bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical tool bridging cell polarities with development of robust morphologies
Authors: Nissen Silas Boye , Rønhild Steven , Trusina Ala , Sneppen Kim
Published: November 2018

Despite continual renewal and damages, a multicellular organism is able to maintain its complex morphology. How is this stability compatible with the complexity and diversity of living forms? Looking for answers at protein level may be limiting as diverging protein sequences can result in similar morphologies. Inspired by the progressive role of apical-basal and planar cell polarity in development, we propose that stability, complexity, and diversity are emergent properties in populations of proliferating polarized cells. We support our hypothesis by a theoretical approach, developed to effectively capture both types of polar cell adhesions. When applied to specific cases of development – gastrulation and the origins of folds and tubes – our theoretical tool suggests experimentally testable predictions pointing to the strength of polar adhesion, restricted directions of cell polarities, and the rate of cell proliferation to be major determinants of morphological diversity and stability.
Managing a sustainable deep-sea ‘blue economy’ requires knowledge of what actually lives there
Authors: Glover Adrian G , Wiklund Helena , Chen Chong , Dahlgren Thomas G
Published: November 2018

Ensuring that the wealth of resources contained in our oceans are managed and developed in a sustainable manner is a priority for the emerging 'blue economy'. However, modern ecosystem-based management approaches do not translate well to regions where we know almost nothing about the individual species found in the ecosystem. Here, we propose a new taxon-focused approach to deep-sea conservation that includes regulatory oversight to set targets for the delivery of taxonomic data. For example, a five-year plan to deliver taxonomic and genomic knowledge on a thousand species in regions of the ocean earmarked for industrial activity is an achievable target. High-throughput, integrative taxonomy can, therefore, provide the data that is needed to monitor various ecosystem services (such as the natural history, connectivity, value and function of species) and to help break the regulatory deadlock of high-seas conservation.
Molecular basis for activation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase by a compound that increases HDL cholesterol
Authors: Manthei Kelly A , Yang Shyh-Ming , Baljinnyam Bolormaa , Chang Louise , Glukhova Alisa , Yuan Wenmin , Freeman Lita A , Maloney David J , Schwendeman Anna , Remaley Alan T , Jadhav Ajit , Tesmer John JG
Published: November 2018

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and LCAT-activating compounds are being investigated as treatments for coronary heart disease (CHD) and familial LCAT deficiency (FLD). Herein we report the crystal structure of human LCAT in complex with a potent piperidinylpyrazolopyridine activator and an acyl intermediate-like inhibitor, revealing LCAT in an active conformation. Unlike other LCAT activators, the piperidinylpyrazolopyridine activator binds exclusively to the membrane-binding domain (MBD). Functional studies indicate that the compound does not modulate the affinity of LCAT for HDL, but instead stabilizes residues in the MBD and facilitates channeling of substrates into the active site. By demonstrating that these activators increase the activity of an FLD variant, we show that compounds targeting the MBD have therapeutic potential. Our data better define the substrate binding site of LCAT and pave the way for rational design of LCAT agonists and improved biotherapeutics for augmenting or restoring reverse cholesterol transport in CHD and FLD patients.
A wavelet-based decomposition method for a robust extraction of pulse rate from video recordings
Authors: Finžgar Miha , Podržaj Primož
Published: November 2018

Background

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a promising optical method for non-contact assessment of pulse rate (PR) from video recordings. In order to implement the method in real-time applications, it is necessary for the rPPG algorithms to be capable of eliminating as many distortions from the pulse signal as possible.

Methods

In order to increase the degrees-of-freedom of the distortion elimination, the dimensionality of the RGB video signals is increased by the wavelet transform decomposition using the generalized Morse wavelet. The proposed Continuous-Wavelet-Transform-based Sub-Band rPPG method (SB-CWT) is evaluated on the 101 publicly available RGB facial video recordings and corresponding reference blood volume pulse (BVP) signals taken from the MMSE-HR database. The performance of the SB-CWT is compared with the performance of the state-of-the-art Sub-band rPPG (SB).

Results

Median signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the proposed SB-CWT ranges from 6.63 to 10.39 dB and for the SB from 4.23 to 6.24 dB. The agreement between the estimated PRs from rPPG pulse signals and the reference signals in terms of the coefficients of determination ranges from 0.81 to 0.91 for SB-CWT and from 0.41 to 0.47 for SB. All the correlation coefficients are statistically significant (p < 0.001). The Bland–Altman plots show that mean difference range from 5.37 to 1.82 BPM for SB-CWT and from 22.18 to 18.80 BPM for SB.

Discussion

The results show that the proposed SB-CWT outperforms SB in terms of SNR and the agreement between the estimated PRs from RGB video signals and PRs from the reference BVP signals.
IVIg‐induced plasmablasts in patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Brem Maarten D. , Jacobs Bart C. , van Rijs Wouter , Fokkink Willem Jan R. , Tio‐Gillen Anne P. , Walgaard Christa , van Doorn Pieter A. , IJspeert Hanna , van der Burg Mirjam , Huizinga Ruth
Published: November 2018

Objective

The Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune‐mediated disease of peripheral nerves. Plasmablasts and plasma cells play a central role in GBS by producing neurotoxic antibodies. The standard treatment for GBS is high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), however the working mechanism is unknown and the response to treatment is highly variable. We aimed to determine whether IVIg changes the frequency of B‐cell subsets in patients with GBS.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 67 patients with GBS before and/or 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment with high‐dose IVIg. B‐cell subset frequencies were determined by flow cytometry and related to serum immunoglobulin levels. Immunoglobulin transcripts before and after IVIg treatment were examined by next‐generation sequencing. Antiglycolipid antibodies were determined by ELISA.

Results

Patients treated with IVIg demonstrated a strong increase in plasmablasts, which peaked 1 week after treatment. Flow cytometry identified a relative increase in IgG2 plasmablasts posttreatment. Within IGG sequences, dominant clones were identified which were also IGG2 and had different immunoglobulin sequences compared to pretreatment samples. High plasmablast frequencies after treatment correlated with an increase in serum IgG and IgM, suggesting endogenous production. Patients with a high number of plasmablasts started to improve earlier (P = 0.015) and were treated with a higher dose of IVIg.

Interpretation

High‐dose IVIg treatment alters the distribution of B‐cell subsets in the peripheral blood of GBS patients, suggesting de novo (oligo‐)clonal B‐cell activation. Very high numbers of plasmablasts after IVIg therapy may be a potential biomarker for fast clinical recovery.
Ionic‐Liquid Gating of InAs Nanowire‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lieb Johanna , Demontis Valeria , Prete Domenic , Ercolani Daniele , Zannier Valentina , Sorba Lucia , Ono Shimpei , Beltram Fabio , Sacépé Benjamin , Rossella Francesco
Published: November 2018

Here, the operation of a field‐effect transistor based on a single InAs nanowire gated by an ionic liquid is reported. Liquid gating yields very efficient carrier modulation with a transconductance value 30 times larger than standard back gating with the SiO2/Si++ substrate. Thanks to this wide modulation, the controlled evolution from semiconductor to metallic‐like behavior in the nanowire is shown. This work provides the first systematic study of ionic‐liquid gating in electronic devices based on individual III–V semiconductor nanowires: this architecture opens the way to a wide range of fundamental and applied studies from the phase transitions to bioelectronics.
Advanced Collagen‐Based Biomaterials for Regenerative Biomedicine
Authors: Lin Kaili , Zhang Dawei , Macedo Maria Helena , Cui Wenguo , Sarmento Bruno , Shen Guofang
Published: November 2018

In recent decades, collagen is one of the most versatile biomaterials used in biomedical applications, mostly due to its biomimetic and structural composition in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Several attempts are proposed for designing innovative collagen‐based biomaterials and applying them in tissue regeneration. The regeneration of different tissues is prompted by different types and diverse physical forms of collagen‐based biomaterials prepared by various methods. Based on such concepts, the source, structure, and classification of collagen are briefly introduced in this review. Here, the commonly used physical forms and modification methods of collagen‐based biomaterials are reviewed, including hydrogels, scaffolds, and microspheres, followed by their applications in the regeneration of tissues and organs. Important proof‐of‐concept examples are described to demonstrate the outcomes on material characteristics, cellular reactions, and tissue regeneration. A concise assessment of the limitations that still exist and the developing trends in the future of collagen‐based biomaterials are put forward.
Colloidal Pixel‐Based Micropatterning Using Uniform Janus Microparticles with Tunable Anisotropic Particle Geometry
Authors: Han Sang Woo , Choi Song‐Ee , Chang Douglas H. , Lee Duho , Kim Bohyun , Yang Hakyeong , Seo Minjeong , Kim Jin Woong
Published: November 2018

A new platform for designing 2D colloidal arrays by using Janus microparticles (JMPs) with tunable anisotropic particle geometry is introduced. The JMPs are synthesized by the photopolymerization of biphasic emulsion droplets produced by capillary‐based microfluidics while adjusting the spreading coefficient between −4.4 and −7.2 mN m−1. The unidirectional rubbing of JMPs leads to their exact positioning in the stencil holes. The ratio of the hole diameter to the bigger bulb diameter of JMPs, ranging from 1.05–1.16, is critical for maximizing the positioning rate. When the anisotropic geometry factor is near zero, a standing particle configuration with a protrusion in the stencil hole is obtained more efficiently due mainly to the enhanced steric constraint. Finally, it is demonstrated that different types of JMPs with controlled sizes and geometries can be arrayed at specific hole sites of the stencil, thus enabling development of a colloidal pixel‐based micropatterning technology.
Photoquantum Hall Effect and Light‐Induced Charge Transfer at the Interface of Graphene/InSe Heterostructures
Authors: Bhuiyan Mahabub A. , Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Mazumder Debarati , Greener Jake D. G. , Makarovsky Oleg , Mellor Christopher J. , Vdovin Evgeny E. , Piot Benjamin A. , Lobanova Inna I. , Kovalyuk Zakhar D. , Nazarova Marina , Mishchenko Artem , Novoselov Kostya S. , Cao Yang , Eaves Laurence , Yusa Go , Patanè Amalia
Published: November 2018

The transfer of electronic charge across the interface of two van der Waals crystals can underpin the operation of a new class of functional devices. Among van der Waals semiconductors, an exciting and rapidly growing development involves the “post‐transition” metal chalcogenide InSe. Here, field effect phototransistors are reported where single layer graphene is capped with n‐type InSe. These device structures combine the photosensitivity of InSe with the unique electrical properties of graphene. It is shown that the light‐induced transfer of charge between InSe and graphene offers an effective method to increase or decrease the carrier density in graphene, causing a change in its resistance that is gate‐controllable and only weakly dependent on temperature. The charge transfer at the InSe/graphene interface is probed by Hall effect and photoconductivity measurmentes and it is demonstrated that light can induce a sign reversal of the quantum Hall voltage and photovoltaic effects in the graphene layer. These findings demonstrate the potential of light‐induced charge transfer in gate‐tunable InSe/graphene phototransistors for optoelectronics and quantum metrology.
Symmetry‐Breaking Response of Azo Molecular Glass Microspheres to Interfering Circularly Polarized Light: From Shape Manipulation to 3D Patterning
Authors: Hsu Chungen , Xu Zeda , Wang Xiaogong
Published: November 2018

This work investigates symmetry‐breaking deformation of azo molecular glass microspheres induced by interfering circularly polarized light, and related particle shape manipulation as well as 3D patterning. The isolated microspheres and microsphere monolayers are obtained from an azo molecular glass (IA‐Chol) by the solution dispersion method and soft‐lithography, respectively. Unique symmetry‐breaking deformation is observed for the microspheres upon exposure to the spatially modulated light field, which is produced by interference of two orthogonally polarized laser beams with the right‐circular polarization (RCP) and left‐circular polarization (LCP). Two distinct deformation modes are developed upon the irradiation with the interfering beams in RCP:LCP and LCP:RCP superposition manners, respectively. The unique morphologies with the symmetry‐breaking characteristics are caused by mass transfer induced by the light irradiation. For the microsphere monolayers, the deformations of the microspheres not only capture and record the polarization states of the light field, but also create various surface patterns combining the symmetry‐breaking deformations and periodic surface modulation. A variety of unique surface patterns are obtained by irradiation with the interfering circularly polarized waves with the orthogonal and also the same‐handed polarizations. The material and methodology developed in this study are promising for applications in sensing, optics, responsive surfaces, and others.
Gold Nanoparticles with Antibiotic‐Metallopolymers toward Broad‐Spectrum Antibacterial Effects
Authors: Yang Peng , Pageni Parasmani , Rahman Md Anisur , Bam Marpe , Zhu Tianyu , Chen Yung Pin , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Decho Alan W. , Tang Chuanbing
Published: November 2018

Bacterial infection has evolved into one of the most dangerous global health crises. Designing potent antimicrobial agents that can combat drug‐resistant bacteria is essential for treating bacterial infections. In this paper, a strategy to graft metallopolymer‐antibiotic bioconjugates on gold nanoparticles is developed as an antibacterial agent to fight against different bacterial strains. Thus, these nanoparticle conjugates combine various components in one system to display enhanced bactericidal efficacy, in which small sized nanoparticles provide high surface area for bacteria to contact, cationic metallopolymers interact with the negatively charged bacterial membranes, and the β‐lactam antibiotics' sterilzation capabilities are improved via evading intracellular enzymolysis by β‐lactamase. This nanoparticle‐based antibiotic‐metallopolymer system exhibits an excellent broad‐spectrum antibacterial effect, particularly for Gram‐negative bacteria, due to the synergistic effect of multicomponents on the interaction with bacteria.
Capillary Tube Based Molecular Diagnostic Test for Naked Eye Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Choi Bo Ram , Cho Juyeon , Kim Jooyeong , Kim Ji Su , Kim Kyungjin , Lee Hyukjin
Published: November 2018

Antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) are a rising threat to public health. To prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance strains of bacteria, selectively prescribing antibiotics is of the utmost importance. Under infection control in hospitals, rapid and accurate diagnosis of antibiotic resistant bacteria is highly critical. This study shows a new diagnostic platform for naked‐eye detection of antibiotics resistant bacteria using a capillary tube based optical detection method. For specific detection of target ARB, DNA hydrogel formation by isothermal amplification of complementary target (DhITACT) system is incorporated with magnetic beads (MBs). To facilitate naked‐eye optical detection, a molecular probe is immobilized on the surface of MBs. After selectively capturing target to the probe, generation of long DNA strands is achieved through isothermal rolling circle amplification (RCA). Physical entanglement of amplified DNA products triggers rapid interparticle aggregation among MBs. Using this phenomenon, a capillary tube‐based naked eye detection test is developed. This system offers facile optical detection of ARB with minimal procedures to support its wide use in a clinical set‐up.
Molecular Engineering of Monodisperse SnO2 Nanocrystals Anchored on Doped Graphene with High‐Performance Lithium/Sodium‐Storage Properties in Half/Full Cells
Authors: Wang Heng‐guo , Wu Qiong , Wang Yinghui , Wang Xiao , Wu Lanlan , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: November 2018

