bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized clinical trial of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in elective colorectal cancer surgery (SELECT trial)
Authors: Abis G S A , Stockmann H B A C , Bonjer H J , van Veenendaal N , van Doorn-Schepens M L M , Budding A E , Wilschut J A , van Egmond M , Oosterling S J , Abis G S A , Bonjer H J , van Veenendaal N , van Doorn-Schepens M L M , Budding A E , de Lange E S M , Tuynman J B , E. Vandenbroucke-Grauls C M J , Wilschut J A , van Egmond M , C. Stockmann H B A , van der Bij G J , de Korte N , Oosterling S J , Acherman Y I Z , den Boer F C , Sonneveld D J A , Poort L
Published: February 2019

Background

Infectious complications and anastomotic leakage affect approximately 30 per cent of patients after colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this multicentre randomized trial was to investigate whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) reduces these complications of elective colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

The effectiveness of SDD was evaluated in a multicentre, open-label RCT in six centres in the Netherlands. Patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for elective curative surgery with a primary anastomosis were eligible. Oral colistin, tobramycin and amphotericin B were administered to patients in the SDD group to decontaminate the digestive tract. Both treatment and control group received intravenous cefazolin and metronidazole for perioperative prophylaxis. Mechanical bowel preparation was given for left-sided colectomies, sigmoid and anterior resections. Anastomotic leakage was the primary outcome; infectious complications and mortality were secondary outcomes.

Results

The outcomes for 228 patients randomized to the SDD group and 227 randomized to the control group were analysed. The trial was stopped after interim analysis demonstrated that superiority was no longer attainable. Effective SDD was confirmed by interspace DNA profiling analysis of rectal swabs. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 14 patients (6·1 per cent) in the SDD group and in 22 patients (9·7 per cent) in the control group (odds ratio (OR) 0·61, 95 per cent c.i. 0·30 to 1·22). Fewer patients in the SDD group had one or more infectious complications than patients in the control group (14·9 versus 26·9 per cent respectively; OR 0·48, 0·30 to 0·76). Multivariable analysis indicated that SDD reduced the rate of infectious complications (OR 0·47, 0·29 to 0·76).

Conclusion

SDD reduces infectious complications after colorectal cancer resection but did not significantly reduce anastomotic leakage in this trial. Registration number: NCT01740947 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Development and validation of a rapid and sensitive UPLC–MS/MS assay for simultaneous quantification of paclitaxel and cyclopamine in mouse whole blood and tissue samples
Authors: Hsiao Cheng‐Hui , Zhao Jun , Gao Song , Farhan Nashid , Wang Yang , Li Chun , Chow Diana S.‐L.
Published: February 2019

The prominent stromal compartment surrounds pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and protects the tumor cells from chemo‐ or radiotherapy. We hypothesized that our nano formulation carrying cyclopamine (CPA, stroma modulator) and paclitaxel (PTX, antitumor agent) could increase the permeation of PTX through the stromal compartment and improve the intratumoral delivery of PTX. In the present study a sensitive, reliable UPLC–MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify PTX and CPA simultaneously in mouse whole blood, pancreas, liver and spleen samples. Docetaxel was used as the internal standard. The method demonstrated a linear range of 0.5–2000 ng/mL for whole blood and tissue homogenates for both PTX and CPA. The accuracy and precision of the assay were all within ±15%. Matrix effects for both analytes were within 15%. Recoveries from whole blood, liver, spleen and pancreas homogenates were 92.7–105.2% for PTX and 72.8–99.7% for CPA. The stability was within ±15% in all test biomatrices. The validated method met the acceptance criteria according to US Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidelines. The method was successfully applied to support a pharmacokinetic and biodistribution study for PTX and CPA in mice biomatrices.
Neutropenia and docetaxel exposure in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients: A meta‐analysis and evaluation of a clinical cohort
Authors: de Vries Schultink Aurelia H. M. , Crombag Marie‐Rose B. S. , van Werkhoven Erik , Otten Hans‐Martin , Bergman Andre M. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: February 2019

The incidence of neutropenia in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with docetaxel has been reported to be lower compared to patients with other solid tumors treated with a similar dose. It is suggested that this is due to increased clearance of docetaxel in mCRPC patients, resulting in decreased exposure. The aims of this study were to (1) determine if exposure in mCRPC patients is lower vs patients with other solid tumors by conducting a meta‐analysis, (2) evaluate the incidence of neutropenia in patients with mCRPC vs other solid tumors in a clinical cohort, and (3) discuss potential clinical consequences. A meta‐analysis was conducted of studies which reported areas under the plasma concentration‐time curves (AUCs) of docetaxel and variability. In addition, grade 3/4 neutropenia was evaluated using logistic regression in a cohort of patients treated with docetaxel. The meta‐analysis included 36 cohorts from 26 trials (n = 1150 patients), and showed that patients with mCRPC had a significantly lower mean AUC vs patients with other solid tumors (fold change [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.8 [1.5‐2.2]), with corresponding AUCs of 1.82 and 3.30 mg∙h/L, respectively. Logistic regression, including 812 patient, demonstrated that patients with mCRPC had a 2.2‐fold lower odds of developing grade 3/4 neutropenia compared to patients with other solid tumors (odds ratio [95%CI]: 0.46 [0.31‐0.90]). These findings indicate that mCRPC patients have a lower risk of experiencing severe neutropenia, possibly attributable to lower systemic exposure to docetaxel.
Bioactive 3,8‐Epoxy Iridoids from Valeriana jatamansi
Authors: Quan Li‐Qiu , Su Li‐Hua , Qi Shi‐Gang , Xue Yong , Yang Tao , Liu Dan , Zhao Xu‐Dong , Li Rong‐Tao , Li Hong‐Mei
Published: February 2019

