bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodine‐ and PhI(OAc)2‐Mediated Multicomponent Synthesis of (E)‐1,3‐Diphenyl‐1‐butene Derivatives
Authors: Marakalala Mokgethwa B. , Kinfe Henok H.
Published: March 2017

A multicomponent reaction, promoted by molecular iodine and diacetoxyiodobenzene, for the synthesis of (E)‐1,3‐diphenyl‐1‐butene derivatives from styrene and thiophenol was developed. The attractiveness of the protocol is its ability to introduce a sulfur heteroatom without a need for an extra reaction step. The scope and limitations of the protocol are investigated.
Effectiveness of manual therapy versus surgery in pain processing due to carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas C. , Cleland J. , Palacios‐Ceña M. , Fuensalida‐Novo S. , Alonso‐Blanco C. , Pareja J.A. , Alburquerque‐Sendín F.
Published: March 2017

Background

People with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) exhibit widespread pressure pain and thermal pain hypersensitivity as a manifestation of central sensitization. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy versus surgery for improving pain and nociceptive gain processing in people with CTS.

Methods

The trial was conducted at a local regional Hospital in Madrid, Spain from August 2014 to February 2015. In this randomized parallel‐group, blinded, clinical trial, 100 women with CTS were randomly allocated to either manual therapy (n = 50), who received three sessions (once/week) of manual therapies including desensitization manoeuvres of the central nervous system, or surgical intervention (n = 50) group. Outcomes including pressure pain thresholds (PPT), thermal pain thresholds (HPT or CPT), and pain intensity which were assessed at baseline, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the intervention by an assessor unaware of group assignment. Analysis was by intention to treat with mixed ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline scores.

Results

At 12 months, 95 women completed the follow‐up. Patients receiving manual therapy exhibited higher increases in PPT over the carpal tunnel at 3, 6 and 9 months (all, p < 0.01) and higher decrease of pain intensity at 3 month follow‐up (p < 0.001) than those receiving surgery. No significant differences were observed between groups for the remaining outcomes.

Conclusions

Manual therapy and surgery have similar effects on decreasing widespread pressure pain sensitivity and pain intensity in women with CTS. Neither manual therapy nor surgery resulted in changes in thermal pain sensitivity.

Significance

The current study found that manual therapy and surgery exhibited similar effects on decreasing widespread pressure pain sensitivity and pain intensity in women with carpal tunnel syndrome at medium‐ and long‐term follow‐ups investigating changes in nociceptive gain processing after treatment in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Do older adults with chronic low back pain differ from younger adults in regards to baseline characteristics and prognosis?
Authors: Manogharan S. , Kongsted A. , Ferreira M.L. , Hancock M.J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Low back pain (LBP) in older adults is poorly understood because the vast majority of the LBP research has focused on the working aged population. The aim of this study was to compare older adults consulting with chronic LBP to middle aged and young adults consulting with chronic LBP, in terms of their baseline characteristics, and pain and disability outcomes over 1 year.

Methods

Data were systematically collected as part of routine care in a secondary care spine clinic. At initial presentation patients answered a self‐report questionnaire and underwent a physical examination. Patients older than 65 were classified as older adults and compared to middle aged (45–65 years old) and younger adults (17–44 years old) for 10 baseline characteristics. Pain intensity and disability were collected at 6 and 12 month follow‐ups and compared between age groups.

Results

A total of 14,479 participants were included in the study. Of these 3087 (21%) patients were older adults, 6071 (42%) were middle aged and 5321 (37%) were young adults. At presentation older adults were statistically different to the middle aged and younger adults for most characteristics measured (e.g. less intense back pain, more leg pain and more depression); however, the differences were small. The change in pain and disability over 12 months did not differ between age groups.

Conclusions

This study found small baseline differences in older people with chronic LBP compared to middle aged and younger adults. There were no associations between age groups and the clinical course.

Significance

Small baseline differences exist in older people with chronic low back pain compared to middle aged and younger adults referred to secondary care for chronic low back pain. Older adults present with slightly less intense low back pain but slightly more intense leg pain. Changes in pain intensity and disability over a 12 month period were similar across all age groups.
Electrochemical Studies of Three Dimensional Graphene Foam as an Electrode Material
Authors: Zhao Daoli , Zhang Lu , Siebold David , DeArmond Derek , Alvarez Noe T. , Shanov Vesselin N. , Heineman William R.
Published: March 2017

Graphene foam is one kind of network of three dimensional (3D) graphene, which inherits the properties of two dimensional graphene and overcomes the aggregation/stacking of graphene sheets. In this work, graphene foam has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. A graphene foam electrode was evaluated as a new electrode material by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and used for the detection of trace level of Pb2+ by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Under the optimized condition of deposition potential (‐1.2 V) and deposition time (2 min), the detection limit is estimated to be 40 nM for Pb2+ based on the 3σ method.
Refractory Materials for Energy Applications
Authors: Antusch Steffen , Reiser Jens , Hoffmann Jan , Onea Alexandru
Published: March 2017

