bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium‐dependent activation of transglutaminase 2 by nanosecond pulsed electric fields
Authors: Morotomi‐Yano Keiko , Yano Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2017

Exposure of cultured human cells to nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) elicits various cellular events, including Ca2+ influx and cell death. Recently, nsPEFs have been regarded as a novel physical treatment useful for biology and medicine, but the underlying mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of nsPEFs on transglutaminases (TGs), enzymes that catalyze covalent protein modifications such as protein–protein crosslinking. Cellular TG activity was monitored by conjugation of cellular proteins with biotin‐cadaverine, a cell‐permeable pseudosubstrate for TGs. We applied nsPEFs to HeLa S3 cells and found that overall catalytic activity of cellular TGs was greatly increased in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin significantly augmented nsPEF‐induced TG activation, further supporting the importance of Ca2+. Among human TG family members, TG2 is known to be the most ubiquitously expressed, and its catalytic activity requires elevated intracellular Ca2+. Given the requirement of Ca2+ for TG activation by nsPEFs, we performed depletion of TG2 by RNA interference (RNAi). We observed that TG2 RNAi suppressed the nsPEF‐induced TG activation and partially alleviated the cytotoxic effects of nsPEFs. These findings demonstrate that TG2 activation is a Ca2+‐dependent event in nsPEF‐exposed cells and exerts negative effects on cell physiology.
Hierarchical Micro/Nanofibrous Bioscaffolds for Structural Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Xu Yun , Cui Wenguo , Zhang Yanxia , Zhou Pinghui , Gu Yong , Shen Xiaofeng , Li Bin , Chen Liang
Published: April 2017

Various biomimetic scaffolds with hierarchical micro/nanostructures are designed to closely mimic native extracellular matrix network and to guide cell behavior to promote structural tissue generation. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate hierarchical micro/nanoscaled fibrous scaffolds with different functional components that endow the scaffolds with both biochemical and physical features to exert different biological roles during the process of tissue healing. In this study, a biomimetic designed micro/nanoscaled scaffold with integrated hierarchical dual fibrillar components is fabricated in order to repair dura mater and prevent the formation of epidural scars via collagen molecule self‐assembly, electrospinning, and biological interface crosslinking strategies. The fabricated biomimetic scaffolds display micro/nanofibers staggered hierarchical architecture with good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, and it has a more profound effect on attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of fibroblasts. Using a rabbit duraplasty model in vivo, the authors find that dural defects repaired with hierarchical micro/nanoscaled scaffold form a continuous neodura tissue similar to native dura mater; furthermore, the number of scar tissues decreases significantly in the laminectomy sites compared with conventional electrospun microfibrous scaffold. Taken together, these data suggest that the hierarchical micro/nanoscaled fibrous scaffolds with dual fibrillar components may act as a “true” dural substitutes for dual repair.
An Efficient Route to Polymeric Electrolyte Membranes with Interparticle Chain Microstructure Toward High‐Temperature Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ye Luhan , Shi Xinyi , Zhang Zuoxiang , Liu Jingna , Jian Xian , Waqas Muhammad , He Weidong
Published: April 2017

The application of current polymer lithium‐ion batteries is still challenged with the limited electrochemical performance and thermal stability of polymeric electrolyte membranes as battery separators. In this report, an efficient route to polymeric polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene electrolyte membranes with interparticle chain microstructure is presented. The structure is capable of hosting sufficient electrolyte for efficient migration of electrolyte salts. The electrolyte uptake ratio is up to 188.4% and the highest ionic conductivity reaches 1.08 mS cm−1 at room temperature. In particular, the membrane exhibits higher thermal resistance compared with traditional separators, only giving rise to a subtle shrinkage at 175 °C and allows for efficient battery operation for a record number of charge/discharge cycles at 110 °C. The electrolyte membrane through such a single‐step method shows promising application potentials in electric vehicles and wearable electronics, especially in extreme operation conditions.
Solution‐Phase Synthesis of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Microrods for High‐Quality Microlasers and Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Shuai , Wang Kaiyang , Gu Zhiyuan , Wang Yujie , Huang Can , Yi Ningbo , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai
Published: April 2017

Recently, due to broad wavelength tunability and high material stability, cesium lead halide perovskite nanorods have been intensively studied as potential candidates for microlasers and photodetectors. However, the current CsPbX3 perovskite nanorods can only support low quality (Q) Fabry–Perot lasers and the response time of CsPbX3 nanorod photodetector is extremely long. Here, CsPbBr3 microrods with larger cross‐sectional sizes and almost uniform aspect ratio are successfully synthesized with a solution processed one‐step precipitation method and their applications in microlasers and photodetectors are reported. Due to the larger cross‐sectional size, whispering‐gallery‐mode lasers can be formed in the transverse plane of CsPbBr3 microrod under both of one‐photon and two‐photon excitation. The highest Q factor can reach around 7000. Besides, the synthesized CsPbBr3 perovskite lasers have shown much better photostability and thermal stability. The single‐crystalline CsPbBr3 microrods also provide a stable platform for photodetectors. The rise and decay time of CsPbBr3 microrod based photodetectors are around 8 ms, which are almost two orders of magnitude smaller than the previously reported CsPbX3 microrod photodetector. Such findings can pave new route on all‐inorganic CsPbX3 based optoelectronic devices.
More active Ir subnanometer clusters than single‐atoms for catalytic oxidation of CO at low temperature
Authors: Lin Jian , Chen Yang , Zhou Yanliang , Li Lin , Qiao Botao , Wang Aiqin , Liu Jingyue , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2017

