bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood eosinophils may predict radiographic sinus opacification in patients with chronic rhinitis
Authors: Oh Seung Yong , Hwang Junho , Ryu Yoon‐Jong , Won Jun Yeon , Kwon Sung Ok , Lee Woo Hyun 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe association between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and chronic rhinitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the predictive factors for sinus opacification in chronic rhinitis patients without obvious CRS.MethodsWe retrospectively studied a total of 332 adult patients with chronic rhinitis who visited our clinic from January 2015 to December 2017. All of the patients underwent endoscopic examination, allergy test, and osteomeatal‐unit computed tomography. The subjects were assigned to the normal sinus (NS) group (Lund‐Mackay score [LMS] <5) and sinus opacification (SO) group (LMS ≥5).ResultsA total of 288 patients were eligible for this study. Of them, 183 (63.5%) were classified in the NS group and 105 (36.5%) in the SO group. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and peripheral blood eosinophil count were significantly higher in the SO than NS group (p = 0.031 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Using Pearson correlation coefficients, we determined that eosinophil count had a positive correlation with the LMS (r = 0.282). In logistic analysis, the interquartile range increase (0.19 × 109/L) of the eosinophil count was significantly associated with SO (odds ratio [OR] 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 2.39). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, and underlying disease, the interquartile range increase of the eosinophil count increased the odds of SO to 1.69‐fold; this increase was statistically significant (p = 0.007; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.43).ConclusionPeripheral blood eosinophil count is an independent predictor of CRS in patients with chronic rhinitis.
Oxovanadium(IV) and ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of ONS‐donor ligands derived from dehydroacetic acid and dithiocarbazate: Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant activity, DNA binding and in vitro cytotoxicity
Authors: Sarhan Amira M. , Elsayed Shadia A. , Mashaly Mohammad M. , El‐Hendawy Ahmed M. 
Published: December 2018

A series of new complexes of oxovanadium(IV) [VO(L)(B)] and ruthenium(II) [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(L)] (1.1- 1.3, 2.1–2.3) (H2L = dehydroacetic acid Schiff base of S‐methyldithiocarbazate, H2smdha (1) or S‐benzyldithiocarbazate, H2sbdha (2); B = 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)) have been synthesized. The structure of these complexes was authenticated using elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques, and their magnetic properties and electrochemical behaviour were studied. The molecular structures of oxovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(smdha)(bpy)]⋅CH2Cl2 (1.1) and [VO(sbdha)(phen)]⋅2H2O (2.2) were confirmed using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Analytical data showed that the ligands 1 and 2 are chelated to the metal centres in a bi‐negative tridentate fashion through azomethine N, thiol S and deprotonated hydroxyl group. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was tested against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical, which showed that the complexes demonstrate a better scavenging activity than their corresponding ligands. The cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity method was also employed and the total equivalent antioxidant capacity values were found to be higher for the oxovandium(IV) complexes. DNA binding affinity of the compounds was determined using UV–visible and fluorescence spectra, revealing an intercalation binding mode. Higher cytotoxicity for the complexes compared to their ligands was found against human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell lines using MTT assay.
Some divalent metal(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde‐derived Schiff bases: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, antimicrobial and in vitro anticancer studies
Authors: Devi J. , Yadav M. , Kumar D. , Naik L.S. , Jindal D.K. 
Published: December 2018

Mononuclear transition metal(II) complexes of the type M(L)2⋅2H2O (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized from uninegative Schiff base ligands (HL1–HL4) designed by condensation of 4‐fluorobenzylamine with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde/3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde/3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde/3‐bromo‐5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde. The compounds were successfully characterized using spectroscopic and physiochemical methods together with elemental analysis. Spectroscopic elucidation indicates a monobasic bidentate nature of ligands coordinated via deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atom which suggests an octahedral geometry around the central metal ions. The complexes and ligands were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains, the zinc(II) complexes being more active against the tested microbial strains. Further, the metal complexes were found to be more active than the uncomplexed ligands due to chelation process and, moreover, the complexes were more active against fungal strains than bacterial strains. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated towards human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and one normal human lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT colorimetric assay with doxorubicin as a standard. The zinc complexes were most active against the cancer cell lines and also found to be less toxic against MRC‐5 normal cell line than standard doxorubicin.
Synthesis of a series of new ruthenium organometallic complexes derived from pyridine‐imine ligands and their catalytic activity in oxidation of secondary alcohols
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Li Ying , Li Chen , Wu Ruitao , Ma Zhihong , Li Suzhen , Han Zhangang , Zheng Xuezhong , Lin Jin 
Published: December 2018

Reactions of pyridine imines [C5H4N‐2‐C(H) = N‐C6H4‐R] [R = H (1), CH3 (2), OMe (3), CF3 (4), Cl (5), Br (6)] with Ru3(CO)12 in refluxing toluene gave the corresponding dinuclear ruthenium carbonyl complexes of the type {μ‐η2‐CH[(2‐C5H4N)(N‐C6H4‐R)]}2Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CO) [R = H (7); CH3 (8); OMe (9); CF3 (10); Cl (11); Br (12)]. All six novel complexes were separated by chromatography, and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 7, 10, 11, and 12 were determined by X‐ray crystal diffraction. Further, the catalytic performance of these complexes was also tested. The combination of {μ‐η2‐CH[(2‐C5H4N)(N‐C6H4‐R)]}2Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CO) and NMO afforded an efficient catalytic system for the oxidation of a variety secondary alcohols.
Immobilization of Myceliophthora thermophila laccase on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres enhances the degradation of azinphos‐methyl
Authors: Vera Myleidi , Nyanhongo Gibson S. , Pellis Alessandro , Rivas Bernabé L. , Guebitz Georg M. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTLaccase enzymes are multicopper oxidases capable of oxidizing different compounds. However, to be able to use this biocatalyst for industrial applications, their immobilization is needed. The present work investigates the immobilization of Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (MtL) on monodisperse microspheres of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) to be used in azinphos‐methyl degradation. The immobilization was optimized to achieve the highest activity of the immobilized enzyme. As result, the protein load obtained was 2.5 mg protein g−1 carrier (35 U g−1 of carrier). The immobilized enzymes showed a broadened pH and temperature range of optimum activity and significantly improved the storage and operational stability. Finally, the complete degradation of azinphos‐methyl using immobilized laccase was achieved after 1 h of reaction. The collected data indicate that the immobilization of MtL on PGMA microspheres is an excellent alternative to improve biochemical properties in the enzyme and to allow their efficient use in pesticides degradation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47417.
Cooperative tracking of vessel trajectories based on curved dynamic coordinates
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Yu Shuanghe , Shen Zhipeng , Guo Ge 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA novel cooperative motion problem for multiple surface vessels is investigated based on multiple referential points and a terminal sliding mode control method. To overcome the difficulties of modeling some special tracking trajectories like rivers and coastlines in a traditional Cartesian coordinate system, a novel local curved‐dynamic coordinate system is constructed, and multiple referential points with given intervals on the curved coordinates are used as the consensus reference for the group. Then cooperative cruise of surface vessels is analyzed, based on which a local‐to‐global terminal sliding mode controller is designed to keep the relative pose of the dynamic unmanned vessels. At last, the formation trajectory constraint conditions are further discussed and some simulation results show the validity of the presented methods.
Novel salicyloylhydrazone derivatives and corresponding terbium(III) complexes: Synthesis and properties research
Authors: Xiao Rong , Huang Wei , Xiao Xiaoming , Liu Yanhong , Guo Dongcai 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFour novel salicyloylhydrazone derivatives and their terbium(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized. The thermal analysis results showed that the terbium(III) complexes possessed good thermal stability. The fluorescence research results showed that the terbium(III) complex substituted by phenyl possessed the best fluorescence intensity among them, and its fluorescence quantum yield was also the highest. The exploration of the electrochemical properties indicated that the introduction of electron‐donating groups to the ligand can increase the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels and decrease the oxidation potential of the corresponding terbium(III) complexes. The introduction of electron‐withdrawing groups to the ligand can reduce their HOMO energy levels and increase their oxidation potential. The results showed that the terbium(III) complexes are good candidates for luminescent material.
A laboratory work to introduce biochemistry undergraduate students to basic enzyme kinetics‐alkaline phosphatase as a model
Authors: Miquet Johanna G. , González Lorena , Sotelo Ana I. , González Lebrero Rodolfo M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEnzyme kinetics is an essential topic in undergraduate Biochemistry courses. A laboratory work that covers the principal basic concepts of enzyme kinetics in steady state is presented. The alkaline phosphatase catalyzed reaction of phenyl‐phosphate hydrolysis was studied as a model. The laboratory experience was designed to reinforce the concepts of initial velocity dependence on substrate and enzyme concentration, and to highlight the importance of the accurate determination of initial reaction rate. The laboratory work consists in two parts, in which students first determine the enzyme concentration and the time to be used in the following session to obtain the kinetic parameters (KM and Vmax) by non‐lineal fitting of the Michaelis–Menten equation to the initial velocity dependence with substrate concentration results. The experimental methodology is robust, the cost per student is low and the equipment and reagents used are of easy access. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):93–99, 2018.
Extraction technology, component analysis, and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of total flavonoids and fatty acids from Tribulus terrestris L. fruits
Authors: Tian Chunlian , Zhang Zehui , Wang Hong , Guo Yuru , Zhao Jihang , Liu Mingchun 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe current study focused on the extraction technology, components analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of total flavonoids and fatty acids from Tribulus terrestris L. fruits. The extraction process of total flavonoids and fatty acids was optimized by the response surface method, and the compositions were identified from the two extracts by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS− and GC–MS, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated by assay of ABTS, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and minimal inhibitory concentration. The yields of total flavonoids and fatty acids were 0.46 and 9.76% under the optimized conditions. Moreover, nine and eight compositions were identified from the two extracts based on the related references, respectively. In addition, total flavonoids and fatty acids extracts both exhibited certain antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The present findings suggest that total flavonoids extracted from T. terrestris L. fruits comprised a more interesting candidate than fatty acids for the research and development of natural and healthy antioxidants and antibacterial agents for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
A critical appraisal of the quality of head and neck cancer imaging guidelines using the AGREE II tool: A EuroAIM initiative
Authors: Romeo Valeria , Stanzione Arnaldo , Cocozza Sirio , Ugga Lorenzo , Cuocolo Renato , Brunetti Arturo , Bisdas Sotirios 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundDiagnostic imaging guidelines are increasingly embraced in oncologic imaging in order to improve examinations appropriateness and technical quality. The usefulness of guidelines employment in clinical practice is dramatically related to the quality of the guidelines themselves. However, an extreme variability in guidelines’ quality may occur. Following a European Network for the Assessment of Imaging in Medicine (EuroAIM) initiative, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of the available guidelines regarding head and neck cancer (HNC) imaging.MethodsA literature search was conducted to identify imaging guidelines focused on HNC. Selected guidelines were evaluated by four independent appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation version 2.0 (AGREE II) tool, which comprises 23 key items, rated on a 7‐point scale (1—strongly disagree to 7—strongly agree) and organized within six domains. For each domain, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the agreement among appraisers’ scores.ResultsAfter literature search, three guidelines were selected and evaluated. One guideline scored “average” as overall quality, while the remaining two scored a “low” overall quality. The highest result (total score = 75.0% ± 19.3%) was obtained in domain 4 (Clarity of presentation) while the lowest (total score = 27.1% ± 4.2%) in domain 6 (Editorial independence). ICC analysis showed a very good agreement (range: 0.932‐0.961) among the four appraisers.ConclusionsOur results showed a heterogeneous quality of existing guidelines in HNC imaging. Issues raised from this appraisal should be considered when developing future guidelines on HNC imaging.
Multiple Dividing‐Wall Columns – Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Ränger Lena‐Marie , Preißinger Ulrich , Grützner Thomas 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDividing‐wall columns are a well‐known and proven technology to separate a ternary mixture into pure products with significant savings in capital and operational costs compared to standard two‐column configurations. A consequent advancement are multiple dividing‐wall columns, which allow the separation of multicomponent mixtures in one column shell. However, due to their high complexity, no practical realization has been reported yet. This paper briefly discusses the current state of the art followed by a detailed description of a robust initialization of rigorous flow sheet simulations based on Vmin diagrams. With the data from the simulation a multi‐objective optimization can be performed. The knowledge from the simulations shall be used to build the first multiple dividing‐wall column worldwide.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling Reaction of Allyl Carboxylates, Norbornenes and Diboronates Involving Sequential Olefins Insertion and Borylation Reaction
Authors: Li Zun , Zheng Jia , Li Chunsheng , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng 
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusionAn efficient Pd‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction of allyl carboxylates, norbornenes and diboronates is described, which allows efficient assembly of C(sp3)—C(sp3) and C(sp3)—B bonds in a single process. Moreover, this approach shows advantages of good chemo‐ and regioselectivity, as well as good substrates suitability.
Screening for Neurotoxicity with Microelectrode Array
Authors: Bradley Jenifer A. , Strock Christopher J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNeurotoxicity and seizurogenic liabilities are difficult to detect using currently available in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This is primarily due to the inherent limitations of these assays to predict adverse neural network disruptions and chemically induced perturbations. Many of these detrimental effects are detected with in vivo studies after substantial time and monetary resources have already been invested. Due to these late‐stage unforeseen side effects, the implementation of a reliable high throughput in vitro method for assessing seizure‐inducing and neurotoxic compound effects early in the drug discovery process would be ideal. We have developed an in vitro screening tool to identify chemical entities that cause neurotoxic and seizurogenic effects. This article describes the preparation and use of a 48‐well microelectrode array (MEA) platform along with custom data analysis algorithms and commercially available analysis tools to screen for neurotoxic liabilities and seizurogenic effects using recorded spike file data generated from cryogenically preserved rat cortical neurons. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Convenient Immobilization of Cobalt Corroles on Carbon Nanotubes through Covalent Bonds for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Li Hua , Li Xialiang , Lei Haitao , Zhou Guojun , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTwo different methods were used to immobilize Co corroles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through covalent bonds. The resulting CNTs engineered with Co corroles were used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in aqueous solutions of pH 0, 7, and 14. For both HER and OER in all solutions, the hybrids obtained by attaching Co corroles on CNTs through amidation coupling showed better performance. This is likely because the large surface area and good electrical conductivity of CNTs can be well preserved during the amidation reaction under mild conditions.
A survey and comparison on overlay‐underlay mapping techniques in peer‐to‐peer overlay networks
Authors: Ijaz Humaira , Welzl Michael , Jamil Bushra 
Published: December 2018

SummaryPeer‐to‐peer (P2P) overlay networks were developed initially for file sharing such as Napster and Gnutella; but later, they have become popular for content sharing, media streaming, telephony applications, etc. Underlay‐unawareness in P2P systems can result in suboptimal peer selection for overlay routing and hence poor performance. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the research work carried out to solve the overlay‐underlay mapping problems up till now. The majority of underlay‐aware proposals for peer selection focus on finding the shortest overlay routes by selecting nearest nodes according to proximity information. Another class of approaches is based on passive or active probing for provision of underlay information to P2P applications. Some other optimizations propose use of P2P middleware to extract, process, and refine underlay information and provide it to P2P overlay applications. Another class of approaches strive to use ISPs or third parties to provide underlay information to P2P overlay applications according to their requirements. We have made a state‐of‐the‐art review and comparison for addressing the overlay‐underlay mismatch in terms of their operation, merits, limitations, and future directions.
Intra‐patient variability of the hair levels of pain medications in chronic migraine patients – a pilot study
Authors: Ferrari Anna , Rustichelli Cecilia , Baraldi Carlo , Vandelli Daniele , Verri Patrizia , Marchesi Filippo , Licata Manuela 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMonitoring of prescription pain medications is strongly recommended, considering their abuse liability. We used hair analysis for monitoring pain medications in 12 women with chronic migraine and drug overuse. Hair samples were collected at baseline and after 4 and 8 months and analyzed by liquid chromatography−electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Intra‐patient variability of the hair‐level‐to‐dose ratio was <20% in most cases. The hair analysis detected changes in the dose taken by the same patient over time, both occasionally and chronically. The agreement between the changes in hair drug levels and those of taken doses was excellent. Therefore, hair analysis appeared advantageous for long‐term monitoring of pain medications, which is otherwise difficult to determine in conventional matrices. In the same sample, multiple medications could be simultaneously determined, and with three samples, nine months of therapy were objectively documented.
Ubiquinone Ameliorates Simvastatin Induced Respiratory Chain Complex Function Impairment in High‐Fat High‐Cholesterol Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Xiaoli , Feng Lei , Xu Lei , Xue Jing , Yi Shuying , Yu Yang , Zhai Jing 
Published: December 2018

Long‐term statins therapy is the primary treatment of hyperlipidemia. A ubiquinone (Co‐enzyme Q10, CoQ10) supplement ameliorates the statins side effects, including skeletal muscle and liver damage, whereas the mechanism involving respiratory chain complex function in a hyperlipidemia animal model remains unknown. Herein, it is reported that the administration of CoQ10 increases plasma CoQ10 level significantly without affecting the lipid lowering effects of statins in high‐fat high cholesterol diet fed mice. Compared with thr statins group, the combination therapy of CoQ10 and statin (Simva + CoQ10) reduces the activity enhancement of plasma CK, ALT, and AST, and restores the activity of complex I in skeletal muscle (2.7‐fold increased) and liver (42% increased). Moreover, the activities of complex II are increased in the muscle (29% increased) and liver (5.8‐folds increased) significantly. Statins decrease the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria, while Simva + CoQ10 restore the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria from muscle (41% increased) and liver (1.1‐folds increased), respectively. Therefore, administration of CoQ10 ameliorates the function loss of mitochondria respiratory chain complex induced by statins in muscle and liver are concluded.Practical Applications: Statins are widely used in clinical treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic diseases via inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonic acid to achieve the purpose of reducing endogenous cholesterol loading, to display anti‐inflammatory effects, and to stabilize the atherosclerotic plaques. However, the shortage of MVA may cause the low level of ubiquinone which subsequently leads to increasing various side effects, including muscle and liver damage. This study introduces a novel combined administration which could ameliorate the statins induced muscle and liver damage for hypercholesterolemia individuals. Moreover, the method shows a beneficial effect on mitochondrion integrity and functions in skeletal muscle and liver.Statin administration inhibits the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA‐R), which subsequently decreases the level of endogenous Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ). CoQ supplementation increases the level of CoQ in mitochondria, and ameliorates the function loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex induced by statins.