bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel general and efficient technique for dissociating antigen in circulating immune complexes
Authors: Dai Yuzhu , Hu Zhengjun , Chen Yu , Lou Bin , Cui Dawei , Xu Aifang , Rao Yueli , He Jiahui , Yang Jiezuan , Zeng Xianming , Xu Xujian , Wang Guozheng , Xu Jian , Zhou Tieli , Sun Changgui , Cheng Jun
Published: October 2017

Circulating immune complexes (CICs) are produced during the immune response. It is more clinically important to establish a general and efficient CICs dissociation technique for the detection of antigens for CICs other than the detection of free antigens in the serum. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) two‐precipitation separation and glycine‐HCl as a buffer system were employed to develop a general and efficient buffer dissociation technique to separate CICs from serum and dissociate antigens from CICs. The measurement value of new PEG two‐precipitation separation technique was higher than traditional PEG precipitation separation technique. There were slight differences in the dissociation conditions of HCV Core‐IC, HIV P24‐IC, Ins‐IC and TG‐IC as compared to HBsAg‐IC. The detection of antigens in HBsAg‐IC, HCV Core‐IC, HIV P24‐IC, Ins‐IC and TG‐IC with this technique was superior to that with HCl Dissociation, Trypsin Digestion or Immune Complex Transfer technique. PEG two‐precipitation dissociation technique may reduce macromolecular protein and the adhesion of free antigens during the co‐precipitation, which increases the efficiency of separation and precipitation of CICs. This technique also avoids the damage of reagents to antigens, assuring the repeatability, reliability and validity. Thus, this technique is application in samples negative or positive for free antigens.
Improved short‐term point and interval forecasts of the daily maximum tropospheric ozone levels via singular spectrum analysis
Authors: Hansen Benjamin , Noguchi Kimihiro
Published: October 2017

We propose a general method for producing reliable short‐term point and interval forecasts of daily maximum tropospheric ozone concentrations, a time series with a significant seasonal component and correlated errors in both mean and volatility. Our method combines symmetrizing data transformation and time series modeling techniques called the singular spectrum analysis and autoregressive models. Specifically, we transform the underlying distribution of the data to a symmetric distribution by applying the log and Yeo–Johnson transformation for accurate positive point forecasts. Moreover, we consider seasonality in both the mean and volatility of the time series, as well as empirical quantile estimation, for better interval forecasts. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified rigorously at selected sites in the United States with differing latitudes, geography, and degrees of anthropogenic activities. The results indicate that the proposed method seems to outperform the standard method that does not consider data transformation and seasonality in volatility.
Chronic exposure of a freshwater mussel to elevated pCO2: Effects on the control of biomineralization and ion-regulatory responses
Authors: Jeffrey Jennifer D. , Hannan Kelly D. , Hasler Caleb T. , Suski Cory D.
Published: October 2017

Freshwater mussels may be exposed to elevations in mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of a 28-d elevation in pCO2 at 15 000 and 50 000 μatm on processes associated with biomineralization, ion regulation, and cellular stress in adult Lampsilis siliquoidea (Barnes, 1823). In addition, the capacity for mussels to compensate for acid-base disturbances experienced after exposure to elevated pCO2 was assessed over a 14-d recovery period. Overall, exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2 had more pronounced physiological consequences compared with 15 000 μatm pCO2. Over the first 7 d of exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2, the mRNA abundance of chitin synthase (cs), calmodulin (cam), and calmodulin-like protein (calp) were significantly affected, suggesting that shell formation and integrity may be altered during pCO2 exposure. After the removal of the pCO2 treatment, mussels may compensate for the acid-base and ion disturbances experienced during pCO2 exposure, and transcript levels of some regulators of biomineralization (carbonic anhydrase [ca], cs, cam, calp) as well as ion regulation (na+-k+-ATPase [nka]) were modulated. Effects of elevated pCO2 on heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) were limited in the present study. Overall, adult L. siliquoidea appeared to regulate factors associated with the control of biomineralization and ion regulation during and/or after the removal of pCO2 exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:538–550. © 2017 SETAC
Formation processes of coastal archaeological sites: A changing prehistoric scenario on the Atlantic shore of Uruguay
Authors: Inda Hugo , del Puerto Laura , Capdepont Irina , Bracco Roberto
Published: October 2017

Paleoenvironmental reconstructions coupled with archaeological research are useful tools for discriminating natural versus anthropogenic environmental variability and identifying local environmental responses to global changes and consequent human adaptations. Here we present a multidisciplinary study focused on the identification of drivers and mechanisms that shaped environments along the Uruguay coast and how those environments influenced prehistoric settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and site formation processes at the archaeological sites of Cape Polonio and Castillos Lagoon. We identify a strong linkage between environmental dynamics and the timing, spatial allocation, and subsistence strategies of prehistoric inhabitants. Human occupation took place in very specific landscape settings where contemporaneous settlements were identified in persistent eolian landscape features. An opportunistic exploitation of more dynamic locations was also identified, where sea‐level shifts created land surfaces preferred by humans. The results of our study represent a useful tool not only for identifying archaeological sites in similar contexts but also for providing insights into how modern coastal populations might adapt to changing environments associated with rising sea level.
Relationship between speaking English as a second language and agitation in people with dementia living in care homes: Results from the MARQUE (Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of life) English national care home survey
Authors: Cooper C. , Rapaport P. , Robertson S. , Marston L. , Barber J. , Manela M. , Livingston G.
Published: October 2017

