bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wanted dead or alive (probably dead): Stem group Polytrichaceae
Authors: Bippus Alexander C. , Escapa Ignacio E. , Tomescu Alexandru M. F.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

The Polytrichaceae are a widespread and morphologically isolated moss lineage. Early attempts to characterize phylogenetic relationships within the family suggested that morphology is not phylogenetically informative. Two well‐characterized fossils similar to basal and derived Polytrichaceae (Meantoinea alophosioides and Eopolytrichum antiquum, respectively), are known from Cretaceous rocks. To assess the phylogenetic positions of these fossils and compare hypotheses of relationships recovered using molecular vs. morphological methods, we conducted a comprehensive morphology‐based phylogenetic study of Polytrichaceae.

Methods

We evaluated the phylogenetic relationships of Polytrichaceae using a data set of 100 morphological characters (including 11 continuously varying traits codified as continuous characters) scored for 44 species of acrocarpous mosses and parsimony as the optimality criterion.

Key Results

Continuous characters significantly increased the resolving power of the analyses. The overall ingroup topology was sensitive to rooting as determined by outgroup selection, with some analyses yielding results that were incongruent with those of molecular studies. Both fossils had stable phylogenetic relationships, irrespective of outgroup sampling.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that morphology is useful in resolving phylogenetic relationships in the Polytrichaceae, if both discrete and continuous characters are used. However, our rooting experiments demonstrate that there is no superior way to root analyses and indicate that relationships within the family are best evaluated using unrooted networks without outgroup taxa. These rooting problems suggest that additional information is needed to understand the phylogenetic relationships of Polytrichaceae. Such additional information could come from fossils of stem group polytrichaceous mosses, which await discovery.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐Coupling/C−C Bond Cleavage/Cyclization of Aryl Methyl Ketones with 4‐Aminocoumarins: Domino Synthesis of Dicoumarin‐Fused [1,5]‐Diazocines
Authors: Peng Fei , Li Lili , Liu Jin , Chen Zhiwei
Published: June 2018

A copper‐catalyzed domino process for the synthesis of dicoumarin‐fused [1,5]‐diazocines from aryl methyl ketones and 4‐aminocoumarins has been described, which is proposed to proceed via an unprecedented sequential oxidative cross‐coupling, C−C bond cleavage, and cyclization process. This method provides a versatile approach for the efficient synthesis of diazocines.
Catalyst and Sensitizer‐Free Visible‐Light‐Induced C(sp2)−H Chalcogenation of Arenes/ Heteroarenes with Dichalcogenides
Authors: Kumaraswamy Gullapalli , Ramesh Vankudoth , Gangadhar Maram , Vijaykumar Swargam
Published: June 2018

A direct selenation of arenes and heteroarenes at room temperature has been accomplished. This protocol was enabled by a visible‐light‐promoted single‐electron‐transfer (SET) pathway without a directing group. An array of arenes and heteroarenes, such as indoles, pyrroles, and functionalized aryl substrates could go through this selenation with high yields and regioselectivity. The salient feature of this protocol is the SET achieved by irradiating one of two organic molecules thereby avoiding a sensitizer to form a radical ion pair.
Biocomputing for Portable, Resettable, and Quantitative Point‐of‐Care Diagnostics: Making the Glucose Meter a Logic‐Gate Responsive Device for Measuring Many Clinically Relevant Targets
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Lu Yi
Published: June 2018

It is recognized that biocomputing can provide intelligent solutions to complex biosensing projects. However, it remains challenging to transform biomolecular logic gates into convenient, portable, resettable and quantitative sensing systems for point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics in a low‐resource setting. To overcome these limitations, the first design of biocomputing on personal glucose meters (PGMs) is reported, which utilizes glucose and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as signal outputs, DNAzymes and protein enzymes as building blocks, and demonstrates a general platform for installing logic‐gate responses (YES, NOT, INHIBIT, NOR, NAND, and OR) to a variety of biological species, such as cations (Na+), anions (citrate), organic metabolites (adenosine diphosphate and adenosine triphosphate) and enzymes (pyruvate kinase, alkaline phosphatase, and alcohol dehydrogenases). A concatenated logical gate platform that is resettable is also demonstrated. The system is highly modular and can be generally applied to POC diagnostics of many diseases, such as hyponatremia, hypernatremia, and hemolytic anemia. In addition to broadening the clinical applications of the PGM, the method reported opens a new avenue in biomolecular logic gates for the development of intelligent POC devices for on‐site applications.
Kinetic Study of the Scavenging Reaction of the Aroxyl Radical by Eight Kinds of Vegetable Oils in Solution
Authors: Mukai Kazuo , Bandoh Yuki , Ito Junya , Kobayashi Eri , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Nagaoka Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2018

