bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration time shift of analytes in micellar electrokinetic chromatography induced by stacking
Authors: Dziomba Szymon , Ciura Krzesimir , Markuszewski Michał J. , Wielgomas Bartosz
Published: March 2017

A significant shift of migration time of nonretained compounds (ascorbic acid and cysteine) in micellar electrokinetic chromatography was observed under variation of sample matrix composition. The shift was affected by borate buffer concentration in sample matrix, sample injection time, and pH of BGE (80 mM SDS, Tris/HCl). Surprisingly, longer migration time of analyte was recorded at higher pH of separation buffer. These observations were linked to transient isotachophoresis process. Computer simulation with Simul5 software was conducted to support this hypothesis. The manuscript documents rarely reported in the literature phenomenon of isotachophoresis in micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The analytical potential of described observations was also discussed.
Role of Cu on zero valent bimetallic Cu—Fe in arsenic removal with gas bubbling
Authors: Nakseedee Piyanate , Tanboonchuy Visanu , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Grisdanurak Nurak , Liao Chih‐Hsiang
Published: March 2017

Arsenic (As) removal by nano bimetallic Cu‐Fe synthesized by in‐situ (Cu‐Fe)IS and impregnation (Cu‐Fe)IM techniques was studied. Synthesized Cu‐Fe by both techniques provided smaller particles than NZVI particles. (Cu‐Fe)IM showed higher efficiency in As removal, compared to (Cu‐Fe)IS and pristine NZVI. Batch experiments were performed by varying percent Cu loading (0–30% by wt). As(III) was removed completely by 10 wt % Cu loading on NZVI under an IM technique. It also provided double removal rate compared to pristine NZVI. X‐ray absorption near edge structure analysis supported that a mixed phases of Cu2O and CuO in (Cu‐Fe)IM enhanced As removal toward co‐precipitating with iron species about 20% for both As(III) and As(V) removal. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1449–1457, 2017
Removal of organic and inorganic substances from industry wastewaters using modified aluminosilicate‐based polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Velu S. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Lade Harshad
Published: March 2017

Membrane separation processes are attracting increasing interest for the treatment of industrial wastewaters owing to its high organic and inorganic content removal efficiency and material stability. Herein, we have presented an approach to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membrane using aluminosilicate particles (ASPs) for high permeability and separation performance against tannery and distillery wastewater. PES:ASPs ultrafiltration membrane was developed by phase inversion technique at different weight ratios of 0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, and 40:60 of PES:ASPs. The functional groups and hydrophilicity were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and contact angle, respectively. The modified membranes displayed improved wastewater permeability and higher flux compared to the neat PES membrane. The moderate removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids, chlorides, and sulfates from tannery and distillery wastewaters were attained for all ASPs‐based PES membranes. In the case of tannery effluent treatment, high BOD reduction of 92% was observed for 80:20 weight ratio of PES:ASPs membrane and 75% BOD reduction for the pure PES membrane. The sulfides removal was 2.21 mg L−1 for 90:10 weight ratio of PES:ASPs membrane when compared with the initial quantity of 42 mg L−1 distillery wastewater. The PES:ASPs membrane with 80:20 weight ratios presented the best COD and BOD removal performance. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1612–1620, 2017
Genetic effect of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the structural covariance network and white‐matter integrity in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chang Yu‐Tzu , Hsu Shih‐Wei , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Chang Ya‐Ting , Huang Chi‐Wei , Liu Mu‐En , Chen Nai‐Ching , Chang Wen‐Neng , Hsu Jung‐Lung , Lee Chen‐Chang , Chang Chiung‐Chih
Published: March 2017

The 677 C to T transition in the MTHFR gene is a genetic determinant for hyperhomocysteinemia. We investigated whether this polymorphism modulates gray matter (GM) structural covariance networks independently of white‐matter integrity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). GM structural covariance networks were constructed by 3D T1‐magnetic resonance imaging and seed‐based analysis. The patients were divided into two genotype groups: C homozygotes (n = 73) and T carriers (n = 62). Using diffusion tensor imaging and white‐matter parcellation, 11 fiber bundle integrities were compared between the two genotype groups. Cognitive test scores were the major outcome factors. The T carriers had higher homocysteine levels, lower posterior cingulate cortex GM volume, and more clusters in the dorsal medial lobe subsystem showing stronger covariance strength. Both posterior cingulate cortex seed and interconnected peak cluster volumes predicted cognitive test scores, especially in the T carriers. There were no between‐group differences in fiber tract diffusion parameters. The MTHFR 677T polymorphism modulates posterior cingulate cortex‐anchored structural covariance strength independently of white matter integrities. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3039–3051, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published Wiley by Periodicals, Inc.
Neural decoding of visual stimuli varies with fluctuations in global network efficiency
Authors: Cocchi Luca , Yang Zhengyi , Zalesky Andrew , Stelzer Johannes , Hearne Luke J. , Gollo Leonardo L. , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: March 2017

