bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nerve fascicle transfer using a part of the C-7 nerve for spinal accessory nerve injury
Authors: Ye Xuan , Shen Yun-Dong , Feng Jun-Tao , Xu Wen-Dong
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury results in a series of shoulder dysfunctions and continuous pain. However, current treatments are limited by the lack of donor nerves as well as by undesirable nerve regeneration. Here, the authors report a modified nerve transfer technique in which they employ a nerve fascicle from the posterior division (PD) of the ipsilateral C-7 nerve to repair SAN injury. The technique, first performed in cadavers, was then undertaken in 2 patients.

METHODS

Six fresh cadavers (12 sides of the SAN and ipsilateral C-7) were studied to observe the anatomical relationship between the SAN and C-7 nerve. The length from artificial bifurcation of the middle trunk to the point of the posterior cord formation in the PD (namely, donor nerve fascicle) and the linear distance from the cut end of the donor fascicle to both sites of the jugular foramen and medial border of the trapezius muscle (d-SCM and d-Traps, respectively) were measured. Meanwhile, an optimal route for nerve fascicle transfer (NFT) was designed. The authors then performed successful NFT operations in 2 patients, one with an injury at the proximal SAN and another with an injury at the distal SAN.

RESULTS

The mean lengths of the cadaver donor nerve fascicle, d-SCM, and d-Traps were 4.2, 5.2, and 2.5 cm, respectively. In one patient who underwent proximal SAN excision necessitated by a partial thyroidectomy, early signs of reinnervation were seen on electrophysiological testing at 6 months after surgery, and an impaired left trapezius muscle, which was completely atrophic preoperatively, had visible signs of improvement (from grade M0 to grade M3 strength). In the other patient in whom a distal SAN injury was the result of a neck cyst resection, reinnervation and complex repetitive discharges were seen 1 year after surgery. Additionally, the patient’s denervated trapezius muscle was completely resolved (from grade M2 to grade M4 strength), and her shoulder pain had disappeared by the time of final assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

NFT using a partial C-7 nerve is a feasible and efficacious method to repair an injured SAN, which provides an alternative option for treatment of SAN injury.
Factors associated with burnout among US neurosurgery residents: a nationwide survey
Authors: Attenello Frank J. , Buchanan Ian A. , Wen Timothy , Donoho Daniel A. , McCartney Shirley , Cen Steven Y. , Khalessi Alexander A. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Cheng Joseph S. , Mack William J. , Schirmer Clemens M. , Swartz Karin R. , Prall J. Adair , Stroink Ann R. , Giannotta Steven L. , Klimo Paul
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

Excessive dissatisfaction and stress among physicians can precipitate burnout, which results in diminished productivity, quality of care, and patient satisfaction and treatment adherence. Given the multiplicity of its harms and detriments to workforce retention and in light of the growing physician shortage, burnout has garnered much attention in recent years. Using a national survey, the authors formally evaluated burnout among neurosurgery trainees.

METHODS

An 86-item questionnaire was disseminated to residents in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons database between June and November 2015. Questions evaluated personal and workplace stressors, mentorship, career satisfaction, and burnout. Burnout was assessed using the previously validated Maslach Burnout Inventory. Factors associated with burnout were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The response rate with completed surveys was 21% (346/1643). The majority of residents were male (78%), 26–35 years old (92%), in a stable relationship (70%), and without children (73%). Respondents were equally distributed across all residency years. Eighty-one percent of residents were satisfied with their career choice, although 41% had at some point given serious thought to quitting. The overall burnout rate was 67%. In the multivariate analysis, notable factors associated with burnout included inadequate operating room exposure (OR 7.57, p = 0.011), hostile faculty (OR 4.07, p = 0.008), and social stressors outside of work (OR 4.52, p = 0.008). Meaningful mentorship was protective against burnout in the multivariate regression models (OR 0.338, p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of burnout and career satisfaction are paradoxically high among neurosurgery trainees. While several factors were predictive of burnout, including inadequate operative exposure and social stressors, meaningful mentorship proved to be protective against burnout. The documented negative effects of burnout on patient care and health care economics necessitate further studies for potential solutions to curb its rise.
Convenient Synthesis of Heterocyclic Azo Dyes in the Class of Pyranopyrazoles and Chromenes
Authors: Arbabi Hamidreza Azari , Soltani Siavash Salek , Salehi Hasan , Rezazadeh Shahla , Zonouzi Afsaneh , Toosibashi Mansoureh
Published: February 2018

A series of novel azo group fused 2 H-chromenes and 4 H-chromenes were synthesised as well as pyranopyrazole derivatives via the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of C–H acid compounds with 5-(arylazo)salicylaldehydes by a nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group followed cyclisation.
Effects of nonlinear axial forces on chaotic vibration for a mesh-type harmonic piezoelectric motor
Authors: Li Chong , Xing Jichun
Published: February 2018

