bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Vibratory Perception and Muscle Strength With the Incidence and Worsening of Knee Instability: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Shakoor Najia , Felson David T. , Niu Jingbo , Nguyen Uyen‐Sa , Segal Neil A. , Singh Jasvinder A. , Nevitt Michael C.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To examine neuromuscular factors that predict the incidence and progression of knee instability symptoms in older adults with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

At the 60‐month clinic visit, participants in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study underwent evaluation of quantitative vibratory sense at the knee and isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength. At this 60‐month visit, participants were also asked about knee buckling and sensations of knee shifting or slipping without buckling in the past 3 months and then were asked the same questions at the 72‐ and 84‐month follow‐up visits. We performed a person‐based analysis using Poisson regression analysis with robust error variance to estimate adjusted relative risks (RRs) for the association of vibratory sense and muscle strength with the incidence and worsening of knee slipping/shifting, buckling, and overall knee instability symptoms (either buckling or knee shifting/slipping), with adjustment for relevant confounders.

Results

A total of 1,803 participants (61% women) were included. Approximately one‐third of the participants reported incident or worsening of instability symptoms over the study period. After adjustment for relevant confounders, better vibratory acuity (adjusted RR 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.56–1.09), P = 0.020 for trend) and greater quadriceps strength (adjusted RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.75, P < 0.001) protected against incident knee instability symptoms. Greater quadriceps strength (adjusted RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.92, P = 0.008) also protected against worsening of knee instability symptoms.

Conclusion

Vibratory acuity and quadriceps muscle strength are important predictors of the incidence and worsening of knee instability over 2 years. These neuromuscular factors are potentially modifiable and should be considered in interventional studies of instability in persons with or at risk of knee OA.
RANK‐Independent Osteoclast Formation and Bone Erosion in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: O'Brien William , Fissel Brian M. , Maeda Yukiko , Yan Jing , Ge Xianpeng , Gravallese Ellen M. , Aliprantis Antonios O. , Charles Julia F.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Proinflammatory molecules promote osteoclast‐mediated bone erosion by up‐regulating local RANKL production. However, recent evidence suggests that combinations of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plus interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), induce RANKL‐independent osteoclastogenesis. The purpose of this study was to better understand TNF/IL‐6–induced osteoclast formation and to determine whether RANK is absolutely required for osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion in murine inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

Myeloid precursors from wild‐type (WT) mice or mice with either germline or conditional deletion of Rank, Nfatc1, Dap12, or Fcrg were treated with either RANKL or TNF plus IL‐6. Osteoprotegerin, anti–IL‐6 receptor (anti–IL‐6R), and hydroxyurea were used to block RANKL, the IL‐6R, and cell proliferation, respectively. Clinical scoring, histologic assessment, micro–computed tomography, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to evaluate K/BxN serum–transfer arthritis in WT and RANK‐deleted mice. Loss of Rank was verified by qPCR and by osteoclast cultures.

Results

TNF/IL‐6 generated osteoclasts in vitro that resorbed mineralized tissue through a pathway dependent on IL‐6R, NFATc1, DNAX‐activation protein 12, and cell proliferation, but independent of RANKL or RANK. Bone erosion and osteoclast formation were reduced, but not absent, in arthritic mice with inducible deficiency of RANK. TNF/IL‐6, but not RANKL, induced osteoclast formation in bone marrow and synovial cultures from animals deficient in Rank. Multiple IL‐6 family members (IL‐6, leukemia inhibitory factor, oncostatin M) were up‐regulated in the synovium of arthritic mice.

Conclusion

The persistence of bone erosion and synovial osteoclasts in Rank‐deficient mice, and the ability of TNF/IL‐6 to induce osteoclastogenesis, suggest that more than one cytokine pathway exists to generate these bone‐resorbing cells in inflamed joints.
Effect of soil texture and hydraulic parameters on WRF simulations in summer in east China
Authors: He J. J. , Yu Y. , Yu L. J. , Yin C. M. , Liu N. , Zhao S. P. , Chen X.
Published: August 2016

This article investigated the effect of soil texture, i.e. 5‐min Food and Agriculture Organization soil texture (STFAO) and 30' Harmonized World Soil Database soil texture (STHWSD), and hydraulic parameters, i.e. US Department of Agriculture soil hydraulic parameters (SPUS) and China soil hydraulic parameters (SPCH), on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulation in summer in eastern China. Near‐surface meteorological fields from 365 automatic weather stations were used to evaluate the performance of WRF. Obvious differences between the two soil texture datasets and the two soil hydraulic parameter datasets were found. The simulated 2‐m temperature, 2‐m specific humidity, and 10‐m wind speed were improved significantly at a 95% confidence interval via bootstrap test when STHWSD was used. The agreement is weaker as SPUS was replaced by SPCH. Soil texture and hydraulic parameters affect surface energy partitioning and the distribution of precipitation. The influence of wilting point on WRF's performance is more significant than other soil hydraulic parameters.
Determination of antibacterial agent tilmicosin in pig plasma by LC/MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics
Authors: Li Bing , Gong Shi‐Yue , Zhou Xu‐Zheng , Yang Ya‐Jun , Li Jian‐Yong , Wei Xiao‐Juan , Cheng Fu‐Sheng , Niu Jian‐Rong , Liu Xi‐Wang , Zhang Ji‐Yu
Published: August 2016

A rapid and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify tilmicosin in pig plasma. Plasma samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column (2.1 × 30 mm, 3.5 μm) using acetonitrile–water (90:10, v/v; water included 0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. Mass detection was carried out using positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curve was linear from 0.5 to 2000 ng/mL (r2 = 0.9998). The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were within the acceptable limits of ±10% for all tilmicosin concentrations. The recoveries ranged from 95 to 99% for the three tested concentrations. The LC–MS/MS method described herein was simple, fast and less laborious than other methods, achieved high sensitivity using a small sample volume, and was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of tilmicosin enteric granules after oral delivery to pigs. In comparison with tilmicosin premix, tilmicosin enteric granules slowed the elimination rate of tilmicosin, prolonged its period of action and significantly improved its bioavailability.
Bipolar irrigated radiofrequency ablation of resistant ventricular tachycardia with a septal intramural origin: the initial experience and a description of the method
Authors: Baszko Artur , Telec Wojciech , Kałmucki Piotr , Iwachów Piotr , Kochman Karol , Szymański Radosław , Kłopocki Jan , Ożegowski Stefan , Szyszka Andrzej , Siminiak Tomasz
Published: August 2016

Key Clinical Message

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation is effective in treatment of ventricular tachycardia originating from thick interventricular septum. The RF generator and CARTO system can be used to precisely and safely perform ablation. Standard ablation catheter can be used with indifferent ablation electrode connected to the electrode receptacle in RF generator with custom‐made cable.
Immature gastric teratoma in an infant: a case report and review of the literatures
Authors: Junhasavasdikul Thitiporn , Ruangwattanapaisarn Nichanan , Molagool Sani , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Larbcharoensub Noppadol
Published: August 2016

Key Clinical Message

Immature gastric teratoma is an uncommon germ cell tumor of the stomach. We report a rare case of immature gastric teratoma in an infant with down syndrome with clinically presenting with hematemesis and severe anemia. Complete surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment.
Substrate‐Assisted Deposition of Metal Oxides on Three‐Dimensional Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide Networks as Bifunctional Hybrid Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Zhao Mengjia , Li Xiaoxue , Song Long , He Di , Zhang Zhipan
Published: August 2016

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are of great importance for energy conversion processes, such as water electrolysis, metal–air batteries, and fuel cells. Herein, we report a substrate‐assisted in situ reduction method to prepare three‐dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3DRGO) networks decorated with a range of mixed cobalt oxide and nickel oxide nanosheets as a new type of bifunctional catalyst for oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction. Among the different composite catalysts, Co3O4@3DRGO showed highest catalytic activities in OER and ORR with an excellent stability. This catalyst is used to catalyze the oxygen reactions in a Zn–air battery as a proof‐of‐concept. The current results render new insights into developing low‐cost, next‐generation bifunctional catalysts for photoelectrochemical cells for energy storage and conversion.
Nanocasting Design and Spatially Selective Sulfonation of Polystyrene‐Based Polymer Networks as Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Richter Felix H. , Sahraoui Laila , Schüth Ferdi
Published: August 2016

Nanocasting is a general and widely applied method in the generation of porous materials during which a sacrificial solid template is used as a mold on the nanoscale. Ideally, the resulting structure is the inverse of the template. However, replication is not always as direct as anticipated, so the influences of the degree of pore filling and of potential restructuring processes after removal of the template need to be considered. These apparent limitations give rise to opportunities in the synthesis of poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) (PSD) polymer networks of widely varying porosities (BET surface area=63–562 m2 g−1; Vtot=0.18–1.05 cm3 g−1) by applying a single synthesis methodology. In addition, spatially selective sulfonation on the nanoscale seems possible. Together, nanocasting and sulfonation enable rational catalyst design. The highly porous nanocast and predominantly surface‐sulfonated PSD networks approach the activity of the corresponding molecular catalyst, para‐toluenesulfonic acid, and exceed those of commercial ion‐exchange polymers in the depolymerization of macromolecular inulin.
Multimode non‐Gaussian process monitoring based on local entropy independent component analysis
Authors: Zhong Na , Deng Xiaogang
Published: August 2016

Traditionally, independent component analysis (ICA) as a multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM) method has attracted considerable attention due to its excellent ability in analysis of non‐Gaussian datasets. However, it may degrade fault detection performance for multimode operating process because of its assumption of one single steady mode. In order to supervise the non‐Gaussian process with multiple steady modes more effectively, this paper proposes a process monitoring method based on local entropy independent component analysis (LEICA). This method applies local probability density estimation to remove the effects of multimode characteristics. Furthermore, information entropy theory is used to extract the feature information of process data by calculating their local information entropies. Based on these local entropy data, ICA is applied to establish the local entropy component model for fault detection. Lastly, a numerical example and the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process are used to verify the proposed method and the results demonstrate the superiority of LEICA method.
Continuous hydrogen production by dark fermentation in a foam SiC ceramic packed up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor
Authors: Sui Hong , Dong Jiao , Wu Mengjia , Li Xingang , Zhang Ruiling , Wu Guozhong
Published: August 2016

Biohydrogen generation using anaerobic sludge from a sewage treatment plant is a promising strategy for converting waste into renewable energy. The porous foam SiC ceramic structured packing was used as a support in the up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor to enhance the biohydrogen yield. Using glucose as the major carbon source, the SiC‐UASB reactor was continuously operated under the organic loading rates (OLR) between 30 and 90 gglucose/L · d at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 h. The maximum hydrogen production rate (5.24 L/L · d) and hydrogen content (50 %) were obtained at 60 gglucose/L · d OLR. It demonstrated that the reaction of fermentation was predominated by the butyric acid pathway. The employment of SiC packings resulted in quick startup (∼5 days) and high efficiency of hydrogen production. The buffering capacity and the cell culture immobilization ability of the UASB reactor were obviously improved by the application of SiC packings, which increased the feasibility of scale‐up of the continuous biohydrogen production system.
A quantitative survey of GRAPPA reconstruction in parallel MRI: impact on noise reduction and aliasing
Authors: Madhusoodhanan Sreekanth , Paul Joseph Suresh
Published: August 2016

In recent years, several attempts have been made to improve the quality of GRAPPA reconstruction by concomitant reduction of noise amplification and aliasing. While it is true that accuracy of the underlying GRAPPA model depends on the goodness of fit, variations in input noise and channel encoding can serve to introduce differences in reconstruction. In this article, we quantitatively compare the performance of different GRAPPA types, in relation to input signal‐to‐noise ratio, channel number, and acceleration factor. The GRAPPA types considered in this article are obtained using: (1) calibration matrix modification, (2) regularization of calibration equation, (3) updating of coil coefficients, (4) intermediate domain GRAPPA, and (5) iterative method. All the above GRAPPA types are tested on retrospectively sampled in vivo datasets acquired using head, spine and knee‐array coils. For each GRAPPA type and dataset analyzed, reconstruction is performed using number of Autocalibration Signal lines set at 10% of the number of phase‐encodes used in full acquisition and kernel size optimized for minimum root‐mean square‐error (RMSE). Each GRAPPA type is rated based on their individual performance, in relation to a mean performance measure obtained by averaging across different methods. Noise amplification in each GRAPPA type is visually examined, and compared with the respective g‐factor map. RMSEs and g‐factors of in vivo data are compared against those of simulated coil images with added complex Gaussian noise having a pre‐determined covariance structure. A summary of performance ratings and execution times are provided for comparison with standard GRAPPA.
Fluorescence Dynamics in the Endoplasmic Reticulum of a Live Cell: Time‐Resolved Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Ghosh Shirsendu , Nandi Somen , Ghosh Catherine , Bhattacharyya Kankan
Published: August 2016

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Kankan Bhattacharyya. The image shows calcium ion binding/unbinding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) region involved complex structural reorganizations. The consequent fluctuations in local environment cause fluorescence intensity oscillations of ER‐tracker dye. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201600425.
Flow cytometry‐based TCR‐ligand Koff‐rate assay for fast avidity screening of even very small antigen‐specific T cell populations ex vivo
Authors: Nauerth Magdalena , Stemberger Christian , Mohr Fabian , Weißbrich Bianca , Schiemann Matthias , Germeroth Lothar , Busch Dirk H.
Published: August 2016

High epitope‐specific sensitivity of CD8+ T cells is required for optimal immune protection against intracellular pathogens as well as certain malignancies. The quality of antigen recognition of CD8+ T cells is usually described as “avidity” to its cognate peptide MHCI complex. T cell avidity is mainly dependent on the structural qualities of the T cell receptor (TCR), as convincingly demonstrated by recombinant TCR re‐expression experiments. Based on reversible MHCI multimer staining and koff‐rate measurements of monomeric peptide MHCI complexes, we recently established a microscopic assay for determining the structural avidity of individual CD8+ T cells. Here we demonstrate that this assay can be adapted for rapid flow‐cytometric avidity screening of epitope‐specific T cell populations. Furthermore, we show that—in combination with conventional nonreversible MHCI multimer staining—even very small epitope‐specific CD8+ T cell populations can be analyzed directly ex vivo without the need for previous TCR cloning or T cell sorting. This simplified approach provides highly accurate mean TCR‐ligand koff‐rate values for poly‐ or oligoclonal T cell populations and is ideally suited for high‐throughput applications in basic research as well as clinical settings. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Identification of a novel progenitor cell marker, grainyhead‐like 2 in the developing pituitary
Authors: Edwards Whitney , Nantie Leah B. , Raetzman Lori T.
Published: August 2016

Background: Pituitary stem/progenitor cells give rise to all of the endocrine cell types within the pituitary gland and are necessary for both development and gland homeostasis. Recent studies have identified several key factors that characterize the progenitor cell population. However, little is known about the factors that regulate progenitor cell differentiation and maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to identify novel factors that help elucidate mechanisms of progenitor cell function in the developing pituitary. Our studies are the first to characterize the expression of Grainyhead‐like 2 (GRHL2), a transcription factor known to regulate progenitor cell plasticity, in the developing pituitary. Results: Our studies show GRHL2 expression is highest in the embryonic and early postnatal pituitary and is localized in pituitary progenitor cells. We demonstrate GRHL2 expression is changed in Notch2 cKO and Prop1df/df mice, mouse models that display progenitor cell number defects. In addition, our studies indicate a potential relationship between Notch signaling and GRHL2 expression in the developing pituitary. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate GRHL2 as a novel progenitor cell maker in the developing pituitary that may contribute to progenitor cell function and maintenance. Developmental Dynamics 245:1097–1106, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate estimates of age at maturity from the growth trajectories of fishes and other ectotherms
Authors: Honsey Andrew E. , Staples David F. , Venturelli Paul A.
Published: August 2016

Age at maturity (AAM) is a key life history trait that provides insight into ecology, evolution, and population dynamics. However, maturity data can be costly to collect or may not be available. Life history theory suggests that growth is biphasic for many organisms, with a change‐point in growth occurring at maturity. If so, then it should be possible to use a biphasic growth model to estimateAAMfrom growth data. To test this prediction, we used the Lester biphasic growth model in a likelihood profiling framework to estimateAAMfrom length at age data. We fit our model to simulated growth trajectories to determine minimum data requirements (in terms of sample size, precision in length at age, and the cost to somatic growth of maturity) for accurateAAMestimates. We then applied our method to a large walleyeSander vitreusdata set and show that ourAAMestimates are in close agreement with conventional estimates when our model fits well. Finally, we highlight the potential of our method by applying it to length at age data for a variety of ectotherms. Our method shows promise as a tool for estimatingAAMand other life history traits from contemporary and historical samples.
Grandparentage assignments identify unexpected adfluvial life history tactic contributing offspring to a reintroduced population
Authors: Sard Nicholas M. , Jacobson Dave P. , Banks Michael A.
Published: August 2016

Diversity in life history tactics contributes to the persistence of a population because it helps to protect against stochastic environments by varying individuals in space and time. However, some life history tactics may not be accounted for when assessing the demographic viability of a population. One important factor in demographic viability assessments is cohort replacement rate (CRR), which is defined as the number of future adults produced by an adult. We assessed if precocial resident males (<age‐3) and adfluvial Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), adults that reside in freshwater their entire lives, contributed offspring to a reintroduced population from 2008 to 2013. We found that 9 ± 5% of offspring with an unassigned parent remained unexplained after accounting for sources of human error. Using grandparentage assignments, we identified 31 precocial resident males and 48 probable adfluvial Chinook salmon produced by anadromous mate pairs from 2007 to 2012. Previously published CRR estimates for the 2007 and 2008 reintroduced adults, based on only anadromous returning adult offspring, were 0.40 and 0.31, respectively. By incorporating adfluvial females, we found CRR estimates increased by 17% (CRR: 0.46) and 13% (CRR: 0.35) for the 2007 and 2008 cohorts, respectively.
Why fly the extra mile? Latitudinal trend in migratory fuel deposition rate as driver of trans‐equatorial long‐distance migration
Authors: Aharon‐Rotman Yaara , Gosbell Ken , Minton Clive , Klaassen Marcel
Published: August 2016

Trans‐equatorial long‐distance migrations of high‐latitude breeding animals have been attributed to narrow ecological niche widths. We suggest an alternative hypothesis postulating that trans‐equatorial migrations result from a possible increase in the rate at which body stores to fuel migration are deposited with absolute latitude; that is, longer, migrations away from the breeding grounds surpassing the equator may actually enhance fueling rates on the nonbreeding grounds and therewith the chance of a successful, speedy and timely migration back to the breeding grounds. To this end, we first sought to confirm the existence of a latitudinal trend in fuel deposition rate in a global data set of free‐living migratory shorebirds and investigated the potential factors causing this trend. We next tested two predictions on how this trend is expected to impact the migratory itineraries on northward migration under the time‐minimization hypothesis, using 56 tracks of high‐latitude breeding shorebirds migrating along the East Asian‐Australasian Flyway. We found a strong positive effect of latitude on fuel deposition rate, which most likely relates to latitudinal variations in primary productivity and available daily foraging time. We next confirmed the resulting predictions that (1) when flying from a stopover site toward the equator, migrants use long jumps that will take them to an equivalent or higher latitude at the opposite hemisphere; and (2) that from here onward, migrants will use small steps, basically fueling only enough to make it to the next suitable staging site. These findings may explain why migrants migrate “the extra mile” across the equator during the nonbreeding season in search of better fueling conditions, ultimately providing secure and fast return migrations to the breeding grounds in the opposite hemisphere.
Silver ion solid‐phase extraction cartridges employing glass housings overcome the limitations observed in the GC analysis of animal lipids with low trans fatty acid content
Authors: Belaunzaran Xabier , Bravo‐Lamas Leire , Kramer John K.G. , Morales Rodrigo , Aldai Noelia
Published: August 2016

Custom made silver ion solid‐phase extraction (Ag+‐SPE) cartridges with glass housing were evaluated to see whether they could be used to analyze the trans fatty acids (TFA) in animal products when present at low concentration. Previous attempts were not successful to identify and characterize the TFA using commercial Ag+‐SPE cartridges, because of the coelution of artifacts from these cartridges. The glass cartridges proved successful to identify the low levels of TFA present in horse and wild boar meat. It is recommended that the supplier make available Ag+‐SPE cartridges in glass housing to avoid the problem of interferences.

Practical applications: It was previously shown that commercially available silver ion solid‐phase extraction (Ag+‐SPE) cartridges could not be used to analyze biological samples with low levels of TFAs, because of interfering contaminants that eluted from the polypropylene housing. Custom made glass cartridges were generously provided by the supplier, and they proved successful to fractionate the geometric isomers of horse and wild boar lipids both of which are known to contain low levels of TFAs. Subsequent gas chromatographic analysis made it possible to identify the trans and cis isomers without interference of contaminants. The unsaturated fatty acid fractions from these glass cartridges were also free of contaminants.

Ag+‐SPE cartridges in glass housing are recommended to resolve and identify the trans isomers when present at low concentrations in biological samples.
Synthesis of Ophiocerins A, B and C, Botryolide E, Decarestrictine O, Stagonolide C and 9‐epi‐Stagonolide C Employing Chiral Hexane‐1,2,3,5‐tetraol Derivatives as Building Blocks
Authors: Show Krishanu , Kumar Pradeep
Published: August 2016

An organocatalytic approach to the synthesis of (2R,3S)‐hexane‐1,2,3,5‐tetraol (11) derivatives (in the forms of different stereoisomers and bearing different protecting groups) has been developed. The key chiral intermediates 11 were prepared with complete stereocontrol through the proline‐catalyzed intermolecular aldol reaction between acetone and d‐glyceraldehyde acetonide. The synthetic utility of the intermediates was demonstrated by their transformation into the title hydroxylated pyrans and a variety of unsaturated lactones through standard synthetic protocols.
Competitive Copper Catalysis in the Condensation of Primary Nitro Compounds with Terminal Alkynes: Synthesis of Isoxazoles
Authors: Baglieri Ausilia , Meschisi Luca , De Sarlo Francesco , Machetti Fabrizio
Published: August 2016

Isoxazoles, mainly 3,5‐disubstituted, are prepared by catalytic condensation of primary nitro compounds with terminal acetylenes by using a copper/base catalytic system. The additional catalytic effect of the copper(II) salts is evidenced by comparing the kinetic profiles. Selectivity dependence on reaction conditions is considered for phenylacetylene in the following competitive processes: oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes to conjugated diynes catalyzed by CuII and base in the presence of air; production of furazans beside condensation with benzoylnitromethane to 3‐benzoylisoxazoles, as a result of the reaction of the dipolarophile with 3,4‐dibenzoylfuroxan; addition of electron‐poor alkynes (e.g., methyl propiolate) with themselves and with the nitro compound. Thus, oxidative coupling is negligible in reactions with “active” nitro compounds, whereas with nitroalkanes both products are observed: only trace amounts of isoxazoles are detected without copper. Similarly, in the presence of copper, 3‐benzoyl‐5‐phenylisoxazole is predominant over the furazan. Furthermore, condensations of electron‐poor alkynes give complex reaction mixtures in the presence of base alone, but cycloadducts are conveniently prepared with copper. The results indicate the practical and general utility of this catalytic method for synthetic practice.
A Study on Stereoselective Glycosylations via Sulfonium Ion Intermediates
Authors: Mensink Rens A. , Elferink Hidde , White Paul B. , Pers Nathalie , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Boltje Thomas J.
Published: August 2016

The stereoselective synthesis of 1,2‐cis‐linkages can be achieved by an Sn2‐like displacement of glycosylation intermediates such as glycosyl triflates and sulfonium ions, provided that they display the right combination of stability and reactivity. Herein, we report the use of an achiral auxiliary that can impose neighboring group participation to afford glycosyl sulfonium ions, aided by the Thorpe–Ingold effect. We investigated the glycosylation properties of the sulfonium ions and used variable temperature NMR (VT‐NMR) studies to investigate their role in the glycosylation mechanism. The influence of the structure of the auxiliary, the protecting groups and stereochemistry of the glycosyl donor were investigated and led to the identification of a highly α‐selective galactose donor.
Regular use of medication for musculoskeletal pain and risk of long‐term sickness absence: A prospective cohort study among the general working population
Authors: Sundstrup E. , Jakobsen M.D. , Thorsen S.V. , Andersen L.L.
Published: August 2016

Background

The aim was to determine the prospective association between use of pain medication – due to musculoskeletal pain in the low back, neck/shoulder and hand/wrist – and long‐term sickness absence.

Methods

Cox‐regression analysis was performed to estimate the prospective association between regular use of pain medication and long‐term sickness absence (LTSA; at least 6 consecutive weeks) among 9,544 employees from the general working population (Danish Work Environment Cohort Study 2010) and free from LTSA during 2009–2010. The fully adjusted model was controlled for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, leisure physical activity, job group, physical activity at work, psychosocial work environment, pain intensity, mental health and chronic disease.

Results

In 2010, the proportion of regular pain medication users due to musculoskeletal disorders was 20.8%: 13.4% as over‐the‐counter (i.e. non‐prescription) and 7.4% as doctor prescribed. In the fully adjusted model, regular use of over‐the‐counter [HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.13–1.83)] and doctor prescribed (HR 2.18 (95% CI 1.67–2.86)) pain medication were prospectively associated with LTSA.

Conclusions

Regular use of pain medication due to musculoskeletal pain is prospectively associated with LTSA even when adjusted for pain intensity. This study suggests that use of pain medication can be an important factor to be aware of in the prevention of sickness absence. Thus, regular use of pain medication – and not solely the intensity of pain – can be an early indicator that musculoskeletal pain can lead to serious consequences such as long‐term sickness absence.

Significance

Use of medication due to musculoskeletal pain is prospectively associated with long‐term sickness absence even when adjusted for pain intensity. Use of pain medication can be a red flag to be aware of in the prevention of sickness absence.
Synthesis of Well‐Crystallized, High‐Performance LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Octahedra as Lithium‐Ion‐Battery Electrode Promoted by Metal Manganese Powders
Authors: Liu Haiqiang , Jiang Yi , Tan Xinghua , Chen Jiankun , Guo Yanjun , Wang Hanfu , Chu Weiguo
Published: August 2016

Metal Mn powders instead of conventional Mn salts were used for the first time tried as a Mn source to synthesize high‐performance LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (M‐LNMO) using a sol–gel method. Mn powders promote the formation of well‐crystallized octahedra with the Fd3m spinel structure. M‐LNMO has a lower stress, a slightly smaller lattice constant, which arises from the lower amount of Mn3+ because of the lower oxygen deficiency, a higher cation ordering, and longer Li−O and shorter Mn (Ni)−O bonds than LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 synthesized from manganese acetate (MA‐LNMO). The well‐crystallized octahedra, the low stress, the low amount of Mn3+, and the long Li−O and short Mn (Ni)−O bonds for M‐LNMO result in its excellent performance such as a discharge capacity of 68 mAh g−1 at 50 C and a capacity retention of 90 % after 600 cycles at 10 C. This study raises the possibility to promote the synthesis of high‐performance LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 for mass production by using cheap and simple Mn sources such as Mn powders.
On the Predictive Information of Futures' Prices: A Wavelet‐Based Assessment
Authors: Herwartz Helmut , Schlüter Stephan
Published: August 2016

While in speculative markets forward prices could be regarded as natural predictors for future spot rates, empirically, forward prices often fail to indicate ex ante the direction of price movements. In terms of forecasting, the random walk approximation of speculative prices has been established to provide ‘naive’ predictors that are most difficult to outperform by both purely backward‐looking time series models and more structural approaches processing information from forward markets. We empirically assess the implicit predictive content of forward prices by means of wavelet‐based prediction of two foreign exchange (FX) rates and the price of Brent oil quoted either in US dollars or euros. Essentially, wavelet‐based predictors are smoothed auxiliary (padded) time series quotes that are added to the sample information beyond the forecast origin. We compare wavelet predictors obtained from padding with constant prices (i.e. random walk predictors) and forward prices. For the case of FX markets, padding with forward prices is more effective than padding with constant prices, and, moreover, respective wavelet‐based predictors outperform purely backward‐looking time series approaches (ARIMA). For the case of Brent oil quoted in US dollars, wavelet‐based predictors do not signal predictive content of forward prices for future spot prices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐inflammatory and anti‐insulin resistance activities of aqueous extract from Anoectochilus burmannicus
Authors: Budluang Phatcharaporn , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Ting Pisamai , Temviriyanukul Piya , Wongnoppawich Ariyaphong , Imsumran Arisa
Published: August 2016

This study investigated biological activities including antioxidative stress, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐insulin resistance of Anoectochilus burmannicus aqueous extract (ABE). The results showed abilities of ABE to scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals in a dose‐dependent manner. Besides, ABE significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated RAW 264.7 via inhibition of mRNA and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The LPS‐induced mRNA expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) were suppressed by ABE. Moreover, ABE exerted anti‐insulin resistance activity as it significantly improved the glucose uptake in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α treated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In addition, ABE at the concentration of up to 200 μg/mL was not toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and did not induce mutations. Finally, the results of our study suggest the potential use of A. burmannicus as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐insulin resistance agents, or food supplement for prevention of chronic diseases.
Photoprotected Peptide α‐Ketoacids and Hydroxylamines for Iterative and One‐Pot KAHA Ligations: Synthesis of NEDD8
Authors: Thuaud Frédéric , Rohrbacher Florian , Zwicky André , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2016

The convergent synthesis of proteins by multiple ligations requires segments protected at the N‐ and/or C‐terminus with masking groups that are orthogonal to the acid‐ and base‐labile protecting groups used in Fmoc‐SPPS. They must be stable to solid‐phase peptide synthesis, HPLC purification, and ligation conditions and easily removed in the presence of unprotected side chains. In this report, we document photolabile protecting groups for both α‐ketoacids and hydroxylamines, the key functional groups employed in the α‐ketoacid–hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation. The novel photoprotected α‐ketoacid is easily installed onto numerous different C‐terminal peptide α‐ketoacids and removed by UV light under aqueous conditions. These advances were applied to the one‐pot synthesis of NEDD8, an important modifier protein, by three different convergent routes. These new protecting groups provide greater flexibility on the order of fragment assembly and reduce the number of reaction and purification steps needed for protein synthesis with the KAHA ligation.
Epidemiology of cutaneous melanoma in Sweden—Stage‐specific survival and rate of recurrence
Authors: Rockberg Julia , Amelio Justyna M. , Taylor Aliki , Jörgensen Leif , Ragnhammar Peter , Hansson Johan
Published: August 2016

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) incidence is increasing globally, making a thorough understanding of the disease and its outcomes essential for optimizing care even more urgent. In this population‐based, retrospective study, we investigated stage‐specific survival and recurrence/progression rates of CMM among patients diagnosed in Stockholm County Council during 2005–2012, before the wide introduction of targeted therapy. A total of 3,554 CMM patients from the Stockholm Melanoma Register were included. Information on comorbidities, progression, death, and treatments was obtained from nationwide registers and hospital electronic medical records. Unadjusted 5‐year survival varied from 91.4% for stage I to 24.6% for stage IV patients. Stage, age and gender were predictors of survival, with gender an independent predictor of survival for stages IA and IIA. 74.6% of patients remained recurrence/progression‐free during follow‐up, with 5‐year recurrence/progression‐free survival rates varying from 85.3% to 12.9% among stages I and IV patients, respectively. In addition to stage, male gender, and age, circulatory system comorbidities increased the risk for recurrence/progression. No statistically significant differences in progression rate for operated and non‐operated patients could be detected, possibly due to high rate (98.9%) of surgery. Our estimates of survival and recurrence rates are consistent with historical and global expectations and can serve as a baseline to gauge population‐level improvements with use of novel melanoma treatments.
Upregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 7 and matrix metalloproteinase‐14 expression contribute to metastatic properties of gastric cancer
Authors: Naseh Ghodratolah , Mohammadifard Mahyar , Mohammadifard Mahtab
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein and mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase‐14 (MMP14) and CDK7 in gastric cancer (GC) tissues. Upregulation of MMP14 mRNA level was observed in GC tissues when compared with the matched normal tissues (mean ± SD: 3.92 ± 1.15 vs. 1.35 ± 0.81, P < 0.001). This study indicated that mRNA levels of CDK7 were statistically overexpressed in GC when compared with matched normal tissues (4.12 ± 0.84 vs. 1.43 ± 0.71, P < 0.001). The protein levels of MMP14 were found to be increased in GC (60.41%; P < 0.001). The expression of CDK7 was higher in GC tissues than matched normal tissues (70.83; P < 0.001). We found that high MMP14 expression was related to advanced TNM stage (P = 0.004), tumor grade (P = 0.002), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015), but no association with other clinical variables (P > 0.05). In addition, high expression of CDK7 was significantly linked to advanced TNM stage (P = 0.001), pathological grade (P = 0.012), and presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.009), while no correlation between CDK7 expression and other clinical variables, such as age and gender, distance metastasis. The patients with high expression of MMP14 and CDK7 exhibited worse survival time than those with higher levels. Cox multivariate regression analysis clearly showed that high expression of MMP14 and CDK7 was independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with GC. Taken together, these results indicated the overexpression of above markers in the progression and the tumorigenesis of GC and overall patient survival. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(10):799–805, 2016
Potential Implications for Designing Drugs Against the Brown Spider Venom Phospholipase‐D
Authors: Chaves‐Moreira Daniele , de Moraes Fábio Rogério , Caruso Ícaro Putinhon , Chaim Olga Meiri , Senff‐Ribeiro Andrea , Ullah Anwar , da Silva Luciane Sussuchi , Chahine Jorge , Arni Raghuvir K. , Veiga Silvio Sanches
Published: August 2016

Loxoscelism refers to the clinical symptoms that develop after brown spider bites. Brown spider venoms contain several phospholipase‐D isoforms, which are the main toxins responsible for both the cutaneous and systemic effects of loxoscelism. Understanding of the phospholipase‐D catalytic mechanism is crucial for the development of specific treatment that could reverse the toxic effects caused by the spider bite. Based on enzymatic, biological, structural, and thermodynamic tests, we show some features suitable for designing drugs against loxoscelism. Firstly, through molecular docking and molecular dynamics predictions, we found three different molecules (Suramin, Vu0155056, and Vu0359595) that were able to bind the enzyme's catalytic site and interact with catalytically important residues (His12 or His47) and with the Mg2+co‐factor. The binding promoted a decrease in the recombinant brown spider venom phospholipase‐D (LiRecDT1) enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the presence of the inhibitors reduced the hemolytic, dermonecrotic, and inflammatory activities of the venom toxin in biological assays. Altogether, these results indicate the mode of action of three different LiRecDT1 inhibitors, which were able to prevent the venom toxic effects. This strengthen the idea of the importance of designing a specific drug to treat the serious clinical symptoms caused by the brown spider bite, a public health problem in several parts of the world, and until now without specific treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 726–738, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated care for geriatric frailty and sarcopenia: a randomized control trial
Authors: Chan Ding‐Cheng (Derrick) , Tsou Hsiao‐Hui , Chang Chirn‐Bin , Yang Rong‐Sen , Tsauo Jau‐Yih , Chen Ching‐Yu , Hsiao Chin‐Fu , Hsu Ya‐Ting , Chen Chia‐Hui , Chang Shu‐Fang , Hsiung Chao Agnes , Kuo Ken N.
Published: August 2016

Background

Exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions may all have positive impacts on frailty and sarcopenia. However, it is not known whether an integrated care programme with all three components can be beneficial and the intensity of such programme is also not certain. In this study, we aim to determine the effectiveness of two levels of integrated care on frailty and sarcopenia.

Methods

A randomized control trial was conducted at two community hospitals in Taiwan. Older adults (65–79 years of age, N = 289) who scored ≥1 on the Cardiovascular Health Study Phenotypic Classification of Frailty (CHS_PCF) were enrolled in the trial. Low‐level care (LLC) participants received a 2 h education course on frailty, sarcopenia, coping strategy, nutrition, and demonstration of study exercise programme. Educational multimedia material was distributed as reference for home practice with bi‐monthly telephone follow‐ups on adherences. High‐level care (HLC) participants, in addition to LLC instructions, received six sessions of on‐site problem solving therapy and 48 exercise sessions within 6 months. Brief nutrition consultation was also provided during the exercise sessions. Primary outcome was improvement of the CHS_PCF by at least one category (from pre‐frail to robust, or from frail to pre‐frail or robust) from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes of individual frailty, and sarcopenia indicators. Assessments were done at 3, 6, and 12 months by trained research assistants blinded to randomization status. Intention‐to‐treat analysis was applied.

Results

Mean age was 71.6 ± 4.3 years, with 53% females. For the entire cohort, improvement of primary outcome was 35% at 3 months, increased to 40% at 6 months, and remained stable at 39% at 12 months. Improvement rates were similar in both groups. Compared with the LLC group, HLC participants had greater improvements in the following indices: energy expenditure of walking, 5 m walking time, dominant hand grip strength, timed‐up‐and‐go‐test, and one‐leg‐stand time — mainly at 6 and 12 month assessments.

Conclusions

The 6 month integrated care improved frailty and sarcopenia status among community‐dwelling elders, with high‐intensity training yielding greater improvements. Low‐level care could be promoted as a basic intervention, while HLC could be reserved for those at high risk and with high motivation.
New Aryl Derivatives of Quinolinedione and Related Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Egu Samuel Attah , Okoro Uchechukwu Chris , Onoabedje Efeturi Abraham
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of new derivatives of 6,7‐dibromoquinoline‐5,8‐dione and 6,7‐dichloroquinoline‐5,8‐dione via palladium/Sphos‐mediated Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction is reported. The 6,7‐dibromoquinoline‐5,8‐dione and 6,7‐dichloroquinoline‐5,8‐dione intermediates were prepared in a three‐step reaction from 8‐hydroxyquinoline. The palladium‐catalyzed reactions of 6,7‐dibromoquinoline‐5,8‐dione and 6,7‐dichloroquinoline‐5,8‐dione with a variety of aryl boronic acids provide coupled compounds in high yields. The arylation of 6,7‐dibromoquinoline‐5,8‐dione and 6,7‐dichloroquinoline‐5,8‐dione with 4‐bromophenyl boronic acid supplied 6,6′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(7‐bromoquinoline‐5,8‐dione) and (4‐(6‐(4‐(6‐chloro‐5,8‐dihydroquinolin‐7‐yl)phenyl)‐5,8‐dihydroquinolin‐7‐yl)phenyl)boronic acid respectively, in addition to the expected coupled compounds in moderate yields. Also, Pd(0)/PPh3 allowed the 7‐chloro‐6‐(4‐nitrophenyl)quinoline‐5,8‐dione and 7‐chloro‐6‐phenylquinoline‐5,8‐dione to be synthesized via Heck reaction. The yields of the synthesized target molecules depend largely on the reaction conditions and the type of ligands employed. Structural assignments of the synthesized compounds were established by spectra and analytical data.
In vivo quantification of myocardial stiffness in hypertensive porcine hearts using MR elastography
Authors: Mazumder Ria , Schroeder Samuel , Mo Xiaokui , Clymer Bradley D , White Richard D , Kolipaka Arunark
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To determine alteration in left ventricular (LV) myocardial stiffness (MS) with hypertension (HTN). Cardiac MR elastography (MRE) was used to estimate MS in HTN induced pigs and MRE‐derived MS measurements were compared against LV pressure, thickness and circumferential strain.

Materials and Methods

Renal‐wrapping surgery was performed to induce HTN in eight pigs. LV catheterization (to measure pressure) and cardiac MRI (1.5 Tesla; gradient echo‐MRE and tagging) was performed pre‐surgery at baseline (Bx), and post‐surgery at month 1 (M1) and month 2 (M2). Images were analyzed to estimate LV‐MS, thickness, and circumferential strain across the cardiac cycle. The associations between end‐diastolic (ED) and end‐systolic (ES) MS and (i) mean LV pressure; (ii) ED and ES thickness, respectively; and (iii) circumferential strain were evaluated using Spearman's correlation method.

Results

From Bx to M2, mean pressure, MRE‐derived stiffness, and thickness increased while circumferential strain decreased significantly (slope test, P ≤ 0.05). Both ED and ES MS had significant positive correlation with (i) mean pressure (ED MS:
 = 0.56; P = 0.005 and ES MS:
 = 0.45; P = 0.03); (ii) ED thickness (
 = 0.73; P < 0.0001) and ES thickness (
 = 0.84; P < 0.0001), respectively; but demonstrated a negative trend with circumferential strain (ED MS:
 = 0.31 and ES MS:
 = 0.37).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that, in a HTN porcine model, MRE‐derived MS increased with increase in pressure and thickness.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:813–820.