Changing trends in the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Background

The early detection of papillary thyroid cancer has contributed to the increase in the incidence and improved clinical outcomes. However, recent changes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) over time remain unclear. We evaluated changes of the clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with MTC in recent years.

Methods

A total of 109 MTC patients were classified based on the year of initial surgery: 1996–2000 (n = 14), 2001–2006 (n = 39), and 2007–2011 (n = 56).

Results

The primary tumor size significantly decreased and the proportion of microMTCs (size ≤1 cm) increased over time (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of patients with cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis significantly decreased (P = 0.037), and the ratio of metastatic LNs significantly decreased (P = 0.011). Disease-free survival (DFS) rate of patients was significantly improved over time (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in DFS between microMTC and macroMTC patients. However, more advanced LN stage patients demonstrated more recurrences (P < 0.001). Especially, there were significantly more recurrences in patients with N1b diseases in comparison with patients without cervical LN metastases (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prognosis of MTC patients has significantly improved in recent years. These changes could be associated with the early diagnosis before development of lateral and extensive cervical LN metastases. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Stereotactic body radiation therapy for small primary or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in 132 Chinese patients

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

From March 2009 to April 2015, we treated 132 small HCC patients with SBRT. Eligibility criteria included longest tumor diameter ≤5.0 cm; Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) Class A or B; unfeasible, difficult or refusal to undergo other surgery or percutaneous ablative therapies; and tumor recurrence after other local treatment. The dose of 42–46 Gy in 3–5 fractions and 28–30 Gy in 1 fraction was prescribed.

Results

Of the treated patients, 114 were classified as CTP A and 18 as CTP B. Median tumor size was range 1.1–5.0 cm. The local control rate at 1 years was 90.9%. OS at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94.1%, 73.5%, and 64.3%, respectively. PFS at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82.7%, 58.3%, and 36.4%, respectively. Hepatic toxicity grade ≥3 was observed in 11 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that CTP B was associated with worse OS (P < 0.001) and multiple nodules were associated with worse PFS (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

SBRT is a promising alternative treatment for patients with primary or recurrent small HCC who are unsuitable for surgical resection or local ablative therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Fabrication of BiOClxBr1-x/alumina composite films with highly exposed {001} facets and their superior photocatalytic activities

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC09158F, Communication

Anirban Dandapat, Hani Gnayem, Yoel Sasson
we report the fabrication of thin films of bismuth oxyhalides solid solution with highly exposed {001} facets with the help of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and aluminium oxyhydroxide. These {001} facet exposed...
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Biomorph Growth in Single-Phase Systems: Expanding the Structure Spectrum and pH Range

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC09295G, Communication

Elias Nakouzi, Pamela Knoll, Oliver Steinbock
Biomorphs are life-like microstructures of selfassembled barium carbonate nanorods and silica. In a departure from established approaches, we produce biomorphs in CO₂- and gradient-free solutions. Our study reveals novel structural...
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Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of (E)-Olefins from Benzylic Alcohol Derivatives and Arylacetonitriles via C-O Activation

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC10005D, Communication

Jing Xiao, Jia Yang, Tieqiao Chen, Li-Biao Han
An efficient Ni-catalyzed synthesis of (E)-olefins using the readily available benzylic alcohol derivatives and arylacetonitriles is described. This transformation should proceed via a tandem process involving nickel-catalyzed cross coupling via...
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Confinement effects on shape and composition of bimetallic nano-objects in carbon nanotubes

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC09037G, Communication

Li Xiaojian, Teresa Hungria, Cecile Garcia-Marcelot, M. Rosa Axet, Pier-Francesco Fazzini, Reasmey Tan, Philippe Serp, Katerina Soulantica
CoPt and FePt nanostructures have been efficiently confined in carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A marked confinement effect has been evidenced, both on bimetallic nano-object shape and composition. In large diameter CNTs...
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Amide-assisted intramolecular [3+2] annulation of cyclopropane ring-opening: A facile and diastereoselective access to the tricyclic core of (+/-)-scandine

