bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing Trans‐Species Islets in Tumor Extract‐Remodeled Testicles
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Rui Xiaying , Qiu Junni , Yan Yiqing , Gan Jingjing , Liu Shang , Wang Lintao , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Chunming , Dong Lei
Published: January 2019

Although pancreatic islet transplantation holds promise for the treatment of type I diabetes, its application has been significantly hampered by transplant rejection. Here, an approach is demonstrated to support trans‐species islet beta cells from a rat to grow and function in the body of a mouse host while overcoming graft rejection. This approach, which builds on remodeling of the mouse testicle by local injection of a tumor homogenate, establishes an immunosuppressive and proregenerative niche in the testicle. This remodeling proves necessary and effective in shaping the testicle into a unique site to accommodate xenograft cells. Rat pancreatic beta cells—from both the insulinoma (cancer cells) and pancreatic islet (normal tissue)—survive, grow, and form a desirable morphology in the remodeled mouse testicle. Notably, when hyperglycemia is induced in the host body, these xenografts secrete insulin to regulate the blood glucose level in mice for as long as 72 days. Furthermore, no graft rejection, acute inflammation, or safety risks are observed throughout the study. In summary, it is demonstrated that the growth of xenogeneic insulinoma cells in a mouse testicle might serve as an alternative approach for islet transplantation.
Breast cancer risk by occupation and industry in women and men: Results from the Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS)
Authors: Sritharan Jeavana , MacLeod Jill S. , Dakouo Mamadou , Qadri Maria , McLeod Chris B. , Peter Alice , Demers Paul A.
Published: January 2019

Background

The recently established Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) was used to examine breast cancer risk in women and men by occupation and industry.

Methods

Ontario workers in the ODSS cohort (1983‐2016) were followed up for breast cancer diagnosis through the Ontario Cancer Registry. Cox‐proportional hazard models were used to calculate age‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 17 865 and 492 cases were identified in working women (W) and men (M), respectively. Elevated risks were observed in management (W: HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.40‐1.70; M: HR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.44‐5.39), administrative/clerical (W: HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.21; M: HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06‐1.99), and teaching (W: HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.44‐1.63; M: HR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.49‐6.03). Other elevated risks were observed in nursing/health, social sciences, and janitor/cleaning services for both genders.

Conclusions

Common occupational associations in both genders warrant investigation into job‐related risk factors, such as sedentary behavior, shift work, ionizing radiation, and chemical exposures.
Atropselektive Dibromierungen eines 1,1′‐disubstituierten 2,2′‐Biindolyls mit divergierender zentral‐zu‐axialer asymmetrischer Induktion. Ableitung von 2,2′‐Biindolyl‐3,3′‐diphosphan‐Liganden für asymmetrische Katalysen
Authors: Baumann Thomas , Brückner Reinhard
Published: January 2019

Auf der Zeitskala von 1H‐NMR‐Spektroskopie sind 2,2′‐Biindolyle mit (R)‐konfigurierten (1‐Alkoxyprop)‐2‐yl‐, (1‐Hydroxyprop)‐2‐yl‐ oder (1‐Siloxyprop)‐2‐yl‐Substituenten an C‐1 und C‐1′ bei <0 °C atropisomerisierungsstabil, aber bei >30 °C ineinander umwandelbar. Das 2,2′‐Biindolyl (R,R)‐17 a dieser Art und achirale (!) Bromierungsmittel ergaben die atropisomerisierungsstabilen 3,3′‐Dibrombiindolyle (M)‐ und/oder (P)‐18 a im günstigsten Fall atropselektiv – wegen zentral‐zu‐axialer asymmetrischer Induktionen – und atropdivergent, indem sie mit bis zu 95 % (M)‐ oder mit ebensoviel (P)‐Atropselektivität verliefen. Ein derartiger Zugang zu atropisomerenreinen Biarylen ist neuartig und sollte auf andere Substrate und/oder andere Funktionalisierungen erweiterbar sein. Die Dibrombiindolyle (M)‐ und (P)‐18 a wurden atropisomerisierungsfrei in die Biindolyldiphosphane (M)‐ und (P)‐14 umgewandelt. Deren Synthesen verliefen mithin ohne irgendeine Racematspaltung; das unterscheidet sie von fast allen bislang bekannten Biaryldiphosphansynthesen. (M)‐ und (P)‐14 bewährten sich als Liganden in katalytisch‐asymmetrischen Allylierungen und Hydrierungen. Bemerkenswerterweise wurde der β‐Ketoester rac‐25 c trans‐selektiv und mit 98 % ee hydriert, was auf einer dynamischen kinetischen Racematspaltung beruht.
Study of the Formation of a Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) on a Silicon Nanowire Anode in Liquid Disiloxane Electrolyte with Nitrile End Groups for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Horowitz Yonatan , Ben‐Barak Ido , Schneier Dan , Goor‐Dar Meital , Kasnatscheew Johannes , Meister Paul , Grünebaum Mariano , Wiemhöfer Hans‐Dieter , Winter Martin , Golodnitsky Diana , Peled Emanuel
Published: January 2019

The chemical compatibility of the various compounds and elements used in lithium‐based batteries dictates their safe operation parameters and performance. The lithium salt Li‐bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) has many advantages over the common LiPF6 salt as it does not react with water impurities to form, for example, hydrofluoric acid. To further accommodate safe‐operation chemistry, we use a non‐volatile disiloxane‐based solvent 1,3‐bis(cyanopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane (TmdSx‐CN). This is a liquid disiloxane functionalized with terminal nitrile groups. In this paper, we report on the electrochemical characterization and the composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) of 1 mol kg−1 LiTFSI dissolved in TmdSx‐CN in silicon‐lithium batteries. Specifically, we study the SEI formation on silicon nanowire anodes and its composition by several ex‐situ surface techniques (XPS, SEM), and in‐situ via polarization modulation infrared reflectance absorption spectroscopy (PM‐IRRAS). We evaluate the potential application of TmdSx‐CN to silicon‐lithium batteries and conclude that the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) at low concentrations (10 wt %) is essential to the formation of an effective SEI. We anticipate that our study will encourage the investigation, design and use of siloxane‐based solvents as safer alternatives to common solvents used in Li‐ion batteries, and specifically as candidate solvents in Li‐metal and silicon‐anode based batteries.
Ribosomal Peptides and Small Proteins on the Rise
Authors: Scheidler Christopher M. , Kick Leonhard M. , Schneider Sabine
Published: January 2019

Genetically encoded and ribosomally synthesised peptides and small proteins act as important regulators in fundamental cellular processes, including gene expression, development, signalling and metabolism. Moreover, they also play a crucial role in eukaryotic and prokaryotic defence against microorganisms. Extremely diverse in size and structure, they are often subject to extensive post‐translational modification. Recent technological advances are now allowing the analysis of the whole cellular transcriptome and proteome, revealing the presence of hundreds of long‐overlooked alternative and short open reading frames (short ORFs, or sORFs) in mRNA and supposedly noncoding RNAs. However, in many instances the biological roles of their translational products remain to be elucidated. Here we provide an overview on the intriguing structural and functional diversity of ribosomally synthesised peptides and newly discovered peptides and small proteins.
Tailored Palladate Tunable Aryl Alkyl Ionic Liquids (TAAILs)
Authors: Schroeter Felix , Soellner Johannes , Strassner Thomas
Published: January 2019

We present a new class of tunable aryl alkyl ionic liquids (TAAILs) containing different palladate counter ions. Solid‐state structures for representative compounds have been obtained. Their properties are presented in comparison to those of newly synthesized and reported palladate ionic liquids with conventional counter ions. It was found that the aryl substitution pattern and the type of anion have a profound influence on the melting point. The speciation of the different anions in solution has been rationalized by DFT calculations.
A Hydride Route to Ternary Alkali Metal Borides: A Case Study of Lithium Nickel Borides
Authors: Gvozdetskyi Volodymyr , Hanrahan Michael P. , Ribeiro Raquel A. , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Zhou Lin , Rossini Aaron J. , Canfield Paul C. , Zaikina Julia V.
Published: January 2019

Ternary lithium nickel borides LiNi3B1.8 and Li2.8Ni16B8 have been synthesized by using reactive LiH as a precursor. This synthetic route allows better mixing of the precursor powders, thus facilitating rapid preparation of the alkali‐metal‐containing ternary borides. This method is suitable for “fast screening” of multicomponent systems comprised of elements with drastically different reactivities. The crystal structures of the compounds LiNi3B1.8 and Li2.8Ni16B8 have been re‐investigated by a combination of single‐crystal X‐ray/synchrotron powder diffraction, solid‐state 7Li and 11B NMR spectroscopies, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. This has allowed the determination of fine structural details, including the split position of Ni sites and the ordering of B vacancies. Field‐dependent and temperature‐dependent magnetization measurements are consistent with spin‐glass behavior for both samples.
Evaluation of 1,2,3‐Triazoles as Amide Bioisosteres In Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators VX‐770 and VX‐809
Authors: Doiron Jake E. , Le Christina A. , Ody Britton K. , Brace Jonathon B. , Post Savannah J. , Thacker Nathan L. , Hill Harrison M. , Breton Gary W. , Mulder Matthew J. , Chang Sichen , Bridges Thomas M. , Tang Liping , Wang Wei , Rowe Steven M. , Aller Stephen G. , Turlington Mark
Published: January 2019

The 1,2,3‐triazole has been successfully utilized as an amide bioisostere in multiple therapeutic contexts. Based on this precedent, triazole analogues derived from VX‐809 and VX‐770, prominent amide‐containing modulators of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), were synthesized and evaluated for CFTR modulation. Triazole 11, derived from VX‐809, displayed markedly reduced efficacy in F508del‐CFTR correction in cellular TECC assays in comparison to VX‐809. Surprisingly, triazole analogues derived from potentiator VX‐770 displayed no potentiation of F508del, G551D, or WT‐CFTR in cellular Ussing chamber assays. However, patch clamp analysis revealed that triazole 60 potentiates WT‐CFTR similarly to VX‐770. The efficacy of 60 in the cell‐free patch clamp experiment suggests that the loss of activity in the cellular assay could be due to the inability of VX‐770 triazole derivatives to reach the CFTR binding site. Moreover, in addition to the negative impact on biological activity, triazoles in both structural classes displayed decreased metabolic stability in human microsomes relative to the analogous amides. In contrast to the many studies that demonstrate the advantages of using the 1,2,3‐triazole, these findings highlight the negative impacts that can arise from replacement of the amide with the triazole and suggest that caution is warranted when considering use of the 1,2,3‐triazole as an amide bioisostere.
Chemoenzymatic Hydrogen Production from Methanol through the Interplay of Metal Complexes and Biocatalysts
Authors: Tavakoli Ghazal , Armstrong Jessica E. , Naapuri Janne M. , Deska Jan , Prechtl Martin H. G.
Published: January 2019

Microbial methylotrophic organisms can serve as great inspiration in the development of biomimetic strategies for the dehydrogenative conversion of C1 molecules under ambient conditions. In this Concept article, a concise personal perspective on the recent advancements in the field of biomimetic catalytic models for methanol and formaldehyde conversion, in the presence and absence of enzymes and co‐factors, towards the formation of hydrogen under ambient conditions is given. In particular, formaldehyde dehydrogenase mimics have been introduced in stand‐alone C1‐interconversion networks. Recently, coupled systems with alcohol oxidase and dehydrogenase enzymes have been also developed for in situ formation and decomposition of formaldehyde and/or reduced/oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/ NAD+). Although C1 molecules are already used in many industries for hydrogen production, these conceptual bioinspired low‐temperature energy conversion processes may lead one day to more efficient energy storage systems enabling renewable and sustainable hydrogen generation for hydrogen fuel cells under ambient conditions using C1 molecules as fuels for mobile and miniaturized energy storage solutions in which harsh conditions like those in industrial plants are not applicable.
Komplementäre Dekarbonisierung der Erzeugung von Elektroenergie und Gewinnung synthetischer Kraftstoffe durch Erneuerbare Energien und fossile Energieträger
Authors: Maaß Hans‐Jürgen , Möckel Hans‐Otto
Published: January 2019

Das Konzept der komplementären Dekarbonisierung der Energieerzeugung aus erneuerbaren Energien und fossilen Energieträgern besteht aus deren Systemintegration. Für die Energieerzeugung aus fossilen Energieträgern wird ein Technologieverbund in Form eines CCU‐Kombikraftwerkes vorgeschlagen, das aus einem Steinkohlenkraftwerk mit CO2‐Rückgewinnung aus den Abgasen und einer Erdgaspyrolyse zu Wasserstoff und Kohlenstoff als Basistechnologie besteht. Dieser Technologieverbund wird ergänzt durch eine RWGS‐Reaktion (reverse water‐gas shift) für die Umsetzung des CO2 zu CO, das mit dem Wasserstoff in einer Fischer‐Tropsch‐Synthese zu synthetischem Diesel umgesetzt wird. Die rückgewonnene Energie aus der exothermen Fischer‐Tropsch‐Synthese deckt den Energiebedarf der CO2‐Wäsche. Der Kohlenstoff aus der Pyrolyse kann anderen fossilen Kohlenstoff substituieren oder sequestriert werden.
A Phase 1 Study of Intravenous Plazomicin in Healthy Adults to Assess Potential Effects on the QT/QTc Interval, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Gall Jonathan , Choi Taylor , Riddle Valerie , Van Wart Scott , Gibbons Jacqueline A. , Seroogy Julie
Published: January 2019

Plazomicin is an aminoglycoside with in vitro activity against multidrug‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae. A phase 1, randomized, double‐blind, crossover study assessed the potential effects of plazomicin on cardiac repolarization (NCT01514929). Fifty‐six healthy adults (24 men, 32 women) received a single therapeutic dose of plazomicin (15 mg/kg administered by 30‐minute intravenous infusion), a single supratherapeutic dose of plazomicin (20 mg/kg administered by 30‐minute intravenous infusion), placebo, or oral moxifloxacin (400 mg). The primary end point was the baseline‐adjusted, placebo‐corrected QTc interval using the Fridericia formula (ΔΔQTcF). Assay sensitivity was concluded if the lower limit of a 1‐sided 95%CI (adjusted for multiplicity using the Hochberg procedure) for moxifloxacin ΔΔQTcF was >5 milliseconds at ≥1 prespecified time points. No QT prolongation effect for plazomicin was concluded if the largest mean effect was <5 milliseconds, and the upper limit of a 2‐sided 90%CI for plazomicin ΔΔQTcF was <10 milliseconds at all time points. Assay sensitivity was demonstrated based on moxifloxacin ΔΔQTcF. No QT prolongation effect for plazomicin was concluded because the largest mean ΔΔQTcF for plazomicin was 3.5 milliseconds, and the highest upper limit was 5.6 milliseconds. No clinically relevant changes were observed in electrocardiograms. For the 15‐ and 20‐mg/kg dose levels of plazomicin, mean peak plasma concentration values were 76.0 and 96.6 mg/L, and mean values of the area under the concentration‐time curve over 24 hours were 263 and 327 mg·h/L, respectively. Model‐derived pharmacokinetic parameters and safety findings were generally consistent with previously reported plazomicin studies. In conclusion, therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of plazomicin had no clinically significant effect on cardiac repolarization and were generally well tolerated.
Associations between ovarian hormones and emotional eating across the menstrual cycle: Do ovulatory shifts in hormones matter?
Authors: Fowler Natasha , Keel Pamela K. , Burt S. Alexandra , Neale Michael , Boker Steven , Sisk Cheryl L. , Klump Kelly L.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Elevated ovarian hormone levels are associated with increased risk for binge eating (BE) and emotional eating (EE) during the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle. However, past studies have not examined whether pronounced hormonal changes that precede the midluteal phase (i.e., the dramatic decrease in estradiol and increase in progesterone during/after ovulation) also influence midluteal increases in binge‐related symptoms. Past theories and studies of phenotypes strongly related to BE (e.g., depression) suggest that these pronounced hormonal changes may also contribute. This study examined this possibility in 375 female twins (aged 15–25 years) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry.

Methods

Daily ratings of EE (assessed with the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire) and daily saliva samples of estradiol and progesterone were collected for 45 consecutive days.

Results

No significant associations were found between pronounced changes in estradiol or progesterone across ovulation and changes in EE scores in the midluteal phase. Results remained unchanged after controlling for body mass index and negative affect and examining participants with clinical BE episodes or more extreme hormonal fluctuations.

Discussion

In aggregate, the current findings and past data suggest that hormone levels are more significant predictors of EE than pronounced hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle.
Cucurbit[7]uril‐Threaded Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): A Novel Processable Conjugated Polyrotaxane
Authors: Farcas Aurica , Assaf Khaleel I. , Resmerita Ana‐Maria , Sacarescu Liviu , Asandulesa Mihai , Aubert Pierre‐Henri , Nau Werner M.
Published: January 2019

The effect of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) complexation on the solubility, thermal, optical, electrochemical, morphological, and electrical properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was investigated. For this purpose, PEDOT polypseudorotaxane (PEDOT·CB7‐PS) was synthesized by the chemical oxidation of the corresponding 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) inclusion complex with CB7 (EDOT·CB7) in water by using FeCl3 as catalyst. PEDOT·CB7‐PS is converted into the polyrotaxane (PEDOT·CB7‐PR) by end capping of the PEDOT backbones with bulky pyrene groups. The binding affinity (Ka = 1.5 × 104 m–1) confirmed sizeable binding of EDOT to CB7. FT‐IR, 1H NMR, ESI‐MS, and DFT calculations were used to characterize the synthesized compounds. PEDOT·CB7‐PR showed interesting electrochemical characteristics, which are consistent with the optical and surface‐morphological results. In particular, the material exhibited n‐ and p‐doping processes and semiconducting properties. SAXS and TEM analyses of PEDOT·CB7‐PR indicated a tendency to self‐assemble.
Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Schreiner Peter R.
Published: January 2019

Guest editor Peter R. Schreiner introduces the Special Issue on Organic Reaction Mechanisms.
Evaluating the novel added value of neurophysiological pain sensitivity within the fear‐avoidance model of pain
Authors: Uddin Zakir , Woznowski‐Vu Arthur , Flegg Daniel , Aternali Andrea , Wickens Rebekah , Wideman Timothy H.
Published: January 2019

Background

The fear‐avoidance model (FAM) is a leading theoretical paradigm for explaining persistent pain following musculoskeletal injury. The model suggests that as injuries heal, pain‐related outcomes are increasingly determined by psychological, rather than physiological factors. Increasing literature, however, suggests that neurophysiological processes related to pain sensitivity also play an important role in chronicity. To date, there has been limited research that has specifically explored the role of pain sensitivity within the FAM. This study addresses this gap by evaluating whether clinical measures of pain sensitivity help explain FAM‐related outcomes, beyond model‐relevant psychological predictors.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 80 adults with chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Participants completed a single testing session that included measures of all of the major constructs of the FAM, including pain catastrophizing, pain‐related fear, activity avoidance (self‐report and functional measures), pain‐related disability, depression and pain severity, as well as a battery of quantitative sensory testing that included measures of pressure pain threshold and temporal summation of mechanical pain across eight body sites.

Results

A series of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for the psychological predictors of the FAM, indices of pain sensitivity significantly predicted 4 of the 5 FAM‐related outcomes (p < 0.05). Depression was the only outcome not significantly predicted by pain sensitivity. Interestingly, measures of pain sensitivity, but not FAM psychological factors, predicted the functional measure of activity avoidance.

Conclusions

These findings provide further evidence for the importance of neurophysiological factors within the FAM and have important clinical and theoretical implications.

Significance

This study provides evidence for the unique and added value of neurophysiological factors within the Fear Avoidance Model of pain and for the importance of integrating both sensory and psychological factors within both theoretical paradigms and clinical management strategies.
Compartment-Specific Screening Tools for Persistence: Potential Role and Application in the Regulatory Context
Authors: Junker Thomas , Coors Anja , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: January 2019

The persistence assessment under the European Union regulation Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) relies on compartment-specific degradation half-lives derived from laboratory simulation studies with surface water, aquatic sediment, or soil. Although these data are given priority, they are not available for most of the compounds. Therefore, according to the Integrated Assessment and Testing Strategy (ITS) for persistence assessment, results from ready biodegradability tests (RBTs) are used within a persistence screening to decide whether a substance is considered as “not persistent” or “potentially persistent.” However, ready biodegradability is currently tested only in water. Consequently, there is a lack of approaches that include the soil and sediment compartments for persistence assessment at the screening level. In previous studies, compartment-specific screening tools for water-sediment (Water-Sediment Screening Tool [WSST]) and soil (Soil Screening Tool [SST]) were developed based on the existing test guideline Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation (OECD TG 301C [MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Japan) test]). The test systems MITI, WSST, and SST were successfully applied to determine sound and reliable biodegradation data for 15 test compounds. In the present study, these results are used within the scope of a new alternative persistence screening approach, the Compartment-Specific Persistence Screening (CSPS). Compared to the persistence screening under REACH, the CSPS is a more conservative approach that provides additional reasonable results, particularly for compounds that sorb to sediment and soil, and for which the current standard persistence screening might be insufficient. Thus, the CSPS can be used to identify potentially persistent and nonpersistent compounds in the regulatory context by a comprehensive assessment that includes water, soil, and sediment. Moreover, experimentally determined half-lives from the compartment-specific screening tools can be used as input for multimedia models that estimate, for example, overall persistence (Pov). The application of fixed half-life factors to extrapolate from water to soil and sediment, which is here demonstrated to be inappropriate, can thereby be avoided. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000–000. © 2019 SETAC
The Smad2/3/4 complex binds miR‐139 promoter to modulate TGFβ‐induced proliferation and activation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts through the Wnt pathway
Authors: Deng Mi , Hou Shi‐Ying , Tong Bo‐Ding , Yin Jia‐Yang , Xiong Wei
Published: January 2019

The activation and proliferation of human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) play a vital role in the fibrosis in the pathology of the scar formation after the glaucoma filtration surgery. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)/Smads signaling has been reported to promote fibrosis. In our previous study, we revealed that TGFβ1‐induced orbital fibroblast activation and proliferation through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. As microRNA (miR)‐139 could target several factors in Wnt signaling to modulate fibrosis, here, the effect and mechanism of miR‐139 in HTF activation and proliferation were investigated. miR‐139 overexpression significantly reversed the TGFβ1‐induced increase in collagen I and α‐smooth muscle actin contents and proliferation in HTFs. CTNNB1 and CTNND1 were direct downstream of miR‐139 and can significantly restore the suppressive effect of miR‐139 on the activation and proliferation in HTFs under TGFβ1 stimulation. Smad2/3/4 complex inhibits the transcription activity of miR‐139, most possibly by Smad4 binding to the miR‐139 promoter. Taken together, we demonstrated a new mechanism of HTF activation and proliferation from the perspective of miRNA regulation, which may provide new strategies for improving the fibrosis after the glaucoma filtration surgery.
Therapeutic advances for patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yu , Yin Tailang , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Lu Xiao‐Jie
Published: January 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignant tumor and constitutes a major health threat globally. Intermediate HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging, stage B) encompasses a wide range of patients and is characterized by substantial heterogeneity with varying tumor burdens and liver functions. Therefore, it is paramount to evaluate the patient's overall conditions and to select the most appropriate therapy based on available evidence. Transarterial chemoembolization is the recommended first‐line therapy for intermediate HCC patients. However, in clinical practice, other treatment options are also used as alternative therapies, such as hepatic resection, percutaneous thermal ablation, radiotherapy (RT), systemic treatment, immunotherapy, and so forth. In this review, we will introduce current treatment strategies for intermediate HCC, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and propose future directions.
MRI as a diagnostic biomarker for differentiating primary central nervous system lymphoma from glioblastoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Suh Chong Hyun , Kim Ho Sung , Jung Seung Chai , Park Ji Eun , Choi Choong Gon , Kim Sang Joon
Published: January 2019

Background

Accurate preoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioblastoma is clinically crucial because the treatment strategies differ substantially.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI for differentiating PCNSL from glioblastoma.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Subjects

Ovid‐MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to find relevant original articles up to November 25, 2018. The search term combined synonyms for "lymphoma," "glioblastoma," and "MRI."

Field Strength/Sequence

Patients underwent at least one MRI sequence including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic susceptibility‐weighted contrast‐enhanced imaging (DSC), dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (DCE), arterial spin labeling (ASL), susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) using 1.5 or 3 T.

Assessment

Quality assessment was performed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.

Statistical Tests

Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to obtain pooled sensitivity and specificity. Meta‐regression was performed.

Results

Twenty‐two studies with 1182 patients were included. MRI sequences demonstrated high overall diagnostic performance with pooled sensitivity of 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87–93%) and specificity of 89% (95% CI, 85–93%). The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90–0.94). Studies using DSC or ASL showed high diagnostic performance (sensitivity of 93% [95% CI, 89–97%] and specificity of 91% [95% CI, 86–96%]). Heterogeneity was only detected in specificity (I2 = 66.84%) and magnetic field strength was revealed to be a significant factor affecting study heterogeneity.

Data Conclusion

MRI showed overall high diagnostic performance for differentiating PCNSL from glioblastoma, with studies using DSC or ASL showing high diagnostic performance. Therefore, MRI sequences including DSC or ASL is a potential diagnostic tool for differentiating PCNSL from glioblastoma.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:560–572.
Effects of urbanization and global climate change on regional climate in the Pearl River Delta and thermal comfort implications
Authors: Wang Yongli , Chan Allen , Lau Gabriel Ngar‐Cheung , Li Qingxiang , Yang Yuanjian , Yim Steve Hung Lam
Published: January 2019

Urbanization and climate change are affecting regional climate; therefore, thermal comfort should be fully understood, especially from a public health perspective. We applied a climate model driven by a combination of land‐cover development and two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) to predict composite climatic adjustments in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China. Our findings showed that a 10% increase in urban land cover can cause a 0.11 K increase in surface temperature in PRD, and urban temperature will rise by 0.15–0.21 K because of global climate change alone. We found that urbanization has marginal effects on thermal comfort despite increasing surface temperature in PRD. Moreover, global climate change will increase the frequency at which temperatures exceed critical temperatures reported in the literature and the extreme heat stress level (95th percentile of baseline year). Our findings offer a scientific basis for understanding heat‐related health risk and climate change adaptation in urban areas.
Pacific sea surface temperature linkages with Tanzania's multi‐season drying trends
Authors: Harrison Laura , Funk Chris , McNally Amy , Shukla Shraddhanand , Husak Gregory
Published: January 2019

During 1999–2014, Tanzania experienced below average precipitation in two important seasons: December to February (DJF) in the south and during March to June (MAMJ) in the northeast. We explore DJF and MAMJ precipitation in the areas with drying trends and examine their relationships with anomalous sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Indo‐Pacific and corresponding circulation patterns. At seasonal time scales, precipitation in DJF and MAMJ trend areas appears inversely related to diabatic forcing in the equatorial Pacific. Dominant influence for droughts in DJF is eastern Pacific SST while for droughts in MAMJ it is West Pacific SST. A bivariate regression model with West Pacific and Niño3.4 region SST as predictors is found to recreate multidecadal DJF variability after the 1950s and the extreme drying in MAMJ during the 2000s. The regression model coefficients also indicate differential eastern versus western Pacific forcing for DJF versus MAMJ. Thus, we suggest that recent La Niña‐like conditions, characterized by an enhanced Pacific SST gradient due to cooling in the eastern Pacific and warming in the western Pacific, played a substantial role in Tanzania's recent multi‐season drying trends. SST change scenarios (difference between 2023–2037 and 2000–2014 means) based on CMIP5 projections and observed trends illustrate the uncertainty of future precipitation outcomes, as well as the potential implications of contrasting linkages to eastern versus western Pacific SSTs. These scenarios are mainly optimistic for the DJF southern Tanzania trend area, because it appears dominated by Niño3.4 cooling at both seasonal and decadal time scales. Conversely, our scenarios are quite pessimistic for the MAMJ northeastern Tanzania trend area, because we find a dominant negative influence of warming West Pacific SST.
Physiochemical properties of petunia edible flowers grown under saline conditions and their postharvest performance under modified atmosphere packaging and ethanol application
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Tzionis Andreas , Xylia Panayiota , Nicola Silvana , Tzortzakis Nikos
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Edible flowers have both great nutritional value and sensory appeal; however, their shelf‐life is limited to a few days because they are highly perishable.

RESULTS

The impact of postharvest ethanol (ET) treatment and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality and storage of edible flowers collected from short‐term salt‐stressed plants was tested. Hydroponically grown petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) plants were subjected to salinity (0–50–100 mmol L–1 NaCl) and harvested flowers were stored for up to 14 days in MAP and/ET vapours. The salinity of 100 mmol L–1 NaCl decreased plant biomass and negatively affected physiological processes as a result of stomata closure. Flower polyphenols, antioxidants, carotenoids and anthocyanins increased with 50 mmol L–1 of NaCl, indicating a higher nutritional value. Short‐term exposure of petunia to salinity decreased the flower N, K and Ca concentrations. During storage for 7 days, salinity lead to deteriorated flowers that showed browning as a result of tissue breakdown, whereas CO2 production and weight loss were unaffected by salinity. After 14 days of storage, salinity decreased flower respiration and increased weight loss, whereas ET application completely destroyed the flowers. Carotenoids and anthocyanins were decreased by a combination of salinity and ET. Petunia flowers revealed the induction of both non‐enzymatic (i.e. proline content) and enzymatic (catalase) mechanisms to overcome the stress caused by salinity at harvest stage and/or ethanol at storage.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study demonstrate that a short‐stress salinity of 50 mmol L–1 NaCl can be used for petunia growth and also that flowers of nutritional value can be stored for up to 7 days, whereas ET application failed to preserve petunia flowers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A chemometric approach to evaluate the impact of pulses, Chlorella and Spirulina on proximate composition, amino acid, and physicochemical properties of turkey burgers
Authors: Marti‐Quijal Francisco J , Zamuz Sol , Tomašević Igor , Rocchetti Gabriele , Lucini Luigi , Marszałek Krystian , Barba Francisco J , Lorenzo José M
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Changes in physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, amino acid and taste profiles of turkey burgers enriched by 1% with soy (control), pulses, Chlorella and Spirulina proteins were studied.

RESULTS

Color parameters, pH, ash content, total, essential and non‐essential amino acids were significantly different among the different types of turkey burgers prepared. In this regard, turkey burgers made with pea protein presented the highest values for pH and lightness, whereas the samples prepared with broad bean showed the highest redness. The inclusion of bean and seaweed produced a marked increase of glutamic acid, lysine and aspartic acid. However, the taste profile was similar in the different six turkey burgers studied (soy, pea, lentil, broad bean, Chlorella and Spirulina protein). Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) allowed to classify turkey burgers according to protein sources, as compared to soy (control). Textural parameters, moisture and color were found to be the most discriminant parameters, able to describe the differences among burgers. Nonetheless, according to the supervised OPLS model, broad beans were found to possess a similar profile to soy (control).

CONCLUSION

Considering all studied parameters, the enrichment of turkey burgers with bean proteins could be used as a promising alternative to soy proteins from a technological point of view. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
FTIR‐based comparative analysis of glucomannan contents in some tuberous orchids, and effects of pre‐processing on glucomannan measurement
Authors: Acemi Arda , Çobanoğlu Özmen , Türker‐Kaya Sevgi
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Glucomannan (GM) is a polysaccharide of the mannan family of compounds found in some plant species. The dried and powdered tubers of some orchid species, collectively known as ‘salep powder,’ are a commercially important crop for human consumption and are one of the primary sources of GM. GM content is the primary indicator for the yield and quality of salep powder. We hypothesized that it would be more practical and accurate to measure GM content within tuber powder directly, prior to any purification or pre‐processing. The GM content of tubers of 14 different orchid species was evaluated and compared using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and an enzymatic colorimetric method.

RESULTS

Among the analyzed modes, the sum of the peak areas at 873 and 812 cm−1, which represent the CH bending attributed to the β‐pyranose form of d‐glucose and d‐mannose, respectively, gave the only confirmation using colorimetric methods. It was found that the tubers of Himantoglossum caprinum and Serapias vomeracea had the highest GM concentrations among the analyzed species. After conducting different pre‐processing steps on Serapias vomeracea tubers, it was found that treating the tubers with milk, or high temperature resulted in an apparent increase in GM concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Himantoglossum caprinum and Serapias vomeracea give the highest yields of GM and should be used for commercial horticulture. GM estimation should be made prior to any pre‐processing. FTIR spectroscopy is effective and reliable for directly comparing GM content of different orchid species, without the need for any purification or pre‐processing. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Long‐term Survival in Head and Neck Cancer: Impact of Site, Stage, Smoking, and Human Papillomavirus Status
Authors: Du Eugenie , Mazul Angela L. , Farquhar Doug , Brennan Paul , Anantharaman Devasena , Abedi‐Ardekani Behnoush , Weissler Mark C. , Hayes David N. , Olshan Andrew F. , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Literature examining long‐term survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with human papillomavirus (HPV) status is lacking. We compare 10‐year overall survival (OS) rates for cases to population‐based controls.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Cases surviving 5 years postdiagnosis were identified from the Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Study. We examined 10‐year survival by site, stage, p16, and treatment using Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. Cases were compared to age‐matched, noncancer controls with stratification by p16 and smoking status.

Results

Ten‐year OS for HNSCC is less than controls. In 581 cases, OS differed between sites with p16+ oropharynx having the most favorable prognosis (87%), followed by oral cavity (69%), larynx (67%), p16− oropharynx (56%), and hypopharynx (51%). Initial stage, but not treatment, also impacted OS. When compared to controls matched on smoking status, the hazard ratio (HR) for death in p16+ oropharynx cases was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7‐3.1) for smokers and 2.4 (95% CI: 0.7‐8.8) for nonsmokers. Similarly, HR for death in non–HPV‐associated HNSCC was 2.2 (95% CI: 1.7‐3.0) for smokers and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4‐4.9) for nonsmokers.

Conclusions

OS for HNSCC cases continues to decrease 5 years posttreatment, even after stratification by p16 and smoking status. Site, stage, smoking, and p16 status are significant factors. These data provide important prognostic information for HNSCC.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 129:2506–2513, 2019
Induced Optical Chirality and Circularly Polarized Emission from Achiral CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots via Resonantly Coupling with Plasmonic Chiral Metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Zeng , Wang Yue , Adamo Giorgio , Teng Jinghua , Sun Handong
Published: January 2019

Functionalization of quantum dots to induce circular dichroism as well as the direct emission of circularly polarized light is the subject of intensive studies for the obvious importance not only in practical applications but also in gaining a deeper understanding of quantum semiconductor heterostructures. In this work, remarkable chiral features in achiral CdSe/ZnS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) induced by plasmonic chiral metasurfaces are reported. Not only giant circular dichroism, but also a high degree of circular polarization in the light emitted by the CQDs hybridized with the chiral metasurfaces is observed. By probing the response of CQDs combined with tunable chiral metasurfaces, it is shown that the induced chiral features are closely linked to the correlation between the absorption bands of CQDs and the chiral bands of the metasurfaces. The findings indicate that plasmonic chiral metasurface is an effective medium in reshaping CQDs with useful chiral properties.
Tribological performance of oil‐based ZnO and diamond nanofluids
Authors: Han Xue , Barber Gary C. , Zhang Zhenpu , Thrush Steven , Schall J. David , Li Zhanguo , Wang Bingxu
Published: January 2019

In previous studies, few articles investigated the tribological properties of nanofluid‐lubricated ceramic specimens. Therefore, this research focused on the tribological performance of an alumina ball sliding against a steel plate lubricated with ZnO or diamond nanofluids using oleic acid as surfactant. The coefficient of friction obtained with various concentrations of ZnO and diamond nanoparticles was approximately constant at 0.08. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to explore the possible mechanisms of wear with the nanofluids. Generally, as the diamond or ZnO concentration of nanoparticles with oleic acid increases, the disk and ball wear increase. The higher concentration of nanoparticles leads to enhanced three‐body abrasive wear. Diamond nanofluids produced higher ball wear than ZnO nanofluids. The hard diamond particles likely embedded in the disk and/or acted as third‐body particles, which abraded the ball at a high rate.
Antiaging effects of bioactive molecules isolated from plants and fungi
Authors: Martel Jan , Ojcius David M. , Ko Yun‐Fei , Chang Chih‐Jung , Young John D.
Published: January 2019

Aging is influenced by many lifestyle choices that are under human control, including nutrition and exercise. The most effective known antiaging intervention consists of calorie restriction (CR), which increases lifespan in yeasts, worms, fruit flies, mice, and nonhuman primates. CR also improves healthspan by preventing the development of various aging‐related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Many compounds isolated from plants and fungi prolong lifespan and prevent age‐related diseases in model organisms. These plant and fungal compounds modulate the same cellular and physiological pathways as CR, including those involving insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1, mammalian target of rapamycin, and sirtuins. Modulation of these aging‐related pathways results in the activation of various cellular processes such as autophagy, DNA repair, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Together, these cellular processes are believed to delay aging and prevent chronic diseases by improving bodily functions and stress resistance. We review here the mechanisms of action of plant and fungal molecules possessing antiaging properties and discuss the possibilities and challenges associated with the development of antiaging compounds isolated from natural products.
Microscopic anisotropy misestimation in spherical‐mean single diffusion encoding MRI
Authors: Henriques Rafael Neto , Jespersen Sune N. , Shemesh Noam
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Microscopic fractional anisotropy (µFA) can disentangle microstructural information from orientation dispersion. While double diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI methods are widely used to extract accurate µFA, it has only recently been proposed that powder‐averaged single diffusion encoding (SDE) signals, when coupled with the diffusion standard model (SM) and a set of constraints, could be used for µFA estimation. This study aims to evaluate µFA as derived from the spherical mean technique (SMT) set of constraints, as well as more generally for powder‐averaged SM signals.

Methods

SDE experiments were performed at 16.4 T on an ex vivo mouse brain (Δ/δ = 12/1.5 ms). The µFA maps obtained from powder‐averaged SDE signals were then compared to maps obtained from DDE‐MRI experiments (Δ/τ/δ = 12/12/1.5 ms), which allow a model‐free estimation of µFA. Theory and simulations that consider different types of heterogeneity are presented for corroborating the experimental findings.

Results

µFA, as well as other estimates derived from powder‐averaged SDE signals produced large deviations from the ground truth in both gray and white matter. Simulations revealed that these misestimations are likely a consequence of factors not considered by the underlying microstructural models (such as intercomponent and intracompartmental kurtosis).

Conclusion

Powder‐averaged SMT and (2‐component) SM are unable to accurately report µFA and other microstructural parameters in ex vivo tissues. Improper model assumptions and constraints can significantly compromise parameter specificity. Further developments and validations are required prior to implementation of these models in clinical or preclinical research.
Aerodynamic model identification of an autonomous aircraft for airborne wind energy
Authors: Licitra Giovanni , Bürger Adrian , Williams Paul , Ruiterkamp Richard , Diehl Moritz
Published: January 2019

Airborne wind energy (AWE) refers to a novel technology capable of harvesting energy from wind by flying crosswind patterns with tethered autonomous aircraft. Successful design of flight controllers for AWE systems relies on the availability of accurate mathematical models. Due to an expected nonconventional structure of the airborne component, the system identification procedure must be ultimately addressed via an intensive flight test campaign to gain additional insight about the aerodynamic properties. In this paper, the longitudinal dynamics of a rigid‐wing, high lift, autonomous aircraft for AWE are identified from experimental data obtained within flight tests. The aerodynamic characteristics are estimated via an efficient time‐domain multiple experiments model‐based parameter estimation algorithm.