Twelve 3,8‐epoxy iridoids, including four new compounds, jatamanins R–U (1–4), and eight known compounds (5–12), were obtained from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi. The structures were elucidated from analysis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1–4 were determined by comparison of experimental and literature ECD spectra. Moreover, the compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic effects against glioma stem cells, inhibition of NO production, activity against influenza A virus and reversal of multidrug resistance of HepG2/ADR cells. Compounds 9 and 12 showed significant cytotoxic potency against GSC‐18# (IC50=1.351 and 4.439 μg ml−1, respectively) and GSC‐3# (IC50=10.88 and 6.348 μg ml−1, respectively) glioma stem cells, while compound 12 was also slightly less potent against GSC‐12# (IC50=13.45 μg ml−1) glioma stem cell growth. In addition, compounds 9 and 12 displayed obvious inhibition of NO production (IC50=4.6 and 15.8 μm, respectively).
Clinanthus microstephium, an Amaryllidaceae Species with Cholinesterase Inhibitor Alkaloids: Structure−Activity Analysis of Haemanthamine Skeleton Derivatives
Authors: Adessi Tonino G. , Borioni José L. , Pigni Natalia B. , Bastida Jaume , Cavallaro Valeria , Murray Ana P. , Puiatti Marcelo , Oberti Juan C. , Leiva Segundo , Nicotra Viviana E. , Garcia Manuela E.
Published: February 2019

Plants of the Amaryllidaceae family are well‐known (not only) for their ornamental value but also for the alkaloids that they produce. In this report, the first phytochemical study of Clinanthus genus was carried out. The chemical composition of alkaloid fractions from Clinanthus microstephium was analyzed by GC/MS and NMR. Seven known compounds belonging to three structural types of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids were identified. An epimeric mixture of a haemanthamine‐type compound (6‐hydroxymaritidine) was tested as an inhibitor against acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE, respectively), two enzymes relevant in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, with good results. Structure–activity relationships through molecular docking studies with this alkaloid and other structurally related compounds were discussed.
One‐year clinical outcome with a novel self‐expanding transcatheter heart valve
Authors: Pellegrini Costanza , Rheude Tobias , Trenkwalder Teresa , Mayr N. Patrick , Michel Jonathan , Kastrati Adnan , Schunkert Heribert , Kasel Albert M. , Joner Michael , Hengstenberg Christian , Husser Oliver
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To evaluate 1‐year outcome using the ACURATE neo (Symetis S.A., a Boston Scientific Company, Ecublens, Switzerland) according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC‐2) with emphasis on the composite endpoints “clinical efficacy after 30 days” and “time‐related valve safety”.

Background

Initial reports on the clinical performance of patients treated with the ACURATE neo are promising; however, information regarding one‐year outcome is scarce, especially with regard to the composite endpoints proposed by the VARC‐2.

Methods

One hundred and fifty one consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the ACURATE neo for severe aortic valve stenosis were enrolled. Data were prospectively collected and event rates during follow‐up were calculated as the Kaplan–Meier estimates.

Results

Mean age was 81.1 ± 5.9 years and 49.7% (75/151) were female with a median logistic EuroScore of 13.8% [8.2–20.5]. Device success was achieved in 88.1% (133/151) and procedure related mortality was 0.7% (1/151). At one‐year, all‐cause mortality was 3.3% (5/151), while permanent pacemaker implantation occurred in 12.7% (19/151) of patients. The “clinical efficacy after 30 days” was observed in 24.8% (37/151), where the main contributor was symptom worsening in 14.8% (22/151) of cases. “Time‐related valve safety” occurred in 22.0% (33/151) with structural valve deterioration as main contributor in 10.7% (16/151) of cases.

Conclusions

Using the ACURATE neo, we found a favorable safety profile with low all‐cause mortality at 1 year. The reported VARC‐2 defined composite endpoints at 1 year reveal low rates of “clinical efficacy after 30 days” and “time‐related valve safety”.
Deactivation Analysis of Industrial Spent Catalysts Applied to Lube Oil Hydrotreating in a Pilot Plant
Authors: Amora Marcelo Ramalho , Pacheco Marcelo E. , Azevedo Diana C. S. , Cavalcante Célio L. , Luna F. Murilo T.
Published: February 2019

Industrial spent catalysts taken from different beds of industrial lube oil hydrotreating reactors were investigated in a pilot plant. Experiments to quantify the catalytic activity loss for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and aromatic hydrogenation reactions were carried out using an industrial feedstock under operational conditions similar to the industrial ones. Characterization of the spent catalysts was performed to demonstrate the relative influence of different possible deactivation causes. Depending on the position of the catalyst inside the industrial reactor, different deactivation causes were evaluated. At the top of the reactor, poisoning by silicon, arsenic, and iron was the main cause, while at the bottom, coke deposition was predominant.
Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Applied to Colored Reactive or Disperse Dye Solutions
Authors: Ramlow Heloisa , D'Ávila Kramer Cavalcanti Carolina , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco , Krause Bierhalz Andrea Cristiane , Marangoni Cintia
Published: February 2019

The influence of dye class and chromogen groups of dyeing wastewaters composed by reactive or disperse dyes with different colors on direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) was investigated. The state‐of‐the‐art shows that disperse dyes and different dye colors are not studied in DCMD and the application of DCMD for dyeing wastewater treatment is limited to a few publications. High color rejection was obtained and water was recovered at the permeate side for feed solutions containing reactive or disperse dye. Influence of chromogen groups (colors) was not observed, whereas the class dye was decisive for the process performance. Reactive dyes showed higher mean permeate flux due to the repulsion between their anionic groups and the negative surface of the membrane. Partial wetting of larger pores allowed the passage of small disperse dye molecules, reducing color rejection.
Electrochemistry of CdSe Quantum Dots Studied by Single Molecule Spectroscopy
Authors: Alshalfouh Abdallatif , Oezaslan Mehtap , Dosche Carsten , Wittstock Gunther
Published: February 2019

In the last decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as active materials for various technically relevant processes like photochemistry, electrochemistry, and catalysis. Although numerous studies have been reported on the redox chemistry and electrochemistry of semiconductor NPs (quantum dots, QDs), the dynamics and kinetics of individual QDs at electrode surfaces are still poorly understood to date. In order to obtain more detailed information, the electrochemical reactivity of single CdSe/CdS QDs with negative surface charge has been investigated in this work on a platinum (Pt) microelectrode using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The results show that QDs are irreversibly oxidized in aqueous solution. However, the correlation time and average number of particles retrieved from FCS suggest that the QDs do not lose their emissive properties in a single collision and desorb from the electrode surface without being decomposed significantly.
Ratiometric Electrochemical Sensing Strategy for the Ultrasensitive Detection of Telomerase Activity
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Chen Xifeng , Cheng Wenbo , Hu Wei , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: February 2019

We fabricated a ratiometric electrochemical strategy for the ultrasensitive analysis of telomerase activity. The hairpin DNA probe labeled with methylene blue (MB) tags at its 5’ termini is firstly immobilized on the gold electrode. It then hybridizes with the telomerase substrate primer labeled with ferrocene (Fc) tags. With the telomerase‐catalyzed reaction, a repeating sequence of (TTAGGG)n is generated, which is able to trigger the conformational transduction of the hairpin DNA probe. Consequently, MB tags are released from the electrode surface and the oxidation peak current (IMB) decreases. Meanwhile, the Fc signal remains stable and the peak current (IFc) can be used as the internal control, which improves the signal stability. This smart design allows reliable target recognition and the obtained results assure excellent analytical performances. IMB/IFc is found to be linearly related with logarithmic telomerase concentration with a quite low limit of detection (0.02 cells/μL). This proposed ratiometric method may emerge as a powerful practical tool for the analysis of telomerase activity, which may also be developed as a versatile tool for other nucleic acid assays.
Ternary Blend Strategy for Achieving High‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaic Devices for Indoor Applications
Authors: Singh Ranbir , Shin Sang‐Chul , Lee Hansol , Kim Min , Shim Jae Won , Cho Kilwon , Lee Jae‐Joon
Published: February 2019

Monomeric perylene diimide (PDI) small molecules display a high absorption coefficient and crystallinity in solid‐state thin films due to strong π–π interactions between the molecules. To take advantage of these exciting properties of PDIs, N,N'‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (EP‐PDI) was mixed with a binary blend of PTB7 and PC71BM to fabricate an efficient ternary blend, which were in turn used to produce organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices well suited to indoor applications (PTB7=poly({4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}{3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl}), PC71BM=[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester). We varied the PC71BM/EP‐PDI weight ratio to investigate the influence of EP‐PDI on the optical, electrical, and morphological properties of the PTB7:PC71BM:EP‐PDI ternary blend. Compared with the reference PTB7:PC71BM binary blend, the ternary blends showed strong optical absorption in the wavelength range in which the spectra of indoor LED lamps show their strongest peaks. The addition of EP‐PDI to the binary blend was found to play an important role in altering the morphology of the blend in such a way as to facilitate charge transport in the resulting ternary blend. Apparently, as a result, the optimal PTB7:PC71BM:EP‐PDI‐based inverted OPV device exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.68 %, a fill factor (FF) of 68.5 %, and short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 56.7 μA cm−2 under 500 lx (ca. 0.17 mW cm−2) indoor LED light conditions.
Sulfonimidamides and Imidosulfuric Diamides: Compounds from an Underexplored Part of Biologically Relevant Chemical Space
Authors: Zasukha Sergiy V. , Timoshenko Vadim M. , Tolmachev Andrey A. , Pivnytska Valentyna O. , Gavrylenko Oleksii , Zhersh Serhii , Shermolovich Yuriy , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: February 2019

