bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of reaction conditions on the self‐assembly of the natural silk sericin protein
Authors: Li Wenhua , Su Xiuping , Zhong Qiwei , Liu Zhaogang , Cai Yurong , Yao Juming
Published: April 2016

In the past years, the self‐assembly of specific proteins has been paid more and more attention due to their significant role in human health and fabrication of new materials. In this article, we explore the effect of reaction conditions on the self‐assembly of natural silk sericin protein, including the molecular weight and the concentration of sericin, pH, and metal ions in the reaction system. The results indicate that all these factors, especially species and concentration of metal ions, could influence the self‐assembly process of the silk sericin protein. A series of assemblies with various morphologies can be fabricated by modulating the reaction condition. The article may provide some clue for the understanding of the protein self‐assembly in the body and a method to fabricate new organic materials with different morphology. Microsc. Res. Tech. 80:298–304, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between patients with occupational and non‐occupational intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hamano Genya , Kubo Shoji , Takemura Shigekazu , Tanaka Shogo , Shinkawa Hiroji , Kinoshita Masahiko , Ito Tokuji , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Wakasa Kenichi , Shibata Toshihiko
Published: April 2016

Background

An outbreak of cholangiocarcinoma has been reported among workers of an offset color proof‐printing department at a printing company in Japan. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological findings of this type of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (occupational ICC) and non‐occupational ICC.

Methods

The clinical records of 51 patients with perihilar‐type ICC who underwent liver resection, including five patients with occupational ICC were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological features were compared.

Results

In the occupational group, the patients were significantly younger (P < 0.01), while serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity and the proportions of patients with regional dilatation of the bile ducts without tumor‐induced obstruction were significantly higher (P = 0.041 and P < 0.01, respectively); the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min was significantly lower (P = 0.020). On pathological examinations, precancerous or early cancerous lesions, such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct, were observed at various sites of the bile ducts in all occupational ICC patients; such lesions were observed in only six patients in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The clinicopathological findings including age, liver function test results, diagnostic imaging findings, and pathological findings differed between the occupational and control groups.
Organocatalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromene Derivatives
Authors: Ramireddy Naresh , Abbaraju Santhi , Ding Derong , Arman Hadi , Zhao John C.‐G.
Published: April 2016

Optically active 2‐amino‐5‐oxo‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylates, 2‐amino‐5‐oxo‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles, and 2‐amino‐8‐oxo‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles were synthesized. Using cinchona alkaloid‐derived bifunctional catalysts, the corresponding 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives were obtained in high yields and moderate to high ee values (up to 82% ee) from the tandem Michael addition–cyclization reaction between 1,3‐cyclohexanediones or 1,2‐cyclohexanediones and (E)‐3‐aryl‐2‐cyanoacrylate or alkylidene malononitrile derivatives.
A new technique for the radiolabelling of mixed leukocytes with zirconium‐89 for inflammation imaging with positron emission tomography
Authors: Fairclough M. , Prenant C. , Ellis B. , Boutin H. , McMahon A. , Brown G. , Locatelli P. , Jones A.K.P.
Published: April 2016

Mixed leukocyte (white blood cells [WBCs]) trafficking using positron emission tomography (PET) is receiving growing interest to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions. PET, a high sensitivity molecular imaging technique, allows precise quantification of the signal produced from radiolabelled moieties. We have evaluated a new method for radiolabelling WBCs with either zirconium‐89 (89Zr) or copper‐64 (64Cu) for PET imaging. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were produced by a process of ionotropic gelation and used to deliver radiometals into WBCs. Experiments were carried out using mixed WBCs freshly isolated from whole human blood. WBCs radiolabelling efficiency was higher with [89Zr]‐loaded CN (76.8 ± 9.6% (n = 12)) than with [64Cu]‐loaded CN (26.3 ± 7.0 % (n = 7)). [89Zr]‐WBCs showed an initial loss of 28.4 ± 5.8% (n = 2) of the radioactivity after 2 h. This loss was then followed by a plateau as 89Zr remains stable in the cells. [64Cu]‐WBCs showed a loss of 85 ± 6% (n = 3) of the radioactivity after 1 h, which increased to 96 ± 6% (n = 3) loss after 3 h. WBC labelling with [89Zr]‐loaded CN showed a fast kinetic of leukocyte association, high labelling efficiency and a relatively good retention of the radioactivity. This method using 89Zr has a potential application for PET imaging of inflammation.
Automation of [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde synthesis: application to a recombinant human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (rhIL‐1RA)
Authors: Morris Olivia , McMahon Adam , Boutin Herve , Grigg Julian , Prenant Christian
Published: April 2016

[18F]Fluoroacetaldehyde is a biocompatible prosthetic group that has been implemented pre‐clinically using a semi‐automated remotely controlled system. Automation of radiosyntheses permits use of higher levels of [18F]fluoride whilst minimising radiochemist exposure and enhancing reproducibility. In order to achieve full‐automation of [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde peptide radiolabelling, a customised GE Tracerlab FX‐FN with fully programmed automated synthesis was developed.