Objective

As not speaking English as a first language may lead to increased difficulties in communication with staff and other residents, we (1) tested our primary hypotheses that care home residents with dementia speaking English as a second language experience more agitation and overall neuropsychiatric symptoms, and (2) explored qualitatively how staff consider that residents' language, ethnicity, and culture might impact on how they manage agitation.

Methods

We interviewed staff, residents with dementia, and their family carers from 86 care homes (2014–2015) about resident's neuropsychiatric symptoms, agitation, life quality, and dementia severity. We qualitatively interviewed 25 staff.

Results

Seventy‐one out of 1420 (5%) of care home residents with dementia interviewed spoke English as a second language. After controlling for dementia severity, age, and sex, and accounting for care home and staff proxy clustering, speaking English as a second language compared with as a first language was associated with significantly higher Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (adjusted difference in means 8.3, 95% confidence interval 4.1 to 12.5) and Neuropsychiatric inventory scores (4.1, 0.65 to 7.5). Staff narratives described how linguistic and culturally isolating being in a care home where no residents or staff share your culture or language could be for people with dementia, and how this sometimes caused or worsened agitation.

Conclusions

Considering a person with dementia's need to be understood when selecting a care home and developing technology resources to enable dementia‐friendly translation services could be important strategies for reducing distress of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups who live in care homes.
Tocilizumab for severe cytokine‐release syndrome after haploidentical donor transplantation in a patient with refractory Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ureshino Hiroshi , Ando Toshihiko , Kizuka Haruna , Kusaba Kana , Sano Haruhiko , Nishioka Atsujiro , Itamura Hidekazu , Shindo Takero , Kubota Yasushi , Kojima Kensuke , Kimura Shinya
Published: October 2017

It has been well documented that patients may develop cytokine‐release syndrome (CRS) following the administration of monoclonal antibodies, such as chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T cell. Cytokine‐release syndrome is a common complication in patients who have received haploidentical donor allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT). Although severe CRS after haplo‐HCT is a potentially life‐threatening toxicity, a standard treatment has not been established. Cytokine blockade with tocilizumab, an anti‐IL‐6 receptor antibody, has been effective for the treatment of patients with CRS after chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T‐cell treatment and has also improved CRS after haplo‐HCT. A 46‐year‐old man was diagnosed with haemophagocytic syndrome associated with Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Salvage chemotherapy was unsuccessful; consequently, he received haplo‐HCT. On day +4, he developed grade 3 CRS, subsequently high‐dose corticosteroid initiated. Nevertheless, on day +6, he developed grade 4 CRS, resulting in requirement for ventilator support and multiple vasopressors. Corticosteroid could not improve severe CRS; therefore, tocilizumab was administered on day +14. Serum C‐reactive protein level transiently decreased and weaned multiple vasopressors. Although CRS improved, he developed candidaemia; consequently, he died on day +34. Tocilizumab could transiently improve severe CRS after haplo‐HCT. Although tocilizumab may have led to the improvement of CRS, a remaining concern is whether it inhibited the patient's ability to mount antifungal immunity, leading to their demise.
BRINGING OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES INTO THE ANALYSIS OF ENGINEERED RESILIENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Sitterle Valerie B. , Brimhall Erika L. , Freeman Dane F. , Balestrini‐Robinson Santiago , Ender Tommer R. , Goerger Simon R.
Published: October 2017

Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program focusing on the effective and efficient design and development of complex engineered systems across their lifecycle. An important area of focus is the evaluation of early‐stage design alternatives in terms of their modeled operational performance and characteristics. The work in this paper ties together differentiated operational needs with requirements specification and maturation of previous analytical constructs toward a more operationally relevant viewpoint. We expand on the concept of Broad Utility as a high‐level aggregated measure of robustness of fielded system capabilities with respect to operational requirements. The relation to requirements is more explicit, and systems are failing to achieve threshold requirements are penalized. The impact of this approach and how it offers a foundation from which to more fully explore sensitivity to Pre‐Milestone A requirements are discussed.
AN SOS ANALYTICAL WORKBENCH APPROACH TO ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS AND EVOLUTION
Authors: DeLaurentis Daniel , Davendralingam Navindran , Marais Karen , Guariniello Cesare , Fang Zhemei , Uday Payuna
Published: October 2017

This article summarizes the development of a System of Systems Analytic Workbench (SoS AWB) that provides a set of computational tools to facilitate better‐informed decision‐making on evolving SoS architectures. The workbench motif is adopted since SoS practitioners typically generate archetypal technical queries that can be mapped to appropriate analysis methods best suited to provide outputs and insights directly relevant to posed questions. After an overview of the workbench framework, four distinct methods currently available for use are presented along with their distinctive aspects in the concept of use.
Perspectives, potentials and trends of ex vivo and in vivo optical molecular pathology
Authors: Krafft Christoph , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Hartmann Arndt , Waldner Maximilian J. , Neurath Markus F. , Popp Jürgen
Published: October 2017

It is pivotal for medical applications, such as noninvasive histopathologic characterization of tissue, to realize label‐free and molecule‐specific representation of morphologic and biochemical composition in real‐time with subcellular spatial resolution. This unmet clinical need requires new approaches for rapid and reliable real‐time assessment of pathologies to complement established diagnostic tools. Photonic imaging combined with digitalization offers the potential to provide the clinician the requested information both under in vivo and ex vivo conditions. This report summarizes photonic approaches and their use in combination with image processing, machine learning and augmented virtual reality that might solve current challenges in modern medicine. Details are given for pathology, intraoperative diagnosis in head and neck cancer and endoscopic diagnosis in gastroenterology.
Some new designs with prescribed automorphism groups
Authors: Krčadinac Vedran
Published: October 2017

We establish the existence of simple designs with parameters 2‐(55, 10, 4), 3‐(20, 5, 4), 3‐(21, 7, 30), 4‐(15, 5, 2), 4‐(16, 8, 45), 5‐(16, 7, 10), and 5‐(17, 8, 40), which have previously been unknown. For the correspondingt,v, andk, we study the set of all λ for which simplet‐designs exist.
Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori to 16 antibiotics in clinical patients
Authors: Shao Yongfu , Lu Rongdan , Yang Yunben , Xu Qiancheng , Wang Bojun , Ye Guoliang
Published: October 2017

Background

Resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to antibiotics is increasing worldwide. To determine the status of H. pylori resistance and its patterns in clinical patients, an investigation utilizing susceptibility testing for commonly used antibiotics was needed.

Methods

Total of 2283 H. pylori strains were collected from 2013 to 2016. The resistance and its patterns of these strains were tested by agar dilution method. The resistance rate and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) in different gender groups were also analyzed.

Results

The overall resistance rates were as following: amoxicillin (1.58%), clarithromycin (22.73%), levofloxacin (24.75%), furazolidone (1.49%), doxycycline (9.20%), cefetamet (97.20%), ceftriaxone (49.60%), cefuroxime (25.20%), gentamicin (3.73%), azithromycin (85.60%), rifampicin (2.80%), metronidazole (92.53%), ornidazole (94.27%), tinidazole (87.20%), ciprofloxacin (43.20%), and moxifloxacin (38.53%). There were only 64.08% strains pan‐susceptible to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and furazolidone, followed by mono resistance (23.17%), double resistance (11.13%), triple resistance (1.36%), and quadruple resistance (0.26%). Significant differences in the resistance rate and MIC were also observed in different gender groups.

Conclusion

Antibiotic resistance trends of H. pylori is increasing in clinical patients. With the increasing resistance, it is imperative to individualized therapy based on the results of drug susceptibility testing.
Differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in skeletal muscle from cancer patients with cachexia
Authors: Narasimhan Ashok , Greiner Russell , Bathe Oliver F. , Baracos Vickie , Damaraju Sambasivarao
Published: October 2017

Background

Alternative splicing (AS) is a post‐transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism that contributes to proteome diversity. Aberrant splicing mechanisms contribute to various cancers and muscle‐related conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, dysregulation of AS in cancer cachexia (CC) remains unexplored. Our objectives were (i) to profile alternatively spliced genes (ASGs) on a genome‐wide scale and (ii) to identify differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes (DASGs) associated with CC.

Methods

Rectus abdominis muscle biopsies obtained from cancer patients were stratified into cachectic cases (n = 21, classified based on International consensus diagnostic framework for CC) and non‐cachectic controls (n = 19, weight stable cancer patients). Human transcriptome array 2.0 was used for profiling ASGs using the total RNA isolated from muscle biopsies. Representative DASG signatures were validated using semi‐quantitative RT–PCR.

Results

We identified 8960 ASGs, of which 922 DASGs (772 up‐regulated and 150 down‐regulated) were identified at ≥1.4 fold‐change and P < 0.05. Representative DASGs validated by semi‐quantitative RT–PCR confirmed the primary findings from the human transcriptome arrays. Identified DASGs were associated with myogenesis, adipogenesis, protein ubiquitination, and inflammation. Up to 10% of the DASGs exhibited cassette exon (exon included or skipped) as a predominant form of AS event. We also observed other forms of AS events such as intron retention, alternate promoters.

Conclusions

Overall, we have, for the first time, conducted global profiling of muscle tissue to identify DASGs associated with CC. The mechanistic roles of the identified DASGs in CC pathophysiology using model systems is warranted, as well as replication of findings in independent cohorts.
Pulmonary ultrasound scoring system for intubated critically ill patients and its association with clinical metrics and mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tierney David M. , Boland Lori L. , Overgaard Josh D. , Huelster Joshua S. , Jorgenson Ann , Normington James P. , Melamed Roman R.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Pulmonary ultrasound (PU) examination at the point‐of‐care can rapidly identify the etiology of acute respiratory failure (ARF) and assess treatment response. The often‐subjective classification of PU abnormalities makes it difficult to document change over time and communicate findings across providers. The study goal was to develop a simple, PU scoring system that would allow for standardized documentation, have high interprovider agreement, and correlate with clinical metrics.

Methods

In this prospective study of 250 adults intubated for ARF, a PU examination was performed at intubation, 48‐hours later, and at extubation. A total lung score (TLS) was calculated. Clinical metrics and final diagnosis were extracted from the medical record.

Results

TLS correlated positively with mortality (P = .03), ventilator hours (P = .003), intensive care unit, and hospital length of stay (P = .003, P = .008), and decreasing PaO2/FiO2 (P < .001). Agreement of PU findings was very good (kappa = 0.83). Baseline TLS and subscores differed significantly between ARF categories (nonpulmonary, obstructive, and parenchymal disease).

Conclusions

A quick, scored, PU examination was associated with clinical metrics, including mortality among a diverse population of patients intubated for ARF. In addition to diagnostic and prognostic information at the bedside, a standardized and quantifiable approach to PU provides objectivity in serial assessment and may enhance communication of findings between providers.
Evolution of the serologic and virologic course of occult HBV infection in therapy experienced HIV co‐infected patients
Authors: Amponsah‐Dacosta Edina , Selabe Selokela G. , Mphahlele Maphahlaganye J.
Published: October 2017

We investigated how the natural course of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) may evolve during HIV co‐infection and long term HBV‐active HAART. From a cohort of 181 HIV infected patients who were consecutively recruited over a 5 year period, 28 HBV co‐infected patients with sequential sera (n = 98) were identified. Iterative HBV serology and viral loads were determined before and during treatment. The viral HBsAg gene was then serially amplified, directly sequenced, and molecularly characterized. Persistent detection of anti‐HBs did not result in a modification to the clinical course of OBI. In contrast, reactivation of chronic HBV infection, hepatic enzymatic flares and cases of HBV reinfection were evident among anti‐HBs negative OBI patients, and this was a notable finding. Of the 14 chronic HBV infected patients, eight progressed to persistent OBI after initiation of HBV‐active HAART, increasing the number of patients with OBI in the study. Long term HBV‐active HAART was not found to have a notable impact on low level viremia during OBI. While the HBsAg gene sequences isolated from chronic HBV infection were genetically stable over time, OBI‐associated variants (sP111R, sT127P, sY161F) were neither stable nor predominant during the course of infection. This study is the first of its kind from South Africa to show the occurrence of hepatic enzymatic flares, HBV reactivation, and reinfection in HAART‐exposed HIV co‐infected patients with OBI. Among the cases studied, there was further evidence that OBI‐associated variants may not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of OBI.
A concordance study of the Altona RealStar Varicella‐Zoster virus real‐time quantitative PCR and in‐house conventional qualitative PCR
Authors: Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Boissinot Karel , Renaud Christian
Published: October 2017

This study compared the Altona RealStar™ VZV Kit 1.0 real time quantitative VZV PCR with in‐house qualitative conventional VZV PCR on cerebrospinal fluid, mucocutaneous, and other uncommon clinical specimens. Overall, positive and negative agreement percentages were respectively 97.9% (95%CI: 93.8‐99.6), 100.0% (95%CI: 93.1‐100.0), and 96.3% (95%CI: 89.4‐99.2) while Cohen's kappa statistic value was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.91‐1.00). RealStar™ VZV quantitative PCR assay reported average quantitative viral loads of 4.4 × 105 and 1.1 × 107 copies/mL in cerebrospinal fluid and cutaneous specimens, respectively (P < 0.01). RealStar™ VZV PCR assay showed excellent agreement with in house conventional assay for various clinical specimens.
Current review—The rise of bacteriophage as a unique therapeutic platform in treating peri‐prosthetic joint infections
Authors: Akanda Zarique Z. , Taha Mariam , Abdelbary Hesham
Published: October 2017

