bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Synthesis and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of 2,5‐Diaryloxazoles as Potential Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitors
Authors: Jang Ha Young , Damodar Kongara , Kim Jin‐Kyung , Jun Jong‐Gab
Published: November 2017

An efficient first synthesis of 2,5‐diaryloxazoles 1–5 was accomplished from commercially inexpensive precursors and in overall yields of 38–48%. The synthesis proceeds via α‐aminoketones and cyclodehydration (Robinson–Gabriel reaction) as key step. Next, these oxazoles were examined for their inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW 264.7 cells and were found to display concentration‐dependent inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. Of note, compound 3 (70.7%; IC50 = 2.33 μM) was identified as a potent inhibitor in view of its comparable inhibitory effect with the positive control, N
G‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine acetate (L‐NMMA) (79.3%; IC50 = 4.51 μM) followed by compounds 5 (68.3%; IC50 = 2.30 μM) and 2 (53.9%; IC50 = 6.31 μM). As a whole, compound 3 may hold great promise for further development of NO production targeted anti‐inflammatory agent.
Simultaneous determination of kaempferol, quercetin, mangiferin, gallic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and chlorpheniramine maleate in rat plasma after oral administration of Mang‐Guo‐Zhi‐Ke tablets by UHPLC‐MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics
Authors: Xu Weijie , Deng Jiagang , Qian Yiyun , Hou Xiao‐Tao , Zhu Zhenhua , Zhao Ming , Shang Erxin , Qian Dawei , Zeng Huiting , Pang Hanqing , Duan Jinao
Published: November 2017

Mang‐Guo‐Zhi‐Ke tablets (MGZKTs) is an effective Chinese patent medicine. It contains mango leaf extract as the main raw material and the antihistamine drug, chlorpheniramine maleate is included in the formulation. However, its pharmacokinetic effect is rarely reported. A highly sensitive, reliable and rapid high‐throughput method using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) was used to simultaneously determine kaempferol, quercetin, mangiferin, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid and chlorpheniramine maleate in rat plasma after oral administration of MGZKTs. The method was successfully developed and fully validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics of MGZKTs. Chloramphenicol and clarithromycin were used as internal standards (IS). A practicable protein precipitation procedure with methanol was adopted for sample preparation. The samples were separated on an Acquity UHPLC Syncronis C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% formic acid–acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The flow rate was set at 0.4 mL/min. The obtained calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of ~1–1000 ng/mL for plasma (r > 0.99). Method validation results met the criteria reported in the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Quercetin, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and kaempferol were absorbed rapidly and reached the peak concentration between 0.16 and 0.25 h. This validated that the UHPLC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetic parameters of the six compounds in rat plasma after oral administration of MGZKTs. This evidence will be useful for the clinical rational use of Mang‐Guo‐Zhi‐Ke tablets.
How salient pictures in magazine advertisements bias consumers' preference construction: A comparison with product pages in e‐stores applying dual system model
Authors: Chang Chingching
Published: November 2017

This article compares the preference construction strategies that consumers adopt when reading magazine ads or browsing e‐stores. Decision processes are constrained by the structure of the context, so this research started with a pilot study that explored the use of salient background pictures in both contexts; the findings showed that magazine ads often featured dominant pictures, but product pages in e‐stores usually did not. In line with dual system theory, magazine ads thus may encourage picture‐based processing (System I), whereas product pages in e‐stores may encourage attribute‐based processing (System II). Two studies support these predictions. In Study 1, the product with the worst attributes but the most attractive background pictures was more likely to be chosen by consumers reading a magazine than by those browsing an e‐store. Study 2 affirmed that ad pictures, rather than product attributes, dominated evaluations. Together, these findings indicate that dominant pictures in magazine advertisements encourage intuitive processing and bias analytical processing.
Redox Processes in Solid‐State Uranyl (Oxy)hydroxide Minerals
Authors: Walshe Aurora , Spain Elaine , Keyes Tia E. , Forster Robert J. , Baker Robert J.
Published: November 2017

The correlation between the structure of a series of uranyl minerals of the type [(UO2)8O2(OH)12] and M[(UO2)xOy(OH)z] (M=Na, x=4, y=2, z=5; M=K2, x=6, y=4, z=6; M=Ca, x=6, y=4, z=6), and their electrochemical properties have been investigated by using solid‐state cyclic voltammetry. Solid‐state electrochemical investigations at near‐neutral pH values reveal that all minerals undergo redox reactions in the potential range from −0.72 to −0.91 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This process is assigned to the U(VI)/U(V) redox couple and a further reduction, observed between −0.95 and −1.20 V, is associated with the U(V)/U(IV) reduction. The nature of the reduced products has been probed by using vibrational spectroscopy and SEM−EDX, and was found to be UO2+x. The mechanism of reduction has been elucidated and shown to be dominated by two independent one‐electron transfer reactions with disproportionation playing at most a minor role. The rate of charge propagation through the solid deposits, characterized by the homogeneous charge‐transport diffusion coefficient, DCT, is much lower in these minerals than structurally related systems with ion, rather than electron, transfer being rate limiting. Overall, the insights into the nature and rate of redox conversion suggest that the uranyl minerals formed by the oxidative corrosion of spent nuclear fuels are not electrochemically innocent.
Closure constraint in multivariate curve resolution
Authors: Omidikia Nematollah , Beyramysoltan Samira , Mohammad Jafari Jamile , Tavakkoli Elnaz , Akbari Lakeh Mahsa , Alinaghi Masoumeh , Ghaffari Mahdiyeh , Khodadadi Karimvand Somaiyeh , Rajkó Róbert , Abdollahi Hamid
Published: November 2017