A detailed kinetic study was performed for the reaction of the aroxyl radical (ArO•) with eight vegetable oils 1–8, which contain different concentrations of α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols and ‐tocotrienols (‐Tocs and ‐Toc‐3s). The second‐order rate constants (ks) and aroxyl radical absorption capacity (ARAC) values for the reaction of ArO• with vegetable oils 1–8 (rice bran 1, perilla 2, rapeseed 3, safflower 4, grape seed 5, sesame 6, extra virgin olive 7, and olive oils 8) were measured in ethanol/chloroform/D2O (50:50:1, v/v/v) solution at 25 °C using stopped‐flow spectrophotometry. The ks value (16.1 × 10−3 L g−1 s−1) of rice bran oil 1 with the highest activity was 8.0 times larger than that (2.02 × 10−3) of olive oil 8 with the lowest activity. The concentrations (in mg 100 g−1) of α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐Tocs and ‐Toc‐3s contained in the vegetable oils 1–8 were determined using high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). From these results, it was clarified that the ArO•‐scavenging rates (ks) (i.e., the relative ARAC value) obtained for the vegetable oils 1–8 may be well explained as the sum of the product of the rate constant () and the concentration ([AOH‐i]/105) of AOH‐i (Tocs and Toc‐3s) included in vegetable oils. The results suggest that the ARAC assay method might be used in the evaluation of antioxidant activity of general food extracts.
Recent advances in metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum as a potential platform microorganism for biorefinery
Authors: Baritugo Kei‐Anne G. , Kim Hee Taek , David Yokimiko C. , Choi Jong Hyun , Choi Jong‐il , Kim Tae Wan , Park Chulhwan , Hong Soon Ho , Na Jeong‐Geol , Jeong Ki Jun , Joo Jeong Chan , Park Si Jae
Published: June 2018

The fermentative production of platform chemicals in biorefineries is a sustainable alternative to current petroleum‐refining processes. Industrial microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Corynebacterium glutamicum, have been engineered as microbial cell factories that are able to utilize biomass for the production of value‐added platform chemicals and polymers. Compared to E. coli and S. cerevisiae, C. glutamicum displays weak carbon catabolite repression and can co‐utilize mixed sugars as carbon sources, without any significant growth retardation. Pathways for the utilization of alternative carbon sources, such as d‐xylose and l‐arabinose from lignocellulosic biomass, lactose and galactose from whey, glycerol from biodiesel, and methanol from natural gas refineries, have been evaluated for chemical production. However, the application of C. glutamicum in biorefineries is limited because it does not secrete hydrolases for the efficient utilization of cellulose, xylan, and starch from lignocellulosic and starch biomass. To solve the limitation, C. glutamicum has been engineered for the consolidated bioprocessing of biomass by the heterologous expression of amylolytic and cellulolytic enzymes. Recently, C. glutamicum has been extensively engineered for polyamide monomer production owing to its ability to produce l‐lysine and l‐glutamate. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of C. glutamicum strains that can utilize renewable biomass resources for the production of industrially important chemicals. It highlights recent progress in metabolic engineering for the production of polyamide monomers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Peripheral artery disease: How do genes and pharmacology interplay?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: June 2018

Key Points

In patients with peripheral artery disease, high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (HoTPR) might be associated with worse outcomes for those taking clopidogrel, but not for those taking aspirin.

Certain genetic polymorphisms might account for HoTPR.

Current literature supports the importance of antiplatelet therapy in treating patients with PAD with clopidogrel, aspirin, or both.
Percutaneous neonatal carotid access for interventional catheterization
Authors: Lucas Victor “Sam” , Crittendon Ivory
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Neonatal percutaneous carotid access is a safe technique that compares favorably to neonatal surgical carotid access.

Mid‐term ultrasound and angiographic follow after percutaneous carotid access shows 100% vessel patency rate with no severe stenoses or aneurysms detected.

Mild stenosis (<12%) is frequent at follow up (35%), the clinical significance of which is unknown.
Radiation safety with dose reduction technology: The buck stops at zero dose
Authors: Bang Vigyan V. , Levy Michael S.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Exposure to ionizing radiation in cardiovascular imaging and its adverse impact on health is a growing concern.

Cath lab imaging dose‐reduction technology is an effective way to reduce patient and operator radiation dose.

More clinical trials and studies such as this one are needed to assess the short‐and long‐term impact of this important technology.
Counting and Sizing of Single Vesicles/Liposomes by Electrochemical Events
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Cong , Yu Ping , Chen Xuwei , Wang Jianhua , Mao Lanqun
Published: June 2018

The analysis of single entities in a liquid phase by electrochemical events has received much attention in recent years due to innovations and advances in exciting electrochemical methods as well as precise manufacturing techniques. Vesicles, as a special type of entity, play an important role in biological systems. However, the soft character and complex surface chemistry of vesicles present inherent challenges for single‐vesicle analysis. This minireview mainly focuses on the theory and recent progress of single‐vesicle/liposome analysis based on electrochemical events. Three different analytical principles, namely, pore/channel translocation, microelectrode impact and nanopipette collision, are reviewed and expatiated. Not only the capabilities for size determination, vesicle/liposome counting and the electroactive quantification of the contents within vesicles/liposomes but also the specificities of vesicle/liposome or entity‐pore/electrode interactions reflected in translocation or collision events are discussed in detail. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of each method of single‐vesicle analysis are discussed in this minireview.
Boosting Self‐Assembly Diversity in the Solid‐State by Chiral/Non‐Chiral ZnII‐Porphyrin Crystallization
Authors: Qian Wenjie , González‐Campo Arántzazu , Pérez‐Rodríguez Ana , Rodríguez‐Hermida Sabina , Imaz Inhaz , Wurst Klaus , Maspoch Daniel , Ruiz Eliseo , Ocal Carmen , Barrena Esther , Amabilino David B. , Aliaga‐Alcalde Núria
Published: June 2018

A chiral ZnII porphyrin derivative 1 and its achiral analogue 2 were studied in the solid state. Considering the rich molecular recognition of designed metalloporphyrins 1 and 2 and their tendency to crystallize, they were recrystallized from two solvent mixtures (CH2Cl2/CH3OH and CH2Cl2/hexane). As a result, four different crystalline arrangements (1 a,b and 2 a,b, from 0D to 2D) were obtained. Solid‐state studies were performed on all the species to analyze the role played by chirality, solvent mixtures, and surfaces (mica and HOPG) in the supramolecular arrangements. By means of combinations of solvents and substrates a variety of microsized species was obtained, from vesicles to flower‐shaped arrays, including geometrical microcrystals. Overall, the results emphasize the environmental susceptibility of metalloporphyrins and how this feature must be taken into account in their design.
Host–Guest Binding Hierarchy within Redox‐ and Luminescence‐Responsive Supramolecular Self‐Assembly Based on Chalcogenide Clusters and γ‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ivanov Anton A. , Falaise Clément , Abramov Pavel A. , Shestopalov Michael A. , Kirakci Kaplan , Lang Kamil , Moussawi Mhamad A. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Naumov Nikolay G. , Floquet Sébastien , Landy David , Haouas Mohamed , Brylev Konstantin A. , Mironov Yuri V. , Molard Yann , Cordier Stéphane , Cadot Emmanuel
Published: June 2018

Water‐soluble salts of anionic [Re6Q8(CN)6]4− (Q=S, Se, Te) chalcogenide octahedral rhenium clusters react with γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) producing a new type of inclusion compounds. Crystal structures determined through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed supramolecular host–guest assemblies resulting from close encapsulations of the octahedral cluster within two γ‐CDs. Interestingly, nature of the inner Q ligands influences strongly the host–guest conformation. The cluster [Re6S8(CN)6]4− interacts preferentially with the primary faces of the γ‐CD while the bulkier clusters [Re6Se8(CN)6]4− and [Re6Te8(CN)6]4− exhibit specific interactions with the secondary faces of the cyclic host. Furthermore, analysis of the crystal packing reveals additional supramolecular interactions that lead to 2D infinite arrangements with [Re6S8(CN)6]4− or to 1D “bamboo‐like” columns with [Re6Se8(CN)6]4− and [Re6Te8(CN)6]4− species. Solution studies, using multinuclear NMR methods, ESI‐MS and Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) corroborates nicely the solid‐state investigations showing that supramolecular pre‐organization is retained in aqueous solution even in diluted conditions. Furthermore, ITC analysis showed that host–guest stability increases significantly ongoing from S to Te. At last, we report herein that deep inclusion alters significantly the intrinsic physical‐chemical properties of the octahedral clusters, allowing redox tuning and near IR luminescence enhancement.
Host–Guest Chemistry of Carboranes: Synthesis of Carboxylate Derivatives and Their Binding to Cyclodextrins
Authors: Nekvinda Jan , Grüner Bohumír , Gabel Detlef , Nau Werner M. , Assaf Khaleel I.
Published: June 2018

Polyhedral carboxymethyl carborane (C2B10H12) derivatives, including mono‐ and disubstituted o‐, m‐, and p‐isomers, have been synthesized. Supramolecular host–guest complexation of these derivatives with cyclodextrins (CDs; namely, α‐, β‐, and γ‐CD) has been investigated in water. The globular structure of the carborane binding moiety and its hydrophobic character qualify it as an ideal recognition site to form stable inclusion complexes with macrocyclic host molecules in aqueous solution. The measured binding affinities for the carborane derivatives were in the millimolar range (Ka=103–104 m−1) with differently sized CDs, and preferential binding to β‐CD.
Self‐Assembly of Three‐Dimensional Zinc‐Doped NiCo2O4 as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yang Man , Li Yunfeng , Yu Yue , Liu Xianchun , Shi Zhan , Xing Yan
Published: June 2018

In this work, a series of three‐dimensional porous flower‐like zinc doped NiCo2O4 (ZNCO) nanostructures with different Zn doping level are successfully prepared by a facile solvothermal process without using any templets. The obtained products are characterized by various techniques, and their electrocatalytic performances are also assessed by the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). According to the electrochemical characterization, it is demonstrated that ZNCO‐0.15 (i.e., Zn0.15Ni0.85Co2O4) nanoflowers show a lower overpotential, smaller Tafel slope, higher electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), as well as a larger turnover frequency (TOF) value than those of Co3O4, NiCo2O4, and ZnCo2O4 nanoflowers, indicating that introduction of an optimal content of zinc ions plays an important role in enhancing electrocatalytic performances for OER. The enhanced OER performance of ZNCO‐0.15 could be attributed to the increased number of active sites (Co3+), accelerated kinetic rate, and promoted conductivity of the catalyst with the incorporation of zinc ions.
Compartmentalized Aqueous–Organic Emulsion for Efficient Biocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Qingcai , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B. , Haag Rainer , Wu Changzhu
Published: June 2018

