bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cold in situ perfusion and preservation of the hepatic allograft: Working toward a unified approach
Authors: Hameed Ahmer M. , Laurence Jerome M. , Lam Vincent W. T. , Pleass Henry C. , Hawthorne Wayne J.
Published: July 2017

The efficacy of cold in situ perfusion and static storage of the liver is a possible determinant of transplantation outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence to substantiate a preference for a particular perfusion route (aortic or dual) or perfusion/preservation solution in donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplantation. The Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were used (1980‐2017). Random effects modeling was used to estimate effects on transplantation outcomes based on (1) aortic or dual in situ perfusion and (2) the use of University of Wisconsin (UW), histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate (HTK), Celsior, and/or Institut Georges Lopez–1 (IGL‐1) solutions for perfusion/preservation. A total of 22 articles were included (2294 liver transplants). The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations score. Meta‐analyses were conducted for 14 eligible studies. Although there was no difference in the primary nonfunction (PNF) rate, a higher peak alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was recorded in dual compared with aortic‐only UW‐perfused livers (standardized mean difference, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.01‐0.47); a back‐table portal venous flush was undertaken in the majority of aortic‐only perfused livers. There were no relevant differences in peak enzymes, PNF, thrombotic graft loss, biliary complications, or 1‐year graft survival in comparisons between dual‐perfused livers using UW, HTK, Celsior, or IGL‐1. In conclusion, there is no significant evidence that aortic‐only perfusion of the DBD liver compromises transplantation outcomes, and it may be favored because of its simplicity. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to advocate for the use of any particular perfusion/preservation fluid over the others. Liver Transplantation 23 1615–1627 2017 AASLD.
Tough and Enzyme‐Degradable Hydrogels
Authors: Chen Ginger , Taghavi Shadi , Marecak Dale , Amsden Brian G.
Published: July 2017

Mechanically robust hydrogels that degrade only via cell action have potential as scaffolds for the generation of load‐bearing soft connective tissue. This study demonstrates that terminally acrylated 4‐arm‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐oligo(trimethylene carbonate) (4a‐PEG‐(TMC)n) can be readily reacted with a collagenase‐degradable bis‐cysteine peptide to form hydrogels. The inclusion of the TMC blocks renders the hydrogels mechanically tough when tested under compression, with modulus and toughness values within the range of those of articular cartilage. Moreover, the hydrogels formed are resistant to degradation by hydrolysis in the absence of collagenase but degrade via surface erosion in the presence of collagenase. The strategy employed to form these hydrogels is readily tailored to create a variety of tough, enzyme‐degradable hydrogels of varying mechanical and degradation properties.
Progressive ataxia and palatal tremor: Two autopsy cases of a novel tauopathy
Authors: Gao Andrew F. , Faust‐Socher Achinoam , Al‐Murshed Maryam , Del Bigio Marc R. , Lang Anthony E. , Munoz David G.
Published: July 2017

Background: Sporadic progressive ataxia and palatal tremor is a rare syndrome characterized by mid‐ to late‐adult‐onset symptomatic palatal tremor and slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. To date, there has been only one autopsy report, which described a novel 4‐repeat tauopathy with hypertrophic olivary degeneration and tau‐positive inclusions in olivary neurons and dystrophic neuritic processes termed glomeruloid bodies. We report on 2 additional autopsy cases.

Methods: Sections from selected paraffin‐embedded brain regions were stained with hematoxylin and eosin/Luxol fast blue and processed for phosphorylated tau, 3‐repeat tau, 4‐repeat tau, neurofilament, glial fibrillary acid protein, phosphorylated α‐synuclein, phosphorylated TAR DNA‐binding protein 43, beta‐amyloid, and p62 immunohistochemistry.

Results: Two male patients were aged 74 and 64 years at onset. Both had clinical findings consistent with progressive ataxia and palatal tremor and T2 hyperintensity in the bilateral olives on MRI. Pathological findings included bilateral hypertrophic olivary degeneration accompanied by glomeruloid bodies, 3‐repeat and 4‐repeat tau‐positive neuronal inclusions in the olive, and additional tauopathy in the midbrain, pons, and thalamus. Cerebellar cortical degeneration was extensive, but involvement of the dentate was minimal. P62‐positive, but tau‐ and TAR DNA‐binding protein 43–negative, inclusions in the cerebellum of 1 case was also a feature.

Conclusions: Whereas our findings are largely in keeping with the previously published case report, we found a more extensive and mixed 3/4‐repeat tauopathy and additional cerebellar p62 pathology, highlighting our incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A user's guide for α‐synuclein biomarker studies in biological fluids: Perianalytical considerations
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , Batrla Richard , El‐Agnaf Omar , Galasko Douglas R. , Lashuel Hilal A. , Merchant Kalpana M. , Shaw Lesley M. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Umek Robert , Vanderstichele Hugo , Zetterberg Henrik , Zhang Jing , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Coffey Chris , Hutten Samantha J. , Frasier Mark , Taylor Peggy ,   for the Investigating Synuclein Consortium of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Published: July 2017

Parkinson's disease biomarkers are needed to increase diagnostic accuracy, to objectively monitor disease progression and to assess therapeutic efficacy as well as target engagement when evaluating novel drug and therapeutic strategies. This article summarizes perianalytical considerations for biomarker studies (based on immunoassays) in Parkinson's disease, with emphasis on quantifying total α‐synuclein protein in biological fluids. Current knowledge and pitfalls are discussed, and selected perianalytical variables are presented systematically, including different temperature of sample collection and types of collection tubes, gradient sampling, the addition of detergent, aliquot volume, the freezing time, and the different thawing methods. We also discuss analytical confounders. We identify gaps in the knowledge and delineate specific areas that require further investigation, such as the need to identify posttranslational modifications of α‐synuclein and antibody‐independent reference methods for quantification, as well as the analysis of potential confounders, such as comorbidities, medication, and phenotypes of Parkinson's disease in larger cohorts. This review could be used as a guideline for future Parkinson's disease biomarker studies and will require regular updating as more information arises in this growing field, including new technical developments as they become available. In addition to reviewing best practices, we also identify the current technical limitations and gaps in the knowledge that should be addressed to enable accurate and quantitative assessment of α‐synuclein levels in the clinical setting. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Subcortical shape analysis of progressive mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chung Su Jin , Shin Jeong‐Hyeon , Cho Kyoo Ho , Lee Yoonju , Sohn Young H. , Seong Joon‐Kyung , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: July 2017

Background

Cortical neural correlates of ongoing cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been suggested; however, the role of subcortical structures in longitudinal change of cognitive dysfunction in PD has not been fully investigated. Here, we used automatic analysis to explore subcortical brain structures in patients with PD with mild cognitive impairment that converts into PD with dementia.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐two patients with PD with mild cognitive impairment were classified as PD with mild cognitive impairment converters (n = 74) or nonconverters (n = 108), depending on whether they were subsequently diagnosed with dementia in PD. We used surface‐based analysis to compare atrophic changes of subcortical brain structures between PD with mild cognitive impairment converters and nonconverters.

Results

PD with mild cognitive impairment converters had lower cognitive composite scores in the attention and frontal executive domains than did nonconverters. Subcortical shape analysis revealed that PD with mild cognitive impairment converters had smaller local shape volumes than did nonconverters in the bilateral thalamus, right caudate, and right hippocampus. Logistic regression analysis showed that local shape volumes in the bilateral thalamus and right caudate were significant independent predictors of PD with mild cognitive impairment converters. In the PD with mild cognitive impairment converter group, thalamic local shape volume was associated with semantic fluency and attentional composite score.

Conclusions

The present data suggest that the local shape volumes of deep subcortical structures, especially in the caudate and thalamus, may serve as important predictors of the development of dementia in patients with PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Time‐dependent factors in DIEP flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Laporta Rosaria , Longo Benedetto , Sorotos Michail , Farcomeni Alessio , Amorosi Vittoria , Santanelli di Pompeo Fabio
Published: July 2017

Background

The process of harvesting and performing microsurgical anastomosis may lengthen deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction affecting results and patient safety. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between predictors and operative time (OT).

Methods

Between 2004 and 2016, 336 immediate and 68 delayed unilateral reconstructions were performed in 404 patients. Age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), nulliparity, or pluriparity condition were collected to determine the impact of patient characteristics on OT. Flap weight, mastectomy type, flap zone, perforator number, venous anastomoses, recipient vessels selection, reconstruction timing, contralateral symmetrization, and a dedicated anesthesiologist were analyzed as possible predictors.

Results

Mean OT was 289 min (range, 150–550 min). Using univariate analysis, for each increment of BMI value and patient weight OT increased, respectively, 3.5‐ and 1.4 min (97.5% CI: 1.768–5.145, 97.5% CI: 0.739–1.949; P < 0.001). Skin‐sparing mastectomy (SSM) (97.5% CI: 2.487–36.637; P = 0.025), perforator number, and venous anastomoses (97.5% CI: 24.468–43.690, 97.5% CI: 24.843–50.492; P < 0.001) negatively influenced OT while nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) reduced OT of 22.7‐min (97.5% CI: −40.333 to −5.098; P = 0.012). The use of circumflex scapular vessels as recipients reduced OT of 75.4‐min while internal mammary vessels (IMV) increased OT of 55.8‐min (97.5% CI: −88.631 to −62.209, 97.5% CI: 22.918–88.642; P < 0.001). A dedicated anesthesiologist and the learning curve (LC) reduced OT, respectively, of 39.63‐min and of 13‐min for every year (97.5% CI: −57.119 to −22.137, 97.5% CI: −14.666 to −11.898; P < 0.001). Using multivariate regression, LC was a negative predictor while SSM, perforators number, superficial epigastric vein, IMV, and flap weight were positive predictors (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The increase of flap weight, related perforators number, and venous drainage negatively influence OT. LC meaning systematic approach for surgery can optimize DIEP flap surgery efficiency.
(‐)‐Epicatechin regulates blood lipids and attenuates hepatic steatosis in rats fed high‐fat diet
Authors: Cheng Hui , Xu Na , Zhao Wenxia , Su Jingjing , Liang Mengru , Xie Zhongwen , Wu Xianli , Li Qinglin
Published: July 2017

Scope

(‐)‐Epicatechin (EC) is a natural flavanol monomer found in cocoa, green tea, and a variety of other plant foods. In this study, effects of EC on blood lipids and hepatic steatosis, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated.

Methods and results

A hyperlipidemic rat model was induced by high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet. EC was then administrated to the animals by gavage at doses of 10, 20, 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 12 weeks. Simvastatin was included as a positive control. The results showed that EC significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride, alleviated liver fat accumulation, while increased HDL cholesterol, in hyperlipidemic rats. EC also reduced lipid peroxidation, inhibited the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and lowered serum AST and ALT. The potential molecular mechanisms of EC underlying these effects were proposed to be associated to regulating Insig‐1‐SREBP‐SCAP pathway, and other lipid metabolic related genes including LXR‐α, FAS, and SIRT1.

Conclusion

EC effectively improved blood lipid profile and protected liver from accumulating excessive fat in hyperlipidemic rats. The results shed a light on the potential role of EC as a promising natural product in preventing hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Genistein and enterolactone in relation to Ki‐67 expression and HER2 status in postmenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: Jaskulski Stefanie , Jung Audrey Y. , Rudolph Anja , Johnson Theron , Thöne Kathrin , Herpel Esther , Sinn Peter , Chang‐Claude Jenny
Published: July 2017

Scope

Phytoestrogens (PE) may improve breast cancer prognosis by modifying tumor prognostic markers, such as cell proliferation marker Ki‐67 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Epidemiological evidence linking lignans and isoflavones to Ki‐67 and HER2 is limited. We examined associations between the major metabolites of lignans and isoflavones – enterolactone (ENL) and genistein (GEN) – respectively, and Ki‐67 expression and HER2 in tumor tissue of breast cancer patients.

Methods and results

Data from 1060 invasive breast cancer patients from the population‐based MARIE study were used. Multivariate‐adjusted linear (Ki‐67 log‐transformed) and quantile regression, and logistic regression analyses (HER2, Ki‐67 dichotomized) were performed to calculate β estimates and ORs, respectively. Median post‐diagnostic ENL and GEN concentrations were 19.5 and 4.8 nmol/L, respectively. Median Ki‐67 was 12.0%, and 21.2% of the tumors were HER2+. After adjustment, there was an inverse association between GEN and Ki‐67 at high expression levels (OR for Ki‐67 ≥20% versus <20% of 0.93 (95%CI [0.87;0.99]) per 10 nmol/L GEN increment).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate an inverse association between GEN and Ki‐67 at high levels of Ki‐67 expression. Additional investigations are recommended to confirm our findings and to further elucidate mechanisms linking PE metabolites to breast cancer survival.
pH‐sensitive amide proton transfer effect dominates the magnetization transfer asymmetry contrast during acute ischemia—quantification of multipool contribution to in vivo CEST MRI
Authors: Wu Yin , Zhou Iris Yuwen , Lu Dongshuang , Manderville Emiri , Lo Eng H. , Zheng Hairong , Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To determine the origins of in vivo magnetization transfer asymmetry contrast during acute ischemic stroke, particularly in the diffusion lesion, perfusion lesion, and their mismatch using a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model of acute stroke.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats underwent multiparametric MRI of diffusion, perfusion, T1, and amide proton transfer (APT) imaging at 4.7 T following a middle cerebral artery occlusion procedure. A multipool Lorentzian model, including the nuclear Overhauser effect, magnetization transfer, direct water saturation, amine and amide chemical exchange saturation transfer effects, was applied for Z‐spectrum fitting to determine the sources of in vivo magnetization transfer asymmetry following acute stroke.

Results

We showed that changes in amine chemical exchange saturation transfer (2 ppm) and APT (3.5 ppm) effects, particularly the APT MRI effect, dominate the commonly used magnetization transfer asymmetry analysis and hence confer pH sensitivity to APT imaging of acute stroke. Also, the nuclear Overhauser effect and magnetization transfer show small changes that counteracted each other, contributing less than 0.3% to magnetization transfer asymmetry at 3.5 ppm. Moreover, we showed that diffusion lesion had worsened acidosis from perfusion/diffusion lesion mismatch (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The study complements recent in vivo quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer work to shed light on the sensitivity and specificity of endogenous APT MRI to tissue acidosis. Magn Reson Med 79:1602–1608, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Deep convolutional neural network and 3D deformable approach for tissue segmentation in musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhou Zhaoye , Jang Hyungseok , Samsonov Alexey , Zhao Gengyan , Kijowski Richard
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To describe and evaluate a new fully automated musculoskeletal tissue segmentation method using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and three‐dimensional (3D) simplex deformable modeling to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cartilage and bone segmentation within the knee joint.

Methods

A fully automated segmentation pipeline was built by combining a semantic segmentation CNN and 3D simplex deformable modeling. A CNN technique called SegNet was applied as the core of the segmentation method to perform high resolution pixel‐wise multi‐class tissue classification. The 3D simplex deformable modeling refined the output from SegNet to preserve the overall shape and maintain a desirable smooth surface for musculoskeletal structure. The fully automated segmentation method was tested using a publicly available knee image data set to compare with currently used state‐of‐the‐art segmentation methods. The fully automated method was also evaluated on two different data sets, which include morphological and quantitative MR images with different tissue contrasts.

Results

The proposed fully automated segmentation method provided good segmentation performance with segmentation accuracy superior to most of state‐of‐the‐art methods in the publicly available knee image data set. The method also demonstrated versatile segmentation performance on both morphological and quantitative musculoskeletal MR images with different tissue contrasts and spatial resolutions.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that the combined CNN and 3D deformable modeling approach is useful for performing rapid and accurate cartilage and bone segmentation within the knee joint. The CNN has promising potential applications in musculoskeletal imaging. Magn Reson Med 79:2379–2391, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Simultaneous measurement of brain perfusion and labeling efficiency in a single pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling scan
Authors: Chen Zhensen , Zhao Xihai , Zhang Xingxing , Guo Rui , Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Zhang Bida , Koken Peter , Smink Jouke , Yuan Chun , van Osch Matthias J.P.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to propose, optimize, and validate a pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sequence for simultaneous measurement of brain perfusion and labeling efficiency.

Methods

The proposed sequence incorporates the labeling efficiency measurement into the postlabeling delay period of a conventional perfusion pCASL sequence by using the time‐encoding approach. In vivo validation experiments were performed on nine young subjects by comparing it to separate perfusion and labeling efficiency sequences. Sensitivity of the proposed combined sequence for measuring labeling efficiency changes was further addressed by varying the flip angles of the pCASL labeling radiofrequency pulses.

Results

The proposed combined sequence decreased the perfusion signal by ∼4% and a lower labeling efficiency (by ∼10%) was found as compared to the separate sequences. However, the temporal signal‐noise‐ratio of the perfusion signal remained unchanged. When the pCASL flip angle was decreased to a suboptimal setting, a strong correlation was found between the combined and the separate sequences for the relative change in pCASL perfusion signal as well as for the relative change in labeling efficiency. High correlation was also observed between relative changes in perfusion signal and the measured labeling efficiencies.

Conclusion

The proposed sequence allows simultaneous measurement of brain perfusion and labeling efficiency with high time‐efficiency at the price of only a small compromise in measurement accuracy. The additional labeling efficiency measurement can be used to facilitate qualitative interpretation of pCASL perfusion images. Magn Reson Med 79:1922–1930, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Evaluation of the impact of strain correction on the orientation of cardiac diffusion tensors with in vivo and ex vivo porcine hearts
Authors: Ferreira Pedro F. , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Scott Andrew D. , de Silva Ranil , Kilner Philip J. , Ennis Daniel B. , Auger Daniel A. , Suever Jonathan D. , Zhong Xiaodong , Spottiswoode Bruce S. , Pennell Dudley J. , Arai Andrew E. , Firmin David N.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the importance of strain‐correcting stimulated echo acquisition mode echo‐planar imaging cardiac diffusion tensor imaging.

Methods

Healthy pigs (n = 11) were successfully scanned with a 3D cine displacement‐encoded imaging with stimulated echoes and a monopolar‐stimulated echo‐planar imaging diffusion tensor imaging sequence at 3 T during diastasis, peak systole, and strain sweet spots in a midventricular short‐axis slice. The same diffusion tensor imaging sequence was repeated ex vivo after arresting the hearts in either a relaxed (KCl‐induced) or contracted (BaCl2‐induced) state. The displacement‐encoded imaging with stimulated echoes data were used to strain‐correct the in vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging in diastole and systole. The orientation of the primary (helix angles) and secondary (E2A) diffusion eigenvectors was compared with and without strain correction and to the strain‐free ex vivo data.

Results

Strain correction reduces systolic E2A significantly when compared without strain correction and ex vivo (median absolute E2A = 34.3° versus E2A = 57.1° (P = 0.01), E2A = 60.5° (P = 0.006), respectively). The systolic distribution of E2A without strain correction is closer to the contracted ex vivo distribution than with strain correction, root mean square deviation of 0.027 versus 0.038.

Conclusions

The current strain‐correction model amplifies the contribution of microscopic strain to diffusion resulting in an overcorrection of E2A. Results show that a new model that considers cellular rearrangement is required. Magn Reson Med 79:2205–2215, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A discontinuous interpolated finite volume approximation of semilinear elliptic optimal control problems
Authors: Sandilya Ruchi , Kumar Sarvesh
Published: July 2017

In this article, we describe a discontinuous finite volume method with interpolated coefficients for the numerical approximation of the distributed optimal control problem governed by a class of semilinear elliptic equations with control constraints. The proposed distributed control problem involves three unknown variable: control, state and costate. For the approximation of control, we have adopted three different methodologies: variational discretization, piecewise constant and piecewise linear discretization, while the approximation of state and costate variables is based on discontinuous piecewise linear polynomials. As the resulted scheme is non‐symmetric, optimize‐then‐discretize approach is used to approximate the control problem. Optimal a priori error estimates in suitable natural norms for state, costate and control variables are derived. Moreover, numerical experiments are presented to support the derived theoretical results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 2090–2113, 2017
Preclinical Alterations in Myocardial Microstructure in People with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ho Jennifer E. , Rahban Youssef , Sandhu Harpaul , Hiremath Pranoti G. , Ayalon Nir , Qin Fuzhong , Perez Alejandro J. , Downing Jill , Gopal Deepa M. , Cheng Susan , Colucci Wilson S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can lead to myocardial fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, and eventual heart failure. This study evaluated alterations in myocardial microstructure in people with MetS by using a novel algorithm to characterize ultrasonic signal intensity variation.

Methods

Among 254 participants without existing cardiovascular disease (mean age 42 ± 11 years, 75% women), there were 162 with MetS, 47 with obesity without MetS, and 45 nonobese controls. Standard echocardiography was performed, and a novel validated computational algorithm was used to investigate myocardial microstructure based on sonographic signal intensity and distribution. The signal intensity coefficient (SIC [left ventricular microstructure]) was examined.

Results

The SIC was significantly higher in people with MetS compared with people with (P < 0.001) and without obesity (P = 0.04), even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the ratio of triglyceride (TG) to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.05 for all). Clinical correlates of SIC included TG concentrations (r = 0.21, P = 0.0007) and the TG/HDL ratio (r = 0.2, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study's findings suggest that preclinical MetS and dyslipidemia in particular are associated with altered myocardial signal intensity variation. Future studies are needed to determine whether the SIC may help detect subclinical diseases in people with metabolic disease, with the ultimate goal of targeting preventive efforts.
Scalable ambient synthesis of water‐soluble poly(β‐hydroxythio‐ether)s
Authors: Hwang JiHyeon , Choe Youngson , Bang Joona , Khan Anzar
Published: July 2017

Proton transfer polymerization through thiol‐epoxy “click” reaction between commercially available and hydrophilic di‐thiol and di‐epoxide monomers is carried out under ambient conditions to furnish water‐soluble polymers. The hydrophilicity of monomers permitted use of aqueous tetrahydrofuran as the reaction medium. A high polarity of this solvent system in turn allowed for using a mild catalyst such as triethylamine for a successful polymerization process. The overall simplicity of the system translated into a simple mixing of monomers and isolation of the reactive polymers in an effortless manner and on any scale required. The structure of the resulting polymers and the extent of di‐sulfide defects are studied with the help of 13C‐ and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Finally, reactivity of the synthesized polymers is examined through post‐polymerization modification reaction at the backbone sulfur atoms through oxidation reaction. The practicality, modularity, further functionalizability, and water solubility aspects of the described family of new poly(β‐hydroxythio‐ether)s is anticipated to accelerate investigations into their potential utility in bio‐relevant applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3381–3386
A systematic review of patient oncofertility support needs in reproductive cancer patients aged 14 to 45 years of age
Authors: Logan S. , Perz J. , Ussher J.M. , Peate M. , Anazodo A.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Decline in fertility potential brought about by a cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment is one of the biggest impacts to cancer patients' long‐term quality of life. As such, the current manuscript aimed to systematically review the literature on oncofertility support needs for cancer patients of a reproductive age (14–45 years of age).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted in May 2016 through the searching of electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, PSYCH Info, Web of Science and SCOPUS, alongside the screening of relevant reference lists. An initial search identified 351 potentially relevant studies. The papers were divided into 2 categories; papers on patient oncofertility support needs were reviewed for this systematic review, and papers on clinician provision of oncofertility support were reviewed for a separate systematic review.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included within the final review. Support needs were categorised as information, service, clinician‐patient interactions, psychological, and family. A number of studies indicated that cancer patients place great important on their oncofertility care and have unmet support needs. Patients were satisfied and felt supported when additional care was taken to ensure fertility information and service needs were met.

Conclusions

Patients desire for clinicians to support their concerns through the provision of adequate information, access to oncofertility services, taking time to discuss oncofertility treatment and concerns, specialised psychological support, and responsiveness to individual needs.
Physicians' self‐reported practice behaviour regarding fertility‐related discussions in paediatric oncology in Sweden
Authors: Armuand G.M. , Nilsson J. , Rodriguez‐Wallberg K.A. , Malmros J. , Arvidson J. , Lampic C. , Wettergren L.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate practice behaviours of Swedish physicians with regard to discussing the impact of cancer treatment on fertility with paediatric oncology patients and their parents, and to identify factors associated with such discussions.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted targeting all physicians in Sweden working in paediatric oncology care settings. Participants responded to a questionnaire measuring practice behaviour, attitudes, barriers, and confidence in knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with seldom discussing fertility.

Results

More than half of the physicians routinely talked with their patients/parents about the treatment's potential impact on fertility (male patients: 62%; female patients: 57%; P = 0.570). Factors associated with less frequently discussing fertility with patients/parents were working at a non‐university hospital (male patients: OR 11.49, CI 1.98–66.67; female patients: OR 33.18, CI 4.06–271.07), concerns that the topic would cause worry (male patients: OR 8.23, CI 1.48–45.89; female patients: OR 12.38, CI 1.90–80.70), and perceiving the parents as anxious (male patients: OR 7.18, CI 1.20–42.85; female patients: OR 11.65, CI 1.32–103.17).

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we recommend structured training in how to communicate about fertility issues in stressful situations, which in turn might increase fertility‐related discussions in paediatric oncology.
Effect of solvent and protein dynamics in ligand recognition and inhibition of aminoglycoside adenyltransferase 2″‐Ia
Authors: Bacot‐Davis Valjean R. , Bassenden Angelia V. , Sprules Tara , Berghuis Albert M.
Published: July 2017

The aminoglycoside modifying enzyme (AME) ANT(2″)‐Ia is a significant target for next generation antibiotic development. Structural studies of a related aminoglycoside‐modifying enzyme, ANT(3″)(9), revealed this enzyme contains dynamic, disordered, and well‐defined segments that modulate thermodynamically before and after antibiotic binding. Characterizing these structural dynamics is critical for in situ screening, design, and development of contemporary antibiotics that can be implemented in a clinical setting to treat potentially lethal, antibiotic resistant, human infections. Here, the first NMR structural ensembles of ANT(2″)‐Ia are presented, and suggest that ATP‐aminoglycoside binding repositions the nucleotidyltransferase (NT) and C‐terminal domains for catalysis to efficiently occur. Residues involved in ligand recognition were assessed by site‐directed mutagenesis. In vitro activity assays indicate a critical role for I129 toward aminoglycoside modification in addition to known catalytic D44, D46, and D48 residues. These observations support previous claims that ANT aminoglycoside sub‐class promiscuity is not solely due to binding cleft size, or inherent partial disorder, but can be controlled by ligand modulation on distinct dynamic and thermodynamic properties of ANTs under cellular conditions. Hydrophobic interactions in the substrate binding cleft, as well as solution dynamics in the C‐terminal tail of ANT(2″)‐Ia, advocate toward design of kanamycin‐derived cationic lipid aminoglycoside analogs, some of which have already shown antimicrobial activity in vivo against kanamycin and gentamicin‐resistant P. aeruginosa. This data will drive additional in silico, next generation antibiotic development for future human use to combat increasingly prevalent antimicrobial resistance.
First report of Ser653Asn mutation endowing high‐level resistance to imazamox in downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.)
Authors: Kumar Vipan , Jha Prashant
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Bromus tectorum L. is one of the most troublesome grass weed species in cropland and non‐cropland areas of the northwestern USA. In summer 2016, a B. tectroum accession (R) that survived imazamox at the field‐use rate (44 g ha–1) in an imidazolinone‐tolerant (IMI‐tolerant or Clearfield™) winter wheat field was collected from a wheat field in Carter County, MT, USA. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance profile of the B. tectroum R accession to imazamox and other ALS inhibitors, and investigate the mechanism of resistance to imazamox.

RESULTS

The R B. tectorum accession had a high‐level resistance (110.1‐fold) to imazamox (IMI) and low to moderate‐levels cross‐resistance to pyroxsulam (TP) (4.6‐fold) and propoxycarbazone (SCT) (13.9‐fold). The R accession was susceptible to sulfosulfuron (SU) and quizalofop and clethodim (ACCase inhibitors), paraquat (PS I inhibitor), glyphosate (EPSPS inhibitor) and glufosinate (GS inhibitor). Sequence analysis of the ALS gene revealed a single, target‐site Ser653Asn mutation in R plants. Pretreatment of malathion followed by imazamox at 44 or 88 g ha–1 did not reverse the resistance phenotype.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of evolution of cross‐resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in B. tectorum. A single‐point mutation, Ser653Asn, was identified, conferring the high‐level resistance to imazamox. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticide resistance in Trialeurodes vaporariorum populations and novel diagnostics for kdr mutations
Authors: Kapantaidaki Despoina E , Sadikoglou Eldem , Tsakireli Dimitra , Kampanis Vasileios , Stavrakaki Marianna , Schorn Corinna , Ilias Aris , Riga Maria , Tsiamis George , Nauen Ralf , Skavdis George , Vontas John , Tsagkarakou Anastasia
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Neonicotinoids, pyrethroids and ketoenols are currently used for the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). In this study, insecticide resistance status and mechanisms were investigated using classical bioassays and molecular techniques.

RESULTS

Dose–response bioassays were performed on 19 Greek populations, among the 35 different whitefly populations used for the whole analysis. Resistance factors scaled up to 207‐, 4657‐ and 59‐fold for imidacloprid, bifenthrin and spiromesifen, respectively. Molecular assays were used to investigate the frequency of known resistance mutations. A simple polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay was developed for detecting the pyrethroid‐resistant alleles r1 (mutation L925I) and r2 (mutation T929I) of the para‐type voltage‐gated sodium channel gene (VGSC). Both alleles were present at high frequencies (on average 65% and 33%, respectively) in 14 populations from Greece. The M918 L pyrethroid resistance mutation was not detected in any of the Greek populations. Sequencing and a Taqman allelic discrimination were used to monitor the frequency of the mutation E645K of the acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase gene (ACC) recently linked to spiromesifen resistance. This mutation was detected in 20 of the 24 populations examined in ∼38% frequency among the 433 individuals tested. However, its association with the spiromesifen resistance phenotype was not confirmed in the Greek populations. Finally, two homologues of the CYP6CM1 Bemisia tabaci P450, the known neonicotinoid metabolizer, were found upregulated in two T. vaporariorum neonicotinoid‐resistant populations; they were both functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, but the recombinant proteins encoded did not metabolize those neonicotinoid insecticides tested.

CONCLUSION

The development of simple diagnostics and their use alongside classical and molecular techniques for the early detection of resistant populations are of great importance for pest management strategies. The practical implications of our results are discussed in light of whitefly control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Standardized molecular diagnostic tool for the identification of cryptic species within the Bemisia tabaci complex
Authors: Elfekih Samia , Tay Wee Tek , Gordon Karl , Court Leon N , De Barro Paul J
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex harbours over 40 cryptic species that have been placed in 11 phylogenetically distinct clades based on the molecular characterization of partial mitochondrial DNA COI (mtCOI) gene region. Four cryptic species are currently within the invasive clade, i.e. MED, MEAM1, MEAM2 and IO. Correct identification of these species is a critical step towards implementing reliable measures for plant biosecurity and border protection; however, no standardized B. tabaci‐specific primers are currently available which has caused inconsistencies in the species identification processes.

RESULTS

We report three sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers developed to amplify the mtCOI region which can be used for genotyping MED, MEAM1 and IO species, and tested these primers on 91 MED, 35 MEAM1 and five IO individuals. PCR and sequencing of amplicons identified a total of 21, six and one haplotypes in MED, MEAM1 and IO respectively, of which six haplotypes were new to the B. tabaci database.

CONCLUSION

These primer pairs enabled standardization and robust molecular species identification via mtCOI screening of the targeted invasive cryptic species and will improve quarantine decisions. Use of this diagnostic tool could be extended to other species within the complex. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
3D Orientational Control in Self‐Assembled Thin Films with Sub‐5 nm Features by Light
Authors: Nickmans Koen , Bögels Gerardus M. , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos , Murphy Jeffrey N. , Leclère Philippe , Voets Ilja K. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: July 2017

While self‐assembled molecular building blocks could lead to many next‐generation functional organic nanomaterials, control over the thin‐film morphologies to yield monolithic sub‐5 nm patterns with 3D orientational control at macroscopic length scales remains a grand challenge. A series of photoresponsive hybrid oligo(dimethylsiloxane) liquid crystals that form periodic cylindrical nanostructures with periodicities between 3.8 and 5.1 nm is studied. The liquid crystals can be aligned in‐plane by exposure to actinic linearly polarized light and out‐of‐plane by exposure to actinic unpolarized light. The photoalignment is most efficient when performed just under the clearing point of the liquid crystal, at which the cylindrical nanostructures are reoriented within minutes. These results allow the generation of highly ordered sub‐5 nm patterns in thin films at macroscopic length scales, with control over the orientation in a noncontact fashion.
Incumbency and Distributive Politics: Intergovernmental Transfers in Mexico
Authors: Abbott Andrew , Cabral René , Jones Philip
Published: July 2017

In this article, the objective is to focus on the likelihood that politicians will rely on intergovernmental transfers to pursue political ambition. In what circumstances are incumbents more likely to rely on transfers to win votes, than to reward core supporters? How are constraints (introduced to ensure that politicians rely on predetermined formulae which reduce the incentive to design transfers to win re‐election) likely to influence “distributive politics?” Predictions in this article are tested with reference to intergovernmental transfers to 31 Mexican states between 2004 and 2012.
Quiescent Oct4+ Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) Repopulate Ablated Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein+ NSCs in the Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Reeve Rachel L. , Yammine Samantha Z. , Morshead Cindi M. , van der Kooy Derek
Published: July 2017

Adult primitive neural stem cells (pNSCs) are a rare population of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)– Oct4+ cells in the mouse forebrain subependymal zone bordering the lateral ventricles that give rise to clonal neurospheres in leukemia inhibitory factor in vitro. pNSC neurospheres can be passaged to self-renew or give rise to GFAP+ NSCs that form neurospheres in epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2, which we collectively refer to as definitive NSCs (dNSCs). Label retention experiments using doxycycline-inducible histone-2B (H2B)–green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice and several chase periods of up to 1 year quantified the adult pNSC cell cycle time as 3–5 months. We hypothesized that while pNSCs are not very proliferative at baseline, they may exist as a reserve pool of NSCs in case of injury. To test this function of pNSCs, we obtained conditional Oct4 knockout mice, Oct4fl/fl;Sox1Cre (Oct4CKO), which do not yield adult pNSC-derived neurospheres. When we ablated the progeny of pNSCs, namely all GFAP+ dNSCs, in these Oct4CKO mice, we found that dNSCs did not recover as they do in wild-type mice, suggesting that pNSCs are necessary for dNSC repopulation. Returning to the H2B-GFP mice, we observed that the cytosine β-d-arabinofuranoside ablation of proliferating cells including dNSCs-induced quiescent pNSCs to proliferate and significantly dilute their H2B-GFP label. In conclusion, we demonstrate that pNSCs are the most quiescent stem cells in the adult brain reported to date and that their lineage position upstream of GFAP+ dNSCs allows them to repopulate a depleted neural lineage.
Key challenges and future directions for educational research on scientific argumentation
Authors: Henderson J. Bryan , McNeill Katherine L. , González‐Howard María , Close Kevin , Evans Mat
Published: July 2017

At the 2015 NARST: A Worldwide Organization for Improving Science Teaching and Learning Through Research Annual International Conference, a group of scholars held an extended pre‐conference workshop to discuss key challenges and future directions faced by argumentation researchers around the world. This wide‐ranging group of facilitators and participants represented varying perspectives and experiences with argumentation research. Learning artifacts from the workshop were collected and analyzed utilizing multiple qualitative coding techniques. Analysis of these artifacts revealed five major themes that emerged from the NARST workshop describing this group of scholars’ views on current issues and potential directions for the field of argumentation research. These themes center on: (i) establishing a classroom culture that values argumentation; (ii) how differing theoretical frameworks challenge how researchers communicate findings; (iii) the challenge of assessing various aspects of scientific argumentation in a valid and reliable fashion; (iv) pedagogical challenges in supporting student discourse and social collaboration; and (v) challenges concerning the professional development of teachers. Each of these themes is described using direct quotes from the workshop artifacts, and implications for future research in argumentation are discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 55: 5–18, 2018
Gender, complexity, and science for all: Systemizing and its impact on motivation to learn science for different science subjects
Authors: Zeyer Albert
Published: July 2017

The present study is based on a large cross‐cultural study, which showed that a systemizing cognition type has a high impact on motivation to learn science, while the impact of gender is only indirect thorough systemizing. The present study uses the same structural equation model as in the cross‐cultural study and separately tests it for physics, chemistry, and biology. The model was confirmed for physics and chemistry, but not for biology. This is interpreted as empirical evidence for a cognitive difference between the learning of hard sciences (like physics and chemistry) and life sciences (like biology) that reflects an epistemological difference between ordered (linear) and complex (non‐linear) systems. It is concluded that a more prominent inclusion of complex issues into science teaching could motivate low and average systemizers, independent of their gender, for science learning, that is, could be a key to science for all. Thus, there is a mutual benefit between important 21st century's issues of science teaching and the need to foster students’ motivation to learn science. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 55: 147–171, 2018
Comparison of Prognostic Abilities Among Preoperative Laboratory Data Indices in Patients with Resectable Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Urabe Masayuki , Yamashita Hiroharu , Watanabe Toshiaki , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: July 2017

Background

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are simple indices determined employing laboratory data alone and have been used to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with esophagogastric tumors. However, prior results were generally based on analyzing dichotomous data with arbitrary cutoff values. This retrospective study aims to assess prognostic utilities of preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR, mGPS and PNI, as continuous variables, in gastric cancer (GC) and adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).

Methods

Preoperative data from 1363 patients who underwent surgery for GC/AEG were retrospectively examined. Survival time was evaluated applying the Cox proportional hazard model to both univariate and multivariate estimates of clinicopathological factors and the aforementioned indices as continuous variables.

Results

Preoperatively, each index value was significantly associated with T and N stages, as well as lymphatic involvement and venous involvement. On univariate Cox regression analysis, preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR and PNI were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS). Preoperative mGPS was associated only with RFS. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, preoperative PNI was independently associated with OS and RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62 per 10‐unit increase, 95% CI 0.47–0.82, p < 0.001; HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46–0.78, p < 0.001, respectively), as age, gender, tumor location, T and N stages and venous involvement, while other indices lost independence on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Preoperative PNI, a score related to nutritional status, is of importance for predicting long‐term outcomes in patients with GC and AEG.