bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human serum albumin: A modulator of cannabinoid drugs
Authors: Leboffe Loris , di Masi Alessandra , Trezza Viviana , Polticelli Fabio , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: October 2017

The endocannabinoid system is a unique neuromodulatory system that affects a wide range of biological processes and maintains the homeostasis in all mammal body systems. In recent years, several pharmacological tools to target endocannabinoid neurotransmission have been developed, including direct and indirect cannabinoid agonists and cannabinoid antagonists. Due to their hydrophobic nature, cannabinoid agonists and antagonists need to bind specific transporters to allow their distribution in body fluids. Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant plasma protein, is a key determinant of drug pharmacokinetics. As HSA binds both the endocannabinoid anandamide and the active ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, we hypothesize that HSA can be the most important carrier of cannabinoid drugs. In silico docking observations strongly indicate that HSA avidly binds the indirect cannabinoid agonists URB597, AM5206, JZL184, JZL195, and AM404, the direct cannabinoid agonists WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940, and the prototypical cannabinoid antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716. Values of the free energy for cannabinoid drugs binding to HSA range between −5.4 kcal mol–1 and −10.9 kcal mol–1. Accounting for the HSA concentration in vivo (∼ 7.5 × 10–4 M), values of the free energy here determined suggest that the formation of the HSA:cannabinoid drug complexes may occur in vivo. Therefore, HSA appears to be an important determinant for cannabinoid efficacy and may guide the choice of the drug dose regimen to optimize drug efficacy and to avoid drug‐related toxicity. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(11):834–840, 2017.
Characterization and application of porous gold nanoparticles as 2‐photon luminescence imaging agents: 20‐fold brighter than gold nanorods
Authors: Park Joo H. , Park Jisoo , Kim Suho , Kim Se‐Hwa , Lee Tae G. , Lee Jae Y. , Wi Jung‐Sub
Published: October 2017

Two‐photon nonlinear microscopy with the aid of plasmonic contrast agents is an attractive bioimaging technique capable of generating high‐resolution images in 3 dimensions and facilitating targeted imaging with deep tissue penetration. In this work, physically synthesized gold nanoparticles containing multiple nanopores are used as 2‐photon contrast agents and are reported to emit a 20‐fold brighter 2‐photon luminescence as compared to typical contrast agents, that is, gold nanorods. A successful application of our porous gold nanoparticles is experimentally demonstrated by in vitro nonlinear optical imaging of adipocytes at subcellular level.
A novel calcium‐accumulating peptide/gelatin in situ forming hydrogel for enhanced bone regeneration
Authors: Jo Beom Soo , Lee Yunki , Suh Jin Sook , Park Yoon Shin , Lee Hyun Jung , Lee Jue‐Yeon , Cho Jaejin , Lee Gene , Chung Chong Pyoung , Park Ki Dong , Park Yoon Jeong
Published: October 2017

Bioactive agents, including proteins and peptides, can be loaded into hydrogels to improve bone regenerative capacity with their controlled release. However, the current loading method has focused on physical mixing, which has limited release control. Therefore, alternative conjugation of bioactive agents with hydrogels is highly recommended. Direct chemical conjugation of synthetic peptides containing a functional moiety with a hydrogel would be ideal. Here, we synthesized a bioactive calcium accumulating peptide (CAP) containing a collagen binding motif, which can induce osteogenic differentiation. A tyrosine residue in CAP was used to directly chemically conjugate the peptide with a gelatin‐based enzymatically crosslinked hydroxyphenyl propionic acid hydrogel under H2O2/Horse radish peroxidase conditions. To test the acceleration of bone formation, human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were loaded into a chemically conjugated CAP hydrogel. The CAP hydrogel induced bone mineralization around the PDLSCs and increased osteogenic marker expressions in vitro. It also recovered a bone layer in a calvarial defect 4 weeks postimplantation. In summary, an injectable CAP hydrogel scaffold system was developed as a potentially useful engineered microenvironment to enhance bone restoration, and it could be utilized as a vehicle for bioactive delivery of stem cells in tissue regenerative therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 531–542, 2018.
Direct surface modification of metallic biomaterials via tyrosine oxidation aiming to accelerate the re‐endothelialization of vascular stents
Authors: Kakinoki Sachiro , Takasaki Kensuke , Mahara Atsushi , Ehashi Tomo , Hirano Yoshiaki , Yamaoka Tetsuji
Published: October 2017

Rapid in‐situ re‐endothelialization of coronary stents is one of the most effective approaches to inhibit late thrombosis and restenosis. Strut surfaces allowing excellent adhesion and migration of endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells may accelerate in‐situ re‐endothelialization. Here, a well‐known endothelial cell adhesive peptide, Arg‐Glu‐Asp‐Val (REDV), was directly immobilized onto metallic surfaces by means of single‐step tyrosine oxidation with copper chloride (II) and hydrogen peroxide, which we recently reported as a new biomaterial modification technique. REDV immobilization on a 316L stainless steel plate improved endothelial cell adhesion and effectively suppressed platelet adhesion in vitro. In addition, a Co‐Cr stent immobilized with Ac‐Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Arg‐Glu‐Asp‐Val (Y‐REDV) was implanted into a rabbit abdominal aorta. On 7 days postimplantation, 80% of the strut surface of the Y‐REDV‐immobilized stent was covered by a thin neointimal layer and was similar in appearance to native endothelium. Restenosis and late thrombosis were not observed in the Y‐REDV‐immobilized stent for 42 days. These findings suggest that direct immobilization of Y‐REDV peptide onto metallic biomaterials by tyrosine oxidation is effective for promoting in‐situ re‐endothelialization in vascular stents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 491–499, 2018.
Antibiotic‐eluting orthopedic device to prevent early implant associated infections: Efficacy, biocompatibility and biodistribution studies in an ovine model
Authors: Gimeno Marina , Pinczowski Pedro , Mendoza Gracia , Asín Javier , Vázquez Francisco J. , Vispe Eugenio , García‐Álvarez Felícito , Pérez Marta , Santamaría Jesús , Arruebo Manuel , Luján Lluís
Published: October 2017

Infection of orthopedic devices is a major complication in the postsurgical period generating important health issues and economic consequences. Prevention strategies could be based on local release of antibiotics from the orthopedic device itself to avoid adhesion and growth of bacteria. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the efficiency to prevent these infections by a cefazolin‐eluting, perforated stainless steel implant in an in vivo ovine model. The device was placed in the tibia of sheep, one group receiving cefazolin‐loaded implants whereas the control group received empty implants. All implants were experimentally infected by direct inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. In vitro cytotoxicological studies were also performed to check the effect of antibiotic on cell viability, integrity, and cycle. Results showed that sheep receiving cefazolin‐loaded devices were able to avoid implant‐associated infections, with normal tissue healing process. The antibiotic release followed a local concentric pattern as demonstrated by high‐performance liquid chromatography detection in tissues. The in vitro results indicate the lack of relevant cytotoxic effects for the maximum antibiotic concentration released by the device. These results demonstrate the efficiency and safety of cefazolin‐eluting implants in an ovine model to prevent early postsurgical infections of orthopedic devices. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1976–1986, 2018.
Biophysical interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and pristine carbon nanotube substrates: Potential application for pancreatic cancer tissue engineering
Authors: Matta‐Domjan Brigitta , King Alice , Totti Stella , Matta Csaba , Dover George , Martinez Patricia , Zakhidov Anvar , La Ragione Roberto , Macedo Hugo , Jurewicz Izabela , Dalton Alan , Velliou Eirini G.
Published: October 2017

Novel synthetic biomaterials able to support direct tissue growth and retain cellular phenotypical properties are promising building blocks for the development of tissue engineering platforms for accurate and fast therapy screening for cancer. The aim of this study is to validate an aligned, pristine multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT) platform for in vitro studies of pancreatic cancer as a systematic understanding of interactions between cells and these CNT substrates is lacking. Our results demonstrate that our CNT scaffolds—which are easily tuneable to form sheets/fibers—support growth, proliferation, and spatial organization of pancreatic cancer cells, indicating their great potential in cancer tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1637–1644, 2018.
Inhibition of arterial medial calcification and bone mineralization by extracellular nucleotides: The same functional effect mediated by different cellular mechanisms
Authors: Patel Jessal J. , Zhu Dongxing , Opdebeeck Britt , D'Haese Patrick , Millán José L. , Bourne Lucie E. , Wheeler‐Jones Caroline P.D. , Arnett Timothy R. , MacRae Vicky E. , Orriss Isabel R.
Published: October 2017

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is thought to share some outward similarities to skeletal mineralization and has been associated with the transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to an osteoblast‐like phenotype. ATP and UTP have previously been shown to inhibit bone mineralization. This investigation compared the effects of extracellular nucleotides on calcification in VSMCs with those seen in osteoblasts. ATP, UTP and the ubiquitous mineralization inhibitor, pyrophosphate (PPi), dose dependently inhibited VSMC calcification by ≤85%. Culture of VSMCs in calcifying conditions was associated with an increase in apoptosis; treatment with ATP, UTP, and PPi reduced apoptosis to levels seen in non‐calcifying cells. Extracellular nucleotides had no effect on osteoblast viability. Basal alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity was over 100‐fold higher in osteoblasts than VSMCs. ATP and UTP reduced osteoblast TNAP activity (≤50%) but stimulated VSMC TNAP activity (≤88%). The effects of extracellular nucleotides on VSMC calcification, cell viability and TNAP activity were unchanged by deletion or inhibition of the P2Y2 receptor. Conversely, the actions of ATP/UTP on bone mineralization and TNAP activity were attenuated in osteoblasts lacking the P2Y2 receptor. Ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) hydrolyses ATP and UTP to produce PPi. In both VSMCs and osteoblasts, deletion of NPP1 blunted the inhibitory effects of extracellular nucleotides suggesting involvement of P2 receptor independent pathways. Our results show that although the overall functional effect of extracellular nucleotides on AMC and bone mineralization is similar there are clear differences in the cellular mechanisms mediating these actions.
3‐(2‐(2‐Oxo‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carbonyl)hydrazono)‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)butanamide Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, DFT, Biological, and Ion‐flotation studies
Authors: Zaky Rania , Abou El‐Reash Y. G. , Fekri Ahmed , Youssef Hany M. , Noori Abdulrahman S.
Published: October 2017

Schiff base complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) with 3‐(2‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carbonyl)hydrazono)‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)butanamide (H2L) were produced. The synthesized compounds were deduced by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, and spectroscopic techniques. The geometry of the prepared complexes was estimated by applying DFT method. Also, Cu(II) and Zn(II) were separated using a simple, quick, and low‐cost quantitative flotation technique preceding to their determinations using atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS). Additionally, the biological activities (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic) of isolated compounds were carried out.
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of (2‐Alkyl/aryl‐3H‐imidazo[2,1‐c][1,2,4]triazol‐3‐yl)(aryl)methanone
Authors: Hajri Azhar , Marzouki Mohamed Lamjed
Published: October 2017

The important therapeutic properties of imidazole‐related drugs have encouraged the medicinal chemists to synthesize and test a large number of novel molecules. In this investigation, it was of interest to synthesize (2‐alkyl/aryl‐3H‐imidazo[2,1‐c][1,2,4]triazol‐3‐yl)(aryl)methanone by short reaction times of N‐triazol‐3‐yl imidate with phenacyl bromides under basic conditions. All compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, elemental analyses, and mass spectral analysis.
Ciprofloxacin‐isatin‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole Hybrids: Design, Synthesis, and in vitro Anti‐tubercular Activity against M. tuberculosis
Authors: Xu Zhi , Lv Zao‐Sheng , Song Xu‐Feng , Qiang Min
Published: October 2017

A new set of ciprofloxacin (CPFX)‐isatin‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole hybrids 6a–l with greater lipophilicity compared with the parent CPFX was designed, synthesized, and assessed for their in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv as well as cytotoxicity in VERO cell line. The preliminary results showed that all hybrids (MIC: 0.39–50 μg/mL) exhibited promising activities against MTB H37Rv, and six of them (MIC: 0.39–1.56 μg/mL) were more active than the parent CPFX (MIC: 3.12 μg/mL). In particular, the most active conjugate 6h (MIC: 0.39 μg/mL) was comparable with RIF (MIC: 0.39 μg/mL), and eight times more potent than CPFX. All conjugates (CC50: 4–64 μg/mL) were more toxic than the parent (CC50: 128 μg/mL) in VERO cell lines, and the most active hybrids, which also displayed the highest cytotoxicity, should be further optimized.
Analysis of clinical features and pathology of serum HBsAg positive glomerulonephritis
Authors: Peng Tao , Xie Tingting , Liu Lei , Zhen Junhui , Yang Xiangdong
Published: October 2017

To analyze the relationship between the factors related to the occurrence of HBV‐GN and serum HBsAg‐positive glomerulonephritis. A total of 56 patients were enrolled in the present study. All enrolled cases were divided into two groups according to whether HBsAg and/or HBcAg was present in renal kidney tissue: patients with Hepatitis B virus‐associated nephritis (HBV‐GN group, 30 cases) and patients with hepatitis B virus‐combined nephritis (HBV‐CG group, 26 cases). We sought to analyze the differences in clinical features and pathological characteristics in both groups. The rate of HBeAg positivity in the HBV‐GN group was considerably increased in the HBV‐CG group (P < 0.05), and the number of patients with HBsAg+HBeAg+HBcAb+ in the HBV‐GN group was considerably increased in the HBV‐CG group (21 cases vs 10 cases) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of MCD patients diagnosed by renal biopsy in the HBV‐GN group was reduced compared with the HBV‐CG group (1 case vs 7 cases) (P < 0.05). HBV infection and high‐virus proliferation status were closely related with HBV‐GN.
Risk factors of respiratory syncytial virus infection among pediatric influenza‐like illness and severe acute respiratory infections in Suzhou, China
Authors: Huang Yukai , Hua Jun , Wang Dan , Chen Liling , Zhang Jun , Zhu Hong , Tian Jianmei , Zhang Tao , Zhao Genming
Published: October 2017

The characteristics and risk factors of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among children has not yet been fully understood. To address the characteristics of RSV‐associated illness and risk factors of RSV infection among children under 5 years of age in Suzhou, China. From April 2011 to March 2014, we conducted a prospective surveillance among children in Suzhou, China. Nasal or throat swabs were collected from outpatients with influenza‐like illness (ILI) and inpatients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). RSV was detected by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and direct fluorescent antibody assay for children with ILI and SARI, respectively. Multivariable logistic‐regression models were constructed to explore risk factors and symptoms of RSV infection. Of 3267 ILI and 1838 SARI children enrolled in the study, 192 (5.9%) and 287 (15.6%) tested positive for RSV, respectively. Among ILI patients, children with RSV infections visited clinics more often (P = 0.005) and had longer duration of fever (P = 0.032) than those without RSV infection. All RSV‐positive children had an increased risk of having cough (OR = 2.9), rhinorrhea (OR = 1.6), breathing difficulty (OR = 3.4), wheezing (OR = 3.3), and irritability (OR = 2.7). Children aged <2 years, had history of prematurity (OR = 2.0) and recent respiratory infections (OR = 1.3) were more likely to get infected by RSV. Children with SARI had higher positive rate of RSV than those with ILI. Cough, rhinorrhea, and wheezing were the most common symptoms in RSV infection. Children aged <2 years, had history of prematurity and recent respiratory infections were the potential risk factors for RSV infection.
Seroprevalence of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Ljungan virus in Finnish patients with suspected neurological infections
Authors: Fevola Cristina , Kuivanen Suvi , Smura Teemu , Vaheri Antti , Kallio‐Kokko Hannimari , Hauffe Heidi C. , Vapalahti Olli , Jääskeläinen Annemarjut J.
Published: October 2017

Directly‐transmitted rodent‐borne zoonotic viruses, such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can cause nervous system infections. Rodent‐borne Ljungan virus (LV) is considered potentially zoonotic possibly causing neurological symptoms. Our objective was to understand the role of these two viruses compared to other pathogens in causing neurological infections in Finnish patients. Routine screening data were available for 400 patients aged 5‐50 years, collected from December 2013 to December 2014 with suspected neurological infection. Depending on symptoms, patients were variously tested for herpesviruses, enteroviruses, varicella zoster virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, while those suspected of tick bite were further tested for Borrelia spp. and tick‐borne encephalitis virus using antibody and/or nucleic acid tests. For 380 patients, we also screened the RNA and antibody prevalence of LCMV and LV in order to test if either of these viruses were the causative agent. Data collected indicated that the causative microbial agent was confirmed in only 15.5% of all Finnish patients with neurological symptoms, with M. pneumoniae (26 cases) being the most common causative agent found in sera, whereas Borrelia spp. (15), herpes simplex viruses (7), and enteroviruses (5) were the most common agents confirmed in the CSF. The seroprevalences for LV and LCMV were 33.8% and 5.0%, respectively, but no samples were PCR‐positive. In this study, M. pneumoniae and Borrelia spp. were the most common causative agents of neurological infections in Finland. No LCMV or LV infections were detected. We conclude there was no association of LV with neurological diseases in this patient cohort.
Effect of mechanical strain on the pluripotency of murine embryonic stem cells seeded in a collagen‐I scaffold
Authors: Hazenbiller Olesja , Nasr Saghar , Krawetz Roman J. , Duncan Neil A.
Published: October 2017

The use of embryonic stem cells (ESC) in regenerative medicine is restricted due to the possibility of tumorigenicity after inefficient or incomplete differentiation. Studies from our group, and others, suggest that mechanical stimuli may have a suppressive effect on the pluripotency/tumorigenesis of murine ESC (mESC). Furthermore, we have demonstrated that mESC seeded in a type I collagen scaffold, and transplanted into a murine bone fracture model, demonstrated repair without tumor formation. However, it remains unknown if mechanical factors were involved in blocking tumorigenicity of the mESC. Therefore, the aims of the current study were: (i) to characterize the mechanical environment within the transplanted construct (mESC‐Col I) in an in vivo murine fracture model using computational analyses; and (ii) to reproduce this mechanical environment in vitro to elucidate the role of these mechanical factors on mESC pluripotent gene expression. It was predicted that the mESC‐Col I construct was subjected to an average octahedral shear strain of ∼3.8% and a compressive strain of ∼3.1% within the fracture in vivo when the murine tibia was subjected to an axial compression load of 4 N (1 Hz). When a similar strain environment was replicated experimentally in vitro, the expression patterns of marker genes for pluripotency (Oct 4, Sox 2, Nanog, Rex 1, and oncogene ERas) were significantly down‐regulated. This suggests that the local micro‐mechanical environment within the fracture site in vivo may be involved in regulating stem cell fate after transplantation, and that these physical factors should be considered when developing regenerative medicine strategies. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:799–807, 2018.
Current and novel injectable hydrogels to treat focal chondral lesions: Properties and applicability
Authors: Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia , Rodriguez‐Fontan Francisco , Aisenbrey Elizabeth A. , Payne Karin A. , Chahla Jorge , Goodrich Laurie R. , Bryant Stephanie J.
Published: October 2017

Focal chondral lesions and early osteoarthritis (OA) are responsible for progressive joint pain and disability in millions of people worldwide, yet there is currently no surgical joint preservation treatment available to fully restore the long term functionality of cartilage. Limitations of current treatments for cartilage defects have prompted the field of cartilage tissue engineering, which seeks to integrate engineering and biological principles to promote the growth of new cartilage to replace damaged tissue. Toward improving cartilage repair, hydrogel design has advanced in recent years to improve their utility. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a promising scaffold due to their wide range of properties, the ability to encapsulate cells within the material, and their ability to provide cues for cell differentiation. Some of these advances include the development of improved control over in situ gelation (e.g., light), new techniques to process hydrogels (e.g., multi‐layers), and better incorporation of biological signals (e.g., immobilization, controlled release, and tethering). This review summarises the innovative approaches to engineer injectable hydrogels toward cartilage repair. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:64–75, 2018.
Flash autoclave settings may influence eradication but not presence of well‐established biofilms on orthopaedic implant material
Authors: Williams Dustin L. , Taylor Nicholas B. , Epperson Richard T. , Rothberg David L.
Published: October 2017

Flash autoclaving is one of the most frequently utilized methods of sterilizing devices, implants or other materials. For a number of decades, it has been common practice for surgeons to remove implantable devices, flash autoclave and then reimplant them in a patient. Data have not yet indicated the potential for biofilms to survive or remain on the surface of orthopaedic‐relevant materials following flash autoclave. In this study, monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms were grown on the surface of clinically relevant titanium materials and exposed to flash autoclave settings that included varying times and temperatures. Data indicated that when the sterilization and control temperatures of an autoclave were the same, biofilms were able to survive flash autoclaving that was performed for a short duration. Higher temperature and increased duration rendered biofilms non‐viable, but none of the autoclave settings had the ability to remove or disperse the presence of biofilms from the titanium surfaces. These findings may be beneficial for facilities, clinics, or hospitals to consider if biofilms are suspected to be present on materials or devices, in particular implants that have had associated infection and are considered for re‐implantation. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1543–1550, 2018.
Oncologic results and quality of life in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharynx after transoral laser microsurgery
Authors: Hung Li‐Ting , Huang Hsin‐I , Wang Ling‐Wei , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Chu Pen‐Yuan
Published: October 2017

Objective

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is an alternative method for organ preservation in squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharynx (HPSCC). The purpose of this study was to analyze the oncologic results and quality of life (QOL) in HPSCC patients after TLM.

Methods

Forty‐six patients who underwent TLM were included, 34 of them had QOL evaluations. The QOL analyses were measured with EORTC QLQ‐C‐30, QLQ‐H&N35, VHI‐30, and MDADI at least 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Most patients were male (96%) with a median age of 60 years. Four patients (9%) were at the T1 category, 24 (52%) at T2, 15 (33%) at T3, and 3 (7%) at T4. Twenty‐nine patients (63%) had cervical lymph node metastases and 26 (57%) received postoperative radiotherapy. With a median follow‐up of 61 months for all patients, 18 (39%) had tumor recurrence, including 4 local, 7 regional, and 7 distant. The 5‐year overall and disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 59% and 77%, respectively. The 5‐year laryngeal preservation rate was 89%. Most patients had satisfactory QOLs.

Conclusion

In early and selective moderately advanced HPSCC, TLM can achieve optimal oncologic results and satisfactory QOL. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:117–124, 2018.   © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nickel‐Salen Type Polymers as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Eliseeva Svetlana N. , Alekseeva Elena V. , Vereshchagin Anatoliy A. , Volkov Alexey I. , Vlasov Petr S. , Konev Alexander S. , Levin Oleg V.
Published: October 2017

The nickel salen‐type redox polymers represent an interesting class of organometallic polymers frequently used in hybrid supercapacitor electrodes as thin films and carbon material composites. However, the suitability of these compounds for application as electrode materials for rechargeable batteries has not yet been tested. In this study, redox processes in monocomponent electrodes based on a series of nickel salen‐type redox polymers are investigated in 1mLiPF6in 1:1 ethylene carbonate (EC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC) electrolyte in a Li‐ion battery. The oxidation potentials for polymer complexes of nickel exceed 3.5 V versus Li/Li+, which enhances specific energy. It is found that introduction of a proper substituent in the phenyl ring of the ligand allows to fabricate additive‐free electrodes which demonstrate high charge/discharge rate performance with the capacity on discharge at 10Cbeing up to 73% of the capacity obtained at discharge at 1C, which corresponds to maximum power of 2.6 kW kg−1.
HPMA‐PEG Surfmers and Their Use in Stabilizing Fully Biodegradable Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Sponchioni Mattia , Palmiero Umberto Capasso , Moscatelli Davide
Published: October 2017

The most adopted methods to produce polymer nanoparticles (NPs) for medical and pharmaceutical applications use surfactants that are toxic and physically adsorbed to the NPs, with the risk of desorption and insurgence of side effects. A valid alternative is represented by the use of surfmers, reactive surfactants that are chemically linked to the polymer chains, thus avoiding the release of toxic species. In this case, the lack of biodegradable surfmers introduces the concern of polymer accumulation into the body. In this work, biodegradable, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) based surfmers are synthesized and used to stabilize lipophilic NPs. In particular, the NP core is made from a macromonomer comprising a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) chain functionalized with HPMA double bond. The NP forming polymer chains are then constituted by a uniform poly(HPMA) backbone that is biocompatible and water soluble and hydrolysable PEG and PLA pendants assuring the complete degradability of the polymer. The stability provided to these NPs by the synthesized surfmers is studied in the cases of both emulsion free radical polymerization and solution free radical polymerization followed by the flash nanoprecipitation of the obtained amphiphilic copolymers.
Metabolite of ellagitannins, urolithin A induces autophagy and inhibits metastasis in human sw620 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Wenhua , Shi Fengqiang , Guo Zhikun , Zhao Jiaojie , Song Xueying , Yang Hua
Published: October 2017

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway in which cytoplasmic contents are degraded and recycled. This study found that submicromolar concentrations of urolithin A, a major polyphenol metabolite, induced autophagy in SW620 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Exposure to urolithin A also dose‐dependently decreased cell proliferation, delayed cell migration, and decreased matrix metalloproteinas‐9 (MMP‐9) activity. In addition, inhibition of autophagy by Atg5‐siRNA, caspases by Z‐VAD‐FMK suppressed urolithin A‐stimulated cell death and anti‐metastatic effects. Micromolar urolithin A concentrations induced both autophagy and apoptosis. Urolithin A suppressed cell cycle progression and inhibited DNA synthesis. These results suggest that dietary consumption of urolithin A could induce autophagy and inhibit human CRC cell metastasis. Urolithins may thus contribute to CRC treatment and offer an alternative or adjunct chemotherapeutic agent to combat this disease.
Pedestrian safety in patients with Parkinson's disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Ford Kristin J. , Joop Allen , Memon Raima A. , Wood Kimberly H. , Ball Karlene , Cutter Gary R. , Schwebel David C. , Amara Amy W.
Published: October 2017

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease experience debilitating motor symptoms as well as nonmotor symptoms, such as cognitive dysfunction and sleep disorders. This constellation of symptoms has the potential to negatively influence pedestrian safety. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of motor symptoms, daytime sleepiness, impaired vigilance, and cognitive dysfunction with pedestrian behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy older adults.

Methods

Fifty Parkinson's disease and 25 control participants were evaluated within a virtual reality pedestrian environment and completed assessments of motor performance, daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), vigilance (psychomotor vigilance task), and visual processing speed (Useful Field of View) outside the virtual reality environment. The primary outcome measure was time to contact, defined as the time remaining until a participant would have been hit by an approaching vehicle while crossing the virtual street.

Results

The virtual reality pedestrian environment was feasible in all participants. Patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrated riskier pedestrian behavior compared with controls. Among Parkinson's disease participants, walking speed, objective measures of vigilance, and visual processing speed were correlated with pedestrian behavior, with walking speed the strongest predictor of time to contact, explaining 48% of the variance. Vigilance explained an additional 8% of the variance. In controls, vigilance was also important for street‐crossing safety, but older age was the most robust predictor of pedestrian safety.

Conclusions

Walking speed is associated with unsafe pedestrian behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease. In contrast, age was the strongest predictor of pedestrian safety in healthy older adults. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Technical Note: Dosimetric characteristics of the ocular beam line and commissioning data for an ocular proton therapy planning system at the Proton Therapy Center Houston
Authors: Titt Uwe , Suzuki Kazumichi , Li Yupeng , Sahoo Narayan , Gillin Michael T. , Zhu Xiaorong R.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To systematically analyze and present the properties of a small‐field, double‐scattering proton beam line intended to be used for the treatment of ocular cancer, and to provide configuration data for commission of the Eclipse Ocular Proton Planning System.

Methods

Measurements were made using ionization chambers, diodes, and films to determine dose profiles and output factors of the proton beams of the beam line at the Proton Therapy Center Houston. In parallel, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to validate the measured data and to provide additional insight into detailed beam parameters that are hard to measure, such as field size factors and a comparison of output factors as a function of circular and rectangular fields.

Results

The presented data comprise depth dose profiles, including distal and proximal profiles used to configure the Eclipse Ocular Proton Planning system, distal fall‐off widths, lateral profiles and penumbrae sizes, as well as output factors as a function of field size, SOBP width, range shifter thickness, snout position, and source‐to‐surface distance.

Conclusions

We have completed a comprehensive characterization of the beam line. The data will be useful to characterize proton beams in clinical and experimental small‐field applications.
Variation in the prevalence of deciduous caries in early modern human skeletons from Japan
Authors: Nagaoka Tomohito , Abe Mikiko
Published: October 2017

The early modern Edo period in Japan denotes a chronological division between the AD 17th and 19th centuries when social structure was stratified. This study aimed to examine the occurrence of dental caries in the deciduous teeth of commoner children in Sakai City (Osaka, Japan), comparing them with those excavated in other regions, eventually clarifying variations in prevalence of deciduous caries and the causative factors contributing to such variations. Results indicated a biased distribution pattern in caries prevalence. Caries were frequently present in maxillary incisors whereas few occurrences in the mandibular counterparts were observed. Another important finding was the population‐level differences in caries prevalence—the Sakai sample displayed systematically lower frequencies of caries than warriors and commoners from Kyushu in western Japan; thus, causative factors can be hypothesized to be not only social classes but also regional differences in living conditions. These findings proved the presence of intrapopulation and interpopulation variation in deciduous caries based on children's skeletons from socially stratified societies in different geographical regions and demonstrated that deciduous caries provide bioarchaeologists with information on population diversity apparent in caries prevalence and cariogenic diets.
Anxiety during cancer diagnosis: Examining the influence of monitoring coping style and treatment plan
Authors: Bronner Madelon B. , Nguyen Minh Hao , Smets Ellen M.A. , van de Ven Anthony W.H. , van Weert Julia C.M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Studies on anxiety within oncology show a high prevalence of anxiety both during and after the course of the disease. However, little is known about factors that influence the level of anxiety in the diagnostic phase. This study examines the presence of anxiety during diagnosis and treatment planning and explores how a monitoring (ie, information seeking) coping style and the suggested treatment plan (ie, with or without chemotherapy) interact with anxiety.

Methods

Anxiety scores (6‐item State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory) were collected from 81 colorectal cancer patients before and after their visit to the outpatient Gastrointestinal Oncological Center Amsterdam. A cut‐off score (>44) was used to indicate highly anxious patients.

Results

More than half (59%) of the patients were classified as highly anxious before consultation. Although anxiety scores significantly decreased after consultation (t = 3.149, P = .002), 37% of the patients remained highly anxious. Reductions in anxiety were specifically observed for patients with a higher monitoring coping style and patients for whom a treatment plan without chemotherapy was proposed. Interestingly, high monitors for whom treatment without chemotherapy was proposed showed a major decrease in anxiety, whereas low monitors for whom treatment starting with chemotherapy was proposed showed a great increase in anxiety.

Conclusions

The diagnostic phase is associated with high levels of anxiety. Distinct patterns of anxiety were identified, depending on patients' coping style and the suggested treatment plan. Remarkably, patients with a lower monitoring coping style became particularly anxious when they were advised to start treatment with chemotherapy.
Low‐Temperature Operation of High‐Efficiency Germanium Quantum Dot Photodetectors in the Visible and Near Infrared
Authors: Siontas Stylianos , Li Dongfang , Liu Pei , Aujla Sartaj , Zaslavsky Alexander , Pacifici Domenico
Published: October 2017

The temperature‐dependent operation of high efficiency Ge quantum dot (QD) photodetectors (PDs) is reported, that shows spectral responsivity of 1.2 A W−1, internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 228% and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) equal to 7 × 106 at a wavelength of 640 nm for 12 μW of incident power. The performance of these photodetectors can be improved by reducing the operating temperature, especially at low incident power. For instance, at 10 nW of 640 nm illumination power, lowering temperature from 300 to 100 K improves SNR from 2 × 104 to 2 × 105 and specific detectivity D* from 1.2 × 1011 to 2 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W−1. This enhanced performance is attributed to saturation of the charging process within the QD layer, that leads to longer hole lifetimes and IQE exceeding 22 000%. Also, the near‐infrared performance of these PDs is reported, finding that below 200 K there is a significant near‐IR photocurrent (three orders of magnitude larger than the dark current at 1100 nm and two orders of magnitude larger than the dark current at 1300–1550 nm, where only the Ge QDs contribute to optical absorption), leading to operational PDs, albeit at lower D*.
Novel Solution‐Processed ZnO‐Based Electron Injection Layer for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Dong Dan , Wang Yang , Lian Lu , Feng Dongxu , Wang Han , He Gufeng
Published: October 2017

A novel solution‐processed zinc oxide (ZnO)‐based electron injection layer (EIL) has been developed with an easy method. The inverted organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) with pristine ZnO as EIL shows improved electron injection property compared to that with thermally evaporated Cs2CO3, and a maximum efficiency of 58.5 cd A−1 has been achieved for a green phosphorescent OLED. However, when the ZnO is applied to a solution‐processed OLED using poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) as emissive layer, it is found that the luminance remains at a low level although the current increases very fast. The low luminance is mainly attributed to the inefficient hole blocking property of ZnO, resulting in unbalanced electron–hole pairs in the emissive layer. Hence, a mixed interlayer of ZnO and polyethyleneimine ethoxylated (PEIE) is introduced to modify the ZnO layer. The optimized device shows a maximum luminance of 11 660 cd m−2, which is more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the device without the interlayer (≈775 cd m−2).
Gamma‐aminobutyric acidA receptor agonist, muscimol, increases KiSS‐1 gene expression in hypothalamic cell models
Authors: Kanasaki Haruhiko , Tumurbaatar Tuvshintugs , Oride Aki , Hara Tomomi , Okada Hiroe , Kyo Satoru
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Accumulating evidence indicates that hypothalamic kisspeptin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. In this study, the direct action of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor agonist on kisspeptin‐expressing neuronal cells was examined.

Methods

A hypothalamic cell model of rat hypothalamic cell line R8 (rHypoE8) cells and primary cultures of neuronal cells from fetal rat brains were stimulated with a potent and selective GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, to determine the expression of the KiSS‐1 gene.

Results

Stimulation of the rHypoE8 cells with muscimol significantly increased the level of KiSS‐1 messenger (m)RNA expression. The ability of muscimol to increase the level of KiSS‐1 mRNA also was observed in the primary cultures of the neuronal cells from the fetal rat brains. The muscimol‐induced increase in KiSS‐1 mRNA expression was completely inhibited in the presence of the GABAA receptor antagonist. Although muscimol increased the expression of KiSS‐1, the natural compound, GABA, failed to induce the expression of KiSS‐1 in the rHypoE8 cells. Muscimol did not modulate gonadotropin‐releasing hormone expression in either the rHypoE8 cells or the primary cultures of the fetal rat brains.

Conclusions

This study's observations suggest that the activation of the GABAA receptor modulates the HPG axis by increasing kisspeptin expression in the hypothalamic neurons.
Nationwide survey of urological specialists regarding male infertility: results from a 2015 questionnaire in Japan
Authors: Yumura Yasushi , Tsujimura Akira , Imamoto Takashi , Umemoto Yukihiro , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Shiraishi Koji , Shin Takeshi , Taniguchi Hisanori , Chiba Koji , Miyagawa Yasushi , Iwamoto Teruaki
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To investigate the incidence, etiology, treatment indications, and outcomes regarding infertile male patients in Japan.

Methods

Between April, 2014 and March, 2015, the authors contacted 47 clinical specialists in male infertility who had been certified by the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine. The participating clinicians were sent a questionnaire regarding information on their infertile patients, according to etiology and the number and success rates of male infertility operations that had been performed in their practice.

Results

Thirty‐nine specialists returned the questionnaire and provided information regarding 7268 patients. The etiology of infertility included testicular factors, sexual disorders, and seminal tract obstruction. During the study year, the clinicians performed varicocelectomies, testicular sperm extractions (TESEs), and re‐anastomoses of the seminal tract. The rate of successful varicocelectomies was >70%. The sperm retrieval rates with conventional TESE and microdissection TESE were 98.3% and 34.0%, respectively, while the patency rates with vasovasostomy and epididymovasostomy were 81.8% and 61.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Surgical outcomes for infertile male patients are favorable and can be of great clinical benefit for infertile couples. To achieve this, urologists should work in collaboration with gynecological specialists in order to optimize the treatment of both partners.
Decentralized filtered feedback linearization for uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Ghasemi Amir H. , Hoagg Jesse B. , Seigler T.M.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents decentralized filtered feedback linearization (D‐FFL), which is a decentralized controller for uncertain nonlinear systems with potentially unknown disturbance. Moreover, D‐FFL uses only local‐state feedback (or, in certain cases, local‐output feedback) and local reference‐model‐input feedforward and requires limited model information. For sufficiently small initial conditions and sufficiently large choice of a scalar control parameter, D‐FFL makes the
norm of the command‐following error arbitrarily small.
Temporal variability of streamflow and plant species abundance on islets as they relate to ENSO events downstream from an inversion‐type reservoir
Authors: Dubeau S. , Assani A. A. , Ibrahim G. , Rodríguez M. A.
Published: October 2017

The goal of this study was to analyse the impacts of the sequence of 1 El Niño (2009–2010) and 2 La Niña (2007–2008 and 2010–2011) events on the interannual variability of daily streamflow during the growing season (April to September) and grass species abundance downstream from the Taureau reservoir (4,070 km2) on the Matawin River (Quebec, Canada). This reservoir has inverted the natural annual cycle of streamflow: Maximum flows occur in winter and minimum flows in springtime during snowmelt. Comparison of daily flows over the period from 2006 to 2011 using various statistical tests revealed a significant increase in flows released downstream from the reservoir during the 2 La Niña events, with a particularly large increase in the growing season (April to May) during the 1st La Niña event (2007–2008). In contrast, during the El Niño event (2009–2010), streamflow decreased significantly. As far as the abundance of plant species is concerned, the total number of obligate wetland species increased significantly after the 1st La Niña event and then decreased after the El Niño event, along with the total number of terrestrial species. The study shows that relatively intense El Niño Southern Oscillation events can have significant implications for the management of flows released downstream from reservoirs in Quebec and hence affect plant species abundance on islets.
Surface/Interfacial Structure and Chemistry of High‐Energy Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Hou Peiyu , Yin Jiangmei , Ding Meng , Huang Jinzhao , Xu Xijin
Published: October 2017

The urgent prerequisites of high energy‐density and superior electrochemical properties have been the main inspiration for the advancement of cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in the last two decades. Nickel‐rich layered transition‐metal oxides with large reversible capacity as well as high operating voltage are considered as the most promising candidate for next‐generation LIBs. Nonetheless, the poor long‐term cycle‐life and inferior thermal stability have limited their broadly practical applications. In the research of LIBs, it is observed that surface/interfacial structure and chemistry play significant roles in the performance of cathode cycling. This is due to the fact that they are basically responsible for the reversibility of Li+ intercalation/deintercalation chemistries while dictating the kinetics of the general cell reactions. In this Review, the surface/interfacial structure and chemistry of nickel‐rich layered cathodes involving structural defects, redox mechanisms, structural evolutions, side‐reactions among others are initially demonstrated. Recent advancements in stabilizing the surface/interfacial structure and chemistry of nickel‐rich cathodes by surface modification, core–shell/concentration‐gradient structure, foreign‐ion substitution, hybrid surface, and electrolyte additive are presented. Then lastly, the remaining challenges such as the fundamental studies and commercialized applications, as well as the future research directions are discussed.