bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitosan‐Assisted Crystallization and Film Forming of Perovskite Crystals through Biomineralization
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Chen , Yip Hin‐Lap , Sun Runcang , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBiomimetic mineralization is a powerful approach for the synthesis of advanced composite materials with hierarchical organization and controlled structure. Herein, chitosan was introduced into a perovskite precursor solution as a biopolymer additive to control the crystallization and to improve the morphology and film‐forming properties of a perovskite film by way of biomineralization. The biopolymer additive was able to control the size and morphology of the perovskite crystals and helped to form smooth films. The mechanism of chitosan‐mediated nucleation and growth of the perovskite crystals was explored. As a possible application, the chitosan–perovskite composite film was introduced into a planar heterojunction solar cell and increased power conversion efficiency relative to that observed for the pristine perovskite film was achieved. The biomimetic mineralization method proposed in this study provides an alternative way of preparing perovskite crystals with well‐controlled morphology and properties and extends the applications of perovskite crystals in photoelectronic fields, including planar‐heterojunction solar cells.
Racemization of undesired enantiomers: Immobilization of mandelate racemase and application in a fixed bed reactor
Authors: Wrzosek Katarzyna , García Rivera Mariel A. , Bettenbrock Katja , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas 
Published: January 2016

AbstractProduction of optically pure products can be based on simple unselective synthesis of racemic mixtures combined with a subsequent separation of the enantiomers; however, this approach suffers from a 50% yield limitation which can be overcome by racemization of the undesired enantiomer and recycling. Application of biocatalyst for the racemization steps offers an attractive option for high‐yield manufacturing of commercially valuable compounds. Our work focuses on exploiting the potential of racemization with immobilized mandelate racemase. Immobilization of crude mandelate racemase via covalent attachment was optimized for two supports: Eupergit® CM and CNBr‐activated Sepharose 4 Fast Flow. To allow coupling of enzymatic reaction with enantioselective chromatography, a mobile phase composition compatible with both processes was used in enzymatic reactor. Kinetic parameters obtained analyzing experiments carried out in a batch reactor could be successfully used to predict fixed‐bed reactor performance. The applicability of the immobilized enzyme and the determined kinetic parameters were validated in transient experiments recording responses to pulse injections of R‐mandelic acid. The approach investigated can be used for futher design and optimization of high yield combined resolution processes. The characterized fixed‐bed enzymatic reactor can be integrated e.g. with chromatographic single‐ or multicolumn steps in various configurations.
Peptidoglycan microarray as a novel tool to explore protein–ligand recognition
Authors: Wang Ning , Hirata Akiyoshi , Nokihara Kiyoshi , Fukase Koichi , Fujimoto Yukari 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTPeptidoglycan is a giant bag‐shaped molecule essential for bacterial cell shape and resistance to osmotic stresses. The activity of a large number of bacterial surface proteins involved in cell growth and division requires binding to this macromolecule. Recognition of peptidoglycan by immune effectors is also crucial for the establishment of the immune response against pathogens. The availability of pure and chemically defined peptidoglycan fragments is a major technical bottleneck that has precluded systematic studies of the mechanisms underpinning protein‐mediated peptidoglycan recognition. Here, we report a microarray strategy suitable to carry out comprehensive studies to characterize proteins–peptidoglycan interactions. We describe a method to introduce a functional group on peptidoglycan fragments allowing their stable immobilization on amorphous carbon chip plates to minimize nonspecific binding. Such peptidoglycan microarrays were used with a model peptidoglycan binding protein—the human peptidoglycan recognition protein‐S (hPGRP‐S). We propose that this strategy could be implemented to carry out high‐throughput analyses to study peptidoglycan binding proteins. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 422–429, 2016.
Molecular and biological hallmarks of ageing
Authors: Aunan J R , Watson M M , Hagland H R , Søreide K 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background
Ageing is the inevitable time-dependent decline in physiological organ function that eventually leads to death. Age is a major risk factor for many of the most common medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This study reviews currently known hallmarks of ageing and their clinical implications.

Methods
A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted covering the last decade.

Results
Average life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past century and is estimated to increase even further. Maximum longevity, however, appears unchanged, suggesting a universal limitation to the human organism. Understanding the underlying molecular processes of ageing and health decline may suggest interventions that, if used at an early age, can prevent, delay, alleviate or even reverse age-related diseases. Hallmarks of ageing can be grouped into three main categories. The primary hallmarks cause damage to cellular functions: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations and loss of proteostasis. These are followed by antagonistic responses to such damage: deregulated nutrient sensing, altered mitochondrial function and cellular senescence. Finally, integrative hallmarks are possible culprits of the clinical phenotype (stem cell exhaustion and altered intercellular communication), which ultimately contribute to the clinical effects of ageing as seen in physiological loss of reserve, organ decline and reduced function.

Conclusion
The sum of these molecular hallmarks produces the clinical picture of the elderly surgical patient: frailty, sarcopenia, anaemia, poor nutrition and a blunted immune response system. Improved understanding of the ageing processes may give rise to new biomarkers of risk or prognosis, novel treatment targets and translational approaches across disciplines that may improve outcomes.
The impact of phospholipids and phospholipid removal on bioanalytical method performance
Authors: Carmical Jennifer , Brown Stacy 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPhospholipids (PLs) are a component of cell membranes, biological fluids and tissues. These compounds are problematic for the bioanalytical chemist, especially when PLs are not the analytes of interest. PL interference with bioanalysis highly impacts reverse‐phase chromatographic methods coupled with mass spectrometric detection. Phospholipids are strongly retained on hydrophobic columns, and can cause significant ionization suppression in the mass spectrometer, as they out‐compete analyte molecules for ionization. Strategies for improving analyte detection in the presence of PLs are reviewed, including in‐analysis modifications and sample preparation strategies. Removal of interfering PLs prior to analysis seems to be most effective at moderating the matrix effects from these endogenous cellular components, and has the potential to simplify chromatography and improve column lifetime. Products targeted at PL removal for sample pre‐treatment, as well as products that combine multiple modes of sample preparation (i.e. Hybrid SPE), show significant promise in mediating the effect on PL interference in bioanalysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hematologic malignancies in South Africa 2000–2006: analysis of data reported to the National Cancer Registry
Authors: Schonfeld Sara J. , Erdmann Friederike , Wiggill Tracey , Singh Elvira , Kellett Patricia , Babb Chantal , Schüz Joachim 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLittle is known about the incidence patterns of hematologic malignancies in Sub‐Saharan Africa, including South Africa. We estimated incidence rates of pathology‐confirmed adult cases of leukemia, myeloma and related diseases (myeloma), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) reported to the National Cancer Registry of South Africa (NCR) between 2000 and2006, by age, gender, and population group (Black, White, Coloured, Asian/Indian). Gender‐specific age‐standardized rates were calculated overall and by population group and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Between 2000 and 2006, there were 14662 cases of leukemia, myeloma, HL, and NHL reported to the registry. Incidence rates of reported hematologic malignancies were generally 20–50% higher among males than females. Our analyses suggested marked differences in the rates of reported hematologic malignancies by population group which were most pronounced when comparing the White versus Black population groups (IRRs ranging from 1.6 for myeloma to 3.8 for HL for males and females combined). Challenges related to diagnosis and reporting of cancers may play a role in the patterns observed by population group while the set‐up of the NCR (pathology‐based) could lead to some degree of under‐ascertainment in all groups. This is the first country‐wide report of the incidence of hematologic malignancies in South Africa. Despite challenges, it is important to analyze and report available national cancer incidence data to raise awareness of the cancer burden and to characterize patterns by demographic characteristics so as ultimately to improve the provision of cancer‐related health care.
Adjunctive Chinese Herbal Medicine therapy improves survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Fleischer Tom , Chang Tung‐Ti , Chiang Jen‐Huai , Chang Ching‐Mao , Hsieh Ching‐Yun , Yen Hung‐Rong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDespite good clinical results of current drugs, a good reason still exists to search for additional therapies for the management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has thus far been overlooked by researchers and no data exists on the subject. We studied the impact of adjunctive CHM on the disease course of CML, using mortality as the major outcome measurement. We used the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database to perform a nationwide population‐based cohort study. Our study included CML patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. We matched groups according to age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and use of imatinib, and compared the Hazard Ratios (HR) of CHM group and non‐CHM users, as well as characterized trends of prescriptions used for treating CML. 1371 patients were diagnosed with CML in the years examined, of which 466 were included in to this study. We found that the HR of CHM group was significantly lower compared to non‐CHM groups (0.32, 95% CI 0.22–0.48, P < 0.0001). We also established that this association between reduced HR was dose‐dependent, and the longer CHM users received prescriptions, the lower the HR (P < 0.01). We also analyzed the most commonly used herbal products as well as the HR associated to their use, thus providing future research candidates. Our results supply a strong reason to assume that when administered by properly trained physicians, CHM may have a substantial positive impact on the management of CML.
The effect of comorbidity on the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and type of regimen for curatively resected stage III colon cancer patients
Authors: Hsieh Mei‐Chin , Thompson Trevor , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Styles Timothy , O'Flarity Mary B. , Morris Cyllene R. , Chen Vivien W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPostsurgical chemotherapy is guideline‐recommended therapy for stage III colon cancer patients. Factors associated with patients not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were identified in numerous studies; comorbidity was recognized as an important factor besides patient's age. We assessed the association between comorbidity and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and type of chemotherapy regimen. Stage III colon cancer patients who underwent surgical resection were obtained from ten Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‐NPCR Specialized Registries which participated in the Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) project. Comorbidity was classified into no comorbidity recorded, Charlson, non‐Charlson comorbidities, number, and severity of Charlson comorbidity. Pearson chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression were employed. Of 3180 resected stage III colon cancer patients, 64% received adjuvant chemotherapy. After adjusting for patient's demographic and tumor characteristics, there were no significant differences in receipt of chemotherapy between Charlson and non‐Charlson comorbidity. However, patients who had two or more Charlson comorbidities or had moderate to severe disease were significantly less likely to have chemotherapy (ORs 0.69 [95% CI, 0.51–0.92] and 0.62 [95% CI, 0.42–0.91], respectively) when compared with those with non‐Charlson comorbidity. In addition, those with moderate or severe comorbidities were more likely to receive single chemotherapy agent (P < 0.0001). Capecitabine and FOLFOX were the most common single‐ and multi‐agent regimens regardless of type of comorbidity grouping. Both the number and severity of comorbidity were significantly associated with receipt of guideline‐recommended chemotherapy and type of agent in stage III resected colon cancer patients. Better personalized care based on individual patient's condition ought to be recognized.
Imaging Cancer Cells Expressing the Folate Receptor with Carbon Dots Produced from Folic Acid
Authors: Bhunia Susanta Kumar , Maity Amit Ranjan , Nandi Sukhendu , Stepensky David , Jelinek Raz 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDevelopment of new imaging tools for cancer cells in vitro and in vitro is important for advancing cancer research, elucidating drug effects upon cancer cells, and studying cellular processes. We showed that fluorescent carbon dots (C‐dots) synthesized from folic acid can serve as an effective vehicle for imaging cancer cells expressing the folate receptor on their surface. The C‐dots, synthesized through a simple one‐step process from folic acid as the carbon source, exhibited selectivity towards cancer cells displaying the folate receptor, making such cells easily distinguishable in fluorescence microscopy imaging. Biophysical measurements and competition experiments both confirmed the specific targeting and enhanced uptake of C‐dots by the folate receptor‐expressing cells. The folic acid‐derived C‐dots were not cytotoxic, and their use in bioimaging applications could aid biological studies of cancer cells, identification of agonists/antagonists, and cancer diagnostics.
The assessment of thrombotic markers utilizing ionic versus non‐ionic contrast during coronary angiography and intervention trial
Authors: Shah Binita , Berger Jeffrey S. , Allen Nicole , Guo Yu , Sedlis Steven P. , Xu Jinfeng , Perez Adriana , Attubato Michael , Slater James , Feit Frederick 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo determine how two different types of iodinated contrast media (CM), low‐osmolar ionic dimer ioxaglate (Hexabrix) and iso‐osmolar non‐ionic dimer iodixanol (Visipaque), affect multiple indices of hemostasis.BackgroundIn vitro models demonstrate differential effects of ionic and non‐ionic CM on markers of hemostasis.MethodsThis blinded endpoint trial randomized 100 patients to ioxaglate or iodixanol. The primary endpoint was change in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) following diagnostic angiography. Secondary endpoints included change in markers of fibrinolysis [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1)] and platelet aggregation following diagnostic angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bivalirudin. Data are presented as median [interquartile range].ResultsETP significantly decreased after diagnostic angiography in both ioxaglate (baseline 1810 nM*minute [1540‐2089] to post‐angiography 649 nM*minute [314‐1347], p < 0.001) and iodixanol groups (baseline 1682 nM*minute [1534‐2147] to post‐angiography 681 nM*minute [229‐1237], p < 0.001), but the decrease was not different between CM (p = 0.70). There was a significant increase in ETP during PCI (n = 45), despite the use of bivalirudin, suggesting a prothrombotic effect of PCI (post‐angiography 764 nM*minute [286‐1283] to post‐PCI 1081 nM*minute [668‐1552], p = 0.02). There were no significant differential effects on tPA, PAI‐1, and markers of platelet activity.ConclusionThere were no significant differential effects between ioxaglate and iodixanol. Both CM led to significant reductions in thrombin generation and no significant effects on fibrinolytic activity or platelet activity, thereby contributing to a favorable antithrombotic milieu. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐year results and subgroup analyses of the PEPCAD China in‐stent restenosis trial: A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial for the treatment of drug‐eluting stent in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Xu Bo , Qian Jie , Ge Junbo , Wang Jian'an , Chen Fang , Chen Jiyan , Wei Meng , Chen Yundai , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin ,   on behalf of PEPCAD China ISR investigators
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe PEPCAD China ISR trial investigated the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel‐coated balloon (PCB) angioplasty in an Asian patient population with coronary drug‐eluting stent in‐stent restenosis (DES‐ISR). Methods: A total of 220 patients with coronary DES‐ISR were treated with PCB angioplasty or with paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES). This randomized (1:1), single‐blind prospective multicenter trial in a Chinese population used 9‐month in‐segment late lumen loss (LLL) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included the 24‐month clinical event rates. Results: Both treatment groups were similar in terms of patient, lesion, or procedural characteristics. After the 12‐month follow‐up evaluation, additional clinical events only occurred in the PES study group. The combined rate of all‐cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) in the PCB group was significantly lower than that in the PES group (3.7% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.03). Additional subgroup analyses of 9‐month in‐segment LLL and 2‐year target lesion failure in patients with diabetes, small vessels, diffuse ISR, and stent margin restenosis did not show more favorable results for one specific treatment group. Conclusions: The 2‐year follow‐up demonstrated sustained long‐term clinical efficacy for both devices. PCB angioplasty was associated with significantly lower overall and cardiovascular mortality/MI rates in patients with DES‐ISR lesions while avoiding the use of additional metal layers for drug release (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT 01622075). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Planned versus provisional rotational atherectomy for severe calcified coronary lesions: Insights From the ROTATE multi‐center registry
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Latib Azeem , Ruparelia Neil , Boccuzzi Giacomo G. , Pennacchi Mauro , Sardella Gennaro , Garbo Roberto , Meliga Emanuele , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Moretti Claudio , Rossi Marco Luciano , Presbitero Patrizia , Ielasi Alfonso , Magri Caroline , Nakamura Sunao , Colombo Antonio 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate procedural feasibility and outcomes associated with planned rotational atherectomy (RA) for severely calcified coronary lesions. Background: Limited data are available addressing the benefits of planned RA compared to provisional RA.MethodsBetween 2002 and 2013, all patients with calcified lesions treated by RA were enrolled. Of these, patients treated with planned RA (358 patients) were compared to those treated with provisional RA (309 patients).ResultsIn‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were tended to be better in the planned RA group (unadjusted OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.44–1.31, P = 0.32, and adjusted OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.33–1.05, P = 0.07). The number of pre‐dilation balloon catheters was significantly lower in the planned RA group (1.17 ± 0.60 vs. 1.47 ± 0.76, P < 0.001). Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume used were all significantly reduced in the planned RA group compared to the provisional RA group (procedure time; 65.2 ± 36.8min vs. 84.4 ± 43.1min, P < 0.001, fluoroscopy time; 33.1 ± 22.9min vs. 51.2 ± 29.6min, P < 0.001, and contrast volume; 232.9 ± 141.6ml vs. 302.9 ± 150.3ml, P < 0.001). The incidence of MACE at 1‐year was significantly higher amongst the unadjusted population, whereas the difference was less marked between groups after propensity‐score adjustment (unadjusted HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.16–2.74, P = 0.01, and adjusted HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.92–2.26, P = 0.11).ConclusionsPlanned RA appears to be safe and was associated with a reduction in procedural and fluoroscopy times, contrast volume, and the number of pre‐dilation balloon catheters used. If there is a strong likelihood of requiring RA for the treatment of severely calcified lesions, operators should have a low threshold for adopting a planned RA strategy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severity assessment of intracranial large artery stenosis by pressure gradient measurements: A feasibility study
Authors: Han Yun‐Fei , Liu Wen‐Hua , Chen Xiang‐Liang , Xiong Yun‐Yun , Yin Qin‐ , Xu Ge‐Lin , Zhu Wu‐Sheng , Zhang Ren‐Liang , Ma Min‐Min , Li Min‐ , Dai Qi‐Liang , Sun Wen‐ , Liu De‐Zhi , Duan Li‐Hui , Liu Xin‐Feng 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundFractional flow reserve (FFR)‐guided revascularization strategy is popular in coronary intervention. However, the feasibility of assessing stenotic severity in intracranial large arteries using pressure gradient measurements still remains unclear.MethodsBetween March 2013 and May 2014, 12 consecutive patients with intracranial large artery stenosis (including intracranial internal carotid artery, middle cerebral M1 segment, intracranial vertebral artery, and basilar artery) were enrolled in this study. The trans‐stenotic pressure gradient was measured before and/or after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS), and was then compared with percent diameter stenosis. A Pd/Pa cut‐off of ≤0.70 was used to guide stenting of hemodynamically significant stenoses. The device‐related and procedure‐related serious adverse events and recurrent cerebral ischemic events were recorded.ResultsThe target vessel could be reached in all cases. No technical complications occurred due to the specific study protocol. Excellent pressure signals were obtained in all patients. For seven patients who performed PTAS, the mean pre‐procedural pressure gradient decreased from 59.0 ± 17.2 to 13.3 ± 13.6 mm Hg after the procedure (P < 0.01). Only one patient who refused stenting experienced a TIA event in the ipsilateral MCA territory. No recurrent ischemic event was observed in other patients.ConclusionMean trans‐stenotic pressure gradients can be safely and easily measured with a 0.014‐inch fluid‐filled guide wire in intracranial large arteries. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of the Accelerated Reduction of an Oxidized Metal Catalyst under Electric Discharge
Authors: Kim Taegyu , Lee Dae Hoon , Jo Sungkwon , Pyun Sung Hyun , Kim Kwan‐Tae , Song Young‐Hoon 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe mechanism of accelerated reduction of oxidized metal catalysts by plasma was herein explored. Hydrogen radicals produced by discharge are important for generating energetic hydroxyl radicals by an Eley–Rideal‐type reaction, and these radicals in turn undergo desorption without further reaction. The desorbed hydroxyl radicals react with hydrogen radicals to produce gas‐phase water. The results obtained herein discuss the advantages of employing plasma catalysis for surface reactions.