bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical antipsychotic therapy in Parkinson's disease psychosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Yuan Mei , Sperry Laura , Malhado‐Chang Norika , Duffy Alexandra , Wheelock Vicki , Farias Sarah , O'Connor Kevin , Olichney John , Shahlaie Kiarash , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2017

Objective

Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) is a frequent complication of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD) with significant impact on quality of life and association with poorer outcomes. Atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are often used for the treatment of PDP; however, their use is often complicated by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this study, we present patients with PDP who were treated with the most commonly used atypical antipsychotic agents and review their respective ADRs.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out to include a total of 45 patients with iPD who visited a movement disorders clinic between 2006 and 2015. All PDP patients treated with atypical APDs were included in the analysis for their specific ADRs.

Results

Forty‐five iPD patients (mean age of onset: 62.67 ± 9.86 years) were included, of those 10 patients had psychosis (mean age of onset: 76.80 ± 4.61 years). Of the 45 patients, 22.2% were found to have psychotic symptoms, of whom 70% had hallucinations, 20% had delusions, and 10% illusions. Seventy percent of psychotic symptoms occurred after ten or more years from diagnosis of iPD. PDP patients were treated with quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone separately or in combination, all of which were found to have certain ADRs.

Limitations

This study was limited by its retrospective study design and small sample size and with likely selection bias.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PDP is relatively high in older patients with iPD. The uses of the currently available atypical APDs in this patient population are often complicated by ADRs. The selective 5‐HT2A inverse agonist, pimavanserin, could be a better alternative in the treatment of PDP.
Sexual dysfunction in female patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bartnik Pawel , Wielgoś Aleksandra , Kacperczyk Joanna , Pisarz Katarzyna , Szymusik Iwona , Podlecka‐Piętowska Aleksandra , Zakrzewska‐Pniewska Beata , Wielgoś Miroslaw
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is one of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often underdiagnosed, especially in women. Relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most widespread form of the disease, but the data on SD occurrence in this particular group of patients is limited. The aim of the study was to analyze the associations between demographic factors, symptoms and signs of MS, psychiatric comorbidities and SD in female patients with RRMS.

Material & Methods

A subgroup of 86 sexually active women with RRMS out of 218 total MS respondents was analyzed. Exclusion criteria included active relapse, EDSS score equal or higher than 6.5, and current pregnancy. All patients completed questionnaires including demographic data, questions about symptoms and signs of MS, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual performance, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9) for depression, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) for fatigue evaluation.

Results

According to FSFI, SD occurred in 21 (27.27%) of the respondents. SD occurrence was associated with depression (p < .05) and speech disturbances (p < .04). A negative effect on sexual performance was associated with depression intensity (p < .003), fatigue intensity (p < .05), more advanced age at diagnosis (p < .02), lower education level (p < .05), and smaller area of residence (p < .002).

Conclusions

SD in women with RRMS is mostly associated with psychosocial parameters. Patients who are more depressed, presenting speech problems, less educated, and from smaller towns, should be considered high‐risk for sexual dysfunction.
Decrease in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor at plasma level but not in serum concentrations in suicide behavior: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Salas‐Magaña Marisol , Tovilla‐Zárate Carlos A. , González‐Castro Thelma B. , Juárez‐Rojop Isela E. , López‐Narváez María L. , Rodríguez‐Pérez José M. , Ramírez Bello Julián
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Suicide is known as a major health concern worldwide. There is evidence for the role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in suicide behavior. Therefore, this factor has been proposed as a biomarker for suicide behavior. Clinical studies have measured BDNF concentrations at central and peripheral levels. As a consequence, the aim of this study was to assess BDNF levels in blood plasma and serum to see whether there is a difference in concentrations in patients with suicide behavior when compared to those in controls, using a meta‐analysis approach.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. The search strategy was performed using three databases: PubMed, EBSCO and ScienceDirect. The meta‐analysis included a total of nine case–control studies, six measured the BDNF level in serum and three in plasma in suicide behavior.

Results

A decrease in BDNF levels in plasma was observed (d = −0.73, 95% CI −1.42 to −0.03 pg/ml). In the case of serum concentrations, no BDNF differences were encountered between cases and controls (d = 0.09, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.13 ng/ml, p(Q) = .92).

