bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and management of chronic and refractory immune cytopenias in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Rotz Seth J. , Ware Russell E. , Kumar Ashish 
Published: June 2018

AbstractChildren, adolescents, and young adults with chronic refractory autoimmune cytopenias represent a rare but challenging group of patients, who are managed frequently by pediatric hematologists. Novel diagnostic tests and genomic discoveries are refining historical diagnoses of Evans syndrome and common variable immunodeficiency, while also elucidating the cellular and molecular basis for these disorders. Genetic characterization of chronic and refractory autoimmune cytopenias has led to targeted therapies with improved clinical outcomes and fewer off‐target toxicities. In this review, we focus on the appropriate diagnostic workup, expanded genetic testing, and novel treatment opportunities that are available for these challenging patients.
A multiyear quality improvement project to increase influenza vaccination in a pediatric oncology population undergoing active therapy
Authors: Olshefski Randal S. , Bibart Mindy , Frost Randall , Wood Eric , Hampl Joshua , Mangum Ross , Ardura Monica , Guinipero Terri , Cripe Timothy P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable influenza infection, national consensus guidelines recommend vaccination of patients who are immunocompromised as a result of receiving cancer therapy. Quality improvement (QI) processes are a proven method used to improve vaccination rates.ProcedureWe conducted a QI initiative aimed at increasing influenza vaccination in oncology patients undergoing active treatment. Primary drivers for the project focused on patient education, staff and provider education, and communication regarding vaccine‐eligible patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of influenza infection among the vaccine‐eligible population. This approach has validity at our institution because of the consistent follow‐up and hospital admission pattern of cancer patients on active therapy such that nearly all follow‐up care is delivered at our institution.ResultsWe successfully achieved greater than 87% vaccination of eligible patients each vaccine season (September to March). During the recommended timeframe for delivering influenza vaccine between September and December of each vaccine season, we offered the vaccine to 100% of patients on active therapy and vaccinated >90%. Barriers to success, including vaccine refusals, increased late in the vaccine season. Influenza infection was documented in 0.5–7.3% of the vaccine‐eligible group.ConclusionA robust influenza vaccination program implemented using a standardized QI approach can sustain a high vaccination rate in a pediatric oncology population receiving active treatment. The influenza infection rate was under 10% in the vaccinated group.
Health‐related quality of life and psychological distress among cancer survivors in a middle‐income country
Authors: Subramaniam Shridevi , Kong Yek‐Ching , Chinna Karuthan , Kimman Merel , Ho Yan‐Zheng , Saat Nadiah , Malik Rozita Abdul , Taib Nur Aishah , Abdullah Matin Mellor , Lim Gerard Chin‐Chye , Tamin Nor‐Saleha Ibrahim , Woo Yin‐Ling , Chang Kian‐Meng , Goh Pik‐Pin , Yip Cheng‐Har , Bhoo‐Pathy Nirmala 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesQuality of life and psychological well‐being are important patient‐centered outcomes, which are useful in evaluation of cancer care delivery. However, evidence from low‐income and middle‐income countries remains scarce. We assessed health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalence of psychological distress (anxiety or depression), as well as their predictors, among cancer survivors in a middle‐income setting.MethodsThrough the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Costs in Oncology study, 1490 newly diagnosed cancer patients were followed‐up in Malaysia for 1 year. Health‐related quality of life was assessed by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and EuroQol‐5 (EQ‐5D) dimension questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Psychological distress was assessed by using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were modeled by using general linear and logistic regressions analyses.ResultsOne year after diagnosis, the mean EORTC QLQ‐C30 Global Health score of the cancer survivors remained low at 53.0 over 100 (SD 21.4). Fifty‐four percent of survivors reported at least moderate levels of anxiety, while 27% had at least moderate levels of depression. Late stage at diagnosis was the strongest predictor of low HRQoL. Increasing age, being married, high‐income status, hospital type, presence of comorbidities, and chemotherapy administration were also associated with worse HRQoL. The significant predictors of psychological distress were cancer stage and hospital type.ConclusionCancer survivors in this middle‐income setting have persistently impaired HRQoL and high levels of psychological distress. Development of a holistic cancer survivorship program addressing wider aspects of well‐being is urgently needed in our settings.
Peptidomic analysis of endogenous plasma peptides from patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Kay Richard G. , Challis Benjamin G. , Casey Ruth T. , Roberts Geoffrey P. , Meek Claire L. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. 
Published: June 2018

RationaleDiagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours requires the study of patient plasma with multiple immunoassays, using multiple aliquots of plasma. The application of mass spectrometry based techniques could reduce the cost and amount of plasma required for diagnosis.MethodsPlasma samples from two patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours were extracted using an established acetonitrile‐based plasma peptide enrichment strategy. The circulating peptidome was characterised using nano and high flow rate liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses. To assess the diagnostic potential of the analytical approach, a large sample batch (68 plasmas) from control subjects, and aliquots from subjects harbouring two different types of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (insulinoma and glucagonoma), were analysed using a 10‐min LC/MS peptide screen.ResultsThe untargeted plasma peptidomics approach identified peptides derived from the glucagon prohormone, chromogranin A, chromogranin B and other peptide hormones and proteins related to control of peptide secretion. The glucagon prohormone derived peptides that were detected were compared against putative peptides that were identified using multiple antibody pairs against glucagon peptides. Comparison of the plasma samples for relative levels of selected peptides showed clear separation between the glucagonoma and the insulinoma and control samples.ConclusionsThe combination of the organic solvent extraction methodology with high flow rate analysis could potentially be used to aid diagnosis and monitor treatment of patients with functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. However, significant validation will be required before this approach can be clinically applied.
Urushi/Nafion Hybrid Membranes for an All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Jung Jiyoon , Cho Eun Hae , Hwang Seung Sang , Won Jongok 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn urushi/Nafion hybrid membrane is prepared via a thermal in situ crosslinking reaction of natural urushiol to reduce the crossover of vanadium ions in an all vanadium redox flow battery (RFB). The ionic channel of the Nafion is blocked by the urushi, a crosslinked natural polymer formed by the polymerization of the adsorbed urushiol. Urushi, which has high chemical robustness in acid solution, is well‐formed within the volume of the ion cluster, and the presence of urushi inside the Nafion membrane is confirmed. The permeability and swelling decrease with increasing urushi in the hybrid membrane. The RFB with a hybrid membrane has higher efficiency than the RFB with Nafion. The coulombic and energy efficiencies are 95% and 91%, respectively, for the membrane containing 3.2 wt% of urushi at 11.1 mA cm−2, suggesting that the urushi in the hybrid membrane can suppress vanadium ion crossover. The chemical and mechanical strengths are maintained in Fenton reagent, which enables long‐term use of hybrid membranes to operate the RFB in strong acid solutions. These results suggest that the urushi/Nafion membrane with a chemically stable urushi inside the ion channel enables the successful use of all vanadium RFB as an energy storage system.
Peptide Design Enables Reengineering of an Inactive Wasp Venom Peptide into Synthetic Antiplasmodial Agents
Authors: Torres Marcelo D. T. , Silva Adriana F. , Pedron Cibele N. , Capurro Margareth L. , de la Fuente‐Nunez Cesar , Junior Vani X. Oliveira 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMalaria, caused by Plasmodium protozoa, is responsible for ∼0.5 million deaths annually. Decoralin is a wasp‐derived peptide with activity against a number of microorganisms but no antiplasmodial function. In its unmodified form, it cannot be used as an anti‐infective because of its hemolytic activity. We have generated decoralin analogs with potent antiplasmodial function. Our results provide insight into antiplasmodial sequence requirements and identify single mutations that confer novel biological and therapeutic properties to this peptide, demonstrating the utility of rational peptide design.
New Water‐Soluble N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium Complexes as Promising Anti‐Tumor Agents: Investigating DNA and Protein Interactions
Authors: Bangde Prachi S. , Prajapati Dharmendra S. , Dandekar Prajakta P. , Kapdi Anant R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis investigation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of three new, water‐soluble palladium complexes, with potential to overcome the drawbacks of platinum‐based anti‐cancer drugs. The complexes contain small N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, having groups that impart water solubility. The anti‐cancer effects of these complexes were evaluated in two different cancer cell lines, namely,HeLa, a cervical cancer cell line and A549,adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cell line. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was compared with cisplatin, an established platinum‐based anti‐cancer moiety, using the MTT assay (MTT is 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Aqueous solutions of the synthesized complexes demonstrated significant cytotoxicity in both the cell lines. The synthesized metal complexes resulted in a stronger, cytotoxic effect in A549 cells (lung cancer cells), as compared to cisplatin. Furthermore, interaction of these palladium compounds with DNA was studied using gel electrophoresis and spectrometry methods. The result suggested that the complexes interacted with DNA via intercalation. Interaction with BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) was investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy suggesting positive interaction of palladium complex with BSA proteins. Furthermore, fluorescence studies revealed quenching of protein fluorescence thus, indicating dynamic quenching mechanism with the number of association sites being calculated as ∼1.
Fe(SO4)3‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Terpenic Alcohols Esters: A Simple and Bifunctional Reusable Solid Catalyst
Authors: da Silva Márcio J. , Julio Armanda A. , Mosqueira Ayala Diego A. , de Miranda Leticia M. P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFerric sulfate is a simple and commercially available solid catalyst and demonstrated to be able to catalyze terpenic alcohols esterification with acetic acid, achieving high conversion and ester selectivity. This process is an attractive option to the enzymatic or acid homogenous processes commonly used to synthesize esters. The undesirable steps of neutralizing of the products are avoided. A study of the activity of hydrated Fe2(SO4)3 demonstrated that although the efficiency of the catalyst is directly linked to the ability of the FeIII cations to generate H3O+ ions, the solid catalyst plays also a key role on the esterification process. We assessed the effects of the main reaction variables such as reactants proportion, temperature, and catalyst concentration. Different terpenic alcohols such as β‐citronellol, geraniol, nerol, linalool, α‐terpineol and borneol were esterified in the presence of Fe2(SO4)3 catalyst. The Fe2(SO4)3 catalyst was easily recovered and reused.
Quantitative Analysis of Intermolecular Interactions in 3‐Cyano‐2‐Pyridones: Evaluation through Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction and Density Functional Theory
Authors: Rai Sunil K. , Sierański Tomasz , Khanam Shaziya , Kumar Krishnan Ravi , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Tewari Ashish K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA series of 2‐pyridones and their methyl derivatives has been studied in term of noncovalent interactions and molecular packing properties. These structural characteristics were then correlated with the quantitative analysis of the intermolecular interactions governing those compounds in three dimensional net. The electronic effect over the 2‐pyridone ring on the packing property was analysed by locking the tautomers. The SC‐XRD revealed that 4,6‐dimethyl‐3‐cyano‐2‐pyridone and its O‐methyl derivative owned the layered arrangement, while N‐methyl derivative possessed the corrugated arrangement with persistent of stacking between two pyridone rings. However, 4‐phenyl‐6‐methyl‐3‐cyano‐2‐pyridone and its N‐methyl derivative showed the reverse face‐to‐face stacking due to modest torsion of bi‐aryl rings. Similarly, 6‐phenyl‐4‐methyl‐3‐cyano‐2‐pyridone has also shown reverse face‐to‐face stacking while its N‐methyl derivative stacking between pyridone ring and nitrile group was observed. Further, quantitative analysis of intermolecular interactions was done through Hirshfeld surface analysis and density functional theory.
Fabrication of novel ZIF‐67 Composite Microspheres for Effective Adsorption and Solid‐phase Extraction of Dyes from Water
Authors: Dai Juan , Li Chunxiao , Xiao Shangzhen , Liu Jing , He Jing , Li Jiding , Wang Luying , Lei Jiandu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractZIFs type metal‐organic frameworks have been found to rapidly remove organic contaminants from water by adsorption. But ZIFs crystals are not suitable to be directly used as stationary phases of solid‐phase extraction (SPE) process, because of the non‐spherical morphology. This study reports a novel composite adsorbent, ZIF‐67 composite microspheres (ZIF‐67 CMs), synthesized via in‐situ growing ZIF‐67 nanoparticles (ZIF‐67 NPs) on the outer surface of resin microspheres (RMs). The as‐synthesized ZIF‐67 CMs were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET and TGA experiments, and the removal performance of the ZIF‐67 CMs to anion dyes were investigated. It was found that the ZIF‐67 CMs showing microsphere morphology were successfully assembled by growing ZIF‐67 NPs on RMs and exhibited favorable performance to rapidly adsorptive remove two kinds of anion dyes (Brilliant Blue G and Congo red) from water. The removal rates of the ZIF‐67 CMs to a 100 mg L−1 dye solution reached 95.9% and 99.1% in a 1 h and 5 h static adsorption, respectively. The ZIF‐67 CMs showing rapid adsorption performance were further studied as stationary phases in SPE procedures for decolorizing dye solutions. The ZIF‐67 CMs can efficiently remove more than 99% of dyes at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1 in a 5 min operation. The excellent SPE performance of ZIF‐67 CMs indicates the potential applications for efficiently concentrating or purifying liquid mixtures by using ZIF‐67 CMs or other ZIFs composite microspheres.
Cooperative Binding of Fluoride Anions to a Flexible Cystine‐Based Receptor Containing Two 3,5‐Dinitrobenzamide Motifs
Authors: Deka Barnali , Sarma Rupam J 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe binding of fluoride (F̄) anions to cystine‐based ligands containing two 3,5‐dinitrobenzamide motifs (receptors L1, L2) were monitored using UV/vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Detailed UV/vis studies revealed that interactions of L1 and L2 with F̄ anions were cooperative, characterised by sigmoidal binding isotherms. The binding isotherms for L1/F̄ and L2/F̄ were analysed using the Hill equation, and the results fitted to a cooperative two‐site binding model (Hill coefficient, nH ≈ 1.89, 2.06). In both cases, the association constant, K2 > K1, indicating that the interactions between L1 (or L2) and F̄ anion in the completely bound state were more favourable than the partially bound intermediate state. However, such cooperative binding behaviour was not observed for the methionine‐derived 3,5‐dinitrobenzamide receptor, L3. 1H NMR studies provided further insights into the nature of receptor/F̄ interactions, particularly the role of hydrogen bonding and anion‐π interactions. The binding geometries of the 1:1 complex of L1 with F̄ anions were optimised using density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations, which suggested the formation of anion‐assisted ‘sandwich‘ complex. In case of the 1:2 complex, the DFT optimised structure for L1/F̄ system was consistent with ‘open‘ conformation for the receptor.
Structural Elucidation of the Binary Mixtures of [EMIM][BF4] and [BMIM][BF4] in Ethyl‐Substituted Solvents by Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
Authors: Jain Preeti , Kumar Anil 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn order to address the issue whether both ionic liquids and solvents influence the enthalpy of their solutions, highly accurate excess partial molar enthalpy,
values have been measured using Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC). Therefore, thermodynamic behavior has been observed in the mixtures containing ionic liquids. It essentially depends on the molecular structure of the constituents of the mixture. The hydrogen bonding between ionic liquids and ethyl‐substituted solvents (2‐ethoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, diethylamine, ethyl acetate and N,N‐ diethylacetamide) may lead to strong ion‐solvent interactions. In the present study, an effort has been made to quantify various interactions between ionic liquid and solvent, based on the
values. Linear solvation free relation shows dependence of limiting excess partial molar enthalpies,
upon the solvent properties. Structural orientation of solvent molecules and ionic liquids also described by the
values. The ion‐ion, ion‐solvent interactions have also been investigated in terms of the enthalpic interaction parameters,
and relative apparent molar enthalpy, φL of ionic liquid‐ethyl‐substituted solvent systems.
Exploiting Stokes and anti‐Stokes type emission profiles of aptamer‐functionalized luminescent nanoprobes for multiplex sensing applications
Authors: Yüce Meral , Kurt Hasan , Hussain Babar , Ow‐Yang Cleva W. , Budak Hikmet 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMultiplex biosensing of four types of bacterial food pathogens in one pot is described. Stokes and anti‐Stokes type photoluminescence (PL) of two quantum dots (QD) and two upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP) were utilised for realisation of the multiplex detection. The biosensing system was composed of aptamer‐functionalized QD and UCNP nanoprobes that were conjugated with partially complementary DNA‐modified magnetic beads for separation. PL signals of the conjugates were collected before and after incubation with target pathogens in one pot through the sequential excitations at 335 nm for QD probes and 980 nm for UCNP probes. The limit of detection values achieved were 28, 15, 12 and 25 cfu⋅mL−1 for Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Efforts for extending the multiplex detection up to five pathogens were also presented even though the PL signal cross‐talk of a third QD nanoprobe hindered the detection. This work empowers co‐deployment of QDs and UCNPs and paves the way for future studies in multiplex sensing, labelling, and bioimaging fields.
Ambient workplace heterosexism: Implications for sexual minority and heterosexual employees
Authors: Miner Kathi N. , Costa Paula L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between ambient workplace heterosexism, emotional reactions (i.e., fear and anger), and outcomes for sexual minority and heterosexual employees. Five hundred thirty‐six restaurant employees (68% female, 77% White) completed an online survey assessing the variables of interest. Results showed that greater experiences of ambient workplace heterosexism were associated with heightened fear and anger and, in turn, with heightened psychological distress (for fear) and greater physical health complaints, turnover intentions, and lowered job satisfaction (for anger). Fear also mediated the relationship between ambient workplace heterosexism and psychological distress. In addition, sexual orientation moderated the relationship between ambient workplace heterosexism and fear such that sexual minority employees reported more fear than heterosexuals with greater ambient heterosexism. These effects occurred after controlling for personal experiences of interpersonal discrimination. Our findings suggest that ambient workplace heterosexism can be harmful to all employees, not only sexual minorities or targeted individuals.
Electrospun polyacrylonitrile‐zeolite imidazolate framework‐8 nanofibers for the thin‐film microextraction of bisphenol A
Authors: Mehrafza Narges , Saraji Mohammad 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA polyacrylonitrile/zeolite imidazolate‐8 nanofiber film was prepared and used as an extracting phase in the thin‐film microextraction of bisphenol A. Zeolite imidazolate‐8 nanoparticles were simply synthesized at ambient temperature and combined with polyacrylonitrile to prepare a polyacrylonitrile/zeolite imidazolate‐8 film. Electrospinning was used for preparing the polyacrylonitrile/zeolite imidazolate‐8 film. High‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with an ultraviolet detector was used for measuring bisphenol A. The main factors affecting the extraction ability of the sorbent for bisphenol A were studied. The ability of the sorbent to extract the analyte was compared with other sorbents (montmorillonite nanoparticles, LiChrolut EN, Oasis HLB and halloysite nanotubes). The method was linear from 0.1 to 50 μg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.03 μg L−1. The precision expressed as relative standard deviation was less than 6%. Bisphenol A in different real samples (water, wastewater and polycarbonate baby bottle) was successfully analyzed by this method.
Polygalae radix extract ameliorates behavioral and neuromorphological abnormalities in chronic corticosterone‐treated mice
Authors: Araki Ryota , Fujiwara Hironori , Matsumoto Kinzo , Toume Kazufumi , Yabe Takeshi 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTAimPolygalae radix is a traditional herbal medicine used for treatment of anxiety or amnesia in several East Asian cultures. In this study, the mechanisms underlying the effects of Polygalae radix extract (PRE) on brain dysfunction such as depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were investigated.MethodsPRE (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given for 14 days in mice treated chronically with corticosterone (CORT). Depression‐like behavior in the forced swim test, spatial memory in the Barnes maze test, hippocampal neurogenesis, dendritic spine density and mRNA expression for neurotrophic factors were evaluated.ResultsPRE reversed depression‐like behavior, and also reversed the impairment in dendritic spine maturation and the decrease in mRNA expression for glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens of chronic CORT‐treated mice, but did not affect impaired spatial memory or decreased hippocampal neurogenesis.ConclusionPolygalae radix ameliorates depressive symptoms via GDNF‐induced spine modification in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens.