bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with false‐positive fecal immunochemical tests in a large German colorectal cancer screening study
Authors: Amitay Efrat L. , Cuk Katarina , Niedermaier Tobias , Weigl Korbinian , Brenner Hermann
Published: November 2018

In recent years fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been offered as a primary screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) in a growing number of countries. Our study aims to identify factors associated with apparently false‐positive results of FITs. In this cross‐sectional study within the German population‐based screening colonoscopy program, participants were invited to provide a stool sample for FIT prior to colonoscopy. Four thousand six hundred and fifty six participants aged 50–79 years with no known history of CRC or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and no findings of neoplasms at screening colonoscopy were included in the current analyses. Main outcome measures were rates and factors associated with apparently false‐positive FIT results. Apparently false‐positive FIT results were found for 378 participants (8.1%). Male sex (OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.03, 1.62), age ≥65 years (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.01, 1.59), a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.36, 2.40), current smoking (OR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.18, 2.25), use of aspirin (OR = 1.36, 95%CI 1.02, 1.82) and a new diagnosis of IBD (OR = 9.13, 95%CI 2.18, 38.19) or other non‐neoplastic findings (OR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.37, 2.51) at screening colonoscopy were independently associated with significantly increased odds of a positive FIT. Although considered false positive in the context of CRC screening, the identified factors associated with apparently false‐positive FIT results are known risk factors for and may point to conditions other than colorectal neoplasms that may be potential sources of gastrointestinal bleeding, potentially requiring further medical follow up.
Theoretical insights into the excited‐state process of 4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(5‐(5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐phenol
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Meixia , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhao Meiyu , Song Peng , Li Xiaodong
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we theoretically explore the motivation and behaviors of the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction for a novel white organic light‐emitting diode (WOLED) material 4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(5‐(5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐phenol (t‐MTTH). The “atoms in molecules” (AIM) method is adopted to verify the formation and existence of the hydrogen bond OH···N. By analyzing the excited‐state hydrogen bonding behaviors via changes in the chemical bonding and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, we confirm that the intramolecular hydrogen bond OH···N should be getting strengthened in the first excited state in four kinds of solvents, thus revealing the tendency of ESIPT reaction. Further, the role of charge‐transfer interaction is addressed under the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs), which depicts the nature of the electronic excited state and supports the ESIPT reaction. Also, the electron distribution confirms the ESIPT tendency once again. The scanned and optimized potential energy curves according to variational OH coordinate in the solvents demonstrate that the proton transfer reaction should occur in the S1 state, and the potential energy barriers along with ESIPT direction support this reaction. Based on the excited‐state behaviors reported in this work, the experimental spectral phenomenon has been reasonably explained.
PTPN22 1858C>T polymorphism is associated with increased CD154 expression and higher CD4+ T cells percentage in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ruiz‐Noa Yeniley , Hernández‐Bello Jorge , Llamas‐Covarrubias Mara A. , Palafox‐Sánchez Claudia A. , Oregon‐Romero Edith , Sánchez‐Hernández Pedro Ernesto , Ramírez‐Dueñas Maria Guadalupe , Parra‐Rojas Isela , Muñoz‐Valle Jose Francisco
Published: November 2018

Background

CD40 is a costimulatory molecule for B cells, and CD154 is a marker of CD4+ T cells activation. CD40‐CD154 interaction promotes pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion and autoantibodies production. PTPN22 gene encodes LYP protein, an inhibitor of T‐ and B‐cell activation. PTPN22 1858C>T polymorphism confers rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility. Hence, we evaluate the relationship between 1858C>T polymorphism with CD40 and CD154 expression and IFN‐γ secretion in RA patients.

Methods

PTPN22 1858C>T polymorphism was genotyped in 315 RA patients and 315 control subjects (CS) using PCR‐RFLP method. Later, we selected only ten anti‐CCP‐positive RA patients, naïve to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and ten CS, all with known 1858C>T PTPN22 genotype. The CD40 and CD154 membrane expressions were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral B and T cells, correspondingly.

Results

The B cells percentage and mCD40 expression were similar between RA and CS (P > 0.05) and we did not find an association between these variables and the 1858C>T polymorphism. The CD4+ T cells percentage was higher in RA patients than CS (P = 0.003), and in the RA group, the CD4+ T cells percentage and mCD154 expression were higher in the 1858 T allele carriers (P = 0.008 and P = 0.032, respectively). The IFN‐γ levels were lower in RA patients carrying the PTPN22 risk allele (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

The PTPN22 1858 T risk allele is associated with increased CD4+ T cells percentage and high mCD154 expression in RA patients, which could favor the pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and the establishment of the inflammatory response at the seropositive RA.
Early prediction of severity in acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack using platelet parameters and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Lim Hyeon‐Ho , Jeong In‐Hwa , An Gyu‐Dae , Woo Kwang‐Sook , Kim Kyeong‐Hee , Kim Jeong‐Man , Cha Jae‐Kwan , Han Jin‐Yeong
Published: November 2018

Background

It is still not easy to predict severity promptly in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We investigated that platelet parameters or combinations of them could be a useful tool for early prediction of severity of AIS and TIA at admission and after 3 months.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 104 patients newly diagnosed with AIS and TIA. We investigated their neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet parameters. According to the Modified Rankin Scale scores, the patients were divided into two groups.

Results

In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, mean platelet volume (MPV), NLR/platelet count (PLT), MPV/PLT, MPV*NLR, and MPV*NLR/PLT showed statistically significant results in both at admission and after 3 months. Values of area under ROC curves for those tests at admission were 0.646, 0.697, 0.664, 0.708, and 0.722, respectively. Also, values after 3 months were 0.591, 0.661, 0.638, 0.662, and 0.689, respectively.

Conclusion

MPV*NLR/PLT could be used as a relatively good tool for predicting severity at the time of admission and after 3 months than other parameters or combinations of them. Further studies have to be carried out to investigate the best parameter for predicting the severity of AIS and TIA.
Dynamics of nonstructural glycoprotein‐1 in dengue patients presenting with different clinical manifestations from 1986 to 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Bianca De Santis , Horta Marco Aurélio Pereira , Acero Pedro Hernan Cabello , Bochner Rosany , Queiroz Lima Monique da Rocha , de Araújo Eliane Saraiva , Sampaio Simone Alves , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo
Published: November 2018

The hyperendemicity and co‐circulation of different dengue serotypes in Brazil have increased the number of severe dengue cases and the rate of hospitalization for dengue. Virological and individual factors are associated with the complexity of the disease. Antigenemia levels of nonstructural glycoprotein‐1 (NS1) have been associated with severe dengue. Aiming to identify a severity marker during the acute phase (days 0 to 5 of disease), the association of NS1 antigenemia with clinical presentation, sex, age range, immune response, number of days of disease, and serotype RNA levels was evaluated in serum samples of patients from the state of Rio de Janeiro clinically classified as having dengue without warning signs (DWWS) or dengue with warning signs/severe dengue (DWWS/SD). The immune response was classified by in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, antigenemia was determined by quantification of NS1, and viremia was quantified by real‐time PCR. Of the total number of patients, 36.6% (74 of 202) presented warning signs/severe dengue and 72.3% (146 of 202) were classified with primary infection. DENV‐2 presented an association between clinical presentation and antigenemia (P = 0.02). DENV‐3 had higher levels of NS1 (P < 0.0001). This study has shown that the infecting serotype influences circulating NS1 levels in the host, as well as NS1 antigenemia may vary as to the clinical presentation of the patient infected with DENV‐2. However, the criterion used to screen patients for clinical presentation, in DWWS and DWWS/SD patients, was not a good marker for dengue severity in our study.
Long‐Term Outcomes in Children With Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease Treated With 6 Months of Intravenous Fish Oil Followed by Resumption of Intravenous Soybean Oil
Authors: Wang Caroline , Venick Robert S. , Shew Stephen B. , Dunn James C. Y. , Reyen Laurie , Gou Rong , Calkins Kara L.
Published: November 2018

Background

Intravenous soybean oil (SO) is a commonly used lipid emulsion for children with intestinal failure (IF); however, it is associated with IF‐associated liver disease (IFALD). Studies have demonstrated that intravenous fish oil (FO) is an effective treatment for IFALD. However, there is a lack of long‐term data on children who stop FO and resume SO. This study's objective was to investigate our institution's outcomes for children with IFALD treated with 6 months of FO and who then restarted SO.

Methods

Inclusion criteria for FO included children with IFALD. Parenteral nutrition (PN)‐dependent children resumed SO after FO and were prospectively followed for 4.5 years or until death, transplant, or PN discontinuation. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) for cholestasis after FO.

Results

Forty‐eight subjects received FO, and conjugated bilirubin decreased over time (−0.22 mg/dL/week; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.25, −0.19; P < .001). The CIR for cholestasis resolution after 6 months of FO was 71% (95% CI: 54%, 82%). Twenty‐seven subjects resumed SO and were followed for a median of 16 months (range 3–51 months). While the CIR for enteral autonomy after 3 years of follow‐up was 40% (95% CI: 17%, 26%), the CIR for cholestasis and transplant was 26% (95% CI: 8%, 47%) and 6% (95% CI: 0.3%, 25%), respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, FO effectively treated cholestasis, and SO resumption was associated with cholestasis redevelopment in nearly one‐fourth of subjects. Long‐term FO may be warranted to prevent end‐stage liver disease.
Friction and Mechanical Properties of Highly Filled Polybenzoxazine Composites: Nanosilica Particle Size and Surface Treatment
Authors: Mora Phattarin , Jubsilp Chanchira , Liawthanyarat Nutthaphon , Okhawilai Manunya , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: November 2018

Frictional and mechanical properties of highly filled polybenzoxazine [poly(BA‐a)] composites which are influenced by nanosilica contents, particle sizes, and surface treatments are investigated. The coefficient of friction and wear resistance, storage moduli, and microhardness of the nanosilica‐filled poly(BA‐a) composites systematically increase with an increase of nanosilica content, while those values of the nanocomposites are improved with decreasing particle sizes at the equivalent nanosilica content. The modulus can be predicted by the Kerner model with the maximum packing fraction, while the microhardness of the nanocomposites is in agreement with the Halpin–Tsai model. The nanocomposites fabricated with untreated nanosilica particles exhibit higher frictional and mechanical properties when compared with the surface‐treated nanocomposites at the equivalent particle sizes. The interfacial interactions via covalent bond formation between the nanosilica and the poly(BA‐a) are determinative factors for the nanocomposite properties. Highly filled nanosilica‐poly(BA‐a) composites can be employed in various applications where wear‐resistance plays an important role.
Mechanism and Factors Influencing Formation and Stability of Chitosan/Lignosulfonate Nanoparticles
Authors: Al‐Rashed Maher M. , Niknezhad Sepideh , Jana Sadhan C.
Published: November 2018

A set of new nanoparticles are synthesized in this work at room temperature by combining two oppositely charged non‐toxic biopolymer polyelectrolytes in the form of chitosan and lignosulfonate. The effects of intensity of mixing, solid content, and reactant ratio on nanoparticle size and composition are investigated using turbidity measurements, dynamic light scattering data, zeta potential values, surface tension data, and electron microscopy. The data support nanoparticle structures with a dense hydrophobic core surrounded by a positively charged hydrophilic shell. The chitosan and lignosulfonate domains are held in these nanoparticles primarily by the electrostatic force while hydrogen bonding plays a minor role. The particle size increases with an increase of the total solid content, while the ratio of the two reactants determines the number of particles.
Morphological Control Over Three‐ and Four‐Phase Superstructures in Blends of Asymmetric ABC and BAC Triblock Terpolymers
Authors: Gil Haenelt Taida , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker
Published: November 2018

The versatile and simple attainment of complex superstructures through binary blends of asymmetric polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (ISM) and polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (SIM) triblock terpolymers is shown. Different well‐ordered core–shell morphologies with three or four microphases as well as interchanged core‐ and shell‐forming blocks are achieved by different spatial superposition during mixing. Superstructures with three microphases are obtained by antiparallel chain orientation, when ISM and SIM chains align in opposite directions. Similarly, the respective PS, PI, and PMMA blocks are in direct superposition and mix into each other. In contrast, with parallel chain orientation, ISM and SIM chains align in the same direction. It gives rise to four microphases because here, both PI blocks do not assemble into one microdomain, but form two isolated microdomains. These observations are attributed to inverse molecular weight ratios between both blends.
Abnormal sensory gating in patients with different types of focal dystonias
Authors: Conte Antonella , Belvisi Daniele , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Manzo Nicoletta , Cortese Francesca Natalia , Tartaglia Matteo , Ferrazzano Gina , Fabbrini Giovanni , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: November 2018

Background

Movement execution in healthy individuals increases the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold. These changes are a result of mechanisms of sensory gating at the subcortical level. Although the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold is abnormally increased in patients with focal dystonias, the effect of movement execution on somatosensory temporal discrimination in dystonic patients is unknown.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine whether somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold modulation induced by voluntary movement is normal in different forms of focal dystonia.

Methods

We enrolled 71 dystonic patients (24 with blepharospasm, 31 with cervical dystonia, and 16 with focal hand dystonia) and 39 age‐matched healthy participants. Paired stimuli for the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold were triggered by movement execution at movement onset and at various time intervals thereafter. We analyzed the kinematic features of the motor task to ascertain whether tactile input induces changes in movement parameters.

Results

Movement execution led to greater and longer lasting increases in somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values, both upon movement onset and at various time intervals thereafter, in patients with cervical dystonia and focal hand dystonia than in those with blepharospasm or the healthy participants. Somatosensory temporal discrimination testing did not induce any changes in the mean velocity of index finger movements in either patients or healthy participants.

Conclusions

Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold changes induced by movement execution are abnormal in focal dystonias. This abnormality is related to the type of dystonia. Abnormal gating of sensory information is likely involved in movement‐induced triggering or worsening of different forms focal dystonia. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
High‐Saturated Fat High‐Sugar Diet Accelerates Left‐Ventricular Dysfunction Faster than High‐Saturated Fat Diet Alone via Increasing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Obese‐Insulin Resistant Rats
Authors: Apaijai Nattayaporn , Arinno Apiwan , Palee Siripong , Pratchayasakul Wasana , Kerdphoo Sasiwan , Jaiwongkam Thidarat , Chunchai Titikorn , Chattipakorn Siriporn C , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: November 2018

Scope

It has been hypothesized that a high‐saturated‐fat, high‐sugar diet (HFHS) causes worse cardiometabolic dysfunction than a high‐saturated‐fat diet (HFD) due to severe mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in obese insulin‐resistant rats.

Methods and Results

Rats are divided into three groups to receive normal diet (ND), HFD, or HFHS for 24 weeks. Cardiometabolic parameters are determined at baseline and every 4 weeks until the end of the feeding protocol. At week 24, hearts are removed to determine mitochondrial function and dynamics, apoptosis, and insulin signaling. HFD and HFHS rats develop obese insulin‐resistance at week 8. However, fasting plasma glucose level is increased only in HFHS rats. Myocardial insulin signaling is markedly impaired in HFHS rats compared to other groups. Cardiac autonomic imbalance is observed in both HFD and HFHS rats beginning at week 8. However, cardiac dysfunction is observed earlier (week 8) in HFHS rats, and later at week 12 in HFD rats. Moreover, cardiac and mitochondrial oxidative stress levels, and apoptosis are greater in HFHS rats than HFD rats.

Conclusion

Both HFD and HFHS cause cardiometabolic dysfunction. HFHS causes more severe metabolic disturbance, oxidative stress, and apoptosis than HFD, which leads to an accelerated LV dysfunction in HFHS rats.
A low‐profile printed antenna for unidirectional beam pattern
Authors: Nishiyama Tohko , Fukusako Takeshi , Kuse Ryuji
Published: November 2018

A low‐profile antenna with an antenna gain of 6.80 dBi at 8.40 GHz is presented. This antenna radiates vertical polarization with a unidirectional beam pattern in the horizontal plane which is parallel to the ground plane. Furthermore, a monopole array antenna model is used for verification of the antenna mechanism.
The role impairment associated with mental disorder risk profiles in the WHO World Mental Health International College Student Initiative
Authors: Alonso Jordi , Vilagut Gemma , Mortier Philippe , Auerbach Randy P. , Bruffaerts Ronny , Cuijpers Pim , Demyttenaere Koen , Ebert David D. , Ennis Edel , Gutiérrez‐García Raul A. , Green Jennifer Greif , Hasking Penelope , Lee Sue , Bantjes Jason , Nock Matthew K. , Pinder‐Amaker Stephanie , Sampson Nancy A. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Kessler Ronald C. ,   on behalf of the WHO WMH‐ICS Collaborators
Published: November 2018

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the contribution of mental comorbidity to role impairment among college students.

Methods

Web‐based self‐report surveys from 14,348 first‐year college students (Response Rate [RR] = 45.5%): 19 universities, eight countries of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. We assessed impairment (Sheehan Disability Scales and number of days out of role [DOR] in the past 30 days) and seven 12‐month DSM‐IV disorders. We defined six multivariate mental disorder classes using latent class analysis (LCA). We simulated population attributable risk proportions (PARPs) of impairment.

Results

Highest prevalence of role impairment was highest among the 1.9% of students in the LCA class with very high comorbidity and bipolar disorder (C1): 78.3% of them had severe role impairment (vs. 20.8%, total sample). Impairment was lower in two other comorbid classes (C2 and C3) and successively lower in the rest. A similar monotonic pattern was found for DOR. Both LCA classes and some mental disorders (major depression and panic, in particular) were significant predictors of role impairment. PARP analyses suggest that eliminating all mental disorders might reduce severe role impairment by 64.6% and DOR by 44.3%.

Conclusions

Comorbid mental disorders account for a substantial part of role impairment in college students.
Left ventricular blood flow patterns at rest and under dobutamine stress in healthy pigs
Authors: Cesarovic Nikola , Busch Julia , Lipiski Miriam , Fuetterer Maximilian , Fleischmann Thea , Born Silvia , von Deuster Constantin , Sauer Mareike , Maisano Francesco , Kozerke Sebastian , Stoeck Christian T.
Published: November 2018

Intracardiac blood flow patterns are affected by the morphology of cardiac structures and are set up to support the heart's pump function. Exercise affects contractility and chamber size as well as pre‐ and afterload. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of four‐dimensional phase contrast cardiovascular MRI under pharmacological stress and to study left ventricular blood flow under stress. 4D flow data were successfully acquired and analysed in 12 animals. During dobutamine infusion, heart rate and ejection fraction increased (82 ± 5 bpm versus 124 ± 3 bpm/46 ± 9% versus 65 ± 7%; both p < 0.05). A decrease in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (72 ± 14 mL versus 55 ± 8 mL; p < 0.05) and end‐systolic volume (40 ± 15 mL versus 19 ± 6 mL; p < 0.05) but no change in stroke volume were observed. Trans‐mitral diastolic inflow velocity increased under dobutamine and the trajectory of inflowing blood was directed towards the anterior septum with increased inflow angle (26 ± 5°) when compared with controls (15 ± 2°). In 5/6 animals undergoing stress diastolic vortices developed later, and in 3/6 animals vortices collapsed earlier with significantly smaller cross‐sectional area during diastole. The vorticity index was not affected. Under the stress condition direct flow (% ejection within the next heart beat) increased from 43 ± 6% to 53 ± 8%. 4D MRI blood flow acquisition and analysis are feasible in pig hearts under dobutamine‐induced stress. Flow patterns characterized by high blood velocity and antero‐septally oriented diastolic inflow as well as decreased ventricular volumes are unfavourable conditions for diastolic vortex development under pharmacological stress, and cardiac output is increased by a rise in heart rate and directly ejected left ventricular blood volume.
A deep learning method to detect network intrusion through flow‐based features
Authors: Pektaş Abdurrahman , Acarman Tankut
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we present a deep neural network model to enhance the intrusion detection performance. A deep learning architecture combining convolution neural network and long short‐term memory learns spatial‐temporal features of network flows automatically. Flow features are extracted from raw network traffic captures, flows are grouped, and the consecutive N flow records are transformed into a two‐dimensional array like an image. These constructed two‐dimensional feature vectors are normalized and forwarded to the deep learning model. Transformation of flow information assures deep learning in a computationally efficient manner. Overall, convolution neural network learns spatial features, and long short‐term memory learns temporal features from a sequence of network raw data packets. To maximize the detection performance of the deep neural network and to reach at the highest statistical metric values, we apply the tree‐structured Parzen estimator seeking the optimum parameters in the parameter hyper‐plane. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of flow status interval, flow window size, convolution filter size, and long short‐term memory units to the detection performance in terms of level in statistical metric values. The presented flow‐based intrusion method outperforms other publicly available methods, and it detects abnormal traffic with 99.09% accuracy and 0.0227 false alarm rate.
Mechanisms and regioselectivities of DABCO/DMAP‐catalyzed [2+4] annulation reactions of allenoate with α,β‐unsaturated cyclic ketimine: A DFT study
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Zhao Ji‐Min , Qiao Yan
Published: November 2018

In the present study, the reaction mechanisms as well as regioselectivities of 1,4‐diazabicyclo‐[2.2.2] octane (DABCO) and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)‐catalyzed [2+4] annulation reactions of allenoate with α,β‐unsaturated cyclic ketimine leading to hydropyridine derivatives have been theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT). In general, the amine catalyst can initiate the reaction by nucleophilic attack to allenoate leading to zwitterionic intermediate, which can then react with cyclic ketimine following different reaction mechanisms. For DABCO‐catalyzed annulation, the α‐attack is more energetically favorable, and the subsequent two consecutive proton transfers followed by intramolecular cyclization along with catalyst regeneration can lead to the α,β‐[2+4] cycloadduct. While for DMAP‐catalyzed annulation, γ‐attack is preferred, and the subsequent intramolecular cyclization followed by catalyst regeneration results into the β,γ‐[2+4] cycloadduct. The calculated results are consistent with the experimental observations. Further noncovalent interaction (NCI) analyses reveal that the steric repulsion, hydrogen bond interactions, and intramolecular C─H···π interactions as well as π‐π interactions would be responsible for the observed regioselectivities.
Trajectories of health behaviors across early childhood cancer survivorship
Authors: Fisher Rachel S. , Rausch Joseph R. , Ferrante Amanda C. , Prussien Kemar V. , Olshefski Randal S. , Vannatta Kathryn A. , Compas Bruce E. , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The majority of childhood cancer survivors develop at least one late effect subsequent to treatment (eg, cardiovascular disease and obesity). Consistent engagement in recommended health behaviors may mitigate some of these conditions. Researchers have identified early survivorship as a teachable moment, yet few studies have examined positive health behaviors during this period.

Methods

Families of children with cancer (ages 5‐17) were initially recruited following a diagnosis or relapse of cancer. Three years post diagnosis, survivors (n = 82, Mage = 13.3, SD = 3.7) and their mothers (n = 103, Mage = 41.1, SD = 7.6) completed a questionnaire assessing exercise, dietary, and sleep patterns among survivors. A follow‐up assessment was conducted 2 years later. Mixed models tested change in health behavior over time.

Results

At 3‐ and 5‐year post diagnosis, mother and self‐report indicated that few survivors engaged in appropriate levels of low‐intensity exercise, fruit/vegetable intake, and dairy consumption. However, most survivors engaged in recommended levels of high intensity exercise, fast food restriction, and sleep. Health behaviors remained stable over time, except for mother report of sleep duration, which decreased (b = –0.6,P < 0.001). Brain tumor diagnosis predicted a larger decrease in self‐report of sleep duration compared with other diagnoses (P = 0.04). Income predicted fast food intake such that higher income was associated with decreased intake over time, whereas lower income was associated with increased intake (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

During early survivorship, several health behaviors fell short of expectations for exercise and diet and did not improve upon reaching 5‐year post diagnosis. Providers should evaluate survivors' health behaviors, including sleep, early and often, intervening when necessary.
Relationship between subjective visual vertical and balance in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Klatt Brooke N. , Sparto Patrick J. , Terhorst Lauren , Winser Stanley , Heyman Rock , Whitney Susan L.
Published: November 2018

Background

Subjective visual vertical (SVV) deviations have been correlated to abnormal cerebellar function in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been shown that individuals with MS have increased incidence of SVV abnormalities, yet this is not routinely tested in this population during physical therapy evaluation.

Objective

This study aims to determine if there is a relationship between SVV and balance performance in people with MS who have cerebellar involvement. We hypothesize that individuals with greater SVV deviations will have worse balance performance.

Methods

Fifteen females and five males (mean age 54.5 years [±7.03 SD]) with the diagnosis of MS and cerebellar involvement participated. Computerized SVV testing included rod and rod‐and‐frame conditions. None of the balance outcomes were correlated with the rod‐only condition. Because there was a difference in magnitude of results within the rod‐and‐frame condition, based on whether the frame was rotated clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW), they were analysed independently.

Results

For all six of the balance outcomes, there was a statistically significant moderate correlation with SVV deviations when the frame was tilted CCW: Barthel Index (r = −0.47, p = 0.018), Berg Balance Score (r = −0.59, p = 0.003), gait velocity (r = −0.52, p = 0.010), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (r = 0.56, p = 0.006), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (r = 0.62, p = 0.002), and Timed Up and Go (r = 0.58, p = 0.003). Interestingly, the Barthel Index was the only outcome that had statistical significance with a moderate correlation (r = −0.66, p = 0.001) when the frame was rotated CW. In this cohort, greater deviations during the rod‐and‐frame condition of SVV testing correlated with worse functional outcomes, especially when the frame was tilted CCW.

Conclusion

Individuals with MS who demonstrate decreased balance performance may rely more heavily on visual backgrounds. Implementation of SVV assessment for individuals with MS may provide clinicians with valuable information to identify clinical interventions.
Experimental investigation of a smouldering fire in an under‐ventilated silo
Authors: Gentilhomme Olivier , Truchot Benjamin , Verdier Florent , Poichotte François , Barrier‐Guillot Bruno
Published: November 2018

An experimental bench was built and run to investigate the behaviour of a smouldering fire in an under‐ventilated silo. This smouldering fire was initiated by placing an electrical resistance at a given depth in the tested grain. The grain was successively corn, wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and sunflower. None of the tests resulted in an open fire but they all showed that the smouldering fire could generate an explosive atmosphere in the top part of the silo. When the venting conditions were kept unchanged within the silo, the tests also showed that the smouldering fire could become dormant resulting in no longer flammable gas concentration being measured in the silo. This phenomenon is associated with the formation of a carbonised rock around the heating resistance. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12012, 2019
Transport of salvianolic acid B via the human organic anion transporter 1B1 in the liver
Authors: Cao Li , Zhou Jian , Wen Jinhua
Published: November 2018

Salvianolic acid B (SAB) has a high concentration in the liver, but the mechanism of its distribution in the liver is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of hepatic uptake of SAB. In this study, we first explored the uptake features of SAB in HepG2 cells and the effect of rifampicin on uptake. Then, we explored the effects of SAB on the uptake of pitavastatin in HepG2 cells. Finally, we established an HEK239T‐OATP1B1 cell model to confirm whether OATP1B1 mediated the transport of SAB. Results showed that the uptake kinetic parameters Vmax and Km for SAB in HepG2 cells were 21.28 ± 2.06 pmol mg−1 per protein min−1 and 28.47 ± 7.36 μM, respectively. Rifampicin inhibited the uptake of SAB in HepG2 cells (IC50 was 5.85 ± 1.70 μM), and SAB affected the uptake of pitavastatin in HepG2 cells (IC50 was 27.67 ± 1.90 μM). The uptake kinetic parameters Vmax and Km for SAB in HEK239T‐OATP1B1 were 60.03 ± 6.16 pmol mg−1 per protein min−1 and 87.24 ± 15.28 μM, respectively, whereas in EGFP‐HEK293 cells were 14.04 ± 2.53 pmol mg−1 per protein min−1 and 56.53 ± 15.50 μM. The SAB had no effect of on the expression of OATP1B1 in HEK239T‐OATP1B1 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that OATP1B1 contributes to the transport and accumulation of SAB in the liver.
The effects of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tabrizi Reza , Vakili Sina , Akbari Maryam , Mirhosseini Naghmeh , Lankarani Kamran B. , Rahimi Maryam , Mobini Moein , Jafarnejad Sadegh , Vahedpoor Zahra , Asemi Zatollah
Published: November 2018

Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta‐analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (SMD −2.08; 95% CI [−3.90, −0.25]; p = 0.02), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (SMD −0.65; 95% CI [−1.20, −0.10], p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD −3.14; 95% CI [‐4.76, −1.53], p < 0.001). Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (SMD −1.62; 95% CI [−3.60, 0.36]; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI [−1.06, 1.74], p = 0.63). Overall, this meta‐analysis suggests that taking curcumin‐containing supplements may exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties through a significant reduction in IL‐6, hs‐CRP, and MDA levels.
Chemo‐preventive and therapeutic effect of the dietary flavonoid kaempferol: A comprehensive review
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Rauf Abdur , Shah Zafar Ali , Saeed Farhan , Imran Ali , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Ahmad Bashir , Bawazeer Sami , Atif Muhammad , Peters Dennis G. , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: November 2018

Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid present in several plants, possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory. It has a significant role in reducing cancer and can act as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of diseases and ailments such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress, asthma, and microbial contamination disorders. Kaempferol acts through different mechanisms: It induces apoptosis (HeLa cervical cancer cells), decreases cell viability (G2/M phase), downregulates phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT (protein kinase B) and human T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma virus‐I (HTLV‐I) signaling pathways, suppresses protein expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related markers including N‐cadherin, E‐cadherin, Slug, and Snail, and metastasis‐related markers such as matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP‐2). Accordingly, the aim of the present review is to collect information pertaining to the effective role of kaempferol against various degenerative disorders, summarize the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiaging effects of kaempferol and to review the progress of recent research and available data on kaempferol as a protective and chemotherapeutic agent against several ailments.
Collision‐induced mass spectrometric fragmentation of protonated dimethoate and omethoate generated by electrospray ionization
Authors: John Harald , Siegert Markus , Kranawetvogl Andreas , Thiermann Horst
Published: November 2018

Rationale

Dimethoate (DIM, S=P(OMe)2‐S‐CH2‐C(O)‐NH‐CH3) is a dimethyl phosphorodithioate pesticide widely used in agri‐ and horticulture that undergoes biotransformation in vivo by desulfuration into its more toxic oxono‐derivative omethoate (OM, O=P(OMe)2‐S‐CH2‐C(O)‐NH‐CH3). OM inhibits acetylcholinesterase thus provoking cholinergic crisis in vivo, ultimately leading to death. Quantitative approaches for the determination of DIM and OM in environmental and toxicological samples make use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS2). Nevertheless, so far interpretation of resulting product ions is incomplete and sometimes contradictory.

Methods

DIM and OM as well as their deuterated analogues (fully deuterated at both methoxy groups bound to the phosphorus atom) were analyzed by MS2 and MS3 after positive electrospray ionization and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) in a linear ion trap to characterize fragmentations. The accurate masses of product ions were determined in a time‐of‐flight mass analyzer. Hydrogen/deuterium (H/D)‐exchange experiments were carried out for further support of product ion identification. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) computations were used to calculate both the most stable protonation sites of DIM and OM and the changes in the diverse bond lengths after protonation.

Results

Some identical and some related product ions of DIM and OM were found but also striking individual differences. Fragmentation pathways were proposed and product ions identified. Most fragmentations followed the common rules of charge migration fragmentation. DFT calculations supported experimental findings.

Conclusions

Discrepancies present in the literature so far are clarified and a deeper insight is provided into the fragmentation processes of organophosphorus pesticides. The combination of diverse experimental and theoretical approaches yielded consistent results, thus demonstrating continuous progress in understanding gas‐phase reactions in MS experiments.
Invariant set analysis for SISO discrete‐time polynomial systems with dynamic quantizers
Authors: Ichihara Hiroyuki , Sawada Kenji , Tarbouriech Sophie
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with the stability analysis problem of discrete‐time polynomial systems subject to input quantization. The quantizer under consideration is supposed to be dynamic. Indeed, considering the quantization error as bounded disturbances, the regional input‐to‐state stability is studied. The approach developed consists in characterizing two nested invariant sets where the outer one is a region of attraction and the inner one is the robust invariant set with respect to the quantization error. By defining a performance index between the quantized system and the quantizer‐free system, a quasi‐convex problem is formulated to minimize an upper bound on such a performance index.
Orchestration of classroom discussions that foster appropriation
Authors: Levrini Olivia , Levin Mariana , Fantini Paola , Tasquier Giulia
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates how features of teaching practice may foster appropriation: learning that involves both deep conceptual understanding and transforming scientific discourse in a way that is significant for oneself. Data were drawn from classroom discussions during a unit on thermodynamics that took place in a high school in Italy. We analyze a specific metaphor “tightening the reins and letting them loosen” used by the teacher to characterize her practice. By contrasting episodes of classroom discussion in terms of talk moves and participant frameworks, we discovered that behind the metaphor was a complex epistemological scaffolding that the teacher enacted across her lessons. This scaffolding was articulated across four moments of discussion, each with a different function and purpose: Sharing the construction of a collective disciplinary narrative, Elaborating the narrative in epistemological terms by articulating criteria for comparing different approaches to the disciplinary content, Analyzing the comparison criteria to test their robustness and consistency, and Situating oneself with respect to different approaches to the content informed by the refined criteria (SEAS). We argue that these functions provided the scaffolding for physics to be a context for both disciplinary learning and students’ search for personal relevance and meaning.
Using a Stakeholder Analysis to Improve Systems Modelling of Health Issues: The Impact of Progesterone Therapy on Infant Mortality in Ohio
Authors: Hosseinichimeh Niyousha , Kim Hyunjung , Ebrahimvandi Alireza , Iams Jay , Andersen David
Published: November 2018

Systems modelling of health issues enriches analysis of health care policies by exploring interdependencies among system components. Considering a wide range of stakeholder behavior is a requisite for developing a useful model. Our paper shows how to systematically identify stakeholder behavior, formulate them in a model and test their impact on health outcomes. Stakeholder behavior are explained in the context of a simulation‐based analysis of infant mortality in Ohio. Using group model building techniques, we identify three levels of stakeholder behavior—individual, organizational and policy behaviors—and discuss how these behaviors are reflected in the model formulation and drive the key health outcomes. Specifically, we show how individual and policy behaviors are formulated to examine their influence on the impact of progesterone therapy—one of the interventions identified in the group model building session—on infant mortality. We conclude with recommendations for incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives in systems modelling of health issues. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To B or not to B: primordial magnetic fields from Weyl anomaly
Authors: Benevides André , Dabholkar Atish , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The quantum effective action for the electromagnetic field in an expanding universe has an anomalous dependence on the scale factor of the metric arising from virtual charged particles in the loops. It has been argued that this Weyl anomaly of quantum electrodynamics sources cosmological magnetic fields in the early universe. We examine this long-standing claim by using the effective action beyond the weak gravitational field limit which has recently been determined. We introduce a general criteria for assessing the quantumness of field fluctuations, and show that the Weyl anomaly is not able to convert vacuum fluctuations of the gauge field into classical fluctuations. We conclude that there is no production of coherent magnetic fields in the universe from the Weyl anomaly of quantum electrodynamics, irrespective of the number of massless charged particles in the theory.
Some remarks on (super)-conformal Killing-Yano tensors
Authors: Howe P. S. , Lindström U.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

A Killing-Yano tensor is an antisymmetric tensor obeying a first-order differential constraint similar to that obeyed by a Killing vector. In this article we consider generalisations of such objects, focusing on the conformal case. These generalised conformal Killing-Yano tensors are of mixed symmetry type and obey the constraint that the largest irreducible representation of

$$ \mathfrak{o} $$

o

(n) contained in the tensor constructed from the first-derivative applied to such an object should vanish. Such tensors appear naturally in the context of spinning particles having N
0 = 1 worldline supersymmetry and in the related problem of higher symmetries of Dirac operators. Generalisations corresponding to extended worldline supersymmetries and to spacetime supersymmetry are discussed.
Presence of galactose in precultures induces lacS and leads to short lag phase in lactose-grown Lactococcus lactis cultures
Authors: Lorántfy Bettina , Johanson Anna , Faria-Oliveira Fábio , Franzén Carl Johan , Mapelli Valeria , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: November 2018

Lactose conversion by lactic acid bacteria is of high industrial relevance and consistent starter culture quality is of outmost importance. We observed that Lactococcus lactis using the high-affinity lactose-phosphotransferase system excreted galactose towards the end of the lactose consumption phase. The excreted galactose was re-consumed after lactose depletion. The lacS gene, known to encode a lactose permease with affinity for galactose, a putative galactose–lactose antiporter, was upregulated under the conditions studied. When transferring cells from anaerobic to respiration-permissive conditions, lactose-assimilating strains exhibited a long and non-reproducible lag phase. Through systematic preculture experiments, the presence of galactose in the precultures was correlated to short and reproducible lag phases in respiration-permissive main cultivations. For starter culture production, the presence of galactose during propagation of dairy strains can provide a physiological marker for short culture lag phase in lactose-grown cultures.
Sectoral linkages at the beginning of the 21st century: The role of Polish economy in global production structures
Authors: Gurgul Henryk , Lach Łukasz
Published: November 2018

This paper provides a first attempt in analyzing the role of Polish economy in the production structure of the global economy in the early years of the 21st century. For the purpose of this analysis, we propose a new approach in which two most important aspects of interindustry linkages in a global input-output model are examined. Contrary to previous studies focused on output-oriented key sector analyses in post-communist CEE economies, we focus on a fundamental policy target variable — income per gross output. In order to analyze the issues in question in a dynamic framework, the empirical results are based on the 2000 and 2014 global intercountry input-output tables for the 28 EU countries as well as 15 other major countries in the world.
Current understanding of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tyler Matthew A. , Luong Amber U.
Published: November 2018

Studying the pathophysiology of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) has proved challenging. While this clinical entity is easily distinguishable based on the clinical criteria set forth by Bent and Kuhn twenty‐five years ago, studies examining type 2 inflammatory profiles in AFRS can make it seem more alike other CRS subtypes than it is different. Still, evolving research seems to clearly delineate this subtype from others in CRS. This review will critically evaluate the evolution of research examining the pathophysiology of AFRS and will conclude with a summary of the special considerations in the management of this fascinating disease.