The fabrication of ultrasmall and high‐content SnO2 nanocrystals anchored on doped graphene can endow SnO2 with superior electrochemical properties. Herein, an effective strategy, involving molecular engineering of a layer‐by‐layer assembly technique, is proposed to homogeneously anchor SnO2 nanocrystals on nitrogen/sulfur codoped graphene (NSGS), which serves as an advanced anode material in lithium/sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). Benefiting from novel design and specific structure, the optimized NSGS for LIBs displays high initial capacity (2123.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), long‐term cycling performance (only 0.8% loss after 500 cycles), and good rate capability (477.4 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). In addition, the optimized NSGS for SIBs also delivers high initial capacity (791.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and high reversible capacity (180.2 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). Meanwhile, based on the detailed analysis of phase transition and electrochemical reaction kinetics, the reaction mechanisms of NSGS in LIBs and SIBs as well as the distinction in LIBs/SIBs are clearly articulated. Notably, to further explore the practical application, Li/Na+ full cells are also assembled by coupling the optimized NSGS anode with LiCoO2 and Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathodes, respectively.
Assessment of the Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Kernel Fruit Oil from the Acrocomia totai Palm Tree
Authors: Souza Gredson Keiff , Diório Alexandre , Johann Gracielle , Gomes Maria Carolina Sérgi , Pomini Armando Mateus , Arroyo Pedro Augusto , Pereira Nehemias Curvelo
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the effects of variations in oil contents and fatty‐acid composition, density, viscosity, acid values, saponification values, specific oxidative stability, and antioxidant concentration of Acrocomia totai kernel oil during fruit maturation. Fatty acids were quantified using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatograph‐flame‐ionization detector (GC‐FID), and Fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman) spectroscopy analyses. The results showed that all physicochemical characteristics and oil composition changed during the ripening stage. The CG‐FID analysis showed a reduction in the unsaturated fatty‐acid content (from 78.8% to 22.1%), with a proportional increase in the saturated fatty‐acid contents (from 21.6% to 77.9%). The difference in the fatty‐acid composition was confirmed by analysis of the 1H NMR and FT‐Raman spectra. The degree of unsaturation was calculated to determine the oxidative stability of oil. These results suggest that the fruit's maturation contributes to the specific oxidative stability. The antioxidant concentration revealed higher contents of carotenoids in the ripe fruit (0.16 mg of carotenoid per 100 gKERNEL) when compared to the unripe fruit (0.05 mg of carotenoid per 100 gKERNEL). In the total phenolics analysis, there was no change in concentration over ripening time. These results show that kernel oil has physicochemical properties comparable with high‐quality commercial vegetable oils, suggesting that it is a promising alternative to conventional vegetable oils.
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking study of benzothiazolotriazine derivatives for anticonvulsant potential
Authors: Firdaus Jannat Ul , Habib Anwar , Siddiqui Nadeem , Alam Ozair , Naim Mohd. Javed , Partap Sangh , Sahu Meeta
Published: November 2018

A series of newer benzothiazolotriazine derivatives (4a–k) was designed, synthesized, and characterized as anticonvulsant agents against the two classically used MES and scPTZ animal models. The synthesized derivatives were tested in vivo in both the animal models, followed by a neurotoxicity study by the rotarod method. Compound 4e, 8‐chloro‐4‐(2‐chlorocyclohexa‐1,5‐dien‐1‐yl)‐2‐((4‐methoxybenzyl)thio)‐10aH‐benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2a][1,3,5]triazine was found most promising among the series in both the animal models, with no neurotoxicity. From this it may be confirmed that the presence of a methoxy (OCH3) group at the lipophilic aryl ring was showing high anticonvulsant potency. In the molecular modeling study, compound 4e (docking score = −8.70) showed important hydrogen bond interaction with the amino acids LYS 329, SER 137, GLY 136 and π–π interactions with PHE 189 at the active site of GABA‐AT. These derivatives can be further explored for the development of newer/novel anticonvulsant agents.
Solid‐State Carbon Dots with Efficient Cyan Emission towards White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Deyin , Khan Waheed U. , Wang Yuhua
Published: November 2018

Efficient cyan‐emitting solid carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized via a one‐pot hydrothermal method. The obtained solid CDs show a broad absorption from 270–460 nm with a maximum around 400 nm, and emit intense cyan light around 500 nm with an internal photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 34.1 % under 400 nm excitation. The emission maximum of the solid CDs remains unchanged under 320–400 nm excitations. Compared with dilute aqueous of CDs (2.5 mg mL−1), the emission of solid CDs shows an obvious red‐shift of 50 nm. The red‐shift is caused by resonant energy transfer due to larger spectral overlap and smaller interparticle distance, together with a new surface state caused by aggregation in solid CDs. A lamp with white LEDs was fabricated by dropping a mixture of solid CDs, CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ and silicon resin on the top of a near‐ultraviolet LED chip. Under an operating current of 20 mA, the as‐fabricated white LED generates a high‐quality, warm white light with a color rendering index of 86.1, a color temperature of 4340 K, and a luminescence efficiency of 31.3 lm W−1.
Encapsulating Au‐Fe3O4 Nanodots into AIE‐active Supramolecular Assemblies: Ambient Visible‐light Harvesting “Dip‐Strip” Photocatalyst for C−C/C−N Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Kaur Mandeep , Walia Preet Kamal , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: November 2018

The present study demonstrates the development of a supramolecular porous ensemble consisting of hetero‐oligophenylene derivative 6 and Au‐Fe3O4 nanodots. Supramolecular assemblies of AIE‐active hetero‐oligophenylene derivative 6 served as reactors for the generation of Au‐Fe3O4 nanodots. The as prepared supramolecular ensemble functioned as an efficient recyclable photocatalytic system for C(sp2)−H bond activation of anilines for the construction of quinoline carboxylates. Interestingly, the “dip catalyst” prepared by depositing PTh‐co‐PANI‐6: Au‐Fe3O4 nanodots on a filter paper served as a recyclable strip (up to 10 cycles) for C−C/C−N bond formation reaction.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of (Pyrrolidin‐1‐oxyl)–(Nitronyl Nitroxide)/(Iminonitroxide)‐Dyads
Authors: Tsujimoto Haruki , Suzuki Shuichi , Kozaki Masatoshi , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Okada Keiji
Published: November 2018

Unlike extensively studied diradicals linked by π‐conjugated systems, only a few studies have investigated weakly coupled diradicals linked by an sp3 carbon atom. Herein, we prepared pyrrolidin‐1‐oxyl–(nitronyl nitroxide)‐dyad 5 and pyrrolidin‐1‐oxyl–iminonitroxide‐dyad 6. From the observed temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, 5 and 6 were determined to be in singlet ground states with 2Jintra/kB=−35.2 K and −13.6 K, respectively. From these results and theoretical calculations of related diradicals, the spin‐polarization model counting the small spin density of the sp3 carbon atom could be used as a spin‐prediction model.
A beta‐binomial mixed‐effects model approach for analysing longitudinal discrete and bounded outcomes
Authors: Najera‐Zuloaga Josu , Lee Dae‐Jin , Arostegui Inmaculada
Published: November 2018

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are currently being increasingly used as primary outcome measures in observational and experimental studies since they inform clinicians and researchers about the health‐status of patients and generate data to facilitate improved care. PROs usually appear as discrete and bounded with U, J, or inverse J shapes, and hence, exponential family members offer inadequate distributional fits. The beta‐binomial distribution has been proposed in the literature to fit PROs. However, the fact that the beta‐binomial distribution does not belong to the exponential family limits its applicability in the regression model context, and classical estimation approaches are not straightforward. Moreover, PROs are usually measured in a longitudinal framework in which individuals are followed up for a certain period. Hence, each individual obtains several scores of the PRO over time, which leads to the repeated measures and defines the correlation structure in the data. In this work, we have developed and proposed an estimation procedure for the analysis of correlated discrete and bounded outcomes, particularly PROs, by a beta‐binomial mixed‐effects model. Additionally, we have implemented the methodology in thePROregpackage in R. Because there are similar approaches in the literature to address the same issue, this work also incorporates a comparison study between our proposal and alternative methodologies commonly implemented in R and shows the superior performance of our estimation procedure. This paper was motivated by the analysis of the health‐status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where the main objective is the assessment of risk factors that may affect the evolution of the disease. The application of the proposed approach in the study leads to clinically relevant results.
Association between breast cancer and thyroid cancer: A study based on 13 978 patients with breast cancer
Authors: Huang Nai‐si , Chen Xing‐xing , Wei Wen‐jun , Mo Miao , Chen Jia‐ying , Ma Ben , Yang Shu‐wen , Xu Wei‐bo , Wu Jiong , Ji Qing‐hai , Guo Xiao‐mao , Liu Guang‐yu , Shao Zhi‐min , Wang Yu
Published: November 2018

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most commonly seen secondary malignancy in breast cancer (BC) survivors.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted in BC patients in our center from 1999 to 2013. Patients were divided into BC‐TC group and BC‐alone group.

Results

In total, 13 978 BC patients were identified, among whom 247 (1.8%) had TC. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of TC was 4.48 compared with Chinese females, and up to 98.0% of cases were thyroid papillary carcinomas. A family history of malignancy was the only independent risk factor (odds ratio = 1.457, P = 0.025) for development of TC in patients with BC. We also identified inferior survival in patients with synchronous versus metachronous BC‐TC (P = 0.016). Synchronous BC‐TC (risk ratio = 5.597, P = 0.018) was an independent prognostic factor for inferior RFS.

Conclusions

We observed high co‐occurrence of TC in patients with BC. There might be different mechanisms behind synchronous and metachronous BC‐TC.
Predicting the unpredictable mortality outcome of valve‐in‐valve interventions
Authors: Kornowski Ran , Zusman Oren
Published: November 2018

Key Points

Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) risk scores overestimate valve‐in‐valve (ViV) transcatheter AVR (TAVR) mortality, with moderate discrimination

Due to low prevalence of 30‐day mortality, positive predictive value is low

Specific risk score examining multiple outcomes for TAVR and ViV patients are needed
Unstable presentation: One Stent trumps two
Authors: Butman Samuel
Published: November 2018

Key Points

This report was a retrospective look at a large registry database.

A one‐stent strategy trumps a two‐stent approach in patients with acute coronary syndromes in this large registry.

The primary endpoint and target lesion revascularization was half the rate if a one‐stent strategy was used.

