bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species diversity of drifting fish eggs in the Yangtze River using molecular identification
Authors: Liu Mingdian , Wang Dengqiang , Gao Lei , Tian Huiwu , Liu Shaoping , Chen Daqing , Duan Xinbin
Published: October 2018

The dam constructions greatly changed the hydrologic conditions in the Yangtze River, and then significantly affected the spawning activities of indigenous river fish. Monitoring the species composition of drifting eggs during spawning season is important for protection issues. In this study, we have sampled drifting fish eggs in nine locations from 2014 to 2016. Eggs were identified using the mitochondrial cyt b gene sequence. A total of 7,933 fish eggs were sequenced successfully and blasted into the NCBI database. Thirty-nine fish species were identified, and were assigned to four families and two orders. Approximately 64% of the species identified, and 67% of the eggs, were classified in the Family Cyprinidae. Abundance and Shannon–Wiener diversity index of species were higher in the main river than in tributaries of the river. However, tributaries may be important spawning grounds for some fish species. The Jaccard’s similarity index and river-way distances among sampled stations were negatively correlated suggesting the environment shapes species composition in the sampled spawning grounds. These results showed that mitochondrial DNA sequence is a powerful and effective tool for fish egg identification in Yangtze River and these data are useful for conservation efforts.
Meta-analysis of microarray datasets identify several chromosome segregation-related cancer/testis genes potentially contributing to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Liu Mu , Qiu Yu-lu , Jin Tong , Zhou Yin , Mao Zhi-yuan , Zhang Yong-jie
Published: October 2018

Aim

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most lethal thyroid malignancy. Identification of novel drug targets is urgently needed.

Materials & Methods

We re-analyzed several GEO datasets by systematic retrieval and data merging. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered out. We also performed pathway enrichment analysis to interpret the data. We predicted key genes based on protein–protein interaction networks, weighted gene co-expression network analysis and genes’ cancer/testis expression pattern. We also further characterized these genes using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and gene ontology annotation.

Results

Cell cycle-related pathways were significantly enriched in upregulated genes in ATC. We identified TRIP13, DLGAP5, HJURP, CDKN3, NEK2, KIF15, TTK, KIF2C, AURKA and TPX2 as cell cycle-related key genes with cancer/testis expression pattern. We further uncovered that most of these putative key genes were critical components during chromosome segregation.

Conclusion

We predicted several key genes harboring potential therapeutic value in ATC. Cell cycle-related processes, especially chromosome segregation, may be the key to tumorigenesis and treatment of ATC.
Increasing Rates of Arthroplasty for Psoriatic Arthritis in the United Kingdom Between 1995 and 2010
Authors: Lewinson Ryan T. , Vallerand Isabelle A. , LaMothe Jeremy M. , Parsons Laurie M. , Frolkis Alexandra D. , Lowerison Mark W. , Patten Scott B. , Barnabe Cheryl
Published: October 2018

Objective

Arthroplasty requirements among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are not well known. This information is important to clinical and policy stakeholders for health‐system planning and may serve as a surrogate for estimation of the efficacy of disease‐modifying therapy.

Methods

We utilized The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a large general practice medical records database in the UK, to assess rates of primary total arthroplasty among patients with PsA and the general population between the years 1995 and 2010. Linear regression was used to estimate arthroplasty rates for the 2 cohorts during the study period, and Poisson regression was used to determine age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) between the PsA and general population cohorts.

Results

We identified 5,619 patients with incident PsA and 5,090,814 eligible patients from the general population between 1995 and 2010. In total, 187 primary total arthroplasties were documented in patients with PsA, and 80,163 primary total arthroplasties were documented in the general population. A trend of increasing arthroplasty rates was observed for both the PsA (R2 = 0.809; P < 0.0001) and general population (R2 = 0.890; P < 0.0001) cohorts during the study period. After adjustment for age and sex, patients with PsA had a first arthroplasty incidence rate that was twice that of the general population (IRR 2.01 [95% confidence interval 1.73–2.34]; P < 0.0001), notably beyond the year 2003 when biologic therapies were introduced.

Conclusion

Both the general population and patients with PsA have experienced increasing rates of first arthroplasty from 1995 to 2010, although the overall incidence rate was significantly higher for those with PsA.
Short‐ or Long‐Term Treatment of Spinal Disability in Older Adults With Manipulation and Exercise
Authors: Maiers Michele , Hartvigsen Jan , Evans Roni , Westrom Kristine , Wang Qi , Schulz Craig , Leininger Brent , Bronfort Gert
Published: October 2018

Objective

Back and neck pain are associated with disability and loss of independence in older adults. Whether long‐term management using commonly recommended treatments is superior to shorter‐term treatment is unknown. This randomized clinical trial compared short‐term treatment (12 weeks) versus long‐term management (36 weeks) of back‐ and neck‐related disability in older adults using spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) combined with supervised rehabilitative exercises (SRE).

Methods

Eligible participants were ages ≥65 years with back and neck disability for ≥12 weeks. Coprimary outcomes were changes in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores after 36 weeks. An intent‐to‐treat approach used linear mixed‐model analysis to detect between‐group differences. Secondary analyses included other self‐reported outcomes, adverse events, and objective functional measures.

