bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Striated Perineal Muscles: Location of Somatic and Autonomic Neurons Projecting to the Male Pig Ischiocavernous Muscle. Neurochemical Features of the Sympathetic Subset
Authors: Botti Maddalena , Ragionieri Luisa , Cacchioli Antonio , Panu Rino , Gazza Ferdinando
Published: November 2017

The location, number and size of the central and peripheral neurons innervating the ischiocavernous muscle (ICM) were studied in male pigs by means of Fast Blue (FB) retrograde neuronal tracing. Moreover the immunohistochemical properties of the sympathetic ganglia were investigated combining the double immunolabeling method. After injection of FB into the left ICM, a mean number of 245.3 ± 134.9 labeled neurons were found in the ipsilateral ventral horn of the S1–S3 segments of the spinal cord (SC), 129.7 ± 45.5 in the L6‐S3 ipsilateral and S2–S3 contralateral spinal ganglia (SGs), 2279.3 ± 622.1 in the ipsilateral L2‐S2 and contralateral L5‐S2 sympathetic trunk ganglia (STGs), 541.7 ± 158 in the bilateral caudal mesenteric ganglia (CMGs), and 78.3 ± 35.8 in the microganglia of the pelvic plexus (PGs). The mean area of the ICM projecting neurons was 1217 ± 69.7 μm2 in the SC, 2737.5 ± 176.5 μm2 in the SGs, 982.8 ± 36.8 μm2 in the STGs, 865.9 ± 39.14 μm2 in the CMGs and 426.2 ± 24.72 μm2 in the PGs. The FB positive neurons of autonomic ganglia contained Dopamine β hydroxylase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, neuronal nitric oxyde sinthase, calcitonine gene related peptide, leu‐enkephaline, neuropeptide Y, substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and somatostatine often colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase. The particular localization of the motor somatic nucleus, the abundant autonomic innervation and the qualitatively different content of ICM projecting sympathetic neurons suggest a complex regulation of this striated muscle involved in involuntary functions, such as the erection, ejaculation, micturition and defecation. Anat Rec, 301:837–848, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of gaze behaviour of trainee and experienced surgeons during laparoscopic gastric bypass
Authors: Erridge S , Ashraf H , Purkayastha S , Darzi A , Sodergren M H
Published: November 2017

Background

Eye tracking presents a novel tool that could be used to profile skill levels in surgery objectively. The primary aim of this study was to identify differences in gaze behaviour between expert and junior surgeons performing a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for obesity.

Methods

This prospective observational study used a lightweight eye-tracking apparatus to determine the difference in gaze behaviours between expert (more than 75 procedures) and junior (75 or fewer procedures) surgeons at defined stages of LRYGB. Primary endpoints were normalized dwell time and fixation frequency. Secondary endpoints were blink rate, maximum pupil size and rate of pupil change.

Results

A total of 20 procedures (12 junior, 8 expert) were analysed. Compared with juniors, experts showed a prolonged dwell time on the screen during angle of His dissection (median (range) 91·20 (83·40–94·40) versus 68·95 (59·80–87·60) per cent; P = 0·001), formation of the retrogastric tunnel (91·50 (85·80–95·50) versus 73·60 (34·60–90·50) per cent; P = 0·001) and gastric pouch formation (86·95 (83·60–90·20) versus 67·60 (37·10–80·00) per cent P < 0·001). Juniors had a greater blink frequency throughout all recorded segments (P < 0·010) and had a larger maximum pupil size during all recorded operative segments (P < 0·010). Rate of pupil change was greater in juniors in all analysed segments (P < 0·010).

Conclusion

These results suggest that experts display more focused attention on significant stimuli, alongside experiencing a reduced mental workload and having increased concentration. This has the potential for future use in validation of surgical skill in high-stakes assessment.
On computational fluid dynamics models for sinonasal drug transport: Relevance of nozzle subtraction and nasal vestibular dilation
Authors: Basu Saikat , Frank‐Ito Dennis O. , Kimbell Julia S.
Published: November 2017

Generating anatomically realistic 3‐dimensional (3D) models of the human sinonasal cavity for numerical investigations of sprayed drug transport presents a host of methodological ambiguities. For example, subject‐specific radiographic images used for 3D reconstructions typically exclude spray bottles. Subtracting a bottle contour from the 3D airspace and dilating the anterior nasal vestibule for nozzle placement augment the complexity of model building. So we explored the question: how essential are these steps to adequately simulate nasal airflow and identify the optimal delivery conditions for intranasal sprays? In particular, we focused on particle deposition patterns in the maxillary sinus, a critical target site for chronic rhinosinusitis. The models were reconstructed from postsurgery computed tomography scans for a 39‐year‐old Caucasian male, with chronic rhinosinusitis history. Inspiratory airflow patterns during resting breathing are reliably tracked through computational fluid dynamics–based steady‐state laminar‐viscous modeling, and such regimes portray relative lack of sensitivity to inlet perturbations. Consequently, we hypothesized that the posterior airflow transport and the particle deposition trends should not be radically affected by the nozzle subtraction and vestibular dilation. The study involved 1 base model and 2 derived models; the latter 2 with nozzle contours (2 different orientations) subtracted from the dilated anterior segment of the left vestibule. We analyzed spray transport in the left maxillary sinus for multiple release conditions. Similar release points, localized on an approximately 2 mm × 4.5 mm contour, facilitated improved maxillary deposition in all 3 test cases. This suggests functional redundancy of nozzle insertion in a 3D numerical model for identifying the optimal spray release locations.
Hierarchical multi‐taxa models inform riparian vs. hydrologic restoration of urban streams in a permeable landscape
Authors: Gwinn Daniel C. , Middleton Jen A. , Beesley Leah , Close Paul , Quinton Belinda , Storer Tim , Davies Peter M.
Published: November 2017

The degradation of streams caused by urbanization tends to follow predictable patterns; however, there is a growing appreciation for heterogeneity in stream response to urbanization due to the local geoclimatic context. Furthermore, there is building evidence that streams in mildly sloped, permeable landscapes respond uncharacteristically to urban stress calling for a more nuanced approach to restoration. We evaluated the relative influence of local‐scale riparian characteristics and catchment‐scale imperviousness on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of streams in the flat, permeable urban landscape of Perth, Western Australia. Using a hierarchical multi‐taxa model, we predicted the outcomes of stylized stream restoration strategies to increase the riparian integrity at the local scale or decrease the influences of imperviousness at the catchment scale. In the urban streams of Perth, we show that local‐scale riparian restoration can influence the structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages to a greater degree than managing the influences of catchment‐scale imperviousness. We also observed an interaction between the effect of riparian integrity and imperviousness such that the effect of increased riparian integrity was enhanced at lower levels of catchment imperviousness. This study represents one of few conducted in flat, permeable landscapes and the first aimed at informing urban stream restoration in Perth, adding to the growing appreciation for heterogeneity of the Urban Stream Syndrome and its importance for urban stream restoration.
Megafaunal effects on vegetation structure throughout a densely wooded African landscape
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Gaylard Angela , Asner Gregory P.
Published: November 2017

Megafauna strongly affect vegetation structure and composition, often leading to management concern. However, the extent of their influence across large scales and varying ecosystems remains largely unknown. Using high resolution airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), we investigated landscape‐scale changes in vegetation height and three‐dimensional (3D) structure across landscapes of varying elephant densities and presence over time, and in response to surface water distribution and terrain variability in the heavily managed thicket biome of the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. Elephants caused up to a fourfold reduction in vegetation height and altered the vertical profile, but increased vegetation height variability. Vegetation height also increased with elevation and distance from water, particularly in areas that elephants had long occupied at high densities. Slope had opposing effects on vegetation height, with height increasing with slope in areas long exposed to elephants, but decreasing where elephants had only recently been granted access. Our results suggest that elephants are the primary agents of vegetation change in this ecosystem, but that the strength of their effects varies across the landscape, enabling management to use water and terrain as mitigation tools. We further highlight the necessity of landscape‐level experimental studies on megafaunal effects to untangle mechanisms and establish causality.
Taking error into account when fitting models using Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: van der Vaart Elske , Prangle Dennis , Sibly Richard M.
Published: November 2017

Stochastic computer simulations are often the only practical way of answering questions relating to ecological management. However, due to their complexity, such models are difficult to calibrate and evaluate. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) offers an increasingly popular approach to this problem, widely applied across a variety of fields. However, ensuring the accuracy of ABC's estimates has been difficult. Here, we obtain more accurate estimates by incorporating estimation of error into the ABC protocol. We show how this can be done where the data consist of repeated measures of the same quantity and errors may be assumed to be normally distributed and independent. We then derive the correct acceptance probabilities for a probabilistic ABC algorithm, and update the coverage test with which accuracy is assessed. We apply this method, which we call error‐calibrated ABC, to a toy example and a realistic 14‐parameter simulation model of earthworms that is used in environmental risk assessment. A comparison with exact methods and the diagnostic coverage test show that our approach improves estimation of parameter values and their credible intervals for both models.
Controlling the Thickness of Disordered Turbostratic Nanodomains in Hard Carbon with Enhanced Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Li Ruizi , Huang Jianfeng , Xu Zhanwei , Qi Hui , Cao Liyun , Liu Yijun , Li Wenbin , Li Jiayin
Published: November 2017

A shaddock‐peel‐derived hard carbon with the different thickness of the disordered turbostratic nanodomains (DTN) is achieved through a hydrothermal process followed by a carbonization process. This process leads to different thickness of the DTN (TD) in hard carbon with controlled performance in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), exhibiting a high initial charge capacity of 287.3 mAh g−1 with TD of 7.3 nm. Further research reveals the controlled TD could greatly affect the balance of the charge conductivity, the sodium‐ion diffusion rate, and the adsorption number at defective sites, which are essential for the electrochemical performance of the hard carbon in SIBs. Controlling TD in hard carbon materials could provide new insights for the structural design of hard carbon derived from biomass for SIBs.
Tuboperitoneal anomalies among infertile women in Nigeria as seen on laparoscopy
Authors: Ugboaja Joseph O. , Oguejiofor Charlotte B. , Ogelle Onyecherelam M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To study the prevalence and pattern of tuboperitoneal pathologies among infertile women in Nigeria, using laparoscopy.

Methods

A prospective study was undertaken of infertile women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in two fertility clinics in Nigeria between November 2015 and April 2017. The rates of identified tuboperitoneal diseases were examined.

Results

The age of the 230 women ranged from 21 to 46 years, and most women had a parity group of 0–1 (87.8%; n=202). Secondary infertility accounted for 124 (53.9%) cases, and the mean duration of infertility was 4.6 ± 2.7 years. Tuboperitoneal pathologies were seen in 171 (74.4%) women and mainly comprised tubal occlusion (56.5%; n=130), hydrosalpinx (41.7%; n=96), pelvic adhesions (39.6%, n=91), and endometriosis (8.8%; n=19). Bilateral tubal occlusion was seen in 46 (20.0%) women, whereas proximal tubal occlusion accounted for 73 (56.2%) of all cases of tubal occlusion.

Conclusion

There was a high rate of tuboperitoneal abnormalities in the studied population, which mainly comprised tubal occlusion, hydrosalpinx, pelvic adhesions, and endometriosis. The introduction of laparoscopy is recommended in the initial evaluation of all women with infertility in Nigeria.
A hybrid algorithm to combine redundancy and concurrency in virtual network resource pooling
Authors: Klapez Martin , Grazia Carlo Augusto , Casoni Maurizio
Published: November 2017

Emergency scenarios pose significant hurdles to wireless communications, especially when these are performed through terrestrial cellular networks. This is because network infrastructures can be damaged, or the sudden surge of network demand can cause unbearable network congestion. Unfortunately, public safety operators employ terrestrial cellular networks to perform data communications and are therefore at risk of being unable to effectively operate in critical situations. Virtual network resource pooling is a software‐defined networking (SDN)‐based network framework that allows collaborative hosts to pool together their network channels to provide connectivity despite the sudden unavailability of network paths or to compensate for high degrees of packet losses. Once hosts' resources are pooled, a dispatching algorithm on the SDN controller is required to enforce a proper policy of packets distribution. This paper presents a dispatching algorithm that is designed to provide fast and reliable transmissions despite lossy and unreliable channels. It works by introducing the minimum amount of packet redundancy that is needed to obtain a packet delivery probability given as a parameter and by using the remaining network resources to augment transfer goodput. Emulation results confirm that with respect to policies that selectively aim to improve goodput or to introduce packet redundancy, this hybrid algorithm can compensate for high packet loss ratios and improve goodput at the same time.
Fractionation of secondary effluents of wastewater treatment plants in view of the evaluation of membrane fouling in a further ultrafiltration step
Authors: Ferrer‐Polonio Eva , McCabe Mandy , Mendoza‐Roca José A , Vincent‐Vela María‐Cinta
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Ultrafiltration is used as tertiary treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for wastewater reclamation. However, membrane fouling is the main drawback of the process. In this work a new effluent organic matter fractionation procedure with adsorption resins (XAD‐8, XAD4 and IRA‐958) has been applied without recovering the adsorbed fractions. In this way, strong and weak hydrophobic and charged hydrophilic substances of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) were removed for further ultrafiltration, in order to know the most fouling fraction. For this, secondary effluents of two WWTP and two membranes with different molecular weight cut‐offs (100 kDa and 3 kDa) were used in ultrafiltration experiments in a laboratory plant.

RESULTS

The hydrophobic substances (especially the strong hydrophobics) predominated over the hydrophilic compounds. Membrane fouling was higher for the membrane with the highest molecular weight cut‐off (100 kDa). Thus, flux decline was around 25–47% higher than that measured for the 3 kDa membrane. The charged hydrophilic substances (CHi) were identified as the most fouling compounds with 100 kDa membrane. Reversible fouling was predominant.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed fractionation system enabled determination of the contribution of the different fractions to the DOM. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective effects of Lactococcus lactis expressing alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice
Authors: Lyu Yunbin , Zhong Lei , Liu Yanan , Lu Jing , LaPointe Gisèle , Lu Fengxia , Lu Zhaoxin
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) play important roles in alcohol metabolism. Therefore, a possible effective way to attenuate alcoholic liver damage is the exogenous supply of these two enzymes to the stomach as they might accelerate the oxidation of ethanol into nontoxic acetate.

RESULTS

ADH and ALDH were coexpressed in Lactococcus lactis NZ3900 and used as treatments for acute alcoholic liver injury in mice. Intragastric ethanol administration was carried out at 5.6 g kg‐1 body weight per day in mice for 15 consecutive days and different doses of recombinant ADH‐ALDH L. lactis treatment were administrated together with ethanol. A high dose of L. lactis recombinant ADH‐ALDH treatment (ADH activity of 2000 U kg‐1 BW and ALDH activity of 1000 U kg‐1 BW) reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels by 38.1%, 54.8% and 23.2%, respectively, in ethanol‐treated mice. Moreover, it also helped maintaining serum lipid levels and liver oxidative stress parameters against ethanol. Histopathological examination of mice livers revealed that L. lactis recombinant ADH‐ALDH at a high dose (ADH activity of 2000 U kg‐1 BW and ALDH activity of 1000 U kg‐1 BW) protected liver tissue from the damage induced by ethanol.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrate that L. lactis with ADH and ALDH activity exhibit a dose‐dependent protective effect on alcohol‐induced liver damage in mice. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement of furfural–cyclopentanone aldol condensation using binary water–ethanol mixtures as solvent
Authors: Cueto Jennifer , Faba Laura , Díaz Eva , Ordóñez Salvador
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Cyclopentanone (CPO) – furfural (FFL) aldol condensation is a very interesting reaction for upgrading the furfural obtained in the depolymerization – dehydration reaction of cellulosic materials. Reaction is faster with cyclopentanone than with other ketones, and resulting condensation adducts are attractive for manufacturing drop‐in fuels. However, the most important problem is that these adducts present low water solubility.

RESULTS

Binary systems combining water (needed to promote aldol condensation) and ethanol (for enhancing the condensation adducts solubility) at different ratios have been tested. Operation parameters, such as water/ethanol ratio, temperature and reaction time, were optimized for this reaction. Best results (global yield to condensation adducts higher than 36%) were achieved using 1:2 water/ethanol ratio, and working at 303 K. Higher water ratios lead to the precipitation of condensation products, whereas higher ethanol concentrations hinder the catalyst performance. A reaction mechanism, considering a first‐order kinetic model on cyclopentanone concentration, was proposed. Kinetic constants have been empirically correlated with ethanol concentration in the reaction medium.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of binary ethanol–water binary mixtures with controlled solvent ratios can avoid the precipitation of condensation adducts. This precipitation leads to important operation problems in the reactor as well as to catalyst deactivation. The negative effect of the presence of ethanol on the reaction kinetics can be overcome by increasing reaction temperature. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Reductive dehalogenation of a chloroacetanilide herbicide in a flow electrochemical cell fitted with Ag‐modified Ni foams
Authors: He Wenyan , Lou Yaoyin , Verlato Enrico , Soutrel Isabelle , Floner Didier , Fourcade Florence , Amrane Abdeltif , Musiani Marco , Geneste Florence
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work is to adapt the electrochemical reduction of Alachlor™, using Ag‐modified Ni foam electrodes to environmental applications. In this context, preparative electrolyses of Alachlor™ were performed in a flow electrochemical cell in different electrolytic media.

RESULTS

The highest catalytic activity for the reduction of Alachlor™ was obtained in 0.05 mol L‐1 NaOH, with a conversion yield of 93%. The dechlorination yield of Alachlor™ estimated from the Cl‐ concentration was 77%, significantly lower than its conversion yield, but higher than the yield of deschloroalachlor (69%), the main dehalogenated by‐product, indicating the presence of other by‐products.

CONCLUSIONS

Total reduction of Alachlor™ was achieved in conditions adapted to environmental applications, showing that this process can be used for dechlorination treatment of Alachlor™ in aqueous media. Although a high dechlorination yield was obtained, biodegradability estimated from BOD5 measurements remained low, showing that the C–Cl bond is not the only functional group that is responsible for the biorecalcitrance of Alachlor™. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Somatic Complaints in a Deployed Cohort of Georgian Military Personnel: Mediating Effect of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Sikharulidze Giorgi , van Geloven Nan , Lelashvili Estate , Kalandarishvili Giorgi , Gugushvili Nino , Vermetten Eric
Published: November 2017

Several studies have shown the relationship between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), somatic symptoms, and the mediating effect of depression and anxiety. The following study was conducted to investigate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and somatic complaints through underlying symptoms of depression and anxiety. The participants of the study were 2,799 veterans who were examined after a 6‐month deployment. They were assessed using the PTSD Checklist (PCL‐5) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) for depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints. To check the indirect effect of PTSD on somatic complaints through depression and anxiety, mediation model 4 (parallel mediation) of the SPSS PROCESS macro was used. There was a significant total indirect effect of PTSD through depression and anxiety on somatic complaints, b = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.12, 0.16], from which an indirect effect of PTSD on somatic complaints through depression was b = 0.08, 95% CI [0.06, 0.10], and through anxiety it equaled b = 0.06, 95% CI [0.04, 0.07]. The ratio of indirect to total effect was 0.66, 95% CI [0.59, 0.75]. The present study helps us to understand the role of depression and anxiety symptoms when the symptoms of PTSD and somatic complaints are present. These new findings may have implications for the management as well as treatment of PTSD because they recognize the importance of symptoms of anxiety and depression when somatic complaints are present.
Ionic liquids–based magnetic nanofluids as lubricants
Authors: Shi Xin , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a kind of ionic liquid–based ferrofluid, which may be suitable as a prospective lubricant was synthesised. The nanosized magnetic particles dispersing in the ionic liquid were coated with a layer of designed surfactant containing ionic liquid unit with carboxylic acid group. Three ionic liquids, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C2MIMBF4), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C4MIMBF4), and 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C6MIMBF4), with the same anionic structure and cationic backbone were used as carrier liquid. The effect of cation alkyl chain length on the colloidal stability was checked qualitatively by direct observation and magnetic sedimentation. The lubrication performances of the stable ferrofluid were evaluated. Experiment result shows that stable ferrofluid can only be achieved for the ionic liquid C6MIMBF4 with the longest alkyl chain. Lubrication tests first evidence the benefits of ionic liquid–based ferrofluid as a new kind of magnetic lubricant, whose lubrication behaviour can be actively controlled by the application of magnetic field.
Kefir Peptides Prevent Hyperlipidemia and Obesity in High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obese Rats via Lipid Metabolism Modulation
Authors: Tung Yu‐Tang , Chen Hsiao‐Ling , Wu Hsin‐Shan , Ho Mei‐Hsuan , Chong Kowit‐Yu , Chen Chuan‐Mu
Published: November 2017

Scope

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder that is linked to numerous serious health complications with high morbidity. The present study evaluated the effects of kefir peptides on high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in rats.

Methods and results

Kefir peptides markedly improved obesity, including body weight gain, inflammatory reactions and the formation of adipose tissue fat deposits around the epididymis and kidney, and adipocyte size. Treating high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese rats with kefir peptides significantly reduced the fatty acid synthase protein and increased the p‐acetyl‐CoA carboxylase protein to block lipogenesis in the livers. Kefir peptides also increased fatty acid oxidation by increasing the protein expressions of phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α, and hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 in the livers. In addition, administration of kefir peptides significantly decreased the inflammatory response (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β) to modulate oxidative damage.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that kefir peptides treatment improves obesity via inhibition of lipogenesis, modulation of oxidative damage, and stimulation of lipid oxidation. Therefore, kefir peptides may act as an anti‐obesity agent to prevent body fat accumulation and obesity‐related metabolic diseases.
Purple Potato Extract Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Differentiation and Barrier Function by Activating AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Du Min , Navarre Duroy A. , Zhu Mei‐Jun
Published: November 2017

Scope

Perturbation of gut epithelial barrier function induces inflammation and other health problems that originate from the gut. Purple potato contains a high content of beneficial polyphenolic compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of purple potato extract (PPE) on intestinal differentiation and barrier function, and explore its underlying mechanism using Caco‐2 cells and ex vivo cultured gut tissues.

Methods and results

PPE increases transepithelial electrical resistance and decreases FITC‐dextran paracellular flux in Caco‐2 cells, which are associated with strengthened intestinal epithelial differentiation in both Caco‐2 cells and ex vivo guts. Furthermore, PPE treatment enhances AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, concomitant with the increased expression of CDX2, a key transcriptional factor regulating intestinal epithelial differentiation. Knocking out AMPK using CRISPR/Cas9 system abolishes the positive effects of PPE on intestinal epithelial differentiation and barrier function, in junction with the reduced expression of CDX2.

Conclusion

PPE improves gut epithelial differentiation and barrier function via activating AMPK, indicating that PPE, as well as associated purple potato consumption, could be used as a supportive dietary therapeutic strategy for improving gut epithelial health.
Gallic Acid and Gallates in Human Health and Disease: Do Mitochondria Hold the Key to Success?
Authors: Kosuru Rekha Yamini , Roy Amrita , Das Sujoy K. , Bera Soumen
Published: November 2017

Gallic acid and gallate esters are widely used as dietary supplements or additives with clinical significances. Over the last few decades, a large number of publications have been reported stating the antioxidative, antiapoptotic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties of gallic acid and gallates, and mostly demonstrated their antioxidative or prooxidative properties influencing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling networks. However, very little focus has been paid to clinical trials, and this restricted their use as a prescribed preventative supplement. Since mitochondria are the principal organelles responsible for ROS generation, we reviewed the existing literature of mitochondria‐specific effects of gallates including ROS production, respiration, mitochondrial biogenesis, apoptosis, and the physico‐chemical parameters affecting the outcome of gallate supplementation to various health scenarios such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, hepatic ailments, or cancers. The major signaling pathways and the molecules targeted by gallic acid and its derivatives have also been discussed with emphasis on mitochondria as the target site. This review provides a better understanding of the effect of gallic acid and gallate esters on mitochondrial functions and in designing effective preventative measures against the onset of various diseases.
Analytical dose modeling for preclinical proton irradiation of millimetric targets
Authors: Vanstalle Marie , Constanzo Julie , Karakaya Yusuf , Finck Christian , Rousseau Marc , Brasse David
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Due to the considerable development of proton radiotherapy, several proton platforms have emerged to irradiate small animals in order to study the biological effectiveness of proton radiation. A dedicated analytical treatment planning tool was developed in this study to accurately calculate the delivered dose given the specific constraints imposed by the small dimensions of the irradiated areas.

Methods

The treatment planning system (TPS) developed in this study is based on an analytical formulation of the Bragg peak and uses experimental range values of protons. The method was validated after comparison with experimental data from the literature and then compared to Monte Carlo simulations conducted using Geant4. Three examples of treatment planning, performed with phantoms made of water targets and bone‐slab insert, were generated with the analytical formulation and Geant4. Each treatment planning was evaluated using dose‐volume histograms and gamma index maps.

Results

We demonstrate the value of the analytical function for mouse irradiation, which requires a targeting accuracy of 0.1 mm. Using the appropriate database, the analytical modeling limits the errors caused by misestimating the stopping power. For example, 99% of a 1‐mm tumor irradiated with a 24‐MeV beam receives the prescribed dose. The analytical dose deviations from the prescribed dose remain within the dose tolerances stated by report 62 of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements for all tested configurations. In addition, the gamma index maps show that the highly constrained targeting accuracy of 0.1 mm for mouse irradiation leads to a significant disagreement between Geant4 and the reference. This simulated treatment planning is nevertheless compatible with a targeting accuracy exceeding 0.2 mm, corresponding to rat and rabbit irradiations.

Conclusion

Good dose accuracy for millimetric tumors is achieved with the analytical calculation used in this work. These volume sizes are typical in mouse models for radiation studies. Our results demonstrate that the choice of analytical rather than simulated treatment planning depends on the animal model under consideration.
DFT calculations of the defect structures, electronic structures, and EPR parameters for three Rh2+ centers in AgCl
Authors: Wu Li‐Na , Wu Shao‐Yi , Zhong Si‐Ying , Zhang Li‐Juan , Tan Qin‐Qin
Published: November 2017

The local structures for various Rh2+ centers in AgCl are theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) with periodic CP2K program. Through geometry optimizing, the stable ground states with minimal energies and electronic structures are obtained for the tetragonally elongated (TE), orthorhombically elongated (OE), and tetragonally compressed (TC) centers, and the corresponding g and hyperfine coupling tensors are calculated in ORCA level. The calculations reveal obvious Jahn–Teller elongation distortions of about 0.109 and 0.110 Å along [001] axis for TE and OE centers without and with 1 next nearest neighbor (nnn) cation vacancy VAg in [100] axis, respectively. Whereas TC center with 1 nnn VAg along [001] axis exhibits moderate axial compression of about 0.066 Å due to the Jahn–Teller effect. For OE and TC centers with 1 nnn VAg, the ligand intervening in the central Rh2+ and the VAg is found to displace away from the VAg by about 0.028 and 0.024 Å, respectively. The present results are discussed and compared with those of the previous calculations based on the perturbation formulas by using the improved ligand field theory.
Optimization and validation of accelerated golden‐angle radial sparse MRI reconstruction with self‐calibrating GRAPPA operator gridding
Authors: Benkert Thomas , Tian Ye , Huang Chenchan , DiBella Edward V.R. , Chandarana Hersh , Feng Li
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Golden‐angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) MRI reconstruction requires gridding and regridding to transform data between radial and Cartesian k‐space. These operations are repeatedly performed in each iteration, which makes the reconstruction computationally demanding. This work aimed to accelerate GRASP reconstruction using self‐calibrating GRAPPA operator gridding (GROG) and to validate its performance in clinical imaging.

Methods

GROG is an alternative gridding approach based on parallel imaging, in which k‐space data acquired on a non‐Cartesian grid are shifted onto a Cartesian k‐space grid using information from multicoil arrays. For iterative non‐Cartesian image reconstruction, GROG is performed only once as a preprocessing step. Therefore, the subsequent iterative reconstruction can be performed directly in Cartesian space, which significantly reduces computational burden. Here, a framework combining GROG with GRASP (GROG‐GRASP) is first optimized and then compared with standard GRASP reconstruction in 22 prostate patients.

Results

GROG‐GRASP achieved approximately 4.2‐fold reduction in reconstruction time compared with GRASP (∼333 min versus ∼78 min) while maintaining image quality (structural similarity index ≈ 0.97 and root mean square error ≈ 0.007). Visual image quality assessment by two experienced radiologists did not show significant differences between the two reconstruction schemes. With a graphics processing unit implementation, image reconstruction time can be further reduced to approximately 14 min.

Conclusion

The GRASP reconstruction can be substantially accelerated using GROG. This framework is promising toward broader clinical application of GRASP and other iterative non‐Cartesian reconstruction methods. Magn Reson Med 80:286–293, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Hierarchical model reduction for incompressible fluids in pipes
Authors: Guzzetti Sofia , Perotto Simona , Veneziani Alessandro
Published: November 2017

Hierarchical model reduction is intended to solve efficiently partial differential equations in domains with a geometrically dominant direction. In many engineering applications, these problems are often reduced to 1‐dimensional differential systems. This guarantees computational efficiency yet dumps local accuracy as nonaxial dynamics are dropped. Hierarchical model reduction recovers the secondary components of the dynamics of interest with a combination of different discretization techniques, following up a natural separation of variables. The dominant direction is generally solved by the finite element method or isogeometric analysis to guarantee flexibility, while the transverse components are solved by spectral methods, to guarantee a small number of degrees of freedom. By judiciously selecting the number of transverse modes, the method has been proven to improve significantly the accuracy of purely 1‐dimensional solvers, with great computational efficiency. A Cartesian framework has been used so far both in slab domains and cylindrical pipes (including arteries) mapped to Cartesian reference domains. In this paper, we investigate the alternative use of a polar coordinates system for the transverse dynamics in circular or elliptical pipes. This seems a natural choice for applications like computational hemodynamics. In spite of this, the selection of a basis function set for the transverse dynamics is troublesome. As pointed out in the literature—even for simple elliptical problems—there is no “best” basis available. In this paper, we perform an extensive investigation of hierarchical model reduction in polar coordinates to discuss different possible choices for the transverse basis, pointing out pros and cons of the polar coordinate system.
Three‐dimensional virtual cystoscopy: Noninvasive approach for the assessment of urinary tract in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Werner Heron , Lopes Jorge , Ribeiro Gerson , Jésus Nilson Ramires , Santos Gildasio Rocha , Alexandria Helenara Abadia Ferreira , Ruano Rodrigo , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: November 2017

What is already known about this topic?

Lower urinary tract obstruction is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Fetal cystoscopy may allow the correct identification of the etiology of the obstruction and may provide the adequate treatment.

What does this study add?

Three‐dimensional virtual navigation is a noninvasive approach that provides an immersive virtual reality in the assessment of fetal structures.

Three‐dimensional virtual cystoscopy provides a noninvasive evaluation of fetal lower urinary tract obstruction that in the future may help in the selection of candidates for fetal cystoscopy.
Tissuepatch is biocompatible and seals iatrogenic membrane defects in a rabbit model
Authors: Engels Alexander C. , Joyeux Luc , Van der Merwe Johannes , Jimenez Julio , Prapanus Savitree , Barrett David W. , Connon Che , Chowdhury Tina T. , David Anna L. , Deprest Jan
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate novel sealing techniques for their biocompatibility and sealing capacity of iatrogenic fetal membrane defects in a pregnant rabbit model.

Method

At day 23 of gestation (term = d31), a standardized fetoscopy was performed through a 14G cannula. The resulting fetal membrane defect was closed with condensed collagen, collagen with fibrinogen, Tissuepatch, Duraseal, or a conventional collagen plug (Lyostypt) as reference. At d30, the fetuses were harvested and full thickness fetal membrane samples were analyzed. The study consisted of 2 consecutive parts: (1) biocompatibility testing by fetal survival, apoptosis, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the membranes and (2) the efficacy to seal fetal membrane defects.

Results

Three sealants (collagen with fibrinogen, Duraseal, or Lyostypt) were associated with a higher fetal mortality compared to control unmanipulated littermates and hence were excluded from further analysis. Tissuepatch was biocompatible, and amniotic fluid levels were comparable to those of control untouched littermates. Compared to the condensed collagen, Tissuepatch was also easier in surgical handling and induced limited cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Tissuepatch had the best biocompatibility and efficacy in sealing an iatrogenic fetal membrane defect in the pregnant rabbit compared to other readily available sealants.
Psychosocial predictors of distress and depression among South African breast cancer patients
Authors: Kagee Ashraf , Roomaney Rizwana , Knoll Nina
Published: November 2017

Objective

The present study focused on psychological distress and symptoms of depression among a sample of patients attending an outpatient breast cancer clinic in South Africa. The authors also sought to identify the predictors of distress and depression by using demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables, including perceived and received social support.

Methods

A convenience sample of breast cancer patients was recruited from the Breast Clinic at a hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants (N = 201) were asked to complete a questionnaire battery consisting of, inter alia, the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and the Berlin Social Support Scales.

Results

More than one‐third of participants scored in the elevated ranges on the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale and Hopkins Symptom Checklist, indicating that distress and symptoms of depression were a concern for a sizable minority of participants. Regression analysis showed that body change stress and perceived social support were significant predictors of both psychological distress and symptoms of depression.

Conclusions

Distress and depressive symptoms are prevalent among South African breast cancer patients, especially those with higher body change stress and lower perceived support. For breast cancer patients who are distressed or have symptoms of depression, social support, information, psychosocial counseling, and in some cases, referral for medication management and cognitive psychotherapy is indicated. This article calls attention to the need for psychosocial services directed at supporting patients receiving care at breast clinics in South Africa.
Thyroid cancer patients receiving an interdisciplinary team‐based care approach (ITCA‐ThyCa) appear to display better outcomes: Program evaluation results indicating a need for further integrated care and support
Authors: Henry Melissa , Frenkiel Saul , Chartier Gabrielle , MacDonald Christina , Payne Richard J. , Black Martin J. , Mlynarek Alex M. , Zeitouni Anthony , Kost Karen , Loiselle Carmen , Ehrler Antoinette , Rosberger Zeev , Tamilia Michael , Chang Yu Xin , de la Mora Cecilia , Arbaud Camille , Hier Michael P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Thyroid cancer (ThyCa) is generally associated with a favorable prognosis and excellent surgical outcomes. Consequently, its treatment is medically focused and current guidelines recommend interdisciplinary care including access to a nurse for complex cases alone. To date, no studies have evaluated the need for and impact of an Interdisciplinary Team‐based Care Approach (ITCA‐ThyCa) for general thyroid cancer patients, including a dedicated nurse as part of a larger interdisciplinary team, as well as patient‐reported outcomes, as is recommended worldwide in cancer care. Our aim was to evaluate such a program.

Methods

The ITCA‐ThyCa was evaluated within a quasi‐experimental design using the Centers for Disease Control Framework for Program Evaluation, including process and outcome measures. Patients eligible were adults with a biopsy indicating confirmed or highly suspicious ThyCa (TNM‐Classification + Bethesda score of V/VI). The intervention group (IG) received ITCA‐ThyCa and the comparison group (CG), usual care alone.

Results

In our sample comprised of 200 participants (122 IG; 78 CG), ITCA‐ThyCa patients appeared to show significantly better outcomes than CG patients, namely, higher levels of overall well‐being (P = .001) and fewer physical (P = .003) and practical (P = .003) issues and concerns. More satisfied with their overall care (P = .028), including care coordination (P = .049), they reported their health care provider as more approachable (P = .007), respectful (P = .005), and trustworthy (P = .077; trend) and were more likely to recommend their hospital (P = .02). Ninety‐eight percent of IG patients recommended ITCA‐ThyCa.

Conclusion

Data from our program illustrates that hospital resources should not be allocated based on medical trajectory alone and challenges the idea that ThyCa is “straightforward.” ThyCa patients seem to experience symptom distress at a level comparable to—or exceeding—that of general oncological patients despite their promising medical outcomes, indicating that better integrated care and support are in order.
Should consultation recording use be a practice standard? A systematic review of the effectiveness and implementation of consultation recordings
Authors: Rieger Kendra L. , Hack Thomas F. , Beaver Kinta , Schofield Penelope
Published: November 2017

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of consultation recordings and identify factors contributing to their successful implementation in health‐care settings.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for quantitative studies examining the effectiveness of consultation recordings in health care. Two independent reviewers assessed the relevance and quality of retrieved quantitative studies by using standardized criteria. Study findings were examined to determine consultation recording effectiveness and to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. A supplementary review of qualitative evidence was performed to further explicate implementation factors.

Results

Of the 3373 articles retrieved in the quantitative search, 26 satisfied the standardized inclusion criteria (12 randomized controlled trials, 1 quasi‐experiment, and 13 cross‐sectional studies). Most patients found consultation recordings beneficial. Statistically significant evidentiary support was found for the beneficial impact of consultation recordings on the following patient reported outcomes: knowledge, perception of being informed, information recall, decision‐making factors, anxiety, and depression. Implementation barriers included strength of evidence concerns, patient distress, impact of the recording on consultation quality, clinic procedures, medico‐legal issues, and resource costs. Facilitators included comfort with being recorded, clinical champions, legal strategies, efficient recording procedures, and a positive consultation recording experience.

Conclusions

Consultation recordings are valuable to patients and positively associated with patient‐reported outcomes. Successful integration of consultation recording use into clinical practice requires an administratively supported, systematic approach to addressing implementation factors.
Validation of a simultaneous method for determining polycyclic aromatic compounds and alkylated isomers in biota
Authors: Idowu Ifeoluwa , Francisco Olga , Thomas Philippe J. , Johnson Wesley , Marvin Chris , Stetefeld Jörg , Tomy Gregg T.
Published: November 2017

Rationale

There is a need for a validated method to improve detection limits and simultaneously quantify polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs, both parent and alkylated homologues) in biota by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry because of their environmental significance. The validation of the method was performed in accordance to the Eurachem Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry.

Methods

Gas chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer used in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for detection and quantification. Retention time windows and selective MRM ion transitions were optimized for a suite of PACs. The developed method was validated by comparing our measurements made on a reference material of freeze‐dried mussel tissue (Mytilus edulis) with the certified values.

Results

Linearity was observed between 10–1000 pg/μL (PAHs) and 2‐500 pg/μL (alkyl‐PACs including S‐based PACs). The overall mean (±SD) for the limits of detection of 43 PACs studied were 0.305 ± 0.276 and 2.69 ± 1.10 ng/g, respectively. For the 14 certified target analytes, the percent relative error ranged from 1.3 to 33%. With the exception of benzo(a)pyrene, the between‐day and within‐day repeatability for all target analytes was lower than 15% RSD.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a fully validated method to simultaneously quantify PACs in biota performed in an ISO accredited laboratory.