This work reported the adsorption and reaction performance of FeOx supported subnanometer cluster and single‐atom Ir catalysts for the oxidation of CO at low temperature. By varying the pretreatment temperature and Ir loading, the single‐atom and subnanometer cluster Ir catalysts were obtained. The Ir subnanometer clusters exhibited higher activity for the oxidation of CO with or without the presence of H2 than the single‐atom counterpart. By using adsorption microcalorimetry and in situ infrared spectroscopy measurements, it was found that the Ir subnanometer clusters not only promoted the adsorption and reaction of CO and O2 but also facilitated the formation of OH species from reaction between H2 and O2, thus opening a new reaction pathway between CO and OH species to produce CO2 compared with that between CO and O species on the single‐atom counterpart. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4003–4012, 2017
Further evidence that a blepharophimosis syndrome phenotype is associated with a specific class of mutation in the ADNP gene
Authors: Takenouchi Toshiki , Miwa Tomoru , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Sakaguchi Yuri , Uehara Tomoko , Takahashi Takao , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: April 2017

Heterozygous truncating mutations in ADNP are associated with a syndromic form of intellectual disability known as Helsmoortel‐van der Aa syndrome. Among 17 previously reported patients with Helsmoortel‐van der Aa syndrome, one patient exhibited blepharophimosis. Whether blepharophimosis represents a phenotypic expression of the ADNP mutation spectrum or a chance association remains unclear. Herein, we report another patient with a de novo truncating mutation in ADNP who exhibited a combination of blepharophimosis and epicanthal folds. In our retrospective re‐evaluation of six originally reported patients whose facial photographs were available, at least one patient indeed had blepharophimosis and epicanthal folds. Furthermore, all three patients with blepharophimosis and epicanthal folds, including the presently reported patient, had truncating mutations at the same specific portion of the protein, that is the bipartite nuclear localization signal. We suggest that this specific class of ADNP mutation is likely associated with a blepharophimosis syndrome phenotype. From a clinical standpoint, a differential diagnosis of patients with blepharophimosis should include ADNP mutations in addition to blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome, especially when intellectual disability is present.
A further family of Stromme syndrome carrying CENPF mutation
Authors: Ozkinay Ferda , Atik Tahir , Isik Esra , Gormez Zeliha , Sagiroglu Mahmut , Sahin Ozlem Atan , Corduk Nergul , Onay Huseyin
Published: April 2017

Stromme syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by microcephaly, anterior ocular chamber anomalies, and “apple peel” type jejunal atresia. Here, we report a Stromme syndrome family with two affected siblings with a homozygous truncating frameshift mutation in CENPF. A 3‐month‐old girl was hospitalized due to prenatally diagnosed microcephaly, microphthalmia, and dysmorphological features. The history of a previous child with the same findings in addition to “apple peel” intestinal atresia had been noted. Regarding the clinical features of both affected siblings, a diagnosis of Stromme syndrome was established. Exome‐sequencing of these two cases showed the homozygous mutation (c.5912_5913insA)/(p.T1974Nfs*9) in CENPF. While confirmation of this gene being responsible for Stromme syndrome was pending our results, Filges et al. reported that CENPF was indeed underlying the reason for Stromme syndrome. This is the second case report identifying CENPF mutation as the cause of Stromme syndrome.
Localization due to interaction‐enhanced disorder in bosonic systems
Authors: Singh Rajeev , Shimshoni Efrat
Published: April 2017

Localization in interacting systems caused by disorder, known as many‐body localization (MBL), has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Most systems studied in this context also show single‐particle localization, and the question of MBL is whether the phenomena survives the effects of interactions. It is intriguing to consider a system with no single‐particle localization but which does localize in the presence of many particles. The localization phenomena occurs “due to” rather than “in spite of” interactions in such systems. We consider a simple bosonic system and show that interactions enhance the effects of very weak disorder and result in localization when many particles are present. We provide physical insights into the mechanism involved and support our results with analytical and numerical calculations.

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Designed Spiroketal Protein Modulation
Authors: Scheepstra Marcel , Andrei Sebastian A. , Unver M. Yagiz , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Leysen Seppe , Ottmann Christian , Brunsveld Luc , Milroy Lech‐Gustav
Published: April 2017

Spiroketals are structural motifs found in many biologically active natural products, which has stimulated considerable efforts toward their synthesis and interest in their use as drug lead compounds. Despite this, the use of spiroketals, and especially bisbenzanulated spiroketals, in a structure‐based drug discovery setting has not been convincingly demonstrated. Herein, we report the rational design of a bisbenzannulated spiroketal that potently binds to the retinoid X receptor (RXR) thereby inducing partial co‐activator recruitment. We solved the crystal structure of the spiroketal–hRXRα–TIF2 ternary complex, and identified a canonical allosteric mechanism as a possible explanation for the partial agonist behavior of our spiroketal. Our co‐crystal structure, the first of a designed spiroketal–protein complex, suggests that spiroketals can be designed to selectively target other nuclear receptor subtypes.
Water‐Soluble N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Protected Gold Nanoparticles: Size‐Controlled Synthesis, Stability, and Optical Properties
Authors: Salorinne Kirsi , Man Renee W. Y. , Li Chien‐Hung , Taki Masayasu , Nambo Masakazu , Crudden Cathleen M.
Published: April 2017

NHC‐AuI complexes were used to prepare stable, water‐soluble, NHC‐protected gold nanoparticles. The water‐soluble, charged nature of the nanoparticles permitted analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), which showed that the nanoparticles were highly monodisperse, with tunable core diameters between 2.0 and 3.3 nm depending on the synthesis conditions. Temporal, thermal, and chemical stability of the nanoparticles were determined to be high. Treatment with thiols caused etching of the particles after 24 h; however larger plasmonic particles showed greater resistance to thiol treatment. These water‐soluble, bio‐compatible nanoparticles are promising candidates for use in photoacoustic imaging, with even the smallest nanoparticles giving reliable photoacoustic signals.
Flexible Li‐CO2 Batteries with Liquid‐Free Electrolyte
Authors: Hu Xiaofei , Li Zifan , Chen Jun
Published: April 2017

Developing flexible Li‐CO2 batteries is a promising approach to reuse CO2 and simultaneously supply energy to wearable electronics. However, all reported Li‐CO2 batteries use liquid electrolyte and lack robust electrolyte/electrodes structure, not providing the safety and flexibility required. Herein we demonstrate flexible liquid‐free Li‐CO2 batteries based on poly(methacrylate)/poly(ethylene glycol)‐LiClO4‐3 wt %SiO2 composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathodes. The CPE (7.14×10−2 mS cm−1) incorporates with porous CNTs cathodes, displaying stable structure and small interface resistance. The batteries run for 100 cycles with controlled capacity of 1000 mAh g−1. Moreover, pouch‐type flexible batteries exhibit large reversible capacity of 993.3 mAh, high energy density of 521 Wh kg−1, and long operation time of 220 h at different degrees of bending (0–360°) at 55 °C.
Toroid Formation through a Supramolecular “Cyclization Reaction” of Rodlike Micelles
Authors: Yang Chaoying , Gao Liang , Lin Jiaping , Wang Liquan , Cai Chunhua , Wei Yuhan , Li Zhibo
Published: April 2017

Constructing polymeric toroids with a uniform, tunable size is challenging. Reported herein is the formation of uniform toroids from poly(γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate)‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG‐g‐PEG) graft copolymers by a two‐step self‐assembly process. In the first step, uniform rodlike micelles are prepared by dialyzing the polymer dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/N,N′‐dimethylformamide (DMF) against water. With the addition of THF in the second step, the rodlike micelles curve and then close end‐to‐end to form uniform toroids, which resemble a cyclization reaction.
Mechanics of surface crosslinked poly(dimethyl siloxane) microstructure used for microcontact transfer printing
Authors: Bao Chao , Wang Zhifan , Liu Yu , Zhang Yanning , Nie Heng‐Yong , Lau Woon‐Ming , Mei Jun
Published: April 2017

In microcontact transfer printing, the mechanics of the microstructure on an elastomeric stamp are crucial for obtaining a printed image with high feature resolution and repeatability. In this article, we are dedicating research efforts to visit a methodology for surface crosslinking a poly(dimethyl siloxane) microstructure, implemented by a hyperthermal hydrogen‐induced crosslinking technique. The significant enhancement of Young's modulus of elastomeric base after the surface crosslinking is confirmed by consequent ab initio calculation and numerical simulation. Experiments based on compression test and forced lateral scanning have been done for verifying the enhanced mechanic stability. This work provides a surface treatment way for fabricating a printing stamp with high robustness and transfer printing quality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45166.
High performance of hydrophilic polymers on the crosslinked polystyrene spheres for controlling contaminants in white water
Authors: Xiao He , He Beihai , Li Junrong , Chen Lihui , Huang Liulian
Published: April 2017

The accumulation of dissolved and colloidal substances (DCS) and inorganic salts in the white water of papermaking circulation system will result in the abnormal runnability of paper machine and low quality of products. Contaminant adsorption on a solid adsorbent in a fluidized bed reactor has been applied for white water treatment. In this study, three kinds of hydrophilic polymers {i.e., poly[methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride] (poly‐MAC), polyacrylamide, and poly[acrylic acid] (poly‐AA)} had been grafted on the surface of the polystyrene (PS) spheres through two‐step reactions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Zeta potential were evaluated the characteristics of modified PS spheres. The results showed that PS‐poly(MAC) had good affinity to DCS. Cationic demand, total DCS, and turbidity of white water had been reduced by 79.5%, 40.0%, and 38.4%, respectively, when the amount of PS‐poly(MAC) was 50 g/L. While PS‐poly(AA) played an important role in removal of metal ions so as to cut down the conductivity of white water. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45169.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Some Novel Quinoxaline Derivatives as Antiviral Agents
Authors: El‐Zahabi Heba S. A.
Published: April 2017