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that neural activity fluctuates spontaneously between different states of global synchronization over a timescale of several seconds. Such fluctuations generate transient states of high and low correlation across distributed cortical areas. It has been hypothesized that such fluctuations in global efficiency might alter patterns of activity in local neuronal populations elicited by changes in incoming sensory stimuli. To test this prediction, we used a linear decoder to discriminate patterns of neural activity elicited by face and motion stimuli presented periodically while participants underwent time‐resolved fMRI. As predicted, decoding was reliably higher during states of high global efficiency than during states of low efficiency, and this difference was evident across both visual and nonvisual cortical regions. The results indicate that slow fluctuations in global network efficiency are associated with variations in the pattern of activity across widespread cortical regions responsible for representing distinct categories of visual stimulus. More broadly, the findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of global fluctuations in functional connectivity on specialized, stimulus driven neural processes. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3069–3080, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real‐time fMRI neurofeedback in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Alegria Analucia A. , Wulff Melanie , Brinson Helen , Barker Gareth J. , Norman Luke J. , Brandeis Daniel , Stahl Daniel , David Anthony S. , Taylor Eric , Giampietro Vincent , Rubia Katya
Published: March 2017

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with poor self‐control, underpinned by inferior fronto‐striatal deficits. Real‐time functional magnetic resonance neurofeedback (rtfMRI‐NF) allows participants to gain self‐control over dysregulated brain regions. Despite evidence for beneficial effects of electrophysiological‐NF on ADHD symptoms, no study has applied the spatially superior rtfMRI‐NF neurotherapy to ADHD. A randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of rtfMRI‐NF of right inferior prefrontal cortex (rIFG), a key region that is compromised in ADHD and upregulated with psychostimulants, on improvement of ADHD symptoms, cognition, and inhibitory fMRI activation. To control for region‐specificity, an active control group received rtfMRI‐NF of the left parahippocampal gyrus (lPHG). Thirty‐one ADHD boys were randomly allocated and had to learn to upregulate their target brain region in an average of 11 rtfMRI‐NF runs over 2 weeks. Feedback was provided through a video‐clip of a rocket that had to be moved up into space. A transfer session without feedback tested learning retention as a proximal measure of transfer to everyday life. Both NF groups showed significant linear activation increases with increasing number of runs in their respective target regions and significant reduction in ADHD symptoms after neurotherapy and at 11‐month follow‐up. Only the group targeting rIFG, however, showed a transfer effect, which correlated with ADHD symptom reductions, improved at trend level in sustained attention, and showed increased IFG activation during an inhibitory fMRI task. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates for the first time feasibility, safety, and shorter‐ and longer‐term efficacy of rtfMRI‐NF of rIFG in adolescents with ADHD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3190–3209, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paranasal sinus lymphoma: Retrospective review with focus on clinical features, histopathology, prognosis, and relationship to systemic lymphoma
Authors: Wajda Brynn N. , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Mardekian Stacey K. , Rosen Marc R. , Rabinowitz Michael P.
Published: March 2017

Background

Paranasal sinus lymphoma is a rare clinical entity.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series of 68 patients with biopsy‐confirmed paranasal sinus lymphoma with attention on systemic disease association.

Results

Of 63 patients with paranasal sinus lymphoma, 35 (56%) had systemic involvement. Four patient groups were identified: (1) primary paranasal sinus lymphoma (44%); (2) systemic disease occurring concurrently with paranasal sinus lymphoma (25%); (3) paranasal sinus lymphoma with relapse of preexisting systemic lymphoma (22%); and (4) progression to systemic disease after primary paranasal sinus lymphoma (8%). Most of the patients with systemic disease were diagnosed at 50 + years and had positive smoking histories. There was a trend toward disease activity in the neighboring ocular location. For patients with preexisting systemic lymphoma, the mean time to paranasal sinus lymphoma was 65 months. When systemic lymphoma developed after localized paranasal sinus lymphoma, mean time to progression was 23 months. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma was the most common paranasal sinus lymphoma.

Conclusion

There is a risk of systemic involvement during the disease course of paranasal sinus lymphoma. Biopsy is the preferred first management step and should precede debulking or mass resection in nonemergent cases. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1065–1070, 2017
Neuromedin U alters bioenergetics and expands the cancer stem cell phenotype in HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Martinez Vanesa G. , Crown John , Porter Richard K. , O'Driscoll Lorraine
Published: March 2017

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide belonging to the neuromedin family. Recently, we reported a significant association between NmU and breast cancer, particularly correlating with increased aggressiveness, resistance to HER2‐targeted therapies and overall significantly poorer outcome for patients, although the mechanism through which it exerts this effect remained unexplained. Investigating this, here we found that ectopic over‐expression of NmU in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells induced aberrant metabolism, with increased glycolysis, likely due to enhanced pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity. Similar results were observed in HER2‐targeted drug‐resistant cell variants, which we had previously shown to display increased levels of NmU. Overexpression of NmU also resulted in upregulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers and increased IL‐6 secretion which, together with aberrant metabolism, have all been associated with the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. Flow cytometry experiments confirmed that NmU‐overexpressing and HER2‐targeted drug‐resistant cells showed an increased proportion of cells with CSC phenotype (CD44+/CD24–). Taken together, our results report a new mechanism of action for NmU in HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer that enhances resistance to HER2‐targeted drugs through conferring CSC characteristics and expansion of the CSC phenotype.
P450 inhibitor ketoconazole increased the intratumor drug levels and antitumor activity of fenretinide in human neuroblastoma xenograft models
Authors: Lopez‐Barcons Lluis , Maurer Barry J. , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: March 2017

We previously reported that concurrent ketoconazole, an oral anti‐fungal agent and P450 enzyme inhibitor, increased plasma levels of the cytotoxic retinoid, fenretinide (4‐HPR) in mice. We have now determined the effects of concurrent ketoconazole on 4‐HPR cytotoxic dose‐response in four neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines in vitro and on 4‐HPR activity against two cell line‐derived, subcutaneous NB xenografts (CDX) and three patient‐derived NB xenografts (PDX). Cytotoxicity in vitro was assessed by DIMSCAN assay. Xenografted animals were treated with 4‐HPR/LXS (240 mg/kg/day) + ketoconazole (38 mg/kg/day) in divided oral doses in cycles of five continuous days a week. In one model, intratumoral levels of 4‐HPR and metabolites were assessed by HPLC assay, and in two models intratumoral apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay, on Day 5 of the first cycle. Antitumor activity was assessed by Kaplan‐Meier event‐free survival (EFS). The in vitro cytotoxicity of 4‐HPR was not affected by ketoconazole (p ≥ 0.06). Ketoconazole increased intratumoral levels of 4‐HPR (p = 0.02), of the active 4‐oxo‐4‐HPR metabolite (p = 0.04), and intratumoral apoptosis (p ≤ 0.0006), compared to 4‐HPR/LXS‐alone. Concurrent ketoconazole increased EFS in both CDX models compared to 4‐HPR/LXS‐alone (p ≤ 0.008). 4‐HPR + ketoconazole also increased EFS in PDX models compared to controls (p ≤ 0.03). Thus, concurrent ketoconazole decreased 4‐HPR metabolism with resultant increases of plasma and intratumoral drug levels and antitumor effects in neuroblastoma murine xenografts. These results support the clinical testing of concurrent ketoconazole and oral fenretinide in neuroblastoma.
Risk factors for lymph node metastases in women with endometrial cancer: A population‐based, nation‐wide register study—On behalf of the Swedish Gynecological Cancer Group
Authors: Stålberg K. , Kjølhede P. , Bjurberg M. , Borgfeldt C. , Dahm‐Kähler P. , Falconer H. , Holmberg E. , Staf C. , Tholander B. , Åvall‐Lundqvist E. , Rosenberg P. , Högberg T.
Published: March 2017

The role of lymphadenectomy in the management of early endometrial cancer remains controversial. In the recent ESMO‐ESGO‐ESTRO guidelines, lymphadenectomy is recommended for patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma Grade 3 with deep myometrial invasion, but complete agreement was not achieved. In Sweden, DNA aneuploidy has been included as a high‐risk factor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of tumor histology, FIGO grade, DNA ploidy and myometrial invasion (MI) on occurrence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with endometrial cancer. The study design is a retrospective cohort study based on prospectively recorded register data. Endometrial cancer patients registered in the Swedish Quality Registry for Gynecologic Cancer 2010–2015 with FIGO Stages I–III and verified nodal status were included. Data on DNA ploidy, histology, FIGO grade and MI were included in multivariable log‐binomial regression analyses with LNM as dependent variable. 1,165 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The multivariable analyses revealed increased risk of LNM in patients with tumors with MI ≥ 50% (risk ratio [RR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–5.6), nonendometrioid compared to endometrioid histology (RR 1.8; CI 1.4–2.4) and FIGO Grade 3 compared to Grade 1–2 tumors (RR 1.5; CI 1.1–2.0). No statistically significant association between DNA ploidy status and LNM was detected. This population‐based, nation‐wide study in women with endometrial cancer confirms a strong association between MI ≥ 50%, nonendometrioid histology and FIGO Grade 3, respectively, and LNM. DNA ploidy should not be included in the preoperative decision making of removing nodes or not.
Mendelian randomisation implicates hyperlipidaemia as a risk factor for colorectal cancer
Authors: Rodriguez‐Broadbent Henry , Law Philip J. , Sud Amit , Palin Kimmo , Tuupanen Sari , Gylfe Alexandra , Hänninen Ulrika A. , Cajuso Tatiana , Tanskanen Tomas , Kondelin Johanna , Kaasinen Eevi , Sarin Antti‐Pekka , Ripatti Samuli , Eriksson Johan G. , Rissanen Harri , Knekt Paul , Pukkala Eero , Jousilahti Pekka , Salomaa Veikko , Palotie Aarno , Renkonen‐Sinisalo Laura , Lepistö Anna , Böhm Jan , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Al‐Tassan Nada A. , Palles Claire , Martin Lynn , Barclay Ella , Farrington Susan M. , Timofeeva Maria N. , Meyer Brian F. , Wakil Salma M. , Campbell Harry , Smith Christopher G. , Idziaszczyk Shelley , Maughan Timothy S. , Kaplan Richard , Kerr Rachel , Kerr David , Passarelli Michael N. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Win Aung K. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Lindor Noralane M. , Newcomb Polly A. , Gallinger Steven , Conti David , Schumacher Fred , Casey Graham , Aaltonen Lauri A. , Cheadle Jeremy P. , Tomlinson Ian P. , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Houlston Richard S.
Published: March 2017

While elevated blood cholesterol has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in observational studies, causality is uncertain. Here we apply a Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to examine the potential causal relationship between lipid traits and CRC risk. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) as instrumental variables (IV). We calculated MR estimates for each risk factor with CRC using SNP‐CRC associations from 9,254 cases and 18,386 controls. Genetically predicted higher TC was associated with an elevated risk of CRC (odds ratios (OR) per unit SD increase = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–1.79, p = 1.68 × 10−4). The pooled ORs for LDL, HDL, and TG were 1.05 (95% CI: 0.92–1.18, p = 0.49), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.84–1.05, p = 0.27), and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.85–1.12, p = 0.75) respectively. A genetic risk score for 3‐hydoxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) to mimic the effects of statin therapy was associated with a reduced CRC risk (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.99, p = 0.046). This study supports a causal relationship between higher levels of TC with CRC risk, and a further rationale for implementing public health strategies to reduce the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia.
Molecular Imaging of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Ciarmiello Andrea , Giovacchini Giampiero , Giovannini Elisabetta , Lazzeri Patrizia , Borsò Elisa , Mannironi Antonio , Mansi Luigi
Published: March 2017

The onset and the clinical progression of Huntington Disease (HD) is influenced by several events prompted by a genetic mutation that affects several organs tissues including different regions of the brain. In the last decades years, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) helped to deepen the knowledge of neurodegenerative mechanisms that guide to clinical symptoms. Brain imaging with PET represents a tool to investigate the physiopathology occurring in the brain and it has been used to predict the age of onset of the disease and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs. This article reviews the contribution of PET and MRI in the research field on Huntington's disease, focusing in particular on some most relevant achievements that have helped recognize the molecular changes, the clinical symptoms and evolution of the disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1988–1993, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical pitfalls of jejunal vein anatomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshiya , Ban Daisuke , Matsumura Satoshi , Mitsunori Yusuke , Ochiai Takanori , Kudo Atsushi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: March 2017

Background

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the standard surgical procedure for treating pancreatic head cancers. Considerable knowledge of proximal jejunal and pancreatic vein anatomy is a prerequisite for performing PD surgery safely, yet there appear to be no detailed descriptions of first and second jejunal vein (J1V, J2V) anatomy available in the literature.

Study design

Adults with hepatobiliary‐pancreatic disease underwent multidetector‐row computed tomography with intravenous contrast (n = 155), and SYNAPSE 3D (Fujifilm Medical, Tokyo, Japan) was used to generate 3D‐CT images.

Results

In 84% of patients, J1V and J2V formed a common trunk (FJT). There were three patterns of branches, related to the presence or absence of FJT formation and the anatomical relationships between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the jejunal veins, as follows: Type 1 (n = 98, 63%) characterized by an FJT located dorsal to SMA; Type 2 (n = 32, 21%), where the FJT was located ventral to the SMA; and Type 3 (n = 25, 16%), where J1V and J2V each drained separately into the SMV.

Conclusions

J1V and J2V usually formed an FJT, and separate J1V and J2V drainage into the SMV was uncommon. Preoperative information on individual patient venous anatomy would increase the safety of the PD procedure.
Advances in MRI around metal
Authors: Jungmann Pia M. , Agten Christoph A. , Pfirrmann Christian W. , Sutter Reto
Published: March 2017

The prevalence of orthopedic metal implants is continuously rising in the aging society. Particularly the number of joint replacements is increasing. Although satisfying long‐term results are encountered, patients may suffer from complaints or complications during follow‐up, and often undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Yet metal implants cause severe artifacts on MRI, resulting in signal‐loss, signal‐pileup, geometric distortion, and failure of fat suppression. In order to allow for adequate treatment decisions, metal artifact reduction sequences (MARS) are essential for proper radiological evaluation of postoperative findings in these patients. During recent years, developments of musculoskeletal imaging have addressed this particular technical challenge of postoperative MRI around metal. Besides implant material composition, configuration and location, selection of appropriate MRI hardware, sequences, and parameters influence artifact genesis and reduction. Application of dedicated metal artifact reduction techniques including high bandwidth optimization, view angle tilting (VAT), and the multispectral imaging techniques multiacquisition variable‐resonance image combination (MAVRIC) and slice‐encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) may significantly reduce metal‐induced artifacts, although at the expense of signal‐to‐noise ratio and/or acquisition time. Adding advanced image acquisition techniques such as parallel imaging, partial Fourier transformation, and advanced reconstruction techniques such as compressed sensing further improves MARS imaging in a clinically feasible scan time. This review focuses on current clinically applicable MARS techniques. Understanding of the main principles and techniques including their limitations allows a considerate application of these techniques in clinical practice. Essential orthopedic metal implants and postoperative MR findings around metal are presented and highlighted with clinical examples.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:972–991.
Longitudinal evaluation of perfusion changes in acute and chronic renal allograft rejection using arterial spin labeling in translational mouse models
Authors: Hueper Katja , Schmidbauer Martina , Thorenz Anja , Bräsen Jan H , Gutberlet Marcel , Mengel Michael , Hartung Dagmar , Chen Rongjun , Meier Martin , Haller Hermann , Wacker Frank , Rong Song , Gueler Faikah
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To examine the longitudinal changes of renal perfusion due to acute and chronic renal allograft rejection by using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI in translational mouse models of isogenic and allogenic kidney transplantation (ktx).

Materials and Methods

Acute rejection was induced by allogenic ktx of C57BL/6 (B6)‐kidney grafts to BALB/c‐recipients with prolonged cold ischemia (CIT) of 60 minutes (n = 13). To induce chronic rejection BALB/c‐kidneys were transplanted into B6‐recipients with short CIT of 30 minutes (n = 22). Isogenic grafts without rejection (n = 14 with prolonged, n = 9 with short CIT) and normal kidneys (n = 22) were used for comparison. Perfusion was measured on a 7T small‐animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner using flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) ASL‐sequences at day 1 and 6 (acute) or at week 3 and 6 (chronic) after surgery. Histological analyses of grafts included inflammation, vascular changes, and fibrosis.

Results

In the acute ktx model, ASL showed perfusion impairment in isogenic and allogenic kidney grafts. Perfusion of allografts further decreased until day 6 and remained stable in isografts without rejection (allogenic ktx 62 ± 21 vs. isogenic ktx 181 ± 39 ml/min/100g, P < 0.01). In the chronic ktx model, perfusion in isografts was similar to normal kidneys over the entire observation period. Perfusion was severely reduced in allografts compared to isografts (week 3: 28 ± 7 vs. 310 ± 46 ml/min/100g, P < 0.001, week 6: 32 ± 5 vs. 367 ± 72 ml/min/100g, P < 0.001). Histological analysis revealed severe inflammation, vascular occlusion, and rejection in allografts. Chronic rejection grafts showed endothelialitis, peritubular capillaritis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy.

Conclusion

ASL allows longitudinal assessment of renal perfusion impairment due to acute and chronic renal allograft rejection in translational mouse models.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1664–1672.
Metabolism of a tide‐dominated reef platform subject to extreme diel temperature and oxygen variations
Authors: Gruber Renee K. , Lowe Ryan J. , Falter James L.
Published: March 2017

Benthic dissolved oxygen fluxes were measured on the reef flat of Tallon Island, an intertidal reef platform in the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia, for periods of 2 weeks in the wet and dry seasons. This reef flat is strongly tidally forced by semidiurnal tides (spring range > 8 m) and experiences highly asymmetric water level variability, with ebb durations lasting ∼10 h; this results in diel variations in water temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration (up to ∼11°C and 440 μM, respectively) that are among the most extreme recorded for reefs worldwide. Given the consistent tidal flow patterns, a one‐dimensional control volume approach was used to make continuous Eulerian measurements of net production and community respiration from observed changes in DO within two zones: an inner zone dominated by seagrass and an outer zone dominated by macroalgae. Community respiration (R) was controlled primarily by DO concentration; however, fluxes approached the limits of DO mass transfer at low flow speeds. Estimates of gross primary production (P) suggested that reef communities were able to fix carbon at rates comparable to other tropical seagrass and mixed reef flat communities despite short‐term (∼hours) extremes in light (up to 1800 μmol m−2 s−1) and temperature (> 35°C). Daily net community production fluctuated between net autotrophy and heterotrophy over a ∼15 d period depending on the phase difference between the solar and tidal cycles but was nonetheless metabolically balanced on time scales greater than weeks (P : R = 1.0–1.1).
Ecosystem variability along the estuarine salinity gradient: Examples from long‐term study of San Francisco Bay
Authors: Cloern James E. , Jassby Alan D. , Schraga Tara S. , Nejad Erica , Martin Charles
Published: March 2017

The salinity gradient of estuaries plays a unique and fundamental role in structuring spatial patterns of physical properties, biota, and biogeochemical processes. We use variability along the salinity gradient of San Francisco Bay to illustrate some lessons about the diversity of spatial structures in estuaries and their variability over time. Spatial patterns of dissolved constituents (e.g., silicate) can be linear or nonlinear, depending on the relative importance of river‐ocean mixing and internal sinks (diatom uptake). Particles have different spatial patterns because they accumulate in estuarine turbidity maxima formed by the combination of sinking and estuarine circulation. Some constituents have weak or no mean spatial structure along the salinity gradient, reflecting spatially distributed sources along the estuary (nitrate) or atmospheric exchanges that buffer spatial variability of ecosystem metabolism (dissolved oxygen). The density difference between freshwater and seawater establishes stratification in estuaries stronger than the thermal stratification of lakes and oceans. Stratification is strongest around the center of the salinity gradient and when river discharge is high. Spatial distributions of motile organisms are shaped by species‐specific adaptations to different salinity ranges (shrimp) and by behavioral responses to environmental variability (northern anchovy). Estuarine spatial patterns change over time scales of events (intrusions of upwelled ocean water), seasons (river inflow), years (annual weather anomalies), and between eras separated by ecosystem disturbances (a species introduction). Each of these lessons is a piece in the puzzle of how estuarine ecosystems are structured and how they differ from the river and ocean ecosystems they bridge.
Near‐IR and CP‐OCT imaging of suspected occlusal caries lesions
Authors: Simon Jacob C. , Kang Hobin , Staninec Michal , Jang Andrew T. , Chan Kenneth H. , Darling Cynthia L. , Lee Robert C. , Fried Daniel
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Radiographic methods have poor sensitivity for occlusal lesions and by the time the lesions are radiolucent they have typically progressed deep into the dentin. New more sensitive imaging methods are needed to detect occlusal lesions. In this study, cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) and near‐IR imaging were used to image questionable occlusal lesions (QOC's) that were not visible on radiographs but had been scheduled for restoration on 30 test subjects.

Methods

Near‐IR reflectance and transillumination probes incorporating a high definition InGaAs camera and near‐IR broadband light sources were used to acquire images of the lesions before restoration. The reflectance probe utilized cross‐polarization and operated at wavelengths from 1,500 to 1,700 nm where there is an increase in water absorption for higher contrast. The transillumination probe was operated at 1,300 nm where the transparency of enamel is highest. Tomographic images (6 × 6 × 7 mm3) of the lesions were acquired using a high‐speed swept‐source CP‐OCT system operating at 1,300 nm before and after removal of the suspected lesion.

Results

Near‐IR reflectance imaging at 1,500–1,700 nm yielded significantly higher contrast (P < 0.05) of the demineralization in the occlusal grooves compared with visible reflectance imaging. Stains in the occlusal grooves greatly reduced the lesion contrast in the visible range yielding negative values. Only half of the 26 lesions analyzed showed the characteristic surface demineralization and increased reflectivity below the dentinal‐enamel junction (DEJ) in 3D OCT images indicative of penetration of the lesion into the dentin.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that near‐IR imaging methods have great potential for improving the early diagnosis of occlusal lesions. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:215–224, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liver transplantation recipients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis have lower risk hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lewin Sara M. , Mehta Neil , Kelley R. Kate , Roberts John P. , Yao Francis Y. , Brandman Danielle
Published: March 2017

Liver transplantation (LT) is a well‐established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in carefully selected patients. Risk factors for tumors with poor prognostic features on explant have not been well described in a national cohort. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult LT recipients with HCC transplanted from April 8, 2012 (when explant pathology in United Network for Organ Sharing [UNOS] became available) until September 30, 2014. We evaluated the association between listing diagnosis and other demographic factors with tumor features on explant using logistic regression. High‐risk tumor features included the following: > 3 tumors, largest tumor > 5 cm, presence of vascular invasion, presence of metastases, and poor differentiation of tumor. In total, 3733 LT recipients with HCC who had complete explant data in UNOS were included. The median age was 60 years; 78% were male; and 68% were white. Of the primary non‐HCC listing diagnoses, 2608 (70%) had hepatitis C virus (HCV); 271 (7%) had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); 246 (7%) had alcoholic cirrhosis; and 189 (5%) had hepatitis B virus. Also, 1140 (31%) had evidence of ≥ 1 high‐risk explant feature(s). The presence of ≥ 1 high‐risk explant feature(s) was associated with HCC recurrence after transplant (odds ratio [OR], 5.00; P < 0.001). Compared with HCV‐associated HCC transplant recipients, individuals with NASH had lower likelihood of high‐risk explant features (OR, 0.71; P = 0.02) after adjusting for covariables. Women were more likely to have high‐risk explant features (OR, 1.23; P = 0.04). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was not associated with high‐risk explant features. In conclusion, LT recipients with NASH‐associated HCC had fewer high‐risk tumor features on explant compared with HCV‐associated HCC, despite having higher rates of DM and other potential risk factors for the development of HCC. Women had a higher likelihood of high‐risk tumor features. Further study is warranted whether these differences are due to disease‐specific or sex‐specific influences on tumor biology or due to selection criteria for transplant. Liver Transplantation 23 1015–1022 2017 AASLD.
Testing Head Rotation and Flexion Is Useful in Functional Limb Weakness
Authors: Horn Dimitri , Galli Silvio , Berney Alexandre , Vingerhoets François , Aybek Selma
Published: March 2017

Background

Functional (psychogenic) neurological disorders (FNDs) are common and should be diagnosed using positive diagnostic features of internal inconsistency. However, there is a lack of objective data regarding motor signs and a lack of signs relating to motor disorders that affect the upper body and neck. The objective of this study was to provide specificity and sensitivity data on 2 axial motor signs: the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and platysma signs.

Methods

Thirty patients with motor FNDs according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, and 40 organic controls with unilateral weakness were prospectively included. The SCM functional sign and platysma organic signs were systematically tested and compared between groups.

Results

The SCM sign had high specificity of 90% (confidence interval [CI], 77%–96%) to detect FND when the platysma sign had 100% specificity (CI, 88%–100%) for detecting organic weakness. The co‐occurrence of a positive SCM and a negative platysma sign in patients with unilateral weakness carried 95% specificity (CI, 83%–99%) and 63% sensitivity (CI, 44%–80%).

Conclusion

The SCM test and platysma signs can be used for the diagnosis of motor FND. The extent to which these add value to other validated signs (such as Hoover's sign) should be further evaluated.
Exploiting multicompartment effects in triple‐echo steady‐state T2 mapping for fat fraction quantification
Authors: Liu Dian , Steingoetter Andreas , Curcic Jelena , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To investigate and exploit the effect of intravoxel off‐resonance compartments in the triple‐echo steady‐state (TESS) sequence without fat suppression for T2 mapping and to leverage the results for fat fraction quantification.

Methods

In multicompartment tissue, where at least one compartment is excited off‐resonance, the total signal exhibits periodic modulations as a function of echo time (TE). Simulated multicompartment TESS signals were synthesized at various TEs. Fat emulsion phantoms were prepared and scanned at the same TE combinations using TESS. In vivo knee data were obtained with TESS to validate the simulations. The multicompartment effect was exploited for fat fraction quantification in the stomach by acquiring TESS signals at two TE combinations.

Results

Simulated and measured multicompartment signal intensities were in good agreement. Multicompartment effects caused erroneous T2 offsets, even at low water–fat ratios. The choice of TE caused T2 variations of as much as 28% in cartilage. The feasibility of fat fraction quantification to monitor the decrease of fat content in the stomach during digestion is demonstrated.

Conclusions

Intravoxel off‐resonance compartments are a confounding factor for T2 quantification using TESS, causing errors that are dependent on the TE. At the same time, off‐resonance effects may allow for efficient fat fraction mapping using steady‐state imaging. Magn Reson Med 79:423–429, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Common polymorphisms of chemokine (C‐X3‐C motif) receptor 1 gene modify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis outcome: A population‐based study
Authors: Calvo Andrea , Moglia Cristina , Canosa Antonio , Cammarosano Stefania , Ilardi Antonio , Bertuzzo Davide , Traynor Bryan J. , Brunetti Maura , Barberis Marco , Mora Gabriele , Casale Federico , Chiò Adriano
Published: March 2017

Introduction: In the brain, the chemokine (C‐X3‐C motif) receptor 1 (1CX3CR1) gene is expressed only by microglia, where it acts as a key mediator of the neuron–microglia interactions. We assessed whether the 2 common polymorphisms of the CX3CR1 gene (V249I and T280M) modify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype. Methods: The study included 755 ALS patients diagnosed in Piemonte between 2007 and 2012 and 369 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls, all genotyped with the same chips. Results: Neither of the variants was associated with an increased risk of ALS. Patients with the V249I V/V genotype had a 6‐month‐shorter survival than those with I/I or V/I genotypes (dominant model, P = 0.018). The T280M genotype showed a significant difference among the 3 genotypes (additive model, P = 0.036). Cox multivariable analysis confirmed these findings. Discussion: We found that common variants of the CX3CR1 gene influence ALS survival. Our data provide further evidence for the role of neuroinflammation in ALS. Muscle Nerve 57: 212–216, 2018
Cyclic best first search: Using contours to guide branch‐and‐bound algorithms
Authors: Morrison David R. , Sauppe Jason J. , Zhang Wenda , Jacobson Sheldon H. , Sewell Edward C.
Published: March 2017

The cyclic best‐first search (CBFS) strategy is a recent search strategy that has been successfully applied to branch‐and‐bound algorithms in a number of different settings. CBFS is a modification of best‐first search (BFS) that places search tree subproblems into contours which are collections of subproblems grouped in some way, and repeatedly cycles through all non‐empty contours, selecting one subproblem to explore from each. In this article, the theoretical properties of CBFS are analyzed for the first time. CBFS is proved to be a generalization of all other search strategies by using a contour definition that explores the same sequence of subproblems as any other search strategy. Further, a bound is proved between the number of subproblems explored by BFS and the number of children generated by CBFS, given a fixed branching strategy and set of pruning rules. Finally, a discussion of heuristic contour‐labeling functions is provided, and proof‐of‐concept computational results for mixed‐integer programming problems from the MIPLIB 2010 database are shown. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 64: 64–82, 2017
Combined spiroergometry and 31P–MRS of human calf muscle during high‐intensity exercise
Authors: Moll K. , Gussew A. , Hein C. , Stutzig N. , Reichenbach J.R.
Published: March 2017

Simultaneous measurements of pulmonary oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide exhalation (VCO2) and phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P–MRS) are valuable in physiological studies to evaluate muscle metabolism during specific loads. Therefore, the aim of this study was to adapt a commercially available spirometric device to enable measurements of VO2 and VCO2 whilst simultaneously performing 31P–MRS at 3 T. Volunteers performed intense plantar flexion of their right calf muscle inside the MR scanner against a pneumatic MR‐compatible pedal ergometer. The use of a non‐magnetic pneumotachograph and extension of the sampling line from 3 m to 5 m to place the spirometric device outside the MR scanner room did not affect adversely the measurements of VO2 and VCO2. Response and delay times increased, on average, by at most 0.05 s and 0.79 s, respectively. Overall, we were able to demonstrate a feasible ventilation response (VO2 = 1.05 ± 0.31 L/min; VCO2 = 1.11 ± 0.33 L/min) during the exercise of a single calf muscle, as well as a good correlation between local energy metabolism and muscular acidification (τPCr fast and pH; R2 = 0.73, p < 0.005) and global respiration (τPCr fast and VO2; R2 = 0.55, p = 0.01). This provides improved insights into aerobic and anaerobic energy supply during strong muscular performances.
Maternal high‐fat diet consumption enhances offspring susceptibility to DSS‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Bibi Shima , Kang Yifei , Du Min , Zhu Mei‐Jun
Published: March 2017

Objective

Maternal high‐fat diet (HFD) may alter the offspring intestinal immune system, thereby enhancing susceptibility toward inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of maternal HFD on offspring intestinal health using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis.

Methods

Dams were provided with either HFD (60%) or control diet. After weaning, female offspring from both groups were kept on 45% HFD. At 14 weeks of age, offspring were subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 5 days, followed by 5 days of recovery.

Results

Offspring from maternal HFD had higher body weight gain before DSS induction and had higher liver and fat weights with increased adipocyte size at necropsy. When subjected to DSS treatment, HFD offspring had accelerated body weight loss and exaggerated disease activity index. HFD offspring had an elevated histopathological score and interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 expression with upregulated NF‐κB signaling. Maternal HFD resulted in enhanced neutrophil infiltration associated with elevated expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. Furthermore, maternal HFD suppressed AMP‐activated protein kinase activity and decreased sirtuin 1 and p53 protein contents in offspring gut.

Conclusions

Maternal HFD consumption predisposes offspring to a higher susceptibility to develop inflammatory bowel disease.
Tailored molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes as latent catalysts for the polymerization of dicyclopentadiene
Authors: Beerhues Julia , Sen Suman , Schowner Roman , Mate Nagy Gergely , Wang Dongren , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: March 2017

Three novel molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) pre‐catalysts, that is, Mo(N‐t‐Bu)(1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3‐isopropyl‐4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene)(CHCMe2Ph)(OTf)2 (I1, OTf = CF3SO3), Mo(N‐t‐Bu)(1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3‐isopropyl‐4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene)(CHCMe2Ph)(OTf)(t‐BuO) (I2) and Mo(N‐2,6‐Me2‐C6H3)(1,3,4‐triphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene)(CHCMe2Ph)(OTf)2 (I3) are presented. Compared to complexes based on imidazol‐2‐ylidenes or imidazolin‐2‐ylidenes, (1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3‐isopropyl‐4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) used in precatalysts I1 and I2 exerts a comparably strong trans effect to the triflate groups trans to the NHC, while (1,3,4‐triphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) used in I3 has a weaker trans effect on the triflate. In combination with a suitable second anionic ligand at molybdenum, that is, OTf, t‐BuO, compounds I1–I3 require higher temperatures to become active and can thus be used as truly room temperature latent pre‐catalysts, even for a highly reactive monomer such as dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). When used as latent precatalysts, I1–I3 offer access to poly‐DCPD with different degrees of cross‐linking and glass‐transition temperatures (Tg). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3028–3033
Poly(hexamethylene guanidine)‐based hydrogels with long lasting antimicrobial activity and low toxicity
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ying Zhimin , Luo Qiaojie , Du Hong , Wang Ying , Zhang Kai , Yan Shigui , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan , Zhu Weipu
Published: March 2017

Long lasting antimicrobial activity and low toxicity are essentials for hydrogels in biomedicine. However, most reported hydrogels cannot combine these characteristics. In this work, poly (hexamethylene guanidine) hydrochloride (PHMG), a cheap cationic polymer with two terminal amino groups, was first modified with methacrylic anhydride to give PHMG dimethacrylamide (PHMGDMAAm), which was further used to prepare hydrogels with acrylamide (AAm) under ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of α‐ketoglutaric acid (α‐KGA) as photoinitiator in aqueous medium. The resultant hydrogels showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria due to the PHMG segments in the hydrogel backbone. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels did not decrease significantly after being soaked in water for one month and washed by water frequently for many times. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of the PHMG‐PAAm hydrogels. This kind of low cost cationic hydrogels with long lasting antimicrobial activity and low toxicity is expected to have potential applications in biomedicine. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2027–2035
Block copolymer micelles with enzyme molecules at the interfaces
Authors: Liu Jinchuan , Ji Xiaotian , Zhao Hanying
Published: March 2017

This research provides an efficient method for the fabrication of hybrid micelles with enzyme molecules at the interfaces. Amphiphilic block copolymer is synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and thiol‐modified porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL‐SH) is obtained by treatment of native PPL with Traut's reagent. PPL‐SH is conjugated to the block copolymer chains by thiol‐disulfide exchange reaction. In phosphate buffered saline, the bioconjugate self‐assembles into micelles with enzyme molecules at the interfaces between hydrophobic cores and hydrophilic coronae. The bioactivity of the enzyme molecules on the micelles are compared with the native enzyme. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2047–2052