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC07485A, Communication

Jun-An Xiao, Peng-Ju Xia, Xing-Yu Zhang, Xiaoqing Chen, Guang-Chuan Ou, Hua Yang
A highly diastereoselective intramolecular [3+2] annulation via the ring-opening of cyclopropane diester derivative has been developed to construct dihydroquinoline scaffold. A series of tricyclic dihydroquinolines bearing one or two all-carbon...
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Environmental Biotechnology: Current Advances, New Knowledge Gaps, and Emerging Issues

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Concurrent partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa: race and sex differences in prevalence and duration of overlap

Introduction: Concurrent partnerships (CPs) have been suggested as a risk factor for transmitting HIV, but their impact on the epidemic depends upon how prevalent they are in populations, the average number of CPs an individual has and the length of time they overlap. However, estimates of prevalence of CPs in Southern Africa vary widely, and the duration of overlap in these relationships is poorly documented. We aim to characterize concurrency in a more accurate and complete manner, using data from three disadvantaged communities of Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: We conducted a sexual behaviour survey (n = 878) from June 2011 to February 2012 in Cape Town, using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing to collect sexual relationship histories on partners in the past year. Using the beginning and end dates for the partnerships, we calculated the point prevalence, the cumulative prevalence and the incidence rate of CPs, as well as the duration of overlap for relationships begun in the previous year. Linear and binomial regression models were used to quantify race (black vs. coloured) and sex differences in the duration of overlap and relative risk of having CPs in the past year. Results: The overall point prevalence of CPs six months before the survey was 8.4%: 13.4% for black men, 1.9% for coloured men, 7.8% black women and 5.6% for coloured women. The median duration of overlap in CPs was 7.5 weeks. Women had less risk of CPs in the previous year than men (RR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.32-0.57) and black participants were more at risk than coloured participants (RR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.17-2.97). Conclusions: Our results indicate that in this population the prevalence of CPs is relatively high and is characterized by overlaps of long duration, implying there may be opportunities for HIV to be transmitted to concurrent partners.

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Kōdōkan Jūdō’s three orphaned forms of counter techniques: part 3: the Katame-waza ura-no-kata: 'Forms of reversing controlling techniques'

Background and Study Aim: The purpose of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive review of katame-waza ura-no-kata ["Forms of Reversing Throwing Techniques"], a non-officially accepted kata of Kōdōkan jūdō made famous by the late Mifune Kyūzō, of which the date of creation has not been previously established, nor under what circumstances it was created or what its sources of inspiration were. Material and Methods: To achieve this, we offer a careful critical analysis of the available literature and rare source material on this kata. Results: Katame-waza ura-no-kata was finalized by Itō Kazuo (1898-1974) in June 1970 mainly based on techniques Itō had learned from his teacher Mifune Kyūzō. Mifune, in turn, drew his inspiration of the nige-waza [escaping techniques] and kaeshi-waza [countering] included in the kata likely from intellectual ideas of Takahashi Kazuyoshi and newaza [ground fighting] techniques perfected primarily by Oda Jōin, Mifune himself and to a lesser extent possibly by Toku Sanbō, Kawakami Chū, and others. Katame-waza ura-no-kata adheres to the same structure as katame-no-kata hence is divided in three series of five techniques each followed up by a counter-control technique. Katame-waza ura-no-kata is a randori-no-kata form. The objective of the kata is not to copy a supposed gold standard performance that then needs to be evaluated and scored by a jury, but to develop the ability of performing jūdō at the supra-mechanical level of myōwaza [unexplainable sophisticated technique], irrespective of differences in minute technical details. Conclusions: Katame-waza ura-no-kata is an exercise devised by the late jūdō master Itō Kazuo, which similarly to how katame-no-kata complements nage-no-kata, serves as a complement to nage-waza ura-no-kata. It is a valuable training exercise of which the practice is intended to contribute to developing the highest levels of jūdō technical ability. Sadly, the kata remains largely unfamiliar to most jūdōka due to a lack of qualified instructors and its current status as a non-officially accepted Kōdōkan kata.

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Kōdōkan Jūdō’s three orphaned forms of counter techniques: part 2: the Nage-waza ura-no-kata: 'forms of reversing throwing techniques'

Background and Study Aim: The purpose of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive review of nage-waza ura-no-kata ["Forms of Reversing Throwing Techniques"], a non-officially accepted kata of Kōdōkan jūdō made famous by the late Mifune Kyūzō (1883-1965), of which the date of creation has not been previously established, nor under what circumstances it was created or what its sources of inspiration were. Material and Methods: To achieve this, we offer a careful critical analysis of the available literature and rare source material on this kata. Results: In 1903 Mifune entered the Kōdōkan and in 1904 he attended Waseda University's Preparatory School for a year. The inspiration for Nage-waza ura-no-kata may be traced back to Waseda University, where Takahashi Kazuyoshi was Mifune's contemporary. While Mifune, in combination with an intensive competitive career, also spent time researching new individual throwing techniques, it is Takahashi's research that focused on the concept of ura-waza or reverse-throws. On Kanō's invitation Takahashi authored many articles on this topic which appeared in Yūkō-no-Katsudō, the Kōdōkan's official magazine. It is likely that drawing from Takahashi's and his own research Mifune completed his nage-waza ura-no-kata probably around 1934-1938. The objective of the kata is not to copy a supposed gold standard performance that then needs to be evaluated and scored by a jury, but to develop the ability of performing jūdō at the supra-mechanical level of myōwaza [unexplainable sophisticated technique], irrespective of differences in minute technical details. Conclusions: Nage-waza ura-no-kata is an exercise devised by expert-technician Mifune Kyūzō which similarly to katame-no-kata complements nage-no-kata and of which the practice is intended to contribute to developing the highest levels of jūdō technical ability.

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Cerebral 'hyperautoregulation' assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy during pharmacological induced pressure changes

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Kōdōkan Jūdō’s three orphaned forms of counter techniques: part 1: the Gonosen-no-kata: 'Forms of post-attack initiative counter throws'

Background and Study Aim: The purpose of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive study of gonosen-no-kata ["Forms of Post-Attack Initiative Counter Throws"], a non-officially accepted kata of Kōdōkan jūdō made popular in Western Europe by Kawaishi Mikinosuke (1899-1969). Material and Methods: To achieve this we apply historical methods and source criticism to offer a careful critical analysis of the origin, history and background of this kata. Results: The first verifiable appearance of gonosen-no-kata is in 1926 at the occasion of the London Budōkwai's 9th Annual Display, where it was publicly demonstrated by Ishiguro Keishichi (1897-1974), previously at Waseda University and since 1924 living in Paris. The kata builds on intellectual material conceived by Takahashi Kazuyoshi. A 1932 program brochure of an Oxford University Judo Club event is the oldest known source to link Kawaishi and gonosen-no-kata. Kawaishi considered gonosen-no-kata as the third randori-no-kata. Kawaishi's major role in spreading jūdō in France and continental Europe between 1935 and 1965, and the publication of his seminal jūdō kata book in 1956, connected his name to this kata forever. Conclusions: In the absence of any Kōdōkan standard the evolution of the kata over the past 75 years has led to substantial variations in the mechanics and approach specific to each country and jūdō federation that endorse its practice. It remains questionable whether gonosen-no-kata historically has ever been practiced in Japan anywhere, and whether this 'kata' is any-thing more than a merely opportunistic name given to a one-time unstructured exercise firstly demonstrated in London during the 1920s.

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The HRM Cockpit: an instrument for developing and evaluating sustainable HRM in an organization