Results

A total of 182 participants were randomized. The short‐term and long‐term groups demonstrated significant improvements in back disability (ODI score –3.9 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –5.8, –2.0] versus ODI score –6.3 [95% CI –8.2, –4.4]) and neck disability (NDI score –7.3 [95% CI –9.1, –5.5] versus NDI score –9.0 [95% CI –10.8, –7.2]) after 36 weeks, with no difference between groups (back ODI score 2.4 [95% CI –0.3, 5.1]; neck NDI score 1.7 [95% CI 0.8, 4.2]). The long‐term management group experienced greater improvement in neck pain at week 36, in self‐efficacy at weeks 36 and 52, and in functional ability, and balance.

Conclusion

For older adults with chronic back and neck disability, extending management with SMT and SRE from 12 to 36 weeks did not result in any additional important reduction in disability.
Co2P–CoN Double Active Centers Confined in N‐Doped Carbon Nanotube: Heterostructural Engineering for Trifunctional Catalysis toward HER, ORR, OER, and Zn–Air Batteries Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Guo Yingying , Yuan Pengfei , Zhang Jianan , Xia Huicong , Cheng Fangyi , Zhou Mengfan , Li Jin , Qiao Yueyang , Mu Shichun , Xu Qun
Published: October 2018

Developing active, robust, and nonprecious electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly crucial and challenging. In this work, a facile strategy is developed for scalable fabrication of dicobalt phosphide (Co2P)–cobalt nitride (CoN) core–shell nanoparticles with double active sites encapsulated in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (Co2P/CoN‐in‐NCNTs) by straight forward pyrolysis method. Both density functional theory calculation and experimental results reveal that pyrrole nitrogen coupled with Co2P is the most active one for HER, while Co–N–C active sites existing on the interfaces between CoN and N‐doped carbon shells are responsible for the ORR and OER activity in this catalyst. Furthermore, liquid‐state and all‐solid‐state Zn–air batteries are equipped. Co2P/CoN‐in‐NCNTs show high power density as high as 194.6 mW cm−2, high gravimetric energy density of 844.5 W h kg−1, very low charge–discharge polarization, and excellent reversibility of 96 h at 5 mA cm−2 in liquid system. Moreover, the Co2P/CoN‐in‐NCNTs profiles confirm excellent activity for water splitting.
Aerosol‐Jet Printed Fine‐Featured Triboelectric Sensors for Motion Sensing
Authors: Jing Qingshen , Choi Yeon Sik , Smith Michael , Ćatić Nordin , Ou Canlin , Kar‐Narayan Sohini
Published: October 2018

Triboelectric motion sensors, based on the generation of a voltage across two dissimilar materials sliding across each other as a result of the triboelectric effect, have generated interest due to the relative simplicity of the typical grated device structures and materials required. However, these sensors are often limited by poor spatial and/or temporal resolution of motion due to limitations in achieving the required device feature sizes through conventional lithography or printing techniques. Furthermore, the reliance on metallic components that are relatively straightforward to pattern into fine features limits the possibility to develop transparent sensors. Polymers would allow for transparent devices, but these materials are significantly more difficult to pattern into fine features when compared to metals. Here, an aerosol‐jet printing (AJP) technique is used to develop triboelectric sensors using a wide variety of materials, including polymers, which can be directly printed into finely featured grated structures for enhanced sensitivity to displacement and speed of motion. A detailed investigation is presented highlighting the role of material selection and feature size in determining the overall resolution of the resulting motion sensor. A three‐channel rotary sensor is also presented, demonstrating the versatility of the AJP technique in developing more complex triboelectric motion sensors.
Chiral Brønsted Acid and Gold Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,8‐Dihydroindeno[2,1‐b]pyrroles
Authors: Jin Jianwen , Zhao Yichao , Sze Ella Min Ling , Kothandaraman Prasath , Chan Philip Wai Hong
Published: October 2018

An enantioselective synthetic method for the preparation of 1,8‐dihydroindeno[2,1‐b]pyrroles that relies on the chiral Brønsted acid‐ and gold(I)‐catalyzed dehydrative Nazarov‐type electrocyclization (DNE)/hydroamination of electron‐rich β‐amino‐1,4‐enyols is described. Achieved in product yields up to 99% and enantiomeric excess (ee) values up to 99%, the asymmetric reaction provides access to a novel class of compounds containing both the privileged 1H‐indene and pyrrole scaffold, which may lead to novel pharmacological applications.

