bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paeoniflorin attenuates postoperative pain by suppressing Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9/2 in mice
Authors: Fan Y.‐x. , Hu L. , Zhu S.‐h. , Han Y. , Liu W.‐t. , Yang Y.‐j. , Li Q.‐p.
Published: October 2017

Background

Recent studies have implicated that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐2 play key roles in neuropathic pain due to their facilitation of inflammatory cytokine maturation and induction of neuroinflammation. However, the role of MMP‐9/2 in postoperative pain is still unclear. We previously suggested that the natural compound paeoniflorin inhibited microglia activation induced by morphine treatment. In the present study, we demonstrated that paeoniflorin could alleviate postoperative pain via specific inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Methods

Mice received a plantar incision surgery and their mechanical allodynia was assessed with von Frey filaments. The activity of MMP‐9/2 was determined by gelatin zymography. Cell signalling was assayed by western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The expression of MMP‐9/2 was significantly increased in mice spinal cords with plantar incision surgery. Paeoniflorin remarkably suppressed the activity of MMP‐9/2 and relieved plantar incision‐induced mechanical allodynia. Interestingly, the administration of paeoniflorin blocked the maturation of interleukin‐1β, which is a critical substrate of MMPs. Thereafter, paeoniflorin markedly suppressed microglia activation, inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the expression of neuronal c‐Fos.

Conclusion

These results indicated that MMP‐9/2 activation in spinal microglia plays a key role in incision‐induced mechanical allodynia in mice. Moreover, utilizing paeniflorin blockage of the microglia MMP‐9/2 activity might represent a valuable alternative for treating postoperative pain.

Significance

Our results provided direct evidence for the first time that paeoniflorin can inhibit plantar incision‐induced microglia TLR4/MMP‐9/2/IL‐1β signalling pathway and suppress postoperative pain. Thus, regulation of microglia MMP‐9/2 may provide a new strategy for ameliorating postoperative pain.
Frost sorting on slopes by needle ice: A laboratory simulation on the effect of slope gradient
Authors: Li Anyuan , Matsuoka Norikazu , Niu Fujun
Published: October 2017

Following a previous attempt to reproduce miniature sorted patterns on a level surface, we report the results of a full‐scale laboratory simulation on frost sorting produced by needle ice activity on inclined surfaces. Four models, with different slope gradients (5°, 7°, 9°, 11°), were designed. Stones 6 mm in diameter placed in a grid covered 20% of the surface of frost‐susceptible water‐saturated soil. These models were subjected to 20–40 freeze–thaw cycles between 10°C and −5°C in 12 hours. The evolution of surface patterns was visually traced by photogrammetry. Needle ice growth and collapse induced downslope movement and concentrations of stones. A model produced incipient sorted circles on a 5° slope, whereas it resulted in three distinct sorted stripes on a 7° slope. The average diameter or spacing of these forms is 9.7–19.4 cm, comparable to those in the field dominated by diurnal freeze–thaw cycles. Surface parallel displacements of stone markers were traced with motion analysis software. The observed downslope stone displacements agree with those expected assuming that surface soil and stones move by repeated heaving perpendicular to the surface and vertical settlement due to gravity, although the growth of curved needle adds complexity to the overall displacements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying geomorphological principles and engineering science to develop a phased Sediment Management Plan for Mount St Helens, Washington
Authors: Sclafani Paul , Nygaard Chris , Thorne Colin
Published: October 2017

Thirty‐seven years post‐eruption, erosion of the debris avalanche at Mount St Helens continues to supply sediment to the Toutle–Cowlitz River system in quantities that have the potential to lower the Level of Protection (LoP) against flooding unacceptably, making this one of the most protracted gravel‐bed river disasters to date. The Portland District, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently revised its long‐term plan for sediment management (originally published in 1985), in order to maintain the LoP above the Congressionally‐authorized level, while reducing impacts on fish currently listed under the Endangered Species Act, and minimizing the overall cost of managing sediment derived from erosion at Mount St Helens. In revising the plan, the USACE drew on evidence gained from sediment monitoring, modelling and uncertainty analysis, coupled with assessment of future LoP trends under a baseline scenario (continuation of the 1985 sediment management strategy) and feasible alternatives. They applied geomorphological principles and used engineering science to develop a phased Sediment Management Plan that allows for uncertainty concerning future sediment yields by implementing sediment management actions only as, and when, necessary. The phased plan makes best use of the potential to enhance the sediment trap efficiency and storage capacity of the existing Sediment Retention Structure (SRS) by incrementally raising its spillway and using novel hydraulic structures to build islands in the North Fork Toutle River (NFTR) and steepen the gradient of the sediment plain upstream of the structure. Dredging is held in reserve, to be performed only when necessary to react to unexpectedly high sedimentation events or when the utility of other measures has been expended. The engineering‐geomorphic principles and many of the measures in the phased Sediment Management Plan are transferrable to other gravel‐bed river disasters. The overriding message is that monitoring and adaptive management are crucial components of long‐term sediment‐disaster management, especially in volcanic landscapes where future sediment yields are characterized by uncertainty and natural variability. © 2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Development and application of a biotic ligand model for predicting the chronic toxicity of dissolved and precipitated aluminum to aquatic organisms
Authors: Santore Robert C. , Ryan Adam C. , Kroglund Frode , Rodriguez Patricio H. , Stubblefield William A. , Cardwell Allison S. , Adams William J. , Nordheim Eirik
Published: October 2017

Aluminum (Al) toxicity to aquatic organisms is strongly affected by water chemistry. Toxicity-modifying factors such as pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), hardness, and temperature have a large impact on the bioavailability and toxicity of Al to aquatic organisms. The importance of water chemistry on the bioavailability and toxicity of Al suggests that interactions between Al and chemical constituents in exposures to aquatic organisms can affect the form and reactivity of Al, thereby altering the extent to which it interacts with biological membranes. These types of interactions have previously been observed in the toxicity data for other metals, which have been well described by the biotic ligand model (BLM) framework. In BLM applications to other metals (including cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc), these interactions have focused on dissolved metal. A review of Al toxicity data shows that concentrations of Al that cause toxicity are frequently in excess of solubility limitations. Aluminum solubility is strongly pH dependent, with a solubility minimum near pH 6 and increasing at both lower and higher pH values. For the Al BLM, the mechanistic framework has been extended to consider toxicity resulting from a combination of dissolved and precipitated Al to recognize the solubility limitation. The resulting model can effectively predict toxicity to fish, invertebrates, and algae over a wide range of conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:70–79. © 2017 SETAC
Morphology of subcortical brain nuclei is associated with autonomic function in healthy humans
Authors: Ruffle James K. , Coen Steven J. , Giampietro Vincent , Williams Steven C.R. , Apkarian A. Vania , Farmer Adam D. , Aziz Qasim
Published: October 2017

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a brain body interface which serves to maintain homeostasis by influencing a plethora of physiological processes, including metabolism, cardiorespiratory regulation and nociception. Accumulating evidence suggests that ANS function is disturbed in numerous prevalent clinical disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. While the brain is a central hub for regulating autonomic function, the association between resting autonomic activity and subcortical morphology has not been comprehensively studied and thus was our aim. In 27 healthy subjects [14 male and 13 female; mean age 30 years (range 22–53 years)], we quantified resting ANS function using validated indices of cardiac sympathetic index (CSI) and parasympathetic cardiac vagal tone (CVT). High resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired, and differences in subcortical nuclei shape, that is, ‘deformation’, contingent on resting ANS activity were investigated. CSI positively correlated with outward deformation of the brainstem, right nucleus accumbens, right amygdala and bilateral pallidum (all thresholded to corrected P < 0.05). In contrast, parasympathetic CVT negatively correlated with inward deformation of the right amygdala and pallidum (all thresholded to corrected P < 0.05). Left and right putamen volume positively correlated with CVT (r = 0.62, P = 0.0047 and r = 0.59, P = 0.008, respectively), as did the brainstem (r = 0.46, P = 0.049). These data provide novel evidence that resting autonomic state is associated with differences in the shape and volume of subcortical nuclei. Thus, subcortical morphological brain differences in various disorders may partly be attributable to perturbation in autonomic function. Further work is warranted to investigate these findings in clinical populations. Hum Brain Mapp 39:381–392, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cortical thickness alterations linked to somatoform and psychological dissociation in functional neurological disorders
Authors: Perez David L. , Matin Nassim , Williams Benjamin , Tanev Kaloyan , Makris Nikos , LaFrance W. Curt , Dickerson Bradford C.
Published: October 2017

Background

Links between dissociation and functional neurological disorder (FND)/conversion disorder are well‐established, yet the pathophysiology of dissociation remains poorly understood. This MRI study investigated structural alterations associated with somatoform and psychological dissociation in FND. We hypothesized that multimodal, paralimbic cingulo‐insular regions would relate to the severity of somatoform dissociation in patients with FND.

Methods

FreeSurfer cortical thickness and subcortical volumetric analyses were performed in 26 patients with motor FND and 27 matched healthy controls. Patients with high dissociation as measured by the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire‐20 (SDQ) or Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) were compared to controls in stratified analyses. Within‐group analyses were also performed with SDQ and DES scores in patients with FND. All cortical thickness analyses were whole‐brain corrected at the cluster‐wise level.

Results

Patients with FND and high somatoform dissociation (SDQ > 35) showed reduced left caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) cortical thickness compared to controls. In within‐group analyses, SDQ scores inversely correlated with left caudal ACC cortical thickness in patients with FND. Depersonalization/derealization scores positively correlated with right lateral occipital cortical thickness. Both within‐group findings remained statistically significant controlling for trait anxiety/depression, borderline personality disorder and post‐traumatic stress disorder, adverse life events, and motor FND subtypes in post‐hoc analyses.

Conclusion

Using complementary between‐group and within‐group analyses, an inverse association between somatoform dissociation and left caudal ACC cortical thickness was observed in patients with FND. A positive relationship was also appreciated between depersonalization/derealization severity and cortical thickness in visual association areas. These findings advance our neuropathobiological understanding of dissociation in FND. Hum Brain Mapp 39:428–439, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of l‐ornithine phenylacetate in patients with acute liver injury/failure and hyperammonemia
Authors: Stravitz R. Todd , Gottfried Michelle , Durkalski Valerie , Fontana Robert J. , Hanje A. James , Koch David , Hameed Bilal , Ganger Daniel , Subramanian Ram M. , Bukofzer Stan , Ravis William R. , Clasen Kristen , Sherker Averell , Little Lanna , Lee William M. ,   for the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: October 2017

Cerebral edema remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and has been linked to elevated blood ammonia levels. l‐ornithine phenylacetate (OPA) may decrease ammonia by promoting its renal excretion as phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN), decreasing the risk of cerebral edema. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of OPA in patients with ALF and acute liver injury (ALI), including those with renal failure. Forty‐seven patients with ALI/ALF and ammonia ≥60 μM were enrolled. Patients received OPA in a dose escalation scheme from 3.3 g every 24 hours to 10 g every 24 hours; 15 patients received 20 g every 24 hours throughout the infusion for up to 120 hours. Plasma phenylacetate (PA) concentrations were uniformly below target (<75 μg/mL) in those receiving 3.3 g every 24 hours (median [interquartile range] 5.0 [5.0] μg/mL), and increased to target levels in all but one who received 20 g every 24 hours (150 [100] μg/mL). Plasma [PAGN] increased, and conversion of PA to PAGN became saturated, with increasing OPA dose. Urinary PAGN clearance and creatinine clearance were linearly related (r = 0.831, P < 0.0001). Mean ammonia concentrations based on the area under the curve decreased to a greater extent in patients who received 20 g of OPA every 24 hours compared with those who received the maximal dose of 3.3 or 6.7 g every 24 hours (P = 0.046 and 0.022, respectively). Of the reported serious adverse events (AEs), which included 11 deaths, none was attributable to study medication. The only nonserious AEs possibly related to study drug were headache and nausea/vomiting. Conclusion: OPA was well‐tolerated in patients with ALI/ALF, and no safety signals were identified. Target [PA] was achieved at infusion rates of 20 g every 24 hours, leading to ammonia excretion in urine as PAGN in proportion to renal function. Randomized, controlled studies of high‐dose OPA are needed to determine its use as an ammonia‐scavenging agent in patients with ALF. (Hepatology 2018;67:1003–1013)
Looking for the best immune‐checkpoint inhibitor in pre‐treated NSCLC patients: An indirect comparison between nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab
Authors: Passiglia Francesco , Galvano Antonio , Rizzo Sergio , Incorvaia Lorena , Listì Angela , Bazan Viviana , Russo Antonio
Published: October 2017

Immune‐checkpoint inhibitors represent the new standard of care in patients with advanced NSCLC who progressed after first‐line treatment. This work aim to assess any difference in both efficacy and safety profiles among Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab in pre‐treated NSCLC patients. Randomized clinical trials comparing immune‐checkpoint inhibitor versus docetaxel in pre‐treated patients with advanced NSCLC were included and direct comparison meta‐analysis of selected trials have been performed. Subsequently the summary estimates of Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab emerging from the direct meta‐analysis were selected to provide the pooled estimates of hazard ratio (HR) and relative risk (RR) for the indirect comparisons among these agents. A total of 5 studies met the selection criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Indirect comparisons for efficacy outcomes showed the RR for ORR nivolumab versus atezolizumab 1.66 (95% CI 1.07−2.58), pembrolizumab versus atezolizumab 1.94 (95% CI 1.30−2.90). No significant differences in both PFS and OS have been observed. Indirect comparisons for safety showed the RR for G3‐5 AEs nivolumab versus pembrolizumab 0.41 (95% CI 0.29−0.60), nivolumab versus atezolizumab 0.50 (95% CI 0.35−0.72). No significant differences in both pneumonitis and discontinuation rate have been observed. The results of this work revealed that nivolumab and pembrolizumab are associated with a significant increase of ORR as compared to atezolizumab and nivolumab is associated with a significant lower incidence of G3‐5 AEs as compared to the other drugs. These evidences could support the oncologists to select the best drug for each patient.
Retrospective analysis of obstetric and anesthetic management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Riveros‐Perez Efrain , Wood Cristina
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the management and maternal outcomes of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with PAS disorders (placenta creta, increta, or percreta) who were treated at a US tertiary care center between February 1, 2011, and January 31, 2016. Obstetric management, anesthetic management, and maternal outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 43 cases were identified; placenta previa was diagnosed among 33 (77%). Median age was 33 years (range 23–42). Median blood loss was 1500 mL (interquartile range 1000–2500); blood loss was greatest among the 10 patients with placenta percreta (3250 mL, interquartile range 2200–6000). Transfusion of blood products was necessary among 14 (33%) patients, with no difference in frequency according to the degree of placental invasion (P=0.107). Surgical complications occurred among 10 (23%) patients. Overall, 30 (70%) patients received combined spinal–epidural plus general anesthesia, 4 (9%) received only general anesthesia, and 9 (21%) underwent surgery with combined spinal–epidural anesthesia. One patient experienced difficult airway and another experienced accidental dural puncture.

Conclusion

Placenta previa and accreta coexist in many patients, leading to substantial bleeding related to the degree of myometrial invasion. An interdisciplinary team approach plus the use of combined spinal–epidural anesthesia, transitioning to general anesthesia, were advisable and safe.
Review and approval of medical devices in China: Changes and reform
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Shi Xinli , Lu Zhong , Wang Lanming , Zhang Kai , Zhang Xingdong
Published: October 2017

The 4th US‐China Joint Workshop on Regulation, Standards and Innovation of Biomaterials was held during the Annual Meeting of the Society for Biomaterials on April 5, 2017 at Minneapolis, MN. This series of joint workshops have become a unique platform for both the US and China to discuss and update what is new in the field of biomaterials and medical devices in terms of regulation, standards and innovation since 2013. China Food and Drug Administration and its affiliated agencies such as Center for Medical Device Evaluation presented at each of the workshop. With the implementation of Regulations for the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices (Decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, No. 650) since June 1, 2014, the regulatory changes and reform for medical devices in China have been hot topics in the workshops. This report captures the key information presented during the workshops, which includes major changes of the Chinese medical device regulation systems, reform of the review and approval system for medical devices in China, and the special procedures of review and approval for innovative medical devices. The market growth of medical devices along with demands for innovative technologies brings the ongoing regulatory changes and reform in China, which will certainly create positive impact on both the development of the Chinese healthcare system and the innovation of medical devices in China. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2093–2100, 2018.
H2‐P, a honokiol derivative, exerts anti‐angiogenesis effects via c‐MYC signaling pathway in glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Ting , Chen Wei , Wu Jialin
Published: October 2017

H2‐P, a derivative of honokiol, was first synthesized in our laboratory. Compared with honokiol, H2‐P has even high anti‐tumor activity. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of H2‐P to inhibit the survival rate in four gliomas cell lines. The result showed that H2‐P could significantly inhibit proliferation of gliomas cells in a dose‐dependent manner (IC50U251 = 9.03, IC50SHG‐44 = 10.74, IC50U78 = 19.87, and IC50c6 = 22.56 nM). Furthermore, to determine the mechanism underlying the anti‐gliomas effects of H2‐P, six kinase activities was detected by Z′‐LYTE™ system. The high‐throughput screening shown that effect targets of H2‐P were MEK and VEGFR2. We also studied the inhibition of H2‐P vascular endothelial cells (EA.HY926). The data shown that H2‐P could increase endothelial cells apoptosis rate, while inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation (IC50EA.hy926 = 16.11 nM) and migration. Besides, we investigated anti‐angiogenesis of H2‐P in the rat thoracic aorta rings, chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), and capillary tube formation models. H2‐P showed strong inhibition of angiogenesis. Moreover, we found that H2‐P also could reduce tumor volume in mice significantly (P < 0.01), and downregulate gene expression level of VEGFR2, MEK, and c‐MYC in tumor. These data suggest that H2‐P have an excellent anti‐tumor activity by exerting anti‐angiogenesis effects via c‐MYC signaling pathway in glioblastoma (GBM).
The ICAM‐1 expression level determines the susceptibility of human endothelial cells to simulated microgravity
Authors: Buravkova Ludmila B. , Rudimov Eugene G. , Andreeva Elena R. , Grigoriev Anatoly I.
Published: October 2017

Microgravity is a principal risk factor hampering human cardiovascular regulation during space flights. Endothelial dysfunction associated with the impaired integrity and uniformity of the monolayer represents a potential trigger for vascular damage. We characterized the expression profile of the multi‐step cascade of adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, E‐selectin, VE‐cadherin) in umbilical cord endothelial cells (ECs) after 24 h of exposure to simulated microgravity (SMG), pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α, and the combination of the two. Random Positioning Machine (RPM)‐mediated SMG was used to mimic microgravity effects. SMG stimulated the expression of E‐selectin, which is known to be involved in slowing leukocyte rolling. Primary ECs displayed heterogeneity with respect to the proportion of ICAM‐1‐positive cells. ECs were divided into two groups: pre‐activated ECs displaying high proportion of ICAM‐1+‐cells (ECs‐1) (greater than 50%) and non‐activated ECs with low proportion of ICAM‐1+‐cells (ECs‐2) (less than 25%). Only non‐activated ECs‐2 responded to SMG by elevating gene transcription and increasing ICAM‐1 and VE‐cadherin expression. This effect was enhanced after cumulative SMG‐TNF‐α exposure. ECs‐1 displayed an unexpected decrease in number of E‐selectin‐ and ICAM‐1‐positive ECs and pronounced up‐regulation of VCAM1 upon activation of inflammation, which was partially abolished by SMG. Thus, non‐activated ECs‐2 are quite resistant to the impacts of microgravity and even exhibited an elevation of the VE‐cadherin gene and protein expression, thus improving the integrity of the endothelial monolayer. Pre‐activation of ECs with inflammatory stimuli may disturb the EC adhesion profile, attenuating its barrier function. These alterations may be among the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular dysregulation in real microgravity conditions.
Ultrasound‐guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy for treating venous malformations
Authors: Kumar Subhash , Bhavana Kranti , Kumar Sanjeev , Kumar Prem
Published: October 2017

Aim

To evaluate clinical and imaging outcomes after ultrasound (US)‐guided 3% polidocanol (POL) foam‐sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive VM cases over 1.5 years, with 6‐month follow‐up. US findings were used to classify VMs into four types depending upon extent of anechoic channels, connections to adjacent veins, and dysmorphism. Single or multiple needles were inserted depending upon lesion size, and used to inject up to 8 mL POL per session, every 2 to 4 weeks. We evaluated reduction in pain and swelling, lesion resolution on imaging, and patient satisfaction.

Results

There were 15, 24, 9, and 5 patients (total 53) with type I, II, III, and IV VMs, respectively. The average number of sessions was 5.3, 4.3, and 4, and the average amount of POL injected was 14.24 mL, 16.1 mL, and 23.2 mL for type I, II, III VMs, respectively. The number of sessions correlated with lesion volume (P < .0001). Imaging showed good resolution in 4/15, 18/24, 6/9, and 4/5 patients respectively with type I, II, III, and IV VMs. Patient satisfaction was not related to lesion type (P = .1). ROC analyses showed cut‐off values of 4.9 mL lesion volume, three sessions, and 12 mL POL volume for patient satisfaction. At 6 months, 23 patients having pain had significant improvement (P < .00001). Local (n = 30) and chest pain (n = 2) were the only complications.

Conclusions

US‐guided sclerotherapy with 3% POL foam is safe and effective. Lesions with up to 50% anechoic areas had better resolution, without correlation with patient satisfaction.
Synthesis of isotopically labeled all‐trans retinals for DNP‐enhanced solid‐state NMR studies of retinylidene proteins
Authors: Leeder Alexander J. , Brown Lynda J. , Becker‐Baldus Johanna , Mehler Michaela , Glaubitz Clemens , Brown Richard C.D.
Published: October 2017

Three all‐trans retinals containing multiple 13C labels have been synthesized to enable dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced solid‐state magic angle spinning NMR studies of novel microbial retinylidene membrane proteins including proteorhodpsin and channelrhodopsin. The synthetic approaches allowed specific introduction of 13C labels in ring substituents and at different positions in the polyene chain to probe structural features such as ring orientation and interaction of the chromophore with the protein in the ground state and in photointermediates. [10‐18‐13C9]‐All‐trans‐retinal (1b), [12,15‐13C2]‐all‐trans‐retinal (1c), and [14,15‐13C2]‐all‐trans‐retinal (1d) were synthesized in in 12, 8, and 7 linear steps from ethyl 2‐oxocyclohexanecarboxylate (5) or β‐ionone (4), respectively.
Locating qualitative studies in dementia on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO: A comparison of search strategies
Authors: Rogers Morwenna , Bethel Alison , Abbott Rebecca
Published: October 2017

Background

Qualitative research in dementia improves understanding of the experience of people affected by dementia. Searching databases for qualitative studies is problematic. Qualitative‐specific search strategies might help with locating studies.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness (sensitivity and precision) of 5 qualitative strategies on locating qualitative research studies in dementia in 4 major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL).

Methods

Qualitative dementia studies were checked for inclusion on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Five qualitative search strategies (subject headings, simple free‐text terms, complex free‐text terms, and 2 broad‐based strategies) were tested for study retrieval. Specificity, precision and number needed to read were calculated.

Results

Two hundred fourteen qualitative studies in dementia were included. PsycINFO and CINAHL held the most qualitative studies out the 4 databases studied (N = 171 and 166, respectively) and both held unique records (N = 14 and 7, respectively). The controlled vocabulary strategy in CINAHL returned 96% (N = 192) of studies held; by contrast, controlled vocabulary in PsycINFO returned 7% (N = 13) of studies held. The broad‐based strategies returned more studies (93‐99%) than the other free‐text strategies (22‐82%). Precision ranged from 0.061 to 0.004 resulting in a number needed to read to obtain 1 relevant study ranging from 16 (simple free‐text search in CINAHL) to 239 (broad‐based search in EMBASE).

Conclusion

Qualitative search strategies using 3 broad terms were more sensitive than long complex searches. The controlled vocabulary for qualitative research in CINAHL was particularly effective. Furthermore, results indicate that MEDLINE and EMBASE offer little benefit for locating qualitative dementia research if CINAHL and PSYCINFO are also searched.
Long‐term outcomes of cement in cement technique for revision endoprosthesis surgery
Authors: Bernthal Nicholas M. , Hegde Vishal , Zoller Stephen D. , Park Howard Y. , Ghodasra Jason H. , Johansen Daniel , Eilber Frederick , Eilber Fritz C. , Chandhanayingyong Chandhanarat , Eckardt Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objective

Cemented endoprosthetic reconstruction after resection of primary bone sarcomas has been a standard‐of‐care option for decades. With increased patient survival, the incidence of failed endoprostheses requiring revision surgery has increased. Revision of cemented endoprotheses by cementing into the existing cement mantle (CiC) is technically demanding.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of our endoprosthesis database of 512 consecutive cemented endoprosthetic reconstructions performed for oncologic diagnoses between 1980 and 2014. A total of 54 implants (mean patient age 32 years, range 13‐81) were revised with a CiC technique. Outcomes evaluated were prosthesis survival, revision surgery categorized according to the Henderson Failure Mode Classification, complications, and functional scores.

Results

Fifteen‐year Kaplan‐Meier survival rate was 34% for initial revision and 39% for subsequent revision implants. Mean revised Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Score was 27 at latest follow‐up. Infection rate was 2%, 9%, and 13% for primary endoprostheses, initial revisions, and subsequent revisions, respectively. Limb salvage rate was 87%.

Conclusions

At long‐term follow up, endoprostheses revised with the CiC technique showed consistent 15‐year survival from initial (34%) to subsequent (39%) revision. Despite a relatively high failure rate, these results are encouraging and demonstrate that this is a conservative, repeatable technique.
Dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction combined with online preconcentration by capillary electrophoresis for the determination of glycopyrrolate stereoisomers in rat plasma
Authors: Liu Yongjing , Yu Lishuang , Zhang Hua , Chen Dawei
Published: October 2017

A simple and sensitive analytical method for four isomers of glycopyrrolate in rat plasma was developed using cation‐selective exhaustive injection‐sweeping cyclodextrin‐modified electrokinetic chromatography (CSEI‐Sweeping‐CDEKC) for online enrichment combined with dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction pretreatment. The CSEI‐Sweeping‐CDEKC was conducted on an uncoated fused silica capillary (40.2 cm × 75 μm) with an applied voltage of –20 kV. The electrophoretic analysis was carried out in 30 mM phosphate solution at pH 2.0 containing 20 mg/mL sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrin and 5% acetonitrile. Under these optimized conditions, the detection limit for racemic glycopyrrolate was found to be 2.0 ng/mL and this method could increase 495‐fold detection sensitivity compared with the traditional injection method. Additionally, the parameters that affected the extraction efficiency of dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction were also examined systematically. The glycopyrrolate isomers in rat plasma samples as low as 0.0625 μg/mL were able to be separated and detected by capillary electrophoresis with the aid of CSEI‐sweeping. The findings of this study show that the dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction pretreatment coupled with CSEI‐Sweeping‐CDEKC is a rapid and convenient method for analyzing glycopyrrolate isomers in rat plasma.
Next generation sequencing in pediatric hepatology and liver transplantation
Authors: Nicastro Emanuele , D'Antiga Lorenzo
Published: October 2017

Next generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the analysis of human genetic variations, offering a highly cost‐effective way to diagnose monogenic diseases (MDs). Because nearly half of the children with chronic liver disorders have a genetic cause and approximately 20% of pediatric liver transplantations are performed in children with MDs, NGS offers the opportunity to significantly improve the diagnostic yield in this field. Among the NGS strategies, the use of targeted gene panels has proven useful to rapidly and reliably confirm a clinical suspicion, whereas the whole exome sequencing (WES) with variants filtering has been adopted to assist the diagnostic workup in unclear clinical scenarios. WES is powerful but challenging because it detects a great number of variants of unknown significance that can be misinterpreted and lead to an incorrect diagnosis. In pediatric hepatology, targeted NGS can be very valuable to discriminate neonatal/infantile cholestatic disorders, disclose genetic causes of acute liver failure, and diagnose the subtype of inborn errors of metabolism presenting with a similar phenotype (such as glycogen storage disorders, mitochondrial cytopathies, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The inclusion of NGS in diagnostic processes will lead to a paradigm shift in medicine, changing our approach to the patient as well as our understanding of factors affecting genotype‐phenotype match. In this review, we discuss the opportunities and the challenges offered nowadays by NGS, and we propose a novel algorithm for cholestasis of infancy adopted in our center, including targeted NGS as a pivotal tool for the diagnosis of liver‐based MDs. Liver Transplantation 24 282–293 2018 AASLD.
Can negligible hepatic steatosis determined by magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction obviate the need for liver biopsy in potential liver donors?
Authors: Satkunasingham Janakan , Nik Hooman Hosseini , Fischer Sandra , Menezes Ravi , Selzner Nazia , Cattral Mark , Grant David , Jhaveri Kartik
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine whether magnetic resonance (MR)–proton density fat fraction (PDFF) estimate of negligible hepatic fat percentage (<5%) can exclude significant hepatic steatosis (≥10%) in living liver donor candidates obviating the need for liver biopsy and to perform intraindividual comparisons between MR‐PDFF techniques for hepatic steatosis quantification. In an ethics‐approved retrospective study, 144 liver donor candidates with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and 6‐echo Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 2013 and 2015 were included. A subset of 32 candidates underwent liver biopsy. Hepatic fat percentage was determined using MR‐PDFF and histopathology‐determined fat fraction as the reference standard. A receiver operating characteristic analysis with positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity was performed to discriminate between clinically significant steatosis (≥10%) or not (<10%) at MRS‐PDFF and MRI‐PDFF thresholds of 5% and 10%. Pearson correlation and Bland‐Altman analyses between MRS‐PDFF and MRI‐PDFF were performed for intraindividual comparison of hepatic steatosis estimation. There was significant association between MRS‐PDFF and MRI‐PDFF with HP‐FP. High NPV of 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78%‐99%) and 100% (95% CI, 76%‐100%) as well as an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.79‐1.0) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.84‐1.0) were obtained with a cutoff threshold of 5% MRI‐PDFF and MRS‐PDFF, respectively, to exclude clinically significant steatosis (≥10%). Intraindividual comparison between MRS‐PDFF and MRI‐PDFF showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.83. Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 1% with 95% limits of agreement between −1% and 3%. MR‐PDFF estimate of negligible hepatic fat percentage (<5%) has sufficient NPV for excluding clinically significant hepatic steatosis (≥10%) in living liver donor candidates obviating the need for liver biopsy. It may be sufficient to acquire only the multiecho Dixon MRI‐PDFF for hepatic steatosis estimation. Liver Transplantation 24 470–477 2018 AASLD.
Antidiabetic Activity of Ergosterol from Pleurotus Ostreatus in KK‐Ay Mice with Spontaneous Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Xiong Mingrui , Huang Yun , Liu Yajing , Huang Mi , Song Guanjun , Ming Qian , Ma Xinhua , Yang Jie , Deng Shihao , Wen Yanzhang , Shen Jinhua , Liu Qing‐Hua , Zhao Ping , Yang Xinzhou
Published: October 2017

Scope

The number of people with diabetes is increasing rapidly in the world. In the present study, the hypoglycemic activity and potential mechanism of ergosterol (ERG), a phytosterol derived from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus are investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results

ERG is isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus and identified by NMR spectra. The effects of ERG on the glucose uptake, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, GLUT4 expression, and the phosphorylation of AMPK, Akt and PKC in L6 cells are evaluated. ERG enhances glucose uptake and displays a GLUT4 translocation activity with up‐regulating GLUT4 expression and phosphorylation of Akt and PKC in L6 cells. In vivo, antidiabetic activity of ERG is examined. The phosphorylation of Akt and PKC in different tissues from KK‐Ay mice is assessed. ERG significantly improves insulin resistance and blood lipid indices while reducing fasting blood glucose levels and protecting pancreas and liver in the mice. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Akt and PKC is increased in different tissues.

Conclusion

The results suggest that ERG may be a potential hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of T2DM with the probable mechanism of stimulating GLUT4 translocation and expression modulated by the PI3K/Akt pathway and PKC pathway.
Shuffled magnetization‐prepared multicontrast rapid gradient‐echo imaging
Authors: Cao Peng , Zhu Xucheng , Tang Shuyu , Leynes Andrew , Jakary Angela , Larson Peder E.Z.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To develop a novel acquisition and reconstruction method for magnetization‐prepared 3‐dimensional multicontrast rapid gradient‐echo imaging, using Hankel matrix completion in combination with compressed sensing and parallel imaging.

Methods

A random k‐space shuffling strategy was implemented in simulation and in vivo human experiments at 7 T for 3‐dimensional inversion recovery, T2/diffusion preparation, and magnetization transfer imaging. We combined compressed sensing, based on total variation and spatial‐temporal low‐rank regularizations, and parallel imaging with pixel‐wise Hankel matrix completion, allowing the reconstruction of tens of multicontrast 3‐dimensional images from 3‐ or 6‐min scans.

Results

The simulation result showed that the proposed method can reconstruct signal‐recovery curves in each voxel and was robust for typical in vivo signal‐to‐noise ratio with 16‐times acceleration. In vivo studies achieved 4 to 24 times accelerations for inversion recovery, T2/diffusion preparation, and magnetization transfer imaging. Furthermore, the contrast was improved by resolving pixel‐wise signal‐recovery curves after magnetization preparation.

Conclusions

The proposed method can improve acquisition efficiencies for magnetization‐prepared MRI and tens of multicontrast 3‐dimensional images could be recovered from a single scan. Furthermore, it was robust against noise, applicable for recovering multi‐exponential signals, and did not require any previous knowledge of model parameters. Magn Reson Med 79:62–70, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Nutritional risk factors predict severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease and early mortality in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kerby Eva H. , Li Yimei , Getz Kelly D. , Smith Elizabeth C. , Smith Laura T. , Bunin Nancy J. , Seif Alix E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Malnutrition is a pro‐inflammatory state, yet data on nutritional risk factors and development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) are extremely limited.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of pediatric patients up to age 21 years who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from January 2011 to September 2014 to determine whether malnutrition was associated with development of aGVHD and early mortality. We identified body mass index (BMI) percentile and serum albumin levels as potential markers of malnutrition and defined two composite nutritional risk variables as any of the following: albumin < 2.8 g/dl, weight loss ≥10% from baseline, and low BMI [<25th (NUT25) or <5th percentile (NUT5)]. Nutritional markers and GVHD grade were assessed at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days post‐HSCT, and patients were censored upon development of GVHD.

Results

BMI <25th or <5th percentile, NUT25, and NUT5 at the beginning of any 30‐day period predicted a three‐ to fourfold risk of developing of severe (grade III–IV) aGVHD in the subsequent 30 days in models adjusted for age, sex, donor source, and degree of human leukocyte antigen matching. Mortality at day 100 was low, but NUT25 risk at baseline conferred an increased risk of death (7.9% vs. 1%, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Malnutrition is a targetable risk factor in pediatric HSCT; prospective trials are needed to investigate this relationship further and identify effective nutritional interventions.
Delivery of care consistent with the psychosocial standards in pediatric cancer: Current practices in the United States
Authors: Scialla Michele A. , Canter Kimberly S. , Chen Fang Fang , Kolb E. Anders , Sandler Eric , Wiener Lori , Kazak Anne E.
Published: October 2017

Background

With published evidence‐based Standards for Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and their Families, it is important to know the current status of their implementation. This paper presents data on delivery of psychosocial care related to the Standards in the United States.

Procedure

Pediatric oncologists, psychosocial leaders, and administrators in pediatric oncology from 144 programs completed an online survey. Participants reported on the extent to which psychosocial care consistent with the Standards was implemented and was comprehensive and state of the art. They also reported on specific practices and services for each Standard and the extent to which psychosocial care was integrated into broader medical care.

Results

Participants indicated that psychosocial care consistent with the Standards was usually or always provided at their center for most of the Standards. However, only half of the oncologists (55.6%) and psychosocial leaders (45.6%) agreed or strongly agreed that their psychosocial care was comprehensive and state of the art. Types of psychosocial care provided included evidence‐based and less established approaches but were most often provided when problems were identified, rather than proactively. The perception of state of the art care was associated with practices indicative of integrated psychosocial care and the extent to which the Standards are currently implemented.

Conclusion

Many oncologists and psychosocial leaders perceive that the delivery of psychosocial care at their center is consistent with the Standards. However, care is quite variable, with evidence for the value of more integrated models of psychosocial services.
Branched phenyl‐s‐triazine moieties to enhance thermal properties of phthalonitrile thermosets
Authors: Zu Yuan , Li Guiyang , Zong Lishuai , Qiao Liyuan , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: October 2017

Heat‐resistant materials have made tremendous progress in marine, aerospace and microelectronic fields. Herein, a new class of phthalonitrile resins, branched poly(biphenyl ether triphenyl‐s‐triazine) phthalonitriles, were successfully synthesized via a two‐step, one‐pot reaction, on the basis of 2,4,6‐tris(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and 4,4′‐biphenol. 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenylsulfone was employed to facilitate the curing reaction, and successful realization of curing behavior was concluded from rheological and differential scanning calorimetric studies, indicating the obtained resins possess favorable processability. The relationship between concentration of reactants and properties of the resins was systematically studied. After thermal curing, the E‐glass fiber‐reinforced composite, prepared with a concentration of reactants of 0.15 g mL−1, shows an admirable glass transition temperature of 480 °C and commendable thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperature in nitrogen of 563 °C, suggesting that the improvement of the thermal properties stems from the branched structure and the phenyl‐s‐triazine units. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of ceiling temperature and thermodynamic properties of low ceiling temperature polyaldehydes
Authors: Schwartz Jared M. , Engler Anthony , Phillips Oluwadamilola , Lee Jihyun , Kohl Paul A.
Published: October 2017

Knowledge of the ceiling temperature and thermodynamic variables for low ceiling temperature polymers is critical to understanding the material's synthesis and use. Synthesis of the polymer below its ceiling temperature is the routine polymerization route. In situ 1H NMR of the equilibrium polymerization reaction can provide critical information for determining the enthalpy and entropy of polymer formation. Three polyaldehydes were synthesized with in situ 1H NMR, and their energies of formation were determined for the linear region of ceiling temperature. Insights into the mechanism of polymerization were also found using this method. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 221–228
Conjugated polymers based on 1,8‐naphthalene monoimide with high electron mobility
Authors: Zhu Guomin , Zhang Youdi , Hu Yu , Zhao Xiaohong , Yuan Zhongyi , Chen Yiwang
Published: October 2017

1,4,8,9‐Naphthalene diimides (NDIs) with strong electron accepting ability and high stability are excellent building blocks for semiconductor polymers. However, 1,8‐naphthalene monoimide (NMI) with similar structure and energy levels as that of NDI has never been used to construct conjugated polymers because of synthetic difficulty. Herein, 3,6‐dibromo‐NMI (DBNMI) with bulky alkyl groups was obtained effectively in a four‐step synthesis, and three donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type conjugated polymers based on NMI were firstly prepared. These polymers have strong absorption in the range of 300–600 nm, low LUMO level of 3.68 eV, and moderate bandgaps of 2.18 eV. Space charge limiting current measurements indicate these polymers are typical electron transporting materials, and the highest electron mobility is up to 5.8 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is close to the star acceptor based on NDI (N2200, 5.0 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 276–281