bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ultra short sub‐30 minute incubation of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in vitro
Authors: Koo Eugene , Austin Evan , Mamalis Andrew , Jagdeo Jared 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectiveThe estimated incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is 700,000 cases per year. In the US, SCC incidence is highest among fair skinned adults older than 50 years of age. Thus, as the population ages, the reported number of SCCs will likely increase in the future. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA approved therapy for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs), a precursor to cutaneous SCC lesions. The FDA approved incubation time of the photosensitizing agent 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is 14–18 hours. Recent studies have investigated short ALA incubation times of 1–3 hours with ALA and PDT demonstrating treatment success. Therefore, the question exists whether ALA incubation periods of less than 30 minutes are efficacious. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of short ALA incubation periods by measuring apoptosis after 10, 15, and 20 minutes of ALA incubation.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAG13145 normal human dermal fibroblasts HDFs were incubated with 10, 15, or 20 minute of ALA at various concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM). After ALA incubation, samples were treated with 1,000 seconds (16 minutes 40 seconds) of Blu‐U fluorescent blue light (417 ± 5 nm) for a fluence of 10 J/cm2. Immediately following treatment with blue light, samples were collected and stained for apoptosis and necrosis with annexin‐V and 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD), and then analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsHDFs incubated with ALA for 10 minute at 36 °C followed by 10 J/cm2 of blue light had no statistically significant changes in apoptosis. HDFs incubated with ALA for 15 or 20 minutes at 36 °C followed by 10 J/cm2 of blue light had statistically significant increases in the percentages of cells positive for apoptosis in the 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mM ALA doses (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found that incubation of ALA for at least 15 minutes followed by 10 J/cm2 of blue light resulted in a statistically significant increase in apoptosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:592–598, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quaternized and Thiazole‐Functionalized Free Radical‐Generating Organometallic Dendrimers as Antimicrobial Platform against Multidrug‐Resistant Microorganisms
Authors: Abd‐El‐Aziz Alaa S. , Agatemor Christian , Etkin Nola , Bissessur Rabin , Overy David , Lanteigne Martin , McQuillan Katherine , Kerr Russell G. 
Published: March 2017

New macromolecules such as dendrimers are increasingly needed to drive breakthroughs in diverse areas, for example, healthcare. Here, the authors report hybrid antimicrobial dendrimers synthesized by functionalizing organometallic dendrimers with quaternary ammonium groups or 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole. The functionalization tunes the glass transition temperature and antimicrobial activities of the dendrimers. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that the dendrimers form free radicals, which have significant implications for catalysis and biology. In vitro antimicrobial assays indicate that the dendrimers are potent antimicrobial agents with activity against multidrug‐resistant pathogens such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium as well as other microorganisms. The functionalization increases the activity, especially in the quaternary ammonium group‐functionalized dendrimers. Importantly, the activities are selective because human epidermal keratinocytes cells and BJ fibroblast cells exposed to the dendrimers are viable after 24 h.
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The Deeply Understanding of the Self‐Healing Mechanism for Self‐Healing Behavior of Supramolecular Materials Based on Cyclodextrin–Guest Interactions
Authors: Guo Kun , Lin Mu‐Song , Feng Jun‐Feng , Pan Min , Ding Li‐Sheng , Li Bang‐Jing , Zhang Sheng 
Published: March 2017

Cyclodextrin (CD)‐based host–guest interactions are one of the important supramolecular interactions and have been playing significant role in the design of self‐healing materials due to high selectivity and dynamic equilibrium. However, a deeper understanding of the self‐healing mechanism is still rare, although self‐healing materials based on CD–guest interactions have many advantages. This study provides a first step for the fundamental understanding of the influence factors on self‐healing behavior of materials containing CD–guest complexes. It is found that the healing motifs are CD–guest interactions. Sufficient polymer chains mobility, a small amount of water, and high inclusion constant (K) of host–guest interactions are also essential to the self‐healing process. The threshold of K value is around 102 M−1.
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Hollow Microcapsules with Enhanced Stability via Stereocomplex Assemblies
Authors: Brzeziński Marek 
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a microfluidic approach for fabricating stereocomplexed hollow microcapsules that uses water‐in‐oil‐in‐water double‐emulsion droplets as templates. The polylactides functionalized with 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidinone (UPy) end groups are intermolecularly stereocomplexed by polylactides with opposite configurations to promote their self‐assembly at a water‐chloroform interface. This intermolecular interaction can significantly enhance the stability of resulting hollow microcapsules so that they preserve their shape and size after drying. Moreover, because these stimuli‐responsive polylactides can assemble and disassemble into superstructures, they can be made to release their cargo by varying the pH values. The interfacially assembled supramolecular microcapsules, which possess stimuli‐responsiveness and long‐term stability, are potentially useful for encapsulation and delivery of drugs.
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Identifying rare diseases using electronic medical records: the example of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Maguire Andrew , Johnson Michelle E. , Denning David W. , Ferreira Germano L.C. , Cassidy Adrian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate whether primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) from patients with severe asthma can be used to identify allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) cases.MethodsThis cross‐sectional feasibility study was conducted in adults with active and severe asthma registered with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. A set of keywords flagged terms potentially indicative of ABPA in free‐text comments of patients' EMRs to produce a grid on the basis of keywords' hit or miss. The grid was examined for occurrence and concurrence of keywords to discern patterns of concurrence potentially indicative of an underlying diagnosis of ABPA.ResultsThe analyses included 3 653 169 free‐text items from 21 054 patients. In total, 52 patients (0.25%) had at least one mention of ‘ABPA’ in their medical record; 67% of these patients also had a mention of ‘aspergillus/aspergillosis’, 54% of ‘bronchiectasis’, 42% of ‘itraconazole’ and 62% of ‘IgE’. The term ‘aspergillus/aspergillosis’ occurred with a proportion of 1.84% (N = 387); 9% of these patients also had a mention of ‘ABPA’, and the remaining 91% were potential additional cases of ABPA. From the observed concurrence of keywords, we were able to devise a potential algorithm to identify cases with varying degrees of specificity.ConclusionsThis study suggests that analysis of free text within asthmatic patients' EMRs may be used to identify potential cases of ABPA. This could be an efficient approach to identify rare conditions and to quantify their potential burden. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cationic amphiphilic copolymers: synthesis, characterization, self‐assembly and drug‐loading capacity
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Li Renjie , Chen Huimin , Ma Fulong , Zhang Xiuxuan , Cheng Yu , Gu Xiaofei , Qi Zhengjian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAmphiphilic copolymers with cationic hydrophilic moieties and different ratios of hydrophobic portion to hydrophilic portion were designed and synthesized via the combination of hydrosilylation reactions and quaternization reactions. The structures were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The measurements of critical micelle concentrations, electrical conductivities and zeta potentials indicated that the copolymers could self‐assemble into nanoparticles with charges around the surface in aqueous solution. The sizes of the micelles were between 67 nm and 104 nm detected by dynamic light scattering. The self‐assembled micelles were used as drug carriers to encapsulate a model drug (tocopherol), and their drug‐loading content (DLC) and efficiency (DLE) were determined by UV−visible spectra, resulting in considerable drug‐loading capacity to a tocopherol maximum up to 17.2% (DLC) and 80.3% (DLE) with a size of 90 nm. The blank micelles and drug‐loaded micelles displayed a spherical shape detected by transmission electron microscopy, which demonstrated not only the self‐assembly behaviors but also the drug‐loading performances of the cationic amphiphilic copolymers. All the results demonstrated that the cationic amphiphilic copolymers could be used as potential electric‐responsive drug carriers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection and imaging of thermochromic ink compounds in erasable pens using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Khatami Amin , Prova Shamina S. , Bagga Aafreen K. , Yan Chi Ting Michelle , Brar Gurnoor , Ifa Demian R. 
Published: March 2017

RationaleThermochromic ink pens are widely accessible worldwide and have gained popularity among the general public. These pens are very useful to undo mistakes while writing important documents or exams. They are also, however, misused in committing crimes such as counterfeiting checks or wills. Thus, the forensics community is in need of techniques that will allow these forgeries to be detected rapidly, reliably and conveniently.MethodsThermochromic ink compounds were investigated using Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) coupled with an LTQ mass spectrometer and Thin‐Layer Chromatography (TLC). Tandem mass spectrometric analysis was conducted using Electrospray Ionization (ESI) coupled with an Orbitrap LTQ mass spectrometer performing Collision‐Induced Dissociation (CID) for identification of ink traces.ResultsChemical marker ions characteristic of the state of ink (visible or invisible) were identified and mapped in ink traces by the use of DESI‐MS imaging. These ions can be employed by forensic experts as fingerprint markers in forged documents. The marker ions were also characterised by conducting tandem mass spectrometry using paper spray in an Orbitrap LTQ mass spectrometer.ConclusionsSpecific chemical components yielding ions ofm/z400, 405, 615 and 786 were distinguished as only being apparent in the invisible and reappeared state of the ink. The absence of these compounds in the original state of the ink enabled their recognition as useful chemical determinants in detecting forgery. DESI‐MSI was thus shown to be a very useful, convenient and reliable technique for detecting forgery in paper documents due to its fast and reproducible mode of analysis, with no sample preparation and minimal damage to the document under investigation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon pricing in climate policy: seven reasons, complementary instruments, and political economy considerations
Authors: Baranzini Andrea , van den Bergh Jeroen C. J. M. , Carattini Stefano , Howarth Richard B. , Padilla Emilio , Roca Jordi 
Published: March 2017

Carbon pricing is a recurrent theme in debates on climate policy. Discarded at the 2009COPin Copenhagen, it remained part of deliberations for a climate agreement in subsequent years. As there is still much misunderstanding about the many reasons to implement a global carbon price, ideological resistance against it prospers. Here, we present the main arguments for carbon pricing, to stimulate a fair and well‐informed discussion about it. These include considerations that have received little attention so far. We stress that a main reason to use carbon pricing is environmental effectiveness at a relatively low cost, which in turn contributes to enhance social and political acceptability of climate policy. This includes the property that corrected prices stimulate rapid environmental innovations. These arguments are underappreciated in the public debate, where pricing is frequently downplayed and the erroneous view that innovation policies are sufficient is widespread. Carbon pricing and technology policies are, though, largely complementary and thus are both needed for effective climate policy. We also comment on the complementarity of other instruments to carbon pricing. We further discuss distributional consequences of carbon pricing and present suggestions on how to address these. Other political economy issues that receive attention are lobbying, co‐benefits, international policy coordination, motivational crowding in/out, and long‐term commitment. The overview ends with reflections on implementing a global carbon price, whether through a carbon tax or emissions trading. The discussion goes beyond traditional arguments from environmental economics by including relevant insights from energy research and innovation studies as well.WIREs Clim Change2017, 8:e462. doi: 10.1002/wcc.462This article is categorized under:Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation
Computational protein structure refinement: almost there, yet still so far to go
Authors: Feig Michael 
Published: March 2017

Protein structures are essential in modern biology yet experimental methods are far from being able to catch up with the rapid increase in available genomic data. Computational protein structure prediction methods aim to fill the gap while the role of protein structure refinement is to take approximate initial template‐based models and bring them closer to the true native structure. Current methods for computational structure refinement rely on molecular dynamics simulations, related sampling methods, or iterative structure optimization protocols. The best methods are able to achieve moderate degrees of refinement but consistent refinement that can reach near‐experimental accuracy remains elusive. Key issues revolve around the accuracy of the energy function, the inability to reliably rank multiple models, and the use of restraints that keep sampling close to the native state but also limit the degree of possible refinement. A different aspect is the question of what exactly the target of high‐resolution refinement should be as experimental structures are affected by experimental conditions and different biological questions require varying levels of accuracy. While improvement of the global protein structure is a difficult problem, high‐resolution refinement methods that improve local structural quality such as favorable stereochemistry and the avoidance of atomic clashes are much more successful. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1307. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1307This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Software > Molecular Modeling
Big Data Privacy and Anonymization
Authors: Torra Vicenç , Navarro-Arribas Guillermo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractData privacy has been studied in the area of statistics (statistical disclosure control) and computer science (privacy preserving data mining and privacy enhancing technologies) for at least 40 years. In this period models, measures, methods, and technologies have been developed to effectively protect the disclosure of sensitive information.The coming of big data, with large volumes of data, dynamic and streaming data, poses new challenges to the field. In this paper we will review some of these challenges and propose some lines of research in the field.
Tocopherols, Tocotrienols and Carotenoids in Kernel Oils Recovered from 15 Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Genotypes
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Radziejewska‐Kubzdela Elżbieta , Mišina Inga , Biegańska‐Marecik Róża , Grygier Anna , Rudzińska Magdalena 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe studied the content of tocopherols, tocotrienols and carotenoids in oil extracted from the kernels of 15 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes and the associated oil yield of the studied samples. The oil yield in apricot kernels was in a wide range of 27.2–61.4% (w/w) dry weight basis. For each class of studied compounds (tocochromanols and carotenoids), a three‐fold difference was found between the lowest and the highest content (78.8–258.5 and 0.15–0.53 mg/100 g of oil, respectively). γ‐Tocopherol accounted for 91–94% of total tocochromanols detected in all tested samples. Lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐cryptoxanthin and β‐carotene were the main compounds among the eight different carotenoids detected in apricot kernel oils; they comprised 76–94% of the total carotenoids content, and compositions were characteristic for specific genotypes. The oil yield and content of lipophilic antioxidants in apricot kernel oils were significantly affected by the genotype. The oil yield was negatively correlated with the total amount of tocochromanols (r = −0.910) and carotenoids (r = −0.704) in apricot kernel oils.
Paradoxical embolism: Experiences from a single center
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Liang , Liu Zhi‐Hong , Luo Qin , Wang Yong , Zhao Zhi‐Hui , Xiong Chang‐Ming 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo present our treatment experiences and the follow‐up data of patients with paradoxical embolism (PDE).MethodsThe clinical characteristics, management, and follow‐up data of all included patients who were diagnosed with PDE at Fuwai Hospital from January 1994 to October 2015 were recorded.ResultsTwelve patients were included; all had a pulmonary embolism, and 8 had deep venous thrombosis. The artery embolisms involved the cerebral artery (7 patients), renal artery (2 patients), mesentery artery (2 patients), popliteal artery (1 patient), descending aorta thrombus (1 patient), and thrombus‐straddled patent foramen ovale (PFO) (1 patient). PFO was found in 3 cases. One patient underwent thrombectomy and PFO closure; Six patients received thrombolysis; and 3 patients were implanted with a vena cava filter. Long‐term anticoagulation with warfarin was recommended for each patient. One patient died from ventricular fibrillation despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Eleven patients were discharged with improvements. No late mortality occurred in 8 patients with a complete follow‐up of 10.6–17.7 years. One had a recurrent deep venous thrombosis. No patient had a recurrent pulmonary or arterial embolism. Two patients changed their treatment from warfarin to aspirin; others remained on warfarin. Only 1 case had an occasional gum bleeding.ConclusionsPDE treatment including thrombolysis, anticoagulation, and embolectomy should be individualized. We recommend long‐term anticoagulation therapy to prevent the recurrence of PDE, especially to those with an intracardiac communication or persistent risk factors for re‐thrombosis.
Detecting functional decline from normal aging to dementia: Development and validation of a short version of the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire
Authors: Jutten Roos J. , Peeters Carel F.W. , Leijdesdorff Sophie M.J. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Maier Andrea B. , Terwee Caroline B. , Scheltens Philip , Sikkes Sietske A.M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionDetecting functional decline from normal aging to dementia is relevant for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Therefore, the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A‐IADL‐Q) was developed: a 70‐item proxy‐based tool with good psychometric properties. We aimed to design a short version while preserving its psychometric quality.MethodsStudy partners of subjects (n = 1355), ranging from cognitively normal to dementia subjects, completed the original A‐IADL‐Q. We selected the short version items using a stepwise procedure combining missing data, Item Response Theory, and input from respondents and experts. We investigated internal consistency of the short version and concordance with the original version. To assess its construct validity, we additionally investigated concordance between the short version and the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD). Finally, we investigated differences in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores between diagnostic groups across the dementia spectrum.ResultsWe selected 30 items covering the entire spectrum of IADL functioning. Internal consistency (0.98) and concordance with the original version (0.97) were very high. Concordance with the MMSE (0.72) and DAD (0.87) scores was high. IADL impairment scores increased across the spectrum from normal cognition to dementia.DiscussionThe A‐IADL‐Q short version (A‐IADL‐Q‐SV) consists of 30 items and has maintained the psychometric quality of the original A‐IADL‐Q. As such, the A‐IADL‐Q‐SV is a concise measure of functional decline.
Speaking to the heart: Social exclusion and reliance on feelings versus reasons in persuasion
Authors: Lu Fang‐Chi , Sinha Jayati 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe authors of this study identify an alternative frame of communication for persuading people who feel socially excluded to behave in ways that benefit individual and social wellbeing, regardless of future connection possibilities. The authors suggest that socially excluded (included) consumers tend to rely on affect (cognition) in processing information, and to consequently prefer persuasive messages based on feelings (reasons). The effect occurs because people tend to ruminate about exclusionary events, which depletes self‐regulatory resources. Thus, distraction that interferes with rumination can mitigate the social exclusion effect on affective processing. The authors present findings from five studies across various paradigms promoting personal and social wellbeing (i.e., donating blood, recycling, and consuming healthful foods) and discuss the theoretical and policy implications.
Initial experience with the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator in a single Japanese center
Authors: Nishii Nobuhiro , Tachibana Motomi , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Kawada Satoshi , Miyoshi Akihito , Sugiyama Hiroyasu , Nakagawa Koji , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Nakamura Kazufumi , Morita Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) is recognized as a viable alternative to the transvenous ICD. The safety and efficacy of this device has been demonstrated in Western countries, but studies with S‐ICD implantation in Japanese patients have not been reported.Methods and resultsTwelve patients received an S‐ICD implant in our institute between February and September 2016. All S‐ICDs were successfully implanted without complications. One appropriate and one inappropriate therapy was identified.ConclusionsS‐ICD implantation appears to provide a viable alternative to transvenous ICD implantation for some Japanese patients. However, we should perform careful follow‐up of patients to eliminate inappropriate therapy.
The Bioethicist Who Cried “Synthetic Biology”: An Analysis of the Function of Bioterrorism Predictions in Bioethics
Authors: HOLM SØREN 
Published: March 2017

Abstract:This article analyzes a specter that has haunted bioethics almost since its inception, namely the specter of the misuse of biotechnology by maleficent agents bent on mass destruction, or the complete eradication of human kind and life as we know it. The article provides a general account of why bioethicists cry “catastrophic bioterrorism potential” when new biotechnologies emerge, and an analysis of the arguments that flow from the prediction, especially in relation to synthetic biology.