The incidence of stent thrombosis was more than three‐fold as high using a planned two‐stent strategy.
Day‐after PCI: Safe for the patient but perhaps not for the Interventionalist
Authors: Blankenship James C.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

This single‐center study retrospectively reviewed 12,680 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) to identify those performed by an operator who was awake the previous night performing PCI. Success and outcomes of PCIs were similar regardless of whether the operator performed PCIs the previous night.

This study generally confirms the results of a previous single center study and another study using the NCDR CathPCI Registry.

This study suggests that day‐after PCI is generally safe, but it behooves cath lab managers and interventionalists to take simple steps to minimize the risk to patients when day‐after PCIs are performed.
When small vessels become big problems! Microvascular dysfunction in NSTEMI
Authors: Held Elizabeth P , Henry Timothy D.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

In a carefully selected cohort of 83 NSTEMI patients, there was a wide variation in the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR)

Elevated IMR, which correlates with microvascular obstruction by MRI, was an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with NSTEMI

Further investigation is warranted to understand the influence of the microvascular on prognosis following myocardial infarction
Estimation of Interfacial Tension for Geological CO2 Storage
Authors: Dehaghani Amir Hossein Saeedi , Soleimani Reza
Published: November 2018

The effective CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers as a climate change‐lessening solution is mainly governed by the interfacial tension (IFT) behavior between CO2 and brine. An innovative and competent decision tree‐based approach called stochastic gradient boosting (SGB) tree algorithm was applied to predict the CO2‐aquifer brine IFT as a function of temperature, pressure, and brine salinities. The produced results were compared with the previously reported outcomes of other machine learning models, namely, radial basis function networks, multilayer perceptron networks, least squares support vector machine, and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system. Amongst all models, the developed SGB tree algorithm provided superior outputs and turned out to be the most accurate tool.
Preparation and Characterization of Taxifolin Form II by Antisolvent Recrystallization
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Wang Lingling , Wang Li , Zu Yuangang , Wang Lu , Zhang Yin , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: November 2018

To improve the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of taxifolin, taxifolin form II was successfully prepared through antisolvent recrystallization, in which 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and dichloromethane were used as solvent and antisolvent, respectively. The properties of taxifolin form II were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, the dissolving capability test, and the bioavailability test. The chemical structure of taxifolin form II was not changed, but its morphology and crystalline structure changed during the recrystallization process. Moreover, taxifolin form II showed higher solubility, faster dissolution rate, and better bioavailability than taxifolin form I.
Direct Observation and Suppression Effect of Lithium Dendrite Growth for Polyphosphazene Based Polymer Electrolytes in Lithium Metal Cells
Authors: He Xuan , Schmohl Sebastian , Wiemhöfer H.‐D.
Published: November 2018

Dry solvent‐free and gel polymer electrolytes were analyzed based on poly[bis(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethoxy) phosphazene] (=MEEP) with the salts LiBOB, LiPF6, and LiTFSI with regard to stability versus lithium deposition at lithium metal electrodes under dc current flow. Symmetrical cells were used with two lithium metal electrodes. The interfaces were monitored using direct optical microscopy and accompanying intermediate impedance measurements. The results were compared with measurements on a dry polymer electrolyte of dissolved LiTFSI in PEO (Li : EO=1 : 10). The PEO‐based electrolyte and the salt‐in‐MEEP electrolytes have shown a comparable ability of dendrite inhibition. The MEEP based gel polymer electrolytes containing ∼50 wt % of a 1 : 1 mixture of EC/DMC, however, showed a much‐enhanced ability of inhibition towards dendrite formation made evident by increased dendrite onset time (t0) and short‐circuit time (ts) when observed in special visualization cells. This could be explained by an increased lithium ion conductivity, an increased lithium transference number and a lower interface resistance at the interface Li/MEEP gel polymer electrolyte. Among the three different salts investigated in the MEEP based polymer electrolytes, LiBOB and LiTFSI show much better stability at the lithium metal interface as compared to LiPF6 which hints to a more stable and conductive SEI at the Li/MEEP interface with dissolved LiBOB and LiTFSI. For MEEP/LiBOB polymer electrolytes, the dendrites grow directly towards the positive electrode with a fast velocity at the early stage which then decays with time in a later phase. This can be explained by the stress in electrolyte and the ‘competitive growth’ of dendrite tips.
90 Jahre – und weiter geht's
Authors: Böck Barbara
Published: November 2018

No abstract.
A Charge‐Transfer Complex of Thioxanthonephenacyl Sulfonium Salt as a Visible‐Light Photoinitiator for Free Radical and Cationic Polymerizations
Authors: Kaya Kerem , Kreutzer Johannes , Yagci Yusuf
Published: November 2018

A new double chromophoric sulfonium salt photoinitiator possessing both thioxanthone and phenacyl groups, namely 2‐isopropylthioxanthonium phenacyl hexafluoroantimonate (ITXPhenS), was synthesized and characterized. ITXPhenS can form a charge‐transfer complex (CTC) with the donor N,N‐dimethyl aniline (DMA) with absorption characteristics in the visible range as confirmed by spectral analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and density functional theory (DFT). The extension of the absorbance shift can be controlled by the ITXPhenS to DMA ratio. The ability of the CTC to initiate free radical and cationic polymerization reactions of various monomers under visible and natural sunlight is demonstrated. The proposed mechanism assumes the generation of radical and ionic species by the heterolytic and/or homolytic cleavage of ITXPhenS within the CTC followed by electron‐transfer reactions.
Novel DRAQ5™/SYTOX® Blue Based Flow Cytometric Strategy to Identify and Characterize Stem Cells in Human Breast Milk
Authors: Keller Titus , Wengenroth Leonie , Smorra Denise , Probst Kristina , Kurian Leo , Kribs Angela , Brachvogel Bent
Published: November 2018