The automated synthesis of [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde is carried out using a commercially available precursor, with reproducible yields of 26% ± 3 (decay‐corrected, n = 10) within 45 min. Fully automated radiolabelling of a protein, recombinant human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (rhIL‐1RA), with [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde was achieved within 2 h. Radiolabelling efficiency of rhIL‐1RA with [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde was confirmed using HPLC and reached 20% ± 10 (n = 5).

Overall RCY of [18F]rhIL‐1RA was 5% ± 2 (decay‐corrected, n = 5) within 2 h starting from 35 to 40 GBq of [18F]fluoride. Specific activity measurements of 8.11–13.5 GBq/µmol were attained (n = 5), a near three‐fold improvement of those achieved using the semi‐automated approach.

The strategy can be applied to radiolabelling a range of peptides and proteins with [18F]fluoroacetaldehyde analogous to other aldehyde‐bearing prosthetic groups, yet automation of the method provides reproducibility thereby aiding translation to Good Manufacturing Practice manufacture and the transformation from pre‐clinical to clinical production.
Moisture determination of tritium tracers utilizing near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Marques Rosemary , Waterhouse David J. , Helmy Roy
Published: April 2016

Tritium tracers are frequently used in biological assays during the drug discovery process because of their high specific activity and relative ease of synthesis. However, this high specific activity, along with other contributing factors, can lead to an increased rate of radiolytic decomposition. As a result, following long‐term storage tritium tracers often require purification. Understanding the elements that cause radiolytic decomposition is extremely important to extend the storage life, and consequently reduce unnecessary inventory purifications. One of these elements is the presence of water in tritium tracers. Upon investigation, it was discovered that aside from the relatively common tritium/water exchange that could occur, residual water could also contribute significantly to the decomposition of tritium tracers. A near‐infrared method was developed utilizing a portable device to measure the water content in tritium tracers rapidly and without sample destruction. This method proved to be quick, efficient, and achieved an error less than 5% compared to that of traditional Karl Fischer titration. Method validation was performed and good accuracy, linearity, limit of detection and quantitation were all established.
Labeling and evaluation of 99mTc‐tricarbonyl‐meloxicam as a preferential COX‐2 inhibitor for inflammation imaging
Authors: Erfani Mostafa , Sharifzadeh Somayeh , Doroudi Alireza , Shafiei Mohammad
Published: April 2016

Imaging of inflammation has an important role in dissolving problems in diagnosis and therapy of patients with inflammatory disorders. In this study meloxican as a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) has been labeled with thechnetium‐99m‐tricarbonyl core ([99mTc (CO)3 (H2O)3]+) in order to evaluate its feasibility as an inflammation imaging agent for in vivo use.

99mTc‐tricabonyl labeling of meloxicam was performed by its incubation with prepared precursor 99mTc‐tricabonyl and heating in a boiling water bath for 30 min while various range of pH (1–9) was adjusted. The stability of 99mTc‐tricarbonyl‐Meloxicam was checked in human serum at 37 °C, and biodistribution was studied in mice. Labeling yield of 98.1 ± 0.4% was obtained corresponding to a specific activity of 0.14 GBq/µmol. The radioconjugate showed good stability in human serum. Our main achievement was high accumulation of 99mTc‐tricarbonyl‐Meloxicam in the inflammated muscle in mice (T/NT = 3.90 at 4 h post injection) which may diagnostically be beneficial for distinguish sites of inflammation.
Analysis of arch‐like bones: The rodent mandible as a case study
Authors: Vassallo Aldo Iván
Published: April 2016

Bone strength is determined by the mechanical properties of bone material, and the size and shape of the whole bone, i.e., its architecture. The mandible of vertebrates has been traditionally regarded as a beam oriented in relation to main masticatory loads, i.e., the longer dimension of its cross‐section being parallel to the load. Rodents follow this pattern but, in addition, their mandible possesses an intriguing arch‐like shape that is apparent when seen in the lateral view. Little attention was given to the structural capacity of this trait. The advantage of an arch is that it can withstand a greater load than a horizontal beam. The objective of this study was to model the rodent mandible like an arch to evaluate its structural strength. The bending moment in an arch‐like mandible was 15–25% lower with respect to a beam‐like mandible. Further, bending varies with mandible “slenderness” and incisor procumbency, a functionally relevant rodent trait. In the rodent Ctenomys talarum (Caviomorpha; Ctenomyidae), bone stress was substantially reduced when the mandible was modeled as an arch‐like structure as compared with a beam‐like structure, and safety factors were 15–34% higher. The shape of rodents' mandible might confer a functional advantage to high and repeatedly applied loads resulting from a unique feeding mode: gnawing. J. Morphol. 277:879–887, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The spleen and skin wound healing in Xenopus adults
Authors: Franchini Antonella , Della Rocca Annalaura , Bertolotti Evelina
Published: April 2016

In most vertebrates, the regenerative capacity to restore lost/damage tissues to original structure and functionality decreases at some time during ontogenesis. To evaluate the role of the acquired immunity in the decline of regenerative potential, we examined the cellular responses elicited in the spleen during skin repair in Xenopus adults. Modifications in the architecture were found to be induced and were remarkable 14 days postinjury when the spleen increased significantly in size. In white pulp, the periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths were associated with follicles having central light zones, morphologically similar to germinal centers. With the progress of healing, pigment‐containing cells were seen to accumulate in both white and red pulp regions. Moreover, compared to controls, the cells immunoreactive to anti‐cytokines (TNF‐α, TGF‐β1) and ‐iNOS increased from the first days after wounding. The 14th day, the positive cells formed a dense network of reticular cells in central regions of lymphoid follicles and more frequent reactive leukocytes were detected within the red pulp. A higher number of lymphoid cells immunostained with anti‐CD3ε were also observed in the perifollicular zone. The results suggest that the spleen of adult frogs is involved in skin wound healing with the expansion of lymphoid compartments. J. Morphol. 277:888–895, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermodynamic analysis of ANS binding to partially unfolded α‐lactalbumin: correlation of endothermic to exothermic changeover with formation of authentic molten globules
Authors: Kim Ki Hyung , Yun Soi , Mok K. H. , Lee E. K.
Published: April 2016

A fluorescent reporter, 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS), can serve as a reference molecule for conformational transition of a protein because its aromatic carbons have strong affinity with hydrophobic cores of partially unfolded molten globules. Using a typical calcium‐binding protein, bovine α‐lactalbumin (BLA), as a model protein, we compared the ANS binding thermodynamics to the decalcified (10 mM EDTA treated) apo‐BLA at two representative temperatures: 20 and 40 °C. This is because the authentic molten globule is known to form more heavily at an elevated temperature such as 40 °C. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments revealed that the BLA–ANS interactions at both temperatures were entropy‐driven, and the dissociation constants were similar on the order of 10−4 M, but there was a dramatic changeover in the binding thermodynamics from endothermic at 20 °C to exothermic at 40 °C. We believe that the higher subpopulation of authentic molten globules at 40 °C than 20 °C would be responsible for the results, which also indicate that weak binding is sufficient to alter the ANS binding mechanisms. We expect that the thermodynamic properties obtained from this study would serve as a useful reference for investigating the binding of other hydrophobic ligands such as oleic acid to apo‐BLA, because oleic acid is known to have tumor‐selective cytotoxicity when complexed with partially unfolded α‐lactalbumin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of team training on improving MRI study completion rates and no‐show rates
Authors: Norbash Alexander , Yucel Kent , Yuh William , Doros Gheorghe , Ajam Amna , Lang Elvira , Pauker Stephen , Mayr Nina
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a high‐cost imaging modality, and an optimized encounter ideally provides high‐quality care, patient satisfaction, and capacity utilization. Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of team training and its impact on patient show‐up and completion rates for their MRI examinations.

Materials and Methods

A total of 97,712 patient visits from three tertiary academic medical centers over 1‐year intervals were evaluated, totaling 49,733 visits at baseline and 47,979 after training. Each center's MRI team received team training skill training including advanced communication and team training techniques training. This training included onsite instruction including case simulation with scenarios requiring appropriate behavioral and communicative interventions. Orientation and training also utilized customized online tools and proctoring. The study completion rate and patient show‐up rate during consecutive year‐long intervals before and after team training were compared to assess its effectiveness. Two‐sided chi‐square tests for proportions using were applied at a 0.05 significance level.

Results

Despite differing no‐show rates (5–22.2%) and study incompletion rates (0.7–3.7%) at the three academic centers, the combined patients' data showed significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in the patients' no‐show rates (combined decreases from 11.2% to 8.7%) and incompletion rates (combined decreases from 2.3% to 1.4%).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results suggest training of the imaging team can improve the no‐show and incompletion rates of the MRI service, positively affecting throughput and utilization. Team training can be readily implemented and may help address the needs of the current cost‐conscious and consumer‐sensitive healthcare environment. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:1040–1047.
Histological validation of cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping for detecting diffuse myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rabbits
Authors: Zeng Mu , Zhang Nan , He Yi , Wen Zhaoying , Wang Zhanhong , Zhao Yike , Greiser Andreas , An Jing , Zhang Tianjing , Jing Bin , Zhang Xin , Fan Zhanming , Li Debiao
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To pathologically verify the correlation between native T1 mapping, postcontrast T1 mapping, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and myocardial diffuse fibrosis, as determined by collagen volume fraction (CVF).

Materials and Methods

Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the control group (n = 6), diabetes 3 months group (n = 8), diabetes 6 months group (n = 8), and diabetes 9 months group (n = 8). All the rabbits underwent clinical 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) examinations with pre‐ and postcontrast modified Look–Locker inversion recovery T1 mapping. For the histological study, each rabbit was sacrificed after MR scanning, hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining of the left ventricular myocardium were performed, and CVF was calculated. Pre‐ and postcontrast T1 values and ECV were compared to CVF using Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Results

Two rabbits died in each diabetes group, thus each group included six rabbits. ECV calculated from pre‐ and postcontrast T1 values showed a very strong correlation with CVF (r = 0.876, P < 0.001), whereas postcontrast T1 values exhibited a moderate correlation with CVF (r = –0.564, P = 0.004). In contrast, precontrast T1 values showed no correlation with CVF (r = 0.311, P = 0.139).