Multivariate curve resolution techniques try to estimate physically and/or chemically meaningful profiles underlying a set of chemical or related measurements. However, the estimation of profiles is not generally unique and it is often complicated by intensity and rotational ambiguities. Constraints as further information of chemical entities can be imposed to reduce the extent of ambiguities. Not only a long list of constraints has been introduced but also some of them can be applied in different ways. Either investigating constraint effects on the extent of rotational ambiguity or how they can be applied during curve resolution can shed light on curve resolution studies. The motivation behind this contribution is to pave the way to a clarification about the closure constraint. Considering simulated equilibrium and kinetic spectrophotometric data sets, different approaches to closure implementation were applied to demonstrate the geometrical explanation of closure constraint and its effect on multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares results. Besides, the closure constraint is compared with normalization and it is proved that the closure constraint is a Borgen norm and has the same effect as other Borgen norms in multivariate curve resolution. Finally, to further examine the closure constraint, a real data set was investigated.
Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclizations of Tryptamine‐Ynamides Yielding 1H‐Pyrrolo[2,3‐d]carbazole Derivatives
Authors: Wang Yanshi , Lin Jingsheng , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Guanghui , Zhang Xinhang , Yao Bo , Zhao Yuandong , Yu Pengfei , Lin Bin , Liu Yongxiang , Cheng Maosheng
Published: November 2017

Ynamides, as versatile synthetic precursors, have attracted much attention from synthetic chemists and sparked the development of a number of methodologies for the construction of various structures. 1H‐Pyrrolo[2,3‐d]carbazole is a core scaffold of a series of monoterpene indole alkaloids found in Kopsia, Strychnos, and Aspidosperma, for example. In this study, 1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]carbazole derivatives were synthesized by a Brønsted acid‐catalyzed tandem cyclization starting from tryptamine‐based ynamides. This strategy prevented Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement by instantaneous intramolecular nucleophilic trapping of the indoleninium to afford a tetracyclic indoline via an in situ‐formed enol species induced by the formation of a more stable conjugate diene moiety. The functional group tolerances were investigated by using a series of readily available substrates. A plausible mechanism has been proposed based on the evidence of the capture of the hemiaminal intermediate. Lastly, a Büchi ketone, which is the pivotal intermediate in the synthesis of the indole alkaloid vindorosine, was synthesized by utilizing our newly developed methodology.
Reverse cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in high‐risk Chinese families
Authors: Wu Xue , Pang Jing , Wang Xumin , Peng Jie , Chen Yan , Wang Shilong , Watts Gerald F. , Lin Jie
Published: November 2017

Background

Reverse cascade screening is not commonly employed to detect new cases of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We aimed to assess the outcome of this screening strategy in families in which the probands were children with severe FH.

Hypothesis

Reverse cascade screening is an effective method to detect new patients with FH.

Methods

Reverse cascade screening was undertaken starting from 47 index children with severe hypercholesterolemia; 39 were homozygous/compound heterozygous FH and 8 were heterozygous FH. Available parents, siblings, and second‐degree relatives were contacted and screened.

Results

From the 39 cases of homozygous/compound heterozygous FH, 80 first‐degree family members were available for screening; 70 were parents and 10 were siblings. All first‐degree relatives screened were genetically diagnosed with FH. None of the parents had been treated with statins at the time of diagnosis, and 10 (12.7%) had premature coronary artery disease. Additionally, 46 second‐degree relatives were screened, of which 41 (89%) were diagnosed with FH. From the 8 heterozygous FH children, 17 first‐ and second‐degree relatives were screened and 12 new cases of FH were also diagnosed. Hence, the overall diagnostic yield of screening was 2.8 new cases of FH per index case.

Conclusions

Reverse cascade screening is a highly effective method for diagnosing new cases of FH in parents, siblings, and second‐degree relatives of index children with severe FH.
Skin aging parameters: A window to heart block
Authors: Roshdy Hisham Samir , Soliman Mohammad Hassan , El‐Dosouky Ibtesam Ibrahim , Ghonemy Soheir
Published: November 2017

Background

Skin acts as a mirror to the internal state of the body.

Hypothesis

We tried to find the relation between skin aging parameters and the incidence of degenerative AV block.

