bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The repetition of behavioral assessments in diagnosis of disorders of consciousness
Authors: Wannez Sarah , Heine Lizette , Thonnard Marie , Gosseries Olivia , Laureys Steven ,   Coma Science Group collaborators
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine whether repeated examinations using the Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised (CRS‐R) have an impact on diagnostic accuracy of patients with disorders of consciousness and to provide guidelines regarding the number of assessments required for obtaining a reliable diagnosis.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐three adult patients with chronic disorders of consciousness were referred to our tertiary center. They were assessed at least six times with the CRS‐R within a 10‐day period. Clinical diagnoses based on one, two, three, four, and five Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised assessments were compared with a reference diagnosis (ie, the highest behavioral diagnosis obtained after six evaluations) using nonparametric statistics. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

The number of assessments had a significant effect on the clinical diagnosis. Up to the fourth examination, the diagnosis was still statistically different from the reference diagnosis based on six CRS‐R assessments. Compared to this reference diagnosis, the first evaluation led to 36% of misdiagnoses.

Interpretation

The number of CRS‐R assessments has an impact on the clinical diagnosis of patients with chronic disorders of consciousness. Up to the fourth examinations, behavioral fluctuations may still impact the diagnostic accuracy. We here suggest performing at least five assessments in each patient with disorders of consciousness within a short time interval (eg, 2 weeks) to reduce misdiagnosis. Ann Neurol 2017;81:883–889 Ann Neurol 2017;81:883–889
DNA Barcoding Meets Nanotechnology: Development of a Universal Colorimetric Test for Food Authentication
Authors: Valentini Paola , Galimberti Andrea , Mezzasalma Valerio , De Mattia Fabrizio , Casiraghi Maurizio , Labra Massimo , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: May 2017

Food trade globalization and the growing demand for selected food varieties have led to the intensification of adulteration cases, especially in the form of species substitution and mixing with cheaper taxa. This phenomenon has huge economic impact and sometimes even public health implications. DNA barcoding represents a well‐proven molecular approach to assess the authenticity of food items, although its use is hampered by analytical constraints and timeframes that are often prohibitive for the food market. To address such issues, we have introduced a new technology, named NanoTracer, that allows for rapid and naked‐eye molecular traceability of any food and requires limited instrumentation and cost‐effective reagents. Moreover, unlike sequencing, this method can be used to identify not only the substitution of a fine ingredient, but also its dilution with cheaper ones.
Einzelatom‐Elektrokatalysatoren
Authors: Zhu Chengzhou , Fu Shaofang , Shi Qiurong , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: May 2017

Seit einigen Jahren erleben wir einen deutlichen Anstieg bei der Erzeugung nachhaltiger und erneuerbarer Energien. Allerdings sind die elektrochemischen Ausbeuten der verschiedenen Energiegewinnungssysteme limitiert, und es findet daher eine intensive Suche nach hocheffizienten Elektrokatalysatoren durch rationale Kontrolle von Größe, Form, Zusammensetzung und Struktur statt. Von besonderem Interesse für die Elektrokatalyse sind Einzelatomkatalysatoren (single‐atom catalysts, SACs), die sich durch hohe katalytische Aktivitäten, Stabilität, Selektivität und 100 % Atomausnutzung auszeichnen. In diesem Aufsatz stellen wir innovative Synthesen und Charakterisierungstechniken für SACs vor, mit einem Fokus auf elektrochemischen Anwendungen in der Sauerstoffreduktion und Sauerstoffentwicklung, der Wasserstoffentwicklung und der Kohlenwasserstoffkonversion in Brennstoffzellen (Elektrooxidation von Methanol, Ethanol und Ameisensäure). Wir betrachten ferner elektrokatalytische Vorgänge auf atomarer Ebene und erörtern die zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen. Das ultimative Ziel dieser Forschungen ist die maßgeschneiderte Nutzung einzelner Atome für elektrochemische Anwendungen.
α‐Radical Phosphines: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity
Authors: Gu Lianghu , Zheng Yiying , Haldón Estela , Goddard Richard , Bill Eckhard , Thiel Walter , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: May 2017

A series of phosphines featuring a persistent radical were synthesized in two steps by condensation of dialkyl‐/diarylchlorophosphines with stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs) followed by one‐electron reduction of the corresponding cationic intermediates. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational data indicate that the spin density in these phosphines is mainly localized on the original carbene carbon from the cAAC fragment; thus, it remains in the α‐position with respect to the central phosphorus atom. The potential of these α‐radical phosphines to serve as spin‐labeled ligands is demonstrated through the preparation of several AuI derivatives, which were also structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Enables the Self‐Healing of Sensors for Human–Machine Interactions
Authors: Cao Jie , Lu Canhui , Zhuang Jian , Liu Manxiao , Zhang Xinxing , Yu Yanmei , Tao Qingchuan
Published: May 2017

Despite its widespread use in signal collection, flexible sensors have been rarely used in human–machine interactions owing to its indistinguishable signal, poor reliability, and poor stability when inflicted with unavoidable scratches and/or mechanical cuts. A highly sensitive and self‐healing sensor enabled by multiple hydrogen bonding network and nanostructured conductive network is demonstrated. The nanostructured supramolecular sensor displays extremely fast (ca. 15 s) and repeatable self‐healing ability with high healing efficiency (93 % after the third healing process). It can precisely detect tiny human motions, demonstrating highly distinguishable and reliable signals even after cutting–healing and bending over 20 000 cycles. Furthermore, a human–machine interaction system is integrated to develop a facial expression control system and an electronic larynx, aiming to control the robot to assist the patient's daily life and help the mute to realize real‐time speaking.
Structure and Biosynthesis of Crocagins: Polycyclic Posttranslationally Modified Ribosomal Peptides from Chondromyces crocatus
Authors: Viehrig Konrad , Surup Frank , Volz Carsten , Herrmann Jennifer , Abou Fayad Antoine , Adam Sebastian , Köhnke Jesko , Trauner Dirk , Müller Rolf
Published: May 2017

Secondary metabolome mining efforts in the myxobacterial multiproducer of natural products, Chondromyces crocatus Cm c5, resulted in the isolation and structure elucidation of crocagins, which are novel polycyclic peptides containing a tetrahydropyrrolo[2,3‐b]indole core. The gene cluster was identified through an approach combining genome analysis, targeted gene inactivation in the producer, and in vitro experiments. Based on our findings, we developed a biosynthetic scheme for crocagin biosynthesis. These natural products are formed from the three C‐terminal amino acids of a precursor peptide and thus belong to a novel class of ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). We demonstrate that crocagin A binds to the carbon storage regulator protein CsrA, thereby inhibiting the ability of CsrA to bind to its cognate RNA target.
Morphological Control of Heteroleptic cis‐ and trans‐Pd2L2L′2 Cages
Authors: Bloch Witold M. , Holstein Julian J. , Hiller Wolf , Clever Guido H.
Published: May 2017

Control over the integrative self‐sorting of metallo‐supramolecular assemblies opens up possibilities for introducing increased complexity and function into a single self‐assembled architecture. Herein, the relationship between the geometry of three ligand components and morphology of three self‐sorted heteroleptic [Pd2L2L′2]4+ cages is examined. Pd‐mediated assembly of two bis‐monodentate pyridyl ligands with native bite angles of 75° and 120° affords a cis‐[Pd2L2L′2]4+ cage while the same reaction with two ligands with bite angles of 75° and 60° gives an unprecedented, self‐penetrating structural motif; a trans‐[Pd2(anti‐L)2L′2]4+ heteroleptic cage with a “doubly bridged figure eight” topology. Each heteroleptic assembly can be formed by cage‐to‐cage conversion of the homoleptic precursors and morphological control of [Pd2L2L′2] cages is achieved by selective ligand displacement transformations in a system of three ligands and at least six possible cage products.
Characterization and thermal studies of nano‐synthesized Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with adipohydrazone ligand as new promising antimicrobial and antitumor agents
Authors: Gaber Mohamed , Khedr Abdalla M. , Elsharkawy Mohsen
Published: May 2017

New seven complexes of N1,N6‐bis((2‐hydroxynaphthalin‐1‐yl)methinyl))adipohydrazone (H2L) with MnCl2•4H2O, CoCl2•6H2O, NiCl2•6H2O, CuCl2•2H2O, Cu(NO3)2•3H2O, CuSO4•5H2O, and Cu(OAc)2•2H2O have been prepared and characterized by the aid of elemental and thermal analyses, spectra (FT‐IR, 1H NMR, MS, UV‐Vis, ESR, X‐ray powder diffraction), molar conductance and magnetic moment measurements. The XRD results unambiguously confirmed the nano‐sized particles of the complexes. The results showed that H2L behaves as dibasic tetra‐dentate ligand towards the metal ions of interest. The low molar conductance values revealed the non‐electrolytic nature for the chelates. The magnetic moment data, UV‐Vis and ESR spectra denoted the formation of octahedral geometries for Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes, whereas Co(II), Cu(II) complexes exhibited tetrahedral arrangement. The activation parameters for the thermal decomposition stages were calculated from TGA curves using Coats‐Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger methods. The obtained data were confirmed by 3‐D molecular modeling of the ligand and some complexes. The investigated compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities against different types of organisms and antitumor activities towards human liver Carcinoma (HEPG2) cell to access their potential chemotherapeutic use. The free ligand (H2L) exhibited a weak inhibition of cell viability with IC50 of 11.80 μg/ml, complexes 4, 6 and 7 showed a moderate activity with IC50 of 5.56, 7.71 and 5.67 μg/ml, whereas complexes 1, 2, 3, and 5 displayed a strong anticancer activity with IC50 of 4.65, 3.97, 3.30 and 4.84 μg/ml, compared with IC50 value of 4.73 μg/ml for the doxorubicin (standard cytotoxin drug).
Effect of polymer latexes with varied glass transition temperature on cement hydration
Authors: Lu Zichen , Kong Xiangming , Zhang Chaoyang , Cai Yi , Zhang Qing , Zhang Yanrong
Published: May 2017