Conclusion

ECV has a very strong correlation with pathological CVF, and can be used to assess the degree of diffuse myocardial fibrosis better than the postcontrast T1 value. Precontrast T1 value has no significant correlation with diffuse myocardial fibrosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1179–1185.
Long‐term outcomes following post‐operative radiotherapy for Stage I/II testicular seminoma – an Australasian single‐institution experience
Authors: Ong Wee Loon , Nazareth Lester , Hindson Benjamin , Matheson Bronwyn , Millar Jeremy L
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The aim of the study is to review the long‐term oncological outcomes and adverse effects of post‐operative radiotherapy (PORT) for Stage I/II seminoma patients in an Australian radiation treatment centre.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 125 patients with Stage I/II seminoma treated with PORT at the Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Service between 1992 and 2013. Patients were linked to the Victorian Cancer Registry to enable confirmation of survival and diagnosis of secondary malignancies (SM). The relapse‐free survival (RFS), testicular‐cancer‐specific survival (TCSS), overall survival (OS) and SM‐free survival (SMFS) were estimated with Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 36 (range 20–62). The median time between diagnosis and PORT was 1.6 months (range: 0.5–4.5). Fifty patients (40%) had PORT to the para‐aortic (PA) target alone, while the remaining had PORT to PA and ipsilateral or bilateral iliac lymph nodes. There were no acute adverse effects requiring admission. The median follow‐up after PORT was 7.8 years (range = 0.1–19.1). There were two relapses, both of which occurred within 1 year of PORT (estimated 10‐year RFS = 98.4%). Five deaths were reported, none of which were testicular cancer‐related death (estimated 10‐year TCSS = 100%, 10‐year OS = 97.3%). There were seven SM (one lower lip cancer, one upper shoulder melanoma, one mesothelioma, two prostate cancer, one acute myeloid leukaemia and one contralateral testicular seminoma) reported in six patients, with estimated 10‐year SMFS of 92.9%.

Conclusion

Our series confirms excellent oncological outcomes among patients with Stage I/II seminoma treated with PORT, with uncommon occurrence of SM.
Recent advances in human viruses imaging studies
Authors: Florian Paula Ecaterina , Rouillé Yves , Ruta Simona , Nichita Norica , Roseanu Anca
Published: April 2016

Microscopy techniques are often exploited by virologists to investigate molecular details of critical steps in viruses’ life cycles such as host cell recognition and entry, genome replication, intracellular trafficking, and release of mature virions. Fluorescence microscopy is the most attractive tool employed to detect intracellular localizations of various stages of the viral infection and monitor the pathogen‐host interactions associated with them. Super‐resolution microscopy techniques have overcome the technical limitations of conventional microscopy and offered new exciting insights into the formation and trafficking of human viruses. In addition, the development of state‐of‐the art electron microscopy techniques has become particularly important in studying virus morphogenesis by revealing ground‐braking ultrastructural details of this process. This review provides recent advances in human viruses imaging in both, in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo, in the animal models recently developed. The newly available imaging technologies bring a major contribution to our understanding of virus pathogenesis and will become an important tool in early diagnosis of viral infection and the development of novel therapeutics to combat the disease.
Influence of trabecular bone quality and implantation direction on press‐fit mechanics
Authors: Damm Niklas B. , Morlock Michael M. , Bishop Nicholas E.
Published: April 2016

Achieving primary stability of uncemented press‐fit prostheses in patients with poor quality bone can involve axial implantation forces large enough to cause bone fracture. Radial implantation eliminates intraoperative impaction forces and could prevent this damage. Platens of two commercial implant surfaces (“Beaded” and “Flaked”) were implanted onto trabecular bone specimens of varying quality in a press‐fit simulator. Samples were implanted with varying interference, either axially (shear) or radially (normal). Push‐in and pull‐out forces were measured to assess stability. Microstructural changes in the bone were determined from μCT analysis. For force‐defined implantation analysis, push‐in and pull‐out forces both increased proportionally with increasing radial force, independent of implantation direction, bone quality or implant surface. For position‐defined implantation analysis, pull‐out forces were generally found to increase with interference and to be greater for radial than axial implantation direction, and to be lower for poor quality bone. Bone density increased locally at the tested interface due to implantation, in particular for the Beaded surface under axial implantation. If a safe radial stress can be determined for cortical bone in a particular patient, the associated implantation force, and pull‐out force which represents primary stability, can be directly derived, regardless of implantation direction, bone quality or implant surface. Radial implantation delivers primary stability that is no worse than that for axial implantation and may eliminate potentially damaging impaction forces. Development of implant designs based on this principal might improve implant fixation. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:224–233, 2017.
What Does Meditation Contribute to Workplace? An Integrative Review
Authors: Cheng Fung Kei
Published: April 2016

Quality in the workforce is essential for organizational competitiveness, requiring human resource executives to develop programs in pursuit of business success: one such possibility is meditation. The current integrative review provides an overview of how meditation can contribute to life in the workplace. In analyzing 10 empirical studies carried out in North America, Europe, and Asia, it indicates the presence of individual and organizational dimensions, in that meditation not only benefits personal and mental health and social relationships, as well as the alleviation of role conflicts, but also benefits organizational innovativeness and development. These results point to future studies and reveal implications for practices related to integrating meditation into daily life and building mindful organizations.
You Belong to Me: An African American Narrative
Authors: Veazie Nola C.
Published: April 2016

You Belong to Me is a compelling documentary film that examined the underpinnings of racism, prejudice, and discrimination in the United States. John Cork's superlative and honest writing depicted the dichotomous view of African Americans as free agents endowed with rights versus African Americans as a subordinate group. The film addresses the narrative about racism in America and defines the connection between subordinate groups and learned helplessness, a connection that likely reinforces the glass ceiling for women and African Americans. On the surface, the Ruby McCollum story is a tantalizing tale of sex, murder, and racial tension in the small community of Live Oak, Florida. On a deeper level, however, the writer captured the psychological consequences of racism, passed down from one generation to another. These psychological consequences affect every social organization in the United States.
Ionic and tautomeric conformers of adenine at different pH investigated by Raman spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations
Authors: Bhunia Snehasis , Donfack Patrice , Materny Arnulf , Ojha Animesh K.
Published: April 2016

Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory studies have been done to determine the ionic and tautomeric conformers of adenine (Ade) in aqueous solution at pH 1.5 (acidic), 7.0 (neutral) and 12.5 (alkaline). The experimental Raman spectra of the aqueous solution of Ade have been recorded for the spectral range of 500–1800 cm−1. As expected, the recorded Raman spectra of the aqueous solution of Ade at different pH have noticeable differences. The change in the spectral features of Ade at different pH is a result of the change in structure (neutral, cation and anion) of Ade in the aqueous solution. The shifting in the wavenumber position of the Raman bands, along with the change in relative intensity and appearance of new bands with the change of pH, has been explained. In order to determine the structure of Ade at various pH, theoretical Raman spectra, corresponding to the most probable structure of Ade at that particular pH, are calculated by density functional theory‐based explicit model. The Raman bands observed at each pH of the aqueous solution of Ade are assigned with the help of a potential energy distribution calculation. The most plausible ionic and neutral conformers of Ade in aqueous solution at pH 1.5, 7.0 and 12.5 are determined by comparing the experimental and theoretical spectra. From this, it is concluded that at neutral pH (7.0), Ade‐N9 and Ade‐N7 tautomers of Ade predominantly exist along with some signature of imine form of Ade in the aqueous solution. However, single‐protonated and double‐protonated forms of Ade can exist simultaneously in the aqueous solution at pH 1.5. As per expectation, the anionic form of Ade has been found at alkaline pH (12.5). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling red coral (Corallium rubrum) and African snail (Helixia aspersa) shell pigments: Raman spectroscopy versus DFT studies
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Buczek Aneta , Broda Małgorzata A. , Szostak Roman , Lin Hong‐Ming , Fan Lu‐Wei , Wrzalik Roman , Stobiński Leszek
Published: April 2016

Pigments from red coral (Corallium rubrum) and African snail (Helixia aspersa) shell were studied non‐invasively using Raman spectroscopy with 1064‐nm laser beam. The two observed bands because of organic pigments confined in biomineralized CaCO3 matrix at about 1500 and 1100 cm−1 were assigned to ν(CC) and ν(C―C), respectively. Both signals originate from polyene(s) of largely unknown structure, containing several conjugated CC bonds. The small peak at 1016 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum of coral pigment was assigned to in‐plane ―CH3 rocking or structural deformation of polyene chain because of spatial confinement in the mineral matrix. The organic pigments in red coral and snail shell were present in inorganic matrix containing aragonite (shell) and calcite (coral). In addition, using Raman spectroscopy, it was observed that aragonite was replaced by calcite as result of healing damaged parts of snail shell. This is an important finding which indicates a great potential of nondestructive Raman spectroscopy instead of X‐ray technique, as a diagnostic tool in environmental studies. To support analysis of the observed Raman spectra detailed calculations using density functional theory (DFT with B3LYP and BLYP density functionals) on structure and vibrations of model all‐trans polyenes were undertaken. DFT calculated CC and C―C stretching frequencies for all‐trans polyenes containing from 2 to 14 CC units were compared with the observed ν(CC) and ν(C―C) band positions of the studied coral and shell. Individual correction factors were used to better match theoretical wavenumbers with observed band positions in red coral and African snail. It was concluded that all‐trans polyene pigments of red coral and dark parts of African snail shell contain 11–12 and 14 CC double bond units, respectively. However, Raman spectroscopy cannot produce any clear information on the presence and nature of the end‐chain substituents in the studied pigments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the emulsifying properties of β‐lactoglobulin–wild almond gum (Amygdalus scoparia Spach) exudate complexes by heat
Authors: Golkar Abdolkhalegh , Nasirpour Ali , Keramat Javad
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to investigate the advantageous effects of wet heating, BLG (β‐lactoglobulin)/Ang (Angum gum) ratio, and pH (normal pH of mixed BLG and Ang solutions, pHc > pH > pHΦ1) on the emulsifying properties of wet‐heated β‐lactoglobulin–wild almond gum exudate (Amygdalus scoparia Spach) mixture over those of electrostatic counterparts.

RESULTS

Covalent linkage of BLG‐Ang conjugates was confirmed by SDS‐PAGE and FTIR analysis. Emulsion activity (EA), emulsion stability (ES), and droplet size characteristics of emulsions were significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) affected by electrostatic/wet‐heating, biopolymer ratio, pH, and their interactions. The electrostatic complexes with pHc > pH > pHΦ1 exhibited higher EA and ES values for all the biopolymer ratios investigated than their electrostatic counterparts with pH after mixing. However, these values for the wet‐heated samples at pH after mixing were found to be higher than those of the samples subjected to heat treatment at pHc > pH > pHΦ1. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that E/1:2/3.80 and W/1:2/6.69 were the two complexes with finer droplet size distributions after preparation (26.72 ± 3.71 and 15.27 ± 1.01 µm, respectively) and after one week of storage at 4 °C (30.71 ± 1.57 and 28.79 ± 0.56 µm, respectively) than others. Apparent viscosities of electrostatic and wet‐heated complexes and emulsions made with the complexes were measured.

CONCLUSION

Protein–polysaccharide interactions can be used as an efficient way for producing novel emulsifiers/stabilisers after heat treatment. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Is long‐term survival possible after margin‐positive resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS)?
Authors: Klooster Brittany , Rajeev Rahul , Chrabaszcz Sarah , Charlson John , Miura John , Bedi Meena , Gamblin Thomas Clark , Johnston Fabian , Turaga Kiran K.
Published: April 2016

Background/Objectives

For various reasons, some patients undergo a gross margin positive resection (R2) leading to a dilemma in care. We hypothesized that there is a subset of patients who have long‐term survival (LTS, ≥5 years) after R2 resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS).

Methods

National Cancer Database data from 1998 to 2011 were reviewed to identify patients with RPS who had R2 resections. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to compare LTS with short‐term survival.

Results

Of 12,028 patients, R2 resection rate was 3.28% (4.9% in 1998; 2.5% in 2011). Median survival for RPS with R2 resection was 21 months versus 69 months for those with R0/R1 resections (P < 0.001). Of 272 patients with available survival, 24% (n = 64) survived ≥5 years with 64% alive at follow‐up. LTS was most often seen in younger patients (<65 years) with well‐differentiated liposarcoma. Chemotherapy appeared to improve survival in the first 3 postoperative years, but paradoxical effects were seen in LTS (Hazards Ratio [HR] 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50–0.95, P = 0.024) in first 3 years versus (HR 2.15, 95%CI: 1.21–3.81, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Long‐term survival is possible for a subset of patients after an R2 resection for RPS, especially with favorable histology characteristics. Benefits of chemotherapy in margin positive settings need to be investigated. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:823–827. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of surgery in the multimodal treatment of primary and recurrent leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Cananzi Ferdinando Carlo Maria , Mussi Chiara , Bordoni Maria Grazia , Marrari Andrea , De Sanctis Rita , Colombo Piergiuseppe , Quagliuolo Vittorio
Published: April 2016

Background

The optimal treatment of leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is still unclear, especially in the metastatic and/or recurrent setting. We herein evaluated the long‐term outcome after aggressive management.

Methods

Eleven patients underwent surgery for primary LMS of the IVC between 2000 and 2012. The clinical, pathological, and survival data were reviewed.

Results

The IVC was managed by graft replacement in four cases, primary repair in four, and ligation in three. The R0 resection rate was 64%. The median follow‐up was 60 months. Nine patients developed distant relapse, two of them concomitant local recurrence; no exclusive local recurrence was observed. The 3‐ and 5‐year distant recurrence free survival were 30% and 10%, respectively. The 3‐ and 5‐year overall‐survival (OS) were 77.8%. The presence of residual disease after surgery (P = 0.024) and the time to recurrence (P = 0.033) were associated with the OS in a univariate analysis. The time to recurrence was related to the post‐metastases survival (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

An adequate surgery minimizes the risk of local recurrence and remains the main treatment for primary LMS of the IVC. Nevertheless, the rate of distant metastases remains extremely high. An aggressive surgical policy may be of benefit to selected patients with metastatic disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:44–49. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient factors affecting the Toronto extremity salvage score following limb salvage surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Heaver Catriona , Isaacson Antonia , Gregory Jonathan J. , Cribb Gill , Cool Paul
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

The Toronto extremity salvage score (TESS) assesses physical function following limb salvage for bone and soft tissue sarcoma. In 2012, Clayer et al. showed increasing age affects the TESS score in normal individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate what other patient factors affect outcome?