The design and construction of polymeric compartmentalized structures in water have been intensively explored for controllable catalysis, but there is still the challenge of setting up catalytic compartments in organic media. Here, we designed a simple block copolymer, PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PCL, to construct a stable and multi‐compartmentalized emulsion in an organic solvent by hand‐shaking. This gentle emulsion preparation allowed a successful encapsulation of vulnerable biocatalysts such as benzaldehyde lyase (BAL) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The compartmentalization provided the emulsion with an exceptionally large interfacial area that could enhance BAL activity up to 225 times as compared to the traditional biphasic system. Moreover, the system could be easily scaled up due to its facile preparation with low cost. Therefore, our results pave the way for developing compartmentalized structures in solvents for biocatalysis in large‐scale synthetic chemistry.
Photoisomerization of Mono‐Arylated Indigo and Water‐Induced Acceleration of Thermal cis‐to‐trans Isomerization
Authors: Huber Ludwig A. , Mayer Peter , Dube Henry
Published: June 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by Thomas Bartelmann and Henry Dube of the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität Munich (Germany). The image shows photoisomerization of mono‐arylated indigo upon irradiation with red light. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cptc.201700228.
1,4‐Dioxane‐Tuned Catalyst‐Free Methylation of Amines by CO2 and NaBH4
Authors: Guo Zhiqiang , Zhang Bo , Wei Xuehong , Xi Chanjuan
Published: June 2018

A catalyst‐free reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines and NaBH4 was developed. The N‐methylation of amines was carried out with CO2 as a C1 building block and 1,4‐dioxane as the solvent. Notably, the six‐electron reduction of CO2 to form the methyl group occurred simultaneously with formation of the C−N bond to give the N‐methylated amine.
Nanostructured FeNi3 Incorporated with Carbon Doped with Multiple Nonmetal Elements for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Zong , Yu Xu , Yu Huaguang , Xue Huaiguo , Feng Ligang
Published: June 2018

The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through water electrolysis is still challenging. Herein, a facile approach to fabricate highly efficient nanostructured FeNi3 incorporated on carbon doped with multiple nonmetal elements (FeNi3/M‐C) was prepared by annealing an in situ polymerized metal complex from economical precursors. The temperature dependence of the structure and the catalytic performance for the OER was probed. The best pyrolysis temperature was 800 °C, at which the fabricated material exhibited the highest catalytic performance for the OER. Specifically, an overpotential as low as 246 mV (no IR correction) afforded 10 mA cm−2 with a low Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1, exceeding that of the best noble‐metal catalyst IrO2 and other similar Fe–Ni alloys. High catalytic efficiency and anticorrosion ability towards the OER were displayed in terms of high specific surface area, rapid kinetics, high stability, and specific activity. The excellent performance was correlated to the structure and the modest graphitization degree of carbon and an appropriate ratio between graphitic and pyridinic N atoms and the synergistic effect between the Fe–Ni alloy active sites and the conducting carbon doped with multiple nonmetal elements. Moreover, as a powder catalyst, it could be applied in a real polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer. These results are helpful for understanding the improved catalytic activity and the promotion of the catalytic efficiency of the Fe–Ni alloy materials for the OER.
Daily non‐invasive haemodynamic telemonitoring for efficacy evaluation of MitraClip® implantation in patients with advanced systolic heart failure
Authors: Herrmann Ester , Ecke Andreas , Herrmann Eva , Eissing Nina , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Zeiher Andreas M. , Assmus Birgit
Published: June 2018

Aim

Patients with advanced systolic chronic heart failure frequently suffer from progressive functional mitral regurgitation. We report our initial experience in patients with an implanted pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) sensor, who developed severe mitral regurgitation, which was treated with the MitraClip system. We non‐invasively compared changes in PAP values in patients after MitraClip with PAP changes in patients without MitraClip.

Methods and results

Among 28 patients with New York Heart Association III heart failure with implanted PAP sensor for haemodynamic telemonitoring from a single centre, four patients (age 66 ± 6 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 21 ± 3%, and cardiac index 1.8 ± 0.3) received a MitraClip procedure and were compared with 24 patients (age 72 ± 8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 26 ± 9.9%, and cardiac index 2.0 ± 1.0) without MitraClip procedure in a descriptive manner. Ambulatory PAP values were followed for 90 days in both groups. In comparison with the PAP values 4 weeks before MitraClip procedure, PAP was profoundly reduced in all four patients after 30 days (ΔPAPmean −11 ± 5, ΔPAPdiast −7 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.02) as well as after 90 days (ΔPAPmean −6.3 ± 6, ΔPAPdiast −1 ± 3 mmHg). Reductions in PAP were accompanied by a profound reduction in N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide as well as clinical and echocardiographic improvement. When analysing the dynamics with a regression model, reductions in all PAP values were significantly greater after MitraClip compared with conservative haemodynamic monitoring (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The efficacy of the interventional MitraClip procedure on clinical symptoms can be confirmed by haemodynamic telemonitoring. Thus, daily non‐invasive haemodynamic telemonitoring allows, for the first time, for a continuous assessment of the haemodynamic efficacy of novel therapies in patients with chronic heart failure.
Photo‐ and Redox‐Active Metal Dendrimers: A Journey from Molecular Design to Applications and Self‐Aggregated Systems
Authors: Puntoriero Fausto , Serroni Scolastica , La Ganga Giuseppina , Santoro Antonio , Galletta Maurilio , Nastasi Francesco , La Mazza Emanuele , Cancelliere Ambra M. , Campagna Sebastiano
Published: June 2018

The scientific adventure starting from simple dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes and leading to the design, preparation, and study of photo‐ and redox‐active polynuclear metal dendrimers capable of performing useful photo‐driven processes is reviewed through decades of activity. The recent applications of luminescent metal dendrimers in the field of artificial photosynthesis – in particular as far as the photochemical water oxidation process is concerned – and their very recently revealed self‐aggregating properties, including concentration‐dependent photoinduced energy transfer, are also shown.
Surface‐Roughened Pt‐Decorated Pd Nanoparticles as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
Authors: Prabu Natarajan , Jeyakumar Duraisamy , Maduraiveeran Govindhan , Sasidharan Manickam
Published: June 2018

Platinum‐decorated Pd nanoparticles (NPs) of Pd100–xPtx (x = 30, 40 and 50) are synthesised by galvanic replacement of Ag by Pt using a Pd@Ag core–shell structure as a template. The Pd@Ag core–shell material is prepared by chemical reduction of Ag+ over Pd NPs, with further Ag being galvanically replaced by Pt to form Pd100–xPtx NPs. The Pd100–xPtx NPs are characterised using optical absorption spectroscopy with surface plasmon resonance (SPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). The NPs are adsorbed onto vulcan carbon (Pd100–xPtx/C) for further characterisation and electrochemical studies. The materials are characterised using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies. The CV studies indicate the absence of silver in the synthesised materials. The electrochemical oxidation of methanol and ethanol are carried out by cyclic voltammetry studies. The results show that Pd100–xPtx/C materials are good catalysts for methanol oxidation reactions (MORs) and ethanol oxidation reactions (EORs), with lower oxidation potentials and higher mass activities than commercial Pt/C catalysts. Among these materials, Pd50Pt50/C has a methanol oxidation potential of 0.18 V, with good mass activity, and the Pd70Pt30/C material is an efficient EOR catalyst, with higher mass activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes Based on C3‐Symmetric Tripodal HTIM(PR2)3 Ligands
Authors: Smirnova Ekaterina S. , Acuña‐Parés Ferran , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Jelsch Christian , Lloret‐Fillol Julio
Published: June 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Julio Lloret‐Fillol from ICIQ, Tarragona, Spain. The cover image shows the X‐ray crystallographic structure of a copper complex held by four hands.
Ultralow Cost Electrochemical Sensor Made of Potato Starch and Carbon Black Nanoballs to Detect Tetracycline in Waters and Milk
Authors: Delgado Karina P. , Raymundo‐Pereira Paulo A. , Campos Anderson M. , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Janegitz Bruno C.
Published: June 2018

Detection of traces from pharmaceutical drugs such as antibiotics in drinking water and foodstuff is essential for guaranteeing human health in some environments, and this has to be done with low cost technologies to be widely deployed in public services and industry. In this paper, we describe an ultralow cost (<US$ 0.005 per unit of sensing layer) electrochemical sensor to detect the antibiotic tetracycline, which is made of a homogeneous thin film of potato starch (PS) and carbon black (CB) deposited on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). Detection of tetracycline was also performed in real samples consisting of tap water, river water, milk and in solutions prepared with commercial tablets of this medicine in the range between 5.0 and 120 μmol L−1, with a detection and quantification limit of 1.15 and 4.47 μmol L−1, respectively. The high sensitivity was attributed to the enhanced conductivity and larger surface area induced by incorporating the carbon black into potato starch. The CB‐PS/GCE electrodes were reproducible and stable, thus serving as a generic platform for detection of other antibiotics and hormones whose redox potentials are similar to those of tetracycline.
Beyond propagule pressure: importance of selection during the transport stage of biological invasions
Authors: Briski Elizabeta , Chan Farrah T , Darling John A , Lauringson Velda , MacIsaac Hugh J , Zhan Aibin , Bailey Sarah A
Published: June 2018

Biological invasions are largely considered to be a “numbers game”, wherein the larger the introduction effort, the greater the probability that an introduced population will become established. However, conditions during transport – an early stage of the invasion – can be particularly harsh, thereby greatly reducing the size of a population available to establish in a new region. Some successful non‐indigenous species are more tolerant of environmental and anthropogenic stressors than related native species, possibly stemming from selection (ie survival of only pre‐adapted individuals for particular environmental conditions) during the invasion process. By reviewing current literature concerning population genetics and consequences of selection on population fitness, we propose that selection acting on transported populations can facilitate local adaptation, which may result in a greater likelihood of invasion than predicted by propagule pressure alone. Specifically, we suggest that detailed surveys should be conducted to determine interactions between molecular mechanisms and demographic factors, given that current management strategies may underestimate invasion risk.
Predictive factors for successful cervical ripening using a double‐balloon catheter after previous cesarean delivery
Authors: Vital Mathilde , Grange Joséphine , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Dimet Jérôme , Ducarme Guillaume
Published: June 2018

Objective

To identify predictors of successful cervical ripening using double‐balloon catheter (DBC) for labor induction among women with previous cesarean delivery (PCD) and unfavorable cervix at term.

Methods

The present prospective observational study was conducted among women who underwent cervical ripening with DBC at a French tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Inclusion criteria were PCD; singleton term fetus; cephalic presentation; and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <6). Indications for DBC were gestational diabetes mellitus, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, pre‐eclampsia, prolonged pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, or prenatal suspicion of macrosomia. The primary outcome was Bishop score of at least six after DBC removal.

Results

Among the 105 patients included, the initial Bishop score was 2.5 ± 1.5; successful cervical ripening occurred among 74 (70.5%) women; and vaginal delivery occurred among 46 (43.8%). The mean time from DBC insertion to delivery was 19.3 ± 6.7 hours. No adverse events were observed. Predictors of successful cervical ripening were initial Bishop score of at least three (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78–58.47); PCD during labor (aOR 4.38, 95% CI 1.10–17.45); and internal cervical os open (aOR 4.94, 95% CI 1.44–17.01).

Conclusion

Several factors were found to predict successful cervical ripening using DBC.
Argon plasma coagulation of actinic keratoses imaged by optical coherence tomography: An in vivo study indicating a possible lesion‐directed treatment
Authors: Schmitz Lutz , Hessam Schapoor , Scholl Lisa , Reitenbach Sarah , Segert Marc H. , Gambichler Thilo , Stockfleth Eggert , Bechara Falk G.
Published: June 2018

Actinic keratoses (AKs) can progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma and thus may become a life threatening disease. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) might complement the therapeutic armamentarium in particular for AK lesions. However, there is no data on APC‐induced micromorphological changes following the treatment of AKs. We aimed to determine in vivo APC‐induced effects on the epidermis and dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) zone in AK lesions. We performed APC in 108 AKs using the spray mode with a power setting of 15 W and a flow rate of 2.0 L/min. Before and after the intervention, optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed. After APC, 74.2% (46/62) lesions presented with clearly demarcated DEJ and without any epidermal tissue left, 25.8% (16/62) of treated lesions showed residual epidermal tissue left. In 19.4% (12/62), parts of the DEJ and in 6.5% (4/62), the entire DEJ could not be discriminated. The χ2 test showed a significant (P = 0.0025) association between the presence of hyperkeratosis prior to APC and intact DEJ after APC. In conclusion, APC as shown by OCT is a well controllable treatment modality for AKs causing only limited damage to dermal tissue. Further studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcome as well as recurrence rates.
Folliculin Regulates Osteoclastogenesis Through Metabolic Regulation
Authors: Baba Masaya , Endoh Mitsuhiro , Ma Wenjuan , Toyama Hirofumi , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Nishikawa Keizo , Takubo Keiyo , Hano Hiroyuki , Hasumi Hisashi , Umemoto Terumasa , Hashimoto Michihiro , Irie Nobuko , Esumi Chiharu , Kataoka Miho , Nakagata Naomi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Yao Masahiro , Kamba Tomomi , Minami Takashi , Ishii Masaru , Suda Toshio
Published: June 2018

Osteoclast differentiation is a dynamic differentiation process, which is accompanied by dramatic changes in metabolic status as well as in gene expression. Recent findings have revealed an essential connection between metabolic reprogramming and dynamic gene expression changes during osteoclast differentiation. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms that drive these metabolic changes in osteoclastogenesis remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that induced deletion of a tumor suppressor gene, Folliculin (Flcn), in mouse osteoclast precursors causes severe osteoporosis in 3 weeks through excess osteoclastogenesis. Flcn-deficient osteoclast precursors reveal cell autonomous accelerated osteoclastogenesis with increased sensitivity to receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). We demonstrate that Flcn regulates oxidative phosphorylation and purine metabolism through suppression of nuclear localization of the transcription factor Tfe3, thereby inhibiting expression of its target gene Pgc1. Metabolome studies revealed that Flcn-deficient osteoclast precursors exhibit significant augmentation of oxidative phosphorylation and nucleotide production, resulting in an enhanced purinergic signaling loop that is composed of controlled ATP release and autocrine/paracrine purinergic receptor stimulation. Inhibition of this purinergic signaling loop efficiently blocks accelerated osteoclastogenesis in Flcn-deficient osteoclast precursors. Here, we demonstrate an essential and novel role of the Flcn-Tfe3-Pgc1 axis in osteoclastogenesis through the metabolic reprogramming of oxidative phosphorylation and purine metabolism. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Annexin A7 is correlated with better clinical outcomes of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Huang Yuanli , Wang Hongtao , Yang Yuanrong
Published: June 2018

The clinical prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients remains poor. Studies on BC microarrays GSE37751, GSE7390, and GSE21653 were reanalyzed to characterize the expressions of annexin A7 (ANXA7) in BC patients and the corresponding normal breast tissues and the correlation between ANXA7 expression and clinical characteristics and survivals of BC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to investigate the exact mechanisms as for the expression of ANXA7 and the proliferation of BC cells. The level of ANXA7 expression was significantly decreased in BC patients than that in normal controls (P < .0001). BC patients in the ANXA7 high‐expression group were associated with better clinical features such as tumor size; histopathological grading; estrogen receptors; and clinical risk groups according to St Gallen criteria, Nottingham prognostic index criteria, and Veridex signature compared with those in the ANXA7 low‐expression group. Higher expression of ANXA7 predicted better prognosis of BC patients. The result of GSEA indicated that ANXA7 might inhibit the proliferation of BC cells through biological processes involved in androgen response, heme metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. The messenger RNA and protein levels of ANXA7 were decreased in BC tissues compared with those in normal breast tissues. Our results proved that ANXA7 was downregulated in BC cells and that a higher expression of ANXA7 was associated with better prognosis of BC patients.
Supporting adults to support youth: An evaluation of two social justice trainings
Authors: Anderson Amy J. , Sánchez Bernadette , Meyer Graig , Sales Brian P.
Published: June 2018

The current research examined pre‐ and post survey data in two social justice trainings for adults who support youth, including staff and volunteers (Study 1, N = 44) at youth‐serving organizations and adults who mentor young Black men and boys (Study 2, N = 72). We investigate whether training participants’ self‐report scores of cultural competences (studies 1 and 2), self‐efficacy for race equity (Study 1) and racial self‐efficacy to support mentee (Study 2) changed between the beginning of the training and after the training. Furthermore, we examine whether the changes depend upon whether training participants share cultural background with the youth with whom they work. In Study 1, findings indicated that training participants reported significantly increased scores of cultural sensitivity and self‐efficacy for race equity. Individuals who were not first‐generation college students saw higher increases in sociopolitical awareness. In Study 2, participants reported significantly higher scores of cultural sensitivity and racial self‐efficacy to support their mentees. Furthermore, non‐Black and women participants showed greater increases in self‐efficacy than Black and male participants. These results fill a gap in the literature on the potential role of social justice trainings to increase cultural competencies among adults who work with diverse youth.
MiR‐124‐3p suppresses bladder cancer by targeting DNA methyltransferase 3B
Authors: Zo Rabah B. , Long Ziwen
Published: June 2018

This study was aimed to uncover the effects of miR‐124‐3p on bladder cancer (BC) by regulating DNA methyltransferase 3B. The expressions of miR‐124‐3p and DNMT3B mRNA in BC tissues and cell lines were detected using RT‐PCR. The expression of DNMT3B in cells was determined using Western blot and immunohistochemistry in tissues. In addition, chromogenic in situ hybridization staining was used to measure the expression of miR‐124‐3p in tissues. BC cells were transfected with miR‐124‐3p mimics, miR‐124‐3p inhibitors, DNMT3B siRNAs, and DNMT3B cDNAs + miR‐124‐3p mimics. Subsequently, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured using CCK‐8, the cytometry test, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. Finally, the relationship between miR‐124‐3p and DNMT3B was confirmed using dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR‐124‐3p expression was significantly lower and the level of DNMT3B was significantly higher in BC tissues and cell lines compared with the normal controls. MiR‐124‐3p was verified to target DNMT3B. The transfection of miR‐124‐3p mimics and DNMT3B siRNAs down‐regulated BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as induced cell apoptosis; miR‐124‐3p inhibitors promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and reduced cell apoptosis; and the effects of DNMT3B cDNAs can be compromised by miR‐124‐3p mimics. Thus, we concluded that miR‐124‐3p could suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote apoptosis of BC cells by targeting DNMT3B.
An extraction‐free method for quantifying cell‐free DNA in the serum of cancer patients
Authors: Xie Li , Guo Wei , Liu Lisheng , Wei Ling , Song Xingguo , Song Xianrang
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is an important marker for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Extraction of cfDNA from serum is indispensable for its quantification, and the DNA isolation procedure can significantly influence the quantification and qualification of DNA.

RESULTS

A cfDNA‐extraction‐free (EF) method and a SuperGreen quantitative PCR assay for determining total cfDNA in serum were developed. The cfDNA from the EF method did not affect the specificity and sensitivity of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. It was found that the median amount of spike‐in cfDNA quantified by different isolation methods varied from 3.01 to 83.81 ng mL−1. The efficiency of DNA extraction by the EF method was significantly better than that in the case of other cfDNA extraction kits. The serum samples from the patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contained a higher concentration of cfDNA than that in healthy people, and cfDNA showed a better prognostic ability for diagnosing NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

The cfDNA‐EF method gives a more reliable, easy, and low‐cost estimate of total cell‐free DNA quantity in serum. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of life outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients requiring pacemaker implantation
Authors: Bhardwaj Aishwarya , Ramanan Tharmathai , Sawant Abhishek C. , Sinibaldi Everett , Pham Michael , Khan Sahoor , Qureshi Reema , Agrawal Nikhil , Khalil Charl , Hansen Rosemary , Baldo Shannon , Colern Gerald , Corbelli John , Pershad Ashish , Beck Hiroko , Iyer Vijay
Published: June 2018

Background

Permanent pacemaker implantation is the most common complication after Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and is associated with worse outcomes and mortality. However, its impact on quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

We included 383 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR from January 2012 to 2016 who completed a baseline Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ‐12) health survey. The clinical, laboratory, angiographic, QoL, mortality, and occurrence of poor outcomes (KCCQ‐12 score < 45 or KCCQ decrease of ≥10 points) were obtained.

Results

The mean age was 83 ± 8 years, 51% were men, and majority were Caucasians (n = 364, 95%). Permanent pacemaker (PPM) was implanted in 11.5% of patients post‐TAVR. PPM patients were more likely to have prior conduction disease including RBBB (25% vs 12%, P = .02) and PQ interval >250 ms (11% vs 5%, P = .07). One‐month median KCCQ‐12 scores were significantly lower among PPM patients (84.7 vs 68.8, P = .04), but did not differ significantly at 1‐year (86.5 vs 90.6, P = .5) post‐TAVR. Occurrence of poor outcomes did not differ significantly among those with or without PPM at 1 month (11% vs 7%, P = .39) and 1 year (13% vs 9%, P = .45), respectively. However, patients with poor QoL outcomes at 1 month post‐TAVR also had significantly worse mortality during follow‐up in unadjusted (31.3% vs 4.5%, P < .001) and adjusted (HR = 5.30, 95% [CI: 1.85‐15.22, P = .002])analyses, respectively.