These days, a new approach is emerging in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM). Where strategic HRM has been the main approach for the last decades, nowadays more and more scholars are connecting sustainability to HRM (Ehnert, 2009, 2014, Kramar, 2014). There are many different conceptualizations for sustainable HRM, but most scholars agree on defining it as an extension of strategic HRM (Ehnert, 2009; Kramar, 2014). Thereby they agree that sustainable HRM has a broader focus on the organization's performances than only accounting for the financial success of the organization. In fact sustainable HRM incorporates the triple bottom line, namely people, planet and profit (Elkington, 1997) and tries to balance these three different aspects. Even though literature (Ehnert, 2009, De Prins et al., 2014) provides different models about sustainable HRM, we face a lack of practical tools to explore and exploit sustainable HRM in an organization. To develop a practical tool for monitoring sustainable HRM in an organization, an extended literature review was conducted, complemented with qualitative data (i.e. explorative interviews with practitioners, trade unions and a test panel) to define the field of sustainable HRM. The development of the tool started with a literature review in several different domains such as strategic HRM, sustainable HRM, HR scorecards and strategy mapping. The tool is based upon the idea of scorecards and measuring progress in realizing an HRM strategy. Deriving from the literature review, two concepts were used as basic principles during the development of the tool. First, the idea of the HR value chain where an input, throughput and output model is presented as a strategic approach to sustainable HRM (den Hartog, Boselie & Paauwe 2004; Vanderstraeten, 2014). Secondly, to increase the applicability of the model, strategic mapping, starting with Kaplan & Norton (2004) and further developed in the field of HRM by Becker (2001) and Huselid (2005), is used as a guideline for implementing sustainable HRM. After the literature review, a first draft of the tool was developed. We used the Delphi methodology to gain consensus among practitioners about the components and definitions that were used in the first draft of the tool (Linstone & Turoff, 1975). HR managers of twelve organizations participated in this part of the development. This resulted in a tool with 12 different components. The resulting tool can be used to guide social profit and public organizations in the development of a sustainable HRM or to support the evaluation of their current sustainable HRM. For each of the different components (12) in the tool, validated questionnaires and measures are available so that organizations can collect data and measure their progress towards a sustainable HRM. Six experts in HRM were consulted to allocate the measures to the components. To further test the practical usefulness and correctness of the tool seven organizations were willing to test it more in detail and even started implementing it. Because of the importance of sustainability in organizations and the support that a sustainable HRM can provide in transitioning towards such an organization it is important to encourage more organizations towards sustainable HR. The developed tool provides organizations can guide them towards sustainable HRM. In addition more organizations can make the shift towards a sustainable organization based on a scientifically validated and evidence based HRM practice. Future research should reexamine the implementations that were made, their effectiveness and extend the implementation of the tool to different organizations.

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Participatie in Vlaanderen 2: eerste analyses van de participatiesurvey 2014

Tussen januari en november 2014 werd een representatieve steekproef van 3965 Vlamingen tussen 15 en 86 jaar uitgebreid bevraagd over hun participatiegedrag. Op basis van deze enquête kwam via een unieke samenwerking tussen vier Steunpunten voor Beleidsrelevant Onderzoek van de Vlaamse overheid (de Steunpunten Cultuur, Sport, Media en het Jeugdonderzoeksplatform) deze publicatie tot stand. Dit boek bevat de eerste analyses van de Participatiesurvey 2014. Voor kunsten en erfgoed, het lokale cultuuraanbod, media, sport en het verenigingsleven schetst Participatie in Vlaanderen algemene participatiecijfers. De studie gaat de ontwikkelingen over een periode van tien jaar na en zoomt uitgebreid in op het begrijpen van verschillen in participatiegedrag. De analyses tonen hoe het staat met participatie en hoe verschillen begrepen kunnen worden. Ze geven eveneens zicht op de mogelijke hefbomen voor een verhoogde participatie. Daarnaast behandelen afzonderlijke hoofdstukken thema's zoals de drempels voor cultuur- en sportdeelname, online cultuurparticipatie, mediagebruik, consumentenuitgaven aan sport, ouderlijke opvattingen over de vrijetijdsbesteding van hun kinderen en de invloed van ouders op het participatiegedrag van hun kinderen. Participatie in Vlaanderen. Eerste analyses van de Participatiesurvey 2014 richt zich tot beleidsmakers, onderzoekers, actoren in het brede veld van cultuur, sociaal-cultureel werk, media, jeugd en sport, en anderen die inzicht willen verwerven in tendensen en ontwikkelingen op het vlak van participatie. De basisgegevens en cijfers van de survey kunnen geraadpleegd worden in Participatie in Vlaanderen. Basisgegevens en kerncijfers van de Participatiesurvey 2014 (Acco, 2015).

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Assessing pulse pressure variation (PPV) in patients with atrial fibrillation, 2: the effect of mechanical ventilation

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HRM COCKPIT: een duurzaam HR beleid in de social profit en publieke sector

De HRM Cockpit biedt een ondersteuning voor de uitbouw, de opvolging en de evaluatie van een strategisch en duurzaam HRM. De lezer maakt kennis met alle aspecten van HR en leert om de HRM Cockpit toe te passen binnen de eigen organisatie. Het is een strategisch en duurzaam instrument dat de middelen aanreikt om het vooropgestelde HR beleid te bepalen en op te volgen aan de hand van een strategische kaart. Door middel van een uitgewerkte methodologie van 'strategischc mapping' leggen we de basis voor een aangepast en strategisch duurzaam HR beleid in de eigen organisatie. Het boek leert de organisatie en de lezer stap voor stap te werken aan de opbouw van een duurzaam HR beleid. Ter illustratie wordt het boek aangevuld met drie praktijkcases en de ervaringen van deze organisaties met het toepassen van de HRM Cockpit.

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Assessing pulse pressure variation (PPV) in patients with atrial fibrillation, 1: predicting the pulse pressure of an irregular beat in apnea

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Assessment of right ventricular function using Navigator®

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112 Gbit/s single-polarization silicon coherent receiver with hybrid-integrated BiCMOS linear TIA

We report the design, fabrication and verification of a single-polarization silicon coherent receiver with a low-power linear TIA array. Error-free operation assuming FEC is shown at bitrates of 112 Gbit/s (28 Gbaud 16-QAM) and 56 Gbit/s (28 Gbaud QPSK).

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High HIV incidence in the postpartum period sustains vertical transmission in settings with generalized epidemics: a cohort study in Southern Mozambique

Introduction: Acute infection with HIV in the postpartum period results in a high risk of vertical transmission through breastfeeding. A study was done to determine the HIV incidence rate and associated risk factors among postpartum women in Southern Mozambique, where HIV prevalence among pregnant women is 21%. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in six rural health facilities in Gaza and Maputo provinces from March 2008 to July 2011. A total of 1221 women who were HIV-negative on testing at delivery or within two months postpartum were recruited and followed until 18 months postpartum. HIV testing, collection of dried blood spot samples and administration of a structured questionnaire to women were performed every three months. Infant testing by DNA-PCR was done as soon as possible after identification of a new infection in women. HIV incidence was estimated, and potential risk factors at baseline were compared using Poisson regression. Results: Data from 957 women were analyzed with follow-up after the enrolment visit, with a median follow-up of 18.2 months. The HIV incidence in postpartum women is estimated at 3.20/100 women-years (95% CI: 2.30 - 4.46), with the highest rate among 18- to 19-year-olds (4.92 per 100 women-years; 95% CI: 2.65-9.15). Of the new infections, 14 ( 34%) were identified during the first six months postpartum, 11 (27%) between 6 and 12 months and 16 (39%) between 12 and 18 months postpartum. Risk factors for incident HIV infection include young age, low number of children, higher education level of the woman's partner and having had sex with someone other than one's partner. The vertical transmission was 21% ( 95% CI: 5-36) among newly infected women. Conclusions: Incidence of HIV is high among breastfeeding women in Southern Mozambique, contributing to increasing numbers of HIV-infected infants. Comprehensive primary prevention strategies targeting women of reproductive age, particularly pregnant and postpartum women and their partners, will be crucial for the elimination of paediatric AIDS in Africa.

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Pre-national identities in the Balkans

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Specific labeling: An effective tool to explore the RNA world

Our knowledge about the functional diversity and importance of RNA in biology has grown enormously over the past three decades and has driven efforts to develop better tools to characterize RNAs. Amongst these tools are methods for preparing specifically labeled or chemically modified RNAs, which are essential for basic research, biomedical, and clinical applications. Understanding the potential and limits of these different RNA synthesis and labeling strategies is important in deciding how to approach the preparation of a particular RNA molecule. Here, we review these various labeling methods and future directions of the field.

RNA labeling or modification has become critical in RNA structure-function studies, basic biomedical research, and in development of RNA-based sensors, diagnostics and therapeutics. We discuss the technologies used for RNA labeling, and focus on the potential and limits of these methods.

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Expression profiling and functional analysis of Toll-like receptors in primary healthy human nasal epithelial cells shows no correlation and a refractory LPS response

Background: Innate immune recognition via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on barrier cells like epithelial cells has been shown to influence the regulation of local immune responses. Here we determine expression level variations and functionality of TLRs in nasal epithelial cells from healthy donors. Methods: Expression levels of the different TLRs on primary nasal epithelial cells from healthy donors derived from inferior turbinates was determined by RT-PCR. Functionality of the TLRs was determined by stimulation with the respective ligand and evaluation of released mediators by Luminex ELISA. Results: Primary nasal epithelial cells express different levels of TLR1-6 and TLR9. We were unable to detect mRNA of TLR7, TLR8 and TLR10. Stimulation with Poly(I:C) resulted in a significant increased secretion of IL-4, IL-6, RANTES, IP-10, MIP-1β, VEGF, FGF, IL-1RA, IL-2R and G-CSF. Stimulation with PGN only resulted in significant increased production of IL-6, VEGF and IL-1RA. Although the expression of TLR4 and co-stimulatory molecules could be confirmed, primary nasal epithelial cells appeared to be unresponsive to stimulation with LPS. Furthermore, we observed huge individual differences in TLR agonist-induced mediator release, which did not correlate with the respective expression of TLRs. Conclusion: Our data suggest that nasal epithelium seems to have developed a delicate system of discrimination and recognition of microbial patterns. Hypo-responsiveness to LPS could provide a mechanism to dampen the inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa in order to avoid a chronic inflammatory response. Individual, differential expression of TLRs on epithelial cells and functionality in terms of released mediators might be a crucial factor in explaining why some people develop allergies to common inhaled antigens, and others do not.

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Rhodium-catalyzed tunable oxidative cyclization toward the selective synthesis of [small alpha]-pyrones and furans

Chem. Commun., 2016, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC09137C, Communication

Jiaping Wu, Dongxu Wang, Yanjun Wan, Cheng Ma
The Rh^III-catalyzed tunable oxidative cyclization of readily available N-tosylacrylamides and diazo compounds toward the selective synthesis of fully substituted furans and [small alpha]-pyrones is presented.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1): an update of 208 new germline variants reported in the last nine years.

Publication date: Available online 14 December 2015
Source:Cancer Genetics
Author(s): Paola Concolino, Alessandra Costella, Ettore Capoluongo
This review will focus on the germline MEN1 mutations that have been reported in patients with MEN1 and other hereditary endocrine disorders from 2007 to September 2015. A comprehensive review regarding the analysis of 1336 MEN1 mutations reported in the first decade following the gene's identification was performed by Lemos and Thakker in 2008. No other similar papers are available in literature apart from this data. We also checked for the list of Locus-Specific DataBases (LSDBs) and we found five MEN1 free-online mutational databases.151 articles from the NCBI PubMed literature database were read and evaluated and a total of 75 MEN1 variants were found. On the contrary, 67, 22 and 44 novel MEN1 variants were obtained from ClinVar, MEN1 at Café Variome and HGMD (The Human Gene Mutation Database) databases respectively.A final careful analysis of MEN1 mutations affecting the coding region was performed.



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Organocatalytic Enantio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted Prolines

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC09329E, Communication

Iker Riano, Estibaliz Diaz, Uxue Uria, Efraim Reyes, Luisa Carrillo, Jose L Vicario
The asymmetric synthesis of substituted pyrrolidines has been accomplished using a novel organocatalytic cyclization reaction promoted by a Cinchona alkaloid base primary amine. The reaction proceeds smoothly yielding pyrrolidine-2,2-dicarboxylates after...
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Conversion of a non-heme iron-dependent sulfoxide synthase into a thiol dioxygenase by a single point mutation

Chem. Commun., 2015, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C5CC07772A, Communication

Kristina V Goncharenko, Florian Peter Seebeck
EgtB from Mycobacterium thermoresistibile catalyzes O2-dependent sulfur-carbon bond formation between the side chains of N[small alpha]-trimethyl histidine and [gamma]-glutamyl cysteine as a central step in ergothioneine biosynthesis. A single point mutation...
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14C-dating of the skeleton remains and the continent of the lead coffin attributed to the Blessed Idesbald (Abbey of the Dunes, Koksijde, Belgium)

In 2015 the supposed lead coffin of Blessed Idesbald (+1167 AD) was opened for examination. The content (one male skeleton, a piece of textile and plant fragments) as well as the carbonated lead of the coffin were dated. The results reveal that the skeleton and the coffin are from the second part of the 15th century, beginning of the 16the century and the plant fragments were even younger. The lead carbonate dates support the suggestion that the skeleton remains belonged to the original deposition. Aromatized plant fibres were added after the coffin was unearthed in 1623 AD.

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Online unsupervised terrain classification for a compliant tensegrity robot using a mixture of echo state networks

Truly autonomous robots require the capacity to recognise their surroundings by interpreting their sensorimotor stream. We present an online learning algorithm for training a mixture of echo state network experts that can segment a compliant robot's sensorimotor stream. Our method follows a probabilistic approach, using a hidden Markov model to model the switching dynamics between the experts. The algorithm's performance is evaluated on an unsupervised terrain classification problem using a compliant, underactuated, six-strut tensegrity robot. The results show that our model captures the influence of terrain-robot interactions on the robot's complex dynamics and correctly segments the sensorimotor stream. We demonstrate that the activity pattern of the experts can be used to train a highly compliant robot to distinguish between different environments using only noisy internal sensors

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Uncommon Trimethoxylated Flavonol Obtained from Rubus rosaefolius Leaves and Its Antiproliferative Activity

This study shows the evaluation the antiproliferative effect of the extract, fractions, and uncommon compounds isolated from R. rosaefolius leaves. The compounds were identified by conventional spectroscopic methods such as NMR-H1 and C13 and identified as 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8,4′-trimethoxyflavonol (1), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,4′-pentamethoxyflavone (2), and tormentic acid (3). Both hexane and dichloromethane fractions showed selectivity for multidrug-resistant ovary cancer cell line (NCI-ADR/RES) with total growth inhibition values of 11.1 and 12.6 μg/ml, respectively. Compound 1 also showed selective activity against the same cell line (18.8 μg/ml); however, it was especially effective against glioma cells (2.8 μg/ml), suggesting that this compound may be involved with the in vitro antiproliferative action.

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The Preventive Effect on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Lesions of the Medicinal Plant Plumeria rubra: Involvement of the Latex Proteins in the NO/cGMP/KATP Signaling Pathway

Plumeria rubra (Apocynaceae) is frequently used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, and tracheitis, among other infirmities. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective potential of a protein fraction isolated from the latex of Plumeria rubra (PrLP) against ethanol-induced gastric lesions and describe the underlying mechanisms. In a dose-dependent manner, the pretreatment with PrLP prevented ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice after single intravenous administration. The gastroprotective mechanism of PrLP was associated with the involvement of prostaglandins and balance of oxidant/antioxidant factors. Secondarily, the NO/cGMP/ pathway and activation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents were also demonstrated as part of the mechanism. This study shows that proteins extracted from the latex of P. rubra prevent gastric lesions induced in experimental animals. Also, the results support the use of the plant in folk medicine.

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Lactoferrin: A Modulator for Immunity against Tuberculosis Related Granulomatous Pathology

There is great need for a therapeutic that would limit tuberculosis related pathology and thus curtail spread of disease between individuals by establishing a "firebreak" to slow transmission. A promising avenue to increase current therapeutic efficacy may be through incorporation of adjunct components that slow or stop development of aggressive destructive pulmonary pathology. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein found in mucosal secretions and granules of neutrophils, is just such a potential adjunct therapeutic agent. The focus of this review is to explore the utility of lactoferrin to serve as a therapeutic tool to investigate "disruption" of the mycobacterial granuloma. Proposed concepts for mechanisms underlying lactoferrin efficacy to control immunopathology are supported by data generated based on in vivo models using nonpathogenic trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate (TDM, cord factor).

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2.5D smart objects using thermoplastic stretchable interconnects

This contribution describes the technology used to produce thermoplastically deformable electronics, based on flexible circuit board technology, to achieve low-cost 2.5D free-form rigid smart objects. These one-time deformable circuits employ a modified version of the previously developed meander-based "polymer-last" technology for dynamically stretchable elastic circuits. This is readily achieved by substituting the dynamically stretchable elastomeric materials (e.g. silicone) with thermoplastic polymers (e.g. polycarbonate). Afterwards the circuit is given its final form using widely available thermoforming techniques, such as vacuum forming, where the material is heated above its glass transition temperature and drawn against a forming tool by a strong vacuum. After cooling down the thermoplastic retains its shape without inducing large internal stresses. The presented method allows for the production of these circuits on a flat substrate, using standard printed circuit board production equipment, with deformation only taking place afterwards; eliminating the need for large investments and reducing the cost of fabrication. Potential advantages over competitive methods are reductions in weight and material usage, decrease of mechanical complexity; lower tooling cost, increased resilience, and a higher degree of manufacturer independence due to adhering to standard industrial practices. This is realized by starting production from a flexible circuit board, manufactured by an industrial supplier using polyimide flexible copper clad laminate, which is attached to a temporary reusable carrier board through means of a silicone based high-temperature pressure sensitive adhesive. Through selective laser structuring the meander and island outlines of the flexible circuit are defined, without causing damage to the carrier board or pressure sensitive adhesive. After removing the residual material the circuit is assembled using high-temperature lead-free solder, made possible by the temporary carrier keeping the circuit in place at these elevated temperatures. The circuit is then transferred into a thermoplastic laminate, which is deformed into its final shape. After demonstrating the need for stretchable electronics for this application, this contribution describes the method used to design, fabricate, and test the first one-time deformable circuits manufactured using the presented technology. Using the initial set of observations a series of preliminary design rules is established, both for the circuit and choice of materials. The feasibility of this manufacturing method was then demonstrated through a small scale production run using lab scale equipment, where a large quantity of high power LEDs was integrated into a one-time deformable device made out of polystyrene and thermoplastic polyurethane. These devices were then tested by exposing them to real world conditions for several days.

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Five languages are better than one: an attempt to bypass the data acquisition bottleneck for WSD

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Intelligent event management with bluetooth sensor networks

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Using webcrawling of publicly available websites to assess E-commerce relationships

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Inactivation of viruses in water by biogenic silver: innovative and environmentally friendly disinfection technique

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The music paint machine: a multimodal interactive platform to stimulate musical creativity in instrumental practice

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Performing QoE-measurements in an actual 3G network

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QoE estimation of a location-based mobile game using on-body sensors and QoS-related data

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Editorial: obesity in chronic liver diseases – increased infections; authors' reply

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Editorial: obesity in chronic liver diseases – increased infections

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Corrigendum

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Erratum

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Letter: early use of immunomodulators and surgery in Crohn's disease

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Comparison between alcohol- and hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical presentation, treatment and outcome

Summary

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and alcohol abuse are the main risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Western countries.

Aim

To investigate the role of alcoholic aetiology on clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of HCC as well as on each Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, as compared to HCV-related HCCs.

Methods

A total of 1642 HCV and 573 alcoholic patients from the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) database, diagnosed with HCC between January 2000 and December 2012 were compared for age, gender, type of diagnosis, tumour burden, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), oesophageal varices, liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein, BCLC, treatment and survival. Aetiology was tested as predictor of survival in multivariate Cox regression models and according to HCC stages.

Results

Cirrhosis was present in 96% of cases in both groups. Alcoholic patients were younger, more likely male, with HCC diagnosed outside surveillance, in intermediate/terminal BCLC stage and had worse liver function. After adjustment for the lead-time, median (95% CI) overall survival (OS) was 27.4 months (21.5–33.2) in alcoholic and 33.6 months (30.7–36.5) in HCV patients (P = 0.021). The prognostic role of aetiology disappeared when survival was assessed in each BCLC stage and in the Cox regression multivariate models.

Conclusions

Alcoholic aetiology affects survival of HCC patients through its negative effects on secondary prevention and cancer presentation but not through a greater cancer aggressiveness or worse treatment result. In fact, survival adjusted for confounding factors was similar in alcoholic and HCV patients.

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Determination of majority carrier capture rates via deep level transient spectroscopy

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Effects of temperature regime and food supplementation on the performance of phytoseiid mites as biological control agents

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Uw bedrijf verkopen: en uw successieplanning ?

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