Two novel solid reagents—1‐sulfonimidoyl‐ and 1‐sulfamimidoyl‐3‐methylimidazolium derivatives—for the synthesis of sulfonimidamides and imidosulfuric diamides, respectively, were developed. It is shown that these reagents are very effective in substitution reactions with various N‐ and O‐nucleophiles; therefore, they significantly extend the accessibility to the chemical space covered by organosulfur(VI) compounds with S=N bonds. In addition, previously unknown imidosulfuric diamides with free imino nitrogen groups were prepared, and their physical and chemical properties were characterized (including molecular geometry, pKa, Log P, microsomal stability, and reactivity towards typical electrophiles). Similar to other organosulfur(VI) derivatives with S=N bonds, these compounds can be considered as promising bioisosteres of amides, ureas, or sulfonamides.
Ancillary Ligand Effects on Red‐Emitting Cyclometalated Iridium Complexes
Authors: Lai Po‐Ni , Teets Thomas S.
Published: February 2019

In this work, a series of ten new red‐emitting heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes of the type Ir(C^N)2(L^X) (C^N=cyclometalating ligand, L^X=monoanionic chelating ancillary ligand) is introduced. The suite of new complexes includes two different cyclometalating ligands and five different ancillary ligands, with the primary goal of investigating the effect of the ancillary ligand structure on the excited‐state dynamics. The structural variety of the ancillary ligands permitted investigations of the effects of donor atom identity, chelate ring size, and substituents on the electronic structure and excited state properties. Electrochemical analysis showed that the ancillary ligand has a substantial effect on the energy of the HOMO, whereas the LUMO is left unperturbed. Photoluminescence spectra showed that the ancillary ligand can sometimes strongly influence the emission wavelength, but in all cases is an important determinant of the excited‐state dynamics.
Reactor Concept for Contactless Kinetic Measurement in Oscillating Droplets via Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Klement Torsten , Kockmann Norbert , Röder Thorsten
Published: February 2019

A millistructured reactor and spectroscopic setup for contactless kinetic measurements in oscillating droplets is presented in this work. The polymerization of acrylic acid serves as a model reaction. Design and construction of the reactor focus on the optical access for Raman measurement, the nearly isothermal behavior, and the preservation of droplets during long‐term reactions with a high increase of viscosity. Another key aspect is the possibility of full automation at a later stage.
Digitalisierung in F&E
Authors: Asprion Norbert , Eck Bernd
Published: February 2019

No abstract.
A review of statistical methods in imaging genetics
Authors: Nathoo Farouk S. , Kong Linglong , Zhu Hongtu ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2019

With the rapid growth of modern technology, many biomedical studies are being conducted to collect massive datasets with volumes of multi‐modality imaging, genetic, neurocognitive and clinical information from increasingly large cohorts. Simultaneously extracting and integrating rich and diverse heterogeneous information in neuroimaging and/or genomics from these big datasets could transform our understanding of how genetic variants impact brain structure and function, cognitive function and brain‐related disease risk across the lifespan. Such understanding is critical for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of numerous complex brain‐related disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease). However, the development of analytical methods for the joint analysis of both high‐dimensional imaging phenotypes and high‐dimensional genetic data, a big data squared (BD2) problem, presents major computational and theoretical challenges for existing analytical methods. Besides the high‐dimensional nature of BD2, various neuroimaging measures often exhibit strong spatial smoothness and dependence and genetic markers may have a natural dependence structure arising from linkage disequilibrium. We review some recent developments of various statistical techniques for imaging genetics, including massive univariate and voxel‐wise approaches, reduced rank regression, mixture models and group sparse multi‐task regression. By doing so, we hope that this review may encourage others in the statistical community to enter into this new and exciting field of research. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 108–131; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Synergy of knowledge and empathy in interventional cytopathology
Authors: Wiles Austin Blackburn , Powers Celeste N. , Kaminsky David B.
Published: February 2019

Pathologists who assume a role in patient‐centered medicine must be able to communicate. The importance of reporting accurate diagnoses should not overshadow the role of empathy in communicating with clinicians and patients.
Analysis of thyroid thermographic images for detection of thyroid tumor: An experimental‐numerical study
Authors: Bahramian Farshad , Mojra Afsaneh
Published: February 2019

Thermography is a developing and noninvasive medical imaging technique that can be used for diagnosis of body disorders based on temperature deviation from normal body temperature. This research investigates the feasibility of thermography method in conjunction with artificial neural networks (ANNs) for detection of thyroid tumors. For this purpose, first, a 3‐D model of the healthy human neck is constructed based on patient‐specific computed tomography (CT) images. This model is used for analyzing bio‐heat transfer in the human neck. The healthy thyroid gland is considered as a heat source and generates heat according to its temporal temperature. Finite element results verify the thermography potential for detection of thyroid gland location and estimation of its butterfly shape on the neck thermogram. The numerical analysis is carried out on 35 models with varying thermo‐physical parameters of the healthy thyroid gland, including heat generation and blood perfusion. The acquired thermograms are used to develop an ANN for correlating the thermo‐physical parameters of the gland and temperature profile on the neck surface. In the next stage, dynamic thermal images are captured from 10 healthy and three cancerous human cases. The experimental thermal images are analyzed by the developed ANN and the corresponding thermo‐physical parameters are obtained. Results show that the estimated heat generation values for the healthy cases are about 3000
while it increases to more than 12 000
for the cases with tumors. This significant variation confirms the potential of dynamic thermography in diagnosis of thyroid tumors.
Continuous and Scalable Synthesis of Pt Multipods with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Ruhui , Cao Zhenming , Lyu Zhiheng , Xie Minghao , Shi Yifeng , Xia Younan
Published: February 2019