Peri‐prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most serious and dreaded complications after total joint replacement (TJR). Due to an aging population and the constant rise in demand for TJR, the incidence of PJI is also increasing. Successful treatment of PJI is challenging and is associated with high failure rates. One of the main causes for treatment failure is bacterial biofilm formation on implant surfaces and the adherence of biofilm bacteria on tissue and bone next to the implant. Biofilms are protective shields to bacterial cells and possess many unique properties that leads to antibiotic resistance. New therapeutic platforms are currently being explored to breakdown biofilm matrix in order to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics. Bacteriophages (phages) is one of these unique therapeutic platforms that can degrade biofilms as well as target the killing of bacterial cells. Preclinical studies of biofilm‐mediated infections have demonstrated the ability of phage to eradicate biofilms and clear infections by working synergistically with antibiotics. There is strong preclinical evidence that phage can reduce the concentration of antibiotics required to treat an infection. These findings support a promising role for phages as a future clinical adjunct to antibiotics. In addition, phage therapy can be personalized to target a specific bacterial strain. Clinical studies using phage therapy are limited in Western literature; but phase I studies have established good safety profile with no adverse outcomes reported. In order to translate phage therapy to treat PJI in clinics, further preclinical testing is still required to study optimal delivery methods as well as the interaction between phage and the immune system in vivo. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1051–1060, 2018.
The role of graphene‐based sorbents in modern sample preparation techniques
Authors: de Toffoli Ana Lúcia , Maciel Edvaldo Vasconcelos Soares , Fumes Bruno Henrique , Lanças Fernando Mauro
Published: October 2017

The application of graphene‐based sorbents in sample preparation techniques has increased significantly since 2011. These materials have good physicochemical properties to be used as sorbent and have shown excellent results in different sample preparation techniques. Graphene and its precursor graphene oxide have been considered to be good candidates to improve the extraction and concentration of different classes of target compounds (e.g., parabens, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, pyrethroids, triazines, and so on) present in complex matrices. Its applications have been employed during the analysis of different matrices (e.g., environmental, biological and food). In this review, we highlight the most important characteristics of graphene‐based material, their properties, synthesis routes, and the most important applications in both off‐line and on‐line sample preparation techniques. The discussion of the off‐line approaches includes methods derived from conventional solid‐phase extraction focusing on the miniaturized magnetic and dispersive modes. The modes of microextraction techniques called stir bar sorptive extraction, solid phase microextraction, and microextraction by packed sorbent are discussed. The on‐line approaches focus on the use of graphene‐based material mainly in on‐line solid phase extraction, its variation called in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction, and on‐line microdialysis systems.
Characterization of stress degradation products of amodiaquine dihydrochloride by liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry and prediction of their properties by using ADMET Predictor™
Authors: Dhiman Vivek , Singh Dilip Kumar , Ladumor Mayurbhai Kathadbhai , Singh Saranjit
Published: October 2017

The degradation behavior of amodiaquine dihydrochloride, an antimalarial drug, was investigated in solution as well as solid states. The drug was subjected to hydrolytic, photolytic, oxidative, and thermal stress conditions, according to International Conference on Harmonization guideline Q1A(R2). It showed extensive hydrolysis in acidic, alkaline, and neutral solutions both with and without light, while it proved to be stable to thermal and oxidative conditions. In total, six degradation products were formed, which were separated on a C8 column, employing a gradient reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method in which acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.0) were used in the mobile phase. To characterize the degradation products, mass fragmentation behavior of the drug was established by direct infusion of solution to quadrupole time‐of‐flight and multiple‐stage mass spectrometry systems. Liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry studies were subsequently carried out on the stressed samples using the same gradient high‐performance liquid chromatography method employed for the separation of the degradation products. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies were additionally conducted to determine the number of labile hydrogen atoms. The degradation pathway of the drug was delineated, justified by mechanistic explanation. Lastly, ADMET Predictor™ software was employed to predict relevant physicochemical and toxicity data for the degradation products.
Liouville‐type theorem for the steady compressible Hall‐MHD system
Authors: Zeng Yong
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we prove a Liouville‐type theorem for the steady compressible Hall‐magnetohydrodynamics system in Π, where Π is whole space
or half space
. We show that a smooth solution (ρ,u,B,P) satisfying 1/C0<ρ<C0,
, and B∈L9/2(Π) for some constant C0>0 is indeed trivial. This generalizes and improves 2 results of Chae.
Dietary N‐Glycans from Bovine Lactoferrin and TLR Modulation
Authors: Figueroa‐Lozano Susana , Valk‐Weeber Rivca L. , van Leeuwen Sander S. , Dijkhuizen Lubbert , de Vos Paul
Published: October 2017

Scope

Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is an ingredient of food supplements and infant formulas given its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. We modified bLF enzymatically to alter its N‐glycosylation and to isolate the glycan chains. The aims of this study include (1) to evaluate whether such derivates induce responses via pattern recognition receptors namely Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and (2) to relate those responses to their different glycosylation profiles.

Methods and results

The unmodified and modified bLF fractions are incubated with reporter cell lines expressing pattern recognition receptors. Afterwards, we screen for TLRs and analyze for nuclear factor kappa—light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation. Activation of reporter cell lines show that signaling is highly dependent on TLRs. The activation pattern of bLF is reduced with the desialylated form and increased with the demannosylated form. In reporter cells for TLR, bLF activate TLR‐4 and inhibit TLR‐3. The isolated glycans from bLF inhibit TLR‐8. TLR‐2, TLR‐5, TLR‐7, and TLR‐9 are not significantly altered.

Conclusion

The profile of glycosylation is key for the biological activity of bLF. By understanding how this affects the human defense responses, the bLF glycan profile can be modified to enhance its immunomodulatory effects when used as a dietary ingredient.
Three‐dimensional multifractal analysis of trabecular bone under clinical computed tomography
Authors: Baravalle Rodrigo , Thomsen Felix , Delrieux Claudio , Lu Yongtao , Gómez Juan Carlos , Stošić Borko , Stošić Tatijana
Published: October 2017

Purpose

An adequate understanding of bone structural properties is critical for predicting fragility conditions caused by diseases such as osteoporosis, and in gauging the success of fracture prevention treatments. In this work we aim to develop multiresolution image analysis techniques to extrapolate high‐resolution images predictive power to images taken in clinical conditions.

Methods

We performed multifractal analysis (MFA) on a set of 17 ex vivo human vertebrae clinical CT scans. The vertebræ failure loads () were experimentally measured. We combined bone mineral density (BMD) with different multifractal dimensions, and BMD with multiresolution statistics (e.g., skewness, kurtosis) of MFA curves, to obtain linear models to predict . Furthermore we obtained short‐ and long‐term precisions from simulated in vivo scans, using a clinical CT scanner. Ground‐truth data — high‐resolution images — were obtained with a High‐Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HRpQCT) scanner.

Results

At the same level of detail, BMD combined with traditional multifractal descriptors (Lipschitz–Hölder exponents), and BMD with monofractal features showed similar prediction powers in predicting (87%, adj. R2). However, at different levels of details, the prediction power of BMD with multifractal features raises to 92% (adj. ) of . Our main finding is that a simpler but slightly less accurate model, combining BMD and the skewness of the resulting multifractal curves, predicts 90% (adj. ) of .

Conclusions

Compared to monofractal and standard bone measures, multifractal analysis captured key insights in the conditions leading to . Instead of raw multifractal descriptors, the statistics of multifractal curves can be used in several other contexts, facilitating further research.
Electronically rotated and translated field‐free line generation for open bore magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Top Can Barış , Ilbey Serhat , Güven Hüseyin Emre
Published: October 2017

Purpose

We propose a coil arrangement for open bore field‐free line (FFL) magnetic particle imaging (MPI) system, which is suitable for accessing the subject from the sides. The purpose of this study is twofold, to show that the FFL can be rotated and translated electronically in a volume of interest with this arrangement and to analyze the current, voltage and power requirements for a 1 T/m gradient human sized scanner for a 200 mm diameter × 200 mm height cylindrical field of view (FOV).

Methods

We used split coils side by side with alternating current directions to generate a field‐free line. Employing two of these coil groups, one of which is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other, a rotating FFL was generated. We conducted numerical simulations to show the feasibility of this arrangement for three‐dimensional (3D) electronical scan of the FFL. Using simulations, we obtained images of a two‐dimensional (2D) in silico dot phantom for a human size scanner with system matrix‐based reconstruction.

Results

Simulations showed that the FFL can be generated and rotated in one plane and can be translated in two axes, allowing for 3D imaging of a large subject with the proposed arrangement. Human sized scanner required 63–215 kW power for the selection field coils to scan the focus inside the FOV.

Conclusions

The proposed setup is suitable for FFL MPI imaging with an open bore configuration without the need for mechanical rotation, which is preferable for clinical usage in terms of imaging time and patient access. Further studies are necessary to determine the limitations imposed by peripheral nerve stimulation, and to optimize the system parameters and the sequence design.
Application of phase rotation to STRESS localization scheme at 3 T
Authors: Volovyk Osnat , Tal Assaf
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Application of phase rotation to the STRESS (=STEAM+PRESS) localization scheme, to shorten echo time, minimize J‐coupling dephasing and estimate B1+ inhomogeneity. STRESS (=STEAM + PRESS) simultaneously refocuses and acquires the double spin echo (SE123) and stimulated echo (STE‐) pathways, combining PRESS‐like signal with lower chemical shift displacement as in STEAM. Phase rotation effectively separates coherence pathways, allows reduction of spoiling gradients moments leading to reduction in echo time. Implementing it in STRESS allows one to individually phase‐correct SE123 and STE‐ prior to combination. Moreover, B1+ inhomogeneity can be assessed by comparing the measured ratio of resonance intensities of SE123 and STE‐ pathways to the simulated one.

Methods

In vivo spectra were acquired from a single voxel placed in the sensory‐motor cortex of 10 healthy volunteers, using phase rotation‐STRESS/PRESS/STEAM sequences at 3 T scanner. The phases of each slice‐selective pulse were incremented by
.

Results

Phase rotation‐STRESS showed quantification accuracy (% Cramer Rao lower bounds) and reproducibility (% coefficients of variation) comparable to PRESS and STEAM, in both phantoms and in vivo study. Minimal echo time achieved was 13 ms.

Conclusion

Phase rotation complements STRESS by reducing echo time, allowing processing of each pathway individually prior to addition and providing B1+ estimation in single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Magn Reson Med 79:2481–2490, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
High‐order implicit staggered‐grid finite differences methods for the acoustic wave equation
Authors: Uh Zapata Miguel , Itzá Balam Reymundo , Montalvo‐Urquizo Jonathan
Published: October 2017

Motivated by the idea that staggered‐grid methods give a greater stability and give energy conservation, this article presents a new family of high‐order implicit staggered‐grid finite difference methods with any order of accuracy to approximate partial differential equations involving second‐order derivatives. In particular, we numerically analyze our new methods for the solution of the one‐dimensional acoustic wave equation. The implicit formulation is based on the plane wave theory and the Taylor series expansion and only involves the solution of tridiagonal matrix equations resulting in an attractive method with higher order of accuracy but nearly the same computation cost as those of explicit formulation. The order of accuracy of the proposal staggered formulas are similar to the methods with conventional grids for a ‐point operator: the explicit formula is th‐order and the implicit formula is th‐order; however, the results demonstrate that new staggered methods are superior in terms of stability properties to the classical methods in the context of solving wave equations.
Exploring sources and outcomes of trust and commitment to nonprofit organizations: The case of Amnesty International Portugal
Authors: Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Sarmento Eduardo Moraes , Galelo João
Published: October 2017

The interactions between customers and organizations have been regarded as a core aspect in cocreating and developing new products and practices. The current study explores these interactions in the context of citizens and nonprofit organizations. The study comprises two parts: (a) a qualitative approach using interviews and the analysis of social networks to better understand the organization's social media marketing practices and corresponding outcomes and (b) a quantitative approach to analyze antecedents and outcomes of trust and being committed to participate in a nonprofit organization such as Amnesty International. From the qualitative approach, the findings highlight that Amnesty International uses social media (Facebook) to share information, and citizens tend to consider sharing posts, but they do not express new ideas or interact with the organization. These findings contribute to structure the model analyzed in the second stage of the research. Regarding the qualitative approach, the results show that organizational credibility is the most significant driver of trust followed by communicative ability. Affectively commitment to participation and relationship perception act as outcomes of overall commitment.
Can the theory of planned behaviour explain walking to and from school among Australian children? A social marketing formative research study
Authors: Pang Bo , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Kubacki Krzysztof
Published: October 2017

Evidence indicates that lower levels of obesity among school‐age children can be achieved through active travel to school. This research aimed to investigate the explanatory potential of constructs in the theory of planned behaviour for carers' decisions about their children's walking to and from school. The data from two online surveys of 1,076 carers in 2 Australian states showed that the theory of planned behaviour explained 35.7% of the variance in walking to and from school. The results indicate that higher perceived behavioural control, social norms, and intentions among carers are associated with higher incidence of walking to and from school by children in Australia. Limitations of the current study and future research directions are outlined.
Associations of Maternal Weight Status Before, During, and After Pregnancy with Inflammatory Markers in Breast Milk
Authors: Whitaker Kara M. , Marino Regina C. , Haapala Jacob L. , Foster Laurie , Smith Katy D. , Teague April M. , Jacobs David R. , Fontaine Patricia L. , McGovern Patricia M. , Schoenfuss Tonya C. , Harnack Lisa , Fields David A. , Demerath Ellen W.
Published: October 2017

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine the associations of maternal weight status before, during, and after pregnancy with breast milk C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6), two bioactive markers of inflammation, measured at 1 and 3 months post partum.

Methods

Participants were 134 exclusively breastfeeding mother‐infant dyads taking part in the Mothers and Infants Linked for Health (MILK) study, who provided breast milk samples. Pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) were assessed by chart abstraction; postpartum weight loss was measured at the 1‐ and 3‐month study visits. Linear regression was used to examine the associations of maternal weight status with repeated measures of breast milk CRP and IL‐6 at 1 and 3 months, after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Pre‐pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG, but not total GWG or postpartum weight loss, were independently associated with breast milk CRP after adjustment (β = 0.49, P < 0.001 and β = 0.51, P = 0.011, respectively). No associations were observed for IL‐6.

Conclusions

High pre‐pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG are associated with elevated levels of breast milk CRP. The consequences of infants receiving varying concentrations of breast milk inflammatory markers are unknown; however, it is speculated that there are implications for the intergenerational transmission of disease risk.
Development of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/boron nitride bionanocomposites with enhanced barrier properties
Authors: Öner Mualla , Keskin Gülşah , Kızıl Gülnur , Pochat‐Bohatier Celiné , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: October 2017

This research aims at improving barrier properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, by incorporating boron nitride particles (BNPs) via melt compounding. To meet this objective, PHBV nanocomposite samples containing different BNPs were prepared and the effects of BN loading and silane surface modifier on the barrier properties of PHBV nanocomposites were investigated. For all the nanocomposite samples, the permeability is decreased in comparison to the neat PHBV due to both the presence of BN particles and a higher crystallinity. The results demonstrate that barrier properties of the composites were found to increase more for the silanized flake type BN (OSFBN) compared to silanized hexagonal disk type BN (OSBN). The best barrier properties are obtained for the nanocomposite sample containing 2 wt% OSFBN, for which a reduction of oxygen permeability up to 36% was observed in comparison to the neat PHBV. Silane‐treated BN nanoparticles yielded nanocomposites characterized by good barrier performance and fine BN dispersion, as shown by SEM investigations. The phenomenological gas permeation models were employed to evaluate the effect of BN particles on oxygen transmission properties. The best approach was found for the relative permeation by using Cussler and Lape models. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:78–90, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flavonoid Constituents of Phlomis (Lamiaceae) Species Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Aghakhani Fatemeh , Kharazian Navaz , Lori Gooini Zahra
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Phlomis is one of the medicinal genera of Lamiaceae. This genus has unique medicinal properties. Consequently, appropriate methods need to be described for the identification of the chemical compounds.

Objective

A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) technique on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS) was used for separation and identification of leaf flavonoid compounds for seven Phlomis species including Phlomis kurdia, Ph. aucheri, Ph. olivieri, Ph. bruguieri, Ph. persica, Ph. anisodonta and Ph. elliptica.

Methodology

The flavonoid solution of air‐dried leaves (10.5 g) was extracted using 85% methanol. The chromatogram was treated with three systems: methanol–water, chloroform–methanol and acetic acid. The extracts were analysed using LC–MS/MS. The MS2 detection was performed under negative mode electrospray ionisation (ESI). The identification of constituents was based on authentic references used in the identification process.

Results

A total of 35 chemical compounds were detected from which 32 were identified as flavonoids through comparison with published literature and reference standards. These compounds were distributed in four flavonoid classes. Flavones (12), flavonols (11), flavanones (8) and flavane (1) were the main groups appearing in almost all of the studied samples. The flavonoids such as naringenin, chrysoeriol, eriodictyol, dimethoxyflavanone, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol and rhamnetin were in high proportions. Moreover, 22 flavonoid compounds were first reported in this study for Phlomis species.

Conclusion

The fragmentation patterns of the compounds during collision induced dissociation (CID) clarified information of the compounds analysed. The detailed flavonoid compositions of Phlomis species provide the appropriate context from phytochemical and phytotherapeutics points of view. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the performance of different methods for propensity score matched subgroup analyses and a summary of their application in peer‐reviewed research studies
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , He Mengdong , Jin Yinzhu , Wyss Richard , Shin HoJin , Ma Yong , Keeton Stephine , Fireman Bruce , Karami Sara , Major Jacqueline M. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

When evaluating safety signals, there is often interest in understanding safety in all patients for whom compared treatments are reasonable alternatives, as well as in specific subgroups of interest. There are numerous ways that propensity score (PS) matching can be implemented for subgroup analyses.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of methods papers that compared the performance of alternative methods to implement PS matched subgroup analyses and examined how frequently different PS matching methods have been used for subgroup analyses in applied studies.

Results

We identified 5 methods papers reporting small improvements in covariate balance and bias with use of a subgroup‐specific PS instead of a mis‐specified overall PS within subgroups. Applied research papers frequently used PS for subgroups in ways not evaluated in methods papers. Thirty three percent used PS to match in the overall cohort and broke the matched sets for subgroup analysis without further adjustment.

Conclusions

While the performance of several alternative ways to use PS matching in subgroup analyses has been evaluated in methods literature, these evaluations do not include the most commonly used methods to implement PS matched subgroup analyses in applied studies. There is a need to better understand the relative performance of commonly used methods for PS matching in subgroup analyses, particularly within settings encountered during active surveillance, where there may be low exposure, infrequent outcomes, and multiple subgroups of interest.
Mechanical properties of siliceous earth/natural rubber composites
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhong Jieping , Li Sidong , Wang Bingbing , Pan Rongkan , Gao Lijun
Published: October 2017

Siliceous earth (SE), which has a special morphology and structure, was selected as filler of natural rubber (NR) and mechanical properties of compounds were analyzed. Two processes were employed to prepare SE/NR compounds described as mechanical mixing method and latex method, respectively. Cure characteristics, mechanical properties of the vulcanizates prepared from the masterbatches were compared with those prepared by mechanical mixing method. X‐ray diffraction results of NR/SE vulcanizations indicated that mechanical mixing above the latex process facilitated the intercalation of NR into the galleries of SE. The results of mechanical properties show that SE has good reinforcing properties on NR both by latex or mechanical mixing process. By comparison, H samples show slightly higher crosslink density, tensile strength, 300% modulus, and lower elongation at break than M sample in same loading. But in the aspect of dynamic properties there exist obviously difference between latex and mechanical mixing process. Rubber processing analyzer (RPA) results showed that uncured M samples showed obviously higher storage modulus than that of H samples. The heat build‐up of M30 is much lower than that of H30. These behaviors indicated better dynamitic properties when the masterbatches prepared by the predispersing method was utilized. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1043–1052, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers