bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of autophagy on acute kidney injury in a murine cecal ligation and puncture sepsis model
Authors: Sunahara Satoshi , Watanabe Eizo , Hatano Masahiko , Swanson Paul E. , Oami Takehiko , Fujimura Lisa , Teratake Youichi , Shimazui Takashi , Lee Chiwei , Oda Shigeto
Published: January 2018

The role of autophagy in the maintenance of renal homeostasis during sepsis is not well understood. We therefore aimed to determine the influence of autophagy on kidney during sepsis using a murine sepsis model, i.e. cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In CLP treated animals, the number of autolysosomes observed by electron microscopy increased over time. The number of autophagosomes in CLP animals decreased relative sham operated controls at 24 hrs after CLP, indicating that autophagy flux is already diminishing by that time. Moreover, CLP induced an increase in LC3-II/LC3-I ratio at 6–8 hrs, demonstrated in western blots, as well as an increase in GFP-LC3 dots at 6–8 hrs and 24 hrs, using immunofluorescence and anti-LC3 and LAMP1 antibodies on tissue sections from GFP-LC3 transgenic mice. LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and the number of co-localized GFP-LC3 dots and LAMP1 signals (GFP LC3 + LAMP1 dots) in CLP mice at 24 hrs were significantly reduced compared with data obtained at 6–8 hrs. Notably, acceleration of autophagy by rapamycin resulted in improvement of renal function that was associated with improvement in the histologic severity of tubular epithelial injury in CLP treated animals. Autophagy in the kidney was significantly slowed in the kidney during the acute phase of sepsis; nonetheless, autophagy in kidney appears to play a protective role against sepsis.
GenomeLandscaper: Landscape analysis of genome-fingerprints maps assessing chromosome architecture
Authors: Ai Hannan , Ai Yuncan , Meng Fanmei
Published: January 2018

Assessing correctness of an assembled chromosome architecture is a central challenge. We create a geometric analysis method (called GenomeLandscaper) to conduct landscape analysis of genome-fingerprints maps (GFM), trace large-scale repetitive regions, and assess their impacts on the global architectures of assembled chromosomes. We develop an alignment-free method for phylogenetics analysis. The human Y chromosomes (GRCh.chrY, HuRef.chrY and YH.chrY) are analysed as a proof-of-concept study. We construct a galaxy of genome-fingerprints maps (GGFM) for them, and a landscape compatibility among relatives is observed. But a long sharp straight line on the GGFM breaks such a landscape compatibility, distinguishing GRCh38p1.chrY (and throughout GRCh38p7.chrY) from GRCh37p13.chrY, HuRef.chrY and YH.chrY. We delete a 1.30-Mbp target segment to rescue the landscape compatibility, matching the antecedent GRCh37p13.chrY. We re-locate it into the modelled centromeric and pericentromeric region of GRCh38p10.chrY, matching a gap placeholder of GRCh37p13.chrY. We decompose it into sub-constituents (such as BACs, interspersed repeats, and tandem repeats) and trace their homologues by phylogenetics analysis. We elucidate that most examined tandem repeats are of reasonable quality, but the BAC-sized repeats, 173U1020C (176.46 Kbp) and 5U41068C (205.34 Kbp), are likely over-repeated. These results offer unique insights into the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of the human Y chromosomes.
Intradermal delivery of STAT3 siRNA to treat melanoma via dissolving microneedles
Authors: Pan Jingtong , Ruan Wenyi , Qin Mengyao , Long Yueming , Wan Tao , Yu Kaiyue , Zhai Yuanhao , Wu Chuanbin , Xu Yuehong
Published: January 2018

Hyperactivity of signal transducer and activity of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in melanoma invasion and metastasis. Gene therapy applying siRNA targeting STAT3 is a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma. In this article, we first fabricated safe and novel dissolving microneedles (MNs) for topical application of STAT3 siRNA to enhance the skin penetration of siRNA and used polyethylenimine (PEI, 25 kDa) as carrier to improve cellular uptake of siRNA. The results showed that MNs can effectively penetrate skin and rapidly dissolve in the skin. In vitro B16F10 cell experiments presented that STAT3 siRNA PEI complex can enhance cellular uptake and transfection of siRNA, correspondingly enhance gene silencing efficiency and inhibit tumor cells growth. In vivo experiments indicated that topical application of STAT3 siRNA PEI complex delivered by dissolving MNs into skin can effectively suppress the development of melanoma through silencing STAT3 gene, and the inhibition effect is dose-dependent. STAT3 siRNA delivery via dissolving MNs is a promising approach for skin melanoma treatment with targeting inhibition efficacy and minimal adverse effects.
Nanostructured titanium surfaces exhibit recalcitrance towards Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation
Authors: Cao Yunyi , Su Bo , Chinnaraj Subash , Jana Saikat , Bowen Leon , Charlton Sam , Duan Pengfei , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Chen Jinju
Published: January 2018

