bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Cross‐Dehydrogenative‐Coupling Reaction of 3,4‐Dihydro‐1,4‐Benzoxazin‐2‐ones through Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Yan , Yu Kai‐Xin , Zhang Chen , Guan Zhi , He Yan‐Hong
Published: December 2017

The cross‐dehydrogenative‐coupling (CDC) reaction of benzoxazin‐2‐ones through visible‐light photoredox catalysis was developed. In the process of the reaction, an α‐amino radical intermediate is generated by using Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as a photoredox catalyst under visible‐light irradiation at room temperature. This intermediate is then oxidized, using O2 as terminal oxidant, to give an iminium ion intermediate. The iminium ion reacts directly with various aromatic nucleophiles to give the desired cross‐coupling products in yields of up to 80 %. This work provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydro‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐2‐one derivatives.
Forgetting to remember? Prospective memory within the context of pain
Authors: Gatzounis R. , Schrooten M.G.S. , Crombez G. , Vlaeyen J.W.S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Pain interferes with cognitive functioning in several ways. Among other symptoms, pain patients often report difficulties with remembering future intentions. It remains unclear, however, whether it is the pain per se that impairs prospective remembering or other factors that often characterize people with pain (e.g. poor sleep quality). In this experiment, we investigated whether prospective memory is impaired within the context of pain, and whether this impairment is enhanced when the threat value of pain is increased.

Methods

Healthy participants engaged in an ongoing word categorization task, during which they received either experimental pain stimuli (with or without threatening instructions designed to increase the threat value of pain), or no pain stimuli (no somatic stimuli and no threatening instructions). Crucially, participants were also instructed to perform a prospective memory intention on future moments that would be signalled by specific retrieval cues.

Results

Threatening instructions did not differentiate the pain groups in terms of pain threat value; therefore, we only focus on the difference between pain and no pain. Pain and no‐pain groups performed the prospective memory intention with similar frequency, indicating that prospective memory is not necessarily impaired when the intended action has to be performed in a painful context.

Conclusions

Findings are discussed in the framework of the multiprocess theory of prospective memory, which differentiates between the spontaneous and the strategic retrieval of intentions. Methodological considerations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Significance

This laboratory study combines established methods from two research fields to investigate the effects of a painful context on memory for future intentions. Painful context did not impair performance of a prospective memory intention that is assumed to be retrieved by means of spontaneous processing.
Applicability of the fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test (OECD 236) in the regulatory context of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
Authors: Sobanska Marta , Scholz Stefan , Nyman Anna-Maija , Cesnaitis Romanas , Gutierrez Alonso Simon , Klüver Nils , Kühne Ralph , Tyle Henrik , de Knecht Joop , Dang Zhichao , Lundbergh Ivar , Carlon Claudio , De Coen Wim
Published: December 2017

In 2013 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline (236) for fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) was adopted. It determines the acute toxicity of chemicals to embryonic fish. Previous studies show a good correlation of FET with the standard acute fish toxicity (AFT) test; however, the potential of the FET test to predict AFT, which is required by the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation (EC 1907/2006) and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC 1272/2008), has not yet been fully clarified. In 2015 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) requested that a consultant perform a scientific analysis of the applicability of FET to predict AFT. The purpose was to compare the toxicity of substances to fish embryos and to adult fish, and to investigate whether certain factors (e.g., physicochemical properties, modes of action, or chemical structures) could be used to define the applicability boundaries of the FET test. Given the limited data availability, the analysis focused on organic substances. The present critical review summarizes the main findings and discusses regulatory application of the FET test under REACH. Given some limitations (e.g., neurotoxic mode of action) and/or remaining uncertainties (e.g., deviation of some narcotic substances), it has been found that the FET test alone is currently not sufficient to meet the essential information on AFT as required by the REACH regulation. However, the test may be used within weight-of-evidence approaches together with other independent, relevant, and reliable sources of information. The present review also discusses further research needs that may overcome the remaining uncertainties and help to increase acceptance of FET as a replacement for AFT in the future. For example, an increase in the availability of data generated according to OECD test guideline 236 may provide evidence of a higher predictive power of the test. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:657–670. © 2017 SETAC
Extracting information shocks from the Bank of England inflation density forecasts
Authors: Díaz Carlos
Published: December 2017

This paper shows how to extract the density of information shocks from revisions of the Bank of England's inflation density forecasts. An information shock is defined in this paper as a random variable that contains the set of information made available between two consecutive forecasting exercises and that has been incorporated into a revised forecast for a fixed point event. Studying the moments of these information shocks can be useful in understanding how the Bank has changed its assessment of risks surrounding inflation in the light of new information, and how it has modified its forecasts accordingly. The variance of the information shock is interpreted in this paper as a new measure of ex ante inflation uncertainty that measures the uncertainty that the Bank anticipates information perceived in a particular quarter will pose on inflation. A measure of information absorption that indicates the approximate proportion of the information content in a revised forecast that is attributable to information made available since the last forecast release is also proposed.
Cancer incidence in northern Thailand: Results from six population‐based cancer registries 1993–2012
Authors: Pongnikorn Donsuk , Daoprasert Karnchana , Waisri Narate , Laversanne Mathieu , Bray Freddie
Published: December 2017