Background

Human breast milk could be an important stem cell source for the development of newborn and preterm infants, but quantitative data on the stem cell content in breast milk at various gestational stages are needed to determine the clinical value of breast milk as a source of stem cells. Breast milk also contains milk fat globules, lipid droplets of different sizes, debris and dead cells and these components hamper flow cytometry analysis of human breast milk samples.

Methods

Here, we originally used standard protocols for flow cytometry to characterize cell populations in human breast milk but failed to discriminate between cells and noncellular components. We then applied a centrifugation protocol to separate cream and skim milk from the cell‐containing pellet and used a novel staining protocol with DRAQ5™ and SYTOX® blue dye as well as antibodies to characterize cells within the pellet fraction.

Results

Flow cytometry analysis identified viable DRAQ5™+/SYTOX® Blue− cells and determined the content of CD11b+ monocytes and TRA‐1‐81+ putative stem cells in human breast milk samples.

Conclusions

Hence, we developed a novel and reliable flow cytometry based‐approach to quantify subpopulation of cells in human breast milk with a high content of milk fat globules, lipid droplets, and particles. This approach will improve the identification and quantification of breast milk cells and allow standardizing the flow cytometry‐based evaluation of the stem cell content. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Grazing management options for restoration of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Yingxin , Sun Yi , Wang Zhaofeng , Chang Shenghua , Hou Fujiang
Published: November 2018

In an attempt to alleviate the problem of grassland degradation on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China, state and local authorities in 2003, initiated the “Retire Livestock and Restore Pastures” ecological engineering program, requiring the use of enclosure fencing to enable grazing exclusion and rotational grazing. A five‐year controlled grazing experiment was conducted to determine the effects of this program on (1) sheep live weight gain; and (2a) standing herbage biomass; and (2b) species diversity. Effects of temporal within‐year variation in precipitation and temperature on livestock productivity, standing herbage biomass, and species diversity were also investigated. At the end of 5 yr, grazing exclusion showed no significant difference in standing herbage biomass or in species diversity, compared with either continuous grazing or rotational grazing. Rotational grazing at the high stocking rate significantly promoted sheep live weight gain per hectare, but not per sheep; neither standing herbage biomass, nor species diversity, whether under continuous (i.e., traditional) or rotational grazing, showed a significant difference. Under rotational grazing, higher standing herbage biomass and species diversity were required to maintain or increase sheep liveweight, compared with continuous grazing. Temporal distribution of precipitation and temperature had more influence on alpine grassland parameters, than did grazing. Results of this study suggest that herders’ local traditional knowledge and expertise might be useful in modifying Government guidelines to fine tune grazing management with the dynamics of the alpine meadow ecosystem, and that it is important to consider equilibrium and non‐equilibrium theory in formulating a policy which benefits both herders and grassland. Traditional continuous grazing at a carefully chosen light stocking rate appears to be the most appropriate way to manage livestock and grassland in this region.
Searching for cover: soil enrichment and herbivore exclusion, not fire, enhance African savanna small‐mammal abundance
Authors: Bergstrom Bradley J. , Sensenig Ryan L. , Augustine David J. , Young Truman P.
Published: November 2018

Large mammalian herbivores (LMH) are known to suppress populations of small mammals in African savanna ecosystems; whether this suppression is driven by depletion of nutrients and food resources, or of cover, is poorly understood. Cattle management creates scattered, persistent, nutrient‐enriched areas (glades). Similarly, prescribed fire may enhance forage nutrition of burned patches. Both enriched microhabitats attract wild and domestic LMH and are fertilized by their wastes, but removal of vegetative cover by LMH or fire may negate the benefits of enhanced nutrition to risk‐averse small‐mammal species or individuals. We used replicated LMH exclusion experiments on red sandy loam and black‐cotton clay soils, and a multi‐scale burn experiment on black cotton to examine abundance, diversity, and biomass of small mammals across sites varying in vegetation cover and enrichment. Small‐mammal species composition varied dramatically among habitats. Species diversity and density on red sands were roughly double that of black cotton soils. Small‐mammal densities and diversity were dramatically greater inside LMH exclosures; maximal densities occurred inside fenced, nutrient‐rich, tall‐grass glades. Small‐mammal density was similar between black‐cotton burn sites and unburned matrix habitat but was significantly greater on unburned than burned patches within the burn sites. Burned patches contained less grassy cover up to 50 months post‐burn, although vegetation differences diminished following significant rains. Mice captured on burned patches traveled farther but were not heavier than mice captured on unburned patches. Small mammals were nearly 20‐fold more abundant on totally fenced glades than matrix habitat on both soils and ninefold more abundant on fenced bushland (non‐glades) on red sands. Unfenced glades supported intermediate densities in black cotton but lower densities in red sands because of close cropping by LMH. Total small‐mammal biomass tended to be greater on red sands (though mean body mass was greater on black cotton for two common species), within exclosures, and on glades. Both the grass rat and pouched mouse reached maximal densities within glade LMH exclosures on both soils. This and the positive association of small‐mammal densities with grass height and dead‐stem density suggest loss of cover is a primary driver of large‐herbivore suppression of certain savanna small mammals.
Possible mechanism for disposal of degenerative cardiomyocytes in human failing hearts: phagocytosis by a neighbour
Authors: Takemura Genzou , Onoue Kenji , Nakano Tomoya , Nakamura Takuya , Sakaguchi Yasuhiro , Tsujimoto Akiko , Miyazaki Nagisa , Watanabe Takatomo , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Okada Hideshi , Kawasaki Masanori , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: November 2018

The index case was a 51‐year‐old woman suffering from doxorubicin cardiomyopathy. In her endomyocardial biopsy specimen, we observed under electron microscopy six scenes in which degenerative cardiomyocytes were engulfed by neighbouring cardiomyocytes. The enclosed cardiomyocytes appeared more degenerative than the enclosing ones in every pair: the myofibrils were more severely damaged. At more degenerative stages, some desmosomes of the intercalated discs on the enclosed cardiomyocyte had disappeared. The membranes between the cardiomyocytes were occasionally disrupted, and there appeared to be sharing of cellular contents between the cells. One pair of such a phagocytosis‐like figure was observed in one case with 5‐fluorouracil cardiomyopathy (a 68‐year‐old man) among eight other chemotherapy‐induced cardiomyopathies but none among 30 non‐drug‐induced dilated cardiomyopathies. The findings suggest a mechanism for disposal of degenerative cardiomyocytes in human failing hearts: phagocytosis by a neighbour, although alternative interpretations remain (e.g. giant autophagic vacuoles or two cardiomyocytes with degenerative intercalated discs).
Transfemoral aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve regurgitation in a patient with a pulsatile‐flow biventricular assist device
Authors: Gomes Bruna , Bekeredjian Raffi , Leuschner Florian , Ehlermann Philipp , Schmack Bastian , Ruhparwar Arjang , Raake Philip W. , Katus Hugo A. , Kreusser Michael M.
Published: November 2018

Severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is a rare but significant complication of ventricular assist device therapy. Experience with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in this setting of patients is very limited, while the scarcely reported cases exclusively refer to TAVR under continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices. Here, we present the first successful TAVR while running a pulsatile‐flow biventricular assist device (PF‐BiVAD). Clinical data were collected based on the patient's electronic medical records after the patient's consent was obtained. We describe the case of a 57‐year‐old man in whom a PF‐BiVAD (EXCOR, Berlin Heart, Berlin, Germany) had been initially inserted after fulminant myocarditis with subsequent severe dilated cardiomyopathy as bridge‐to‐transplantation therapy. Over the following 2 years, the patient developed severe de novo AR under PF‐BiVAD therapy. This, along with progressive cardiac decompensation, led to the decision for TAVR by our heart team as a minimal invasive approach for severe AR. TAVR using two Edwards SAPIEN 3 bioprostheses as a valve‐in‐valve procedure resulted in a significant reduction of AR from severe to mild, with trace paravalvular leakage and without significant pressure gradients. The patient underwent total orthotopic heart transplantation afterwards. This is the first report of successful TAVR in a patient with severe de novo AR while running a PF‐BiVAD.
Standards for the management of cancer‐related pain across Europe—A position paper from the EFIC Task Force on Cancer Pain
Authors: Bennett Michael I. , Eisenberg Elon , Ahmedzai Sam H. , Bhaskar Arun , O’Brien Tony , Mercadante Sebastiano , Krčevski Škvarč Nevenka , Vissers Kris , Wirz Stefan , Wells Chris , Morlion Bart
Published: November 2018

Background and objective

Pain is a common symptom in patients who survive cancer and in those who live with progressive advanced disease. Evidence from meta‐analyses suggests that pain remains poorly controlled for a large proportion of patients; barriers to good management include poor assessment of pain, inadequate support for patient self‐management and late or inadequate access to strong opioid analgesia in those with advanced disease.

Methods

The European Pain Federation (EFIC) established a Task Force in 2017 which convened a European group of experts, drawn from a diverse range of relevant clinical disciplines, to prepare a position paper on appropriate standards for the management of cancer‐related pain. The expert panel reviewed the available literature and made recommendations using the GRADE system to combine quality of evidence with strength of recommendation. The panel took into account the desirable and undesirable effects of the management recommendation, including the cost and inconvenience of each when deciding the recommendation.

Results and conclusions

The 10 standards presented are aimed to improve cancer pain management and reduce variation in practice across Europe. The Task Force believes that adoption of these standards by all 37 countries will promote the quality of care of patients with cancer‐related pain and reduce unnecessary suffering.

Significance

Pain affects up to 40% of cancer survivors and affects at least 66% of patients with advanced progressive disease, many of whom experience poor pain control. These 10 standards are aimed to improve cancer pain management, promote the quality of care of patients and reduce variation across Europe.