bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing neuropathic pain in patients with low back‐related leg pain: Comparing the painDETECT Questionnaire with the 2016 NeuPSIG grading system
Authors: Hasvik E. , Haugen A.J. , Gjerstad J. , Grøvle L.
Published: February 2018

Background

Low back‐related leg pain with nerve root involvement is conceptually regarded as a neuropathic condition. However, it is uncertain to what extent patients with this condition can be formally classified with neuropathic pain.

Method

First, we used the 2016 revision of theIASPSpecial Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) grading system for neuropathic pain to grade patients suffering from low back‐related leg pain and a corresponding disc herniation with eitherunlikely, possible, probableordefiniteneuropathic pain. Examination included bedside quantitative sensory testing. Next, we used the clinical classification based on the 2016 NeuPSIGgrading system as a reference standard to assess the ability of the painDETECTQuestionnaire to identify patients with neuropathic pain.

Results

Of the 50 included patients, six (12%) fulfilled the clinical classification criteria forprobableand 44 (88%) fordefiniteneuropathic pain, while none were gradedunlikelyorpossible. According to painDETECT, 23 patients (46%) were classified withunlikelyneuropathic pain, 18 patients (36%) had anuncertaincondition and in nine patients (18%) neuropathic pain waslikely. Among the 44 patients graded as havingdefiniteneuropathic pain by the clinical classification, eight were classified aslikelyneuropathic pain by painDETECT, resulting in an agreement of 18%. Of these 44 patients graded withdefiniteneuropathic pain, painDETECTclassified 21 patients (48%) asunlikelyand 15 (34%) asuncertain.

Conclusion

Our results do not support the use of painDETECTas a screening tool to classify or grade neuropathic components in patients with low back‐related leg pain.

Significance

The painDETECTQuestionnaire performed poorly at detecting neuropathic pain among patients with low back‐related leg pain, compared to clinical examination based on the 2016 NeuPSIGgrading system as a reference standard. Our results do not support the use of painDETECTas a screening tool to classify or grade neuropathic components in this population.
Effects of a Standard American Diet and an anti‐inflammatory diet in male and female mice
Authors: Totsch S.K. , Meir R.Y. , Quinn T.L. , Lopez S.A. , Gower B.A. , Sorge R.E.
Published: February 2018

Background

Obesity and chronic pain are prevalent concerns. Pain is frequently experienced in weight‐bearing joints, but is common in other areas of the body as well, suggesting other factors. Poor diet often contributes to obesity and can directly influence the immune system. We have shown that poor diet prolongs recovery from inflammatory injury. Therefore, our goal was to determine whether poor‐quality diet‐induced consequences could be prevented or reversed by an anti‐inflammatory diet (AID).

Methods

A Standard American Diet (SAD) was developed to investigate the effects of poor diet on pain. The SAD includes amounts of refined sugar, carbohydrates and fats that better model the typical American diet, as compared to high‐fat diets. We developed an AID to explore whether the effects of the SAD could reverse or whether the AID would enhance recovery prophylactically. The AID was developed using ingredients (epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin and ginseng) with known anti‐inflammatory properties. Following 15 weeks of diet [SAD, AID or regular (REG)] exposure, male and female mice underwent inflammatory injury, at which point some animals had their diets switched for the remainder of the study.

Results

Animals who consumed the SAD showed longer recovery compared to the AID‐ and REG‐fed animals. Animals switched off the SAD had faster recovery times, with AID‐fed animals recovering as fast as REG‐fed animals.

Conclusions

Poor diet prolonged recovery from inflammatory injury. Substitution of SAD with AID or REG promoted faster recovery. These findings suggest diet can be used as a non‐pharmacological intervention following injury.

Significance

Obesity may increase susceptibility to chronic pain often due to poor diet. Diet has potential to be used as treatment for pain. This study investigates the use of a novel translatable diet to act as a preventative (i.e. prior to surgery) or an intervention (i.e. following an injury).
Renewable and sustainable energy efficiency: An analysis of Latin American countries
Authors: Camioto Flávia de Castro , Mariano Enzo Barberio , Santana Naja Brandão , Yamashita Bruno Dantas , Rebelatto Daisy Aparecida do Nascimento
Published: February 2018

The rise in energy consumption is a serious problem in the modern world. Therefore, policies to ensure energy efficiency have become a priority for any nation that is looking to develop its economy. Considering that Latin America has shown rapid economic development and plays an important role in the world economy, the objective of this work was to measure and analyze the renewable energy sources and energy efficiency of the Latin American countries, providing information on benchmark countries. Data envelopment analysis, the slacks‐based measure model with variable returns to scale and window analysis were used, and from the slacks provided, the total‐factor energy efficiency, the total‐factor carbon emissions efficiency, and renewable and sustainable energy efficiency indices were calculated. The inputs used were gross fixed capital formation, labor, and energy consumption; and the outputs used were CO2 emissions (undesirable output) and gross domestic product (desired output). The results showed that Brazil is the country with the highest RSEE, followed by Venezuela and Uruguay. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Genomic hotspots but few recurrent fusion genes in breast cancer
Authors: Fimereli Danai , Fumagalli Debora , Brown David , Gacquer David , Rothé Françoise , Salgado Roberto , Larsimont Denis , Sotiriou Christos , Detours Vincent
Published: February 2018

