bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification of Monoglycerides From Palm Stearin by Liquid–Liquid Extraction With Aqueous Ethanol
Authors: Sánchez Edwin , Pardo‐Castaño Camilo , Bolaños Gustavo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMonoglycerides obtained by glycerolysis of palm stearin can be purified by extraction with aqueous ethanol, a process much less expensive than molecular distillation, which is the method that is commonly used at the industrial level. Liquid–liquid equilibrium data were measured for the six pseudoternary systems involved in the purification of the crude monoglyceride mixture obtained by glycerolysis of palm stearin. These systems are monoglycerides–ethanol–water, diglycerides–ethanol–water, triglycerides–ethanol–water, monoglycerides–diglycerides–(65 wt% ethanol + 35 wt% water), monoglycerides–triglycerides–(65 wt% ethanol + 35 wt% water), and diglycerides–triglycerides–(65 wt% ethanol + 35 wt% water). Measurements were performed at 343.15 K using a thermostated view cell. The experimental tie‐line data for the six systems were correlated using the NRTL model for activity coefficients. Results from a simulation study using the binary interaction parameters determined for the NRTL model indicate that liquid–liquid extraction with aqueous ethanol can be used to obtain a 90 wt% monoglycerides product with up to 70% yield, in a simple process.
Algorithms and strategies in short‐read shotgun metagenomic reconstruction of plant communities
Authors: Harbert Robert S. 
Published: April 2018

Premise of the StudyDNA may be preserved for thousands of years in very cold or dry environments, and plant tissue fragments and pollen trapped in soils and shallow aquatic sediments are well suited for the molecular characterization of past floras. However, one obstacle in this area of study is the limiting bias in the bioinformatic classification of short fragments of degraded DNA from the large, complex genomes of plants.MethodsTo establish one possible baseline protocol for the rapid classification of short‐read shotgun metagenomic data for reconstructing plant communities, the read classification programs Kraken, Centrifuge, and MegaBLAST were tested on simulated and ancient data with classification against a reference database targeting plants.ResultsPerformance tests on simulated data suggest that Kraken and Centrifuge outperform MegaBLAST. Kraken tends to be the most conservative approach with high precision, whereas Centrifuge has higher sensitivity. Reanalysis of 13,000 years of ancient sedimentary DNA from North America characterizes potential post‐glacial vegetation succession.DiscussionClassification method choice has an impact on performance and any downstream interpretation of results. The reanalysis of ancient DNA from glacial lake sediments yielded vegetation histories that varied depending on method, potentially changing paleoecological conclusions drawn from molecular evidence.
Routine histopathological examination after female-to-male gender-confirming mastectomy
Authors: Van Renterghem S M J , Van Dorpe J , Monstrey S J , Defreyne J , Claes K E Y , Praet M , Verbeke S L J , T'Sjoen G G R , Van Bockstal M R 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
The number of transmen seeking gender-confirming surgery has risen steadily throughout the last decade. Pathologists are increasingly confronted with transmale mastectomy specimens. It is not clear whether routine histopathological examination is useful. This study explored the possible benefit of routine investigation through detailed description of lesions encountered in mastectomy specimens after female-to-male gender-confirming surgery.

Methods
Breast tissue from a cohort of transmen was reviewed. The presence of benign and malignant breast lesions was recorded. The number of terminal duct–lobule units (TDLUs) per ten low-power fields (LPFs) was quantified. Information on hormone therapy and morphometry was retrieved for selected patients.

Results
The cohort included 344 subjects with a mean age of 25·8 (range 16–61) years at the time of surgery; the age at surgery decreased significantly over time. Older individuals presented with a significantly higher number of breast lesions. The number of TDLUs per LPF was lower in heavier breasts, but did not correlate with age. Breast lesions, either benign or malignant, were present in 166 individuals (48·3 per cent). Invasive breast cancer was found in two (0·6 per cent); one tumour was an unexpected finding. The number of breast lesions encountered on histopathological examination increased significantly when more tissue blocks were taken.

Conclusion
The discovery of an unexpected breast cancer in a 31-year-old transman emphasizes the importance of thorough routine histopathological examination of mastectomy specimens. The number of tissue blocks taken should be based on age and breast weight.
The influence of THC:CBD oromucosal spray on driving ability in patients with multiple sclerosis‐related spasticity
Authors: Celius Elisabeth G. , Vila Carlos 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundDriving ability is a key function for the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to help maintain daily interactions. Both physical and cognitive disability, as well as treatments, may affect the ability to drive. Spasticity is a common symptom associated with MS, and it may affect driving performance either directly or via the medications used to treat it. In this article, we review the evidence relating the antispasticity medicine, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol (THC:CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex®), and its potential impact on driving performance.MethodsArticles were identified by searching PubMed from 1/1/2000 to 30/6/2017 using a specified list of search terms. The articles identified using these search terms were augmented with relevant references from these papers and other articles known to the authors.ResultsThe results from THC:CBD oromucosal spray driving studies and real‐world registries did not show any evidence of an increase in motor vehicle accidents associated with THC:CBD oromucosal spray. The majority of patients reported an improvement in driving ability after starting THC:CBD oromucosal spray, and it was speculated that this may be related to reduced spasticity and/or better cognitive function. It should be noted that THC blood levels are significantly lower than the levels associated with recreational use of herbal cannabis.ConclusionsTHC:CBD oromucosal spray was shown not to impair driving performance. However, periodic assessment of patients with MS driving ability is recommended, especially after relapses and changes in treatment. Blood THC measurements might be above authorized thresholds for some countries following administration of THC:CBD oromucosal spray, thus specific knowledge of each country's driving regulations and a medical certificate are recommended.
TRPC3 overexpression and intervention in airway smooth muscle of ovalbumin‐induced hyperresponsiveness and remodeling
Authors: Xu Bo‐Ming , Zhang Jia‐Hua , Wang Jia‐Ling , Xiao Jun‐Hua 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTransient receptor potential canonical channel 3 (TRPC3) proteins function as non‐voltage‐gated Ca2+‐permeable channels and play divergent roles in many processes of pathophysiology. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between TRPC3 expression and airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in ovalbumin‐induced asthmatic Kunming mice. Mice were sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin to establish asthmatic model. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining, hydroxyproline assay, and isometric tracheal ring force measurement were used to evaluate airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic mice. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of TRPC3 proteins. MTT assay was used to measure the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells. TRPC3 protein expression increased in airway smooth muscle of asthmatic mice. GdCl3, a nonspecific TRPC blocker, attenuated the contractile force of airway smooth muscle. Fetal bovine serum stimulated airway smooth muscle cells proliferation and augmented TRPC3 protein expression. Both TRPC3 blockade by GdCl3 or specific TRPC3 antibodies and gene silencing by siRNA inhibited the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells. In contrast, the current drugs treatment for asthma such as Dexamethasone and Aminophylline had no effects on TRPC3 protein overexpression. Therefore, TRPC3 protein overexpression may be involved in airway smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in asthmatic mice, providing evidence for a new direction of asthma pathogenesis research and a new target for drug intervention.
Severe electrolytes disorders with the interstitial kidney alterations in the patient with the history of total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy: possible role of vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Kawakita Emi , Kanasaki Keizo , Hirai Taro , Tsuda Shin‐ichi , Watanabe Ai , Nitta Kyoko , Kitada Munehiro , Ogura Yoshio , Takagaki Yuta , Fujii Mizue , Nagai Takako , Shimada Keiji , Takagi Susumu , Mizunuma Yuiko , Monno Itaru , Shino Fujimoto , Minato Hiroshi , Miyatake Nobuhiko , Nakagawa Atsushi , Koya Daisuke 
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical MessageVitamin D plays vital role for the health, and its deficiency has been implicated in the diverse pathological conditions such as hypomagnesemia and abnormal immune system. Here, we present a case of severe electrolytes disorders (hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia etc.) and kidney damages associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Uterocutaneous fistula due to held placenta in a low resource setting
Authors: Di Maggio Francesco , Nkurunziza Joel , Caravaggi Paola 
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical MessagePostcesarean section complication rate is higher in LMIC (Low and Middle Income Countries) due to lack of resources and specialists availability. A completely or incompletely held infected placenta might underlie a dehiscent cesarean section wound. Humanitarian and local surgeons should consider this differential diagnosis and be ready to practice hysterectomies when needed.
Hybrid Metalloporphyrin Magnetic Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Sequential Transformation of Alkenes and CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Dias Lucas D. , Carrilho Rui M. B. , Henriques César A. , Calvete Mário J. F. , Masdeu‐Bultó Anna M. , Claver Carmen , Rossi Liane M. , Pereira Mariette M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe synthesis and full characterization of manganese and chromium metalloporphyrins and hybrid magnetic nanocomposites prepared thereof is described. Their application in homogeneous and heterogeneous sequential epoxidation/CO2 cycloaddition reactions by using O2 or H2O2 as the oxidant showed high activity and selectivity for the preparation of a variety of cyclic carbonates directly from olefins. The combination of manganese and chromium nanocomposites allowed us to set the keystone for the development of a reusable dual catalytic system to transform olefins into cyclic carbonates.
Probing Dynamic Events of Dielectric Nanoparticles by a Nanoelectrode‐Nanopore Nanopipette
Authors: Pandey Popular , Panday Namuna , Chang Shuai , Pang Pei , Garcia Javier , Wang Xuewen , Fu Qiang , He Jin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn recent years, various single‐entity electrochemical methods have been developed to study the dynamic events of single nanoparticles (NPs) in solution. It has been demonstrated that the assembly, transport, and translocation of metallic NPs near a nanopore entrance can be detected based on the open‐circuit potential change of a floating nanoelectrode placed near the nanopore. In this study, we applied the nanopore‐nanoelectrode‐based method to study polystyrene (PS) NPs with various sizes, which were used as the model dielectric NPs. Furthermore, by utilizing dielectrophoretic (DEP) force applied through the nanoelectrode, PS NPs can be efficiently preconcentrated to form large assemblies outside the nanopipette tip, enabling high‐throughput single NP analysis. We revealed how the interactions between NPs and between the NP and the nanopore surface affected the current and potential signals. We investigated the dynamic structures and motions of PS NPs inside the large assembly based on the complementary and correlated the ionic current and potential signals from both the nanopore and the nanoelectrode. We also compared the difference in the dynamic events between polarizable metallic NPs and non‐polarizable dielectric NPs during multi‐NP structure formation and individual NP transport and translocation motions.
Pancake Bonding in π‐Stacked Trimers in a Salt of Tetrachloroquinone Anion
Authors: Molčanov Krešimir , Mou Zhongyu , Kertesz Miklos , Kojić‐Prodić Biserka , Stalke Dietmar , Demeshko Serhiy , Šantić Ana , Stilinović Vladimir 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe crystal structure of [4‐damp])2[Cl4Q]3 (4‐damp=4‐dimethylamino‐N‐methylpyridinium, Cl4Q=tetrachloroquinone) salt is built up from slipped columnar stacks of quinoid rings composed of closely bound trimers with the intra‐trimer separation distance of 2.84 Å and total charge of −2 whereas the inter‐trimer distance is 3.59 Å. The individual rings exhibit partial negative charges that are distributed unevenly among the three Cl4Qs in the trimer. The strong interactions within a trimer (Cl4Q)32− have a partially covalent character with two‐electron/multicentered bonding, that is extended over three rings, plausibly termed as “pancake bonding”. The electron pairing within this multicentre bond leads to the fact that the crystals are diamagnetic and act as insulators. The studies of the structure and nature of bonding are based on X‐ray charge density analysis and density functional theory.
Porphyrin Cyclodextrin Conjugates Modulate Amyloid Beta Peptide Aggregation and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Oliveri Valentina , Zimbone Stefania , Giuffrida Maria Laura , Bellia Francesco , Tomasello Marianna Flora , Vecchio Graziella 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlthough fibrillar amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) aggregates are one of the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, increasing evidence suggests that soluble Aβ oligomers are the primary toxic species. Targeting the oligomeric species could represent an effective strategy to interfere with Aβ toxicity. In this work, the biological properties of 5[4‐(6‐O‐β‐cyclodextrin)‐phenyl],10,15,20‐tri(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐porphyrin and its zinc complex were tested, as new molecules that interact with Aβ and effectively prevent its cytotoxicity. We found that these systems can cross the cell membrane to deliver Aβ intracellularly and promote its clearance. Our results provide evidence for the use of cyclodextrin–porphyrin derivatives as a promising strategy to target amyloid aggregation.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Annulation of α‐Chloroaldehydes with γ‐/δ‐Amino‐α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones: Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrolidones and Piperidones
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Fei , Zhang Chun‐Lin , Song Zhi‐Yong , Gao Zhong‐Hua , Ye Song 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed [2+3] and [2+4] annulations of α‐chloroaldehydes with γ‐/δ‐amino‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones were developed, giving the corresponding pyrrolidones and piperidones in good yields with exclusive trans‐selectivities and excellent enantioselectivities.
Pathology of Germ Cell Tumors of Testis
Authors: MOSTOFI F. K. 
Published: April 2018

Since the last National Conference on Urological Tumors, there has been major progress in pathology of testicular tumors. An international histological classification of these tumors has been proposed, which is based on the sound principle that pathological examination must specify the exact components that are present in a tumor and give an estimate of relative proportions of each. The WHO classification, using generally accepted principles of tumor typing, has provided a standard method of pathological reporting of these tumors so that results of research from different parts of the world can be compared. The WHO system published in 1977 is readily convertible to the system in use in the American Testicular Tumor Registry. Its convertibility to the Friedman‐Moore and Pugh‐Cameron Testicular Tumor classifications is limited. Though it is generally believed that embryonal carcinoma can differentiate along extra‐embryonic lines to form yolk sac tumor and choriocarcinoma or along embryonic lines to form teratoma, the malignant germ cell itself seems to have the potential to develop along any of these lines without first going through the embryonal carcinoma phase.Seminomas with high mitotic index and seminomas that contain syncytiotrophoblasts appear to have a less favorable prognosis than classic seminomas or spermatocytic seminomas. HCG is readily demonstrable in syncytiotrophoblasts whether alone or forming choriocarcinoma. AFP is demonstrable in yolk sac tumors and in some embryonal carcinomas. Histological demonstration of AFP and HCG can and should be correlated with clinical findings. Such correlation can readily be made with the WHO histological classification of these tumors.
The Role of Biologic Tumor Markers in Testicular Cancer
Authors: JAVADPOUR NASSER 
Published: April 2018

Serial quantitative measurements of serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been prospectively studied in 386 patients with testicular germ cell cancer during the past seven years using sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays (RIAS). When HCG and AFP was measured in patients with nonseminomatous testicular tumors (NSTT), about 90% of these patients with active tumors have elevated levels of serum HCG and/or AFP.These markers have proven valuable in reducing the clinical staging errors to 5–14% by measuring their serum levels during the pre‐ and post‐lymphadenectomy periods.The role of these markers have been demonstrated in monitoring the therapy and determining the prognosis of patients with NSTT. Although serum AFP has not been observed in patients with seminoma, serum HCG has been observed in patients with pure seminoma.Although these markers are seen with certain other cancers, their differential diagnosis does not pose a problem. However, since most seminoma and about 10% of NSTT do not produce these markers, their value in differential diagnosis of a scrotal mass is limited. In interpretation of these markers, one should consider their biologic half‐lives and their discordant behavior while the patient is under therapy.Concentrating the 24 hour urine and extracting the urinary HCG content by using a carboxy‐terminal RIA enhance the potential for a more sensitive monitoring of the tumor burden and for guiding the therapy of certain patients with testicular cancer. Finally, there are a number of potential markers under investigation in our laboratory.
Colorectal cancer screening prevalence and predictors among Asian American subgroups using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey National Data
Authors: Sy Angela U. , Lim Eunjung , Ka’opua Lana Sue , Kataoka‐Yahiro Merle , Kinoshita Yumiko , Stewart Susan L. 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDAsian American (AA) ethnic subgroups are diverse in socio‐economic status, years in the United States, English proficiency, and cultures with different health seeking behaviors and health care access. Fifty‐two percent of AAs age ≥50 years had colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in 2013, compared with 61% of non‐Hispanic whites. We hypothesized that CRCS prevalence among AA ethnicities is heterogeneous and that the reasons related to CRCS among AA subgroups are associated with demographic characteristics, acculturation, health care access, and health attitudes.METHODSMedical Expenditure Panel Survey data for 2009‐2014 compared CRCS status among whites (n = 28,834), Asian Indians (n = 466), Chinese (n = 652), and Filipinos (n = 788). Multivariate logistic regression examined ethnic differences and correlates of CRCS accounting for complex sampling design.RESULTSWhites had the highest prevalence of screening (62.3%), followed by Filipinos (55.0%), Chinese (50.9%), and Asian Indians (48.6%). Older age, having health insurance, and having a usual care provider predicted CRCS across all ethnicities. Different demographic, health care access, and health attitude predictors within each ethnic group were related to CRCS.CONCLUSIONThis study contributes to the literature on influences of differential CRCS prevalence among AA subgroups. CRCS promotion should be tailored according to attitudes and structural barriers affecting screening behavior of specific ethnic subgroups to truly serve the health needs of the diverse AA population. Cancer 2018;124:1543‐51. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Impact of a smoke‐free–living educational intervention for smokers and household nonsmokers: A randomized trial of Chinese American pairs
Authors: Tong Elisa K. , Saw Anne , Fung Lei‐Chun , Li Chin‐Shang , Liu Yu , Tsoh Janice Y. 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDChinese American men smoke at a high rate, which puts household nonsmokers at risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief‐intensity versus moderate‐intensity smoke‐free–living educational intervention for household pairs.METHODSThe authors conducted a randomized controlled trial of Cantonese‐speaking Chinese American smoker and household nonsmoker pairs in San Francisco, California. Pairs were randomized to moderate‐intensity or brief‐intensity group sessions with their household partner. The moderate‐intensity group received 2 group sessions, a laboratory report of their baseline smoke exposure, as measured by 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol (NNAL), and 3 follow‐up calls over 6 months. The brief‐intensity group received 1 group session on tobacco‐cessation resources. Primary outcomes were biochemically validated, past‐month smoking abstinence and elimination of nonsmoker household exposure at 12 months.RESULTSParticipant pairs (n = 203) were male smokers, one‐half of whom did not intend to quit within 6 months, with mostly female spouses as household nonsmokers. Approximately three‐quarters of nonsmokers in both groups already had smoke‐free home rules. At 12 months, smokers in both groups had similar biochemically validated 30‐day abstinence rates (moderate‐intensity group, 0%‐20.7%; brief‐intensity group, 0%‐20.0%;P= .002 over time). More smokers in the moderate‐intensity group used subsequent cessation group classes (moderate‐intensity group, 50%; brief‐intensity group, 24%;P= .004). Household nonsmokers in both groups had similar biochemically validated rates of no home exposure (moderate‐intensity group, 24.5%‐42.2%; brief‐intensity group, 24.8%‐33.3%;P= .0001 over time).CONCLUSIONSA moderate‐intensity smoke‐free–living educational intervention for Chinese‐speaking household pairs was not more effective than a brief‐intensity intervention for smoking abstinence and elimination of household nonsmoker exposure. Abstinence rates were similar to those achieved with standard group counseling.Cancer2018;124:1590‐8. ©2018 American Cancer Society.