bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deficient mismatch repair and RAS mutation in colorectal carcinoma patients: a retrospective study in Eastern China
Authors: Zhang Xiangyan , Ran Wenwen , Wu Jie , Li Hong , Liu Huamin , Wang Lili , Xiao Yujing , Wang Xiaonan , Li Yujun , Xing Xiaoming 
Published: February 2018

Objectives
To investigate the frequency and prognostic role of deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and RAS mutation in Chinese patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Methods
Clinical and pathological information from 813 patients were reviewed and recorded. Expression of mismatch repair proteins was tested by immunohistochemistry. Mutation analyses for RAS gene were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Correlations of mismatch repair status and RAS mutation status with clinicopathological characteristics and disease survival were determined.

Results
The overall percentage of dMMR was 15.18% (121/797). The proportion of dMMR was higher in patients <50 years old (p < 0.001) and in the right side of the colon (p < 0.001). Deficient mismatch repair was also associated with mucinous production (p < 0.001), poor differentiation (p < 0.001), early tumor stage (p < 0.05) and bowel wall invasion (p < 0.05). The overall RAS mutation rate was 45.88%, including 42.56% (346/813) KRAS mutation and 3.69% (30/813) NRAS mutation (including three patients with mutations in both). KRAS mutation was significantly associated with mucinous production (p < 0.05), tumor stage (p < 0.05) and was higher in non-smokers (p < 0.05) and patients with a family history of colorectal carcinoma (p < 0.05). Overall, 44.63% (54/121) dMMR tumors harbored KRAS mutation, however, dMMR tumors were less likely to have NRAS mutation. Moreover, dMMR, KRAS and NRAS mutation were not prognostic factors for stage I–III colorectal carcinoma.

Conclusions
This study confirms that the status of molecular markers involving mismatch repair status and RAS mutation reflects the specific clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal carcinoma.
Convolution‐based modified Clarkson integration (CMCI) for electron cutout factor calculation
Authors: Chang Jina , Lin Mu‐Han , Lu Weiguo , Chen Mingli , Jiang Steve 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElectron therapy is widely used to treat shallow tumors because of its characteristic sharp dose fall‐off beyond a certain range. A customized cutout is typically applied to block radiation to normal tissues. Determining the final monitor unit (MU) for electron treatment requires an output factor for the cutout, which is usually generated by measurement, especially for highly irregular cutouts. However, manual measurement requires a lengthy quality assurance process with possible errors. This work presents an accurate and efficient cutout output factor prediction model, convolution‐based modified Clarkson integration (CMCI), to replace patient‐specific output factor measurement. Like the Clarkson method, we decompose the field into basic sectors. Unlike the Clarkson integration method, we use annular sectors for output factor estimation. This decomposition method allows calculation via convolution. A 2D distribution of fluence is generated, and the output factor at any given point can be obtained. We applied our method to 10 irregularly shaped cutouts for breast patients for 6E, 9E, and 15E beams and compared the results with measurements and the electron Monte Carlo (eMC) calculation using the Eclipse planning system. While both the CMCI and eMC methods showed good agreement with chamber measurements and film measurements in relative distributions at the nominal source to surface distance (SSD) of 100 cm, eMC generated larger errors than the CMCI method at extended SSDs, with up to −9.28% deviations from the measurement for 6E beam. At extended SSD, the mean absolute errors of our method relative to measurements were 0.92 and 1.14, while the errors of eMC were 1.42 and 1.79 for SSD 105 cm and 110 cm, respectively. These results indicate that our method is more accurate than eMC, especially for low‐energy beams, and can be used for MU calculation and as a QA tool for electron therapy.