The advent of next generation sequencing technologies has boosted the interest in exploring the role of fusion genes in the development and progression of solid tumors. In breast cancer, most of the detected gene fusions seem to be “passenger” events while the presence of recurrent and driver fusions is still under study. We performed RNA sequencing in 55 well‐characterized breast cancer samples and 10 adjacent normal breast tissues, complemented by an analysis of SNP array data. We explored the presence of fusion genes and defined their association with breast cancer subtypes, clinical‐pathologic characteristics and copy number aberrations. Overall, 370 fusions were detected across the majority of the samples. HER2+ samples had significantly more fusions than triple negative and luminal subtypes. The number of fusions was correlated with histological grade, Ki67 and tumor size. Clusters of fusion genes were observed across the genome and a significant correlation of fusions with copy number aberrations and more specifically amplifications was also revealed. Despite the large number of fusion events, only a few were recurrent, while recurrent individual genes forming fusions with different partners were also detected including the estrogen receptor 1 gene in the previously detected ESR1—CCDC170 fusion. Overall we detected novel gene fusion events while we confirmed previously reported fusions. Genomic hotspots of fusion genes, differences between subtypes and small number of recurrent fusions are the most relevant characteristics of these events in breast cancer. Further investigation is necessary to comprehend the biological significance of these fusions.
Spatially distributed long‐term hydrologic simulation using a continuous SCS CN method‐based hybrid hydrologic model
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Engel Bernard A.
Published: February 2018

A continuous Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number (CN) method that considers time‐varied SCS CN values was developed based on the original SCS CN method with a revised soil moisture accounting approach to estimate run‐off depth for long‐term discontinuous storm events. The method was applied to spatially distributed long‐term hydrologic simulation of rainfall‐run‐off flow with an underlying assumption for its spatial variability using a geographic information systems‐based spatially distributed Clark's unit hydrograph method (Distributed‐Clark; hybrid hydrologic model), which is a simple few parameter run‐off routing method for input of spatiotemporally varied run‐off depth, incorporating conditional unit hydrograph adoption for different run‐off precipitation depth‐based direct run‐off flow convolution. Case studies of spatially distributed long‐term (total of 6 years) hydrologic simulation for four river basins using daily NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimations demonstrate overall performances of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (ENS) 0.62, coefficient of determination (R2) 0.64, and percent bias 0.33% in direct run‐off and ENS 0.71, R2 0.72, and percent bias 0.15% in total streamflow for model result comparison against observed streamflow. These results show better fit (improvement in ENS of 42.0% and R2 of 33.3% for total streamflow) than the same model using spatially averaged gauged rainfall. Incorporation of logic for conditional initial abstraction in a continuous SCS CN method, which can accommodate initial run‐off loss amounts based on previous rainfall, slightly enhances model simulation performance; both ENS and R2 increased by 1.4% for total streamflow in a 4‐year calibration period. A continuous SCS CN method‐based hybrid hydrologic model presented in this study is, therefore, potentially significant to improved implementation of long‐term hydrologic applications for spatially distributed rainfall‐run‐off generation and routing, as a relatively simple hydrologic modelling approach for the use of more reliable gridded types of quantitative precipitation estimations.
Post‐diagnosis alcohol intake and prostate cancer survival: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Farris Megan S. , Courneya Kerry S. , Kopciuk Karen A. , McGregor S. Elizabeth , Friedenreich Christine M.
Published: February 2018

Alcohol consumption has been declared a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is a potential risk factor for several types of cancer mortality. However, evidence for an association with prostate cancer survival remains inconsistent. We examined how alcohol consumption post‐diagnosis was associated with survival after prostate cancer diagnosis. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer (n = 829) in Alberta, Canada between the years 1997 and 2000 were recruited into a population‐based case–control study and then followed for up to 19 years for survival outcomes. Pre‐ and post‐diagnosis alcohol consumption, clinical characteristics and lifestyle factors were collected through in‐person interviews shortly after diagnosis and again 2–3 years post‐diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards were used to examine how post‐diagnosis alcohol consumption was associated with all‐cause and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (competing risk analysis too), in addition to first recurrence/progression or new primary cancer. Most participants reported drinking alcohol (≥once a month for 6 months) post‐diagnosis (n = 589, 71.0%). Exceeding Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) alcohol consumption recommendations (≥2 drinks/day) post‐diagnosis was associated with prostate cancer‐specific mortality relative to non‐drinkers (aHR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.10) with borderline evidence of a linear trend. Interestingly, those in the highest quartile of drinks/week pre‐ and post‐diagnosis also had a twofold increase for prostate‐specific mortality (aHR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.28–5.56) while controlling for competing risks. Our results support post‐diagnosis alcohol consumption was associated with increased mortality after prostate cancer diagnosis, specifically for prostate cancer‐related death. Future studies focused on confirming this burden of disease are warranted.
Bioactivity and composition of a preserved connective tissue matrix derived from human placental tissue
Authors: Irvin Joseph , Danchik Carina , Rall Joseph , Babcock Annie , Pine Matthew , Barnaby Devin , Pathakamuri Joseph , Kuebler Daniel
Published: February 2018

There are a wide variety of extracellular matrices that can be used for regenerative purposes. Placental tissue‐based matrices are quickly becoming an attractive option given the availability of the tissue source and the wide variety of bioactive molecules knows to exist in unprocessed placental tissues. As fresh placental tissues are seldom an option at the point of care, we examined both the composition and bioactivity of a commercially packaged flowable placental connective tissue matrix (FPTM) (BioECM®, Skye Biologics, Inc.) that was preserved by the proprietary HydraTek® process. The FPTM contained significant amounts of collagen and various growth factors such as bFGF, EGF, PDGF, KGF, and PIGF. In addition, it contained high levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1 and 2) and molecules known to modulate the immune response including TGF‐β and IL‐4. In terms of its bioactivity, the FPTM displayed the ability (1) to suppress INF‐γ secretion in activated T‐cells nearly fourfold over control media, (2) to inhibit methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus proliferation, (3) to increase the migration of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) nearly threefold over control media and (4) to adhere to ASCs in culture. When ASCs were exposed to FPTM in culture, the cells maintained healthy morphology and showed no significant changes in the expression of five genes involved in tissue growth and repair as compared to culture in standard growth media. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2731–2740, 2018.
Synthesis and Reactions of New Thiazoles and Pyrimidines Containing Sulfonate Moiety
Authors: Khodairy A. , Ali Ali M. , El‐Wassimy M.T.
Published: February 2018

Treatment of 2‐tosyloxybenzylidinethiosemicarbazone (2) with active halo compounds afforded thiazoles 3–5. Moreover, reaction of compound 2 with acetic anhydride or dimethylformamide dimethylacetal gave N,N diacetyl 6 and dimethylamino derivatives 7, respectively. Cyclization of thiazole derivatives 3 with some arylidenemalononitriles yielded thiazolo[2,3‐d]pyrans 8–12. Multicomponent reaction of 2‐tosyloxybenzaldehyde (1) with urea, thiourea, or compound 2 and ethyl acetoacetate or acetylacetone afforded pyrimidines 13–14. The structures of compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral analyses.
Diagnostic accuracy of 3.0T diffusion‐weighted MRI for patients with uterine carcinosarcoma: Assessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ting , Chang Chun‐Bi , Yeh Chi‐Ju , Lin Gigin , Huang Huei‐Jean , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Lu Kuan‐Ying , Ng Koon‐Kwan , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Lai Chyong‐Huey
Published: February 2018

Background

Assessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis of uterine carcinosarcomas is important for treatment planning.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3.0T diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI for patients with uterine carcinosarcoma, in assessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis.

Study Type

Retrospective diagnostic accuracy study.

Population

A consecutive cohort of 68 patients with pathologically proved carcinosarcoma between January 2006 and July 2014.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T DW MRI.

Assessment

Maximal tumor and uterus size, presence of deep myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, adnexal invasion, lymphadenopathy, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of each tumor were used. Histopathology was the gold standard.

Statistical Tests

Diagnostic accuracy. Logistic regression.

Results

In all, 38 patients entered the final analysis, with median age of 58 years (range, 35–79 years). The sensitivity and specificity in detecting deep myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, adnexal invasion, as well as pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node metastases were 65% and 72%, 91% and 85%, 50% and 100%, 33% and 89%, and 33% and 100%, respectively. The largest tumor diameters predicted deep myometrium invasion (anteroposterior direction, P = 0.004) and cervical stroma invasion (craniocaudal direction, P = 0.008). Tumor ADCmin significantly predicted the lymphovascular permeation (P = 0.025; odds ratio = 0.96).

Data Conclusion

Preoperative DW MRI is useful to assess deep myometrial or cervical stromal invasion in uterine carcinosarcoma, yet the diagnostic performance for detecting adnexal invasion and lymphatic metastasis requires further improvement.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:622–631.
Biomechanical influence of deficient posterolateral corner structures on knee joint kinematics: A computational study
Authors: Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Koh Yong‐Gon , Son Juhyun , Jung Moonki , Oh Sangyun , Kim Sung‐Jae , Kim Sung‐Hwan
Published: February 2018

The posterolateral corner (PLC) structures including the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), popliteus tendon (PT) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are important soft tissues for posterior translational, external rotational, and varus angulation knee joint instabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deficient PLC structures on the kinematics of the knee joint under gait and squat loading conditions. We developed subject‐specific computational models with full 12‐degree‐of‐freedom tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints for four male subjects and one female subject. The subject‐specific knee joint models were validated with computationally predicted muscle activation, electromyography data, and experimental data from previous study. According to our results, deficiency of the PFL did not significantly influence knee joint kinematics compared to an intact model under gait loading conditions. Compared with an intact model under gait and squat loading conditions, deficiency of the PT led to significant increases in external rotation and posterior translation, while LCL deficiency increased varus angulation. Deficiency of all PLC structures led to the greatest increases in external rotation, varus angulation, and posterior translation. These results suggest that the PT is an important structure for external rotation and posterior translation, while the LCL is important for varus angulation under dynamic loading conditions. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2202–2209, 2018.
Solid state fermentation and crude cellulase based bioconversion of potential bamboo biomass to reducing sugar for bioenergy production
Authors: Pandey Raj Kumar , Chand Khan , Tewari Lakshmi
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic biomass from bamboo is an attractive feedstock for the bioethanol industry owing to its high cellulosic content and fast growth rate. In this study, powdery biomass was first enzymatically delignified and then saccharified using crude enzymes.

RESULTS

The biological pretreatment decreased the lignin content of the biomass from an initial value of 295 to 137.7 g kg−1, with a simultaneous increase in exposed cellulose content from 379.3 to 615.9 g kg−1. For optimization of the saccharification, response surface methodology was adopted using a three‐factor/three‐level Box–Behnken design with crude fungal cellulase loading (FPU g−1 substrate), substrate concentration (% w/v) and saccharification temperature (°C) as the main process parameters. A maximum saccharification yield of 47.19% was achieved under the optimized conditions (cellulase enzyme 18.4 FPU g−1 substrate, substrate concentration 1.0% w/v, temperature 39.49 °C). Biological delignification and saccharification of the biomass were further confirmed through scanning electron microscopy analysis.

CONCLUSION

It is evident from the study that bamboo, as a renewable energy bioresource, can be hydrolysed to reducing sugars by using crude laccase/cellulase enzymes of fungal origin with good saccharification yield. Thus crude enzyme preparations could be utilized efficiently for eco‐friendly and cost‐effective bioethanol production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multitarget transcranial direct current stimulation for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dagan Moria , Herman Talia , Harrison Rachel , Zhou Junhong , Giladi Nir , Ruffini Giulio , Manor Brad , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Recent findings suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex may ameliorate freezing of gait. However, the effects of multitarget simultaneous stimulation of motor and cognitive networks are mostly unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multitarget transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on freezing of gait and related outcomes.

Methods: Twenty patients with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait received 20 minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation on 3 separate visits. Transcranial direct current stimulation targeted the primary motor cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex simultaneously, primary motor cortex only, or sham stimulation (order randomized and double‐blinded assessments). Participants completed a freezing of gait‐provoking test, the Timed Up and Go, and the Stroop test before and after each transcranial direct current stimulation session.

Results: Performance on the freezing of gait‐provoking test (P = 0.010), Timed Up and Go (P = 0.006), and the Stroop test (P = 0.016) improved after simultaneous stimulation of the primary motor cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, but not after primary motor cortex only or sham stimulation.

Conclusions: Transcranial direct current stimulation designed to simultaneously target motor and cognitive regions apparently induces immediate aftereffects in the brain that translate into reduced freezing of gait and improvements in executive function and mobility. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Childhood pneumothorax in Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome: A cohort study and review of the literature
Authors: Geilswijk Marianne , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Madsen Mia Gebauer , Sommerlund Mette , Skytte Anne‐Bine
Published: February 2018

Background

Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome (BHD) is an autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome associated with an increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) and renal cell carcinoma in the adult population. Recent studies suggest that BHD accounts for up to 10% of all SP in adults and BHD in children with SP have been reported.

Methods

To explore to what extent BHD is the cause of childhood pneumothorax, we studied a Danish BHD cohort consisting of 109 cases from 22 families. Clinical data was gathered by review of medical records. A systematic literature search concerning childhood and adolescence pneumothorax in BHD was performed and identified publications reviewed.

Results

In our cohort, three of 109 BHD cases experienced childhood pneumothorax, corresponding to a prevalence of 3%. Reviewing the literature, data regarding more than 800 BHD cases were covered. Only seven previously published cases of childhood pneumothorax in BHD were identified.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that BHD is likely the cause of a larger subset of childhood pneumothoraces than hitherto recognized. Awareness of BHD as a cause of childhood pneumothorax needs to be raised to provide patients and relatives with the possibility of specialized management of SP and regular renal cancer surveillance.
Early fetal sexing in the rhinoceros by detection of male‐specific genes in maternal serum
Authors: Stoops Monica A. , Winget G. Douglas , DeChant Christopher J. , Ball Ray L. , Roth Terri L.
Published: February 2018

Genetic sexing of animals with long gestation time benefits the management of captive populations. Here, X and Y chromosome‐specific primers, based on equine gene sequencing data, were developed and tested on captive rhinoceroses (10 males, 20 females) representing four species (Diceros bicornis, Certaotherium simum simum, Rhinoceros unicornis, and Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). The Y chromosome‐specific primer set targeted SRY (Sex‐determining region Y), and amplified a 177‐bp product following PCR of DNA extracted from males, but not females, of all species. A primer set based on the equine AMEL (Amelogenin) gene resulted in a 232‐bp product following PCR of all rhinoceros species. These gene‐specific primer sets were then evaluated for their ability to determine gender in cell‐free DNA from rhinoceros serum. Modifications to the original extraction and PCR protocols were required to obtain sufficient DNA quantities from serum, and both DNA yield and PCR amplification were substantially reduced or absent following multiple freeze‐thaw cycles of serum. When fresh serum from 14 pregnant rhinoceroses (ultimately bearing seven male and seven female calves), representing four species at different stages of gestation (Days 61–490), were probed in a PCR‐based assay, an accuracy of 71% was achieved for male‐specific gene detection of SRY, which improved to 100% by including a reamplification step into the protocol. Such early sex determination should be a valuable tool for current management practices as well as future assisted reproduction of rhinoceroses.
Evaluation of Snail Consumption by Black Buffalo
Authors: Guy Emmet L , Allen Peter J
Published: February 2018

Bolbophorous damnificus is a digenetic trematode that causes economic loss for commercial catfish producers by decreasing adult growth rates and increasing mortality in juvenile catfish Ictalurus spp. Efforts to control B. damnificus mainly center around control of an intermediate host, the Ram's Horn Snail Planorbella trivolvis. Black Buffalo Ictiobus niger is a catostomid fish species documented to consume mollusks and, therefore, is a potential control option; however, gastropod consumption by this species has not been documented. Thus, experiments were conducted to (1) evaluate Ram's Horn Snail consumption by Black Buffalo at juvenile and adult life stages and (2) determine whether juvenile Black Buffalo are able to consume sizes of snails typically found in catfish ponds. Nine wild-caught adult Black Buffalo and 56 captively reared juveniles (age 1) were used in this study. No snails were consumed in adult or juvenile experiments, thus suggesting Black Buffalo do not have the capacity to reduce incidence of B. damnificus through direct consumption of Ram's Horn Snails.
Comparison of reproducibility of single voxel spectroscopy and whole‐brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging at 3T
Authors: Zhang Yue , Taub Edward , Salibi Nouha , Uswatte Gitendra , Maudsley Andrew A. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Womble Brent , Mark Victor W. , Knight David C.
Published: February 2018

To date, single voxel spectroscopy (SVS) is the most commonly used MRS technique. SVS is relatively easy to use and provides automated and immediate access to the resulting spectra. However, it is also limited in spatial coverage. A new and very promising MRS technique allows for whole‐brain MR spectroscopic imaging (WB‐MRSI) with much improved spatial resolution. Establishing the reproducibility of data obtained using SVS and WB‐MRSI is an important first step for using these techniques to evaluate longitudinal changes in metabolite concentration. The purpose of this study was to assess and directly compare the reproducibility of metabolite quantification at 3T using SVS and WB‐MRSI in ‘hand‐knob’ areas of motor cortices and hippocampi in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy adults were scanned using both SVS and WB‐MRSI on three occasions one week apart. N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho) and myo‐inositol (mI) were quantified using SVS and WB‐MRSI with reference to both Cr and H2O. The reproducibility of each technique was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV), and the correspondence between the two techniques was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. The measured mean (range) intra‐subject CVs for SVS were 5.90 (2.65‐10.66)% for metabolites (i.e. NAA, Cho, mI) relative to Cr, and 8.46 (4.21‐21.07)% for metabolites (NAA, Cr, Cho, mI) relative to H2O. The mean (range) CVs for WB‐MRSI were 7.56 (2.78‐11.41)% for metabolites relative to Cr, and 7.79 (4.57‐14.11)% for metabolites relative to H2O. Significant positive correlations were observed between metabolites quantified using SVS and WB‐MRSI techniques when the Cr but not H2O reference was used. The results demonstrate that reproducibilities of SVS and WB‐MRSI are similar for quantifying the four major metabolites (NAA, Cr, Cho, mI); both SVS and WB‐MRSI exhibited good reproducibility. Our findings add reference information for choosing the appropriate 1H‐MRS technique in future studies.
Long‐Term Use of Mixed‐Oil Lipid Emulsion in Adult Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , McMahon Megan T. , Carnell Jennifer J. , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: February 2018

Background

Despite providing significant benefits, home parenteral nutrition (HPN) can be associated with complications such as infections, intestinal failure–associated liver disease, and metabolic abnormalities. Soybean oil (SO)–based intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has been noted to contribute to some of these complications, leading to the development of alternative sources of ILE. Mixed‐oil (MO) ILE has recently been approved for use in adults with short‐term studies revealing a benefit over SO ILE. Currently there is a paucity of data regarding long‐term use in the HPN population.

Methods

The current study reports our experience with MO ILE in 9 HPN patients.

Results

A total of 9 patients (3 women and 6 men) with average age of 48.1 ± 15.1 years and a median HPN use of 9.9 years (9.0 months–30.7 years) were transitioned from SO ILE to MO ILE as a result of intolerance. The 9 patients tolerated MO ILE well for 140.7 ± 29.7 days. The percentage of calories provided through ILE increased from 7.6 ± 6.5% to 18.4 ± 8.2% (P = .003), whereas the dextrose decreased from 66.9 ± 8.4% to 56.9 ± 5.5% (P = .0007). Although statistical significance was not reached, there was a trend toward improvement in alkaline phosphatase from 138.0 (52–884) to 106 (47–512; P = .09).

Conclusion

MO ILE was well tolerated in this small cohort and led to improvement in the macronutrient composition of HPN while providing a trend toward improvement in liver studies. These results are promising; however, additional randomized control trials are needed to delineate the true benefit.
Switching optimal adaptive trajectory tracking control of quantum systems
Authors: Sahebi Zeinab , Yarahmadi Majid
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a switching optimal adaptive controller for tracking a time‐dependent trajectory in finite‐dimensional closed quantum systems is proposed. The issue of intrinsic singularities in trajectory tracking control of quantum systems leads to a sharp rise in the control amplitude. To overcome this drawback, a switching optimal adaptive quantum controller is designed based on Lyapunov stability theory and optimal quantum control approach. A state‐dependent strategy is considered to select the switching signal. The new switching controller adjusts the quantum state so that its population traces the desired dynamic trajectory and simultaneously eliminates the effects of singularities and reduces the control amplitude. The proposed controller is tested successfully for population transfer in a 4‐level closed quantum system in a simulation experiment. Both issues of reduction of the tracking error and control intensity along with a significant decrease in the number of singular points are well illustrated by simulation experiment as the advantages of the proposed method.
Multi‐objective optimization of post‐curing process for GNPs reinforced glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae
Authors: Seretis Georgios V. , Kouzilos Georgios N. , Manolakos Dimitrios E. , Provatidis Christopher G.
Published: February 2018

Post‐curing processes are fundamental manufacturing operations for epoxy matrix composites from which high‐quality parts are produced and see service in a great variety of industrial applications. Although many parameters affect these processes, only temperature is considered as affecting factor in most of the relevant studies. In this study, a multi‐parameter design of experiments, using Taguchi method, has been conducted in order to investigate the optimum post‐curing conditions for graphene nanoplatelets reinforced glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae. Both post‐curing temperature Tpc and time tpc were treated as independent variables in a L9 Taguchi orthogonal array addressing three levels each. Ultimate tensile strength and strain at break were examined as pre‐selected quality objectives. Through the multiple regression analysis performed, a highly accurate regression model was achieved for both optimization criteria. Finally, a multi‐objective optimization genetic algorithm was used for the above models. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2483–E2489, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hybrid transdermal drug delivery patch made from poly(p‐phenylene vinylene)/natural rubber latex and controlled by an electric field
Authors: Niamlang Sumonman , Paradee Nophawan , Sirivat Anuvat
Published: February 2018

A flexible, natural rubber (NR) patch was developed for electrically controllable transdermal drug delivery. NR latex was crosslinked at various crosslinking ratios under the UV curing method. Ibuprofen (Ibu) was the model drug and was used as the dopant for poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) acting as the drug encapsulating host. For the pristine Ibu‐loaded NR patch, the amount of Ibu permeation increased with decreasing crosslink density and increasing electrical potential. For the Ibu‐doped PPV/NR patch, the amount of Ibu release−permeation also increased with increasing electrical potential and was higher than that of the pristine NR matrices. Without an applied electric field, the drug remained attached to the PPV during an initial period of 6 h. Under an applied electric field, the oxidation state of the conductive polymer was altered, the iontophoretic effect, pore formation in the NR matrix, expansion of the pore size in hair follicles and PPV chain expansion combined to increase the Ibu release−permeation amount. Thus, the flexible PPV/NR transdermal drug delivery patch was demonstrated to be effective in drug release−permeation based on the strength of the electrical potential, the crosslinking density and the presence of PPV as the encapsulation host. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Pressure‐dependent Elastic Coefficients of β‐HMX from Molecular Simulations
Authors: Mathew Nithin , Sewell Tommy
Published: February 2018

The second‐order elastic stiffness tensor and isotropic moduli of β‐octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (β‐HMX, P21/n space group setting) on the 0 K isotherm are presented for hydrostatic pressures between 10−4 GPa and 30 GPa. The results were obtained from molecular statics simulations using a validated all‐atom flexible‐molecule force field. Comparisons to previous experimental and computational determinations are provided.
Counting dense connected hypergraphs via the probabilistic method
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Riordan Oliver
Published: February 2018

In 1990 Bender, Canfield, and McKay gave an asymptotic formula for the number of connected graphs on with m edges, whenever and . We give an asymptotic formula for the number of connected r‐uniform hypergraphs on with m edges, whenever is fixed and with , that is, the average degree tends to infinity. This complements recent results of Behrisch, Coja‐Oghlan, and Kang (the case ) and the present authors (the case , ie, “nullity” or “excess” o(n)). The proof is based on probabilistic methods, and in particular on a bivariate local limit theorem for the number of vertices and edges in the largest component of a certain random hypergraph. The arguments are much simpler than in the sparse case; in particular, we can use “smoothing” techniques to directly prove the local limit theorem, without needing to first prove a central limit theorem.
An Efficient and Environmentally Benign Protocol for the 1,6‐Michael Addition of Nitroalkanes to 3‐Methyl‐4‐nitro‐5‐styrylisoxazoles in WERSA
Authors: Kumar Nandigama Satish , Bheeram Vema Reddy , Mukkamala Saratchandra Babu , Rao L. Chandrasekhara , Vasantha R.
Published: February 2018

Herein, we describe a mild and convenient protocol for Michael addition of nitroalkanes to 3‐methyl‐4‐nitro‐5‐styrylisoxazoles using neat “water extract of rice straw ash (WERSA)” as a catalyst and medium at room temperature. Method developed is simple to operate and yields range from good to excellent. This eco‐friendly protocol also successfully used for the synthesis of pharmaceutical interest, such as γ‐nitrobutyricacid an intermediate for the preparation of Baclofen.
The Cut-Free Approach and the Admissibility-Curry
Authors: Hlobil Ulf ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2018

The perhaps most important criticism of the nontransitive approach to semantic paradoxes is that it cannot truthfully express exactly which metarules preserve validity. I argue that this criticism overlooks that the admissibility of metarules cannot be expressed in any logic that allows us to formulate validity-Curry sentences and that is formulated in a classical metalanguage. Hence, the criticism applies to all approaches that do their metatheory in classical logic. If we do the metatheory of nontransitive logics in a nontransitive logic, however, there is no reason to think that the argument behind the criticism goes through. In general, asking a logic to express its own admissible metarules may not be a good idea.
Lupeol alters ER stress‐signaling pathway by downregulating ABCG2 expression to induce Oxaliplatin‐resistant LoVo colorectal cancer cell apoptosis
Authors: Chen Ming‐Cheng , Hsu Hsi‐Hsien , Chu Yuan‐Yuan , Cheng Sue‐Fei , Shen Chia‐Yao , Lin Yi‐Jiun , Chen Ray‐Jade , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Lin Yueh‐Min , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: February 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and causes of cancer‐related death. There are several first‐line chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat CRC. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is an alkylating cytotoxic agent that is usually combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs to treat stage II and stage III CRC. However, cancer cells commonly acquire multidrug resistance (MDR), which is a major obstruction to cancer treatment. Recent studies have shown that natural components from traditional Chinese medicine or foods that have many biological functions may be new adjuvant therapies in clinical trials. We challenged LoVo CRC cell lines with OXA in a dose‐dependent manner to create an OXA‐resistant model. The expression of ABCG2 was significantly higher, and levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were lower than those Parental cells. However, Lupeol, which is found in fruits and vegetables, has been shown to have bioactive properties, including anti‐tumor properties that are relevant to many diseases. In our study, Lupeol downregulated cell viability and activated cell apoptosis. Moreover, Lupeol decreased the expression of ABCG2 and activated ER stress to induce OXA‐resistant cell death. Importantly, the anti‐tumor effect of Lupeol in OXA‐resistant cells was higher than that of LoVo Parental cells. In addition, we also confirmed our results with a xenograft animal model, and the tumor size significantly decreased after Lupeol injections. Our findings show that Lupeol served as a strong chemoresistant sensitizer and could be a new adjuvant therapy method for chemoresistant patients.
Revisiting the earliest signatures of amyloidogenesis: Roadmaps emerging from computational modeling and experiment
Authors: Bhattacharya Shayon , Xu Liang , Thompson Damien
Published: February 2018

Neurodegenerative amyloidogenesis begins with the aggregation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which is the first step in a cascade of assembly events that can lead to insoluble fibrous deposits in brain tissue. IDP conformations that promote formation of toxic oligomers remain poorly understood, and are the most fundamental target of putative treatments for neurodegenerative disease. Rapid advances in theory, simulation and experimental methods, hold the promise of reversing protein aggregation by identifying and developing inhibitors of the transient amyloidogenic IDP conformations. To make meaningful progress it is important to appreciate the benefits and limitations of the latest developments in computational methods of conformational and ensemble modeling, and their integration and validation with experiments. Integrated studies are beginning to provide significant conceptual and mechanistic insights, including identification of the properties of amyloidogenic IDPs in their free, unbound form. At the same time, contradicting viewpoints have emerged concerning convergence of IDP ensemble signatures and properties from parallel studies, and there also remains a pressing need to develop physical models that can deliver reliable predictions across different IDP families. Focussing on the four most common amyloidogenic IDPs of Amyloid β, Tau, α‐synuclein and Prions, improvements are proposed for next‐generation models and experiments that can potentially identify drug treatments for neurodegenerative disease via incorporation of the extended cellular environment.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Mechanics

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
A dynamic‐adversarial mining approach to the security of machine learning
Authors: Sethi Tegjyot Singh , Kantardzic Mehmed , Lyu Lingyu , Chen Jiashun
Published: February 2018

Operating in a dynamic real‐world environment requires a forward thinking and adversarial aware design for classifiers beyond fitting the model to the training data. In such scenarios, it is necessary to make classifiers such that they are: (a) harder to evade, (b) easier to detect changes in the data distribution over time, and (c) be able to retrain and recover from model degradation. While most works in the security of machine learning have concentrated on the evasion resistance problem (a), there is little work in the areas of reacting to attacks (b) and (c). Additionally, while streaming data research concentrates on the ability to react to changes to the data distribution, they often take an adversarial agnostic view of the security problem. This makes them vulnerable to adversarial activity, which is aimed toward evading the concept drift detection mechanism itself. In this paper, we analyze the security of machine learning from a dynamic and adversarial aware perspective. The existing techniques of restrictive one‐class classifier models, complex learning‐based ensemble models, and randomization‐based ensemble models are shown to be myopic as they approach security as a static task. These methodologies are ill suited for a dynamic environment, as they leak excessive information to an adversary who can subsequently launch attacks which are indistinguishable from the benign data. Based on empirical vulnerability analysis against a sophisticated adversary, a novel feature importance hiding approach for classifier design is proposed. The proposed design ensures that future attacks on classifiers can be detected and recovered from. The proposed work provides motivation, by serving as a blueprint, for future work in the area of dynamic‐adversarial mining, which combines lessons learned from streaming data mining, adversarial learning, and cybersecurity.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Classification

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Motivation and Emergence of Data Mining
Precision engineering of targeted nanocarriers
Authors: Deci Michael B. , Liu Maixian , Dinh Quoc Thai , Nguyen Juliane
Published: February 2018

Since their introduction in 1980, the number of advanced targeted nanocarrier systems has grown considerably. Nanocarriers capable of targeting single receptors, multiple receptors, or multiple epitopes have all been used to enhance delivery efficiency and selectivity. Despite tremendous progress, preclinical studies and clinically translatable nanotechnology remain disconnected. The disconnect in targeting efficacy may stem from poorly‐understood factors such as receptor clustering, spatial control of targeting ligands, ligand mobility, and ligand architecture. Further, the relationship between receptor distribution and ligand architecture remains elusive. Traditionally, targeted nanocarriers were engineered assuming a “static” target. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that receptor expression patterns change in response to external stimuli and disease progression. Here, we discuss how cutting‐edge technologies will enable a better characterization of the spatiotemporal distribution of membrane receptors and their clustering. We further describe how this will enable the design of new nanocarriers that selectively target the site of disease. Ultimately, we explore how the precision engineering of targeted nanocarriers that adapt to receptor dynamics will have the potential to drive nanotechnology to the forefront of therapy and make targeted nanomedicine a clinical reality.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures
Painless Urethral Bleeding During Penile Erection in an Adult Man With Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Lei Hongen , Guan Xing , Han Hu , Qian Xiaosong , Zhou Xiaoguang , Zhang Xiaodong , Tian Long
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital vascular disorder characterized by a triad of cutaneous port wine capillary malformations, varicose veins, and hemihypertrophy of bone and soft tissues.

Aims

To report on a rare case of KTS in an adult man manifested by painless urethral bleeding during penile erection briefly review the clinical presentation and management of the genitourinary forms of this syndrome.

Methods

On presentation, the clinical features of this patient, including medical history, signs and symptoms, and imaging examinations, were recorded. After diagnosis and initial treatment, a literature review of the urethral features of KTS was performed and is discussed in this report.

Results

A 35-year-old man with KTS presented with painless urethral bleeding during penile erection that was associated with posterior urethral vascular malformations. The coagulation method was used to treat the malformation, and no urethral bleeding or gross hematuria occurred during a postoperative follow-up period of 6 months.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that coagulation therapy and careful follow-up can be adequate treatment approaches for urethral features of KTS. However, the long-term efficacy of coagulation for this disorder should be investigated further.