bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic insight on the combined effect of albumin and hydrogen peroxide on surface oxide composition and extent of metal release from Ti6Al4V
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda S. , Žnidaršič Monika , Herting Gunilla , Milošev Ingrid , Odnevall Wallinder Inger
Published: August 2018

The titanium–aluminium (6 wt%)–vanadium (4 wt%) (Ti6Al4V) alloy is widely used as an orthopedic and dental implant material due to its high corrosion resistance in such environments. The corrosion resistance is usually determined by means of electrochemical methods, which may not be able to detect other chemical surface reactions. Literature findings report a synergistic effect of the combination of the abundant protein albumin and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the extent of metal release and corrosion of Ti6Al4V. The objectives of this study were to gain further mechanistic insight on the interplay of H2O2 and albumin on the metal release process of Ti6Al4V with special focus on (1) kinetics and (2) H2O2 and albumin concentrations. This was accomplished mainly by metal release and surface oxide composition investigations, which confirmed the combined effect of H2O2 and albumin on the metal release process, although not detectable by electrochemical open circuit potential measurements. A concentration of 30 mM H2O2 induced substantial changes in the surface oxide characteristics, an oxide which became thicker and enriched in aluminum. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) seemed to be able to deplete this aluminum content from the outermost surface or at least to delay its surface enrichment. This effect increased with increased BSA concentration, and for time periods longer than 24 h. This study hence suggests that short‐term (accelerated) corrosion resistance measurements are not sufficient to predict potential health effects of Ti6Al4V alloys since also chemical dissolution mechanisms play a large role for metal release, possibly in a synergistic way. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 855–867, 2019.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury by targeting NLRP3 via miR‐381
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Xuan , Liu Zhaoguo , Yu Lingzhi
Published: August 2018

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is an agonist of α2‐adrenergic receptors, and it is used as an anxiety reducing, sedative, and pain medication in clinical. Studies have shown that dexmedetomidine protects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To investigate, an acute lung injury mouse model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Histopathological changes were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect cytokines in serum. microRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels were detected by western blot. Dex treatment significantly attenuated lung injury and inhibited the expression levels of the inflammation factors via reducing the level of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and autocleavage of caspase‐1. Moreover, mmu‐miR‐381, which targets the mRNA of NLRP3, was upregulated after Dex treatment. Dex attenuates LPS‐induced acute lung injury via miR‐381‐targeted NLRP3.
The changes of antifungal susceptibilities caused by the phenotypic switching of Candida species in 229 patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Tang Yuanting , Yu Fan , Huang Lairong , Hu Zhengqiang
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study was to investigate the changes of antifungal susceptibilities caused by the phenotypic switching in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods

229 women were enrolled in this study. The vaginal smears of these patients were collected and gram stained for fungal microscopic observation. The vaginal discharge of them in cotton swabs was cultured in sabouraud's agar with chloramphenicol medium. After fungal culture, fungal identification was analyzed using CHROM agar Candida chromogenic and identification medium. Then, the in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out using the standardized CLSI M27‐A2 broth microdilution method.

Results

64.63% of Candia species in patients with VVC were Candida albicans and the remainders were non‐albicans Candida species. The phenotypic switching was observed in 91.22% of C. albicans infection. In antifungal susceptibility testing, the susceptible rates of C. albicans to voriconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole were significantly higher than that of non‐albicans Candida species (P = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00). No matters in patients infected with C. albicans or with non‐albicans Candida species, the susceptible rate to fluconazole of the clinical isolates with phenotypic switching was significantly higher than that without phenotypic switching (P = 0.01, 0.01).

Conclusions

In the study, C. albicans was the commonest pathogenic species in patients with VVC, in which the phenotypic switching was easy to occur. The susceptible rates of C. albicans to all antifungal drugs were higher than that of non‐albicans Candida species. The susceptible rate to fluconazole was all influenced by the phenotypic switching in C. albicans and non‐albicans Candida species.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Exposure‐Response Analysis of Selumetinib and Its N‐desmethyl Metabolite in Patients With Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tong Xiao , Xu Hongmei , Carlile David J. , Tomkinson Helen , Al‐Huniti Nidal , Zhou Diansong
Published: August 2018

Selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRAY‐142886) is a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor that has been tested for treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Selumetinib (75 mg twice daily) plus docetaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC has been assessed in phase 2 (SELECT‐2) and phase 3 (SELECT‐1) clinical trials. The objective of the current analysis was to investigate the exposure‐response relationship of selumetinib in these 2 clinical trials, based on the development of a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model for selumetinib and its active metabolite, N‐desmethyl selumetinib, in patients with NSCLC. A PopPK model using data from seven phase 1 studies was first developed and served as prior information for the development of the patient PopPK model. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of selumetinib and N‐desmethyl selumetinib were modeled simultaneously. A two‐compartment model with zero‐first order absorption and first‐order elimination reasonably described the selumetinib PK. The N‐desmethyl metabolite of selumetinib was described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. The final PK parameter estimates were similar between patients with NSCLC and patients in the phase 1 population. Selumetinib apparent clearance and central volume of distribution were 11.9 L/h and 32.1 L, respectively, in patients. Individual selumetinib exposure metrics were estimated to investigate the correlation between exposure and efficacy/safety endpoints observed in NSCLC studies. There was no significant difference in progression‐free survival (the primary endpoint) among the different quartiles of exposure. Similarly, no significant correlation was observed between selumetinib exposure and other secondary efficacy or safety endpoints. The conclusions are in accordance with the reported clinical findings.
Addition of biochar and trace elements in the form of industrial FeCl3 to stabilize anaerobic digestion of food waste: dosage optimization and long‐term study
Authors: Capson‐Tojo Gabriel , Girard Chloé , Rouez Maxime , Crest Marion , Steyer Jean‐Philippe , Bernet Nicolas , Delgenès Jean‐Philippe , Escudié Renaud
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Although anaerobic digestion is a promising alternative for the valorization of complex substrates such as food waste, this process is yet to be optimized and options for its stabilization must be developed. This study assessed for the first time if the combined addition of biochar and trace elements in the form of an industrial FeCl3 solution could serve as a method for stabilizing food waste anaerobic digestion. Both batch and long‐term semi‐continuous reactors were run.

RESULTS

Results from batch reactors demonstrated that supplementation of both biochar (10–100 g L−1) and trace elements (FeCl3; 0.1–0.2 g Fe L−1) favored the digestion kinetics. Their addition improved the maximum methane production rates (from 897 up to 1494 mL day−1) and the average daily methane production rates (from 298 up to 369 mL day−1), related to acetate and propionate consumption, respectively. Continuous reactors confirmed the batch results, with higher methane production rates (up to 1.75 L L−1 day−1) and lower concentrations of acetate and propionate when biochar and trace elements (FeCl3) were added.

CONCLUSION

Addition of biochar and industrial FeCl3 favored the digestion kinetics, improving volatile fatty acid consumption and methane production rates. These materials appear as an economically‐feasible alternative for stabilizing the valorization of food waste at industrial scale. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Design, Synthesis, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of N‐phenyl and N‐pyridinyl‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Yang Wenqing , Zhou Xiang , Wu Zhibing
Published: August 2018

A series of N‐phenyl and N‐pyridinyl‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐pyrazole carboxamide derivatives (T1–T25) were designed and synthesized. Bioassay results indicated that antifungal and antibacterial activities of title compounds could be obviously improved by placing trifluoromethyl on the 5‐position of the pyrazole ring and substituted 4‐pyridinyl at the amine side of the amide bond. The EC50 values of T3 against Gibberella zeae, Cytospora mandshurica, and Fusarium oxysporum were 14.7, 21.1, and 32.7 μg/mL, respectively, better than hymexazol (30.2, 47.3, and 42.5 μg/mL) and carboxin (34.2, >200, and >200 μg/mL). And the EC50 values of T6, T11, T12, T15, T18, T19, T23, and T25 against rice bacterial leaf blight were 17.0, 21.8, 21.9, 18.6, 16.8, 25.9, 9.4, and 24.4 μg/mL, respectively, much better than bismerthiazol (70.5 μg/mL).
Tritiation of azido‐labeled diiodo cabazitaxel (Jevtana) and docetaxel (Taxotere) derivatives to generate 3H‐photoaffinity probes
Authors: Jones Seth , Weck Remo , Burhop Annina , Atzrodt Jens , Derdau Volker
Published: August 2018

Radiolabelled azidophenyl analogues can make powerful photoaffinity probes for the identification of molecular targets. We describe our efforts to prepare tritiated azidophenyl analogues of the taxols cabazitaxel and docetaxel. Late‐stage tritiation by isotope exchange with diiodo precursors resulted in reduction of the azide moiety, which could only be overcome by addition of high excess of a sacrificial azide. Iodine‐deuterium exchange experiments on a model system established that deiodination with concomitant azide reduction is a general problem when performing such isotope‐exchange reactions on azide‐containing aryl iodides.
Delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of menisci and cartilage (dGEMRIM/dGEMRIC) in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: Cross‐sectional study of 85 obese patients with intra‐articular administered gadolinium contrast
Authors: Hangaard Stine , Gudbergsen Henrik , Daugaard Cecilie L. , Bliddal Henning , Nybing Janus Damm , Nieminen Miika T. , Casula Victor , Tiderius Carl‐Johan , Boesen Mikael
Published: August 2018

Background

Early cartilage changes in knee osteoarthritis (OA) can be assessed by both intravenous (i.v.) and intra‐articular (i.a.) delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

Purpose

To examine the relationship between i.a. dGEMRIC and delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of menisci (dGEMRIM), and to investigate if the approach can be used to assess the morphological degeneration of menisci in obese patients with knee OA.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Population

Eighty‐five obese patients with knee OA.

Field Strength/Sequences

1.5T. Inversion recovery sequence with four inversion times.

Assessment

T1 relaxation times were calculated for posterior weight‐bearing femoral cartilage and the posterior horns of the menisci. Meniscus degeneration sum score (0–2) was assessed as increased signal/no signal (1/0) and tear/no tear (1/0).

Statistical Tests

T1 relaxation times were compared using Student's t‐test. Comparison of cartilage and meniscus T1 relaxation times was done by regression analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison of meniscal T1 relaxation times among the three summed morphological scores (0–2). Statistical analyses were performed with a level of significance at 0.05.

Results

For lateral menisci, morphology sum scores of 0, 1, and 2 were found in 13, 58, and 14 patients and for medial menisci in 2, 30, and 30 patients, respectively. Mean T1 relaxation times were 441 msec, 480 msec, and 497 msec for cartilage, lateral menisci, and medial menisci, respectively. T1 relaxation times for the menisci were similar (P = 0.53), and a weak correlation was found between dGEMRIC and dGEMRIM in the lateral compartments (R = 0.26). Comparing dGEMRIM between different morphology sum scores showed no differences (P > 0.4).

Data Conclusion

I.a. dGEMRIM showed no correlation between the degree of meniscal degeneration and meniscus T1 relaxation times. I.a. dGEMRIM do not seem to deliver useful information about meniscus degeneration to be suitable for clinical applications, but i.a. dGEMRIC may still be considered an alternative contrast‐saving method for cartilage.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1700–1706
Diffusion kurtosis imaging in sacroiliitis to evaluate the activity of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wang Fengxian , Chu Chen , Zhao Cheng , Wei Yu , Zhang Qinglei , Feng Qianqian , Chen Weibo , He Jian , Sun Lingyun , Zhou Zhengyang
Published: August 2018

Background

Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is limited in providing sufficient information on microstructure or in quantitatively evaluating certain inflammation processes. Functional MR sequences such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) might help to evaluate the sacroiliac joint in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.

Purpose

To explore the application of DKI in evaluating the disease activity of AS.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Forty‐four patients with a diagnosis of AS according to the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI including the DKI sequence (b = 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 s/mm2).

Statistical Tests

Two‐independent‐samples t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the DKI parameters among different groups, and post‐hoc Scheffe's method was adopted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Spearman's rank correlation were performed to test the diagnostic performance of DKI parameters in distinguishing different activity grades and the correlation between them, respectively.

Assessment

AS disease activity was evaluated according to the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and four disease activity states were chosen by consensus: inactive disease and moderate, high, and very high disease activity. The three cutoffs selected to separate these states were: 1.3, 2.1, and 3.5 units, respectively.

Results

The corrected ADC (D) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of sacroiliac joints in the active group were significantly higher, while the the kurtosis of diffusion (K value) value was significantly lower than those of the inactive group (all P < 0.001). The D value performed best in distinguishing different activity grades (all P < 0.001). The D and ADC values correlated positively, while the K value correlated negatively, with activity grade significantly (r = 0.918, 0.798, and –0.765, respectively; all P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

DKI of sacroiliac joints might be useful to evaluate the disease activity of AS.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:101–108.
Best practices for MRI systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: McGrath Trevor A. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Cronin Paul , Salameh Jean‐Paul , Kraaijpoel Noémie , Schieda Nicola , McInnes Matthew D.F.
Published: August 2018

As defined by the Cochrane Collaboration, a systematic review is a review of evidence with a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant primary research, and to extract and analyze data from the studies that are included in the review. Meta‐analysis is a statistical method to combine the results from primary studies that accounts for sample size and variability to provide a summary measure of the studied outcome. Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy present unique methodological and reporting challenges not present in systematic reviews of interventions. This review provides guidance and further resources highlighting current best practices in methodology and reporting of systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, with a specific focus on challenges and opportunities for MRI imaging.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
Uteroplacental and Fetal 4D Flow MRI in the Pregnant Rhesus Macaque
Authors: Macdonald Jacob A. , Corrado Philip A. , Nguyen Sydney M. , Johnson Kevin M. , Francois Christopher J. , Magness Ronald R. , Shah Dinesh M. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Wieben Oliver
Published: August 2018

Background

Pregnancy complications are often associated with poor uteroplacental vascular adaptation and standard diagnostics are unable to reliably quantify flow in all uteroplacental vessels and have poor sensitivity early in gestation.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of using 4D flow MRI to assess total uteroplacental blood flow in pregnant rhesus macaques as a precursor to human studies.

Study Type

Retrospective feasibility study.

Animal Model

Fifteen healthy, pregnant rhesus macaques ranging from the 1st trimester to 3rd trimester of gestation.

Field Strength/Sequence

Abdominal 4D flow MRI was performed on a 3.0T scanner with a radially undersampled phase contrast (PC) sequence. Reference ferumoxytol‐enhanced angiograms were acquired with a 3D ultrashort echo time sequence with a center‐out radial trajectory.

Assessment

Repeatability of flow measurements was assessed with scans performed same‐day and on consecutive days in the uterine arteries and ovarian veins. In‐flow was compared against out‐flow in the uterus, umbilical cord, and fetal heart with a conservation of mass analysis. Conspicuity of uteroplacental vessels was qualitatively compared between PC angiograms derived from 4D flow data and ferumoxytol‐enhanced angiograms.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman analysis was used to quantify same‐day and consecutive‐day repeatability.

Results

Same‐day flow measurements showed an average difference between scans of 13% in both the uterine arteries and ovarian veins, while consecutive‐day measurements showed average differences of 22% and 24%, respectively. Comparisons of in‐flow and out‐flow showed average differences of 15% in the uterus, 8% in fetal heart, and 15% in the umbilical cord. PC angiograms showed similar depiction of main uteroplacental vessels as high‐resolution, ferumoxytol‐enhanced angiograms.

Data Conclusion

4D flow MRI could be used in the rhesus macaque for repeatable flow measurements in the uteroplacental and fetal vasculature, setting the stage for future human studies.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:534–545.
Protective effect of a novel sigma‐1 receptor agonist is associated with reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress in stroke male mice
Authors: Morihara Ryuta , Yamashita Toru , Liu Xia , Nakano Yumiko , Fukui Yusuke , Sato Kota , Ohta Yasuyuki , Hishikawa Nozomi , Shang Jingwei , Abe Koji
Published: August 2018

Sigma‐1 receptor (Sig‐1R) is expressed at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, where it regulates a variety of specific physiological functions. However, the profile and exact roles of ER stress‐related molecules after Sig‐1R agonist treatment in an in vivo stroke model are largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel Sig‐1R agonist, aniline derivative compound (Comp‐AD), on the ER stress response following ischemic stroke. Male C57BL/6J mice received transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 90 min, and were then treated with vehicle saline or Comp‐AD at reperfusion. At 3 hr, 1 day, and 7 days after reperfusion, immunohis‐ tochemistry was performed for Sig‐1R and ER stress‐related proteins including phospho protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p‐PERK), phospho inositol requiring enzyme 1α (p‐ IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Neurobehavioral analysis showed improved functional recovery at 1 day and 7 days after reperfusion, and the infarct volume was significantly smaller at 7 days (p < .05), in the Comp‐AD group compared with the vehicle group. Comp‐AD treatment upregulated Sig‐1R immunoreactivity at 3 hr and 1 day (p < .05), and reduced p‐PERK and p‐IRE1α expression at 1 day (p < .05, respectively), in the peri‐ischemic region compared with the vehicle group. Treatment with the novel Sig‐1R agonist Comp‐AD was neuroprotective after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, and was associated with upregulation of Sig‐1R and a reduction of ER stress.
Age makes a difference: Symptoms in pediatric supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Quattrocelli Amanda , Lang Janet , Davis Andrew , Pflaumer Andreas
Published: August 2018

Background

Supraventricular tachycardia is a group of rhythm disturbances that affect 1 in 300‐1200 Australian children annually. The differentiation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) symptoms and age of onset according to their subtype is not well understood in the pediatric population. Most studies rely on ECG criteria only to characterize the subtype of the SVT, which is not applicable to all subtypes. The purpose of this study was to identify the symptoms and ages of onset of SVT subtypes, and to analyze whether ethnicity or severity correlated with the SVT subtype confirmed in an invasive Electrophysiology (EP) study.

Methods

A retrospective analysis and prospective survey evaluated 364 patients who underwent an EP study at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne between 2009 and 2015. Age of onset, symptoms, and ethnicity were collected by phone survey or medical records in addition to EP study diagnostic data, medication status, and follow‐up information about their symptom status following EP procedure. Patients were grouped according to their SVT subtype. Data analysis was performed using chi‐squared, Fisher's exact, and ANOVA statistical tests to determine associations between SVT substrates.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐three suitable cases of SVT were identified (131 men, 102 women) aged between 0 and 18 years. Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT) (n = 153) was the most common SVT subtype, followed by Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT) (n = 55), Atrial Tachycardia (AT) (n = 17), and other SVT subtypes (n = 8) which included Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, and Junctional Tachycardia. There was a male predominance in all subtypes, except for AVNRT. AVNRT patients had palpitations, dyspnoea, dizziness, and anxiety more than any other group, AVRT patients complained of vomiting most and patients with AT had the most fatigue. The mean age of symptom onset varied among groups, being earlier in AVRT, later in AVNRT with a significant difference between AVRT with unidirectional retrograde accessory pathway (URAP) and AVNRT subtypes (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Some specific symptoms were strong discriminators between different SVT subtypes. Ethnicity did not have strong correlations with SVT subtype incidence. This study was able to show clinical differences among children with SVT due to AVRT (URAP) compared to AVNRT, allowing the prognosis and intended management of pediatric SVT to be anticipated by less invasive means.
Overexpression of Chinese flowering cabbage BpPMSR3 enhances the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to cadmium
Authors: Han Yingyan , Du Yalin , Wang Jiewei , Wu Tao
Published: August 2018

Soil pollution by the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a global environmental problem that adversely affects plants and humans. For example, Cd easily contaminates Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica rapa parachinensis). To investigate the molecular mechanism of Cd tolerance in Chinese flowering cabbage, we cloned a Cd tolerance‐related gene named BpPMSR3 in this study. The full‐length cDNA of BpPMSR3 is 555 bp with an open reading frame encoding 184 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BpPMSR3 was closely related to Brassica rapa PMSR in different species. Functional analysis showed that the root lengths and fresh weights of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing BpPMSR3 decreased a lower ratio than Col‐0 under 50 µM Cd condition, compared to plants grown under –Cd condition. However, Cd absorption did not differ between Col‐0 and transgenic lines. The methionine (Met), glutathione (GSH), and phytochelatin concentrations in transgenic lines were higher than those in Col‐0, whereas the methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) concentration in transgenic lines was lower than that in the wild type Col‐0. These results reveal that the tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis plants to Cd was higher than that of Col‐0. The transcription levels of AtHMA3, AtMAN3, and AtNramp1, which were related to Cd tolerance, were significantly higher in transgenic lines than in Col‐0 in the presence of Cd. Therefore, Chinese flowering cabbage BpPMSR3 improved the tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis plants to Cd.
Causes and consequences of Arctic freshwater routing into the Nordic Seas during late Marine Isotope Stage 5
Authors: Telesiński Maciej M. , Bauch Henning A. , Spielhagen Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Sediment core PS1904 reveals continuous records of planktic and benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes (δ18O/δ13C) from the north‐eastern Greenland continental margin. The data show good comparability with other records from the Nordic Seas, allowing the stratigraphic range of PS1904 to be dated to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6. Focusing on MIS 5 reveals light δ18O values during MIS 5a compared to the last interglacial peak (MIS 5e) which indicates that surface and bottom water layers were strongly affected by freshwater during the former event. We present two possible scenarios explaining the origin and routing of the freshwater: (i) drainage of a Eurasian proglacial lake coupled with the collapse of the Kara Sea Ice Sheet at the MIS 5b/a boundary, and (ii) destabilization and melting of the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Although both scenarios could have acted simultaneously, sediment records from the Eurasian sector of the Arctic Ocean hint at the proglacial lake system in north‐western Siberia as the largest freshwater source. Regardless of the actual source, the freshwater lowered the surface ocean salinity causing water column stratification and sea ice expansion. Increased sea‐ice abundance led to a higher albedo and probably contributed to the cooling and global ice sheet growth that occurred subsequently during MIS 4.
Application of a Dynamic Method for the Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient Determination in the Scale‐Up of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Production
Authors: Amani Hossein
Published: August 2018

Biosurfactants are widely used for industrial, agricultural, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. However, much of the work on biosurfactant production is still in the laboratory stage. In addition, there is a lack of fundamental knowledge about the scale‐up of biosurfactant production. This article addresses this issue and describes dynamic methods for obtaining scalable data for aerobic fermenters. To achieve this objective, the present work aims to study the scale‐up of the rhamnolipid production process from 2.5 to 20 L of an aerated and agitated bioreactor. A similar scale‐up trend in both Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and biosurfactant production under optimum conditions demonstrated that the scale‐up protocol based on the constant oxygen transfer coefficient is successfully implemented in this work. A maximum rhamnolipid production of 8.3 g L−1 was achieved after 1 week in the 20‐L fermenter, which was 10% better than that of the 2.5‐L fermenter at the same time period. This difference may be due to the change of aeration from 1.0 vvm (volume of air per volume of medium per minute) on the small scale to 2.0 vvm on the large scale. However, the comparable results obtained on both scales confirmed that the scale‐up protocol works for rhamnolipid production. Based on our results, we consider that this method is perhaps the most helpful tool for successful scale‐up of biosurfactant production and for the determination of the optimal conditions at the production scale. The results of this work will help the researchers to have a good prediction of scale‐up in this field.
Post‐release movement and survivorship of head‐started gopher tortoises
Authors: Quinn Daniel P. , Buhlmann Kurt A. , Jensen John B. , Norton Terry M. , Tuberville Tracey D.
Published: August 2018

Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are declining throughout their range and recovery requires management intervention to alleviate losses. Population augmentation strategies may prove useful in recovery of depleted populations once threats are mitigated. We head‐started and soft‐released hatchlings produced from robust donor populations and evaluated their post‐release survivorship and movement for the first year following their release. During 2014 and 2015, we head‐started and released 145 tortoises, of which we radio‐tracked a subset of 41 individuals, from 2 cohorts at 2 release areas within Yuchi Wildlife Management Area in Burke County, Georgia, USA. Movement and mortality of gopher tortoises was highest in the first month after release but declined soon after. Estimated annual survivorship of our first cohort was 60.6%. Annual survivorship of our second cohort was low (7.1%) at the southeast release area but much higher (75.0%) at the northwest release area because of spatial variation in predation. Although survivorship was variable, site fidelity remained high throughout the study and no tortoise moved >122.0 m from its release location. Initial results suggest that head‐starting could prove effective as a population recovery tool, but that release strategy and predator mitigation, especially within the first month, are critical to success. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Human‐driven geomorphological processes and soil degradation in Northwest Argentina: A geoarchaeological view
Authors: Sampietro Vattuone Maria , Peña Monne José Luis , Roldán Jimena , Maldonado Mario , Lefebvre Maria , Vattuone Marta
Published: August 2018

The study of human‐driven processes is useful to gain a better understanding of the long‐term evolution of land degradation, soil erosion, and geomorphology as well as resource availability for human settlement. The objective of this paper is to identify the long‐term results of human impact on the vulnerable dryland ecosystems in Northwest Argentina, specifically to analyze the consequences of the spread and consolidation of the agricultural way of life on the landscape. To reach this objective, a multiproxy interdisciplinary geoarchaeological study was conducted to link an evolutionary geomorphological model with the soil development and degradation, peopling, and land use change during the Upper Holocene and integrate distinct areas of the Tafí Valley region, which is the most studied area, other neighbouring valleys, and the Puna. The analyses identified positive human‐driven impacts that led to a general degradation of the landscape during the agricultural Prehispanic Period, dated between ca. 2000 and 500 bp. This degradation is manifested by accelerated morphogenesis, mainly fine‐grained accumulated sediments, thick deposits, and the presence of human debris interbedded with the natural sediments. The success of the productive agricultural systems that expanded during the Formative Period led to a gradual increase in the demographic density, resulting in extensive environmental degradation due to overexploitation of the drylands of Northwest Argentina, in some cases increased by adverse climatic changes.
Intrinsic Viscosities of Polymer Blends and Polymer Compatibility: Self‐Organization and Flory–Huggins Interaction Parameters
Authors: Wolf Bernhard A.
Published: August 2018

The intrinsic viscosity of polymer blends in a common solvent may deviate markedly from additivity. Such behavior testifies favorable interactions between the two types of macromolecules. Under these conditions, isolated polymer coils contain one macromolecule of each species and represent the simplest possible case of self‐organization. The particular thermodynamic situation required for the occurrence of that phenomenon is being analyzed in terms of microphase equilibria by means of an approach, which subdivides the dilution process into two steps. The first step quantifies the opening of intersegmental contacts at constant conformations of the components and the second step the conformational relaxation required to attain equilibrium. The intrinsic viscosities resulting for the mixed isolated coils are normally smaller than calculated from additivity. However, the opposite behavior can also occur under special conditions. The possibilities to gain quantitative information on polymer/polymer interaction parameters from the intrinsic viscosities of polymer blends are being discussed.
Composite Contains Large Content of In Situ Microfibril, Prepared Directly by Injection Molding: Morphology and Property
Authors: Jiang Yixin , Mi Dashan , Wang Yingxiong , Wang Tao , Shen Kaizhi , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2018

During vibration injection molding (VIM), the in situ microfibril composite (MFC) based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/polystyrene (PS) is molded. A large content of uniform microfibrils with an average diameter about 0.55 µm can be found from the surface to the center region. This phenomenon shows a big difference from the skin‐core structure of CIM samples as a result of shear flow. Apart from the PS phase going through a big deformation, the molecular chains of HDPE are also stretched along the flow direction. And finally, some super crystalline, like shish‐kebab, hybrid shish‐kebab structures exist in the strong shear region. Both the microfibril and super crystalline structure make a contribution to the mechanical improvement of the composite according to the mechanical testing results. This work can simplify the traditional MFC process, achieve the goal of direct fibrillation and provide a new idea of utilizing the properties of immiscible polymer systems.
Global nonexistence of solutions for viscoelastic wave equation with delay
Authors: Kang Jum‐Ran
Published: August 2018

In this work, we consider a viscoelastic wave equation with delay

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5194:mma5194-math-0001
with Dirichlet boundary condition. There are much literature on the blow‐up result of solutions for the wave equation. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no blow‐up result of solutions for the viscoelastic wave equation with delay. We study a finite time blow‐up result of solutions with nonpositive initial energy as well as positive initial energy.
Linearization of third‐order ordinary differential equations via point transformations
Authors: Al‐Dweik Ahmad Y. , Mustafa M. T. , Mahomed Fazal Mahmood , Alassar Rajai S.
Published: August 2018

The linearization problem for scalar third‐order ordinary differential equations via point transformations was solved partially in the works of Al‐Dweik et al by the use of the Cartan equivalence method. In order to solve this problem completely, the Cartan equivalence method is applied to provide an invariant characterization of the linearizable third‐order ordinary differential equation
, which admits a four‐dimensional point symmetry Lie algebra. The invariant characterization is given in terms of function f in a compact form. A simple procedure to construct the equivalent canonical form by use of an obtained invariant is also presented. The approach provides auxiliary functions, which can be effectively utilized to determine the point transformation that does the reduction to the equivalent canonical form. Furthermore, illustrations to the main theorem and applications are given.
Palmitoleic Acid has Stronger Anti‐Inflammatory Potential in Human Endothelial Cells Compared to Oleic and Palmitic Acids
Authors: de Souza Camila Oliveira , Valenzuela Carina A. , Baker Ella J. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Rosa Neto José C. , Calder Philip C.
Published: August 2018

Scope

Fatty acids (FAs) may affect endothelial cell (EC) function, influencing atherogenesis and inflammatory processes. Palmitoleic acid (POA) has been described as an anti‐inflammatory FA. However, its effects on ECs are underexplored. This study compares the effects of POA with those of palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) on EC inflammatory responses.

Methods and Results

EAHy926 cells (EC lineage) are exposed to PA, OA, or POA, and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Associated with the FA's own incorporation, PA induces a twofold increase in arachidonic acid, while POA increases the amount of cis‐vaccenic acid. PA, but not OA, enhances the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in response to TNF‐α. In contrast, POA decreases production of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8 compared to PA. TNF‐α increases surface intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression previously decreased by POA. TNF‐α stimulation increases the expression of NFκB, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, MCP‐1, and IL‐6 genes and reduces the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α gene. PA enhances the expression of MCP‐1, IL‐6, and COX‐2 genes, while POA downregulates these genes, decreases expression of NFκB, and upregulates PPAR‐α gene expression.

Conclusion

POA has anti‐inflammatory effects on ECs stimulated with TNF‐α and may counter endothelial dysfunction.
Dietary Supplementation with Nondigestible Oligosaccharides Reduces Allergic Symptoms and Supports Low Dose Oral Immunotherapy in a Peanut Allergy Mouse Model
Authors: Wagenaar Laura , Bol‐Schoenmakers Marianne , Giustarini Giulio , Vonk Marlotte M. , van Esch Betty C.A.M. , Knippels Leon M.J. , Garssen Johan , Smit Joost J. , Pieters Raymond H.H.
Published: August 2018

Scope

A major downside of oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy is the risk of severe side effects. Non‐digestible short‐ and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (scFOS/lcFOS) reduce allergy development in murine models. Therefore, it is hypothesized that scFOS/lcFOS can also support the efficacy of OIT in a peanut allergy model.

Methods and Results

After sensitization to peanut extract (PE) using cholera toxin, C3H/HeOuJ mice are fed a 1% scFOS/lcFOS or control diet and receive OIT (1.5 or 15 mg PE). Hereafter, mice are exposed to PE via different routes to determine the safety and efficacy of treatment in clinical outcomes, PE‐specific antibody production, and numbers of various immune cells. scFOS/lcFOS increases short‐chain fatty acid levels in the caecum and reduce the acute allergic skin response and drop in body temperature after PE exposure. Interestingly, 15 mg and 1.5 mg OIT with scFOS/lcFOS induce protection against anaphylaxis, whereas 1.5 mg OIT alone does not. OIT, with or without scFOS/lcFOS, induces PE‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) IgG and IgA levels and increases CD103+ dendritic cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Conclusions

scFOS/lcFOS and scFOS/lcFOS combined with low dose OIT are able to protect against a peanut‐allergic anaphylactic response.
Krüpple‐like factor 5 is essential for mammary gland development and tumorigenesis
Authors: Liu Rong , Shi Peiguo , Zhou Zhongmei , Zhang Hailin , Li Wei , Zhang Hong , Chen Ceshi
Published: August 2018

Krüpple‐like factor 5 (KLF5) is required for the development of the embryo and multiple organs, such as the lung and intestine. KLF5 plays a pro‐proliferative and oncogenic role in several carcinomas, including breast cancer. However, its role in normal mammary gland development and oncogenesis has not been elucidated in vivo. In this study, we used mammary gland‐specific Klf5 conditional knockout mice derived by mating Klf5‐LoxP and MMTV‐Cre mice. The genetic ablation of Klf5 suppresses mammary gland ductal elongation and lobuloalveolar formation. Klf5 deficiency inhibits mammary epithelial cell proliferation, survival, and stem cell maintenance. Klf5 promotes mammary stemness, at least partially, by directly promoting the transcription of Slug. Finally, Klf5 depletion suppressed PyMT‐induced mammary gland tumor cell stemness, tumor initiation, and growth in vivo. Slug also mediated these functions of Klf5 in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility and accuracy of UF/NCI phantoms and Monte Carlo retrospective dosimetry in children treated on National Wilms Tumor Study protocols
Authors: Kalapurakal John A. , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh , Mille Matthew , Helenowski Irene , Peterson Susan , Rigsby Cynthia , Laurie Fran , Jung Jae Won , Fitzgerald Thomas J. , Lee Choonsik
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This pilot study was done to determine the feasibility and accuracy of University of Florida/National Cancer Institute (UF/NCI) phantoms and Monte Carlo (MC) retrospective dosimetry and had two aims: (1) to determine the anatomic accuracy of UF/NCI phantoms by comparing 3D organ doses in National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) patient‐matched UF/NCI phantoms to organ doses in corresponding patient‐matched CT scans and (2) to compare infield and out‐of‐field organ dosimetry using two dosimetry methods—standard radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning systems (TPS) and MC dosimetry in these two anatomic models.

Methods

Twenty NWTS patient‐matched Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files of UF/NCI phantoms and CT scans were imported into the Pinnacle RT TPS. The NWTS RT fields (whole abdomen, flank, whole lung, or a combination) and RT doses (10–45 Gy) were reconstructed in both models. Both TPS and MC dose calculations were performed. For aim 1, the mean doses to the heart, kidney, thyroid gland, testes, and ovaries using TPS and MC in both models were statistically compared. For aim 2, the TPS and MC dosimetry for these organs in both models were statistically compared.

Results

For aim 1, there was no significant difference between phantom and CT scan dosimetry for any of the organs using either TPS or MC dosimetry. For aim 2, there was a significant difference between TPS and MC dosimetry for both CT scan and phantoms for all organs. Although the doses for infield organs were similar for both TPS and MC, the doses for near‐field and out‐of‐field organs were consistently higher for 90% to 100% of MC doses; however, the absolute dose difference was small (<1 Gy).

Conclusions

This pilot study has demonstrated that the patient‐matched UF/NCI phantoms together with MC dosimetry is an accurate model for performing retrospective 3D dosimetry in large‐scale epidemiology studies such as the NWTS.
Risk‐based management strategy and outcomes of tumor lysis syndrome in children with leukemia/lymphoma: Analysis from a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Gopakumar Kaduveettil Gopinathan , Seetharam Shwetha , KM Jagathnath Krishna , Nair Manjusha , Rajeswari Binitha , CS Guruprasad , VR Prasanth , Thankamony Priyakumari
Published: August 2018

Background

Data from low‐ and middle‐income countries on tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in the pediatric population are limited. This study aims to analyze the clinical and biochemical characteristics and treatment outcomes of TLS in children with leukemia/lymphomas in a resource‐limited setting.

Procedure

Children with intermediate risk (IRD) and high risk (HRD) for developing TLS were retrospectively studied at a tertiary cancer center in India.

Results

Over a three‐year period, 224 children with acute leukemia/lymphoma having IRD (21.8%, n = 49) and HRD (78.1%, n = 175) were identified. TLS developed in 53.6% (n = 120) cases, of which 75% (n = 90) had laboratory TLS alone. Thirteen children had clinical TLS (C‐TLS) at presentation while 17 patients progressed to develop C‐TLS. TLS developed in 51% (n = 25) and 54.5% (n = 95) of children with IRD and HRD, respectively. Rasburicase was used in 8.5% (n = 19) cases and five children required hemodialysis. Two children (0.8%) expired during the course of TLS management. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of hyperuricemia as the single significant risk factor for developing TLS. When children in whom a 25% change in biochemical values from the baseline that falls within the normal range were excluded, 21.4% (48/224) cases were identified to have clinically relevant TLS (8% in IRD and 25% in HRD).

Conclusion

With hydration, supportive care and judicious use of rasburicase, it is feasible to manage TLS efficiently in resource‐limited settings. A modification of the TLS definition criteria would help to identify clinically relevant TLS.
A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study to Determine Predictive Factors for Multidrug‐Resistant Pneumonia in Critically Ill Adults: The DEFINE Study
Authors: Lat Ishaq , Daley Mitchell J. , Shewale Anand , Pangrazzi Mark H. , Hammond Drayton , Olsen Keith M. ,   the DEFINE study group and the Discovery Research Network
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study was conducted to describe the prevalence, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) organism (MDRO) pneumonia in critically ill patients.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients admitted to 60 intensive care units (ICUs), from 34 hospitals, in the United States from November to December 2016. Adults (> 18 yrs) receiving antimicrobial therapy at least 5 days for pneumonia were included. Patients were classified into two categories, with or without MDRO, and subcategorized by pneumonia type.

Measurements and main results

Demographics, medication histories, and health care exposure were collected during ICU admission and compared using t test and chi‐square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for MDRO pneumonia and hospital mortality. Of 652 patients, 92 patients (14.1%) developed MDR pneumonia. Predictors of MDRO pneumonia were acid suppression therapy within the previous 90 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.88 [1.14–3.09]; p=0.013), mechanical ventilation (OR 1.96 [1.14–3.35]; p<0.001), and history of MDRO infection (OR 4.74 [2.21–10.18]; p<0.001). Appropriate initial antimicrobial selection occurred in 58 patients (63%) with MDRO pneumonia compared to 464 patients (82.7%) in patients without MDRO pneumonia (p<0.001). MDRO pneumonia was not associated with hospital mortality (18.5% vs 17.6%, p=0.087).

Conclusions

In a broad cohort of critically ill patients, MDRO pneumonia is infrequent, and associated with factors describing the intensity of health care provided. Presence of MDRO pneumonia is not associated with hospital mortality. Further study is needed to clarify risk factors for multidrug‐resistant pneumonia in critically ill patients.