bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Clinical Certainty Ratings Helpful in the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Gupta Harsh V. , Mehta Shyamal H. , Zhang Nan , Hentz Joseph G. , Shill Holly A. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Belden Christine M. , Dugger Brittany N. , Beach Thomas G. , Serrano Geidy E. , Sue Lucia I. , Davis Kathryn , Adler Charles H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical diagnostic criteria for PD rely on rest tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. These features are non‐specific and neuropathological confirmation remains the gold standard for diagnosis. This study presents data on clinical certainty ratings in autopsy‐proven PD.MethodsSubjects were assessed annually by a movement disorders specialist and assigned to a clinical certainty group for PD based on multiple clinical features before autopsy. The three groups considered for analysis are as follows: Group I 0–49% certainty, Group II 50‐89% certainty, and Group III 90–100% certainty. All subjects were autopsied and had a standardized neuropathological assessment.Results275 subjects were assigned a PD certainty at their last visit before death. Group I had 80 subjects, Group II 56 subjects, and Group III 139 subjects. The clinical features recorded in Group I, II, and III, were as follows: rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, asymmetric onset, persistent asymmetry, current response to dopaminergic treatment, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesia. Rigidity, postural instability, asymmetric onset, current response to dopaminergic treatment, motor fluctuation, and dyskinesia were more likely to be present in the group which was rated with higher certainty. The final diagnosis of PD was confirmed by neuropathological assessment in 85% of the patients in Group III as compared to 30% in Group II and 5% in Group I.ConclusionsHigh certainty (90–100%) had strong positive predictive value (85%) for autopsy‐proven PD as compared to either lower certainty groups (0–49% and 50–89%) which had lower predictive value (5% and 30% respectively).
Nigrosome Imaging and Neuromelanin Sensitive MRI in Diagnostic Evaluation of Parkinsonism
Authors: Pavese Nicola , Tai Yen F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have offered new research opportunities to visualize in vivo substantia nigra pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD). This paper summarizes the main findings of nigrosome imaging and neuromelanin sensitive MRI studies in patients with PD and other parkinsonisms.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched from 2005 to 2017 using the following keywords: Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism, in combination with MRI, nigrosome, neuromelanin, and iron. Only publications in English were included.ResultsNigrosome or dorsal nigral hyperintensity abnormalities are studied using T2* and susceptibility weighted imaging MRI sequences in most studies, whereas Neuromelanin imaging is usually performed using T1‐weighted fast spin echo sequence. Nigrosome abnormalities have been consistently demonstrated in PD patients, and nigrosome imaging has high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing PD from healthy controls, though it is unable to reliably separate PD from atypical parkinsonisms. Reduced neuromelanin‐related signals and/or volume loss in neuromelanin containing structures have been found in PD patients, and neuromelanin sensitive MRI imaging can also discriminate PD patients from healthy controls with high accuracy, though there is a degree of heterogeneity in the imaging findings. Preliminary findings suggested that longitudinal change of neuromelanin signal could be detected in PD, raising the possibility of using it as a marker of disease progression.ConclusionNigrosome imaging and neuromelanin sensitive MRI are promising tools to study nigral pathology and to improve the diagnosis of PD. However, further studies are required to standardize analysis approaches, confirm longitudinal changes, and assess their generalizability.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides as Promising Antivirals
Authors: Morozov Vasily , Hansman Grant , Hanisch Franz‐Georg , Schroten Horst , Kunz Clemens 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are diverse unconjugated carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human breast milk. These glycans are investigated in the context of exhibiting multiple functions in infant growth and development. They seem to provide protection against infectious diseases, including a number of poorly manageable viral infections. Although the potential mechanism of the HMO antiviral protection is rather broad, much of the current experimental work has focused on studying of HMO antiadhesive properties. HMOs may mimic structures of viral receptors and block adherence to target cells, thus preventing infection. Still, the potential of HMOs as a source for new antiviral drugs is relatively unexploited. This can be partly attributed to the extreme complexity of the virus‐carbohydrate interactions and technical difficulties in HMO isolation, characterization, and manufacturing procedures. Fortunately, we are currently entering a period of major technological advances that have enabled deeper insights into carbohydrate mediated viral entry, rational selection of HMOs as anti‐entry inhibitors, and even evaluation of individual synthetic HMO structures. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date review on glycan binding studies for rotaviruses, noroviruses, influenza viruses, and human immunodeficiency viruses. We also discuss the preventive and therapeutic potential of HMOs as anti‐entry inhibitors and address challenges on the route from fundamental studies to clinical trials.
Metabolomics Study of Cultivated Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae at Different Growth Stages using UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS Coupled with Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Geng Zhao , Liu YiFei , Gou Yan , Zhou QinMei , He ChengJun , Guo Li , Zhou Juan , Xiong Liang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionBulbus fritillariae cirrhosae (known as Chuān bèi mǔ in China, BFC) contain fritillaria steroidal alkaloids as the bioactive ingredients and are widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cough and phlegm. Due to limited wild resources, the cultivated species are becoming predominantly used in Chinese traditional medicine markets.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of different growth stages on the alkaloids of cultivated BFC and establish a reference for quality control and guidance for appropriate harvesting practices.MethodsThe ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS) metabolomic strategy was applied to determine potential chemical markers for the discrimination and quality control of cultivated BFC in different growth stages. The molecular feature extraction and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to alkaloid extraction and full metabolomic profiling of cultivated BFC for classification and marker compound characterisation.ResultThis approach allowed the establishment of a fast and efficient comparative multivariate analysis of the metabolite composition of 42 samples covering growth of cultivated BFC ranging in age from one to seven years old. Four alkaloid compounds were identified in cultivated BFC based on accurate mass, retention time, and MS/MS fragments. These compounds may be used as potential chemical markers for the classification and discrimination of cultivated BFC samples indifferent growth stages.ConclusionsThe proposed analytical method in combination with multivariate statistical analysis comprised a useful and powerful strategy to explore the chemical ingredients and transforming mechanisms of cultivated BFC and for quality evaluation and control. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐linking of Hydroxyl‐terminated Polyols with Triethyleneglycol Diglycidyl Ether: An Alternative to Toxic Isocyanates
Authors: Dossi Eleftheria , Akhavan Jacqueline , Gaulter Sally E. , Williams Richard G. , Doe William J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIsocyanates are highly reactive and toxic substances with severe health effects. Certain diisocyanates are restricted under REACH – The European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Triethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether (TEGDGE) was used as an alternative to toxic isocyanates for the cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated pre‐polymers at 70 °C. The effect of three curing accelerators was determined while following the reaction kinetics by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Polybutadiene (Poly BD R45HT‐LO) and acrylic ester (HyTemp 4454) successfully cross‐linked in 7–10 days to produce thermally stable networks with low glass transition temperatures, as observed by DSC. Pre‐aging the polybutadiene resin promoted cross‐linking with TEGDGE. Four energetic compositions were then prepared using cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and pentaerythritoltetranitrate (PETN) as fillers, and polybutadiene (Poly BD R45HT‐LO) and acrylic ester (HyTemp 4454) as binders. Both binders successfully cross‐linked with TEGDGE in the presence of RDX and PETN, but only PETN was found to be chemically compatible with the cross‐linked polymers. These results show that TEGDGE is suitable as a replacement for toxic isocyanates for the cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated polyols.
A desirability function method for optimizing mean and variability of multiple responses using a posterior preference articulation approach
Authors: Lee Dong‐Hee , Jeong In‐Jun , Kim Kwang‐Jae 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA desirability function approach has been widely used in multi‐response optimization due to its simplicity. Most of the existing desirability function‐based methods assume that the variability of the response variables is stable; thus, they focus mainly on the optimization of the mean of multiple responses. However, this stable variability assumption often does not apply in practical situations; thus, the quality of the product or process can be severely degraded due to the high variability of multiple responses. In this regard, we propose a new desirability function method to simultaneously optimize both the mean and variability of multiple responses. In particular, the proposed method uses a posterior preference articulation approach, which has an advantage in investigating tradeoffs between the mean and variability of multiple responses. It is expected that process engineers can use this method to better understand the tradeoffs, thereby obtaining a satisfactory compromise solution.
Inter‐ and intra‐operator reliability in patient‐specific template positioning for total hip arthroplasty. A cadaver study
Authors: Krämer Manuel , Kahrs Lüder A. , Friese Karl‐Ingo , von Falck Christian , Hurschler Christof 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe implantation of the acetabular cup essentially determines the clinical outcome of total hip arthroplasty. To address this issue, the aim of this study was to build patient‐specific instruments (PSIs) with various reference surfaces, followed by in vitro investigations to examine the inter‐ and intra‐operator reliability as well as the overall precision of these patient‐specific templates.MethodsSeven human hemi‐pelvis specimens were used for this study. After a CT scan, PSIs with different imprint heights were created. The overall precision of the templates and the inter‐ and intra‐operator reliabilities were calculated.ResultsStrong differences in precision between the PSI designs could be observed. The desired orientation of the acetabular cup could be adjusted with a precision of up to 1.55°.ConclusionBased on our results, we believe that the application of the PSI‐based acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty procedures can potentially increase the precision of cup placement.
Ultrasound‐guided laparotomic oocyte retrieval during surgery for fertility preservation in a case of tumor recurrence after a unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Katagiri Yukiko , Fukuda Yusuke , Kugimiya Tsuyoki , Nagao Koichi , Morita Mineto 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCaseA 28 year old unmarried woman underwent a unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and was suspected of having a malignant tumor in the remaining ovary. After consultation with the patient and her family, it was decided to cryopreserve the unfertilized oocytes. In order to reduce the risk of puncturing or rupturing the tumor when performing the oocyte retrieval from the ovary that was affected by the malignant tumor, it was chosen to use direct laparotomic oocyte retrieval during surgery, instead of conventional transvaginal retrieval. In order to further reduce the risk of tumor rupture, an ultrasound was used in the laparotomy field to precisely puncture only the follicle and thus avoid the tumor. A total of 11 oocytes was retrieved and 10 of them were cryopreserved in the MII phase.OutcomeBy using an ultrasound at the same time as the oocyte retrieval, it was possible to avoid the ovarian tumor site. Furthermore, by checking and puncturing the follicles, it became possible to retrieve oocytes from the healthy parts of the ovary with greater precision. The combined use of an ultrasound with oocyte retrieval can be considered to be an effective method because it can be performed relatively easily.ConclusionThe authors believe that not only macroscopic, but also ultrasonic, methods are useful to reduce the risk of tumor rupture.
Heteroatom Engineering and Co–Doping of N and P to Porous Carbon Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reactions in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Srinu Akula , Peera Shaik Gouse , Parthiban Velayutham , Bhuvaneshwari Balasubramaniam , Sahu Akhila Kumar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper describes the synthesis of low cost electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) through heteroatom engineering and simultaneous co‐doping of N and P. The co‐doping of N and P to coffee carbon (N−P/CC) brings maximum defect sites in the catalyst which are favourable for ORR in relation to the individual heteroatom doped catalyst. Microscopic analysis confirms that N−P co‐doped coffee carbon (N−P/CC) undergoes slight structural changes by altering its porosity as well as surface area. Electrochemical studies confirm that, N−P/CC has superior catalytic activity with no effect to CO which makes it highly desirable as a metal‐free electrocatalyst for ORR. The developed catalyst is subjected to 10,000 repeated potential cycles in alkaline media and is found only ∼30 mV loss in its E1/2 potential, while the drop in E1/2 is about ∼180 mV from its original value even after 1000 potential cycles for the commercial Pt/C catalyst. XPS analysis for N−P/CC shows the presence of active pyridinic‐N, graphitic‐N species and active P−C and P−O bonds. Co‐existence of all these species induces maximum polarization of C−C bonds in the carbon matrix and synergistically enhances the ORR behaviour in alkaline medium.
Structure and Electronic Properties of the Double‐Wall Nanotubes Constructed from SiO2 Nanotubes Encapsulatedinside Armchair Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Qiao Weiye , Bai Hongcun , Li Min , Yang Liqin , Wang Caijun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, structures, stabilities, elastic and electronic properties of the double‐wall nanotubes made of SiO2 nanotube filled inside armchair carbon nanotube are studied theoretically using self‐consistent field crystal orbital method based on density functional theory. It is found that the composite systems are thermodynamically stable when inter‐wall distance falls within the area of the van der Waals effect at least in some directions. All of the double‐wall nanotubes have the same conductive property as the pristine single‐walled carbon nanotubes, as can be seen from graphs of band energy and density of states. Using the deformation potential theory and effective mass approximation, the mobilities of charge carriers of these combined systems are calculated to be in the range of 7.370×102−2.453×103 cm2 V−1 s−1, larger than those of the corresponding armchair carbon nanotubes. Also Young's moduli for the combined systems are calculated.
Base‐Promoted Heterogeneous Reusable Copper Fluorapatite (CuFAP) Catalyzed Facile Synthesis of 1,2‐Diarylethanols via C(sp3)‐H Functionalization of Nitrotoluene
Authors: Shaikh Taufeekaslam M. Y. , Mulla Shafeek A. R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel, an efficient protocol has been developed for the facile synthesis of various 1,2‐diarylethanol in good to excellent yields via C(sp3)‐H functionalization of various nitrotoluenes with substituted aromatic, heterocyclic aldehydes/isatin. This is the first example in which base promoted heterogeneous, reusable copper fluorapatite (CuFAP) catalyzed C(sp3)‐H functionalization of various nitrotoluenes was achieved under ligand‐, additive‐ free reaction condition. The developed protocol is an environmentally benign approach, which replaces cumbersome protocols, avoids the use of costly precious metal catalysts, prefunctionalized substrates, and toxic reagents. The heterogeneous CuFAP catalyst was recovered by simple filtration and reused several times without the loss of its catalytic activity. The selective functional group transformation of 1,2‐diaryethanol was accomplished.
Carbon Dot based Fluorescence sensor for Retinoic acid
Authors: Majumdar Sristi , Bhattacharjee Tuhin , Thakur Debajit , Chowdhury Devasish 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this work chitosan carbon dot (chiCD) based fluorescence sensor was developed which can selectively detect Retinoic acid (RA). The CDs were prepared from chitosan hydrogel and further conjugated with NaF to develop a chiCD‐NaF system for the detection of Retinoic acid based on its PL properties. It was found that addition of NaF resulted in the enhancement of fluorescent spectra of ChiCD. Addition of RA to the chiCD‐NaF system resulted in quenching of the PL spectra. The detection of RA was selective as there is no change in PL properties using other vitamins viz. ascorbic acid, choelcalciferol, Folic acid, Riboflavin, Tocopherol etc. The chiCD‐NaF systems were also checked with two commercially available capsule containing mixtures of vitamins and here too PL change was insignificant demonstrating selectivity of RA. A probable mechanistic behaviour of the system towards different vitamins is also explained in this paper.
Effective and Transition‐Metal‐Free Construction of Disubstituted, Trisubstituted 1,2,3‐NH‐Triazoles and Triazolo Pyridazine via Intermolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Swarup Hassan. A. , Kemparajegowda  , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Rangappa Kanchugarkoppal. S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn interesting approach for synthesis of disubstituted‐1,2,3‐(NH) triazoles from easily available raw materials and reagents like substituted acetophenones, iodine, DMSO and NaN3 via intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Trisubstituted triazoles and its corresponding triazolo pyridazine could be made easily using this method. These are key intermediates for poly benzodithiophene triazole (PBnDT‐TAZ) for solar cells and 1‐benzyl‐1H‐4,5‐dibenzoyl‐1,2,3‐triazole (BDBT) for corrosion inhibition.
Pyrimidine‐Triazolopyrimidine and Pyrimidine‐Pyridine Hybrids as Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Gill Asim , Shaikh Marziya , Singh Anju , Shandilya Ashutosh , Jameel Ehtesham , Sharma Nitin , Mrinal Nirotpal , Hoda Nasimul , Jayaram B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAcetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a critical enzyme, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and hence has been subjected to intense drug discovery programme. Here, we report synthesis and testing of pyrimidine derivatives in conjugation with triazolopyrimidine based hybrid scaffold of AChE inhibitors for development of new molecules towards the treatment of AD. We used a multipronged approach employing computational, chemical and biological approaches to find the best inhibitor of AChE. Three molecules (10 e, 11 c and 12 b) derived from this scaffold inhibited AChE in nanomolar to micromolar range. Highest activity was shown by 2‐(4‐(6‐(quinolin‐8‐yloxy)pyrimidin‐4‐yl) piperazin‐1‐yl)nicotinonitrile (12 b) which has IC50 value of 36 nM. Inhibitory effect of 12 b was stronger for human AChE in neuronal cell extract compared to eelAChE. This activity is comparable to donepezil (IC50=38nM) which is considered as good standard among AChE inhibitors. The inhibitory activity of 12 b was also in agreement with molecular simulation studies which showed stable interaction of the 12 b with the catalytic active site as well as peripheral anionic site. Molecular simulation studies also indicated stronger interaction of 12 b with rhAChE than TcAChE. This was later confirmed in studies with neuronal cell extract where compound 12 b showed enzyme inhibition at 25 nM. Further this molecule was not found to be toxic or carcinogenic.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Substituted Pyrroles by using Chitosan as an Organocatalyst
Authors: Hassani Maryam , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad R. , Panahi Leila 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe solvent‐free synthesis of substituted pyrroles in high yields using chitosan as a green, recyclable, and reusable catalyst has been described. This multicomponent protocol includes the reaction of aldehydes, amines, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, and nitromethane. The use of a green, biodegradable, environmentally benign, and available catalyst along with its high activity in a four‐component reaction (4CR) makes this method an efficient alternative route to substituted pyrroles. The catalyst can be recycled and reused for several times, without a considerable loss in its activity.
Spectral Studies of Lead‐Free Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Solid‐State Perovskites CH3NH3Bi2/3I3 and CH3NH3Pb1/2Bi1/3I3: Potential Photo Absorbers
Authors: Dey Pritam , Khorwal Vijaykant , Sen Pratik , Biswas Krishanu , Maiti Tanmoy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe spectral analysis of bismuth based halide perovskite materials has been carried out using FTIR, UV‐Vis, photoluminescence and fluorescence time resolved spectroscopy. Methylammonium bismuth iodide (CH3NH3Bi2/3I3) has shown promising results to become a potential candidate for the replacement of lead based organic‐inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells, having superior moisture stability and environmentally benign nature. The lead and bismuth both have been used to synthesize methylammonium lead bismuth iodide (CH3NH3Pb1/2Bi1/3I3) to develop an intermediate photo absorber to counter the moisture degradation properties as well as the low absorbance of bismuth based perovskites. Spectral studies have revealed information about electron transitions, phase separation and exciton recombination time.