Influence of styrene‐acrylate latexes with varied glass transition temperature (Tg) on cement hydration was studied and the mechanism was analyzed. Results show that polymer latexes with varied Tg retard cement hydration to different extents. Specifically, low Tg polymer shows stronger retardation effect than the high Tg polymer. Despite similar surface charges, colloidal particles with lower Tg exhibit higher affinity to surface of cement grains than the high Tg polymer, indicated by the higher adsorption amount and denser covering layer. The low Tg polymer experiences particle packing, deforming, and film forming processes along with the consumption of water during cement hydration, which eventually produces a covering layer of polymer surrounding cement grains. However, for the high Tg polymer, film forming process is absent. Consequently, the higher adsorption amount and the film‐formation process along with cement hydration are the two reasons for the stronger retardation effect of the low Tg polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45264.
Preparation and characterization of carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyamide composite nanofiltration membranes with improved performance
Authors: Li Hongbin , Shi Wenying , Su Yuheng , Zhang Haixia , Qin Xiaohong
Published: May 2017

Polyamide thin‐film composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes were prepared via the interfacial polymerization (IP) process of piperazine and 1,3,5‐trimesoyl chloride on the polysulfone/nonwoven fabric ultrafiltration membrane surface. Carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (cMWNTs) were incorporated into the aqueous phase during the IP process to improve the membrane performance. The composition and morphology of the membrane surface were examined by means of attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectrometry, and atomic force microscopy. The effects of the cMWNTs content on the membrane hydrophilicity, separation performance, and antifouling properties were characterized through water contact angle and crossflow filtration measurements. The experimental results show that membrane surface hydrophilicity, water permeability, salt rejection (R), and antifouling properties all improved. In particular, when the cMWNTs content was 50 ppm, the magnesium sulfate R of the composite NF membrane reached a maximum value of 98.5%; meanwhile, the membrane obtained an obviously enhanced water flux (62.1 L m−2 h−1 at 0.7 MPa), which was two times larger than that of the original NF membrane. The modified NF membranes showed enhanced antifouling properties; this was mainly attributed to changes in the microstructures and surface features of the polyamide layer after the addition of the cMWNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45268.
Oxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridine‐Based Piperazinamides as GSK‐3β Inhibitors with Potential for Attenuating Inflammation and Suppression of Pro‐Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Tantray Mushtaq A. , Khan Imran , Hamid Hinna , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Dhulap Abhijeet , Ganai Ajaz Ahmad
Published: May 2017

Recent studies reveal that glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) acts as a pro‐inflammatory enzyme, and by inhibiting this kinase, inflammation can be controlled. In this regard, a series of 17 piperazine‐linked oxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridine‐based derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for in vitro GSK‐3β inhibitory and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity. The compounds 7d, 7e, 7g, and 7c displayed the best GSK‐3β inhibitory activity among all the synthesized compounds, with corresponding IC50 values of 0.34, 0.39, 0.47, and 0.53 µM. Among the compounds 7d, 7e, 7g, and 7c examined for in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity in the rat paw edema model, compound 7d exhibited maximum inhibition, reducing the paw volume by 62.79 and 65.91% at 3 and 5 h post‐carrageenan administration, respectively, in comparison to indomethacin (76.74% at 3 h and 79.54% at 5 h after carrageenan administration). Furthermore, these compounds (7d, 7e, 7g, and 7c) were also found to substantially inhibit pro‐inflammatory mediators, i.e., TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, ex vivo in comparison to indomethacin and did not pose any gastric ulceration risk, indicating the potential of this oxazolopyridine scaffold for the development of GSK‐3β inhibitors and their application as anti‐inflammatory agents.
Effective, Low‐Cost Recovery of Toxic Arsenate Anions from Water by Using Hollow‐Sphere Geode Traps
Authors: Shenashen Mohamed A. , Akhtar Naeem , Selim Mahmoud M. , Morsy Wafaa M. , Yamaguchi Hitoshi , Kawada Satoshi , Alhamid Abdulaziz A. , Ohashi Naoki , Ichinose Izumi , Alamoudi Ahmad S. , El‐Safty Sherif A.
Published: May 2017

Because of the devastating impact of arsenic on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, the recovery, removal, disposal, and management of arsenic‐contaminated water is a considerable challenge and has become an urgent necessity in the field of water treatment. This study reports the controlled fabrication of a low‐cost adsorbent based on microscopic C‐,N‐doped NiO hollow spheres with geode shells composed of poly‐CN nanospherical nodules (100 nm) that were intrinsically stacked and wrapped around the hollow spheres to form a shell with a thickness of 500–700 nm. This C‐,N‐doped NiO hollow‐sphere adsorbent (termed CNN) with multiple diffusion routes through open pores and caves with connected open macro/meso windows over the entire surface and well‐dispersed hollow‐sphere particles that create vesicle traps for the capture, extraction, and separation of arsenate (AsO43−) species from aqueous solution. The CNN structures are considered to be a potentially attractive adsorbent for AsO43− species due to 1) superior removal and trapping capacity from water samples and 2) selective trapping of AsO43− from real water samples that mainly contained chloride and nitrate anions and Fe2+, and Mn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations. The structural stability of the hierarchal geodes was evident after 20 cycles without any significant decrease in the recovery efficiency of AsO43− species. To achieve low‐cost adsorbents and toxic‐waste management, this superior CNN AsO43− dead‐end trapping and recovery system evidently enabled the continuous control of AsO43− disposal in water‐scarce environments, presents a low‐cost and eco‐friendly adsorbent for AsO43− species, and selectively produced water‐free arsenate species. These CNN geode traps show potential as excellent adsorbent candidates in environment remediation tools and human healthcare.
Probabilities Associated with Precise and Vague Forecasts
Authors: Løhre Erik , Teigen Karl Halvor
Published: May 2017

