bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms, prediabetes, and incident diabetes in older English adults
Authors: Graham Eva , Au Bonnie , Schmitz Norbert
Published: November 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the risk of diabetes in older adults with elevated depressive symptoms, prediabetes, or both.

Method

This study included 4129 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants were followed from Wave 2 (2004–2005) to Wave 6 (2012–2013). The 8‐item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) scale was used to measure depressive symptoms in the past week, which were categorized as no/low, mild, or high. Normal glucose levels and prediabetes were defined using baseline haemoglobin A1c measurements. Incident diagnosed diabetes was reported by participants. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios of incident diabetes associated with depressive symptoms and prediabetes.

Results

A total of 157 participants were diagnosed with diabetes over a mean of 6.7 years. Relative to participants with normal glucose levels and no/low depressive symptoms at baseline, the adjusted hazard ratios were 0.85 (95% CI 0.40–1.82) and 1.62 (95% CI 0.84–3.15) for those with normal glucose levels and mild depressive symptoms and normal glucose levels and high depressive symptoms. The adjusted hazard ratios for participants with prediabetes and no/low depressive symptoms, mild depressive symptoms, and high depressive symptoms were 4.84 (95% CI 3.08–7.60), 7.17 (95% CI 4.00–12.88), and 7.77 (95% CI 4.33–13.93), respectively.

Conclusions

Older adults with elevated depressive symptoms and prediabetes have an increased risk of diabetes compared to those with only one of these risk factors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual hydrogeological model of ophiolitic aquifers (serpentinised peridotite): The test example of Mt. Prinzera (Northern Italy)
Authors: Segadelli Stefano , Vescovi Paolo , Ogata Kei , Chelli Alessandro , Zanini Andrea , Boschetti Tiziano , Petrella Emma , Toscani Lorenzo , Gargini Alessandro , Celico Fulvio
Published: November 2016

The main aim of this study is the experimental analysis of the hydrogeological behaviour of the Mt. Prinzera ultramafic massif in the northern Apennines, Italy. The analysed multidisciplinary database has been acquired through (a) geologic and structural survey; (b) geomorphologic survey; (c) hydrogeological monitoring; (d) physico‐chemical analyses; and (e) isotopic analyses.

The ultramafic medium is made of several lithological units, tectonically overlapped. Between them, a low‐permeability, discontinuous unit has been identified. This unit behaves as an aquitard and causes a perched groundwater to temporary flow within the upper medium, close to the surface. This perched groundwater flows out along several structurally controlled depressions, and then several high‐altitude temporary springs can be observed during recharge, together with several perennial basal (i.e., low altitude) springs, caused by the compartmentalisation of the system because of high‐angle tectonic discontinuities.
Plasmodium chabaudi infection induces AID expression in transitional and marginal zone B cells
Authors: Wilmore Joel R. , Maue Alexander C. , Rochford Rosemary
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (eBL) is associated with Epstein–Barr virus and repeated malaria infections. A defining feature of eBL is the translocation of the c‐myc oncogene to the control of the immunoglobulin promoter. Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) has been shown to be critical for this translocation. Malaria infection induces AID in germinal center B cells, but whether malaria infection more broadly affects AID activation in extrafollicular B cells is unknown.

Methods

We either stimulated purified B cells from AID‐green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter mice or infected AID‐GFP mice with Plasmodium chabaudi, AID fluorescence was monitored in B cell subsets by flow cytometry.

Results

In vitro analysis of B cells from these mice revealed that CpG (a Toll‐like receptor 9 ligand) was a potent inducer of AID in both mature and immature B cell subsets. Infection of AID‐GFP mice with Plasmodium chabaudi demonstrated that AID expression occurs in transitional and marginal zone B cells during acute malaria infection. Transitional B cells were also capable of differentiating into antibody secreting cells when stimulated in vitro with CpG when isolated from a P. chabaudi‐infected mouse.

Conclusions

These data suggest that P. chabaudi is capable of inducing AID expression in B cell subsets that do not participate in the germinal center reaction, suggesting an alternative role for malaria in the etiology of eBL.
Applying strong external electric field to thiophene‐based oligomers: A promising approach to upgrade semiconducting performance
Authors: Zhan Xiaoling , Shi Hu , Liu Hongguang , Lee Jin Yong
Published: November 2016

A key parameter dictating the rate of charge transfer (CT) is reorganization energy (λ), an energy associated with geometry changes during hole/electron transfer. We show that “ironing” the inter‐ring dihedral angles of oligothiophenes via proper substitutions or insertions (e.g., ‐OR, ‐F or ‐C≡C‐), decreases the λ and thus promotes CT according to Marcus equation. Our results demonstrate, to attain a smaller λ, extending oligomer length is only significant if the flattened backbone structure is realized. Of great interest is that external electric fields, which are ubiquitous in electronic devices yet commonly overlooked in the computation of λ, can have a significantly greater impact than conventional substitutions. It is important to emphasize, the responses of λ to external fields is system‐dependent. Compared to fused‐ring conjugated systems, single‐bond connected thiophenes are more sensitive to external fields. Fx lowers the λ (552 meV) of quaterthiophene by almost 80% at the intensity of 1 V/Å, down to a value (125 meV) which is even lower than that of pentacene (154 meV) and rubrene (219 meV) at the same level of theory. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Condensin Regulation of Genome Architecture
Authors: Rana Vibhuti , Bosco Giovanni
Published: November 2016

Condensin complexes exist across all domains of life and are central to the structure and organization of chromatin. As architectural proteins, condensins control chromatin compaction during interphase and mitosis. Condensin activity has been well studied in mitosis but have recently emerged as important regulators of genome organization and gene expression during interphase. Here, we focus our discussion on recent findings on the molecular mechanism and how condensins are used to shape chromosomes during interphase. These findings suggest condensin activity during interphase is required for proper chromosome organization. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1617–1625, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large Induced Forests in Graphs
Authors: Shi Lingsheng , Xu Hongyu
Published: November 2016

In this article, we prove three theorems. The first is that every connected graph of order n and size m has an induced forest of order at least with equality if and only if such a graph is obtained from a tree by expanding every vertex to a clique of order either 4 or 5. This improves the previous lower bound of Alon–Kahn–Seymour for , and implies that such a graph has an induced forest of order at least for . This latter result relates to the conjecture of Albertson and Berman that every planar graph of order n has an induced forest of order at least . The second is that every connected triangle‐free graph of order n and size m has an induced forest of order at least . This bound is sharp by the cube and the Wagner graph. It also improves the previous lower bound of Alon–Mubayi–Thomas for , and implies that such a graph has an induced forest of order at least for . This latter result relates to the conjecture of Akiyama and Watanabe that every bipartite planar graph of order n has an induced forest of order at least . The third is that every connected planar graph of order n and size m with girth at least 5 has an induced forest of order at least with equality if and only if such a graph is obtained from a tree by expanding every vertex to one of five specific graphs. This implies that such a graph has an induced forest of order at least , where was conjectured to be the best lower bound by Kowalik, Lužar, and Škrekovski.
Anti‐hypercholesterolemic influence of the spice cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in experimental rats
Authors: Nagashree Shamarao , Archana Kottangada K , Srinivas Pullabhatla , Srinivasan Krishnapura , Sowbhagya Halagur B
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an aromatic seed spice grown extensively in India and used as a flavoring in sweets. In this study, the anti‐hypercholesterolemic effect of cardamom was evaluated in Wistar rats by inducing hypercholesterolemia with a high‐cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Dietary interventions were made with (a) cardamom powder (50 g kg−1), (b) cardamom oil (3 g kg−1, equivalent to 50 g kg−1 cardamom) and (c) de‐oiled cardamom powder (50 g kg−1).

RESULTS

A significant reduction in blood total cholesterol (31%) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (44%) was observed by oral administration of cardamom oil in hypercholesterolemic rats, accompanied by a marked decrease in serum triglycerides by 42%. The cholesterol content of cardiac muscle was beneficially lowered by 39% with administration of cardamom oil in hypercholesterolemic rats. Liver triglycerides were reduced by 33%. Incorporation of cardamom oil/powder in the diet did not alter feed consumption by rats. Compromised activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in the hypercholesterolemic situation were generally countered by dietary cardamom. Treatment with de‐oiled cardamom as well as cardamom oil countered the diminished activity of catalase in hypercholesterolemic animals. Cardamom also enhanced the activity of heart superoxide dismutase in the hypercholesterolemic situation. The concentration of ascorbic acid in serum was significantly increased by dietary cardamom or its fractions in the hypercholesterolemic situation.

CONCLUSION

This animal study has established the potential of cardamom oil in restoring the alteration in lipid homeostasis in conditions of hypercholesterolemia. The significant reduction in atherogenicity index by dietary intervention with cardamom powder and cardamom oil indicates the potential cardioprotective effect of cardamom. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Chiral separation of benzothiazole derivatives of amino acids using capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Nováková Zuzana , Pejchal Vladimír , Fischer Jan , Česla Petr
Published: November 2016

A method for the separation of enantiomers of leucine and phenylalanine benzothiazole derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents was developed using capillary zone electrophoresis with a dual cyclodextrin (CD) system. The best resolution of enantiomers was achieved in 100 mmol/L phosphate background electrolyte (pH 3.5) with the dual CD system consisting of 10 mmol/L of β‐CD with 10 mmol/L of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin for leucine derivative and 10 mmol/L of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐γ‐cyclodextrin for phenylalanine derivative, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the highest enantioresolution of 1.25 was achieved in a noncoated‐fused silica capillary at 17°C and 24 kV applied voltage.
Deep eutectic solvents for the purification of chloromycetin and thiamphenicol from milk
Authors: Li Guizhen , Zhu Tao , Row Kyung Ho
Published: November 2016

Deep eutectic solvents were used in both dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and solid‐phase extraction for the purification of chloromycetin and thiamphenicol from milk. In the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure, deep eutectic solvents mixed with chloroform at different ratios (0:1–5:1, v/v) were used as the extraction agent to optimize the procedure, and the ratio of 2:1 v/v was found to be the best extraction agent with 87.23 and 83.17% recoveries of chloromycetin and thiamphenicol, respectively. Furthermore, deep eutectic solvents were also used to modify molecular imprinted polymers in solid‐phase extraction procedure, and the polymers were used to purify chloromycetin and thiamphenicol from milk. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize the polymers. The solid‐phase extraction recoveries with deep eutectic solvents with molecularly imprinted polymers (chloromycetin and thiamphenicol, two templates), molecularly imprinted polymers (without deep eutectic solvents), and nonimprinted polymers (without a template) for chloromycetin were 91.23, 82.64, and 57.3%, respectively, and recoveries for thiamphenicol were 87.02, 79.03, and 52.27%, respectively. The recoveries of chloromycetin and thiamphenicol from milk in the solid‐phase extraction procedure were higher than using deep eutectic solvents mixed with chloroform as the extraction agent in the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure.
Simultaneous determination of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N‐oxide in mouse plasma samples by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Mi Si , Zhao Yuan‐Yuan , Jacobs René L. , Curtis Jonathan M.
Published: November 2016

A method was developed that applies hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode to separate and accurately quantify trimethylamine and trimethylamine N‐oxide in a single chromatographic run. This was achieved by converting trimethylamine to ethyl betaine, which is less volatile and hence results in greatly improved quantitation. Ethyl betaine also gives a similar response to trimethylamine N‐oxide using positive‐ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It is readily separated from trimethylamine N‐oxide by hydrophilic liquid chromatography in a 5 min run and with improved peak shape compared to underivatized trimethylamine. Validation of the method yielded a limit of detection (S/N ≥ 3) of 0.5 ng/mL for trimethylamine and 0.25 ng/mL for trimethylamine N‐oxide. Method accuracies of 91.4–105.3% with precisions of 0.4–5.5% were obtained for standard mixtures over the range of 2.5–500 ng/mL. Recoveries measured for the extraction of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N‐oxide spikes into mouse plasma were both >90%. The method, which simultaneously measures trimethylamine and trimethylamine N‐oxide, was successfully applied to mouse plasma samples and could be adapted for use with other biological fluids.
Simultaneous determination of pyrifluquinazon and its main metabolite in fruits and vegetables by using QuEChERS–HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: You Xiangwei , Sui Chengcheng , Li Yiqiang , Wang Xiuguo
Published: November 2016

A rapid, reliable, and sensitive method is reported for the simultaneous analysis of pyrifluquinazon and its main metabolite NNI‐0101‐1H in fruits (strawberry and cherry) and vegetables (cucumber and tomato) using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A modified, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe procedure was used for the sample pre‐preparation. The target analytes were extracted with acetonitrile and then cleaned up using dispersive solid‐phase extraction procedure with primary secondary amine. Sample analysis was performed using electrospray ionization in positive mode. Good linearities with the correlation coefficients higher than 0.9991 were obtained in the range of 1–1000 μg/L under the optimized conditions. The average recoveries of the pyrifluquinazon and NNI‐0101‐1H were in the range of 71.4–106.0% with the relative standard deviations 1.8–11.8% in all matrices at three spiked levels (10, 100, and 1000 μg/kg). The limit of quantification 10 μg/kg was set as the lowest spiked level. The developed method is reliable and effective for the routine monitoring of pyrifluquinazon and its metabolite NNI‐0101‐1H in fruits and vegetables to ensure food safety.
Ferruginous hawk demography in areas differing in energy extraction activity
Authors: Wiggins David A. , Grzybowski Joseph A. , Schnell Gary D.
Published: November 2016

The recent expansion of oil and gas extraction activity on the Great Plains, USA, has occurred with little understanding of potential effects of the activity on wildlife populations. We monitored the demography of breeding ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) in 2 areas of western North Dakota, USA, subject to different intensities of energy extraction. Northwestern North Dakota is the heart of the Bakken Shale, where oil and gas extraction activity has been intense (e.g., 1,273 new oil wells from 2011–2013 in our high‐intensity study area) in recent years. In contrast, such activity has occurred at a relatively low intensity (e.g., 18 new oil wells from 2011–2013 in our low‐intensity study area) in southwestern North Dakota. Ferruginous hawks in the 2 areas had similar densities of nesting pairs, with comparable fledging success. However, between‐year re‐use of nest sites was significantly lower in the area with high‐intensity energy extraction (1 of 8) than the area of low‐intensity (8 of 10); also, re‐use of nests in the high‐intensity area was considerably lower than reported from other parts of the range of the species. Thus, although high‐intensity energy extraction activity had no apparent impact on immediate reproductive success of ferruginous hawks, long‐term population declines could be expected in our northern study area given the unusually low rate of nest‐site re‐use. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Population dynamics and fertility control of feral horses
Authors: Collins Gail H. , Kasbohm John W.
Published: November 2016

The management of free‐roaming, feral horse (Equus caballus) populations in the western United States is a contentious and challenging issue. Between 2008 and 2014, 1,873 individual horses from a closed population in the northern Great Basin, USA were captured, uniquely marked, and were either removed for private adoption or had permanent fertility control treatments (i.e., vasectomy or ovariectomy) applied prior to release. We derived the annual population size, growth rate, and the number of horses by sex and age by using the horse's estimated age at first capture to infer its age during each year it was part of the population. Estimates of population size from 2 aerial survey techniques averaged within 5.3%–9.6% of derived population estimates. The overall survival (i.e., recapture) rate for individual horses was 88% for individuals released back into the population between 2009 and 2012. Treated horses maintained group associations and there were no differences between survival rates for released females or males that received fertility control treatment, compared to animals released without treatment. The application of combined fertility control efforts resulted in a decline in the population‐level annual foaling rate from >20% to <4% within 4 years. Maintaining a proportion of a population as permanently non‐reproducing has the potential to safely maintain free‐roaming horse herds at desired management levels. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Microarray analysis of the genes associated with osteitis in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Günel Ceren , Bleier Benjamin S. , Bozkurt Gökay , Eliyatkin Nuket
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although numerous studies have examined epithelial remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), bone remodeling (osteitis) has only recently gained attention as a potential significant contributor to the pathophysiology of recalcitrant CRS. The purpose of this study was to compare gene expression profiles between osteitic bone and the adjacent diseased mucosa in patients with CRS to determine which genes affect mucosal and bony remodeling.

Study Design

Prospective experimental analysis.

Methods

Samples were obtained from sites of osteitic bone and overlying mucosa in CRS patients demonstrating osteitis on computed tomography and compared to healthy controls. The entire transcripted gene expression profile was determined by microarray following RNA isolation and compared between tissue samples. The expression differences were verified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Growth differentiation factor 5 and exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 were significantly upregulated and positively correlated with mucosal eosinophilic inflammation in osteitic bone. Fibroblast growth factor was significantly increased in osteitic bone. Additionally, colony stimulating factor was positively correlated with the degree of osteitis.

Conclusions

These findings will add a new perspective to our current understanding of the recalcitrant CRS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:E85–E90, 2017
Tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint and lateral skull base: Review of 11 cases
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Osetinsky L. Mariel , Alon Eran E. , Inwards Carrie Y. , Lane John I. , Moore Eric J.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To elucidate the clinical behavior, treatment, and outcomes of tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and adjacent temporal bone.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with histopathologic review.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed identifying and collecting data from all cases of TGCT involving the TMJ and adjacent temporal bone that were treated at the authors' center between January 1960 and December 2015.

Results

Eleven histopathologically confirmed cases met inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years, eight patients were men, and the median follow‐up was 116 months. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging revealed a lytic expansile mass centered on the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most commonly exhibited hypointense signal on precontrast T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences and variable postcontrast enhancement. The median delay in diagnosis was 24 months, and the most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss and pain. All patients underwent surgical resection, eight receiving gross total removal, one receiving near total removal, and two patients from early in the series receiving subtotal resection with neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation. Histopathological review of surgical specimens revealed chondroid metaplasia in seven tumors. Eight of nine cases receiving gross total or near total resection have no evidence of recurrence to date.

Conclusions

TGCT of the TMJ and temporal bone are rare and locally aggressive tumors that commonly present with nonspecific symptoms. A careful review of CT and MRI followed by early biopsy is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate treatment. TGCT of the TMJ more commonly contain chondroid metaplasia when compared to TGCT at other anatomic locations. Gross total resection is achievable in most cases and offers long‐term cure. Radiation may be considered for recurrent disease or adjuvant therapy following subtotal resection.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2340–2346, 2017
A tale of two cities: Developing health information platforms for a learning health system in Austin and in New Orleans
Authors: Khurshid Anjum
Published: November 2016

Introduction

New Orleans and Austin are two cities that are quite different in many ways. While one is known for its poverty, disparity, and crime, the other is famous for its young, vibrant, and fun environment. While one is proud of its past, the other is excited about its future. However, the history of these two cities in terms of developing a learning health system information infrastructure does not follow the same narrative.

Methods

One important aspect of any learning health system is availability of information to allow for the learning to be systematic, ongoing, and data‐driven. This requires the capability to share data across the usually fragmented health systems. This paper uses a comparative case study approach based on personal experiences and key informant interviews to trace the development of information sharing infrastructure in the two cities. The study uses examples to demonstrate learning health system activities facilitated by these information infrastructure capabilities.

Results

The analysis identified some key factors that may explain the differences in approach and outcomes in the two cities. New Orleans adopted a more comprehensive approach than Austin in envisioning the needs of the community. The study finds that development of a learning health system infrastructure is assisted by working with champions in the community, by not being constrained by legacy systems, and by considering data sharing as a health systems transformation effort rather than simply a technology solution. Other unique factors that particularly helped New Orleans to build a more forward‐looking infrastructure were the role of a backbone organization in the community and a broader collaboration among medical, social, behavioral, and public health service providers.

Conclusions

Both Austin and New Orleans have many health systems innovations underway. However, like many other communities in the United States, they have a long way to go to become learning health systems, a goal that cannot be achieved without a robust, shared information infrastructure.
3D Printed Polycaprolactone Carbon Nanotube Composite Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ho Chee Meng Benjamin , Mishra Abhinay , Lin Pearlyn Teo Pei , Ng Sum Huan , Yeong Wai Yee , Kim Young‐Jin , Yoon Yong‐Jin
Published: November 2016

Fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds with the use of novel 3D printing has gained lot of attention, however systematic investigation of biomaterials for 3D printing have not been widely explored. In this report, well‐defined structures of polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL‐ carbon nanotube (PCL‐CNT) composite scaffolds have been designed and fabricated using a 3D printer. Conditions for 3D printing has been optimized while the effects of varying CNT percentages with PCL matrix on the thermal, mechanical and biological properties of the printed scaffolds are studied. Raman spectroscopy is used to characterise the functionalized CNTs and its interactions with PCL matrix. Mechanical properties of the composites are characterised using nanoindentation. Maximum peak load, elastic modulus and hardness increases with increasing CNT content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies reveal the thermal and crystalline behaviour of PCL and its CNT composites. Biodegradation studies are performed in Pseudomonas Lipase enzymatic media, showing its specificity and effect on degradation rate. Cell imaging and viability studies of H9c2 cells from rat origin on the scaffolds are performed using fluorescence imaging and MTT assay, respectively. PCL and its CNT composites are able to show cell proliferation and have the potential to be used in cardiac tissue engineering.

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Injectable Polysaccharide Hydrogels as Biocompatible Platforms for Localized and Sustained Delivery of Antibiotics for Preventing Local Infections
Authors: Li Ziyi , He Chaoliang , Yuan Baoming , Dong Xiaoming , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2016

Biocompatible and antibacterial hydrogels have received increasing attention for preventing local bacterial infections. In this study, a type of polysaccharide hydrogels is prepared via the Schiff‐based reaction at physiological conditions. The gelation time and mechanical property of the hydrogels are found to be dependent on the polysaccharide concentration and the polysaccharide weight ratio. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and live/dead assay indicate that the hydrogels display nontoxicity in vitro. After subcutaneous injection into rats, the hydrogels exhibit an acceptable biocompatibility in vivo. Furthermore, the bacterial inhibition tests by shaking flask method and agar disc‐diffusion method demonstrate that the ceftriaxone‐sodium‐loaded hydrogels have remarkable antibacterial properties in vitro. The in vivo anti‐infective tests further display that the antibiotic‐loaded hydrogels display excellent anti‐infective efficacies in both superficial and deep tissue infection. Consequently, the injectable and biocompatible polysaccharide hydrogels may serve as promising platforms for localized, sustained delivery of antibiotics for preventing local infections.

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Cytochrome P450 Bioconjugate as a Nanovehicle for Improved Chemotherapy Treatment
Authors: Quester Katrin , Juarez‐Moreno Karla , Secundino Isamel , Roseinstein Yvonne , Alejo Karla P. , Huerta‐Saquero Alejandro , Vazquez‐Duhalt Rafael
Published: November 2016

Cancer is still a growing public health problem, especially breast cancer that is one of the most important cancers in women. Chemotherapy, even though a successful treatment, is accompanied by severe side effects. Moreover, most of the drugs used for chemotherapy are administered as prodrugs and need to be transformed to the active form by cytochromes P450 (CYPs). In addition, increasing numbers of cancer tissues show lower CYP activity than the surrounding healthy tissues in which prodrugs are preferentially activated causing cytotoxicity. Here, the design of a functionalized cytochrome P450 bioconjugate is reported as nanovehicle for the enzyme direct delivery to the tumor tissue in order to improve the local drug activation. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells are treated with CYP‐polyethylene glycol bioconjugate functionalized folic acid, where it activates the prodrug tamoxifen and significantly reduces the dose of tamoxifen needed to kill the tumor cells. The CYP bioconjugate covered with polyethylene glycol shows no immunogenic activity. The advantages of increasing the site‐specific CYP activity in tumor tissues are discussed.

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Greener Chemistry for Hybrid Materials, Alcohol‐Free Synthesis with an Epoxy‐Cyclohexyl Precursor
Authors: Jiang Yu , Carboni Davide , Malfatti Luca , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: November 2016

Green synthesis is one of the hot topics in the chemistry of hybrid organic–inorganic materials. A alcohol‐free sol–gel process has been developed to prepare optically transparent hybrid films from an epoxy bearing alkoxide, [2‐(3,4‐epoxy‐cyclohexyl)‐ethyl]‐trimethoxysilane (ECTMS). The synthesis is simple and effective because only two components, ECTMS and an aqueous solution of NaOH, are employed. Infrared spectroscopy has been used to monitor the reactivity of the precursor sol as a function of the aging time. Organic–inorganic hybrid films have been then prepared with the different sols via spin‐coating. The presence of the cyclohexyl ring slows down dramatically both the epoxide opening and the capability of the resulting diols in forming a tricyclic dioxane derivative. The highly basic conditions employed in the synthesis favor the formation of the cyclohexyl rings and cage‐ and ladder‐like silica structures. The hybrid films have shown a high transmittance in the visible range and a thermal stability up to 200 °C.

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How Do I Examine Postural Disorders in Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Ameghino Lucia , Rossi Malco , Merello Marcelo
Published: November 2016

View Supplementary Video 1

Postural abnormalities in Parkinson's disease (PD) are considered the rule more than the exception and are disabling complications of the disease. These deformities include camptocormia, antecollis, Pisa syndrome, and scoliosis. Evidence to date suggests that postural deformities have a multifactorial pathophysiology, including muscular rigidity, axial dystonia, weakness due to myopathy, body scheme defects due to centrally impaired proprioception, and structural changes in the spine. Antecollis in parkinsonian disorders refers to a forward flexion of the head and neck. It is usually mild in severity and may be considered part of the stooped posture in patients with PD. Some authors that suggest the term antecollis should only be used in patients with at least a minimum of 45 degrees of thoracolumbar flexion.

Neither camptocormia nor Pisa syndrome can be evaluated without taking into account the presence or absence of scoliosis. In this regard, the rotating component of the spine and its behavior in the supine position give important clues for a correct diagnosis. In some cases, X‐rays in the standing and supine positions are necessary. The presence of marked camptocormia requires a minimum of flexion in the sagittal plane originating in the thoracolumbar spine greater than 45 degrees, with an almost complete resolution in the supine position. Pisa syndrome requires a minimum of 10 degrees of lateral flexion and is almost completely alleviated by passive mobilization or supine positioning. A certain degree of scoliosis is expected in most parkinsonian patients; therefore, both camptocormia and Pisa syndrome do not generally present as pure syndromes.
Segmented simultaneous multi‐slice diffusion weighted imaging with generalized trajectories
Authors: Herbst Michael , Deng Weiran , Ernst Thomas , Stenger V. Andrew
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to develop and evaluate a single framework for the use of Cartesian and non‐Cartesian segmented trajectories for rapid and robust simultaneous multislice (SMS) diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at 3 Telsa (T).

Methods

A generalized SMS approach with intrinsic phase navigation using Multiplexed Sensitivity Encoding (MUSE) was developed. Segmented blipped‐controlled aliasing in parallel imaging echo planar imaging (EPI) and z‐gradient modulated spiral trajectories were examined using SMS DWI scans at 3T with a 32‐channel head coil.

Results

The generalized SMS MUSE reconstruction framework was successful in significantly reducing artifacts for all trajectories. A DWI brain volume with a 67.5‐mm height, 1.5‐mm isotropic resolution, and 90 diffusion weightings was obtained in a scan time of 6 minutes.

Conclusion

The MUSE technique can be generalized to allow for reconstruction of both Cartesian and non‐Cartesian segmented trajectories. Magn Reson Med 78:1476–1481, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Anti‐angiogenic therapy affects the relationship between tumor vascular structure and function: A correlation study between micro–computed tomography angiography and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI
Authors: Kim Eugene , Kim Jana , Mælandsmo Gunhild Mari , Johansen Berit , Moestue Siver Andreas
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To compare the effects of two anti‐angiogenic drugs, bevacizumab and a cytosolic phospholipase A2‐α inhibitor (AVX235), on the relationship between vascular structure and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI measurements in a patient‐derived breast cancer xenograft model.

Methods

Mice bearing MAS98.12 tumors were randomized into three groups: bevacizumab‐treated (n = 9), AVX235‐treated (n = 9), and control (n = 8). DCE‐MRI was performed pre‐ and post‐treatment. Median initial area under the concentration‐time curve (IAUC60) and volume transfer constant (Ktrans) were computed for each tumor. Tumors were excised for ex vivo micro‐CT (computed tomography) angiography, from which the vascular surface area (VSA) and fractional blood volume (FBV) were computed. Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) were computed to evaluate the associations between the DCE‐MRI and micro‐CT parameters.

Results

With the groups pooled, IAUC60 and Ktrans correlated significantly with VSA (ρ = 0.475 and 0.527; P = 0.019 and 0.008). There were no significant correlations within the control group. There were various significant correlations within the treatment groups, but the correlations in the bevacizumab group were of opposite sign, for example, Ktrans versus FBV: AVX235, ρ = 0.800 (P = 0.014); bevacizumab, ρ = –0.786 (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

DCE‐MRI measurements can highly depend on vascular structure. The relationship between vascular structure and function changed markedly after anti‐angiogenic treatment. Magn Reson Med 78:1513–1522, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Perturbation of longitudinal relaxation rate in rotating frame (PLRF) analysis for quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer signal in a transient state
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Yaoyu , Zhao Xuna , Wu Bing , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To develop a novel analytical method for quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the transient state. The proposed method aims to reduce the effects of non‐chemical‐exchange (non‐CE) parameters on the CEST signal, emphasizing the effect of chemical exchange.

Methods

The difference in the longitudinal relaxation rate in the rotating frame (
) was calculated based on perturbation of the Z‐value by
, and a saturation‐pulse‐amplitude‐compensated exchange‐dependent relaxation rate (SPACER) was determined with a high‐exchange‐rate approximation. In both phantom and human subject experiments,
(representative of the traditional CEST index),
, and SPACER were measured, evaluated, and compared by altering the non‐CE parameters in a transient‐state continuous‐wave CEST sequence.

Results

In line with the theoretical expectation, our experimental data demonstrate that the effects of the non‐CE parameters can be more effectively reduced using the proposed indices (
and SPACER) than using the traditional CEST index (
).

Conclusion

The proposed method allows for the chemical exchange weight to be better emphasized in the transient‐state CEST signal, which is beneficial, in practice, for quantifying the CEST signal. Magn Reson Med 78:1711–1723, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Cost of intervention delivery in a lifestyle weight loss trial in type 2 diabetes: results from the Look AHEAD clinical trial
Authors: Rushing J. , Wing R. , Wadden T. A. , Knowler W. C. , Lawlor M. , Evans M. , Killean T. , Montez M. , Espeland M. A. , Zhang P. ,   The Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: November 2016

Objective

The Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial was a randomized controlled clinical trial to compare the effects of 10 years of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE) on health outcomes in over 5,000 participants with type 2 diabetes. The ILI had significantly greater weight losses than DSE throughout the trial. The goal of this analysis is to describe the cost of delivering the intervention.

Methods

The ILI was designed to promote weight loss and increase physical activity. It involved a combination of group plus individual intervention sessions, with decreasing frequency of contact over the 10 years. The intervention incorporated a variety of strategies, including meal replacement products, to improve weight loss outcomes. The costs of intervention delivery were derived from staff surveys of effort and from records of intervention materials from the 16 US academic clinical trial sites. Costs were calculated from the payer perspective and presented in 2012 dollars.

Results

During the first year, when intervention delivery was most intensive, the annual cost of intervention delivery, averaged (standard deviation) across clinical sites, was $2,864.6 ($513.3) per ILI participant compared with $202.4 ($76.6) per DSE participant. As intervention intensity declined, costs decreased, such that from years 5 to 9 of the trial, the annual cost of intervention was $1,119.8 ($227.7) per ILI participant and $102.9 ($33.0) per DSE participant. Staffing accounted for the majority of costs throughout the trial, with meal replacements and materials to promote adherence accounting for smaller shares.

Conclusions

The sustained weight losses produced by the Look AHEAD intervention were supported by intervention costs that were within the range of other weight loss programmes. Future work will include an evaluation of the cost‐effectiveness of the ILI and will contain additional follow‐up data.
The Effect of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Migration
Authors: Goodman Lucas
Published: November 2016

The expansion of Medicaid to low‐income nondisabled adults is a key component of the Affordable Care Act's strategy to increase health insurance coverage, but many states have chosen not to take up the expansion. As a result, for many low‐income adults, there has been stark variation across states in access to Medicaid since the expansions took effect in 2014. This study investigates whether individuals migrate in order to gain access to these benefits. Using an empirical model in the spirit of a difference‐in‐differences, this study finds that migration from non‐expansion states to expansion states did not increase in 2014 relative to migration in the reverse direction. The estimates are sufficiently precise to rule out a migration effect that would meaningfully affect the number of enrollees in expansion states, which suggests that Medicaid expansion decisions do not impose a meaningful fiscal externality on other states.
Layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of aramid nanofibers on nonwoven fabric for liquid filtration
Authors: Yuan Yongqiang , Li Jie , Liu Yuqing , Chen Ting , Lin Jinyou
Published: November 2016

The composite ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated by self‐assembling the aramid nanofibers (ANFs) on nonwoven fabric (NF) via layer‐by‐layer technique. Different numbers of ANFs layers (8, 10, 12) have been self‐assembled on the NF. The surface morphology, surface wettability, tensile strength, and filtration performance of as‐prepared composite membranes were investigated. The results demonstrated that the surface assembled NF with the deposition of ANFs could improve their hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. The filtration experiments indicated that the composite membranes could efficiently remove the nanoparticles from water system. When the number of ANFs layers reaches 12, 10 nm Au nanoparticles can be removed from the feed solution with a rejection rate above 90%. This work presents the feasibility of liquid filtration by using the ANFs self‐assembled composite membranes, which exhibits a potential application in ultrafiltration. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2411–2419, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the interphase structures and properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites exposed to hydrothermal treatments using peak force quantitative nanomechanics technique
Authors: Niu Yi‐Fan , Yang Ying , Wang Xiao‐Rui
Published: November 2016

In order to understand the role of interphase in polymer‐matrix composites, a Peak Force Quantitative Nanomechanics technique based on atomic force microscopy was applied to explore the structures and mechanical properties of the interphase region in carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (T300/PEEK) and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (T700/epoxy) composites. The quantitative topographies and elastic modulus maps of each phase of the composites were acquired after 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h of hydrothermal ageing. The interphase thickness of T300/PEEK increased from 68.1 ± 10.9 to 76.9 ± 17.0 nm after 8 h of degradation and kept stable at 78.2 ± 18.6 nm, while that of T700/epoxy increased from 45.2 ± 4.1 to 110.8 ± 13.8 nm in the first 8 h and remain stable until 24 h of degradation. Moreover, the moduli of PEEK matrix and epoxy matrix presented a steady and continuous decrease, respectively, during the hydrothermal ageing process and the enlargement of interphase thickness can be attributed to the plasticizing and hydrolytic effects. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E791–E796, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical Outcomes of Extended Versus Intermittent Infusion of Piperacillin/Tazobactam in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Fan Sheung‐Yin , Shum Hoi‐Ping , Cheng Wing‐Yee , Chan Yat‐Hei , Leung Sik‐Yin McShirley , Yan Wing‐Wa
Published: November 2016

Study Objective

To determine whether critically ill patients receiving extended‐infusion (EI) piperacillin/tazobactam would have improved clinical outcomes compared with patients receiving intermittent infusions.

Design

Single‐center, open‐label, prospective study.

Setting

Twenty‐two–bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a regional hospital in Hong Kong.

Patients

A total of 367 adults who had a diagnosis of either bacterial infection or neutropenic fever and had received treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam for at least 48 hours between December 1, 2013, and August 31, 2015.

Intervention

Patients were assigned to receive piperacillin/tazobactam as either a 4‐hour EI (182 patients [EI group]) or a 30‐minute intermittent infusion (185 patients [non–extended infusion (NEI) group]).

Measurements and Main Results

All patients were followed for at least 14 days after treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the 14‐day mortality rate after initiation of piperacillin/tazobactam. Secondary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality rate, time to defervescence, duration of mechanical ventilatory support, length of ICU stay, and duration of hospital stay. Both groups demonstrated similar 14‐day mortality (11.5% in the EI group vs 15.7% in the NEI group, p=0.29). The mean time to defervescence was significantly reduced in the EI group (4 days in the EI group vs 6 days in the NEI group, p=0.01); no significant differences between groups were noted in the other secondary outcomes. An Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 29.5 or higher was found to strongly predict 14‐day mortality (p=0.03) by Classification and Regression Tree analysis. In the post hoc analyses, a 14‐day mortality benefit was demonstrated in patients in the EI group in whom infectious organisms were identified (mortality rate 9.3% in the EI group vs 22.4% in the NEI group, p=0.01) and in whom respiratory tract infection was diagnosed (mortality rate 8.9% in the EI group vs 18.7% in the NEI group, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Both the EI and NEI groups demonstrated similar 14‐day mortality. Post hoc subgroup analysis revealed a mortality benefit in patients in the EI group who had infectious organisms identified or were diagnosed with respiratory tract infections.
High pressure ethylene polymerization with a post‐metallocene bis‐phenyl phenoxy catalyst
Authors: Ewart Sean W. , Karjala Thomas W. , Demirors Mehmet
Published: November 2016

The use of post‐metallocene bis‐phenylphenoxy catalysts to polymerize ethylene under high ethylene pressures (>25,000 psi) results in some remarkable catalytic properties. The high ethylene pressure produces molar ethylene concentrations in the reactor as much as 40 times higher than in typical low pressure ethylene polymerizations. This high ethylene concentration results in high catalyst efficiency at high temperatures and low reactor residence time, between 180 °C and 240 °C the catalyst efficiency surprisingly increases with increasing temperature, allowing for use of these catalysts at temperatures much higher than can be utilized in the low pressure processes. It has further been demonstrated that under these conditions increasing hydrogen levels up to 0.5 mol% does not significantly affect the polymer molecular weight; however, polymer molecular weight control can be realized with varying reactor temperature. The polymer produced is shown to be high density polyethylene made from a single site catalyst and not free radical initiated low density polymer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 861–866