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Valve‐Enabled Sample Preparation and RNA Amplification in a Coffee Mug for Zika Virus Detection
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Loeb Julia C. , Manzanas Carlos , Lednicky John A. , Fan Z. Hugh
Published: October 2018

The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection represent a public health challenge. Rapid, cost‐effective, and reliable diagnostic tools for ZIKV detection at the point of care (POC) are highly desirable, especially for resource‐limited nations. To address the need, we have developed an integrated device to achieve sample‐to‐answer ZIKV detection. The device features innovative ball‐based valves enabling the storage and sequential delivery of reagents for virus lysis and a paper‐based unit for RNA enrichment and purification. The paper unit is placed in a commercially available coffee mug that provides a constant temperature for reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP), followed by colorimetric detection by naked eye or a cellphone camera. Using the device, we demonstrated the reproducible detection of ZIKV in human urine and saliva samples.
gem‐Difluorination of Alkenyl N‐methyliminodiacetyl Boronates: Synthesis of α‐ and β‐Difluorinated Alkylborons
Authors: Lv Wen‐Xin , Li Qingjiang , Li Ji‐Lin , Li Zhan , Lin E , Tan Dong‐Hang , Cai Yuan‐Hong , Fan Wen‐Xin , Wang Honggen
Published: October 2018

Organofluorine compounds are widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials sciences. The syntheses and applications of fluorinated organoborons facilitate the rapid and modular assemblies of fluorine‐containing molecules because of the versatility of C−B bonds in diverse chemical transformations. Reported herein is a migratory geminal difluorination of aryl‐substituted alkenyl N‐methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) boronates using commercially available Py⋅HF as the fluorine source and hyperiodine as the oxidant. The protocol offers facile access to α‐ and β‐difluorinated alkylboron compounds, both of which have previously been challenging to prepare. Mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional‐group tolerance, and moderate to good yields were observed. The utility of these products is demonstrated by further transformations of the C−B bond into other valuable functional groups.
Aerobic Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation Catalyzed by a Flavin‐Containing Enzyme Mimic in Water
Authors: Chevalier Yoan , Lock Toy Ki Yvette , le Nouen Didier , Mahy Jean‐Pierre , Goddard Jean‐Philippe , Avenier Frédéric
Published: October 2018

Direct incorporation of molecular oxygen into small organic molecules has attracted much attention for the development of new environmentally friendly oxidation processes. In line with this approach, bioinspired systems mimicking enzyme activities are of particular interest since they may perform catalysis in aqueous media. Demonstrated herein is the incorporation of a natural flavin cofactor (FMN) into the specific microenvironment of a water‐soluble polymer which allows the efficient reduction of the FMN by NADH in aqueous solution. Once reduced, this artificial flavoenzyme can then activate molecular dioxygen under aerobic conditions and result in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction at room temperature in water.
Literacy practices of primary education children in Andalusia (Spain): A family‐based perspective
Authors: Moreno‐Morilla Celia , Guzmán‐Simón Fernando , García‐Jiménez Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Primary school children develop literacy practices in various domains and situations in everyday life. This study focused on the analysis of literacy practices of children aged 8–12 years from the perspective of their families. 1,843 families participated in the non‐experimental explanatory study. The children in these families speak Spanish as a first language and are schooled in this language. The instrument used was a self‐report questionnaire about children's home‐literacy practices. The data obtained were analysed using categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results show the complex relationship between literacy practices developed by children in the domains of home and school and the limited development of a literacy‐promoting ‘third space’. In conclusion, the families in our study had limited awareness of their role as literacy‐promoting agents and thought of literacy learning as restricted to formal or academic spaces.
A comparison of model selection methods for prediction in the presence of multiply imputed data
Authors: Thao Le Thi Phuong , Geskus Ronald
Published: October 2018

Many approaches for variable selection with multiply imputed data in the development of a prognostic model have been proposed. However, no method prevails as uniformly best. We conducted a simulation study with a binary outcome and a logistic regression model to compare two classes of variable selection methods in the presence of MI data: (I) Model selection on bootstrap data, using backward elimination based on AIC or lasso, and fit the final model based on the most frequently (e.g. ) selected variables over all MI and bootstrap data sets; (II) Model selection on original MI data, using lasso. The final model is obtained by (i) averaging estimates of variables that were selected in any MI data set or (ii) in 50% of the MI data; (iii) performing lasso on the stacked MI data, and (iv) as in (iii) but using individual weights as determined by the fraction of missingness. In all lasso models, we used both the optimal penalty and the 1‐se rule. We considered recalibrating models to correct for overshrinkage due to the suboptimal penalty by refitting the linear predictor or all individual variables. We applied the methods on a real dataset of 951 adult patients with tuberculous meningitis to predict mortality within nine months. Overall, applying lasso selection with the 1‐se penalty shows the best performance, both in approach I and II. Stacking MI data is an attractive approach because it does not require choosing a selection threshold when combining results from separate MI data sets
Correct and logical inference on efficacy in subgroups and their mixture for binary outcomes
Authors: Lin Hui‐Min , Xu Haiyan , Ding Ying , Hsu Jason C.
Published: October 2018

Targeted therapies are becoming more common. In targeted therapy development, suppose its companion diagnostic test divides patients into a marker‐positive subgroup and its complementary marker‐negative subgroup. To find the right patient population for the therapy to target, inference on efficacy in the marker‐positive and marker‐negative subgroups as well as efficacy in the overall mixture population are all of interest. Depending on the type of clinical endpoints, inference on mixture population can be nontrivial and commonly used efficacy measures may not be suitable for a mixture population. Correlations among estimates of efficacy in the marker‐positive, marker‐negative, and overall mixture population play a crucial role in using an earlier phase study to inform on the design of a confirmatory study (e.g., determination of sample size). This article first shows that when the clinical endpoint is binary (such as respond or not), odds ratio is inappropriate as an efficacy measure in this setting, but relative response (RR) is appropriate. We show a safe way of calculating estimated correlations is to consider mixing subgroup response probabilities within each treatment arm first, and then derive the joint distribution of RR estimates. We also show, if one calculates RR within each subgroup first, how wrong the correlations can be if the Delta method derivation fails to take randomness of estimating the mixing coefficient into account.
Diffusion-weighted MRI assessment of the peritoneal cancer index before cytoreductive surgery
Authors: van't Sant I , van Eden W J , Engbersen M P , Kok N F M , Woensdregt K , Lambregts D M J , Shanmuganathan S , Beets-Tan R G H , Aalbers A G J , Lahaye M J
Published: October 2018

Background

Patients with limited peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer may be candidates for an aggressive surgical approach including cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS–HIPEC). Selection is based on surgical inspection during laparoscopy or laparotomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) can be used to select patients for CRS–HIPEC.

Methods

This was a prospective study at a tertiary referral centre. Patients with confirmed or suspected colorectal peritoneal metastases scheduled for exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy were eligible. Two radiologists assessed the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) on CT (CT-PCI) and DW-MRI (MRI-PCI). The reference standard was PCI at surgery. Radiologists were blinded to the surgical PCI and to each other's findings. The main outcome was the accuracy of DW-MRI in predicting whether patients had resectable disease (PCI less than 21) or not.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included in the study, of whom 49 could be evaluated. The mean(s.d.) PCI at surgery was 11·27(7·53). The mean MRI-PCI was 10·18(7·07) for reader 1 and 8·59(7·08) for reader 2. Readers 1 and 2 correctly staged 47 of 49 and 44 of 49 patients respectively (accuracy 96 and 90 per cent). Both readers detected all patients with resectable disease with a PCI below 21 at surgery (sensitivity 100 per cent). No patient was overstaged. The intraclass correlation (ICC) between readers was excellent (ICC 0·91, 95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 0·96). MRI-PCI had a stronger correlation with surgical PCI (ICC 0·83–0·88) than did CT-PCI (ICC 0·39–0·44).

Conclusion

DW-MRI is a promising non-invasive tool to guide treatment selection in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.
A FPGA‐based experimentation system for designing, implementing, and evaluating real‐time video processing and analysis algorithms at undergraduate level
Authors: Garcia Ivan , Guzmán‐Ramírez Enrique
Published: October 2018

Real‐time digital video processing is an important area for students on computer and electronic engineering courses who have to learn how to design efficient applications required for industry, such as autonomous navigation, automatic detection and recognition of objects, autonomous process supervision, etc. Nevertheless, the computational complexity and large amount of data access within real‐time video processing have resulted in the need for alternative learning environments that facilitate this task. This paper aims to introduce a FPGA‐based system into traditional classrooms to promote experimentation when designing, implementing, and evaluating real‐time video processing and analysis algorithms at undergraduate level. With the aim of evaluating the system proposed in this paper, fourth‐year Computer and Electronic Engineering students performed various real‐time video processing and analysis experiments to effectively design robust algorithms. A qualitative research method identified positive student perceptions that might lead to improved technical skills.
Assess risk of harassment, stalking escalating to violence
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2018

Stalking incidents are on the rise. In fact, stalking of a former partner more often ends in homicide than does stalking of an acquaintance, celebrity, or stranger. And that should trigger concern among higher ed administrators.
Was employee subjected to deliberate indifference?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: October 2018

On March 19, 2014, a female employee at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology reported to the administration that a male co‐worker had that very day forced her into his office, closed the door, fondled her, made sexual and degrading comments, and removed some of his own clothing.
Aberrant CpG‐methylation affects genes expression predicting survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: He Wei , Ju Dandan , Jie Zhijun , Zhang Ai , Xing Xin , Yang Qin
Published: October 2018

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common diagnosed disease with high‐mortality rate, and its prognostic implications are under discovered. DNA methylation aberrations are not only an important event for dysregulation of gene expression during tumorigenesis but also a revolution in epigenetics by identifying key prognostic biomarkers for multiple cancers. In this study, we analyzed methylation status of 485 578 CpG sites and RNA‐seq transcriptomes of 20 532 genes for 1095 LUAD samples in TCGA database. The association between DNA methylation and the prognostic value of the corresponding gene expression was identified as well. In total, ten aberrantly methylated and dysregulated genes (AURKA, BLK, CNTN2, HMGA1, PTTG1, TNS4, DAPK2, MFSD2A, THSD1, and WNT7A) were highlighted which were significantly correlated with overall survival of 492 LUAD patients, which were all reported as tumor‐associated genes in other various cancers and worthy of further investigated and might be used as therapeutic targets for LUAD. Together, methylation aberrances regulate gene expression level during tumorigenesis and influence prognosis of LUAD patients. Integrating knowledge of epigenetics and expression of genes can be useful for an in‐depth understanding of cancer mechanism and for the eventual purpose of precisely prognostic and therapeutic target verification.
Li3BN2 as a Transition Metal Free, High Capacity Cathode for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Emani Satyanarayana , Liu Caihong , Ashuri Maziar , Sahni Karan , Wu Jinpeng , Yang Wanli , Németh Károly , Shaw Leon L.
Published: October 2018

Li3BN2 is investigated for the first time as a transition metal free, high capacity cathode material for Li‐ion batteries. It is shown that α‐Li3BN2 can exhibit a specific capacity of 890 mA h g−1 with the charge storage mechanism associated with the valence state change of N ions in the BN2 anion. The specific capacity demonstrated in this study is the highest one ever reported in literature for an intercalation‐type cathode material. Further, using the valence state change of N ions as a charge storage mechanism opens the door for designing additional high performance, transition metal free electrodes in the future.
1,2,5‐Triphenylpyrrole Derivatives with Dual Intense Photoluminescence in Both Solution and the Solid State: Solvatochromism and Polymorphic Luminescence Properties
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Lei Yunxiang , Dong Lichao , Zhang Longlong , Zhi Junge , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Dong Yuping
Published: October 2018

Five organic luminophores, 1,2,5‐triphenylpyrrole (TPP) derivatives 3 a–e bearing electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating groups, have been synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling of 1‐phenyl‐2,5‐di(4′‐bromophenyl)pyrrole and para‐substituted phenylboronic acid derivatives. They possess good thermal stabilities with high decomposition temperatures above 310 °C. Investigation of the photophysical properties of the luminogens 3 a–e indicated that they exhibited dual intense photoluminescence in both solution and the solid state due to their twisted conformations, and their fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) were determined as 68.7–94.9 % in THF solution and 19.1–52.0 % in solid powder form. Compounds 3 a–c bearing electron‐accepting groups exhibited remarkable solvatochromism with large Stokes shifts, attributable to their D‐π‐A structure and intramolecular charge‐transfer effect. In particular, 3 a, bearing aldehyde groups, displayed an obvious red‐shift of the emission band from 445 to 564 nm with increasing solvent polarity. However, no obvious solvatochromic behavior was observed for compounds 3 d,e bearing electron‐donating groups. The luminophore 3 a exhibited polymorphic luminescence properties and crystallization‐induced emission enhancement.
Carbon Dot Nanozymes: How to Be Close to Natural Enzymes
Authors: Lv Yang , Ma Mingrou , Huang Yucheng , Xia Yunsheng
Published: October 2018

The design, catalytic process, and property study of nanozymes are of importance for both fundamental research and application demand. Here, the peroxidase‐mimicking properties of a series of carbon dots (C‐dots) was systematically investigated and they were found to be probably closer to their natural counterparts, as compared to the known corresponding nanozymes. Firstly, four kinds of metal‐free and surface‐modulated C‐dots were bottom‐up fabricated using glucose, α‐cyclodextrin (CD), β‐CD, and γ‐CD as precursors, respectively, and their formation processes, structures, as well as surface chemistry were investigated. Secondly, in the peroxidase‐mimicking catalytic system, no hydroxyl radicals were produced, which indicates a different and special catalytic mode. By employing a joint experimental–theoretical study, a probable catalytic mechanism is proposed. Thirdly, the present C‐dots maintained well their catalytic activity even in complicated serum matrices because their catalytic performances are completely irrelevant of any cation‐related binding sites. Finally, the catalytic performances of the as‐prepared C‐dots were modulated by either pre‐engineering NP surface structures or subsequently introducing photo‐regulated host–guest reactions.
Convergent Total Synthesis of Asimicin via Decarbonylative Radical Dimerization
Authors: Kawamata Takahiro , Yamaguchi Akinori , Nagatomo Masanori , Inoue Masayuki
Published: October 2018

Asimicin (1) exhibits potent antitumor activity and comprises a central C2‐symmetric bis‐tetrahydrofuran and two aliphatic side‐chains, one of which terminates with (S)‐methyl‐2(5H)‐furanone. This work reports a convergent total synthesis of 1 in 17 steps from d‐gulose derivative 4. Decarbonylative radical‐radial homo‐coupling of α‐alkoxyacyl telluride 12 a efficiently produced the C2‐symmetric core 3‐SS, which was transformed into 1 through stepwise attachment of the two side‐chains and functional group manipulations.
Effects of platinum and palladium nanocolloid on macrophage polarization in relevance to repigmentation of vitiligo
Authors: Minamiyama Yukiko , Ishikawa Mami , Shibata Takakazu , Tsuji Gaku , Nishikata Takahito , Takemura Shigekazu , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: October 2018

Background

Elevated oxidative stress is accepted to be the initial event in vitiligo leading to the final pathological regulation of immune systems known as autoimmune reaction, which destroys melanin‐forming cells, melanocytes. Recently, we reported an efficient topical use of PAPLAL, nanocolloid of platinum and palladium, having intense catalase‐like activity to vitiligo patients. In addition, we found that PAPLAL has dual effects on the AhR and Nrf‐2 pathways in keratinocytes, and suggested its contribution to the recovery of immune state in vitiligo. The precise mechanism developing autoimmune reaction in vitiligo, however, remains to be clarified. It is important to clarify what kinds of cells play an essential role in the development of vitiligo.

Objective

To further understand the effective mechanisms of PAPLAL on immunity of skin, and to confirm a role of autoimmunity in vitiligo development, we studied the effect of PAPLAL on macrophage polarization and its activities which are recognized to play a pivotal role in immune and inflammatory reactions in many organs.

Methods

Rat and human macrophages were cultured and stimulated in vitro with both LPS and IFN‐γ for M1 polarization and IL‐4 and IL‐13 for M2 polarization with or without PAPLAL. Expression of typical M1 and M2 markers was determined at mRNA and protein levels.

Results

Simultaneous treatment with PAPLAL suppressed remarkably the production of M1 markers, iNOS, and TNF‐α; further, PAPLAL also suppressed M2 markers, mannose receptor (Man R), Chitinase 3‐like 3 (YM‐1), and iron regulatory protein‐1 (IRP‐1), at mRNA and protein levels, but less effectively compared to those of M1. PAPLAL, however, did not suppress phagocytic activity of M0, M1, and M2 cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that macrophages may be involved in the therapeutic potential of PAPAL by altering immunological environment disturbed in skin, with the delicate shift of the M1‐M2 polarization, but without affecting on phagocytic activity.
Preparation of fouling‐resistant and self‐cleaning PVDF membrane via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for emulsified oil/water separation
Authors: Pourziad Sakineh , Omidkhah Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Mahdi
Published: October 2018

This research describes the modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes by grafting poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) using surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) in order to detach adhered foulants during oily water filtration. The preparation of self‐cleaning ultrafiltration membranes for oily water treatment has not received much attention in the literature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, and water contact angle were used to characterize the structure of membranes. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy verified the grafting of PNIPAAm from the membrane surface. Membrane performance was investigated by water flux measurement using deionized water and synthetic oily water. The water flux was obviously higher than that of commercial PVDF membrane at different temperatures. Moreover, PNIPAAm concentration and polymerization time were used to optimize the performance of the grafted membranes. N‐isopropyl acrylamide at a concentration of 1.33 mol/L and 30 h reaction time were found as the best condition for ATRP process in this study. The irreversible fouling ratio was only 4.46 % and the maximum of flux recovery ratio was 95.53 % (after cold water rinse), which was obtained for the modified membrane at the best condition. These results show that modified membranes have excellent antifouling property. Grafted membranes also exhibited good oil rejection (95.2 %). Therefore, these easily cleanable membranes could be used to effectively separate emulsified oils from water at different temperatures.
Color of the façades of historic buildings from the turn of 19th and 20th centuries in northeast Poland
Authors: Doleżyńska‐Sewerniak Ewa
Published: October 2018

The article presents the outcome of the research on the façades and woodwork of historic buildings in northeast Poland, carried out by the author in the years 2007‐2018. The need to take such action was justified by intense renovation and construction activity, which contributes to the disposition of historic finishing coats of plaster as well as dilapidated historic windows and doors, at the same time leading to the loss of the original character and the historic value of buildings. The research conducted not only documents the original paint color and plasterwork, but allows for the observation of the dominant trends in architecture coloring at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries in Olsztyn and small towns of warmia‐masuria province. The outcome of the research may help with the restoration and reproduction of the façade polychromy of historic buildings erected at that time.
Sequential, Ultrafast Energy Transfer and Electron Transfer in a Fused Zinc Phthalocyanine‐free‐base Porphyrin‐C60 Supramolecular Triad
Authors: Seetharaman Sairaman , Follana‐Berná Jorge , Martín‐Gomis Luis , Charalambidis Georgios , Trapali Adelais , Karr Paul A. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Fernández‐Lázaro Fernando , Sastre‐Santos Ángela , D'Souza Francis
Published: October 2018

A supramolecular triad composed of a fused zinc phthalocyanine‐free‐base porphyrin dyad (ZnPc‐H2P) coordinated to phenylimidazole functionalized C60 via metal‐ligand axial coordination was assembled, as a photosynthetic antenna‐reaction centre mimic. The process of self‐assembly resulting into the formation of C60Im:ZnPc‐H2P supramolecular triad was probed by proton NMR, UV‐Visible and fluorescence experiments at ambient temperature. The geometry and electronic structures were deduced from DFT calculations performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G(dp) level. Electrochemical studies revealed ZnPc to be a better electron donor compared to H2P, and C60 to be the terminal electron acceptor. Fluorescence studies of the ZnPc‐H2P dyad revealed excitation energy transfer from 1H2P* to ZnPc within the fused dyad and was confirmed by femtosecond transient absorption studies. Similar to that reported earlier for the fused ZnPc‐ZnP dyad, the energy transfer rate constant, kENT was in the order of 1012 s−1 in the ZnPc‐H2P dyad indicating an efficient process as a consequence of direct fusion of the two π‐systems. In the presence of C60Im bound to ZnPc, photoinduced electron transfer leading to H2P‐ZnPc.+:ImC60.− charge separated state was observed either by selective excitation of ZnPc or H2P. The latter excitation involved an energy transfer followed by electron transfer mechanism. Nanosecond transient absorption studies revealed that the lifetime of charge separated state persists for about 120 ns indicating charge stabilization in the triad.
FACS‐Mediated Isolation of Neuronal Cell Populations From Virus‐Infected Human Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Cerebral Organoid Cultures
Authors: Janssens Sylvie , Schotsaert Michael , Manganaro Lara , Dejosez Marion , Simon Viviana , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Zwaka Thomas P.
Published: October 2018

Organoids—or pluripotent stem cell–derived in vitro‐grown simplified mini organs—have become a tremendously important model to study human organ development and disease. To restrict the noise inherent to the heterogeneous cell mixtures derived from organoid cultures, we developed a new technique of fluorescence‐assisted cell sorting (FACS) of virus‐infected cerebral organoid cultures. This method still includes the advantage of growing cells in a more natural environment than traditional cell culture, but now renders samples suitable for downstream cell type‐specific multi‐omics analyses. The protocol starts from stem cell‐derived mature brain organoids and includes steps for: preparing the culture for viral infection, production of the viral stocks, FACS sample preparation, and gating and sorting implementation. The protocol has been developed for Zika virus infection, but can be extrapolated to other viruses or fluorescent marker expression as illustrated in an alternate protocol using a single‐cycle lentivirus expressing a fluorescent reporter protein. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Efficacy of chlorine dioxide mouthwash in reducing oral malodor: A 2‐week randomized, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Pham Thuy Anh Vu , Nguyen Ngoc Thi Xuan
Published: October 2018

The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the inhibitory effects of a mouthwash containing 0.1% ClO2 used for 2 weeks on oral malodor, periodontal and salivary parameters, tongue coating, and Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria in saliva. Thirty‐nine subjects with oral malodor were randomly assigned into two groups. In the first stage, one group was instructed to rinse with the experimental mouthwash (containing 0.1% ClO2), whereas the other group was instructed to rinse with the control mouthwash (sodium chloride 0.9%) for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of washing out, in the second stage, each group then used the other mouthwash for 2 weeks. Oral malodor, periodontal status, tongue coating, salivary pH and flow rate, and the amounts of the salivary bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Solobacterium moorei, Streptococcus salivarius, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia were evaluated at baseline and after 2 weeks of mouthwash use. After 12 hr and after 2 weeks, organoleptic scores and the levels of H2S and CH3SH were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. After 2 weeks, the experimental mouthwash appeared significantly effective in reducing plaque index, tongue‐coating score, and the amounts of F. nucleatum, S. moorei, T. denticola, and T. forsythia in the whole saliva, compared with those at baseline. Mouthwash containing 0.1% ClO2 is effective in reducing oral malodor, dental plaque, tongue‐coating accumulation, and the amounts of F. nucleatum, S. moorei, T. denticola, and T. forsythia in saliva.
Determination of Reference Values of MDR‐ABC Transporter Activities in CD3+ Lymphocytes of Healthy Volunteers Using a Flow Cytometry Based Method
Authors: Szerémy Péter , Tauberné Jakab Katalin , Baráth Sándor , Apjok András , Filkor Kata , Holló Zsolt , Márki‐Zay János , Kappelmayer János , Sipka Sándor , Krajcsi Péter , Toldi Gergely
Published: October 2018

Background

MDR transporters are important biomarkers of drug resistance in cancer and in autoimmune conditions. We determined the MDR1, MRP1 and BCRP activity in CD3+ lymphocytes using a flow cytometry based method from 120 healthy volunteers in order to describe normal reference values of the activity of these transporters. The effects of gender and age were also determined.

Methods

The Solvo MDQ Kit™ was used for measurements. In this assay, fluorescent reporter substrates (Calcein‐AM for MDR1 and MRP1 and mitoxantrone for BCRP, respectively) are trapped in the cytoplasm and pumped out by MDR proteins depending on the presence or absence of specific inhibitors (verapamil for MDR1 and MRP1, indomethacin for MRP1 and KO134 for BCRP, respectively), allowing for quantitative, standardized assessment. Cell surface staining was applied to select CD3+ cells.

Results

MAF values of MRP1 and BCRP are independent from age. MAFC and MAF of MDR1 show negative correlation with the age of the studied subjects (P = 0.003, r = −0.27 and P = 0.0001, r = −0.34, respectively). No difference was detected in any of the four MAF values between men and women. Gender does not affect the presence or lack of correlation between MAF values and age.

Conclusions

The determination of the functional activity of MDR‐ABC transporters is achievable using a flow cytometry based standardized method. Having established the normal range of MAF values on CD3+ lymphocytes of a healthy population, our results allow for the development of novel flow cytometry based diagnostic tools. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Death within 30 days of fine needle aspiration: Post‐mortem confirmation of FNA diagnoses and the contribution of FNA to patient mortality
Authors: Priemer David S. , Berry William A. , Hawley Dean A. , Cramer Harvey M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnoses are usually confirmed via surgical pathology or via evaluation of clinical outcomes. However, such confirmation may not occur for patients who die shortly after FNA, and autopsy may be a useful quality assessment tool in these cases. Also, there is little data investigating the relationship between FNA and mortality. We sought to demonstrate the autopsy as a quality assessment tool for the FNA and assess the contribution of FNA to mortality in patients who die soon after the procedure.

Methods

A search of our database was performed from 1992 to 2016 for patients who were autopsied after dying within 30 d of an FNA. Concordance between findings from FNA, autopsy, and any intervening surgical pathology material was determined. Finally, a subjective determination of the likelihood that FNAs contributed to deaths was made by reviewing autopsy reports. The contribution was categorised as either “unlikely”, “possible”, or “probable”.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients (average age = 58 y) met the search criteria. Thirty‐six (62%) patients had malignancies. Surgical pathology material was obtained concurrently or following FNA in 20 cases (34%). There was 73% concordance between FNA and autopsy findings, which compares to 80% concordance between FNA and surgical pathology diagnoses. The FNA was determined to be at least possibly contributory to death in 7/58 cases (3 cases designated as “probable,” and 4 as “possible”).

Conclusion

Autopsy can be used to validate FNA diagnoses and, like surgical pathology, confirms that FNA diagnoses are mostly accurate. However, in a small number of patients, FNA can precipitate death.
Cytological diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma: A report of 2 cases in children
Authors: Kanjilal Banhisikha , Ghosh Moupali , Mitra Avijit , Kar Suvrendu , Bisht Janki , Das Ram Narayan , Chatterjee Uttara
Published: October 2018

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumour, which sometimes affects pediatric age group. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a rarely performed technique in adrenal cortical tumours. There is sparse literature available describing the cytological findings of ACCs in children. Here we describe the cytological findings of 2 cases of ACCs in children. The first case describes the FNAC findings in a 4 year old girl who presented with a large abdominal mass. The second case narrates the intra‐operative imprint cytology findings in a 2‐year‐old boy who came with precocious puberty. However, diagnosis of adrenocortical tumours based on cytology alone can be difficult and definitive diagnosis should be made after correlating cytological features with the clinical profile, radiology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry.
Metastatic melanoma of the uterine cervix diagnosed on cervical Pap smear: Case report and literature review
Authors: Shachner Tracy R. , Van Meter Stuart E.
Published: October 2018

Metastatic cancer involving the uterine cervix is exceedingly rare, and accounts for less than 1% of cancer deaths. The cervix is an uncommon location for metastatic lesions due to its limited blood supply and fibrous stroma and metastatic melanoma of the cervix is particularly infrequent. To the best of our knowledge and literature review, there have only been nine reported cases in the literature of metastatic melanoma involving the uterine cervix that were diagnosed via cervicovaginal Pap smears, including the case being reported in this paper. Diagnosing metastatic melanoma on cervicovaginal cytology specimens is challenging, not only because of its rarity, but also because of the inherent ability of melanoma to take on many different cytomorphologic appearances. In such cases, the differential diagnosis may include a high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, atypical glandular cells, adenocarcinoma and other poorly differentiated malignancies. We report a case of malignant melanoma to the cervix diagnosed by a routine cervical Pap smear in a young woman who was diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma 3 years prior. Because of the diagnosis rendered on her cervical Pap smear, she was subsequently found to have widespread metastatic disease. Although the cervical Pap smear is primarily intended to screen for squamous intraepithelial lesions, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for other less common entities, particularly when there is no evidence of a squamous intraepithelial lesion.
Effect of Chlorophyll on Lipid Oxidation of Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Li Xue , Yang Ruinan , Lv Chunling , Chen Lin , Zhang Liangxiao , Ding Xiaoxia , Zhang Wen , Zhang Qi , Hu Chundi , Li Peiwu
Published: October 2018

The residues of chlorophyll induce oxidative rancidity and deterioration through photo‐oxidation. However, the effect of chlorophyll on the quality of rapeseed oil is still unknown. In this study, chlorophyll is added into rapeseed oil to reach the desired treatment levels of 2, 5, and 10 mg kg−1, while no chlorophyll is added in the control sample. Dynamic changes of the peroxide value of rapeseed oils with different chlorophyll contents exposed to light and stored in the dark at different times (0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 days) are investigated. The results show that the peroxide value of rapeseed oil exposed to light increased significantly, especially for the oil with a high content of chlorophyll. In contrast, the peroxide value of rapeseed oil stored in the dark is nearly unchanged no matter whether extra chlorophyll is added. This study shows that chlorophyll in rapeseed oil can trigger oil oxidation, and therefore it is necessary to take measures to reduce the chlorophyll content in rapeseed oil or store rapeseed oil in the dark as soon as possible.

Practical Applications: This study shows that chlorophyll in rapeseed oil can trigger oil oxidation, and therefore it is necessary to take measures to reduce the chlorophyll content in rapeseed oil.

In this study, dynamic changes of peroxide values of rapeseed oils with different chlorophyll contents exposed to light and stored in the dark at different times are investigated. The results show that the peroxide value of rapeseed oil exposed to light increases significantly, especially for the rapeseed oil with a high content of chlorophyll. In conclusion, chlorophyll in rapeseed oil can trigger oil oxidation.Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the chlorophyll content in rapeseed oil or store rapeseed oil in the dark as soon as possible.