The most extensively used refractory metals are tungsten, tantalum, niobium, rhenium, unalloyed molybdenum and its principal alloy, TZM. All of them are characterised by their extremely high melting point above 2000 °C (2273 K) and high hardness at room temperature. They are used in demanding applications that require high‐temperature strength and corrosion resistance, for example, wire filaments, casting moulds and chemical reaction vessels in corrosive environments. This contribution is focused on tungsten and new tungsten materials. The intrinsic problems of these materials, that is, their brittleness (even at elevated temperatures), thermal load capacity, heat conductivity, recrystallization, irradiation damage and specific defect processes, such as helium bubbles, swelling, new kinds of surface reactions, crack formation, brittle‐to‐ductile transition and tritium retention, require the development and assessment of new tungsten materials, and also new fabrication routes and processes.
Lentic, lotic, and sulfate-dependent waterborne selenium screening guidelines for freshwater systems
Authors: DeForest David K. , Brix Kevin V. , Elphick James R. , Rickwood Carrie J. , deBruyn Adrian M.H. , Tear Lucinda M. , Gilron Guy , Hughes Sarah A. , Adams William J.
Published: March 2017

There is consensus that fish are the most sensitive aquatic organisms to selenium (Se) and that Se concentrations in fish tissue are the most reliable indicators of potential toxicity. Differences in Se speciation, biological productivity, Se concentration, and parameters that affect Se bioavailability (e.g., sulfate) may influence the relationship between Se concentrations in water and fish tissue. It is desirable to identify environmentally protective waterborne Se guidelines that, if not exceeded, reduce the need to directly measure Se concentrations in fish tissue. Three factors that should currently be considered in developing waterborne Se screening guidelines are 1) differences between lotic and lentic sites, 2) the influence of exposure concentration on Se partitioning among compartments, and 3) the influence of sulfate on selenate bioavailability. Colocated data sets of Se concentrations in 1) water and particulates, 2) particulates and invertebrates, and 3) invertebrates and fish tissue were compiled; and a quantile regression approach was used to derive waterborne Se screening guidelines. Use of a regression-based approach for describing relationships in Se concentrations between compartments reduces uncertainty associated with selection of partitioning factors that are generally not constant over ranges of exposure concentrations. Waterborne Se screening guidelines of 6.5 and 3.0 μg/L for lotic and lentic water bodies were derived, and a sulfate-based waterborne Se guideline equation for selenate-dominated lotic waters was also developed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2503–2513. © 2017 SETAC
Harmonious coexistence solution between stand‐alone LTE and WiFi in unlicensed band
Authors: Wang Jiang , Du Jinling , Xu Jing , Wu Haoran
Published: March 2017

To fulfill the large spectrum requirements in the 5th‐Generation (5G) systems. The Third‐Generation Partnership Project has defined licensed assisted access (LAA) to extend its spectrum pool to unlicensed band. However, for these operators without licensed spectrum (eg, virtual operators), stand‐alone Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) in unlicensed band may be a more appealing choice since LAA is only suitable to these operators who have their licensed spectrum. Similar to LAA, fair coexistence between stand‐alone LTE system and other systems (eg, Wireless Fidelity [WiFi]) in unlicensed spectrum is also the dominated problem that should be solved. In this paper, 1 approach on stand‐alone LTE system in unlicensed spectrum is proposed. The proposed solution is based on adaptive power and bandwidth adjustment to guarantee the fair coexistence between stand‐alone LTE system and WiFi. The coexistence evaluation results between them indicate that the proposed one can improve the whole system throughput significantly and meanwhile the performance of WiFi is also guaranteed.
Unified analysis of energy harvesting–based MIMO relay wireless systems over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Le Ngoc Phuc , Vo Nguyen‐Son , Hoang Minh‐Tiep , Tran Duc‐Dung
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we consider two‐hop multi‐input multi‐output relay wireless systems with energy harvesting. In each hop, transmit antenna selection/receive antenna selection, transmit antenna selection/maximum ratio combining, or maximum ratio transmission/receive antenna selection is used. Also, an energy‐constrained relay harvests energy from the source via either a time switching–based relaying protocol or a power splitting–based relaying protocol. We perform unified analysis of the systems over Nakagami‐m fading channels. Specifically, we derive exact closed form expressions for ergodic capacity and throughput (for delay‐tolerant transmission mode) and outage probability and throughput (for delay‐limited transmission). Optimal energy‐harvesting time (in time switching–based relaying protocol–based system) and optimal power‐splitting ratio (in power splitting–based relaying protocol–based system) to achieve maximum throughput at high signal‐to‐noise‐ratio are also determined. Moreover, we derive an exact closed form expression for the bit error rate, which facilitates the evaluation of the system performance. Impacts of various multi‐input multi‐output processing schemes, numbers of equipped antennas, energy‐harvesting mechanisms, and transmission modes on the system performance are also examined and discussed. All theoretical analyses are corroborated by simulations.
Forecasting US interest rates and business cycle with a nonlinear regime switching VAR model
Authors: Nyberg Henri
Published: March 2017

This paper introduces a regime switching vector autoregressive model with time‐varying regime probabilities, where the regime switching dynamics is described by an observable binary response variable predicted simultaneously with the variables subject to regime changes. Dependence on the observed binary variable distinguishes the model from various previously proposed multivariate regime switching models, facilitating a handy simulation‐based multistep forecasting method. An empirical application shows a strong bidirectional predictive linkage between US interest rates and NBER business cycle recession and expansion periods. Due to the predictability of the business cycle regimes, the proposed model yields superior out‐of‐sample forecasts of the US short‐term interest rate and the term spread compared with the linear and nonlinear vector autoregressive (VAR) models, including the Markov switching VAR model.
The enigmatic oncogene and tumor suppressor‐like properties of RAD54B: Insights into genome instability and cancer
Authors: McAndrew Erin N. , McManus Kirk J.
Published: March 2017

One of the major challenges to the cell is to ensure genome stability, which can be compromised through endogenous errors or exogenous DNA damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation or common chemotherapeutic agents. To maintain genome stability the cell has a multifaceted line of defense, including cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair pathways. RAD54B is involved in many of these pathways and thus exhibits a role in maintaining and repairing genome stability following DNA damage. RAD54B is involved in cell cycle regulation after DNA damage and participates in homologous recombinational repair, which ensures the precise repair of the most deleterious DNA lesions, double‐stranded breaks. This review focuses on structural aspects of RAD54B, molecular functions associated with its cellular roles in preventing genome instability, and how aberrant function contributes to oncogenesis. By understanding how aberrant RAD54B expression and/or function can contribute to oncogenesis, novel therapeutic approaches that specifically exploit these aberrant genetics are now being explored for precision medicine targeting. RAD54B represents an ideal candidate for synthetic genetic therapeutic approaches (synthetic dosage lethality or synthetic lethality), which are designed to target the specific genetics associated with cancer formation. These therapeutic approaches represent a precision‐based approach, which is ideal as we are now entering the era of precision medicine.
Drug rechallenge following drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Hunt Christine M. , Papay Julie I. , Stanulovic Vid , Regev Arie
Published: March 2017

Drug‐induced hepatocellular injury is identified internationally by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels equal to or exceeding 5× the upper limit of normal (ULN) appearing within 3 months of drug initiation, after alternative causes are excluded. Upon withdrawing the suspect drug, ALT generally decrease by 50% or more. With drug readministration, a positive rechallenge has recently been defined by an ALT level of 3‐5× ULN or greater. Nearly 50 drugs are associated with positive rechallenge after drug‐induced liver injury (DILI): antimicrobials; and central nervous system, cardiovascular and oncology therapeutics. Drugs associated with high rates of positive rechallenge exhibit multiple risk factors: daily dose >50 mg, an increased incidence of ALT elevations in clinical trials, immunoallergic clinical injury, and mitochondrial impairment in vitro. These drug factors interact with personal genetic, immune, and metabolic factors to influence positive rechallenge rates and outcomes. Drug rechallenge following drug‐induced liver injury is associated with up to 13% mortality in prospective series of all prescribed drugs. In recent oncology trials, standardized systems have enabled safer drug rechallenge with weekly liver chemistry monitoring during the high‐risk period and exclusion of patients with hypersensitivity. However, high positive rechallenge rates with other innovative therapeutics suggest that caution should be taken with rechallenge of high‐risk drugs. Conclusion: For critical medicines, drug rechallenge may be appropriate when 1) no safer alternatives are available, 2) the objective benefit exceeds the risk, and 3) patients are fully informed and consent, can adhere to follow‐up, and alert providers to hepatitis symptoms. To better understand rechallenge outcomes and identify key risk factors for positive rechallenge, additional data are needed from controlled clinical trials, prospective registries, and large health care databases. (Hepatology 2017;66:646–654).
Novel colon cancer susceptibility variants identified from a genome‐wide association study in African Americans
Authors: Wang Hansong , Schmit Stephanie L. , Haiman Christopher A. , Keku Temitope O. , Kato Ikuko , Palmer Julie R. , van den Berg David , Wilkens Lynne R. , Burnett Terrilea , Conti David V. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Signorello Lisa B. , Blot William J. , Zanetti Krista A. , Harris Curtis , Pande Mala , Berndt Sonja I. , Newcomb Polly A. , West Dee W. , Haile Robert , Stram Daniel O. , Figueiredo Jane C. ,   on behalf of the Hispanic Colorectal Cancer Study, Le Marchand Loïc
Published: March 2017

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in ethnic/racial minority populations can help to fine‐map previously identified risk regions or discover new risk loci because of the genetic diversity in these populations. We conducted a GWAS of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 6,597 African Americans (1,894 cases and 4,703 controls) (Stage 1) and followed up the most promising markers in a replication set of 2,041 participants of African descent (891 cases and 1,150 controls) (Stage 2). We identified a novel variant, rs56848936 in the gene SYMPK at 19q13.3, associated with colon cancer risk (odds ratio 0.61 for the risk allele G, p = 2.4 × 10−8). The frequency of the G allele was 0.06 in African Americans, compared to <0.01 in Europeans, Asians and Amerindians in the 1000 Genomes project. In addition, a variant previously identified through fine‐mapping in this GWAS in the region 19q13.1, rs7252505, was confirmed to be more strongly associated with CRC in the African American replication set than the variant originally reported in Europeans (rs10411210). The association between rs7252505 and CRC was of borderline significance (p = 0.05) in a Hispanic population GWAS with 1,611 CRC cases and 4,330 controls. With the three datasets combined, the odds ratio was 0.84 for the risk allele A (95% confidence interval 0.79–0.89, p = 3.7 × 10−8). This study further highlights the importance of conducting GWAS studies in diverse ancestry populations.
Design considerations for identifying breast cancer risk factors in a population‐based study in Africa
Authors: Brinton Louise A. , Awuah Baffour , Nat Clegg‐Lamptey Joe , Wiafe‐Addai Beatrice , Ansong Daniel , Nyarko Kofi M. , Wiafe Seth , Yarney Joel , Biritwum Richard , Brotzman Michelle , Adjei Andrew A. , Adjei Ernest , Aitpillah Francis , Edusei Lawrence , Dedey Florence , Nyante Sarah J. , Oppong Joseph , Osei‐Bonsu Ernest , Titiloye Nicholas , Vanderpuye Verna , Brew Abaidoo Emma , Arhin Bernard , Boakye Isaac , Frempong Margaret , Ohene Oti Naomi , Okyne Victoria , Figueroa Jonine D.
Published: March 2017

Although breast cancer is becoming more prevalent in Africa, few epidemiologic studies have been undertaken and appropriate methodologic approaches remain uncertain. We therefore conducted a population‐based case–control study in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, enrolling 2,202 women with lesions suspicious for breast cancer and 2,161 population controls. Biopsy tissue for cases prior to neoadjuvant therapy (if given), blood, saliva and fecal samples were sought for study subjects. Response rates, risk factor prevalences and odds ratios for established breast cancer risk factors were calculated. A total of 54.5% of the recruited cases were diagnosed with malignancies, 36.0% with benign conditions and 9.5% with indeterminate diagnoses. Response rates to interviews were 99.2% in cases and 91.9% in controls, with the vast majority of interviewed subjects providing saliva (97.9% in cases vs. 98.8% in controls) and blood (91.8% vs. 82.5%) samples; lower proportions (58.1% vs. 46.1%) provided fecal samples. While risk factor prevalences were unique as compared to women in other countries (e.g., less education, higher parity), cancer risk factors resembled patterns identified elsewhere (elevated risks associated with higher levels of education, familial histories of breast cancer, low parity and larger body sizes). Subjects with benign conditions were younger and exhibited higher socioeconomic profiles (e.g., higher education and lower parity) than those with malignancies, suggesting selective referral influences. While further defining breast cancer risk factors in Africa, this study showed that successful population‐based interdisciplinary studies of cancer in Africa are possible but require close attention to diagnostic referral biases and standardized and documented approaches for high‐quality data collection, including biospecimens.
The spectrum of BRCA mutations and characteristics of BRCA‐associated breast cancers in China: Screening of 2,991 patients and 1,043 controls by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Lang Guan‐Tian , Shi Jin‐Xiu , Hu Xin , Zhang Chen‐Hui , Shan Ling , Song Chuan‐Gui , Zhuang Zhi‐Gang , Cao A‐Yong , Ling Hong , Yu Ke‐Da , Li Shan , Sun Meng‐Hong , Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Huang Wei , Shao Zhi‐Ming
Published: March 2017

To characterize the prevalence of BRCA mutations and characteristics of BRCA carriers in China and to update the clinical recommendations for BRCA testing, we conducted a wide screen for BRCA mutations using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 4,034 Chinese subjects were screened for germline BRCA1/2 mutations, including 2,991 breast cancer patients and 1,043 healthy individuals from the community enrolled as controls. We developed an NGS‐based approach to perform BRCA1/2 screening. BRCA mutations were identified in 9.1% (232/2,560) of cases with at least one risk factor, in 3.5% (15/431) of sporadic patients and in 0.38% (4/1,043) of healthy controls. The mutation frequency ranged from 8.9 to 15.2% in cohorts with a single risk factor to 16.6–100% in groups with multiple risk factors. We identified 70 novel BRCA mutations. A high frequency of BRCA1 c.5470_5477del was detected, accounting for 13.9% (16/115) of the BRCA1 mutations detected in our study. Clinical characteristics such as family history, invasive carcinoma, negative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), high Ki67 index, lymph node status, and high tumour grade were closely related to BRCA mutations. BRCA2 carriers had poorer disease‐free survival among HER2‐ or hormone receptor‐positive patients (hazard ratio = 1.892; 95% confidence interval: 1.132–3.161; p = 0.013). This study shows that BRCA mutation carriers could be frequently identified among breast cancer patients with multiple risk factors. Importantly, we established an NGS‐based pipeline for BRCA1/2 testing in clinical practice and strongly suggest that breast cancer patients of premier‐ and moderate‐grade risks receive BRCA1/2 mutations testing in China.
The utility of salivary testosterone and cortisol concentration measures for assessing the stress responses of junior athletes during a sporting competition
Authors: Crewther Blair T. , Obmiński Zbigniew , Orysiak Joanna , Al‐Dujaili Emad A. S.
Published: March 2017

Background

This study examined the utility of salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentration measures for assessing the acute stress responses of junior athletes during a sporting competition.

