bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approach to estimate the activation energies of fragmentation occurring in quadrupole collision cell of the mass spectrometer
Authors: Kuki Ákos , Nagy Lajos , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: July 2017

The classical semi‐quantitative Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel (RRK) theory was used for the calculation of the internal energy dependent reaction rate coefficient of the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) reaction in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The survival yield (SY) was determined by the reaction rate equation for the unimolecular dissociation of the precursor ion. The parameters of the rate equation and the RRK model were approximated based on the instrumental conditions. We used the RRK equation for the description of the basic behavior of the fragmentation reactions and for the estimation of the internal energy of the precursor ion. The critical energies for fragmentation (Eo) of various molecules were estimated and compared with those reported in the literature. The model was extended by taking into account the initial internal energy distribution of the ions created in the ion source. It must be emphasized that our approach provides only a crude estimate for Eo.
Entrapment of amino acids in gas phase surfactant assemblies: The case of tryptophan confined in positively charged (1R,2S)‐dodecyl (2‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐2‐phenylethyl) dimethylammonium bromide aggregates
Authors: Bongiorno David , Calabrese Valentina , Ceraulo Leopoldo , Indelicato Serena , Turco Liveri Vincenzo
Published: July 2017

The ability of positively charged aggregates of the surfactant (1R,2S)‐dodecyl(2‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐2‐phenylethyl)dimethylammonium bromide (DMEB) to incorporate D‐tryptophan or L‐tryptophan in the gas phase has been investigated by electrospray ion mobility mass spectrometry (ESI‐IM‐MS). Strongly impacted by the pH of the electrosprayed solutions, both protonated (T+) and deprotonated (T−) tryptophan are effectively included into the aggregates, whereas, tryptophan in zwitterionic (T0) form is practically absent in singly charged DMEB aggregates but can be found in multiply charged ones. The ability to incorporate tryptophan increases with the aggregation number and charge state of aggregates. More than 1 tryptophan species can be entrapped (aggregates including up to 5 tryptophan are observed).

Collision induced dissociation experiments performed on the positively singly charged DMEB hexamer containing 1 T− show that at low collision energies the loss of a DMEB molecule is preferred with respect to the loss of the DMEB cation plus T− species which, in turn, is preferred with respect to the loss of mere tryptophan, suggesting that the deprotonated amino acid is preferentially located in proximity of a DMEB head group and with the ionic moiety pointing towards the core of the aggregate.

The analysis of the collision cross sections (CCS) of bare and tryptophan containing aggregates allowed evaluating the contributions of tryptophan and bromide ions to the total aggregate CCS. No significant discrimination between D‐tryptophan and L‐tryptophan by the chiral DMEB aggregates has been evidenced by mass spectra data, CID experiments, and CCS values.
Ecological guild and enzyme activities of rhizosphere soil microbial communities associated with Bt‐maize cultivation under field conditions in North West Province of South Africa
Authors: van Wyk Deidré A. B. , Adeleke Rasheed , Rhode Owen H. J. , Bezuidenhout Carlos C. , Mienie Charlotte
Published: July 2017

Insecticidal proteins expressed by genetically modified Bt maize may alter the enzymatic and microbial communities associated with rhizosphere soil. This study investigated the structure and enzymatic activity of rhizosphere soil microbial communities associated with field grown Bt and non‐Bt maize. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from Bt and non‐Bt fields under dryland and irrigated conditions. Samples were subjected to chemical tests, enzyme analyses, and next generation sequencing. Results showed that nitrate and phosphorus concentrations were significantly higher in non‐Bt maize dryland soils, while organic carbon was significantly higher in non‐Bt maize irrigated field soil. Acid phosphatase and β‐glucosidase activities were significantly reduced in soils under Bt maize cultivation. The species diversity differed between fields and Bt and non‐Bt maize soils. Results revealed that Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla present in these soils. Redundancy analyses indicated that some chemical properties and enzyme activities could explain differences in bacterial community structures. Variances existed in microbial community structures between Bt and non‐Bt maize fields. There were also differences between the chemical and biochemical properties of rhizosphere soils under Bt and non‐Bt maize cultivation. These differences could be related to agricultural practices and cultivar type.
Effects of 5‐aminolevulinic acid on water uptake, ionic toxicity, and antioxidant capacity of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) under sodic‐alkaline conditions
Authors: Liu Liyun , El-Shemy Hany A. , Saneoka Hirofumi
Published: July 2017

Sodic‐alkalinity may be more deleterious to plant growth than salinity. The objectives of this study were to determine whether 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA: an essential precursor for chlorophyll biosynthesis) foliar application could improve the sodic‐alkaline resistance of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla) by regulating water uptake, ionic homeostasis, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant metabolism. Eight‐week‐old uniform plants were grown in nutrient medium without and with a sodic‐alkaline regime generated by a mixture of NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 (NaHCO3 : Na2CO3 = 9:1 molar ratio) for 12 d, and leaves were sprayed daily with water or ALA. The Na+ and ALA concentrations were gradually increased to 60 mM and 120 μM, respectively. ALA foliar application alleviated the physiological damage from sodic‐alkalinity, as reflected by the increases in plant dry weight, relative growth rate, chlorophyll, Mg2+ concentration, and the decrease in Na+ concentration. However, ALA foliar application did not change the water uptake capacity or the concentration of K+, Fe3+, and endogenous ALA in leaf tissues under sodic‐alkaline conditions. ALA foliar application effectively mitigated damage from sodic‐alkalinity because of the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and guaiacol peroxidase), particularly superoxide dismutase activity, which was maintained at the same level as for control plants. These results suggest that ALA foliar application alleviated sodic‐alkaline stress mainly owing to its antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase has the main responsibility for reducing oxidative stress in Swiss chard.
Network meta‐analysis including treatment by covariate interactions: Consistency can vary across covariate values
Authors: Donegan Sarah , Welton Nicky J. , Tudur Smith Catrin , D'Alessandro Umberto , Dias Sofia
Published: July 2017

Background

Many reviews aim to compare numerous treatments and report results stratified by subgroups (eg, by disease severity). In such cases, a network meta‐analysis model including treatment by covariate interactions can estimate the relative effects of all treatment pairings for each subgroup of patients. Two key assumptions underlie such models: consistency of treatment effects and consistency of the regression coefficients for the interactions. Consistency may differ depending on the covariate value at which consistency is assessed. For valid inference, we need to be confident of consistency for the relevant range of covariate values. In this paper, we demonstrate how to assess consistency of treatment effects from direct and indirect evidence at various covariate values.

Methods

Consistency is assessed using visual inspection, inconsistency estimates, and probabilities. The method is applied to an individual patient dataset comparing artemisinin combination therapies for treating uncomplicated malaria in children using the covariate age.

Results

The magnitude of the inconsistency appears to be decreasing with increasing age for each comparison. For one comparison, direct and indirect evidence differ for age 1 (P = .05), and this brings results for age 1 for all comparisons into question.

Conclusion

When fitting models including interactions, the consistency of direct and indirect evidence must be assessed across the range of covariates included in the trials. Clinical inferences are only valid for covariate values for which results are consistent.
Indigenous food ingredients for complementary food formulations to combat infant malnutrition in Benin: a review
Authors: Chadare Flora J , Madode Yann E , Fanou‐Fogny Nadia , Kindossi Janvier M , Ayosso Juvencio OG , Honfo S Hermann , Kayodé AP Polycarpe , Linnemann Anita R , Hounhouigan D Joseph
Published: July 2017

This paper reviews indigenous Beninese food resources as potential ingredients for complementary infant foods with the aim to develop affordable formulations for low‐income households in each agro‐ecological zone of the country. Potential ingredients were selected on their documented nutritional value. The selected foods encompass 347 food resources, namely 297 plant products from home gardens or collected from natural vegetation and 50 animals, either domesticated or from the wild. The compiled data reveal that the distribution of the available food resources was unbalanced between agro‐ecological zones. Only a few animal ingredients are obtainable in northern Benin. Most resources are seasonal, but their availability may be extended. A high variation was observed in energy and nutrient contents. Antinutritional factors were identified in some resources, but processing techniques were reported to reduce their presence in meals. In general, ingredients from local tree foods (Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa) were adequate as sources of nutrients for complementary infant foods. Based on this review, local foods for the development of complementary food formulas for Beninese infants and children may be selected for each agro‐ecological zone. The approach used is exemplary for other sub‐Saharan African countries in need of complementary infant foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Emergency department use for acute rhinosinusitis: Insurance dependent for children and adults
Authors: Bergmark Regan W. , Ishman Stacey L. , Phillips Katie M. , Cunningham Michael J. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: July 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients with Medicaid or self‐pay insurance status are more likely to present to the emergency department (ED) for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). Our aim was to determine if this pattern holds true for both pediatric and adult visits.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study using the 2005 to 2012 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys and National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys.

Methods

We included all visits with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for ARS and without codes for ARS complications. We tested for associations between insurance type and presentation to an ED versus a primary care physician (PCP), stratifying children versus adults. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression modeling, controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics for analysis.

Results

There were 51,579,977 uncomplicated ARS visits to PCPs (48,213,335 visits) and EDs (3,366,642 visits). Medicaid and uninsured patients were under‐represented for ARS visits. Medicaid insurance was significantly associated with ED presentation for ARS for both children (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.0, P < 0.001) and adults (adjusted OR = 6.8, P < 0.001). Children with ARS and self‐pay insurance status were much more likely to present to the ED (adjusted OR = 48.8, P < 0.001) than adults (adjusted OR = 5.2, P < 0.001); this difference between children and adults with self‐pay insurance was significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

With respect to absolute numbers of visits, patients with Medicaid or no insurance use less care overall for uncomplicated ARS than do privately insured patients. Medicaid is associated with ED presentation for ARS for pediatric and adult visits. Self‐pay insurance status is strongly associated with ED presentation for adult and pediatric visits, and is significantly more common for children. These results suggest limitations in primary care access for uncomplicated ARS based on insurance status, particularly for uninsured pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:299–303, 2018
Diagnostic accuracy of nasal cannula versus microphone for detection of snoring
Authors: Pérez‐Warnisher María Teresa , Gómez‐García Teresa , Giraldo‐Cadavid Luis Fernando , Troncoso Acevedo Maria Fernanda , Rodríguez Rodríguez Paula , Carballosa de Miguel Pilar , González Mangado Nicolás
Published: July 2017

Objective

Snoring is a common reason for referral to a sleep unit. Although there are several instruments to measure snoring, there is no gold standard for this purpose. In this study, we determine the diagnostic accuracy of the cannula as compared with the microphone, which are the two most commonly used tools.

Study Design

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 75 patients who underwent baseline home sleep apnea testing for any reason.

Methods

Snore intensity and percentage were assessed during Home sleep‐apnea testing via nasal cannula and microphone in all patients. We performed a complete diagnostic accuracy analysis, assuming the microphone to be the reference instrument use in order to compare it with the cannula.

Results

The intra‐class correlation coefficient between the cannula and microphone for the percentage of snoring was 0.25. The Bland Bland‐Altman analysis to determine the agreement regarding the percentage of snoring showed a lower limit of −57.73 and an upper limit of 20.30. A linear regression analysis of the differences produced a negative slope of −0.86. The receiver operating characteristic curve for severe snoring using the cannula produced an area under the curve of 0.67 (P = 0.019). The cannula showed a sensitivity of 57.89 and a specificity of 73.21.

Conclusion

The nasal cannula showed poor reliability and accuracy for measuring snoring.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:2886–2890, 2017
The effect of frailty on short‐term outcomes after head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Nieman Carrie L. , Pitman Karen T. , Tufaro Anthony P. , Eisele David W. , Frick Kevin D. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine the relationship between frailty and comorbidity, in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and costs in head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 159,301 patients who underwent ablative surgery for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm in 2001 to 2010 was analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Frailty was defined based on frailty‐defining diagnosis clusters from the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty‐defining diagnosis indicator.

Results

Frailty was identified in 7.4% of patients and was significantly associated with advanced comorbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5[1.3–1.8]), Medicaid (OR = 1.5[1.3–1.8]), major procedures (OR = 1.6[1.4–1.8]), flap reconstruction (OR = 1.7[1.3–2.1]), high‐volume hospitals (OR = 0.7[0.5–1.0]), discharge to a short‐term facility (OR = 4.4[2.9–6.7]), or other facility (OR = 5.4[4.5–6.6]). Frailty was a significant predictor of in‐hospital death (OR = 1.6[1.1–2.4]), postoperative surgical complications (OR = 2.0[1.7–2.3]), acute medical complications (OR = 3.9[3.2–4.9]), increased LOS (mean, 4.9 days), and increased mean incremental costs ($11,839), and was associated with higher odds of surgical complications and increased costs than advanced comorbidity. There was a significant interaction between frailty and comorbidity for acute medical complications and length of hospitalization, with a synergistic effect on the odds of medical complications and LOS in patients with comorbidity who were also frail.

Conclusion

Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity, mortality, LOS, and costs in HNCA surgery patients, and has a synergistic interaction with comorbidity that is associated with an increased likelihood of medical complications and greater LOS in patients with comorbidity who are also frail.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:102–110, 2018
Adaptive feeding behavior and functional responses in zooplankton
Authors: Kiørboe Thomas , Saiz Enric , Tiselius Peter , Andersen Ken H.
Published: July 2017

Zooplankton may modify their feeding behavior in response to prey availability and presence of predators with implications to populations of both predators and prey. Optimal foraging theory predicts that such responses result in a type II functional response for passive foragers and a type III response for active foragers, with the latter response having a stabilizing effect on prey populations. Here, we test the theoretical predictions and the underlying mechanisms in pelagic copepods that are actively feeding (feeding‐current feeders), passively feeding (ambushers), or that can switch between the two feeding modes. In all cases, individual behaviors are consistent with the resulting functional response. Passive ambushing copepods have invariant foraging behavior and a type II functional response, as predicted. When foraging actively, the species with switching capability change its functional response from type II to III and modify its foraging effort in response to prey density and predation risk, also as predicted by theory. The obligate active feeders, however, follow a type II response inconsistent with the theoretical prediction. A survey of the literature similarly finds consistent type II response in ambush feeding copepods, but variable (II or III) responses in active feeders. We examine reasons for why observed behaviors at times deviate from predictions, and discuss the population dynamics and food web implications of the two types of functional responses and their underlying mechanisms.
The RNA‐binding protein HuR inhibits expression of CCL5 and limits recruitment of macrophages into tumors
Authors: Brauß Thilo F. , Winslow Sofia , Lampe Sebastian , Scholz Anica , Weigert Andreas , Dehne Nathalie , von Stedingk Kristoffer , Schmid Tobias , Brüne Bernhard
Published: July 2017

The RNA‐binding protein HuR promotes tumor growth by affecting proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Although immune cells, especially tumor‐associated macrophages, are critical components of the tumor stroma, the influence of HuR in tumors on the recruitment of immune cells remains poorly understood. In the present study, we, therefore, aimed to elucidate the impact of tumor cell HuR on the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages. To this end, we stably depleted HuR in human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. We found that HuR‐deficient cells not only showed reduced proliferation, they further expressed elevated levels of the chemokine CCL5. HuR‐dependent repression of CCL5 was neither caused by altered CCL5 mRNA stability, nor by changes in CCL5 translation. Instead, loss of HuR augmented transcription of CCL5, which was mediated via an interferon‐stimulated response element in the CCL5 promoter. Furthermore, HuR depletion enhanced macrophage recruitment into MCF‐7 tumor spheroids, an effect which was completely lost upon neutralization of CCL5. HuR expression further negatively correlated with CCL5 expression and macrophage appearance in a cohort of breast tumors. Thus, while HuR is well‐characterized to support various pro‐tumorigenic features in tumor cells, we provide evidence that it limits the recruitment of macrophages into tumors by repressing CCL5. As macrophage infiltration is associated with poor prognosis, our findings underline the highly cell‐type and context specific role of HuR in tumorigenesis.
Commercial strain‐derived clinical Saccharomyces cerevisiae can evolve new phenotypes without higher pathogenicity
Authors: Pfliegler Walter P. , Boros Enikő , Pázmándi Kitti , Jakab Ágnes , Zsuga Imre , Kovács Renátó , Urbán Edit , Antunovics Zsuzsa , Bácsi Attila , Sipiczki Matthias , Majoros László , Pócsi István
Published: July 2017

Scope

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most important microbes in food industry, but there is growing evidence on its potential pathogenicity as well. Its status as a member of human mycobiome is still not fully understood.

Methods and results

In this study, we characterize clinical S. cerevisiae isolates from Hungarian hospitals along with commercial baking and probiotic strains, and determine their phenotypic parameters, virulence factors, interactions with human macrophages, and pathogenicity. Four of the clinical isolates could be traced back to commercial strains based on genetic fingerprinting. Our observations indicate that the commercial‐derived clinical isolates have evolved new phenotypes and show similar, or in two cases, significantly decreased pathogenicity. Furthermore, immunological experiments revealed that the variability in human primary macrophage activation after coincubation with yeasts is largely donor and not isolate dependent.

Conclusion

Isolates in this study offer an interesting insight into the potential microevolution of probiotic and food strains in human hosts. These commensal yeasts display various changes in their phenotypes, indicating that the colonization of the host does not necessarily impose a selective pressure toward higher virulence/pathogenicity.
Evaluation of the hypocholesterolemic effect and prebiotic activity of a lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) extract
Authors: Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Cecchini Cinzia , Vila‐Donat Pilar , Caprioli Giovanni , Cifani Carlo , Coman Maria Magdalena , Cresci Alberto , Fiorini Dennis , Ricciutelli Massimo , Silvi Stefania , Vittori Sauro , Sagratini Gianni
Published: July 2017

Scope

The aim of our work was to produce a hydroalcoholic extract of lentils and to examine (a) the hypocholesterolemic action in an animal model, by studying the plasma cholesterol level and the concentration of bile acids in the feces; (b) the potential prebiotic effect, by conducting an in vitro culture fermentation experiment and assessing the level of SCFAs in the feces of rats.

Methods and results

Lentil extract (LE) was obtained by extracting lentils with a solution of H20/EtOH (70/30 v/v) for 3 h, and the content of main nutrients was determined. After 71 days of diet‐induced hypercholesterolemia in rats, LE reduced the cholesterol level of rats of 16.8% (p < 0.05) and increased the level of bile acids in the feces of rats (p < 0.01). LE revealed the same prebiotic activity of inulin and good bifidogenic activity, inasmuch as it enhanced the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. by 3 log (p < 0.05). The concentration of SCFAs in the feces of rats fed with LE increased during the time of the study.

Conclusion

This new hydroalcoholic extract obtained from lentils was shown to possess hypocholesterolemic and prebiotic properties, and could have interesting applications in the field of nutraceuticals.
Acceptance of a structured diagnostic interview in children, parents, and interviewers
Authors: Neuschwander Murielle , In‐Albon Tina , Meyer Andrea H. , Schneider Silvia
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the satisfaction and acceptance of a structured diagnostic interview in clinical practice and in a research setting. Using the Structured Diagnostic Interview for Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents (Kinder‐DIPS), 28 certified interviewers conducted 202 interviews (115 with parents, 87 with children). After each interview, children, parents, and interviewers completed a questionnaire assessing the overall satisfaction (0 = not at all satisfied to 100 = totally satisfied) and acceptance (0 = completely disagree to 3 = completely agree) with the interview. Satisfaction ratings were highly positive, all means >82. The mean of the overall acceptance for children was 2.43 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.41), 2.54 (SD = 0.33) of the parents, 2.30 (SD = 0.43) of the children's interviewers, and 2.46 (SD = 0.32) of the parents' interviewers. Using separate univariate regression models, significant predictors for higher satisfaction and acceptance with the interview are higher children's Global Assessment of Functioning, fewer number of children's diagnoses, shorter duration of the interview, a research setting, female sex of the interviewer, and older age of the interviewer. Results indicate that structured diagnostic interviews are highly accepted by children, parents, and interviewers. Importantly, this is true for different treatment settings.
Multiple homonuclear band‐selective decoupling NMR: Fast and unambiguous determination of diastereomeric excess
Authors: Rachineni Kavitha , Kakita Veera Mohana Rao , Hosur Ramakrishna V.
Published: July 2017

Discrimination and quantification of chiral stereoisomers have been studied by different analytical methods, and NMR has emerged as a powerful one with the advancements in pure‐shift NMR methods. In the present manuscript, an al‐F1F2‐MHOBS‐DIAG NMR method for the quantification of diastereomeric excess ratio (dr) has been proposed and demonstrated, using hesperidin and naringin mixtures. This method enables simultaneous quantification of dr at multiple resonances, in a single experiment, and it takes only 10 min to record. The present method uses spectral aliasing and thus demands only very few indirect dwell increments. Further, the measured dr values are very reliable, because we consider several spins for the quantification.
Fast and simultaneous determination of 1H–1H and 1H–19F scalar couplings in complex spin systems: Application of PSYCHE homonuclear broadband decoupling
Authors: Kakita Veera Mohana Rao , Rachineni Kavitha , Hosur Ramakrishna V.
Published: July 2017

The present manuscript focuses on fast and simultaneous determination of 1H–1H and 1H–19F scalar couplings in fluorinated complex steroid molecules. Incorporation of broadband PSYCHE homonuclear decoupling in the indirect dimension of zero‐quantum filtered diagonal experiments (F1‐PSYCHE‐DIAG) suppresses 1H–1H scalar couplings; however, it retains 1H–19F scalar couplings (along F1 dimension) for the 19F coupled protons while preserving the pure‐shift nature for 1H resonances uncoupled to 19F. In such cases, along the direct dimensions, 1H–1H scalar coupling multiplets deconvolute and they appear as duplicated multiplets for the 19F coupled protons, which facilitates unambiguous discrimination of 19F coupled 1H chemical sites from the others. Further, as an added advantage, data acquisition has been accelerated by invoking the known ideas of spectral aliasing in the F1‐PSYCHE‐DIAG scheme and experiments demand only ~10 min of spectrometer times.
Application of dead end‐knockout zebrafish as recipients of germ cell transplantation
Authors: Li Qian , Fujii Wataru , Naito Kunihiko , Yoshizaki Goro
Published: July 2017

Germ cell transplantation is a promising technology for the propagation of endangered or valuable fishes. In this technique, sterile male and female recipient fish are injected with donor germ cells so they can produce viable gametes derived from the donor cells. The dead end (dnd) gene is involved in the migration of primordial germ cells; therefore, dnd‐knockout zebrafish are expected to be germ‐cell‐free, making them suitable recipients for germ cell transplantation. dnd mutants were produced by microinjecting 2 nl of 10 ng/μl cRNAs encoding zinc finger nucleases against dnd into the blastodisc of zebrafish embryos before the cell‐ cleavage stage. One of the resulting founder males was mated with a wild‐type female, and produced heterozygous mutants in the F1 generation. Mating of these F1 mutants produced an F2 generation with approximately 25% of the clutch being homozygous mutant (dnd‐knockout) male, and lacking germ cells (as confirmed by expression analyses of vasa). The resulting dnd‐knockout zebrafish males were tested for suitability as germ cell transplantation recipients by intraperitoneal transplantation of testicular cells prepared from vasa‐gfp zebrafish. GFP‐positive germ cells incorporated into the germ‐cell‐free gonads of the dnd‐knockout recipients matured into functional sperm. Progeny tests revealed that the sperm from these dnd‐knockout recipients were derived entirely from donor cells. Thus, we demonstrated that homozygous dnd mutants became germ‐cell‐free males that are able to nurse donor‐derived germ cells.
The effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) for adults with overactive bladder syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Booth Joanne , Connelly Lesley , Dickson Sylvia , Duncan Fiona , Lawrence Maggie
Published: July 2017

Aims

To evaluate effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) for treating adults with overactive bladder (OAB) of idiopathic or neurogenic origin, using a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

Systematic searches of four databases were undertaken between 1980 and 2017. Included studies investigated effects of TTNS on OAB. Study selection, data extraction, quality appraisal was performed by two independent reviewers. Narrative analysis was undertaken where meta‐analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Meta‐analysis of RCTs was performed using a fixed effects model.

Results

Ten RCTs and three prospective cohort studies involving 629 participants were reviewed. Meta‐analysis of two trials comparing TTNS with sham showed mean reduction in total ICIQ Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) associated with TTNS of −3.79 (95% CI −5.82, −1.76; P = 0.0003, I2 = 25%). Narrative review showed TTNS and antimuscarinic treatment were equally effective (four trials), TTNS provided greater benefit for OAB symptoms than behavioral interventions (two trials), tibial nerve, and sacral foramen stimulation were equally effective but combined stimulation was most effective (one trial). Significant improvements in OAB symptoms were reported by 48‐93% participants and UI cure rates of 25‐45%. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Limited evidence is provided that TTNS is an effective, safe intervention for idiopathic OAB in adults and may be of benefit in those with neurogenic OAB. Further studies are essential to confirm these results as well as to determine efficacy and associated costs for specific patient groups, most effective stimulation dosage, duration of effect, and stimulation regimes for longer‐term maintenance.
Inversion recovery ultrashort echo time imaging of ultrashort T2 tissue components in ovine brain at 3 T: a sequential D2O exchange study
Authors: Fan Shu‐Juan , Ma Yajun , Chang Eric Y. , Bydder Graeme M. , Du Jiang
Published: July 2017

Inversion recovery ultrashort echo time (IR‐UTE) imaging holds the potential to directly characterize MR signals from ultrashort T2 tissue components (STCs), such as collagen in cartilage and myelin in brain. The application of IR‐UTE for myelin imaging has been challenging because of the high water content in brain and the possibility that the ultrashort T2* signals are contaminated by water protons, including those associated with myelin sheaths. This study investigated such a possibility in an ovine brain D2O exchange model and explored the potential of IR‐UTE imaging for the quantification of ultrashort T2* signals in both white and gray matter at 3 T. Six specimens were examined before and after sequential immersion in 99.9% D2O. Long T2 MR signals were measured using a clinical proton density‐weighted fast spin echo (PD‐FSE) sequence. IR‐UTE images were first acquired with different inversion times to determine the optimal inversion time to null the long T2 signals (TInull). Then, at this TInull, images with echo times (TEs) of 0.01–4 ms were acquired to measure the T2* values of STCs. The PD‐FSE signal dropped to near zero after 24 h of immersion in D2O. A wide range of TInull values were used at different time points (240–330 ms for white matter and 320–350 ms for gray matter at TR = 1000 ms) because the T1 values of the long T2 tissue components changed significantly. The T2* values of STCs were 200–300 μs in both white and gray matter (comparable with the values obtained from myelin powder and its mixture with D2O or H2O), and showed minimal changes after sequential immersion. The ultrashort T2* signals seen on IR‐UTE images are unlikely to be from water protons as they are exchangeable with deuterons in D2O. The source is more likely to be myelin itself in white matter, and might also be associated with other membranous structures in gray matter.
Localized MRS reliability of in vivo glutamate at 3 T in shortened scan times: a feasibility study
Authors: Jensen J. Eric , Auerbach Randy P. , Pisoni Angela , Pizzagalli Diego A.
Published: July 2017

Glutamate is the prime excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and has been implicated in a wide range of psychiatric conditions. To improve the applicability and clinical reach of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), research is needed to develop shortened, yet reliable, MRS scanning procedures for standard 1.5–3‐T clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, particularly with young or vulnerable populations unable to tolerate longer protocols. To this end, we evaluated the test–retest reliability of a shortened J‐resolved MRS sequence in healthy adolescents (n = 22) aged 12–14 years. Participants underwent a series of sequential 6‐min MRS scans, with the participants remaining in situ between successive scans. Glutamate and other metabolites were acquired from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, as glutamatergic function in this region has been implicated in a number of psychiatric illnesses. Thirteen neurochemicals were quantified as ratios to total creatine, and reliability scores were expressed as the percentage difference between the two scans for each metabolite. Test–retest assessment of glutamate was reliable, as scores were less than 10% different (7.1 ± 4.2%), and glutamate values across scans were significantly correlated (Pearson r = 0.680, p < 10−4). Several other neurochemicals demonstrated satisfactory reliability, including choline (Cho) (7.4 ± 5.6%), glutathione (GSH) (8.6 ± 4.1%), myo‐inositol (mI) (6.5 ± 7.1%) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) (3.5 ± 3.6%), with test–retest correlations ranging from 0.747 to 0.953. A number of metabolites, however, did not demonstrate acceptable test–retest reliability using the current J‐resolved MRS sequence, ranging from 13.8 ± 13.7% (aspartate, Asp) to 45.9 ± 38.3% (glycine, Gly). Collectively, test–retest analyses suggest that clinically viable quantitative data can be obtained on standard MRI systems for glutamate, as well as the other metabolites, during short scan times in a traditionally challenging brain region.
Real‐World Adherence and Persistence with Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Adults with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Manzoor Beenish S. , Lee Todd A. , Sharp Lisa K. , Walton Surrey M. , Galanter William L. , Nutescu Edith A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Evidence of adherence and persistence patterns in anticoagulation (AC) therapy comparing treatment‐naïve and non‐naïve patients is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of medication adherence and persistence in a real‐world setting among AC‐naïve and AC‐experienced patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Methods

AF patients newly initiating a DOAC with a minimum of 6 months of continuous health plan enrollment pre and postindex date (first DOAC prescription) were identified from the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases (2009–2013). DOAC adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]), persistence, and predictors of adherence were assessed at 6 and 12 months postindex.

Results

Of 66,090 AF patients included, 46.6% (n=30,826) were AC naïve and 53.4% (n=35,264) were AC experienced (age: 66.9 ± 12.7 vs 70.4 ± 11.4 yrs, p<0.001; male: n=19,132 [62.1%] vs n=21,691 [61.5%], p=0.14, respectively). A majority of patients received dabigatran as their index DOAC (n=49,210; 74.5%). The mean PDC in AC‐naïve versus AC‐experienced patients at 6 and 12 months of follow‐up was 72.3% versus 83.3% (p<0.001) and 63.7% versus 79.9% (p<0.001), respectively. Persistence with DOAC therapy in AC‐naïve and AC‐experienced patients at 6 and 12 months ranged from 59.3% and 76.3% (p<0.0001) to 31.6% and 50.2% (p<0.0001), respectively. Predictors of higher DOAC adherence were older age and higher number of concomitant medications. Predictors of lower adherence were higher number of comorbidities and AC‐naïve user status.

Conclusion

Medication adherence and persistence with DOACs declined over time and both were suboptimal and lower (at 6 and 12 mo postindex) in AC‐naïve compared to AC‐experienced patients. These findings can help target future strategies or interventions for patient education and long‐term AC management especially in those patients naïve to DOAC therapy. Future investigation should examine potential reasons for differences in DOAC adherence and persistence between AC‐experienced versus AC‐naïve patients and the implications for patient outcomes.
One‐component, double‐chromophoric thioxanthone photoinitiators for free radical polymerization
Authors: Kreutzer Johannes , Yagci Yusuf
Published: July 2017

Two one‐component, double‐chromophoric thioxanthone photoinitiators, namely TX‐EDA and TX‐DETA were synthesized by the reaction of thioxanthone aldehyde (TX‐A) with ethylenediamine (EDA) and diethylenetriamine (DETA), respectively via a facile Schiff base reaction. Both photoinitiators were characterized by spectral analysis and photobleaching studies. DFT calculations are employed to reveal the contribution of the different orbitals to the excitation of the initiators. The double‐chromophoric nature of the initiators gives rise to an increased absorption in the near UV region when compared with the pristine TX‐A. Photoinitiated polymerization of various vinyl monomers with TX‐EDA and TX‐DETA has been investigated in the presence and absence of a co‐initiator and compared for formulations consisting of precursor TX‐A. In addition, real‐time FTIR spectroscopic studies were performed in methyl methacrylate polymerization with both initiators. The higher efficiency observed with TX‐DETA may be attributed to the additional hydrogen donating sites adjacent to nitrogen atoms. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3475–3482
Aerial release of Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to control Persicaria perfoliata (Polygonaceae) using an unmanned aerial system
Authors: Park Yong‐Lak , Gururajan Srikanth , Thistle Harold , Chandran Rakesh , Reardon Richard
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major biological control agent against the invasive plant Persicaria perfoliata. Release of R. latipes is challenging with the current visit‐and‐hand release approach because P. perfoliata shows a high degree of patchiness in the landscape, possesses recurved barbs on its stems, and often spreads into hard‐to‐access areas. This 3‐year study developed and evaluated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for precise aerial release of R. latipes to control P. perfoliata.

RESULTS

We have developed two UAS (i.e. quad‐rotor and tri‐rotor) and an aerial release system to disseminate R. latipes. These include pods containing R. latipes and a dispenser to accommodate eight pods. Results of field tests to evaluate the systems showed no significant (P > 0.05) effects on survivorship and feeding ability of R. latipes after aerial release.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the potential of UAS for precision aerial release of biological control agents to control invasive plants. The aerial deployment systems we have developed, including both pods and a dispenser, are low cost, logistically practical, and effective with no negative effects on aerially released R. latipes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Economic injury levels and economic thresholds for Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) infesting seed maize
Authors: Foresti Josemar , Bastos Cristina S , Fernandes Flávio L , Silva Paulo R da
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Although Leptoglossus zonatus is considered a secondary pest of maize grown for grain, when grown for seed, this pest can cause significant economic damage. There are no records of management recommendations for this pest. The objectives of this work were to quantify losses caused by L. zonatus to different genotypes used for seed maize production and to estimate the acute toxicity of selected insecticides to L. zonatus using different application technologies. The ultimate goal was to calculate economic injury levels (EILs) and develop economic thresholds (ETs) for L. zonatus infesting seed maize.

RESULTS

EILs and ETs varied, respectively, from 3 to 8 and from 2 to 6 adults per 1000 plants, depending on the genotype, insecticide and application technology. Effective control was obtained by using aerial or ground application of λ‐cyhalothrin (10.6%) + thiametoxan (14.1%) or permethrin (38.4%) at the rates of 1.48 mL ha‐1 and 27.10 mL ha‐1, respectively, or ground application of methomyl (21.5%) at the rate of 244.06 mL ha‐1.

CONCLUSION

Maize grown for seed is susceptible to L. zonatus damage during reproductive stages, and the pest densities requiring management vary with genotype, insecticide, and application technology. These results contribute significantly to integrated pest management (IPM) for seed maize. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal, rheological, and structural characteristics of banana starches isolated using ethanol
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ambriz Sandra L. , Mendez‐Montealvo Guadalupe , Velazquez Gonzalo , Bello‐Perez Luis A.
Published: July 2017

Starch is used to modify the properties of several food and non‐food products. There is an increasing interest in isolating starch from several sources, employing different methods, including alkaline and non‐alkaline treatments. The isolation method has an important effect on the physicochemical properties of the starch. Here, the effect of a different isolation method, using only ethanol for the extraction on the thermal, rheological, and structural characteristics of starch from four varieties of banana was evaluated. The proposed isolation process was easy and required a minimum of steps to follow. The isolated starches showed less purity, resulting in a lower capacity in pasting formation. The structural parameters were slightly affected by the isolation method; nevertheless, a better response in gel formation was obtained as a typical behavior of stronger gels was observed. This might be an advantage to the use of these starches as additives or ingredients in food products.
“Basically it's the Usual Whole Teen Girl Thing”: Stage‐of‐Life Categories on a Children and Young People's Helpline
Authors: Cromdal Jakob , Danby Susan , Emmison Michael , Osvaldsson Karin , Cobb‐Moore Charlotte
Published: July 2017

This article explores the practices of membership categorization in the interactions of clients and counselors on a national Australian helpline (Kids Helpline [KHL]) for children and young persons. Our focus is on membership categories drawn from three membership category devices (MCDs): stage‐of‐life (SOL), age, and family. Analysis draws on data across different contact modalities—email and web‐counseling sessions—to examine how category‐generated features are relevantly occasioned, attended to, and managed by the parties in the course of interaction. This shows clients' use of MCDs in presenting their trouble and building a relevant case for their grievance. By examining counselors' subsequent receipts of the clients' complaints, we are able to trace some of the cultural knowledge that the clients' categorizations make relevant to the counselors. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates how the inherent flexibility of MCDs allows counselors to exploit these same categorial resources and to re‐specify the clients' trouble in a more positive fashion to accomplish counseling work. In explicating how taken‐for‐granted notions of the lifespan as well as of family relations are mobilized by participants in KHL's sessions, the findings contribute to previous studies of social interaction in counseling, and to research on social identity and categorization more broadly.
Pharmacokinetic profile and partitioning in red blood cells of romifidine after single intravenous administration in the horse
Authors: Romagnoli Noemi , Al‐Qudah Khaled M. , Armorini Sara , Lambertini Carlotta , Zaghini Anna , Spadari Alessandro , Roncada Paola
Published: July 2017

The aims of this study were to assess the plasma concentrations of romifidine in horses after intravenous injection, to evaluate the red blood cell (RBC) partitioning of the anaesthetic drug, and to improve knowledge regarding its sedative effect in horses describing the pharmacokinetic model. Eight adult Standardbred horses received a single bolus of romifidine at a dosage of 100 μg/kg. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected immediately before romifidine administration (t0), and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150 and 180 min after injection. A sedation score was recorded at the same time. The romifidine concentrations in plasma and red blood cells were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plasma and red blood cell concentrations were correlated with the sedation at each time point. Romifidine produced a satisfactory level of sedation in all animals. The sedation was detectable in all horses for up to 105 min. All the animals returned to normal without any behavioural changes at 180 min. The romifidine concentrations in the red blood cells were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at all time points than those in the plasma. The T1/2β was 148.67 ± 61.59 min and body clearance was 22.55 ± 6.67 mL/kg per min. The results showed that after a single bolus administration of romifidine, a partitioning in the RBCs was detected.
β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis‐associated genes are required for proper spore wall formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pan Hua‐Ping , Wang Ning , Tachikawa Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hideki , Gao Xiao‐Dong
Published: July 2017

The yeast spore wall is an excellent model to study the assembly of an extracellular macromolecule structure. In the present study, mutants defective in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, including kre1∆, kre6∆, kre9∆ and big1∆, were sporulated to analyse the effect of β‐1,6‐glucan defects on the spore wall. Except for kre6∆, these mutant spores were sensitive to treatment with ether, suggesting that the mutations perturb the integrity of the spore wall. Morphologically, the mutant spores were indistinguishable from wild‐type spores. They lacked significant sporulation defects partly because the chitosan layer, which covers the glucan layer, compensated for the damage. The proof for this model was obtained from the effect of the additional deletion of CHS3 that resulted in the absence of the chitosan layer. Among the double mutants, the most severe spore wall deficiency was observed in big1∆ spores. The majority of the big1∆chs3∆ mutants failed to form visible spores at a higher temperature. Given that the big1∆ mutation caused a failure to attach a GPI‐anchored reporter, Cwp2‐GFP, to the spore wall, β‐1,6‐glucan is involved in tethering of GPI‐anchored proteins in the spore wall as well as in the vegetative cell wall. Thus, β‐1,6‐glucan is required for proper organization of the spore wall. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.