Titanium-based implants are ubiquitous in the healthcare industries and often suffer from bacterial attachment which results in infections. An innovative method of reducing bacterial growth is to employ nanostructures on implant materials that cause contact-dependent cell death by mechanical rupture of bacterial cell membranes. To achieve this, we synthesized nanostructures with different architectures on titanium surfaces using hydrothermal treatment processes and then examined the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis on these surfaces. The structure obtained after a two-hour hydrothermal treatment (referred to as spear-type) showed the least bacterial attachment at short times but over a period of 6 days tended to support the formation of thick biofilms. By contrast, the structure obtained after a three-hour hydrothermal treatment (referred to as pocket-type) was found to delay biofilm formation up to 6 days and killed 47% of the initially attached bacteria by penetrating or compressing the bacteria in between the network of intertwined nano-spears. The results point to the efficacy of pocket-type nanostructure in increasing the killing rate of individual bacteria and potentially delaying longer-term biofilm formation.
Mithramycin A suppresses basal triple-negative breast cancer cell survival partially via down-regulating Krüppel-like factor 5 transcription by Sp1
Authors: Liu Rong , Zhi Xu , Zhou Zhongmei , Zhang Hailin , Yang Runxiang , Zou Tianning , Chen Ceshi
Published: January 2018

As the most malignant breast cancer subtype, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not have effective targeted therapies clinically to date. As a selective Sp1 inhibitor, Mithramycin A (MIT) has been reported to have anti-tumor activities in multiple cancers. However, the efficacy and the mechanism of MIT in breast cancer, especially TNBC, have not been studied. In this study, we demonstrated that MIT suppressed breast cancer cell survival in a dosage-dependent manner. Interestingly, TNBC cells were more sensitive to MIT than non-TNBC cells. MIT inhibited TNBC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro in time- and dosage-dependent manners. MIT suppressed TNBC cell survival, at least partially, by transcriptionally down-regulating KLF5, an oncogenic transcription factor specifically expressed in basal TNBC. Finally, MIT suppressed TNBC cell growth in a xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our findings suggested that MIT inhibits basal TNBC via the Sp1/KLF5 axis and that MIT may be used for TNBC treatment.
Cell Type-Specific Survey of Epigenetic Modifications by Tandem Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing
Authors: Mito Mari , Kadota Mitsutaka , Tanaka Kaori , Furuta Yasuhide , Abe Kuniya , Iwasaki Shintaro , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: January 2018

The nervous system of higher eukaryotes is composed of numerous types of neurons and glia that together orchestrate complex neuronal responses. However, this complex pool of cells typically poses analytical challenges in investigating gene expression profiles and their epigenetic basis for specific cell types. Here, we developed a novel method that enables cell type-specific analyses of epigenetic modifications using tandem chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (tChIP-Seq). FLAG-tagged histone H2B, a constitutive chromatin component, was first expressed in Camk2a-positive pyramidal cortical neurons and used to purify chromatin in a cell type-specific manner. Subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation using antibodies against H3K4me3—a chromatin modification mainly associated with active promoters—allowed us to survey the histone modifications in Camk2a-positive neurons. Indeed, tChIP-Seq identified hundreds of H3K4me3 modifications in promoter regions located upstream of genes associated with neuronal functions and genes with unknown functions in cortical neurons. tChIP-Seq provides a versatile approach to investigating the epigenetic modifications of particular cell types in vivo.
Prediction is Production: The missing link between language production and comprehension
Authors: Martin Clara D. , Branzi Francesca M. , Bar Moshe
Published: January 2018

Language comprehension often involves the generation of predictions. It has been hypothesized that such prediction-for-comprehension entails actual language production. Recent studies provided evidence that the production system is recruited during language comprehension, but the link between production and prediction during comprehension remains hypothetical. Here, we tested this hypothesis by comparing prediction during sentence comprehension (primary task) in participants having the production system either available or not (non-verbal versus verbal secondary task). In the primary task, sentences containing an expected or unexpected target noun-phrase were presented during electroencephalography recording. Prediction, measured as the magnitude of the N400 effect elicited by the article (expected versus unexpected), was hindered only when the production system was taxed during sentence context reading. The present study provides the first direct evidence that the availability of the speech production system is necessary for generating lexical prediction during sentence comprehension. Furthermore, these important results provide an explanation for the recruitment of language production during comprehension.
Combination Therapy Strategy of Quorum Quenching Enzyme and Quorum Sensing Inhibitor in Suppressing Multiple Quorum Sensing Pathways of P. aeruginosa
Authors: Fong July , Zhang Chaodong , Yang Renliang , Boo Zhao Zhi , Tan Soon Keat , Nielsen Thomas E. , Givskov Michael , Liu Xue-Wei , Bin Wu , Su Haibin , Yang Liang
Published: January 2018

The threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria has called for alternative antimicrobial strategies that would mitigate the increase of classical resistance mechanism. Many bacteria employ quorum sensing (QS) to govern the production of virulence factors and formation of drug-resistant biofilms. Targeting the mechanism of QS has proven to be a functional alternative to conventional antibiotic control of infections. However, the presence of multiple QS systems in individual bacterial species poses a challenge to this approach. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) and quorum quenching enzymes (QQE) have been both investigated for their QS interfering capabilities. Here, we first simulated the combination effect of QQE and QSI in blocking bacterial QS. The effect was next validated by experiments using AiiA as QQE and G1 as QSI on Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR/I and RhlR/I QS circuits. Combination of QQE and QSI almost completely blocked the P. aeruginosa las and rhl QS systems. Our findings provide a potential chemical biology application strategy for bacterial QS disruption.
Novel multifunctional cheese-like 3D carbon-BN as a highly efficient adsorbent for water purification
Authors: Liu Zhenya , Fang Yi , Jia Huichao , Wang Chong , Song Qianqian , Li Lanlan , Lin Jing , Huang Yang , Yu Chao , Tang Chengchun
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a novel three dimensional carbon boron nitride (3D C-BN) was successfully prepared. The obtained material has porous cheese-like structure and pore size ranging from 2 nm to 100 nm. Attractively, the 3D C-BN, which combines the adsorption advantages of BN and carbon together, exhibits excellent adsorption properties for organic dyes, oils and heavy metal ions. The maximum removal capacities of 3D C-BN for methyl blue (MB) and congo red (CR) are 408 mg g−1 and 307 mg g−1, respectively. Furthermore, 3D C-BN can quickly and efficiently remove oils (salad oil, gasoline and pump oil) and heavy metal ions (Cr3+, Cd2+ and Ni2+) from waste water. The macro bulk 3D C-BN, which is more convenient to use than powdered materials, can be reused by burning or heating in air and still maintains high adsorption capacity. Significantly, these superior performances can find practical application in water purification.
Plasmodium dihydrofolate reductase is a second enzyme target for the antimalarial action of triclosan
Authors: Bilsland Elizabeth , van Vliet Liisa , Williams Kevin , Feltham Jack , Carrasco Marta P. , Fotoran Wesley L. , Cubillos Eliana F. G. , Wunderlich Gerhard , Grøtli Morten , Hollfelder Florian , Jackson Victoria , King Ross D. , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: January 2018

Malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, leads to over half a million deaths per year, 90% of which are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. P. vivax usually causes milder forms of malaria; however, P. vivax can remain dormant in the livers of infected patients for weeks or years before re-emerging in a new bout of the disease. The only drugs available that target all stages of the parasite can lead to severe side effects in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; hence, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs active against blood and liver stages of the parasite. Different groups have demonstrated that triclosan, a common antibacterial agent, targets the Plasmodium liver enzyme enoyl reductase. Here, we provide 4 independent lines of evidence demonstrating that triclosan specifically targets both wild-type and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum and P. vivax dihydrofolate reductases, classic targets for the blood stage of the parasite. This makes triclosan an exciting candidate for further development as a dual specificity antimalarial, which could target both liver and blood stages of the parasite.
Far field superfocusing along with enhanced near field emission from hybrid spiral plasmonic lens inscribed with nano corrals slit diffractor
Authors: Jain Priyanshu , Maiti Tanmoy
Published: January 2018

Here, we have numerically calculated electric field intensity and phase of the emission from various hybrid spiral plasmonic lenses (HSPL) in near field as well as in far-field. We have proposed a novel HSPL inscribed with nano corrals slit (NCS) and compared its focusing ability with other HSPLs inscribed with circular slit and circular grating. With the use of nano corrals slit, we have been able to improve light intensity in the far-field without compromising near-field intensity. Our NCS-HSPL outperforms other HSPLs and standalone SPL in near-field as well as far-field. We have also found that proposed circular slit diffractor is far more superior than previously reported circular grating diffractor. We have been able to extend the focal length of hybrid plasmonic lens upto 3 um and observed a two-fold increment in the far field intensity compared to existing spiral plasmonic lens even though size of focal spot remains same. Optical complex fields produced by NCS based HSPL can be used for various applications such as super resolution microscopy, nanolithography, bioimaging and sensing, angular momentum detectors, etc. Moreover, enhanced near-field intensity in conjunction with far-field superfocusing with reasonable focal length may lead to the development of novel multifunctional lab-on-chip devices.
Intraocular inflammatory cytokines in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration before and after initiation of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF inhibitor
Authors: Sato Tomohito , Takeuchi Masaru , Karasawa Yoko , Enoki Toshio , Ito Masataka
Published: January 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a cause of blindness in people older than 50 years. Accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of systemic and local inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of AMD. Aflibercept is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, and intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) is the approved treatments of neovascular AMD (nAMD), but the effect on inflammatory response remains unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the profiles of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor of nAMD patients before and after initiation of IVA. In nAMD patients, IP-10 level was significantly higher and IL-6 level was significantly lower compared with those of cataract patients as controls. Logistic regression analysis identified IP-10 as a positive factor and IL-6 a negative factor associated with the pathogenesis of nAMD. In addition, IP-10 level correlated positively with the mean thickness of macula in the central 1-mm diameter circle. After initiation of IVA, IP-10 level was further elevated, and correlated negatively with VEGF level. These data suggest that IP-10 plays a critical role as an antiangiogenic factor and at the same time an inflammatory factor in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of nAMD eyes at onset and after IVA initiation.
Serum uric acid levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Qin , Ke Yaqiong , Hao Jianbo , Lu Ling , Lu Nannan , Chen Xiling
Published: January 2018

The pathogenic mechanism of ALS remains unclear. However, increasing evidence has indicated that uric acid (UA) may play a protective role in the pathogenesis of ALS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum UA levels and ALS. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted up to 31st August, 2017, using keywords. A random-effects model or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimate according to the inter-group heterogeneity. Finally, we indentified 8 case-control and 3 cohort studies. The results indicated that patients with ALS had significant decreased levels of serum UA compared to healthy controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.72, 95% CI [−0.98,−0.46], P < 0.001). Increased serum UA levels were associated with lower all-cause mortality risk among ALS patients (risk ratio (RR) = 0.70, 95% CI [0.57, 0.87], P = 0.001). To summarize, there is an inverse association between serum UA levels and risk of death among ALS patients. Randomized controlled trials with high quality are required to elucidate the role of UA on ALS.
Cromolyn Reduces Levels of the Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Amyloid β-Protein by Promoting Microglial Phagocytosis
Authors: Zhang Can , Griciuc Ana , Hudry Eloise , Wan Yu , Quinti Luisa , Ward Joseph , Forte Angela M. , Shen Xunuo , Ran ChongZhao , Elmaleh David R. , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: January 2018

Amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) deposition is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ deposition triggers both pro-neuroinflammatory microglial activation and neurofibrillary tangle formation. Cromolyn sodium is an asthma therapeutic agent previously shown to reduce Aβ levels in transgenic AD mouse brains after one-week of treatment. Here, we further explored these effects as well as the mechanism of action of cromolyn, alone, and in combination with ibuprofen in APPSwedish-expressing Tg2576 mice. Mice were treated for 3 months starting at 5 months of age, when the earliest stages of β-amyloid deposition begin. Cromolyn, alone, or in combination with ibuprofen, almost completely abolished longer insoluble Aβ species, i.e. Aβ40 and Aβ42, but increased insoluble Aβ38 levels. In addition to its anti-aggregation effects on Aβ, cromolyn, alone, or plus ibuprofen, but not ibuprofen alone, increased microglial recruitment to, and phagocytosis of β-amyloid deposits in AD mice. Cromolyn also promoted Aβ42 uptake in microglial cell-based assays. Collectively, our data reveal robust effects of cromolyn, alone, or in combination with ibuprofen, in reducing aggregation-prone Aβ levels and inducing a neuroprotective microglial activation state favoring Aβ phagocytosis versus a pro-neuroinflammatory state. These findings support the use of cromolyn, alone, or with ibuprofen, as a potential AD therapeutic.
Biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles usingShewanella loihicaPV-4 for excellent catalytic reduction of chromium(vi)
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Baogang , Liu Qingsong , Du Penghui , Liu Wen , He Zhen
Published: January 2018

Palladium nanoparticles synthesized byShewanella loihicaPV-4 can efficiently catalyze the reduction of chromium(vi).
Anti-Alzheimers activity and molecular mechanism of albumin-derived peptides against AChE and BChE
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Wu Sijia , Zhao Wenzhu , Ding Long , Fan Yue , Shiuan David , Liu Jingbo , Chen Feng
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health issue affecting millions of elderly people worldwide.
Protective effect of rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid against streptozotocin-induced oxidation, glycation, inflammation and microbiota imbalance in diabetic rats
Authors: Ou Juanying , Huang Junqing , Zhao Danyue , Du Bin , Wang Mingfu
Published: January 2018

RA and CA show hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects in diabetic rats and improve their microbiota imbalance in the colon.
Edible oleogels: an opportunity for fat replacement in foods
Authors: Martins Artur J. , Vicente António A. , Cunha Rosiane L. , Cerqueira Miguel A.
Published: January 2018

The number of publications, as a result of searching for hydrogels and oleogels for food applications in the last 10 years, shows that oleogels are getting more attention while hydrogels remain as a topic of interest. Moreover, the increasing number of publications dealing with food and obesity reveals that the food industry still has an important role in this regard.
Solar driven electrochromic photoelectrochemical fuel cells for simultaneous energy conversion, storage and self-powered sensing
Authors: Wang Yanhu , Zhang Lina , Cui Kang , Xu Caixia , Li Hao , Liu Hong , Yu Jinghua
Published: January 2018

One solar-driven electrochromic photoelectrochemical fuel cell (PFC) with highly efficient energy conversion and storage is easily constructed to achieve quantitative self-powered sensing.
Enhancing the performance of the electron acceptor ITIC-Th via tailoring its end groups
Authors: Li Zeyuan , Dai Shuixing , Xin Jingming , Zhang Lin , Wu Yang , Rech Jeromy , Zhao Fuwen , Li Tengfei , Liu Kuan , Liu Qiao , Ma Wei , You Wei , Wang Chunru , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: January 2018

We incorporate electron-donating methoxy and electron-withdrawing F groups onto the terminal groups in ITIC-Th, and investigate the effects of the substituents on the electronic properties, charge transport, film morphology, and photovoltaic properties of this series.
Synergistic effects and mechanisms of impressic acid or acankoreanogein in combination with docetaxel on prostate cancer
Authors: Jiang Sen , Zhang Kun , He Yan , Xu Xuetao , Li Dongli , Cheng Shupeng , Zheng Xi
Published: January 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer among males and a leading cause of cancer deaths.
Polysulfone foam with high expansion ratio prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide assisted molding foaming method
Authors: Li Zhengkun , Jia Yingbin , Bai Shibing
Published: January 2018

Polysulfone foam with high expansion ratio and high performance was prepared by new foaming method using CO2 and press vulcanizer.
Self-radiolysis of tritiated water. 4. The scavenging effect of azide ions (N3−) on the molecular hydrogen yield in the radiolysis of water by 60Co γ-rays and tritium β-particles at room temperature
Authors: Sanguanmith Sunuchakan , Meesungnoen Jintana , Stuart Craig R. , Causey Patrick , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: January 2018

The effect of the azide ion on the yield of molecular hydrogen in water irradiated with 60Co γ-rays and tritium β-electrons at 25 °C is investigated using Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations.
Facile continuous process for gas phase halogen exchange over supported alkyl phosphonium salts
Authors: Sharma Priti , Sasson Yoel
Published: January 2018

Chloride–bromide halogen exchange was realized when a mixture of an alkyl chloride and an alkyl bromide were reacted over a supported molten alkyl phosphonium catalyst.
Effect of silver nitrate on the thermal processability of poly(vinyl alcohol) modified by water
Authors: Liu Qing , Chen Ning , Bai Shibing , Li Wenzhi
Published: January 2018

AgNO3chelates with PVA and water to constrain water and urge more water to play the role of plasticizer.
In situ preparation of Ag nanoparticles on silicon wafer as highly sensitive SERS substrate
Authors: Tu Xinglong , Li Zheng , Lu Jing , Zhang Yanpeng , Yin Guilin , Wang Weiming , He Dannong
Published: January 2018

An intensive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect is realized by ordered Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in situ grown on silicon wafer directly using (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APS) as both the surface modifier and reducing agent.
Tuning electrical properties of phenanthroimidazole derivatives to construct multifunctional deep-blue electroluminescent materials
Authors: Zhu Ze-Lin , Ni Shao-Fei , Chen Wen-Cheng , Chen Miao , Zhu Jie-Ji , Yuan Yi , Tong Qing-Xiao , Wong Fu-Lung , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: January 2018

With enhanced electrical properties, TPAPOPPA can deliver decent efficiencies in non-doped, doped, single-layer, yellow and white OLEDs.
Crystal orientation-dependent optoelectronic properties of MAPbCl3 single crystals
Authors: Cheng Xiaohua , Jing Lin , Zhao Ying , Du Songjie , Ding Jianxu , Zhou Tianliang
Published: January 2018

Large-scale cubic and triangular prism MAPbCl3 single crystals with (100) and (110) planes were grown, and the optoelectronic anisotropy of MAPbCl3 was revealed.
Facile synthesis of magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles: adsorption and selective detection of Hg(ii) in water
Authors: Li Lei , Jia Chao , Wang Feijun , Fan Honglei , Jiao Weizhou , Shao Ziqiang
Published: January 2018

A novel and cheap adsorbent–chemosensor for application in the recognition of Hg(ii) and its elimination from water.
Erasure of surface relief gratings in azobenzene molecular glasses by localized heating using a CO2 laser
Authors: Tofini Alexander , Levesque Luc , Lebel Olivier , Sabat Ribal Georges
Published: January 2018

Complete all-optical erasure of surface relief diffraction gratings, in azobenzene molecular glass films, is demonstrated to occur under a minute.
Rate‐compatible ARACA codes
Authors: Jeon K.J. , Kim K.S.
Published: January 2018

A design method for rate‐compatible (RC) accumulate repeat accumulate check accumulate (ARACA) codes as protograph‐based RC low‐density parity‐check codes is presented. The proposed RC‐ARACA codes provide not only good iterative decoding thresholds with the linear minimum distance growth property but also efficient encoder/decoder structures with low complexities, so that they are appropriate to ultra‐reliable and low latency communication services for fifth generation.
Optical power dimensioning for a multi‐PON architecture featuring light‐source centralising based on polarisation multiplexing
Authors: Galindo Santiago , Díaz Brian Arturo , Puerto Gustavo A. , Suarez Carlos Arturo
Published: January 2018

This study presents the design and simulated validation of some multi‐passive optical network (PON) schemes based on polarisation multiplexing using a centralised light‐source system. The main goal is to achieve cost reduction due to the maximum exploitation of the power supplied by the light source that provides data to several PONs, working at a bit rate of 10 Gbps through a single mode fibre link of 20 km. One of the proposed architectures was tested experimentally to validate the results obtained by simulation, achieving a bit error rate of for downstream and of for upstream.
Energy efficient user association and resource allocation in active array aided HetNets
Authors: Li Qing , Yang Qinghai , Qin Meng , Kwak Kyung‐Sup
Published: January 2018

To enable sustainable wireless networks, though new technologies have been proposed to improve the system spectrum efficiency, the energy efficiency (EE) is also of vital importance due to the increasing users and devices. Active array system (AAS) and heterogeneous networks (HetNets) have been reckoned as an enormous enhancement in spectrum efficiency and EE. In this study, the energy efficient user association and resource allocation problem for preference‐aware multicast service in AAS aided HetNets is investigated, formulated as a mixed‐integer non‐linear fractional programming. By generalised fractional programming theory and Lagrangian dual decomposition, an iterative algorithm is devised to determine user association and resource allocation. Further, an efficient solution is proposed to perform quality of service‐guaranteed user association and resource allocation to maximise the EE. Simulation results demonstrate the convergence performance and potential gain of the proposed algorithms in terms of EE.
Application of the TSWE algorithm to echo reduction of under‐sampled offset spherical near‐field measurements
Authors: Saccardi Francesco , Mioc Francesca , Iversen Per O. , Foged Lars J.
Published: January 2018

In spherical near‐field (NF) measurements, post‐processing techniques based on spatial filtering have been presented as an interesting tool for the mitigation of echoes or stray signals deriving from the environment surrounding the antenna under test (AUT). The spatial filtering is very efficient in measurement scenarios with a stationary AUT. Whenever the AUT is rotating, in order to increase the effectiveness of the echo reduction, the antenna needs to be displaced outside the centre of rotation. Unfortunately, the number of acquisition samples needed to represent the AUT in offset configuration is higher with respect to one needed for the onset configuration. An innovative NF/far‐field transformation algorithm for spherical offset measurements which allows to significantly reduce the number of measurement samples has been recently proposed. Such technique has been named translated spherical wave expansion (TSWE) and is based on the definition of new reference systems centred on the AUT rather than on the origin of the measurement sphere. In this study, the authors present the experimental investigation of the TSWE echo reduction properties for offset AUT.
Unsaturated Aryl and Heteroaryl N1-Tetrazoles from 1-Allyl-1H-tetrazole
Authors: Müller Danny , Seifried Marco , Knoll Christian , Welch Jan , Weinberger Peter
Published: January 2018