Methods

This study included 97 patients divided into 2 groups; group D comprised 49 patients with advanced‐degree AV block, and group C comprised the 48 matched control group. All were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, calculation of intrinsic skin aging score, and resting 12‐lead surface electrocardiography (ECG). ECG for all patients assessed left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, ejection fraction, left atrium (LA) diameter, aortic root diameter, mitral annular calcification, aortic sclerosis. Coronary angiography was also performed when indicated for patients in group D.

Results

Patients in group D had a higher percentages of uneven pigmentation, fine skin wrinkles, lax appearance, seborrheic keratosis, total score > 7 (38 [77.55%] vs 10 [20.83%]), mitral annular calcification score of 33 (67.34%) vs 5 (10.41%), aortic sclerosis score of 21 (42.85%) vs 4 (8.33%), and mean LA diameter of 39.98 ± 5.52 vs 36.21 ± 3 mm (P < 0.001). Total score > 6 is the best cutoff value to predict advanced‐degree heart block with 89.79% sensitivity and 64.58% specificity. Seborrheic keratosis was the strongest independent predictor.

Conclusions

Any population with a total intrinsic skin aging score of >6 is at high risk for developing advanced‐degree AV block and should undergo periodic ECG follow‐up for early detection of any conduction disturbance in the early asymptomatic stages to minimize sudden cardiac death.
Shortfall of B3LYP in Reproducing NMR JCH Couplings in Some Isomeric Epoxy Structures with Strong Stereoelectronic Effects: A Benchmark Study on DFT Functionals
Authors: Adamson Jasper , Nazarski Ryszard B. , Jarvet Jüri , Pehk Tõnis , Aav Riina
Published: November 2017

Unprecedented scatter plots of calculated versus measured NMR 2,3JCH coupling constants in six densely oxygen functionalized epoxides are found with some B3LYP protocols, an effect attributed to stereoelectronic effects. Hence, 26 other exchange‐correlation density functionals (xc DFs) are benchmarked in this work. Very good results are achieved with mPW1PW91 and PBE0 in conjunction with the pcJ‐1 basis set (BS) of moderate size. A thorough statistical analysis of 53 relationships between the predicted and observed 2,3JCH datasets is presented. The effects of some xc DFs, including their x and c parts, and BSs on the calculation results are discussed, also in the context of DFT modeling of electron‐density distributions. Moreover, related 1JCH datasets predicted with 11 different DF methods are considered and compared with the experimental data. Finally, some proposals for further improvement of existing DFs based on the available nJCH (n=1–3) values are briefly outlined, in line with recent results on the DFT electron densities.
The development of neuromotor skills and hand preference during infancy
Authors: Campbell Julie M. , Marcinowski Emily C. , Michel George F.
Published: November 2017

Assessing infant handedness has been controversial. Different assessment techniques and theoretical approaches produce different results. Evidence from a dynamic systems perspective showed that the development of postural control during infancy affects the expression of an infant's handedness. However, others found that developmental changes in postural control influenced the amount of symmetrical (bimanual) reaching during infancy, but not hand preference. Since most studies of infant handedness use age to assess development, perhaps measures of an infant's developing neuromotor control, irrespective of age, would better predict changes in an infant's hand preference. To assess neuromotor development, items from [Touwen's (1976) Neurological development in infancy. Lavenham, Suffolk: The Lavenham Press, LTD]. “Group III” indices were used. These items assess developmental changes in neuromotor abilities throughout the 6–14‐month age period. Hand preference for acquiring objects was measured during these same months. Group Based Trajectory Models (GBTM) of 380 infants identified four different groups of infants according to the trajectory of the development of their hand preferences (32% Early Right, 12% Early Left, 25% Late Right, 30% No Preference). A multilevel model was used to compare these four developmental trajectories according to age and neuromotor development. Age, not neuromotor development, is a better predictor of differences in developmental trajectories of the four hand preference groups. However, Late Right infants are significantly less developed at 6 months than No Preference, Early Right and Left infants and both Early Right and Left infants are most advanced at 6 months. All groups exhibit similar rates of neuromotor development indicating no “catch‐up” by the Late Right infants. Thus, any assessment of infant handedness will incorporate necessarily four groups of infants with differently developing hand preferences and neuromotor abilities.
One Scaffold, Many Possibilities – Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloadditions, Strain‐Promoted Azide–Alkyne Cycloadditions, and Maleimide–Thiol Coupling of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes
Authors: Stumper Anne , Lämmle Martin , Mengele Alexander K. , Sorsche Dieter , Rau Sven
Published: November 2017

The applicability of RuII polypyridyl complexes with appropriate functionalities as substrates for biorthogonal coupling reactions is investigated. In detail, copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC), strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloadditions (SPAAC), and maleimide–thiol coupling reactions of ruthenium complexes are examined. The first examples of SPAAC in which the organic azide is provided by the metal complex are presented. All of the chromophores belong to one easy‐to‐synthesize scaffold, which has proven to be convenient for the application of metal chromophores. The fundamental photophysical properties of the examined compounds do not change with substitution, which is important for the design of chromophore conjugates. Furthermore, the limitations of CuAAC reactions will be discussed with regard to copper impurities in the products formed.
The Trajectory of Anhedonic and Depressive Symptoms in Anorexia Nervosa: A Longitudinal and Cross‐Sectional Approach
Authors: Boehm Ilka , Flohr Luisa , Steding Julius , Holzapfel Larissa , Seitz Jochen , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: November 2017

Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is associated with depression, schizophrenia and also anorexia nervosa (AN). However, it remains unanswered whether anhedonic symptoms in AN are undernutrition‐dependent depressive symptoms or a core feature of AN. Therefore, we aim at investigating the trajectory of anhedonic and depressive symptoms over the course of the disorder. Self‐reported symptoms were collected in 35 nonmedicated acutely ill, 33 long‐term recovered patients and 62 healthy females. The majority of the acutely ill (n = 24) were followed up after >15% weight restoration (short‐term recovery). Anhedonia was found to be increased during the acute, short‐term as well as long‐term recovered state while depressive symptoms showed a reduction over time. Additionally, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with body mass index in acute patients. This provides evidence of anhedonia being a trait‐characteristic of AN, relatively unrelated to undernutrition‐dependent depressive symptoms. Results are discussed with regard to implications for treatment and prevention. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Toward improved analysis of concentration data: Embracing nondetects
Authors: Shoari Niloofar , Dubé Jean-Sébastien
Published: November 2017

Various statistical tests on concentration data serve to support decision-making regarding characterization and monitoring of contaminated media, assessing exposure to a chemical, and quantifying the associated risks. However, the routine statistical protocols cannot be directly applied because of challenges arising from nondetects or left-censored observations, which are concentration measurements below the detection limit of measuring instruments. Despite the existence of techniques based on survival analysis that can adjust for nondetects, these are seldom taken into account properly. A comprehensive review of the literature showed that managing policies regarding analysis of censored data do not always agree and that guidance from regulatory agencies may be outdated. Therefore, researchers and practitioners commonly resort to the most convenient way of tackling the censored data problem by substituting nondetects with arbitrary constants prior to data analysis, although this is generally regarded as a bias-prone approach. Hoping to improve the interpretation of concentration data, the present article aims to familiarize researchers in different disciplines with the significance of left-censored observations and provides theoretical and computational recommendations (under both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks) for adequate analysis of censored data. In particular, the present article synthesizes key findings from previous research with respect to 3 noteworthy aspects of inferential statistics: estimation of descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:643–656. © 2017 SETAC
Investor attention and stock market under‐reaction to earnings announcements: Evidence from the options market
Authors: Wang Xuewu Wesley , Yan Zhipeng , Zhang Qunzi , Gao Xuechen
Published: November 2017

Using a broad sample of earnings announcements, we show that the initial stock market's response substantially increases and the post‐earnings announcement drift becomes much weaker in the presence of more active pre‐earnings option trading. We find that the strongest initial stock market's response originates from those announcements with higher pre‐earnings option trading, fewer competing announcements, and made on non‐Fridays. Our interpretation is that the heightened investor attention, as captured by higher pre‐earnings option trading, fewer competing announcements, and non‐Friday announcements, accelerates the stock market's response and mitigates the stock market under‐reaction.
Regional oligodendrocytopathy and astrocytopathy precede myelin loss and blood–brain barrier disruption in a murine model of osmotic demyelination syndrome
Authors: Bouchat Joanna , Couturier Bruno , Marneffe Catherine , Gankam‐Kengne Fabrice , Balau Benoît , De Swert Kathleen , Brion Jean‐Pierre , Poncelet Luc , Gilloteaux Jacques , Nicaise Charles
Published: November 2017

The osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a non‐primary inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system myelin that is often associated with a precipitous rise of serum sodium concentration. To investigate the physiopathology of ODS in vivo, we generated a novel murine model based on the abrupt correction of chronic hyponatremia. Accordingly, ODS mice developed impairments in brainstem auditory evoked potentials and in grip strength. At 24 hr post‐correction, oligodendrocyte markers (APC and Cx47) were downregulated, prior to any detectable demyelination. Oligodendrocytopathy was temporally and spatially correlated with the loss of astrocyte markers (ALDH1L1 and Cx43), and both with the brain areas that will develop demyelination. Oligodendrocytopathy and astrocytopathy were confirmed at the ultrastructural level and culminated with necroptotic cell death, as demonstrated by pMLKL immunoreactivity. At 48 hr post‐correction, ODS brains contained pathognomonic demyelinating lesions in the pons, mesencephalon, thalamus and cortical regions. These damages were accompanied by blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakages. Expression levels of IL‐1β, FasL, TNFRSF6 and LIF factors were significantly upregulated in the ODS lesions. Quiescent microglial cells type A acquired an activated type B morphology within 24 hr post‐correction, and reached type D at 48 hr. In conclusion, this murine model of ODS reproduces the CNS demyelination observed in human pathology and indicates ambiguous causes that is regional vulnerability of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, while it discards BBB disruption as a primary cause of demyelination. This study also raises new queries about the glial heterogeneity in susceptible brain regions as well as about the early microglial activation associated with ODS.
Adolescents' responses to online peer conflict: How self‐evaluation and ethnicity matter
Authors: Novin Sheida , Bos Marieke G.N. , Stevenson Claire E. , Rieffe Carolien
Published: November 2017

For parents, online platforms where their children interact with others often feel like a “black box” in terms of what exactly is happening. In this study, we developed an ecologically valid online computer game in which a (computer‐generated) peer teammate tried to provoke frustration, in order to examine (a) adolescents' responses and (b) how indices of self‐evaluation (i.e., sense of coherence and self‐esteem) and demographic variables (i.e., gender and ethnicity) matter to these responses. Like gender, being a member of a minority or majority group may influence how provocations by peers are interpreted, influencing how one responds. Fifteen‐year‐old Dutch and Moroccan‐Dutch adolescents (N = 167) completed self‐reports and played the online computer game. The game indeed elicited frustration, with increased self‐reported anger. Moreover, expressions of displeasure were much more common during and after provocation than before provocation. Crucially, perceived self‐evaluation mattered; higher levels of sense of coherence but lower levels of self‐esteem (only in Moroccan‐Dutch group) contributed to fewer expressions of displeasure. Gender did not play a moderating role. Our findings provide initial insights into individual differences in adolescents' responses in an online peer‐conflict situation.

Highlights

We studied Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents' responses during online peer provocation and how self-evaluation and demographic variables matter.

Provocation by the (computer-generated) peer teammate increased expressions of displeasure.

More sense of coherence but less self-esteem was associated with fewer expressions of displeasure, but ethnicity moderated the effect with self-esteem.
RETRACTED: YY1 suppresses proliferation and migration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by regulating the CDKN3/MdM2/P53/P21 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Dongfang , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Yang , Shi Guodong , Yuan Hao , Lu Zipeng , Zhu Qicong , Wu Pengfei , Lu Cheng , Guo Feng , Chen Jianmin , Jiang Kuirong , Miao Yi
Published: November 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the malignant lethal tumors. It has been reported that the transcriptional regulator Yin Yang‐1 (YY1) suppressed the invasion and metastasis of PDAC. However, the function of YY1 on proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer remains to be clarified. In this study, we found that YY1 overexpression or knockdown can inhibit or promote the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. Digital gene expression sequencing indicates that cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) may be the candidate target gene of YY1. Then we found that YY1 can downregulate the expression of CDKN3 by directly binding to the promoter region of CDKN3. Silencing CDKN3 expression could inhibit the ability of cell proliferation and migration and overexpression of CDKN3 could restore the effects induced by YY1 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells. The expression levels of YY1 and CDKN3 were negatively correlated in pancreatic cancer tissues and PDAC patients with higher levels of CDKN3 have poor prognosis. Vitro and vivo study show that CDKN3 can form a complex with MdM2‐P53, thus leading to inhibiting the expression of P21, which is the target gene of P53, and finally facilitates the cell cycle to promote the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Hence, YY1 can directly regulate the expression of CDKN3 and participate in the cycle of pancreatic cancer cells, which can inhibit the progression of pancreatic cancer. These results reveal that YY1‐CDKN3‐MDM2/P53‐P21 axis is involved in pancreatic tumorigenesis, which may develop new methods for human pancreatic cancer therapy.
Stimuli‐Responsive Cucurbit[n]uril‐Mediated Host‐Guest Complexes on Surfaces
Authors: Wiemann Maike , Jonkheijm Pascal
Published: November 2017

Supramolecular functional surfaces are at the heart of many materials and medical applications. Increasing interest can be seen for devising new supramolecular functionalization strategies of surfaces. In this review we place particular emphasis on the use of cucurbit[n]uril‐mediated host‐guest complexation as surface functionalization strategy. The state of the art of cucurbit[n]uril‐mediated host‐guest complexes on surfaces is reviewed. Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) are able to form strong host‐guest complexes with affinities that span several orders of magnitudes up to the regime of the biotin‐streptavidin pair and that can be modulated by applying remote stimuli provided suitably sensitive guests were selected. Strategies to fabricate stimuli‐responsive surfaces creates versatile supramolecular systems and several applications of these types of surfaces are outlined.
Using Regional Virtual Water Trade and Water Footprint Accounting for Optimizing Crop Patterns to Mitigate Water Crises in Dry Regions
Authors: Mojtabavi Seyed Amin , Shokoohi Alireza , Ramezani Etedali Hadi , Singh Vijay
Published: November 2017

