bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucose metabolism during in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes: An study using RNA interference
Authors: Xie Hong‐Li , Zhu Shuai , Zhang Jie , Wen Jing , Yuan Hong‐Jie , Pan Liu‐Zhu , Luo Ming‐Jiu , Tan Jing‐He
Published: January 2018

In previous studies on glucose metabolism during in vitro maturation, intact cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with enzyme inhibitors/activators. Because inhibitors/activators may have non‐specificity and/or toxicity, and culture of COCs cannot differentiate whether glucose metabolism of cumulus cells (CCs) or that of the oocyte supports oocyte maturation, results from the previous studies must be verified by silencing genes in either CCs or cumulus‐denuded oocytes (DOs). In this study, RNAi was adopted to specify the effects of glucose metabolism in CCs or DOs on oocyte maturation. Although silencing either glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) genes in CCs significantly decreased competence of the cocultured DOs, silencing G6PD impaired competence to a greater extent. While silencing G6PD or GAPDH of CCs decreased glutathione and ATP contents of cocultured DOs to similar extents, silencing G6PD increased oxidative stress as well. Analysis on metabolite contents and oxidative stress index and culture of DOs in medium conditioned with gene‐silenced CCs indicated that CCs supported oocyte maturation by releasing glucose metabolites. Silencing mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 or NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquintone) flavoprotein 1 of DOs significantly impaired their maturation. The results have unequivocally confirmed that CCs promote oocyte maturation by releasing glucose metabolites from both pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glycolysis. Pyruvate is transferred into DOs by mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) and utilized through mitochondrial electron transport to support maturation.
Mig6 reduces inflammatory mediators production by regulating the activation of EGFR in LPS‐induced endotoxemia
Authors: Chen Wenting , Zhong Hanhui , Wang Xiaofei , Pang Qiongni , Zhuang Jinling , Hu Jian , Chen Yeming , Hu Jijie , Liu Jinghua , Tang Jing
Published: January 2018

Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), a tyrosine kinase receptor, plays a critical role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced endotoxemia. Meanwhile, EGFR signaling is regulated by multiple feedback regulators, including mitogen‐inducible gene 6 protein (Mig6). However, as an EGFR regulator, the role of Mig6 in endotoxemia is still remained unknown. Here, we reported for the first time that LPS treatment increased the expression of Mig6 and this effect could be inhibited by EGFR inhibitor, PD168393 or erlotinib. Furthermore, knocking down of Mig6 expression led to increased EGFR activation and inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, il‐1β) production in response to LPS treatment. On the other hand, the increased EGFR activation and TNF‐α or il‐1β production in LPS treatment could be inhibited by Mig6 overexpression. Besides, in LPS‐induced endotoxemia, ERK1/2 and p‐38 activation required Mig6. All these results indicated that Mig6 regulates the production of inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, il‐1β) through inhibiting the over activation of EGFR, which in turn inhibit MAPKs signaling (ERK1/2, p‐38). These finding suggested that Mig6 may be a novel potential target for controlling the over inflammatory response in endotoxemia.
Positional Goods and the Social Rank Hypothesis: Income Inequality Affects Online Chatter about High‐ and Low‐Status Brands on Twitter
Authors: Walasek Lukasz , Bhatia Sudeep , Brown Gordon D. A.
Published: January 2018

According to a social rank hypothesis, consumers who live in regions with higher income inequality will show greater interest in, and attention toward, positional goods and high‐status brands that serve a social signaling role. We analyze millions of posts on the microblogging platform Twitter for mentions of high‐ and low‐status brands. We find that luxury brands such as “Louis Vuitton” and “Rolex” are more frequently mentioned in tweets originating from US states, counties, and major metropolitan areas with higher levels of income inequality. In contrast, mentions of everyday brands such as “Walmart” or “Kmart” are more frequent in regions with a more equal distribution of income. Using sentiment analysis, we find higher valence (positivity) and arousal (excitement) for tweets that both mention high‐status brands and originate from regions with high levels of income inequality. These results corroborate the social rank hypothesis, showing that more psychological resources are allocated to positional consumption when the income gap between the rich and the poor is larger.
Judging a Book by its Cover: The Influence of Implicit Self‐Theories on Brand User Perceptions
Authors: Park Ji Kyung , John Deborah Roedder
Published: January 2018

Do people judge others based on the brands they use? Prior research finds evidence to this effect, yet we argue this phenomenon is far from universal. Drawing on research on implicit self‐theories, we find that only entity (but not incremental) theorists are prone to judging people based on their brand use (Studies 1 and 2). We show that entity theorists infer that people use brands to signal who they are to others, thereby forming perceptions of these people based on the personality of the brands they use, but incremental theorists are reluctant to make inferences about brand users’ signaling motives (Studies 3, 4, and 5). When tendencies to make signaling inferences are reduced, entity theorists no longer judge people based on their brand use (Studies 3 and 4). Furthermore, even incremental theorists judge people based on their brand use when given the information that their brand use is not driven by situational forces, but is potentially driven by a signaling motivation (Study 5).
Fingolimod targets cerebral endothelial activation to block leukocyte recruitment in the central nervous system
Authors: Zhao Yawei , Shi Dongyan , Cao Kelei , Wu Fengjiao , Zhu Xingxing , Wen Shuang , You Qiang , Zhang Keqi , Liu Lixin , Zhou Hong
Published: January 2018

Fingolimod (FTY720), an immunomodulator, is approved as an oral treatment for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Its effects are largely attributed to its mechanism of selectively retaining lymphocytes in the lymph nodes to reduce autoreactive T-cell recruitment in the CNS. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of FTY720 on an animal model of CNS inflammation induced by intracerebral ventricle LPS injection. We found that FTY720 treatment significantly prevented LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment in the CNS by inhibiting leukocyte recruitment in cerebral microvessels. Furthermore, FTY720 also inhibited the expressions of adhesion molecules on the cerebral endothelium, but did not affect the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2) in the CNS parenchyma. The inhibition of endothelial activation was accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of signaling molecules, including serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt), STAT6, and nuclear factor-κB. This FTY720-attenuated inhibition of leukocyte recruitment and endothelial activation was reversed by blocking the functions of sphingosine kinase 2 or sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that FTY720 directly inhibits the phosphorylation of multiple signaling molecules in endothelial cells, thereby effectively blocking leukocyte recruitment in the CNS.
Protease activated-receptor 2 is necessary for neutrophil chemorepulsion induced by trypsin, tryptase, or dipeptidyl peptidase IV
Authors: White Michael J V , Chinea Luis E , Pilling Darrell , Gomer Richard H
Published: January 2018

Compared to neutrophil chemoattractants, relatively little is known about the mechanism neutrophils use to respond to chemorepellents. We previously found that the soluble extracellular protein dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a neutrophil chemorepellent. In this report, we show that an inhibitor of the protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) blocks DPPIV-induced human neutrophil chemorepulsion, and that PAR2 agonists such as trypsin, tryptase, 2f-LIGRL, SLIGKV, and AC55541 induce human neutrophil chemorepulsion. Several PAR2 agonists in turn block the ability of the chemoattractant fMLP to attract neutrophils. Compared to neutrophils from male and female C57BL/6 mice, neutrophils from male and female mice lacking PAR2 are insensitive to the chemorepulsive effects of DPPIV or PAR2 agonists. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) involves an insult-mediated influx of neutrophils into the lungs. In a mouse model of ARDS, aspiration of PAR2 agonists starting 24 h after an insult reduce neutrophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, as well as the post-BAL lung tissue. Together, these results indicate that the PAR2 receptor mediates DPPIV-induced chemorepulsion, and that PAR2 agonists might be useful to induce neutrophil chemorepulsion.
Optimization of 18F‐syntheses using 19F‐reagents at tracer‐level concentrations and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis: Improved synthesis of [18F]MDL100907
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Dunlow Ryan , Blackman Burchelle N. , Swenson Rolf E.
Published: January 2018

Traditional radiosynthetic optimization faces the challenges of high radiation exposure, cost, and inability to perform serial reactions due to tracer decay. To accelerate tracer development, we have developed a strategy to simulate radioactive 18F‐syntheses by using tracer‐level (nanomolar) non‐radioactive 19F‐reagents and LC‐MS/MS analysis. The methodology was validated with fallypride synthesis under tracer‐level 19F‐conditions, which showed reproducible and comparable results with radiosynthesis, and proved the feasibility of this process. Using this approach, the synthesis of [18F]MDL100907 was optimized under 19F‐conditions with greatly improved yield. The best conditions were successfully transferred to radiosynthesis. A radiochemical yield of 19% to 22% was achieved with the radiochemical purity >99% and the molar activity 38.8 to 53.6 GBq/ μmol (n = 3). The tracer‐level 19F‐approach provides a high‐throughput and cost‐effective process to optimize radiosynthesis with reduced radiation exposure. This new method allows medicinal and synthetic chemists to optimize radiolabeling conditions without the need to use radioactivity.
Coupled impacts of ENSO AMO and PDO on temperature and precipitation in the Alabama–Coosa–Tallapoosa and Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint river basins
Authors: Maleski Jerome J. , Martinez Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

Large‐scale patterns of ocean surface temperature can influence weather across the globe and understanding their interaction with the local climate can improve seasonal forecasting of local temperature and precipitation. Here we focus on the combined interactions of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) in the Alabama–Coosa–Tallapoosa (ACT) and Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint (ACF) river basins of the southeastern United States. Nonparametric ranks‐sum tests of individual and coupled impacts of these teleconnections on the annual study area climate (1895–2009) found significant impacts. A positive AMO phase was associated with decreased precipitation and increased mean temperature while the negative AMO phase was associated with increased precipitation and decreased temperature. While an El Niño event generally increases regional precipitation, El Niño during a positive AMO or PDO phase resulted in precipitation below the long‐term average in our study area. Because of many instances of El Niño being shared between AMO and PDO phase, the effects of the PDO and AMO on El Niño could not be distinguished. La Niña was associated with negative precipitation and increased temperature. The effects of La Niña on the temperature and precipitation anomaly were significantly increased during positive AMO and PDO phases. The coupled impacts of the aforementioned teleconnections demonstrate the necessity of including the effects of the AMO and the PDO when using ENSO‐based forecasts. The significant shifts on the effects of teleconnections on area climate from AMO negative phase to AMO positive phase cast doubt on seasonal prediction for the study area based on the recent history (i.e. the use of the period 1950–2000 to predict seasonal climate since 2000).
Climatic and associated cryospheric, biospheric, and hydrological changes on the Tibetan Plateau: a review
Authors: Bibi Sadia , Wang Lei , Li Xiuping , Zhou Jing , Chen Deliang , Yao Tandong
Published: January 2018

We review recent climate changes over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and associated responses of cryospheric, biospheric, and hydrological variables. We focused on surface air temperature, precipitation, seasonal snow cover, mountain glaciers, permafrost, freshwater ice cover, lakes, streamflow, and biological system changes. TP is getting warmer and wetter, and air temperature has increased significantly, particularly since the 1980s. Most significant warming trends have occurred in the northern TP. Slight increases in precipitation have occurred over the entire TP with clear spatial variability. Intensification of surface air temperature is associated with variation in precipitation and decreases in snow cover depth, spatial extent, and persistence. Rising surface temperatures have caused recession of glaciers, permafrost thawing, and thickening of the active layers over the permafrost. Changing temperatures, precipitation, and other climate system components have also affected the TP biological system. In addition, elevation‐dependent changes in air temperature, wind speed, and summer precipitation have occurred in the TP and its surroundings in the past three decades. Before projecting multifaceted interactions and process responses to future climate change, further quantitative analysis and understanding of the change mechanisms is required.
Enantiomeric separation of six chiral pesticides that contain chiral sulfur/phosphorus atoms by supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Miao Yelong , Lin Chunmian
Published: January 2018

Six chiral pesticides containing chiral sulfur/phosphorus atoms were separated by supercritical fluid chromatography with supercritical CO2 as the main mobile phase component. The effect of the chiral stationary phase, different type and concentration of modifiers, column temperature, and backpressure on the separation efficiency was investigated to obtain the appropriate separation condition. Five chiral pesticides (isofenphos‐methyl, isocarbophos, flufiprole, fipronil, and ethiprole) were baseline separated under experimental conditions, while isofenphos only obtained partial separation. The Chiralpak AD‐3 column showed a better chiral separation ability than others for chiral pesticides containing chiral sulfur/phosphorus atoms. When different modifiers at the same concentration were used, the retention factor of pesticides except flufiprole decreased in the order of isopropanol, ethanol, methanol; meanwhile, the retention factor of flufiprole increased in the order of isopropanol, ethanol, methanol. For a given modifier, the retention factor and resolution decreased on the whole with the increase of its concentration. The enantiomer separation of five chiral pesticides was an “enthalpy‐driven” process, and the separation factor decreased as the temperature increased. The backpressure of the mobile phase had little effect on the separation factor and resolution.
Tourism demand analysis: The impact of the economic policy uncertainty on the arrival of Japanese tourists to the USA
Authors: Ongan Serdar , Gozgor Giray
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to investigate the effects of economic uncertainty on the Japanese tourists who travelled to the United States (USA) over the period 1996Q1–2015Q1. To achieve this aim, for the first time the Economic Policy Uncertainty index has been used as an independent variable in international tourism demand analysis models. The unit root and the cointegration tests have been applied to account for unknown structural breaks. Empirical findings indicate that one standard deviation increase in the Economic Policy Uncertainty index leads to a 4.7% decrease in the number of Japanese tourist arrivals to the USA in the long run.
What influences the regional diversity of reviewers: A study of medical and agricultural/biological sciences journals
Authors: Gaston Thomas , Smart Pippa
Published: January 2018

There is evidence of a geographical imbalance of reviewers, leading to concerns about the sustainability of peer review to ensure high‐quality, timely publications. This research evaluated articles submitted during 2016 to 149 Wiley‐owned journals in two disciplines: medicine (112 journals), and agricultural and biological sciences (37). We compared the reviewer location with the location of the author and the Editor‐in‐Chief, the size and rank of the journal, and whether the journal had difficulty in obtaining reviews. We found that reviewers mostly came from the USA, but there was a correlation between the reviewer location and the country and region of the Editor‐in‐Chief and that of the corresponding author. Reviewers were also more likely to accept invitations to review articles when the corresponding author was from their region and were more likely to be positive about such articles. We found no difference between journals of different disciplines and of different rank or size or difficulty in obtaining reviews.
Copolymerization of Epoxides and CO2 by Cobalt(II) Oxaporphyrins with Mechanistic Explorations on Poly(Propylene Carbonate) Formation
Authors: Xia Wei , Sun Xing‐Yu
Published: January 2018

Two cobalt(II) oxaporphyrins (OTPPCoCl and OTPPCoSbF6) are synthesized in this work and are characterized, including by X‐ray crystallography. Both complexes are tested as catalysts in the copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO)/cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and CO2. Polycarbonate is obtained in CHO/CO2 copolymerization with OTPPCoCl as a catalyst, whereas in the case of PO, cyclic carbonate (CC) is majorly formed. An anion exchange from Cl− to SbF6
− of the cobalt(II) oxaporphyrin leads to a drastic change in the product selectivity: sole polyether is afforded for both epoxides. The polyether formation by OTPPCoSbF6 is postulated to proceed via a cationic mechanism. Further, an equivalent admixture of OTPPCoCl and OTPPCoSbF6 allows the formation of poly(propylene carbonate). In this copolymerization, the latter catalyst acts as a PO activator, while OTPPCoCl functions as the initiator. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a lower ring‐opening energy of PO by OTPPCoSbF6, compared with the usual propagating species, OTPPCo‐alkoxides and OTPPCo‐carbonates.
Biaxial Orientation of Poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate): An Explorative Study
Authors: van Berkel Jesper G. , Guigo Nathanaël , Kolstad Jeffrey J. , Sbirrazzuoli Nicolas
Published: January 2018

The biaxial orientation behavior of poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is studied in comparison to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). PEF is a polyester that can be produced through similar steps as PET but using 100% biobased 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid instead of terephthalic acid. This work highlights the stress–strain behavior of PEF during biaxial orientation at various temperatures. Strain hardening and strain‐induced crystallization in the oriented PEF samples generally appeared at higher stretch ratios for PEF than for PET at comparable molecular weight, while somewhat lower degrees of crystallinity are reached in PEF. Shrinkage in oriented PEF is found to be on par with PET in the region of the glass transition. Higher modulus and improved barrier properties, compared to PET, are found in the oriented materials when sufficiently high stretch ratios are applied in biaxial orientation.
Movement Disorders and Spinal Cord Atrophy in Cockayne Syndrome with Prolonged Survival
Authors: Planas‐Ballvé Anna , Morales‐Briceño Hugo , Crespo‐Cuevas Ane Miren , Fung Victor S. C.
Published: January 2018

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Resveratrol Potently Counteracts Quercetin Starvation‐Induced Autophagy and Sensitizes HepG2 Cancer Cells to Apoptosis
Authors: Tomas‐Hernández Sarah , Blanco Jordi , Rojas Cristina , Roca‐Martínez Joel , Ojeda‐Montes María José , Beltrán‐Debón Raúl , Garcia‐Vallvé Santiago , Pujadas Gerard , Arola Lluís , Mulero Miquel
Published: January 2018

Scope

Resveratrol (RSV) has been described as a potent antioxidant, antisteatotic, and antitumor compound, and it has also been identified as a potent autophagy inducer. On the other hand, quercetin (QCT) is a dietary flavonoid with known antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Additionally, QCT increases autophagy. To study the hypothetical synergistic effect of both compounds, we test the combined effect of QCT and RSV on the autophagy process in HepG2 cells.

Methods and results

Autophagy is studied by western blotting, real‐time RT‐PCR, and cellular staining. Our results clearly indicate a bifunctional molecular effect of RSV. Both polyphenols are individually able to promote autophagy. Strikingly, when RSV is combined with QCT, it promotes a potent reduction of QCT‐induced autophagy and influences proapoptotic signaling.

Conclusion

RSV acts differentially on the autophagic process depending on the cellular energetic state. We further characterize the molecular mechanisms related to this effect, and we observe that AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) downregulation, lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), and Zinc (Zn2+) dynamics could be important modulators of such RSV‐related effects and could globally represent a promising strategy to sensitize cancer cells to QCT treatment.
Human Intestinal Dendritic Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Bernardo David , Chaparro María , Gisbert Javier P.
Published: January 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a serious, costly, and persistent health problem with an estimated prevalence in Western countries around 0.5% of the general population; its socioeconomic impact is comparable with that for chronic diseases such as diabetes. Conventional treatment involves escalating drug regimens with concomitant side effects followed, in some cases, by surgical interventions, which are often multiple, mainly in Crohn's disease. The goal of finding a targeted gut‐specific immunotherapy for IBD patients is therefore an important unmet need. However, to achieve this goal we first must understand how dendritic cells (DC), the most potent antigen present cells of the immune system, control the immune tolerance in the gastrointestinal tract and how their properties are altered in those patients suffering from IBD. In this review, we summarize the current available information regarding human intestinal DC subsets composition, phenotype, and function in the human gastrointestinal tract describing how, in the IBD mucosa, DC display pro‐inflammatory properties, which drive disease progression. A better understanding of the mechanisms inducing DC abnormal profile in IBD may provide us with novel tools to perform tissue specific immunomodulation.
Measurement of long‐range heteronuclear coupling constants using the peak intensity in classical 1D HMBC spectra
Authors: Bigler Peter , Furrer Julien
Published: January 2018

In this contribution, we show that the magnitude of heteronuclear long‐range coupling constants can be directly extracted from the classical 1D HMBC spectra, as all multiplet lines of a cross‐peak always and exclusively vanish for the condition Δ = k/nJCH. To the best of our knowledge, this feature of the classical HMBC has not yet been noticed and exploited. This condition holds true, irrespective of the magnitude and numbers of additional active and passive homonuclear nJHH′ couplings. Alternatively, the nJCH value may also be evaluated by fitting the peak's intensity in the individual spectra to its simple sin(πnJCHΔ)exp(−Δ/T2eff) dependence. Compared to the previously proposed J‐HMBC sequences that also use the variation of the cross‐peak's intensity for extracting the coupling constants, the classical HMBC pulse sequence is significantly more sensitive.
A proinflammatory response of bovine endometrial epithelial cells to active sperm in vitro
Authors: Elweza Ahmed E. , Ezz Mohamed A. , Acosta Tomas J. , Talukder Anup K. , Shimizu Takashi , Hayakawa Hiroyuki , Shimada Masayuki , Imakawa Kazuhiko , Zaghloul Ahmed H. , Miyamoto Akio
Published: January 2018

In the cow, cryopreserved semen is inseminated into the uterus, and most of sperm are removed by backflow and phagocytes. Nevertheless, the mechanism responsible for sperm phagocytosis is unclear. Here, we used cultured bovine uterine epithelial cells (BUECs) to investigate the uterine response to sperm and the mechanism that activates polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). BUEC monolayers were co‐cultured with different numbers of washed sperm obtained from cryopreserved semen (104, 105, and 106 sperm/ml) for 3 hr. Sperm dose‐dependently up‐regulated IL8 (Interleukin 8). Sperm at 106/ml increased mRNA expression of TNFA (Tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL1B (Interleukin 1B), NFKB2 (Nuclear factor kappa B2), and C3 (Complement factor 3), as well as PGES (Prostaglandin E synthase) expression and PGE2 release. Live sperm, but not dead sperm, attached to BUECs, and dead sperm did not induce an acute inflammatory response. Time‐dependent effects were evaluated by co‐culture of 106/ml washed sperm with BUECs for 0, 1, 3, and 6 hr. The number of detached sperm increased gradually toward 6 hr. Maximum mRNA expression of IL8, TNFA, IL1B, and NFKB2 was induced at 3 hr, while C3 continued to increase toward 6 hr. Sperm did not stimulate mRNA expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines TGFB1 (Transforming growth factor beta 1) or IL10 (Interleukin 10). Medium conditioned by sperm co‐incubated with BUECs stimulated PMNs phagocytosis of sperm in vitro. Fresh media supplemented with low levels of IL1B, TNFA, and PGE2 up‐regulated sperm phagocytosis by PMNs as well. In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest that the active sperm attach to BUECs and trigger uterine local innate immunity with induction of a pro‐inflammatory response that enhances sperm phagocytosis by PMNs.
Medication use and association with urinary incontinence in women: Data from the Norwegian Prescription Database and the HUNT study
Authors: Mauseth Siri A. , Skurtveit Svetlana , Skovlund Eva , Langhammer Arnulf , Spigset Olav
Published: January 2018

Aims

To investigate the association between medication use and urinary incontinence (UI) in women.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional population‐based study we analyzed questionnaire data on UI, including type and severity, from 21 735 women included in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway. These data were linked to data on filled prescriptions retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds for having UI related to the number of filled prescriptions for selected drug groups during the 6 months prior to participation in HUNT, after adjustment for numerous confounding factors.

Results

Significant associations with UI were found for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and lamotrigine with OR 1.52 (1.30‐1.78) and 2.73 (1.59‐4.68) for two or more filled prescriptions. Both for SSRIs and lamotrigine, the associations were pronounced for mixed UI, whereas there were no clear‐cut increased risk of stress UI and urgency UI. The relations were strongest in women with the most severe symptoms. One filled prescription of antipsychotics, but not two or more, was also found to be related to UI with OR 1.91 (1.35‐2.71). No associations were found for benzodiazepines, zopiclone/zolpidem, beta blockers, and diuretics.

Conclusions

The odds for having UI were found to be about 1.5‐fold in women using SSRIs and almost threefold in women using lamotrigine. The association with lamotrigine has not been reported previously, and should be further evaluated in future studies.
Programming settings and recharge interval in a prospective study of a rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system for the treatment of overactive bladder
Authors: Blok Bertil , Van Kerrebroeck Philip , de Wachter Stefan , Ruffion Alain , Van der Aa Frank , Jairam Ranjana , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie , Elneil Sohier
Published: January 2018

Aims

The RELAX‐OAB study is designed to confirm the safety, efficacy, and technical performance of the Axonics r‐SNM System, a miniaturized, rechargeable SNM system approved in Europe and Canada for the treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction. The purpose of this article is to describe study subjects’ ability to charge the rechargeable neurostimulator and to document their neurostimulator program settings and recharge interval over time.

Methods

Fifty‐one OAB patients were implanted in a single‐stage procedure. These results represent the 3‐month charging experience for 48 subjects who completed the 3‐month follow‐up. Recharge intervals were estimated using therapy stimulation settings and subject experience was evaluated using questionnaires.

Results

Forty‐seven of forty‐eight (98%) subjects were able to successfully charge their device prior to follow‐up within 1‐month post‐implant. At 3‐month post‐implant, 98% of subjects were able to charge prior to their follow‐up visit. Average stimulation amplitude across all subjects was 1.8 mA (±1.1 mA). A total of 69% of subjects had ≥14‐day recharge intervals (time between charging) and 98% of subjects had ≥7‐day recharge interval. No charging related adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Study subjects were able to charge the Axonics r‐SNM System and stimulation settings provided 2 weeks of therapy between recharging for most subjects. Subject satisfaction indicates that subjects are satisfied with rechargeable SNM therapy.
The novel Axonics® rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system: Procedural and technical impressions from an initial North American experience
Authors: Elterman Dean S.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The rechargeable Axonics® r‐SNM™ System is currently approved and available in Europe and Canada, with US FDA approval pending. This article provides a review of the system along with technique and technical considerations for its implantation based on my clinical experience with the new Axonics r‐SNM System.

Methods

The description of the surgical technique and technological considerations for the Axonics r‐SNM System is based my clinical experience of 11 cases performed at UHN Toronto Western Hospital.

Results

While the Axonics system is intended to provide similar therapy to the existing SNM system, the Axonics system has several new technological advances. Understanding these differences and optimizing surgical technique is anticipated to improve outcomes and patient experience.

Conclusions

Overall the Axonics r‐SNM System and implant procedure requires minimal learning curve for experienced SNM implanters and provides several enhanced features for physicians and patients. Further experience by others may elucidate other nuances important to the implantation of this novel SNM system.
Patient‐controlled tissue collection for genetic testing after early pregnancy loss: A pilot study
Authors: Kucherov Alexander , Atrio Jessica , Williams Zev
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine how frequently and effectively products of conception can be obtained among women pursuing medical management of early pregnancy loss.

Methods

This pilot study was conducted to assess products of conception recovery outcomes for participants opting for medical management compared with women opting for surgical aspiration A tissue‐collection kit was provided to women opting for medical management. Outcome measures included successful collection of products of conception, quantity and integrity of DNA, and participant satisfaction with the process.

Results

Tissue was collected from 19 of 22 participants in the medical management group (84%) and 39 participants (100%) in the surgical management group (P = .02). DNA yield and integrity were similar among both groups (P = .03 and P = .003, respectively). Participants in the medical group reported a high comfort level with the kit and the process of tissue collection.

Conclusions

Medical management of a missed abortion followed by patient‐controlled collection of products of conception for subsequent cytogenetic analysis is well tolerated and highly effective. This methodology may reduce the need for surgical management, empower women to have more agency in their medical decisions, and increase access to genetic testing.
Impact of AlN/Si Nucleation Layers Grown Either by NH3‐MBE or MOCVD on the Properties of AlGaN/GaN HFETs
Authors: Yacoub Hady , Zweipfennig Thorsten , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei , Dadgar Armin , Wieneke Matthias , Bläsing Jürgen , Strittmatter A. , Rennesson Stephanie , Semond Fabrice
Published: January 2018

Epitaxial growth of group III nitrides on silicon substrates is challenging as large lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatches have to be accounted for. It is generally accepted that AlN is the best nucleation layer for GaN‐on‐Si growth. However, some open questions remain about this AlN nucleation layer. In this study, it is investigated how the choice of deposition method of the AlN nucleation layer affects the material and electrical properties of a full HFET structure. First, electrical characterization is performed on thin AlN layers deposited on two inch p‐type silicon substrates grown by NH3‐MBE. CV characteristics indicate that electron injection from an inversion‐like layer at the AlN/Si‐interface is suppressed. Based on previous studies, this leads to the expectation that choosing MBE‐AlN may actually result in superior properties at the device level. Finally, the full HFET stack is grown by MOCVD on both types of AlN nucleation layers. Hall measurements on active devices yield comparable mobilities for both nucleation methods. Preliminary data suggest that MBE‐AlN does not have any detrimental impact the dynamic properties of the buffer. The vertical breakdown voltage measured at 1 μA mm−2 is increased by 30% and the leakage current measured at 600 V is reduced by two orders of magnitude.
Evaluating Green Growth Practices: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Guo Lingling , Qu Ying , Wu Chunyou , Gui Shusen
Published: January 2018

Green growth has been identified as an effective way to foster economic growth and address environmental problems, and is practised in various countries globally. However, there remain several obstacles and difficulties to evaluating green growth practices in theory, as there is no proper evaluation framework. To bridge this gap, a universal and comprehensive evaluation indicator system for green growth is built based on improving the plan–do–check–action (PDCA) cycle method, and then is applied to study China's green growth practices by using a hybrid method combining fuzzy set theory and the Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The influences and interrelationships of sub‐practices are determined, and a visual analysis is conducted to evaluate their relationships. The findings reveal that five sub‐practices were grouped into a set of causes. Of these, high‐level leadership (G1) is the largest influencing factor, and its support and consideration should be prioritized. The other 10 sub‐practices are classified as a set of effects. Of this set, a well‐governed and effective institutional arrangement (G5) is the most influential practice restricting China's green growth. Additionally, this paper also finds that communicating benefits with stakeholders (G7) is strongly related to other sub‐practices, and is the top factor contributing to the success of China's green growth strategy. This study contributes not only to the literature on green growth practices in an emerging economy but also to giving decision‐makers and researchers inside and outside China valuable inspiration and references for improving the performance of green growth practices. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Women's needs in new global sustainable development policy agendas
Authors: Nhamo Godwell , Muchuru Shepherd , Nhamo Senia
Published: January 2018

This paper provides an audit of how the needs of women are addressed in new global sustainable development policy agendas. The policy agendas audited include the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (AfSD), the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. An auditing matrix of 21 indicators was developed through a critical discourse analysis. Among the indicators identified were: violence against women; capacity building and access to technology; involvement in leadership and decision‐making; access to finance, land and other property ownership; inheritance; gender equality; and full access to job opportunities and equal pay. The main findings were that the development agendas address women and girls, although to varying degrees, with the 2030 AfSD emerging as outstanding in this regard. However, there were inherent weaknesses in the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework regarding land rights. Further work is needed in following up the promises from these development agendas.
Calcined Nickel‐Cobalt Mixed Metal Phosphonate with Efficient Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Feng Pingjing , Cheng Xian , Li Jintang , Luo Xuetao
Published: January 2018

Transition metal phosphonates have recently gained attentions as efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this paper, flower‐like nickel‐cobalt phenylphosphonate microspheres were sythesized, which could be used as excellent electrocatalyst for OER. After calcined at high temperature in air, resulted product of metal pyrophosphate exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic property. A small amount of carbon coming from the pyrolysis of phenylphosphonate were doped in matrix of metal pyrophosphonate, which promoted the OER catalysis by improving the electron transfer of material. Sample denoted as CoNiPP‐600 had the most excellent catalytic activity, with a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at a lower over‐potential of 264 mV, Tafel slope of 60 mV⋅dec−1 and superior durability in 1.0 M KOH solution.
Optimizing the Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride Protective Layer Thickness on Low‐Grade Composite Si‐Based Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Chih-Jung , Mori Tatsuhiro , Jena Anirudha , Lin Hung-Yu , Yang Nai-Hsuan , Wu Nae-Lih , Chang Ho , Hu Shu-Fen , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: January 2018

Composite materials containing Si as a component, are growing importance in the field of Li‐ion battery due to their extremely high theoretical capacity (3500 mAh g−1 at room temperature). However, the capacity of Si anode material decays dramatically because of serious volume variation during lithiation and delithiation process, which lead to deformation of Si electrode and resulted in poor cycle performance. In the present work, we have reported improved performance of modified Si electrode as an anode in Li‐ion battery. Si obtained from kerf‐loss slurry have been alloyed with Ni nanoparticles to improve its conductivity. A mechanistic study of the deposition of LiPON with respect to deposition pressure also presented. It is seen that LiPON layer serves as a protective layer with high ionic conductivity (1.38×10−6 S cm−1) to improve the electrochemical activity of Si−Ni electrode. The optimal 1st charge capacity of LiPON modified‐ Si−Ni composite was 915 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in a potential window of 1.2 V to 0.005 V. The charge capacity retained 56.2% of the initial cycle after 90th cycling measurement.
Quantitative Construction of C≡C Bond: Renaissance of Reductive Coupling of Benzotribromides Promoted by Cu/Polyamine
Authors: Ren Limei , Wang Qi
Published: January 2018

Quantitative construction of carbon‐carbon triple bonds via reductive coupling of benzotribromides promoted by Cu/polyamine is realized under mild conditions. It provides a simple and efficient pathway to synthesize symmetrical diarylethynes using readily available and cheap reagents without acetylene group after simple workup.
High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography: An economical alternative for the quality control of medicinal plants and derived products
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Upendra
Published: January 2018

Currently, delicious and essential items are intentionally diluted to gain higher profit in the market. Awareness about the quality of naturally derived products such as food, nutrients, cosmetics, and drugs has increased. An economical method for their quality assessment is needed. In this regard, high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography is an inexpensive, fast, and reproducible technique for quality control. The basics of thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography have been reviewed previously, but a comprehensive compilation of its applications is lacking. The current review focuses on high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography based analytical methods for the quality assessment of various plant species, plant materials, plant‐derived products, food and nutrients, and cosmetics (natural origin). This review covers all aspects of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and will prove fruitful for research and development in academia and industry.
The Role of Surgery in Treating Resectable Limited Disease of Esophageal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Han‐Yu , Li Gang , Luo Jun , Li Xin‐Rui , Alai Guha , Lin Yi‐Dan
Published: January 2018

Background

Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare malignant tumor. The role of surgery in resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC remains unclear. How to select a specific group of limited disease of esophageal NEC who might benefit from surgery remains to be answered.

Methods

Patients undergoing esophagectomy for resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC in our department from January 2007 to June 2015 were analyzed. TNM staging system was applied to describe those patients, and according to their different long‐term prognosis after surgery, those patients were subgrouped into surgery response limited disease (SRLD) group and surgery non‐response limited disease (SNRLD) group. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify potential prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 72 patients with resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC were identified for analysis. The median survival time of those patients was 21.5 months. There was no significant survival differences among stage I, stage IIA, and stage IIB patients, but all these patients had significantly longer survival than stage III patients. Therefore, stage I, stage IIA, and stage IIB patients were aggregated together as SRLD group, and stage III patients were aggregated as SNRLD group. SRLD patients obtained significantly longer survival than SNRLD patients in both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Moreover, adjuvant therapy could significantly benefit SRLD patients (P = 0.004) but could not benefit SNRLD patients (P = 0.136).

Conclusions

Different responses to surgery existed in resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC indicating the need of further subgrouping for those patients. The resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC could be further subgrouped into SRLD group and SNRLD group according to the TNM staging system.
Biotechnology software in the digital age: are you winning?
Authors: Scheitz Cornelia Johanna Franziska , Peck Lawrence J , Groban Eli S
Published: January 2018

There is a digital revolution taking place and biotechnology companies are slow to adapt. Many pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and industrial bio-production companies believe that software must be developed and maintained in-house and that data are more secure on internal servers than on the cloud. In fact, most companies in this space continue to employ large IT and software teams and acquire computational infrastructure in the form of in-house servers. This is due to a fear of the cloud not sufficiently protecting in-house resources and the belief that their software is valuable IP. Over the next decade, the ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, with agile software teams, will quickly become a compelling competitive advantage. Biotechnology companies that do not adopt the new regime may lose on key business metrics such as return on invested capital, revenue, profitability, and eventually market share.
A Case of Concomitant Pemphigus Foliaceus and Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Perks Alexandra C. , Farthing Paula M. , Murphy Ruth , Hegarty Anne M.
Published: January 2018

Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple areas of the body. The two main subtypes of pemphigus are pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) which can rarely occur concurrently or even transition from one to the other. The process of transition may be explained by qualitative changes in desmoglein autoantibody profile. We present a rare case of concomitant PF and oral PV and explore the literature on transitions between pemphigus subtypes and whether this case could represent a transition from PF to PV. Furthermore, the realities of multidisciplinary patient management are discussed.
FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON MECHANICAL WEEDERS FOR RICE PRODUCTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: JOHNSON JEAN-MARTIAL , RODENBURG JONNE , TANAKA ATSUKO , SENTHILKUMAR KALIMUTHU , AHOUANTON KOKOU , DIENG IBNOU , KLOTOE AGOSSOU , AKAKPO CYRIAQUE , SEGDA ZACHARIE , YAMEOGO LOUIS P. , GBAKATCHETCHE HENRI , ACHEAMPONG GEORGE K. , BAM RALPH K. , BAKARE OLADELE S. , KALISA ALAIN , GASORE ELIE R. , ANI SÉKOU , ABLEDE KOMLAN , SAITO KAZUKI
Published: January 2018

Competition from weeds is one of the major biophysical constraints to rice (Oryza spp.) production in sub-Saharan Africa. Smallholder rice farmers require efficient, affordable and labour-saving weed management technologies. Mechanical weeders have shown to fit this profile. Several mechanical weeder types exist but little is known about locally specific differences in performance and farmer preference between these types. Three to six different weeder types were evaluated at 10 different sites across seven countries – i.e., Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda and Togo. A total of 310 farmers (173 male, 137 female) tested the weeders, scored them for their preference, and compared them with their own weed management practices. In a follow-up study, 186 farmers from Benin and Nigeria received the ring hoe, which was the most preferred in these two countries, to use it during the entire crop growing season. Farmers were surveyed on their experiences. The probability of the ring hoe having the highest score among the tested weeders was 71%. The probability of farmers’ preference of the ring hoe over their usual practices – i.e., herbicide, traditional hoe and hand weeding – was 52, 95 and 91%, respectively. The preference of this weeder was not related to gender, years of experience with rice cultivation, rice field size, weed infestation level, water status or soil texture. In the follow-up study, 80% of farmers who used the ring hoe indicated that weeding time was reduced by at least 31%. Of the farmers testing the ring hoe in the follow-up study, 35% used it also for other crops such as vegetables, maize, sorghum, cassava and millet. These results suggest that the ring hoe offers a gender-neutral solution for reducing labour for weeding in rice as well as other crops and that it is compatible with a wide range of environments. The implications of our findings and challenges for out-scaling of mechanical weeders are discussed.