Forecasts of future outcomes, such as the consequences of climate change, are given with different degrees of precision. Logically, more precise forecasts (e.g., a temperature increase of 3–4°) have a smaller probability of capturing the actual outcome than less precise forecasts (e.g., a temperature increase of 2–6°). Nevertheless, people often trust precise forecasts more than vague forecasts, perhaps because precision is associated with knowledge and expertise. In five experiments, we ask whether people expect highly confident forecasts to be associated with wider or narrower outcome ranges than less confident forecasts (Experiments 1, 2, and 5), and, conversely, whether they expect precise forecasts to be issued with higher or lower confidence than vague forecasts (Experiments 3 and 4). The results revealed two distinct ways of thinking about confidence intervals, labeled distributional (wide intervals seen as more probable than narrow intervals) and associative (wide intervals seen as more uncertain than narrow intervals). Distributional responses occurred somewhat more often in within‐subjects designs, where wide and narrow prediction intervals and high and low probability estimates can be directly compared, whereas separate evaluations (in between‐subjects design) suggested associative responses to be slightly more frequent. These findings are relevant for experts communicating forecasts through confidence intervals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembly of two hydrophobins from marine fungi affected by interaction with surfaces
Authors: Cicatiello Paola , Dardano Principia , Pirozzi Marinella , Gravagnuolo Alfredo M. , De Stefano Luca , Giardina Paola
Published: May 2017

Hydrophobins are amphiphilic fungal proteins endowed with peculiar characteristics, such as a high surface activity and an interface triggered self‐assembly. Several applications of these proteins have been proposed in the food, cosmetics and biomedical fields. Moreover, their use as proteinaceous coatings can be effective for materials and nanomaterials applications. The discovery of novel hydrophobins with diverse properties may be advantageous from both the scientific and industrial points of view. Stressful environmental conditions of fungal growth may induce the production of proteins with peculiar features. Two Class I hydrophobins from fungi isolated from marine environment have been recently purified. Herein, their propensity to aggregate forming nanometric fibrillar structures has been compared, using different techniques, such as circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. Furthermore, TEM and AFM images indicate that the interaction of these proteins with specific surfaces, are crucial in the formation of amyloid fibrils and in the assembly morphologies. These self‐assembling proteins show promising properties as bio‐coating for different materials via a green process. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2173–2186. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global circular RNA expression profile of human gastric cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Shao Yongfu , Li Jinyun , Lu Rongdan , Li Tianwen , Yang Yunben , Xiao Bingxiu , Guo Junming
Published: May 2017

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of noncoding RNAs. However, the expression profile and clinical significance of circRNAs in human gastric cancer is unclear. The global circRNA expression profile in human gastric cancer was measured by circRNA microarray. Hsa_circ_0014717, one of the most downregulated circRNAs in microarray, was selected as a targeted circRNA to explore its levels in gastric tissues and gastric juice. Freeze‐thaw experiment and incubation experiment confirmed the stability of gastric juice circRNAs. A total of 308 circRNAs, including 107 (34.74%) upregulated and 201 (65.26%) downregulated circRNAs, were found significantly aberrantly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. The top ten upregulated in gastric cancer tissues were hsa_circ_0035445, hsa_circ_0003789, hsa_circ_0063809, hsa_circ_0074362, hsa_circ_0006282, hsa_circ_0011107, hsa_circ_0084606, hsa_circ_0005556, hsa_circ_0050547, and hsa_circ_0006470, while the top ten downregulated ones were hsa_circ_0007099, hsa_circ_0001897, hsa_circ_0007707, hsa_circ_0008832, hsa_circ_0001546, hsa_circ_0002089, hsa_circ_0004680, hsa_circ_0000154, hsa_circ_0004458, and hsa_circ_0008394. The hot‐point chromosomes were chr1, chr2, chr3, chr9, and chr17. Hsa_circ_0014717 was significantly downregulated in 77.2% (74/96) gastric cancer tissues. Its levels in gastric cancer tissues were related to tumor stage (P = 0.037), distal metastasis (P = 0.048), tissue carcinoembryonic antigen (P = 0.001), and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 expression (P = 0.021). More importantly, hsa_circ_0014717 can stably exist in human gastric juice; and its nature meets the requirements of clinical detection. Our study uncovered the circRNA expression profile in human gastric cancer. Moreover, some circRNAs can stably exist in human body fluid, and has the potential to be used as novel biomarkers for the screening of high‐risk gastric cancer patients.
Ubiquitination in melanoma pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Ma Jinyuan , Guo Weinan , Li Chunying
Published: May 2017

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers with fiercely increasing incidence and mortality. Since the progressive understanding of the mutational landscape and immunologic pathogenic factors in melanoma, the targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been recently established and gained unprecedented improvements for melanoma treatment. However, the prognosis of melanoma patients remains unoptimistic mainly due to the resistance and nonresponse to current available drugs. Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification which plays crucial roles in diverse cellular biological activities and participates in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including melanoma. Through the regulation of multiple tumor promoters and suppressors, ubiquitination is emerging as the key contributor and therefore a potential therapeutic target for melanoma. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of ubiquitination in melanoma, from mechanistic insights to clinical progress, and discuss the prospect of ubiquitination modification in melanoma treatment.
Neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Zhan Han‐Xiang , Xu Jian‐Wei , Wu Dong , Wu Zhi‐Yang , Wang Lei , Hu San‐Yuan , Zhang Guang‐Yong
Published: May 2017

There is a strong rationale and many theoretical advantages for neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, study results have varied significantly. In this study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies were performed in order to evaluate safety and effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy in PC. Thirty‐nine studies were selected (n = 1458 patients), with 14 studies focusing on patients with resectable disease (group 1), and 19 studies focusing on patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced disease (group 2). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 97.4% of the studies, in which 76.9% was given radiotherapy and 74.4% administered with chemoradiation. The complete and partial response rate was 3.8% and 20.9%. The incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity was 11.3%. The overall resection rate after neoadjuvant therapy was 57.7% (group 1: 73.0%, group 2: 40.2%). The R0 resection rate was 84.2% (group 1: 88.2%, group 2: 79.4%). The overall survival for all patients was 16.79 months (resected 24.24, unresected 9.81; group 1: 17.76, group 2: 16.20). Our results demonstrate that neoadjuvant therapy has not been proven to be beneficial and should be considered with caution in patients with resectable PC. Patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced disease may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy, but further research is needed.
Role of treatment on the development of secondary malignancies in patients with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Santoro Cristina , Sperduti Isabella , Latagliata Roberto , Baldacci Erminia , Anaclerico Barbara , Avvisati Giuseppe , Breccia Massimo , Buccisano Francesco , Cedrone Michele , Cimino Giuseppe , De Gregoris Cinzia , De Muro Marianna , Di Veroli Ambra , Leonetti Crescenzi Sabrina , Montanaro Marco , Montefusco Enrico , Porrini Raffaele , Rago Angela , Spadea Antonio , Spirito Francesca , Villivà Nicoletta , Andriani Alesssandro , Alimena Giuliana , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella
Published: May 2017

Aim of this study is to explore the role of different treatments on the development of secondary malignancies (SMs) in a large cohort of essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients. We report the experience of a regional cooperative group in a real‐life cohort of 1026 patients with ET. We divided our population into five different groups: group 0, no treatment; group 1, hydroxyurea (HU); group 2, alkylating agents (ALK); group 3, ALK + HU sequentially or in combination; and group 4, anagrelide (ANA) and/or α‐interferon (IFN) only. Patients from groups 1, 2, and 3 could also have been treated either with ANA and/or IFN in their medical history, considering these drugs not to have an additional cytotoxic potential. In all, 63 of the 1026 patients (6%) developed 64 SM during the follow‐up, after a median time of 50 months (range: 2–158) from diagnosis. In univariate analysis, a statistically significant difference was found only for gender (P = 0.035) and age (P = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, a statistically significant difference was maintained for both gender and age (gender HR1.7 [CI 95% 1.037–2.818] P = 0.035; age HR 4.190 [CI 95% 2.308–7.607] P = 0.0001). The impact of different treatments on SMs development was not statistically significant. In our series of 1026 ET patients, diagnosed and followed during a 30‐year period, the different therapies administered, comprising HU and ALK, do not appear to have impacted on the development of SM. A similar rate of SMs was observed also in untreated patients. The only two variables which showed a statistical significance were male gender and age >60 years.
Inhibition of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as a potential targeted therapy of advanced gastric carcinoma
Authors: Xue Li‐Jun , Mao Xiao‐Bei , Ren Li‐Li , Chu Xiao‐Yuan
Published: May 2017

The whole outcome for patients with gastric carcinoma (GC) is very poor because most of them remain metastatic disease during survival even at diagnosis or after surgery. Despite many improvements in multiple strategies of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, exploration of novel alternative therapeutic targets is still warranted. Chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) have been identified with significantly elevated levels in various malignancies including GC, which correlates with the survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells. Increasing experimental evidence suggests an implication of inhibition of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as a promising targeted therapy, although there are rare trials focused on the therapeutic efficacy of CXCR4 inhibitors in GC until recently. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that specific antagonists or antibodies targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 axis alone or combined with chemotherapy will be effective and worthy of further translational studies as a potential treatment strategy in advanced GC.
Predictive model for high‐frequency microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer patients over 50 years of age
Authors: Fujiyoshi Kenji , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Kakuta Miho , Takahashi Akemi , Arai Yoshiko , Yamada Mina , Yamamoto Gou , Ohde Sachiko , Takao Misato , Horiguchi Shin‐ichiro , Natsume Soichiro , Kazama Shinsuke , Nishizawa Yusuke , Nishimura Yoji , Akagi Yoshito , Sakamoto Hirohiko , Akagi Kiwamu
Published: May 2017

