bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Osteoarthritis Pain and Concurrent Insomnia and Depression on Health Care Use in a Primary Care Population of Older Adults
Authors: Liu Minhui , McCurry Susan M. , Belza Basia , Dobra Adrian , Buchanan Diana T. , Vitiello Michael V. , Von Korff Michael
Published: August 2018

Objective

To examine independent and combined effects of pain with concurrent insomnia and depression symptoms on the use of health care services in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Patients were Group Health Cooperative (GHC) patients with a primary diagnosis of OA (n = 2,976). We used survey data on pain (Graded Chronic Pain Scale), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐8), and health care use extracted from GHC electronic health records (office visits, length of stay, outpatient and inpatient costs, and hip or knee replacement) for 3 years after the survey. Negative binomial, logistic, and generalized linear models were used to assess predictors of health care use.

Results

Approximately 34% and 29% of patients displayed at least subclinical insomnia and at least subclinical depression symptoms, respectively, in addition to moderate‐to‐severe pain. Pain had the greatest independent effects on increasing all types of health care use, followed by depression (moderate effects) on increased office visits, length of stay, outpatient and inpatient costs, and insomnia (mild effects) on decreased length of stay. No synergistic effects of the 3 symptoms on use of health care services were observed. The combined effects of pain plus insomnia and pain plus depression were significant for all types of health care use and increased greatly with increasing severity of insomnia and depression, except for hip/knee replacement.

Conclusion

Pain is the main driver for health care use in patients with OA. In addition to pain, insomnia plus depression jointly increased diverse types of health care use, and these combined effects increased greatly with increasing severity of insomnia and depression. These findings indicate the important role that concurrent symptomatic conditions may play in increasing use of health care services.
Increased private health fund involvement in Australia's primary health care: Implications for health equity
Authors: Windle Alice , Fisher Matthew , Freeman Toby , Baum Fran , Javanparast Sara , Kay Adrian , Kidd Michael
Published: August 2018

This study identifies current practices of private health funds (PHFs) in Australian primary health care (PHC), including areas where their involvement is increasing, and examines the risks and benefits of these practices for quality of, and equity of access to PHC. The paper draws on research to investigate equity implications of current PHF involvement in PHC in Australia. We reviewed literature, analysed documents relating to a Senate Committee inquiry and interviewed stakeholders and experts in private health insurance policy from government, private sector and nongovernment organisations. Involvement of PHFs in the PHC sector in Australia is increasing, presenting risk of increased inequities in access to PHC based on insurance status, which could undermine the universality of PHC under Medicare. However, some stakeholders think these risks can be managed within current policy arrangements. There are also risks for quality of PHC services arising from greater involvement of PHFs in service delivery and “preferred provider” models. Differing stakeholder views on equity implications of PHF involvement in PHC are associated with different views on desirable policy action. We conclude that there is a risk of increased involvement of PHFs in PHC risks exacerbating existing inequities in the health system, but this is moderated by public support for Medicare.
Molekulares Engineering freier Porphyrinbasen als Liganden – das N‐H⋅⋅⋅X‐Bindungsmotiv in Tetrapyrrolen
Authors: Kielmann Marc , Senge Mathias O.
Published: August 2018

Die N‐H‐Einheiten im Kern planarer Porphyrine sind oft nicht zugänglich, um Wasserstoffbrückenkomplexe mit Akzeptormolekülen zu bilden. Dies liegt daran, dass die funktionellen Aminogruppen durch das makrozyklische System abgeschirmt sind, was die Bildung intermolekularer H‐Brücken hemmt. Jedoch gibt es Methoden, um die Tetrapyrrolkonformationen so zu modulieren, dass der Vektor der N‐H‐Orientierung nach außen gerichtet wird, um so die Verfügbarkeit und Reaktivität der Pyrrolgruppen zu erhöhen. Mögliche Strategien dafür sind die Verwendung von Porpho(di)methenen und Phlorinen (Calixphyrinen) sowie sattelförmiger Porphyrine. Erstere bilden Hohlräume durch Unterbrechung des aromatischen Systems. Letztere sind hoch basische Systeme und können Anionen und neutrale Moleküle durch N‐H⋅⋅⋅X‐artige H‐Brücken binden. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt die Rolle von Porphyrin(oid)liganden in verschiedenen komplexartigen Verbindungen und diskutiert Ansätze, mittels Wasserstoffbrücken auf den Porphyrinkern zuzugreifen, das Konzept konformativer Kontrolle und davon abgeleitete neue Anwendungen, etwa in der Organokatalyse und Sensorik.
Chemoselective Activation of Diethyl Phosphonates: Modular Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Phosphonylated Scaffolds
Authors: Adler Pauline , Pons Amandine , Li Jing , Heider Jörg , Brutiu Bogdan R. , Maulide Nuno
Published: August 2018

