, respectively. Overall complications and anastomotic leakage did not affect long‐term outcomes. Survival was significantly worse for patients with pulmonary complications. Radiation dose (<60 Gy), response to dCRT (complete), ypStage (0‐II), residual disease (R0), and pulmonary complications (negative) were independent factors related to a favorable OS. BMI (<20 kg/m2), ASA‐PS (2‐3), and radiation dose (>60 Gy) were significant factors affecting the occurrence of pulmonary complications.

Conclusions

Development of postoperative pulmonary complications was independently associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent salvage esophagectomy after dCRT.
Characteristics and long‐term survival of patients diagnosed with pure tubular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Poirier Éric , Desbiens Christine , Poirier Brigitte , Boudreau Dominique , Jacob Simon , Lemieux Julie , Doyle Catherine , Diorio Caroline , Hogue Jean‐Charles , Provencher Louise
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

Pure tubular carcinomas (TC) of the breast are generally considered to have an excellent prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and survival of patients with TC.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted at the CHU de Québec—Université Laval. Databases were searched for all cases treated between April 1997 and December 2010. Survival was retrieved from the Province of Quebec Ministry of Health. Follow‐up was censored on December 31, 2011. Overall survival (OS) was compared to patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (ICD) matched for age, tumor size, lymph node involvement, year of diagnosis, ER, PgR, and HER2, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, and chemotherapy.

Results

The frequency of TC was 2.9% (n = 223/7563). Tumors size was 7.4 ± 8.8 mm, without lymphovascular invasion (95.1%), ER‐positive (98.2%), PgR‐positive (69.5%), and HER2‐negative (100%). Patients were followed up for 7.1 ± 2.7 years. The actuarial 13‐year OS was 89.0% for TC, compared to 85.8% for IDC (P = 0.13). For TC, the 13‐year OS was 95.8% in NO patients compared to 90.0% for N1‐3 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite the general popular belief that patients with TC fare better than patients with IDC, the 13‐year OS of TC was similar to that of grade I IDC.
Oncologic effects of preoperative biliary drainage in resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Percutaneous biliary drainage has no adverse effects on survival
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Feng , Beal Eliza W. , Merath Katiuscha , Ethun Cecilia G. , Salem Ahmed , Weber Sharon M. , Tran Thuy , Poultsides George , Son Andre Y. , Hatzaras Ioannis , Jin Linda , Fields Ryan C. , Weiss Matthew , Scoggins Charles , Martin Robert C.G. , Isom Chelsea A. , Idrees Kamron , Mogal Harveshp D. , Shen Perry , Maithel Shishir K. , Schmidt Carl R. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

The objective of the current study was to define long‐term survival of patients with resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) after preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) versus endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD).

Methods

Between 2000 and 2014, 240 patients who underwent curative‐intent resection for HCCA were identified at 10 major hepatobiliary centers. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, as well as disease‐specific survival (DSS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were analyzed among patients.

Results

The median decrease in total bilirubin levels after biliary drainage was similar comparing PTBD (n = 104) versus EBD (n = 92) (mg/dL, 4.9 vs 4.9, P = 0.589) before surgery. There was no difference in baseline demographic characteristics, type of surgical procedure performed, final AJCC tumor stage or postoperative morbidity among patients who underwent EBD only versus PTBD (all P > 0.05). Patients who underwent PTBD versus EBD had a comparable long‐term DSS (median, 43.7 vs 36.9 months, P = 0.802) and RFS (median, 26.7 vs 24.0 months, P = 0.571). The overall pattern of recurrence relative to regional or distant disease was also the same among patients undergoing PTBD and EBD (P = 0.669)

Conclusions

Oncologic outcomes including DSS and RFS were similar among patients who underwent PTBD versus EBD with no difference in tumor recurrence location.
Vascular anatomy of the jejunal mesentery and complications associated with division of the first jejunal venous trunk during pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Arita Junichi , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: December 2017

Background

Little is known about the anatomy of the jejunal veins (JVs) flowing into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), and whether they can be safely divided during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods

Computed tomography was used to review the jejunal branches off the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and into the SMV in 123 consecutive patients. The common trunk of the JVs (jejunal venous trunk, JVT) was classified as ventral or dorsal to the SMA.

Results

The first JVT involved multiple JVs in 108 (87.8%) cases. The first JVT diameter (≥7 or <7 mm) was significantly associated with the number of JVs (≥4 or <4; P < 0.05). Surgical outcomes were not significantly different between cases in which the first JVT was sacrificed (n = 32) or preserved (n = 91), except for operation time and portal venous resection frequency. One of the 32 cases (3.1%) with first JVT sacrifice showed severe congestion of the jejunal limb requiring emergency jejunal resection.

Conclusions

The size and topology of the first JVT are associated with the number of JVs involved. This is important for understanding the resectional area of the mesojejunum and the pathogenesis of jejunal congestion.
Quality evaluation of Eucommiae Cortex processed by different methods and “sweating” conditions based on simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents combined with gray relational analysis
Authors: Yan Ying , Cai Hao , Zhao Hui , Chen Cuihua , Zou Lisi , Liu Xunhong , Chai Chuan , Wang Shengnan , Hua Yujiao
Published: December 2017

Eucommiae Cortex is a classical traditional Chinese medicine, which needs to be processed by “sweating” methods. To select the suitable processing method and “sweating” processing condition for Eucommiae Cortex, in this study, the quality of Eucommiae Cortex was evaluated based on simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents combined with gray relational analysis. The contents of lignans, iridoids, penylpropanoids, flavonoids, and phenols in samples were simultaneously determined using ultra‐fast performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Synergiۛ Hydro‐RP 100 Å column (100 mm × 2.0 mm, 2.5 μm) at 30°C with a gradient elution of acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid/0.1% aqueous formic acid as the mobile phase. Furthermore, gray relational analysis was performed to evaluate and sort the samples according to the contents of 14 constituents by calculating the relative correlation degree of each sample. The results demonstrated that the quality of Eucommiae Cortex “sweating” at source area was better and the better “sweating” condition was to scrape off the cork layer before “sweating” with straw covering and sun drying. The developed method could provide the foundation and support for “sweating” processing method of Eucommiae Cortex in normalization and standardization.
Determination of the transformation of ginsenosides in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma during decoction with water using ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhou Qi‐Le , Yang Xiu‐Wei
Published: December 2017

This study was conducted to determine the variations of ginsenosides in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma when using different preparation solvents and explore the major factors for changes. With an established ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method which could quantify 52 ginsenosides, the extraction differences were characterized and compared using different solvents (water, 70% aqueous ethanol, and ethanol). Subsequently, a series of aqueous solutions with different pH were prepared to test the influence of pH to the changes of ginsenosides. Meanwhile, acetic acid and aspartic acid were used to verify whether the reaction had a relationship with the kind of acids. After refluxing with water, not only highly polar ginsenosides were extracted, some less polar ginsenosides such as ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, and Rh2 occurred or increased rapidly. Further experiments indicated that less polar ginsenosides were easier to generate at low pH values, and the reaction was only related to pH other than what kind of acids were used. It is the first time to elaborate the contents variation of 52 ginsenosides when using different extraction methods. The results indicated that decoction with water could enhance the transformation of highly polar ginsenosides to less polar ginsenosides and the process was pH dependent.
Alternative healthy food choice for tourists: Developing Buddhist temple cuisine
Authors: Kim Kwon‐Soo , Lee Timothy J. , Ryu Kisang
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the attitudes and subjective norms involved in food consumption by tourists, the degree of awareness of South Korean Buddhist temple cuisine among tourists, and associated consumer characteristics. These characteristics are summed as tourists with weak attitudes and subjective norms and those with strong attitudes and subjective norms. A questionnaire mainly asked about awareness, attribute beliefs, and normative beliefs relating to temple cuisine and the evaluation properties of food. This study examined the popularization of temple cuisine as a niche food tourism market beyond the Buddhist community, making it pioneer research in the field of temple cuisine.
Roles of perceived behavioral control and self‐efficacy to volunteer tourists' intended participation via theory of planned behavior
Authors: Lee Seungwoo John , Lina Kim Hyelin
Published: December 2017

Volunteer tourism, as an alternative to mass tourism, has grown significantly since the 1970s, sparking a growing research interest in the subject. However, little research has been conducted about Asian volunteer tourists. The purpose of this study is to compare the strength of perceived behavioral control with self‐efficacy to predict volunteer tourists' intentions within the theory of planned behavior. Meta‐analysis is also used to examine the effect size of the independent variables derived from the theory of planned behavior. Study results indicate that self‐efficacy is a stronger predictor than perceived behavioral control in predicting volunteer tourists' future behavioral intentions.
Anatomic Delineation of Tarsal Tunnel Innervation via Ultrasonography
Authors: Iborra Alvaro , Villanueva Manuel , Barrett Stephen L. , Rodriguez‐Collazo Edgardo , Sanz Pablo
Published: December 2017

Objectives

High‐resolution ultrasonography (US) can play an important role in studying nerves, as it has several advantages. Entrapments of distal tibial nerve branches can be mapped out or diagnosed with selective anesthetic blocks, and US can guide therapeutic procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation and selective infiltrations of specific nerve branches. The aim of this study was to verify that US is an effective method for accurately locating the posterior tibial nerve and its terminal branches, such as the medial calcaneal branch, the first calcaneal branch, and the medial and lateral plantar nerves.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the correlation between US mapping and real anatomy after cadaveric dissection, assessing the distribution and variability of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches. We used 12 fresh anatomic specimens of the foot and ankle, including the calf. A high‐resolution US study of the tibial nerve and its branches was performed.

Results

The results of the US studies of the anatomic specimens were drawn as paper diagrams and in data collection tables. Both were completed twice per anatomic specimen, first using the results of the US study and second using the results from dissection of the anatomic specimens; this approach enabled us to compare the results and verify whether the US study and the dissection correlated on the topography of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches. We found almost total agreement between the US and dissection results, with no significant differences between the evaluations.

Conclusions

On the basis of this work, we can conclude that high‐resolution US is almost 100% effective as a tool for identifying the tibial nerve and its branches, enabling the specialist to make diagnoses or perform selective treatments on each nerve branch and even to design surgical interventions by observing the patient's anatomy before performing the dissection
Soft Tissue Masses of the Knee Related to a Focal Defect of the Lateral Patellar Retinaculum
Authors: Moraux Antoine , Bianchi Stefano , Le Corroller Thomas
Published: December 2017

We report on the imaging features of 6 soft tissue masses in the anterolateral aspect of the knee related to a focal defect of the lateral patellar retinaculum. In 4 patients (3 female and 1 male; 6–65 years) presenting with nontender palpable soft tissue masses in the anterolateral aspect of their knees, ultrasonography showed a focal defect of the lateral patellar retinaculum with herniation of the Hoffa fat pad, which was only visible in flexion. A magnetic resonance imaging examination performed in 1 case confirmed the defect in the lateral patellar retinaculum but did not show a mass, as the knee was examined only at 10° of flexion. The 2 remaining patients (one male and 1 female; 62 and 55 years) presented with soft tissue masses in their anterolateral knees in both flexion and extension. These masses were related respectively to a lipoma of the Hoffa fat pad and to a ganglion cyst, both herniated through a defect of the lateral patellar retinaculum. Our cases suggest that a focal defect of the lateral patellar retinaculum may be a route for Hoffa fat pad herniation as well as a route for superficial extension of infrapatellar fat lesions such as lipomas and ganglion cysts.
Pyrolysis temperature during biochar production alters its subsequent utilization by microorganisms in an acid arable soil
Authors: Luo Yu , Dungait Jennifer A. J. , Zhao Xiaorong , Brookes Philip C. , Durenkamp Mark , Li Guitong , Lin Qimei
Published: December 2017

Biochar amendment of agricultural soils can have a significant impact on microbial carbon (C) metabolism by providing C substrates and altering soil properties, including amelioration of soil acidity. It remains unclear whether available C of biochar or its pH effects determines the utilization of biochar by microorganisms. Compound‐specific stable 13C isotope analysis of phospholipid fatty acids (13C‐phospholipid fatty acid analysis) was used to explore which microbial group utilized biochar distinguished with pHs and C availability. C4 Miscanthus biochar (δ13C = −12.2‰) was prepared at 2 pyrolysis temperatures (350 °C and 700 °C) and applied (50 mg C g−1 soil) to a very acid soil (pH 3.7, δ13C = −27.7‰), which was sampled from the long term Hoosfield Acid Strip experiment at Rothamsted Research, and incubated for 14 months. Biochar700 increased soil pH to 5.1 and biochar350 increased soil pH to 4.3. All microbial groups (Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi) were more abundant in the biochar‐treated soils. The 13C values of biomarker phospholipid fatty acid analysis suggested that all groups of microorganisms, and especially Gram‐positive bacteria, were using the C from the biochar350, but not the biochar700, as a substrate. We conclude that its utilization of biochar by microorganisms after 14 months was largely determined by the pyrolysis temperature controlling the availability of biochar C, instead of the pH effects, in a very acidic soil.
Thoracic epidural analgesia in donor hepatectomy: An analysis
Authors: Koul Archna , Pant Deepanjali , Rudravaram Swetha , Sood Jayashree
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether supplementation of general anesthesia (GA) with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) for right lobe donor hepatectomy is a safe modality of pain relief in terms of changes in postoperative coagulation profile, incidence of epidural catheter–related complications, and timing of removal of epidural catheter. Retrospective analysis of the record of 104 patients who received TEA for right lobe donor hepatectomy was done. Platelet count, international normalized ratio, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were recorded postoperatively until the removal of the epidural catheter. The day of removal of the epidural catheter and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were also recorded. Any complication encountered was documented. Intraoperatively, central venous pressure (CVP), hemodynamic variables, and volume of intravenous fluids infused were also noted. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS statistical package, version 17.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL). Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation. A total of 90% of patients had mean VAS scores between 1 and 4 in the postoperative period between days 1 and 5. None of the patients had a VAS score above 5. Although changes in coagulation status were encountered in all patients in the postoperative period, these changes were transient and did not persist beyond postoperative day (POD) 5. There was no delay in removal of the epidural catheter, and the majority of patients had the catheter removed by POD 4. There was no incidence of epidural hematoma. Aside from good intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, TEA in combination with balanced GA and fluid restriction enabled maintenance of low CVP and prevention of hepatic congestion. In conclusion, vigilant use of TEA appears to be safe during donor hepatectomy. Living liver donors should not be denied efficient analgesia for the fear of complications. Liver Transplantation 24 214–221 2018 AASLD.
Exosome‐Modified Tissue Engineered Blood Vessel for Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capture and Targeted siRNA Delivery
Authors: Chen Wen , Yang Mingcan , Bai Jian , Li Xiang , Kong Xiangrui , Gao Yu , Bi Lili , Xiao Li , Shi Bingyi
Published: December 2017

Instability and poor targeting causes the long‐term patency of RNA‐modified tissue engineering blood vessels (TEBVs) remaining unsatisfactory. RNA can be enriched in exosome and then delivered into targeted cells while whether exosome‐modified TEBVs achieve RNA targeted delivery is unclear. Here, to promote the expression of klotho protein on the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐derived exosomes, klotho plasmids are first transfected into MSCs, and adenosine kinase (ADK) siRNA is then loaded into exosome (klotho/ADK siRNA‐exosome) using electrotransfection. Flow chamber results show that klotho/ADK siRNA‐exosome can effectively capture circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Besides, the captured EPCs can endocytose this exosome, and then decompose it into klotho protein and ADK siRNA. Moreover, ADK siRNA promotes the paracrine of proangiogenic factors and adenosine from EPCs, which further facilitate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. Based on polyethyleneimine‐capped gold nanoparticles, exosome‐modified TEBVs are constructed through layer‐by‐layer assembly. Animal experimental results show that klotho/ADK siRNA‐exosome‐modified TEBVs can maintain the patency up to one month, and good endothelialization is observed. In short, one exosome‐modified TEBV is constructed, capture molecules on the surface of exosome capture the circulating EPCs, and the loaded RNA achieves its purpose of accurate treatment depending on the needs of patients.
Three‐space type Hahn‐Banach properties
Authors: Morillon Marianne
Published: December 2017

In set theory without the axiom of choice , three‐space type results for the Hahn‐Banach property are provided. We deduce that for every Hausdorff compact scattered space K, the Banach space C(K) of real continuous functions on K satisfies the (multiple) continuous Hahn‐Banach property in . We also prove in Rudin's theorem: “Radon measures on Hausdorff compact scattered spaces are discrete”.
Thrombin‐Loaded Poly(butylene succinate)‐Based Electrospun Membranes for Rapid Hemostatic Application
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Hui , Xiong Jiang , Xie Zhi‐Ning , Zhu Ya‐Ting , Liu Yu‐Man , Wu Zhong‐Yin , Yu Jian , Guo Zhao‐Xia
Published: December 2017

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and gelatin‐coated PBS electrospun membranes are evaluated for use as support materials to immobilize thrombin, an effective hemostat for topical injury, and three methods differing in whether and when gelatin is included are envisaged to prepare thrombin‐loaded PBS‐based electrospun membranes for use as rapid hemostatic materials. Both PBS and gelatin‐coated PBS membranes have high porosity, excellent wettability, rapid water penetration rate, and high water uptake, and thus are suitable support materials for thrombin. The thrombin immobilized onto gelatin‐coated PBS membrane has both high initial enzyme activity and high storage stability ascribed to the stabilizing effect of gelatin on thrombin activity. The hemostasis performance of thrombin‐immobilized membrane is evaluated in a rat liver model, showing shorter hemostasis time and less blood loss than clinically used gelatin sponge. The hemostasis mechanism is attributed to combined effects of thrombin and porous structure of electrospun membrane.
Preparation of Novel Fluorinated Copolyimide/Amine‐Functionalized Sepia Eumelanin Nanocomposites with Enhanced Mechanical, Thermal, and UV‐Shielding Properties
Authors: Li Qing , Liao Guangfu , Tian Jun , Xu Zushun
Published: December 2017

Novel fluorinated copolyimide/amine‐modified sepia eumelanin (ASE) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated via covalent bonds. To achieve this, the polyimide (PI) is synthesized by random co‐polycondensation. The effects of ASE on the structure and properties of the PI are investigated. A multilinked network is formed with ASE acting junctions in the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the PI are significantly improved by the addition of ASE, and the optimal tensile strength and elongation at break are 79.7 MPa and 85.42%, respectively. UV–vis transmittance, methylene blue (MB) photodegradation, and recyclability measurements confirm that the PI/ASE nanocomposites are transparent to visible light at low ASE loadings and show outstanding UV‐shielding properties and lifetimes under intense UV irradiation owing to the synergistic absorption of UV light by the PI matrix and ASE. Furthermore, the PI/ASE nanocomposites have enhanced thermal properties with initial degradation temperatures above 500 °C. These properties endow the nanocomposites with great potential for UV‐shielding in the conditions with high temperature and intense ultraviolet light.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Polymer Thin Films Using Cationic Initiation
Authors: Gao Yifan , Cole Branden , Tenhaeff Wyatt E.
Published: December 2017

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an attractive technique for the fabrication of high‐quality polymer thin films. The scheme used to initiate polymer chain growth is fundamental to controlling polymer thin film chemistry. A new initiation scheme for polymer CVD utilizing cationic initiation with a strong Lewis acid, TiCl4, in combination with a hydrogen donor, H2O, is presented. This coinitiation scheme results in polystyrene deposition rates of 139 nm min−1, relative to just 34 nm min−1 when TiCl4 is used alone. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that the polymer structures of polystyrene films prepared by conventional solution‐based techniques and cationic CVD are similar. Synthesis of cross‐linked polymer thin films is also demonstrated by depositing poly(divinylbenzene) and showing its insolubility in a range of solvents. The practical utility of these poly(divinylbenzene) films as corrosion resistant coatings is demonstrated. In 1 n HCl, 200 nm thick films on stainless steel increase the polarization resistance by a factor of 44 relative to bare, untreated stainless steel.
General methods for converting impulsive fractional differential equations to integral equations and applications
Authors: Liu Yuji
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we propose the concepts of Caputo fractional derivatives and Caputo type Hadamard fractional derivatives for piecewise continuous functions. We obtain general solutions of four classes of impulsive fractional differential equations (Theorem 3.1–Theorem 3.4) respectively. These results are applied to converting boundary value problems for impulsive fractional differential equations to integral equations. Some comments are made on recently published papers (see Section 4).
On closed Lie ideals of certain tensor products of ‐algebras
Authors: Gupta Ved Prakash , Jain Ranjana
Published: December 2017

For a simple ‐algebra A and any other ‐algebra B, it is proved that every closed ideal of is a product ideal if either A is exact or B is nuclear. Closed commutator of a closed ideal in a Banach algebra whose every closed ideal possesses a quasi‐central approximate identity is described in terms of the commutator of the Banach algebra. If α is either the Haagerup norm, the operator space projective norm or the ‐minimal norm, then this allows us to identify all closed Lie ideals of , where A and B are simple, unital ‐algebras with one of them admitting no tracial functionals, and to deduce that every non‐central closed Lie ideal of contains the product ideal . Closed Lie ideals of are also determined, A being any simple unital ‐algebra with at most one tracial state and X any compact Hausdorff space. And, it is shown that closed Lie ideals of are precisely the product ideals, where A is any unital ‐algebra and α any completely positive uniform tensor norm.
Homogeneous variable exponent Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces
Authors: Almeida Alexandre , Diening Lars , Hästö Peter
Published: December 2017

We introduce homogeneous Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces with variable indexes. We show that their study reduces to the study of inhomogeneous variable exponent spaces and homogeneous constant exponent spaces. Corollaries include trace space characterizations and Sobolev embeddings.
Proton Conducting Membranes Based on Poly(Ionic Liquids) Having Phosphonium Counter‐Cations
Authors: Isik Mehmet , Porcarelli Luca , Lago Nerea , Zhu Haijin , Forsyth Maria , Mecerreyes David
Published: December 2017

Proton conducting polymeric membranes are highly searched in many different technologies ranging from energy to biosensing. Protic ionic liquids and their polymeric version represent a new family of proton conducting molecules with relatively facile synthesis and excellent properties. In this work, protic poly(ionic liquids) having the most popular phosphonium counter‐cations are presented for the first time. The synthesis is carried out through proton transfer reactions or through ion exchange reactions by using commercially available tertiary phosphines. Tributyl‐, trioctyl‐, and tricyclohexyl‐phosphine are selected to form the desired cations. Polystyrene sulfonic acid, poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid), and lithium poly[(4‐styrenesulfonyl) (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide] polymers are used to form the polymeric anions. The chemical structure of the protic poly(ionic liquids) is confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Thermal properties of the polymer are characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Polymers exhibit good membrane forming ability as well as high ionic conductivities in the range of 10−8 to 10−3 S cm−1 from 30 to 90 °C.
Cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and saliva in the BioFIND study: Relationships among biomarkers and Parkinson's disease Features
Authors: Goldman Jennifer G. , Andrews Howard , Amara Amy , Naito Anna , Alcalay Roy N. , Shaw Leslie M. , Taylor Peggy , Xie Tao , Tuite Paul , Henchcliffe Claire , Hogarth Penelope , Frank Samuel , Saint‐Hilaire Marie‐Helene , Frasier Mark , Arnedo Vanessa , Reimer Alyssa N. , Sutherland Margaret , Swanson‐Fischer Christine , Gwinn Katrina ,   The Fox Investigation of New Biomarker Discovery, Kang Un Jung
Published: December 2017

Objective: Examine relationships among neurodegenerative biomarkers and PD motor and nonmotor symptoms.

Background: CSF alpha‐synuclein is decreased in PD versus healthy controls, but whether plasma and saliva alpha‐synuclein differentiate these groups is controversial. Correlations of alpha‐synuclein among biofluids (CSF, plasma, saliva) or biomarkers (eg, beta‐amyloid, tau [total, phosphorylated]) are not fully understood. The relationships of these biomarkers with PD clinical features remain unclear.

Methods: BioFIND, a cross‐sectional, observational study, examines clinical and biomarker characteristics in moderate‐advanced PD and matched healthy controls. We compared alpha‐synuclein concentrations across diagnosis, biofluids, and CSF biomarkers. Correlations of CSF biomarkers and MDS‐UPDRS, motor phenotype, MoCA, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder questionnaire scores in PD were examined.

Results: CSF alpha‐synuclein was lower in PD versus controls (P = .01), controlling for age, gender, and education. Plasma and saliva alpha‐synuclein did not differ between PD and controls, and alpha‐synuclein did not significantly correlate among biofluids. CSF beta‐amyloid1‐42 was lower in PD versus controls (P < .01), and correlated weakly with MoCA recall scores (r = 0.23, P = .02). CSF alpha‐synuclein was lower in the postural instability/gait difficulty phenotype than other motor phenotypes (P < .01). No CSF biomarkers predicted or correlated with total motor or rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder scores. CSF alpha‐synuclein correlated with beta‐amyloid1‐42, total‐tau, and phosphorylated‐tau (r = 0.41, 0.81, 0.43, respectively; Ps < .001).

Conclusion: Lower CSF alpha‐synuclein is associated with diagnosis and motor phenotype in moderate‐advanced PD. Plasma and saliva alpha‐synuclein neither correlate with CSF alpha‐synuclein, nor distinguish PD from controls. CSF beta‐amyloid1‐42 remains a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment in PD. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Epigenetic states of donor cells significantly affect the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos in pigs
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Li Wei , Zhang Zhiren , Cao Yunqing , Wang Zhengzhu , Zhang Sheng , Li Ziyi
Published: December 2017

The type and pattern of epigenetic modification in donor cells can significantly affect the developmental competency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Here, we investigated the developmental capacity, gene expression, and epigenetic modifications of SCNT embryos derived from porcine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and fetal fibroblasts (FFs) donor cells compared to embryos obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Compared to FFs, the donor BMSCs had more active epigenetic markers (Histone H3 modifications: H3K9Ac, H3K4me3, and H3K4me2) and fewer repressive epigenetic markers (H3K9me3, H3K9me2, and DNA methyltransferase 1). Embryos derived from BMSC nuclear‐transfer (BMSC‐NT embryos) and IVF embryos had significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst rates (BMSC‐NT: 71.3 ± 3.4%, 29.1 ± 2.3%; IVF: 69.2 ± 2.2%, 30.2 ± 3.3%; respectively) than FF‐NT embryos (58.1 ± 3.4%, 15.1 ± 1.5%, respectively). Bisulfite sequencing revealed that DNA methylation at the promoter regions of NANOG and POU5F1 was lower in BMSC‐NT embryos (30.0%, 9.8%, respectively) than those in FF‐NT embryos (34.2%, 28.0%, respectively). We also found that BMSC‐NT embryos had more H3K9Ac and less H3K9me3 and 5‐methylcytosine than FF‐NT embryos. In conclusion, our finding comparing BMSCs versus FFs as donors for nuclear transfer revealed that differences in the initial epigenetic state of donor cells have a remarkable effect on overall nuclear reprogramming of SCNT embryos, wherein donor cells possessing a more open chromatin state are more conducive to nuclear reprogramming.
BAPTA‐AM dramatically improves maturation and development of bovine oocytes from grade‐3 cumulus‐oocyte complexes
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Mo Xianhong , Li Xue , Fu Xiangwei , Hou Yunpeng
Published: December 2017

Intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) is essential for oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Here, we investigated the role of [Ca2+]i in oocytes from cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) with respect to maturation and early embryonic development, using the calcium‐buffering agent BAPTA‐AM (1,2‐bis[2‐aminophenoxy]ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid tetrakis [acetoxymethyl ester]). COCs were graded based on compactness of the cumulus mass and appearance of the cytoplasm, with Grade 1 indicating higher quality and developmental potential than Grade 3. Results showed that: (i) [Ca2+]i in metaphase‐II (MII) oocytes from Grade‐3 COCs was significantly higher than those from Grade‐1 COCs, and was significantly reduced by BAPTA‐AM; (ii) nuclear maturation of oocytes from Grade‐3 COCs treated with BAPTA‐AM was enhanced compared to untreated COCs; (iii) protein abundance of Cyclin B and oocyte‐specific Histone 1 (H1FOO) was improved in MII oocytes from Grade‐3 COCs treated with BAPTA‐AM; (iv) Ca2+ transients were triggered in each group upon fertilization, and the amplitude of [Ca2+]i oscillations increased in the Grade‐3 group upon treatment with BAPTA‐AM, with the magnitude approaching that of the Grade‐1 group; and (v) cleavage rates and blastocyst‐formation rates were improved in the Grade‐3 group treated with BAPTA‐AM compared to untreated controls following in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation. Therefore, BAPTA‐AM dramatically improved oocyte maturation, oocyte quality, and embryonic development of oocytes from Grade‐3 COCs.