bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The direct health care costs of eating disorders among hospitalized patients: A population‐based study
Authors: de Oliveira Claire , Colton Patricia , Cheng Joyce , Olmsted Marion , Kurdyak Paul
Published: November 2017

Objective

To estimate the direct health care costs of eating disorders in Ontario, Canada, in 2012, using a prevalence‐based cost‐of‐illness approach.

Method

We selected a population‐based sample of all patients eligible for public health care insurance over the age of 4 with a hospitalization for an eating disorder at any point since 1988. We estimated total and mean direct net costs per patient in 2012, from the third public payer perspective, by sex, age group, and health service type.

Results

In 2012, there were 6,326 patients ever hospitalized for an eating disorder. They had a mean age of 31 at hospitalization, were mostly female (93%), and generally from high‐income, urban neighborhoods. Direct total costs were just under $63 million CAD; direct net costs were roughly $48 million CAD. Mean net costs per patient were higher for females than males ($7,743.40 and $6,340.50, respectively), and higher for patients under 20 and patients 65+ ($17,961.50 and $14,953.90, respectively). The main cost drivers were psychiatric hospitalizations and physician visits, although this varied by age group. For younger patients, net costs were mainly because of psychiatric hospitalizations, while for older patients net costs were mainly because of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric hospitalizations, and other care.

Discussion

The cost of eating disorders is substantial and varies by sex and age group. Our findings suggest that, from a health care utilization/cost perspective, the effect of eating disorders is likely to persist over the lifespan.
Navigational efficiency in a biased and correlated random walk model of individual animal movement
Authors: Bailey Joseph D. , Wallis Jamie , Codling Edward A.
Published: November 2017

Understanding how an individual animal is able to navigate through its environment is a key question in movement ecology that can give insight into observed movement patterns and the mechanisms behind them. Efficiency of navigation is important for behavioral processes at a range of different spatio‐temporal scales, including foraging and migration. Random walk models provide a standard framework for modeling individual animal movement and navigation. Here we consider a vector‐weighted biased and correlated random walk (BCRW) model for directed movement (taxis), where external navigation cues are balanced with forward persistence. We derive a mathematical approximation of the expected navigational efficiency for any BCRW of this form and confirm the model predictions using simulations. We demonstrate how the navigational efficiency is related to the weighting given to forward persistence and external navigation cues, and highlight the counter‐intuitive result that for low (but realistic) levels of error on forward persistence, a higher navigational efficiency is achieved by giving more weighting to this indirect navigation cue rather than direct navigational cues. We discuss and interpret the relevance of these results for understanding animal movement and navigation strategies.
Mechanochemistry for Organic Chemists: An Update
Authors: Tan Davin , Friščić Tomislav
Published: November 2017

We provide a brief overview of recent advances in the use of mechanochemical techniques for the synthesis of organic molecules and materials, highlighting selected examples of mechanochemical organic transformations and mechanistic studies, and especially those that illustrate chemical reactions or syntheses of molecular targets that have remained elusive to conventional solution techniques.
Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of 1,1‐Dimethyl‐1,4‐Dihydrodibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridinium Iodides: Turn‐on Type Detection of DNA
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Oba Akinori , Kuramoto Risa , Iwashita Hidefumi , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei , Noguchi Ryoma , Fukuda Masatora
Published: November 2017

1,4‐Dihydrodibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridines were synthesized by the reaction of 2‐acetylaminobenzaldehyde with acetophenones in the presence of NaOH. N‐Methylation of the dihydrodibenzonaphthyridines with MeI gave 1,1‐dimethylammonium iodides. These salts showed UV/Vis absorbance maxima at 235 and 418 nm and very weak fluorescence at 530 nm. The fluorescence intensities were enhanced 3–10 times upon treating these salts with double‐stranded DNA by intercalation, which enabled the detection of DNA/RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).
Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Energetic Compounds Based on a CH2‐Bridged Dinitromethyl Explosophore
Authors: Huang Haifeng , Shi Yameng , Yu Yao , Yang Jun
Published: November 2017

A series of energetic salts based on the 1,1,3,3‐tetranitropropane‐1,3‐diide (TNP) dianion have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their thermal stability (Td = 111.0–180.9 °C) and sensitivities to mechanical stimuli (IS = 2–5 J; FS = 80–128 N) have been measured. Additionally, their heats of formation (–369.8 to 347.1 kJ mol–1) and detonation performances (P = 25.0–37.0 GPa; vD = 7675–9104 m s–1) have been calculated.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Sulfur‐Containing Medium‐Ring Heterocycles with Axial Chiralities by Catalytic Intramolecular [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Mitake Akihito , Fusamae Toru , Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen , Shibata Takanori
Published: November 2017

The rhodium‐catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular cycloaddition of triynes connected by sulfur‐containing tethers gave tribenzothiepins and a tribenzodithiocin in high yields with good‐to‐excellent enantiomeric excesses. The present protocol generated axial chiralities fused with medium‐ring heterocycles. In particular, this is the first example of the catalytic and highly enantioselective construction of a tribenzodiheterocin skeleton.
Effects of the bridge unit in D‐π‐A architecture to improve light harvesting efficiency at DSSCs: A first principle theoretical study
Authors: Madhu Prakasam , Ponnusamy Munusamy Anbarasan
Published: November 2017

This work systematically has investigated on the issues of spacer modified at D‐π‐A based organic sensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). The rigidity of the donor and electron acceptor namely triphenylamine and 2‐cyanobut‐2‐enoic acid with good electron with drawing moiety are used for this study. The first principle theoretical calculations, the general effects of electron flow/electron injection in the π‐spacer based modified organic sensitizers are initially examined and explained. All the computations were carried out within the DFT and TD‐DFT framework, using the B3LYP functional. The solvation effects were incorporated using the Conductor like Polarized Continuum Model (C‐PCM) for the acetonitrile (CH3CN). Finally, the photovoltaic effective factors like the light harvesting properties and vertical dipole moment are evaluated and could be practically useful to achieve the efficiency of the studied dyes in DSSCs devices. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1403–1410, 2018
Energy saving potential of a solar assisted desiccant air conditioning system for different types of storage
Authors: Kabeel A.E. , Abdelgaied Mohamed , Al Ali Mohamad
Published: November 2017

In this study, the performances of a solar energy assisted desiccant air conditioning system with different types of storage materials are numerically investigated. In this study four types of storage materials (paraffin wax, stearic acid, capric‐palmitic, and CaCl2·6H2O) are used to obtained the better storage materials can be use for a solar energy assisted desiccant air conditioning system. The numerical results show that, at the same operating conditions the average percentage of energy saving potential approximately reached to 75.86%, 78%, 72.4%, and 64.6% for using paraffin wax, stearic acid, capric‐palmitic and CaCl2·6H2O as a thermal storage materials, respectively as compared to the case without storage materials and solar energy. The life cycle savings reached to 1727.5, 1997.6, 1766.1, and 1534.6 $for using paraffin wax, stearic acid, capric‐palmitic and CaCl2·6H2O as a storage materials, respectively at the same energy cost of 0.039 $/kWh. The results shows that the stearic acid represents a better thermal storage materials use in a solar assisted desiccant air conditioning with thermal storage materials. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1448–1454, 2018
Effects of intake and exhaust valve timing on the performance of an air‐powered rotary engine
Authors: Pan Jianfeng , Chen Wei , Yang Wenming , Xiao Man , Zhu Yuejin , Fan Baowei
Published: November 2017

This work is aimed at improving the performance of the air‐powered rotary engine. A dynamic simulation model which includes an eccentric motion and rotary valve movement was established by our particle image velocimetry (PIV) experimental data. Then the power and specific steam consumption (SSC) was evaluated. The pressure distribution in the chamber was obtained which was difficult to obtain through experiment. Simulation results showed that for the work process and pressure distribution, the intake valve timing mainly affected the intake expansion stage (A2) and pure expansion stage (B). Due to this, a relatively low pressure was distributed in the middle of the chamber and this was beneficial to the intake and work processes. The exhaust valve timing mainly affected the exhaust stage (C) and initial intake stage (A1). Therefore, a relatively high pressure which was distributed in the middle‐rear of the chamber was beneficial to the exhaust processes. For the power and SSC, the power increased initially then decreased and the SSC decreased with the increase of intake advance angle respectively. Both the power and the SSC increased with the increase of intake duration angle. The power increased while the SSC decreased with the increase of exhaust advance angle. The power increased and the SSC decreased initially then increased with the increase of exhaust duration angle. The preferred parameters were found to be 30° CA, 240° CA, 30° CA, and 280° CA. These improved parameters had a 2.7% increase in the power and also a 2.4% decrease in the SSC. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1462–1474, 2018
Altered structure and functional connection in patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Tsai Yuan‐Hsiung , Yuan Rui , Patel Dharni , Chandrasekaran Subhashini , Weng Hsu‐Huei , Yang Jen‐Tsung , Lin Ching‐Po , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: November 2017

Classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a specific type of neuropathic orofacial pain of which the plasticity of brain structure and connectivity have remained largely unknown. A total of 62 TN patients were included and referred to MRI scans. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to analyze the change of gray matter volume. Resting‐state functional imaging was used to analyze the connectivity between brain regions. The results showed gray matter volume reduction in components of the prefrontal cortex, precentral gyrus, cerebellar tonsil, thalamus, hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens among right TN patient and in the inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, cerebellum, thalamus, ventral striatum, and putamen among left TN patients. The connections between the right superior frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus were lower in right TN patients. The connection between the left precentral gyrus and the left superior frontal gyrus was lower while the connection between bilateral thalamus was higher in left TN patients. The changes of volume in bilateral thalamus of right TN patients and left ventral striatum of left TN patients, and the connectivity between bilateral thalamus of left TN patients were moderately correlated with pain duration. These findings suggest that brain regions such as the thalamus may not only be involved in processing of pain stimuli but also be important for the development of TN. The left hemisphere may be dominant in processing and modulation of TN pain signal. Chronification of TN induces volume changes in brain regions which are associated with emotional or cognitive modulation of pain. Hum Brain Mapp 39:609–621, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence and predictors of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in hepatitis B e antigen–negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Jeng Wen‐Juei , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Chien Rong‐Nan , Sheen I‐Shyan , Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: November 2017

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is a rare event during nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapy. Limited data suggest that stopping Nuc therapy may increase HBsAg loss rate in hepatitis B e antigen–negative patients. A large study was conducted to investigate this issue in more detail. Of the 1,075 hepatitis B e antigen–negative patients treated with Nuc for a median of 156 (61‐430) weeks, 5 showed HBsAg seroclearance during treatment at an estimated annual incidence of 0.15%. Of the patients who remained HBsAg‐seropositive, 691 (52.3 years old, 86% male, 44.6% cirrhosis) had stopped Nuc therapy by the Asian‐Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver stopping rule and then were prospectively followed up. Baseline and on‐treatment clinical and viral features, treatment duration, consolidation duration, time to undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA, time to normal alanine aminotransferase, end‐of‐treatment HBsAg, and HBsAg log reduction were compared between patients with and without HBsAg seroclearance after end of treatment. During a median off‐therapy follow‐up period of 155 (2‐614) weeks, HBsAg seroclearance was confirmed in 42 patients. The 6‐year cumulative incidence was 13% with an estimated annual incidence of 1.78%. Cox regression analysis showed that shorter time to undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA (<12 weeks), greater HBsAg reduction during therapy (>1 log10), lower end‐of‐treatment HBsAg level (<100 IU/mL), patients with sustained response, and relapsers not retreated were factors for off‐therapy HBsAg seroclearance. Conclusion: The incidence of HBsAg seroclearance after stopping Nuc was much higher than that during therapy and highest in patients without virologic and clinical relapse; patients with clinical relapse who remained untreated had a 7.34 times higher incidence of HBsAg clearance than those who received retreatment, suggesting that transient untreated clinical relapse may drive sufficient immune control to functional cure. (Hepatology 2017).
Whole exome sequencing reveals intertumor heterogeneity and distinct genetic origins of sporadic synchronous colorectal cancer
Authors: Di Jiabo , Yang Hong , Jiang Beihai , Wang Zaozao , Ji Jiafu , Su Xiangqian
Published: November 2017

Sporadic synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to more than one primary tumor detected in a single patient at the time of the first diagnosis without predisposition of cancer development. Given the same genetic and microenvironment they raise, sporadic synchronous CRC is a unique model to study CRC tumorigenesis. We performed whole exome sequencing in 32 fresh frozen tumor lesions from 15 patients with sporadic synchronous CRC to compare their genetic alterations. This approach identified ubiquitously mutated genes in the range from 0.34% to 4.22% and from 0.8% to 7.0% in non‐hypermutated tumors and hypermutated tumors, respectively, in a single patient. We show that both ubiquitously mutated genes and candidate cancer genes from different tumors in the same patient mutated at different sites. Consistently, obvious differences in somatic copy number variations (SCNV) were found in most patients with non‐hypermutated tumor lesions, which had ubiquitous copy number amplification rates ranging from 0% to 8.8% and ubiquitous copy number deletion rates ranging from 0% to 8.2%. Hypermutated lesions were nearly diploid with 0% to 18.8% common copy number aberrations. Accordingly, clonal structures, altered signaling pathways and druggable genes in a single patient with synchronous CRC varied significantly. Taken together, the disparate SCNVs and mutations in synchronous CRC supported the field effect theory of tumorigenesis. Moreover, the intertumor heterogeneity of synchronous CRCs implies that analysis of all tumor lesions from the same patient is necessary for appropriate clinical treatment decisions.
Development of New Gold (I)‐Catalyzed Carbocyclizations and their Applications in the Synthesis of Natural Products
Authors: McGee Philippe , Brousseau Julie , Barriault Louis
Published: November 2017

For many years, gold was considered inactive to catalyze organic transformations. In the last two decades, gold(I/III) complexes have emerged as efficient catalyst for the formation of C−O, C−N and C−C bonds. In particular, monomeric organogold complexes whose binding affinity for alkenes, allenes and alkynes opened new directions in organic synthesis. More recently, dimeric gold species were used as photocatalyst in light‐enabling processes. Taking advantage of the gold unique reactivity, we describe the development of novel transformations catalyzed by gold and their applications in the synthesis of natural products.
Sterilization effects on ultrathin film polymer coatings for silicon‐based implantable medical devices
Authors: Iqbal Zohora , Moses Willieford , Kim Steven , Kim Eun Jung , Fissell William H. , Roy Shuvo
Published: November 2017

Novel biomaterials for medical device applications must be stable throughout all stages of preparation for surgery, including sterilization. There is a paucity of information on the effects of sterilization on sub‐10 nm‐thick polymeric surface coatings suitable for silicon‐based bioartificial organs. This study explores the effect of five standard sterilization methods on three surface coatings applied to silicon: polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA), and poly (2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (pMPC). Autoclave, dry heat, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plasma, ethylene oxide gas (EtO), and electron beam (E‐beam) treated coatings were analyzed to determine possible polymer degradation with sterilization. Poststerilization, there were significant alterations in contact angle, maximum change resulting from H2O2 (Δ − 14°), autoclave (Δ + 15°), and dry heat (Δ + 23°) treatments for PEG, pSBMA, and pMPC, respectively. Less than 5% coating thickness change was found with autoclave and EtO on PEG‐silicon, E‐beam on pSBMA‐silicon and EtO treatment on pMPC‐silicon. H2O2 treatment resulted in at least 30% decrease in thickness for all coatings. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays showed significant protein adsorption increase for pMPC‐silicon following all sterilization methods. E‐beam on PEG‐silicon and dry‐heat treatment on pSBMA‐silicon exhibited maximum protein adsorption in each coating subset. Overall, the data suggest autoclave and EtO treatments are well‐suited for PEG‐silicon, while E‐beam is best suited for pSBMA‐silicon. pMPC‐silicon was least impacted by EtO treatment. H2O2 treatment had a negative effect on all three coatings. These results can be used to determine which surface modifications and sterilization processes to utilize for devices in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2327–2336, 2018.
Neuroprotective effect of licochalcone A against oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reperfusion in rat primary cortical neurons by attenuating oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Ma Ying , Wei Xiaodi , Fan Ting
Published: November 2017

Perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of neonatal death and neurological disability. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are typical pathogenic factors of HIE. Licochalcone A (LCA) exerts various biological properties, including anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, no data have been reported to elucidate the role of LCA in the development of HIE. In the present study, primary cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro to simulate the in vivo situation of neonatal HIE. Interestingly, LCA significantly antagonized cell injury under OGD/R by increasing cell survival, inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with LCA suppressed oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in primary rat cortical neurons after OGD/R. LCA stimulation also restrained OGD/R‐triggered increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production. Importantly, LCA treatment effectively counteracts OGD/R‐mediated downregulation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor erythroid2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF‐κB p65). Moreover, administration with SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 partly abolished LCA‐induced neuroprotective effects on rat cortical neurons exposed to OGD/R. In conclusion, our study indicates that LCA exerts a neuroprotective effect against OGD/R‐induced neuronal injury in rat primary cortical neurons, suggesting that LCA might act as a candidate therapeutic target drug used for HIE and related diseases.
Loss of Spry1 attenuates vascular smooth muscle proliferation by impairing mitogen‐mediated changes in cell cycle regulatory circuits
Authors: Yang Xuehui , Gong Yan , He Qing , Licht Jonathan D. , Liaw Lucy , Friesel Robert E.
Published: November 2017

Signals from growth factors or mechanical stimuli converge to promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation, key events in the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia upon vascular injury. Spry1, a regulator of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), plays a role in maintaining the contractile phenotype of VSMC. The aim of the current study was to determine the role of Spry1 in VSMC proliferation in vitro and injury induced neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. VSMC proliferation and neointima formation were evaluated in cultured human aortic SMC (hAoSMC) and ligation‐induced injury of mouse carotid arteries from Spry1 gene targeted mice, and their corresponding wild type littermates. Human Spry1 or non‐targeting control lentiviral shRNAs were used to knock down Spry1 in hAoSMC. Time course cell cycle analysis showed a reduced fraction of S‐phase cells at 12 and 24 h after growth medium stimulation in Spry1 shRNA transduced hAoSMC. Consistent with reduced S‐phase entry, the induction of cyclinD1 and the levels of pRbS807/S811, pH3Ser10, and pCdc2 were also reduced, while the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1 was maintained in Spry1 knockdown hAoSMC. In vivo, loss of Spry1 attenuated carotid artery ligation‐induced neointima formation in mice, and this effect was accompanied by a decrease in cell proliferation similar to the in vitro results. Our findings demonstrate that loss of Spry1 attenuates mitogen‐induced VSMC proliferation, and thus injury‐induced neointimal hyperplasia likely via insufficient activation of Akt signaling causing decreased cyclinD1 and increased p27Kip1 and a subsequent decrease in Rb and cdc2 phosphorylation.
Pharmacokinetics of Nintedanib in Subjects With Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Marzin Kristell , Kretschmar Gunther , Luedtke Doreen , Kraemer Sandrine , Kuelzer Raimund , Schlenker‐Herceg Rozsa , Schmid Ulrike , Schnell David , Dallinger Claudia
Published: November 2017

Nintedanib is an intracellular inhibitor of tyrosine kinases used in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This phase 1 open‐label study investigated the influence of mild and moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of nintedanib following oral administration of a single 100‐mg dose. Subjects with hepatic impairment classified as Child‐Pugh A (mild hepatic impairment) or Child‐Pugh B (moderate hepatic impairment) were eligible. The control group comprised healthy matched subjects. Primary end points were Cmax and AUC0–∞ of nintedanib. Thirty‐three subjects received nintedanib (8 in each of the Child‐Pugh A and Child‐Pugh B groups and 17 controls). The shape of the plasma concentration–time curve for nintedanib was similar between Child‐Pugh A or B and healthy subjects. Nintedanib exposure was ∼2‐fold higher in Child‐Pugh A subjects and ∼8‐fold higher in Child‐Pugh B subjects than in healthy subjects. Adverse events were reported in 3 Child‐Pugh B subjects (37.5%), no Child‐Pugh A subjects, and 3 healthy subjects (17.6%). In conclusion, exposure to nintedanib was higher in Child‐Pugh A and B subjects than in matched healthy subjects. A single dose of nintedanib 100 mg had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in subjects with hepatic impairment. Results of this dedicated phase 1 study are in line with exploratory investigations into the PK of nintedanib in patients with advanced solid tumors or IPF and hepatic impairment.
Simulation of the simultaneous dual‐frequency resonance excitation of ions in a linear ion trap
Authors: Xu Chongsheng , Xu Fuxing , Konenkov N. V. , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: November 2017

The process of ion resonance dipolar excitation in a linear ion trap by 2 ejection waveforms with close frequencies is studied. The physical mechanism of increasing the resolving power using the ion excitation is a nonlinearity of the electric radio frequency fields caused by space charge. Using 2 resonance forces with 2 close frequencies leads to the completion of 2 excitation processes. In the case of the perfect quadrupole electric field, the ion motion equations are linear, and as a result, the respondent ion ensemble is also a linear and valid superposition principle. Nevertheless, the resolution increases (20%) in the case of lack of a space charge in an operating mode with a dual‐frequency. The numerical simulations show that the mass shift is removed, and the mass resolution is increased via dual‐frequency resonance excitation when the frequency difference (approximately 2.5 kHz) is relatively small and the phase difference of 2 harmonic signals is
even at a high linear ion density of up to 50 000 ions per radius field r0.
Experimental miniature piglet model for the infection of human norovirus GII
Authors: Seo Dong Joo , Jung Day , Jung Soontag , Ha Seung‐Kwon , Ha Sang‐Do , Choi In‐Soo , Myoung Jinjong , Choi Changsun
Published: November 2017

Ten Yucatan miniature piglets were challenged with the human norovirus (NoV) GII.12/GII.3 CAU140599 strain and five piglets were used as negative controls. Stool, serum, and organs were collected and processed from two NoV‐infected piglets and one negative piglet at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days post‐inoculation (dpi). NoV was detected in stool and serum samples by real‐time RT‐PCR. Mild diarrhea was observed at 1‐3 dpi. Fecal shedding and viremia were detected intermittently at 1, 3, and 7 dpi. While interferon‐α was significantly elevated at 2‐3 dpi, interferon‐γ was not changed. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the NoV capsid antigen was present in macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells of the stomach, intestines, lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. Intestinal epithelium did not exhibit a positive signal for NoV. In addition, negative‐sense viral RNA was confirmed in immune cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Therefore, NoV might be associated with macrophages and lymphocytes in gastrointestinal tract and immune organs of experimentally infected miniature piglets.
Regional climate trends and topographic influence over the Western Ghat catchments of India
Authors: Mudbhatkal Amogh , Amai Mahesha
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the role of elevation stratification and climate change on the hydrology of Western Ghat catchments during the period from 1951 to 2013 using gridded data. The trend analysis of rainfall and temperature was conducted using the Mann–Kendall trend test, and the hydrological modelling of the rivers was conducted using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. To characterize the spatial distribution of rainfall and streamflow based on elevation stratification, contemporary rainfall zones were delineated and the response of each zone was evaluated. The results indicated that the maximum rainfall occurs at certain distance on the windward side from the crest of the Western Ghats. On the leeward side (eastern plateau), the rainfall is maximum at crest (Western Ghats) and decreases with distance. The rivers in the southern portion of the Western Ghats of India were highly vulnerable to changing climate followed by the central portion. The annual and monsoon rainfall in the southern river decreased at 0.43 and 0.30% decade−1 (1% significance level), respectively. The summer rainfall in the river of the central portion (Netravathi River) decreased at 0.44% decade−1. The annual air temperature of the southern river catchment (Vamanapuram) increased at the rate of 0.12 °C decade−1 (at 0.1% significance level), and the air temperature of the central rivers increased at the rate of 0.09, 0.08, and 0.07 °C (0.1% significance level), respectively. The streamflow response of the southern and central rivers was discernible as the monsoon flow decreased at 37% decade−1 (0.1% significance level) in the southern river and 10% decade−1 (5% significance level) in the central river. Interestingly, the pristine Aghanashini River demonstrated resilience to climate change with an increase in annual rainfall and streamflow at 115 mm decade−1 (5% significance level) and 0.71 Mm3 decade−1 (0.1% significance level), respectively.
Low‐dose lithium regimen enhances endochondral fracture healing in osteoporotic rodent bone
Authors: Vachhani Kathak , Whyne Cari , Wang Yufa , Burns David M. , Nam Diane
Published: November 2017

Osteoporotic bone fractures are highly prevalent and involve lengthy recovery. Lithium, commonly used in psychiatric medicine, inhibits glycogen synthase kinase‐3β in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, leading to up‐regulation of osteogenesis. Our recent preclinical work demonstrated that a 20 mg/kg lithium dose administered beginning 7 days post‐fracture for 14 days optimally improved femoral fracture healing in healthy rats at 4 weeks post fracture (46% higher torsional strength). In this study, lithium treatment was evaluated for healing of osteoporotic bone fractures. Six‐month‐old ovariectomized rats were subjected to closed, load‐drop induced femoral diaphyseal fracture. Two regimens involving treatment initiation on day 7 and day 10, respectively, 20 mg/kg/day oral dose and 14 days duration were evaluated. Femurs of lithium‐ vs. saline‐ treated rats were analyzed at 4 weeks (for day 7 onset regimen) or 6 weeks (for day 10 onset regimen) post‐fracture by stereology and torsional mechanical testing. Initiation on day 10 led to a significant 50% higher maximum yield torque (primary outcome measure) at 6 weeks (309 vs. 206 N‐mm, p = 0.005; n = 7, 7). Initiation on day 7 suggested a trend toward a more modest improvement in maximum yield torque (13%) evaluated at 4 weeks post‐fracture (234 vs. 206 N‐mm, p = 0.10; n = 10, 13). Qualitatively, lithium‐treated femurs demonstrated better periosteal and mineralized callus bridging in the day 10 initiation group. Lithium is a widely‐available, orally administered, low‐cost drug, which represents a feasible pharmacological intervention for both healthy and osteoporotic fracture healing. This study provides important guidelines for future clinical evaluation of lithium in osteoporotic fracture patients. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1783–1789, 2018.
Transcriptomic analysis of synovial extracellular RNA following knee trauma: A pilot study
Authors: Griswold Anthony J. , Perez Jose , Nuytemans Karen , Strong Thomas A. , Wang Liyong , Vance Danica D. , Ennis Hayley , Smith Marvin K. , Best Thomas M. , Vance Jeffery M. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Kaplan Lee D.
Published: November 2017

Traumatic knee injuries often result in damage to articular cartilage and other joint structures. Such trauma is a strong risk factor for the future development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways modulating response to knee joint trauma remain unclear. Moreover, investigations of biomarkers influencing responses have been targeted rather than broad, unbiased discovery studies. Herein, we characterize the complete complement of extracellular RNA (exRNA) in the synovial fluid of 14 subjects following knee injury. Fluid was collected during surgery from the injured knees, and from the contralateral knee in a subset, undergoing surgical repair of the ACL and/or meniscal repair/debridement. Arthroscopic grading of chondral damage in four knee compartments was performed using the Outerbridge classification. exRNA was extracted and subjected to massively parallel total RNA sequencing. Differential abundance of RNA was calculated between the subject cohorts of injured and non‐injured knee, average Outerbridge score ≥0.5 and less, and chronic and acute injury duration defined as ≤4 months till surgery or longer. Overall, expression of several thousand genes was identified in the synovial fluid. Furthermore, differential expression analysis suggests a role of exRNA fragments of matrix metalloproteinases and skeletal muscle fiber genes in the response to traumatic injury. Together, these data suggest that high‐throughput approaches can indicate exRNA molecular signatures following knee trauma. Future studies are required to more fully characterize the biological roles of these exRNA and the cadence of their respective release that may lead to translational treatment options for post‐traumatic OA. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1659–1665, 2018.
Chemical profiling and quantification of ShenKang injection, a systematic quality control strategy using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Tanye , Zuo Lihua , Sun Zhi , Wang Peile , Zhou Lin , Lv Xiaojing , Jia Qingquan , Liu Xin , Jiang Xiaofang , Zhu Zhenfeng , Kang Jian , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: November 2017

ShenKang injection is traditional Chinese medicine used to treat chronic renal failure in China. It is a compound preparation that consists of four herbs: Rhubarb, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Safflower and Radix Astragali. We developed an ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap high resolution accurate mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry method to analyze its chemical compositions, and a total of 90 compounds were identified from ShenKang injection. Among them, 19 major compounds were unambiguously detected by comparing with reference standards. Meanwhile, 13 representative compounds selected as quality control markers were simultaneously quantified in ShenKang injection samples. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Waters ACQUITY HPLC® HSS C18 column using gradient elution. The method was validated with respect to linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, reproducibility and stability. And the validated method was successfully applied for simultaneous determination of 13 bioactive compounds in ShenKang injection from ten batches of samples by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The results were analyzed by principal components analysis method, and three compounds had a significant relationship with the quality control of ShenKang injection. This research established a rapid and reliable method for the integrating quality control, including qualitation and quantification of ShenKang injection.
Vibratory function and healing outcomes after small intestinal submucosa biomaterial implantation for chronic vocal fold scar
Authors: Pitman Michael J. , Kurita Takashi , Powell Maria E. , Kimball Emily E. , Mizuta Masanobu , Chang Siyuan , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Rousseau Bernard
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold scar is a major cause of dysphonia, and optimal treatments do not currently exist. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biomaterial developed for the treatment of a variety of pathologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of SIS implantation on tissue remodeling in scarred vocal folds using routine staining, immunohistochemistry, and high‐speed videoendoscopy (HSV).

Study Design

Prospective, blinded group analysis.

Methods

Thirteen New Zealand White rabbits underwent a vocal fold scarring procedure followed by microflap elevation with or without SIS implantation. Seven months later, they underwent a phonation procedure with HSV and laryngeal harvest. Alcian blue and elastica van Gieson staining and immunohistochemistry for collagen types I and III were used to evaluate histological healing outcomes. Dynamic functional remodeling of the scarred vocal fold in the presence of SIS implants was evaluated using HSV imaging to capture restoration of vibratory amplitude, amplitude ratio, and left‐right phase symmetry.

Results

Density of collagen I was significantly decreased in SIS versus microflap‐treated vocal folds. No differences were found between groups for hyaluronic acid, elastin, or collagen type III. Organization of elastin in the subepithelial region appeared to affect amplitude of vibration and the shape of the vocal fold edge.

Conclusions

SIS implantation into chronic scar reduced the density of collagen I deposits. There was no evidence of a negative impact or complication from SIS implantation. Regardless of treatment type, organization of elastin in the subepithelial region may be important to vibratory outcomes.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:901–908, 2018
The relationship between endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule and low‐frequency air‐bone gaps
Authors: Sugimoto Satofumi , Yoshida Tadao , Teranishi Masaaki , Okazaki Yuriko , Naganawa Shinji , Sone Michihiko
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops and hearing level, focusing on significant vestibular endolymphatic hydrops adjacent to the stapes footplate and low‐frequency air‐bone gaps.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

The study included 1,548 ears from 775 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination in our university hospital to investigate possible endolymphatic hydrops between January 2012 and December 2015. Ears were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging performed 4 hours after intravenous injection of a standard dose of gadodiamide hydrate and/or 24 hours after intratympanic injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine diluted eightfold. Comparison of hearing thresholds on pure‐tone audiometry was performed between ears having endolymphatic hydrops adjacent to the stapes footplate and those having nonadjacent endolymphatic hydrops.

Results

Forty‐one ears (22 men and 19 women, mean age 48.4 years) showed significant cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops adjacent to the stapes footplate, and 79 ears (30 men and 49 women, mean age 45.0 years) showed significant nonadjacent cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops. The average air‐bone gap at 250 Hz was significantly higher in the group of ears with adjacent hydrops than in those with nonadjacent hydrops.

Conclusions

The appearance of low‐frequency air‐bone gaps suggests deterioration of endolymphatic hydrops, particularly in ears with Ménière's disease, and could be a useful indicator for evaluating and treating patients with endolymphatic hydrops.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1658–1662, 2018
Clinical trials in rhinosinusitis: Identifying areas for improvement
Authors: Ramsey Tam , Lai Wanda , Guo Eric , Svider Peter F. , Zuliani Giancarlo , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize trends in rhinosinusitis clinical trials to provide recommendations for therapeutic directions, highlight possible redundancy, and provide a framework for prioritization of future clinical trials.

Study Design

Database analysis.

Methods

Data were collected from ClinicalTrials.gov including all clinical trials that focused on rhinosinusitis with the exclusion of trials withdrawn prior to enrollment. Variables recorded included study design, study population, pharmaceutical involvement, publication, and whether a trial was a medical or surgical intervention. Associated publications were identified using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

Results

There were 269 rhinosinusitis clinical trials, dating from 1993 to 2017, that met inclusion reauirements. Of the studies included in this analysis, 51.7% had at least one scientific publication, and of those with publications, 80.6% had positive results and 19.3% had negative results. Twenty‐three clinical trials (8.5%) studied drugs already approved for rhinosinusitis, 113 (42.0%) trials studied drugs that were approved for other uses, 42 (15.6%) trials studied experimental drugs, and 102 (39.4%) studied surgical intervention. Of the trials studying drugs, the data showed many clinical trials that studied the same drug. The data demonstrate a steady decline in clinical trials with medical intervention and a rise in clinical trials with surgical intervention.

Conclusions

This analysis is the first to characterize rhinosinusitis clinical trials, highlighting the over‐representation of certain drugs and demonstrating an increased focus on clinical trials employing surgical intervention. We provide a framework to discuss prioritization of future studies to guide clinical and research practice.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1281–1286, 2018
Pediatric acute mastoiditis in the era of pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Tawfik Kareem O. , Ishman Stacey L. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Altaye Mekibib , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Choo Daniel I.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective was to describe trends in the annual prevalence of hospitalization for pediatric acute mastoiditis since introduction of the 7‐valent pneumococcal vaccine in 2000 and the 13‐valent vaccine in 2010.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional retrospective data analysis.

Methods

The Kids' Inpatient Database from years 2000 to 2012 was analyzed. To determine the annual prevalence of hospitalization for acute mastoiditis, nationally weighted frequencies of hospitalization for children <21 years with acute mastoiditis diagnoses were collected. Trend analysis of hospitalization rates from 2000 to ‐2012 was performed.

Results

From 2000 to 2012, there was no significant trend in hospitalization rates for acute mastoiditis overall (1.38 and 1.43 per 100,000 persons in 2000 and 2012, respectively; P = .86) or by age group. When comparing hospitalization rates at time points 2000 and 2012, children <1 year (4.65 and 3.27 per 100,000 persons, P = .0023) and 1 to 2 years of age (3.95 and 3.18 per 100,000 persons, respectively; P = .0107) demonstrated declines in hospitalization over time. Between 2009 and 2012, hospitalization rates also significantly declined for children aged <1 year (4.50 to 3.27 per 100,000 persons, P = .0056) and 1 to 2 years (4.30 to 3.18 per 100,000 persons, P = .0002) but increased for children 5 to 9 years (1.10 to 1.81 per 100,000 persons, P < .0001) and 10 to 20 years of age (0.41 to 0.72 per 100,000 persons, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Despite introduction of two pneumococcal vaccines, rates of hospitalization for pediatric acute mastoiditis did not decline between 2000 and 2012. Between 2009 and 2012, however, children 0 to 2 years of age showed declining hospitalization rates, possibly reflecting the protective benefit of the 13‐valent pneumococcal vaccine.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1480–1485, 2018
Current practices for voice rest recommendations after phonomicrosurgery
Authors: Joshi Ashwini , Johns Michael M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to understand current protocols for voice rest implemented by laryngologists immediately after phonomicrosurgery for benign vocal fold lesions.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A 24‐item survey was sent via electronic mail to laryngologists across the country to gather data on their recommendations of type and dosage of voice rest, factors involved in this decision, and recommendations for other behavioral modifications.

Results

A majority of the laryngologists implement 7 days of complete voice rest for nodules, cysts, polyps, and Reinke's edema, 1 to 4 days for leukoplakia and papilloma, and over 8 days of relative voice rest for most lesions. A majority of the laryngologists also employ a combination of complete and relative voice rest.

Conclusions

The more common recommendation for complete voice rest is 7 days for nodules, cysts, polyps, and Reinke's edema, and 1 to 4 days for leukoplakia and papilloma. Relative voice rest when recommended is typically recommended for over 8 days. Voice rest recommendations were not affected by surgery type alone, but were determined by either lesion type alone or lesion type combined with surgery type.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1170–1175, 2018
Polyphthalaldehyde: Synthesis, Derivatives, and Applications
Authors: Wang Feng , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: November 2017

o‐Phthalaldehyde is, to this day, the only aromatic aldehyde that can be homopolymerized through chain‐growth polymerization. The product, polyphthalaldehyde (PPA), is a brittle white solid, and, having a polyacetal main chain, presents the ability to depolymerize quite rapidly in the presence of an acid. This review highlights the unique polymerization chemistry of o‐phthalaldehyde since its discovery over half a century ago, describing the different methods for the preparation of PPA and its derivatives, how the polymerization chemistry affects the structure and thermomechanical properties of the obtained PPA, and summarizes recent developments in PPA chemistry as a responsive material. Modern material applications such as the use of PPA as photoresists or in thermal‐scanning probe lithography, as well as exploration of judiciously end‐capped PPA for its use as self‐immolative materials are summarized. In addition, the use of PPA blocks in copolymers is described, leading to the development of films with well‐defined nanochannels or nanopores that can serve as a template for the preparation of the microorganization of nanomaterials.
An Improved Binary Differential Evolution Algorithm for Feature Selection in Molecular Signatures
Authors: Zhao X. S. , Bao L. L. , Ning Q. , Ji J. C. , Zhao X. W.
Published: November 2017

The discovery of biomarkers from high‐dimensional data is a very challenging task in cancer diagnoses. On the one hand, biomarker discovery is the so‐called high‐dimensional small‐sample problem. On the other hand, these data are redundant and noisy. In recent years, biomarker discovery from high‐throughput biological data has become an increasingly important emerging topic in the field of bioinformatics. In this study, we propose a binary differential evolution algorithm for feature selection. Firstly, we suggest using a two‐stage approach, where three filter methods including the Fisher score, T‐statistics, and Information gain are used to generate the feature pool for input to differential evolution (DE). Secondly, in order to improve the performance of differential evolution algorithm for feature selection, a new variant of binary DE called BDE is proposed. Three optimization strategies are incorporated into the BDE. The first strategy is the heuristic method in initial stage, the second one is the self‐adaptive parameter control, and the third one is the minimum change value to improve the exploration behaviour thus enhance the diversity. Finally, Support vector machine (SVM) is used as the classifier in 10 fold cross‐validation method. The experimental results of our proposed algorithm on some benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm. In addition, the BDE forged in this study will be of great potential in feature selection problems.