bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative system‐level analysis of the neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Godini Rasoul , Fallahi Hossein , Ebrahimie Esameil
Published: September 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders in the central nervous system with consequent progressive neurological symptoms including behavioral and cognitive disabilities. Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia are the most important and abundant neurodegenerative diseases that affect different parts of the brain. Detailed studies unveiled the molecular mechanisms and pathways affected in each of these disorders. The role of many genes has been documented in the onset and progression of each disease. Although many system‐level approaches have been used to understand the exact cause of these diseases, there is no comparative analysis in this regard. Despite all differences in the molecular basis of these diseases, overlapping symptoms might indicate the involvement of the similar pathways and processes. Here, we have applied a system biology approach to uncover many aspects of main neurodegenerative diseases using microarray data obtained from 118 cases of postmortem brain samples. Our analysis has identified key genes that might contribute to the status of diseases. We have also compared the involved biological process and pathway between different disease to find possible similar mechanisms that exist in all of them. We also predicted potentially important transcription factors in each disease and predicted the core gene regulatory networks. We have provided a list of possible new key regulators that could be further explored and also discussed the role of these hub genes. The results of this study would be useful to develop new diagnostic strategies and also to find new drug targets.
Cardiovascular Risk of Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs and Classical and Selective Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitors: A Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Martín Arias Luis Hermenegildo , Martín González Antonio , Sanz Fadrique Rosario , Vazquez Esther Salgueiro
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to review the published evidence on the clinical use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to assess the cardiovascular risk (CVR) of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors (coxibs), excluding aspirin, by means of a meta‐analytic procedure. A search was conducted on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases between October 1999 and June 2018. Cohort and case‐control studies showing CVR as relative risk (RR), odds ratio, hazard ratio, or incidence rate ratio associated with NSAIDs versus no treatment were selected. We estimated the pooled RR and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for all NSAIDs as a whole and individually. Eighty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, NSAIDs were found to be associated with a statistically significantly increased CVR (RR, 1.24 [95%CI, 1.19‐1.28]). The risk was slightly higher for coxibs (RR, 1.22 [95%CI, 1.17‐1.28]) as compared with nonselective NSAIDs (RR, 1.18 [95%CI, 1.12‐1.24]). Data analysis by drug disclosed that rofecoxib (RR, 1.39 [95%CI, 1.31‐1.47]), followed by diclofenac (RR, 1.34 [95%CI, 1.26‐1.42]) and etoricoxib (RR, 1.27 [95%CI, 1.12‐1.43]) were the NSAIDs associated with the highest CVR. Analysis by type of event showed that the highest risk corresponded to vascular events for both coxibs (RR, 2.18 [95%CI, 1.72‐2.78]) and nonselective NSAIDs (RR, 2.46 [95%CI, 2.00‐3.02]). The meta‐analysis results suggest that the use of the marketed coxibs celecoxib and etoricoxib would be related to a statistically significant CVR increase. Etoricoxib CVR could be higher than that for celecoxib. This increment would be similar to classical NSAID CVR.
The effects of outcome unit framing on delay discounting
Authors: DeHart William B. , Friedel Jonathan E. , Frye Charles C. J. , Galizio Ann , Odum Amy L.
Published: September 2018

We examined the effects of outcome framing on delay discounting. In Experiment 1, participants completed four delay‐discounting tasks. In one monetary task, money was framed in units of dollars (＄50), and in the other, money was framed in units of handfuls of quarters (equal to ＄50). In one food task, food was framed in clear units of food (e.g., 100 M&Ms), and in the other, food was framed in units of servings (e.g., 10 servings of M&Ms). When money was framed in units of dollars, participants discounted less by delay compared to discounting of handfuls of quarters. When food was framed as clear units, participants also discounted less compared to how they discounted servings. In Experiment 2, participants completed two delay‐discounting tasks for dollars and quarters (e.g., ＄50 or 200 quarters) to determine if the results of Experiment 1 were due to the differences in handling costs. In one delay‐discounting task, money was framed in units of dollars. In the other delay‐discounting task, money was framed in units of quarters. There was no difference in how participants discounted delayed money framed as dollars or quarters. Clear unit framing may result in less discounting by delay than fuzzy unit framing.
An Efficient, Green, and Solvent‐free Multi‐component Synthesis of Benzimidazolo/Benzothiazolo Quinazolinone Derivatives Using Sc (OTf)3 Catalyst Under Controlled Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Gajaganti Somaiah , Kumari Savita , Kumar Dhirendra , Allam Bharat Kumar , Srivastava Vandana , Singh Sundaram
Published: September 2018

An efficient, fast, and green synthesis of benzimidazolo/benzothiazolo quinazolinone derivatives has been developed under solvent‐free conditions by the reaction of 2‐aminobenzimidazole/2‐aminobenzothiazole, aromatic aldehydes, and 1,3‐diketones. This method extended the application of microwave irradiation and scandium triflate combination and also tenders a lot of benefits such as excellent product yields, shorter reaction time, easy isolation of products, and environmentally benign reaction conditions.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some New 6‐perfluoropropanyl Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Cheng Long , Zhang Rui‐Rui , Han Liang , Tan Cheng‐Xia , Weng Jian‐Quan , Xu Tian‐Ming , Liu Xing‐Hai
Published: September 2018

A series of new quinoline derivatives containing perfluoropropanyl moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The bioassay results showed that some of them exhibited good control efficacy against Pyricularia oryae. Also, some of the title compounds exhibited good insecticidal activity against Aphis craccivora Koch, Plutella xylostella, Mythimna Separate, and Tetranychus cinnabarinus.
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Modeling, and Biological Evaluation of 1,2,4‐Triazole‐pyridine Hybrids as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Ahirwar J. , Ahirwar D. , Lanjhiyana S. , Jha A. K. , Dewangan D. , Badwaik H.
Published: September 2018

A novel 1,2,4‐triazole‐pyridine hybrid derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of nicotinohydrazide with carbon disulfide to yield potassium‐3‐pyridyl‐dithiocarbazate (I). This was further cyclized with ammonia solution to yield 5‐mercapto‐substituted 1,2,4‐triazole‐pyridine hybrid (II). This was finally reacted with different substituted benzyl derivatives to produce 1,2,4‐triazole‐pyridine hybrid derivatives (III). The purity of the derivatives was confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography and melting point. Structure of these derivatives was set up by determining its infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. Further, the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against the three Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetbacter baumannii), three Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis), and two fungus (Aspergillus clavatus and Candida albicans). Minimal inhibitory concentration was also determined against same microorganism. Out of all synthesized derivatives, two derivatives, that is, 3‐(5‐(2‐bromobenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)pyridine and 3‐(5‐(2,4‐dibromobenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)pyridine showing more potent antibacterial activity.

Docking studies were performed by using Argus lab, and all the derivatives exhibited good docking scores between −10.5369 and −11.8477 kcal/mol and were better as compared with standard drug methotrexate against a dihydrofolate reductase protein fragment from E. coli and Lactobacillus (4DFR). Among all compounds, 4h has shown the maximum docking score and found in agreement to in vitro antimicrobial studies.
A cross‐sectional serum investigation of a clustering hepatitis C virus infection in Southwest China
Authors: Peng Haoran , Zhang Longyan , Feng Yue , Tang Hailin , Luo Zhenghan , Qi Zhongtian , Xia Xueshan , Zhao Ping
Published: September 2018

Serum samples were collected in a village with a clustering hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV antibody, HCV RNA loads, liver function indexes, HCV envelope antibody, and neutralizing activity were assessed. Among 851 adult sera, 342 samples were positive for anti‐HCV. Of these positive samples, 254 (74.3%) were HCV RNA positive (≥800 copies/mL). None of the 69 children's sera were positive for HCV antibody or RNA. Among the HCV antibody positive sera, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased with the higher virus loads, but decreased when virus loads were higher than 1 × 10
6 copies/mL. HCV envelope antibody and neutralizing antibody levels increased with viral load.
Ability of inactivated vaccines based on far‐eastern tick‐borne encephalitis virus strains to induce humoral immune response in originally seropositive and seronegative recipients
Authors: Maikova Galina B. , Chernokhaeva Liubov L. , Rogova Yulia V. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Kholodilov Ivan S. , Romanenko Victor V. , Esyunina Mariya S. , Ankudinova Anna A. , Kilyachina Anna S. , Vorovitch Mikhail F. , Karganova Galina G.
Published: September 2018

Tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) remains one of the major public health concerns in northern Eurasia, and its’ area is expanding. TBE virus (TBEV) includes three subtypes and several monophyletic groups, cocirculating in Russia. Five inactivated vaccines are used for TBE prophylaxis. The rising number of people subjected to vaccination brings up the issue of the impact of individual recipient characteristics on vaccination efficacy. The present work studies correlations among the vaccination scheme, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), chronic diseases, postvaccinal reaction, pre‐existing anti‐TBEV antibodies, and postvaccinal humoral immunity development. Sera were collected during clinical trials in the TBEV Siberian subtype endemic area. Adult recipients were vaccinated with Tick‐E‐Vac and EnceVir vaccines based on Far‐Eastern TBEV strains. Vaccine ability to induce humoral immunity in different categories of recipients was estimated by seroconversion rates and the percentage of recipients with high neutralizing antibody titers (≥1:500). High immunogenicity of vaccines based on Far‐Eastern TBEV strains in the TBEV Siberian subtype endemic area in all groups of recipients was demonstrated. Impact of pre‐existing contact with the virus and high BMI on humoral immune response development 14 days after the first immunization was evidenced. Nevertheless, the difference was significantly less pronounced 30 days after the first vaccination and undetectable after the second one.
Signaling pathways and therapeutic perspectives related to environmental factors associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tiwari Sneham , Lapierre Jessica , Ojha Chet Raj , Martins Kyle , Parira Tiyash , Dutta Rajib Kumar , Caobi Allen , Garbinski Luis , Ceyhan Yasemin , Esteban‐Lopez Maria , El‐Hage Nazira
Published: September 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune‐mediated demyelinating disorder of unknown etiology. Both genetic‐susceptibility and environment exposures, including vitamin D deficiency, Epstein‐Barr viral and Herpesvirus (HHV‐6) infections are strongly implicated in the activation of T cells and MS‐pathogenesis. Despite precise knowledge of how these factors could be operating alone or in combination to facilitate and aggravate the disease progression, it is clear that prolonged induction of inflammatory molecules and recruitment of other immune cells by the activated T cells results in demyelination and axonal damage. It is imperative to understand the risk factors associated with MS progression and how these factors contribute to disease pathology. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of what factors triggers activation of T cells to attack myelin antigen are important to strategize therapeutics and therapies against MS. Current review provides a detailed literature to understand the role of both pathogenic and non‐pathogenic factors on the impact of MS.
MRI investigation of glymphatic responses to Gd‐DTPA infusion rates
Authors: Ding Guangliang , Chopp Michael , Li Lian , Zhang Li , Davoodi‐Bojd Esmaeil , Li Qingjiang , Zhang Zhenggang , Jiang Quan
Published: September 2018

The glymphatic system is a newly identified waste clearance pathway in brain discovered and investigated predominately using in vivo two‐photon confocal microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in contrast to two‐photon confocal microscopy, provides dynamic and real‐time pictures of the glymphatic system in whole brain. We employ MRI to investigate the response of the glymphatic system to the rate of infusion of Gd‐DTPA (magnevist). Wistar rats were subjected to a surgery of inserting a tube into the cisterna magna for infusion during MRI. Three infusion rates were chosen for 20 min infusions of diluted magnevist into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rat brain. Glymphatic response was imaged using dynamic MRI 3D measurement for 5 hr. Robust correlations were found in all ventricles between the peak intensities of image enhancement and infusion rates, with additional correlations between the peak times of MRI image enhancement and infusion rates in the fourth ventricle. An infusion rate of 2.92 μL/min induced an evident accumulation of tracer in the fourth ventricle near the cisterna magna. In hippocampal tissue, image enhancements exhibited low correlation with the infusion rates. However, an infusion rate of 1.67 μL/min provided a high image enhancement, but less tracer accumulation near the cisterna magna. Contrast‐enhanced MRI provides a suitable tool for investigating image contrast infusion rate response of the glymphatic system in rat brain. Considering both T1 and T2* effects in response to the infused magnevist into CSF, the infusion rate of 1.67 μL/min appears suitable for MRI study of the glymphatic system in rat.
Simulation of extreme Indian summer monsoon years in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models: Role of cloud processes
Authors: Chaudhari Hemantkumar S. , Hazra Anupam , Pokhrel Samir , Saha Subodh Kumar , Talluri Sai Sruthi
Published: September 2018

The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is a climate coupled system where cloud processes play a significant role in modulating the thermodynamics and dynamics of the atmosphere. The realistic representation of cloud by coupled model becomes indispensable for the simulation of the rainfall variability dictating the extreme ISM rainfall years. This study pinpoints the importance of correct representation of cloud processes and different types of rainfall in coupled climate model for the realistic simulation of monsoon extreme rainfall years. The study has used historical runs of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. It provided best opportunity to investigate the ISM rainfall characteristics in case of anomalous monsoon and associated physical processes responsible for the modulation of large‐scale circulation. The study has identified the mechanism behind the better simulation of anomalous years. Relatively more cloud condensate at upper level and middle level is present in excess monsoon years. Pertaining to phase changes and thermodynamical processes, there will be relatively more tropospheric temperature gradient and it will be conducive for strong monsoon. Proper representation of convective and stratiform rain is seen during extreme years. Precipitable water is also relatively more during excess monsoon years. As a result, total rainfall also enhances and it leads to excess monsoon. In contrast, during deficient monsoon relatively less cloud condensate at upper level and middle level is present. Therefore, the correct representation of cloud condensate vertical profile and stratiform/convective rain are crucial for the better simulation of excess and deficient monsoon, which may further improve the variability of ISM in climate model. This study connotes the urgent need of the improvement of cloud parameterization in coupled climate models for the betterment of monsoon variability and realistic representation of deficient/excess monsoon rainfall patterns over Indian subcontinent.
Temperature and polarization dependent Raman spectra of liquid H2O and D2O
Authors: Pattenaude Shannon R. , Streacker Louis M. , Ben‐Amotz Dor
Published: September 2018

Polarized Raman spectra of liquid H2O and D2O have been measured over the entire 100 to 4,000 cm−1 vibrational frequency range and 280 to 360 K temperature range. The measured spectra are corrected for wavelength‐dependent detector quantum efficiency and are provided in numerical form to facilitate comparisons with theoretical predictions. Self‐modeling curve resolution is used to decompose the measured spectra into a linear combination of two spectral components whose relative intensities change with temperature but whose shapes are approximately temperature independent. The component whose intensity increases with decreasing temperature contains prominent features in both the high‐frequency OH stretch band region and low‐frequency OH⋯O hydrogen bond stretch band region that resemble those observed in single crystal ice Ih and clathrate hydrates.
Effect of drying conditions on the quality of IRGA 424 rice
Authors: Bertotto M Mercedes , Gastón Analía , Sánchez Sarmiento Gustavo , Gove Benedict
Published: September 2018

BACKROUND

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of drying temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C), tempering time (40, 80, and 120 min), and initial moisture content at onset of tempering (15, 17, and 19% dry basis) on head rice yield, milled rice yield, and total processing time of IRGA 424 rice.

RESULTS

The most significant effects were the drying temperature and its interaction with initial moisture content at onset of tempering. The optimum conditions predicted to reach the highest total yield (74.1%) included drying at 46.6 °C, 49 min of tempering time, and initial moisture content at onset of tempering of 19%. To achieve the maximum value of whole grain yield (52.9%), drying at 40 °C, 40 min of tempering, and an initial moisture content of 19% at the initiation of tempering were required. Under these conditions, the grain reached a moisture content of 13% in 84 min.

CONCLUSION

Whole‐grain rice yields may be maximized through the optimization of the drying process. This may result in a larger fraction of the crop entering the human food chain, enhancing the value of the crop, and resulting in a smaller fraction of broken grain, which commands a lower market value. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Renal Cancer and in Comparison With Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Rui , Li Gang , Jin Lifang , Shi Qiusheng , Du Lianfang
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in renal cancer and to compare it with contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT).

Methods

A systematic search was performed to recruit eligible original studies published until December 2017. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A meta‐analysis was performed, and the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio, summary receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve were calculated. The extent and potential sources of heterogeneity were further explored. Moreover, a head‐to‐head comparison was also performed to compare the diagnostic value between CEUS and CECT in renal cancer.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The summary sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for detecting renal cancer were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–0.97) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74–0.88), respectively. The summary diagnostic odds ratio was 102.04 (95% CI, 49.55–210.13). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98). In the head‐to‐head comparison, CEUS showed higher diagnostic sensitivity than CECT (0.94 versus 0.85) for renal cancer, whereas the specificities were comparable between CEUS and CECT (0.77 versus 0.75).

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced US has high sensitivity and moderate specificity in the differential diagnosis of renal cancer. The diagnostic sensitivity of CEUS in renal cancer was higher than that of CECT, suggesting that CEUS could be used as a preferred diagnostic tool for renal cancer.
Establishing Bayesian priors for natural mortality rate in carnivore populations
Authors: Porteus Tom A. , Reynolds Jonathan C. , McAllister Murdoch K.
Published: September 2018

In managed carnivore populations, natural mortality rate (d) is difficult to estimate directly, and context‐specific data are typically weakly informative about it. Nevertheless, natural mortality is potentially an important component of total mortality, particularly if additive to harvest or culling mortality. The natural mortality rate exhibits allometric or life‐history relationships that are invariant across diverse taxonomic groups, and it is valuable to derive estimates on this basis to serve as priors in later Bayesian models, steering parameter uncertainty towards biologically plausible values, and leading to more reliable model predictions and improved management recommendations. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling and data from the literature to establish informative priors for instantaneousdas predictions scaled from body mass or maximum age. Posterior mean estimates of the scaling parameters of these models were −0.27 (body mass) and −1.07 (maximum age), respectively, conforming to expected values of −0.25 and −1.00. Direct estimates ofdfrom published studies of coyotes (Canis latrans) in southern Texas, fisher (Pekania pennanti) in Sierra Nevada, and slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea) in the Kalahari Desert were within the credible intervals of predictions fordusing both models. We also compared survivorship curves based on model predictions with observed survivorship of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from a variety of studies in Britain, among which intensity of culling varied markedly. Across all species, there was better support for thedprediction from maximum age, than from body mass. We thus recommend use of maximum age data to establish informative priors fordwhere possible. Posterior median predictions ofdfrom maximum age were within 0.01–0.14/year of the direct estimates, whereas the differences between direct estimates and predictions from body mass were 0.04–0.27/year. Sensitivity analysis showed trivial effects of between‐sex differences in body mass, and age‐specific mortality, on predictions ofd. Differences between body mass and maximum age model predictions were attributed to the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic mortality factors in the 2 approaches (i.e., maximum age predictions allowed for extrinsic factors to affect predicted mortality). © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Dietary Unsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate Maternal Dyslipidemia‐Induced DNA Methylation and Histone Acetylation in Placenta and Fetal Liver in Rats
Authors: Ramaiyan Breetha , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra
Published: September 2018

The present study assessed the role of dietary unsaturated fatty acids in maternal dyslipidemia‐induced DNA methylation and histone acetylation in placenta and fetal liver and accumulation of lipids in the fetal liver. Weanling female Wistar rats were fed control and experimental diets for 2 months, mated, and continued on their diets during pregnancy. At gestation days of 18–20, rats were euthanized to isolate placenta and fetal liver. DNA methylation, DNA methyl transferase‐1 (DNMT1) activity, acetylation of histones (H2A and H2B), and histone acyl transferase (HAT) activity were evaluated in placenta and fetal liver. Fetal liver lipid accumulation and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) were assessed. Maternal dyslipidemia caused significant epigenetic changes in placenta and fetal liver. In the placenta, (1) global DNA methylation increased by 37% and DNMT1 activity by 86%, (2) acetylated H2A and H2B levels decreased by 46% and 24% respectively, and (3) HAT activity decreased by 39%. In fetal liver, (1) global DNA methylation increased by 52% and DNMT1 activity by 78%, (2) acetylated H2A and H2B levels decreased by 28% and 26% respectively, and (3) HAT activity decreased by 37%. Maternal dyslipidemia caused a 4.75‐fold increase in fetal liver triacylglycerol accumulation with a 78% decrease in DNA‐binding ability of PPAR‐α. Incorporation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids in the maternal high‐fat diet significantly (p < 0.05) modulated dyslipidemia‐induced effects in placenta and fetal liver. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) exhibited a profound effect followed by alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) than linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6) in modulating the epigenetic parameters in placenta and fetal liver.
Introduction of a pseudo demons force to enhance deformation range for robust reconstruction of super‐resolution time‐resolved 4DMRI
Authors: Li Guang , Sun August , Nie Xingyu , Moody Jason , Huang Kirk , Zhang Shirong , Sharma Satyam , Deasy Joseph
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to enhance the deformation range of demons‐based deformable image registration (DIR) for large respiration‐induced organ motion in the reconstruction of time‐resolved four‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (TR‐4DMRI) for multi‐breath motion simulation.

Methods

A demons‐based DIR algorithm was modified to enhance the deformation range for TR‐4DMRI reconstruction using the super‐resolution approach. A pseudo demons force was introduced to accelerate the coarse deformation in a multi‐resolution (n = 3) DIR approach. The intensity gradient of a voxel was applied to its neighboring (5 × 5 × 5) voxels with a weight of Gaussian probability profile (σ = 1 voxel) to extend the demons force, especially on those voxels that have little intensity gradience but high‐intensity difference. A digital 4DMRI phantom with 3–8 cm diaphragmatic motions was used for DIR comparison. Six volunteers were scanned with two high‐resolution (highR: 2 × 2 × 2 mm3) breath‐hold (BH) 3DMR images at full inhalation (BHI) and full exhalation (BHE) and low‐resolution (lowR: 5 × 5 × 5 mm3) free‐breathing (FB) 3DMR cine images (2 Hz) under an IRB‐approved protocol. A cross‐consistency check (CCC) (BHI→FB←BHE), with voxel intensity correlation (VIC) and inverse consistency error (ICE), was introduced for cross‐verification of TR‐4DMRI reconstruction.

Results

Using the digital phantom, the maximum deformable magnitude is doubled using the modified DIR from 3 to 6 cm at the diaphragm. In six human subjects, the first 15‐iteration DIR using the pseudo force deforms 200 ± 150% more than the original force, and succeeds in all 12 cases, whereas the original demons‐based DIR failed in 67% of tested cases. Using the pseudo force, high VIC (>0.9) and small ICE (1.6 ± 0.6 mm) values are observed for DIR of BHI&BHE, BHI→FB, and BHE→FB. The CCC identifies four questionable cases, in which two cases need further DIR refinement, without missing true negative.

Conclusions

The introduction of a pseudo demons force enhances the largest deformation magnitude up to 6 cm. The cross‐consistency check ensures the quality of TR‐4DMRI reconstruction. Further investigation is ongoing to fully characterize TR‐4DMRI for potential multi‐breathing‐cycle radiotherapy simulation.
Occupation and lower urinary tract symptoms in women: A rapid review and meta‐analysis from the PLUS research consortium
Authors: Markland Alayne , Chu Haitao , Epperson C. Neill , Nodora Jesse , Shoham David , Smith Ariana , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Townsend Mary , Zhou Jincheng , Bavendam Tamara ,   Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: September 2018

Aims

Chronic, infrequent voiding may be a risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. To inform this hypothesis, we conducted a rapid literature review and meta‐analysis of LUTS by occupation as an indirect measure of infrequent voiding behaviors.

Methods

Two independent medical librarians searched Pubmed.gov studies (1990‐2017) on adult women for occupations, industries, and workplace environment and LUTS outcomes: overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence (UI), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and individual voiding and storage LUTS. Two authors reviewed full text articles meeting content criteria. Among studies with similar UI definitions, we estimated the prevalence of monthly UI using a random effects meta‐analysis model.

Results

Of 1078 unique citations identified, 113 underwent full article review and 33 met inclusion criteria. Twenty‐six of these studies examined specific occupation groups, including nurses/midwives (n = 6 studies), healthcare workers/support staff (n = 6), military personnel (n = 3), teachers (n = 3), and other groups (n = 7), whereas eight compared findings across broad occupation groups. UI was reported in 30 studies (23% using validated measures), OAB in 6 (50% validated), and UTIs in 2 (non‐validated). In pooled models, the degree of heterogeneity was too high (I2 = 96.9‐99.2%) among the studies to perform valid prevalence estimates for LUTS.

Conclusions

Current literature limits the ability to evaluate LUTS by occupation types. Future studies should characterize voiding frequency and toilet access in a consistent manner by occupation and explore its relation to LUTS development.
Study design and outcomes measures: The influence of composite endpoints and other design variables on outcomes in a study of a novel device for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Dmochowski Roger R. , Rovner Eric S. , Connors Kevin G. , Winters J. Christian
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To perform a post hoc analysis of the outcome data from a phase III study of a novel incontinence therapy for female stress incontinence (SUI) and to understand the pitfalls inherent to performing trials in SUI.

Methods

Results of the SUCCESS Trial, a multicenter, prospective, single‐blinded, randomized, sham‐controlled study were assessed post hoc for parameters and variables consistent with changes in the symptoms or signs of SUI. Subjects were randomized to either the investigative device (Vesair Balloon) placement or placebo. The efficacy endpoint analysis herein evaluated a composite of both a >50% reduction from baseline on 1‐hour provocative pad weight test and a ≥10‐point improvement in symptoms on the Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) questionnaire assessed at the three‐month study visit. Further analysis was performed utilizing more challenging success criteria for each endpoint and a subset of subjects with more severe baseline symptoms.

Results

The three‐month composite efficacy endpoint was achieved in 42.1% of treatment group subjects compared with 28.1% of control subjects on an intention‐to‐treat analysis (P = .046). This difference between groups was not evident when analyzing each component of the composite endpoint separately. These endpoints diverged from endpoints involving improvement in PGI‐I score and a 50% reduction of incontinence episode frequency as reported by subjects on a diary.

Conclusions

Individual endpoints may not demonstrate a significant treatment effect as standalone SUI measures but may as components of a composite endpoint. Defining patient selection and outcomes assessments is a critical aspect of study design, experimental flaws, and therapeutic accuracy.
Early Enteral Nutrition Adequacy Mitigates the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio Improving Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
Authors: Ortiz‐Reyes Luis Alfonso , Chang Yuchiao , Quraishi Sadeq A. , Yu Liyang , Kaafarani Haytham , de Moya Marc , King David R. , Fagenholz Peter , Velmahos George , Yeh Daniel Dante
Published: September 2018

Background

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a measure of host inflammatory response; a higher NLR is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Enteral nutrition (EN) may mitigate inflammation through interaction with gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. We hypothesized that early EN adequacy in critically ill surgical patients is associated with lower NLR and better clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving EN. NLR at baseline ICU admission (NLR‐B), NLR after 3–5 days of EN (F‐NLR), nutrition adequacy, caloric deficit (CD), protein deficit (PD), hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, 28‐day ventilator‐free days (28‐VFD), and in‐hospital mortality were collected. Tertiles groups were created for NLR, F‐NLR, CD, and PD; the highest (H) and lowest (L) tertiles were compared. Regression analyses were performed to control for effect of age, gender, APACHE II, and NLR.

Results

Subjects in the L‐CD group had lower median F‐NLR (7 [range, 5–11] vs 10 [7–22], P = 0.005) and shorter ICU LOS (9 [6–16]) vs 16 [9–32] days; P = 0.006). The L‐NLR group had shorter hospital LOS (18 [10–31] vs 22 [15–38] days, P = 0.023), greater 28‐VFD (23 [18–25] vs 19 [11–22] days, P = 0.005), and lower in‐hospital mortality (13% vs 41%, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

In critically ill surgical patients, early enteral caloric adequacy is associated with less inflammation and improved clinical outcomes.
Phase II Feasibility Study of a Weight Loss Intervention in Female Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors (SWOG S1008)
Authors: Greenlee Heather , Lew Danika L. , Hershman Dawn L. , Newman Vicky A. , Hansen Lisa , Hartman Sheri J. , Korner Judith , Shi Zaixing , Sardo Molmenti Christine L. , Sayegh Antoine , Fehrenbacher Lou , Lo Shelly , Klemp Jennifer , Rinn Kristine , Robertson John M. , Unger Joseph , Gralow Julie , Albain Kathy , Krouse Robert , Fabian Carol
Published: September 2018

Objective

This study aimed to test the feasibility of a 12‐month weight loss intervention using telephone‐based counseling plus community‐situated physical activity (PA) in female breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

Methods

This multisite cooperative group study enrolled sedentary, female, postmenopausal BC and CRC survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 to receive 12‐month fitness center memberships and telephone counseling encouraging 150 min/wk of PA and a 500‐kcal/ddecrease in energy intake. Feasibility criteria included accrual, adherence, and retention. Target weight loss was ≥ 5%.

Results

Among 25 BC survivors, median baseline BMI was 37.2 (range: 27.7‐54.6), accrual occurred in 10 months, 60% and 28% met diet and exercise goals, 80% provided 12‐month measures, and average weight loss was 7.6% (95% CI: −3.9%, 19.2%). Among 23 CRC survivors, median BMI was 31.8 (range: 26.4‐48.7), accrual occurred in 24 months, 61% and 17% met diet and exercise goals, 87% provided measures, and average weight loss was 2.5% (95% CI: −8.2%, 13.3%).

Conclusions

It is feasible to recruit and retain BC survivors in a cooperative group diet and PA weight loss trial. BC survivors achieved clinically meaningful weight loss but did not meet a priori adherence goals. In CRC survivors, recruitment was more difficult, and the intervention was less effective.
Lifestyle Intervention Decreases Urine Trimethylamine N‐Oxide Levels in Prepubertal Children with Obesity
Authors: Leal‐Witt María J. , Llobet Marina , Samino Sara , Castellano Pol , Cuadras Daniel , Jimenez‐Chillaron Josep C. , Yanes Oscar , Ramon‐Krauel Marta , Lerin Carles
Published: September 2018

Objective

Early lifestyle interventions in children with obesity decrease risk of obesity and metabolic disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to identify metabolic signatures associated with lifestyle intervention in urine samples from prepubertal children with obesity.

Methods

Thirty‐four prepubertal children with obesity were studied before and after a 6‐month lifestyle intervention program, and anthropometric, metabolic, and nutritional variables were collected. A nuclear magnetic resonance approach was applied to obtain the metabolomic profile from urine samples. Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was used to achieve group classification and variable importance on projection (VIP) for biomarker selection.

Results

The intervention reduced caloric intake by 10% (P < 0.05) and BMI standard deviation score by 0.47 SD (P < 0.001). PLS‐DA identified trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO, VIP = 2.21) as the metabolite with the highest discrimination properties between groups. Urine TMAO levels were reduced after the intervention (P < 0.05). TMAO is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk and is a product of gut microbiota‐dependent metabolism of certain dietary compounds, including choline. Notably, changes in TMAO levels after the intervention did not correlate to differences in choline intake but were inversely associated with fiber intake (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results indicate that lifestyle intervention decreases TMAO levels in children with obesity.
The dishonest gambler: Low HEXACO honesty–humility and gambling severity in a community sample of gamblers
Authors: Kim Hyoun S. , Rash Christina L. , McGrath Daniel S.
Published: September 2018

Personality dimensions have been found to be important in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling. While the majority of research has focused on the Five‐Factor Model of personality, recent empirical evidence also indicated that the honesty–humility factor of the HEXACO personality model may be a key personality correlate of gambling behaviour. In the present research, we extend the understanding between personality and gambling severity by further assessing whether HEXACO dimensions are associated with both current gambling status and gambling severity in a community‐recruited sample of gamblers (N = 427). In addition, we examined whether motivations to engage in gambling (enhancement, coping, social and financial) mediated the relationship between personality and gambling severity on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Demographic covariates were controlled for in our analyses. The results indicate that honesty–humility was the only personality dimension that significantly predicted gambling status (non‐gamblers vs. current gamblers). In addition, lower scores on honesty–humility, conscientiousness and openness were significantly associated with gambling severity. Lastly, coping motives were the only significant mediator in the relationship between honesty–humility and increased gambling severity. The results offer further support to the notion that honesty–humility may be an especially pertinent personality dimension in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new mite IPM strategy: predator avoidance behaviour resulting from the synergetic effects of predator release and acaricide‐treated nets
Authors: Kungu Miriam , Deletre Emilie , Subramanian Sevgan , Fiaboe Komi KM , Gitonga Linus , Lagat Zipporah Osiemo , Martin Thibaud
Published: September 2018

Background

Tetranychus evansi and T. urticae spider mites are known major pests of Solanaceae. Smallholders in Africa rely heavily on pesticide treatments. However, farmers claim that pesticides are generally ineffective despite high‐frequency sprays. New management solutions are thus urgently needed. This study assessed the efficacy of using acaricide‐treated nets combined with predatory mite release for controlling spider mites.

Results

The results showed the acaricide‐treated net alone was more effective at reducing numbers of T. urticae than T. evansi. We observed the opposite for release of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes. This difference could be explained by the specific dispersion strategies of the two spider mite pests; T. evansi is gregarious, whereas T. urticae dispersed rapidly. Joint application of both techniques resulted in a synergetic effect that reduced T. evansi and T. urticae spider mite numbers close to zero. The synergetic effect could be explained by predator avoidance behaviour of the prey spider mites, resulting in higher prey trapping and killing rates on acaricide‐treated nets, while P. longipes fed on spider mite eggs.

Conclusion

These techniques are profitable for smallholders as they are not expensive and avoid residues on the crop. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of CarE genes from the Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their response to host chemical defense
Authors: Dai Lulu , Gao Haiming , Ye Jiaqi , Fu Danyang , Sun Yaya , Chen Hui
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Bark beetles rely on detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids of their host trees. Research on carboxylesterases (CarEs) has focused on their multiple functions in the metabolic detoxification of pesticides and plant allelochemicals, drug resistance, and juvenile hormone and pheromone degradation.

RESULT

We identified eight new CarE genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and carried out bioinformatics analysis on the deduced full‐length amino acid sequences. Differential transcript levels of CarE genes were observed between sexes; within these levels, significant differences were found among the different development stages, and between insects fed on the phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to five stimuli [(−)‐α‐pinene, (−)‐β‐pinene, (+)‐3‐carene, limonene and turpentine] at 8 and 24 h.

CONCLUSION

Transcription levels of CarE genes suggest some relationship with the detoxification of terpenoids released by host trees. The functions of bark beetle esterase are mainly in hydrolyzing the host chemical defense and degrading odorant molecules during host selection and colonization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular basis and mechanism underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders
Authors: Wang Xianchun , Tang Xiaochao , Xu Dehong , Yu Dianmei
Published: September 2018

Latrodectus species are among the most venomous of spiders, with abundant toxic proteinaceous components in their venomous glands and other tissues, as well as their eggs. To date, several proteinaceous toxins with insecticidal potential, including α‐insectotoxin and δ‐insectotoxin, two of the most potent known insecticidal toxins, have been purified and characterized by comprehensively utilizing conventional biochemical techniques. This has greatly enhanced our knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action of their toxicity. Application of proteomic and transcriptomic techniques further revealed the synergistic action of multiple Latrodectus proteinaceous toxins and toxin‐like components. Insecticidal toxins from Latrodectus spiders have great potential in insect pest control; however, more studies are needed to further reveal their mechanisms of action and understand their structures and properties before any practical application, for example, the insecticidal toxin‐containing fusion proteins with oral activity. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders, and examine their potential application in insect pest control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of doping and sheet size in tailoring optoelectronic properties of germanene: A TDDFT study
Authors: Bhandari Aashka S. , Hassan Walid M. I. , Al‐Hashimi Nessreen , Shibl Mohamed F. , Patil Sunil R. , Verma Amit
Published: September 2018

Germanene is a novel 2D material with promising optoelectronic properties, tuning of which is to be explored. This work demonstrates that doping and increasing the sheet size can alter optical and electronic properties of germanene via perturbation of the band structure. This feature has also been observed in other nanostructures, notably, silicon nanostructures, and may be attributed to quantum confinement effects. Our main findings on H‐terminated germanene are, (i) band gap can be reduced by 30%, (ii) exciton binding energy can be reduced by 60%, and (iii) absorption spectra can be tuned from UV to visible range. We employ time‐dependent density functional theory to investigate the role of dopants, boron (B), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), silicon (Si), and zirconium (Zr). Width of the germanene sheet is varied from 0.78 nm to 2.78 nm. Frequency and energy calculations are carried out to analyze the infrared (IR) and ultra‐violet (UV)‐visible (VIS) spectra.
Generation of Functional Hepatocytes from Human Adipose-Derived MYC+ KLF4+ GMNN+ Stem Cells Analyzed by Single-Cell RNA-Seq Profiling
Authors: Li Hongling , Zhu Li , Chen Huimin , Li Tangping , Han Qin , Wang Shihua , Yao Xinglei , Feng Hongli , Fan Linyuan , Gao Shaorong , Boyd Richard , Cao Xu , Zhu Ping , Li Jing , Keating Armand , Su Xiaodong , Zhao Robert Chunhua
Published: September 2018

Cell transplantation holds considerable promise for end-stage liver diseases but identifying a suitable, transplantable cell type has been problematic. Here, we describe a novel type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human adipose tissue. These cells are different from previously reported MSCs, they are in the euchromatin state with epigenetic multipotency, and express pluripotent markers MYC, KLF4, and GMNN. Most of the genes associated with germ layer specification are modified by H3K4me3 or co-modified by H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. We named this new type of MSCs as adult multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (M-ADSCs). Using a four-step nonviral system, M-ADSCs can be efficiently Induced into hepatocyte like cells with expression of hepatocyte markers, drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, and the other basic functional properties including albumin (ALB) secretion, glycogen storage, detoxification, low-density lipoprotein intake, and lipids accumulation. In vivo both M-ADSCs-derived hepatoblasts and hepatocytes could form vascularized liver-like tissue, secrete ALB and express metabolic enzymes. Single-cell RNA-seq was used to investigate the important stages in this conversion. M-ADSCs could be converted to a functionally multipotent state during the preinduction stage without undergoing reprogramming process. Our findings provide important insights into mechanisms underlying cell development and conversion.