Methods

Paired capillary blood and saliva samples were taken from 71 junior athletes (45 males, 26 females) before and after a simulated Olympic weightlifting competition. The concentration measures of salivary T and C were referenced against blood total T (TT) and C (TC) concentrations. All hormones were tested by immunoassay.

Results

The competition promoted an increase in the blood TT concentrations of the male (10.1%±18.7%) and female (12.9%±19.9%) athletes (P<.05), with TC also rising in females (37.5%±69%) and tending to increase in males (23.2%±56.1%). No significant changes in salivary T or C were identified. Locally‐weighted regression revealed that salivary T was strongly related to blood TT in males (r2=.84), but not females (r2=−.15), whereas salivary C was moderately related to blood TC in both sexes (r2=.43, r2=.48), respectively.

Conclusions

A short, high‐intensity competition promoted a predictable stress‐induced rise in blood TT and TC concentrations. We observed no hormonal stress responses in saliva under the current format, which could be explained by individual variability and blood‐saliva differences in hormone kinetics. Still, the salivary T and C measures did show a moderate to strong ability to track individual blood TT (males only) and TC (both sexes) concentrations in a young athletic cohort across a broad physiological range. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners are presented.
Lipopolysaccharide can modify differentiation and immunomodulatory potential of periodontal ligament stem cells via ERK1,2 signaling
Authors: Kukolj Tamara , Trivanović Drenka , Djordjević Ivana Okić , Mojsilović Slavko , Krstić Jelena , Obradović Hristina , Janković Srdja , Santibanez Juan Francisco , Jauković Aleksandra , Bugarski Diana
Published: March 2017

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a pertinent deleterious factor in oral microenvironment for cells which are carriers of regenerative processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging in vitro effects of LPS (Escherichia coli) on human periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) functions and associated signaling pathways. We demonstrated that LPS did not affect immunophenotype, proliferation, viability, and cell cycle of PDLSCs. However, LPS modified lineage commitment of PDLSCs inhibiting osteogenesis by downregulating Runx2, ALP, and Ocn mRNA expression, while stimulating chondrogenesis and adipogenesis by upregulating Sox9 and PPARγ mRNA expression. LPS promoted myofibroblast‐like phenotype of PDLSCs, since it significantly enhanced PDLSC contractility, as well as protein and/or gene expression of TGF‐β, fibronectin (FN), α‐SMA, and NG2. LPS also increased protein and gene expression levels of anti‐inflammatory COX‐2 and pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 molecules in PDLSCs. Inhibition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) transendothelial migration in presence of LPS‐treated PDLSCs was accompanied by the reduction of CD29 expression within MNCs. However, LPS treatment did not change the inhibitory effect of PDLSCs on mitogen‐stimulated proliferation of CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+CD25high/CD4+CD25low lymphocytes. LPS‐treated PDLSCs did not change the frequency of CD34+ and CD45+ cells, but decreased the frequency of CD33+ and CD14+ myeloid cells within MNCs. Moreover, LPS treatment attenuated the stimulatory effect of PDLSCs on CFC activity of MNCs, predominantly the CFU‐GM number. The results indicated that LPS‐activated ERK1,2 was at least partly involved in the observed effects on PDLSC differentiation capacity, acquisition of myofibroblastic attributes, and changes of their immunomodulatory features.
Self‐assembled metalloporphyrins–inorganic hybrid flowers and their application to efficient epoxidation of olefins
Authors: He Xiaohui , Chen Long , He Qian , Xiao Huajian , Zhou Xiantai , Ji Hongbing
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Various proteins or enzymes were employed as organic components to form hybrid flowers, and they exhibited excellent properties in catalysis, adsorption, and sensing. However, there is no previous report of metalloporphyrins‐based hybrid flowers. Based on the importance of metalloporphyrins in catalytic reactions, metalloporphyrins–copper phosphate hybrid flowers were prepared and their catalytic performance in epoxidation reactions was evaluated.

RESULTS

The composition, morphology, and crystallite structure of the hybrid flowers strongly depended on the incubation time (0.1–72 h) and concentration of metalloporphyrins in the mother liquor (0–47 µg mL−1). In comparison with the free metalloporphyrins, the hybrid flowers exhibited enhanced stability without any decrease in the catalytic activity. Moreover, the activity was linearly correlated with the surface content of metalloporphyrins which indicated that the metalloporphyrins on the surface were the key active species. Furthermore, the hybrid flowers showed good compatibility with a wide range of solvents and substrates.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism of formation of the hybrid flowers was proposed that involves four major successive steps: coordination, nucleation, formation, and growth. The catalytic results suggest that well‐designed hybrid materials with hierarchical nano‐structures and metalloporphyrins as organic component would be potential candidates for industrial catalysis applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved capacity to evaluate changes in intestinal mucosal surface area using mathematical modeling
Authors: Greig Chasen J. , Cowles Robert A.
Published: March 2017

Quantification of intestinal mucosal growth typically relies on morphometric parameters, commonly villus height, as a surrogate for presumed changes in mucosal surface area (MSA). We hypothesized that using mathematical modeling based on multiple unique measurements would improve discrimination of the effects of interventions on MSA compared to standard measures. To determine the ability of mathematical modeling to resolve differences in MSA, a mouse model with enhanced serotonin (5HT) signaling known to stimulate mucosal growth was used. 5‐HT signaling is potentiated by targeting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) molecule. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor‐treated wild‐type (WT‐SSRI), SERT‐knockout (SERTKO), and wild‐type C57Bl/6 (WT) mice were used. Distal ileal sections were H&E‐stained. Villus height (VH), width (VW), crypt width (CW), and bowel diameter were used to calculate surface area enlargement factor (SEF) and MSA. VH alone for SERTKO and SSRI was significantly increased compared to WT, without a difference between SERTKO and WT‐SSRI. VW and CW were significantly decreased for both SERTKO and WT‐SSRI compared to WT, and VW for WT‐SSRI was also decreased compared to SERTKO. These changes increased SEF and MSA for SERTKO and WT‐SSRI compared to WT. Additionally, SEF and MSA were significantly increased for WT‐SSRI compared to SERTKO. Mathematical modeling provides a valuable tool for differentiating changes in intestinal MSA. This more comprehensive assessment of surface area does not appear to correlate linearly with standard morphometric measures and represents a more comprehensive method for discriminating between therapies aimed at increasing functional intestinal mucosa.
Green Synthesis of 1,3‐Dibenzylimidazolidine‐2,4,5‐triones by Oxidation of Hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitanes
Authors: Khorramabadi‐zad Ahmad , Azadmanesh Mohammad , Bayat Yadollah
Published: March 2017

Herein, a novel and convenient procedure is described for the preparation of 1,3‐dibenzylimidazolidine‐2,4,5‐triones. This method is based on a multi‐stage oxidation of hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitanes by hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid, leading to the title compounds in relatively good yields.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Studies, and Docking Simulations of New Bis(4,5‐dihydropyrazole) Derivatives
Authors: Yusuf Mohamad , Kaur Amanpreet , Abid Mohammad
Published: March 2017

A novel series of bis(3‐thienyl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazoles) has been synthesized by the cyclization reactions of bischalcones with phenyl hydrazine in basic medium. The O‐alkylation reactions of chalcones with suitable 1,ω‐dibromoalkanes in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3, dry acetone, and Bu4N+I− as PTC lead to the formation of bischalcones in good yields. The chalcone required was obtained from the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction of 2‐acetylthiophene with 3‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. Structures of prepared compounds were elucidated from their IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS spectral data. Newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial potencies against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacterial strains, and fungal strains using serial tube dilution method. Docking simulations have also been carried out to visualize the possible interaction of synthesized scaffold 2(a–g) and 3(a–g) at the active sites of Escherichia coli.
Synthesis of Pyrazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazine, Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine, and Imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazole Derivatives Based on Imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole Moiety
Authors: Dawood Kamal M. , Sayed Samia M. , Raslan Mohamed A.
Published: March 2017

3(5)‐Aminopyrazole derivative (6) has been synthesized by the reactions of the versatile unreported 2‐cyano‐N′‐(1‐(3‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[2,1‐b]thiazol‐2‐yl)ethylidene)acetohydrazide (3) with phenyl isothiocyanate in KOH/DMF solution followed by reaction with methyl iodide and hydrazine hydrate. Reaction of compound 6 with some 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds yielded pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives (14–17). Alkylation of compound 6 with various halo reagents, followed by intramolecular cyclization, yielded the corresponding imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazole derivatives 27, 29, 31, and 33. All newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by considering the data of both elemental analysis and spectral data.
An Efficient and Facile Multicomponent Reaction for the Synthesis of 5′,6′‐dihydro‐6′‐hydroxy‐6′‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1′H‐spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyrimidine]‐2,2′(3′H)‐dione Derivatives under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Xu Hui , Yan Lirong , Qin Yaqi , Xu Zhongyun , Ling Zhi , Rong Liangce
Published: March 2017

The reactions of isatins, urea, and different diketones under solvent‐free conditions have been developed for the preparation of novel spiroheterocycles. It was found that these reactions could be given higher yields and required shorter time compared with commonly used volatile organic solvent conditions. In this synthesis, the important group trifluoromethyl was introduced into the structure of the products. The pure products could be obtained only through removing TsOH, isatins, and urea from hot water. At same time, diketone was eliminated through a small amount of EtOH. Other advantages of this method are simple setup, mild conditions, and minimal environment impact.
An analysis of the performance of RCMs in simulating current climate over western Canada
Authors: Barrow Elaine M. , Sauchyn David J.
Published: March 2017

The performance of eight National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP2) reanalysis‐driven regional climate models (RCMs), seven from the North American Regional Climate Change Program (NARCCAP) and one from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), in simulating the 1980–2004 climate of western Canada was assessed at a number of spatial and temporal scales. Results indicated that the RCMs were more successful at capturing the seasonal spatial distribution of mean temperature than precipitation and that inaccuracies in the spatial distribution of the summer climate moisture index were likely due to the errors in precipitation distribution and amount. All RCMs performed less well in simulating summer precipitation, most likely due to continued problems with the simulation of convective precipitation.

At the grid box scale, quantile–quantile (q–q) plots for temperature indicated that all RCMs showed very similar distributions to observed but with warm or cold biases, and errors in the simulation of a number of temperature‐based extremes indices were related to these biases. For precipitation, q–q plots indicated that most RCMs overestimated precipitation totals, and while tending to follow the observed quantiles at smaller precipitation amounts, they diverged at larger precipitation totals. Performance in simulating the precipitation‐based extremes indices depended largely on whether or not a RCM over‐ or under‐estimated precipitation totals – with those RCMs simulating too much precipitation underestimating the number of consecutive dry days and dry day persistence, and vice versa.

Despite improvements in RCM resolution and parameterisation schemes, this work indicates that the simulation of precipitation in particular is still problematic in western Canada. This implies that scenarios of climate change constructed from RCM output require some form of bias correction to be of most use in impacts studies.
High‐resolution regional‐coupled ocean–atmosphere simulation of the Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Misra Vasubandhu , Mishra Akhilesh , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: March 2017

A 23‐year integration of a Regional‐Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Model (RCOAM) centred over the Indian monsoon region is validated with observations and analysis for its seasonal climatology, evolution, and variability at intraseasonal and interannual scales. The RCOAM has the Regional Spectral Model (RSM) as its atmospheric component and Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) as its oceanic component. They are both coupled at 15 km grid spacing with identical grids, without applying any form of flux correction and are forced with global fields of atmospheric and oceanic reanalysis. The verification indicates that the RCOAM simulation simulates the mean Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) rainfall climatology and SST in the neighbouring oceans reasonably well with finer details apparent along the orography (e.g. Western Ghats, Himalaya) and along the upwelling regions of the coastal oceans. In addition the evolution of the ISM at its onset and its devolution around the time of demise in the RCOAM simulation both in the atmosphere and the ocean conform to its well known features and reinforce the coupled ocean–atmosphere phenomenon of the ISM. The intraseasonal variations in the RCOAM simulation also adhere to the observed composite of dry and wet spells of the ISM, with the low‐level flow in the latter (former) counteracting (enhancing) the low‐level atmospheric ISM climatological flow. The interannual variations in relation to the remote ENSO variations are also validated with respect to the observations. It is also shown that the variations of the length of the ISM to the seasonal anomalies of the ISM both in the RCOAM simulation and observations is largely a result of the ENSO teleconnection. However, significant systematic bias in surface fluxes, cloud fraction, SST, and precipitation of the RCOAM simulation of the ISM is also noted.
Dietary exposure to acrylamide from cafeteria foods in Jeddah schools and associated risk assessment
Authors: El Tawila Mahmoud M , Al‐Ansari Ahmed M , Alrasheedi Amani A , Neamatallah Abdulateef A
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic and genotoxic food contaminant produced at high temperatures in foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Foods sold in schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are among such carbohydrate‐rich foods produced at high cooking temperatures. It is crucial to determine the importance of AA exposure with respect to cafeteria foods and assess the associated risks.

RESULTS

The highest mean AA level was measured in chocolate pies (439 µg kg−1), followed by custard pies (435 µg kg−1) and cheese pies (432 µg kg−1). The average and 95th percentile values of AA exposure were 0.51 and 1.17 [µg kg−1 body weight (BW) school day−1]. The average exposure significantly decreased with an increase in age, from 0.65 (µg kg−1 BW school day−1) in primary school students to 0.37 in secondary school students. Cheese and chocolate pies are the main contributors in AA intake. The contributions of cheese and chocolate pies to the average exposure among primary, middle and secondary school students were 23.1%, 24.7% and 29.4% and 16.9%, 12.1% and 11.9%, respectively. Other products with significant contributions included cheese sandwiches (10.8%, 8.9% and 12.7%), plain cookies (7.7%, 5.6% and 6.7%) and custard pies (7.7%, 4.8% and 8.9%). Other cafeteria products contributed to AA exposure at much lower percentages.

CONCLUSION

The calculated margins of exposure (MOEs) for the average [356 and 614 for both benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) 0.18 and 0.31 mg kg−1 BW day−1] and 95th percentile AA exposure values (154 and 265 for both BMDL 0.18 and 0.31 mg kg−1 BW day−1) suggest that there is a health concern with respect to school‐aged students. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface charge modification decreases Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence in vitro and bacterial persistence in an in vivo implant model
Authors: Kao W. Katherine , Gagnon Patricia M. , Vogel Joseph P. , Chole Richard A.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Chronic, persistent infections complicate otologic procedures utilizing implantable devices such as cochlear implants or tympanostomy tubes. These infections are thought to be due to the establishment of microbial biofilms on implant surfaces. To address this issue, we hypothesized that surface charge modification may inhibit the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on implant surfaces in vitro and in vivo.

Study Design

We evaluated the effect of surface charge modification on bacterial biofilm formation by assessing the effect of the surface charge on bacterial adhesion in vitro and bacterial persistence in vivo.

Methods

To study the effect of surface charge in vitro, the surface wells in culture plates were modified using a layer‐by‐layer polyelectrolyte assembly method. Bacterial adherence was measured at 30‐, 60‐, and 120‐minute intervals. To study the effect of surface charge modification in vivo, the surface of titanium microscrews was similarly modified and then surgically implanted into the dorsal calvaria of adult rats and inoculated with bacteria. Two weeks after implantation and inoculation, the number of bacteria remaining in vivo was evaluated.

Results

Surface charge modification results in a significant decrease in adherence of bacteria in vitro. Surface charge modification of titanium microscrew implants also resulted in a significant decrease in P. aeruginosa recovered 2 weeks after surgical implantation.

Conclusion

Charge modification decreases the number of bacteria adherent to a surface in vitro and decreases the risk and severity of implant infection in an in vivo rat infection model. These results have promising biomedical applications.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1655–1661, 2017
Modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy through prelacrimal duct approach
Authors: Suzuki Motohiko , Nakamura Yoshihisa , Yokota Makoto , Ozaki Shinya , Murakami Shingo
Published: March 2017

Objective

We previously reported a modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy (modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy through prelacrimal duct approach [MTEMMPDA]) to resect inverted papilloma (IP), for which the inferior turbinate (IT) and nasolacrimal duct (ND) can be preserved. MTEMMPDA is a safe and effective method to obtain wide, straight access to the maxillary sinus (MS). However, there are few reported cases of patients who underwent MTEMMPDA, and even fewer of patients who underwent partial osteotomy of the apertura piriformis and the anterior wall of the MS. In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of 51 patients who underwent MTEMMPDA.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

All patients who underwent MTEMMPDA at our hospital between January 2004 and December 2015 were included in this study.

Results

Fifty‐one patients with sinonasal IP in the MS underwent MTEMMPDA. Recurrence was seen in the MS of one patient (follow‐up of 2–138 months). The IT remained unchanged in all 51 patients without atrophy. We have not observed epiphora, eye discharge, dry nose, or persistent crusting after this surgery. Although seven patients had numbness around the upper lip after surgery, this had disappeared by 1 year after surgery. Additional partial osteotomy of the apertura piriformis and the anterior wall of the MS were done in eight patients. Deformation of the external nose was not seen.

Conclusion

This approach appears to be a safe and effective method to resect IP in the MS, even if there is additional partial osteotomy of the apertura piriformis and the anterior wall of the MS.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 127:2205–2209, 2017
Staging cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastases to the parotid gland
Authors: Czerwonka Lukasz , De Santis Robert J. , Horowitz Gilad , Hong Michael , Orsini Mario , Enepekides Danny , Goldstein David P. , Dort Joe , Higgins Kevin
Published: March 2017

Objective

The staging of cutaneous squamous cell cancers (cSCC) was revised by the American Joint Committee on Cancer in 2010 to incorporate known prognostic factors and expand the N (node) category. The purpose of this study was to validate this staging system using a North American cohort, and to compare it to the O'Brien P (Parotid) and N staging system.

Methods

An exhaustive collaborative database search was performed for all patients with cSCC metastasis to the parotid gland treated at three major Canadian tertiary referral centers from December 1999 to March 2015. The data collected for each patient included overall survival; disease‐free survival; tumor, node, and metastasis) staging; and postoperative radiation status. Post‐hoc analysis was completed to discern the strongest prognostic factors of survival as they relate to the abovementioned staging systems.

Results

Of 136 patients identified, 80% had a documented history of previously treated head and neck cSCC an average of 27 months prior to presentation. Average size of the parotid lesion at recurrence was 4.5 cm. Ninety‐six percent of patients underwent surgical resection of the parotid metastasis. Five‐year overall and disease‐free survival is 79% and 55%, respectively. Only cSCC staging and cSCC‐N category had statistically significant differences between groups. cSCC staging had the largest percentage of variation in overall survival explained.

Conclusion

Patients with cSCC metastasis to the parotid gland proved to have a moderate survival rate, despite presenting with advanced disease. cSCC staging in the setting of parotid metastasis, despite its limitations, currently offers the most predictive staging system available.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2063–2069, 2017
Malignant glomus tumors of the head and neck in children and adults: Evaluation and management
Authors: Wolter Nikolaus E. , Adil Eelam , Irace Alexandria L. , Werger Annette , Perez‐Atayde Antonio R. , Weldon Christopher , Orbach Darren B. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Rahbar Reza
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe our current multidisciplinary approach to pediatric malignant glomus tumors of the head and neck and review the current literature.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral children's hospital and a comprehensive literature review.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EBSCO with respect to malignant glomus tumors of the head and neck was conducted. We obtained expert input from other pertinent specialties, including oncology, pathology, and radiology. To highlight the difficulty of evaluation and management of these patients, we also present a pediatric patient with a left neck malignant glomus tumor and lung metastases.

Results

Only two cases of pediatric malignant glomus tumor (including our own) have been reported in the English literature. Overall, 14 malignant glomus tumors have been reported in the head and neck (11 primary and three metastatic). Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but local recurrence is common (five of 11, 45%).

Conclusions

Malignant glomus tumor of the head and neck is an extremely rare tumor in children. Evaluation consists of imaging, and tissue biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Management options include surgical resection with or without an adjuvant chemotherapy protocol similar to those designed for sarcoma. Additional reports are necessary so that we may determine the utility, if any, of radiotherapy in the management of this tumor. Laryngoscope, 127:2873–2882, 2017