bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and in vivo testing of a high frequency endoscopic Raman spectroscopy system for potential applications in the detection of early colonic neoplasia
Authors: Short Michael A. , Wang Wenbo , Tai Isabella T. , Zeng Haishan
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to build and test an adjunct system to a colonoscope for in vivo measurement of Raman spectra from colon tissue for potentially improving the detection of early cancers. The novelty of this system was that low cost fibre optic probes were used, without the addition of expensive optical filters. Good quality in vivo Raman spectra were successfully obtained with a 1 s integration time in the high frequency (HF) range from normal tissue and polyps of patients during a colonoscopy. The polyps were subsequently removed, and their pathology determined. The acquired in vivo Raman spectra showed clear changes between tissue with normal and tubular adenoma pathology. Further clinical study with this low cost HF Raman probe is warranted to fully test its clinical utility.

Left: Raman probe orientated on a suspected polyp (indicated by arrow) under video surveillance during a colonoscopy. Right: average Raman spectra from 2800–3050 cm–1 obtained from polyps at different stages of disease. The peak intensities are in arbitrary units.

magnified image

Left: Raman probe orientated on a suspected polyp (indicated by arrow) under video surveillance during a colonoscopy. Right: average Raman spectra from 2800–3050 cm–1 obtained from polyps at different stages of disease. The peak intensities are in arbitrary units.
Incidence and Characteristics of Atypical Femoral Fractures: Clinical and Geometrical Data
Authors: Mahjoub Zeineb , Jean Sonia , Leclerc Jean-Thomas , Brown Jacques P , Boulet Dominic , Pelet Stéphane , Grondin Charlotte , Dumont Jeannette , Belzile Étienne L , Michou Laetitia
Published: November 2015

Despite the multitude of studies published on atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), a profile for patients at risk does not exist. This study aimed first at estimating AFF incidence over a 19-month-period in Quebec City using the ASBMR Task force criteria to define AFF. The medical records of patients hospitalized for hip or femoral fracture between June 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, were reviewed. Thirty-six cases of atypical fractures were identified during the 19-month period, representing an AFF incidence of 7.0 (range, 4.7 to 9.3) cases per 100,000 person-years. In the second part of the study, data regarding the characteristics suspected of increasing the risks of AFF were collected from medical and pharmacological records, proximal femur radiographs, and patient interviews. The data regarding each patient with an AFF during years 2008-2011 were compared to two controls with a hip or femoral fragility fracture or a traumatic fracture, paired for age and sex. Twenty patients with AFF were added to the 36 patients with AFF selected in the first part, thereby 56 patients with AFF were investigated. The association between the occurrence of AFF and bisphosphonates (BPs) use was proven statistically significant in multivariate analysis, odds ratio (OR) = 10.39 (95% CI, 2.22 to 48.58; p = 0.0029). Compared to controls, patients with AFF had excessive femoral offset (43.1 mm versus 38.3 mm, p = 0.0007), proximal femoral neck angle in varus (128.9 degrees versus 134.0 degrees, p < 0.0001), and had greater proximal cortical thickness. This retrospective study confirms the low incidence of AFF, confirms its significant association with exposure to BPs, and reveals the possible contribution of proximal femoral geometry in AFF occurrence. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Determinants of Transitional Zone Area and Porosity of the Proximal Femur Quantified In Vivo in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Shigdel Rajesh , Osima Marit , Lukic Marko , Ahmed Luai A , Joakimsen Ragnar M , Eriksen Erik F , Bjørnerem Åshild
Published: November 2015

Bone architecture as well as size and shape is important for bone strength and risk of fracture. Most bone loss is cortical and occurs by trabecularization of the inner part of the cortex. We therefore wanted to identify determinants of the bone architecture, especially the area and porosity of the transitional zone, an inner cortical region with a large surface/matrix volume available for intracortical remodeling. In 211 postmenopausal women aged 54 to 94 years with nonvertebral fractures and 232 controls from the Tromsø Study, Norway, we quantified femoral subtrochanteric architecture in CT images using StrAx1.0 software, and serum levels of bone turnover markers (BTM, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to quantify associations of age, weight, height, and bone size with bone architecture and BTM, and odds ratio (OR) for fracture. Increasing age, height, and larger total cross-sectional area (TCSA) were associated with larger transitional zone CSA and transitional zone CSA/TCSA (standardized coefficients [STB] = 0.11 to 0.80, p ≤ 0.05). Increasing weight was associated with larger TCSA, but smaller transitional zone CSA/TCSA and thicker cortices (STB = 0.15 to 0.22, p < 0.01). Increasing height and TCSA were associated with higher porosity of the transitional zone (STB = 0.12 to 0.46, p < 0.05). Increasing BTM were associated with larger TCSA, larger transitional zone CSA/TCSA, and higher porosity of each of the cortical compartments (p < 0.01). Fracture cases exhibited larger transitional zone CSA and higher porosity than controls (p < 0.001). Per SD increasing CSA and porosity of the transitional zone, OR for fracture was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.37 to 2.14) and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.23 to 1.85), respectively. Cortical bone architecture is determined mainly by bone size as built during growth and is modified by lifestyle factors throughout life through bone turnover. Fracture cases exhibited larger transitional zone area and porosity, highlighting the importance of cortical bone architecture for fracture propensity. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dysregulated miR-98 Contributes to Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Targeting IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Ji Ming-liang , Lu Jun , Shi Pei-liang , Zhang Xue-jun , Wang Shan-zheng , Chang Qing , Chen Hui , Wang Chen
Published: November 2015

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is associated with dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that miRNAs modulate IDD through effects on the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, a potential regulator of IDD. The miRNA expression profile was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with IDD and controls, employing miRNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Biological functions of differential expression miRNAs were further investigated using immunofluorescent staining. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting were performed to determine miRNA targets. We identified 41 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. Following RT-qPCR confirmation, miR-98 was significantly downregulated in degenerative NP tissues. Moreover, its level was inversely correlated with grade of disc degeneration. Through gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies, miR-98 was shown to significantly promote type II collagen expression in NP cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was identified as a target of miR-98. Knockdown of IL-6 induced effects on NP cells similar to those induced by miR-98. In contrast, IL-6 treatment abrogated the effects induced by miR-98 upregulation. Moreover, miR-98 dramatically suppressed expression of STAT3 target gene, MMP2. IL-6 treatment antagonized this effect, whereas knockdown of IL-6 by IL-6 short hairpin RNA (shIL-6) induced inhibitory effects on the expression of p-STAT3 and its main target genes, similar to miR-98. The mRNA level of IL-6 was inversely correlated with that of miR-98 in degenerative NP tissues. These results suggest the downregulation of miR-98 could promote IDD through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings also highlight miR-98 as a novel hopeful therapeutic target for IDD. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Eigenvalues of ‐Free Graphs and the Connectivity of Their Independence Complexes
Authors: Aharoni Ron , Alon Noga , Berger Eli
Published: November 2015

Let G be a graph on n vertices, with maximal degree d, and not containing as an induced subgraph. We prove:

Here is the maximal eigenvalue of the Laplacian of G, is the independence complex of G, and denotes the topological connectivity of a complex plus 2. These results provide improved bounds for the existence of independent transversals in ‐free graphs.
Hospitalists caring for patients with advanced cancer: An experience‐based guide
Authors: Koo Douglas J. , Tonorezos Emily S. , Kumar Chhavi B. , Goring Tabitha N. , Salvit Cori , Egan Barbara C.
Published: November 2015

Every year, nearly 5 million adults with cancer are hospitalized. Limited evidence suggests that hospitalization of the cancer patient is associated with adverse morbidity and mortality. Hospitalization of the patient with advanced cancer allows for an intense examination of health status in the face of terminal illness and an opportunity for defining goals of care. This experience‐based guide reports what is currently known about the topic and outlines a systematic approach to maximizing opportunities, improving quality, and enhancing the well‐being of the hospitalized patient with advanced cancer. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:292–296. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Direct admission to the hospital: An alternative approach to hospitalization
Authors: Leyenaar JoAnna K. , Lagu Tara , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: November 2015

Appropriate use of emergency departments (EDs) is a focus of national healthcare reform efforts, and patients requiring hospital admission account for a substantial proportion of ED utilization. Despite this, little attention has been paid to evaluating direct admission to the hospital as an alternative to hospital admissions beginning in the ED. In this Perspective, we discuss the role of hospital medicine in the changing epidemiology of hospital admissions, the potential risks and benefits of direct admission to the hospital, and the need for research to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this admission approach. We propose that transitions of care research and quality improvement, historically focused on hospital‐to‐home transitions, be expanded to address transitions into the hospital. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:303–305. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
The basolateral amygdala γ‐aminobutyric acidergic system in health and disease
Authors: Prager Eric M. , Bergstrom Hadley C. , Wynn Gary H. , Braga Maria F.M.
Published: November 2015

The brain comprises an excitatory/inhibitory neuronal network that maintains a finely tuned balance of activity critical for normal functioning. Excitatory activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a brain region that plays a central role in emotion and motivational processing, is tightly regulated by a relatively small population of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory neurons. Disruption in GABAergic inhibition in the BLA can occur when there is a loss of local GABAergic interneurons, an alteration in GABAA receptor activation, or a dysregulation of mechanisms that modulate BLA GABAergic inhibition. Disruptions in GABAergic control of the BLA emerge during development, in aging populations, or after trauma, ultimately resulting in hyperexcitability. BLA hyperexcitability manifests behaviorally as an increase in anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or development of seizure activity. This Review discusses the anatomy, development, and physiology of the GABAergic system in the BLA and circuits that modulate GABAergic inhibition, including the dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic systems. We highlight how alterations in various neurotransmitter receptors, including the acid‐sensing ion channel 1a, cannabinoid receptor 1, and glutamate receptor subtypes, expressed on BLA interneurons, modulate GABAergic transmission and how defects of these systems affect inhibitory tonus within the BLA. Finally, we discuss alterations in the BLA GABAergic system in neurodevelopmental (autism/fragile X syndrome) and neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's disease) diseases and after the development of epilepsy, anxiety, and traumatic brain injury. A more complete understanding of the intrinsic excitatory/inhibitory circuit balance of the amygdala and how imbalances in inhibitory control contribute to excessive BLA excitability will guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches in neuropsychiatric diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What can Raman spectroscopy do for criminalistics?
Authors: Doty Kyle C. , Muro Claire K. , Bueno Justin , Halámková Lenka , Lednev Igor K.
Published: November 2015

For decades Raman spectroscopy has been used as a specialized tool in a variety of fields. Forensic science is one discipline in particular that has greatly benefited from the application of Raman spectroscopic research. Here, studies using Raman spectroscopy for analyzing criminalistic evidence, including body fluids, human tissue, bones, gunshot residue, fibers, and hair, are reviewed. Many of these methods demonstrate the significance of incorporating chemometrics for data analysis to provide more reliable and quantitative results with associated errors. Currently, there are only a few branches of forensic science that use Raman spectroscopy in practice, despite its wide range of advantages. However, many more applications have been developed in the research setting and are presented here. These studies showcase the versatility and dependability of Raman spectroscopy, specifically for criminalistic purposes. The advantages of developing and transitioning these techniques to be used in practice are also discussed, including the tremendous benefits of portable instrumentation. Raman spectroscopy can easily become an established analytical technique for many criminalistics disciplines because it allows for obtaining real‐time, rapid, impartial, statistically confident results. Consequently, the improvements to forensic science as a whole will be revolutionary. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resonance Raman spectroscopy studies on photoinduced AgTCNQF4 charge transfer and its electrical switching behavior
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Weiqing , Xu Shuping
Published: November 2015

The photoinduced charge transfer (CT) phenomenon of a metal–organic complex, Ag ion‐coordinated tetrafluorotetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane (AgTCNQF4), produced by a solution reaction of immersing an Ag deposited film into TCNQF4 acetonitrile solution, was studied by the resonance Raman spectroscopy. The produced AgTCNQF4 formed abundant crystalline microrods over the slide. The analysis of Raman results shows that the photoinduced CT in the AgTCNQF4 microrods possesses a light energy threshold that the excitation wavelengths should be shorter than 514 nm. And the complete degree of CT reaction from TCNQF4− to TCNQF42− accelerates with the irradiation energy increasing. A divalent metal–organic complex (Ag2TCNQF4) is produced as a result of the photoinduced electron transition of AgTCNQF4. The conductive‐atomic force microscope characterization of the AgTCNQF4 microrods proves that this metal–organic complex possesses the reversible electrical bistable switching property. This study is of significance in deeper understanding the electrical and optical properties of such kinds of metal–organic CT complexes and promoting the promising application potential based on the light and electric dual control devices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERS of the anti‐inflammatory drug piroxicam adsorbed on the surface of silver or gold colloids as nanocarrier model
Authors: Hernandez M. , Corda E. , Garcia‐Ramos J. V. , Domingo C. , Sevilla P.
Published: November 2015

Piroxicam is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug actually used with limitations because of serious side effects. It is poorly soluble in pure water and exhibit a minimum of four conformers according to the pH conditions of the solution, but not all of them are medically active. In this study, we present, firstly, the Raman characterization of piroxicam in different organic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4‐dioxane, ethanol, 1‐propanol). These results have permitted us to analyze surface‐enhance Raman scattering spectra of piroxicam adsorbed on gold or silver nanoparticles surface at several pHs (1, 2, 4, and 7), imitating the environment of the drug in the body, either in the gastrointestinal tract or in healthy and disease tissues. Results indicate that, below pH = 7, piroxicam is mainly in the zwitterionic conformer, and molecules are oriented parallel to the noble metal surface; however at pH ≥ 7, the main specie detected is the anionic one, differently oriented with respect to the nanoparticle surface. The metal‐piroxicam systems here characterized by surface‐enhance Raman scattering spectroscopy could constitute nanocarriers in future projects of transporting and releasing of the drug in the body. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo assessment of immunomodulatory activity of hydrolysed peptides from Corylus heterophylla Fisch
Authors: Ren Dayong , Wang Mingshuang , Shen Minghao , Liu Chunlei , Liu Wei , Min Weihong , Liu Jingsheng
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Hazelnut dregs are by‐products of hazelnut oil expression, which have not been fully exploited. This research aims to assess the immunomodulatory function of hazelnut hydrolysed peptides (HHPs).

RESULTS

HHPs with a hydrolysis degree of 38.08% were divided into three fractions by ultra‐filtration: the high molecular weight peptide (>10 kDa), medium molecular weight peptide (3 kDa to 10 kDa), and low molecular weight peptide (<3 kDa). Mice were fed daily with HHPs of different molecular weights at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1 body weight. On the 10th, 20th and 30th day of feeding, representative immune indexes were measured. Results showed that HHPs can regulate the immune system of mice, which is affected by the molecular weight of HHP and the feeding time. Generally, short‐term feeding (10 d to 20 d) with HHPs of different molecular weights can improve most immune indexes (organ index, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage activity, secretory immunoglobulin A content, and number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells), whereas during long‐term feeding (30 d), low molecular weight HHP can better sustain immune regulation.

CONCLUSION

HHPs exhibit potential immunomodulatory properties, which has promising implications for the development of new functional foods. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
IT Contract Flexibility and Negotiator Incentives
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Tridas , Walden Eric , Thompson Mark A.
Published: November 2015

Information Technology outsourcing contracts are plagued by inflexibility. We develop an economic model to explain how the contract negotiator's incentives influence contract flexibility. We show that neither wage nor one‐time commission type pay gives any preference for flexibility. However, a promotion incentive, where the bonus is an ongoing bonus, does give the negotiator a preference for less flexible contracts. The preference for less flexible contracts increases as the discount rate increases. The preference for less flexible contracts increases as the number of competitors for the promotion increases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anxiety and depression associated with urinary incontinence. A 10‐year follow‐up study from the Norwegian HUNT study (EPINCONT)
Authors: Felde Gunhild , Ebbesen Marit Helen , Hunskaar Steinar
Published: November 2015

Aims

Firstly, to investigate the association between depression, anxiety and urinary incontinence (UI) in a 10‐year longitudinal study of women. Secondly, to investigate the association between possible differences in the stress‐ and urgency components of UI and different severities of depression and anxiety by age groups.

Methods

In a longitudinal, population‐based survey study, the EPINCONT part of the HUNT study in Norway, we analyzed questionnaire data on UI, depression and anxiety from 16,263 women from 20 years of age. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to predict the odds of developing anxiety and depression among the women with and without UI at baseline and the odds of developing UI among the women with and without anxiety or depression at baseline.

Results

For women with any UI at baseline we found an association with the incidence of depression and anxiety symptoms, OR 1.45 (1.23–1.72) and 1.26 (1.8–1.47) for mild depression and anxiety respectively. For women with depression or anxiety symptoms at baseline we found an association with the incidence of any UI with OR 2.09 (1.55–2.83) and 1.65 (1.34–2.03) for moderate/severe symptom‐score for depression and anxiety, respectively, for the whole sample.

Conclusions

In this study, both depression and anxiety are shown to be risk factors for developing UI with a dose‐dependent trend. UI is associated with increased incidence of depression and anxiety. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:322–328, 2017. © 2015 The Authors. Neurourology and Urodynamics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of LUTS in patients with dementia and associated disorders
Authors: Averbeck Márcio Augusto , Altaweel Waleed , Manu‐Marin Andrei , Madersbacher Helmut
Published: November 2015

Aims

To systematically review the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with dementia and associated disorders.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies were identified by electronic search of Embase and Medline databases (last search August 2015) and by screening of reference lists and reviews.

Results

Of 1,426 abstracts that were screened, 102 full‐text articles were identified and assessed for eligibility. Seventy‐six articles were then included in the quantitative synthesis. Urinary incontinence (UI) prevalence rates in dementia patients have varied considerably, ranging from 11 to 93%. In Alzheimer's disease patients, UI usually correlates with disease progression (late‐stage dementia). In contrast, LUTS usually precede severe mental failure in Lewy body disease and in vascular dementia. Behavioral therapy, including toilet training and prompted voiding, may be especially useful in patients with unawareness UI. High‐quality data to guide the choice of treatment strategies in this population are lacking. Current evidence suggests that antimuscarinics, especially oxybutynin, can be associated with cognitive worsening, due to the blockade of M1 receptors. Thus, the use of antimuscarinics that do not easily cross the blood–brain barrier or are more M2/M3 selective should be considered. No data are available for beta‐3 agonists so far.

Conclusion

Different types of dementia cause different LUTS at varying time points during the disease process and need singular therapeutic approaches. Treatment of LUTS should be tailored to individual patient needs and disease status, considering factors like mobility, cognitive function, and general medical condition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:245–252, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of reoperation after sacral neuromodulation: A single institution evaluation of over 400 patients
Authors: Peters Kenneth M. , Killinger Kim A. , Gilleran Jason P. , Bartley Jamie , Wolfert Cheryl , Boura Judith A.
Published: November 2015

Aims

To explore factors that may predispose patients to reoperation after sacral neuromodulation (SNM).

Methods

Patients enrolled in our longitudinal neuromodulation database were reviewed. Medical records data, and voiding diaries, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom–Problem Indices (ICSI‐PI), and Overactive Bladder Questionnaires (OAB‐q) at baseline and 3 months were analyzed with Pearson's χ2, Fisher's Exact test, Wilcoxon rank tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 407 patients, 134 (33%) had at least one reoperation over median 28.9 months follow‐up (range 1.6–121.7); 78/407 (19%) were revised, and 56/407 (14%) were explanted. The most common reason for reoperation was lack of efficacy/worsening symptoms (n = 87). The reoperations group had a higher proportion of women (P = 0.049), lower mean body mass index (BMI; P = 0.010), more reprogramming events (P < 0.0001), longer median follow‐up (P = 0.0008), and higher proportions with interstitial cystitis (P = 0.013), using hormone replacement therapy (P = 0.0004), and complications (P < 0.0001). Both reoperations/no reoperations groups had similar improvements in ICSI‐PI (P < 0.0001 for both), OAB‐q severity (P < 0.0001 for both) and quality of life (P < 0.0001 for both). On multivariate analysis, only longer follow‐up (P = 0.0011; OR 1.048; CI 1.019, 1.078) and having a complication (P < 0.0001; OR 23.2; CI 11.47, 46.75) were significant predictors of reoperations. In women only, using HRT at time of implant was also predictive of reoperation (P = 0.0027; OR 3.09; CI 1.48, 6.46).

Conclusions

In this largest known series to date, one third of the patients required reoperation and the most common reason was lack of efficacy/worsening symptoms. Ongoing study is needed as the technology continues to evolve. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:354–359, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cultural adaptation of the female pelvic floor questionnaire (FPFQ) into French
Authors: Deparis Julia , Bonniaud Véronique , Desseauve David , Guilhot Joëlle , Masanovic Margot , de Tayrac Renaud , Fauconnier Arnaud , Fritel Xavier
Published: November 2015

Aims

The Female pelvic floor questionnaire (FPFQ) is a self‐administered tool on pelvic floor function. Our aim was to carry out a cultural adaptation of the FPFQ into French and to assess its psychometric properties.

Methods

After cross‐cultural adaptation into French, acceptability and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed through a sample of 56 women in a test‐retest. Discriminative construct validity was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by the FPFQ to those of other validated questionnaires. Longitudinal follow‐up of the 282 pregnant women included in the PreNatal Pelvic floor Prevention trial (3PN) was used to analyze responsiveness.

Results

The proportion of missing data did not exceed 4% for questions about bladder function, bowel function, and pelvic organ prolapse; 10% for issues related to sexual function. Question 9 was considered difficult to understand by 14% of women. After rewriting, this issue was retested in a new sample of 52 women and presented no further problems. The intra‐class correlation coefficient was greater than or equal to 0.7 for all domains during the test‐retest. The FPFQ was strongly and significantly correlated (Spearman r > 0.5) with the other validated questionnaires. The French version of FPFQ recorded changes in urinary and sexual symptoms for the women involved in 3PN trial with a standardized response mean equal to 0.83 and 0.44, respectively.

Conclusion

The French version of the FPFQ is self‐administered, reliable, valid, and can detect a change in symptoms during follow‐up. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:253–258, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greater hunger and less restraint predict weight loss success with phentermine treatment
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth A. , Mcnair Bryan , Bechtell Jamie L. , Ferland Annie , Cornier Marc‐Andre , Eckel Robert H.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Phentermine is thought to cause weight loss through a reduction in hunger. It was hypothesized that higher hunger ratings would predict greater weight loss with phentermine.

Methods

This is an observational pilot study in which all subjects were treated with phentermine for 8 weeks and appetite and eating behaviors were measured at baseline and week 8. Outcomes were compared in subjects with ≥5% vs. <5% weight loss, and linear regression was used to identify predictors of percent weight loss.

Results

Twenty‐seven subjects (37 ± 4.5 years, 93.8 ± 12.1 kg, BMI 33.8 ± 3.1 kg m−2) completed the study, with mean weight loss of −5.4 ± 3.3 kg (−5.7% ± 3.2%). Subjects with ≥5% weight loss had higher baseline pre‐breakfast hunger (P = 0.017), desire to eat (P =0.003), and prospective food consumption (0.006) and lower baseline cognitive restraint (P = 0.01). In addition, higher baseline home prospective food consumption (P = 0.002) and lower baseline cognitive restraint (P < 0.001) were found to be predictors of weight loss.

Conclusions

These results suggest that individuals reporting greater hunger and less restraint are more likely to achieve significant weight loss with phentermine. This information can be used clinically to determine who might benefit most from phentermine treatment.
Facilitated long chain fatty acid uptake by adipocytes remains upregulated relative to BMI for more than a year after major bariatric surgical weight loss
Authors: Ge Fengxia , Walewski José L. , Torghabeh Mehyar Hefazi , Lobdell Harrison , Hu Chunguang , Zhou Shengli , Dakin Gregory , Pomp Alfons , Bessler Marc , Schrope Beth , Ude‐Welcome Aku , Inabnet William B. , Feng Tianshu , Carras‐Terzian Elektra , Anglade Dieunine , Ebel Faith E. , Berk Paul D.
Published: November 2015

Objective

This study examined whether changes in adipocyte long chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake kinetics explain the weight regain increasingly observed following bariatric surgery.

Methods

Three groups (10 patients each) were studied: patients without obesity (NO: BMI 24.2 ± 2.3 kg m−2); patients with obesity (O: BMI 49.8 ± 11.9); and patients classified as super‐obese (SO: BMI 62.6 ± 2.8). NO patients underwent omental and subcutaneous fat biopsies during clinically indicated abdominal surgeries; O were biopsied during bariatric surgery, and SO during both a sleeve gastrectomy and at another bariatric operation 16 ± 2 months later, after losing 113 ± 13 lbs. Adipocyte sizes and [3H]‐LCFA uptake kinetics were determined in all biopsies.

Results

Vmax for facilitated LCFA uptake by omental adipocytes increased exponentially from 5.1 ± 0.95 to 21.3 ± 3.20 to 68.7 ± 9.45 pmol/sec/50,000 cells in NO, O, and SO patients, respectively, correlating with BMI (r = 0.99, P < 0.001). Subcutaneous results were virtually identical. By the second operation, the mean BMI (SO patients) fell significantly (P < 0.01) to 44.4 ± 2.4 kg m−2, similar to the O group. However, Vmax (40.6 ± 11.5) in this weight‐reduced group remained ∼2X that predicted from the BMI:Vmax regression among NO, O, and SO patients.

Conclusions

Facilitated adipocyte LCFA uptake remains significantly upregulated ≥1 year after bariatric surgery, possibly contributing to weight regain.
Advanced glycation end‐products induce skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction in diabetic mice via a RAGE‐mediated, AMPK‐down‐regulated, Akt pathway
Authors: Chiu Chen‐Yuan , Yang Rong‐Sen , Sheu Meei‐Ling , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Yang Ting‐Hua , Tsai Keh‐Sung , Chiang Chih‐Kang , Liu Shing‐Hwa
Published: November 2015

Diabetic myopathy, a less studied complication of diabetes, exhibits the clinical observations characterized by a less muscle mass, muscle weakness and a reduced physical functional capacity. Accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), known to play a role in diabetic complications, has been identified in ageing human skeletal muscles. However, the role of AGEs in diabetic myopathy remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of AGEs on myogenic differentiation and muscle atrophy in vivo and in vitro. We also evaluated the therapeutic potential of alagebrium chloride (Ala‐Cl), an inhibitor of AGEs. Muscle fibre atrophy and immunoreactivity for AGEs, Atrogin‐1 (a muscle atrophy marker) and phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions were markedly increased in human skeletal muscles from patients with diabetes as compared with control subjects. Moreover, in diabetic mice we found increased blood AGEs, less muscle mass, lower muscular endurance, atrophic muscle size and poor regenerative capacity, and increased levels of muscle AGE and receptor for AGE (RAGE), Atrogin‐1 and phosphorylated AMPK, which could be significantly ameliorated by Ala‐Cl. Furthermore, in vitro, AGEs (in a dose‐dependent manner) reduced myotube diameters (myotube atrophy) and induced Atrogin‐1 protein expression in myotubes differentiated from both mouse myoblasts and primary human skeletal muscle‐derived progenitor cells. AGEs exerted a negative regulation of myogenesis of mouse and human myoblasts. Ala‐Cl significantly inhibited the effects of AGEs on myotube atrophy and myogenesis. We further demonstrated that AGEs induced muscle atrophy/myogenesis impairment via a RAGE‐mediated AMPK‐down‐regulation of the Akt signalling pathway. Our findings support that AGEs play an important role in diabetic myopathy, and that an inhibitor of AGEs may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing the dysfunction of muscle due to diabetes or ageing. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel intumescent flame retardant with nanocellulose as charring agent and its flame retardancy in polyurethane foam
Authors: Luo Fubin , Wu Kun , Li Dengfeng , Zheng Jian , Guo Huilong , Zhao Qiang , Lu Mangeng
Published: November 2015

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is microencapsulated with nanocellulose and dicyandiamide‐formaldehyde using in situ polymerization and flocculation method. The presence of nanocellulose and dicyandiamide‐formaldehyde significantly affects the thermal behavior and flame retardancy of microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (DFNAPP). DFNAPP is much more stable from 524 to 637°C than that of APP because of the charred formation. Rigid polyurethane foam (PU) composites added DFNAPP obtain higher limiting oxygen index (LOI) values than that with the same loading of APP. Due to the presence of shell, experimental results indicate that DFNAPP obtains better compatibility and water resistance in PU matrix, resulting in the improved mechanical properties of the PU composites and the water durability. LOI value of PU/APP composite added 16.7 wt% additives has a decrement of 3.0% after water treatment. By comparison, that of PU/DFNAPP composite with the same loading of DFNAPP is only 0.3%. Compression strength of PU composite is increased from 195 kPa to 213 kPa when the DFNAPP (16.7 wt%) additive substitutes for APP (16.7 wt%). POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2762–2770, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Toward the prediction of porous membrane permeability from morphological data
Authors: Nurra Claudia , Pitol‐Filho Luizildo , Carraud Raphaelle , Pertuz Said , Puig Domènec , García Miguel A. , Salvadó Joan , Torras Carles
Published: November 2015

One of the challenges in membrane technology is predicting permeability in porous membranes for liquid applications in an easy and inexpensive way. This is the aim of this work. To achieve this objective, several techniques can be considered. In this study, a morphological approach from two‐dimensional scanning electron micrographs is proposed. First, numerical membrane morphological parameters have been determined from micrographs by using the QUANTS tool, which applies a texture recognition process. Second, the obtained data have been fit to the Darcy's and Hagen–Poiseuille models to calculate permeations. The QUANTS results have also been compared with the ones obtained through a mercury porosimeter, which is a classic and well‐known methodology. Each parameter of the Hagen–Poiseuille model has been analyzed. A comparison between experimentally measured permeations and calculated ones has been performed. An even easier approach is proposed to predict flow rate with the only knowledge of membrane surface mean pore size. This method is based on cross‐section pore size interpolation by using function fits from surface mean pore sizes. The obtained results show a reasonable agreement between measured and computed results, making this technique a valid approach for predicting membrane permeability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:118–124, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Imaging mass spectrometry of the visual system: Advancing the molecular understanding of retina degenerations
Authors: Bowrey Hannah E. , Anderson David M. , Pallitto Patrick , Gutierrez Danielle B. , Fan Jie , Crouch Rosalie K. , Schey Kevin L. , Ablonczy Zsolt
Published: November 2015

Visual sensation is fundamental for quality of life, and loss of vision to retinal degeneration is a debilitating condition. The eye is the only part of the central nervous system that can be noninvasively observed with optical imaging. In the clinics, various spectroscopic methods provide high spatial resolution images of the fundus and the developing degenerative lesions. However, the currently utilized tools are not specific enough to establish the molecular underpinnings of retinal diseases. In contrast, mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool to identify molecularly specific disease indicators and classification markers. This technique is particularly well suited to the eye, where molecular information can be correlated with clinical data collected via noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities. Recent studies during the last few recent years have uncovered a plethora of new spatially defined molecular information on several vision‐threatening diseases, including age‐related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, glaucoma, cataract, as well as lipid disorders. Even though MS inside the eye cannot be performed noninvasively, by linking diagnostic and molecular information, these studies are the first step toward the development of smart ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical tools. Here, we provide an overview of current approaches applying MSI technology to ocular pathology.
The development of near‐surface microstructures during hot rolling of aluminum–magnesium alloys in relation to work roll topography
Authors: Gali O. A. , Shafiei M. , Hunter J. A. , Riahi A. R.
Published: November 2015

The effect of the work roll topography on the surface deformation of aluminum alloys during hot rolling was examined with the use of a rolling tribo‐simulator. AISI 52100 steel work rolls with two surface conditions, smooth (polished to a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.01 µm) and rough (WC‐coated with a surface roughness (Ra) of 5.68 µm), were used to hot roll Al‐Mg alloy samples under similar conditions for a rolling schedule of 10 passes. The surface of the rolled samples reflected the work roll surface morphology. Surface damage for the smooth rolled samples included cracks, while shingles and grooves were observed on the rough rolled samples. Cross‐sectional examination revealed cracks extended to depths above 8 µm for the rough rolled samples, while for the smooth rolled samples, cracks were 1.5 µm deep. The oxide‐rich near‐surface layer formed on the rough rolled surfaces was discontinuous. In contrast, the near‐surface generated by the smooth roll was continuous, and near‐surface damage was uniform in comparison. A nanocrystalline grain structure was observed at the near‐surface region beneath the oxide‐rich area for the smooth rolled samples, which extended to shingles on the rough rolled samples. The nanocrystalline nature of the near‐surface region was attributed to the high strains imposed by the work roll, while the effect of the rough roll was surmised to include the formation of shingles, the redistribution of surface oxide, and the enhancement of the near‐surface damage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covariance estimators for generalized estimating equations (GEE) in longitudinal analysis with small samples
Authors: Wang Ming , Kong Lan , Li Zheng , Zhang Lijun
Published: November 2015

Generalized estimating equations (GEE) is a general statistical method to fit marginal models for longitudinal data in biomedical studies. The variance–covariance matrix of the regression parameter coefficients is usually estimated by a robust “sandwich” variance estimator, which does not perform satisfactorily when the sample size is small. To reduce the downward bias and improve the efficiency, several modified variance estimators have been proposed for bias‐correction or efficiency improvement. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on recent developments of modified variance estimators and compare their small‐sample performance theoretically and numerically through simulation and real data examples. In particular, Wald tests andt‐tests based on different variance estimators are used for hypothesis testing, and the guideline on appropriate sample sizes for each estimator is provided for preserving type I error in general cases based on numerical results. Moreover, we develop a user‐friendly R package “geesmv” incorporating all of these variance estimators for public usage in practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadratic modeling of wheeled moving platforms on planes
Authors: Zheng Yali , Tang Yuan Yan , Cheng Hong
Published: November 2015

Planar motion of wheeled moving platforms, on which a camera is installed to capture videos, is common in real‐world scenarios. For a general planar motion, Scaramuzza et al. proposed a linear one‐point model to recover motions from a video under a potential assumption that the camera needs to be placed somewhere between the rear wheels of a moving platform. However, the assumption is too restricted for researchers and manufacturers, because the camera is generally fixed either on the front top of vehicles for a broad view or near the left/right mirrors because of the requirement of mechanical design. In this paper, we focus on motion modeling of wheeled moving platforms without the restriction of cameras' location on a vehicle, and propose a quadratic motion model to circumvent the limitation. Newton's iterative method and bounded quadratic least squares are used to solve the quadratic optimization problem. We test our model on both the synthetic data and the real data, and conclude that the tradeoff between model error and computational error and that between performance and computational cost are the main concerns in the practice of visual odometry. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Gamma irradiation of (styrene butadiene rubber)/(devulcanized waste rubber) blends modified by organoclay
Authors: Fathy E. S. , Saleh Hoda H. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Ali Zakaria I.
Published: November 2015

In this study, the physicomechanical properties and morphology evolution of irradiated (styrene butadiene rubber)/(devulcanized waste rubber)/(organically modified montmorillonite) nanocomposites were realized. The improvement in the physicomechanical properties provides a possible mechanism on how organically modified montmorillonite influences the general properties of irradiated nanocomposites. X‐ray diffraction data illustrated that there is an increase in the basal spacing of sodium montmorillonite clay due to modification and/or polymer intercalation. The results of mechanical properties showed that the as‐prepared nanocomposites have superior irradiation‐resistant properties to the (styrene butadiene rubber)/(devulcanized waste rubber) blend. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:50–57, 2018. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Moving toward a learned profession and purposeful integration: Quantifying the gap between the academic and practice communities in auditing and identifying new research opportunities
Authors: Ratzinger-Sakel Nicole V.S. , Gray Glen L.
Published: November 2015

The Pathways Commission on Accounting Higher Education Report (2012) recommends turning the accounting profession into a learned profession through the purposeful integration of accounting research, education and practice. This paper develops an approach to identifying and quantifying the specific dimensions of the gap between the accounting academic and practice communities, thereby contributing to moving the accounting profession to a learned profession. For this we focus on audit research, because the discussion of the perceived gap between audit research and audit practice is extensive; yet no one has actually quantified that gap to date. While researchers have classified and quantified audit research, no one has done likewise for publications issued by the practice community. We choose the 38 distinct recommendations in the Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession (ACAP) Final Report as an initial benchmark. We compare those recommendations to the 16 audit research themes from Lesage and Wechtler (2012) and to the publications spanning 33 years of audit research posted on the American Accounting Association website. Eight Lesage and Wechtler themes, comprising 50% of the themes, were not explicitly included in any ACAP distinct recommendation. Conversely, seven distinct recommendations had zero direct matches in the audit literature. This gap suggests future research opportunities in terms of exploring underrepresented topics and, maybe more importantly, the reasons why some topics are underrepresented.
miR‐190a inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatoma cells via targeting the long non‐coding RNA treRNA
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Ren Yanli , Yang Xinyu , Xiong Xiangyu , Han Sichong , Ge Yunxia , Pan Wenting , Zhou Liqing , Yuan Qipeng , Yang Ming
Published: November 2015

treRNA is a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in cancer progression. In this study, we show that miR‐190a can silence treRNA post‐transcriptionally. Suppression of treRNA by miR‐190a led to significant changes of mesenchymal–epithelial transition markers and impaired migration and invasion capability of hepatoma cells. TCGA data indicated that miR‐190a exhibited lower expression in hepatoma tissues, especially from patients with vascular tumor invasion, compared to normal tissues. Our results reveal the involvement of miR‐190a–treRNA axis in hepatoma progression and shed light on lncRNA‐based cancer therapies for hepatoma patients at high risk of metastasis.
Treg depletion in non‐human primates using a novel diphtheria toxin‐based anti‐human CCR4 immunotoxin
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Pratts Shannon G. , Zhang Huiping , Spencer Philip J. , Yu Ruichao , Tonsho Makoto , Shah Jigesh A. , Tanabe Tatsu , Powell Harrison R. , Huang Christene A. , Madsen Joren C. , Sachs David H. , Wang Zhirui
Published: November 2015

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in modulating the immune response and has attracted increasing attention in diverse fields such as cancer treatment, transplantation and autoimmune diseases. CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is expressed on the majority of Tregs, especially on effector Tregs. Recently we have developed a diphtheria‐toxin based anti‐human CCR4 immunotoxin for depleting CCR4+ cells in vivo. In this study, we demonstrated that the anti‐human CCR4 immunotoxin bound and depleted monkey CCR4+ cells in vitro. We also demonstrated that the immunotoxin bound to the CCR4+Foxp3+ monkey Tregs in vitro. In vivo studies performed in two naive cynomolgus monkeys revealed 78–89% CCR4+Foxp3+ Treg depletion in peripheral blood lasting approximately 10 days. In lymph nodes, 89–96% CCR4+Foxp3+ Tregs were depleted. No effect was observed in other cell populations including CD8+ T cells, other CD4+ T cells, B cells and NK cells. To our knowledge, this is the first agent that effectively depleted non‐human primate (NHP) Tregs. This immunotoxin has potential to deplete effector Tregs for combined cancer treatment.