Increasing the Efficiency of Organic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells over 10.3% Using Locally Ordered Inverse Opal Nanostructures in the Photoelectrode
Authors: Xu Lin , Aumaitre Cyril , Kervella Yann , Lapertot Gérard , Rodríguez‐Seco Cristina , Palomares Emilio , Demadrille Renaud , Reiss Peter 
Published: February 2018

Abstract3D inverse opal (3D‐IO) oxides are very appealing nanostructures to be integrated into the photoelectrodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Due to their periodic interconnected pore network with a high pore volume fraction, they facilitate electrolyte infiltration and enhance light scattering. Nonetheless, preparing 3D‐IO structures directly on nonflat DSSC electrodes is challenging. Herein, 3D‐IO TiO2 structures are prepared by templating with self‐assembled polymethyl methacrylate spheres on glass substrates, impregnation with a mixed TiO2:SiO2 precursor and calcination. The specific surface increases from 20.9 to 30.7 m2 g−1 after SiO2 removal via etching, which leads to the formation of mesopores. The obtained nanostructures are scraped from the substrate, processed as a paste, and deposited on photoelectrodes containing a mesoporous TiO2 layer. This procedure maintains locally the 3D‐IO order. When sensitized with the novel benzothiadiazole dye YKP‐88, DSSCs containing the modified photoelectrodes exhibit an efficiency of 10.35% versus 9.26% for the same devices with conventional photoelectrodes. Similarly, using the ruthenium dye N719 as sensitizer an efficiency increase from 5.31% to 6.23% is obtained. These improvements originate mainly from an increase in the photocurrent density, which is attributed to an enhanced dye loading obtained with the mesoporous 3D‐IO structures due to SiO2 removal.
MRI‐Visible siRNA Nanomedicine Directing Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Stroke
Authors: Lu Liejing , Wang Yong , Zhang Fang , Chen Meiwei , Lin Bingling , Duan Xiaohui , Cao Minghui , Zheng Chushan , Mao Jiaji , Shuai Xintao , Shen Jun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA major challenge in stroke treatment is the restoration of neural circuit in which neuron function plays a central role. Although transplantation of exogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) is admittedly a promising therapeutical means, the treatment outcome is greatly affected due to the poor NSCs differentiation into neurons caused by myelin associated inhibitory factors binding to Nogo‐66 receptor (NgR). Herein, a nanoscale polymersome is developed to codeliver superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and siRNA targeting NgR gene (siNgR) into NSCs. This multifunctional nanomedicine directs neuronal differentiation of NSCs through silencing the NgR gene and meanwhile allows a noninvasive monitoring of NSC migration with magnetic resonance imaging. An improved recovery of neural function is achieved in rat ischemic stroke model. The results demonstrate the great potential of the multifunctional siRNA nanomedicine in stroke treatment based on stem cell transplantation.
Retracted: Ordered Mesoporous Ag–ZnO@g‐CN Nanohybrid as Highly Efficient Bifunctional Sensing Material
Authors: Malik Ritu , Tomer Vijay K. , Kienle Lorenz , Chaudhary Vandna , Nehra Satyapal , Duhan Surender 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe development of highly efficient and multifunctional sensors for accurately detecting indoor climate has always remained a challenging task. In this work, an important progress for nanocasting synthesis of ordered mesoporous Ag–ZnO‐loaded graphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) prepared through template inversion of mesoporous silica, KIT‐6, is presented. The cubic 3D ordered mesoporous Ag–ZnO@g‐CN nanohybrid demonstrates excellent sensitivity, rapid response/recovery (5.1/2 s), excellent reversibility (0.3%), high stability, and negligible hysteresis (0.5%) to relative humidity (%RH) in the 11–98%RH range. Besides, it shows outstanding selective response (R = Ra/Rg) of 62.4 and 37.6 under dry and 90%RH environment, respectively, along with a fast response/recovery (16.1/10.5 s) time toward detection of acetone at 200 °C. In addition, the sensor shows excellent response at significant lower operating temperatures (R = 3.2 at 60 °C and R = 6.7 at 80 °C) to 50 ppm acetone gas. Compared to mesoporous Ag–ZnO, the g‐CN supported Ag–ZnO nanocomposite shows ≈1.8 times better response to acetone while marking an impressive reduction in optimized operating temperature by 50 °C. The findings in this study add insight and assist in the further optimization of this new class of 2D layered ordered mesoporous materials in realizing next‐generation sensors with multiple utilities.
Implantable and Biodegradable Poly(l‐lactic acid) Fibers for Optical Neural Interfaces
Authors: Fu Ruxing , Luo Wenhan , Nazempour Roya , Tan Daxin , Ding He , Zhang Kaiyuan , Yin Lan , Guan Jisong , Sheng Xing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAdvanced optical fibers and photonic structures play important roles in neuroscience research, along with recent progresses of genetically encoded optical actuators and indicators. Most techniques for optical neural implants rely on fused silica or long‐lasting polymeric fiber structures. In this paper, implantable and biodegradable optical fibers based on poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) are presented. PLLA fibers with dimensions similar to standard silica fibers are constructed using a simple thermal drawing process at around 220 °C. The formed PLLA fibers exhibit high mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, and their structural evolution and optical property changes are systematically studied during in vitro degradation. In addition, their biocompatibility with brain tissues is evaluated in living mice, and full in vivo degradation is demonstrated. Finally, PLLA fibers are implemented as a tool for intracranial light delivery and detection, realizing deep brain fluorescence sensing and optogenetic interrogation in vivo. The presented materials and device platform offer paths to fully biocompatible and bioresorbable photonic systems for biomedical uses.
N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine improves bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells in prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia patients post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kong Yuan , Shi Min‐Min , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Cao Xie‐Na , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Xu Lan‐Ping , Huang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractProlonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PT) is a serious complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). According to murine studies, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in the regulation of hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We previously showed that the reduced frequency of BM EPCs was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of PT following allo‐HSCT. However, the functional role of BM EPCs and methods to improve the impaired BM EPCs in PT patients are unknown. In the current case‐control study, we investigated whether the BM EPCs in PT patients differed from those in good graft function patients. Moreover, we evaluated whether N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC, a reactive oxygen species [ROS] scavenger) could enhance BM EPCs from PT patients in vitro and in vivo. The PT patients exhibited dysfunctional BM EPCs characterized by high levels of ROS and apoptosis and decreased migration and angiogenesis capabilities. In vitro treatment with NAC improved the quantity and function of the BM EPCs cultivated from the PT patients by downregulating the p38 MAPK pathway and rescued the impaired BM EPCs to support megakaryocytopoiesis. Furthermore, according to the results of a preliminary clinical study, NAC is safe and effective in PT patients. In summary, these results suggested that the reduced and dysfunctional BM EPCs are involved in the occurrence of PT. The defective BM EPCs in the PT patients can be quantitatively and functionally improved by NAC, indicating that NAC is a promising therapeutic approach for PT patients following allo‐HSCT.
Supramolecular Nanostructures of Structurally Defined Graphene Nanoribbons in the Aqueous Phase
Authors: Huang Yinjuan , Dou Wei‐Tao , Xu Fugui , Ru Hong‐Bo , Gong Qiuyu , Wu Dongqing , Yan Deyue , Tian He , He Xiao‐Peng , Mai Yiyong , Feng Xinliang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStructurally well‐defined graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have attracted great interest because of their unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties. However, strong π–π interactions within GNRs result in poor liquid‐phase dispersibility, which impedes further investigation of these materials in numerous research areas, including supramolecular self‐assembly. Structurally defined GNRs were synthesized by a bottom‐up strategy, involving grafting of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains of different lengths (GNR‐PEO). PEO grafting of 42–51 % percent produces GNR‐PEO materials with excellent dispersibility in water with high GNR concentrations of up to 0.5 mg mL−1. The “rod–coil” brush‐like architecture of GNR‐PEO resulted in 1D hierarchical self‐assembly behavior in the aqueous phase, leading to the formation of ultralong nanobelts, or spring‐like helices, with tunable mean diameters and pitches. In aqueous dispersions the superstructures absorbed in the near‐infrared range, which enabled highly efficient conversion of photon energy into thermal energy.
Nitrogen‐Based Lewis Acids: Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Nitrenium Cation
Authors: Zhou Jiliang , Liu Liu Leo , Cao Levy L. , Stephan Douglas W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA room‐temperature‐stable crystalline cyclic (alkyl)(amino)nitrenium cation 2 features cationic nitrogen atom with a smaller HOMO–LUMO gap compared to that of a 1,2,3‐triazolium 5 (an N‐heterocyclic nitrenium cation). The low‐lying LUMO of 2 results in an enhanced electrophilicity, which allowed for the formation of Lewis adducts with neutral Lewis bases, such as Me3P, nBu3P, and IiPr. The N‐based Lewis acid 2 also forms an FLP with tBu3P but subsequently reacts with (PrS)2 to cleave the S−S bond. Both experimental and theoretical results suggest that the Lewis acidity of 2 is stronger than its N3 analogues.
Synthesis and Electronic Structure of Boron‐Graphdiyne with an sp‐Hybridized Carbon Skeleton and Its Application in Sodium Storage
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Xiaodong , Tu Zeyi , Zhao Fuhua , He Jianjiang , Guan Zhaoyong , Huang Changshui , Yi Yuanping , Li Yuliang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBoron‐graphdiyne (BGDY), which has a unique π‐conjugated structure comprising an sp‐hybridized carbon skeleton and evenlydistributed boron heteroatoms in a well‐organized 2D molecular plane, is prepared through a bottom‐up synthetic strategy. Excellent conductivity, a relatively low band gap and a packing mode of the planar BGDY are observed. Notably, the unusual bonding environment of the all sp‐carbon framework and the electron‐deficient boron centers generates affinity to metal atoms, and thus provides extra binding sites. Furthermore, the expanded molecule pores of the BGDY molecular plane can also facilitate the transfer of metal ions in the perpendicular direction. The practical effect of the all sp‐carbon structure and boron heteroatoms on the properties of BGDY are demonstrated in its performance as the anode in sodium‐ion batteries.
Randomized clinical trial of adjuvant gemcitabine chemotherapy versus observation in resected bile duct cancer
Authors: Ebata T , Hirano S , Konishi M , Uesaka K , Tsuchiya Y , Ohtsuka M , Kaneoka Y , Yamamoto M , Ambo Y , Shimizu Y , Ozawa F , Fukutomi A , Ando M , Nimura Y , Nagino M , Nakamori S , Ajiki T , Baba H , Yamaguchi R , Kawai M , Nagano H , Miura F , Arai T , Nishiwaki Y , Kawasaki S , Shinchi H , Shimoda M , Yamamoto Y , Endo I , Isaji S , Otsubo T , Ishihara S , Takahara T , Shimada M , Unno M , Imamura M , Ohkochi N , Murakami Y , Fujimoto J , Ikuta S , Fujino Y , Uebayashi M , Ishiyama S , Takakura N , Kumamoto Y , Kato T , Yoshioka I , Uemoto S , Yanaga K 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
Although some retrospective studies have suggested the value of adjuvant therapy, no recommended standard exists in bile duct cancer. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that adjuvant gemcitabine chemotherapy would improve survival probability in resected bile duct cancer.

Methods
This was a randomized phase III trial. Patients with resected bile duct cancer were assigned randomly to gemcitabine and observation groups, which were balanced with respect to lymph node status, residual tumour status and tumour location. Gemcitabine was given intravenously at a dose of 1000 mg/m2, administered on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks for six cycles. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and secondary endpoints were relapse-free survival, subgroup analysis and toxicity.

Results
Some 225 patients were included (117 gemcitabine, 108 observation). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the gemcitabine and observation groups. There were no significant differences in overall survival (median 62·3 versus 63·8 months respectively; hazard ratio 1·01, 95 per cent c.i. 0·70 to 1·45; P = 0·964) and relapse-free survival (median 36·0 versus 39·9 months; hazard ratio 0·93, 0·66 to 1·32; P = 0·693). There were no survival differences between the two groups in subsets stratified by lymph node status and margin status. Although haematological toxicity occurred frequently in the gemcitabine group, most toxicities were transient, and grade 3/4 non-haematological toxicity was rare.

Conclusion
The survival probability in patients with resected bile duct cancer was not significantly different between the gemcitabine adjuvant chemotherapy group and the observation group. Registration number: UMIN 000000820 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/).
Evaluation of Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center and International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group prognostic scoring systems to predict Overall Survival in intracranial Primary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Jahr Guro , Broi Michele Da , Holte Harald , Beiske Klaus , Meling Torstein R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the validity of Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) prognostic scoring systems for Overall Survival (OS) in intracranial Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) of all patients diagnosed at a single center.Material and MethodsPretreatment clinical factors including tumor characteristics and histology, treatment, and survival of PCNSL patients with diagnostic biopsies over a 12‐year period (2003–2014) were retrieved from a prospective database at Oslo University Hospital.ResultsSeventy‐nine patients with intracranial PCNSL were identified. The female:male ratio was 1:1.63 and the median age was 65.3 years [range 18.9–80.7]. Involvement of deep brain structures was shown in 63 patients. Six patients were MSKCC risk group 1, 35 patients were in risk group 2, and 38 patients were in risk group 3. International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group scores were <2 in 17 patients (22%). After a median follow‐up of 70.5 months, 55 patients were dead. Median OS was 16.4 months [range 0.2–157.7]. Age, sLDH by recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (ECOG), lesion size, involvement of deep brain structures, IELSG score, and MSKCC score were significant factors for OS in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of age (p < .05), sLDH by RPA (p < .005), ECOG (p < .05), and deep brain structure involvement (p < .05) for OS. The six‐tiered IELSG scores had to be dichotomized according to RPA analysis into <2 and ≥2 in order to have prognostic value. In contrast, when using the three‐tiered MSKCC, three distinct risk groups were identified.ConclusionsOur study failed to verify the IELSG, but validated the use of MSKCC for prognostication of OS in intracranial PCNSL.
A Lucifer‐Based Environment‐Sensitive Fluorescent PNA Probe for Imaging Poly(A) RNAs
Authors: Sabale Pramod M. , Ambi Uddhav B. , Srivatsan Seergazhi G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFluorescence‐based oligonucleotide (ON) hybridization probes greatly aid the detection and profiling of RNA sequences in cells. However, certain limitations such as target accessibility and hybridization efficiency in cellular environments hamper their broad application because RNAs can form complex and stable structures. In this context, we have developed a robust hybridization probe suitable for imaging RNA in cells by combining the properties of 1) a new microenvironment‐sensitive fluorescent nucleobase analogue, obtained by attaching the Lucifer chromophore (1,8‐naphthalimide) at the 5‐position of uracil, and 2) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) capable of forming stable hybrids with RNA. The fluorescence of the PNA base analogue labeled with the Lucifer chromophore, when incorporated into PNA oligomers and hybridized to complementary and mismatched ONs, is highly responsive to its neighboring base environment. Notably, the PNA base reports the presence of an adenine repeat in an RNA ON with reasonable enhancement in fluorescence. This feature of the emissive analogue enabled the construction of a poly(T) PNA probe for the efficient visualization of polyadenylated [poly(A)] RNAs in cells—poly(A) being an important motif that plays vital roles in the lifecycle of many types of RNA. Our results demonstrate that such responsive fluorescent nucleobase analogues, when judiciously placed in PNA oligomers, could generate useful hybridization probes to detect nucleic acid sequences in cells and also to image them.
The Un(f)told Story of General Anesthesia
Authors: Zsila Ferenc 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInhalational anesthetics are routinely employed in clinical practice to accomplish general anesthesia. Concerns have recently emerged regarding the deleterious impact of these volatile agents on cognitive performance, immune functions, and tumor recurrence and metastasis. These agents have been shown to modify the gene‐expression pattern as well as cell signaling in tumor cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain a matter of conjecture. Regulatory/signaling proteins either of cytosolic or membrane origin abundantly contain intrinsically disordered sequences, the conformational pliability of which is pivotal in their biological functions. It is well known that chloroform (an anesthetic itself), trifluoroethanol, hexafluoroisopropanol, and related haloalcohols markedly affect the structure of disordered proteins and protein regions by inducing folding, misfolding, or even aggregation. Taking into consideration the physicochemical similarities and protein interaction modes of these volatile solvents and inhaled anesthetics, it is postulated that administration of these drugs can also modify the secondary structure of disordered protein segments. Accordingly, pharmacological effects of anesthetics may, at least in part, be mediated by conformational perturbations of intrinsic disorder‐based regulatory protein networks of cells.
Redox Properties and Interchromophoric Electronic Interactions in Isoalloxazine−Anthraquinone Dyads
Authors: Valenti Giovanni , Iurlo Matteo , Claramunt Rosa María , Accorsi Gianluca , Paolucci Francesco , Farrán M. Ángeles , Marcaccio Massimo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe electrochemistry of a family of recently synthesized isoalloxazine cyclophanes containing anthraquinones, variously substituted and linked by aliphatic chains of different lengths, has been studied. The redox behavior of such species was elucidated by complementing the voltammetric studies with DFT molecular modelling. In these cyclophanes (mimicking the active centers of enzymes), the distance between chromophores and their reciprocal orientations were found to significantly modify their redox properties. Inter‐moiety π−π stacking plays an important role in the electrochemical behavior by modulating the orbital energies, which leads to an inversion of the localization of the first reduction, with the anthraquinone being reduced before the more electron‐accepting flavine.