Platinum multipods are attractive for catalytic and electrocatalytic applications owing to their highly open, branched structure and thus high specific surface area. A number of methods have been reported for the synthesis of Pt multipods, but they are all limited in terms of throughput due to the use of batch reactors. Here we report the use of a fluidic device for the continuous and scalable synthesis of Pt multipods with sizes controlled in the ranges of 3–5 nm and 2–3 nm for the length and width, respectively, of the branched arms. The facile protocol involves the use of
as a precursor to Pt and oleylamine as a solvent, surfactant, and temperature‐dependent reductant. When a solution of these two components is pumped into the polytetrafluoroethylene tube immersed in an oil bath and held at 180 °C, Pt multipods are formed through fast autocatalytic surface growth and small particles attachment. Compared with the batch‐based synthesis, the throughput of the production in the flow system can readily be increased to 17 mg of Pt per hour while retaining a tight control over the quality of the products. When supported on carbon, the Pt multipods exhibit enhanced activity toward oxygen reduction relative to the commercial Pt/C catalyst.
Crystallization‐Induced Emission Enhancement of Nanoclusters and One‐Step Conversion of “Nanoclusters to Nanoparticles” as the Basis for Intracellular Logic Operations
Authors: Gayen Chirantan , Goswami Upashi , Gogoi Kasturi , Basu Srestha , Paul Anumita
Published: February 2019

Herein, we report the construction of intracellular logic operations using luminescent histidine stabilized gold nanoclusters (His Au NCs). The luminescence intensity of His Au NCs was found to be significantly enhanced following interaction with zinc ions, owing to “Crystallization induced emission enhancement”. Further, the luminescence intensity of His Au NCs was found to be effectively quenched in presence of sulphide ions, owing to transformation of emissive His Au NCs to non‐emissive gold nanoparticles. Thus, the collective and individual effects of zinc ions and sulphide ions causing significant variation in the luminescence intensity of His Au NCs, were used as input parameters for construction of intracellular logic operations such as Tri state buffer, “on‐off” switch and INHIBIT gate within mammalian cells.
Use of Isotope Tracers to Assess Lipid Absorption in Conscious Lymph Fistula Mice
Authors: Ko Chih‐Wei , Qu Jie , Liu Min , Black Dennis D. , Tso Patrick
Published: February 2019

This protocol provides a comprehensive reference for the evolution of the lymph fistula model, the mechanism of lipid absorption, the detailed procedure for studying lipid absorption using the lymph fistula model, the interpretation of the results, and consideration of the experimental design. The lymph fistula model is an approach to assess the concentration and rate of a range of molecules transported by the lymph by cannulating lymph duct in animals. In this protocol, mice first undergo surgery with the implantation of cannulae in the duodenum and mesenteric lymph duct and are allowed to recover overnight in Bollman restraining cages housed in a temperature‐regulated environment. To study in vivo lipid absorption, a lipid emulsion is prepared with labeled tracers, including [3H]‐triolein and [14C]‐cholesterol. On the day of the experiment, mice are continuously infused with lipid emulsion via the duodenum for 6 hr, and lymph is usually collected hourly. At the end of the study, gastrointestinal segments and their luminal contents are collected separately for determination of the digestion, uptake, and transport of exogenous lipids. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preclinical Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Relevance and Translational Validity
Authors: Mullane Kevin , Williams Michael
Published: February 2019

The only drugs currently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are four acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the NMDA antagonist memantine. Apart from these drugs, which have minimal to no clinical benefit, the 40‐year search for effective therapeutics to treat AD has resulted in a clinical failure rate of 100% not only for compounds that prevent brain amyloid deposition or remove existing amyloid plaques but also those acting by a variety of other putative disease‐associated mechanisms. This indicates that the preclinical data generated from current AD targets to support the selection, optimization, and translation of new chemical entities (NCEs) and biologics to clinical trials is seriously compromised. While many of these failures reflect flawed hypotheses or a lack of adequate characterization of the preclinical pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic (PD/PK) properties of lead NCEs—including their bioavailability and toxicity—the conceptualization, validation, and interrogation of the current animal models of AD represent key limitations. The overwhelming majority of these AD models are transgenic, based on aspects of the amyloid hypothesis and the genetics of the familial form of the disease. As a result, these generally lack construct and predictive validity for the sporadic form of the human disease. The 170 or so transgenic models, perhaps the largest number ever focused on a single disease, use rodents, mainly mice, and in addition to amyloid also address aspects of tau causality with more complex multigene models including other presumed causative factors together with amyloid. This overview discusses the current animal models of AD in the context of both the controversies surrounding the causative role of amyloid in the disease and the need to develop validated models of cognitive function/dysfunction that more appropriately reflect the phenotype(s) of human aged‐related dementias. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Statin Use and the Risk of Prostate Cancer in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Wei , Choo Dan‐Wei , Wu Yi‐Jung , Chan Ting‐Fang , Lin Zhen‐Fang
Published: February 2019

Patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Statins, which are widely used in such patients, are shown to modify the risk of prostate cancer. To clarify the association between statin use and the risk of prostate cancer among patients with higher risk of developing prostate cancer in Taiwan, a cohort of 26,628 men with IHD and aged between 55 and 100 were acquired from the National Health Insurance Research Database and followed over a period of 8 years. The risk of prostate cancer was calculated by time‐dependent Cox regression model. Statin use was associated with significantly lower risk of both total and advanced prostate cancer (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.719, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.570–0.908; adjusted HR: 0.718, 95% CI: 0.530–0.972 respectively). In Taiwan IHD population, the reduction in risk of prostate cancer was observed in statin users as compared with nonusers.
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for Cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6 Genotype and Atomoxetine Therapy
Authors: Brown Jacob T. , Bishop Jeffrey R. , Sangkuhl Katrin , Nurmi Erika L. , Mueller Daniel J. , Dinh Jean C. , Gaedigk Andrea , Klein Teri E. , Caudle Kelly E. , McCracken James T. , de Leon Jose , Leeder J. Steven
Published: February 2019

Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant medication used to treat attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6 polymorphisms influence the metabolism of atomoxetine thereby affecting drug efficacy and safety. We summarize evidence from the published literature supporting these associations and provide therapeutic recommendations for atomoxetine based on CYP2D6 genotype (updates at www.cpicpgx.org).
Platinum Cocatalyst Loaded on Calcium Titanate Photocatalyst for Water Splitting in a Flow of Water Vapor
Authors: Yoshida Hisao , Yamada Ryoko , Yoshida Tomoko
Published: February 2019

In water splitting by using heterogeneous photocatalysts, the use of a suitable cocatalyst has been recognized as one of the key factors in enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Although platinum is a representative cocatalyst for many heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions, it has not been used for photocatalytic water splitting, owing to its high catalytic activity for the reverse reaction of water splitting. In the present study, platinum nanoparticles were loaded as a cocatalyst on a calcium titanate photocatalyst by a conventional impregnation method and a photodeposition method and examined for photocatalytic water splitting in a flow of water vapor. Platinum nanoparticles loaded by the impregnation method were found to retain the oxidized form on the calcium titanate photocatalyst, even under photoirradiation, and promoted hydrogen and oxygen production by photocatalytic water vapor splitting without promoting the reverse reaction.
Temperature Impact on Perovskite Solar Cells Under Operation
Authors: Mesquita Isabel , Andrade Luísa , Mendes Adélio
Published: February 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have emerged as a promising substitute for conventional silicon panels, showing the fastest power conversion efficiency evolution within the photovoltaic field, going from 3.8 % to 23.7 % in a few years. However, PSC thermal stability is still an obstacle to their commercialization. In this study, the temperature effect on mesoporous triple‐cation perovskite solar cells with two different hole extraction materials—2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) and poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA)—is assessed. The cells are exposed to thermal stress between −5 °C and 80 °C and their photovoltaic performance is monitored in situ to reproduce real operating conditions. At low temperatures, the devices present very stable values (average loss <5 %), but as the temperature increases significant decreases in the open circuit potential and short‐circuit current are observed. X‐ray diffraction shows no change in the perovskite crystal structure with temperature. However, electron scanning microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that temperature has a great impact on the hole extraction layer. The cell performance loss is attributed to the evaporation of additives added to the hole extraction layer to enhance its conductivity. Although the decrease in power conversion efficiency at 80 °C is slightly higher for PTAA cells, spiro‐OMeTAD cells present a higher irreversible loss of (21.6±2.3) % after thermal stress tests, whereas PTAA devices showed only a loss of (8.2±1.6) %.
Progress in Nonmetal‐Doped Graphene Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Shao Yanqiu , Jiang Zhenshuang , Zhang Qiaoqiao , Guan Jingqi
Published: February 2019

Owing to energy shortages and environmental pollution, green energy sources such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells and metal–air batteries play a more and more important role, whereby the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the rate‐determining step. Development of high‐efficiency and stable catalysts to facilitate the ORR is of importance. Graphene is a new type of material with two‐dimensional structure and high surface area, which has wide‐ranging applications in many fields. However, graphene with zero band gap shows low electrocatalytic activity toward the ORR. Introduction of nonmetal atoms can change the electronic arrangement, generate active sites, and further improve the catalytic activity of graphene. Some nonmetal‐doping strategies (e.g., N, S, and P doping) can promote ORR activity. Herein, the recent development of nonmetal‐doped graphene catalysts for ORR is reviewed. Some common synthetic methods for nonmetal‐doped graphene materials are summarized, and the active sites and possible reaction mechanisms for ORR on various nonmetal‐doped graphene catalysts are discussed.
From E‐Waste to Nb‐Pb Co‐Doped and Pd‐Loaded TiO2/BaTiO3 Heterostructure: Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Niu Bo , Xu Zhenming
Published: February 2019

A new and sustainable process was reported for the in situ synthesis of Nb‐Pb co‐doped and Pd‐loaded TiO2/BaTiO3 nanometer heterostructures from waste multilayer ceramic capacitors through a simple chlorination–leaching route. The particle size of the Nb‐Pb co‐doped heterostructure and the Pd loading were 20–50 nm and less than 5 nm, respectively. The bandgaps of the prepared samples were in the range 2.81–2.92 eV. The optimal simulated‐sunlight photocatalytic H2 production rate and Rhodamine B degradation rate of the prepared heterostructure could reach 576.8 μmol g−1 h−1 and 0.29911 min−1, respectively, which were approximately 11.3 and 19.1 times higher than those of commercial TiO2, and 5.96 and 8.91 times higher than those of bare TiO2/BaTiO3. The recycled heterostructure exhibited excellent photostability and reusability. Such superior photocatalytic performance of the sample was attributed to the formation of the heterostructure, the Nb‐Pb co‐doping, and the Pd loading, which enhanced the visible light absorption and charge separation efficiency. Furthermore, DFT calculations were applied to explore the enhanced mechanism. This study demonstrates a sustainable process for the conversion of e‐waste to a high‐value‐added and highefficiency photocatalyst, which has the advantages of waste utilization, low‐cost preparation, and environmental protection.
The Potential of Biogas; the Solution to Energy Storage
Authors: Villadsen Sebastian N. B. , Fosbøl Philip L. , Angelidaki Irini , Woodley John M. , Nielsen Lars P. , Møller Per
Published: February 2019

Energy storage will be essential for balancing the renewable energy systems of tomorrow, especially if excess electricity from wind and solar power requires immediate utilization. The use of biogas as a carbon source can generate carbon dioxide‐neutral carbon‐based energy carriers, such as methane or methanol. The utilization of biogas today is limited to the generation of heat/power or biomethane (first‐generation upgrading); both processes disregard the potential of the coproduced carbon dioxide during the fermentation process. By using renewable energy, biogas upgrading systems can convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon‐based high‐energy‐density fuels, which can replace fossil‐based fuels for applications in which they are hard to decarbonize. The possibilities for the future utilization of biogas are discussed, and the terminology for “second‐generation upgrading” is introduced to help research and development within this field. It is believed that second‐generation upgrading of biogas will have a huge potential for dynamic energy storage.
Divergent Multistep Continuous Synthetic Transformations of Allylic Alcohol Enabled by Catalysts Immobilized in Ionic Liquid Phases.
Authors: Peris Edgar , Porcar Raúl , García‐Álvarez Joaquín , Burguete María Isabel , García‐Verdugo Eduardo , Luis Santiago V.
Published: February 2019

Two individual catalytic platforms (metal‐ and organo‐catalyzed) based on the use of an ionic liquid phase were successfully integrated for the synthesis of α‐cyano‐amine and cyanohydrin trimethylsilyl ethers from allylic alcohol. The right combination of continuous flow processes enabled access to the divergent preparation of two alternative and interesting intermediate compounds from the same starting material.
The Effects of Trace Yb Doping on the Electrochemical Performance of Li‐Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Bao Liying , Yang Zeliang , Chen Lai , Su Yuefeng , Lu Yun , Li Weikang , Yuan Feiyu , Dong Jinyang , Fang Youyou , Ji Zhe , Shi Chen , Feng Wu
Published: February 2019

Layered lithium‐rich cathode materials are one of the most promising cathode materials owing to their higher mass energy density than the commercial counterparts. A series of trace Yb‐doped lithium‐rich cathode materials Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13−xYbxO2 (0≤x≤0.050) were synthesized and the effects were investigated by XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high‐resolution TEM. The participation of Yb ions in electrochemical reactions and the larger binding energy of Yb−O than M−O (M=Mn, Ni, Co), which expands the lithium layer spacing and stabilizes the oxygen stacking, resulted in excellent performance of materials doped with a limited Yb content (x≤0.005). However, higher doping amounts (x>0.005) significantly increased the charge‐transfer impedance and led to a sharp deterioration in electrochemical performance. The reason lies in the large difference in ionic radius between the transition metals (Mn, Co, and Ni) and Yb. There is an upper limit to the amount of Yb ions in the lattice. If the amount of Yb is higher than the limit, excess Yb ions enter the Li layers instead of staying in the transition‐metal layers or even segregate on the surface and form electrochemically inert oxides.
A Practical Aryliodine(I/III) Catalysis for the Vicinal Diamination of Styrenes
Authors: Cots Eric , Flores Andrea , Romero R. Martín , Muñiz Kilian
Published: February 2019

2,6‐Disubstituted iodoarenes bearing amide‐functionalized side arms are reported as new structures in redox‐active iodine(I/III) catalysis. In combination with bis‐sulfonimides as nitrogen sources and 3‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA) as benign terminal oxidant they catalyze the vicinal diamination of styrenes. The obtained reactivity and selectivity outperform other iodoarene catalyst candidates. This protocol provides a sustainable alternative to previous related protocols for diamination that are based on stoichiometric iodine(III) reagents.
Flavinium and Alkali‐Metal Assembly on Sulfated Chitin: A Heterogeneous Supramolecular Catalyst for H2O2‐Mediated Oxidation
Authors: Sakai Takuya , Watanabe Mirai , Ohkado Ryoma , Arakawa Yukihiro , Imada Yasushi , Iida Hiroki
Published: February 2019

Heterogeneous multiple‐catalyst assemblies were developed in which the flavinium cation and Na or Li cations were easily immobilized on a chitin‐derived anionic polymeric scaffold through noncovalent ionic interactions. The supramolecular flavinium catalysts were successfully employed in the environmentally friendly heterogeneous Baeyer–Villiger oxidation and sulfoxidation by H2O2. Owing to the cooperative catalytic effect of flavinium, alkali metal, and sulfated chitin, the supramolecular flavinium assembly showed higher catalytic activity for the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones than the corresponding homogeneous flavinium catalyst. Because the ionic assembly was stable under the reaction conditions, the catalyst could be readily recovered by simple filtration and reused.
Immunophenotypic Features of Myeloid Neoplasms Associated with Chromosome 7 Abnormalities
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Wood Brent L. , Cherian Sindhu
Published: February 2019

Background

Abnormalities involving chromosome 7 are one of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations in myeloid neoplasms including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with an adverse prognosis. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry provides data that can assist in the diagnosis and classification of myeloid neoplasms. The immunophenotypic features of myeloid neoplasms with monosomy 7 or del(7q) have not been previously described in a comprehensive fashion.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed flow cytometric data of myeloid neoplasms with monosomy 7 or del(7q) and summarized associated immunophenotypic features.

Results

Myeloid neoplasms with monosomy 7 typically demonstrate multiple immunophenotypic abnormalities on myeloid blasts and maturing myelomonocytic cells. Increased CD14 expression on maturing granulocytic cells was characteristically seen in myeloid neoplasms with monosomy 7. This abnormality was significantly more frequent in myeloid neoplasms with monosomy 7 than in those with del(7q) (92.9% vs. 8.2%,P < 0.0001). The presence of increased CD14 expression on maturing granulocytic cells could be seen in cases with monosomy 7 in the setting of a normal blast percentage and when minimal (<3) other immunophenotypic abnormalities were seen on myeloid populations.

Conclusions

Increased CD14 expression on maturing granulocytic cells can be helpful in identifying patients with myeloid neoplasms who have monosomy 7. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Prevalence of epithelial abnormalities and high‐risk human papilloma virus in cervicovaginal Pap smears of population subgroups as a guide toward evidence‐based best practice
Authors: Siddiqi Anwer , Webb Fern , Smotherman Carmen , Shuja Sania , Mubeen Aysha , Lai Kent
Published: February 2019

Background

The 2012 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Consensus Guidelines provide information for managing abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors. According to these guidelines for Pap smear diagnosis of Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, reflex high risk (HR) human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping is required among women 21 years of age or older. Whereas, in women of 30 to 65 years of age, HR‐HPV can be ordered by the clinicians as part of co‐testing with any diagnosis and every 5 years with a negative Cervico‐Vaginal Pap test (CVPT).

Methods

A retrospective review of the CoPath database of the Pathology Department at the University of Florida, College of Medicine Jacksonville, FL, was performed to identify North Florida (NF) women who underwent CVPT and HR‐HPV testing between 2006 and 2014. The women were stratified by race and age, respectively.

Results

The study included 19,933 CVPTs. Significant differences in the outcomes' distributions were found among age and race groups, respectively. Highest prevalence of HPV positivity was found in African American women, and in 14‐ to 20‐year‐old women, respectively. Twenty‐ to 30‐year‐old women had the highest percentage (59%) of epithelial abnormality. The most common HR‐HPV genotypic distribution was other HR‐HPV.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of using both HR‐HPV and CVPT for screening for cervical cancer, and confirms the need for special focus on managing high‐risk populations subgroups, such as African American women, and women of ages 14 to 20 years especially in high‐risk populations.
Lead your department to reach high performance levels by following Blue Angel's leadership strategies
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Greg Wooldridge, former commanding officer with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, will never forget his first time stepping up to the crowd line to sign autographs for the kids as they watched in awe.
Developmental biology of the meninges
Authors: Dasgupta Krishnakali , Jeong Juhee
Published: February 2019

The meninges are membranous layers surrounding the central nervous system. In the head, the meninges lie between the brain and the skull, and interact closely with both during development. The cranial meninges originate from a mesenchymal sheath on the surface of the developing brain, called primary meninx, and undergo differentiation into three layers with distinct histological characteristics: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. While genetic regulation of meningeal development is still poorly understood, mouse mutants and other models with meningeal defects have demonstrated the importance of the meninges to normal development of the calvaria and the brain. For the calvaria, the interactions with the meninges are necessary for the progression of calvarial osteogenesis during early development. In later stages, the meninges control the patterning of the skull and the fate of the sutures. For the brain, the meninges regulate diverse processes including cell survival, cell migration, generation of neurons from progenitors, and vascularization. Also, the meninges serve as a stem cell niche for the brain in the postnatal life. Given these important roles of the meninges, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying meningeal development can provide novel insights into the coordinated development of the head.