Conclusion

Permanent pacemaker implantation is associated with short‐term reduction in QoL without long‐term implications post‐TAVR. Patients with poor QoL post‐TAVR also have significantly higher mortality.
Acute pulmonary hemorrhage during atrial fibrillation HotBalloon ablation
Authors: Fujii Eitaro , Fujita Satoshi , Kagawa Yoshihiko , Ito Masaaki
Published: June 2018

A 64‐year‐old man with an atrial septal defect was referred for HotBalloon ablation of symptomatic drug‐resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was achieved using a SATAKE HotBalloon ablation system, which was inserted into the left atrium through the deflectable guiding sheath via the atrial septal defect. During ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein carina, the HotBalloon dropped to the left atrium. Hemoptysis and respiratory failure was then observed, and the patient was intubated and controlled under ventilator. The computed tomography identified a pseudoaneurysm developed on the right superior PV, with massive hemorrhagic alveolar flooding.
Physicochemical Properties of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (DTAB) and SodiumDodecyl Sulphate (SDS) Rich Surfactants in Aqueous Medium, At T = 293.15, 298.15, and 303.15 K
Authors: Sachin K. M. , Karpe Sameer , Singh Man , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: June 2018

The physicochemical properties of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (DTAB) and Sodium Dodecylsulfate (SDS) rich surfactants in aqueous medium have been studied by surface tension, viscosity, density, and sound velocity at T = 293.15, 298.15, and 303.15 K. The DTAB concentration varies from 0.0001 to 0.03 mol · L−1 in the presence of ≈0.01 mol · L−1 SDS and the SDS concentration varies from 0.001 to 0.015 mol · L−1 in the presence of ≈0.005 mol · L−1 DTAB, so that the concentrations of cationic (DTAB‐rich) and anionic (SDS‐rich) solutions are taken in the ratio of 3:1. The density (ρ) and sound velocity (μ) data are used for calculating apparent molar volume (Vϕ), friccohesity (σ), isentropic compressibility (Ks,ϕ), surface tension (γ), and viscosity (η). These parameters reveals that the relative solute‐solvent and solute‐solute interactions of SDS‐DTAB and DTAB‐SDS in an aqueous medium with the help of physicochemical properties (PCPs).
Removal of hyperpolarized 129Xe gas‐phase contamination in spectroscopic imaging of the lungs
Authors: Hahn Andrew D. , Kammerman Jeff , Fain Sean B.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

A novel technique is presented for retrospective estimation and removal of gas‐phase hyperpolarized Xenon‐129 (HP 129Xe) from images of HP 129Xe dissolved in the barrier (comprised of parenchymal lung tissue and blood plasma) and red blood cell (RBC) phases. The primary aim is mitigating RF pulse performance limitations on measures of gas exchange (e.g., barrier–gas and RBC–gas ratios). Correction for gas contamination would simplify technical dissemination of HP 129Xe applications across sites with varying hardware performance, scanner vendors, and models.

Methods

Digital lung phantom and human subject experiments (N = 8 healthy; N = 1 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) were acquired with 3D radial trajectory and 1‐point Dixon spectroscopic imaging to assess the correction method for mitigating barrier and RBC imaging artifacts. Dependence of performance on TE, image SNR, and gas contamination level were characterized. Inter‐ and intra‐subject variation in the dissolved‐phase ratios were quantified and compared to human subject experiments before and after correction.

Results

Gas contamination resulted in image artifacts similar to those in disease that were mitigated after correction in both simulated and human subject data; for simulation experiments performance varied with TE, but was independent of image SNR and the amount of gas contamination. Artifacts and variation of barrier and RBC components were reduced after correction in both simulation and healthy human lungs (barrier, P = 0.01; RBC, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

The proposed technique significantly reduced regional variations in barrier and RBC ratios, separated using a 1‐point Dixon approach, with improved accuracy of dissolved‐phase HP 129Xe images confirmed in simulation experiments.
On the relation between MR spectroscopy features and the distance to MRI‐visible solid tumor in GBM patients
Authors: Pedrosa de Barros Nuno , Meier Raphael , Pletscher Martin , Stettler Samuel , Knecht Urspeter , Herrmann Evelyn , Schucht Philippe , Reyes Mauricio , Gralla Jan , Wiest Roland , Slotboom Johannes
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To improve the detection of peritumoral changes in GBM patients by exploring the relation between MRSI information and the distance to the solid tumor volume (STV) defined using structural MRI (sMRI).

Methods

Twenty‐three MRSI studies (PRESS, TE 135 ms) acquired from different patients with untreated GBM were used in this study. For each MRSI examination, the STV was identified by segmenting the corresponding sMRI images using BraTumIA, an automatic segmentation method. The relation between different metabolite ratios and the distance to STV was analyzed. A regression forest was trained to predict the distance from each voxel to STV based on 14 metabolite ratios. Then, the trained model was used to determine the expected distance to tumor (EDT) for each voxel of the MRSI test data. EDT maps were compared against sMRI segmentation.

Results

The features showing abnormal values at the longest distances to the tumor were: %NAA, Glx/NAA, Cho/NAA, and Cho/Cr. These four features were also the most important for the prediction of the distances to STV. Each EDT value was associated with a specific metabolic pattern, ranging from normal brain tissue to actively proliferating tumor and necrosis. Low EDT values were highly associated with malignant features such as elevated Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr.

Conclusion

The proposed method enables the automatic detection of metabolic patterns associated with different distances to the STV border and may assist tumor delineation of infiltrative brain tumors such as GBM.