Ethyl (6,7‐dimethyl‐2‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐3‐yl)acetate and ethyl (6‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐3‐yl)acetate (1a,b), 3‐methylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one (4) and 1,4‐dihydroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (11) were the starting precursors for nine novel quinoxaline compounds, 3a, 6, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, via adopting different nucleophilic reactions. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antiviral activity against HCV, HBV, HSV‐1, and HCMV. Concomitantly, their safety profile was investigated as well as their selectivity against the viral strains. The Virology Unit at the University of Alabama recorded that two compounds, i.e., 1a and 20, exhibited highly potent activity against HCMV with lower IC50 values (<0.05 μM) compared to ganciclovir (IC50 = 0.59 μM). Compounds 1a and 20 also exhibited low cytotoxicity together with a high selectivity index.
Retention of glycopeptides analyzed using hydrophilic interaction chromatography is influenced by charge and carbon chain length of ion‐pairing reagent for mobile phase
Authors: Furuki Kenichiro , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: April 2017

Characterization of the glycans of glycoproteins is essential for the development and production of biologics. Numerous methods are available for analyzing the glycans of glycoproteins directly and labeled glycans. Nevertheless, glycopeptides are difficult to resolve because of their exceptional complexity and the microheterogeneity of glycans. These properties represent technical challenges to efforts to insure the accurate characterization of biopharmaceuticals to comply with regulatory requirements. Therefore, we investigated the retention behavior of peptides and glycopeptides in hydrophilic interaction chromatography‐mode HPLC in the presence of ion‐pairing reagents. Anionic ion‐pairing reagents decreased the retention times of glycopeptides and improved resolution in the presence of higher concentrations or hydrophobicities of ion‐pairing reagent. Anionic ion‐pairing reagents increased retention times of larger glycans because of their increased hydrophilicity. In contrast, in the presence of cationic ion‐pairing reagents, the retention times of glycopeptides with greater numbers of sialic acid residues decreased. It is appropriate to add an anionic ion‐pairing reagent to the mobile phase for good separation of glycopeptides. The collision cross‐sectional area values of glycopeptides determined using electrospray ionization‐ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry correlated with retention times. These findings support the implementation of hydrophilic interaction chromatography‐mode HPLC to improve the characterization of glycosylated biopharmaceuticals.
Familial cerebral abscesses caused by hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Tørring Pernille Mathiesen , Lauridsen Mathilde Faurholdt , i Dali Christine , Andersen Poul Erik , Ousager Lillian Bomme , Brusgaard Klaus , Kjeldsen Anette
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

In case of a cerebral abscess without known cause, Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) screening should be performed. If PAVM(s) is identified, Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is very likely and should always be considered. This case shows the benefit of familial screening for HHT and PAVM.
Process operating performance optimality assessment with coexistence of quantitative and qualitative information
Authors: Zou Xiaoyu , Chang Yuqing , Wang Fuli , Zhao Luping
Published: April 2017

When the process is working normally, process operating performance optimality assessment makes a further judgment on how well the process is running currently. Sustained optimal process operating performance guarantees the greatest economic benefits. However, the operating performance may deteriorate from the optimal status due to the production condition shifts. It is crucial to accomplish operating performance optimality assessment strategies for a deeper understanding of the process status. A Dynamic Causality Diagram (DCD) explicitly and intuitively describes the causal correlations between variables. However, an actual process has both quantitative and qualitative measurements, which makes the conventional DCD imprecise or even invalid. To handle the above problems, a modified DCD is proposed to assess a complicated process with coexistence of quantitative and qualitative information. An operating performance optimality assessing strategy based on the proposed DCD is then established. The proposed method is successfully applied to a gold hydrometallurgy process, and the operating performance optimality assessment result is satisfied.
Post‐selection point and interval estimation of signal sizes in Gaussian samples
Authors: Reid Stephen , Taylor Jonathan , Tibshirani Robert
Published: April 2017

We tackle the problem of the estimation of a vector of underlying means (signal sizes) from a single vector‐valued observationy. Often one is interested in estimating only a subvector of signals corresponding to a set of selected, “interesting” sample elements. These “interesting” sample elements tend to have the largest absolute size, gleaned by applying some selection procedure like that of Benjamini & Hochberg (2015). Previous work on this estimation task proposes the reduction in size of the largest (absolute) sample elements either via shrinkage (like James–Stein) or by subtracting biases estimated using empirical Bayes methodology. We take a novel approach and adapt recent developments by Lee et al. (2016) in post‐selection inference. Adapting and applying their distributional results to our problem post‐selection point and interval estimators for underlying signal sizes are proposed. Simulations suggest that our estimator seems to perform quite well against competitors. Furthermore we prove an upper bound to the so‐called “worst case risk” of our estimator—when combined with the Benjamini–Hochberg selection procedure—and show that it is within a constant multiple of the minimax risk over a rich set of parameter spaces meant to evoke sparsity.The Canadian Journal of Statistics45: 128–148; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Long‐term outcomes with aspiration thrombectomy for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Elgendy Akram Y. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Mahmoud Ahmed N. , Bavry Anthony A.
Published: April 2017

Randomized clinical trials that examined long‐term clinical outcomes of routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction have yielded different results. We hypothesized that the routine use of manual thrombus aspiration prior to primary PCI lacks long‐term clinical benefits. Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials comparing routine aspiration thrombectomy and conventional PCI. We included only trials that reported clinical outcomes beyond 6 months. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events, re‐infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and stent thrombosis (ST). A DerSimonian‐Laird model was used to construct the summary estimates risk ratio (RR). We retrieved 18 trials with 20 641 ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, of whom 10 331 patients underwent routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary PCI. At a mean follow‐up of 12 months, there was no significant decrease in the risk of all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82‐1.05, P = 0.22), major adverse cardiac events (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87‐1.03, P = 0.18), re‐infarction (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80‐1.13, P = 0.59), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.47‐1.36, P = 0.40), or ST (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.63‐1.01, P = 0.06) with routine aspiration thrombectomy. Routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary PCI was not associated with a reduction in long‐term mortality or clinical outcomes. Future randomized trials are warranted to further evaluate the role of aspiration thrombectomy in select patients and coronary lesions.
Association between electrocardiographic and echocardiographic markers of stage B heart failure and cardiovascular outcome
Authors: Yang Hong , Marwick Thomas H. , Wang Ying , Nolan Mark , Negishi Kazuaki , Khan Faisal , Okin Peter M.
Published: April 2017

Aims

The detection of non‐ischaemic (mainly hypertension, diabetes, and obesity) stage B heart failure (SBHF) may facilitate the recognition of those at risk of progression to overt HF and HF prevention. We sought the relationship of specific electrocardiographic (ECG) markers of SBHF to echocardiographic features of SBHF and their prognostic value for development of HF. The ECG markers were Cornell product (Cornell‐P), P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1), ST depression in lead V5 V6 (minSTmV5V6), and increased heart rate. Echocardiographic assessment of SBHF included left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS), and diastolic dysfunction (DD).

Method and results

Asymptomatic subjects ≥65 years without prior cardiac history, but with HF risks, were recruited from the local community. At baseline, they underwent clinical assessment, 12‐lead ECG, and comprehensive echocardiography. New HF was assessed clinically at mean follow‐up of 14 ± 4 months, and echocardiography was repeated in subjects with HF. Of the 447 study subjects (age 71 ± 5, 47% men) with SBHF, 13% had LVH, 32% impaired GLS, and 65% ≥grade I DD (10% ≥grade II DD). Forty were lost to follow‐up. Clinical HF developed in 47 of 407, of whom 20% had echocardiographic LVH, 51% abnormal GLS, and 76% DD at baseline. Baseline LVH and abnormal GLS (not grade I DD) were independently associated with outcomes (clinical HF and cardiovascular death). Cornell‐P and heart rate (not minSTmV5V6 nor PTFV1) were independently associated with LVH, impaired GLS, and DD. Cornell‐P and minSTV5V6 (not heart rate nor PTFV1) were independently associated with outcomes. More ECG abnormalities improved sensitivity, but ECG‐markers were not independent of or incremental to echocardiographic markers to predict HF in SBHF.

Conclusions

In this elderly study population, ECG markers showed low diagnostic sensitivity for non‐ischaemic SBHF and low prognostic value for outcomes. Cornell‐P and minSTmV5V6 had predictive value for outcomes in non‐ischaemic SBHF independent of age, gender, and common comorbidities but were not incremental to echocardiography.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped Mesoporous Hierarchical TiO2‐CdS as a Photoanode for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Chengxiang , Yuan Zhimin , Zhang Luyuan , Yin Longwei
Published: April 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Longwei Yin from Shandong University, China. The cover image shows the TiO2/CdS heterojunction structure on a reduced graphene oxide nanosheet, which serves as electron‐transport network and current‐collection board under solar radiation.
Dehydrogenative (Hetero)arene Alkoxylations Triggered by PdII‐Catalyzed C(sp2)–H Activation and Coordinating Substituent: PdII,III or PdIV Complex as Key Intermediate?
Authors: Le Bras Jean , Muzart Jacques
Published: April 2017

This review summarizes the intermolecular PdII‐catalyzed dehydrogenation procedures leading to regioselective coupling of alcohols with (hetero)arenes bearing tethered coordinating groups. Unusual oxidative conditions of catalyst regeneration are required, and the optimum oxidant varies with the substrate. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism of these intriguing reactions. Either PdII–Pd0 or PdII–PdIV redox catalytic cycles, possibly with PdIII intermediates, could be involved, depending on the directing group.
Expanding the Metabolic Profile of the Fungus Chaetomium sp. through Co‐culture with Autoclaved Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ancheeva Elena , Küppers Lisa , Akone Sergi Herve , Ebrahim Weaam , Liu Zhen , Mándi Attila , Kurtán Tibor , Lin Wenhan , Orfali Raha , Rehberg Nidja , Kalscheuer Rainer , Daletos Georgios , Proksch Peter
Published: April 2017

The mixed fermentation of the fungal endophyte Chaetomium sp. with an autoclaved culture of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa on solid rice medium led to an up to 33‐fold increase in the accumulation of constitutively present fungal secondary metabolites (3–10), which included four new butenolide derivatives (3–5 and 7). In addition, two further shikimic acid analogues (1 and 2) were obtained from mixed cultures that were neither detected in axenic cultures of the fungus nor of the bacterium. Chaetoisochorismin (1) possesses an unusual (3‐methoxycarbonylphenyl)pyruvate core structure. The structures of the new compounds were unequivocally elucidated by HRESIMS, one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR analysis as well as by comparison with literature data. The absolute configurations of the structures of the new derivatives 1 and 2 were established by ECD calculations as well as by the modified Mosher's method. Compounds 1–3 and 5–7 were subjected to antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assays but were shown to be inactive.
A potent hepatitis B surface antigen response in subjects with inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier treated with pegylated‐interferon alpha
Authors: Cao Zhenhuan , Liu Yali , Ma Lina , Lu Junfeng , Jin Yi , Ren Shan , He Zhimin , Shen Chengli , Chen Xinyue
Published: April 2017

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance represents a clinical cure, although the clearance rate is extremely low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety profiles of pegylated‐interferon α‐2a (PEG‐IFNα‐2a) as a therapeutic option for inactive HBsAg carriers. There were 144 inactive HBsAg carriers enrolled and divided into a therapeutic group (102 subjects) and a control group (42 subjects). PEG‐IFNα‐2a and PEG‐IFNα‐2a combined with adefovir dipivoxil were used for treatment group subjects with hepatitis B virus DNA <20 IU/mL and 20 IU/mL ≤ hepatitis B virus DNA < 2,000 IU/mL, respectively. Total therapy duration was no more than 96 weeks. HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates at therapeutic weeks 48 and 96 were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Per protocol analysis showed that the HBsAg clearance rate and seroconversion rate in the treatment group were 29.8% and 20.2% at week 48 and increased to 44.7% and 38.3% at week 96, respectively. However, the HBsAg clearance rate in the control group was 2.4% at weeks 48 and 96, and no subject achieved seroconversion. The quantitative HBsAg levels and changes during the early period of treatment (at week 12 and week 24) as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at week 12 were strong predictors of HBsAg clearance. The adverse events were similar to those with treatment for chronic hepatitis B patients. Conclusion: High rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved by PEG‐IFNα‐2a‐based treatments and the treatments were relatively safe for inactive HBsAg carriers. (Hepatology 2017;66:1058‐1066).
Spatiotemporal characterization of hydration process of asymmetric polymeric wound dressings for decubitus ulcers
Authors: Górska Anna , Dorożyński Przemyslaw , Węglarz Władysław P. , Jasiński Krzysztof , Kurek Mateusz , Jachowicz Renata , Klaja Jolanta , Kulinowski Piotr
Published: April 2017

Pressure ulcers belong to the most chalenging clinical problems. As hydration level of such wounds is important for optimal healing, preparation of new wound dressing (WD) materials for pressure ulcers requires thorough in vitro evaluation as prerequisite to final in vivo testing. The aims of the study were to: (a) develop a simple method of preparation of asymmetric polymeric membrane, (b) to propose a set of in vitro methods for membrane characterization during hydration. A polyvinyl alcohol asymmetric membrane with homogeneous skin layer and porous spongy layer was developed with nonadhesive properties and ability to absorb and retain the water. Complementary methods, including magnetic resonance imaging, allowed quantitative assessment of spatiotemporal aspects of membrane hydration, that is, global water uptake; swelling; local hydration in terms of proton density mapping; spatial distribution of T2 relaxation time; Young's modulus; piercing resistance. The proposed method of initial wound dressing evaluation seems to be promising to compare various WD formulations, to assess the time required to prepare WD membrane to be applied to the wound and to assess how long WD retains desired working properties. The developed asymmetric membrane seems to be a good candidate for further evaluation. It was found that: Young's modulus of hydrated membrane was comparable to those of human skin; asymmetrical structure was retained during the entire hydration period; each layer had its own distinct, hydration related, properties and their spatiotemporal evolution; relatively slow changes of membrane properties during the potential WD application time‐span of several hours was observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 843–853, 2018.
Spatial Differences in the Distribution of Bone Between Femoral Neck and Trochanteric Fractures
Authors: Yu Aihong , Carballido-Gamio Julio , Wang Ling , Lang Thomas F , Su Yongbin , Wu Xinbao , Wang Manyi , Wei Jie , Yi Chen , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: April 2017

There is little knowledge about the spatial distribution differences in volumetric bone mineral density and cortical bone structure at the proximal femur between femoral neck fractures and trochanteric fractures. In this case-control study, a total of 93 women with fragility hip fractures, 72 with femoral neck fractures (mean ± SD age: 70.6 ± 12.7 years) and 21 with trochanteric fractures (75.6 ± 9.3 years), and 50 control subjects (63.7 ± 7.0 years) were included for the comparisons. Differences in the spatial distributions of volumetric bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, cortical volumetric bone mineral density, and volumetric bone mineral density in a layer adjacent to the endosteal surface were investigated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM). We compared these spatial distributions between controls and both types of fracture, and between the two types of fracture. Using VBM, we found spatially heterogeneous volumetric bone mineral density differences between control subjects and subjects with hip fracture that varied by fracture type. Interestingly, femoral neck fracture subjects, but not subjects with trochanteric fracture, showed significantly lower volumetric bone mineral density in the superior aspect of the femoral neck compared with controls. Using surface-based SPM, we found that compared with controls, both fracture types showed thinner cortices in regions in agreement with the type of fracture. Most outcomes of cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density comparisons were consistent with VBM results. Our results suggest: 1) that the spatial distribution of trabecular volumetric bone mineral density might play a significant role in hip fracture; 2) that focal cortical bone thinning might be more relevant in femoral neck fractures; and 3) that areas of reduced cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density might be more relevant for trochanteric fractures in Chinese women. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor is correlated with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wan Chunfu , Li Zhihua
Published: April 2017

Objective

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by macrophages. This study is performed to investigate whether serum MIF is correlated with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Totally, 186 AF patients and 103 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. AF patients were then divided into paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and permanent AF subgroups.

Results

There were higher serum MIF concentrations in AF patients than in healthy subjects. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum MIF was associated with AF. Permanent AF patients exhibited higher serum MIF concentrations than persistent and paroxysmal AF subgroups. Elevated serum MIF concentrations were found in persistent AF patients compared with paroxysmal AF patients. Moreover, serum MIF concentrations were associated with left atrial diameter after Spearman correlation analysis.
Comparison of three rapid influenza diagnostic tests with digital readout systems and one conventional rapid influenza diagnostic test
Authors: Ryu Sook Won , Suh In Bum , Ryu Se‐Min , Shin Kyu Sung , Kim Hyon‐Suk , Kim Juwon , Uh Young , Yoon Kap Jun , Lee Jong‐Han
Published: April 2017

Background

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) show variable sensitivities in clinical settings. We aimed to compare three digital RIDTs and one conventional RIDT.

Methods

We assessed 218 nasopharyngeal swabs from patients between neonates and 90 years old in 2016. Three digital RIDTs were BUDDI, Sofia Influenza A+B Fluorescence Immunoassay, Veritor System Flu A+B assay. One conventional test was the SD Bioline Influenza Ag A/B/A(H1N1/2009). All test results were compared with those from the Anyplex Flu A/B Typing Real‐time Detection real‐time PCR. The four RIDTs were tested with diluted solutions from the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) to compare lower detection limit. Cross‐reactivity of four RIDTs within other respiratory viruses was identified.

Results

For influenza A, BUDDI, Sofia, Veritor, and Bioline showed 87.7%, 94.5%, 87.7%, and 72.6% sensitivity, and 100%, 97.7%, 96.5%, and 100% specificity. For influenza B, BUDDI, Sofia, Veritor, and Bioline showed 81.7%, 91.7%, 81.7%, and 78.3% sensitivity, and 100%, 95.3%, 100%, and 100% specificity, respectively. Each RIDT could detect diluted NIBSC solution, according to the level of dilution and specific influenza subtypes. Cross‐reactivity of four RIDTs with other respiratory viruses was not noted.

Conclusions

Sofia showed the highest sensitivity for influenza A and B detection. BUDDI and Veritor showed higher detection sensitivity than a conventional RIDT for influenza A detection, but similar results for influenza B detection. Further study is needed to compare the test performance of RIDTs according to specific, prevalent influenza subtypes.
Age‐old care and support practices in Southern Africa functioning robustly as sophisticated social technology interventions
Authors: Ebersöhn Liesel , Loots Tilda , Mampane Ruth , Omidire Funke , Malan‐van Rooyen Marlize
Published: April 2017

High‐need contexts, such as those in postcolonial Southern Africa, require interventions that provide psychosocial and socioeconomic care and support. This comparative case study uses the lens of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) to supplement predominantly Western knowledge of care and support interventions. Participatory reflection and action (PRA) were used in 7 conveniently selected Southern African regions reflective of bounded systems with high adversity and likely to portray indigenous belief systems on a regional basis (n = 430; elders = 240; youth = 190; men = 150 and women = 280). Interactive PRA sessions, focusing on generating narratives about traditional care and support strategies, were recorded and analyzed. It emerged that the IKS care and support interventions still being practised are fundamentally relational and pragmatic pathways of resource management, and include reciprocal donations, shared savings in societies, and partnerships and borrowing/lending. Rather than being outdated vestiges of previous times, these age‐old structures continue to function as robust and sophisticated social technologies of care and support.
Diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemias in adults
Authors: Nagao Takayo , Hirokawa Makoto
Published: April 2017

Anemia is one of the most common health problems in the primary care setting. Macrocytosis in adults is defined as a red blood cell (RBC) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) >100 femtoliter (fL). Macrocytic anemias are generally classified into megaloblastic or nonmegaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency or impaired utilization of vitamin B12 and/or folate, whereas nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anemia is caused by various diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), liver dysfunction, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, certain drugs, and by less commonly inherited disorders of DNA synthesis. Macrocytic anemias are treated with cause‐specific therapies, and it is crucial to differentiate nonmegaloblastic from megaloblastic anemia. Because MDS and myeloid neoplasms commonly affect the elderly, primary care physicians may encounter more cases of macrocytic anemias in the near future, as the older population increases. When MDS is suspected along with leukocytopenia and/or thrombocytopenia with anemia, a hematology consultation may be appropriate.
Efficacy of a new microvibration sensation measurement device at detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy using a newly devised finger method
Authors: Danjo Junichi , Sawada Hideyuki , Uchida Keiji , Danjo Sonoko , Nakamura Yu
Published: April 2017

To investigate the efficacy of the finger method using a new microvibration sensation measurement device in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). A cross‐sectional study of 52 type 2 diabetic outpatients was performed. Patients were evaluated for DPN using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, and the finger method. Patients were classified into probable DPN or non‐DPN groups, according to ADA criteria. The finger method measured peripheral neuropathy vibration (PNV) score of index and middle fingers using the new device in three procedures: PNV 1, PNV 4, and PNV 8. PNV scores ranged from 1 to 30 and were compared between the two groups. The PNV scores were significantly higher in the DPN group (P < .01). The PNV scores for right fingers of DPN and non‐DPN groups were 10.2 ± 7.4 and 3.4 ± 3.3 by PNV 1, 20 ± 4.9 and 10.7 ± 5.3 by PNV 4, and 23.2 ± 4.9 and 14.6 ± 7.8 by PNV 8. Our data suggest that the finger method performed with the new device is useful in the evaluation of DPN.
A cardiovascular prescreening protocol for unmonitored in‐office laryngology procedures
Authors: Madden Lyndsay L. , Ward John , Ward Anne , Young VyVy N. , Smith Libby J. , Lott David G. , Bryson Paul C. , Clary Matthew S. , Weissbrod Phillip A. , Bock Jonathan M. , Blumin Joel H. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Currently, there are no cardiovascular (CV) preprocedure screening parameters for patients undergoing in‐office laryngeal procedures (IOLP). Studies have shown significant changes in CV measures for IOLP. The aim was to develop and evaluate a pre‐IOLP CV screening protocol.

Methods

Review of IOLP literature and consultation with an anesthesiologist and cardiologist led to the development of CV parameters and questions related to four metabolic equivalents (METS) of work as a patient‐screening tool before IOLP. A separate cohort was screened with only a modified CV protocol. All patients were screened for heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) elevation prior to the procedure. Need for further CV evaluation was characterized as systolic blood pressure BP >160, diastolic BP >100, and/or HR >110 beats/minute. Patients whose BP/HR exceeded these values were referred to their primary care physician (PCP) before re‐screening. If parameters were exceeded again at the second screen, then the procedure was done under monitored anesthesia care.

Results

The first study phase included 56 patients. The fail rate was 40% largely related to four METS of work. The second study phase included 440 patients. The screen fail rate was 15 patients of 572 (2.6%). Of these, 12 patients of 132 (9.1%) failed the initial screen and were sent to their PCP for further evaluation, and five of 440 (1.4%) patients failed on the day of the procedure. Overall, five of 440 (1.5%) patients would qualify to have their site of service changed for their laryngology procedure from an unmonitored to a monitored setting due to the prescreening criteria.

Conclusion

Few patients needed further workup based upon the in‐office CV parameters set in this study. Patients with CV risk factors were identified by the screening protocol. Having established hemodynamic parameters in place may improve the safety of IOLP with a very low physician burden.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 127:1845–1849, 2017
Combined endonasal and eyelid approach for management of extensive frontal sinus inverting papilloma
Authors: Albathi Monirah , Ramanathan Murugappan , Lane Andrew P. , Boahene Kofi D. O.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Sinonasal inverting papilloma (IP) is a benign but locally aggressive mucosal neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. Extension into the frontal sinus presents surgical challenges for endonasal resection. This study presents an orbitofrontal approach for managing extensive IP.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Four patients seen between 2012 and 2016 with biopsy‐proven IP with lateral frontal sinus extension underwent a combined endonasal and transpalpebral approach for tumor resection.

Patient demographic data, preoperative characteristics, imaging, and follow‐up data were compiled through retrospective chart review. Patients were selected for this approach when the tumor extended to the posterior frontal sinus wall, lateral frontal sinus recess, and orbit. Tumors were first approached endonasally until the frontal recess was reached. A Draf IIB or Draf III procedure was then performed to gain better exposure. Orbitofrontal exposure was achieved through an upper eyelid incision. Miniorbitofrontal craniotomy window was designed based on tumor location. Resection of the frontal and orbital extension was enhanced by endoscopic‐assisted dissection through the orbitofrontal window.

Results

The transpalpebral approach provided access to all walls of the ipsilateral frontal sinus, the intersinus septum, and the medial aspect of the contralateral sinus. Complete tumor resection was achieved in all patients. There were no orbital complications, no visible eyelid asymmetry or scarring, and all patients had preserved forehead sensation. There were no recurrences on follow‐up.

Conclusion

Combining a transpalpebral orbitofrontal craniotomy with the endonasal approach allows complete resection of invasive IP with extension into the frontal sinus. This is achieved with great cosmetic results.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:3–9, 2018