Unsaturated aryl- and heteroaryl N1-substituted tetrazoles have been exceedingly difficult to access but are nonetheless highly attractive for the preparation of novel multifunctional spin crossover materials. The development of a Heck cross-coupling protocol, featuring good substrate tolerance for aromatic and heteroaromatic substrates overcoming this synthetic challenge is presented. The combination of aqueous THF, triethylamine, and PdCl2/P(o-tolyl)3 gave fast reaction rates and good yields. Competition experiments with styrene evidenced a slight preference for reaction with 1-allyl-1H-tetrazole.
Neurorrafia hemiipoglosso-facial após dissecção intratemporal do nervo facial: análise retrospectiva de 13 pacientes
Authors: Martins Roberto S. , Siqueira Mario G.
Published: January 2018

Introdução: Apesar de a neurorrafia hipoglosso-facial ser considerada uma técnica efetiva para o tratamento da paralisia facial após uma lesão proximal do nervo facial, a freqüente atrofia da hemilíngua no pós-operatório conseqüente à secção completa do nervo hipoglosso é uma complicação muitas vezes incapacitante. Uma das técnicas utilizadas para evitar essa complicação é a neurorrafia hemiipoglosso-facial. Nessa técnica, o nervo facial é dissecado no seu canal, seccionado, deslocado caudalmente e suturado com metade do nervo hipoglosso na região cervical. Objetivo: Analisar retrospectivamente os resultados da técnica de neurorrafia hemiipoglosso-facial em 13 pacientes. Método: Os resultados foram avaliados por meio da classificação da paralisia facial na escala de House-Brackmann. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 42,2 anos e a cirurgia foi realizada no período médio de 6,8 meses após a lesão do nervo facial. Em todos os pacientes, a paralisia era completa. A maioria dos pacientes (70%) apresentou melhora significativa da paralisia facial, de completa para graus II e III. Nenhum paciente apresentou sintomas relacionados à disfunção da hemilíngua. Uma correlação positiva foi identificada entre a idade e o resultado (p < 0,05) e entre o tempo da lesão até a cirurgia e o resultado final (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Concluímos que a neurorrafia hemiipoglosso-facial apresenta bons resultados funcionais, sem complicações significativas. Recomenda-se que a cirurgia seja realizada em um menor tempo possível após a lesão confirmada do nervo facial.
Fisiopatologia do traumatismo raquimedular. Uma revisão
Authors: do Amaral Sergio Henrique , Silva Marcelo Nery , Soares Viterbo Marcelo Barletta , Giraldi Mauricio , Brito Pereira Clemente Augusto de
Published: January 2018

A compreensão dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos no traumatismo raquimedular é essencial para possibilitar uma mudança no prognóstico atual do paciente com lesão medular. É apresentada, neste artigo, uma revisão dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos da lesão medular traumática.
Surgical management of intracranial aneurysms in the “coiling age”
Authors: Júnior Francisco Ramos , Pinheiro Marques João Antônio , de Albuquerque Lucas Alverne Freitas , Paiva Santos Flávia de , de Almeida João Paulo Cavalcante , de Lucena João Mairton Pereira
Published: January 2018

Background: Intracranial aneurysm rupture is associated with substantial rates of morbidity and mortality. The classic neurosurgical treatment for such lesions is the craniotomy for clipping. However, over the last 10 years, surgery has been increasingly replaced by the endovascular technique. Objective: Analyze the results of surgery technique in a Public Health Hospital in the “coiling age”. Method: We reviewed a series of 149 patients treated for 191 aneurysms by the traditional craniotomy and clipping technique. Results: We observed an overall mortality of 12.1%, poor outcome of 8% and good outcome of 79.8%. Hunt Hess scores ≥ 3 in the pre-surgical evaluation were associated to a higher length of hospital stay (p = 0.047). Better outcome was observed in patients with Hunt Hess score < 3 comparing with patients with Hunt Hess score ≥ 3 before surgery (p < 0.000). Patients who presented with Fisher Scale grade 4 presented a poor prognosis when compared to the other groups (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Excellent results may be achieved by craniotomy to treat aneurysms, which still represents a useful technique for lesions that can not be safely treated by endovascular techniques nowadays.
Qualidade dos ensaios clínicos aleatórios em neurocirurgia publicados no Brasil
Authors: Crispim Cândido Duarte Nuno , Barbosa Fabiano Timbó
Published: January 2018

Contexto: O ensaio clínico aleatório é definido como um estudo prospectivo, o qual compara o efeito e o valor de intervenções em seres humanos, envolvendo um ou mais grupos, a pelo menos um grupo-controle, com alocação aleatória dos participantes e utilização de medidas de controle. A qualidade de um ensaio clínico aleatório pode ser definida como a probabilidade de um estudo planejado gerar resultados sem tendenciosidades e que se aproximem da realidade terapêutica. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade dos ensaios clínicos aleatórios em neurocirurgia publicados no Brasil. Métodos: Este estudo é transversal e descritivo; critérios de inclusão: artigo original de ensaio clínico aleatório em neurocirurgia publicado no Brasil; critérios de exclusão: estudo experimental, estudos laboratoriais e estudos observacionais. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva para descrever as variáveis secundárias. Resultados: Entre 183 artigos publicados, 15% (27/183) foram classificados como artigos originais. Não foram identificados ensaios clínicos aleatórios. Entre os artigos originais, 63% (17/27) foram caracterizados como estudos do tipo transversal de incidência/prevalência, 30% (8/27) como coorte, 4% (1/27) como acurácia e 4% (1/27) como de revisão sistemática da literatura. Conclusão: Após busca manual e criteriosa, não foram encontradas publicações de ensaios clínicos aleatórios em neurocirurgia no Brasil.
Analysis of intracranial aneurysms treated at a University Hospital in Curitiba
Authors: Zamponi Junior Johnni Oswaldo , Carneiro da Silva Paulo Eduardo , Ramos Guilherme Zandavalli , Buchaim Guilherme Mailio , de Andrade Lucas Cunha , Macente Sala Luis Fernando
Published: January 2018

Objective: The aim of this paper is analyze the population and the types of intracranial aneurysms treated in the neurosurgery service of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico of Curitiba (HUEC), checking possible relations of this pathology with some risk factors and analyzing also the result of the treatment of this patients. Method: We reviewed the hospital files, surgical and out-patient notes of all patients operated on for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms from January 2006 to December 2010, composing a sample of 93 patients. The variables analyzed were gender, age, history of hypertension, smoking habit, diabetes mellitus, site of aneurysm, score scales Hunt-Hess and Fisher at hospital admission and treatment outcome of aneurysms using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results: The patients studied were predominantly women (73%), ranging in age from 51 to 60 years (38%), with a history of hypertension (61%). At admission, the grade 1 in a Hunt-Hess scale was most frequent (31%), while grade 4 on a scale of Fisher was more prevalent (26%). Aneurysms were more frequent in the anterior circulation, mainly affecting the middle cerebral artery. The most frequent score in GOS was 5 (40%). Conclusion: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an event that may worsen the outcome of treatment of patients with intracranial aneurysms, so there is a correlation between the amount of bleeding identified on CT and prognostic evolution.
Risk factors for infection in external ventricular drains
Authors: Santos Araujo Audrey Beatriz , Gusmão Sebastião , Magaldi Marcelo , Vanderlei Alander Sobreira , Ribeiro Cambraia Marina Brugnolli
Published: January 2018

Objective: The present study aims to define the main risk factors for infection in EVD implants performed in a public tertiary hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Method: The present study performed a retrospective review of 137 cases of EVD implants in 107 patients from January 2006 to December 2008. Of these cases, 25 patients had to be re-operated, totally 141 implanted shunts. Results: Forty-eight (45%) patients were male and 59 (55%) were female. The age ranged from 6 to 86 years of age (52.12 ± 15.51 years). The incidence of EVD-related infection was 32.7%, while the device permanence varied from 2 to 54 days (mean of 10 days). The EVDs that were maintained for more than 9.5 days, as well as the device changes proved to be statistically significant factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection (p < 0.001). Antibiotic prophylaxis did not change the infection rate (p = 0.395). Conclusions: Risk factors for EVD infection included a continuing EVD permanence that lasted for more than 9.5 days and device changes. The present study concluded that there is no advantage for antibiotic prophylaxis regarding CSF infection with EVD implants.
Análise do equilíbrio espinopélvico em pacientes com espondilolistese degenerativa L4-L5
Authors: Cavalcante Elton Luiz Batista , Campagnaro Lucas Almeida , Batista Junior José Lucas , Júnior Charbel Jacob , Cardoso Igor Machado
Published: January 2018

Objetivos: Avaliar o equilíbrio espinopélvico em pacientes portadores de espondilolistese degenerativa L4-L5. Métodos: Analisamos as radiografias pré-operatórias lombopélvicas, em perfil, de 33 pacientes portadores de espondilolistese degenerativa L4-L5 para a mensuração dos parâmetros envolvidos no equilíbrio espinopélvico. Resultados: Dos 33 pacientes, 22 pertencem ao sexo feminino, com média de idade de 59 anos. A média da incidência pélvica (IP), inclinação pélvica (TILT) e inclinação sacral (SLOP) foi 61,4°; 22,1° e 38,3°, respectivamente, havendo correlação positiva entre IP e TILT e correlação negativa entre SLOP e TILT, ambas com significância estatística. Conclusão: Na espondilolistese degenerativa L4-L5, a IP, TILT e SLOP tiveram suas médias iguais a 61,4°, 38,3° e 22,1°, respectivamente, revelando alteração na conformação pélvica que culminou em um desequilíbrio espinopélvico nesses pacientes.
Cavernomas da fossa posterior do crânio – Relato de série de seis casos
Authors: Faleiro Rodrigo Moreira , Vieira Martins Luanna Rocha
Published: January 2018

Os cavernomas são lesões classificadas como malformações vasculares, juntamente com malformações arteriovenosas, desenvolvimento venoso anômalo e telangiectasias capilares. Podem ocorrer de forma esporádica ou familiar e acometer qualquer área do sistema nervoso central, sendo a região supratentorial sua localização mais frequente. Neste artigo, é descrita uma série de seis pacientes com cavernoma na fossa posterior. Cinco cavernomas localizavam-se no tronco encefálico e um no cerebelo. A faixa etária dos pacientes variou de 14 a 50 anos. A abordagem cirúrgica diferiu entre os casos. Quatro casos apresentaram piora no pós-operatório imediato, com melhora subsequente. O seguimento dos pacientes variou de quatro meses a sete anos. Não houve óbito na série. Os cavernomas da fossa posterior requerem abordagem individualizada e técnica cirúrgica acurada. Embora possa ocorrer piora momentânea no pós-operatório imediato, a melhora subsequente é a regra, sendo o óbito infrequente.
Traumas múltiplos em vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico
Authors: Tude Melo José Roberto , da Silva Ricardo Araújo , Ribeiro Tiago , Moreira Júnior Edson Duarte
Published: January 2018

Objetivos: verificar a freqüência de pacientes com trauma craníencefálíco que apresentaram lesões em outros locais do corpo, assim como definir quais os segmentos mais afetados e principais causas de trauma neste grupo. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, tipo corte transversal, através da revisão d555 prontuários médicos de vítimas de trauma craniano internadas no Hospital Geral do Estado dBahia, durante o ano de 2001. Trabalho avaliado e aprovado pela diretoria do hospital, assim comopelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Conclusão: os traumas múltiplos foram observados em 31 ,9% das vítimas de trauma craniano e tiveram, como principal causa, o atropelamento, sendo as lesõesfaciais e ortopédicas dos membros as mais freqüentes.
Microcirurgia para aneurismas intracranianos múltiplos: série de 29 casos
Authors: Rodrigues de Carvalho Pablo , Silva Marcelo Nery , Rodrigues Júnior José Carlos , Barbosa Bernardo Alves , Monteiro de Oliveira Eduardo , Ner Breno , Ribeiro Barbosa Bruna Nayana , Lopes de Araújo Ricardo Marques
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Apresentar 23 pacientes com 52 aneurismas tratados cirurgicamente em uma única cirurgia em um serviço de neurocirurgia da secretaria estadual de saúde de São Paulo, entre os anos de 2009 e 2011. Método: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos à clipagem de dois ou mais aneurismas cerebrais, em uma única cirurgia, no período de janeiro de 2007 a julho de 2012. Resultados: Vinte e nove pacientes foram submetidos à clipagem de dois ou mais aneurismas cerebrais em uma única cirurgia – 28 por meio de uma única craniotomia e um por meio de duas craniotomias. Desses, 20, 7, 1 e 1 foram submetidos, respectivamente, à clipagem de 2, 3, 4 e 5 aneurismas cerebrais. Cinco eram do sexo masculino e 24 do sexo feminino, e a faixa etária esteve entre 40 e 66 anos. Oito craniotomias à esquerda foram realizadas para abordagem de 17 aneurismas cerebrais lateralizados à esquerda e cinco à direita, assim como três aneurismas de complexo comunicante anterior. Doze craniotomias à direita foram realizadas para abordagem de 23 aneurismas cerebrais lateralizados à direita e seis à esquerda, assim como 15 aneurismas de complexo comunicante anterior e um de artéria basilar. Dos 29 pacientes, 28 evoluíram com 1-3 pts, e somente um evolui com 4-5 pts na escala de Rankin seis meses após a cirurgia. Conclusão: Preconizamos abordagem microneurocirúrgica para a maioria dos casos de aneurismas intracranianos múltiplos, buscando a clipagem microcirúrgica de todos os aneurismas intracranianos, se viável, em um único estágio e uma única craniotomia.
Acetic acid-guided biopsies in Barrett’s surveillance for neoplasia detection versus non-targeted biopsies (Seattle protocol): A feasibility study for a randomized tandem endoscopy trial. The ABBA study
Authors: Chedgy Fergus , Fogg Carole , Kandiah Kesavan , Barr Hugh , Higgins Bernard , McCord Mimi , Dewey Ann , De Caestecker John , Gadeke Lisa , Stokes Clive , Poller David , Longcroft-Wheaton Gaius , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Barrett’s esophagus is a potentially pre-cancerous condition, affecting 375,000 people in the UK. Patients receive a 2-yearly endoscopy to detect cancerous changes, as early detection and treatment results in better outcomes. Current treatment requires random mapping biopsies along the length of Barrett’s, in addition to biopsy of visible abnormalities. As only 13 % of pre-cancerous changes appear as visible nodules or abnormalities, areas of dysplasia are often missed. Acetic acid chromoendoscopy (AAC) has been shown to improve detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue in observational studies, but no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to date.

Patients and methods A “tandem” endoscopy cross-over design. Participants will be randomized to endoscopy using mapping biopsies or AAC, in which dilute acetic acid is sprayed onto the surface of the esophagus, highlighting tissue through an whitening reaction and enhancing visibility of areas with cellular changes for biopsy. After 4 to 10 weeks, participants will undergo a repeat endoscopy, using the second method. Rates of recruitment and retention will be assessed, in addition to the estimated dysplasia detection rate, effectiveness of the endoscopist training program, and rates of adverse events (AEs). Qualitative interviews will explore participant and endoscopist acceptability of study design and delivery, and the acceptability of switching endoscopic techniques for Barrett's surveillance.

Results Endoscopists’ ability to diagnose dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus can be improved. AAC may offer a simple, universally applicable, easily-acquired technique to improve detection, affording patients earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing endoscopy time and pathology costs. The ABBA study will determine whether a crossover “tandem” endoscopy design is feasible and acceptable to patients and clinicians and gather outcome data to power a definitive trial.