The mesh-type harmonic piezoelectric motor has advantages of low speed, large torque and long lifetime. However, the nonlinear axial forces of driving part affect the dynamic performance of the motor, which can result in a motor with a deteriorated load-capability. Hence, to deal with the above problem, the effects of nonlinear axial forces on chaotic vibration are investigated in this paper. Firstly, applying dynamic theory of continuous system, the nonlinear dynamic equations contains nonlinear axial forces of the driving system for a mesh-type piezoelectric motor are established. And then, using Runge-Kutta numerical method, the effects of nonlinear axial forces on chaotic vibrations of the system are investigated. The results show that the chaotic vibrations occur in driving system of the motor under some parameters. The vibration displacements of the driving system become larger when considering nonlinear axial forces of displacement amplification mechanism. Under the effect of nonlinear axial forces, the chaotic vibrations occur easily when the system parameter is much smaller. The results can be used to predict the dynamic load and optimize power density of the mesh-type harmonic piezoelectric motor.
Performance of the ferrofluid seal with gas isolation device for sealing liquids
Authors: Wang Hujun , Li Decai , He Xinzhi , Li Zhenkun
Published: February 2018

When applied in the field of sealing liquids, sealing performance of ferrofluids degrades due to the surface instability induced by direct contact and relative motion between ferrofluids and the sealed liquids. Consequently, it can not be widely applied. In order to improve the performance of ferrofluid seal for liquid medium, an improved ferrofluid seal adding gas isolation device was developed to prevent direct contact between ferrofluids and the sealed liquids. The critical pressure of the improved ferrofluid seal was derived theoretically. Magnetic field intensity in the seal gap and fluid dynamics of the sealed liquids and compressed gas were simulated. A special designed experiment platform was built on which the critical pressure and seal life of the original structure and improved structure were measured and compared. From the theory and experiment results, it can be seen that sealing performance has been significantly improved with the adoption of the improved ferrofluid seal and the sealing problem has been solved by converting sealing liquids to sealing gas. The results of this study give a guidance for solution of sealing liquids with ferrofluids.
Common Nearest Neighbor Clustering—A Benchmark
Authors: Lemke Oliver , Keller Bettina
Published: February 2018

Cluster analyses are often conducted with the goal to characterize an underlying probability density, for which the data-point density serves as an estimate for this probability density. We here test and benchmark the common nearest neighbor (CNN) cluster algorithm. This algorithm assigns a spherical neighborhood R to each data point and estimates the data-point density between two data points as the number of data points N in the overlapping region of their neighborhoods (step 1). The main principle in the CNN cluster algorithm is cluster growing. This grows the clusters by sequentially adding data points and thereby effectively positions the border of the clusters along an iso-surface of the underlying probability density. This yields a strict partitioning with outliers, for which the cluster represents peaks in the underlying probability density—termed core sets (step 2). The removal of the outliers on the basis of a threshold criterion is optional (step 3). The benchmark datasets address a series of typical challenges, including datasets with a very high dimensional state space and datasets in which the cluster centroids are aligned along an underlying structure (Birch sets). The performance of the CNN algorithm is evaluated with respect to these challenges. The results indicate that the CNN cluster algorithm can be useful in a wide range of settings. Cluster algorithms are particularly important for the analysis of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We demonstrate how the CNN cluster results can be used as a discretization of the molecular state space for the construction of a core-set model of the MD improving the accuracy compared to conventional full-partitioning models. The software for the CNN clustering is available on GitHub.
Vertex Cover Reconfiguration and Beyond
Authors: Mouawad Amer , Nishimura Naomi , Raman Venkatesh , Siebertz Sebastian
Published: February 2018

In the Vertex Cover Reconfiguration (VCR) problem, given a graph G, positive integers k and ℓ and two vertex covers S and T of G of size at most k, we determine whether S can be transformed into T by a sequence of at most ℓ vertex additions or removals such that every operation results in a vertex cover of size at most k. Motivated by results establishing the W [ 1 ] -hardness of VCR when parameterized by ℓ, we delineate the complexity of the problem restricted to various graph classes. In particular, we show that VCR remains W [ 1 ] -hard on bipartite graphs, is NP -hard, but fixed-parameter tractable on (regular) graphs of bounded degree and more generally on nowhere dense graphs and is solvable in polynomial time on trees and (with some additional restrictions) on cactus graphs.
Mudskippers and Their Genetic Adaptations to an Amphibious Lifestyle
Authors: You Xinxin , Sun Min , Li Jia , Bian Chao , Chen Jieming , Yi Yunhai , Yu Hui , Shi Qiong
Published: February 2018

Mudskippers are the largest group of amphibious teleost fish that are uniquely adapted to live on mudflats. During their successful transition from aqueous life to terrestrial living, these fish have evolved morphological and physiological modifications of aerial vision and olfaction, higher ammonia tolerance, aerial respiration, improved immunological defense against terrestrial pathogens, and terrestrial locomotion using protruded pectoral fins. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic data have been accumulated and analyzed for understanding molecular mechanisms of the terrestrial adaptations. Our current review provides a general introduction to mudskippers and recent research advances of their genetic adaptations to the amphibious lifestyle, which will be helpful for understanding the evolutionary transition of vertebrates from water to land. Our insights into the genomes and transcriptomes will also support molecular breeding, functional identification, and natural compound screening.
Study on SPH Viscosity Term Formulations
Authors: Zheng Xing , Ma Qingwei , Shao Songdong
Published: February 2018

For viscosity-dominated flows, the viscous effect plays a much more important role. Since the viscosity term in SPH-governing (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) equations involves the discretization of a second-order derivative, its treatment could be much more challenging than that of a first-order derivative, such as the pressure gradient. The present paper summarizes a series of improved methods for modeling the second-order viscosity force term. By using a benchmark patch test, the numerical accuracy and efficiency of different approaches are evaluated under both uniform and non-uniform particle configurations. Then these viscosity force models are used to compute a documented lid-driven cavity flow and its interaction with a cylinder, from which the most recommended viscosity term formulation has been identified.
Multivariate Analysis of Transient State Infrared Images in Production Line Quality Control Systems
Authors: Cristalli Cristina , Grabowski Dariusz
Published: February 2018

Manufacturers would like to increase production volumes while preserving the high quality of their products. The long testing times can cause a bottleneck of production processes especially taking into account the observed tendency for testing all produced devices. The main aim of this work consists in the analysis of time changes of features extracted from thermal images using the multivariate approach. The paper shows that if the principal component analysis (PCA), belonging to multivariate methods, is applied for quality control based on infrared images, then the minimum testing times can be estimated. In order to draw the final conclusions regarding testing times and, what is also very important, which principal components should be selected for classification, a detailed temporal analysis for an exemplary production line has been carried out. The future impact of the results includes higher productivity and cost-effectiveness due to the determination of an optimal decision time in production line quality control systems using the proposed approach.
Incentive Compatible Decision Making: Real Options with Adverse Incentives
Authors: Osakwe Carlton-James
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we examine the real options approach to capital budgeting decision making in the presence of managerial adverse incentives. We show that real options have the potential to be value enhancing or value destroying depending on the managerial incentives that may result from having objectives different from firm value maximization. We further examine the possibility of using a generic residual income based rule of managerial compensation to induce the proper investment incentives and we seek to determine the cost-of-capital that must be employed in such a rule. Using numerical examples it is demonstrated that in general, a range of incentive compatible costs-of-capital exists across all managerial investment horizons but not across all managerial hurdle rates.
Improving Fire Behaviour Data Obtained from Wildfires
Authors: Filkov Alexander , Duff Thomas , Penman Trent
Published: February 2018

Organisations that manage wildfires are expected to deliver scientifically defensible decisions. However, the limited availability of high quality data restricts the rate at which research can advance. The nature of wildfires contributes to this: they are infrequent, complex events, occur with limited notice and are of relatively short duration. Some information is typically collected during wildfires, however, it is often of limited quantity and may not be of an appropriate standard for research. Here we argue for a minimum standard of data collection from every wildfire event to enhance the advancement of fire behaviour research and make research findings more internationally relevant. First, we analyse the information routinely collected during fire events across Australia. Secondly, we review research methodologies that may be able to supplement existing data collection. Based on the results of these surveys, we develop a recommended list of variables for routine collection during wildfires. In a research field typified by scarce data, improved data collection standards and methodologies will enhance information quality and allow the advancement in the development of quality science.
Mixing Effects in Norway Spruce—European Beech Stands Are Modulated by Site Quality, Stand Age and Moisture Availability
Authors: Houpert Léa , Rohner Brigitte , Forrester David I. , Mina Marco , Huber Markus O.
Published: February 2018

Although mixing tree species is considered an efficient risk-reduction strategy in the face of climate change, the conditions where mixtures are more productive than monocultures are under ongoing debate. Generalizations have been difficult because of the variety of methods used and due to contradictory findings regarding the effects of the species investigated, mixing proportions, and many site and stand conditions. Using data from 960 plots of the Swiss National Forest Inventory data, we assessed whether Picea abies (L.) Karst–Fagus sylvatica L. mixed stands are more productive than pure stands, and whether the mixing effect depends on site- or stand-characteristics. The species proportions were estimated using species proportion by area, which depends on the maximum stand basal area of an unmanaged stand (BAmax). Four different alternatives were used to estimate BAmax and to investigate the effect of these differing alternatives on the estimated mixture effect. On average, the mixture had a negative effect on the growth of Picea abies. However, this effect decreased as moisture availability increased. Fagus sylvatica grew better in mixtures and this effect increased with site quality. A significant interaction between species proportions and quadratic mean diameter, a proxy for stand age, was found for both species: the older the stand, the better the growth of Fagus sylvatica and the lower the growth of Picea abies. Overyielding was predicted for 80% of the investigated sites. The alternative to estimate BAmax weakly modulated the estimated mixture effect, but it did not affect the way mixing effects changed with site characteristics.
The Moss Physcomitrella patens Is Hyperresistant to DNA Double-Strand Breaks Induced by γ-Irradiation
Authors: Yokota Yuichiro , Sakamoto Ayako
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the moss Physcomitrella patens cells are more resistant to ionizing radiation than animal cells. Protoplasts derived from P. patens protonemata were irradiated with γ-rays of 50–1000 gray (Gy). Clonogenicity of the protoplasts decreased in a γ-ray dose-dependent manner. The dose that decreased clonogenicity by half (LD50) was 277 Gy, which indicated that the moss protoplasts were 200-times more radioresistant than human cells. To investigate the mechanism of radioresistance in P. patens, we irradiated protoplasts on ice and initial double-strand break (DSB) yields were measured using the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis assay. Induced DSBs linearly increased dependent on the γ-ray dose and the DSB yield per Gb DNA per Gy was 2.2. The DSB yield in P. patens was half to one-third of those reported in mammals and yeasts, indicating that DSBs are difficult to induce in P. patens. The DSB yield per cell per LD50 dose in P. patens was 311, which is three- to six-times higher than those in mammals and yeasts, implying that P. patens is hyperresistant to DSBs. Physcomitrella patens is indicated to possess unique mechanisms to inhibit DSB induction and provide resistance to high numbers of DSBs.
Differential Enzymatic Activity of Rat ADAR2 Splicing Variants Is Due to Altered Capability to Interact with RNA in the Deaminase Domain
Authors: Filippini Alice , Bonini Daniela , Giacopuzzi Edoardo , La Via Luca , Gangemi Fabrizio , Colombi Marina , Barbon Alessandro
Published: February 2018

In mammals, adenosine (A) to inosine (I) RNA editing is performed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR), ADAR1 and ADAR2 enzymes, encoded by mRNAs that might undergo splicing process. In rat, two splicing events produce several isoforms of ADAR2, called ADAR2a, ADAR2b, ADAR2e, and ADAR2f, but only ADAR2a and ADAR2b are translated into an active protein. In particular, they differ for ten amino acids located in the catalytic domain of ADAR2b. Here, we focused on these two isoforms, analyzing the splicing pattern and their different function during rat neuronal maturation. We found an increase of editing levels in cortical neurons overexpressing ADAR2a compared to those overexpressing ADAR2b. These results indicate ADAR2a isoform as the most active one, as reported for the homologous human short variant. Furthermore, we showed that the differential editing activity is not due to a different dimerization of the two isoforms; it seems to be linked to the ten amino acids loop of ADAR2b that might interfere with RNA binding, occupying the space volume in which the RNA should be present in case of binding. These data might shed light on the complexity of ADAR2 regulations.
WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: A Systematic Review on Environmental Noise and Cognition
Authors: Clark Charlotte , Paunovic Katarina
Published: February 2018

This systematic review assesses the quality of the evidence across individual studies on the effect of environmental noise (road traffic, aircraft, and train and railway noise) on cognition. Quantitative non-experimental studies of the association between environmental noise exposure on child and adult cognitive performance published up to June 2015 were reviewed: no limit was placed on the start date for the search. A total of 34 papers were identified, all of which were of child populations. 82% of the papers were of cross-sectional design, with fewer studies of longitudinal or intervention design. A range of cognitive outcomes were examined. The quality of the evidence across the studies for each individual noise source and cognitive outcome was assessed using an adaptation of GRADE methodology. This review found, given the predominance of cross-sectional studies, that the quality of the evidence across studies ranged from being of moderate quality for an effect for some outcomes, e.g., aircraft noise effects on reading comprehension and on long-term memory, to no effect for other outcomes such as attention and executive function and for some noise sources such as road traffic noise and railway noise. The GRADE evaluation of low quality evidence across studies for some cognitive domains and for some noise sources does not necessarily mean that there are no effects: rather, that more robust and a greater number of studies are required.
Urinary Arsenic in Human Samples from Areas Characterized by Natural or Anthropogenic Pollution in Italy
Authors: Minichilli Fabrizio , Bianchi Fabrizio , Ronchi Anna , Gorini Francesca , Bustaffa Elisa
Published: February 2018

Arsenic is ubiquitous and has a potentially adverse impact on human health. We compared the distribution of concentrations of urinary inorganic arsenic plus methylated forms (uc(iAs+MMA+DMA)) in four Italian areas with other international studies, and we assessed the relationship between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and various exposure factors. We conducted a human biomonitoring study on 271 subjects (132 men) aged 20–44, randomly sampled and stratified by area, gender, and age. Data on environmental and occupational exposure and dietary habits were collected through a questionnaire. Arsenic was speciated using chromatographic separation and inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Associations between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and exposure factors were evaluated using the geometric mean ratio (GMR) with a 90% confidence interval by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The 95th percentile value of uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) for the whole sample (86.28 µg/L) was higher than other national studies worldwide. A statistical significant correlation was found between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and occupational exposure (GMR: 2.68 [1.79–4.00]), GSTT gene (GMR: 0.68 [0.52–0.80]), consumption of tap water (GMR: 1.35 [1.02–1.77]), seafood (GMR: 1.44 [1.11–1.88]), whole milk (GMR: 1.34 [1.04–1.73]), and fruit/vegetables (GMR: 1.37 [1.03–1.82]). This study demonstrated the utility of uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) as a biomarker to assess environmental exposure. In a public health context, this information could be used to support remedial action, to prevent individuals from being further exposed to environmental arsenic sources.
“I Was Relieved to Know That My Baby Was Safe”: Women’s Attitudes and Perceptions on Using a New Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitor during Labor in Tanzania
Authors: Rivenes Lafontan Sara , Sundby Johanne , Ersdal Hege , Abeid Muzdalifat , Kidanto Hussein , Mbekenga Columba
Published: February 2018

