bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Care in Anorexia Nervosa Through Guidance Online from Peer and Carer Expertise (TRIANGLE): Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Cardi Valentina , Ambwani Suman , Robinson Emily , Albano Gaia , MacDonald Pamela , Aya Viviana , Rowlands Katie , Todd Gill , Schmidt Ulrike , Landau Sabine , Arcelus Jon , Beecham Jennifer , Treasure Janet
Published: September 2017

TRIANGLE is a multicentre trial investigating whether the addition of a novel intervention for patients and carers (ECHOMANTRA) to treatment as usual (TAU) improves outcomes for people with anorexia nervosa (AN). ECHOMANTRA is based on the cognitive interpersonal model of AN and includes assessments, workbooks, videos, online groups and joint Skype sessions for patients and carers. People receiving intensive hospital treatment (N = 380) will be randomised to TAU or TAU plus ECHOMANTRA. Participants will be assessed over an 18‐month period following randomisation. The primary outcome is patient psychological well‐being at 12 months postrandomisation. Secondary outcomes include (i) patient's weight, eating disorder symptoms, motivation to change, quality of life and number of days in hospital at 12 months postrandomisation and (ii) carer's psychological well‐being, burden and skills at 12 months (some outcomes will be assessed at 18 months postrandomisation). The results from this trial will establish the effectiveness of ECHOMANTRA.

Trial registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN14644379, 08/12/2016. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Use of fecal and sawdust biochar as a new perfume delivery system
Authors: Starkenmann Christian , Niclass Yvan , Beaussoubre Pascal , Zimmermann Janina , Cayeux Isabelle , Chappuis Charles Jean‐François , Fieber Wolfgang
Published: September 2017

Human fecal matter mixed with pine sawdust was heated at 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, or 650°C in the absence of oxygen to generate black solid residues called biochars. These biochars were subsequently evaluated as a perfume delivery system for air care. The performance of biochar was compared to that of cellulosic material, which is commonly used for the release of perfume into the air, and to that of active charcoal, which is used for air purification. A perfume model system consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, and terpenes was loaded onto these solid materials. Results showed that the cellulosic material had a good release profile, but that the aldehydes oxidized to some extent, which generates a rancid smell if no antioxidant is added. On the other hand, active charcoal strongly absorbed all volatiles such that no perfume release occurred and no smell was perceived. The biochar heated at 200°C showed good release performance (long lasting) but some fecal off‐notes remained in the background. Biochar prepared at 300°C was the best material as a compromise between the release profile and the energy needed to produce the material. The goal of this work was to add value to biochar and in so doing empower toilet innovators, aid the circular economy, and propose a sustainable solution for malodor control.
Effects of olfactory stimulation with scents of grapefruit and lavender essential oils on the skeletal muscle sympathetic nerve and muscle blood flow in rats
Authors: Nagai Katsuya , Horii Yuko , Fujisaki Yoshiyuki , Fuyuki Risa , Misonou Yoshiko
Published: September 2017

We have previously observed that olfactory stimulation with scents of grapefruit and lavender oils have opposing effects on autonomic neurotransmission and physiological phenomena in rats. Since the suppression and facilitation of activity of the sympathetic nerves innervating the skeletal muscles decreases and increases the skeletal muscle blood flow (skeletal muscle‐BF), respectively, the effects of olfactory stimulation with scent of a grapefruit essential oil (SGFO) and scent of a lavender essential oil (SLVO) on skeletal muscle sympathetic nerve activity (skeletal muscle‐SNA) and skeletal muscle‐BF were examined. SGFO reduced, and SLVO elevated skeletal muscle‐SNA and skeletal muscle‐BF, respectively. Furthermore, 1) anosmic treatment with ZnSO4 eliminated the changes in skeletal muscle‐SNA due to SGFO and SLVO, 2) diphenhydramine, a histamine H1‐antagonist, eliminated the SGFO‐induced suppression of skeletal muscle‐SNA, and thioperamide, a histamine H3‐antagonist, abolished the SLVO‐induced enhancement of skeletal muscle‐SNA, and 3) butoxamine, an adrenergic β2‐antagonist, blocked the SLVO‐induced increase in skeletal muscle‐BF. These findings suggest that olfactory stimulation with SGFO reduces, and SLVO enhances, skeletal muscle‐BF via these autonomic changes. In addition, the histamine H1‐receptor was found to be involved in the SGFO‐induced suppression of skeletal muscle‐SNA, the H3‐receptor was shown to be concerned to the SLVO‐induced enhancement of skeletal muscle‐SNA, and the adrenergic β2‐receptor was indicated to be implicated in the SLVO‐induced increase in skeletal muscle‐BF via an increase in skeletal muscle‐SNA. These findings suggest that SGFO may suppress, and SLVO may enhance, the muscle recovery from muscle fatigue and the growth of muscles, via changes in autonomic neurotransmission.
Pulling in different directions? Exploring the relationship between vertical pay dispersion and high‐performance work systems
Authors: Messersmith Jake G. , Kim Kyoung Yong , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: September 2017

Vertical pay dispersion (VPD), a hierarchical pay structure used to motivate employees, has traditionally been studied separately from high‐performance work systems (HPWSs). As a component of HPWSs, incentive‐based compensation schemes focus on employee‐ or team‐level incentives. However, the influence of the simultaneous utilization of VPD and HPWS on performance remains understudied. This study addresses the question of whether these approaches to managing human capital serve as complements or substitutes to one another. VPD and HPWS are argued to substitute for one another with respect to motivation‐ and skill‐enhancing practices. The opposite notion is true in regard to opportunity‐enhancing HPWSs, which serve to amplify the effectiveness of VPD. In a multisource, longitudinal sample of South Korean firms, the hypothesized predictions are supported.
Using workforce analytics to improve strategy execution
Authors: Levenson Alec
Published: September 2017

In this article, I introduce an approach to conducting workforce analytics that is designed to improve strategy execution and organizational effectiveness through the application of systems diagnostics. What differentiates the approach are two analytic steps that precede the analyses that are typical of workforce analytics today: competitive advantage analytics and enterprise analytics. Conducting these two additional steps enables the analyst to identify the critical business issues that are the biggest problems for senior business leaders, and to determine if structural issues coming from the organization design and culture are at play. First conducting those analyses best enables traditional workforce analytics to provide insights the organization's leadership views as truly valuable.
Maternal residential pesticide use during pregnancy and risk of malignant childhood brain tumors: A pooled analysis of the ESCALE and ESTELLE studies (SFCE)
Authors: Vidart d'Egurbide Bagazgoïtia Nicolas , Bailey Helen D. , Orsi Laurent , Lacour Brigitte , Guerrini‐Rousseau Léa , Bertozzi Anne‐Isabelle , Leblond Pierre , Faure‐Conter Cécile , Pellier Isabelle , Freycon Claire , Doz François , Puget Stéphanie , Ducassou Stéphane , Clavel Jacqueline
Published: September 2017

Some previous epidemiological studies have suggested that pesticide exposure during pregnancy may have a possible role in the development of childhood brain tumors (CBT). We pooled data from two French national population‐based, case–control studies to investigate the association between maternal residential use of pesticides during pregnancy and the risk of CBT. The mothers of 437 CBT cases and 3,102 controls aged under 15 years who resided in France at diagnosis/interview, frequency‐matched by age and gender, answered a structured telephone interview conducted by trained interviewers. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). CBT was significantly associated with the maternal home use of pesticides during pregnancy (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.8) and, more specifically, with insecticide (OR 1.4, 1.2–1.8). We could not draw any conclusions about herbicides and/or fungicides because few women used them during pregnancy and most of these mothers also used insecticides. Although potential recall bias cannot be excluded, our findings of this pooled analysis support the hypothesis that residential maternal use of pesticides during pregnancy and particularly insecticides may increase the risk of CBT. Future investigations to verify these findings and to explore for CBT subtypes and dose–response are necessary to have a better understanding of the possible role of pesticides in etiology of CBT.
Hand‐spinning chrysotile exposure and risk of malignant mesothelioma: A case–control study in Southeastern China
Authors: Jiang Zhaoqiang , Chen Tianhui , Chen Junqiang , Ying Shibo , Gao Zhibin , He Xianglei , Miao Chao , Yu Min , Feng Lingfang , Xia Hailing , Wu Wei , Chen Riping , Morinaga Kenji , Lou Jianlin , Zhang Xing
Published: September 2017

While chrysotile has been commonly used by Chinese textile industry for many years, investigations on the association of chrysotile exposure with risk of mesothelioma in China are scarce. We conducted a case–control study in a county located at Southeastern China, including 46 cases and 230 individually matched controls. A semi‐quantitative method based on experts' assessment was used for evaluating hand‐spinning chrysotile exposure. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the association of asbestos exposure with risk of mesothelioma. We found that hand‐spinning chrysotile exposure was associated with significantly elevated risk of mesothelioma, reaching OR =10 (95% CIs: 1.4–65) for possible exposure and 64 (12–328) for definite exposure. Our data suggested a dose–response relationship of chrysotile exposure duration with risk of mesothelioma, reaching 28 (6–134) for <6 years, 51 (11–247) for 7–17 years and 56 (9–351) for ≥18 years. A dose–response relationship of cumulative exposure index (CEI) with risk of mesothelioma was found, reaching 28 (6–137) for CEI at 0–0.5 fibers per milliliter years (f/mL‐year), 36 (7–184) for CEI at 0.5–28.6 f/mL‐years and 79 (14–451) for CEI > 28.6 f/mL‐years. We found a dose–response relationship of chrysotile exposure duration and CEI with risk of mesothelioma in Southeastern China, adding valuable information on health hazards of chrysotile exposure in China where chrysotile is still used nationwide.
Allopurinol suppresses expression of the regulatory T‐cell migration factors TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 in HaCaT keratinocytes via restriction of nuclear factor‐κB activation
Authors: Osabe Makoto , Tajika Toshiyuki , Tohkin Masahiro
Published: September 2017

Recent studies have shown that sparse distribution of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the skin might be involved in the onset of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Treg migration toward epithelial cells is regulated by certain chemokines, including TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22. In this study, we analyzed the effect of allopurinol (APN), a drug known to cause severe adverse reactions, on the expression of factors affecting Treg migration and the mechanisms involved. APN inhibited the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐ and interferon (IFN)‐γ‐associated expression of TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 mRNA in HaCaT cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Consistent with this, APN also suppressed TNF‐α‐ and IFN‐γ‐induced production of TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 proteins and the migration of C‐C chemokine receptor type 4‐positive cells. Activity of the transcription factors NF‐κB and STAT1, which are involved in TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 expression, was also investigated. APN inhibited activation of NF‐κB, but not that of STAT1. Furthermore, it restricted p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that APN inhibits TNF‐α‐ and IFN‐γ‐induced TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 production through downregulation of p38 MAPK and NF‐κB signaling, resulting in the sparse distribution of Tregs in the skin of patients with APN‐associated Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Preventive effects of fructose and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine against cytotoxicity induced by the psychoactive compounds N‐methyl‐5‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran and 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methamphetamine in isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshio , Suzuki Toshinari , Inomata Akiko
Published: September 2017

Psychoactive compounds, N‐methyl‐5‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (5‐MAPB) and 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methamphetamine (MDMA), are known to be hepatotoxic in humans and/or experimental animals. As previous studies suggested that these compounds elicited cytotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and/or oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes, the protective effects of fructose and N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) on 5‐MAPB‐ and MDMA‐induced toxicity were studied in rat hepatocytes. These drugs caused not only concentration‐dependent (0–4 mm) and time‐dependent (0–3 hours) cell death accompanied by the depletion of cellular levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (reduced form; GSH) but also an increase in the oxidized form of GSH. The toxic effects of 5‐MAPB were greater than those of MDMA. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with either fructose at a concentration of 10 mm or NAC at a concentration of 2.5 mm prevented 5‐MAPB−/MDMA‐induced cytotoxicity. In addition, the exposure of hepatocytes to 5‐MAPB/MDMA caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, although the preventive effect of fructose was weaker than that of NAC. These results suggest that: (1) 5‐MAPB−/MDMA‐induced cytotoxicity is linked to mitochondrial failure and depletion of cellular GSH; (2) insufficient cellular ATP levels derived from mitochondrial dysfunction were ameliorated, at least in part, by the addition of fructose; and (3) GSH loss via oxidative stress was prevented by NAC. Taken collectively, these results indicate that the onset of toxic effects caused by 5‐MAPB/MDMA may be partially attributable to cellular energy stress as well as oxidative stress.
Adaptive‐numerical‐bias metadynamics
Authors: Khanjari Neda , Eslami Hossein , Müller‐Plathe Florian
Published: September 2017

A metadynamics scheme is presented in which the free energy surface is filled with progressively adding adaptive biasing potentials, obtained from the accumulated probability distribution of the collective variables. Instead of adding Gaussians with assigned height and width in conventional metadynamics method, here we add a more realistic adaptive biasing potential to the Hamiltonian of the system. The shape of the adaptive biasing potential is adjusted on the fly by sampling over the visited states. As the top of the barrier is approached, the biasing potentials become wider. This decreases the problem of trapping the system in the niches, introduced by the addition of Gaussians of fixed height in metadynamics. Our results for the free energy profiles of three test systems show that this method is more accurate and converges more quickly than the conventional metadynamics, and is quite comparable (in accuracy and convergence rate) with the well‐tempered metadynamics method. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen‐ and Halogen‐Bonds between Ions of like Charges: Are They Anti‐Electrostatic in Nature?
Authors: Wang Changwei , Fu Yuzhuang , Zhang Lina , Danovich David , Shaik Sason , Mo Yirong
Published: September 2017

Recent theoretical studies suggested that hydrogen bonds between ions of like charges are of a covalent nature due to the dominatingnD→σ*H‐Acharge‐transfer (CT) interaction. In this work, energy profiles of typical hydrogen (H) and halogen (X) bonding systems formed from ions of like charges are explored using the block‐localized wavefunction (BLW) method, which can derive optimal geometries and wave functions with the CT interaction “turned off.” The results demonstrate that the kinetic stability, albeit reduced, is maintained for most investigated systems even after the intermolecular CT interaction is quenched. Further energy decomposition analyses based on the BLW method reveal that, despite a net repulsive Coulomb repulsion, a stabilizing component exists due to the polarization effect that plays significant role in the kinetic stability of all systems. Moreover, the fingerprints of the augmented electrostatic interaction due to polarization are apparent in the variation patterns of the electron density. All in all, much like in standard H‐ and X‐bonds, the stability of such bonds between ions of like charges is governed by the competition between the stabilizing electrostatic and charge transfer interactions and the destabilizing deformation energy and Pauli exchange repulsion. While in most cases of “anti‐electrostatic” bonds the CT interaction is of a secondary importance, we also find cases where CT is decisive. As such, this work validates the existence of anti‐electrostatic H‐ and X‐bonds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of GPIa and COX‐2 gene polymorphism with aspirin resistance
Authors: Wang Hui , Sun Xiaoxin , Dong Wanli , Cai Xiuying , Zhou Yun , Zhang Youtao , Jiang Weijian , Fang Qi
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between GPIa, COX‐2 gene polymorphisms and aspirin resistance in the ischemic stroke patients from the southern part of Jiangsu province.

Methods

In all, 97 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study. GPIa gene polymorphism at 807C>T (rsl126643) locus and COX‐2 gene polymorphism at ‐765G>C (rs20417) locus were genotyped by PCR pyrosequencing technology. Patients were divided into the aspirin sensitivity (AS) group and aspirin resistance (AR) group according to the platelet aggregation rate. The relationship between the two gene polymorphisms and aspirin resistance was investigated and analyzed.

Results

The distribution of the genotype (CC, CT, TT, CT + TT, and CC) and the frequency of allele T of GPIa gene at 807C>T locus were significantly different in AS and AR groups in female patients (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the genotype of CT+TT at 807C>T locus was significantly correlated with AR after adjustment for relative factors (P = .047, OR = 4.856, 95% CI: 1.020–23.108). There were no significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequency of the COX‐2 gene ‐765G>C site between two groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

GPIa gene polymorphism at 807C>T locus was associated with AR in Chinese Han females, and the expression of allele T increased the incidence of AR. The gene polymorphism of COX‐2 gene at ‐765G>C locus was not significantly correlated with AR.
Circulating cell‐free high mobility group AT‐hook 2 mRNA as a detection marker in the serum of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Sahengbieke Sana , Wang Jian , Li Xiangwei , Wang Yuhong , Lai Maode , Wu Jingjing
Published: September 2017

Background

Detection of circulating cell‐free mRNA serves as noninvasive tools for cancer diagnosis. As an oncofetal protein, HMGA2 (high mobility group AT‐hook 2) is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. However, it is not clear whether the increased levels of circulating cell‐free HMGA2 mRNA functions as potential biomarkers for improved diagnosis of CRC.

Methods

To assess its clinical significance in diagnosis and prediction, we evaluated serum levels of circulating HMGA2 mRNA in CRC patients and in healthy controls. In this study, 83 CRC patients and 11 normal controls were enrolled in this study. We used real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR to evaluate the plasma mRNA levels of HMGA2 and analyze the correlation between their expression and clinicopathologic characteristics.

Results

We found that the levels of HMGA2 mRNA were significantly higher in CRC patients compared with healthy volunteers. The patients with right‐sided CRC, colon cancer, positive nerve infiltration, positive vascular invasion, negative microsatellite instability (MSI), and increasing in serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 199 had higher levels of plasma HMGA2 mRNA. A strong positive correlation between circulating cell‐free HMGA2 mRNA and CA199 level in serum was found in our study. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that levels of HMGA2 mRNA in plasma and in tumors were strictly correlated.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data suggested that cell‐free HMGA2 mRNA in plasma might function as a novel diagnostic marker for CRC.
Automated cGMP‐compliant radiosynthesis of [18F]‐(E)‐PSS232 for brain PET imaging of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5
Authors: Park Jun Young , Son Jeongmin , Yun Mijin , Ametamey Simon M. , Chun Joong‐Hyun
Published: September 2017

(E)‐3‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl ethynyl)cyclohex‐2‐enone O‐(3‐(2‐[18F]‐fluoroethoxy)propyl) oxime ([18F]‐(E)‐PSS232, [18F]2a) is a recently developed radiotracer that can be used to visualize metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) in vivo. The mGlu5 has become an attractive therapeutic and diagnostic target owing to its role in many neuropsychiatric disorders. Several carbon‐11‐labeled and fluorine‐18‐labeled radiotracers have been developed to measure mGlu5 receptor occupancy in the human brain. The radiotracer [18F]2a, which is used as an analogue for [11C]ABP688 ([11C]1) and has a longer physical half‐life, is a selective radiotracer that exhibits high binding affinity for mGlu5. Herein, we report the fully automated radiosynthesis of [18F]2a using a commercial GE TRACERlab™ FX‐FN synthesizer for routine production and distribution to nearby satellite clinics. Nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding mesylate precursor with cyclotron‐produced [18F]fluoride ion at 100°C in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification and formulation, readily provided [18F]2a with a radiochemical yield of 40 ± 2% (decay corrected, n = 5) at the end of synthesis. Radiochemical purity for the [18F]‐(E)‐conformer was greater than 95%. Molar activity was determined to be 63.6 ± 9.6 GBq/μmol (n = 5), and the overall synthesis time was 70 minutes.
A potential link between lateral semicircular canal orientation, head posture, and dietary habits in extant rhinos (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae)
Authors: Schellhorn Rico
Published: September 2017

Extant rhinoceroses share the characteristic nasal horn, although the number and size of horns varies among the five species. Although all species are herbivores, their dietary preferences, occipital shapes, and common head postures vary. Traditionally, to predict the “usual” head posture (the most used head posture of animals during normal unstressed activities, i.e., standing) of rhinos, the occipital shape was used. While a backward inclined occiput implies a downward hanging head (often found in grazers), a forward inclined occiput is related to the horizontal head posture in browsing rhinos. In this study, the lateral semicircular canal (LSC) of the bony labyrinth was virtually reconstructed from µCT‐images in order to investigate a possible link between LSC orientation and head posture in extant rhinoceroses. The usual head posture was formerly reconstructed for several non‐rhinoceros taxa with the assumption that the LSC of the inner ear is held horizontal (parallel to the ground) during normal activity of the living animal. The current analysis of the LSC orientation resulted in a downward inclined usual head posture for the grazing white rhinoceros and a nearly horizontal head posture in the browsing Javan rhinoceros. The other three browsing or mixed feeding species show subhorizontal (closer to horizontal than a downgrade inclination) head postures. The results show that anatomical and behavioral aspects, like occipital shape, presence and size of horns/tusk‐like lower incisors, as well as feeding and feeding height preferences influence the usual head posture. Because quantitative behavioral data are lacking for the usual head postures of the extant rhinos, the here described relationship between the LSC orientation and the resulting head posture linked to feeding preferences gives new insights. The results show, that the inner ear provides additional information to interpret usual head postures linked to feeding preferences that can easily be adapted to fossil rhinoceroses.
Diversity of sediment‐associated Planctomycetes in the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Jasmin Chekidhenkuzhiyil , Anas Abdulaziz , Tharakan Balu , Jaleel Abdul , Puthiyaveettil Vipindas , Narayanane Saravanane , Lincy Jovitha , Nair Shanta
Published: September 2017

We examined the diversity of Planctomycetes in the sediment sample collected from an oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the southeast Arabian Sea. A 16SrRNA gene library was constructed using the forward primer specific for Planctomycetes and a universal reverse primer. The 237 sequences obtained were grouped into 130 operational taxonomic units, and the majority of them were clustered with phylum Planctomycetes (45.0%) and unclassified bacteria (27.0%). There were sequences that clustered with distantly separated monophyletic groups such as Latescibacteria (9%), Actinobacteria (6%), Proteobacteria (5%), and others (8%). Among Planctomycetes, 55.7% belonged to family Planctomycetaceae, followed by unclassified Planctomycetes (25.0%) and family candidatus Brocadiaceae (19.2%). The family Planctomycetaceae included the genera Blastopirellula (11.5%), Rhodopirellula (3.8%), and a large number unclassified Planctomycetaceae sequences (40.4%). The members of family candidatus Brocadiaceae included the genera candidatus Scalindua (11.5%), candidatus Brocadia (1.9%) and unclassified genera (5.8). Our study indicates the relatively large diversity of Planctomycetes in sediments underlying the oxygen minimum zone of Arabian Sea. Also, the sequence data generated in the present study may support the efforts on isolation and purification of Planctomycetes from marine environment for understanding their biogeochemical significance.
Electrochemically active iron (III)‐reducing bacteria in coastal riverine sediments
Authors: Zheng Shiling , Wang Bingchen , Li Ying , Liu Fanghua , Wang Oumei
Published: September 2017

Iron (III)‐reducing bacteria (IRB) play significant roles in the degradation of naturally occurring organic matter and in the cycling of heavy metals in marine and freshwater sediments. Our previous study has demonstrated the co‐occurrence of Geobacteraceae and Methanosarcinamazei as aggregates in the iron (III)‐reducing enrichments from a coastal gold mining site on the Jiehe River. The IRB community in the enriched sediments was dominated by members of Comamonadacea, Clostridiaceae, Bacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Geobacteraceae. Furthermore, four representative strains (JhA, JhB, JhC‐1, and JhC‐2) were isolated and found to belong to the genus of Anaerosinus, Bacillus, and Clostridium with 97.31–98.82% identity of 16S rRNA genes. The iron (III)‐reducing ability of all these isolates was identified. Interestingly, JhA showed electrochemical activity with chronoamperometry (CA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), indicating its ability to oxidize ethanol, liberate, and transfer electrons, thus, expanding our knowledge of a new genus with electrochemical activity. The results revealed the cultivability and electrochemical activity of IRB in coastal riverine sediment and indicated that JhA was an unknown extracellular electron producer with the ability to reduce iron (III). This study expands our knowledge of the electrochemical characterization of the genus Anaerosinus. It is reasonable to expect that these isolates have potential applications in heavy metal bioremediation operations in natural environments.
Geomatic downscaling of temperatures in the Mont Blanc massif
Authors: Joly Daniel , Berger Alexandre , Buoncristiani Jean‐François , Champagne Olivier , Pergaud Julien , Richard Yves , Soare Paul , Pohl Benjamin
Published: September 2017

This article presents a novel downscaling method based on a geomatic spatial model. This model is constructed on the basis of regressions between topographical (explanatory) variables (digitized here at 200 m resolution) and climatic factors observed at meteorological stations. These regressions are used to calibrate the model in the form of two parameters: the frequency with which explanatory variables are significant at the 95% level, and the mean of the regression coefficient associated with each variable. One of the objectives of the article is to test the relevance of the method and the application made of it in this study bears on daily observed minimum (tn) and maximum (tx) temperatures in the Mont Blanc massif between 1979 and 2014. Estimations show weak statistical biases and the temperature variation from day to day is well represented. The root mean square errors of daily temperatures are of the order of 2 °C for tn and tx alike. The validation shows (1) the value of applying spatial models to two atmospheric configurations (weather regimes and local rainfall conditions) and (2) the limitations of the method. Eventually, this method shall be applied to the downscaling of large‐scale atmospheric parameters provided by earth system models for projecting the temperature of the lower layers of the atmosphere over future decades.
Course of olfaction after sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Haxel Boris R. , Boessert Patrick , Weyer‐Elberich Veronika , Fruth Kai
Published: September 2017

Background

The influence of surgery on olfaction in patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still not fully understood. Most particularly, the time course of the recovery is poorly studied.

Methods

The prospective study describes the results of the Sniffin' Sticks identification test in 41 subjects before (V1), 2 weeks after (V2), and 6 months after (V3) endonasal sinus surgery (ESS). Influencing factors (gender, revision surgery, nasal polyposis, and initial olfactory score) on the changes of the smell testing were evaluated.

Results

The whole cohort showed a significant improvement in Identification scores, from 8.63 to 10.24 after 2 weeks and to 10.68 after 6 months. Patients with nasal polyps revealed a similar increase in the identification test at V3 (+2.17 compared to +1.89 in those without polyps) but not at V2 (+1.30 compared to 2.00). The initial classification of olfaction was the only significant influencing factor. Patients who showed initially anosmic results improved (+4.87 at V2 and +4.73 at V3), as did patients in the hyposmic group (+0.58 resp. +1.42). Forty‐four percent of the patients reached an improvement with regard to their diagnostic group.

Conclusions

This study of the evaluation of the sense of smell after ESS exhibits an improvement of olfaction already 2 weeks after surgery, which is stable for 6 months. CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients showed similar improvements of olfaction, although the recovery was slower in CRSwNP patients.

Level of Evidence

2b.
Scattering Invisibility With Free‐Space Field Enhancement of All‐Dielectric Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Wei , Miroshnichenko Andrey E.
Published: September 2017

Simultaneous scattering invisibility and free‐space field enhancement have been achieved based on multipolar interferences among all‐dielectric nanoparticles. The scattering properties of all‐dielectric nanowire quadrumers are investigated and two sorts of scattering invisibilities have been identified: the trivial invisibility where the individual nanowires are not effectively excited; and the nontrivial invisibility with strong multipolar excitations within each nanowire, which results in free‐space field enhancement outside the particles. It is revealed that such nontrivial invisibility originates from not only the simultaneous excitations of both electric and magnetic resonances, but also their significant magnetoelectric cross‐interactions. We further show that the invisibility obtained is both polarization and direction selective, which can probably play a significant role in various applications including non‐invasive detection, sensing, and non‐disturbing medical diagnosis with high sensitivity and precision.
Gain of function in the mouse model of a recurrent mutation p53N236S promotes the formation of double minute chromosomes and the oncogenic potential of p19ARF
Authors: Zhao Lanjun , Wang Boyuan , Zhao Xilong , Wu Xiaoming , Zhang Qiushi , Wei Chuanyu , Shi Minling , Li Yunlong , Tang Wenru , Zhang Jihong , Yang Julun , Singh Sanjay K. , Jia Shuting , Luo Ying
Published: September 2017

The mutation p53N236S (p53S) has been identified as one of the recurrent mutations in human cancers by TCGA database. Our in vitro data revealed the oncogenic gain of function of p53S. To understand the function of p53S in vivo, we generated the p53S knock‐in mouse. The p53S/S mice manifested highly invasive lymphomas and metastatic sarcomas with dramatically increased double minute chromosomes. The survival curve, the incidence of tumors and the tumor spectrum of p53S/S mice is very similar to the p53R172H mouse model. The p53S/+ mice showed delayed onset of tumorigenesis and a high metastasis rate (40%) and low loss of heterozygosity rate (2/16). The activation of CDKN2A pathway in p53S/S MEF and tumors, and the accumulation of p19ARF protein in tumor tissues suggested p19ARF might contribute to the accumulation of mutant p53S protein in the tumor and promote tumorigenesis. The high expression of p19ARF correlated with mutant p53 accumulation and tumor progression, suggesting a dual role of p19ARF in tumor promotion or suppression that might depend on the p53 mutation status in tumor cells. The oncogenic gain of function of this recurrent mutation p53S prompts the reconsideration of p53 mutations function that occurs at a low frequency.
PEAR: PEriodic And fixed Rank separation for fast fMRI
Authors: Weizman Lior , Miller Karla L. , Eldar Yonina C. , Chiew Mark
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In functional MRI (fMRI), faster acquisition via undersampling of data can improve the spatial‐temporal resolution trade‐off and increase statistical robustness through increased degrees‐of‐freedom. High‐quality reconstruction of fMRI data from undersampled measurements requires proper modeling of the data. We present an fMRI reconstruction approach based on modeling the fMRI signal as a sum of periodic and fixed rank components, for improved reconstruction from undersampled measurements.

Methods

The proposed approach decomposes the fMRI signal into a component which has a fixed rank and a component consisting of a sum of periodic signals which is sparse in the temporal Fourier domain. Data reconstruction is performed by solving a constrained problem that enforces a fixed, moderate rank on one of the components, and a limited number of temporal frequencies on the other. Our approach is coined PEAR ‐ PEriodic And fixed Rank separation for fast fMRI.

Results

Experimental results include purely synthetic simulation, a simulation with real timecourses and retrospective undersampling of a real fMRI dataset. Evaluation was performed both quantitatively and visually versus ground truth, comparing PEAR to two additional recent methods for fMRI reconstruction from undersampled measurements. Results demonstrate PEAR's improvement in estimating the timecourses and activation maps versus the methods compared against at acceleration ratios of R = 8,10.66 (for simulated data) and R = 6.66,10 (for real data).

Conclusions

This paper presents PEAR, an undersampled fMRI reconstruction approach based on decomposing the fMRI signal to periodic and fixed rank components. PEAR results in reconstruction with higher fidelity than when using a fixed‐rank based model or a conventional Low‐rank + Sparse algorithm. We have shown that splitting the functional information between the components leads to better modeling of fMRI, over state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Categorical and dimensional perspectives on depression in elderly primary care patients – Results of the AgeMooDe study
Authors: Dorow Marie , Stein Janine , Pabst Alexander , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Maier Wolfgang , Miebach Lisa , Scherer Martin , Stark Anne , Wiese Birgitt , Moor Lilia , Bock Jens‐Oliver , König Hans‐Helmut , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G.
Published: September 2017

An accurate diagnosis is essential for the management of late‐life depression in primary care. This study aims to (1) provide information on the agreement on depression diagnoses between general practitioners (GPs), dimensional tools (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) and a categorical tool (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV criteria [SCID]) and (2) identify factors associated with different diagnoses. As part of the multicenter study “Late‐life depression in primary care: needs, health care utilization and costs (AgeMooDe)” a sample of 1113 primary care patients aged 75 years and older was assessed. The proportion of depression was 24.3% according to GPs, 21.8% for the GDS, 18.9% for the HADS and 8.2% for the SCID. Taking GDS, HADS and SCID as reference standards, recognition of GPs was 47%, 48% and 63%. Cohen's Kappa values indicate slight to moderate agreement between diagnoses. Multinomial logistic regression models showed that patient related factors of depression were anxiety, intake of antidepressants, female gender, a low state of health, intake of medication for chronic diseases and functional impairment. GPs performed better at ruling out depression than ruling in depression. High levels of disagreement between different perspectives on depression indicate that they may be sensitive to different aspects of depression.
Fecal incontinence in patients with spina bifida: The target is the rectum
Authors: Brochard Charlène , Ropert Alain , Peyronnet Benoît , Ménard Hélène , Manunta Andréa , Neunlist Michel , Bouguen Guillaume , Siproudhis Laurent
Published: September 2017

Aims

The prevalence rate of severe fecal incontinence (FI) in adults with spina bifida (SB) is high. The physiological basis of FI in SB has not been clearly established, which contributes to inadequate care. The aim was to better characterize a large cohort of adults with special consideration of anorectal physiology.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team from a French referral centre for SB prospectively collected data on patients who had an anorectal manometry. Factors associated with severe FI (Cleveland clinical incontinence score ≥ 9) were assessed in a multivariate analysis model.

Results

A total of 132 adults with SB (sex ratio M/F: 55 [41.7%]/77 [58.3%]; mean age of 38.2 [11.6] years old) were assessed. Among these patients, 83/132 (62.9%) suffered from severe FI. Rectal perception was not evaluable among 17 patients who had a latex allergy. Overall, 29/115 (25.2%) had maximal tolerable volume (MTV) > 330 mL or no sensation. The absence of anal canal sensitivity, MVT > 330 mL and the amplitude of the recto‐anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) >75% after a rectal isovolumic inflation of 50 mL were significantly associated with severe FI in the multivariate analysis model. Neither neurological level nor other neurological features were associated with severe FI.

Conclusions

This study showed that FI in patients with SB is mainly associated with rectal abnormalities. This should be taken into consideration to improve incontinence management of patients with SB.
Optimal maintenance policies for a safety‐critical system and its deteriorating sensor
Authors: van Oosterom Chiel , Maillart Lisa M. , Kharoufeh Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2017

We consider the integrated problem of optimally maintaining an imperfect, deteriorating sensor and the safety‐critical system it monitors. The sensor's costless observations of the binary state of the system become less informative over time. A costly full inspection may be conducted to perfectly discern the state of the system, after which the system is replaced if it is in the out‐of‐control state. In addition, a full inspection provides the opportunity to replace the sensor. We formulate the problem of adaptively scheduling full inspections and sensor replacements using a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) model. The objective is to minimize the total expected discounted costs associated with system operation, full inspection, system replacement, and sensor replacement. We show that the optimal policy has a threshold structure and demonstrate the value of coordinating system and sensor maintenance via numerical examples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 399–417, 2017
Development of toughened bio‐based epoxy with epoxidized linseed oil as reactive diluent and cured with bio‐renewable crosslinker
Authors: Sahoo Sushanta K. , Khandelwal Vinay , Manik Gaurav
Published: September 2017

In the current work, renewable resourced toughened epoxy blend has been developed using epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and bio‐based crosslinker. Epoxidation of linseed oil was confirmed through FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. The ELO bio‐resin was blended at different compositions (10, 20, and 30 phr) with a petroleum‐based epoxy (DGEBA) as reactive diluent to reduce the viscosity for better processibility and cured with cardanol‐derived phenalkamine to overcome the brittleness. The flow behavior of the neat epoxy and modified bio‐epoxy resin blend systems was analyzed by Cross model at low and high shear rates. The tensile and impact behavior studies revealed that the toughened bio‐epoxy blend with 20 to 30 phr of ELO showed moderate stiffness with much higher elongation at break 7% to 13%. Incorporation of higher amount of ELO (20 to 30 phr) increases enthalpy of curing without affecting peak temperature of curing. The thermal degradation behavior of the ELO based blends exhibits similar trend as neat epoxy. The higher intensity or broadened loss tangent curve of bio‐epoxy blends revealed higher damping ability. FE‐SEM analysis showed a rough and rippled surface of bio‐based epoxy blends ensuring effective toughening. Reduced viscosity of resin due to maximum possible incorporation of bio‐resin and use of phenalkamine as curing agent leads to an eco‐friendly toughened epoxy and can be useful for specific coating and structural application.
Challenges in non‐invasive prenatal screening for sub‐chromosomal copy number variations using cell‐free DNA
Authors: Advani Henna V. , Barrett Angela N. , Evans Mark I. , Choolani Mahesh
Published: September 2017

Non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has revolutionized the approach to prenatal fetal aneuploidy screening. Many commercial providers now offer analyses for sub‐chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs). Here, we review the use of NIPS in the context of screening for microdeletions and microduplications, issues surrounding the choice of disorders tested for, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with the inclusion of microdeletions to current NIPS. Several studies have claimed benefits; however, we suggest that microdeletions have not demonstrated a low enough false positive rate to be deemed practical or ethically acceptable, especially considering their low positive predictive values. Because a positive NIPS result should be confirmed using diagnostic techniques, and false positive rates are as high as 90% for some microdeletions, diagnostic testing seems preferable when the goal is to maximize the detection of microdeletion or microduplication syndromes.
Efficiency of prenatal diagnosis in Pierre Robin sequence
Authors: Di Pasquo Elvira , Amiel Jeanne , Roth Philippe , Malan Valérie , Lind Katia , Chalouhi Christel , Soupre Véronique , Gordon Christopher T. , Lyonnet Stanislas , Salomon Laurent J. , Abadie Véronique
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To analyze the efficiency of prenatal diagnosis of Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) regarding the final specific diagnosis and to determine whether infants have more severe respiratory disorders with than without prenatally suspected PRS.

Methods

Review of the outcome of all prenatal cases of suspected PRS managed in our prenatal diagnosis center during the last 15 years; analysis of the consistency between prenatal and postnatal diagnoses in 2 groups of women with and without a family history of PRS; comparison of the grades of disease severity for infants with and without prenatally suspected PRS.

Results

Fifty‐nine files were studied. Prenatal and postnatal consistencies of a specific diagnosis of PRS were 100% for women with a family history of PRS and with prenatally suspected nonisolated PRS. It was 78.6% for those with prenatally suspected isolated PRS. We describe 13 terminations of pregnancy. The 41 children living beyond 18 months seem to have more functionally severe phenotypes than the 227 children without prenatally suspected PRS.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis of isolated PRS is a challenge as other features can be missed. Use of prenatal chromosomal microarray can improve the accuracy of diagnosis. In all cases, adequate neonatal care should be offered.
Early Administration of Adjuvant β‐Lactam Therapy in Combination with Vancomycin among Patients with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection: A Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Casapao Anthony M. , Jacobs David M. , Bowers Dana R. , Beyda Nicholas D. , Dilworth Thomas J. ,   the REACH‐ID Study Group
Published: September 2017

Study Objective

To determine whether early administration of adjuvant β‐lactam in combination with vancomycin (COMBO) affects clinical outcomes compared to standard vancomycin therapy alone (STAN) among patients with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection.

Design

Retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

Setting

Five academic or community hospitals throughout the United States.

Patients

Adults with MRSA bloodstream infections treated with vancomycin (≥ 72 hrs) with or without an intravenous β‐lactam (≥ 48 hrs) initiated within 24 hours of initiating vancomycin.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary outcome was clinical failure, a composite endpoint including 30‐day mortality, persistent bacteremia (≥ 7 days), bacteremia relapse, or change in antibiotic therapy during treatment due to clinical worsening. A multivariable logistic regression examined the impact of patient‐, treatment‐, and pathogen‐level characteristics on clinical failure. A total of 201 patients were evaluated of whom 97 (48.3%) met the criteria for study inclusion; 40 (41.2%) in STAN and 57 (58.8%) in COMBO groups. Among patients in the STAN and COMBO groups, 30% and 24.6% experienced clinical failure, respectively (p=0.552). The median (interquartile range) duration of bacteremia in the STAN and COMBO groups was 4 days (2.5–6.5) and 3 days (2–5), respectively (p=0.048). In a multivariable analysis, receipt of COMBO therapy was inversely associated with clinical failure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.237, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.057–0.982]; p=0.047). Other independent predictors of clinical failure included complicated bacteremia (aOR 6.856, 95% CI [1.641–28.649]; p=0.008) and antibiotic therapy not continued at discharge (aOR 45.404, 95% CI [9.383–219.714]; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Receipt of COMBO therapy did not decrease the rate of clinical failure but was associated with expedited bacteremia clearance. Early adjuvant β‐lactam therapy deserves continued evaluation and clinical consideration.