bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent triploid digynic conceptions and mature ovarian teratomas: Are they different manifestations of the same genetic defect?
Authors: Khawajkie Yassemine , Buckett William , Nguyen Ngoc Minh Phuong , Mechtouf Nawel , Ao Asangla , Arseneau Jocelyne , Slim Rima
Published: July 2017

Miscarriages affect 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined by the occurrence of at least two consecutive pregnancy losses and affects 1%‐5% of couples trying to conceive. In an attempt to categorize patients with RM and identify the mechanisms leading to their miscarriages, we first used flow cytometry to assess the ploidy of 93 products of conception (POCs) from 53 patients with RM (≥3 miscarriages). We identified a single patient with four triploid POCs. We then used fluorescent in situ hybridization to confirm the triploidies and fluorescent microsatellite genotyping with distal and pericentromeric markers to determine their parental origin and the mechanisms leading to their formation. We found that all four triploidies were digynic and due to a failure in meiosis II (MII), suggesting a genetic predisposition. Upon further investigation into the family, we found a remarkable history of ovarian cysts and dysfunctions on the maternal side. Notably, one maternal cousin had a mature ovarian teratoma that we analyzed and found an identical mechanism at its origin, a failure in MII. The identification of two patients in the same family with two different manifestations—digynic triploid conceptions and mature ovarian teratomas, both resulting from the failure of MII—suggests an inherited genetic susceptibility toward an error in MII segregating in the family that may manifest in the form of a triploid digynic miscarriage or a mature ovarian teratoma. Our findings may facilitate the future identification of causative mutations for MII defects.
Analysis of structure–function network decoupling in the brain systems of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Lee Dongha , Pae Chongwon , Lee Jong Doo , Park Eun Sook , Cho Sung‐Rae , Um Min‐Hee , Lee Seung‐Koo , Oh Maeng‐Keun , Park Hae‐Jeong
Published: July 2017

Manifestation of the functionalities from the structural brain network is becoming increasingly important to understand a brain disease. With the aim of investigating the differential structure–function couplings according to network systems, we investigated the structural and functional brain networks of patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy with periventricular leukomalacia compared to healthy controls. The structural and functional networks of the whole brain and motor system, constructed using deterministic and probabilistic tractography of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images and Pearson and partial correlation analyses of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images, showed differential embedding of functional networks in the structural networks in patients. In the whole‐brain network of patients, significantly reduced global network efficiency compared to healthy controls were found in the structural networks but not in the functional networks, resulting in reduced structural–functional coupling. On the contrary, the motor network of patients had a significantly lower functional network efficiency over the intact structural network and a lower structure–function coupling than the control group. This reduced coupling but reverse directionality in the whole‐brain and motor networks of patients was prominent particularly between the probabilistic structural and partial correlation‐based functional networks. Intact (or less deficient) functional network over impaired structural networks of the whole brain and highly impaired functional network topology over the intact structural motor network might subserve relatively preserved cognitions and impaired motor functions in cerebral palsy. This study suggests that the structure–function relationship, evaluated specifically using sparse functional connectivity, may reveal important clues to functional reorganization in cerebral palsy. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5292–5306, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized controlled trial comparing operative times between standard and robot‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Deimling Timothy A. , Eldridge Jennifer L. , Riley Kristin A. , Kunselman Allen R. , Harkins Gerald J.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To compare the operative time between robot‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies and standard laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Methods

A prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled women aged 18–80 years attending Penn State Hershey Medical Center between April 23 and October 20, 2014 to undergo hysterectomy. Participants were randomized using a random number generator to undergo either robot‐assisted or standard laparoscopic hysterectomy. The primary outcome was the total operative time (surgeon incision to surgeon stop, including robot docking time, if applicable). Intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed and the operative time was compared between the two treatments for non‐inferiority, defined as a difference in operative time of no longer than 15 minutes.

Results

There were 72 patients randomized to each treatment arm. The mean operative time was 73.9 minutes (median 67.0 minutes; interquartile range 59.0–83.0 minutes) in the robot‐assisted hysterectomy group and 74.9 minutes (median 65.5 minutes; interquartile range 57.0–90.5 minutes) in the standard laparoscopic hysterectomy group. The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval of the difference in operative time was 6.6 minutes, below the 15‐minute measure of non‐inferiority.

Conclusion

When performed by a surgeon experienced in both techniques, the operative time for robot‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy was non‐inferior to that achieved with standard laparoscopic hysterectomy.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02118974
Applicability of the modified ACOG/SGO referral criteria for adnexal mass within a limited‐resource setting
Authors: Battarbee Ashley , Strohl Anna , Zimmerman Lindsay , Patel Ashlesha , Burtch Radha
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the modified American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) referral guidelines in a high‐risk limited‐resource setting.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were assessed for all women who underwent surgery for an adnexal mass at John H. Stroger Jr Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA, between July 2006 and July 2011. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated both for actual practice referral patterns and for the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines.

Results

Among 542 study women, 176 (32.5%) were diagnosed with ovarian malignancy. The ACOG/SGO guidelines showed 81.3% sensitivity and 71.9% specificity for the prediction of malignancy at time of surgery, with positive and negative predictive values of 58.1% and 88.9%, respectively. Actual practice patterns demonstrated lower sensitivity (68.2%; P<0.001) but higher specificity (84.2%; P<0.001).

Conclusion

As compared with practice patterns, the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines lacked sufficient specificity for referral and might not be applicable in high‐risk, low‐resource settings. For this population, screening should be based on stratifying patients into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk categories to allow limited resources to be focused on women at highest risk.
Prevalence and 3‐year persistence of human papillomavirus serotypes in asymptomatic patients in Northern Mexico
Authors: Fajardo‐Ramírez Oscar R. , Barboza‐Cerda María C. , Ortiz‐López Rocío , Rojas‐Martínez Augusto , Garza‐Rodríguez María L. , Sepúlveda‐Flores Abel , González‐Guerrero Juan F. , Bernal‐Silva Sofía , Cerda‐Flores Ricardo M. , Calleja‐Macías Itzel E. , Rodríguez‐Flores Socorro , Sandoval‐Guzmán Esthela , Plascencia‐Solis Teresa , Pérez‐Reyes Patricia , Villarreal Jesús Z. , Barrera‐Saldaña Hugo A.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate clinical outcomes and 3‐year persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among women in Mexico.

Methods

A prospective study enrolled sexually active women attending primary healthcare clinics in metropolitan Monterrey, Mexico, between June 3 and August 30, 2002. Baseline data were collected and participants underwent HPV screening. Patients with HPV infections were asked to attend a repeat screening appointment after 3 years, when the same screening data were gathered. Descriptive analyses were performed and the prevalence of cervical lesions and viral infections were examined.

Results

In total, 1188 patients who underwent initial HPV screening were included. Cervical lesions were detected in 5 (0.4%) patients and 239 (20.1%) patients had HPV infections; 129 (54.0%) of these patients attended 3‐year follow‐up. Among the 357 HPV serotypes identified, the most prevalent serotypes were HPV‐59, HPV‐52, HPV‐16, and HPV‐56, detected 62 (17.4%), 38 (10.6%), 27 (7.6%), and 18 (5.0%) times, respectively. Of the 129 patients attending 3‐year follow‐up, 104 (80.6%) were clear from HPV infections, 13 (10.1%) patients had persistent HPV infections, and 12 (9.3%) had HPV infections with different HPV types.

Conclusions

The HPV prevalence was 20.1% in the present study; the most prevalent infections were HPV‐59, HPV‐52, HPV‐16, and HPV‐56. At 3‐year follow‐up, 25 (19.4%) patients had HPV infections.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing hysteroscopic morcellation with resectoscopy for patients with endometrial lesions
Authors: Li Chunbo , Dai Zhiyuan , Gong Yuping , Xie Bingying , Wang Bei
Published: July 2017

Background

Results on the efficacy of hysteroscopic morcellation for patients with endometrial lesions remain conflicting.

Objectives

To compare hysteroscopic morcellation with conventional resectoscopy for removal of endometrial lesions.

Search strategy

Electronic databases were searched for reports published up to February 1, 2016, using terms such as “morcellator,” “morcellators,” “morcellate,” “morcellation,” “morcellated,” “hysteroscopy,” “hysteroscopy,” “uteroscope,” and “transcervical.”

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials were included if they assessed success rate, procedure speed, complications, tolerability, and/or learning curve.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and a meta‐analysis was performed.

Main results

Four trials including 392 patients were analyzed. Successful removal of all endometrial lesions was more frequent with hysteroscopic morcellation than conventional resectoscopy (odds ratio 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.94–10.41; P<0.001). Total operative time was also shorter with hysteroscopic morcellation (mean difference −4.94 minutes, 95% CI −7.20 to −2.68; P<0.001). No significant differences in complications were found. Meta‐analyses were not possible for tolerability and learning curve. In one study, hysteroscopic morcellation was acceptable to more patients (P=0.009).

Conclusions

Hysteroscopic morcellation is associated with a higher operative success rate and a shorter operative time among patients with endometrial lesions than is resectoscopy. More high‐quality trials are required to validate these results.
Reaching vulnerable women through maternity waiting homes in Malawi
Authors: Singh Kavita , Speizer Ilene , Kim Eunsoo Timothy , Lemani Clara , Phoya Ann
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine whether two maternity waiting homes (MWHs) supported by the Safe Motherhood Initiative are reaching vulnerable women during the early phase of their implementation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional interview‐based study was conducted among women who attended two centers in Malawi with attached MWHs (Area 25 Health Centre, Lilongwe; and Kasungu District Hospital, Kasungu). Between April and June 2015, exit interviews were conducted among MWH users and non‐users.

Results

Compared with non‐users, MWH users at Area 25 were significantly more likely to report a prior spontaneous abortion (10/46 [21.7%] vs 5/95 [5.3%]; P=0.006) and to be in the lowest wealth quintile (4/87 [4.6%] vs 0/150; P=0.029). Although not significant, a greater percentage of MWH users at Kasungu District Hospital than non‐users had a prior stillbirth (6/84 [7.1%] vs 0/77) or spontaneous abortion (3/84 [3.6%] vs 2/77 [2.6%]), and were in the lowest wealth quintile (15/175 [8.6%] vs 5/141 [3.5%]). MWH users at Kasungu lived further from the hospital than did non‐MWH users, although the difference was not significant (mean 6.81±9.1 km vs 4.05±7.42 km; P=0.067).

Conclusion

MWHs offer a promising strategy to reduce maternal mortality in Malawi and other low‐income countries.
Preliminary study of the effects of furosemide on blood pressure during late‐onset pre‐eclampsia in patients with high cardiac output
Authors: Tamás Péter , Hantosi Eszter , Farkas Bálint , Ifi Zsolt , Betlehem József , Bódis József
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine the effect of furosemide on hypertension and edema in patients with pre‐eclampsia experiencing high cardiac output.

Methods

The present cohort study enrolled patients with pre‐eclampsia who were admitted to the pregnancy pathology unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Hungary, between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Eligible patients had singleton pregnancies with no fetal anomalies, high blood volume, visible edema, and a hematocrit concentration below 37 L/L. Blood pressure was measured and impedance cardiography was used to determine cardiac output for all patients before they received a 40‐mg dose of furosemide; after 60 minutes blood pressure and cardiac output were measured again.

Results

The study enrolled 14 patients. Lower cardiac output (P=0.002), systolic blood pressure (P=0.002), and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.002) were recorded after furosemide administration, with patient heart rates remaining stable.

Conclusion

The heart‐rate stability suggests that the change of cardiac output was due to a decrease in blood volume. These data suggest that diuretics could be useful in the management of late‐onset pre‐eclampsia, indicating that an increase in water retention could play a role in the development of late‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
Birth preparedness and complication readiness among prenatal attendees in a teaching hospital in South West Nigeria
Authors: Aduloju Olusola P. , Akintayo Akinyemi A. , Aduloju Tolulope , Akin‐Akintayo Oladunni O.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) as well as knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and the postpartum period.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken of pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria between October and December 2016. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data on BPCR, and logistic regression was performed to determine factors affecting BPCR.

Results

Of 325 participants, 274 (84.3%) had knowledge of BPCR components, and 265 (81.5%) were well prepared for birth and its complications. However, only 89 (27.4%) knew key danger signs during labor/delivery and 81 (24.9%) knew those in the first 2 days after delivery. Older age, higher parity, tertiary education of women, paid employment of women and their spouses, higher social class, frequent prenatal visits, and knowledge of danger signs were significantly associated with BPCR (P<0.05). Higher parity, maternal government employment, and knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy remained determinants of BPCR on logistic regression (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Although there was a high level of knowledge and practice of BPCR, knowledge of key danger signs was low. Therefore, prenatal education needs to be improved with an emphasis on teaching pregnant women to recognize key danger signs.
Targeting nano drug delivery to cancer cells using tunable, multi‐layer, silver‐decorated gold nanorods
Authors: Nima Zeid A. , Alwbari Ahmed M. , Dantuluri Vijayalakshmi , Hamzah Rabab N. , Sra Natasha , Motwani Pooja , Arnaoutakis Konstantinos , Levy Rebecca A. , Bohliqa Amani F. , Nedosekin Dmitry , Zharov Vladimir P. , Makhoul Issam , Biris Alexandru S.
Published: July 2017

Multifunctional nanoparticles have high potential as targeting delivery vehicles for cancer chemotherapy. In this study, silver‐decorated gold nanorods (AuNR\Ag) have been successfully used to deliver specific, targeted chemotherapy against breast cancer (MCF7) and prostate carcinoma (PC3) cell lines. Doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy, and anti‐Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti‐EpCAM) antibodies were covalently bonded to thiolated polyethylene glycol‐coated AuNR\Ag, and the resultant system was used to deliver the drugs to cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, these nanoparticles have a unique spectral signature by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which enables reliable detection and monitoring of the distribution of these chemotherapy constructs inside cells. The development of interest in a plasmonic nano drugs system with unique spectroscopic signatures could result in a clinical approach to the precise targeting and visualization of cells and solid tumors while delivering molecules for the enhanced treatment of cancerous tumors.
Concentric photothermal coagulation with basket‐integrated optical device for treatment of tracheal stenosis
Authors: Tran Van N. , Lee Hyoung Shin , Truong Van G. , Rhee Yun‐Hee , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: July 2017

A basket‐integrated optical device is developed to consistently treat tubular tissue by centering an optical diffuser in the lumen. Four nitinol arms in conjunction with the optical diffusing applicator are deployed to induce homogeneous circumferential light emission and concentric photothermal coagulation on tracheal tissue. A 1470‐nm laser light is employed for the tissue testing at various irradiation conditions and evaluated in terms of thermal gradient and temperature evolution. Preliminary experiments on liver tissue demonstrate the concentric development of the radial thermal coagulation in the tissue (eccentric ratio = ~5.5%). The interstitial tissue temperature increases with the total amount of energy delivery (around 65°C). Ex vivo trachea testing yields up to 16.5% tissue shrinkage due to dehydration as well as uniform ablation of the cilia and goblet cells in a mucosa layer under 7‐W irradiation for 10 s. The proposed optical device may be a feasible therapeutic method to entail the circumferential coagulation in the tubular tissues in a reliable manner.
Evaluating Atypical Features of Femur Fractures: How Change in Radiological Criteria Influenced Incidence and Demography of Atypical Femur Fractures in a Community Setting
Authors: LeBlanc Erin S , Rosales A Gabriela , Black Dennis M , Genant Harry K , Dell Richard M , Friess Darin M , Boardman David L , Bauer Douglas C , de Papp Anne , Santora Arthur C , Orwoll Eric S
Published: July 2017

Identification of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) can be challenging. To assist in the radiological assessment, an American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Task Force developed a case definition for AFFs in 2010, revising it in 2013. How the revised definition performs in a community setting compared with the 2010 definition is unknown. We applied the 2013 criteria to 372 femoral fractures that occurred between January 1, 1996, and June 30, 2009, employing two independent expert physician reviewers. We used radiographs that had been categorized in a previous study on the incidence of atypical fractures using 2010 ASMBR criteria (BEAK1). In this follow-up study (BEAK2), the same reviewers reviewed all previously identified femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) (n = 197) and distal femur fractures (n = 131) plus a 15% random sample of intertrochanteric fractures (n = 49). After initial review, agreement between the two reviewers ranged from 63% to 100% for specific features, and 84% of radiographs received the same overall classification. Fewer fractures met the 2013 compared with 2010 ASMBR case definition of AFFs (37 per 2013 criteria versus 74 per 2010 criteria). Forty-three radiographs (58%) categorized as AFFs according to 2010 criteria were no longer AFFs when 2013 criteria were applied, and an additional 12 non-atypical FSFs according to 2010 criteria were reclassified as AFFs according to 2013 criteria. The major cause of AFF reclassification was the change in the definition of transverse configuration. The modification of the comminution, non-traumatic, and periosteal/endosteal thickness criteria resulted in the reclassification of non-atypical FSFs to AFFs. Incidence rate of AFFs according to 2013 ASBMR criteria was lower overall during the 13 years of observation than when the 2010 ASBMR criteria were applied, although we saw a slight increase starting in 2000. As in BEAK1, we found that those with AFFs were younger, more often female, and had a higher exposure rate to bisphosphonates than those with non-atypical FSFs. As we continue to unravel the demographics of those who suffer from AFFs, our study adds information about how the change in criteria influences epidemiological work. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
GSK‐3β inhibition suppresses instability‐induced osteolysis by a dual action on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Amirhosseini Mehdi , Madsen Rune V. , Escott K. Jane , Bostrom Mathias P. , Ross F. Patrick , Fahlgren Anna
Published: July 2017

Currently, there are no medications available to treat aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants. Using osteoprotegerin fusion protein (OPG‐Fc), we previously blocked instability‐induced osteoclast differentiation and peri‐prosthetic osteolysis. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which regulates OPG secretion from osteoblasts, also modulates the bone tissue response to mechanical loading. We hypothesized that activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) would reduce instability‐induced bone loss through regulation of both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. We examined effects of GSK‐3β inhibition on regulation of RANKL and OPG in a rat model of mechanical instability‐induced peri‐implant osteolysis. The rats were treated daily with a GSK‐3β inhibitor, AR28 (20 mg/kg bw), for up to 5 days. Bone tissue and blood serum were assessed by qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA on days 3 and 5, and by micro‐CT on day 5. After 3 days of treatment with AR28, mRNA levels of β‐catenin, Runx2, Osterix, Col1α1, and ALP were increased leading to higher osteoblast numbers compared to vehicle‐treated animals. BMP‐2 and Wnt16 mRNA levels were downregulated by mechanical instability and this was rescued by GSK‐3β inhibition. Osteoclast numbers were decreased significantly after 3 days of GSK‐3β inhibition, which correlated with enhanced OPG mRNA expression. This was accompanied by decreased serum levels of TRAP5b on days 3 and 5. Treatment with AR28 upregulated osteoblast differentiation, while osteoclastogenesis was blunted, leading to increased bone mass by day 5. These data suggest that GSK‐3β inactivation suppresses osteolysis through regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation in a rat model of instability‐induced osteolysis.
Synchrotron tomographic images from human lung adenocarcinoma: Three‐dimensional reconstruction and histologic correlations
Authors: Yi Eunjue , Han Sung‐Mi , Chang Ji‐Eun , Kim Hong‐Tae , Kim Jong‐Ki , Seo Seung‐Jun , Chung Jin‐Haeng , Jheon Sanghoon
Published: July 2017

High‐resolution tomographic images using synchrotron X‐rays are expected to provide detailed reflection of microstructures, thereby allowing for the examination of histologic structures without destruction of the specimen. This study aims to evaluate the synchrotron tomographic images of mixed ground‐glass opacity excised on 5‐mm sections in comparison to pathologic examination. The Institutional Review Board of our institute approved this retrospective study, and written informed consent was obtained from each patient whose lung tissue would be used. Obtained lung cancer specimens were brought to the multiple Wiggler 6C beam line at the Pohang Light Source (PLS‐II) in Korea, and phase contrast X‐ray images were obtained in November 2016. The X‐ray emanated from a bending magnet of the electron storage ring with electron energy of 3 GeV, and a typical beam current was 320 mA. Reconstructed tomographic images were compared with images from histologic slides obtained from the same samples. Pulmonary microstructures including terminal bronchioles, alveolar sacs, and vasculature were identified with phase contrast X‐ray images. Images from normal lung tissue and mixed ground‐glass opacity were clearly distinguishable. Hyperplasia of the interalveolar septum and dysplasia of microstructure were clearly identified. The imaging findings correlated well with hematoxylin‐eosin stained specimens. Tomographic images using synchrotron radiation have the potential for clinical applications. With refinement, this technique may become a diagnostic tool for detection of lung cancer.
Differences in gadolinium retention after repeated injections of macrocyclic MR contrast agents to rats
Authors: Bussi Simona , Coppo Alessandra , Botteron Catherine , Fraimbault Valérie , Fanizzi Antonello , De Laurentiis Elisa , Colombo Serra Sonia , Kirchin Miles A. , Tedoldi Fabio , Maisano Federico
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To compare the levels of gadolinium in the blood, cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, femur, kidneys, and skin after multiple exposure of rats to the macrocyclic gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) gadoterate, gadobutrol, and gadoteridol.

Materials and Methods

Fifty male Wistar Han rats were randomized to three exposure groups (n = 15 per group) and one control group (n = 5). Animals in the exposure groups received a total of 20 GBCA administrations (four administrations per week for 5 consecutive weeks) at a dose of 0.6 mmol/kg bodyweight. After a 28‐day recovery period animals were sacrificed and the blood and tissues harvested for determination of gadolinium (Gd) levels. Gd determination was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).

Results

After 28 days' recovery no Gd was found in the blood, liver, or skin of any animal in any group. Significantly lower levels of Gd were noted with gadoteridol compared to gadoterate and gadobutrol in the cerebellum (0.150 ± 0.022 vs. 0.292 ± 0.057 and 0.287 ± 0.056 nmol/g, respectively; P < 0.001), cerebrum (0.116 ± 0.036 vs. 0.250 ± 0.032 and 0.263 ± 0.045 nmol/g, respectively; P < 0.001), and kidneys (25 ± 13 vs. 139 ± 88 [P < 0.01] and 204 ± 109 [P < 0.001], respectively). Higher levels of Gd were noted in the femur (7.48 ± 1.37 vs. 5.69 ± 1.75 and 8.60 ± 2.04 nmol/g, respectively) with significantly less Gd determined for gadoterate than for gadobutrol (P < 0.001) and gadoteridol (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Differences exist between macrocyclic agents in terms of their propensity to accumulate in tissues. The observed differences in Gd concentration point to differences in GBCA washout rates in this setting and in this experimental model, with gadoteridol being the GBCA that is most efficiently removed from both cerebral and renal tissues.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:746–752.
Ionization and collision induced dissociation of steroid bisglucuronides
Authors: Esquivel Argitxu , Matabosch Xavier , Kotronoulas Aristotelis , Balcells Georgina , Joglar Jesús , Ventura Rosa
Published: July 2017

Studies on steroid metabolism are of utmost importance to improve the detection capabilities of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) misuse in sports drug testing. In humans, glucuronoconjugates are the most abundant phase II metabolites of AAS. Bisglucuronidation is a reaction where two separated functional groups on the same molecule are conjugated with glucuronic acid. These metabolites have not been studied in depth for steroids and could be interesting markers for doping control. The aim of the present work was to study the ionization and collision‐induced dissociation of steroid bisglucuronides to be able to develop mass spectrometric analytical strategies for their detection in urine samples after AAS administration. Because steroid bisglucuronides are not commercially available, 19 of them were qualitatively synthesized to study their mass spectrometric behavior. Bisglucuronides ionized as [M+NH4]+ in positive mode, and as [M–H]− and [M–2H]2− in negative mode. The most specific product ions of steroid bisglucuronides in positive mode resulted from the neutral losses of 387 and 405 Da (corresponding to [M+NH4–NH3–2gluc–H2O]+ and [M+NH4–NH3–2gluc–2H2O]+, respectively, being “gluc” a dehydrated glucuronide moiety), and in negative mode, the fragmentation of [M–2H]2− showed ion losses of m/z 175 and 75 (gluc− and HOCH2CO2−, respectively). On the basis of the common behavior, a selected reaction monitoring method was developed to detect bisglucuronide metabolites in urine samples. As a proof of concept, urines obtained after administration of norandrostenediol were studied, and a bisglucuronide metabolite was detected in those urines. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the analytical strategy to detect bisglucuronide metabolites in urine samples, and the formation of these metabolites after administration of AAS.
Ultrasound elastography for carpal tunnel pressure measurement: A cadaveric validation study
Authors: Kubo Kazutoshi , Zhou Boran , Cheng Yu‐Shiuan , Yang Tai‐Hua , Qiang Bo , An Kai‐Nan , Moran Steven L. , Amadio Peter C. , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhao Chunfeng
Published: July 2017

Carpal tunnel pressure is a key factor in the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Numerous approaches have been conducted to measure carpal tunnel pressure. However, most techniques are invasive and take time and effort. We have developed an innovative approach to noninvasively assess the tunnel pressure by using the ultrasound surface wave elastography (USWE) technique. In a previous study it was shown that the shear wave speed in a tendon increased linearly with increasing tunnel pressure enclosed the tendon in a simple tendon model. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the carpal tunnel pressure and the shear wave speeds inside and outside the carpal tunnel in a human cadaveric model. The result showed that the shear wave speed inside the carpal tunnel increased linearly with created carpal tunnel pressure, while the shear wave speed outside the carpal tunnel remained constant. These findings suggest that noninvasive measurement of carpal tunnel pressure is possible by measuring the shear wave speed in the tendon. After fully establishing this technology and being applicable in clinic, it would be useful in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. For that reason, further validation with this technique in both healthy controls and patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is required. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:477–483, 2018.
Growth and root architecture responses of zoysiagrass to changes in fertilizer nitrate : urea ratio
Authors: Pompeiano Antonio , Patton Aaron J.
Published: July 2017

Although zoysiagrass (Zoysiaspp.) responds to nitrogen (N) application in the field, especially during the establishment phase, no guidelines are available for the preferred form of N for these species. A greenhouse experiment was performed to see how zoysiagrass responds to nitrate and urea as N sources.Z. japonicacv. El Toro (fast‐growing) and cv. Meyer (slow‐growing) andZ. matrellacv. Zorro (fast‐growing) and cv. Diamond (slow‐growing) were chosen for this study. Plants were clonally propagated as phytomers, established in 21 cm deep cone‐tainers filled with a sand‐based growth medium. The treatment consisted of a modified, half‐strength Hoagland's solution with five different nitrate : urea ratios (100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, 0 : 100). Plant responses were assessed in terms of biomass production (leaf, culm, roots, and total plant dry weight) and rooting characteristics (length, area, diameter, volume, tips, forks, crossings, and root volume ratio) 10 weeks after the initiation of the experiment. The differing sources of N resulted in changes in plant growth and development. The cultivars had different above and below‐ground biomass and root architecture traits. El Toro had the highest total biomass production (2.083 g plant−1DW), while Meyer and Zorro together averaged 0.734 g plant−1DW (65% less than El Toro). Diamond was the least productive in terms of leaf, culm, and root biomass (0.278 g plant−1DW; 87% less than El Toro). Furthermore, above‐ and below‐ground DW production was greatest following treatment with 25 : 75 nitrate:urea, whereas 100% nitrate produced plants with the lowest DW. Zoysiagrass rooting traits were only minimally influenced by N source; as the concentration of urea increased, slight increases in root surface area and volume were observed, accompanied by a decline in the root volume ratio.
Influence of high latitude light conditions on sensory quality and contents of health and sensory‐related compounds in swede roots (Brassica napus L. ssp. rapifera Metzg.)
Authors: Mølmann Jørgen AB , Hagen Sidsel Fiskaa , Bengtsson Gunnar B , Johansen Tor J
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Vegetable growers in Arctic areas must increasingly rely on market strategies based on regional origin and product quality. Swede roots (rutabaga) were grown in a phytotron to investigate the effect of high latitude light conditions on sensory quality and some health and sensory‐related compounds. Experimental treatments included modifications of 24 h natural day length (69° 39' N) by moving plants at daily intervals to dark chambers with either no light, fluorescent growth light and/or low intensity photoperiod extension.

RESULTS

Shortening the photosynthetic light period to 12 h produced smaller roots than 15.7 h and 18 h, with highest scores for bitter and sulfur taste, and lowest scores for sweetness, acidic taste and fibrousness. The photoperiod in combination with the photosynthetic light period also had an influence on glucosinolate (GLS) contents, with lowest concentrations in 24 h natural light and highest in 12 h natural light. Concentrations of vitamin C, glucose, fructose and sucrose were not significantly influenced by any of the treatments.

CONCLUSION

High latitude light conditions, with long photosynthetic light periods and 24 h photoperiod, can enhance sweet/less bitter taste and reduce GLS contents in swede roots, compared to growth under short day conditions. This influence of light conditions on eating quality may benefit marketing of regional products from high latitudes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative analysis of juice volatiles in selected mandarins, mandarin relatives and other citrus genotypes
Authors: Yu Yuan , Bai Jinhe , Chen Chunxian , Plotto Anne , Baldwin Elizabeth A , Gmitter Frederick G
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Citrus fruit flavor is an important attribute prioritized in variety improvement. The present study compared juice volatiles compositions from 13 selected citrus genotypes, including six mandarins (Citrus reticulata), three sour oranges (Citrus aurantium), one blood orange (Citrus sinensis), one lime (Citrus limonia), one Clementine (Citrus clementina) and one satsuma (Citrus unshiu).

RESULTS

Large differences were observed with respect to volatile compositions among the citrus genotypes. ‘Goutou’ sour orange contained the greatest number of volatile compounds and the largest volatile production level. ‘Ponkan’ mandarin had the smallest number of volatiles and ‘Owari’ satsuma yielded the lowest volatile production level. ‘Goutou’ sour orange and ‘Moro’ blood orange were clearly distinguished from other citrus genotypes based on the analysis of volatile compositions, even though they were assigned into one single group with two other sour oranges by the molecular marker profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The clustering analysis based on the aroma volatile compositions was able to differentiate mandarin varieties and natural sub‐groups, and was also supported by the molecular marker study. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of citrus juice aroma volatiles can be used as a tool to distinguish citrus genotypes and assist in the assessment of future citrus breeding programs. The aroma volatile profiles of the different citrus genotypes and inter‐relationships detected among volatile compounds and among citrus genotypes will provide fundamental information on the development of marker‐assisted selection in citrus breeding. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of dietary resveratrol supplementation on meat quality, muscle antioxidative capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis of broilers
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yang Lei , Zhao Xiaohui , Chen Xingyong , Wang Li , Geng Zhaoyu
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol has been acknowledged with many beneficial biological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary resveratrol supplementation on meat quality, muscle antioxidative capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis of broilers. One hundred and eighty 21‐day‐old male Cobb broilers were randomly assigned to two groups and fed on a 0 mg kg−1 or 400 mg kg−1 resveratrol‐supplemented diet for 21 days. Then, chickens were slaughtered and pectoralis major muscle (PM) samples were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that resveratrol not only tended to increase (P < 0.10) PM pH24h but also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) PM L*45min, pH decline, drip loss and lactate content. Meanwhile, PM total antioxidative capacity and catalase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) by resveratrol, while malondialdehyde content was decreased (P < 0.10). Moreover, resveratrol significantly increased (P < 0.05) PM peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and nuclear respiratory factor 1 mRNA levels, along with increased (P < 0.05) citrate synthase activity.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol can be used as a feed additive to improve meat quality of broilers, which may be associated with improved muscle antioxidative status and mitochondrial biogenesis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Landscape Connectivity in the Upper Mzimvubu River Catchment: An Assessment of Anthropogenic Influences on Sediment Connectivity
Authors: van der Waal Bennie , Rowntree Kate
Published: July 2017

Connectivity has been altered in many landscapes world‐wide and impacts the routing of water and sediment. Diminished ecological infrastructure can result in a reduced ability to retain water and soil that will impede ecosystem health and sustainable use of land and water resources. In the northern Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the headwaters of the Mzimvubu River, land use change and land degradation over the past 50–100 years has initiated increased sediment connectivity through features such as gullies and incised river channels. The water resources of this catchment are largely undeveloped, but future development will be threatened by high suspended sediment loads. The Vuvu catchment, a headwater tributary of the larger Mzimvubu River system, is used as a case study to assess how hillslope–channel and channel–valley fill sediment connectivity has changed over the past 100 years. From detailed mapping of gullies, roads and livestock tracks, it was concluded that downslope connectivity added 22% and across‐slope drainage 159% to the drainage network. As a result of increased drainage efficiency, the main channel was incised and straightened, in turn reducing channel–valley fill connectivity. A conceptual model of changes to sediment connectivity is presented with recommendations for future restoration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ferrocene‐Based Hyperbranched Polytriazoles: Synthesis by Click Polymerization and Application as Precursors to Nanostructured Magnetoceramics
Authors: Li Hongkun , Chi Weiwen , Liu Yajing , Yuan Wei , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2017

Ferrocene‐based polymers have drawn much attention in the past decades due to their unique properties and promising applications. However, the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers is still a great challenge. Here, two ferrocene‐based hyperbranched polytriazoles with high molecular weights are facilely prepared by the click polymerization reactions of ferrocene‐containing diazides (1) and tris(4‐ethynylphenyl)amine (2) using Cu(PPh3)3Br as catalyst in dimethylformamide at 60 °C for 5 and 9 h in satisfactory yields of 54.0% and 52.3%. The resulting polytriazoles are soluble in common organic solvents and thermally stable, with 5% weight loss temperatures up to 307 °C. They can be used as precursors to produce nanostructured ceramics with good magnetizability by pyrolysis at elevated temperature.

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PTENP1 inhibits the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating SOCS6 expression and correlates with disease prognosis
Authors: Gong Tuotuo , Zheng Shuyu , Huang Shan , Fu Shenbo , Zhang Xuanwei , Pan Shupei , Yang Tian , Sun Yuchen , Wang Ya , Hui Beina , Guo Jia , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: July 2017

PTEN pseudogene (PTENP1) has a tumor suppressive role in multiple cancers. However, its involvement in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we set out to identify the role of PTENP1 in the development of ESCC. Gene Expression Omnibus database was employed to investigate the expression of PTENP1 in ESCC. sRNA target Database (StarBase v2.0) was used to query the downstream of PTENP1. Next, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were employed to explore the function. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK‐8, soft agar, and colony formation assays. Expression of relative genes was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting. 3′UTR luciferase assay was used to confirm the miRNA binding. The clinical significance of PTENP1 was further validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlation with clinicopathological indicators in additional samples (n = 93). We found expression of PTENP1 in ESCC was lower than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues (n = 17). Overexpression of PTENP1 in Eca109 and TE‐1 cells resulted in inhibited proliferation and altered expression of SOCS6‐p‐STAT3‐HIF‐1α pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent IHC reported a similar trend in human ESCC samples. 3′UTR luciferase assay demonstrated that PTENP1 3′UTR decoyed miR‐17‐5p from binding to SOCS6. Moreover, PTENP1 expression was correlated with clinicopathological indicators to varying degrees, including histological grade, TNM stage, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival. Taken together, these results suggested an anti‐oncogenic role of PTENP1. Meanwhile, PTENP1 may also serve as a candidate of prognostic indicator for ESCC patients.
The association of lower urinary tract symptoms with incidental falls and fear of falling in later life: The Community Health Survey
Authors: Kim Kyu Shik , Nam Ji Won , Choi Bo Youl , Moon Hong Sang
Published: July 2017

Aim

To evaluate the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and incidental falls and fear of falling.

Methods

We used data obtained from the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) conducted between August and October 2011 in South Korea. The survey was carried out to estimate patterns of disease prevalence and morbidity in men >40 years old. The trained interviewers performed face‐to‐face sociodemographic questionnaires using computer‐assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Quality of Life score (EQ‐5D), and a questionnaire about past falls and fear of falling.

Results

Data from 67 457 men were collected and analyzed. The subjects who had previously experienced a fall had slightly higher scores for IPSS, severity of LUTS, voiding LUTS, and storage LUTS than subjects with no prior fall history. A multivariate model of the relationship between falls and LUTS severity indicated that the relationship between the IPSS components and fall history was significant (mild, moderate, severe: OR = 1.00, 2.53, 3.91, respectively, P < 0.0001). A multivariate model of fear of falling and LUTS also showed a significant relationship between severity, voiding, and storage symptoms (severe IPSS: OR = 2.411, 95%CI: 2.2‐2.642, P < 0.001; voiding symptoms: OR = 1.766, 95%CI: 1.681‐1.856, P < 0.001; storage symptoms: OR = 1.705, 95%CI: 1.625‐1.789, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the relationship between LUTS and falling. Furthermore, increased LUTS severity led to a higher risk of incidental falls. A high correlation between fear of falling and LUTS was also observed in this study.
Beware of the origin of numbers: Standard scoring of the SF‐12 and SF‐36 summary measures distorts measurement and score interpretations
Authors: Hagell Peter , Westergren Albert , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: July 2017

The 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) is a generic health rating scale developed to reproduce the Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS and MCS, respectively) of a longer survey, the SF‐36. The standard PCS/MCS scoring algorithm has been criticized because its expected dimensionality often lacks empirical support, scoring is based on the assumption that physical and mental health are uncorrelated, and because scores on physical health items influence MCS scores, and vice versa. In this paper, we review the standard PCS/MCS scoring algorithm for the SF‐12 and consider alternative scoring procedures: the RAND‐12 Health Status Inventory (HSI) and raw sum scores. We corroborate that the SF‐12 reproduces SF‐36 scores but also inherits its problems. In simulations, good physical health scores reduce mental health scores, and vice versa. This may explain results of clinical studies in which, for example, poor physical health scores result in good MCS scores despite compromised mental health. When applied to empirical data from people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke, standard SF‐12 scores suggest a weak correlation between physical and mental health (rs.16), whereas RAND‐12 HSI and raw sum scores show a much stronger correlation (rs.67–.68). Furthermore, standard PCS scores yield a different statistical conclusion regarding the association between physical health and age than do RAND‐12 HSI and raw sum scores. We recommend that the standard SF‐12 scoring algorithm be abandoned in favor of alternatives that provide more valid representations of physical and mental health, of which raw sum scores appear the simplest.
In situ recycle of PbI2 as a step towards sustainable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Jie , Hu Ziyang , Huang Like , Huang Xiaokun , Jia Xianyu , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jianjun , Zhu Yuejin
Published: July 2017

The development of organometal halide perovskite solar cells has grown rapidly and the highest efficiency of the devices has recently surpassed 22%. Because these solar cells contain toxic lead, a sustainable strategy is required to prevent environmental pollution and avoid healthy hazard caused by possible lead outflow. Here, in situ recycling PbI2 from thermal decomposition CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films for efficient perovskite solar cells was developed. The thermal behavior of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and its individual components were examined by thermogravimetric analysis. By optimizing the process of thermal decomposition CH3NH3PbI3 film, the complete conversion from CH3NH3PbI3 to pure PbI2 layer with a mesoporous scaffold was achieved. The mesoporous structure readily promotes the conversion efficiency of perovskite and consequently results in high‐performance device. A perovskite crystal growth mechanism on the mesoporous PbI2 structure was proposed. These results suggest that in situ recycled PbI2 scaffolds can be a new route in manipulating the morphology of the perovskite active layer, providing new possibilities for high performance. Meanwhile, the risk of lead outflow can be released, and the saving‐energy fabrication of efficient solar cells can be realized.