To increase labor monitoring and prevent neonatal morbidity and mortality, a new wireless, strap-on electronic fetal heart rate monitor called Moyo was introduced in Tanzania in 2016. As part of the ongoing evaluation of the introduction of the monitor, the aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of women who had worn the monitor continuously during their most recent delivery and perceptions about how it affected care. This knowledge is important to identify barriers towards adaptation in order to introduce new technology more effectively. We carried out 20 semi-structured individual interviews post-labor at two hospitals in Tanzania. A thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. Our results indicated that the use of the monitor positively affected the women’s birth experience. It provided much-needed reassurance about the wellbeing of the child. The women considered that wearing Moyo improved care due to an increase in communication and attention from birth attendants. However, the women did not fully understand the purpose and function of the device and overestimated its capabilities. This highlights the need to improve how and when information is conveyed to women in labor.
Acute Effects of Ambient PM2.5 on All-Cause and Cause-Specific Emergency Ambulance Dispatches in Japan
Authors: Phung Vera , Ueda Kayo , Kasaoka Shunji , Seposo Xerxes , Tasmin Saira , Yonemochi Shinichi , Phosri Arthit , Honda Akiko , Takano Hirohisa , Michikawa Takehiro , Nitta Hiroshi
Published: February 2018

Short-term health effects of ambient PM2.5 have been established with numerous studies, but evidence in Asian countries is limited. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of PM2.5 on acute health outcomes, particularly all-cause, cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular and neuropsychological outcomes. We utilized daily emergency ambulance dispatches (EAD) data from eight Japanese cities (2007–2011). Statistical analyses included two stages: (1) City-level generalized linear model with Poisson distribution; (2) Random-effects meta-analysis in pooling city-specific effect estimates. Lag patterns were explored using (1) unconstrained-distributed lags (lag 0 to lag 7) and (2) average lags (lag: 0–1, 0–3, 0–5, 0–7). In all-cause EAD, significant increases were observed in both shorter lag (lag 0: 1.24% (95% CI: 0.92, 1.56)) and average lag 0–1 (0.64% (95% CI: 0.23, 1.06)). Increases of 1.88% and 1.48% in respiratory and neuropsychological EAD outcomes, respectively, were observed at lag 0 per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5. While respiratory outcomes demonstrated significant average effects, no significant effect was observed for cardiovascular outcomes. Meanwhile, an inverse association was observed in cerebrovascular outcomes. In this study, we observed that effects of PM2.5 on all-cause, respiratory and neuropsychological EAD were acute, with average effects not exceeding 3 days prior to EAD onset.
Protective Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on Acrolein-Exacerbated Myocardial Infarction via an Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Authors: Xu Yuyu , Wu Lixing , Chen Aochang , Xu Chaoqi , Feng Qing
Published: February 2018

Many studies reported that air pollution particulate matter (PM) exposure was associated with myocardial infarction (MI). Acrolein representing the unsaturated aldehydes, the main component of PM, derives from the incomplete combustion of wood, plastic, fossil fuels and the main constitute of cigarette smoking. However, the effect of acrolein on MI remains not that clear. In the current study, the effect of acrolein-exacerbated MI was investigated. In vivo, male Sprague–Dawley rats received olive leaf extract (OLE) followed by acrolein, then isoprenaline (ISO) was received by subcutaneous injection to induce MI. Results showed that the expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP, two major components of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were higher in the combination of acrolein and ISO than those in ISO treatment. The apoptosis marker, Bax, was also higher while the anti-apoptosis indicator, Bcl2 expression was lower both at protein and mRNA levels in the combination group. Also, the acrolein-protein adducts and myocardial pathological damage increased in the combination of acrolein and ISO relative to the ISO treatment. Besides, cardiac parameters, ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were reduced more significantly when acrolein was added than in ISO treatment. Interestingly, all the changes were able to be ameliorated by OLE. Since hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OP) were the main components in OLE, we next investigated the effect of HT and OP on cardiomyocyte H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by acrolein through ER stress and Bax pathway. Results showed that GRP78, CHOP and Bax expression were upregulated, while Bcl2 expression was downregulated both at the protein and mRNA levels, when the H9c2 cells were treated with acrolein. In addition, pretreatment with HT can reverse the expression of GRP78, CHOP, Bax and Bcl2 on the protein and mRNA levels, while there was no effect of OP on the expression of GRP78 and CHOP on the mRNA levels. Overall, all these results demonstrated that OLE and the main components (HT and OP) could prevent the negative effects of acrolein on myocardium and cardiomyocytes.
The Differential Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Innes Jacqueline K. , Calder Philip C.
Published: February 2018

A large body of evidence supports the cardioprotective effects of the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). There is increasing interest in the independent effects of EPA and DHA in the modulation of cardiometabolic risk factors. This systematic review aims to appraise the latest available evidence of the differential effects of EPA and DHA on such risk factors. A systematic literature review was conducted up to May 2017. Randomised controlled trials were included if they met strict eligibility criteria, including EPA or DHA > 2 g/day and purity ≥ 90%. Eighteen identified articles were included, corresponding to six unique studies involving 527 participants. Both EPA and DHA lowered triglyceride concentration, with DHA having a greater triglyceride-lowering effect. Whilst total cholesterol levels were largely unchanged by EPA and DHA, DHA increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration, particularly HDL2, and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration and LDL particle size. Both EPA and DHA inhibited platelet activity, whilst DHA improved vascular function and lowered heart rate and blood pressure to a greater extent than EPA. The effects of EPA and DHA on inflammatory markers and glycaemic control were inconclusive; however both lowered oxidative stress. Thus, EPA and DHA appear to have differential effects on cardiometabolic risk factors, but these need to be confirmed by larger clinical studies.
Kinetic Phase Diagrams of Ternary Al-Cu-Li System during Rapid Solidification: A Phase-Field Study
Authors: Yang Xiong , Zhang Lijun , Sobolev Sergey , Du Yong
Published: February 2018

Kinetic phase diagrams in technical alloys at different solidification velocities during rapid solidification are of great importance for guiding the novel alloy preparation, but are usually absent due to extreme difficulty in performing experimental measurements. In this paper, a phase-field model with finite interface dissipation was employed to construct kinetic phase diagrams in the ternary Al-Cu-Li system for the first time. The time-elimination relaxation scheme was utilized. The solute trapping phenomenon during rapid solidification could be nicely described by the phase-field simulation, and the results obtained from the experiment measurement and/or the theoretical model were also well reproduced. Based on the predicted kinetic phase diagrams, it was found that with the increase of interface moving velocity and/or temperature, the gap between the liquidus and solidus gradually reduces, which illustrates the effect of solute trapping and tendency of diffusionless solidification.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2-(Benzylamino-2-Hydroxyalkyl)Isoindoline-1,3-Diones Derivatives as Potential Disease-Modifying Multifunctional Anti-Alzheimer Agents
Authors: Panek Dawid , Więckowska Anna , Pasieka Anna , Godyń Justyna , Jończyk Jakub , Bajda Marek , Knez Damijan , Gobec Stanislav , Malawska Barbara
Published: February 2018

The complex nature of Alzheimer’s disease calls for multidirectional treatment. Consequently, the search for multi-target-directed ligands may lead to potential drug candidates. The aim of the present study is to seek multifunctional compounds with expected activity against disease-modifying and symptomatic targets. A series of 15 drug-like various substituted derivatives of 2-(benzylamino-2-hydroxyalkyl)isoindoline-1,3-diones was designed by modification of cholinesterase inhibitors toward β-secretase inhibition. All target compounds have been synthesized and tested against eel acetylcholinesterase (eeAChE), equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (eqBuChE), human β-secretase (hBACE-1), and β-amyloid (Aβ-aggregation). The most promising compound, 12 (2-(5-(benzylamino)-4-hydroxypentyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione), displayed inhibitory potency against eeAChE (IC50 = 3.33 μM), hBACE-1 (43.7% at 50 μM), and Aβ-aggregation (24.9% at 10 μM). Molecular modeling studies have revealed possible interaction of compound 12 with the active sites of both enzymes—acetylcholinesterase and β-secretase. In conclusion: modifications of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors led to the discovery of a multipotent anti-Alzheimer’s agent, with moderate and balanced potency, capable of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, a symptomatic target, and disease-modifying targets: β-secretase and Aβ-aggregation.
Effects of Phytochemical P-Glycoprotein Modulators on the Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Doxorubicin in Mice
Authors: Kim Tae , Shin Soyoung , Yoo Sun , Shin Beom
Published: February 2018

Pungent spice constituents such as piperine, capsaicin and [6]-gingerol consumed via daily diet or traditional Chinese medicine, have been reported to possess various pharmacological activities. These dietary phytochemicals have also been reported to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro and act as an alternative to synthetic P-gp modulators. However, the in vivo effects on P-gp inhibition are currently unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that phytochemical P-gp inhibitors, i.e., piperine, capsaicin and [6]-gingerol, modulate the in vivo tissue distribution of doxorubicin, a representative P-gp substrate. Mice were divided into four groups and each group was pretreated with intraperitoneal injections of control vehicle, piperine, capsaicin, or [6]-gingerol and doxorubicin (1 mg/kg) was administered via the penile vein. The concentrations of the phytochemicals and doxorubicin in the plasma and tissues were determined by LC-MS/MS. The overall plasma concentration-time profiles of doxorubicin were not significantly affected by piperine, capsaicin, or [6]-gingerol. In contrast, doxorubicin accumulation was observed in tissues pretreated with piperine or capsaicin. The tissue to plasma partition coefficients, Kp, for the liver and kidney were higher in the piperine-pretreated group, while the Kp for kidney, brain and liver were higher in the capsaicin-pretreated group. [6]-Gingerol did not affect doxorubicin tissue distribution. The data demonstrated that the phytochemicals modulated doxorubicin tissue distribution, which suggested their potential to induce food-drug interactions and act as a strategy for the delivery of P-gp substrate drugs to target tissues and tumors.
A Study on the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Photo-Curable Ceramic/Polymer Composites with Different Silane Coupling Agents for SLA 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Song Se , Park Min , Lee Jung , Yun Ji
Published: February 2018

Silane coupling agents (SCAs) with different organofunctional groups were coated on the surfaces of Al2O3 ceramic particles through hydrolysis and condensation reactions, and the SCA-coated Al2O3 ceramic particles were dispersed in a commercial photopolymer based on interpenetrating networks (IPNs). The organofunctional groups that have high radical reactivity and are more effective in UV curing systems are usually functional groups based on acryl, such as acryloxy groups, methacrloxy groups, and acrylamide groups, and these silane coupling agents seem to improve interfacial adhesion and dispersion stability. The coating morphology and the coating thickness distribution of SCA-coated Al2O3 ceramic particles according to the different organofunctional groups were observed by FE-TEM. The initial dispersibility and dispersion stability of the SCA-coated Al2O3/High-temp composite solutions were investigated by relaxation NMR and Turbiscan. The rheological properties of the composite solutions were investigated by viscoelastic analysis and the mechanical properties of 3D-printed objects were observed with a nanoindenter.
Optimal Hydrogen Production Coupled with Pollutant Removal from Biodiesel Wastewater Using a Thermally Treated TiO2 Photocatalyst (P25): Influence of the Operating Conditions
Authors: Pansa-Ngat Pimsuda , Jedsukontorn Trin , Hunsom Mali
Published: February 2018

This work aimed to produce hydrogen (H2) simultaneously with pollutant removal from biodiesel wastewater by photocatalytic oxidation using a thermally-treated commercial titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst at room temperature (~30 °C) and ambient pressure. The effects of the operating conditions, including the catalyst loading level (1–6 g/L), UV light intensity (3.52–6.64 mW/cm2), initial pH of the wastewater (2.3–8.0) and reaction time (1–4 h), on the quantity of H2 production together with the reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and oil and grease levels were explored. It was found that all the investigated parameters affected the level of H2 production and pollutant removal. The optimum operating condition for simultaneous H2 production and pollutant removal was found at an initial wastewater pH of 6.0, a catalyst dosage of 4.0 g/L, a UV light intensity of 4.79 mW/cm2 and a reaction time of 2 h. These conditions led to the production of 228 μmol H2 with a light conversion efficiency of 6.78% and reduced the COD, BOD and oil and grease levels by 13.2%, 89.6% and 67.7%, respectively. The rate of pollutant removal followed a pseudo-first order chemical reaction with a rate constant of 0.008, 0.085 and 0.044 min−1 for the COD, BOD and oil and grease removal, respectively.
Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training
Authors: Stokes Tanner , Hector Amy , Morton Robert , McGlory Chris , Phillips Stuart
Published: February 2018

Skeletal muscle supports locomotion and serves as the largest site of postprandial glucose disposal; thus it is a critical organ for physical and metabolic health. Skeletal muscle mass is regulated by the processes of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB), both of which are sensitive to external loading and aminoacidemia. Hyperaminoacidemia results in a robust but transient increase in rates of MPS and a mild suppression of MPB. Resistance exercise potentiates the aminoacidemia-induced rise in MPS that, when repeated over time, results in gradual radial growth of skeletal muscle (i.e., hypertrophy). Factors that affect MPS include both quantity and composition of the amino acid source. Specifically, MPS is stimulated in a dose-responsive manner and the primary amino acid agonist of this process is leucine. MPB also appears to be regulated in part by protein intake, which can exert a suppressive effect on MPB. At high protein doses the suppression of MPB may interfere with skeletal muscle adaptation following resistance exercise. In this review, we examine recent advancements in our understanding of how protein ingestion impacts skeletal muscle growth following resistance exercise in young adults during energy balance and energy restriction. We also provide practical recommendations for exercisers who wish to maximize the hypertrophic response of skeletal muscle during resistance exercise training.
Macronutrient Composition and Food Form Affect Glucose and Insulin Responses in Humans
Authors: Shafaeizadeh Shila , Muhardi Leilani , Henry Christiani , Van de Heijning Bert , Van der Beek Eline
Published: February 2018

Glycaemic index (GI) is used as an indicator to guide consumers in making healthier food choices. We compared the GI, insulin index (II), and the area under the curve for blood glucose and insulin as glucose (GR) and insulin responses (IR) of a newly developed liquid nutritional formula with one commercially available liquid product with different types of carbohydrates. We then evaluated the glucose and insulin responses of two test foods with comparable energy density and protein percentage but presented in different food forms (liquid vs. solid). Fourteen healthy women participated in the study. GI, II, GR, and IR were assessed after (independent) consumption of two liquid products and a solid breakfast meal. The two liquid foods showed comparable GI, whilst the liquid form appeared to produce lower median GI (25 vs. 54), and II (52 vs. 98) values compared to the solid breakfast (p < 0.02). The median GR and IR for solid breakfast were respectively 44% and 45% higher compared to the liquid product (p < 0.02). Liquid formulas with different carbohydrate qualities produced comparable glucose responses, while foods with comparable energy density and protein percentage but different food form elicited differential effects on GI, II, GR, and IR. Nutrient quality and food form need to be taken into consideration when developing low GI products to manage glycaemic responses.
German Consumers’ Attitude towards Selenium-Biofortified Apples and Acceptance of Related Nutrition and Health Claims
Authors: Wortmann Lena , Enneking Ulrich , Daum Diemo
Published: February 2018

The present study investigates consumers’ acceptance of Se-biofortified apples, as well as Se health and nutrition claims that have been approved by the European Commission. Despite indications that such statements are more likely to be accepted if the carrier product itself has a healthy image, unprocessed fruits biofortified with Se have not been investigated in this context yet. Apples as the most frequently-consumed type of fresh fruit in Germany may offer the potential to improve the Se status of consumers when the produce is enriched with Se. Therefore, an online survey of 356 German adults was conducted to analyze different aspects that could affect the perception of and preference for the proposed product concept by consumers. The findings indicate a moderate acceptance of Se-biofortified apples, as well as of Se health and nutrition claims among the participants. Additional information about beneficial health effects of Se had a significant impact on consumer acceptance. People who regularly eat convenience food and prefer to buy apples at supermarkets were particularly attracted by the product idea. In conclusion, the results of the study indicate good prospects for a successful introduction of Se-rich apples in the German food market, if the produce is advertised with approved health and nutrition claims.
The Effects of Carbohydrates, in Isolation and Combined with Caffeine, on Cognitive Performance and Mood—Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Boyle Neil , Lawton Clare , Dye Louise
Published: February 2018

This review examines the effects of carbohydrates, delivered individually and in combination with caffeine, on a range of cognitive domains and subjective mood. There is evidence for beneficial effects of glucose at a dose of 25 g on episodic memory, but exploration of dose effects has not been systematic and the effects on other cognitive domains is not known. Factors contributing to the differential sensitivity to glucose facilitation include age, task difficulty/demand, task domain, and glucoregulatory control. There is modest evidence to suggest modulating glycemic response may impact cognitive function. The evidence presented in this review identifies dose ranges of glucose and caffeine which improve cognition, but fails to find convincing consistent synergistic effects of combining caffeine and glucose. Whilst combining glucose and caffeine has been shown to facilitate cognitive performance and mood compared to placebo or glucose alone, the relative contribution of caffeine and glucose to the observed effects is difficult to ascertain, due to the paucity of studies that have appropriately compared the effects of these ingredients combined and in isolation. This review identifies a number of methodological challenges which need to be considered in the design of future hypothesis driven research in this area.
The Structure of PrPSc Prions
Authors: Wille Holger , Requena Jesús
Published: February 2018

PrPSc (scrapie isoform of the prion protein) prions are the infectious agent behind diseases such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans, bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle, chronic wasting disease in cervids (deer, elk, moose, and reindeer), as well as goat and sheep scrapie. PrPSc is an alternatively folded variant of the cellular prion protein, PrPC, which is a regular, GPI-anchored protein that is present on the cell surface of neurons and other cell types. While the structure of PrPC is well studied, the structure of PrPSc resisted high-resolution determination due to its general insolubility and propensity to aggregate. Cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray fiber diffraction, and a variety of other approaches defined the structure of PrPSc as a four-rung β-solenoid. A high-resolution structure of PrPSc still remains to be solved, but the four-rung β-solenoid architecture provides a molecular framework for the autocatalytic propagation mechanism that gives rise to the alternative conformation of PrPSc. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure of PrPSc and speculate about the molecular conversion mechanisms that leads from PrPC to PrPSc.
Third International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry (ECMC-3)
Authors: Mayence Annie , Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: February 2018

The third International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry, organized and sponsored by MDPI AG, publisher, and the journal Pharmaceuticals, took place in November 2017 on the SciForum website (www.sciforum.net/conference/ecmc-3). Around 300 authors from 34 different countries participated at the event, which hosted more than 70 presentations, keynotes, videos, and posters. A short description of some works presented during that scientific meeting is disclosed in this report.