bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioarchaeological profile of stress and dental disease among ancient high altitude Himalayan communities of Nepal
Authors: Eng Jacqueline T. , Aldenderfer Mark
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study examines biological indicators of dental disease and nonspecific stress in human remains of three high altitude Himalayan archaeological sites to test whether shared ecological constraints led to similar bioarchaeological profiles in these markers.

Methods

Samples (n = 170) derive from three sites in Nepal dating to two periods (400–50 BCE and c. 400–650 CE). Dental diseases (caries, antemortem tooth loss, and abscesses) were assessed by both the number of individuals and the number of elements observed, while childhood stress markers included observation of growth disruptions (enamel hypoplasia and adult femur length/stature) and cranial porosities. Statistical analysis included chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical data and ANOVA and t‐tests for metric data.

Results

There are significant differences between the sites and sexes in frequencies of dental diseases in the adult samples. There are low frequencies of childhood stress markers overall and the femur length data show no significant differences across sites, but significant sexual dimorphism within each site. Females have reduced stature compared to contemporary Tibetan samples residing at a similar elevation.

Conclusions

Variations in dental disease frequencies between the sites may be due to local variations in microenvironment, cultural, and/or temporal differences in resource availability, food consumption and preparation, as well as the age structure of the samples. The low frequencies of markers for nonspecific stress may be indicative of the ability of these ancient Himalayan groups to successfully meet the challenges posed by the extreme conditions of high altitude living through biocultural adaptations.
Defining mandibular morphology in Robin sequence: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Susarla Srinivas M. , Vasilakou Nefeli , Kapadia Hitesh , Egbert Mark , Hopper Richard A. , Evans Kelly N.
Published: April 2017

Robin Sequence (RS) is classically defined as the triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction. While there remains significant debate over diagnostic criteria for severity, there is consensus regarding micrognathia as a defining feature of the condition. The purpose of this study was to compare mandibular morphology among infants and children with RS to infants and children without RS using maxillofacial computed tomography. Our hypothesis was that there are discrete morphologic differences between RS and non‐RS mandibles. Our goal was to determine if there are defined and measureable differences in RS mandible shape that can be used in defining the sequence. We identified 20 cases with RS and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched controls without RS. Linear, angular, and composite measurements were obtained for each patient. Cases had shorter mandibular sagittal lengths (−27%, p = 0.001), shorter inferior border arc lengths (−11.5%, p = 0.002), steeper gonial angles (+10.5%, p < 0.001), and narrower symphyseal angles (−11.5%, p < 0.001). Mandibular shape in RS was more rounded/elliptical (p < 0.001) and infants with RS had a significantly smaller submental cross‐sectional area (−29.4%, p < 0.001). These shape differences anterior to the gonial angle of the mandible appear to be a defining morphologic feature in RS.
Maleic anhydride grafted linear low‐density polyethylene/waste paper powder composites with superior mechanical behavior
Authors: Saini Arun , Yadav Chandravati , Bera Madhab , Gupta Pragya , Maji Pradip K.
Published: April 2017

The present work aims to study the perspectives of an efficient utilization of waste products as fillers for the thermoplastic polymer. Maleic anhydride grafted linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE‐g‐MA), without any compatibilizers, has been used as polymer matrix to prepare composites with different contents (0–50 phr) of waste paper powder (WPP). Mechanical properties assessment has shown up to 88% improvement in tensile strength and a huge increment of 409% in Young's modulus for the composites prepared at 30 phr WPP. The reinforcement effect of WPP in the polymer matrix was also assessed by Guth‐Gold and modified Guth‐Gold equations. Microstructural analysis of the fractured surfaces revealed good interfacial adhesion with fewer voids and fiber pull out up to 30 phr WPP loading. Interfacial interaction between maleic anhydride group of LLDPE‐g‐MA and OH groups present dominantly in the cellulosic component of WPP was established through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties of prepared composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45167.
Adsorption and Desorption of Single‐Stranded DNA from Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Shearer Cameron J. , Yu LePing , Fenati Renzo , Sibley Alexander J. , Quinton Jamie S. , Gibson Christopher T. , Ellis Amanda V. , Andersson Gunther G. , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: April 2017

The chemical affinity of single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) to adsorb to the surface of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is used for SWCNT purification, separation and in bio‐devices. Despite the popularity of research on SWCNT‐ssDNA conjugates, very little work has studied the removal of adsorbed ssDNA on SWCNTs. This paper reports a comprehensive study of biological, physical and chemical treatments for the removal of ssDNA from SWCNT‐ssDNA suspensions. These include enzymatic cleavage, heat treatment under vacuum up to 400 °C, chemical treatments with high or low pH, oxidizing conditions, and high‐ionic‐strength solvents. Complimentary characterization techniques including fluorescence from a DNA‐intercalating dye (YO‐PRO‐1) and photoelectron spectroscopy are used to exhaustively study and compare the methods investigated. Enzyme treatment is found to remove the phosphate backbone only, leaving nucleosides adsorbed to SWCNTs. Heating in inert atmosphere is ineffective at removing ssDNA. Acid, base and oxidative treatment are found to be effective for the removal of ssDNA from SWCNTs. Where possible the mechanism of desorption is described and from the findings suggestions for “best practices” are provided.
The Social Communication Questionnaire for adults with intellectual disability: SCQ‐AID
Authors: Derks Olivia , Heinrich Manuel , Brooks Whitney , Sterkenburg Paula , McCarthy Jane , Underwood Lisa , Sappok Tanja
Published: April 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co‐occurs with intellectual disability (ID) and often remains undiagnosed until adulthood. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a widely used measure to screen for ASD. To improve the utility of the SCQ for adults with ID, the aim of this study was to develop an ID‐specific and adult appropriate algorithm for the SCQ using a core set of valid items. These items were identified in one sample (N = 226) and further cross‐validated in a second, independent sample (N = 225) from Germany, England and the U.S. The newly developed algorithm has 24 items compared with the 40 items in the original instrument. The reduced item core set yielded similar diagnostic validity as the original algorithm with good sensitivity values (0.81–0.89) and low specificity values (0.62–0.72). Overall, these results suggest that the removed items may not carry diagnostically relevant information in adults with ID; thus, excluding these items may result in a more efficient and age‐appropriate screening measure for this population. However, due to the low specificity values, a comprehensive assessment is essential for a final diagnostic assignment. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1481–1490. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term follow-up of fenestrated endovascular repair for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Roy I N , Millen A M , Jones S M , Vallabhaneni S R , Scurr J R H , McWilliams R G , Brennan J A , Fisher R K
Published: April 2017

Background

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is increasingly being used for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. The aim of this study was to review long-term results and assess the importance of changing stent-graft design on outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent FEVAR within a single unit over 12 years (February 2003 to December 2015). Kaplan–Meier analysis of survival, and freedom from target vessel loss, aneurysm expansion, graft-related endoleak and secondary intervention was performed. Comparison between outcomes of less complex grafts (fewer than 3 fenestrations) and more complex grafts (3 or 4 fenestrations) was undertaken.

Results

Some 173 patients underwent FEVAR; median age was 76 (i.q.r. 70–79) years and 90·2 per cent were men. Median aneurysm diameter was 63 (59–71) mm and median follow-up was 34 (16–50) months. The adjusted primary technical operative success rate was 95·4 per cent. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5·2 per cent; there was no known aneurysm-related death during follow-up. Median survival was 7·1 (95 per cent c.i. 5·2 to 8·1) years and overall survival was 60·1 per cent (104 of 173). There was a trend towards an increasing number of fenestrations in the graft design over time. In-hospital mortality appeared higher when more complex stent-grafts were used (8 versus 2 per cent for stent-grafts with 3–4 versus fewer than 3 fenestrations; P = 0·059). Graft-related endoleaks were more common following deployment of stent-grafts with three or four fenestrations (12 of 90 versus 6 of 83; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair for juxtarenal aneurysm is associated with few aneurysm-related deaths in the long term. Significant numbers of secondary interventions are required, but the majority of these can be performed using an endovascular approach.
Presence of bone marrow micro‐metastases in stage I‐III colon cancer patients is associated with worse disease‐free and overall survival
Authors: Viehl Carsten T. , Weixler Benjamin , Guller Ulrich , Dell‐Kuster Salome , Rosenthal Rachel , Ramser Michaela , Banz Vanessa , Langer Igor , Terracciano Luigi , Sauter Guido , Oertli Daniel , Zuber Markus
Published: April 2017

The prognostic significance of bone marrow micro‐metastases (BMM) in colon cancer patients remains unclear. We conducted a prospective cohort study with long‐term follow‐up to evaluate the relevance of BMM as a prognostic factor for disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in stage I‐III colon cancer patients. In this prospective multicenter cohort study 144 stage I‐III colon cancer patients underwent bone marrow aspiration from both iliac crests prior to open oncologic resection. The bone marrow aspirates were stained with the pancytokeratin antibody A45‐B/B3 and analyzed for the presence of epithelial tumor cells. DFS and OS were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazard model and robust standard errors to account for clustering in the multicenter setting. Median overall follow‐up was 6.2 years with no losses to follow‐up, and 7.3 years in patients who survived. BMM were found in 55 (38%) patients. In total, 30 (21%) patients had disease recurrence and 56 (39%) patients died. After adjusting for known prognostic factors, BMM positive patients had a significantly worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.02‐1.73; P = 0.037) and OS (HR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.09‐1.55; P = 0.003) compared to BMM negative patients. Bone marrow micro‐metastases occur in over one third of stage I‐III colon cancer patients and are a significant, independent negative prognostic factor for DFS and OS. Future trials should evaluate whether node‐negative colon cancer patients with BMM benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Coincidence of follicular lymphoma and hurtle cell thyroid carcinoma in a patient at presentation: which one is the source of bone metastasis? Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ozkan Hasan Atilla , Akoluk Arda , Ozler Turhan , Ekici Isin Dogan , Selcuk Nalan Alan
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Thyroid incidentaloma is defined as a new identified thyroid lesion occasionally detected during imaging studies. Incidence of thyroid incidentalomas is relatively rare in patients with lymphoma. Because of high rate of malignancy, these lesions with high intensity focal 18FDG uptake detected on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) should undergo to biopsy regardless of size.
Polymer Encapsulated Cobalt‐Based Catalysts (Co EnCatTM) for Selective Continuous Hydrogenation of 1‐Iodo‐4‐nitrobenzene
Authors: Alex Hannes , Loos Patrick , Baramov Todor , Barry John , Godiawala Tanmay , Hassfeld Jorma , Steinfeldt Norbert
Published: April 2017

New cobalt catalysts confined in an EnCatTM polyurea matrix by micro‐encapsulation of Al5Co2 or Al5Co2/Al3Ni2 phase containing alloys are disclosed for the reductive hydrogenation of 1‐iodo‐4‐nitrobenzene 1. The product 4‐iodo‐aniline 2 readily undergoes hydro‐desiodination and was used to demonstrate the extraordinary selectivity. Co EnCatTM significantly suppressed this follow‐up reaction under both batch and flow modes. The correlation between performance, elemental composition, and alloy content is presented for these novel catalysts. Among them, the hybrid micro‐encapsulated Co‐Ni catalyst showed higher activity than its Ni‐free analogue. In the flow process, this catalyst gave a high yield of 2 and very low level of 3. Hence, these novel Co EnCatTM catalysts hold promise with respect to the continuous‐flow hydrogenation of challenging halogenated nitroaromatic compounds.
Heterotetracenes: Flexible Synthesis and in Silico Assessment of the Hole‐Transport Properties
Authors: Li Yifan , Gryn'ova Ganna , Saenz Felipe , Jeanbourquin Xavier , Sivula Kevin , Corminboeuf Clémence , Waser Jérôme
Published: April 2017

Thienoacenes and furoacenes are among the most frequent molecular units found in organic materials. The efficient synthesis of morphologically different heteroacenes and the rapid determination of their solid‐state and electronic properties are still challenging tasks, which slow down progress in the development of new materials. Here, we report a flexible and efficient synthesis of unprecedented heterotetracenes based on a platinum‐ and gold‐catalyzed cyclization–alkynylation domino process using EthynylBenziodoXole (EBX) hypervalent iodine reagents in the key step. The proof‐of‐principle in silico estimation of the synthesized tetracenes’ charge transport properties reveals their strong dependence on both the position and nature of the heteroatoms in the ring system. A broad range of mobility is predicted, with some compounds displaying performance potentially comparable to that of state‐of‐the‐art electronic organic materials.
Estimating treatment effects in observational studies with both prevalent and incident cohorts
Authors: Ning Jing , Hong Chuan , Li Liang , Huang Xuelin , Shen Yu
Published: April 2017

Registry databases are increasingly being used for comparative effectiveness research in cancer. Such databases reflect the real‐world patient population and physician practice, and thus are natural sources for comparing multiple treatment scenarios and the associated long‐term clinical outcomes. Registry databases usually include both incident and prevalent cohorts, which provide valuable complementary information for patients with more recent diagnoses in the incident cohort as well as patients with long‐term follow‐up data in the prevalent cohort. However, utilizing such data to derive valid inference poses two major challenges: the data from a prevalent cohort are not random samples of the target population, and there may be substantial differences in the baseline characteristics of patients between treatment arms, which influences the decisions about treatment selection in both cohorts. In this article we extend propensity score methodology to observational studies that involve both prevalent and incident cohorts, and assess the effectiveness of radiation therapy (RT) in SEER‐Medicare patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Specifically we utilize the incident cohort to estimate the propensity for receiving RT, and then combine data from both the incident and prevalent cohorts to estimate the effect of RT by adjusting for the propensity scores in the model. We evaluate the proposed method with simulations. We demonstrate that the proposed propensity score method simultaneously removes sampling bias and selection bias under several assumptions. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 45: 202–219; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Dihydropyrene as an Aromaticity Probe for Partially Quinoid Push–Pull Systems
Authors: Garmshausen Yves , Klaue Kristin , Hecht Stefan
Published: April 2017

Although aromaticity is a key concept in chemistry that is frequently used to explain the structure and reactivity of organic compounds, it remains challenging to actually measure this property. Proper probes allow for an experimental quantification of aromaticity using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and in this study 15,16‐dimethyl‐15,16‐dihydropyrene (DHP) is demonstrated to be particularly well suited for this purpose. DHP has two internal methyl groups, which are positioned within the π cloud of this bridged, planar, and rigid [14]annulene, and are therefore shifted to higher field in proton NMR spectra owing to ring‐current effects. A specific DHP derivative bearing strongly electron‐donating dimethylamino and strongly electron‐accepting nitro groups in a relative pseudo‐para orientation has been synthesized and characterized with respect to its quinoid character. Solvatochromism as well as a reduced ring current show that the partial quinoid character in this push–pull DHP derivative is about 12 %. This study extends the scope of DHP as an aromaticity probe and aids in the better understanding of the phenomenon of aromaticity.
Production of Biomass‐Based Automotive Lubricants by Reductive Etherification
Authors: Jadhav Deepak , Grippo Adam M. , Shylesh Sankaranarayanapillai , Gokhale Amit A. , Redshaw John , Bell Alexis T.
Published: April 2017

Growing concern with the effects of CO2 emissions due to the combustion of petroleum‐based transportation fuels has motivated the search for means to increase engine efficiency. The discovery of ethers with low viscosity presents an important opportunity to improve engine efficiency and fuel economy. We show here a strategy for the catalytic synthesis of such ethers by reductive etherification/O‐alkylation of alcohols using building blocks that can be sourced from biomass. We find that long‐chain branched ethers have several properties that make them superior lubricants to the mineral oil and synthetic base oils used today. These ethers provide a class of potentially renewable alternatives to conventional lubricants produced from petroleum and may contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases associated with vehicle emissions.
Disruptive natural selection predicts divergence between the sexes during adaptive radiation
Authors: De Lisle Stephen P. , Rowe Locke
Published: April 2017

Evolution of sexual dimorphism in ecologically relevant traits, for example, via resource competition between the sexes, is traditionally envisioned to stall the progress of adaptive radiation. An alternative view is that evolution of ecological sexual dimorphism could in fact play an important positive role by facilitating sex‐specific adaptation. How competition‐driven disruptive selection, ecological sexual dimorphism, and speciation interact during real adaptive radiations is thus a critical and open empirical question. Here, we examine the relationships between these three processes in a clade of salamanders that has recently radiated into divergent niches associated with an aquatic life cycle. We find that morphological divergence between the sexes has occurred in a combination of head shape traits that are under disruptive natural selection within breeding ponds, while divergence among species means has occurred independently of this disruptive selection. Further, we find that adaptation to aquatic life is associated with increased sexual dimorphism across taxa, consistent with the hypothesis of clade‐wide character displacement between the sexes. Our results suggest the evolution of ecological sexual dimorphism may play a key role in niche divergence among nascent species and demonstrate that ecological sexual dimorphism and ecological speciation can and do evolve concurrently in the early stages of adaptive radiation.
Metal‐Free trans‐Aziridination of Zerumbone: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Aziridine Derivatives of Zerumbone
Authors: Gopalan Greeshma , Dhanya Bhandara Purayil , Saranya Jayaram , Reshmitha Thankappan Remadevi , Baiju Thekke Veettil , Meenu Murugan Thulasi , Nair Mangalam S. , Nisha Prakasan , Radhakrishnan Kokkuvayil Vasu
Published: April 2017

Herein, we describe a metal‐free, iodosobenzene diacetate mediated trans‐aziridination of zerumbone by the direct use of sulfonamides. Preliminary in vitro screening showed that the synthesized compounds had better antiproliferative and antidiabetic activities than the parent compound zerumbone.
Role of TLR4 and miR‐155 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell‐mediated inflammatory reaction in coronary slow flow and coronary arteriosclerosis patients
Authors: Huang Jiangyan , Yang Qin , He Longmiao , Huang Jun
Published: April 2017

Background

To study the role of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MicroRNA‐155 (miR‐155) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)‐mediated inflammation in coronary slow flow (CSF) and coronary arteriosclerosis.

Methods

Patients were divided into acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stable angina pectoris (SAP), CSF, and healthy control (HC) groups. The isolated PBMCs were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/and antagomiR‐155. TLR4, miR‐155, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1, and IL‐10 were measured.

Results

Before LPS intervention, the TLR4, TNF‐α, IL‐1, and IL‐6 levels were higher and the level of miR‐155, IL‐10 was lower in the ACS group compared with the SAP, CSF, and HC groups. After exposure to LPS, the levels of TLR4, miR‐155, TNF‐α, IL‐1, and IL‐6 were increased and the level of IL‐10 was decreased in the SAP and CSF groups compared with the HC group. But when over‐expressing antagomiR‐155 into PBMCs from SAP and CSF groups, the miR‐155 expression, and TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1 secretion increase induced by LPS were restrained.

Conclusions

TLR4, miR‐155, and inflammatory cytokines may be closely related to ACS. LPS can induce TLR4, miR‐155 expression and inflammatory response in SAP and CSF patients. AntagomiR‐155 can inhibit this inflammatory response.
Cytoskeletal remodeling and regulation of cell fate in the hypertensive neonatal pulmonary artery in response to stress
Authors: Johar Dina
Published: April 2017

Neonatal pulmonary hypertension (PHN) is a lethal progressive disease that occurs in prenatal circulatory transition. Mechanical wall strain caused by cardiac pulsation integrates with hypoxia to generate rapidly progressive myocyte cytoskeleton disassembly and failure to exert force generation. The physiological responses to such an interaction have not been investigated. The persistent phenotype does not respond to traditional vasodilator therapy; hence, there is a need for new treatment strategies to improve the morbidity and mortality outcomes. We reviewed the current research methods, models, and markers of persistent PHN relevant to oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as cell fate commitment, with an emphasis on apoptosis and proliferation. We surveyed potential investigations into the role of senescence in neonatal PHN cell fate decision programming during vasodilator treatment and suggested putative drug targets to improve clinical outcomes. We identified important signaling intermediates of senescence and cell cycle entry regulation in hypertensive pulmonary arterial tissues.
Lipase B of Candida antarctica co‐adsorbed with polyols onto TiO2 nanoparticles for improved biocatalytic performance
Authors: Llerena Suster Carlos R , Toledo María Victoria , Fittipaldi Antonela S , Morcelle Susana R , Briand Laura E
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The immobilization of the lipase B of Candida antarctica CALB over TiO2 nanoparticles was thoroughly investigated with the isotherms of adsorption at various temperatures with and without the addition of sorbitol and glycerol. The surface composition, secondary structure and the effect of the addition of the polyols was addressed.

RESULTS

The maximum dispersion limit of protein on TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) is 0.073 ± 0.007 µmol m−2. Glycerol and sorbitol co‐adsorb on the TiO2 NPs reaching 45% of the surface composition of the biocatalyst. The optimized material was able to catalyze the esterification of 52% of R/S‐ibuprofen with ethanol (0.31 ± 0.01 µmol min−1 mg−1) with 41% of enantiomeric excess towards S(+)‐ibuprofen in 24 h reaction. Under similar reaction conditions, the commercial counterpart Novozym® 435 showed 34% conversion (0.091 ± 0.003 µmol min−1 mg−1) and 16% of enantiomeric excess.

CONCLUSIONS

The molecular association between the protein and the polyols exerts a positive cooperativism which prevents aggregation of the protein and protects its active conformation. The residual esterase activity of the immobilized CALB compared with the free lipase depends directly on the amount of co‐adsorbed polyols. Moreover, polyols boost the catalytic performance in the kinetic resolution of racemic ibuprofen showing an optimum at the maximum coverage of polyols on the biocatalysts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Paradoxical high augmentation index in females with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nishizaki Yuji , Mizuno Atsushi , Miyauchi Katsumi , Okazaki Shinya , Yamazoe Masahiro , Komatsu Ikki , Asano Taku , Konishi Hirokazu , Naito Ryo , Tamura Hiroshi , Mitsuhashi Hirotsugu , Nishi Yutaro , Niwa Koichiro , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

The relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and augmentation index (AIx) remains unclear. We conducted an observational cross‐sectional study. Subjects were patients who underwent coronary angiography. We examined the relationship between high AIx and several factors. The total number of diabetic patients was 144, and median AIx was 0.256. In diabetic patients, the significant relationship between female gender and high AIx (median cut‐off value, ≥0.256) was found by the multivariate logistic analysis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.888; 95% confidence interval: 1.032‐8.081). The significant relationship between female gender and high AIx was found in patients with DM.
A Simple One‐Pot Synthesis of Fully Substituted 1H‐Pyridone[1,2‐a]‐Fused‐1,3‐Diazaheterocycles
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Rezaee Monireh , Zhu Long‐Guan
Published: April 2017

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of 7‐(aryl)‐8‐nitro‐2,3,6,7‐tetrahydroimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridinones, 8‐(aryl)‐9‐nitro‐3,4,7,8‐tetrahydropyridone[1,2‐a]pyrimidines and 9‐(aryl)‐10‐nitro‐2,3,4,5,8,9‐hexahydropyridone[1,2‐a]diazepine via one‐pot three component reaction of diamine, nitroketene dithioacetal (1,1‐bis(methylsulfanyl)‐2‐nitroethene), and coumarine‐3‐ carboxylic acid derivatives in EtOH under reflux conditions is reported. The advantages of this procedure are simplicity, easy purification, good yields, and catalyst‐free conditions. All products were confirmed by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, IR, MS, and X‐ray crystal structure analyses.
PET imaging with copper‐64 as a tool for real‐timein vivoinvestigations of the necessity for cross‐linking of polymeric micelles in nanomedicine
Authors: Jensen Andreas I. , Binderup Tina , Ek Pramod Kumar , Grandjean Constance E. , Rasmussen Palle H. , Kjær Andreas , Andresen Thomas L.
Published: April 2017

Polymeric micelles in nanomedicine are often cross‐linked to prevent disintegrationin vivo. This typically requires clinically problematic chemicals or laborious procedures. In addition, cross‐linking may interfere with advanced release strategies. Despite this, it is often not investigated whether cross‐linking is necessary for efficient drug delivery. We used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with64Cu to demonstrate general methodology for real‐timein vivoinvestigations of micelle stability. Triblock copolymers with 4‐methylcoumarin cores of ABC‐type (PEG‐PHEMA‐PCMA) were functionalized in the handle region (PHEMA) with CB‐TE2A chelators. Polymeric micelles were formed by dialysis and one half was core cross‐linked (CL) by UV light and the other half was not (nonCL). Both CL and nonCL were radiolabeled with64Cu and comparedin vivoin tumor‐bearing mice, with free64Cu as control. Accumulation in relevant organs was quantified by region of interest analysis on PET images andex vivocounting. It was observed that CL and nonCL showed limited differences in biodistribution from each other, whereas both differed markedly from control (free64Cu). This demonstrated that 4‐methylcoumarin core micelles may form micelles that are stable in circulation even without cross‐linking. The methodology presented here where individual unimers are radiolabeled is applicable to a wide range of polymeric micelle types.
Diffusion‐Weighted and Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Testicular Spermatogenic Function Evaluation: Preliminary Results
Authors: Wang Huanjun , Guan Jian , Lin Jinhua , Zhang Zhongwei , Li Shurong , Guo Yan , Cai Huasong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To assess the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI) and magnetization transfer MRI (MTI) in evaluating male infertility.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen men with testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction confirmed by percutaneous testis biopsy and 31 volunteers (control group B, age range: 20–40 years) with normal semen analysis including younger (By, n = 15, age range: 20–30 years) and older (Bo, n = 16, age range: 31–40 years) men underwent pelvic 3T MRI, including DWI and MTI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were compared.

Results

The ADCs in 32 testes of 16 patients (0.497 ± 0.037 × 10‐3 mm2/s) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of control group B (0.460 ± 0.031 × 10‐3 mm2/s), group By (0.453 ± 0.018 × 10‐3 mm2/s), and group Bo (0.461 ± 0.034 × 10‐3 mm2/s), whereas the MTRs were significantly lower than that of group B (16.14 ± 4.20), group By (17.88 ± 2.00), and group Bo (15.09 ± 4.28) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Functional MRI, including DWI and MTI, appears promising for evaluating male infertility with higher ADC and lower MTR in testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:186–190.
SERS spectrum of red dyes in the Mapuche belts from the beginning of the XXth century
Authors: Campos‐Vallette M. M. , Rodríguez M. J. , Chapanoff M. A. , Clavijo E. , Gómez‐Jeria J. S. , Aliaga A. E. , Jara G. P. , Celis F. , Paipa C. , Leyton P.
Published: April 2017

Red dyes in seven belts (trariwe) belonging to the Mapuche culture, dated as beginning of the XXth century and stored in Museo Regional de la Araucanía, Chile, were studied by using ultraviolet‐visible, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, Raman and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering spectroscopies. Red dyes were extracted and analysed; the spectral analysis allowed identifying that the principal red dye in five samples is highly consistent with a commercial synthetic aniline, the azopigment PR57. Another monoazopigment, an orange benzimidazolone, was identified in two samples. A molecular model for the PR57/Ag surface interaction supports the idea that the dye mainly exposes to the metal the carboxylate and sulphonate groups; the red azopigment is oriented rather tilted with the two aromatic rings being almost coplanar to the surface. The electrostatic interactions are the main factor of the PR57/Ag layer interaction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trimodality therapy for Pancoast tumors: T4 is not a contraindication to radical surgery
Authors: Waseda Ryuichi , Klikovits Thomas , Hoda Mir Alireza , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Bertoglio Pietro , Dieckmann Karin , Zöchbauer‐Müller Sabine , Pirker Robert , Prosch Helmut , Döme Balazs , Klepetko Walter
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of T stage and extended surgery on the outcome of patients with Pancoast tumors after induction chemoradiation therapy.

Methods

Forty‐six consecutive patients who underwent chemoradiation therapy (platin‐based, 45‐66 Gy) followed by surgery between 1998 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

In 28 (61%) patients with T4 tumors, extended procedures (more than rib resection) were performed. There were 37 (80%) lobectomies, 6 (13%) pneumonectomies, and 3 (7%) sublobar resections. A total of 44 (96%) patients had R0 resection. About 30‐day mortality was 0%, major surgical complications occurred in 9 (19.6%) patients. Overall survival (OS) at 5‐years was 63%. Disease‐free survival (DFS) at 5‐years was 45%. At multivariate cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical factors, T factor (T3/T4) and extended surgical procedures did not impact survival. However, pathological positive N stage had a negative impact on OS and lack of pathological response negatively impacted both OS and DFS.

Conclusion

Trimodality treatment including radical resection for Pancoast tumors provides good surgical outcome and favorable long‐term results. Survival of patients with T4 tumors and extended surgical procedures comparable to that of patients with T3 tumors undergoing rib resection only.
Investigating hyperventilation syndrome in patients suffering from empty nose syndrome
Authors: Mangin David , Bequignon Emilie , Zerah‐Lancner Francoise , Isabey Daniel , Louis Bruno , Adnot Serge , Papon Jean‐François , Coste André , Boyer Laurent , Devars du Mayne Marie
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS) following turbinate surgery often complain about breathing difficulties. We set out to determine if dyspnea in patients with ENS was associated with hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). We hypothesized that lower airway symptoms in ENS could be explained by HVS.

Study Design

Observational prospective study.

Methods

All consecutive patients referred to our center for ENS over 1 year were invited to participate. Patients completed the Nijmegen score and underwent a hyperventilation provocation test (HVPT) and arterial blood gas and cardiopulmonary tests. HVS was defined by a delayed return of the end‐tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the expired gas to baseline during HVPT. Patients with HVS were asked to complete the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT)‐16 questionnaire before and after a specific eight‐session respiratory rehabilitation program.

Results

Twenty‐two of the 29 patients referred for ENS during the study period were eligible for inclusion and underwent a complete workup. HVS was diagnosed in 17 of these patients (77.3%). In the five patients who completed the SNOT‐16, the score was significantly lower after rehabilitation.

Conclusions

This study suggests that HVS is frequent in patients with ENS, and that symptoms can be improved by respiratory rehabilitation. Pathophysiological links between ENS and HVS deserve to be further explored.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 127:1983–1988, 2017
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: Implications for liver transplantation
Authors: Liu Hongqun , Jayakumar Saumya , Traboulsi Mouhieddin , Lee Samuel S.
Published: April 2017

The majority of patients on a waiting list for liver transplantation have end‐stage liver disease. Because of the marked peripheral vasodilatation of end‐stage cirrhosis that masks a latent myocardial dysfunction, cardiac abnormalities in the resting state are usually subclinical and escape the attention of physicians. However, when challenged, the systolic and diastolic contractile responses are attenuated. In addition to these contractile abnormalities, morphological changes, such as enlargement or hypertrophy of cardiac chambers, and electrophysiological repolarization changes, including a prolonged QT interval, can be observed. The constellation of these cardiac abnormalities is termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Liver transplantation induces significant cardiovascular stress. Clamping of the inferior vena cava and portal vein, hemorrhage and blood/volume infusion, and ischemia/reperfusion all cause hemodynamic fluctuation. The changing cardiac preload and afterload status increases the cardiac workload, and thus, the previously subclinical ventricular dysfunction may manifest as overt heart failure during the operative and perioperative periods. Cardiac dysfunction contributes to morbidity and mortality associated with liver transplantation. Cardiovascular events are the third leading cause of death in liver recipients. However, because liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end‐stage liver failure and also appears to reverse cardiac abnormalities, it is important to understand the challenges of the heart in liver transplantation. This review focuses on cardiac status before, during, and after liver transplantation. Liver Transplantation 23 826–835 2017 AASLD.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy in patients under 30 years old: Neurophysiological data and proposed electrodiagnostic criteria
Authors: Robert‐Varvat Florence , Jousserand Guillemette , Bouhour Françoise , Vial Christophe , Cintas Pascal , Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Delmont Emilien , Clavelou Pierre , Chauplannaz Guy , Jomir Laurent , Pereon Yann , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Manel Veronique , Antoine Jean‐Christophe , Lacour Arnaud , Camdessanche Jean‐Philippe
Published: April 2017

Introduction: In young patients with mononeuropathy who lack family history and precipitating factors, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP) may be a possibility. Our objective is to propose neurophysiological criteria for HNPP in patients <30 years of age. Methods: We conducted a national multicenter retrospective clinical and neurophysiological study in patients under 30 with genetically confirmed HNPP. Results: All of the 51 patients included in the study had at least 1 demyelinating pattern in 2 asymptomatic nerves, and 3 abnormalities were found in almost 90%, including slowed motor nerve conduction velocity across the elbow in at least 1 ulnar nerve (97.5%), increased distal motor latency (DML) in at least 1 fibular nerve (95.8%), and increased DML in both median nerves (89%). Age influenced DML slightly only in the fibular nerve. Discussion: Dissemination of nerve involvement in HNPP incites to perform a complete nerve conduction study. including bilateral ulnar, fibular, and median nerves. Muscle Nerve 57: 217–221, 2018
Time to and predictors of dual incontinence in older nursing home admissions
Authors: Bliss Donna Z. , Gurvich Olga V. , Eberly Lynn E. , Harms Susan
Published: April 2017

Aims

There are few studies of nursing home residents that have investigated the development of dual incontinence, perhaps the most severe type of incontinence as both urinary and fecal incontinence occur. To determine the time to and predictors of dual incontinence in older nursing home residents.

Methods

Using a cohort design, records of older nursing home admissions who were continent or had only urinary or only fecal incontinence (n = 39,181) were followed forward for report of dual incontinence. Four national US datasets containing potential predictors at multiple levels describing characteristics of nursing home residents, nursing homes (n = 445), and socioeconomic and sociodemographic status of the community surrounding nursing homes were analyzed. A Cox proportional hazard regression with nursing home‐specific random effect was used.

Results

At 6 months after admission, 28% of nursing home residents developed dual incontinence, at 1 year 42% did so, and at 2 years, 61% had dual incontinence. Significant predictors for time to developing dual incontinence were having urinary incontinence, greater functional or cognitive deficits, more comorbidities, older age, and lesser quality of nursing home care.

Conclusions

The development of dual incontinence is a major problem among nursing home residents. Predictors in this study offer guidance in developing interventions to prevent and reduce the time to developing this problem which may improve the quality of life of nursing residents.
Tolterodine ER reduced increased bladder wall thickness in women with overactive bladder. A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel group study
Authors: Bray Rhiannon , Cartwright Rufus , Cardozo Linda , Hill Simon , Guan Zhonghong , Khullar Vik
Published: April 2017

Aims

We evaluated the effect of Tolterodine extended release (TER) versus placebo on bladder wall thickness (BWT) using transvaginal ultrasound in women with overactive bladder (OAB).

Materials and Methods

We recruited 79 women with symptoms of OAB with a mean age of 47 years who had a BWT of at least 5 mm and a post‐micturition volume of less than 50 mL at screening. Subjects received TER 4 mg or placebo once daily for the first 12 weeks of the study. For the subsequent 12 weeks, all subjects received TER 4 mg once daily. BWT was measured at screening, weeks 12 and 24. Subjects recorded number of micturitions, incontinence episodes and urgency episodes, and volume voided per micturition at regular intervals during the study.

Results

Treatment with TER for 12 weeks produced a statistically significant decrease from baseline in BWT (mean [SD] = 0.9 [1.4] mm; P < 0.05) that was not evident following treatment with placebo (0.2 [1.6] mm; P = 0.54). However, the treatment difference did not reach statistical significance (LS Mean = −0.4; 95%CI: −1.2, 0.3; P = 0.25). After 12 weeks of treatment, subjects who had taken TER showed an improvement in each bladder diary variable compared to placebo‐treated subjects.

Conclusions

TER may have a direct effect on BWT in women with OAB. Larger studies are warranted to further investigate the effect of behavioral interventions and antimuscarinics, such as TER, on BWT in women with OAB and increased BWT.
Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA injection in patients with refractory overactive bladder: First multicentric study in Turkish population
Authors: Onem Kadir , Bayrak Omer , Demirtas Abdullah , Coskun Burhan , Dincer Murat , Kocak Izzet , Onur Rahmi ,   Turkish Urology Academy, Incontinence/Neurourology Study Group
Published: April 2017

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNT‐A) injection in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to antimuscarinic treatment.

Methods

A total of 80 patients with OAB symptoms were enrolled in this prospective multicenter study and received 100 U intradetrusor onaBoNT‐A injection.The changes from baseline in the frequency of voiding, urge urinary incontinence (UI) and urge episodes, mean and maximum bladder capacities, uroflowmetry, post‐void residual urine volume (PVR), quality of life score, and treatment benefit scale score were assessed. The need for a second injection,and treatment‐related adverse events were also examined postoperatively.

Results

OnaBoNT‐A injection significantly decreased the UI episodes(P = 0.0001), the mean voiding frequency (P = 0.0001), and the urgency episodes (P = 0.0001) in the third month compared to baseline. Similarly, the mean bladder capacity, and maximal bladder capacity were increased (P < 0,05). The quality of life scores improved by 57.1% compared to the pre‐treatment rate (P = 0,0001). No significant change was observed in the PVR or maximum flow rate. Urinary retention developed in 3 (3.75%) patients and urinary infection and transient hematuria were observed in five patients (6.25%) each. The UI episodes, voiding frequency and urgency episodes were significantly lower at the 9th month than at baseline (all P = 0.0001). Overall 67% of the patients continued to experience benefits from the injection. Sixteen patients (20%) required a second injection in the third month. Eight patients were lost to follow‐up at the last visit in the 9th month, and 34 of the remaining 56 patients required a second injection at the 9th month. Cumulatively, 50 (63%) patients needed re‐injections.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the onaBoNT‐A injection produced significant improvement in all OAB symptoms with a low incidence of treatment related adverse events.
Increased energy intake following sleep restriction in men and women: A one‐size‐fits‐all conclusion?
Authors: McNeil Jessica , St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study assessed the degree of interindividual responses in energy intake (EI) to an imposed sleep restriction versus habitual sleep duration protocol. It also investigated participant (age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI) and study (study site and protocol order) characteristics as potential contributors to the variance in EI responses to sleep restriction between individuals.

Methods

Data from two randomized crossover trials were combined. All participants (n = 43; age: 31 ± 7 years, BMI: 23 ± 2 kg/m2) were free of medical/sleep conditions, were nonsmokers, reported not performing shift work, and had an average sleep duration of 7 to 9 hours per night. Ad libitum, 24‐hour EI was objectively assessed following sleep restriction (3.5‐4 hours in bed per night) and habitual sleep (7‐9 hours in bed per night) conditions.

Results

Large interindividual variations in EI change (ΔEI) between restricted and habitual sleep conditions were noted (−813 to 1437 kcal/d). Only phase order was associated with ΔEI (β = −568 kcal/d, 95% confidence interval for β = −921 to −215 kcal/d; P = 0.002); participants randomized to the habitual sleep condition first had greater increases in EI when sleep was restricted (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Large interindividual variations in ΔEI following sleep restriction were noted, suggesting that not all participants were negatively impacted by the effects of sleep restriction.
Tin, Bismuth, and Tin–Bismuth Alloy Electrodeposition from Chlorometalate Salts in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Vieira Luciana , Burt Jennifer , Richardson Peter W. , Schloffer Daniel , Fuchs David , Moser Alwin , Bartlett Philip N. , Reid Gillian , Gollas Bernhard
Published: April 2017

The electrodeposition of tin, bismuth, and tin–bismuth alloys from SnII and BiIII chlorometalate salts in the choline chloride/ethylene glycol (1:2 molar ratio) deep eutectic solvent was studied on glassy carbon and gold by cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The SnII‐containing electrolyte showed one voltammetric redox process corresponding to SnII/Sn0. The diffusion coefficient of [SnCl3]−, detected as the dominating species by Raman spectroscopy, was determined from Levich and Cottrell analyses. The BiIII‐containing electrolyte showed two voltammetric reduction processes, both attributed to BiIII/Bi0. Dimensionless current/time transients revealed that the electrodeposition of both Sn and Bi on glassy carbon proceeded by 3D‐progressive nucleation at a low overpotential and changed to instantaneous at higher overpotentials. The nucleation rate of Bi on glassy carbon was considerably smaller than that of Sn. Elemental Sn and Bi were electrodeposited on Au‐coated glass slides from their respective salt solutions, as were Sn–Bi alloys from a 2:1 SnII/BiIII solution. The biphasic Sn–Bi alloys changed from a Bi‐rich composition to a Sn‐rich composition by making the deposition potential more negative.