bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bismaleimide-diamine copolymers containing phthalide cardo structure and their modified BMI resins
Authors: Liu Siyang , Xiong Xuhai , Chen Ping , Ji Yangran , Ren Rong
Published: May 2017

3,3-Bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalide (PPDA) and 4,4′-bimaleimidodiphenyl-methane (BDM) were prepared via a Michael-type addition using molar ratio 1:2(PM2), 1:3(PM3) and 1:4(PM4) in acetone as solvent and acetic acid as a catalyst. The chemical structures of prepolymers were characterized by hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These prepolymers exhibit good solubility in common organic solvents. The thermal properties of the prepolymers were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Composites composed of carbon cloth and the phthalide-containing Michael addition-type prepolymers (0.5% triphenylphosphine) were also prepared. The DMA results demonstrated that the resulting composites have excellent thermal stability. Besides, N,N-4,4′-bismaleimidodiphenylmethylene (BDM) and O,O′-diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) resin blends were modified by PM2. We investigated the effects of mole concentration of prepolymers on the curing process, mechanical properties, fracture toughness, and heat resistance of the modified resins. The investigations of the mechanical properties showed a complicated trend with an increase in prepolymer contents. When the proportion of PM2 is 0.05, the impact strength of modified resins was increased by 121.3%. In addition, the moisture resistance of cured resins was improved with the increase in prepolymer contents.
Study on the spur involute gear meshing with planar enveloping hourglass worm based on local conjugate
Authors: Chen Yonghong , Luo Wenjun , Chen Yan , Zhang Guanghui
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel multitooth point contact hourglass worm drive is proposed, which is composed of a planar enveloping hourglass worm and a spur involute gear, and both of them can be hardened and precisely ground. This novel hourglass worm drive is also named as involute gear meshing with planar enveloping hourglass worm drive (IP hourglass worm drive). Based on the gear geometry theory and the medium gear, the mathematical models of IP hourglass worm drive are deduced, the theory of tooth contact analysis is studied, as well as the tooth contact analysis is developed by the numerical analysis and finite element analysis. The performance of IP hourglass worm drive has been confirmed by the numerical simulation. This work is expected to give a theoretical basis for the IP hourglass worm drive.
Salivary Gland Secretory Carcinoma With High-Grade Transformation, CDKN2A/B Loss, Distant Metastasis, and Lack of Sustained Response to Crizotinib
Authors: Cipriani Nicole A. , Blair Elizabeth A. , Finkle Joshua , Kraninger Jennifer L. , Straus Christopher M. , Villaflor Victoria M. , Ginat Daniel Thomas
Published: May 2017

Background. Salivary gland secretory carcinoma is usually a low-grade neoplasm. However, high-grade transformation can occur and has important implications for clinical outcome. Methods. A patient presented with an enlarging buccal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a tumor with a biphasic appearance along the right parotid duct. Local excision and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of secretory carcinoma with high-grade transformation. ETV6-NTRK3 translocation and loss of CDKN2A/B were identified. Results. The patient subsequently presented with cough and dyspnea and was found to have pleural metastases. Carboplatin and paclitaxel exacerbated the symptoms. Crizotinib resulted in initial symptomatic and radiographic improvement; however, the patient soon succumbed to progressive intrathoracic disease. Conclusions. High-grade salivary gland secretory carcinoma can have a biphasic appearance on MRI. Diagnosis is confirmed by the histologic appearance and associated ETV6-NTRK3 fusion. Additional molecular genetic events leading to transformation are unknown; however, loss of CDKN2A/B may have contributed. Treatment with multimodal chemotherapy was of limited benefit.
More Greatness than Illusion: Stedman Jones on Marx
Authors: Leopold David
Published: May 2017

Gareth Stedman Jones has written a scholarly and interesting biography of Karl Marx, framed by the plausible idea that the ‘authentic’ Marx needs to be recovered from layers of 20th-century misinterpretation. The book focuses more on the political context than the intellectual content of Marx's ideas, and its treatment of the latter has some limitations. Not least, the author underestimates the complexity, interest, and relevance, of certain elements of Marx's thought.
Bayesian network modelling of an offshore electrical generation system for applications within an asset integrity case for normally unattended offshore installations
Authors: Loughney Sean , Wang Jin
Published: May 2017

This article proposes the initial stages of the application of Bayesian networks in conducting quantitative risk assessment of the integrity of an offshore system. The main focus is the construction of a Bayesian network model that demonstrates the interactions of multiple offshore safety critical elements to analyse asset integrity. The majority of the data required to complete the Bayesian network was gathered from various databases and past risk assessment experiments and projects. However, where data were incomplete or non-existent, expert judgement was applied through pairwise comparison, analytical hierarchy process and a symmetric method to fill these data gaps and to complete larger conditional probability tables. A normally unattended installation–Integrity Case will enable the user to determine the impact of deficiencies in asset integrity and demonstrate that integrity is being managed to ensure safe operations in situations whereby physical human-to-machine interaction is not occurring. The Integrity Case can be said to be dynamic as it shall be continually updated for an installation as the quantitative risk analysis data are recorded. This allows for the integrity of the various systems and components of an offshore installation to be continually monitored. The Bayesian network allows cause and effect relationships to be modelled through clear graphical representation. The model accommodates for continual updating of failure data.
Waxing and Waning of a Cotton Rat (Sigmodon toltecus) Monoculture in Early Tropical Restoration
Authors: Howe Henry F. , Davlantes Jason
Published: May 2017

As part of an experimental restoration of seed-dispersal processes in a fragmented agricultural landscape, we recorded rodent colonization of fenced plots in active cattle pasture over 10 years. The design included 16,900 m2 fenced cattle exclosures that were either planted with seedlings of native animal-dispersed trees, planted with seedlings of native wind-dispersed trees, or unplanted controls to simulate natural succession. Near the end of the dry season in late May and early June from 2007 to 2016, five Sherman live traps were placed in each plot for 66 hr per plot, resulting in 1,584 trap hours per year. Eight species of rodents were captured. Of 697 individuals, 644 (92%) were cotton rats ( Sigmodon toltecus); only 1 other species, Coues’ rice rat ( Oryzomys couesi), accounted for >1% of the total. S. toltecus accounted for at least 96% of the biomass of >50 kg of rodents captured. This species dominated the rodent community while most plots were grass- or fern-covered from 2007 to 2010. Thereafter, the question of interest was whether S. toltecus change in population numbers could be attributed to normal fluctuations of small rodents or to habitat change. The minimum number alive declined from 149 in 2010 to 20 in 2016. Overall, and frequently within years, low S. toltecus captures reflected high woody cover from shrubs and trees. A virtual Sigmodon monoculture prevailed until dense herbaceous cover was replaced by forest understory.
Tethered cord syndrome with spina bifida aperta in cats: two case reports of different types
Authors: Tamura Masahiro , Oji Takashi , Une Satoshi , Mukaino Makiko , Bekki Tatsuro , Tado Masaki , Koyama Hiromi , Kagawa Yumiko , Kawata Mutsumi
Published: May 2017

Case summary

Two castrated male cats, aged 8 months old (case 1) and 10 months old (case 2), showed a history of progressive paraparesis, an over-reaching pelvic limb gait, urinary incontinence and a palpable dermoid fistula. In case 1, the fistula was connected to the dural sac on the conus medullaris, and the tethered spinal cord was retracted caudally. In case 2, the tubular structure was connected to the dural sac on the thoracic spinal cord, and the tethered spinal cord was retracted dorsally. Tethered cord syndrome secondary to spina bifida aperta was suspected in both cats. Excision of the fistula and release of the tethered spinal cord was performed. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a meningomyelocele in case 1 and a meningocele in case 2. Paraparesis improved postoperatively in both cats. However, urinary incontinence in case 1 remained partially unresolved.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report to describe the imaging characteristics, surgical treatments and outcomes of two different types of tethered cord syndrome with spina bifida aperta in cats. Tethered cord syndrome with spina bifida aperta needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of slowly progressive paraparesis in younger cats with or without vesicorectal failure and a palpable dermoid fistula.
Orthogeriatric Combined Management of Elderly Patients With Proximal Femoral Fracture: Results of a 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Förch Stefan , Kretschmer Reiner , Haufe Thomas , Plath Johannes , Mayr Edgar
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

According to the expected demographical changes, the number of elderly trauma patients will increase exponentially over the next decades. Different models of an interdisciplinary orthogeriatric care have been developed. But there is only limited evaluation of their benefit without clear and evidence-based results. In 2011, we monitored the results of our orthogeriatric combined management by conducting a 1-year follow-up.

Methods:

We treated 231 patients presenting a proximal femoral fracture on our orthogeriatric ward. We obtained the epidemiological data and the geriatric assessments from all these patients. One year after discharge, we sent them a written questionnaire. Primary end points were the mortality and the functional outcome, measured by Barthel score, the requirement of care, and the residential status.

Results:

One hundred sixty-seven (72%) of the 231 patients completed the follow-up. The average age at admission was 81.5 years (70-99 years). The mortality rate was 2.4% during hospital stay and 31.4% after 1 year. The average Barthel score was 44 points at the time of admission, 55 points at discharge, and 72 points after 1 year. Forty-five percent of the patients were in requirement of care at the time of their admission. At the 1-year follow-up, 63% of the patients had some form of care, thus showing an increase of 18%. At the moment of the fracture, 77% of the patients were living in their own home and 23% in a nursing home. After 1 year, the surviving patients show nearly unchanged conditions (75% own home vs 25% nursing home). Eighty-six percent of the patients coming from their own home were able to continue living there independently.

Conclusion:

The orthogeriatric care is successful in reducing the short-time mortality without showing any effect on 1-year mortality. But the surviving patients seem to benefit from an improved functional outcome.
ATG vs thiotepa with busulfan and cyclophosphamide in matched-related bone marrow transplantation for thalassemia
Authors: Faulkner Lawrence , Uderzo Cornelio , Khalid Sadaf , Marwah Priya , Soni Rajpreet , Yaqub Naila , Amanat Samina , Fatima Itrat , Gilani Sarah Khan , Zahra Tatheer , Ramprakash Stalin , Gooneratne Lallindra , Dissanayake Ruwangi , Williams Senani , Rathnayake Wasantha , Srinivas Reshma , Sedai Amit , Kumari Ankita , Parmar Lailith , Dhanya Rakesh , Agarwal Rajat Kumar
Published: May 2017

Key Points

In low-risk BMT for thalassemia, ATG-BuCy seems as effective as Tt-BuCy in the prevention of rejection and may decrease transplant-related mortality.
Burden and health-related quality of life of eating disorders, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), in the Australian population
Authors: Hay Phillipa , Mitchison Deborah , Collado Abraham Ernesto Lopez , González-Chica David Alejandro , Stocks Nigel , Touyz Stephen
Published: May 2017

Background

Little is known about the epidemiology and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of the new DSM-5 diagnoses, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in the Australian population. We aimed to investigate the prevalance and burden of these disorders.

Methods

We conducted two sequential population-based surveys including individuals aged over 15 years who were interviewed in 2014 (n = 2732) and 2015 (n=3005). Demographic information and diagnostic features of DSM-5 eating disorders were asked including the occurrence of regular (at least weekly over the past 3 months) objective binge eating ﻿with levels of distress﻿, extreme dietary restriction/fasting for weight/shape control, purging behaviors, overvaluation of shape and/or weight, and the presence of an avoidant/restrictive food intake without overvaluation of shape and/or weight. In 2014 functional impact or role performance was measured with the ‘days out of role’ question and in 2015, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed with the Short Form −12 item questionnaire (SF-12v1).

Results

The 2014 and 2015 3-month prevalence of eating disorders were: anorexia nervosa-broad 0.4% (95% CI 0.2–0.7) and 0.5% (0.3–0.9); bulimia nervosa 1.1% (0.7–1.5) and 1.2% (0.9–1.7); ARFID 0.3% (0.1–0.5) and 0.3% (0.2–0.6). The 2015 3-month prevalence rates were: BED-broad 1.5% (1.1–2.0); Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) 3.2 (2.6–3.9); and Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED) 10.4% (0.9–11.5). Most people with OSFED had atypical anorexia nervosa and majority with UFED were characterised by having recurrent binge eating without marked distress. Eating disorders were represented throughout sociodemographic groups and those with bulimia nervosa and BED-broad had mean weight (BMI, kg/m2) in the obese range. Mental HRQoL was poor in all eating disorder groups but particularly poor for those with BED-broad and ARFID. Individuals with bulimia nervosa, BED-broad and OSFED-Purging Disorder also had poor physical HRQoL. ARFID and bulimia nervosa groups had lower role performance than those without an eating disorder.

Conclusions

Whilst full spectrum eating disorders, including ARFID, were less common than OSFED or UFED, they were associated with poor mental HRQoL and significant functional impairment. The present study supports the movement of eating disorders in to broader socio demographic groups including men, socio-economic disadvantaged groups and those with obesity.
An Analysis of the Perceptions and Resources of Large University Classes
Authors: Cash Ceilidh Barlow , Letargo Jessa , Graether Steffen P. , Jacobs Shoshanah R.
Published: May 2017

Large class learning is a reality that is not exclusive to the first-year experience at midsized, comprehensive universities; upper-year courses have similarly high enrollment, with many class sizes greater than 200 students. Research into the efficacy and deficiencies of large undergraduate classes has been ongoing for more than 100 years, with most research associating large classes with weak student engagement, decreased depth of learning, and ineffective interactions. This study used a multidimensional research approach to survey student and instructor perceptions of large biology classes and to characterize the courses offered by a department according to resources and course structure using a categorical principal components analysis. Both student and instructor survey results indicated that a large class begins around 240 students. Large classes were identified as impersonal and classified using extrinsic qualifiers; however, students did identify techniques that made the classes feel smaller. In addition to the qualitative survey, we also attempted to quantify courses by collecting data from course outlines and analyzed the data using categorical principal component analysis. The analysis maps institutional change in resource allocation and teaching structure from 2010 through 2014 and validates the use of categorical principal components analysis in educational research. We examine what perceptions and factors are involved in a large class that is perceived to feel small. Our analysis suggests that it is not the addition of resources or difference in the lecturing method, but it is the instructor that determines whether a large class can feel small.
Curriculum Alignment with Vision and Change Improves Student Scientific Literacy
Authors: Auerbach Anna Jo , Schussler Elisabeth E.
Published: May 2017

The Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education final report challenged institutions to reform their biology courses to focus on process skills and student active learning, among other recommendations. A large southeastern university implemented curricular changes to its majors’ introductory biology sequence in alignment with these recommendations. Discussion sections focused on developing student process skills were added to both lectures and a lab, and one semester of lab was removed. This curriculum was implemented using active-learning techniques paired with student collaboration. This study determined whether these changes resulted in a higher gain of student scientific literacy by conducting pre/posttesting of scientific literacy for two cohorts: students experiencing the unreformed curriculum and students experiencing the reformed curriculum. Retention of student scientific literacy for each cohort was also assessed 4 months later. At the end of the academic year, scientific literacy gains were significantly higher for students in the reformed curriculum (p = 0.005), with those students having double the scientific literacy gains of the cohort in the unreformed curriculum. Retention of scientific literacy did not differ between the cohorts.
Dietary, nondigestible oligosaccharides andBifidobacterium breveM-16V suppress allergic inflammation in intestine via targeting dendritic cell maturation
Authors: de Kivit Sander , Kostadinova Atanaska I , Kerperien JoAnn , Morgan Mary E , Muruzabal Veronica Ayechu , Hofman Gerard A , Knippels Leon M J , Kraneveld Aletta D , Garssen Johan , Willemsen Linette E M
Published: May 2017

Dietary intervention with short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS), long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (Bb) (GF/Bb) suppresses food allergic symptoms in mice, potentially via intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)–derived galectin-9. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides (GF) to enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of a TLR9 ligand representing bacterial CpG DNA when exposed to IEC. In this study, we investigated whether GF/Bb modulates dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequent Th2 and regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency in the small intestinal lamina propria (SI-LP). BALB/c mice were fed GF/Bb during oral OVA sensitization. DC and T cell phenotype were determined in SI-LP mononuclear cells using flow cytometry. Murine bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were exposed to recombinant galectin-9 or human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) and were cultured in IEC-conditioned medium from GF and TLR9 ligand-exposed HT-29 cells. GF/Bb reduced allergic symptoms and enhanced serum galectin-9 levels, while suppressing activation, restoring phagocytic capacity, and normalizing CD103 expression of SI-LP DCs of OVA-allergic mice. In vitro, galectin-9 suppressed LPS-induced activation markers and cytokine secretion by BMDCs, and IEC-conditioned medium suppressed moDC activation in a galectin-9–dependent manner. Besides suppression of SI-LP DC activation, dietary GF/Bb also lowered the frequency of activated Th2 cells, while enhancing Treg in the SI-LP of OVA-allergic mice compared to the control diet. Dietary intervention with GF/Bb enhances galectin-9 and suppresses allergic symptoms of OVA-allergic mice in association with reduced intestinal DC and Th2 activation and increased Treg frequency in these mice.
Automatic, geologic layer-constrained well-seismic tie through blocked dynamic warping
Authors: Wang Kainan , Lomask Jesse , Segovia Felix
Published: May 2017

Well-log-to-seismic tying is a key step in many interpretation workflows for oil and gas exploration. Synthetic seismic traces from the wells are often manually tied to seismic data; this process can be very time consuming and, in some cases, inaccurate. Automatic methods, such as dynamic time warping (DTW), can match synthetic traces to seismic data. Although these methods are extremely fast, they tend to create interval velocities that are not geologically realistic. We have described the modification of DTW to create a blocked dynamic warping (BDW) method. BDW generates an automatic, optimal well tie that honors geologically consistent velocity constraints. Consequently, it results in updated velocities that are more realistic than other methods. BDW constrains the updated velocity to be constant or linearly variable inside each geologic layer. With an optimal correlation between synthetic seismograms and surface seismic data, this algorithm returns an automatically updated time-depth curve and an updated interval velocity model that still retains the original geologic velocity boundaries. In other words, the algorithm finds the optimal solution for tying the synthetic to the seismic data while restricting the interval velocity changes to coincide with the initial input blocking. We have determined the application of the BDW technique on a synthetic data example and field data set.
Quality of Breast Cancer Treatment at a Rural Cancer Center in Rwanda
Authors: O’Neil Daniel S. , Keating Nancy L. , Dusengimana Jean Marie V. , Hategekimana Vedaste , Umwizera Aline , Mpunga Tharcisse , Shulman Lawrence N. , Pace Lydia E.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

As breast cancer incidence and mortality rise in sub-Saharan Africa, it is critical to identify strategies for delivery of high-quality breast cancer care in settings with limited resources and few oncology specialists. We investigated the quality of treatments received by a cohort of patients with breast cancer at Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE), Rwanda’s first public cancer center.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed medical records of all female patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at BCCOE between July 2012 and December 2013. We evaluated the provision of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy dose densities. We also applied modified international quality metrics and estimated overall survival using interval-censored analysis.

Results

Among 150 patients, 28 presented with early-stage, 64 with locally advanced, and 53 with metastatic disease. Among potentially curable patients (ie, those with early-stage or locally advanced disease), 74% received at least four cycles of chemotherapy and 63% received surgery. Among hormone receptor–positive patients, 83% received endocrine therapy within 1 year of diagnosis. Fifty-seven percent of potentially curable patients completed surgery and chemotherapy and initiated endocrine therapy if indicated within 1 year of biopsy. Radiotherapy was not available. At the end of follow-up, 62% of potentially curable patients were alive, 24% were dead, and 14% were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Appropriate delivery of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for breast cancer is possible in rural sub-Saharan African even without oncologists based on site. Performing timely surgery and ensuring treatment completion were key challenges after the opening of BCCOE. Further investigation should examine persistent quality gaps and the relationship between treatment quality and survival.
Classification of Patients With GH Disorders May Vary According to the IGF-I Assay
Authors: Mavromati Maria , Kuhn Emmanuelle , Agostini Hélène , Brailly-Tabard Sylvie , Massart Catherine , Piketty Marie-Liesse , Arnoux Armelle , Young Jacques , Souberbielle Jean-Claude , Chanson Philippe
Published: May 2017

Context

Insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) measurement is essential for the diagnosis and management of growth hormone (GH) disorders. However, patient classification may vary substantially according to the assay technique.

Objective

We compared individual patient data and classifications obtained with six different IGF-I assay kits in a group of patients with various GH disorders.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, we measured IGF-I with six immunoassays in 102 patients with active or treated acromegaly or GH deficiency. IGF-I normative data previously established for the same six assay kits were used to classify the patients (high, low, or normal IGF-I levels), using both raw data and standard deviation scores (SDSs). Pairwise concordance between assays was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and with the percentage of observed agreement and the weighted κ coefficient for categorized IGF-I SDS.

Results

We observed marked variability both across each individual’s IGF-I raw data and across IGF-I SDS values obtained with each of the six immunoassays. Pairwise concordance between assay values, as assessed with the weighted κ coefficient, ranged from 0.50 (moderate) to 0.81 (excellent).

Conclusion

Even when using normative data obtained in the same large population of healthy subjects and when using calculated IGF-I SDSs, agreement among IGF-I assay methods is only moderate to good. Differences in assay performance must be taken into account when evaluating and monitoring patients with GH disorders. This argues for the use of the same IGF-I assay for a given patient throughout follow-up.
Dietary supplementation of heat-treatedGracilariaandUlvaseaweeds enhanced acute hypoxia tolerance in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Magnoni Leonardo J. , Martos-Sitcha Juan António , Queiroz Augusto , Calduch-Giner Josep Alvar , Gonçalves José Fernando Magalhães , Rocha Cristina M. R. , Abreu Helena T. , Schrama Johan W. , Ozorio Rodrigo O. A. , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: May 2017

Intensive aquaculture practices involve rearing fish at high densities. In these conditions, fish may be exposed to suboptimal dissolved O2 levels with an increased formation of reactive O2 species (ROS) in tissues. Seaweeds (SW) contain biologically active substances with efficient antioxidant capacities. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of heat-treated SW (5% Gracilaria vermiculophylla or 5% Ulva lactuca) on stress bioindicators in seabream subjected to a hypoxic challenge. One hundred and sixty-eight fish (104.5 g each) were distributed in 24 tanks, in which eight tanks were fed one of three experimental diets for 34 days: a control diet without SW supplementation (i), or a control diet supplemented with Ulva (ii) or with Gracilaria (iii). Thereafter, fish from 12 tanks (n= 4 tanks/dietary treatment) were subjected to 24 h hypoxia (1.3 mg O2 l−1) and subsequent recovery normoxia (8.6 mg O2 l−1). Hypoxic fish showed an increase in hematocrit values regardless of dietary treatment. Dietary modulation of the O2-carrying capacity was conspicuous during recovery, as fish fed SW supplemented diets displayed significantly higher haemoglobin concentration than fish fed the control diet. After the challenge, survival rates in both groups of fish fed SW were higher, which was consistent with a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation in these groups. Furthermore, the hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were modulated differently by changes in environmental O2 condition, particularly in seabream fed the Gracilaria diet. After being subjected to hypoxia, the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and molecular chaperones in liver and heart were down regulated in seabream fed SW diets. This study suggests that the antioxidant properties of heat-treated SW may have a protective role against oxidative stress. The nature of these compounds and possible mechanisms implied are currently being investigated.
ArabidopsisDNA topoisomerase i alpha is required for adaptive response to light and flower development
Authors: Kupriyanova Evgenia V. , Albert Evgeniy V. , Bliznina Aleksandra I. , Mamoshina Polina O. , Ezhova Tatiana A.
Published: May 2017

DNA topoisomerase TOP1α plays a specific role in Arabidopsis thaliana development and is required for stem cell regulation in shoot and floral meristems. Recently, a new role independent of meristem functioning has been described for TOP1α, namely, flowering time regulation. The same feature had been detected by us earlier for fas5, a mutant allele of TOP1α. In this study we clarify the effects of fas5 on bolting initiation and analyze the molecular basis of its role in flowering time regulation. We show that fas5 mutation leads to a constitutive shade avoidance syndrome, accompanied by leaf hyponasty, petiole elongation, lighter leaf color and early bolting. Other alleles of TOP1α demonstrate the same shade avoidance response. RNA sequencing confirmed the activation of shade avoidance gene pathways in fas5 mutant plants. It also revealed the repression of many genes controlling floral meristem identity and organ morphogenesis. Our research further expands the knowledge of TOP1α function in plant development and reveals that besides stem cell maintenance TOP1α plays an important new role in regulating the adaptive plant response to light stimulus and flower development.
Pias3 is necessary for dorso-ventral patterning and visual response of retinal cones but is not required for rod photoreceptor differentiation
Authors: Campla Christie K. , Breit Hannah , Dong Lijin , Gumerson Jessica D. , Roger Jerome E. , Swaroop Anand
Published: May 2017

Protein inhibitor of activated Stat 3 (Pias3) is implicated in guiding specification of rod and cone photoreceptors through posttranslational modification of key retinal transcription factors. To investigate its role during retinal development, we deleted exon 2-5 of the mouse Pias3 gene, which resulted in complete loss of the Pias3 protein. Pias3−/- mice did not show any overt phenotype, and retinal lamination appeared normal even at 18 months. We detected reduced photopic b-wave amplitude by electroretinography following green light stimulation of postnatal day (P) 21 Pias3−/- retina, suggesting a compromised visual response of medium wavelength (M) cones. No change was evident in response of short wavelength (S) cones or rod photoreceptors until 7 months. Increased S-opsin expression in the M-cone dominant dorsal retina suggested altered distribution of cone photoreceptors. Transcriptome profiling of P21 and 18 month old Pias3−/- retina revealed aberrant expression of a subset of photoreceptor genes. Our studies demonstrate functional redundancy in SUMOylation-associated transcriptional control mechanisms and identify a specific though limited role of Pias3 in modulating spatial patterning and optimal function of cone photoreceptor subtypes in the mouse retina.
Transition zone cells reach G2 phase before initiating elongation in maize root apex
Authors: Alarcón M. Victoria , Salguero Julio
Published: May 2017

Root elongation requires cell divisions in the meristematic zone and cell elongation that occurs in the elongation zone. The boundary between dividing and elongating cells is called transition zone. In the meristem zone, initial cells are continuously dividing, but in the basal side of the meristem, cells exit the meristem through the transition zone and enter in the elongation zone, where they stop division and rapidly elongate. In this journey, cells are accompanied by changes in cell cycle progression. Flow cytometry analysis showed that meristematic cells are in cycle, but they exit the cell cycle when they enter the elongation zone. In addition, the percentage of cells in G2 phase (4C) strongly increased from meristem to elongation zone. However, we did not observe remarkable changes in the percentage of cells in cell cycle phases along the entire elongation zone. These results suggest that meristematic cells in maize root apex stop cell cycle in G2 phase after leaving the meristem.
Effect of PVP on the characteristic of modified membranes made from waste PET bottles for humic acid removal
Authors: Arahman Nasrul , Fahrina Afrillia , Amalia Sastika , Sunarya Rahmat , Mulyati Sri
Published: May 2017

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of using recycled polymer (waste polyethylene terephthalate [PET] bottles) as a membrane material. Furthermore, the effect of the addition of a pore-forming agent and preparation conditions was also observed. Methods: Porous polymeric membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation by dissolving recycled PET in phenol. PET polymer was obtained from waste plastic bottles as a new source of polymeric material. For original PET membrane, the casting solution was prepared by dissolving of 20wt% PET in phenol solution. For PET modified membrane, a 5 wt% of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added into polymer solution. The solution was cast onto a glass plate at room temperature followed by evaporation before the solidification process. The membranes formed were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical group, and filtration performance. A humic acid solution was used to identify the permeability and the solute rejection of the membranes. Results: The results showed that the recycled PET from waste plastic bottles was applicable to use as a membrane material for a water treatment process. The highest rejection of humic acid in a water sample, which reached up to 75.92%, was obtained using the PET/PVP membrane. Conclusions: The recycled PET from waste bottles was successfully used to prepare porous membrane. The membrane was modified by the addition of PVP as a membrane modifying agent. SEM analysis confirmed that the original PET membrane has a rough and large pore structure. The addition of PVP improved the pore density with a narrow pore structure. The PET/PVP membrane conditioned with evaporation was the best in humic acid rejection.
Predicting Outcomes of Hormone and Chemotherapy in the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) Study by Biochemically-inspired Machine Learning
Authors: Mucaki Eliseos J. , Baranova Katherina , Pham Huy Q. , Rezaeian Iman , Angelov Dimo , Ngom Alioune , Rueda Luis , Rogan Peter K.
Published: May 2017

Genomic aberrations and gene expression-defined subtypes in the large METABRIC patient cohort have been used to stratify and predict survival. The present study used normalized gene expression signatures of paclitaxel drug response to predict outcome for different survival times in METABRIC patients receiving hormone (HT) and, in some cases, chemotherapy (CT) agents. This machine learning method, which distinguishes sensitivity vs. resistance in breast cancer cell lines and validates predictions in patients; was also used to derive gene signatures of other HT  (tamoxifen) and CT agents (methotrexate, epirubicin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil) used in METABRIC. Paclitaxel gene signatures exhibited the best performance, however the other agents also predicted survival with acceptable accuracies. A support vector machine (SVM) model of paclitaxel response containing genes ABCB1, ABCB11, ABCC1, ABCC10, BAD, BBC3, BCL2, BCL2L1, BMF, CYP2C8, CYP3A4, MAP2, MAP4, MAPT, NR1I2, SLCO1B3, TUBB1, TUBB4A, and TUBB4B was 78.6% accurate in predicting survival of 84 patients treated with both HT and CT (median survival ≥ 4.4 yr). Accuracy was lower (73.4%) in 304 untreated patients. The performance of other machine learning approaches was also evaluated at different survival thresholds. Minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature selection of a paclitaxel-based SVM classifier based on expression of genes BCL2L1, BBC3, FGF2, FN1, and TWIST1 was 81.1% accurate in 53 CT patients. In addition, a random forest (RF) classifier using a gene signature (ABCB1, ABCB11, ABCC1, ABCC10, BAD, BBC3, BCL2, BCL2L1, BMF, CYP2C8, CYP3A4, MAP2, MAP4, MAPT, NR1I2,SLCO1B3, TUBB1, TUBB4A, and TUBB4B) predicted >3-year survival with 85.5% accuracy in 420 HT patients. A similar RF gene signature showed 82.7% accuracy in 504 patients treated with CT and/or HT. These results suggest that tumor gene expression signatures refined by machine learning techniques can be useful for predicting survival after drug therapies.
PoLAR-FIT: Pliocene Landscapes and Arctic Remains—Frozen in Time
Authors: Gosse John C. , Ballantyne Ashley P. , Barker Joel D. , Csank Adam Z. , Fletcher Tamara L. , Grant George W. , Greenwood David R. , MacPhee Ross D.E. , Rybczynski Natalia
Published: May 2017

This short summary presents selected results of an ongoing investigation into the feedbacks that contribute to amplified Arctic warming. The consequences of warming for Arctic biodiversity and landscape response to global warmth are currently being interpreted. Arctic North American records of large-scale landscape and paleoenvironmental change during the Pliocene are exquisitely preserved and locked in permafrost, providing an opportunity for paleoenvironmental and faunal reconstruction with unprecedented quality and resolution. During a period of mean global temperatures only ~2.5°C above modern, the Pliocene molecular, isotopic, tree-ring, paleofaunal, and paleofloral records indicate that the high Arctic mean annual temperature was 11°C–19°C above modern values, pointing to a much shallower latitudinal temperature gradient than exists today. It appears that the intense Neogene warming caused thawing and weathering to liberate sediment and create a continuous and thick (>2.5 km in places) clastic wedge from at least Banks Island to Meighen Island to form a coastal plain that provided a highway for camels and other mammals to migrate and evolve in the high Arctic. In this summary we highlight the opportunities that exist for research on these and related topics with the PoLAR-FIT community.RÉSUMÉCe bref résumé présente les résultats choisis d'une enquête en cours sur les déclencheurs qui contribuent à l’amplification du réchauffement de l'Arctique. Les conséquences du réchauffement sur la biodiversité arctique et de la réponse du paysage au réchauffement climatique sont en cours d’être interprété. Des dossiers nord-américains de paysage à grande échelle et le changement paléoenvironnementales durant le Pliocène sont exceptionnellement préservés et scellées dans un état de congélation qui fournissant une occasion pour la reconstruction paléoenvironnementale et faunistique avec une qualité et une résolution sans précédent. Pendent une période de réchauffement global seulement ~2,5°C au-dessus de moderne les dossiers, moléculaire, isotopique, annaux de croissance, paléofaunistique et paléovégétation indiquent que l'Arctique a connu une augmentation de la température annuelle moyenne de 11°C–19°C au-dessus de moderne, en montrant un inferieur gradient de température latitudinal qu'aujourd'hui. Il semble que le réchauffement intense pendent le Néogène a provoqué la décongélation et erosion pour libérer les sédiments et créer une plaine côtière continuel et épaisse (> 2,5 km dans lieux) qui a fourni une route pour les chameaux et autres mammifères pour migrer et évoluer dans l’Haut-Arctique. Dans ce résumé, nous soulignons les opportunités qui existent pour la recherche sur ces sujets et les sujets connexes avec la communauté PoLAR-FIT.
Treatment of hindfoot and ankle pathologies with posterior arthroscopic techniques
Authors: Ögüt Tahir , Yontar N. Selcuk
Published: May 2017

The two-portal hindfoot arthroscopy is an effective procedure enabling direct visualisation of posterior ankle pathology with low invasiveness. An important stage of the hindfoot endoscopy is localisation of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon to protect the neurovascular bundle which is located just medial to it. Posterior ankle impingement syndrome and FHL tenosynovitis are common causes of posterior ankle pain and frequently occur together. Posteriorly localised talar osteochondral lesions, Achilles tendon disorders, osteoarthritis, talar bone cysts and talar fractures are among the other pathologies that can be treated with hindfoot arthroscopy.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160055. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Treatment of chronic orthopaedic infection
Authors: Winkler Heinz
Published: May 2017

Chronic infections are one of the major challenges in orthopaedic surgery, both for surgeons and patients. They are characterised by obstinate persistency of the causing microorganisms and resulting long-term disablement of the patients, associated with remarkable costs for the health care system. Difficulties derive from the biofilm-mode of living of pathogens with resistances against immunological defence and antimicrobial substances, and osseous defects resulting from the disease itself and surgical interventions. Established techniques usually require multiple costly operations with extended periods of disablement and impairment of the patients, sometimes making the therapy worse than the disease. Better understanding of the backgrounds of the conditions has led to new surgical techniques and differentiated application of antibiotics, aiming in improved quality of life for our patients.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160063. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Partial proximal tibia fractures
Authors: Raschke Michael J. , Kittl Christoph , Domnick Christoph
Published: May 2017

Partial tibial plateau fractures may occur as a consequence of either valgus or varus trauma combined with a rotational and axial compression component. High-energy trauma may result in a more complex and multi-fragmented fracture pattern, which occurs predominantly in young people. Conversely, a low-energy mechanism may lead to a pure depression fracture in the older population with weaker bone density. Pre-operative classification of these fractures, by Müller AO, Schatzker or novel CT-based methods, helps to understand the fracture pattern and choose the surgical approach and treatment strategy in accordance with estimated bone mineral density and the individual history of each patient. Non-operative treatment may be considered for non-displaced intra-articular fractures of the lateral tibial condyle. Intra-articular joint displacement ⩾ 2 mm, open fractures or fractures of the medial condyle should be reduced and fixed operatively. Autologous, allogenic and synthetic bone substitutes can be used to fill bone defects. A variety of minimally invasive approaches, temporary osteotomies and novel techniques (e.g. arthroscopically assisted reduction or ‘jail-type’ screw osteosynthesis) offer a range of choices for the individual and are potentially less invasive treatments. Rehabilitation protocols should be carefully planned according to the degree of stability achieved by internal fixation, bone mineral density and other patient-specific factors (age, compliance, mobility). To avoid stiffness, early functional mobilisation plays a major role in rehabilitation. In the elderly, low-energy trauma and impression fractures are indicators for the further screening and treatment of osteoporosis.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160067. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Nerve injuries of the upper extremity and hand
Authors: Dahlin Lars B. , Wiberg Mikael
Published: May 2017

A nerve injury has a profound impact on the patient’s daily life due to the impaired sensory and motor function, impaired dexterity, sensitivity to cold as well as eventual pain problems. To perform an appropriate treatment of nerve injuries, a correct diagnosis must be made, where the injury is properly classified, leading to an optimal surgical approach and technique, where timing of surgery is also important for the outcome. Knowledge about the nerve regeneration process, where delicate processes occur in neurons, non-neuronal cells (i.e. Schwann cells) and other cells in the peripheral as well as the central nervous systems, is crucial for the treating surgeon. The surgical decision to perform nerve repair and/or reconstruction depends on the type of injury, the condition of the wound as well as the vascularity of the wound. To reconnect injured nerve ends, various techniques can be used, which include both epineurial and fascicular nerve repair, and if a nerve defect is caused by the injury, a nerve reconstruction procedure has to be performed, including bridging the defect using nerve-grafts or nerve transfer techniques. The patients must be evaluated properly and regularly after the surgical procedure and appropriate rehabilitation programmes are useful to improve the final outcome.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160071. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Advances in hip arthroplasty surgery: what is justified?
Authors: Zagra Luigi
Published: May 2017

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery has shown dramatic changes in terms of increased number of procedures and of technical development in recent years. It has been described as “the operation of the 20th century” for the excellent results, the high satisfaction of the patients and the improvement of the quality of life. A lot of variations have been introduced over the last few decades in THA especially in terms of indications (both in younger and older patients), techniques and devices (approaches, tissue preservation, biomaterials and industrial finishing), per-operative management (blood loss and pain control) and post-operative protocols (the so called “fast track” surgery). Looking at all these advances the emerging question is: have all of them been justified both in terms of improvement of the results for the patients and of the cost/benefit ratio from an economical point of view? The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the advantages and the disadvantages of the theoretically proposed “advances in hip arthroplasty” and attempt to understand which are justified of such “advances” nowadays, based on the international and the European perspective with a focus on the author’s personal clinical experience.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.170008. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Pakistan and Regional Cooperation Organizations: Towards a Futuristic Approach
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Published: May 2017

Pakistan is member of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for past more than three decades. It is also an observer of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and expected to get full membership in June 2017. The track record so far and prospects ahead indicate that SAARC will remain hostage to Pak-India tensions, and India's quest for dominance. ECO, while not having recorded a desirable progress either, signals comparatively more potential. Cooperation with China and Russia from ECO's platform seems a bright possibility. SCO, with both security and economic cooperation in its scope, presents even brighter prospects for Pakistan for a broader regional level engagement. Besides, inter-organization cooperation and sub-regional initiatives can be explored and fostered.