Conclusions

According to the results found in the present meta‐analysis, the plasma BDNF level could be suggest as a potential biomarker in suicide behavior. However, since the number of studies included in the analysis is limited, a larger number is necessary to determine conclusively the role of BDNF as a biomarker in suicide behavior.
Nomograms to estimate long‐term overall survival and tongue cancer‐specific survival of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yun , Zhao Zhenyan , Liu Xiaoxiao , Ju Jun , Chai Juan , Ni Qianwei , Ma Chao , Gao Tao , Sun Moyi
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to construct nomograms to predict long‐term overall survival (OS) and tongue cancer‐specific survival (TCSS) of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients based on clinical and tumor characteristics. Clinical, tumor, and treatment characteristics of 12,674 patients diagnosed with TSCC between 2004 and 2013 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. These patients were then divided into surgery and nonsurgery cohorts, and nomograms were developed for each of these groups. The step‐down method and cumulative incidence function were used for model selection to determine the significant prognostic factors associated with OS and TCSS. These prognostic variables were incorporated into nomograms. An external cohort was used to validate the surgery nomograms. Seven variables were used to create the surgery nomograms for OS and TCSS, which had c‐indexes of 0.709 and 0.728, respectively; for the external validation cohort, the c‐indexes were 0.691 and 0.711, respectively. Nine variables were used to create the nonsurgery nomograms for OS and TCSS, which had c‐indexes of 0.750 and 0.754, respectively. The calibration curves of the 5‐ and 8‐year surgery and nonsurgery nomograms showed excellent agreement between the probabilities and observed values. By incorporating clinicopathological and host characteristics in patients, we are the first to establish nomograms that accurately predict prognosis for individual patients with TSCC. These nomograms ought to provide more personalized and reliable prognostic information, and improve clinical decision‐making for TSCC patients.
Estimation of consumer willingness‐to‐pay for social responsibility in fruit and vegetable products: A cross‐country comparison using a choice experiment
Authors: Miller Sini , Tait Peter , Saunders Caroline , Dalziel Paul , Rutherford Paul , Abell Walter
Published: April 2017

Choice experiments are used to assess consumer preferences and willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for different food attributes worldwide. These studies also include credence attributes which are the product attributes that are not immediately observable to consumers without appropriate information and labelling, such as animal welfare, food safety, and social responsibility. Although choice experiment application has considered many of these attributes, studies focused on social responsibility are scant. Building on previous work comparing developed and developing countries, this paper focuses on WTP estimation for social responsibility. Surveys of fruit and vegetable consumers were conducted in United Kingdom (UK), Japan, India, and Indonesia in 2015. Results indicate WTP for an increase from minimum to improved standard for social responsibility ranges from 16% to 30% (median), and 6% to 26% (median) from improved to a high standard. Premiums vary between countries but, overall, demonstrate the significant importance of social responsibility consideration in consumer choices. Significant differences on WTP were observed between Japan and other countries, as well as between UK and Indonesia for the improved social responsibility standard, and across UK, Indonesia, and India for the high standard. Findings contribute to increasing understanding of consumer preferences across countries, revealing significant preference heterogeneity towards social responsibility.
Development of a Vivid FRET System Based on a Highly Emissive dG–dC Analogue Pair
Authors: Han Ji Hoon , Yamamoto Seigi , Park Soyoung , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

A new type of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) system using highly emissive isomorphic nucleobase analogues is reported. The FRET pair consists of 2‐aminothieno[3,4‐d]pyrimidine G‐mimic deoxyribonucleoside (thdG) as an energy donor and 1,3‐diaza‐2‐oxophenothiazine (tC) as an energy acceptor. The distance and orientation between donor and acceptor was controlled by systematic incorporation of thdG and tC into DNA sequences to investigate the FRET efficiencies. This is the first Watson–Crick base‐pairable FRET pair to produce vivid colors. In addition, this nucleic acid‐based FRET pair was used to monitor DNA conformation and achieved visualization of the B–Z transition.
Ni/Ir‐Catalyzed Photoredox Decarboxylative Coupling of S‐Substituted Thiolactic Acids with Heteroaryl Bromides: Short Synthesis of Sulfoxaflor and Its SF5 Analog
Authors: Kanishchev Oleksandr S. , Dolbier William R.
Published: April 2017

Metallaphotoredox cross‐coupling reactions have recently emerged as a powerful tool for the construction of C(sp2)−C(sp3) bonds between alkyl chains and aromatic systems, including electron‐deficient heteroaryls, which are known to be challenging coupling partners. In this article, we disclose the Ni/Ir‐catalyzed photoredox decarboxylative coupling of readily available S‐substituted thiolactic acids with electron‐deficient heteroaryl bromides, which resulted in the formation of simple but otherwise not easily accessible heteroarenes with alkylsulfide side chains. To demonstrate a practical use of this coupling reaction, we have shown its efficiency in the one‐step synthesis of a key intermediate in the synthesis of the recently marketed insecticide Sulfoxaflor, and for the short synthesis of SF5‐Sulfoxaflor.
GRAPLEr: A distributed collaborative environment for lake ecosystem modeling that integrates overlay networks, high‐throughput computing, and WEB services
Authors: Subratie Kensworth C. , Aditya Saumitra , Mahesula Srinivas , Figueiredo Renato , Carey Cayelan C. , Hanson Paul C.
Published: April 2017

The GLEON Research And PRAGMA Lake Expedition—GRAPLE—is a collaborative effort between computer science and lake ecology researchers. It aims to improve our understanding and predictive capacity of the threats to the water quality of our freshwater resources, including climate change. This paper presents GRAPLEr, a distributed computing system used to address the modeling needs of GRAPLE researchers. GRAPLEr integrates and applies overlay virtual network, high‐throughput computing, and WEB service technologies in a novel way. First, its user‐level IP‐over‐P2P overlay network allows compute and storage resources distributed across independently administered institutions (including private and public clouds) to be aggregated into a common virtual network, despite the presence of firewalls and network address translators. Second, resources aggregated by the IP‐over‐P2P virtual network run unmodified high‐throughput‐computing middleware to enable large numbers of model simulations to be executed concurrently across the distributed computing resources. Third, a WEB service interface allows end users to submit job requests to the system using client libraries that integrate with the R statistical computing environment. The paper presents the GRAPLEr architecture, describes its implementation and reports on its performance for batches of general lake model simulations across 3 cloud infrastructures (University of Florida, CloudLab, and Microsoft Azure).
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Suggests Limited Drug–Drug Interaction Between Clopidogrel and Dasabuvir
Authors: Shebley M , Fu W , Badri P , Bow DAJ , Fischer V
Published: April 2017

Dasabuvir, a nonnucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor, is a sensitive substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 with a potential for drug–drug interaction (DDI) with clopidogrel. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for dasabuvir to evaluate the DDI potential with clopidogrel, the acyl‐β‐D glucuronide metabolite of which has been reported as a strong mechanism‐based inhibitor of CYP2C8 based on an interaction with repaglinide. In addition, the PBPK model for clopidogrel and its metabolite were updated with additional in vitro data. Sensitivity analyses using these PBPK models suggested that CYP2C8 inhibition by clopidogrel acyl‐β‐D glucuronide may not be as potent as previously suggested. The dasabuvir and updated clopidogrel PBPK models predict a moderate increase of 1.5–1.9‐fold for Cmax and 1.9–2.8‐fold for AUC of dasabuvir when coadministered with clopidogrel. While the PBPK results suggest there is a potential for DDI between dasabuvir and clopidogrel, the magnitude is not expected to be clinically relevant.
Ancillary testing strategies in salivary gland aspiration cytology: A practical pattern‐based approach
Authors: Griffith Christopher C. , Siddiqui Momin T. , Schmitt Alessandra C.
Published: April 2017

Fine needle aspiration of salivary gland tumors is a common preoperative triage as it is useful in determining which patients should undergo surgical resection and in guiding the extent of surgery in those cases deemed appropriate for resection. While a specific diagnosis can be achieved on a cytologic specimen in many cases, there is also a considerable amount of morphologic diversity that prevents such confident preoperative classification and in these cases it can be a challenge to confidently determine if a tumor is benign or malignant. Recently, a pattern based risk stratification approach was proposed for salivary gland cytology in which basaloid neoplasms are separated by stromal characteristics and oncocytoid neoplasms are separated primarily by background material such as mucus. In addition to potentially providing a stratification in risk of malignancy for salivary gland tumors, this approach is also useful to narrow differential diagnostic considerations and guide ancillary testing. In this review we use this proposed pattern based approach as a framework to discuss immunostains and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies which we find useful in our practice.
Chondrosarcoma‐like metastasis from a poorly differentiated uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma. A unique morphology and diagnostic pitfall in cytology
Authors: Ikoma Shohei , Nicolas Marlo , Jagirdar Jaishree , Policarpio‐Nicolas Maria Luisa
Published: April 2017

Rare cases of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with chondroid differentiation from esophageal primary have been reported but none from the uterine cervix. Given the rarity of this phenomenon and potential diagnostic pitfall, we present this unusual case. The patient is a 25‐year‐old woman who presented with shortness of breath. Computerized tomography (CT) showed several lung and pleural‐based nodules. CT‐guided core biopsy with touch preparations were performed on the pleural‐based nodule. The touch preparations showed large, spindle‐to‐oval shaped cells with pleomorphic nuclei embedded in metachromatic chondroid stroma. The core biopsies also showed predominantly round‐to‐spindle shaped cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli embedded in a cartilaginous matrix. Her past medical history is significant for a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, which on review showed a typical non‐keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma without sarcomatous differentiation. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the pleural‐based mass showed tumor positivity for AE1/AE3, CK5/6, p16, and S‐100. Similar results were seen when the cervical tumor was stained retrospectively. Human papilloma virus (HPV) in situ hybridization performed on both the pleural‐based mass and cervical tumor detected the presence of high‐risk HPV subtypes including 16 and 18. These findings supported a lung metastasis from the prior cervical carcinoma. This case emphasizes that cervical carcinoma can develop mesenchymal (chondrosarcomatous) differentiation in metastasis even in tumors presenting with pure epithelial phenotype. Awareness of this occurrence especially on limited cytology material, knowledge of the prior history and use of ancillary tests are extremely helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:750–753. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The usefulness of adding p53 immunocytochemistry to bile drainage cytology for the diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures
Authors: Yeo Min‐Kyung , Kim Kyung‐Hee , Lee Yong‐Moon , Lee Byung Seok , Choi Song‐Yi
Published: April 2017

Background

Obstructive jaundice is frequently caused by bile duct strictures. Determination of malignant strictures is crucial for the initiation of appropriate treatment. Cytologic examination of bile drainage fluid is an easy and reproducible method of detecting malignant cells. This method, however, frequently yields indeterminate results, such as atypia or suspicious of malignancy, due to difficulties in differentiating malignancy from benign atypia. Immunocytochemical assessment of p53 expression by cells in bile drainage fluid may enhance the ability to detect malignancy.

Methods

A total of 139 samples of bile drainage fluid were obtained from 80 patients. Following cytologic examination, the samples were incubated with antibody to p53. The performance of cytology with and without p53 immunocytochemistry was evaluated, with reference to surgical or clinical findings of benign and malignant biliary strictures.

Results

Bile drainage cytology alone had a sensitivity of 31.6% and a specificity of 98.4% in the identification of malignant strictures, whereas the combination of p53 immunocytochemistry and bile drainage cytology had a sensitivity of 80.3% and a specificity of 92.1%. P53 immunocytochemistry alone had a sensitivity of 64.5% and a specificity of 92.7% for the identification of malignant strictures in bile drainage samples with atypical cytology, and a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 100.0% in samples with suspicious of malignancy.

Conclusion

The addition of p53 immunocytochemistry to bile drainage cytology can be useful in identifying malignant strictures in samples showing indeterminate results on bile drainage cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:592–597. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bud detachment in hydra requires activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor and a Rho–ROCK–myosin II signaling pathway to ensure formation of a basal constriction
Authors: Holz Oliver , Apel David , Steinmetz Patrick , Lange Ellen , Hopfenmüller Simon , Ohler Kerstin , Sudhop Stefanie , Hassel Monika
Published: April 2017

Background: Hydra propagates asexually by exporting tissue into a bud, which detaches 4 days later as a fully differentiated young polyp. Prerequisite for detachment is activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling. The mechanism which enables constriction and tissue separation within the monolayered ecto‐ and endodermal epithelia is unknown. Results: Histological sections and staining of F‐actin by phalloidin revealed conspicuous cell shape changes at the bud detachment site indicating a localized generation of mechanical forces and the potential enhancement of secretory functions in ectodermal cells. By gene expression analysis and pharmacological inhibition, we identified a candidate signaling pathway through Rho, ROCK, and myosin II, which controls bud base constriction and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Specific regional myosin phosphorylation suggests a crucial role of ectodermal cells at the detachment site. Inhibition of FGFR, Rho, ROCK, or myosin II kinase activity is permissive for budding, but represses myosin phosphorylation, rearrangement of F‐actin and constriction. The young polyp remains permanently connected to the parent by a broad tissue bridge. Conclusions: Our data suggest an essential role of FGFR and a Rho‐ROCK‐myosin II pathway in the control of cell shape changes required for bud detachment. Developmental Dynamics 246:502–516, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists
Insularity effects on bird immune parameters: A comparison between island and mainland populations in West Africa
Authors: Lobato Elisa , Doutrelant Claire , Melo Martim , Reis Sandra , Covas Rita
Published: April 2017

Oceanic islands share several environmental characteristics that have been shown to drive convergent evolutionary changes in island organisms. One change that is often assumed but has seldom been examined is the evolution of weaker immune systems in island species. The reduction in species richness on islands is expected to lead to a reduced parasite pressure and, given that immune function is costly, island animals should show a reduced immune response. However, alternative hypotheses exist; for example, the slower pace of life on islands could favor the reorganization of the immune system components (innate vs. acquired immunity) on islands. Thus far, few island species have been studied and no general patterns have emerged. Here, we compared two immune parameters of birds from São Tomé and Príncipe islands to those of their close relatives at similar latitudes on the mainland (Gabon, West Africa). On islands, the acquired humoral component (total immunoglobulins) was lower for most species, whereas no clear pattern was detected for the innate component (haptoglobin levels). These different responses did not seem to arise from a reorganization of the two immune components, as both total immunoglobulins and haptoglobin levels were positively associated. This work adds to the few empirical studies conducted so far which suggest that changes in immune parameters in response to insularity are not as straightforward as initially thought.
Adaptation to fluctuating environments in a selection experiment withDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kubrak Olga I. , Nylin Sören , Flatt Thomas , Nässel Dick R. , Leimar Olof
Published: April 2017

A fundamental question in life‐history evolution is how organisms cope with fluctuating environments, including variation between stressful and benign conditions. For short‐lived organisms, environments commonly vary between generations. Using a novel experimental design, we exposed wild‐derivedDrosophila melanogasterto three different selection regimes: one where generations alternated between starvation and benign conditions, and starvation was always preceded by early exposure to cold; another where starvation and benign conditions alternated in the same way, but cold shock sometimes preceded starvation and sometimes benign conditions; and a third where conditions were always benign. Using six replicate populations per selection regime, we found that selected flies increased their starvation resistance, most strongly for the regime where cold and starvation were reliably combined, and this occurred without decreased fecundity or extended developmental time. The selected flies became stress resistant, displayed a pronounced increase in early life food intake and resource storage. In contrast to previous experiments selecting for increased starvation resistance inD. melanogaster, we did not find increased storage of lipids as the main response, but instead that, in particular for females, storage of carbohydrates was more pronounced. We argue that faster mobilization of carbohydrates is advantageous in fluctuating environments and conclude that the phenotype that evolved in our experiment corresponds to a compromise between the requirements of stressful and benign environments.
The Multi‐level System of Global Climate Governance – the Model and its Current State
Authors: Jänicke Martin
Published: April 2017

Multi‐level global governance was introduced at the United Nations summit in Rio in 1992 as a new model to achieve a broad global mobilization of different actors in sustainable development. This model has been extended to climate governance. It has become a global system with its own inherent logic, dynamics and stabilization mechanisms. This article deals with the systemic dimension (the architecture) of global multi‐level climate governance across levels and sectors. It refers to the model and its practical implementation at different levels. The text poses four hypotheses: (1) the global multi‐level system of climate governance can be regarded as a structure which offers opportunities for ambitious innovation‐based climate strategies; (2) each level of the global system has its own specific responsibilities, challenges, opportunities and mechanisms for lesson‐drawing; (3) the main lesson to be learned is to make use of the co‐benefits characteristic to climate mitigation; and (4) the system's multi‐sectoral and multi‐actor structure provides additional opportunities to address such co‐benefits and to mobilize different interests in the pursuit of climate policy objectives. After outlining these hypotheses in more detail, the article will then conclude with a set of policy recommendations. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Policy and Governance published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Multi‐level Reinforcement in European Climate and Energy Governance: Mobilizing economic interests at the sub‐national levels
Authors: Jänicke Martin , Quitzow Rainer
Published: April 2017

This article explains the relatively successful performance of the European Union (EU) in climate and energy governance by two factors: (1) multi‐level reinforcement and (2) the mobilization of economic interests at different levels of governance through low‐carbon industrial policy. The article adds to the literature by further developing existing arguments on multi‐level reinforcement in climate and energy policy. We stress the point that economic co‐benefits of climate protection have been successfully mobilized at all levels of governance, including the sub‐national level, in recent times. This is illustrated by examples from pioneer countries as well as laggards and waverers in terms of national climate and energy policy. While it is far from certain whether the EU will indeed deliver the needed CO2 reductions to reach its internationally agreed targets, this paper, nevertheless, highlights why the EU system of climate governance remains relatively robust in light of the various challenges it currently faces. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Policy and Governance published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Luminescent Silk Fibroin with Organotin Compounds from Amino Acid Schiff Bases – Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, Chemo‐Optical Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Lara‐Cerón Jesús A. , Jiménez‐Pérez Víctor M. , Molina‐Paredes Areli A. , Rasika Dias H. V. , Chávez‐Reyes Arturo , Ram Paudel Hari , Ochoa María E. , Muñoz‐Flores Blanca M.
Published: April 2017

In this work, we report the microwave‐assisted synthesis of six new pentacoordinate and chiral organotin compounds (1–6) derived from amino acid based Schiff bases. The syntheses were achieved through multicomponent reactions (MCRs) of l‐amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine), 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde, and the corresponding diorganotin oxide (R2SnO, R = nBu or Ph). These compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 119Sn), HRMS, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. All of the compounds in solution exhibited fluorescence with quantum yields (Φ) in the range 0.08 to 0.21. The cytotoxicities of 1–6 at 0.1 µg mL–1 were investigated, and they are practically harmless to melanoma B16F10 cells. The fluorescent staining ability of the organotin compounds toward silk fibroin was investigated by the immersion method and analyzed by confocal microscopy, which showed the efficient and uniform integration of the luminescent compounds. DFT calculations of the interactions of a truncated organotin–fibroin complex are also reported.
Placebo‐like analgesia via response imagery
Authors: Peerdeman K.J. , van Laarhoven A.I.M. , Bartels D.J.P. , Peters M.L. , Evers A.W.M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Placebo effects on pain are reliably observed in the literature. A core mechanism of these effects is response expectancies. Response expectancies can be formed by instructions, prior experiences and observation of others. Whether mental imagery of a response can also induce placebo‐like expectancy effects on pain has not yet been studied systematically.

Methods

In Study 1, 80 healthy participants were randomly allocated to (i) response imagery or (ii) control imagery. In Study 2, 135 healthy participants were randomly allocated to (i) response imagery with a verbal suggestion regarding its effectiveness, (ii) response imagery only, or (iii) no intervention. In both studies, expected and experienced pain during cold pressor tests were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention, along with psychological and physiological measures.

Results

Participants rated pain as less intense after response imagery than after control imagery in Study 1 (p = 0.044,  = 0.054) and as less intense after response imagery (with or without verbal suggestion) than after no imagery in Study 2 (p < 0.001,  = 0.154). Adding a verbal suggestion did not affect pain (p = 0.068,  = 0.038). The effects of response imagery on experienced pain were mediated by expected pain.

Conclusions

Thus, in line with research on placebo effects, the current findings indicate that response imagery can induce analgesia, via its effects on response expectancies.

Significance

The reported studies extend research on placebo effects by demonstrating that mental imagery of reduced pain can induce placebo‐like expectancy effects on pain.
Hybrid Reduced Graphene Oxide/Manganese Diselenide Cubes: A New Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Balamuralitharan B. , Karthick S. N. , Balasingam Suresh Kannan , Hemalatha K. V. , Selvam Samayanan , Raj J. Anandha , Prabakar Kandasamy , Jun Yongseok , Kim Hee‐Je
Published: April 2017

The integration of 2 D graphene nanosheets and layered transition‐metal dichalcogenides has been recognized as one of the most extensive strategies for the synthesis of promising electrode materials for energy‐storage devices. In this study, cubic manganese diselenide (MnSe2) and hybrid reduced graphene oxide/MnSe2 (G‐MnSe2) materials were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Metallic selenium impurities are considered to be a major unwanted byproduct in this method. An effective means to remove such bulk chalcogenides is a key challenge. For the synthesis of the G‐MnSe2 hybrid material, we used a strategy in which the graphene oxide was mixed with manganese and selenium precursors. Surprisingly, the final G‐MnSe2 product contained a negligible amount of selenium impurity. The MnSe2 and G‐MnSe2 hybrid materials were characterized in detail. For the first time, the electrochemical energy‐storage behavior of MnSe2‐based materials was assessed for supercapacitor applications. The specific capacitance of the MnSe2 electrode was approximately 57.8 mF cm−2, whereas the hybrid G‐MnSe2 electrode showed a much higher specific capacitance of 93.3 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1. A symmetric cell made from the G‐MnSe2 hybrid material showed excellent long‐term stability for 4500 cycles and approximately 106 % retention of its initial capacitance, which is impressive compared with the cycle life of the MnSe2‐based symmetric cell (80 % capacitance retention at the 4500th cycle).
Composite of biomass and lead resistent Aspergillus oryzae for highly efficient aqueous phase Pb(II) adsorption
Authors: Ji Zehua , Feng Chongling , Wu Xiaofu , Li Yanfeng , Li Liugang , Liu Xiangjun
Published: April 2017

In this research, compound biosorbent peanut shell‐HA (PSH) and millet chaff‐HA (MCH), which were composited by peanut shell (PS) and millet chaff (MC) with lead resistent Aspergillus oryzae (HA), respectively, were used to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solution. The characterize of biosorbents were analyzed by FTIR and SEM. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of pH, biosorbent concentration, initial Pb2+ concentration and contact time on the Pb2+ removal. The results indicated that the functional groups and surface morphology of PSH and MCH were significantly different after compound procedures. The maximum adsorption capacity qm of PSH and MCH were 43.09% and 83.21% higher than PS and MC, respectively. Meanwhile, the compound biosorbent showed a significant adsorption advantage at the low pH and more efficient in adsorption compared to pristine materials. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies demonstrated that the adsorption process can be well fitted by the Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order model, respectively. Fixed‐bed experiments showed that the MCH possesses stronger fixed bed adsorption capacity (qexp[MCH]=8.30 mg g−1,qexp[PSH]=7.13 mg g−1) and shorter height of mass transfer zone (H[MCH]=6.96 cm, H[PSH]=16.56 cm) than PSH. The compound biosorbents performs better than pristine materials with higher adsorption capacity. This study provides a promising strategy for manufacture of new biosorbent. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1658–1666, 2017
Investigation of efficient parameters on optimum insulation thickness based on theoretical‐Taguchi combined method
Authors: Arslanoglu Nurullah , Yigit Abdulvahap
Published: April 2017

Thermal insulation of buildings is one of the most effective energy conservation methods. However, most of the building walls still have little or no insulation despite Turkish Thermal Insulation Standard in Turkey. Four provinces from different climate zones, obtained by the Turkish Thermal Insulation Standard; Izmir (1st zone), Istanbul (2nd zone), Ankara (3rd zone), and Erzurum (4th zone) were selected for analysis.

The aim of this study is to investigate of efficient parameters on optimum insulation thickness (OIT) in terms of the order of importance using theoretical‐Taguchi coupled method. The OIT was considered as performance parameter. An L16 (43*22) orthogonal array was chosen as a design plan for the five parameters (wall, insulation, fuel type, heating degree‐day (HDD) and lifetime). The results were analyzed using signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance method. Furthermore, contribution ratios for each parameter on OIT. HDD value is the most effective parameter on the OIT with a contribution ratio of 34.53% percentage of the total effect. The second most effective parameter is insulation type with a contribution ratio of 30.6%, and the effect of fuel type on the OIT is contribution ratio of 24.18% and it is followed by lifetime (8.2%), wall type (0.67%), respectively. Consequently, daily mean temperature of cities is most important parameter on OIT. Insulation and fuel type effect is less than HDD, the impact of fuel type is close the impact of insulation type, and the effect of wall type is less than the other parameters. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1824–1831, 2017
A coupled surface‐subsurface model for hydrostatic flows under saturated and variably saturated conditions
Authors: Casulli Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the governing differential equations for hydrostatic surface‐subsurface flows are derived from the Richards and from the Navier‐Stokes equations. A vertically integrated continuity equation is formulated to account for both surface and subsurface flows under saturated and variable saturated conditions. Numerically, the horizontal domain is covered by an unstructured orthogonal grid that may include subgrid specifications. Along the vertical direction, a simple z‐layer discretization is adopted. Semi‐implicit finite difference equations for velocities, and a finite volume approximation for the vertically integrated continuity equation, are derived in such a fashion that, after simple manipulation, the resulting discrete pressure equation can be assembled into a single, two‐dimensional, mildly nonlinear system. This system is solved by a nested Newton‐type method, which yields simultaneously the (hydrostatic) pressure and a nonnegative fluid volume throughout the computational grid. The resulting algorithm is relatively simple, extremely efficient, and very accurate. Stability, convergence, and exact mass conservation are assured throughout also in presence of wetting and drying, in variable saturated conditions, and during flow transition through the soil interface. A few examples illustrate the model applicability and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A longitudinal study of smokeless tobacco use and mortality in the United States
Authors: Timberlake David S. , Nikitin Dmitriy , Johnson Norman J. , Altekruse Sean F.
Published: April 2017

Few studies in the United States have examined longitudinally the mortality risks associated with use of smokeless tobacco (SLT). The sample of our study was composed of participants from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study who completed a single Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey between the years 1985 and 2011. Using survival methods, SLT use at the baseline survey was examined as a predictor of all‐cause mortality and cause‐specific mortalities in models that excluded individuals who had ever smoked cigarettes, cigars or used pipes (final n = 349,282). The participants had median and maximum follow‐up times of 8.8 and 26.3 years, respectively. Regression analyses indicated that compared to the never tobacco users, the current SLT users did not have elevated mortality risks from all cancers combined, the digestive system cancers and cerebrovascular disease. However, current SLT users had a higher mortality risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) [hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) = 1.24 (1.05, 1.46)] relative to never tobacco users. In a separate model, the elevated risk for CHD mortality corresponded to the use of moist snuff [HR (95% CI) = 1.30 (1.03, 1.63)]. The associations with CHD mortality could be attributed to long‐term nicotine exposure, other SLT constituents (e.g., metals) or the confounding effects of CHD risk factors not accounted for in our study. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing dialogue on tobacco harm reduction and the US FDA's evaluation of Modified Risk Tobacco Product applications submitted by American SLT manufacturers.
Adiposity across the adult life course and incidence of primary liver cancer: The NIH‐AARP cohort
Authors: Yang Baiyu , Petrick Jessica L. , Kelly Scott P. , Graubard Barry I. , Freedman Neal D. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: April 2017

Obesity relatively late in adulthood has been consistently associated with increased risk of primary liver cancer. However, little is known about the role of early adult adiposity and evolution of adiposity across adulthood in hepatocarcinogenesis. We examined adult body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in a large prospective cohort. Weight at ages 18, 35, 50 and at study baseline was retrospectively reported by 303,620 participants. BMI trajectories were identified using latent class trajectory modeling. Incidence of HCC and ICC was determined through 2011. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 372 HCC cases and 104 ICC cases occurred during follow‐up. Being obese (BMI ≥ 30) at ages 18, 35, 50 and at baseline (mean age 62.3 years, range 50.3–71.5 years) was associated with an 86–119% elevated risk of HCC. BMI trajectories that resulted in obesity were associated with ∼80% higher HCC incidence. BMI at age 18, per 5 kg/m2, was associated with a 34% higher risk of ICC, but the association attenuated for BMI at older ages. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maintaining a healthy BMI throughout the lifetime may reduce liver cancer risk. Future studies with longitudinally collected weight information are warranted to further elucidate the role of life‐course adiposity in liver cancer development.
Statin use and mortality among ovarian cancer patients: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Verdoodt Freija , Kjær Hansen Merete , Kjaer Susanne K. , Pottegård Anton , Friis Søren , Dehlendorff Christian
Published: April 2017

Statin use has been suggested to improve prognosis in cancer patients, however, for ovarian cancer, the evidence is sparse. From the Danish Cancer Registry, we identified patients aged 30–84 years with a histologically verified first diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer between 2000 and 2013. Data on filled prescriptions, death, and potential confounding factors were obtained from nationwide registers. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between post‐diagnostic statin use and all‐cause or ovarian cancer‐specific mortality. Among 4,419 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, post‐diagnostic statin use was not statistically significantly associated with all‐cause (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.78–1.04) or ovarian cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.76–1.08). There was little evidence of a dose‐response relationship and the neutral associations persisted in sensitivity analyses. In women with endometrioid or clear cell tumour histology, cancer‐specific mortality was reduced by 30–40% among statin users compared to non‐users, however the analyses were limited by small numbers. Significantly reduced mortality with statin use was observed in subcohorts of new users of statins and of patients not using low‐dose aspirin. In conclusion, we found no strong evidence of an association between post‐diagnostic statin use and reduced mortality in ovarian cancer patients. However, our finding of potential differential susceptibility to statins among patients with different histologic types of ovarian cancer warrants further evaluation.
PBX3 is essential for leukemia stem cell maintenance in MLL‐rearranged leukemia
Authors: Guo Huidong , Chu Yajing , Wang Le , Chen Xing , Chen Yangpeng , Cheng Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhou Yuan , Yang Feng‐chun , Cheng Tao , Xu Mingjiang , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhou Jianfeng , Yuan Weiping
Published: April 2017

Interaction of HOXA9/MEIS1/PBX3 is responsible for hematopoietic system transformation in MLL‐rearranged (MLL‐r) leukemia. Of these genes, HOXA9 has been shown to be critical for leukemia cell survival, while MEIS1 has been identified as an essential regulator for leukemia stem cell (LSC) maintenance. Although significantly high expression of PBX3 was observed in clinical acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples, the individual role of PBX3 in leukemia development is still largely unknown. In this study, we explored the specific role of PBX3 and its associated regulatory network in leukemia progression. By analyzing the clinical database, we found that the high expression of PBX3 is significantly correlated with a poor prognosis in AML patients. ChIP‐Seq/qPCR analysis in MLL‐r mouse models revealed aberrant epigenetic modifications with increased H3K79me2, and decreased H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 levels in LSCs, which may account for the high expression levels of Pbx3. To further examine the role of Pbx3 in AML maintenance and progression, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to delete Pbx3 in leukemic cells in the MLL‐AF9 induced AML mouse model. We found that Pbx3 deletion significantly prolonged the survival of leukemic mice and decreased the leukemia burden by decreasing the capacity of LSCs and promoting LSC apoptosis. In conclusion, we found that PBX3 is epigenetically aberrant in the LSCs of MLL‐r AML and is essential for leukemia development. Significantly, the differential expression of PBX3 in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells suggests PBX3 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for MLL‐r leukemia.
Serum 25(OH)D concentration, common variants of the VDR gene and lung cancer occurrence
Authors: Gromowski Tomasz , Gapska Paulina , Scott Rodney J. , Kąklewski Krzysztof , Marciniak Wojciech , Durda Katarzyna , Lener Marcin , Górski Bohdan , Cybulski Cezary , Sukiennicki Grzegorz , Kaczmarek Katarzyna , Jaworska‐Bieniek Katarzyna , Paszkowska‐Szczur Katarzyna , Waloszczyk Piotr , Lubiński Jan , Dębniak Tadeusz
Published: April 2017

The first aim of our study was to examine the association between common variants in VDR [rs2228570 (FokI), rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI), rs731236 (TaqI) and rs11568820 (Cdx2)] and lung cancer risk in the Polish population. Genotyping and statistical analysis which included Chi‐square test with Yates correction and haplotype frequency analysis were performed on a series of 840 consecutively collected lung cancer patients and 920 healthy controls. The second aim was to evaluate the link between serum 25(OH)D concentration and the number of lung cancers in a subgroup of 200 patients. A separate control group that consisted of 400 matched (by age, sex, smoking habits and the season of blood collection) healthy individuals was used to avoid posterior adjustment on the matched variables. Statistical analysis with the use of Chi‐square test with Yates was performed. We found no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the allels of studied VDR variants among cases and controls. A statistically significant over‐representation of VDR haplotypes: rs731236_A + rs1544410_T [odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–5.32, p < 0.001], rs731236_G + rs1544410_T (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.31–1.81, p < 0.001) and rs731236_G + rs1544410_C (OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.03–0.07, p < 0.001) was detected. We found a tendency toward an increased number of lung cancers among individuals with low serum levels of 25(OH)D. To answer the question, whether VDR can be regarded as lung cancer susceptibility gene and low 25(OH)D serum levels is associated with lung cancer occurrences, additional, multicenter study needs to be performed.