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important biomarker for screening for Lynch syndrome, and also of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of this study is to create a predictive model to determine which elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) should undergo MSI and/or immunohistochemistry testing on the basis of clinicopathological data. We analyzed a test cohort of CRC patients aged ≥50 years (n = 2219) by multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify predictors of high‐frequency MSI (MSI‐H). The created prediction model was validated in an external cohort (n = 992). The frequency of MSI‐H was 5.5% among CRC patients aged ≥ 50 years. The following five predictors of MSI‐H were identified in the test cohort: female (1 point), mucinous component (2 points), tumor size ≥ 60 mm (2 points), location in proximal colon (3 points), and BRAF mutation (6 points). The area under curve (AUC) in the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of this prediction model was 0.832 (95% confidence interval: 0.790–0.874). The sensitivity and specificity were 74.4% and 77.7%, respectively, for a cut‐off score of 4 points. The receiver‐operating characteristic curve of the validation cohort also showed an AUC of 0.856 (95% CI: 0.806–0.905). This prediction model is useful to select elderly CRC patients who should undergo MSI testing, and who may benefit from treatment with 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy and cancer immunotherapy.
Should I stay or should I go? The impact of a sense of control on young men's therapeutic engagement
Authors: Doherty Matthew , Conway Jane , Clark Jane , Merritt Frankie
Published: May 2017

Background

Despite the fact that young men are difficult to engage in counselling, there is a paucity of research that examines the factors that may influence their decision making to enter, remain in or exit from therapy. One area that has remained particularly unrepresented in the literature is the role that a sense of control plays in this process.

Aim/Methodology

Using a narrative approach, this study aimed to explore the stories of young men aged 18–25 and in doing so illuminated the impact of control on their counselling experiences.

Findings

The study suggests that control impacts on young men's therapy‐related decision‐making in three distinct ways: making the decision to engage in therapy; controlling the process of therapy; and choosing who knows about the therapy.

Implications

These emergent domains suggest that incorporating and discussing control with young male clients may provide the therapist with a means of increasing a young male's therapeutic engagement.
Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oils from Fresh and Air‐Dried Aerial Parts of Pallenis spinosa
Authors: Al‐Qudah Mahmoud A. , Saleh Ayman M. , Alhawsawi Naif L. , Al‐Jaber Hala I. , Rizvi Syed A. , Afifi Fatma U.
Published: May 2017

This study was performed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of fresh (F‐PSEO) and air‐dried (D‐PSEO) Pallenis spinosa. The composition of the oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry, the antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging and metal chelating assays, and their cytotoxicity by a flow cytometry analysis. The primary components in both oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygentated sesquiterpenes. F‐PSEO contained 36 different compounds; α‐cadinol (16.48%), germacra‐1(10),5‐diene‐3,4‐diol (14.45%), γ‐cadinene (12.03%), and α‐muurolol (9.89%) were the principal components. D‐PSEO contained 53 molecules; α‐cadinol (19.26%), δ‐cadinene (13.93%), α‐muurolol (12.88%), and germacra‐1(10),5‐diene‐3,4‐diol (8.41%) constituted the highest percentages. Although both oils exhibited a weak radical scavenging and chelating activity, compared to α‐tocopherol and ascorbic acid, D‐PSEO showed a 2‐fold greater antioxidant activity than F‐PSEO. Furthermore, low doses of F‐PSEO were able to inhibit the growth of leukemic (HL‐60, K562, and Jurkat) and solid tumor cells (MCF‐7, HepG2, HT‐1080, and Caco‐2) with an IC50 range of 0.25 – 0.66 μg/ml and 0.50 – 2.35 μg/ml, respectively. F‐PSEO showed a ca. 2 – 3‐fold stronger cytotoxicity against the tested cells than D‐PSEO. The potent growth inhibitory effect of the plant essential oil encourages further studies to characterize the molecular mechanisms of its cytotoxicity.
Li12P3N9 with Non‐Condensed [P3N9]12−‐Rings and its High‐Pressure Polymorph Li4PN3 with Infinite Chains of PN4‐Tetrahedra
Authors: Bertschler Eva‐Maria , Niklaus Robin , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Li12P3N9 was synthesized by solid‐state reaction of Li3N and P3N5 at 790 °C. It is made up of non‐condensed [P3N9]12− dreier‐rings of PN4‐tetrahedra. The corresponding high‐pressure polymorph, Li4PN3, was synthesized under high‐pressure/high‐temperature conditions from Li12P3N9 or LiPN2 and Li7PN4 at 6 or 7 GPa, respectively, using the multianvil technique. Li4PN3 is the first lithium catena‐nitridophosphate and contains PN3 zweier‐chains of corner sharing PN4‐tetrahedra. To confirm the structure elucidated from single‐crystal X‐ray data, Rietveld refinement, 6Li, 7Li, and 31P solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and EDX measurements were carried out. To examine the phase transition of Li12P3N9 to Li4PN3 at 6 GPa and to corroborate the latter as the corresponding high‐pressure polymorph, DFT calculations were conducted. Electronic band gap and electron localization function (ELF) calculations were carried out to elucidate the electronic properties and bonding behavior of both polymorphs.
Artificial Enzyme‐based Logic Operations to Mimic an Intracellular Enzyme‐participated Redox Balance System
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: May 2017

Owing to the biocatalytic properties of artificial enzymes and the redox characteristic of glutathione, a colorimetric and resettable biological operation was successfully designed to mimic enzyme‐participated redox balance in living systems. As one promising candidate of a natural enzyme, artificial enzyme possesses many advantages and has been used in numerous fields. Similar to natural enzymes, communications are also present between different artificial enzymes. With the assistance of four artificial enzymes, three simple biological logic gates were fabricated to help us deepen the understanding of communications between artificial enzymes. In the presence of glutathione, the system could be easily reset without any complicated procedures. We prospect that this work may push forward the exploration of communications between different artificial enzymes and the design of novel artificial enzyme‐based biological gates or nanodevices. We hope that our mimic system may help us further understand the functioning of complex biological pathways in biological systems.
New Insights into the Role of Al2O3 in the Promotion of CuZnAl Catalysts: A Model Study
Authors: Hu Jun , Song Yanying , Huang Junjie , Li Yangyang , Chen Mingshu , Wan Huilin
Published: May 2017

The Cu/Al2O3/ZnO(0001)‐Zn ternary model catalysts and their binary analogues were prepared and characterized. It was found that Al2O3 grew on the ZnO(0001)‐Zn surface by a layer‐by‐layer model, whereas Cu grew on the ZnO(0001)‐Zn surface as two‐dimensional clusters up to 0.2 monolayers (ML), and thereafter formed three‐dimensional clusters. Because of the layer‐by‐layer growth of Al2O3 on the ZnO(0001)‐Zn, Cu/Al2O3 can be considered without the effect of ZnO. Ternary model catalyst Cu/Al2O3/ZnO(0001)‐Zn, which has all three parts on the surface, was prepared by deposition of Cu on the surface of Al2O3/ZnO(0001)‐Zn. Low‐energy ion scattering spectra showed that Cu preferred to locate at the Al2O3/ZnO interfaces. Compared with Cu/ZnO, the addition of Al2O3 obviously suppressed the reduction of copper oxides and led to a higher concentration of Cu+. The Cu clusters were found to be covered by thin ZnOx overlayers after reduction of Cu/Al2O3/ZnO(0001)‐Zn by using H2. Therefore, the high activity of industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts may origin from Cu+‐rich clusters at the Al2O3/ZnO interface that are covered by thin ZnOx overlayers.
Selective Bromination of Graphene Oxide by the Hunsdiecker Reaction
Authors: Jankovský Ondřej , Lojka Michal , Luxa Jan , Sedmidubský David , Tomanec Ondřej , Zbořil Radek , Pumera Martin , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: May 2017

Halogenated graphenes have been attracting great attention in the recent years. The currently used methods are usually non‐specific, and halogen groups are randomly distributed over the graphene. Here we demonstrate a selective graphene functionalization based on a well known reaction mechanism—Hunsdiecker reaction—applied on selective bromination of graphene oxide. The chemical analysis using various spectroscopic methods proved a high efficiency of this functionalization method. Bromination can be carried out under mild conditions without any high temperature or high pressure treatment. The chemical modification led to introduction of up to 20 wt.% of bromine covalently bonded to the graphene skeleton. The modified graphene was characterized in detail using a broad range of microscopic and spectroscopic methods and no significant contamination by reaction by‐products was detected.
A Novel Open‐Framework Copper Borovanadate with Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Oxidation of Benzylic C−H Bond
Authors: Feng Yuquan , Zhong Zhiguo , Wang Hongwei , Fan Huitao , Bi Dongqin , Wang Lu , Xing Zhengzheng , Qiu Dongfang
Published: May 2017

A novel open‐framework copper borovanadate, with a 6‐connected topological net and 1D 8‐membered ring channels, has been obtained for the first time. The compound not only exhibits a unique ‐B3O7(OH)‐Cu‐B(OH)3 linkage and features the largest ratio between TM2+(Cu2+) and the borovanadate anion, but also possesses enhanced catalytic performance, high recyclability, and stability during the oxidation of benzylic C−H bonds.
Dynamic data science and official statistics
Authors: Thompson Mary E.
Published: May 2017

Many of the challenges and opportunities of data science have to do with dynamic factors: a growing volume of administrative and commercial data on individuals and establishments, continuous flows of data and the capacity to analyze and summarize them in real time, and the necessity for resources to maintain them. With its emphasis on data quality and supportable results, the practice of Official Statistics faces a variety of statistical and data science issues. This article discusses the importance of population frames and their maintenance; the potential for use of multi‐frame methods and linkages; how the use of large scale non‐survey data may shape the objects of inference; the complexity of models for large data sets; the importance of recursive methods and regularization; and the benefits of sophisticated spatial visualization tools in capturing spatial variation and temporal change.The Canadian Journal of Statistics46: 10–23; 2018 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
“Real life” longevity of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator devices
Authors: Manolis Antonis S. , Maounis Themistoklis , Koulouris Spyridon , Vassilikos Vassilios
Published: May 2017

Background

Manufacturers of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) promise a 5‐ to 9‐year projected longevity; however, real‐life data indicate otherwise. The aim of the present study was to assess ICD longevity among 685 consecutive patients over the last 20 years.

Hypothesis

Real‐life longevity of ICDs may differ from that stated by the manufacturers.

Methods

The study included 601 men and 84 women (mean age, 63.1 ± 13.3 years). The underlying disease was coronary (n = 396) or valvular (n = 15) disease, cardiomyopathy (n = 220), or electrical disease (n = 54). The mean ejection fraction was 35%. Devices were implanted for secondary (n = 562) or primary (n = 123) prevention. Single‐ (n = 292) or dual‐chamber (n = 269) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices (n = 124) were implanted in the abdomen (n = 17) or chest (n = 668).

Results

Over 20 years, ICD pulse generator replacements were performed in 238 patients (209 men; age 63.7 ± 13.9 years; ejection fraction, 37.7% ± 14.0%) who had an ICD for secondary (n = 210) or primary (n = 28) prevention. The mean ICD longevity was 58.3 ± 18.7 months. In 20 (8.4%) patients, devices exhibited premature battery depletion within 36 months. Most (94%) patients had none, minor, or modest use of ICD therapy. Longevity was longest for single‐chamber devices and shortest for CRT devices. Latest‐generation devices replaced over the second decade lasted longer compared with devices replaced during the first decade. When analyzed by manufacturer, Medtronic devices appeared to have longer longevity by 13 to 18 months.

Conclusions

ICDs continue to have limited longevity of 4.9 ± 1.6 years, and 8% demonstrate premature battery depletion by 3 years. CRT devices have the shortest longevity (mean, 3.8 years) by 13 to 17 months, compared with other ICD devices. These findings have important implications, particularly in view of the high expense involved with this type of electrical therapy.
Kinome‐Wide Profiling Prediction of Small Molecules
Authors: Sorgenfrei Frieda A. , Fulle Simone , Merget Benjamin
Published: May 2017

Extensive kinase profiling data, covering more than half of the human kinome, are available nowadays and allow the construction of activity prediction models of high practical utility. Proteochemometric (PCM) approaches use compound and protein descriptors, which enables the extrapolation of bioactivity values to thus far unexplored kinases. In this study, the potential of PCM to make large‐scale predictions on the entire kinome is explored, considering the applicability on novel compounds and kinases, including clinically relevant mutants. A rigorous validation indicates high predictive power on left‐out kinases and superiority over individual kinase QSAR models for new compounds. Furthermore, external validation on clinically relevant mutant kinases reveals an excellent predictive power for mutations spread across the ATP binding site.
Cost‐related medication nonadherence among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Kaul Sapna , Avila Jaqueline C. , Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Rodriguez Ana M. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Kirchhoff Anne C.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

This study investigated cost‐related medication nonadherence among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer and a comparison group in the United States.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional analysis of the 2013 to 2015 National Health Interview Survey was performed. N=953 patients who were diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 years were identified, and a comparison group was created using propensity scores. Cost‐related medication nonadherence was determined by individuals' report of skipping medication, taking less medication, or delaying filling medication to save money in the previous year. Covariates included demographics, insurance status, financial factors (eg, out‐of‐pocket health care expenditures), and health‐related factors (eg, comorbidity and mental distress). Chi‐square tests were used to compare nonadherence between survivors and the comparison group. Logistic regressions identified covariates associated with nonadherence.

RESULTS

Survivors were more likely to report nonadherence than the comparison group (23.8% vs 14.3%; P < .001). Survivors were also more likely to report that they could not afford medication, asked their physician for lower cost medication, and used alternative therapies in the previous year to save money. Uninsured survivors were more likely to report nonadherence than those privately insured (odds ratio [OR], 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67‐6.09). Non‐Hispanic black survivors, those who reported greater mental distress, and those with greater comorbidities reported nonadherence more often than their counterparts. Survivors reporting a usual source of care were at a lower risk of nonadherence than those without it (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18‐0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Cost‐related communication with survivors may be needed to increase medication adherence. Uninsured and sicker survivors should receive regular screening to improve adherence. Future work should evaluate adherence for specific drugs. Cancer 2017;123:2726‐34. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic significance of promoter CpG island methylation of obesity‐related genes in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mendoza‐Pérez Julia , Gu Jian , Herrera Luis A. , Tannir Nizar M. , Zhang Shanyu , Matin Surena , Karam Jose A. , Wood Christopher G. , Wu Xifeng
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Greater than 40% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases in the United States are attributed to excessive body weight. Moreover, obesity also may be linked to RCC prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear. In the current study, the authors evaluated the role of promoter methylation in obesity‐related genes in RCC tumorigenesis and disease recurrence.

METHODS

Paired tumors (TU) and normal adjacent (N‐Adj) tissues from 240 newly diagnosed and previously untreated white patients with RCC were examined. For the discovery phase, 63 RCC pairs were analyzed. An additional 177 RCC pairs were evaluated for validation. Pyrosequencing was used to determine CpG methylation in 20 candidate obesity‐related genes. An independent data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas also was analyzed for functional validation. The association between methylation and disease recurrence was analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Methylation in neuropeptide Y (NPY), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) was significantly higher in TU compared with N‐Adj tissues (P<.0001) in both the discovery and validation groups. High methylation in LEPR was associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.23‐8.07 [P = .02]). Patients with high methylation in LEPR had a shorter recurrence‐free survival compared with patients in the low‐methylation group (log‐rank P = 2.25 × 10−3). In addition, high LEPR methylation in TU was associated with more advanced features (P≤.05). Consistent with the findings of the current study, lower LEPR expression in TU compared with N‐Adj tissues (P = 1.00 × 10−3) was found in data from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatic alterations of promoter methylation in the NPY, LEP, and LEPR genes are involved in RCC tumorigenesis. Furthermore, LEPR methylation appears to be associated with RCC recurrence. Future research to elucidate the biology underlying this association is warranted. Cancer 2017;123:3617‐27. © 2017 American Cancer Society.