Rapid changes in social and economic development have led to cancer becoming a major cause of national morbidity and mortality in Thailand. Cancer registries have been critical in documenting subnational cancer patterns and transitions in the country; with the establishment of six registries in northern Thailand, a comprehensive assessment of the scale and profile of cancer is now possible in the region. Cancers of the liver, lung, colorectum, breast and cervix were the major cancers 2008–2012, although variations in the profiles of cancer were observed, with a very high incidence of liver cancer seen among males in Phrae, corresponding to one in 11 men developing the disease in a lifetime. Based on data from Lampang and Chiang Mai 1993–2012, rates of lung and cervical cancer incidence have declined, while liver, colorectal and breast cancer incidence have been increasing up to 2012. A more detailed investigation of the incidence trends for specific cancer sites and subtypes at the local level are crucial to the monitoring and evaluation of the cancer control interventions implemented within the Thai national cancer control programme (NCCP). Priority should be given to extend the capacity of the new registries in northern Thailand, ensuring improvement in quality and utilization of the data to drive epidemiologic research and cancer control.
Insights into the Future of Young Professionals in the Irrigation and Drainage Sector: Outcomes from the Discussion on the ICID YP e‐Forum
Authors: Mersha Adey Nigatu , Turunen Mika , Heuvel Kathleen
Published: December 2017

The young generation of irrigation and drainage (I&D) sector professionals has an important role in ensuring sustainable and sufficient food production in the future. Currently, global food security faces challenges such as population growth, climate change and socio‐economic problems. Simultaneously, the interest of the young generation in agricultural water management is decreasing. The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the future and perspectives of the young professionals (YPs) by summarizing the key outcomes of discussions with YPs from the I&D sector from all continents. The discussions suggest that to ensure the availability of qualified professionals for the inherently multidisciplinary challenges of the future, opportunities for good quality education are necessary. Furthermore, the sector does not attract enough YPs towards education and careers in I&D. It is believed that adaptation of technology may improve the image of the sector and help showcase the innovative, challenging and rewarding opportunities that exist in the sector. Empowerment of women in the sector is seen to have a very high potential in capacity building. The discussions led to valuable conclusions on the role, challenges and future of women in the I&D sector. Education, research and innovation are seen as a necessity to ensure the availability of qualified experts to lead the industry into the future. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Fruit Quality of Orange Trees (Citrus Sinensis, L. Osbeck, CV. Meski Maltaise) in Southern Tunisia
Authors: Nagaz K. , El Mokh F. , Ben Hassen N. , Masmoudi M.M. , Ben Mechlia N. , Baba Sy M.O. , Belkheiri O. , Ghiglieri G.
Published: December 2017

An experiment on deficit irrigation of orange trees (Citrus sinensis, L. Osbeck, cv. Meski Maltaise) with saline water (1.5 g l‐1) was conducted in the arid region of Medenine, Tunisia. Four irrigation treatments were applied: full irrigation (FI), irrigated at 100% of the crop evapotranspiration; deficit irrigation (DI75) and (DI50), which received respectively 25 and 50% less water than FI; and the farmer's method (FM). Soil water content and salinity were monitored during the orange active period. Yield and fruit quality were measured at harvest and used to analyse water productivity (WP) and net income. Results show a decrease in soil salinity between the spring and winter seasons with maximum values observed for the DI50 treatment. Maximum yield levels were obtained under the FI treatment (26.6 t ha−1). Applying continuous deficit irrigation resulted in 24 and 45% yield reduction respectively for DI75 and DI50, compared to FI. Fruit‐quality parameters showed significant differences, with higher levels of total soluble solids for DI50 and better fruit weight for FI and FM. For total water supplies between 415 and 786 mm, WP was in the range 2.9–3.6 kg m‐3, with the highest values observed for the DI50 treatment and the lowest for FM. The soil water balance‐based irrigation method (FI) generated the greatest net income and the lowest soil salinization. Reduction in water supply produced an equivalent reduction in yield but a much stronger decrease in the economic return: using the DI75 strategy resulted in 25% water saving, 24% reduction in yield and 40% reduction in net income. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification issues in the public/private wage gap, with an application to Italy
Authors: Depalo Domenico
Published: December 2017

This paper reviews some of the standard assumptions that are imposed in order to estimate the average public/private wage gap and that are mainly related to the possible selection of the sector. There are two contributions to the existing public/private wage gap literature. One is a better understanding of the identified parameters: standard estimators identify a local effect (LATE), which in general cannot be generalized to the entire population, as instead is almost always done. The other is the partial identification of the population average treatment effect, with an instrumental variable. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first paper in this literature that employs bounds. The technique is applied to male workers in Italy. For compliers, LATE estimates a wage advantage from working in the public sector greater than 30%. This return is within the narrowest bounds on the population average treatment effect that are consistent even with a much smaller gap (about 15% or more).
Detection of depth‐depend changes in porcine cartilage after wear test using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tong Lingying , Hao Zhixiu , Wan Chao , Wen Shizhu
Published: December 2017

Cartilage damage and wear can lead to severe diseases, such as osteoarthritis, thus, many studies on the cartilage wear process have already been performed to better understand the cartilage wear mechanism. However, most characterization methods focus on the cartilage surface or the total wear extent. With the advantages of high spatial resolution and easy characterization, Raman microspectroscopy was employed for the first time to characterize full‐depth changes in the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) after wear test. Sections from the cartilage samples after wear were compared with sections from the control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses both indicated that collagen content loss at certain depths (20%‐30% relative to the cartilage surface) is possibly the dominating alteration during wear rather than changes in collagen fiber orientation or proteoglycan content. These findings are consistent with the observations obtained by scanning electron microscopy and histological staining. This study successfully used Raman microspectroscopy efficiently assess full‐depth changes in cartilage ECM after wear test, thus providing new insight into cartilage damage and wear.
Light treatments of nail fungal infections
Authors: Houang Jessica , Perrone Gabriel , Mawad Damia , Boughton Philip C. , Ruys Andrew J. , Lauto Antonio
Published: December 2017

Nail fungal infections are notoriously persistent and difficult to treat which can lead to severe health impacts, particularly in the immunocompromized. Current antifungal treatments, including systemic and topical drugs, are prolonged and do not effectively provide a complete cure. Severe side effects are also associated with systemic antifungals, such as hepatotoxicity. Light treatments of onychomycosis are an emerging therapy that has localized photodynamic, photothermal or photoablative action. These treatments have shown to be an effective alternative to traditional antifungal remedies with comparable or better cure rates achieved in shorter times and without systemic side effects. This report reviews significant clinical and experimental studies in the field, highlighting mechanisms of action and major effects related to light therapy; in particular, the impact of light on fungal genetics.
Biomimetic electrospun coatings increase the in vivo sensitivity of implantable glucose biosensors
Authors: Burugapalli Krishna , Wijesuriya Shavini , Wang Ning , Song Wenhui
Published: December 2017

In vivo tissue responses and functional efficacy of electrospun membranes based on polyurethane (PU) and gelatin (GE) as biomimetic coatings for implantable glucose biosensors was investigated in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Three electrospun membranes with optimized fiber diameters, pore sizes, and permeability, both single PU and coaxial PU‐GE fibers and a solvent cast PU film were implanted in rats to evaluate tissue responses. For functional efficacy testing, four sensor variants coated with the above mentioned electrospun membranes as mass‐transport limiting and outermost biomimetic coatings were implanted in rats. The electrospun PU membranes had micron sized pores that were not permeable to host cells when implanted in the body. However, PU‐GE coaxial fiber membranes, having similar sized pores, were infiltrated with fibroblasts that deposited collagen in the membrane's pores. Such tissue response prevented the formation of dense fibrous capsule around the sensor coated with the PU‐GE coaxial fiber membranes, which helped improve the in vivo sensitivity for at least 3 weeks compared to the traditional sensors in rat subcutaneous tissue. Furthermore, the better in vitro sensor's sensitivity due to electrospun PU as the mass‐transport limiting membrane translated to better in vivo sensitivity. Thus, this study showed that electrospun membranes can play an important role in realizing long in vivo sensing lifetime of implantable glucose biosensors. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1072–1081, 2018.
Wool‐derived keratin hydrogel enhances implant osseointegration in cancellous bone
Authors: Duncan Warwick J. , Greer Philippa F. C. , Lee Min‐Ho , Loch Carolina , Gay Jennifer H. A.
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study investigated whether a keratin hydrogel derived from wool enhances ossointegration of dental implants, using a cancellous bone model in sheep.

Method

Ten female sheep received one dental implant per hind leg in the distal femoral condyles. Test implants were coated with 1 mL of keratin hydrogel containing sulphonated keratin and hydroxyapatite; control implants remained uncoated; implants were not functionally loaded axially. Biomechanical stability was tested with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at placement and euthanasia. Animals were sacrificed after 4 weeks and resin‐embedded histomorphometry performed.

Findings: Bone appeared denser and more mature around the keratin‐treated test implants. Average % bone–implant contact was significantly increased for the test (58.1 ± 4.6 [SD]%) compared to control implants (34.4 ± 7.5%) (p = 0.01). RFA values were lower for control (76.5 ± 4.2 ISQ) than test implants (80.4 ± 1.4) after 4 weeks (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

the increase in osseointegration found in this model suggests that keratin hydrogel has the potential to enhance the successful osseointegration of dental implants placed into poor quality bone. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2447–2454, 2018.
MicroRNA‐222‐3p associated with Helicobacter pylori targets HIPK2 to promote cell proliferation, invasion, and inhibits apoptosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Tan Xiaoyan , Tang Haiying , Bi Jian , Li Na , Jia Yujie
Published: December 2017

Gastric cancer ranks as the second leading cause of malignancy‐related death worldwide, and always diagnosed at advanced stage. MicroRNA‐222‐3p (miR‐222‐3p) is aberrantly upregulated in various malignant tumors including gastric cancer, but its role and underlying molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer remain largely unknown. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection acts as a trigger in the development of gastric cancer, and increasing evidence suggests that H. pylori affects microRNA expression. In this study, gastric cancer tissue samples were divided into H. pylori positive group (+) and negative group (−). QRT‐PCR showed that miR‐222‐3p was significantly upregulated in H. pylori (+) group compared with H. pylori (−) group, and luciferase reporter assays identified homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) as a novel target of miR‐222‐3p in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemistry revealed that HIPK2 levels were decreased in H. pylori (+) group compared with H. pylori (−). After that, functional experiments indicated that miR‐222‐3p overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis of SGC7901 gastric cancer cells, but miR‐222‐3p knockdown exhibited the opposite effects. Also, HIPK2 knockdown induced similar effects as miR‐222‐3p overexpression in SGC7901 cells. Nude mouse experiments further suggested that HIPK2 overexpression signally attenuated the enhancing effect of miR‐222‐3p overexpression on cell proliferation, indicating that the effect of miR‐222‐3p on gastric cancer progression depends on HIPK2, at least in part. Overall, our results demonstrated that miR‐222‐3p/HIPK2 signal pathway regulated gastric cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, provided a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer infected by H. pylori.
A network meta‐analysis on the short‐term efficacy and adverse events of different anti‐osteoporosis drugs for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Gui‐Feng , Wang Zong‐Qiang , Liu Lin , Zhang Bu‐Tian , Miao Ying‐Ying , Yu Shao‐Nan
Published: December 2017

A network meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the short‐term efficacy and adverse events of different drugs for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), providing a more effective treatment for PMO. We initially searched through various databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from inception till October 2016. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of drugs for the treatment of PMO were included for direct and indirect comparison. A combination of direct and indirect evidence of different inhibitors of anti‐diabetic drugs for treatment of PMO were considered for calculating the weighted mean difference (WMD) value or odd ratio (OR) value and to draw surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves. Twenty‐seven RCTs were ultimately incorporated into this network meta‐analysis comprising of 48 200 patients suffering from PMO. The network meta‐analysis revealed that compared with placebo, alendronate had better efficacy on improving bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. Risedronate and raloxifene had relatively lower incidence of new vertebral fractures. The SUCRA analysis showed that alendronate had better efficacy on improving BMD, risedronate could significantly decrease the incidence of fresh fracture and bazedoxifene was relatively safe. The available evidence suggested that alendronate and risedronate might be the superior choices for the treatment of PMO, while bazedoxifene was a comparatively safer option for patients.
Cigarette smoke and non‐neuronal cholinergic system in the airway epithelium of COPD patients
Authors: Montalbano Angela M. , Di Sano Caterina , Chiappara Giuseppina , Riccobono Loredana , Bonanno Anna , Anzalone Giulia , Vitulo Patrizio , Pipitone Loredana , Gjomarkaj Mark , Pieper Michael P. , Ricciardolo Fabio L. M. , Gagliardo Rosalia P. , Profita Mirella
Published: December 2017

Acetylcholine (ACh), synthesized by Choline Acetyl‐Transferase (ChAT), exerts its physiological effects via mAChRM3 in epithelial cells. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke affects ChAT, ACh, and mAChRM3 expression in the airways from COPD patients promoting airway disease. ChAT, ACh, and mAChRM3 were assessed: “ex vivo” in the epithelium from central and distal airways of COPD patients, Healthy Smoker (S) and Healthy Subjects (C), and “in vitro” in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). In central airways, mAChRM3, ChAT, and ACh immunoreactivity was significantly higher in the epithelium from S and COPD than in C subjects. mAChRM3, ChAT, and ACh score of immunoreactivity was high in the metaplastia area of COPD patients. mAChRM3/ChAT and ACh/ChAT co‐localization of immunoreactivity was observed in the bronchial epithelium from COPD. In vitro, CSE stimulation significantly increased mAChRM3, ChAT, and ACh expression and mAChRM3/ChAT and ACh/ChAT co‐localization in 16HBE and NHBE, and increased 16HBE proliferation. Cigarette smoke modifies the levels of mAChMR3, ChAT expression, and ACh production in bronchial epithelial cells from COPD patients. Non‐neuronal components of cholinergic system may have a role in the mechanism of bronchial epithelial cell proliferation, promoting alteration of normal tissue, and of related pulmonary functions.
MiR‐1290 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells by targeting LHX6
Authors: Yan Lei , Cai Kerui , Sun Kai , Gui Jinqiu , Liang Jun
Published: December 2017

To investigate the interaction of miR‐1290 and LHX6 in gliomas, and their influence on the propagation and metastasis of glioma cells. The differential expression of miR‐1290 in glioma cells was identified by chip screening. The expression level of miR‐1290 and LHX6 were determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. The influence of miR‐1290 on propagation of glioma cells were analyzed by MTT assay, EdU incorporation, and colony formation, while the impact of miR‐1290 on metastasis was assessed by transwell assay. The relationship between LHX6 and miR‐1290 was testified by luciferase reporter assay. The gliomas orthotopic implantation model of nude mice was established to investigate the influence of miR‐1290 and LHX6 on tumor growth. Tumor volumes were evaluated by photon density, and the expression of Ki67 protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. MiR‐1290 presented a higher expression in glioma cells and tissues. MiR‐1290 overexpression significantly promoted propagation and metastasis of glioma cells, while miR‐1290 knockdown inhibited glioma development. MiR‐1290 suppressed LHX6 expression, facilitating development of glioma cells. The orthotopic implantation model showed that miR‐1290 overexpression promoted tumor growth while LHX6 overexpression inhibited it. MiR‐1290 could promote glioma cell propagation and metastasis by inhibiting LHX6.
Differential expression of microRNAs let‐7a, miR‐125b, miR‐100, and miR‐21 and interaction with NF‐kB pathway genes in periodontitis pathogenesis
Authors: Venugopal Priyanka , Koshy Teena , Lavu Vamsi , Ranga Rao Suresh , Ramasamy Selvaraj , Hariharan Samyuktha , Venkatesan Vettriselvi
Published: December 2017

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is caused by destruction of the tissues that surrounds and supports the tooth. Deregulation of microRNAs has been reported to cause several inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune disease, chronic periodontitis, and cancer. In the present study, we have investigated the expression pattern of microRNAs let‐7a, miR‐125b, miR‐100, miR‐21, and RNA‐binding protein LIN‐28A among healthy individuals and chronic periodontitis patients. Total RNA was isolated from gingival tissue samples collected from 100 healthy individuals and 100 chronic periodontitis patients. The expression of microRNAs and LIN‐28 was performed by qPCR. Target prediction for the microRNAs was done using miRWalk and miRTarbase online databases and the experimentally validated targets were analyzed for their molecular function, biological processes, and related pathways using gProfiler software. The expression analysis revealed that let‐7a and miR‐21 were upregulated, whereas, miR‐100, miR‐125b, and LIN‐28 were down regulated. The age dependent expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of all the microRNAs and LIN‐28 were found to increase with age (more than 50 years), thereby suggesting an increased risk to chronic periodontitis. Among the various targets predicted using miRWalk and miRTarbase databases, NFKB was found to be a common target among all the four microRNAs. gProfiler revealed several functions such as NF‐ĸB signaling pathway, cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, osteoclast differentiation, etc., all of which specific to inflammation and periodontitis.
Long TE STEAM and PRESS for estimating fat olefinic/methyl ratios and relative ω‐3 fat content at 3T
Authors: Fallone Clara J. , McKay Ryan T. , Yahya Atiyah
Published: December 2017

Background

Fat olefinic/methyl ratios provide a measure of fat unsaturation. The methyl resonance linewidth is altered with the presence of ω‐3 fat.

Purpose

To optimize stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) and point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) echo times (TE) at 3T to 1) improve olefinic/methyl ratios and 2) enable relative ω‐3 fat content assessment.

Study Type

Technical development on phantoms and healthy volunteers.

Population

Nine edible oils and four healthy volunteers (tibial bone marrow).

Field Strength/Sequence

STEAM (mixing time = 20 msec) and PRESS sequences at 3T. High‐resolution oil spectra at 16.5T.

Assessment

3T STEAM and PRESS olefinic/methyl ratios as a function of TE were compared to 16.5T measures for the oils, and to a literature‐deduced value for tibial bone marrow. Oil methyl linewidths were calculated at each TE to investigate correlation with expected ω‐3 fatty acid content.

Statistical Tests

Percent differences were calculated between oil olefinic/methyl ratios obtained at 3T and 16.5T. Linear regression R2 values measured correlation of methyl linewidth to ω‐3 content.

Results

STEAM, TE = 120 msec, resulted in average oil olefinic/methyl ratios that differ by about –4.8% compared to high‐resolution ratios. Tibial bone marrow olefinic/methyl ratios differ by –1.8% compared with literature‐obtained ratios. PRESS, TE = 180 msec, resulted in oil ratios that differ by 7.8% and tibial bone marrow ratios that differ by 0.2%. A TE of 160 msec for both STEAM and PRESS enabled relative levels of oil ω‐3 fatty acid content to be estimated (R2 values ≥0.9).

Data Conclusion

STEAM, TE = 120 msec (mixing time = 20 msec), and PRESS, TE = 180 msec, optimally estimated olefinic/methyl ratios. STEAM and PRESS, TE = 160 msec, enable relative oil ω‐3 fatty acid estimation from methyl linewidths.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Acute bronchiolitis: Influence of viral co‐infection in infants hospitalized over 12 consecutive epidemic seasons
Authors: Petrarca Laura , Nenna Raffaella , Frassanito Antonella , Pierangeli Alessandra , Leonardi Salvatore , Scagnolari Carolina , Antonelli Guido , Papoff Paola , Moretti Corrado , Midulla Fabio
Published: December 2017

Bronchiolitis is the first lower respiratory tract viral infection manifesting in infants younger than 12 months of age. Our aim was to evaluate clinical and serological differences in infants with bronchiolitis from a single or from multiple viruses. Our secondary aim was to investigate differences in recurrent wheezing episodes after 12‐24‐36 months of follow‐up. We reviewed the clinical records for 486 full‐term infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis with at least one virus detected in the nasopharyngeal aspirate. In 431 (88.7%) patients one virus was detected and in 55 (11.3%) infants more than one virus was found. No differences were observed in the length of hospitalization, clinical severity score, O2 supplementation or admission to the intensive care unit. Single virus was associated with higher serum C‐reactive protein (C‐RP) than infants with multiple viruses and higher blood neutrophil counts. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently detected virus. RSV alone was associated with higher C‐RP (P = 0.007), compared to RSV coinfection. Infants with human rhinovirus (hRV) alone had higher white blood cell counts, higher blood neutrophils, and higher serum C‐RP levels than hRV co‐infection (P = 0.029, P = 0.008, P = 0.008). RSV + hRV, the most frequent co‐infection, was associated with lower neutrophil count and lower C‐RP levels (P = 0.008, P = 0.016) and less fever (P = 0.012), when comparing RSV versus hRV versus RSV + hRV. No differences were found in the frequency of recurrent wheezing between single versus multiple viruses after bronchiolitis. Our findings suggest that in infants with bronchiolitis multiple viral co‐infections can occur, without influence in the clinical severity of the disease. Infants with co‐infection seems to mount a lower inflammatory response.
Canine hip dysplasia: A natural animal model for human developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia , Guilak Farshid , Rai M. Farooq , Harris Michael D. , Lopez Mandi J. , Todhunter Rory J. , Clohisy John C.
Published: December 2017

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in humans is a common condition that is associated with hip pain, functional limitations, and secondary osteoarthritis (OA). Surgical treatment of DDH has improved in the last decade, allowing excellent outcomes at short‐ and mid‐term follow‐up. Still, the etiology, mechanobiology, and pathology underlying this disease are not well understood. A pre‐clinical animal model of DDH could help advance the field with a deeper understanding of specific pathways that initiate hip joint degeneration secondary to abnormal biomechanics. An animal model would also facilitate different interventional treatments that could be tested in a rigorous and controlled environment. The dog model exhibits several important characteristics that make it valuable as a pre‐clinical animal model for human DDH. Dogs are naturally prone to develop canine hip dysplasia (CHD), which is treated in a similar manner as in humans. Comparable to human DDH, CHD is considered a pre‐OA disease; if left untreated it will progress to OA. However, progression to OA is significantly faster in dogs than humans, with progression to OA within 1–2 years of age, associated with their shorter life span compared to humans. Animal studies could potentially reveal the underlying biochemical pathway(s), which can inform refined treatment modalities and provide opportunities for new treatment and prevention targets. Herein, we review the similarities and differences between the two species and outline the argument supporting CHD as an appropriate pre‐clinical model of human DDH. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1807–1817, 2018.
RNA sequencing identifies gene regulatory networks controlling extracellular matrix synthesis in intervertebral disk tissues
Authors: Riester Scott M. , Lin Yang , Wang Wei , Cong Lin , Mohamed Ali Abdel‐Moneim , Peck Sun H. , Smith Lachlan J. , Currier Bradford L. , Clark Michelle , Huddleston Paul , Krauss William , Yaszemski Michael J. , Morrey Mark E. , Abdel Matthew P. , Bydon Mohamad , Qu Wenchun , Larson Annalise N. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Nassr Ahmad
Published: December 2017

Degenerative disk disease of the spine is a major cause of back pain and disability. Optimization of regenerative medical therapies for degenerative disk disease requires a deep mechanistic understanding of the factors controlling the structural integrity of spinal tissues. In this investigation, we sought to identify candidate regulatory genes controlling extracellular matrix synthesis in spinal tissues. To achieve this goal we performed high throughput next generation RNA sequencing on 39 annulus fibrosus and 21 nucleus pulposus human tissue samples. Specimens were collected from patients undergoing surgical discectomy for the treatment of degenerative disk disease. Our studies identified associations between extracellular matrix genes, growth factors, and other important regulatory molecules. The fibrous matrix characteristic of annulus fibrosus was associated with expression of the growth factors platelet derived growth factor beta (PDGFB), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9). Additionally we observed high expression of multiple signaling proteins involved in the NOTCH and WNT signaling cascades. Nucleus pulposus extracellular matrix related genes were associated with the expression of numerous diffusible growth factors largely associated with the transforming growth signaling cascade, including transforming factor alpha (TGFA), inhibin alpha (INHA), inhibin beta A (INHBA), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP6), and others. Clinical significance: this investigation provides important data on extracellular matrix gene regulatory networks in disk tissues. This information can be used to optimize pharmacologic, stem cell, and tissue engineering strategies for regeneration of the intervertebral disk and the treatment of back pain. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1356–1369, 2018.
Sea ice, ice‐rafting, and ocean climate across Denmark Strait during rapid deglaciation (∼16–12 cal ka BP) of the Iceland and East Greenland shelves
Authors: Andrews J. T. , Cabedo‐Sanz P. , Jennings A. E. , Ólafsdóttir S. , Belt S. T. , Geirsdóttir Á.
Published: December 2017

A suite of cores from the North‐West Iceland and East Greenland shelves sampled fossiliferous or unfossiliferous basal glacial diamictons. Radiocarbon dates above the diamictons are similar on both shelves, but the value of the ocean reservoir correction, ΔR, is unknown. Deglaciation occurred either ∼16 or 14 cal ka BP depending on the choice of ΔR. The ice sheets were behind the present coastline by 12.2 cal ka BP. We examine seven cores that record the glacial/deglacial transition and present new data on the sea‐ice biomarkers IP25 and C25:2 from four of the cores plus data on ice‐rafted debris counts, grain‐size spectra, δ18O on the near‐surface planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (s), foraminifera assemblages, and quartz percentage. IP25 concentrations are markedly higher for the East Greenland sites, while they are frequently below the limit of quantification off Iceland, observations that parallel the wt% quartz in the sediments. The δ18O N. pachyderma (s) data show a strong gradient across Denmark Strait with lighter δ18O values towards the East Greenland shelf indicative of a large freshwater flux. The presence of the chilled Atlantic Water benthic foraminifera, Cassidulina neoteretis indicates that rapid ice sheet retreat was associated with ocean forcing, combined with other factors.
Immunohistologic analysis of spontaneous recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation in a rat model
Authors: Rosko Andrew J. , Kupfer Robbi A. , Oh Sang S. , Haring Catherine T. , Feldman Eva L. , Hogikyan Norman D.
Published: December 2017

Objective

After recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLN), spontaneous reinnervation of the larynx occurs with input from multiple sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the timing and efficiency of reinnervation across a resected RLN segment in a rat model of RLN injury.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Twelve male 60‐day‐old Sprague Dawley rats underwent resection of a 5‐mm segment of the right RLN. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after nerve injury to harvest the larynx and trachea for immunohistologic analysis. The distal RLN segment was stained with neurofilament, and axons were counted and compared to the nonoperated side. Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles were stained with alpha‐bungarotoxin, synaptophysin, and neurofilament to identify intact neuromuscular junctions (NMJ). The number of intact NMJs from the denervated side was compared to the nonoperated side.

Results

Nerve fibers regenerated across the resected RLN gap into the distal recurrent laryngeal nerve to innervate the TA muscle. The number of nerve fibers in the distal nerve segment increased over time and reached the normal number by 12 weeks postdenervation. Axons formed intact neuromuscular junctions in the TA, with 48.8% ± 16.7% of the normal number of intact NMJs at 4 weeks and 88.3% ± 30.1% of the normal number by 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Following resection of an RLN segment in a rat model, nerve fibers spontaneously regenerate through the distal segment of the transected nerve and form intact NMJs in order to reinnervate the TA muscle.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E117–E122, 2018
When Maxillary Sinusitis Does Not Heal: Findings on CBCT Scans of the Sinuses With a Particular Focus on the Occurrence of Odontogenic Causes of Maxillary Sinusitis
Authors: Vestin Fredriksson Malin , Öhman Anders , Flygare Lennart , Tano Krister
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the proportion of patients with suspected sinusitis referred for radiological examination who have radiologically verified sinusitis of odontogenic origin and to describe this type of sinusitis.

Study Design

This investigation is a retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 303 sinus examinations involving cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed at Sunderby Hospital, Luleå, Sweden in 2012 were independently reviewed by two radiologists. The number of cases of maxillary sinusitis and the correlation between maxillary sinusitis and odontogenic infections were determined.

Results

Overall, 24% of the verified cases of sinusitis were odontogenic. An odontogenic origin was identified in 40% of unilateral maxillary sinusitis cases but only 6% of bilateral maxillary sinusitis cases (p = 0.0015). Forty‐nine out of 54 patients with periapical destruction had adjacent mucosal swelling in the maxillary sinus, but only 15 of these patients satisfied the criteria for sinusitis.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the close relationship between odontogenic infections and unilateral maxillary sinusitis.

Level of Evidence 4
Mass spectrometry for protein sialoglycosylation
Authors: Zhang Qiwei , Li Zack , Wang Yawei , Zheng Qi , Li Jianjun
Published: December 2017

Sialic acids are a family of structurally unique and negatively charged nine‐carbon sugars, normally found at the terminal positions of glycan chains on glycoproteins and glycolipids. The glycosylation of proteins is a universal post‐translational modification in eukaryotic species and regulates essential biological functions, in which the most common sialic acid is N‐acetyl‐neuraminic acid (2‐keto‐5‐acetamido‐3,5‐dideoxy‐D‐glycero‐D‐galactononulopyranos‐1‐onic acid) (Neu5NAc). Because of the properties of sialic acids under general mass spectrometry (MS) conditions, such as instability, ionization discrimination, and mixed adducts, the use of MS in the analysis of protein sialoglycosylation is still challenging. The present review is focused on the application of MS related methodologies to the study of both N‐ and O‐linked sialoglycans. We reviewed MS‐based strategies for characterizing sialylation by analyzing intact glycoproteins, proteolytic digested glycopeptides, and released glycans. The review concludes with future perspectives in the field.
Arachidonic Acid in the Diet of Captive Yellowtail and Its Effects on Egg Quality
Authors: Stuart Kevin , Johnson Ron , Armbruster Lisa , Drawbridge Mark
Published: December 2017

Marine finfish require long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for normal physiological function, and because these LC-PUFAs cannot be synthesized by the fish, they must be obtained from the diet. Three LC-PUFAs—arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4[n-6]), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5[n-3]), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6[n-3])—are especially important for growth and development of marine fish embryos and larvae. We supplemented ARA in the diet of Yellowtail Seriola dorsalis to determine whether ARA levels have an effect on egg and larval quality. Two experimental diets were offered to replicate groups of Yellowtail held in 10-m3 tanks under ambient water temperature and photoperiod conditions. The reference diet (REF-D; 1.4 g of ARA per 100 g of total fatty acids) was a commercial premix (BioVita Starter Mash; Bio-Oregon) without ARA supplementation; the ARA diet (ARA-D; 4.7 g/100 g total fatty acids) was the commercial premix with 1.0% concentrated ARA oil (40% ARA, weight/weight) added. Fish in the REF-D treatment spawned 53 times during the spawning season for a total of 18.0 million eggs. Fish in the ARA-D treatment tanks spawned 30 times during the spawning season for a total of 13.0 million eggs. Viability, hatch rates, and egg diameter were all significantly higher in the ARA-D treatment. Fatty acid analysis of the diets showed a significant increase in ARA in the ARA-D diet, and that same increase was seen in the resulting eggs. Correspondingly, ARA-D eggs had a lower EPA : ARA ratio than REF-D eggs. The supplementation of ARA generated increases in key performance indices, which might have biological significance in a production setting. We additionally demonstrated that Yellowtail will spawn without hormone induction in small (10-m3) breeding tanks, which facilitates manipulative studies of broodstock nutrition as reported here. These data represent an excellent starting point for dietary refinements in the future.
Photo‐oxidation and biodegradation of polyethylene films containing polyethylene glycol modified TiO2 as pro‐oxidant additives
Authors: Xu Jiezhen , Yang Wei , Zhang Chaoqun , Dong Xianming , Luo Ying
Published: December 2017

Nano‐TiO2 particles were modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and used as pro‐oxidant additives for degradable low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The photo‐oxidation and biodegradation of polyethylene films containing modified nano‐TiO2 particles were examined by exposure to UV irradiation for 370 hr followed by their incubation with mature compost and fungal strains isolated from soil. It is found that films with pro‐oxidant additives showed an obvious decrease in molar mass, molecular weight, and mechanical properties and an increase in their carbonyl index during the photo‐oxidation. In addition, the degradation rate under UV irradiation could be controlled by an addition of small amount of hindered amine light stabilizer. Furthermore, a profuse growth and colonization of fungal mycelia and spores on the photo‐oxidized TiO2/PEG/LDPE composite films were observed while no colonization of fungal mycelia on the photo‐oxidized LDPE films and photo‐oxidized TiO2/LDPE composite films. The hydrophilic modification of TiO2 by PEG facilitates the photo‐oxidation LDPE into small molecular weight residues which was easily consumed by fungal mycelia, leading to enhanced biodegradation. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E531–E539, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Super Toughening, Strengthening, and Antimicrobial Behaviors of Cyclic Olefinic Copolymer/Few Layer Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Saleem Muqadas , Khan Ahmad Nawaz , Abbas Shah Rukh , Saboor Abdul
Published: December 2017

High stiffness, strength, super toughness along with fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties of cyclic olefinic copolymer (COC)/few layer graphene (FLG) nanocomposites have been demonstrated. At lower concentrations (≤0.5 wt%), FLG is dispersed well in the COC matrix while agglomeration occurs at higher concentration (≥0.5 wt%) as revealed by x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Both, strengthening and super toughening behaviors are exhibited by the COC/FLG nanocomposites. For instance, the tensile strength, modulus, and toughness of COC/FLG nanocomposites are enhanced ∼160%, 83%, and one order of magnitude, respectively. Such reinforcement and super toughening mechanisms are pertaining to the effective dissipation of loads across polymer/filler interfaces owing to their good interfacial interactions. Thereby, delays the process of crack growth by avoiding the generation of stress concentration sites. Moreover, antimicrobial properties of COC/FLG nanocomposites are also improved. As compared with neat COC, the nanocomposite system inhibits both bacterial and fungal growth under the area of the film, displaying bacteriostatic as well as fungistatic characteristics. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:536–543, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers