bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Sustainable Livelihoods: Investigating the Drivers of Purchase Behavior for Green Products
Authors: Wei Chiou‐Fong , Chiang Chang‐Tang , Kou Tun‐Chih , Lee Bruce C Y
Published: January 2017

Green consumption involves comprehensive concerns that address the broad scope of sustainability, ecosystem balance, profit‐generation and people. Identifying the factors that influence consumers' purchase behavior enables manufacturers to understand consumers' decision‐making processes and can help them develop more environmentally beneficial products. However, scholars have recently found that a gap exists between environmental concern and consumers' actual purchase behavior. The purpose of this paper is to use cognitive behavior theory to investigate the drivers of green consumption behavior and the missing link in the concern–behavior gap. After collecting 375 valid questionnaires, this study validated the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling. The revised model indicates that environmental involvement, informational utility, green advertising skepticism and green trust are antecedent variables of consumer attitudes toward green products. Additionally, this study also provides a possible explanation of and remedies for the concern–behavior gap. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A Synthetic MUC1 Glycopeptide Bearing βGalNAc‐Thr as a Tn Antigen Isomer Induces the Production of Antibodies against Tumor Cells
Authors: Leiria Campo Vanessa , Riul Thalita B. , Oliveira Bortot Leandro , Martins‐Teixeira Maristela B. , Fiori Marchiori Marcelo , Iaccarino Emanuela , Ruvo Menotti , Dias‐Baruffi Marcelo , Carvalho Ivone
Published: January 2017

This study presents the synthesis of the novel protected O‐glycosylated amino acid derivatives 1 and 2, containing βGalNAc‐SerOBn and βGalNAc‐ThrOBn units, respectively, as mimetics of the natural Tn antigen (αGalNAc‐Ser/Thr), along with the solid‐phase assembly of the glycopeptides NHAcSer‐Ala‐Pro‐Asp‐Thr[αGalNAc]‐Arg‐Pro‐Ala‐Pro‐Gly‐BSA (3‐BSA) and NHAcSer‐Ala‐Pro‐Asp‐Thr[βGalNAc]‐Arg‐Pro‐Ala‐Pro‐Gly‐BSA (4‐BSA), bearing αGalNAc‐Thr or βGalNAc‐Thr units, respectively, as mimetics of MUC1 tumor mucin glycoproteins. According to ELISA tests, immunizations of mice with βGalNAc‐glycopeptide 4‐BSA induced higher sera titers (1:320 000) than immunizations with αGalNAc‐glycopeptide 3‐BSA (1:40 000). Likewise, flow cytometry assays showed higher capacity of the obtained anti‐glycopeptide 4‐BSA antibodies to recognize MCF‐7 tumor cells. Cross‐recognition between immunopurified anti‐βGalNAc antibodies and αGalNAc‐glycopeptide and vice versa was also verified. Lastly, molecular dynamics simulations and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) showed that βGalNAc‐glycopeptide 4 can interact with a model antitumor monoclonal antibody (SM3). Taken together, these data highlight the improved immunogenicity of the unnatural glycopeptide 4‐BSA, bearing βGalNAc‐Thr as Tn antigen isomer.
Chemoselective Reactions for the Synthesis of Glycoconjugates from Unprotected Carbohydrates
Authors: Villadsen Klaus , Martos‐Maldonado Manuel C. , Jensen Knud J. , Thygesen Mikkel B.
Published: January 2017

Glycobiology is the comprehensive biological investigation of carbohydrates. The study of the role and function of complex carbohydrates often requires the attachment of carbohydrates to surfaces, their tagging with fluorophores, or their conversion into natural or non‐natural glycoconjugates, such as glycopeptides or glycolipids. Glycobiology and its “omics”, glycomics, require easy and robust chemical methods for the construction of these glycoconjugates. This review gives an overview of the rapidly expanding field of chemical reactions that selectively convert unprotected carbohydrates into glycoconjugates through the anomeric position. The discussion is divided in terms of the anomeric bond type of the newly formed glycoconjugates, including O‐, N‐, S‐, and C‐glycosides.
Hit‐Validation Methodologies for Ligands Isolated from DNA‐Encoded Chemical Libraries
Authors: Zimmermann Gunther , Li Yizhou , Rieder Ulrike , Mattarella Martin , Neri Dario , Scheuermann Jörg
Published: January 2017

DNA‐encoded chemical libraries (DECLs) are large collections of compounds linked to DNA fragments, serving as amplifiable barcodes, which can be screened on target proteins of interest. In typical DECL selections, preferential binders are identified by high‐throughput DNA sequencing, by comparing their frequency before and after the affinity capture step. Hits identified in this procedure need to be confirmed, by resynthesis and by performing affinity measurements. In this article we present new methods based on hybridization of oligonucleotide conjugates with fluorescently labeled complementary oligonucleotides; these facilitate the determination of affinity constants and kinetic dissociation constants. The experimental procedures were demonstrated with acetazolamide, a binder to carbonic anhydrase IX with a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range. The detection of binding events was compatible not only with fluorescence polarization methodologies, but also with Alphascreen technology and with microscale thermophoresis.
Self‐Assembly of Tunable Heterometallic Ln–Ru Coordination Polymers with Near‐Infrared Luminescence and Magnetocaloric Effect
Authors: Wang Lei , Xie Zhigang , Dang Song , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: January 2017

A series of heterometallic lanthanide (Ln)–Ru coordination polymers, denoted Gd‐1, Yb‐2, and Nd‐3, were prepared by solvothermal reaction of a carboxylate derivative of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (Rubpy, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine), oxalic acid, and Ln(OAc)3 by using the metalloligand strategy. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicated that the resulting isostructural heterometallic complexes have 1D butterfly‐shaped Ln–Ru‐based coordination chains but show slight differences in the coordination environments of the Ln centers. The introduced Ru(bpy) metalloligands could act as good light‐harvesting antennas to effectively sensitize near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence by energy transfer from the triplet metal‐to ligand charge transfer state of Rubpy units to Ln (Yb or Nd) under the excitation in the visible‐light region. Additionally, dopant‐concentration‐dependent behavior of the Ru‐based emission and sensitized NIR emission was demonstrated in Gd‐1. Finally, the magnetocaloric effect of Gd‐1 was studied. The preparation of such heterometallic coordination polymers offers a versatile platform to investigate dimensionally controlled properties.
Pd‐PEPPSI‐IPentCl: A Useful Catalyst for the Coupling of 2‐Aminopyridine Derivatives
Authors: Khadra Abir , Mayer Stanislas , Organ Michael G.
Published: January 2017

The Pd‐PEPPSI‐IPentCl precatalyst (PEPPSI=pyridine‐enhanced precatalyst preparation stabilisation initiation) has been demonstrated to be highly effective in the coupling of hetero(aryl)chlorides to free 2‐aminopyridine substrates to produce N‐(hetero)aryl‐2‐aminopyridine derivatives. The catalyst has proven to be competent in a number of other difficult cross‐coupling reactions owing to the combination of the 3‐pentyl‐substituted N‐aryl groups and the chlorines on the backbone of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) core. This same reactivity here allows couplings to take place under very mild conditions (e.g., NaBHT (BHT=2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol) or carbonate base) such that sensitive functional groups including esters, ketones and nitriles are tolerated. Key is that the same bulk that drives the cross‐coupling also mitigates poisoning of the Pd centre with the 2‐aminopyridine functionality in the starting materials and/or products, which forces the catalyst into inactive, stable resting states.
Donor–Acceptor Control in Grown‐in‐Glass Gallium Oxide Nanocrystals by Crystallization‐driven Heterovalent Doping
Authors: Paleari Alberto , Golubev Nikita V. , Ignat'eva Elena S. , Sigaev Vladimir N. , Monguzzi Angelo , Lorenzi Roberto
Published: January 2017

Incorporation of doping ions in nanocrystals is a strategy for providing nanophases with functions directly related to ion features. At the nanoscale, however, doping can also activate more complex effects mediated by perturbation of the nanophase size and structure. Here, we report a paradigmatic case in which we modify grown‐in‐glass γ‐Ga2O3 nanophases by nickel or titanium doping of the starting glass, so as to control the concentration of oxygen and gallium vacancies responsible for the light emission. Optical absorption and luminescence show that Ni2+ and Ti4+ ions enter into the nanophase, but differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction indicate that Ni and Ti also work as modifiers of nanocrystal growth. As a result, doping influences nanocrystal size and concentration, which in turn dictate the number of donors and acceptors per nanocrystal. Finally, the chain of effects turns out to control both the intensity and spectral distribution of the light emission.
Change in self‐esteem predicts depressive symptoms at follow‐up after intensive multimodal psychotherapy for major depression
Authors: Dinger Ulrike , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Nikendei Christoph , Schauenburg Henning
Published: January 2017

Reduced self‐esteem is a core symptom of depression, but few studies have investigated within‐treatment change of self‐esteem as a predictor of long‐term outcome in depression. This study investigated change in self‐esteem during 8 weeks of multimodal, psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy for 40 depressed patients and tested whether it would predict outcome 6 months after termination. Data was drawn from a randomized clinical pilot trial on day‐clinic versus inpatient psychotherapy for depression. Findings supported the association between change in self‐esteem and follow‐up depression severity, even when controlling for within‐treatment symptom change. Change in self‐esteem was not related to overall symptoms and interpersonal problems at follow‐up. Thus, change in self‐esteem may be an important variable in preventing relapse for depression.

Key Practitioner Message

Self‐esteem is related to depressive symptoms and interpersonal problems.

Improvement of self‐esteem during psychotherapy correlates with improvements of symptoms and interpersonal problems.

Change of self‐esteem during psychotherapy predicts depressive symptoms 6 months after termination of therapy.

When treating depressed patients, psychotherapists should work towards an improvement of self‐esteem in order to prevent relapse.
Phase Formation and Solubilities in the Ternary System Ni(OH)2–NiCl2–H2O at 25 and 200 °C
Authors: Bette Sebastian , Pannach Melanie , Dinnebier Robert E. , Freyer Daniela
Published: January 2017

The solid/liquid equilibria in the ternary system Ni(OH)2–NiCl2–H2O at temperatures of 25 and 200 °C have been investigated by applying equilibration periods of up to 45 months (3 years and 9 months). The equilibration process was studied by isothermal saturation methods using different solids as starting materials. At 200 °C, Ni2Cl(OH)3 and NiCl(OH) occur as stable phases, whereas a solid solution, NiClx(OH)2–x (ss‐type‐OH), appears as an intermediate phase. At 25 °C, two nickel(II) chloride hydroxide hydrates, Ni3Cl2+x(OH)4–x·4H2O and Ni3Cl(OH)5·4H2O, are formed. The latter phase was characterized for the first time and a structural model was created from a Rietveld refinement of the powder X‐ray diffraction pattern. A systematic investigation of the solubilities at 25 °C revealed that Ni2Cl(OH)3 is the solid phase in both dilute and concentrated NiCl2 solutions at this temperature. In general, all stable and metastable phases in the system Ni(OH)2–NiCl2–H2O exhibit very low solubility, but during the very slow phase transformations high hydroxide supersaturations occur that are persistent for years.
On controlling the flow behavior driven by induction electrohydrodynamics in microfluidic channels
Authors: Li Yanbo , Ren Yukun , Liu Weiyu , Chen Xiaoming , Tao Ye , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: January 2017

In this study, we develop a nondimensional physical model to demonstrate fluid flow at the micrometer dimension driven by traveling‐wave induction electrohydrodynamics (EHD) through direct numerical simulation. In order to realize an enhancement in the pump flow rate as well as a flexible adjustment of anisotropy of flow behavior generated by induction EHD in microchannels, while not adding the risk of causing dielectric breakdown of working solution and material for insulation, a pair of synchronized traveling‐wave voltage signals are imposed on double‐sided electrode arrays that are mounted on the top and bottom insulating substrate, respectively. Accordingly, we present a model evidence, that not only the pump performance is improved evidently, but a variety of flow profiles, including the symmetrical and parabolic curve, plug‐like shape and even biased flow behavior of quite high anisotropy are produced by the device design of “mix‐type”, “superimposition‐type” and “adjustable‐type” proposed herein as well, with the resulting controllable fluid motion being able to greatly facilitate an on‐demand transportation mode of on‐chip bio‐microfluidic samples. Besides, automatic conversion in the direction of pump flow is achievable by switching on and off a second voltage wave. Our results provide utilitarian guidelines for constructing flexible electrokinetic framework useful in controllable transportation of particle and fluid samples in modern microfluidic systems.
Ammonia mediates cortical hemichannel dysfunction in rodent models of chronic liver disease
Authors: Hadjihambi Anna , De Chiara Francesco , Hosford Patrick S. , Habtetion Abeba , Karagiannis Anastassios , Davies Nathan , Gourine Alexander V. , Jalan Rajiv
Published: January 2017

The pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhosis is multifactorial and ammonia is thought to play a key role. Astroglial dysfunction is known to be present in HE. Astrocytes are extensively connected by gap junctions formed of connexins, which also exist as functional hemichannels allowing exchange of molecules between the cytoplasm and the extracellular milieu. The astrocyte‐neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis suggests that neuronal activity is fueled (at least in part) by lactate provided by neighboring astrocytes. We hypothesized that in HE, astroglial dysfunction could impair metabolic communication between astrocytes and neurons. In this study, we determined whether hyperammonemia leads to hemichannel dysfunction and impairs lactate transport in the cerebral cortex using rat models of HE (bile duct ligation [BDL] and induced hyperammonemia) and also evaluated the effect of ammonia‐lowering treatment (ornithine phenylacetate [OP]). Plasma ammonia concentration in BDL rats was significantly reduced by OP treatment. Biosensor recordings demonstrated that HE is associated with a significant reduction in both tonic and hypoxia‐induced lactate release in the cerebral cortex, which was normalized by OP treatment. Cortical dye loading experiments revealed hemichannel dysfunction in HE with improvement following OP treatment, while the expression of key connexins was unaffected. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that HE is associated with central nervous system hemichannel dysfunction, with ammonia playing a key role. The data provide evidence of a potential neuronal energy deficit due to impaired hemichannel‐mediated lactate transport between astrocytes and neurons as a possible mechanism underlying pathogenesis of HE. (Hepatology 2017;65:1306‐1318)
Calcified Myoma of Utero‐Ovarian Ligament in a Pubertal Girl
Authors: Wallach Robert C.
Published: January 2017

Wallach, R. C. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, N.Y., USA) Calcified myoma of utero‐ovarian ligament in a pubertal girl.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 567–569, 1976.

A calcified myoma of the utero‐ovarian ligament was encountered in a 13‐year‐old girl. The age of the patient and the unusual location prompt this report of a possibly unique entity, and the pertinent literature is cited.
Electromyogram of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Genital Prolapse
Authors: Sharf Benjamin , Zilberman Adolf , Sharf Mordechai , Mitrani Avraham
Published: January 2017

In order to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of genital prolapse, an electromyographic (E.M.G.) survey of the perineal muscles is presented. Fifty women with genital prolapses and stress incontinence, plus 10 women as a control group, were examined. The results pointed to a primary neurogenic lesion in 50% of cases with a denervation pattern in extreme cases. Our hypothesis is that the muscular deficiency in genital prolapse is secondary to a neurogenic lesion. Operations were performed on 31 women, subsequently re‐examined electromyographically. In those cases with severe denervation, the surgical results were poor and relapse occurred. It is suggested that the E.M.G. can be a preoperative prognostic test, as well as a tool in evaluation of conservative treatment in genital prolapse.
Bleeding in Gynecological Surgery: Influence of Low Dose Heparin
Authors: Gjønnæss Halvard , Abildgaard Ulrich
Published: January 2017

Ninety‐five patients above 50 years who underwent surgical treatment in the Gynecological Department, Aker Hospital, were treated either with low dose heparin or with placebo for 7 days. Two of the heparintreated patients and 2 of the controls received blood transfusions postoperatively. Excluding these 4 patients, the mean fall in hemoglobin concentration was identical in the two groups. The fall in hemoglobin concentration was more pronounced in patients with body weights below 70 kg. Local hematomas were seen more frequently in the heparin series. Clinical signs of thrombophlebitis developed in 2 patients 9 and 12 days postoperatively. One of these patients, who belonged to the heparin series, died from pulmonary embolism.
Permanent Sterilization through a Posterior Colpotomy
Authors: Brenner W. E. , Edelman D. A.
Published: January 2017

To assist gynecologists in their evaluation of sterilization procedures, sterilization of the not recently pregnant patient through a posterior colpotomy is discussed. Patient selection, preoperative and postoperative procedures, surgical technique and difficulties, effectiveness and complications are detailed. Surgical difficulties and early postoperative complications are evaluated from data reported to the International Fertility Research Program on 398 patients sterilized by classical methods through a posterior colpotomy. It appears that skilled vaginal surgeons can perform sterilization through a colpotomy with clinically acceptable rates of surgical difficulties and complications. Some investigational techniques of tubal occlusion performed through a colpotomy may result in lower rates of morbidity.
Postpartum and Postabortion Sterilization
Authors: Purandare B. N.
Published: January 2017

To evaluate the feasibility of postpartum and postabortion sterilization, several studies (including unpublished data) from the India Fertility Research Programme and the International Fertility Research Program were reviewed. Within 36 hours of a term delivery, sterilization by either laparoscopy or laparotomy is associated with clinically acceptable rates of technical difficulties, complications, failures, and duration of hospitalization. Following first trimester abortions, it appears satisfactory to perform sterilization via laparotomy, laparoscopy, colpotomy, or culdoscopy. Following second trimester abortions, sterilization by laparoscopy or laparotomy is satisfactory. Because laparoscopy and culdoscopy require special training and equipment, they are of limited usefulness compared to laparotomy and colpotomy.
Outpatient Culdoscopic Sterilization: an Evaluation
Authors: Holtrop Hugh R. , Goldsmith Alfredo , Edelman David A. , Jr Cedric W. Porter , Sandalls Katherine
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical and early postoperative complications of culdoscopic sterilization. Data were analyzed from three hospitals —one each in Jamaica (180 cases), Lebanon (195 cases), and Singapore (150 cases). In all three, culdocopy had been recently introduced as an outpatient sterilization procedure. Seven (1.3%) of the sterilization procedures could not be completed as a result of complications or failure to visualize both tubes. Technical difficulties occurred in 16.6% of the culdoscopic sterilizations, but most were minor and did not require a change in the planned technique of sterilization. Complications at the time of surgery were infrequent, occurring in only 2.1% of the patients. Early postoperative complications and complaints were reported for 20.2% of the patients but most were inconsequential and did not require treatment. Only 5% of the patients were hospitalized postoperatively. Within one week of the sterilization 90.1 % of the patients had resumed their normal activities. The results of the study demonstrate that there is a place for culdoscopy in outpatient sterilization programs.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix, with Extension in an in situ Fashion into the Endometrium
Authors: Kamalian Nasser , Ghafoorzadeh Djavad
Published: January 2017

A 55‐year‐old, white, multiparous woman had an invasive, endocervical, squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor had spread superficially into the entire endometrial cavity. The lesion abruptly terminated at the squamocolumnar junction, and the exocervix was free of invasion. Apparently, the cervical, malignant, squamous epithelium had spread upward in a superficial fashion and had mechanically replaced the columnar epithelium.
Unification of a Septate Uterus: Mahgoub's Operation
Authors: Mahgoub S. El
Published: January 2017

A simple surgical technique for unification of a septate uterus is described. The septum and a small strip of fundus are removed with scissors inserted through two small fundal stabs, and the opening is closed with one mattress suture, which forms an anteroposterior suture line no more than 1 cm long. At the end of the operation, an intrauterine contraceptive device is inserted to prevent uterine adhesions. The operation has several advantages: (a) it leaves a capacious uterine cavity of normal appearance, (b) it avoids large uterine incisions, and thus the possibility of postoperative adhesions or weak uterine scars, and (c) it avoids possible injury to the cornual ends of the Fallopian tubes. This article reports favorable results in 17 women treated with this surgical technique
Preoperative Cervical Dilatation with 15(S)15‐Methyl PGF2α Methyl Ester Pessaries
Authors: Chatterjee Tapan K. , Grech Edwin S. , Niles Lalitha
Published: January 2017

A clinical trial comparing two vaginal dose schedules of 15(S)15‐methyl prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) methyl ester (4 or 6 mg) for preoperative dilatation of the cervix is described. The trial included 28 patients at 8–12 weeks' gestation. Vaginal pessaries containing either 1.0 mg (15 patients) or 1.5 mg (13 patients) of the prostaglandin analogue were administered every 3 hours (maximum, 4 doses). The success rates for the two groups were 93% and 100%, respectively. Sixty percent of the patients aborted before the planned vacuum aspiration. Minor side effects, primarily vomiting and diarrhea, occurred in approximately 80% of the cases and were more prominent with the higher dose pessary. It is concluded that the vaginal administration of 15(S)15‐methyl PGF2α methyl ester is highly effective for preoperative dilatation of the cervix before suction curettage abortion.
Laparoscopic Electrocoagulation and Tubal Ring Techniques for Sterilization: A Comparative Study
Authors: Koetsawang Suporn , Srisupandit Suwanee , Cole Lynda Painter
Published: January 2017

From August 1975 through May 1976, a comparative study was made of the effects of sterilization by standard electrocoagulation and tubal ring application techniques. The two techniques were randomly assigned to 300 patients. Results show that standard electrocoagulation and tubal ring procedures can easily and safely be performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthetics and analgesics. Rates of surgical complications for both techniques were clinically acceptable, although tubal ring patients had a higher rate. Pain during the procedure and during the immediate recovery period was more severe for tubal ring patients. Despite the higher incidence of surgical complications and pain associated with the ring, many physicians prefer this method of sterilization because it eliminates the possibility, inherent in electrocoagulation, of inadvertent serious electrical burns.
Collagenolytic Activity and Steroid Levels After Administration of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Authors: Mochizuki Matsuto , Honda Tomohiko , Tojo Shimpei
Published: January 2017

Seventy‐five pregnant women in their 38th to 41st weeks of gestation were given a single intravenous injection of 200 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS). The changes in estriol, 17β‐estradiol and progesterone levels in the serum, the uterine cervix and the myometrium of the placenta‐implanting site were then determined. Estriol levels remained unchanged both in serum and tissue, but the level of 17β‐estradiol increased sharply both in serum and tissue after four hours. The increases of 17β‐estradiol in the serum and the portio vaginalis of the same patient were well correlated (r = 0.79898), but the percentage of increase was much higher in the portio vaginalis than in the serum (p < 0.001). Serum progesterone levels did not change initially, but always decreased within four or eight hours in cases in which labor had started or delivery was accomplished within 24 hours (p < 0.01 at four hours). The total amount of collagenase was determined in ten subjects before and after the administration of DHAS. The total collagenase activity was elevated by an average of 152.3%. The peak of activity was accelerated from the fourth to the second day (p < 0.001) of the culture. A probable mechanism of DHAS action in accelerating cervical ripening is presented.
Implementation of a Successful Outpatient Laparoscopic Sterilization Program in Calcutta
Authors: Lilaram Duru , Basu Subhasree
Published: January 2017

This study presents data on 109 women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization by tubal rings at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute and Hospital. The average operating time was 15 minutes and the average stay in the recovery room was 4 hours. The ovarall complication rate was 18%, including surgical and early postoperative complications. All patients returned for follow‐up. Long‐term follow‐up will be required to determine the rates of delayed complications and the efficacy of the procedure.
Tubal Occlusion via Laparoscopy in Latin America: An Evaluation of 8186 Cases
Authors: Cole Lynda Painter , Colven Christine E. , Goldsmith Alfredo
Published: January 2017

Ease of performance, safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic sterilization techniques are evaluated for 8186 procedures (6995 interval, 680 postabortion and 511 postpartum) performed in Latin America from June 1972 through February 1978. The tubes were occluded via electrocoagulation or application of the spring‐loaded clip or the tubal ring. Less than 1% of the procedures were declared technical failures (ie, those which were not completed as planned). For all the tubal occlusion techniques, interval patients had the lowest rate of surgical complications. Pregnancy rates were low for the electrocoagulation and for the tubal ring techniques; patients sterilized by the spring‐loaded clip, however, had a significantly higher pregnancy rate.
Continuation of Abdominal Pregnancy Complicated by Preeclampsia Three Weeks After Birth of an Intrauterine Twin
Authors: Ekwempu C. C.
Published: January 2017

A case of heterotopic pregnancy in a 22‐year‐old multigravida is presented. The extrauterine baby was delivered alive three weeks after the intrauterine pregnancy had ended at term in spite of an associated preeclampsia. The inhibition of lactation resulting from the continuation of the extrauterine pregnancy resulted in marasmus for the first baby. The implications and especially the etiology of preeclampsia occurring in extrauterine pregnancy are discussed.
Cesarean Section with Regional Anesthesia Using an Extendable Epidural Block
Authors: Taylor A. Barrie , Bryant Martin T. , Ghosh‐Ray Goures C.
Published: January 2017

Epidural analgesia was used for 86 deliveries by cesarean section. The placement of a catheter in the epidural space allowed adjustment of the extent of the block so that supplementary analgesia was required in only six patients. Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring was of practical clinical value, especially in treating maternal hypotension. Symptomatic hypotension was avoided or corrected by the intravenous infusion of Hartmann's solution and by the use of a lateral tilt of the operating table. Eleven patients had a blood pressure of less than 100 mm Hg, and in three of these, there was an adverse effect on the fetal heart trace.
Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Prolactin‐Secreting Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Fayez Jamil A. , Sowers James R.
Published: January 2017

Six women with secondary amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia, four of whom had associated galactorrhea, were studied. Four were found to have prolactin‐secreting pituitary microadenomas and two had macroadenomas. Suppression of prolactin secretion and stimulation of prolactin, serum growth hormone and thyroid‐stimulating hormone secretion were studied, and gonadotropin and adrenocorticotropic hormone reserves were evaluated. The most sensitive techniques available for the diagnosis of pituitary adenomas in patients with amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia appear to be the measurement of the magnitude of plasma prolactin elevation and hypocycloidal tomography of the sella turcica. The dynamic function tests proved to be of little diagnostic, but of great prognostic, value for patients with small pituitary tumors.
Conservative Surgery for Tubal Pregnancy: A New Method
Authors: Javey Houshang
Published: January 2017

A new technique of conservative surgery for tubal pregnancy is presented. The procedure is simple and easily applied whenever the pregnant fallopian tube is not ruptured and there is a desire for further pregnancy. Although the number of cases is very small, the results are promising.
Torsion of the Uterine Adnexa: A Clinicopathologic Correlation
Authors: Moravec William D. , Angerman Neil S. , Reale Frank R. , Hajj Samir N.
Published: January 2017

Although uterine adnexal torsion is a rare phenomenon and an infrequent diagnosis, there have been several reported cases. Two cases that occurred in our practice in the past year are presented to illustrate the acute and chronic phases of the disease. This paper discusses the intrinsic and extrinsic concepts of etiologic factors of adnexal torsion and reviews the common presenting symptoms and the physical, laboratory and pathologic findings of this syndrome. An increased index of suspicion of intermittent adnexal torsion may lead to laparoscopic diagnosis and conservative therapy.
High Hemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy and Fetal Risk
Authors: Koller Oddmund , Sandvei Roar , Sagen Norvald
Published: January 2017

In a series of 24 apparently uncomplicated pregnancies with small‐for‐dates newborn at or below the tenth percentile, 15 women had hemoglobin (Hb) levels 2 SD above the mean value of normal distribution in late pregnancy. Among these 15 was the only case with intrauterine death of unknown cause. In a series of 15 cases with intrauterine fetal death of unknown cause, before start of labor 10 had Hb levels 2 SD above the mean, while in a series of 16 cases of late abortion where the fetus was alive until labor started, only one had a Hb level 2 SD above the mean. In three cases with serial Hb estimations, the levels were 2 SD above the mean one week or more before intrauterine fetal death. Two of these cases also had been observed during a successful pregnancy in which the Hb levels were within normal limits. It is concluded that high Hb levels during pregnancy may indicate a fetus at risk. High viscosity of the mother's blood may impede the uteroplacental circulation, causing placental infarction, growth retardation and ultimately fetal death.
Multimodal fiber‐probe spectroscopy allows detecting epileptogenic focal cortical dysplasia in children
Authors: Anand Suresh , Cicchi Riccardo , Giordano Flavio , Conti Valerio , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Guerrini Renzo , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the diagnostic capability of a multimodal spectroscopic approach for classifying normal brain tissue and epileptogenic focal cortical dysplasia in children. We employed fluorescence spectroscopy at two excitation wavelengths (378 nm and 445 nm) and Raman spectroscopy (at 785 nm excitation) for acquiring fluorescence and Raman spectra from 10 normal brains, 16 focal cortical dysplasia specimens and 1 cortical tuber tissue sites using a custom‐built multimodal optical point spectroscopic system. We used principal component analysis combined with leave‐one‐sample‐out‐cross‐validation for tissue classification. The study resulted in 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity using the information obtained from fluorescence at two distinct wavelengths and Raman spectroscopy for discriminating normal brain tissue and focal cortical dysplasia. Our results demonstrate that this methodology has the potential to be applied clinically for the detection of focal cortical dysplasia and can help to improve as precise as possible surgical resection of the dysplastic tissue during surgery for epilepsy.

Schematic draw of the experimental setup used for fiber‐probe spectroscopy.

magnified image

Schematic draw of the experimental setup used for fiber‐probe spectroscopy.
Understanding Bone Strength Is Not Enough
Authors: Hernandez Christopher J , van der Meulen Marjolein CH
Published: January 2017

Increases in fracture risk beyond what are expected from bone mineral density (BMD) are often attributed to poor “bone quality,” such as impaired bone tissue strength. Recent studies, however, have highlighted the importance of tissue material properties other than strength, such as fracture toughness. Here we review the concepts behind failure properties other than strength and the physical mechanisms through which they cause mechanical failure: strength describes failure from a single overload; fracture toughness describes failure from a modest load combined with a preexisting flaw or damage; and fatigue strength describes failure from thousands to millions of cycles of small loads. In bone, these distinct failure mechanisms appear to be more common in some clinical fractures than others. For example, wrist fractures are usually the result of a single overload, the failure mechanism dominated by bone strength, whereas spinal fractures are rarely the result of a single overload, implicating multiple loading cycles and increased importance of fatigue strength. The combination of tissue material properties and failure mechanisms that lead to fracture represent distinct mechanistic pathways, analogous to molecular pathways used to describe cell signaling. Understanding these distinct mechanistic pathways is necessary because some characteristics of bone tissue can increase fracture risk by impairing fracture toughness or fatigue strength without impairing bone tissue strength. Additionally, mechanistic pathways to failure associated with fracture toughness and fatigue involve multiple loading events over time, raising the possibility that a developing fracture could be detected and interrupted before overt failure of a bone. Over the past two decades there have been substantial advancements in fracture prevention by understanding bone strength and fractures caused by a single load, but if we are to improve fracture risk prevention beyond what is possible now, we must consider material properties other than strength. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Crosstalk of autophagy and apoptosis: Involvement of the dual role of autophagy under ER stress
Authors: Song Shuling , Tan Jin , Miao Yuyang , Li Mengmeng , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a common cellular stress response that is triggered by a variety of conditions that disturb cellular homeostasis, and induces cell apoptosis. Autophagy, an important and evolutionarily conserved mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis, is closely related to the apoptosis induced by ER stress. There are common upstream signaling pathways between autophagy and apoptosis induced by ER stress, including PERK/ATF4, IRE1α, ATF6, and Ca2+. Autophagy can not only block the induction of apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of apoptosis‐associated caspase which could reduce cellular injury, but also help to induce apoptosis. In addition, the activation of apoptosis‐related proteins can also inhibit autophagy by degrading autophagy‐related proteins, such as Beclin‐1, Atg4D, Atg3, and Atg5. Although the interactions of different autophagy‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins, and also common upstream signaling pathways have been found, the potential regulatory mechanisms have not been clearly understood. In this review, we summarize the dual role of autophagy, and the interplay and potential regulatory mechanisms between autophagy and apoptosis under ER stress condition.
Lkb1 regulation of skeletal muscle development, metabolism and muscle progenitor cell homeostasis
Authors: Shan Tizhong , Xu Ziye , Liu Jiaqi , Wu Weiche , Wang Yizhen
Published: January 2017

Liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), also named as Serine/Threonine protein kinase 11 (STK11), is a serine/threonine kinase that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes including cell survival, cell division, cellular polarity, cell growth, cell differentiation, and cell metabolism. In metabolic tissues, Lkb1 regulates glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism through phosphorylating and activating the AMPK subfamily proteins. In skeletal muscle, Lkb1 affects muscle development and postnatal growth, lipid and fatty acid oxidation, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Recently, the regulatory roles of Lkb1 in regulating division, self‐renew, proliferation, and differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitor cells have been reported. In this review, we discuss the roles of Lkb1 in regulating skeletal muscle progenitor cell homeostasis and skeletal muscle development and metabolism.
Simultaneous multislice readout‐segmented echo planar imaging for accelerated diffusion tensor imaging of the mandibular nerve: A feasibility study
Authors: Manoliu Andrei , Ho Michael , Piccirelli Marco , Nanz Daniel , Filli Lukas , Dappa Evelyn , Liu Wei , Ettlin Dominik A. , Boss Andreas , Andreisek Gustav , Kuhn Felix P.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using simultaneous multislice (SMS) acquisition with blipped controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI) for accelerated readout‐segmented echo planar imaging (rs‐EPI) of the mandibular nerves. DTI of the mandibular nerves using EPI is challenging due to susceptibility artifacts. Rs‐EPI is less prone to artifacts but associated with longer scan durations.

Materials and Methods

Eight asymptomatic volunteers were imaged at 3T using a 64‐channel head/neck coil. Conventional, 2‐fold (2xSMS) and 3‐fold (3xSMS) slice‐accelerated rs‐EPI sequences were acquired. Tractography of the mandibular nerves was performed. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and number of tracts were calculated. Artifacts were evaluated qualitatively on Likert scales. Parameters were compared statistically. Clinical feasibility of 2xSMS rs‐EPI was tested in four patients.

Results

SNR was similar for conventional (mean ± SD; 8.55 ± 3.90) and 2xSMS rs‐EPI (7.83 ± 3.15) but lower for 3xSMS rs‐EPI (5.42 ± 2.93; analysis of variance, P = 0.004). FA was similar for all sequences (rs‐EPI, 0.42 ± 0.08; 2xSMS rs‐EPI, 0.43 ± 0.08; 3xSMS rs‐EPI, 0.44 ± 0.06), while 3xSMS rs‐EPI showed lower MD (rs‐EPI, 0.0015 ± 0.0003; 2xSMS rs‐EPI, 0.0014 ± 0.0001; 3xSMS rs‐EPI, 0.0013 ± 0.0003) and lower number of tracts (rs‐EPI, 66.56 ± 51.31; 2xSMS rs‐EPI, 65.75 ± 55.40; 3xSMS rs‐EPI, 37.93 ± 52.42) compared to rs‐EPI and 2xSMS rs‐EPI. Additionally, 2xSMS rs‐EPI was feasible in four clinical patients and provided robust imaging results.

Conclusion

2xSMS rs‐EPI yielded similar SNR, FA, and MD values compared to conventional rs‐EPI at reduced scan time and is feasible in clinical patients. These findings suggest the potential clinical applicability of rs‐EPI for DTI of the mandibular nerve.

Level of Evidence:2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:663–677
Cortical hemorrhage‐associated neurological deficits and tissue damage in mice are ameliorated by therapeutic treatment with nicotine
Authors: Anan Junpei , Hijioka Masanori , Kurauchi Yuki , Hisatsune Akinori , Seki Takahiro , Katsuki Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with diverse sets of neurological symptoms and prognosis, depending on the site of bleeding. Relative rate of hemorrhage occurring in the cerebral cortex (lobar hemorrhage) has been increasing, but there is no report on effective pharmacotherapeutic approaches for cortical hemorrhage either in preclinical or clinical studies. The present study aimed to establish an experimental model of cortical hemorrhage in mice for evaluation of effects of therapeutic drug candidates. Type VII collagenase at 0.015 U, injected into the parietal cortex, induced hemorrhage expanding into the whole layer of the posterior parts of the sensorimotor cortex in male C57BL/6 mice. Mice with ICH under these conditions exhibited significant motor deficits as revealed by beam‐walking test. Daily administration of nicotine (1 and 2 mg/kg), with the first injection given at 3 hr after induction of ICH, improved motor performance of mice in a dose‐dependent manner, although nicotine did not alter the volume of hematoma. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed that the number of neurons was drastically decreased within the hematoma region. Nicotine at 2 mg/kg partially but significantly increased the number of remaining neurons within the hematoma at 3 days after induction of ICH. ICH also resulted in inflammatory activation of microglia/macrophages in the perihematoma region, and nicotine (1 and 2 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the increase of microglia. These results suggest that nicotine can provide a therapeutic effect on cortical hemorrhage, possibly via its neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory actions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On interpolation properties of compact bilinear operators
Authors: Fernández‐Cabrera Luz M. , Martínez Antón
Published: January 2017

We investigate interpolation properties of compact bilinear operators under the general real method. Results apply in particular to the real method with a function parameter and also to the complex method in the special case when the couple in the target reduces to a single Banach space or the source is a product of two fixed Banach spaces.
Outcomes of microvascular free tissue transfer in twice‐irradiated patients
Authors: Clancy Kate , Melki Sami , Awan Musaddiq , Li Shawn , Lavertu Pierre , Fowler Nicole , Yao Min , Rezaee Rod , Zender Chad A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Patients may require microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) following re‐irradiation for recurrent cancer or radiation complications. The objective of this study was to describe the indications for and outcomes of free flaps performed in twice‐radiated patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified the indications for and outcomes of 36 free flaps performed on 29 twice‐irradiated patients.

Results

The free flap success rate was 92%. The most common indications requiring MFTT were cancer recurrence and osteoradionecrosis. Sixty‐one percent experienced postoperative complications, most commonly wound infection (33%). Twenty‐five percent of the procedures required return to the operating room due to postoperative complication.

Conclusions

MFTT can be successfully performed in the twice‐irradiated patient population with a success rate comparable to singly‐radiated patients. Despite a high success rate, there is also a high rate of surgical site complications, especially infection.
New epitaxial thin‐film models and numerical approximation
Authors: Chen Wenbin , Chen Zhenhua , Cheng Jin , Wang Yanqiu
Published: January 2017

This paper concerns new continuum phenomenological model for epitaxial thin‐film growth with three different forms of the Ehrlich–Schwoebel current. Two of these forms were first proposed by Politi and Villain 1996 and then studied by Evans, Thiel, and Bartelt 2006. The other one is completely new. Energy structure and properties of the new model are studied. Following the techniques used in Li and Liu 2003, we present rigorous analysis of the well‐posedness, regularity, and time stability for the new model. We also studied both the global and the local behavior of the surface roughness in the growth process. By using a convex–concave time‐splitting scheme, one can naturally build unconditionally stable semi‐implicit numerical discretizations with linear implicit parts, which is much easier to implement than conventional models requiring nonlinear implicit parts. Despite this fundamental difference in the model, numerical experiments show that the nonlinear morphological instability of the new model agrees well with results of other models published before which indicates that the new model correctly captures the essential morphological states in the thin‐film growth process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillation criteria for higher‐order nonlinear dynamic equations with Laplacians and a deviating argument on time scales
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Kong Qingkai
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the nth‐order nonlinear dynamic equation with Laplacians and a deviating argument

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4283:mma4283-math-0001
on an above‐unbounded time scale, where n⩾2,

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4283:mma4283-math-0002

New oscillation criteria are established for the cases when n is even and odd and when α > γ,α = γ, and α < γ, respectively, with α = α1⋯αn − 1. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solutions to Painleve III and other nonlinear equations by a generalized Cole–Hopf transformation
Authors: Humi Mayer
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we introduce a generalized form of Cole‐Hopf transformation and apply it to find new closed‐form (analytic) solutions to Painleve III equation. The same transformation is used then to find analytic solutions for the van der Pol and other nonlinear convective equations. These solutions provide analytic insights to some practical problems and might be used also to test the accuracy of numerical solutions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole grain oats, more than just a fiber: Role of unique phytochemicals
Authors: Sang Shengmin , Chu YiFang
Published: January 2017

Oats are a good source of soluble dietary fiber, especially β‐glucan, which has outstanding functional and nutritional properties. β‐Glucan is considered to be the major active component of oats because of its cholesterol‐lowering and antidiabetic effects. However, the nutritional benefits of oats appear to go beyond fiber to bioactive phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the chemistry, stability, bioavailability, and health effects of two unique phytochemicals in oats, avenanthramides, and avenacosides A and B. We conclude that studies on the beneficial effects of avenanthramides and avenacosides A and B are still in their infancy, and additional health benefits of these unique oat components may yet be identified.