Phosphonates have garnered considerable attention for years owing to both their singular biological properties and their synthetic potential. State‐of‐the‐art methods for the preparation of mixed phosphonates, phosphonamidates, phosphonothioates, and phosphinates rely on harsh and poorly selective reaction conditions. We report herein a mild method for the modular preparation of phosphonylated derivatives, several of which exhibit interesting biological activities, that is based on chemoselective activation with triflic anhydride. This procedure enables flexible and even iterative substitution with a broad range of O, S, N, and C nucleophiles.
Drying of nonpolar gas in a pressure swing adsorption process using canola meal biosorbents
Authors: Dhabhai Ravi , Mahaninia Mohammad , Niu Catherine H. , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: August 2018

Drying of gases is a very important industrial operation. In the present work, drying of nonpolar gas was carried out using nitrogen as a model gas, by selective adsorption of water vapor from the moist gas using canola meal (CM)‐based biosorbents in a pressure swing adsorption process. It was demonstrated that CM did not adsorb nonpolar nitrogen but selectively adsorbed polar water vapor. Five operating parameters—temperature, pressure, input feed water concentration, input gas concentration, and particle size—were chosen to study the nitrogen drying process using a fractional factorial design. Temperature and input water concentration had significant effects on the drying process, and the maximum water adsorption capacity obtained was 0.165 kg/kg.ads. The Dubinin–Polanyi (DP) model for large pores fit the water adsorption isotherms reasonably well and indicated that water adsorption is predominantly physisorption. Furthermore, site energy distribution of water adsorption based on the DP model was carried out to determine adsorbate–adsorbent interactions. It revealed that most of the adsorption sites were in the low‐energy region of the distribution (>7,800 J/mol) and there were negligible sites with energy higher than 25,000 J/mol which again confirms that water adsorption is rapid, reversible, and low‐energy process, which is the characteristic of physisorption. The average energy and standard deviation of the site energy distribution was 5,000 J/mol. Saturated biosorbent was regenerated at 110°C and reused multiple times. The analysis of the present work can be applied to similar systems for drying of nonpolar gases.
Brain activation during the voiding phase of micturition in healthy adults: A meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies
Authors: Harvie Camryn , Weissbart Steven J. , Kadam‐Halani Priyanka , Rao Hengyi , Arya Lily A.
Published: August 2018

Several studies have used a variety of neuroimaging techniques to measure brain activity during the voiding phase of micturition. However, there is a lack of consensus on which regions of the brain are activated during voiding. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to identify the brain regions that are consistently activated during voiding in healthy adults across different studies. We searched the literature for neuroimaging studies that reported brain co‐ordinates that were activated during voiding. We excluded studies that reported co‐ordinates only for bladder filling, during pelvic floor contraction only, and studies that focused on abnormal bladder states such as the neurogenic bladder. We used the activation‐likelihood estimation (ALE) approach to create a statistical map of the brain and identify the brain co‐ordinates that were activated across different studies. We identified nine studies that reported brain activation during the task of voiding in 91 healthy subjects. Together, these studies reported 117 foci for ALE analysis. Our ALE map yielded six clusters of activation in the pons, cerebellum, insula, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), thalamus, and the inferior frontal gyrus. Regions of the brain involved in executive control (frontal cortex), interoception (ACC, insula), motor control (cerebellum, thalamus), and brainstem (pons) are involved in micturition. This analysis provides insight into the supraspinal control of voiding in healthy adults and provides a framework to understand dysfunctional voiding. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Ethynylene‐Bridged Pentacene Dimer: Two‐Step Synthesis and Charge‐Transport Properties
Authors: Kawano Koki , Hayashi Hironobu , Yoshimoto Shinya , Aratani Naoki , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Yoshinobu Jun , Yamada Hiroko
Published: August 2018

A rigid and planar ethynylene‐bridged pentacene dimer (PenD) was synthesized from pentacenequinone in two steps, skipping the conventional stepwise approach. A brickwork motif in the single crystal shows two‐dimensionally extended electronic interaction in the solid state. Highly crystalline dip‐coated films exhibited average hole mobility of 0.24 cm2 V−1 s−1, comparable to that of the single‐crystal organic field‐effect transistors. This discovery and understanding of the reaction for the facile synthesis of ethynylene‐bridged π‐conjugated systems enables to the synthesis of a wide range of organic semiconducting materials.
On the monolithic and staggered solution of cell contractility and focal adhesion growth
Authors: Keshavanarayana Pradeep , Ruess Martin , de Borst René
Published: August 2018

The mechanical response of cells to stimuli tightly couples biochemical and biomechanical processes, which describe fundamental properties such as cell growth and reorientation. Cells interact continuously with their external surroundings, the extracellular matrix (ECM), by establishing a bond between cell and ECM through the formation of focal adhesions. Focal adhesions are made up of integrins, which are mechanosensitive proteins and responsible for the communication between the cell and the ECM. The governing biochemomechanical processes can be modeled by means of a continuum approach considering mechanical and thermodynamic equilibrium to describe cell contractility and focal adhesion growth. The immanent multiphysical character of cell mechanics involves important aspects such as the coupling of fields of different scales and corresponding interface conditions that are sensitive to the solution of the governing numerical problem. These aspects become even more relevant when considering a feedback loop among the multiphysical solutions fields. In this contribution, we consider solution properties and sensitivity aspects of a nonlinear mechanical continuum model for the prognosis of stress fiber growth and reorientation incorporating a mechanosensitive feedback loop. We provide the governing equations of a Hill model–based stress fiber growth, which is coupled to a thermodynamical approach modeling the focal adhesions. Furthermore, a variational formulation including the algebraic equations is derived for staggered and monolithic solution approaches and the reaction‐diffusion equation that models the feedback mechanism. We test both schemes with regard to reliability, accuracy, and numerical efficiency for different model parameters and loading scenarios. We present algorithmic aspects of the considered solution schemes and reveal their robustness with regard to model refinement in space and time and finally provide an assessment of their overall solution performance for multiphysics problems in the context of cell mechanics.
Applications of event‐based image sensors—Review and analysis
Authors: Leñero‐Bardallo Juan A. , Carmona‐Galán Ricardo , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Angel
Published: August 2018

The spread of event‐driven asynchronous vision sensors during the last years has increased significantly the industrial interest and the application scenarios for them. This article reviews the main fields of application that event‐based image sensors have found during the last 20 years. We focus in the description of applications where such devices can outperform conventional frame‐based sensors. The practical functions of the three main families of asynchronous event‐based sensors are analyzed. The article also studies what are the factors that increase nowadays the demand of sensors that minimize the power and bandwidth consumption. Moreover, the technological factors that have facilitated the development of asynchronous sensors are discussed.
Tongue habit discrimination system using acoustical feature for oral habits improvement
Authors: Nakayama Masashi , Ishimitsu Shunsuke , Yamashita Kimiko , Ishii Kaori , Kasai Kazutaka , Horihata Satoshi
Published: August 2018

Oral habits are tongue protrusion in malocclusions, causing deterioration of oral functions necessary for feeding, chewing, swallowing, and vocalization. In order to realize a noninvasive measurement of the habits, we propose and experiment acoustic feature analysis to discriminate tongue habits. Compared to normal speech, tongue‐protruded speech is pronounced between the frontal teeth. The speech is emphasized at a wide‐range band of frequency components due to turbulence, as can be heard in the pronunciation of consonants. In this paper, we confirm these differences in acoustic features, such as zero‐crossing that can capture the characteristics of voiced and unvoiced sounds and Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficient (MFCC) that is a filter bank analysis for front‐end processing at speech recognition. We collect samples for that focus on the differences in oral habits of subjects, and significant of acoustic features that measured from the samples are confirmed. Finally, tongue habit discrimination using k‐nearest neighbor algorithm achieved discrimination rate of about 85% to 98% on the databases.
Global epigenetic analysis of BDNF Val66Met mice hippocampus reveals changes in dendrite and spine remodeling genes
Authors: Mallei Alessandra , Ieraci Alessandro , Corna Stefano , Tardito Daniela , Lee Francis S. , Popoli Maurizio
Published: August 2018

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin highly expressed in the hippocampus, plays crucial roles in cognition, neuroplasticity, synaptic function, and dendritic remodeling. The common human Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and in the outcome of pro‐adaptive and therapeutic treatments. Altered gene‐expression profile has been previously shown in BDNF Val66Met knock‐in mice, which recapitulate the phenotypic hallmarks of individuals carrying the BDNF Met allele. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in the knock‐in mouse model on two hippocampal epigenetic marks for transcriptional repression and activation, respectively: trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) and acetylation of histone H3 (AcH3), using a genome‐wide approach. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing of immunoprecipitated DNA (ChIP‐Seq) was carried out with specific antibodies for H3K27me3 and AcH3. Our results revealed broad alteration of H3K27me3 and AcH3 marks association profiles in BDNFMet/Met, compared to BDNFVal/Val mice. Bioinformatics analysis showed changes in several biological functions and related pathways, affected by the presence of the polymorphism. In particular, a number of networks of functional interaction contained BDNF as central node. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed epigenetically related significant changes in the expression of five genes: Dvl1, Nos3, Reln, Lypd6, and Sh3gl2. The first three are involved in dendrite and spine remodeling, morphological features altered in BDNFMet/Met mice. This work in homozygous knock‐in mice shows that the human BDNF Val66Met polymorphism induces an array of histone H3 epigenetic modifications, in turn altering the expression of select genes crucial for structural and functional neuronal features.
SAP97‐mediated rescue of NMDA receptor surface distribution in a neuronal model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Ambroziak Wojciech , Fourie Chantelle , Montgomery Johanna M.
Published: August 2018

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG repeat tract in the HTT gene, leading to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. At the cellular level, NMDA‐type glutamate receptors are upregulated at glutamatergic extrasynaptic sites in HD, triggering cell death signaling pathways and driving HD neurodegeneration. Extrasynaptic and synaptic glutamate receptor trafficking and surface distribution are regulated by the α and β N‐terminal isoforms of SAP97, a postsynaptic density protein localized at glutamatergic synapses. Here we examined the surface distribution of NMDARs and AMPARs in a cellular model of HD, and whether the manipulation of individual SAP97 isoforms can regulate receptor distribution in diseased neurons. Using dSTORM super‐resolution imaging, we reveal that mutant HTT drives the elevation of extrasynaptic NMDAR clusters located 100–500 nm from the postsynaptic density. This was accompanied by a decline in synaptic NMDAR‐mediated currents while surface NMDAR‐mediated currents remained unchanged. These effects were induced within 3 days of mutant HTT expression in rat hippocampal neurons in vitro, and were specific for NMDARs and not observed with AMPARs. Intriguingly, upregulation of either α‐ or βSAP97 expression increased synaptic and/or perisynaptic NMDAR localization and prevented the shift of NMDARs to extrasynaptic sites in mutant HTT neurons. This was accompanied by the rescue of normal synaptic NMDAR‐mediated currents. Taken together, our high‐resolution data reveals plasticity in surface NMDAR localization driven by mutant HTT and identifies the similar but independent roles of SAP97 N‐terminal isoforms in maintaining normal synaptic function in pathological states.
Synthesis and antioxidant activities of novel N‐aryl (and N‐alkyl) γ‐ and δ‐imino esters and ketimines
Authors: Hasdemir Belma , Yaşa Hasniye , Akkamış Yağmur
Published: August 2018

Novel N‐aryl (and N‐alkyl) γ‐ and δ‐imino esters 2a–g (3a–g) and N‐aryl (and N‐alkyl) ketimines 2h–j (3h–j) were synthesized in high yields (80–99%) from their corresponding γ‐ and δ‐keto esters and ketones in this study. The structures of the synthesized compounds were clarified by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), NMR (1H and 13C), mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. Isomerizations [E/Z] were also determined by their 1H NMR spectra. The free‐radical scavenging activity of imines was evaluated using the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) method. The relationships between the structure and antioxidant activity of these compounds are discussed. Among these compounds, 2a–c (at the concentration 1000 μg/mL) exhibit high antioxidant activity similar to those of the standards (butylated hydroxyanisole [BHA], butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT], and ascorbic acid).
New strategies for targeting glucose metabolism–mediated acidosis for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Jun‐Jie , Yin Pei‐Hao , Xu Ke , Wang Yu‐Zhu , Shi Feng , Gao Jing , Fu Xing‐Li
Published: August 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous group of diseases that are the result of abnormal glucose metabolism alterations with high lactate production by pyruvate to lactate conversion, which remodels acidosis and offers an evolutional advantage for tumor cells, even enhancing their aggressive phenotype. This review summarizes recent findings that involve multiple genes, molecules, and downstream signaling in the dysregulated glycolytic pathway, which can allow a tumor to initiate acid byproducts and to progress, thereby resulting in acidosis commonly found in the tumor microenvironment of CRC. Moreover, the relationship between CRC cells and the tumor acidic microenvironment, especially for regulating lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase A levels, is also discussed, as well as comprehensively defining different aspects of glycolytic pathways that affect cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, this review concentrates on glucose metabolism–mediated transduction factors in CRC, which include acid‐sensing ion channels, triosephosphate isomerase and key glycolysis‐related enzymes that regulate glycolytic metabolites, coupled with the effect on tumor cell glycolysis as well as signaling pathways. In conclusion, glucose metabolism mediated by glycolytic pathways that are integral to tumor acidosis in CRC is demonstrated. Therefore, selective metabolic inhibitors or agents against these targets in glucose metabolism through glycolytic pathways may be clinically useful to regulate the tumor’s acidic microenvironment for CRC treatment and to identify specific targets that regulate tumor acidosis through a cancer patient–personalized approach. Furthermore, strategies for modifying the metabolic processes that effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and tumor progression and activate potent anticancer effects may provide more effective antitumor prospects for CRC therapy.
The clinical importance of CD4+CD7− in human diseases
Authors: Haftcheshmeh Saeed Mohammadian , Tajbakhsh Amir , Kazemi Mohaddese , Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Mardani Fatemeh , Fazeli Mostafa , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2018

The CD7 antigen is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that expresses on the surface of all thymocytes, a majority of mature T cells, and also natural killer cells. Interestingly, under physiological and different pathological conditions, the loss of CD7 antigen occurred in the subset of CD4+ memory T cells. Various functions have been proposed for CD7, including its role in the activation and intercellular adhesiveness of T cells. Several studies indicate that the number of CD4+CD7− T cells increases in diseases such as chronic inflammation and T‐cell malignancies, these being skin inflammatory lesions. Therefore, this can be useful for the diagnosis of cancer cells, especially with reference to blood origin, treatment monitoring, and establishment of new therapies. Therefore, a comprehensive review could be useful to increase our knowledge about the clinical importance of these cells in human disease.
Spatial and temporal rainfall changes in the Júcar and Segura basins (1955–2016): Fine‐scale trends
Authors: Miró Juan Javier , Estrela María José , Caselles Vicente , Gómez Igor
Published: August 2018

A daily rainfall database covering the Júcar and Segura river basin authorities (east Iberian Peninsula, Spain) with high spatial density without gaps (890 series) has been created for the complete period 1955–2016. This has allowed a trend analysis of precipitation and dry/wet spells with a better spatial detail and coverage of key headwaters sectors than previous studies in this area. Results show significant negative trends for precipitation prevailing in Júcar area (an annual average loss of 51 mm), especially towards its north interior headwaters. For this last one the annual loss exceeds 200 mm (20% of precipitation). By contrast, certain pre‐littoral sectors and most of the Segura area are remaining out of these negative trends (some local positive trends). However, the dry spells length and the number of dry days have increased in a generalized way (Júcar and Segura basins) with rainfall concentration in time and space. The decrease of moderate rainfall with greater precipitation effectiveness and weight in the key interior headwaters is the most significant. On the contrary, there has been an increase in extreme torrential rainfall (with poor effectiveness and high risk) at points on the coast and pre‐littoral towards south of the region. These results are linked to a change in the frequency of three basic synoptic types identified in the region as rainfall origin.
Design and implementation of a tool for conversion of search strategies between PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE
Authors: Wanner Amanda , Baumann Niki
Published: August 2018

Background

Both PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE contain records from the MEDLINE database. However, there are subtle differences in content, functionality, and search syntax between the two. There are many instances in which researchers may wish to search both interfaces, such as when conducting supplementary searching for a systematic review to retrieve a unique content from PubMed or when using a previously published search strategy from a different interface, but little guidance on how to best conduct these searches.

The aim of this project is to describe differences in search functionality between Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed, provide guidance for converting search strategies between the two, and develop an easy‐to‐use, freely available web‐based tool to automate search syntax translations.

Case presentation

In this paper, we present a custom‐built freely available online tool, Medline Transpose, to streamline the process of converting search strategies between Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed. With this tool, users can paste a strategy formatted for one interface into the search box and immediately retrieve an output formatted for use in the other interface, with recommendations for changes that users can make to the strategy where an exact translation does not exist.

Conclusion

This novel approach has the potential to reduce time and errors that database users spend translating search strategies.
A comparison of heterogeneity variance estimators in simulated random‐effects meta‐analyses
Authors: Langan Dean , Higgins Julian P.T. , Jackson Dan , Bowden Jack , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Simmonds Mark
Published: August 2018

Studies combined in a meta‐analysis often have differences in their design and conduct that can lead to heterogeneous results. A random‐effects model accounts for these differences in the underlying study effects, which includes a heterogeneity variance parameter. The DerSimonian‐Laird method is often used to estimate the heterogeneity variance, but simulation studies have found the method can be biased and other methods are available. This paper compares the properties of nine different heterogeneity variance estimators using simulated meta‐analysis data. Simulated scenarios include studies of equal size and of moderate and large differences in size. Results confirm that the DerSimonian‐Laird estimator is negatively biased in scenarios with small studies and in scenarios with a rare binary outcome. Results also show the Paule‐Mandel method has considerable positive bias in meta‐analyses with large differences in study size. We recommend the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) to estimate the heterogeneity variance over other methods. However, considering that meta‐analyses of health studies typically contain few studies, the heterogeneity variance estimate should not be used as a reliable gauge for the extent of heterogeneity in a meta‐analysis. The estimated summary effect of the meta‐analysis and its confidence interval derived from the Hartung‐Knapp‐Sidik‐Jonkman method are more robust to changes in the heterogeneity variance estimate and show minimal deviation from the nominal coverage of 95% under most of our simulated scenarios.
Tribological research of leaf‐surface wax derived from plants of Pinaceae
Authors: Feng Xin , Hu Yichao , Xia Yanqiu
Published: August 2018

Two kinds of leaf‐surface waxes are extracted from the leaves of Picea wilsonii Mast (PM) and Pinussylvestris (PS) and used as additive in synthetic ester base oil. The tribological properties were investigated using an MFT‐R4000 tribology tester at room temperature. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify the composition of the PM and PS leaf‐surface wax, and scanning electron microscopy and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry were used to investigate friction mechanisms. The results suggest that the leaf‐surface wax of PM and PS could successfully reduce the friction and wear of steel‐aluminium and steel‐steel sliding pairs as compared with synthetic ester containing Terpineol additives. The excellent tribological properties were attributed to the protective film generated on the worn surfaces by leaf‐surface wax during the friction process.
Gene Expression of Endocannabinoid System Components in Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue of South Asians and White Caucasians with Overweight
Authors: Nahon Kimberly J. , Kantae Vasudev , den Haan Roy , Hanssen Mark J.W. , Harms Amy C. , van der Stelt Mario , Hankemeier Thomas , Jazet Ingrid M. , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Boon Mariëtte R.
Published: August 2018

Objective

The study aimed to investigate whether markers of endocannabinoid signaling differed between men with overweight of South Asian and white Caucasian descent.

Methods

We included South Asian (n = 10) and white Caucasian (n = 10) men with overweight and prediabetes aged 35 to 50 years. Plasma samples were analyzed for endocannabinoids, their congeners, and lipids. In white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle biopsies, mRNA expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was assessed using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Fasting lipid oxidation and glucose oxidation were determined with indirect calorimetry.

Results

Compared to white Caucasians, South Asians had higher levels of plasma 2‐linoleoyl glycerol (P < 0.01) and N‐linoleoylethanolamine (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in skeletal muscle of South Asians, expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 was 10‐fold lower (P < 0.001) and that of the endocannabinoid degradation enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase 2 (FAAH2) was 5‐fold lower (P < 0.001) compared to white Caucasians. Expression of genes involved in the ECS in WAT were not different between the two ethnicities. After pooling of both ethnicities, plasma 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) positively correlated with plasma triglycerides (R = 0.77, P < 0.001) and lipid oxidation (R = 0.55, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

South Asian men with overweight have higher plasma 2‐linoleoyl glycerol and N‐linoleoylethanolamine levels and lower expression of CB receptors and the endocannabinoid degradation enzyme FAAH2 in skeletal muscle compared to white Caucasians.
Metabolic Effects of Low‐Calorie Sweeteners: A Brief Review
Authors: Sylvetsky Allison C.
Published: August 2018

Low‐calorie sweeteners (LCS) are found in a variety of foods and beverages, yet their role in diet, weight, and obesity‐related chronic disease is controversial. This article summarizes proceedings from one of four presentations during a preconference session entitled “Low‐Calorie Sweeteners and Weight Management,” which took place at the 2017 Obesity Society Annual Meeting in Washington, District of Columbia. The objective of this brief review is to summarize findings of observational and interventional studies of LCS effects on weight and metabolic health and to provide potential explanations for their discrepant results. Key research priorities for advancing the understanding of the role of LCS in weight and chronic disease are also discussed. The existing literature suggests that LCS consumption is consistently associated with obesity, diabetes, and related cardiometabolic conditions in observational studies. Although several plausible mechanisms have been proposed to explain these associations and have received considerable support in cellular and rodent models, the relevance of these mechanisms to humans has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, randomized controlled trials demonstrate that NNS may benefit weight loss and weight maintenance. This is the case particularly when LCS are administered in the context of behavioral weight loss support and are consumed knowingly by habitual LCS consumers. Although these findings suggest that LCS may be useful for weight control among those cognitively engaged in weight loss and who are aware of their LCS consumption, LCS administration in these studies does not reflect typical consumption. Furthermore, few interventional studies have assessed the role of LCS on metabolic outcomes other than body weight. Additional factors must be considered before recommending LCS for weight management and chronic disease prevention and further study of LCS effects on a variety of cardiometabolic outcomes, including visceral adiposity and glucose homeostasis is warranted.
Digital social media: Enabling performance quality of Indian Railway services
Authors: Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: August 2018

Indian Railways (IR) is the single largest organization that manages and operates a mammoth of transportation services in the World's largest democracy. IR services are operated through 7,137 stations, a route length of 66,030 km, and a total track of 117,996 km. The number of passengers carried every day is 23 million with passenger earnings of INR 42190 crores. Scale of operations translates to humungous everyday challenges. Quite understandably, customer dissatisfaction is prevalent, in spite of subsidized travel fares and multiple initiatives. In recent times, IR has become very active in the digital social media space to provide real‐time and dynamic service improvements. In this talk, we will be discussing the beginning of technology intervention in IR, managerial challenges in exploiting technology advancements, and the current status in managing a large‐scale public transport operations. We will also discuss about the insights, deployability in comparative segments, and the way forward.
Is an infectious trigger always required for primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis? Lessons from in utero and neonatal disease
Authors: Heeg Maximilian , Ammann Sandra , Klemann Christian , Panning Marcus , Falcone Valeria , Hengel Harmut , Lehmberg Kai , zur Stadt Udo , Wustrau Katharina , Janka Gritta , Ehl Stephan
Published: August 2018

In this report, we evaluate the hypothesis that hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in patients with defects of lymphocyte cytotoxicity is usually triggered by infections. We show that in the majority of patients, extensive virus PCR panels performed in addition to routine microbiological investigations remain negative and summarize 25 patients with onset of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in utero or within the first 10 days of life, in none of which an associated bacterial or viral infection was reported. These observations, even though preliminary, invite to consider a key role of lymphocyte cytotoxicity in controlling T‐cell homeostasis also in the absence of apparent infectious stimuli.
Advancing the field of communication research in pediatric oncology: A systematic review of the literature analyzing medical dialogue
Authors: Kaye Erica C. , Kiefer Ashley , Zalud Kristina , Gattas Melanie , Snyder Ian , Spraker‐Perlman Holly , Baker Justin N.
Published: August 2018

Historically, communication research in pediatric oncology has relied on surveys and interviews, resulting in cross‐sectional and retrospective studies constrained by selection, recognition, and recall biases. This systematic review identifies and synthesizes the published literature analyzing primary data from recorded conversations between pediatric oncologists, patients with cancer, and their families, with the following objectives: (1) to identify the extent and content of the evidence base, (2) to describe methodological strategies utilized in the analysis of recorded medical dialogue, (3) to aggregate salient findings, and (4) to generate recommendations for future prospective research related to analysis of medical dialogue in pediatric oncology.
Feasibility of systematic poverty screening in a pediatric oncology referral center
Authors: Zheng Daniel J. , Shyr Derek , Ma Clement , Muriel Anna C. , Wolfe Joanne , Bona Kira
Published: August 2018

Background

Based on the strong link between poverty and child health outcomes, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and national pediatric oncology associations have advocated for routine clinical poverty screening. Systematic implementation of this recommendation in pediatric oncology is not yet standard, and feasibility data are needed. We report the feasibility of routine poverty screening in a pediatric oncology referral center and baseline poverty characteristics of this population.

Methods

From 2013 to 2017, 448 families with newly diagnosed pediatric cancer at Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center were offered the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0 (PAT) as part of routine care. The PAT includes a two‐item screen for household material hardship (HMH). All families were asked about annual household income by a resource specialist. Data were abstracted with sociodemographic and child/disease characteristics. Descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

Four hundred and thirteen families completed the PAT (response rate 92%), of whom 394 (95%) completed specific questions assessing for HMH. Ninety‐four percent of families who met with a resource specialist disclosed their annual household income. One quarter (27%) of families was ≤200% federal poverty level at diagnosis, and 44% of families endorsed at least one domain of HMH. The most frequent domains of HMH included housing (24%), utilities (20%), and transportation (20%).

Conclusions

Systematic poverty screening per AAP and pediatric oncology psychosocial standards of care is feasible in routine cancer care. There is a high baseline incidence (44%) of HMH in at least one domain in families with newly diagnosed pediatric cancer who may benefit from early identification and resource intervention.
Cover Image, Volume 67, Issue 9
Authors: Arrospide Eneko , Durana Gaizka , Azkune Mikel , Aldabaldetreku Gotzon , Bikandi Iñaki , Ruiz‐Rubio Leire , Zubia Joseba
Published: August 2018

The cover image, by Eneko Arrospide et al., is based on the Review Polymers beyond standard optical fibres ‐ fabrication of microstructured polymer optical fibres, DOI: 10.1002/pi.5602.

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The chemistry and topography of stabilized and functionalized graphene oxide coatings
Authors: Awaja Firas , Tripathi Manoj , Wong Tsz‐Ting , O'Brien Timothy , Speranza Giorgio
Published: August 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) thin films and coatings are regarded as superior in quality to other materials especially for biomedical applications. However, the lack of stability and understanding of their structure and defects hinder their use in value added applications. Here, we describe our successful attempt at stabilizing, reducing and functionalizing GO through multiple plasma treatments with polymerizing (to deposit a crosslinking and compressing layer of diamond like carbon, DLC) and non‐polymerizing precursors (H2, O2, and N2). The hybrid GO and DLC coatings on semi crystalline PEEK were evaluated using AFM, SEM, and XPS. The GO deposited layer showed roughness around 70 nm and, despite care, resulted in several wrinkles and particle aggregations. The hybrid coatings conformed to the roughness and crystalline features of PEEK. XPS showed that the DLC layer cross‐linked the GO nano‐flakes while not completely masking which enable the partial exposure of GO. The GO‐DLC hybrid interface is higher in thickness than the PEEK‐GO and is dominating the overall thickness of the hybrid structure ≈13 ± 1 μm. XPS measurements showed that the often unstable CO functional groups on the surface of the hybrid coating can be reduced by effective plasma treatment. Plasma treatments also generated CO functional groups that probably originated from the decomposed carboxyl groups. The plasma treatment also contributed to the reduction of GO. Treatment with H2 was more effective in oxygen reduction than with the N2, however, treatment with N2 increased the reactants on GO as N2 is heavier tending to deposit more on a surface. Plasma treatment with O2 increased the surface oxygen content further and hence more defects on the hybrid surface.
Asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline‐type ecdysone agonists and QSAR for their binding affinity against Aedes albopictus ecdysone receptors
Authors: Yokoi Taiyo , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Miyagawa Hisashi
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Tetrahydroquinolines (THQs) are a class of non‐steroidal ecdysone agonists that specifically bind to mosquito ecdysone receptors (EcR). The THQ scaffold contains two chiral centers at the C‐2 and C‐4 positions, resulting in four stereoisomers. We have previously shown that the (2R,4S)‐isomers are the most biologically active; however, the lack of a practical synthetic method for these isomers has hampered further structure–activity studies.

RESULTS

In this study, a chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed Povarov reaction was employed to develop a facile asymmetric synthesis of THQs with a (2R,4S)‐configuration, which allowed the preparation of a 40‐compound library of enantiopure THQs. Evaluation of their binding affinity against Aedes albopictus EcR, followed by quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analyses, uncovered the physicochemical properties of THQs that are important for the ligand–receptor interaction. The most potent THQ derivative was twofold more active than the molting hormone, 20‐hydroxyecdysone.

CONCLUSION

The QSAR results provide valuable information for the rational design of novel mosquito‐specific ecdysone agonists. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Curcumol induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting IGF‐1R/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE‐2 cells
Authors: Li Xumei , Liu Haowei , Wang Juan , Qin Jianli , Bai Zhun , Chi Bixia , Yan Wei , Chen Xu
Published: August 2018

Curcumol has been proved to possess antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro in several cancers. Previously, we have found that curcumol induced apoptosis in CNE‐2 cells, but its underlying mechanism has not yet been studied well. Recently, our team clarified that curcumol inhibited colorectal cancer cells' growth partially through insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) pathway. Given the key importance of IGF‐1R pathway in tumorigenesis, we want to explore whether curcumol effects on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells relates to IGF‐1R and its downstream pathway inactivation. In this study, we found that curcumol inhibited IGF‐1R and p‐Akt expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent way. In addition, it also regulated their downstream GSK‐3β's activity in CNE‐2 cells, which further triggering alterations in the expression of cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related molecules, and then leading to G0/G1‐phase arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, curcumol's effect on CNE‐2 cells was partly eliminated by IGF‐1R's agonist IGF‐1. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the inhibitory effect of curcumol on proliferation of NPC cells is related to the inhibition of IGF‐1R and its downstream PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β pathway.
The importance of appropriate verification metrics for the assessment of observation impact in a convection‐permitting modelling system
Authors: Necker Tobias , Weissmann Martin , Sommer Matthias
Published: August 2018

Over the past 15 years, adjoint‐based, ensemble‐based and hybrid methods have been developed for estimating observation impact based on the forecast sensitivity to observation impact (FSOI). These methods are now commonly used in global modelling systems. However, little attention has been given to assessing observation impact in regional convection‐permitting modelling systems. This study presents the first evaluation of ensemble‐based estimates of observation impact over an extended period of six weeks in such a convection‐permitting modelling system, namely the regional ensemble system of Deutscher Wetterdienst. Another aspect that has received little attention is the choice of the forecast‐error verification metric. Nearly all previous studies used the difference between the forecast and a subsequent analysis of the same modelling system expressed in terms of energy (total energy norm). While such a self‐verification generally needs to be treated with caution, it appears unsuitable for convection‐permitting regional forecasts. Firstly, total energy does not really reflect parameters that forecast users are interested in, and important forecast quantities such as surface wind gusts and precipitation are not even part of the analysis. Secondly, systematic analysis and forecast errors are non‐negligible in the presence of convection, especially for important variables that are related to convection. To overcome this issue, we introduce the use of independent radar observations for the verification of observation impact and compare results for a variety of different observation‐based metrics for a six‐week high‐impact weather period in summer 2016. This revealed a particular sensitivity of the estimated impact to model as well as observation biases and sensitivity studies indicated that even small biases can have an influence on the estimated impact. Additionally, we demonstrate that FSOI can be used to identify biases through comparison of results for different metrics.
Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics of human enteroviruses: Is there a forest behind the trees?
Authors: Lukashev Alexander N. , Vakulenko Yulia A. , Turbabina Natalia A. , Deviatkin Andrei A. , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: August 2018

Enteroviruses are among the best studied small non‐enveloped enteric RNA viruses. Most enteroviruses are easy to isolate in cell culture, and many non‐polio enterovirus strains were archived worldwide as a byproduct of the WHO poliovirus surveillance system. Common outbreaks and epidemics, most prominently the epidemic of hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease with severe neurological complications in East and South‐East Asia, justify practical interest of non‐polio enteroviruses. As a result, there are over 50 000 enterovirus nucleotide sequences available in GenBank. Technical possibilities have been also improving, as Bayesian phylogenetic methods with an integrated molecular clock were introduced a decade ago and provided unprecedented opportunities for phylogenetic analysis. As a result, hundreds of papers were published on the molecular epidemiology of enteroviruses. This review covers the modern methodology, structure, and biases of the sequence dataset available in GenBank. The relevance of the subtype classification, findings of co‐circulation of multiple genetic variants, previously unappreciated complexity of viral populations, and global evolutionary patterns are addressed. The most relevant conclusions and prospects for further studies on outbreak emergence mechanisms are discussed.