bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Peroxide Values in Oils by Triphenylphosphine/Triphenylphosphine Oxide (TPP/TPPO) Assay Coupled with FTIR‐ATR Spectroscopy: Comparison with Iodometric Titration
Authors: Deyrieux Charlotte , Villeneuve Pierre , Baréa Bruno , Decker Eric A. , Guiller Isabelle , Michel Salaun Françoise , Durand Erwann
Published: June 2018

Hydroperoxides (LOOH) measurement is a common technique to determine the degree of oxidation of oils and fats. Although it appears to have some limitations (time consuming, and uses of toxic solvents as chloroform), the iodometric titration is one of the most common methods. Herein, an alternative method by measuring the oxidation level using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with an attenuated total reflectance mode (ATR), based on the stoichiometric conversion of triphenylphosphine (TPP) into triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) by hydroperoxides, is proposed. The FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy allows for a simple and accurate detection of the TPPO formed by selective reaction with LOOH, with measurement of its specific adsorption band at 542 cm−1. Calibration is made with TPPO solubilized in butan‐2‐one and covers a range of peroxide values (PV) from ≈2 to ≈800 mEq kg−1. The comparison of the iodometric titration and TPP/TPPO assay is performed with standard hydroperoxides (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide). The iodometric titration shows higher PV overestimations in comparison with the TPP/TPPO assay, for both hydroperoxides. An accelerated oxidation of different oils is assessed with the two methods, and the results confirm this observation since higher PV values are measured with the titration method. The TPP/TPPO assay coupled with the ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy appears as a simpler and faster assay, which may limit overestimation and use of toxic solvents, especially suitable for routine analysis of oil and fats.

Practical Applications: One of the first indicator of oxidation in oils and fats is the presence of hydroperoxides, therefore, it is important to find a reliable method to assess these oxidation products. One of the most common methods to determine lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) concentrations is iodometric titration. Although this method is simple to set up, it is labor‐intensive, time consuming, and uses a lot of solvent. TPP/TPPO assay coupled with FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy is a good alternative to the iodometric method since it allows a fast and robust hydroperoxide measurement, with minimal use of organic solvents. This rapid peroxide value determination can be adapted for routine quality control analyses, especially for oxidation in real‐time and accelerated aging assays to evaluate oxidative stability during shelf‐life, for industrial purpose or lab scale experiments.

The TPP/TPPO coupled with FTIR‐ATR allows for a fast, simple, reasonably sensitive (adequate for most purposes) and reproducible alternative assay to conventional iodometric titration for peroxide value assessment.
Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates Bearing (R)‐ or (S)‐9‐[3‐Hydroxy‐2‐(phosphonoethoxy)propyl] (HPEP) Moiety as Monomers for the Synthesis of Modified Oligonucleotides
Authors: Kaiser Martin Maxmilian , Novák Pavel , Rosenbergová Šárka , Poštová‐Slavětínská Lenka , Rosenberg Ivan , Janeba Zlatko
Published: June 2018

Suitably protected (R)‐ and (S)‐HPEP {9‐[3‐hydroxy‐2‐(phosphonoethoxy)propyl]} derivatives containing adenine and thymine nucleobases were prepared as monomers for the introduction of acyclic nucleotide units into oligonucleotides. The solid phase synthesis of a series of ribo and 2′‐deoxyribo nonamers containing (R)‐HPEP and (S)‐HPEP units was successfully performed in both 5′ → 3′ and 3′ → 5′ directions. The measurement of thermal characteristics of the complexes of modified nonamers with complementary DNA and RNA strands revealed a general destabilizing effect of the introduced acyclic units on the thermal stability, but in several cases [modif.RNA*RNA and modif.DNA*RNA with (S)‐HPEPA units], the duplexes were characterized in terms of Tm values.
New Spiro‐Lactam C‐nor‐D‐homo Steroids
Authors: Roumana Aggeliki , Yektaoğlu Aybike , Pliatsika Dimanthi , Bantzi Marina , Nikolaropoulos Sotiris S. , Giannis Athanassios , Fousteris Manolis A.
Published: June 2018

The design and diastereoselective synthesis of new C17 spiro‐lactam C‐nor‐D‐homo steroids is described. These constitute structurally simplified analogues of Veratrum alkaloid cyclopamine that may act as Hedgehog (Hh) signaling inhibitors with enhanced chemical and metabolic stability. Two complementary synthetic pathways towards this new class of compounds, that involve the Wagner–Meerwein‐type rearrangement to the desired C‐nor‐D‐homo steroid skeleton, the diastereoselective C17 homoallylic amination and the construction of the spiro‐lactam ring, have been explored. Notably, the developed approach enables the synthesis of regioisomeric endocyclic [Δ12(13)] and exocyclic [Δ13(18)] analogues, thus setting the stage for future structure activity relationship studies. Additionally, the generation of 12β‐hydroxy C17 homoallylic amino steroidal derivatives as precursors of the new spiro C‐nor‐D‐homo steroids provides access to an unexplored class of compounds with potential bioactivities.
Development of a Novel Membrane‐less Microbial Fuel Cell (ML‐MFC) with a Sandwiched Nitrifying Chamber for Efficient Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zhou Yuhong , Zhao Simeng , Yin Lu , Zhang Jing , Bao Yue , Shi Huixiang
Published: June 2018

A novel membrane‐less microbial fuel cell (ML‐MFC) which used the baffles instead of the ion exchange membrane (IEM) was developed for ammonium‐containing wastewater treatment and electricity generation. By means of installing an ideal nitrifying unit between the anodic and cathodic chamber, the novel ML‐MFC accomplished organics degradation and nitrogen removal without additional loop. The removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+−N and TN achieved 97.07±0.47 %, 91.76±3.32 % and 87.66±1.59 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the effluent pH was near neutral and turbidity was quite low. In addition, the maximum power density of 1.007±0.032 W/m3 was obtained. Combined with the analysis of microbial community, electroactive bacteria (EAB) Desulfovibrio, Comamonas and Thiobacillus were enriched in biofilm. Considering the superior effluent quality and the promising energy potential, the novel ML‐MFC has good application prospects in efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment.
A SNaPshot assay for detection of 45 mutations in the SCN5A gene in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Wang Xudong , Ma Zhihua , Yun Keming , Liu Jinding , Chen Deqing , Liu Zidong , Shi Jie , Li Zeqin , Gao Cairong , Du Qiuxiang , Zhang Gengqian
Published: June 2018

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs frequently in forensic practice and results in no visible pathological changes that can be detected in an autopsy. In recent years, the genetic background has been emphasized when examining SCD cases. The aim of this study is to establish a feasible system to detect SCD‐related genes for forensic DNA laboratories. Forty‐five reported SCD‐associated SNPs from sodium voltage‐gated channel alpha subunit 5 (SCN5A) were considered in our experiment. We established a SNaPshot assay for the typing of 45 SNPs using multiplex PCR and the minisequencing technique. Two multiplex PCRs were performed and optimized to cover 14 and 16 DNA fragments. The SCD victims came from the Chinese Han population residing in Shanxi and Chongqing provinces and were examined and compared with a non‐SCD group and with normal healthy individuals. A missense mutation at rs1805124 (H558R) was detected in the Chinese Han population in this study. A SNaPshot assay can be performed in any forensic DNA laboratory and would be capable of meeting the increasing demand for SCD detection. This method would also be beneficial for screening at‐risk in family members of SCD victims.
Predicting risks from down-the-drain chemicals in a developing country: Mexico and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate as a case study
Authors: Quinn Shannon E. , Dyer Scott D. , Fan Ming , Keller Virginie D.J. , Johnson Andrew C. , Williams Richard J.
Published: June 2018

It is recognized that the amount of natural dilution available can make a significant difference in the exposure and risk assessment of chemicals that emanate from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, data availability is a common limiting factor in exposure assessments for emerging markets. In the present study, we used a novel approach to derive dilution factors for the receiving waters within 5 km of wastewater discharge points in Mexico by combining locally measured river volumes, ecoregion categorization, data on WWTP capacity, and global river network models. Distributions of wastewater effluent into receiving stream dilution factors were developed for the entire country and organized by ecoregion type to explore spatial differences. The distribution of dilution factors in Mexico ranged from >1000 in tropical and temperate ecoregions to 1 in desert ecoregions. To demonstrate its utility, dilution factors were used to develop a probabilistic model to explore the potential ecological risks of the high-volume surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), commonly used in down-the-drain cleaning products. The predicted LAS river exposure values were below the predicted no-effect concentration in all regions. The methodology developed for Mexico can be used to derive refined exposure assessments in other countries with emerging markets throughout the world, resulting in more realistic risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2475–2486. © 2018 SETAC
Combined effects of cadmium exposure and temperature on the annual killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri)
Authors: Philippe Charlotte , Hautekiet Pauline , Grégoir Arnout F. , Thoré Eli S.J. , Pinceel Tom , Stoks Robby , Brendonck Luc , Boeck Gudrun De
Published: June 2018

Freshwater organisms are increasingly exposed to combinations of stressors. However, because it is time-consuming and costly, research on the interaction of stressors, such as compound toxicity and global warming on vertebrates, is scarce. Studies on multigenerational effects of these combined stressors are almost nonexistent. In the present study, we tested the combined effects of 4 °C warming and cadmium (Cd) exposure on life-history traits, biomarkers, bioaccumulation, and multigenerational tolerance in the turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri. The extremely short life cycle of this vertebrate model allows for assessment of sublethal and multigenerational effects within 4 mo. The applied Cd concentrations had only limited effects on the measured endpoints, which suggests that N. furzeri is more resistant to Cd than fathead minnow and rainbow trout. In contrast, the temperature increase of 4 °C was stressful: it delayed female maturation and lowered adult mass and fecundity. Finally, indications of synergistic effects were found on peak fecundity and embryonic survival. Overall, these results indicate the importance of studying chronic and multigenerational effects of combined stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2361–2371. © 2018 SETAC.
Nanometric neem oil emulsification through microfluidization, and its therapeutic potential against Aeromonas culicicola infection in Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Swathy Jalaja Somasekharan , Mishra Prabhakar , Thomas John , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan
Published: June 2018

The present study deals with the preparation and optimisation of neem oil nanoemulsion by microfluidization process and its application for the bacterial infection management in aquaculture. The effect of process parameters like surfactant concentration (Tween 20, Tween 80), homogenisation pressure and the number of cycles on the droplet size of neem oil nanoemulsion was investigated. The optimized pressure and number of cycles for the neem oil nanoemulsion preparation was found to be 20,000 psi and 25 cycles respectively. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the particle size of neem oil nanoemulsion was observed as the pressure, number of cycles and concentration of surfactant increase. The neem oil nanoemulsion prepared using 1:3 ratio of neem oil and Tween 80 surfactant showed a good stability with a mean droplet size of 24.5 ± 1.33 nm. The concentration of Azadiractin, an active ingredient in neem oil nanoemulsion was found to be 21.187 ± 1.01 μg/mL. The 1:3 ratio of neem oil ‐ Tween 80 formulated nanoemulsion showed good antibacterial activity against the fish pathogen, Aeromonas culicicola (MIC of 0.93 μl/mL). The morphological changes inflicted by the neem nanoemulsion treatment on bacterial cells were evident from the scanning electron microscopy and membrane integrity analysis. Further, the In‐vivo bactericidal efficacy of the neem oil nanoemulsion was tested on Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The neem oil nanoemulsion treatment exhibited protective action against Aeromonas culicicola infection and it improved the antioxidant defence system of fish. The above results envisage the use of neem oil nanoemulsion as a potential alternative for synthetic antibiotics in treatment of bacterial infection of the fish.
Equity index futures trading and stock price crash risk: Evidence from Chinese markets
Authors: Liu Jinyu , Zhong Rui
Published: June 2018

Equity index futures are often blamed for exacerbating equity price crash risk although there is little empirical evidence to support the accusation in the literature. We find that Chinese equity index futures trading significantly reduces stock price crash risk. This negative relationship is strengthened by institutional ownership and weakened by a controlling shareholders’ incentive to elude external monitoring, such as the divergence of control and cash‐flow rights of dominant shareholders, the block holdings of the largest shareholders, and state ownership. Our findings reveal the positive externality of financial derivative innovation on equity market stability.
Management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Lessons learned from type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , Poordad Fred , Lawitz Eric
Published: June 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). NAFLD is a known risk factor for developing T2D and has a very high prevalence in those with existing T2D. The diabetes spectrum includes several conditions from prediabetes to T2D to insulin‐dependent diabetes leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. Similarly, NAFLD has a histologic spectrum that ranges from the relatively benign nonalcoholic fatty liver to the aggressive form of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with or without liver fibrosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis‐cirrhosis leading to end‐stage liver disease. The management of T2D has witnessed significant changes over the past few decades with multiple new drug classes entering the treatment algorithm. Unfortunately, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved medications to treat NAFLD, and guidelines for the management of NAFLD are less established. However, the field of drug development in NAFLD has witnessed a revolution over the past 5 years with the establishment of a regulatory pathway for Food and Drug Administration approval; this has generated substantial interest from pharmaceutical companies. Several diabetes medications have been studied as potential treatments for NAFLD with promising results; moreover, drugs that target specific pathways that play a role in NAFLD development and progression are being developed at a rapid pace. Given the similarities between NAFLD and T2D in terms of pathogenesis, underlying risk factors, and disease spectrum, lessons learned from optimizing treatment for T2D can be extrapolated to the management of NAFLD. The aim of this review is to use the founding principles of the comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm to optimize the management of NAFLD. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:778‐785)
Identification and Modelling of Drop‐By‐Drop Irrigation System for Tomato Plants Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Sahbani Farhat , Ferjani Ezzidine
Published: June 2018

In northern Tunisia the cultivation of tomatoes in greenhouses is of great importance during the winter and spring seasons. This region has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters. The average temperature in winter ranges between 8.1 and 16.1°C. During this season, precipitation ranges between 148 and 376 mm, reaching an average of 366–752 mm over the three seasons (autumn, winter and spring).

The north of Tunisia is characterized by the construction of several dams, small agricultural fields and a rugged terrain, and is the reason why greenhouse farming is preferred. In order to combat erosion, runoff and save water, a drip irrigation system placed at the roots of tomato plants has been installed. However, the automatic operation of this irrigation system cannot be performed in the absence of a mathematical model. In order to solve this problem a balance was sought between the water pressure (p), the water flow (d) and the soil humidity (h). Based on the input/output, and using measurements of these three parameters (p), (d) and (h), and with the help of the MATLAB ‘ident’ toolbox, the irrigation system was taken to be a black box where (p) and (d) are the inputs and (h) is the output. This box has allowed us to obtain an estimated model that is as close as possible to the real irrigation system. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sound attenuation and preferred music in the treatment of problem behavior maintained by escape from noise
Authors: Kettering Tracy L. , Fisher Wayne W. , Kelley Michael E. , LaRue Robert H.
Published: June 2018

We examined the extent to which different sounds functioned as motivating operations (MO) that evoked problem behavior during a functional analysis for two participants. Results suggested that escape from loud noises reinforced the problem behavior for one participant and escape from arguing reinforced problem behavior for the other participant. Noncontingent delivery of preferred music through sound‐attenuating headphones decreased problem behavior without the use of extinction for both participants. We discuss the results in terms of the abolishing effects of the intervention.
Testing for optimal monetary policy via moment inequalities
Authors: Coroneo Laura , Corradi Valentina , Santos Monteiro Paulo
Published: June 2018

The specification of an optimizing model of the monetary transmission mechanism requires selecting a policy regime: commonly, commitment or discretion. In this paper we propose a new procedure for testing optimal monetary policy, relying on moment inequalities that nest commitment and discretion as two special cases. The approach is based on the derivation of bounds for inflation that are consistent with optimal policy under either policy regime. We derive testable implications that allow for specification tests and discrimination between the two alternative regimes. The proposed procedure is implemented to examine the conduct of monetary policy in the US economy.
Hypocitraturia Is an Untoward Side Effect of Synthetic Human Parathyroid Hormone (hPTH) 1-34 Therapy in Hypoparathyroidism That May Increase Renal Morbidity
Authors: Gafni Rachel I , Langman Craig B , Guthrie Lori C , Brillante Beth A , James Robert , Yovetich Nancy A , Boyce Alison M , Collins Michael T
Published: June 2018

Subcutaneous human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) therapy can effectively manage hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism, with varying effects on hypercalciuria. However, little is known about its ability to decrease the renal comorbidities of hypoparathyroidism: nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and renal insufficiency. Urinary citrate (Ucit) promotes the solubility of urinary calcium (UCa); hypocitraturia is a risk factor for NC/NL. Twenty-four–hour UCa, Ucit, and UCa/Ucit were determined in 31 hypoparathyroid subjects receiving hPTH 1-34 therapy for up to 5 years. Before hPTH 1-34, the geometric least squares mean UCa was 346 mg/day (normal <250) and Ucit was 500 mg/day (normal 250–1190); UCa/Ucit was 0.67 mg/mg. After 6 months of hPTH 1-34, UCa decreased (238, p < 0.001), but with a greater decrease in Ucit (268, p < 0.001), increasing UCa/Ucit, which became significant over time (p < 0.001). After stopping hPTH 1-34 and resuming conventional therapy (follow-up; FU), compared to the last measures on hPTH 1-34, Ucit rose to 626 (p < 0.001), reducing UCa/Ucit to 0.44, (p < 0.05); UCa also rose (273), but was still lower than baseline (p < 0.05). Daily hPTH 1-34 dose did not correlate with UCa, but was inversely related to Ucit, and directly related to UCa/Ucit (p < 0.01). Mean blood bicarbonate decreased significantly on hPTH 1-34 and remained lower than baseline at FU (p < 0.01). Mean eGFR increased on hPTH 1-34 (86 to 96 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001) and returned to baseline at FU. On renal imaging, 6 subjects did not have NC/NL, 8 had NC/NL prior to hPTH 1-34 that remained unchanged, and 16 developed new-onset (n = 10) or progressive (n = 6) NC/NL while on hPTH 1-34. Our data demonstrate that treatment with subcutaneous hPTH 1-34 may have an untoward effect of hypocitraturia and high UCa/Ucit ratio that may increase renal morbidity. With increasing use of PTH therapy in hypoparathyroidism, close monitoring and exploration for treatment of hypocitraturia seem warranted. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Domains of psychosocial disability and mental disorders
Authors: Ro Eunyoe , Watson David , Clark Lee Anna
Published: June 2018

Objectives

This study examined relations between comprehensive domains of psychosocial disability and mental disorders to determine (1) whether differential patterns of associations exist between psychosocial disability dimensions and commonly diagnosed mental disorders and (2) whether these relations differ between self‐reported and interviewer‐rated psychosocial disability domains.

Method

Self‐reported and interviewer‐rated psychosocial functioning measures and an interviewer‐rated diagnostic assessment tool were administered to 181 psychiatric outpatients.

Results

Internalizing disorders showed the strongest and most pervasive associations with psychosocial impairment across both self‐reported and interviewer‐rated measures, followed by thought disorder; externalizing showed the weakest associations. More specifically, logistic regression analyses indicated that lower well‐being factor score significantly increased the odds of distress‐disorder diagnoses, and poor basic functioning increased the odds of PTSD.

Conclusions

Results clearly showed differences in the magnitude of associations between three dimensions of psychosocial‐disability and commonly diagnosed disorders, and that these differences were similar regardless of rater type.
Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Ethionamide in the Pediatric Population by Integrating Flavin‐Containing Monooxygenase 3 Maturational Changes Over Time
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi Thu , Parvez Md Masud , Kim Min Jung , Ho Lee Jung , Ahn Sangzin , Ghim Jong‐Lyul , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: June 2018

Currently, ethionamide is the most frequently prescribed second‐line antituberculosis drug in children. After extensive metabolism by flavin‐containing monooxygenase (FMO) isoform 3 in the liver, the drug may exert cytotoxic effects. The comparison of children in different age groups revealed a significant age‐related increase in ethionamide elimination in vivo. However, to date, the exact mechanism underlying this dynamic increase in ethionamide elimination has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that the age‐dependent changes in ethionamide elimination were predominantly a result of the progressive increases in the expression and metabolic capacity of FMO3 during childhood. To test this hypothesis, a full physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of ethionamide was established and validated in adults through incorporation of comprehensive metabolism and transporter profiles, then expanded to the pediatric population through integration of FMO3 maturational changes over time. Thus, a good prediction PBPK model was validated successfully both in adults and children and applied to demonstrate the critical contribution of FMO3 in the mechanistic elimination pathway of ethionamide. In addition, a significant correlation between clearance and age was observed in children by accounting for ethionamide maturation, which could offer a mechanistic understanding of the age‐associated changes in ethionamide elimination. In conclusion, this study underlines the benefits of in vitro‐in vivo extrapolation and a quantitative PBPK approach for the investigation of transporter‐enzyme interplay in ethionamide disposition and the demonstration of FMO3 ontogeny in children.
Engineering substrate channeling in biosystems for improved efficiency
Authors: Wang Tianwen , Qin Xin , Liang Chen , Yuan Hongyu
Published: June 2018

The efficiency of a biochemical reaction is contextually regulated in the landscape of the metabolic network of a cell. The availability and activity of the corresponding enzyme are maintained at a level that favors the overall fitness of the cell, constituting a big issue for biotechnology application that a substantial accumulation of specific product is principally expected. Substrate channeling mechanism naturally existing in multiple active site enzymes, enhances the catalytic efficiency of the involved enzymes via the proximity effect enabled by the‘evolutionally optimized'orientation of the enzymes. In metabolic engineering or in vitro cascade biocatalysis, improved efficiency can be obtained when the involved enzymes are rationally organized, to simulate substrate channeling mechanism in artificially constructed systems. In this paper, we reviewed the available approaches adopted in constructing in vitro cascade biocatalysis or in vivo engineered pathways for the production of valuable products. Among these approaches, assembling enzymes onto the designed scaffolds (protein, DNA or RNA) has been proved effective in many metabolic engineering studies. Encapsulating enzymes in virus capsid or encapsulin can be used to create specialized ‘organelle‐like’ microreactors in cell by simulating the naturally existing bacterial microcompartment. Assembling enzymes on lipid droplet or thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts, will be of particular significance in practice in plant cell bioreactors. Inclusion of a feedback mechanism as an addition to these engineered systems may promise further increased efficiency. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Promotion effect of potassium carbonate on catalytic activity of Co3O4 for formaldehyde removal
Authors: Fan Zeyun , Shi Jin , Zhang Zhixiang , Chen Mingxia , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of K2CO3 on modified Co3O4 was evaluated for the catalytic removal of formaldehyde (HCHO). The synthesized catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption (CO2‐TPD) and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analyses.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the Co3O4 sample modified by 3 wt% K2CO3 was able to provide 100% conversion of HCHO to CO2 at 100°C, while KNO3 and KCl could barely promote the catalytic performance of Co3O4. K2CO3 increased the valence state of Co and the number of oxygen vacancies on the surface of modified Co3O4, thereby enhancing the oxidation ability. The product water on the Co3O4 surface could convert the carbonate to bicarbonate via hydrolysis of K2CO3, which promoted hydroxyl regeneration and accelerated intermediate species oxidation.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the Co3O4 modified by an appropriate amount of K2CO3 exhibited an excellent performance for formaldehyde oxidation removal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Decomposing C4‐free graphs under degree constraints
Authors: Ma Jie , Yang Tianchi
Published: June 2018

A celebrated theorem of Stiebitz 13 asserts that any graph with minimum degree at least can be partitioned into two parts that induce two subgraphs with minimum degree at least s and t, respectively. This resolved a conjecture of Thomassen. In this article, we prove that for , if a graph G contains no cycle of length four and has minimum degree at least , then G can be partitioned into two parts that induce two subgraphs with minimum degree at least s and t, respectively. This improves the result of Diwan in 5, where he proved the same statement for graphs of girth at least five. Our proof also works for the case of variable functions, in which the bounds are sharp as showing by some polarity graphs.
Impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on structural plasticity of the somatosensory system
Authors: Hirtz Raphael , Weiss Thomas , Huonker Ralph , Witte Otto W.
Published: June 2018

While there is a growing body of evidence regarding the behavioral and neurofunctional changes in response to the longitudinal delivery of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), there is limited evidence regarding its structural effects. Therefore, the present study was intended to investigate the effect of repeatedly applied anodal tDCS over the primary somatosensory cortex on the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) compartment of the brain. Structural tDCS effects were, moreover, related to effects evidenced by functional imaging and behavioral assessment. tDCS was applied over the course of 5 days in 25 subjects with concomitant assessment of tactile acuity of the right and left index finger as well as imaging at baseline, after the last delivery of tDCS and at follow‐up 4 weeks thereafter. Irrespective of the stimulation condition (anodal vs. sham), voxel‐based morphometry revealed a behaviorally relevant decrease of GM in the precuneus co‐localized with a functional change of its activity. Moreover, there was a decrease in GM of the bilateral lingual gyrus and the right cerebellum. Diffusion tensor imaging analysis showed an increase of fractional anisotropy exclusively in the tDCSanodal condition in the left frontal cortex affecting the final stretch of a somatosensory decision making network comprising the middle and superior frontal gyrus as well as regions adjacent to the genu of the corpus callosum. Thus, this is the first study in humans to identify structural plasticity in the GM compartment and tDCS‐specific changes in the WM compartment in response to somatosensory learning.
Rapid and accurate identification of black aspergilli from grapes using high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis
Authors: Xanthopoulou Aliki , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Tryfinopoulou Paschalitsa , Panagou Efstathios Z , Osanthanunkul Maslin , Madesis Panagiotis , Kizis Dimosthenis
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus is a diverse genus of fungi with high economic and social impact. Various species that belong to section Nigri (black aspergilli) are common agents of grape spoilage and potent producers of ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin associated with various nephrotoxic and immunotoxic effects in humans. Black aspergilli are difficult to classify following only phenotypic criteria; thus chemotaxonomic and molecular methods are employed in parallel with phenotypic ones for species characterization. These approaches, though accurate and replicable, require more than one individual step and are to a certain extent laborious when a rapid identification of these species is required.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to develop a high‐resolution melting polymerase chain reaction (HRM‐PCR) assay as a rapid method for identification of Aspergillus spp. section Nigri isolates and their detection in grape samples. Melt curve analysis of amplicons originating from the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) ribosomal region generated species‐specific HRM curve profiles, enabling the accurate differentiation of the analyzed genotypes. Furthermore, the assay was able to identify A. carbonarius, A. tubingensis, A. niger, A. ibericus and A. japonicus in grape samples artificially inoculated with conidia of these fungi.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first report on the development of an HRM‐PCR assay for the identification of black Aspergillus species in grape samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic impact of postoperative complication after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma stratified by the resectability status
Authors: Kondo Naru , Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Nakagawa Naoya , Okada Kenjiro , Takahashi Shinya , Sueda Taijiro
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stratified by resectability status.

Methods

Medical records of 226 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma who underwent PD, including 115 with resectable (R) and 111 with borderline resectable/unresectable (BR/UR) PDAC, were reviewed retrospectively. Major complications were defined as grade III or IV based on the Clavien‐Dindo classification system. The prognostic impact of major complications on overall survival (OS) was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses with stratification by resectability status.

Results

A multivariate analysis in the BR/UR group identified R1 resection (P = 0.03), T 3/4 stage (P = 0.03), and incidence of major complications (P = 0.03) as independent risk factors for poor survival, whereas major complications did not affect survival in the R group. Initiation of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S‐1 chemotherapy occurred significantly less frequently for patients with major complications than for those without major complications in the BR/UR group (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

A negative prognostic impact of postoperative major complications after PD was observed in patients with BR/UR PDAC, whereas the prognostic impact was unclear in patients with R PDAC.
Evolution in the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases: Propensity score matching analysis (PSM) on the impact of specialized multidisciplinary care across two institutional eras
Authors: Krüger Jaime A.P. , Fonseca Gilton M. , Makdissi Fabio F. , Jeismann Vagner B. , Coelho Fabrício F. , Herman Paulo
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Liver metastases are indicators of advanced disease in patients with colorectal cancer. Liver resection offers the best possibility of long‐term survival. Surgical strategies have evolved in complexity in order to offer resection to a greater number of patients, requiring specialized multidisciplinary care. The current paper focused on analyzing outcomes of patients treated after the development of a dedicated cancer center in our institution.

Methods

Patients operated on for CLM from our databank were paired through propensity score matching (PSM), and the initial experience of surgery for CLM was compared with the treatment performed after specialized multidisciplinary management. The demographic, oncological, and surgical features were analyzed between groups.

Results

Overall, 355 hepatectomies were performed in 336 patients. Patients operated on during the second era of had greater use of preoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001) as well as exposure to more effective oxaliplatin‐based regimens (P < 0.001). Surgical management also changed, with minor (P = 0.002) and non‐anatomic (P = 0.006) resections preferred over major operations. We also noted an increased number of minimally invasive resections (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment in a multidisciplinary cancer center led to changes in oncological and surgical management. Perioperative chemotherapy was frequently employed, and surgeons adopted a conservative approach to liver parenchyma.
The effect of age on anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer surgery: A population‐based study
Authors: Zaimi Ina , Sparreboom Cloë L. , Lingsma Hester F. , Doornebosch Pascal G. , Menon Anand G. , Kleinrensink Gert‐Jan , Jeekel Johannes , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Lange Johan F. ,   On Behalf of the Dutch ColoRectal Audit Group
Published: June 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on CAL and its associated mortality.

Methods

Data were derived from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. All patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer in the Netherlands between January 2011 and December 2016 were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to test the effect of age on CAL and its associated mortality.

Results

In total, 45 488 patients were included. The incidence of CAL was 6.4% in patients <60 years old, 5.5% in patients 60‐69 years old, 5.4% in patients 70‐80 years old, and 4.9% in patients ≥80 years old (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age was protective for CAL (OR 0.965 per 5 years, 95% CI 0.941‐0.985, P < 0.001). Mortality after CAL was 1.3% in patients <60 years old, 4.8% in patients 60‐69 years old, 12.3% in patients 70‐80 years old, and 27.0% in patients >80 years old (P < 0.001). Older age was associated with mortality following CAL (OR 1.497 per 5 years 95% CI 1.364‐1.647, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This population‐based study suggests a protective effect of increased age on CAL after colorectal cancer resection. However, older age is strongly associated with mortality after CAL.
The efficacy of combination of induction chemotherapy and irreversible electroporation ablation for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Kai‐Wen , Yang Po‐Chih , Pua Uei , Kim Man‐Deuk , Li Sheng‐Ping , Qiu Yu‐Dong , Song Tian‐Qiang , Liang Po‐Chin
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non‐thermal focal therapy that utilizes high voltage electric pulses to permanently rupture the cellular membrane and induce cell death. In this multi‐center study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of IRE in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Methods

From 2012 to 2015, we performed laparotomic and laparoscopic IRE in a total of 70 patients with stage III LAPC. Either gemcitabine‐based or TS‐1 (Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil) chemotherapy was applied for at least 3 months before the IRE.

Results

No IRE‐related deaths occurred. A median follow‐up of 28.1 months showed that six patients (8.6%) experienced local recurrence and 24 (34%) experienced distant progression. The overall median survival from the time of treatment was 22.6 months, and the progression‐free survival (PFS) was 15.4 months. The overall survival in the patients who used gemcitabine‐based reagents was 19.1 months and that of those who used TS‐1 was 28.7 months. The PFS for these two groups were 13.2 months and 26.4 months; the difference is significant.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that IRE is safe and effective for the control of LAPC. We surmise that the addition of IRE to a chemotherapy regimen may provide a survival advantage.
Association between Ki‐67 expression and clinical outcomes among patients with clinically node‐negative, thick primary melanoma who underwent nodal staging
Authors: Robinson Eric M. , Rosenbaum Brooke E. , Zhang Yilong , Rogers Robert , Tchack Jeremy , Berman Russell S. , Darvishian Farbod , Osman Iman , Shapiro Richard L. , Shao Yongzhao , Polsky David
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with thick primary melanomas (≥4 mm) have highly variable survival outcomes. Cell proliferation marker Ki‐67 has been identified as promising biomarker in thick melanoma but has not been evaluated since the wide spread adoption of sentinel lymph node biopsy. We revisit its prognostic relevance in the sentinel node era.

Methods

We studied patients with thick (≥4 mm) primary melanoma prospectively enrolled in a clinicopathological biospecimen database from 2002 to 2015, and evaluated the prognostic value of Ki‐67 expression while controlling for features included in the existing staging criteria.

Results

We analyzed 68 patients who underwent lymph node sampling and who had an available tumor for Ki‐67 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The median tumor thickness was 6.0 mm; the median follow‐up was 2.6 years. In multivariable analysis including nodal status and primary tumor ulceration, Ki‐67 expression was an independent predictor of worse recurrence‐free survival (HR 2.19, P = 0.024) and overall survival (HR 2.49, P = 0.028). Natural log‐transformed tumor thickness (ln [thickness]) was also significantly associated with worse OS (HR 2.39, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

We identify Ki‐67 and ln (thickness) as potential biomarkers for patients with thick melanoma who have undergone nodal staging. If validated in additional studies, these biomarkers could be integrated into the staging criteria to improve risk‐stratification.
Comparative outcomes of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas: An analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Hester Caitlin A. , Augustine Mathew M. , Choti Michael A. , Mansour John C. , Minter Rebecca M. , Polanco Patricio M. , Porembka Matthew R. , Wang Sam C. , Yopp Adam C.
Published: June 2018

Background

A paucity of data exists regarding the natural history and outcome measures of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (ASCP), a histology distinct from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study is to characterize the clinicopathological features of ASCP in a large cohort of patients comparing outcome measures of surgically resected patients to PDAC.

Methods

We identified patients diagnosed with ASCP or PDAC from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2012. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, and overall survival were analyzed between the groups.

Results

We identified 207 073 patients: 205 328 (99%) in the PDAC group and 1745 (1%) in the ASCP group. ASCP tumors were larger, located more frequently in a body/tail location (36% vs 24%, P < 0.001), undifferentiated/anaplastic histology (41% vs 17%, P < 0.001), and early stage presentation, (39% vs 32%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in OS when comparing all patients with PDAC and ASCP (6.2 months and 5.7 months, P = 0.601). In surgical patients ASCP histology was associated with worse OS (14.8 months vs 20.5 months, P < 0.001) but had lower nodal involvement (55% vs 61%, P < 0.001). ASCP histology was independently associated with worse OS, after adjusting for tumor characteristics, treatment, and patient demographics. In patients with only resected ASCP histology, negative lymph node status, R0 surgical resection, and receipt of chemotherapy was independently associated with improved overall survival following surgical resection.

Conclusion

Although patients with ASCP and PDAC tumors have similar survival when non‐surgical and surgical patients are combined, ASCP is associated with worse survival in stage I/II resected patients.
Silica‐based magnetic hybrid nanocomposite for the extraction and preconcentration of some organophosphorus pesticides before gas chromatography
Authors: Malek Somayeh Koupaei , Nodeh Hamid Rashidi , Akbari‐Adergani Behrouz
Published: June 2018

The precise control of pesticide residues in foodstuffs depends significantly on the clean extraction of analytes using specifically designed separation methods. In this study, a one‐pot sol–gel process was used for the preparation of a magnetic hybrid silica gel tetraethylortho silicate‐cyanopropyltriethoxy silane nanocomposite. The prepared material was characterized using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, single‐point specific surface area, and scanning electron microcopy. The synthesized magnetic hybrid material was used as a solid phase extraction sorbent for the extraction and preconcentration of some organophosphorus pesticides before gas chromatography with a microelectron capture detector. The performance of the proposed magnetic solid‐phase extraction technique was validated by linearity (0.05–2 ng/mL), correlation coefficients (r2 = 0.9993–0.9997), limit of detection (0.02–0.06 ng/mL, S/N = 3, n = 3), and intraday (RSD = 1.5–8.7%, n = 3) and interday precision (RSD = 5.5–9.3%, n = 12), while the recovery in real samples and equilibrium adsorption capacity was 72.02–103.84% and 8–20 mg/g, respectively. The magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on the hybrid nanocomposite revealed a high enrichment factor, an appropriate dynamic range, and great absorptive ability toward the selected organophosphorus pesticides spiked in real water samples.
Preparation and evaluation of temperature and magnetic dual‐responsive molecularly imprinted polymers for the specific enrichment of formononetin
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Zhen , Zhang Jiawei , Tan Ling , Xia Zhining , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Zhou Lian‐Di , Zhang Qihui , Yuan Chun‐Su
Published: June 2018

Thermo‐responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared by simple surface molecular imprinting polymerization for the selective adsorption and enrichment of formononetin from Trifolium pretense by temperature regulation. Using formononetin as a template, N‐isopropylacrylamide as the thermo‐responsive functional monomer, and methacrylic acid as an assisting functional monomer, the polymers were synthesized on the surface of the magnetic substrate. The results show that imprinted polymers attained controlled adsorption of formononetin in response to the temperature change, with large adsorption capacity (16.43 mg/g), fast kinetics (60 min) and good selectivity at 35°C compared with that at 25 and 45°C. The selectivity experiment indicated that the materials had excellent recognition ability for formononetin and the selectivity factors were between 1.32 and 2.98 towards genistein and daidzein. The excellent linearity was attained in the range of 5–100 μg/mL, with low detection limits and low quantitation limits of 0.017 and 0.063 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the thermo‐responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully utilized for enriching and purifying formononetin from Trifolium pretense. The analytical results indicate that the imprinted polymers are promising materials for selective identification and enrichment of formononetin in complicated herbal medicines by simple temperature‐responsive regulation.
Determination of major phenolic compounds in apples: Part I—Optimization of high‐performance liquid chromatography separation with diode array detection
Authors: Sklenářová Hana , Bílková Aneta , Pechová Martina , Chocholouš Petr
Published: June 2018

The separation of seven phenolic compounds including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, quercitrin, rutin, phloridzin, and phloretin present in apple peel and pulp and differing in elution properties has been optimized using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Several stationary phases were tested to achieve the efficient separation of phenolic compounds in fruit extracts and C18 was found to be the most efficient. Core–shell and fully porous C18 packings were assessed with respect to the complex composition of the fruit extracts. The developed high‐performance liquid chromatography method comprised gradient elution in which mobile phase A was water at pH 2.8 adjusted with acetic acid and B was acetonitrile. The gradient shape was the following: 0 min 95% A/5% B, 2.5 min 85% A/15% B, 12 min 50% A/50% B, 15 min 95% A/5% B. The flow rate was 1 mL/min, injection volume 10 μL, and UV detection at 255, 280, 320, and 365 nm was applied. Our method was validated for both C18 core–shell and fully porous packings. The resolution 6.2–14.8, symmetry 0.99–1.34, peak capacity 18–60, peak area repeatability 0.45–1.00% relative standard deviation, calibration range 0.125–5 mg/mL (0.25–10 mg/mL for chlorogenic acid and rutin), correlation coefficients of calibration curve 0.9976–0.9997, and accuracy evaluated as recovery 95.56–107.54% were determined for the core–shell column.