Methods

We reviewed the TESS scores, age, sex, BMI, diagnosis, smoking status, and social deprivation score of patients who have undergone limb salvage in our unit. Data were extracted from our tumor database and reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon pairwise test and linear regression analysis.

Results

Four hundred and ninety‐eight TESS scores were found for 198 patients. Data were analyzed separating upper limb (UL) and lower limb (LL) tumors. In the UL group, being female (P = 0.01) and having a bone lesion (P < 0.001) were associated with a lower TESS score. In the LL group, being female (P = 0.04), increasing age (P = 0.002), having a bone lesion (P < 0.001), increasing BMI (P < 0.001), and smoking (P = 0.005) were associated with a lower TESS score.

Conclusions

Analysis has shown that female sex, increasing age and BMI, smoking and having a bone lesion have an adverse effect on physical function following limb salvage, as indicated by the mean TESS score. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:804–810. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous and rapid determination of deoxynivalenol and its acetylate derivatives in wheat flour and rice by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection
Authors: Xu Jiao‐Jiao , Zhou Jian , Huang Bai‐Fen , Cai Zeng‐Xuan , Xu Xiao‐Min , Ren Yi‐Ping
Published: April 2016

A simple and reliable method of ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo‐diode array detection has been proposed for the simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol and its acetylated derivatives in wheat flour and rice, especially focusing on the optimization of sample extraction, cleanup, and chromatographic separation conditions. Sample pretreatment consisted of a first step using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe based extraction procedure and a subsequent cleanup step based on solid‐phase extraction. The method was extensively validated in wheat flour and rice, obtaining satisfactory analytical performance with good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.999), acceptable recoveries (80.0–104.4%), and repeatability (RSDs 1.3–10.7%). The limits of detection (21.7–57.4 μg/kg) and quantitation (72.3–191.4 μg/kg) for deoxynivalenols were lower than those usually permitted by various countries’ legislation in these food matrices. The method was applied to 34 wheat and rice samples. The results were further compared with results of ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
Determination of atenolol in human plasma using ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted in situ solvent formation microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zeeb Mohsen , Farahani Hadi , Papan Mohammad Kazem
Published: April 2016

An efficient analytical method called ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted in situ solvent formation microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the determination of atenolol in human plasma. A hydrophobic ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) was formed by the addition of a hydrophilic ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) to a sample solution containing an ion‐pairing agent during microextraction. The analyte was extracted into the ionic liquid phase while the microextraction solvent was dispersed throughout the sample by utilizing ultrasound. The sample was then centrifuged, and the extracting phase retracted into the microsyringe and injected to liquid chromatography. After optimization, the calibration curve showed linearity in the range of 2–750 ng/mL with the regression coefficient corresponding to 0.998. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and quantification (S/N = 10) were 0.5 and 2 ng/mL, respectively. A reasonable relative recovery range of 90–96.7% and satisfactory intra‐assay (4.8–5.1%, n = 6) and interassay (5.0–5.6%, n = 9) precision along with a substantial sample clean‐up demonstrated good performance of the procedure. It was applied for the determination of atenolol in human plasma after oral administration and some pharmacokinetic data were obtained.
Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantitation of five phthalides in rat plasma: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study of Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan and herb‐pair extract
Authors: Ma Wen , Wang Weihui , Peng Yan , Bian Qiaoxia , Wang Nannan , Lee David Y.‐W. , Dai Ronghua
Published: April 2016

A fast, sensitive, and reliable ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation and pharmacokinetic study of five phthalides (senkyunolide A, ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, 3‐butylphthalide, and levistilide A) in rat plasma after oral administration of Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXLD) or Angelica sinensis‐‐Ligusticum chuanxiong herb pair (DG‐CX) between normal and arthritis rats. After extraction from blood, the analytes and internal standard were subjected to ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with a Shim‐pack XR‐ODS column (75 × 3.0 mm2, 2.2 μm particles) and mobile phase was composed of methanol and water (containing 0.05% formic acid) under gradient elution conditions, with an electrospray ionization source in the positive ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. The lower limits of quantification were 0.192–0.800 ng/mL for all the analytes. Satisfactory linearity, precision, accuracy, mean extraction recovery, and acceptable matrix effect have been achieved. The validated method was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study of five bioactive components in rat plasma after oral administration of HLXLD or DG‐CX alone, respectively, between normal and arthritic rats. The results showed that there were unlike characters of pharmacokinetics among different groups.
Determination of nine volatile N‐nitrosamines in tobacco and smokeless tobacco products by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lv Fang , Guo Junwei , Yu Fei , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Shimin , Cui Huapeng , Liu Xianjun , Chen Li , Liu Leiyu , Liu Shaofeng , Xie Fuwei
Published: April 2016

A method was developed for the determination of nine volatile N‐nitrosamines in tobacco and smokeless tobacco products. The targets are N‐nitrosodimethylamine, N‐nitrosopyrrolidine, N‐nitrosopiperidine, N‐nitrosomorpholine, N‐nitrosoethylmethylamine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosodipropylamine, N‐nitrosobuylmethylmine, and N‐nitrosodibutylamine. The samples were treated by dispersive solid‐phase extraction using 1 g of primary secondary amine and 0.5 g of carbon and then analyzed by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry with an electron impact ion source. The recoveries for the targets ranged from 84 to 118%, with <16% relative standard deviations at three spiking levels of 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5 ng/g. The limits of detection ranged from 0.03 to 0.15 ng/g. With the use of the proposed method, we detected the presence of six nitrosamines in the range of 0.4–30.7 ng/g. The study demonstrated that the method could be used as a rapid, convenient, and high‐throughput method for N‐nitrosamines analysis in tobacco matrix.
Screening and isolation of potential lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from five Chinese medicinal herbs: Soybean, Radix pueraria, Flos pueraria, Rhizoma belamcandae, and Radix astragali
Authors: Tang Ying , Li Senlin , Li Sainan , Yang Xiaojing , Qin Yao , Zhang Yuchi , Liu Chunming
Published: April 2016

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and severe disability worldwide. Flavonoids have been extensively used in the treatment of ischemic stroke by reducing lactate dehydrogenase levels and thereby enhancing blood perfusion to the ischemic region. Here, we used ultrafiltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry for the rapid screening and identification of flavonoids from five Chinese medicinal herbs: soybean, Radix pueraria, Flos pueraria, Rhizoma belamcandae, and Radix astragali. Using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model of toxicity, cell viability was quantitated using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results showed that the extracts of soybean and the six major components, namely, acetyldaidzin, malonylgenistin, daidiain, glycitin, genistin, and acetylcitin; the extract of R. pueraria and its main component daidzein; the extract of F. pueraria and its three major components, tectorigenin, tectoridin, and tectorigenin‐7‐O‐xylosylglucosid; and the extract of R. belamcandae and its main component, tectoridin, were strong lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. Also, the components of R. astragali showed no bioactivity. These findings indicate that the ultrafltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry method could be utilized in rapid screening and separation of bioactive compounds from a complex matrix.
Structural characterization and identification of flavonoid aglycones in three Glycyrrhiza species by liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang Shiqi , Qu Qiyang , Zheng Yunfeng , Zhong Huanhuan , Shan Chenxiao , Wang Fang , Li Cunyu , Peng Guoping
Published: April 2016

Flavonoids, including flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, chalcones, and isoflavans, have long been recognized as the main active ingredients in licorice. A method combining liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed to characterize components in three Glycyrrhiza species, and to expound the characteristic fragmentation behaviors in the positive ion mode. Based on the fragmentation patterns of reference compounds, a total of 39 compounds, including 37 flavonoid aglycones and two coumestans, were identified or tentatively identified. Besides, some common features, such as H2O, CO, and CH2O2 losses, together with retro‐Diels–Alder fragmentation, were observed in these compounds. Furthermore, diagnostic fragmentations of C‐ring cleavages and UV absorption on the skeleton groups were observed to structurally characterize flavonoid aglycones. In addition, typical losses of different substituent groups were detected: Neutral losses of 56 (C4H8) and 68 Da (C5H8) were yielded from a prenyl chain; neutral losses of 42 (C3H6), 54 (C4H6), and 70 Da (C4H6O) were generated by a pyran ring. Particularly, neutral losses of 18 (H2O), 16 (CH4), 112 (C8H16), and 98 Da (C7H14) predicted a hydroxyl, a methoxyl, double prenyl chains, and a prenyl chain with a pyran ring, respectively.
Rapid screening, identification, and purification of neuraminidase inhibitors from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb.et Zucc. by ultrafiltration with HPLC–ESI‐TOF‐MS combined with semipreparative HPLC
Authors: Zhang Minmin , Zhao Hengqiang , Zhao Zhiguo , Yan Huijiao , Lv Ruimin , Cui Li , Yuan Jinpeng , Wang Daijie , Geng Yanling , Liu Daicheng , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2016

We put forward an efficient strategy based on bioassay guidance for the rapid screening, identification, and purification of the neuraminidase inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines, and apply to the discovery of anti‐influenza components from Lithospermiun erythrorhizon Sieb.et Zucc. Ultrafiltration with high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was employed for the rapid screening and preliminarily identification of anti‐influenza components from Zicao. Semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was used for the rapid separation and purification of the target compounds. NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and UV spectroscopy were used for further structural identification, and the activity of the compounds was verified by in vitro assay. Five compounds were found to have neuraminidase inhibitory activity by this method. Subsequently, the five compounds were separated by semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography with the purity over 98% for all of them by high‐performance liquid chromatography test. Combined with the NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and UV spectroscopy data, they were identified as alkannin, acetylalkannin, isobutyrylalkannin, β,β‐dimethylacryloylalkannin and isovalerylalkannin. The in vitro assay showed that all five compounds had good neuraminidase inhibitory activities. These results suggested that the method is highly efficient, and it can provide platform and methodology supports for the rapid discovery of anti‐influenza active ingredients from complex Chinese herbal medicines.