The Qazvin Plain is one of the most important crop‐producing regions in Iran that are facing water shortage crises. Therefore, agricultural water management has been taken into consideration. In this study, water footprint (WF) accounting and virtual water (VW) trade were employed to determine the current condition of the plain's water resources. The total WF was obtained as 2050 MCM yr−1, of which green, blue, grey and white WF accounted for 31, 25, 2 and 42%, respectively. Having 44% of the total WF as the sum of the grey and white WFs revealed the low irrigation efficiency and overuse of nitrogen fertilizers. VW, water resources footprint (WRF) and net benefit achieved through export of agricultural crops were about 1020 MCM yr−1, 783 MCM yr−1 and US$95.2 million, respectively. Twelve scenarios were defined to determine the best crop patterns. Scenarios 9 and 11 were close to the current situation in terms of keeping the cultivated area and net benefit, as they would save 23.3 and 23.8% of WRF, respectively. Furthermore, in these scenarios economic water footprint (WFE) would improve from 21.5 to 15.9 and 15.5 m3 US$−1, respectively. This study showed that accepting the VW trade concept and using WF accounting for agricultural water planning and management can lead to sustainable development in areas suffering from water shortage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility assessment of a novel elastomeric nanofibrous scaffold: A potential scaffold for soft tissue engineering
Authors: Shamirzaei Jeshvaghani Elham , Ghasemi‐Mobarakeh Laleh , Mansurnezhad Reza , Ajalloueian Fatemeh , Kharaziha Mahshid , Dinari Mohammad , Sami Jokandan Maryam , Chronakis Ioannis S.
Published: November 2017

With regard to flexibility and strength properties requirements of soft biological tissue, elastomeric materials could be more beneficial in soft tissue engineering applications. The present work investigates the use of an elastic polymer, (polycaprolactone fumarate [PCLF]), for fabricating an electrospun scaffold. PCLF with number‐average molecular weight of 13,284 g/mol was synthetized, electrospun PCLF:polycaprolactone (PCL) (70:30) nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated and a novel strategy (in situ photo‐crosslinking along with wet electrospinning) was applied for crosslinking of PCLF in the structure of PCLF:PCL nanofibers was presented. Sol fraction results, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical tests confirmed occurrence of crosslinking reaction. Strain at break and Young's modulus of crosslinked PCLF:PCL nanofibers fabricated was found to be 114.5 ± 3.9% and 0.6 ± 0.1 MPa, respectively, and dynamic mechanical analysis results revealed elasticity of nanofibers. MTS assay showed biocompatibility of PCLF:PCL (70:30) nanofibrous scaffolds. Our overall results showed that electrospun PCLF:PCL nanofibrous scaffold could be considered as a candidate for further in vitro and in vivo experiments and its application for engineering of soft tissues subjected to in vivo cyclic mechanical stresses. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2371–2383, 2018.
Chemotherapy: adding to the risk of falls?
Authors: Chan Jenny Tse Kwan , Jones Ellen
Published: November 2017

Background

Falls significantly impact morbidity and mortality. The contributing factors to falls are multifactorial and apart from well‐documented risk factors, such as age, gender, adverse effects from medications and other comorbidities, chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is overlooked as a contributing cause in cancer patients.

Clinical details

We report a case involving a generally healthy 70‐year‐old woman who presented with a fall following several cycles of paclitaxel‐based chemotherapy for early breast cancer.

Outcomes

Currently there is insufficient data to recommend treatment for CIPN. The patient's progressive worsening of paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neuropathy and fatigue were deemed to be the main contributing factors to her fall. The scheduled paclitaxel was discontinued prematurely due to the negative impacts on the patient's quality of life outweighing the benefits of completing the course of treatment. This case also highlights the use of a multi‐disciplinary approach to optimise patient care and treatment outcome.

Conclusion

CIPN may easily be overlooked, especially in the context of assessing risk of falls in patients at risk of CIPN. This could be monitored and managed effectively by the multidisciplinary team.
Successful autologous stem cell transplant with LACE‐chemotherapy on the background of human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Maleki Sam , Coutsouvelis John , Booth Diana L. , Patil Sushrut
Published: November 2017

Aim

To describe a case of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and successful engraftment in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient with lymphoma while continuing anti‐retroviral treatment (ART).

Clinical Case

A 55‐year‐old man was admitted for LACE (lomustine, etoposide, cytarabine and cyclophosphamide) ASCT for anaplastic large cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, initially treated with CHO(E)P (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisolone) chemotherapy. Medical history included HIV (CD4 count 329 cells per/μL and suppressed viral load for last 10 years) and doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity. After a complete remission demonstrated on positron emission tomography (PET) scan and bone marrow biopsy, it was decided to proceed to ASCT to consolidate treatment. Pre‐existing regimen of raltegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir was continued and full dose conditioning regimen LACE was utilised. Post‐ASCT complications included culture positive Enterobacter and Enterococcal neutropenic hypotensive septicaemia and Clostridium difficile diarrhoea. After a nadir of 0.0 × 109/L, neutrophils recovered to 0.86 × 109/L on day 16.

Outcome

Engraftment was successful, with neutrophils at >1.0 × 109/L and all complications had resolved by day 30 post‐transplant. At 6 months follow‐up, CD4 count dropped to 201.6 cells per/μL and viral load remained stable.

Conclusion

ASCT, with full‐dose conditioning, can be performed while ART therapy continues, with no adverse impact on engraftment or HIV control.
Innovative food products for cancer patients: future directions
Authors: Tueros Itziar , Uriarte Matxalen
Published: November 2017

One of the main challenges for cancer patients under treatment is to prevent and tackle malnutrition. The current clinical nutrition market offers different food supplements or oral nutritional support products (mainly milkshakes or modified texture products) for cancer patients under risk of malnutrition. However, it is worth mentioning that these products do not address the pleasure of eating, since they do not meet sensory requirements, such as taste and smell alterations, nor patients' food preferences, leading to a big impact on their quality of life (QOL). Still, controversy remains regarding the specific nutritional requirements for cancer patients during the disease. Several randomized controlled clinical trials yield opposite results when using different bioactive compounds such as omega‐3 fatty acids or antioxidants in order to prevent malnutrition or improve QOL. The use of ‘omics’ technologies in oncology, such as membrane lipidomics, as a powerful tool to provide new insights for the understanding of diet and cancer and their interacting metabolic pathways, will be discussed. The better knowledge of specific requirements (nutrients, sensory parameters and food preferences) for cancer patients provides valuable information for the food industry in the design of customized food products capable of preventing malnutrition, alleviating symptoms and improving QOL. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and Kinetic Considerations for the Application of the Traceless Staudinger Ligation to Future 18F Radiolabeling Using XRD and 19F NMR
Authors: Köckerling Martin , Mamat Constantin
Published: November 2017

A 4‐fluorobenzoate‐functionalized phosphane was synthesized and reacted with different azides using the traceless Staudinger ligation as a representative sample reaction for future radiolabeling purposes with short‐lived radionuclides like fluorine‐18. For this purpose, the reaction rate was evaluated at different temperatures. The effect of starting material concentrations and the influence of the steric effect coming from the applied azides were investigated. 19F NMR was used to determine the reaction half‐live (τ1/2) and the reaction rate constant (kobs) of this ligation under mild reaction conditions in a water–acetonitrile mixture. Furthermore, the phosphane key compound 1 (orthorhombic, space group Pna21, a = 18.6363(9), b = 8.3589(4), c = 18.5480(9) Å, V = 2889.4(2) Å3, Z = 8, Dobs = 1.277 g/cm3), which acts as starting material for all subsequent syntheses, and the fluorine‐containing phosphane 3 (monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 8.321(2), b = 16.160(4), c = 14.940(4) Å, β = 99.51(1)°, V = 1981.4(8) Å3, Z = 4, Dobs = 1.342 g/cm3) were analyzed by single‐crystal XRD.
APOE, thought disorder, and SPARE‐AD predict cognitive decline in established Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tropea Thomas F. , Xie Sharon X. , Rick Jacqueline , Chahine Lana M. , Dahodwala Nabila , Doshi Jimit , Davatzikos Christos , Shaw Leslie M. , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Daniel , Chen‐Plotkin Alice S.
Published: November 2017

Background

People with PD are at high risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Cross‐sectional studies have identified candidate biomarkers associated with cognitive decline. However, longitudinal studies on this topic are rarer, and few have investigated the use of biomarker panels encompassing multiple modalities. The objective of this study was to find baseline predictors of cognitive decline in longitudinally followed, nondemented Parkinson's disease patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study of 100 PD patients with a median disease duration of 6.4 years. All participants were nondemented at baseline. We examined 16 baseline biomarkers from clinical, genetic, biochemical, and MRI‐based imaging modalities for their association with longitudinal cognitive decline for up to 8 years. We investigated biomarkers individually, as well as in a multivariate linear mixed‐effects model encompassing multimodal biomarkers, with change in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 over time as the primary outcome. Annual consensus process‐derived cognitive diagnosis was used for Cox proportional hazards modeling of risk for cognitive decline.

Results

In multivariate analysis, the presence of the APOE E4 allele, thought disorder, and an Alzheimer's disease pattern of brain atrophy (spatial pattern of abnormality for recognition of early Alzheimer's disease index) best predicted cognitive decline, with APOE E4 genotype exerting the greatest effect. The presence of the APOE E4 allele was associated with a 3.5 times higher risk of worsening cognitive diagnosis over time (HR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.52‐8.24; P < 0.05). The APOE genotype effect was not specific to any Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 domain.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the importance of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers as risk factors for cognitive decline in established Parkinson's disease. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Brazilian Northeast Jet Stream: association with synoptic‐scale systems
Authors: Fedorova Natalia , Levit Vladimir , Campos Antonio Marcos Vianna
Published: November 2017

The association of the Brazilian Northeast Jet Stream (BNEJS) with synoptic‐scale systems was analysed over 16 years (1994–2009) using reanalysis data from the National Center for Environmental Prediction – National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP‐NCAR). BNEJS events were divided into three groups, which show the location of the jet stream between synoptic systems at high levels: Type I, a southerly BNEJS between the Bolivian High and upper tropospheric cyclonic vortexes (UTCVs) and/or the trough (UTT) over the ocean; Type II, a northerly BNEJS between the South Atlantic Subtropical High (SASH) and the UTCV (and/or the UTT) over the continent; and Type III, a westerly BNEJS between the UTCV in the Northern Hemisphere and a UTT in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout the year depending on the characteristics of the BNEJS, three distinct meteorological features were observed. A dry period from December to February in the coastal region was characterized by a relatively small number of fast BNEJSs with a low wind speed in the core, with a dominant southeast direction and with the BNEJS's location between the UTCV and the Bolivian High. A period between April and October (a rainy period and the transition to a dry season in the coastal region) was characterized by a rather high number of fast BNEJSs, with high wind speed in the core, a predominant northwesterly direction, and the location of the BNEJS between the UTT and the SASH. Transitional periods (March and November) have a moderate number of BNEJSs without a high wind speed in the core, with a predominant southwesterly direction, and the BNEJS's position between the UTT and the Bolivian High.
Study of mechanical and tribological properties of nylon 66‐titanium dioxide microcomposite
Authors: Guglani Lalit , Gupta T.C.
Published: November 2017

Nylon 66 microcomposites with various weight percentage of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared by a twin screw extruder and investigated for mechanical and tribological properties. Mechanical properties of the composite such as tensile strength/modulus, flexural strength/modulus, impact, and compressive strength first showed an increase up to 6 wt% TiO2 followed by a decrease at higher filler loading. The value of heat deflection temperature increased with the increase in wt% of TiO2. Sliding wear tests were performed on pin‐on‐disk equipment under different loads, sliding velocity, and sliding distance combinations. It was found that micro‐TiO2‐Nylon 66 composite exhibited reduced wear and coefficient of friction up to 6 wt% TiO2. Micro‐TiO2 at 2 wt% was most effective in improving the tribological properties of plain nylon 66. The worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy to understand the wear mechanism. The optimal combination from 2 wt% to 6 wt% micro‐TiO2‐Nylon 66 can be used depending upon the application requiring improvement in tribological or mechanical properties, respectively.
Processable conductive and mechanically reinforced polylactide/graphene bionanocomposites through interfacial compatibilizer
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Liu Linshu , Fu Yu
Published: November 2017

Novel processable conductive bionanocomposites containing different loadings of graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were developed and examined in the experiments. At the same GNPs loadings, the bionanocomposites with interfacial compatibilizer, maleated PLA (ma‐PLA), exhibited higher mechanical and thermo‐mechanical properties compared to neat PLA and those without ma‐PLA. The strong interaction from incorporated interfacial compatibilizer with GNPs was evidenced on the fractured surface. With the micromechanical models, the mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites were evaluated. Also, their thermal and rheological properties were tested and analyzed. An approximately twofold decrease in complex viscosity was achieved for the bionanocomposites with interfacial compatibilizer. For electrical conductivity, at 5–7 wt% GNPs loadings the electrical conduction path was constructed inside the PLA matrix through the formation of the effective three‐dimensional conductive networks. It was interestingly noted that above the percolation threshold the increasing GNPs loading did not contribute to the higher but lower AC conductivity. The corresponding mechanisms in AC conductivity were elucidated and discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:389–400, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Graphene nanoplatelet‐silica hybrid epoxy composites as electrical insulation with enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Rybak Andrzej , Jarosinski Lukasz , Gaska Karolina , Kapusta Czeslaw
Published: November 2017

The efficient management of heat is a key issue when considering the performance of electrical devices. To reduce the probability of their failure an effective heat dissipation should be ensured. The thermal conductivity of pure epoxy is low and can be improved through the addition of fillers. Graphene has been considered as an adequate filler, due to its excellent thermal conductivity. However, graphene‐based composites also show a high electrical conductivity, which limits their application as an electrical insulation considerably. The presented work shows that it is possible to enhance thermal conductivity through the incorporation of a new class of hybrid filler, namely a masterbatch of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and a standard filler like silica. This unique structural design combines the advantages of both, GNPs and silica powder, resulting in composites that not only show high thermal conductivity, but also preserve electrical insulation functionality. A modified processing method leads to the improvement of thermal conductivity. GNPs‐silica hybrid epoxy composites with only 2 wt% of GNPs reached 1.54 W/mK, whereas the volume resistivity remained at the level of 1015 Ω cm. The unique scientific aspect, namely temperature dependence of thermal conductivity, was studied. The presented novel hybrid composites show great potential in applications requiring electrical insulation with enhanced thermal conductivity in high voltage devices. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1682–E1691, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers