bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride into Boron Nitride Nanosheets in Common Organic Solvents with Hyperbranched Polyethylene as Stabilizer
Authors: Ye Huijian , Lu Tiemei , Xu Chunfeng , Han Bo , Meng Nan , Xu Lixin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLarge‐scale production of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) is of significant importance for their various applications. Herein, a facile strategy is well demonstrated for BNNS fabrication via liquid‐phase exfoliation of bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) in common organic solvents with hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) as stabilizer. Synthesized from commercially abundant ethylene stock via a simple process, the HBPE is found to effectively promote h‐BN exfoliation both in tetrahydrofuran and chloroform under sonication, to render stable dispersions of high‐quality monolayer or few‐layer BNNSs with adjustable concentrations. This has been confirmed to originate from the noncovalent CH–π interactions between the HBPE and BNNS surface, which results in irreversible HBPE adsorption on the latter to effectively prevent their reaggregation. The resultant HBPE‐functionalized BNNSs are highly dispersible in chloroform or N,N‐dimethylformamide at a concentration as high as 10.0 mg mL−1, and can be successfully used as nanofiller for a fluorinated copolymer.
The REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire is not Valid in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Halsband Claire , Zapf Antonia , Sixel‐Döring Friederike , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mollenhauer Brit 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundRapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is one of the most specific prodromal indicators for Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectivesTo test the validity of the RBD‐Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) in assessing RBD in early PD.MethodsThe RBDSQ was completed before video‐supported polysomnography (vPSG) by 134 de novo PD patients, 109 matched controls without neurological disorder (CTR) and 30 subjects with idiopathic RBD (iRBD) without clinical signs of PD; results were compared with vPSG‐confirmed RBD diagnosis.Results and ConclusionsSensitivity/specificity of the RBDSQ for the PD cohort were 0.44/0.84 at the previously published cut‐off score of 6 for PD patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) 0.68 (95% CI, 0.56–0.79). By contrast, in the iRBD/CTR cohort the RBDSQ (cut‐off = 5) had a sensitivity/specificity of 0.97/0.84 and an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90–1.00). Subanalysis of question 6 only (4 subitems asking for dream enactment) at a cut‐off score of 1 revealed a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.70 for the de novo PD cohort, AUC was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63–0.84). RBDSQ is an insufficient screening tool for RBD in de novo PD. New screening tools for RBD assessment need to be developed.
Collagen XII myopathy with rectus femoris atrophy and collagen XII retention in fibroblasts
Authors: Witting Nanna , Krag Thomas , Werlauff Ulla , Duno Morten , Oestergaard Sofie Thuroe , Dahlqvist Julia Rebecka , Vissing John 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mutation in the collagen XII gene (COL12A1) was recently reported to induce Bethlem myopathy. We describe a family affected by collagen XII‐related myopathy in 3 generations. Methods: Systematic interview, clinical examination, skin biopsies, and MRI of muscle were used. Results: The phenotype was characterized by neonatal hypotonia, contractures, and delayed motor development followed by resolution of contractures and a motor performance limited by reduced endurance. DNA analyses revealed a novel donor splice‐site mutation in COL12A1 (c.8100 + 2T>C), which segregated with clinical affection and abnormal collagen XII retention in fibroblasts. MRI disclosed a selective wasting of the rectus femoris muscle. Discussion: COL12A1 mutations should be considered in patients with a mild Bethlem phenotype who present with selective wasting of the rectus femoris, absence of the outside‐in phenomenon on MRI, and abnormal collagen XII retention in fibroblasts. Muscle Nerve 57: 1026–1030, 2018
Fatigue is a relevant outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Tran Christopher , Bril Vera , Katzberg Hans D. , Barnett Carolina 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Patients with myasthenia gravis often experience fatigue, but its effect on quality of life (QoL) is underestimated, and fatigue is rarely measured in clinical trials. Methods: Two hundred fifty‐seven myasthenic patients completed the Neuro‐QoL‐Fatigue and measures of disease severity and QoL. We studied the relationship between fatigue and clinical and demographic variables. Finally, we studied the responsiveness of the Neuro‐QoL‐Fatigue in 95 patients receiving treatments for myasthenia and estimated the minimal important difference (MID). Results: Fatigue correlated with greater disease severity (r = 0.52–0.69, P < 0.0001) and worse QoL (r = 0.65–0.75, P < 0.0001). Patients in remission, with minimal manifestations, and pure ocular symptoms reported minimal fatigue. Regression modeling showed that, in addition to its relationship with disease severity, fatigue was worse in females, patients with generalized disease, and those with anxiety/depression. Fatigue improved after immunomodulation (P < 0.0001), and the MID was 5.3 points. Discussion: Fatigue in myasthenia correlates with disease severity, affects QoL, and can improve after treatment. Muscle Nerve 58: 197–203, 2018
Neuromuscular complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Kolb Noah A. , Trevino Christopher R , Waheed Waqar , Sobhani Fatemeh , Landry Kara K. , Thomas Alissa A. , Hehir Mike 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) therapy unleashes the body's natural immune system to fight cancer. ICPIs improve overall cancer survival, however, the unbridling of the immune system may induce a variety of immune‐related adverse events. Neuromuscular immune complications are rare but they can be severe. Myasthenia gravis and inflammatory neuropathy are the most common neuromuscular adverse events but a variety of others including inflammatory myopathy are reported. The pathophysiologic mechanism of these autoimmune disorders may differ from that of non–ICPI‐related immune diseases. Accordingly, while the optimal treatment for ICPI‐related neuromuscular disorders generally follows a traditional paradigm, there are important novel considerations in selecting appropriate immunosuppressive therapy. This review presents 2 new cases, a summary of neuromuscular ICPI complications, and an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Muscle Nerve 58: 10–22, 2018
The effect of benzo‐annelation on intermolecular hydrogen bond and proton transfer of 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone in methanol: A TD‐DFT study
Authors: Zhao Yanliang , Wang Meishan , Zhou Panwang , Yang Chuanlu , Ma Xiaoguang , Tang Zhe , Bao Dongshuai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExcited‐state intermolecular or intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction has important potential applications in biological probes. In this paper, the effect of benzo‐annelation on intermolecular hydrogen bond and proton transfer reaction of the 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone (MQ) dye in methanol solvent is investigated by the density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory approaches. Both the primary structure parameters and infrared vibrational spectra analysis of MQ and its benzo‐analogue 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐benzo‐quinolone (MBQ) show that the intermolecular hydrogen bond O1―H2⋯O3 significantly strengthens in the excited state, whereas another intermolecular hydrogen bond O3―H4⋯O5 weakens slightly. Simulated electron absorption and fluorescence spectra are agreement with the experimental data. The noncovalent interaction analysis displays that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of MQ are obviously stronger than that of MBQ. Additionally, the energy profile analysis via the proton transfer reaction pathway illustrates that the ESIPT reaction of MBQ is relatively harder than that of MQ. Therefore, the effect of benzo‐annelation of the MQ dye weakens the intermolecular hydrogen bond and relatively inhibits the proton transfer reaction.
1H NMR‐based method for the determination of complexation equilibrium parameters and chemical shifts in a hydrogen‐bonded system with dynamic composition
Authors: Linares Mendez Iamnica J. , Pleizier Jeffrey S. , Wang Hong‐Bo , Wisner James A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA photoswitchable self‐complementary hydrogen bond system with an azoheteroaromatic backbone is presented. The trans‐isomer (T) is the most stable form designed to dimerize through 6 hydrogen bond interactions. The dimerization constant (KT·T) and the dimer structure in the solid state have been obtained by conventional methods. When the cis‐isomer (C) is generated through photoisomerization, the dynamics of the complex structures in solution change. The less stable cis‐isomer can engage in dimerization, and a trans‐cis complex may form with remaining trans‐isomer (whose concentration increases as cis‐trans thermal reversion takes place). A mathematical approach to calculate the trans‐cis complexation constant (KT·C) along with an estimation of the cis‐isomer dimerization constant (KC·C) from phenyl analogues allows a description of the species distribution in solution to be generated.
Recent Progress on Photo‐Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wang Penglu , Wang Songcan , Wang Haiqiang , Wu Zhongbiao , Wang Lianzhou 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEver‐increasing carbon dioxide emission has led to serious greenhouse effect and global warming in recent years. Photo‐electrocatalysis is the most significant approach to convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels to alleviate the greenhouse effect as well as ensure the global carbon cycling with inexhaustible solar energy resource. There are four typical configurations in the photo‐electrocatalytic (PEC) carbon dioxide reduction system, i.e., photocathode coupling with anode cell, photoanode combining with cathode cell, photocathode integrating photoanode cell, and a photovoltaic‐photo‐electrocatalytic tandem cell. This review briefly summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art progress of above four configurations for photo‐electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction with a focus on the rational design of the electrode materials to achieve higher efficiency. In addition, the innovative design of the PEC system for efficient carbon dioxide reduction has also been concisely introduced. Finally, the perspectives on the challenges and future development of photo‐electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction based on the discussed configurations are presented.
MicroRNA181c inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and invasion by targeting multiple ERK signaling pathway components
Authors: Su Zhengzheng , Zhang Mengni , Xu Miao , Li Xinglan , Tan Junya , Xu Yunyi , Pan Xiuyi , Chen Ni , Chen Xueqin , Zhou Qiao 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe ERK signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in tumorigenesis, mostly by classical mechanisms such as gene mutation of its components (eg, RAS and RAF). However, whether and how multiple key components of ERK pathway are regulated by microRNAs are not clear.MethodsWe firstly predicted post‐transcriptional regulation of multiple key components of the ERK signaling pathway by miR181c through bioinformatics analysis, and then confirmed the post‐transcriptional regulation by dual luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blot analysis. The biological effects of miR181c on prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound scratch assay, transwell cell migration, and invasion assays.ResultsmiR181c post‐transcriptionally regulated multiple key members of the ERK signaling pathway, including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), serum response factor (SRF), and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c‐Fos). Ectopic expression of miR181c mimics effectively suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR181c treatment combined with the multi‐kinase inhibitor sorafenib significantly enhanced these anti‐tumor effects.ConclusionsDownregulation of miR181c results in deregulated ERK signaling and promotes prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Halloysite Nanotubes: Green Nanomaterial for Functional Organic‐Inorganic Nanohybrids
Authors: Ma Wei , Wu Hui , Higaki Yuji , Takahara Atsushi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe unique one‐dimensional nanoporous structure and the reactive external and internal surfaces make halloysite nanotube (HNT) an interesting nanomaterial for various applications. HNT is a green nanomaterial because it is easily available from abundant deposits in nature and is biocompatible with low cytotoxicity. After a brief introduction on the structure of HNT, recent advances in surface modification of HNT and its functional organic‐inorganic nanohybrids including hybrid nanocontainers, flame retardant nanocomposites, dye removal adsorbents, liquid marbles, and superamphiphobic coatings are introduced.
Inflammation‐Based Prognostic Score Predicts Postoperative Survival of Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia After Undergoing Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Matsumura Yuji , Karube Yoko , Nishihira Morimichi , Inoue Takashi , Araki Osamu , Maeda Sumiko , Chida Masayuki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesIdiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which uses serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels to indicate systemic inflammatory response and nutrition level, has been reported to be a predictor of overall survival in patients with various types of cancer. We evaluated the usefulness of GPS for prediction of survival of patients with both lung cancer and IIPs following a lung resection procedure.MethodsPatients with IIPs who underwent lung cancer resection from January 2006 through December 2015 were investigated. Routine laboratory measurements, including serum CRP and albumin for determining GPS, were performed before the operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses with a COX proportional hazards regression model were used to identify independent risk factors for overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and other disease‐specific survival (ODSS).ResultsA total of 135 patients underwent lung resection during the study period. Multivariate analysis selected sublobar resection (p = 0.035), UIP pattern (p = 0.025), and GPS of 1–2 (p = 0.042) as predictive factors associated with OS, while GPS of 1–2 (p = 0.039) was shown to be a predictive factor associated with RFS. Multivariate analysis also revealed pTNM (p < 0.001), usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (p = 0.006), and GPS of 2 (p = 0.003) as predictive factors associated with CSS, while univariate analysis indicated pTNM (p = 0.042), GPS of 1 (p = 0.044), and %DLCO (p = 0.038) as predictive factors associated with ODSS.ConclusionGPS is an independent prognostic factor of OS and RFS in lung cancer patients with IIPs undergoing a lung resection procedure. Furthermore, a GPS of 2 was found to be associated with CSS following lung cancer resection, while a score of 1 was associated with ODSS.
Reconstruction of brackish-water systems using an ichnological framework
Authors: Shchepetkina A. , Gingras M.K. , Pemberton S.G. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the history of ichnology from both Russian and international perspectives. However, the main purpose of the paper is to review how trace fossils can be used to discern the brackish-water sedimentary environments from their open-marine counterparts. A number of modern studies are presented, including: (1) Kouchibouguac Bay, New Brunswick, Canada; (2) Willapa Bay, Washington, USA; (3) Ogeechee River Estuary, Georgia, USA; and (4) Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. Cretaceous examples from the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (i.e., McMurray Formation, AB, Canada and Gething Formation, British Columbia, Canada) are provided to test the models derived from the modern estuaries.
The first report ofXenorhabdus indicafromSteinernema pakistanense: co-phylogenetic study suggests co-speciation betweenX. indicaand its steinernematid nematodes
Authors: Bhat A.H. , Chaubey A.K. , Půža V. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDuring a survey in agricultural fields of the sub-humid region of Meerut district, India, two strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, labelled CS31 and CS32, were isolated using theGalleriabaiting technique. Based on morphological and morphometric studies, and molecular data, the nematodes were identified asSteinernema pakistanense, making this finding the first report of this species from India. For the first time, we performed a molecular and biochemical characterization of the bacterial symbiont ofS. pakistanense. Furthermore, a co-phylogenetic analysis of the bacteria from the monophyletic clade containing a symbiont ofS. pakistanense, together with their nematode hosts, was conducted, to test the degree of nematode–bacteria co-speciation. Both isolates were also tested in a laboratory assay for pathogenicity against two major pests,Helicoverpa armigeraandSpodoptera litura. The morphology of the Indian isolates corresponds mainly to the original description, with the only difference being the absence of a mucron in first-generation females and missing epiptygmata in the second generation. The sequences of bacterialrecAandgyrBgenes have shown that the symbiont ofS. pakistanenseis closely related toXenorhabdus indica, which is associated with some other nematodes from the ‘bicornutum’ group. Co-phylogenetic analysis has shown a remarkable congruence between the nematode and bacterial phylogenies, suggesting that, in some lineages within theSteinernema/Xenorhabduscomplex, the nematodes and bacteria have undergone co-speciation. In the virulence assay, both strains caused a 100% mortality of both tested insects after 48 h, even at the lowest doses of 25 infective juveniles per insect, suggesting thatS. pakistanensecould be considered for use in the biocontrol of these organisms in India.
High diversity and low genetic structure of feather mites associated with a phenotypically variable bird host
Authors: Fernández-González Sofía , Pérez-Rodríguez Antón , Proctor Heather C. , De la Hera Iván , Pérez-Tris Javier 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObligate symbionts may be genetically structured among host individuals and among phenotypically distinct host populations. Such processes may in turn determine within-host genetic diversity of symbionts, which is relevant for understanding symbiont population dynamics. We analysed the population genetic structure of two species of feather mites (Proctophyllodes sylviaeandTrouessartia bifurcata) in migratory and resident blackcapsSylvia atricapillathat winter sympatrically. Resident and migratory hosts may provide mites with habitats of different qualities, what might promote specialization of mite populations. We found high genetic diversity of within-host populations for both mite species, but no sign of genetic structure of mites between migratory and resident hosts. Our results suggest that, although dispersal mechanisms between hosts during the non-breeding season are unclear, mite populations are not limited by transmission bottlenecks that would reduce genetic diversity among individuals that share a host. Additionally, there is no evidence that host phenotypic divergence (associated with the evolution of migration and residency) has promoted the evolution of host-specialist mite populations. Unrestricted dispersal among host types may allow symbiotic organisms to avoid inbreeding and to persist in the face of habitat heterogeneity in phenotypically diverse host populations.
Risk factors for infectiousness of patients with tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Melsew Y.A. , Doan T.N. , Gambhir M. , Cheng A.C. , McBryde E. , Trauer J.M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies assessing tuberculosis (TB) patient-related risk factors for transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Meta-analyses were conducted for sputum smear-positivity, lung cavitation and HIV seropositivity of index patients with both crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) pooled using random effect models. Thirty-seven studies were included in the review. We found that demographic characteristics such as age and sex were not significant risk factors, while behaviours such as smoking and alcohol intake were associated with infectiousness although inconsistently. Treatment delay of >28 days was a significant predictor of greater infectiousness. Contacts of sputum smear-positive index patients were found to be more likely to be infected than contacts of sputum smear-negative patients, with a pooled AOR of 2.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–3.17, I2 = 38%). Similarly, contacts of patients with the cavitary disease were around twice as likely to be infected as contacts of patients without cavitation (pooled AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.26–2.84, I2 = 63%). In contrast, HIV seropositive patients were associated with few contact infections than HIV seronegative patients (AOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.80, I2 = 52%). In conclusion, behavioural and clinical characteristics of TB patients can be used to identify highly infectious patients for targeted interventions.
Socio-demographic inequalities in the clinical characteristics of dengue haemorrhagic fever in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2007–2008
Authors: Pone Sheila Moura , Hökerberg Yara Hahr Marques , Brasil Patricia , Nicolai Cecília Carmen de Araújo , Ferrari Rogério , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn 2007–2008, the city of Rio de Janeiro underwent an epidemiological change, with increases in the incidence in children and in severe forms of dengue. To describe the clinical profile and spatial distribution of dengue we performed an ecological study based on dengue surveillance data using the Brazilian classification (2005): dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue with complications. χ2 test was used to describe the clinical and socio-demographic variables (P < 0.05). Spatial distribution of incidence and case-fatality was explored with thematic maps, Moran and Geary indices (P < 0.05). Of the total of 151 527 dengue cases, 38 808 met the inclusion criteria; 42.4% <18 years; 22.9% dengue with complications and 2.7% DHF. Case-fatality was higher in infants (1.4%) and in DHF (7.7%). Bleeding was more frequent in adolescents and adults while plasma leakage was more common in preschoolers and schoolchildren. The highest incidence was found in the West Zone of the city, in a different area from that of the worst case-fatality (P < 0.05). Although the incidence of DHF was higher in schoolchildren, infants showed higher case-fatality. The area with the highest case-fatality did not present the highest incidence, which suggests problems in the organization of health services.