bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA mismatch repair deficiency and hereditary syndromes in Latino patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Ricker Charité N. , Hanna Diana L. , Peng Cheng , Nguyen Nathalie T. , Stern Mariana C. , Schmit Stephanie L. , Idos Greg E. , Patel Ravi , Tsai Steven , Ramirez Veronica , Lin Sonia , Shamasunadara Vinay , Barzi Afsaneh , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Figueiredo Jane C.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The landscape of hereditary syndromes and clinicopathologic characteristics among US Latino/Hispanic individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains poorly understood.

METHODS

A total of 265 patients with CRC who were enrolled in the Hispanic Colorectal Cancer Study were included in the current study. Information regarding CRC risk factors was elicited through interviews, and treatment and survival data were abstracted from clinical charts. Tumor studies and germline genetic testing results were collected from medical records or performed using standard molecular methods.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 53.7 years (standard deviation, 10.3 years), and 48.3% were female. Overall, 21.2% of patients reported a first‐degree or second‐degree relative with CRC; 3.4% met Amsterdam I/II criteria. With respect to Bethesda guidelines, 38.5% of patients met at least 1 criterion. Of the 161 individuals who had immunohistochemistry and/or microsatellite instability testing performed, 21 (13.0%) had mismatch repair (MMR)‐deficient (dMMR) tumors. dMMR tumors were associated with female sex (61.9%), earlier age at the time of diagnosis (50.4 ± 12.4 years), proximal location (61.9%), and first‐degree (23.8%) or second‐degree (9.5%) family history of CRC. Among individuals with dMMR tumors, 13 (61.9%) had a germline MMR mutation (MutL homolog 1 [MLH1] in 6 patients; MutS homolog 2 [MSH2] in 4 patients; MutS homolog 6 [MHS6] in 2 patients; and PMS1 homolog 2, mismatch repair system component [PMS2] in 1 patient). The authors identified 2 additional MLH1 mutation carriers by genetic testing who had not received immunohistochemistry/microsatellite instability testing. In total, 5.7% of the entire cohort were confirmed to have Lynch syndrome. In addition, 6 individuals (2.3%) had a polyposis phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of dMMR tumors noted among Latino individuals (13%) is similar to estimates in non‐Hispanic white individuals. In the current study, the majority of individuals with dMMR tumors were confirmed to have Lynch syndrome. Cancer 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. Cancer 2017;123:3732–3743. © 2017 American Cancer Society
Cancer drug wastage: The hidden cost in value‐based cancer care delivery
Authors: Valgus John M.
Published: June 2017

Cancer drug wastage contributes significantly to overall cancer therapy costs. Strategies are needed to reduce cancer drug wastage.

See also pages 3583‐90.
The impact of cancer drug wastage on economic evaluations
Authors: Truong Judy , Cheung Matthew C. , Mai Helen , Letargo Jessa , Chambers Alexandra , Sabharwal Mona , Trudeau Maureen E. , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of modeling cancer drug wastage in economic evaluations because wastage can result from single‐dose vials on account of body surface area– or weight‐based dosing.

METHODS

Intravenous chemotherapy drugs were identified from the pan‐Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) program as of January 2015. Economic evaluations performed by drug manufacturers and pCODR were reviewed. Cost‐effectiveness analyses and budget impact analyses were conducted for no‐wastage and maximum‐wastage scenarios (ie, the entire unused portion of the vial was discarded at each infusion). Sensitivity analyses were performed for a range of body surface areas and weights.

RESULTS

Twelve drugs used for 17 indications were analyzed. Wastage was reported (ie, assumptions were explicit) in 71% of the models and was incorporated into 53% by manufacturers; this resulted in a mean incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio increase of 6.1% (range, 1.3%‐14.6%). pCODR reported and incorporated wastage for 59% of the models, and this resulted in a mean incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio increase of 15.0% (range, 2.6%‐48.2%). In the maximum‐wastage scenario, there was a mean increase in the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 24.0% (range, 0.0%‐97.2%), a mean increase in the 3‐year total incremental budget costs of 26.0% (range, 0.0%‐83.1%), and an increase in the 3‐year total incremental drug budget cost of approximately CaD $102 million nationally. Changing the mean body surface area or body weight caused 45% of the drugs to have a change in the vial size and/or quantity, and this resulted in increased drug costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer drug wastage can increase drug costs but is not uniformly modeled in economic evaluations. Cancer 2017;123:3583‐90. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Ovarian polarity and cell shape determination by Btk29A in Drosophila
Authors: Hamada‐Kawaguchi Noriko , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: June 2017

Drosophila Btk29A is a Tec family nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, the ortholog of which causes X‐linked agammaglobulinemia in humans when mutant. In Btk29AficP mutant ovaries, multiple defects are observed: extrapolar cells form ectopically; osk mRNA fails to accumulate posteriorly in mature oocytes; the shape and alignment of follicle cells are grossly distorted. All these phenotypes are rescued by selectively overexpressing the type 2 isoform of wild‐type Btk29A in follicle cells. Expression of certain proteins enriched in adherens junctions is markedly affected in Btk29AficP mutants; the anterior–posterior gradient normally observed in the expression of DE‐Cadherin and Armadillo are lost and Canoe is sequestered from adherens junctions. Intriguingly, tyrosine phosphorylation of Canoe is reduced in Btk29AficP mutants. It is proposed that Btk29A is required for the establishment of egg chamber polarity presumably through the regulation of subcellular localization of its downstream proteins, including Cno.
Evolution of mammalian migrations for refuge, breeding, and food
Authors: Gnanadesikan Gitanjali E. , Pearse William D. , Shaw Allison K.
Published: June 2017

Many organisms migrate between distinct habitats, exploiting variable resources while profoundly affecting ecosystem services, disease spread, and human welfare. However, the very characteristics that make migration captivating and significant also make it difficult to study, and we lack a comprehensive understanding of which species migrate and why. Here we show that, among mammals, migration is concentrated within Cetacea and Artiodactyla but also diffusely spread throughout the class (found in 12 of 27 orders). We synthesize the many ecological drivers of round‐trip migration into three types of movement—between breeding and foraging sites, between breeding and refuge sites, and continuous tracking of forage/prey—each associated with different traits (body mass, diet, locomotion, and conservation status). Our results provide only partial support for the hypothesis that migration occurs without phylogenetic constraint. Furthermore, our findings suggest that categorizing migration into these three types may aid predictions of migrants’ responses to environmental changes.
Phenotypic convergence of artificially reared and wild trout is mediated by shape plasticity
Authors: Sánchez‐González Jorge Ruben , Nicieza Alfredo G.
Published: June 2017

Phenotypic plasticity can be viewed as the first level of defense of organism homeostasis against environmental stress and therefore represents the potential to deal with rapid environmental changes. Transitions between low complexity, artificial environments and complex, natural habitats can promote phenotypic plasticity. Here, we conducted an experimental introduction with juvenile brown trout to evaluate the plasticity of shape in response to a transition between contrasting environments. We released 202 juvenile trout reared under hatchery conditions in a natural stream and analyzed changes in shape and morphological variability after 5 months. A geometric morphometrics approach based on 14 landmarks was used to compare changes in body shape for 37 fish recaptured at the end of the experiment. A similar number of hatchery and wild fish caught at the receptor stream were used as controls for shape in the two environments. After 5‐months, fish showed significant change in shape, shifting from elongated to robust shapes, and affecting to the relative position of the caudal peduncle. These new shapes were closer to wild than to the hatchery shapes, suggesting a process of rapid phenotype change. Moreover, these changes were concomitant with a marked increase in morphological variability. Our results support the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity is a major potential for adjustment to environmental change but not the idea that shape can be constrained by initial shapes. We confirmed the “increased” variance hypothesis and phenotype convergence with wild morphs. This has important implications because stresses the role of phenotypic plasticity as a buffer that allows organisms to cope with important environmental discontinuities at time scales that preclude the onset of adaptive adjustments. We suggest that environmental conditioning and shape plasticity can overcome both reduced morphological diversity and phenotype uncoupling with habitat characteristics resulting from initial rearing in low complexity artificial environments.
Cryptic lineage divergence in marine environments: genetic differentiation at multiple spatial and temporal scales in the widespread intertidal goby Gobiosoma bosc
Authors: Milá Borja , Van Tassell James L. , Calderón Jatziri A. , Rüber Lukas , Zardoya Rafael
Published: June 2017

The adaptive radiation of the seven‐spined gobies (Gobiidae: Gobiosomatini) represents a classic example of how ecological specialization and larval retention can drive speciation through local adaptation. However, geographically widespread and phenotypically uniform species also do occur within Gobiosomatini. This lack of phenotypic variation across large geographic areas could be due to recent colonization, widespread gene flow, or stabilizing selection acting across environmental gradients. We use a phylogeographic approach to test these alternative hypotheses in the naked goby Gobiosoma bosc, a widespread and phenotypically invariable intertidal fish found along the Atlantic Coast of North America. Using DNA sequence from 218 individuals sampled at 15 localities, we document marked intraspecific genetic structure in mitochondrial and nuclear genes at three main geographic scales: (i) between Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast, (ii) between the west coast of the Florida peninsula and adjacent Gulf of Mexico across the Apalachicola Bay, and (iii) at local scales of a few hundred kilometers. Clades on either side of Florida diverged about 8 million years ago, whereas some populations along the East Cost show divergent phylogroups that have differentiated within the last 200,000 years. The absence of noticeable phenotypic or ecological differentiation among lineages suggests the role of stabilizing selection on ancestral phenotypes, together with isolation in allopatry due to reduced dispersal and restricted gene flow, as the most likely explanation for their divergence. Haplotype phylogenies and spatial patterns of genetic diversity reveal frequent population bottlenecks followed by rapid population growth, particularly along the Gulf of Mexico. The magnitude of the genetic divergence among intraspecific lineages suggests the existence of cryptic species within Gobiosoma and indicates that modes of speciation can vary among lineages within Gobiidae.
Visually induced analgesia during massage treatment in chronic back pain patients
Authors: Löffler A. , Trojan J. , Zieglgänsberger W. , Diers M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Previous findings suggest that watching sites of experimental and chronic pain can exert an analgesic effect. Our present study investigates whether watching one's back during massage increases the analgesic effect of this treatment in chronic back pain patients.

Methods

Twenty patients with chronic back pain were treated with a conventional massage therapy. During this treatment, patients received a real‐time video feedback of their own back. Watching a neutral object, a video of another person of the same sex being massaged, a picture of the own back, and keeping one's eyes closed were used as controls. These conditions were presented in randomized order on five separate days.

Results

All conditions yielded significant decreases in habitual pain intensity. The effect of real‐time video feedback of the own back on massage treatment was the strongest and differed significantly from the effect of watching a neutral object, but not from the other control conditions, which may have induced slight effects of their own.

Conclusions

Repeated real‐time video feedback may be useful during massage treatment of chronic pain.

Significance

This study shows that inducing visual induced analgesia during massage treatment can be helpful in alleviating chronic pain.
Synergy between anaerobic digestion and a post‐treatment based on Thermophilic Aerobic Membrane Reactor (TAMR)
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Bertanza Giorgio , Abbà Alessandro , Sordi Marco , Pedrazzani Roberta
Published: June 2017

This work concerns the treatment of the liquid fraction of digestate, derived from two‐stage anaerobic digestion process that treats bovine manure and corn silage, with a thermophilic aerobic membrane bioreactor (called TAMR) at pilot scale. The pilot plant was daily monitored about for 4 months; the temperature was maintained equal to 50°C and the average Organic Loading Rate (OLR) is 5.3 kg COD m−3 d−1. Results highlight high removal efficiencies of COD (> 94%) and total phosphorous (> 87%). The liquid fraction of TAMR (permeate), in view of a treatment in a municipal wastewater treatment plant that works in mesophilic conditions, shows good biodegradability; moreover, high ammonia content could be recovered by stripping the permeate and submit the ammonia rich gas to acidic absorption to produce ammonia salt (a valuable fertilizer). The solid fraction of TAMR (concentrate) shows an important neutralization effect due to the presence of calcium carbonate that derives from the reaction between the lime added and the carbon dioxide produced from organic matter degradation. Moreover, good hydrolytic effect on protein/carbohydrate solid substrate and sulfate reduction suggest the use of TAMR concentrate as supplement in anaerobic digestion process. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1802–1809, 2017
Pyrethroid concentrations and persistence following indoor application
Authors: Nakagawa Lia Emi , Costa Alan Roberto , Polatto Ricardo , Nascimento Cristiane Mazarin do , Papini Solange
Published: June 2017

Residential indoor environments are potential sources of exposure to pyrethroids, which have low acute toxicity to humans but are allergenic and suspected endocrine disruptors. The present study evaluated the persistence of the pyrethroids cypermethrin and beta-cyfluthrin on indoor surfaces and in house dust. Cypermethrin and beta-cyfluthrin were applied and maintained on aluminum foils and in dust samples for 112 d under controlled conditions and for 12 mo in a test house; periodically, they were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Cypermethrin and beta-cyfluthrin concentrations showed decreases of 10.1% and 7.7% on aluminum foils, and 12.7% and 16.4% in dust, respectively, at 112 d under controlled conditions. In the test house, cypermethrin and beta-cyfluthrin concentrations decreased by 40.3% and 60.2% on aluminum foils, and 29.6% and 56.2% in dust at the end of the study. The results show the considerable persistence of cypermethrin and beta-cyfluthrin indoors and indicate the risk of exposure to these products. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2895–2898. © 2017 SETAC
Helping Students Select Appropriately Challenging Text: Application to a Test of Second Language Reading Ability
Authors: Sheehan Kathleen M.
Published: June 2017

A model‐based approach for matching language learners to texts of appropriate difficulty is described. Results are communicated to test takers via a targeted reading range expressed on the reporting scale of an automated text complexity measurement tool (ATCMT). Test takers can use this feedback to select reading materials that are well matched to their abilities, that is, materials that are expected to be challenging, yet not so challenging as to cause frustration or reduce motivation. An application to the problem of helping students prepare to take the TOEFL iBT® test is presented.
Characterization of odour‐active compounds in Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) fruits from Nepal
Authors: Cicchetti Esméralda , Duroure Leslie , Perez Marion , Sizaire Laura , Vasseur Clémence
Published: June 2017

Essential oils and CO2 extracts of Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum DC syn. Zanthoxylum alatum Hemsl.) from fruits cropped in the Nepalese districts Surkhet, Jajarkot and Salyan from 2012 to 2015 were analysed to explain their typical odour and characterize their volatile profile. Best extraction conditions to ensure the right balance of the terpenic fresh notes compared with the sulphury fruity character were obtained with milled fruits and CO2 extraction. Volatile composition allowed supplying zones discrimination. Among more than 130 volatile constituents, identified by GC–MS and quantified by GC‐FID with the use of predicted relative response factors, only 20 were found to have an odour impact by GC‐O using a hybrid methodology between detection frequency and time intensity methods. Limonene, α‐pinene and myrcene explain the terpenic notes. Linalool, citronellal, 6‐methyl heptanal and octanal bring the fatty and aldehydic tone. The spicy facet is linked to (E)‐methyl cinnamate and (Z)‐ethyl cinnamate. 4‐mercapto‐4‐methylpentan‐2‐one, 3‐mercaptohexanol, 3‐mercaptohexyl acetate and 1‐p‐menthene‐8‐thiol are the key olfactive constituents contributing to the typical tropical and grapefruit odours. Their presence was confirmed using the stable isotope dilution assay and reported for the first time in Timur.
Longitudinal changes in global and domain specific cognitive function in the very‐old: findings from the Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Stephan Blossom C. M. , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Granic Antoneta , Collerton Joanna , Davies Karen , Saxby Brian K. , Wesnes Keith A. , Kirkwood Thomas B.L. , Jagger Carol
Published: June 2017

Objective

Ageing is associated with changes in cognition in some, but not all domains. In young–old adults, defined as persons aged 65–84 years, baseline cognitive function has been shown to impact on cognitive trajectories. Whether similar patterns occur in the very‐old, defined as persons aged 85 years and over, is not known.

Methods

Longitudinal changes (5 years' follow‐up) in global and domain specific cognitive function including memory, attention and speed were investigated in participants from the Newcastle 85+ Study (n = 845). At baseline, participants were grouped using Mini‐Mental State Examination cut‐off scores and dementia status into the following: not impaired, mildly impaired or severely impaired/dementia groups.

Results

Only a limited number of cognitive measures showed significant decline in performance over time. Where observed, change generally occurred only in the severely impaired group. In the severely impaired group, small differences in baseline age were associated with poorer performance over time on most measures. Education was not protective against cognitive decline in any group.

Conclusions

There are individuals who maintain a high level of cognitive function or only show mild impairments even into their ninth decade of life. This group of successful cognitive agers may provide insight for identifying predictors of cognitive integrity in later life. In individuals with severe impairment, cognitive performance shows significant decline over time, especially in measures of attention and speed. Further work to identify those individuals at highest risk of cognitive decline is necessary to implement early support and intervention strategies in this rapidly expanding age group. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Child care quality and Dutch 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds' socio‐emotional outcomes: Does the amount of care matter?
Authors: Broekhuizen Martine L. , van Aken Marcel A.G. , Dubas Judith S. , Leseman Paul P.M.
Published: June 2017

High amounts of early child care have sometimes been linked to higher levels of behaviour problems, while high‐quality child care has more often been related to fewer behaviour problems and more social competence. The current study investigated whether the level of centre emotional and behavioural support (child care quality) interacted with the amount of child care in predicting children's socio‐emotional behaviour. Participants were 417 children (mean age = 27 months) from 61 Dutch daycare centres. The amount of daycare ranged from 1 to 5 days per week (M = 2.3 days). Multi‐level analyses showed that, independent of the amount of daycare, high levels of centre emotional and behavioural support were related to more caregiver‐rated social competence 1 year later. In addition, children spending 3.5 days or more in highly supportive daycare centres showed the lowest levels of parent‐rated externalizing behaviour 1 year later. The findings emphasize (a) that the combined effects of the amount and quality of child care are important and (b) that high‐quality early child care is related to children's socio‐emotional development. Further policy, practice, and research implications are discussed.

Highlights

We studied in a Dutch sample how the amount and quality of daycare interacted in relation to children's socio‐emotional outcomes.

High levels of daycare quality were related to more teacher‐rated social competence.

Children spending 3.5 days or more in highly supportive daycare centers showed less parent‐rated externalizing behavior.
Mechanoresponsiveness of human adipose stem cells on nanocomposite and micro‐hybrid composite
Authors: van Esterik Fransisca A.S. , Ghazanfari Samaneh , Zandieh‐Doulabi Behrouz , Semeins Cornelis M. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke
Published: June 2017

Resin‐based composites are used for bone repair applications and comprise resin matrix and different sized filler particles. Nanometer‐sized filler particles improve composite's mechanical properties compared with micrometer‐sized filler particles, but whether differences exist in the biological response to these composites is unknown. Natural bone comprises a nanocomposite structure, and nanoscale interactions with extracellular matrix components influence stem cell differentiation. Therefore we hypothesized that nanometer‐sized filler particles in resin‐based composites enhance osteogenic differentiation of stem cells showing a more bone cell‐like response to mechanical loading compared with micrometer‐sized filler particles. Pulsating fluid flow (PFF; 5 Hz, mean shear stress: 0.7 Pa; 1 h) rapidly, within 5 min, increased nitric oxide production in human adipose stem cells (hASCs) on nanocomposite, but not on micro‐hybrid composite. PFF increased RUNX2 expression in hASCs on micro‐hybrid composite, but not on nanocomposite after 2 h post‐incubation. PFF did not affect mean cell orientation and shape index of hASCs on both composites. In conclusion, the PFF‐increased nitric oxide production in hASCs on nanocomposite, and increased osteogenic differentiation of hASCs on micro‐hybrid composite suggest different responses to mechanical loading of hASCs on composite with nanometer‐sized and micrometer‐sized filler particles. This might have important implications for bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2986–2994, 2017.
A polydopamine peptide coating enables adipose‐derived stem cell growth on the silicone surface of cochlear implant electrode arrays
Authors: Schendzielorz Philipp , Rak Kristen , Radeloff Katrin , Völker Johannes , Gehrke Thomas , Scherzad Agmal , Kleinsasser Norbert , Hagen Rudolf , Radeloff Andreas
Published: June 2017

The simultaneous application of neurotrophic factors with cochlear implantation is proposed to enhance the bioelectrical interface between electrodes and auditory neurons, and thus improve speech intelligibility in patients with cochlear implants (CIs). In cell‐based approaches, the goal is to colonize CIs with cells producing neurotrophic factors. This study aims to evaluate whether a polydopamine (PD) functionalization of the hydrophobic silicone surface of the electrode carrier enables colonization of adipose‐derived stem cells known to deliver neurotrophic factors. Surface characteristics of PD‐coated silicone samples and electrode carriers were determined, and the proliferation and viability of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) on these surfaces were subsequently analyzed. A homogenous PD coating and cell growth with regular morphology was observed on coated silicone samples and electrode arrays. Hydrophilicity and cell viability was significantly enhanced by PD surface modification. Insertion forces of coated electrode arrays did not increase compared with untreated CIs. Hence, PD coating of the silicone surface of CIs might allow for sufficient colonization with ASCs as a continuous source of neurotrophic factors. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomater Res Part A: 106B: 1431–1438, 2018.
Bone marrow aspirate clot: A technical complication or a smart approach for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration?
Authors: Salamanna Francesca , Contartese Deyanira , Nicoli Aldini Nicolò , Barbanti Brodano Giovanni , Griffoni Cristiana , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Fini Milena
Published: June 2017

One of the methods employed to improve healing of damaged tissues is the use of cellular based therapies. A number of regenerative medicine based strategies, from in vitro expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to “one‐step” procedures using bone marrow (BM) in toto (BM aspirate; BMA) or BM concentrate (BMC), have been developed. Recently, orthopedic researchers focused their attention on the clinical therapeutic potential of BMC and BMA for musculoskeletal regeneration. BMA is reported as an excellent source of cells and growth factors. However, the quality of BM harvest and aspirate is extremely technique‐dependent and, due to the presence of megakaryocytes and platelets, BMA is prone to clot. BMA clot formation is usually considered a complication hampering the procedures on both BMC preparation and MSC expansion. Therefore, different protocols have been developed to avoid and/or degrade clots. However, from a biological point of view there is a strong rationale for the use of BMA clot for tissue engineering strategies. This descriptive systematic literature review summarizes preclinical and clinical studies dealing the use of BMA clot for orthopedic procedures and provided some evidence supporting its use as a cell based therapy for cartilage and bone regeneration. Despite these results, there are still few preclinical and clinical studies that carefully evaluate the safety and efficacy of BMA clot in orthopedic procedures. Thus, implementing biological knowledge and both preclinical and clinical studies could help researchers and clinicians to understand if BMA clots can really be considered a possible therapeutic tool.
Reporting of imaging diagnostic accuracy studies with focus on MRI subgroup: Adherence to STARD 2015
Authors: Hong Patrick Jiho , Korevaar Daniel A. , McGrath Trevor A. , Ziai Hedyeh , Frank Robert , Alabousi Mostafa , Bossuyt Patrick M.M. , McInnes Matthew D.F.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To evaluate adherence of diagnostic accuracy studies in imaging journals to the STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) 2015. The secondary objective was to identify differences in reporting for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies.

Materials and Methods

MEDLINE was searched for diagnostic accuracy studies published in imaging journals in 2016. Studies were evaluated for adherence to STARD 2015 (30 items, including expanded imaging specific subitems). Evaluation for differences in STARD adherence based on modality, impact factor, journal STARD adoption, country, subspecialty area, study design, and journal was performed.

Results

Adherence (n = 142 studies) was 55% (16.6/30 items, SD = 2.2). Index test description (including imaging‐specific subitems) and interpretation were frequently reported (>66% of studies); no important differences in reporting of individual items were identified for studies on MRI. Infrequently reported items (<33% of studies) included some critical to generalizability (study setting and location) and assessment of bias (blinding of assessor of reference standard). New STARD 2015 items: sample size calculation, protocol reporting, and registration were infrequently reported. Higher impact factor (IF) journals reported more items than lower IF journals (17.2 vs. 16 items; P = 0.001). STARD adopter journals reported more items than nonadopters (17.5 vs. 16.4 items; P = 0.01). Adherence varied between journals (P = 0.003). No variability for study design (P = 0.32), subspecialty area (P = 0.75), country (P = 0.28), or imaging modality (P = 0.80) was identified.

Conclusion

Imaging accuracy studies show moderate adherence to STARD 2015, with only minor differences for studies evaluating MRI. This baseline evaluation will guide targeted interventions towards identified deficiencies and help track progress in reporting.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:523–544.
mfat‐1 transgene protects cultured adult neural stem cells against cobalt chloride‐mediated hypoxic injury by activating Nrf2/ARE pathways
Authors: Yu Junfeng , Yang Haiyuan , Fang Bin , Zhang Zhengwei , Wang Ying , Dai Yifan
Published: June 2017

Ischemic stroke is a devastating neurological disorder and one of the leading causes of death and serious disability in adults. Adult neural stem cell (NSC) replacement therapy is a promising treatment for both structural and functional neurological recovery. However, for the treatment to work, adult NSCs must be protected against hypoxic‐ischemic damage in the ischemic penumbra. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the mfat‐1 transgene on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐induced hypoxic‐ischemic injury in cultured adult NSCs as well as its underlying mechanisms. The results show that in the CoCl2‐induced hypoxic‐ischemic injury model, the mfat‐1 transgene enhanced the viability of adult NSCs and suppressed CoCl2‐mediated apoptosis of adult NSCs. Additionally, the mfat‐1 transgene promoted the proliferation of NSCs as shown by increased bromodeoxyuridine labeling of adult NSCs. This process was related to the reduction of reactive oxygen species. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed a much higher expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream genes (HO‐1, NQO‐1, GCLC). Taken together, our findings show that the mfat‐1 transgene restored the CoCl2‐inhibited viability and proliferation of NSCs by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response elements (ARE) signal pathway to inhibit oxidative stress injury. Further investigation of the function of the mfat‐1 transgene in adult protective mechanisms may accelerate the development of adult NSC replacement therapy for ischemic stroke.
A functional evaluation of the spatiotemporal patterns of temperature change in India
Authors: Narula Pankaj , Sarkar Kaustav , Azad Sarita
Published: June 2017

The present endeavour aims to identify the spatiotemporal footprints of temperature change in India by analysing monthly temperature data pertaining to the period of 1901–2005. Functional data analysis (FDA) has been implemented for detecting the temporal manifestation of mean change years. The estimated change years have been observed to largely pertain to the latter half of 20th century and to fall in close proximity to the previously reported global change years 1963 and 1976. Large portions of the Indian mainland have been observed to exhibit significant temperature changes after approximately every 12 years since 1940. The all‐India temperature rise is estimated to be 0.53 °C during 1901–2005. It has also been observed that, temperature rise has primarily occurred during post‐monsoon and winter seasons. An index, consolidating the results of FDA such as change years and temperature rise, has been developed to quantify temperature‐change severity. Based on the spatial distribution of index values, the hot‐spots have been found to cluster over the north‐central and eastern parts of the country.
Rancidity development of refrigerated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets: comparative effects of in vivo and in vitro lycopene
Authors: Ehsani Ali , Jasour Mohammad Sedigh , Agh Naser , Hashemi Mohammad , Khodadadi Mahdi
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The problem of lipid oxidation in fish during storage is well known and is related to both temperature and storage time. Antioxidants could have a main role in limiting the deteriorative effects of lipid oxidation in fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplement against postmortem addition of lycopene on the deterioration of trout fillets during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 12 days.

RESULTS

At the end of the feeding trial, no significant differences were observed with respect to the fatty acid composition of different dietary groups. However, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.96) was observed between fillet and diet lycopene levels. Lower indices of lipid oxidation (peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid) and lipid hydrolysis (free fatty acids) were observed in fillets that received lycopene (P < 0.05). Although exogenous lycopene was more effective (P < 0.05) than endogenous lycopene in delaying lipid oxidation, the fatty acid composition of fillets that received dietary lycopene supplement showed a higher stability (P < 0.05) during refrigeration storage.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, based on the time of appearance of off‐odors and discoloration in fish fillets, exogenous lycopene, especially at higher levels, was more effective in terms of quality parameters. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrochars from Biosolids and Urban Wastes as Substitute Materials for Peat
Authors: Álvarez María Luisa , Gascó Gabriel , Plaza César , Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge , Méndez Ana
Published: June 2017

Peat is the most widely used substrate component and extensively used in greenhouse cultivation, landfill cover soils, urban parks and gardens, urban agriculture or green roofs, due to its excellent combination of physicochemical properties. The production of hydrochar by hydrothermal carbonization (a process at lower temperatures than pyrolysis and using wet conditions) could industrially reproduce the initial conditions of biomass humification and lead to materials with similar properties to those of peat. The objective of this work was to compare peat (PT, Control), a hydrochar prepared from biosolids (HSL), a hydrochar prepared from the organic fraction of urban wastes (HUW) and two mixtures (PT + HSL and PT + HUW) at a 50% volume rate for their potential use as substrates with multiple applications. Ryegrass was established at a rate of 40 g seeds cm−2 in the potting mixtures. Hydrophysical and biochemical properties (microbial biomass and the enzymes dehydrogenase, β‐glucosidase and phosphomonoesterase) were analyzed for PT, HSL, HUV and their combination (PT + HSL and PT + HUW). Treatments with biosolids hydrochar increased ryegrass production by 184% (HSL) and by 216% (PT + HSL) dry weight compared to the control (peat). Biochemical properties depended strongly on hydrochar type, while the hydrophysical properties of the hydrochars were similar to those of peat. Overall, our results found hydrochar–peat mixtures (PT + HSL and PT + HUW) to be suitable for the preparation of growing media. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the detection sensitivity of pH‐weighted amide proton transfer MRI in acute stroke patients using extrapolated semisolid magnetization transfer reference signals
Authors: Heo Hye‐Young , Zhang Yi , Burton Tina M. , Jiang Shanshan , Zhao Yansong , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Leigh Richard , Zhou Jinyuan
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To quantify amide protein transfer (APT) effects in acidic ischemic lesions and assess the spatial‐temporal relationship among diffusion, perfusion, and pH deficits in acute stroke patients.

Methods

Thirty acute stroke patients were scanned at 3 T. Quantitative APT (APT#) effects in acidic ischemic lesions were measured using an extrapolated semisolid magnetization transfer reference signal technique and compared with commonly used MTRasym(3.5ppm) or APT‐weighted parameters.

Results

The APT# images showed clear pH deficits in the ischemic lesion, whereas the MTRasym(3.5ppm) signals were slightly hypointense. The APT# contrast between acidic ischemic lesions and normal tissue in acute stroke patients was more than three times larger than MTRasym(3.5ppm) contrast (−1.45 ± 0.40% for APT# versus −0.39 ± 0.52% for MTRasym(3.5ppm), P < 4.6 × 10−4). Hypoperfused and acidic areas without an apparent diffusion coefficient abnormality were observed and assigned to an ischemic acidosis penumbra. Hypoperfused areas at normal pH were also observed and assigned to benign oligemia. Hyperintense APT signals were observed in a hemorrhage area in one case.

Conclusions

The quantitative APT study using the extrapolated semisolid magnetization transfer reference signal approach enhances APT MRI sensitivity to pH compared with conventional APT‐weighted MRI, allowing more reliable delineation of an ischemic acidosis in the penumbra. Magn Reson Med 78:871–880, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Clinical management recommendations of the Neurologic Incontinence Committee of the Fifth International Consultation on Incontinence 2013
Authors: Cotterill Nikki , Madersbacher Helmut , Wyndaele Jean J. , Apostolidis Apostolos , Drake Marcus J. , Gajewski Jerzy , Heesakkers John , Panicker Jalesh , Radziszewski Piotr , Sakakibara Ryuji , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Hamid Rizwan , Kessler Thomas M. , Emmanuel Anton
Published: June 2017

Background

Evidence‐based guidelines for the management of neurological disease and lower bowel dysfunction have been produced by the International Consultations on Incontinence (ICI). These are comprehensive guidelines, and were developed to have world‐wide relevance.

Aims

To update clinical management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction from the recommendations of the 4th ICI, 2009.

Materials and Methods

A series of evidence reviews and updates were performed by members of the working group. The resulting guidelines were presented at the 2012 meeting of the European Association of Urology for consultation, and modifications applied to deliver evidence based conclusions and recommendations for the scientific report of the 5th edition of the ICI in 2013.

Results

The current review is a synthesis of the conclusions and recommendations, including the algorithms for initial and specialized management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The pathophysiology is described in terms of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Assessment requires detailed history and clinical assessment, general investigations, and specialized testing, if required. Treatment primarily focuses on optimizing stool consistency and regulating bowel evacuation to improve quality of life. Symptom management covers conservative and interventional measures to promote good habits and assist stool evacuation, along with prevention of incontinence. Education is essential to achieving optimal bowel management.

Discussion

The review offers a pragmatic approach to management in the context of complex pathophysiology and varied evidence base.
Adipose Tissue Meal‐Derived Fatty Acid Uptake Before and After Diet‐Induced Weight Loss in Adults with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Vink Roel G. , Roumans Nadia J. , van der Kolk Birgitta W. , Fazelzadeh Parastoo , Boekschoten Mark V. , Mariman Edwin C. , van Baak Marleen A.
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study investigated whether diet‐induced weight loss alters indices ofin vivopostprandial fat uptake in adipose tissue (AT) and whether these changes are associated with weight regain in adults with overweight and obesity.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 16 (6 male) individuals (BMI: 28‐35 kg/m2) were randomized to either a low‐calorie diet (1,250 kcal/d) for 12 weeks or a very‐low‐calorie diet (500 kcal/d) for 5 weeks (weight loss [WL] period) followed by a 4‐week weight‐stable (WS) period (together, the dietary intervention [DI] period) and a 9‐month follow‐up period. Arteriovenous difference measurements combined with stable isotope labeling ([U‐13C] palmitate) of a mixed meal were used to determine postprandial fatty acid uptake in AT.

Results

Body weight was significantly reduced during the WL period (−8.2 ± 0.6 kg,P < 0.001), remained stable during the WS period (0.4 ± 0.3 kg,P = 0.150), and increased during follow‐up (3.5 ± 0.8 kg,P = 0.001). Meal‐derivedin vivofatty acid uptake dynamics across AT and expression of genes important for fatty acid uptake, storage, and release were not significantly changed during the DI period.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous AT does not appear prone to enhanced meal‐derived fatty acid uptake after weight loss, nor were fatty acid uptake dynamics detected as related to weight regain.
Optimal reinsurance problems with extrapolative claim expectation
Authors: Chen Shou , Hu Duni , Wang Hailong
Published: June 2017

The insurer is subject to extrapolative bias and updates his perceived claim rate along with claim realizations: he believes that claims will continue to increase (decrease) in the near future if they have been increasing (decreasing) recently. To model this belief, we define an extrapolative expectation, which is a weighted average of past claims and the initial estimation of expectation of claims, to forecast the expectation of future claims. Moreover, this extrapolative expectation changes the premiums as claims change. The optimal reinsurance strategies for maximizing the expected exponential utility and mean‐variance utility of terminal wealth are derived in closed form. We find that extrapolative bias decreases the reinsurance demand. Moreover, the mean‐variance optimizer's risk retention level is greater than that of the exponential utility optimizer, although they are the same in the standard case without extrapolative bias.
Solid‐Liquid Adhesion Energies of Composite Propellant Components Determined by Solution Calorimetry
Authors: Nardai Michael M. , Bohn Manfred A.
Published: June 2017

The energetic or adhesive interaction between binder matrix and solid fillers as well as plasticizers and fillers is a property determining mechanical properties as strain capacity and stress at maximum or stress at break. To know such interaction energies is therefore of interest. An isoperibolic solution calorimeter is used to measure such interaction energies or heats of immersion of the solid propellant components ammonium perchlorate (AP) and aluminium (AL) with the liquid plasticizers bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and azido‐terminated oligomeric glycidylazide (GAP−A). The determined heats indicate wettability and interaction energy in units of energy per surface area of the solid component. For AP, three different grain sizes with mean diameter about 200, 90, 42 μm were used. Results indicate dependence of AP wetting on mean particle diameter: Successful wetting occurs for AP at diameters from above 90 μm. The polar interactions between the ionic AP and GAP−A greatly enhance wetting as compared to DEHA.
Equal‐tailed confidence intervals for comparison of rates
Authors: Laud Peter J.
Published: June 2017

Several methods are available for generating confidence intervals for rate difference, rate ratio, or odds ratio, when comparing two independent binomial proportions or Poisson (exposure‐adjusted) incidence rates. Most methods have some degree of systematic bias in one‐sided coverage, so that a nominal 95% two‐sided interval cannot be assumed to have tail probabilities of 2.5% at each end, and any associated hypothesis test is at risk of inflated type I error rate. Skewness‐corrected asymptotic score methods have been shown to have superior equal‐tailed coverage properties for the binomial case. This paper completes this class of methods by introducing novel skewness corrections for the Poisson case and for odds ratio, with and without stratification. Graphical methods are used to compare the performance of these intervals against selected alternatives. The skewness‐corrected methods perform favourably in all situations—including those with small sample sizes or rare events—and the skewness correction should be considered essential for analysis of rate ratios. The stratified method is found to have excellent coverage properties for a fixed effects analysis. In addition, another new stratified score method is proposed, based on thet‐distribution, which is suitable for use in either a fixed effects or random effects analysis. By using a novel weighting scheme, this approach improves on conventional and modern meta‐analysis methods with weights that rely on crude estimation of stratum variances. In summary, this paper describes methods that are found to be robust for a wide range of applications in the analysis of rates.
Adjusting the Chemical Bonding of SnO2@CNT Composite for Enhanced Conversion Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Cheng Yayi , Huang Jianfeng , Qi Hui , Cao Liyun , Yang Jun , Xi Qiao , Luo Xiaomin , Yanagisawa Kazumichi , Li Jiayin
Published: June 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with excellent electron conductivity are widely used to improve the electrochemical performance of the SnO2 anode. However, the chemical bonding between SnO2 and CNTs is not clearly elucidated despite it may affect the lithiation/delithiation behavior greatly. In this work, an SnO2@CNT composite with SnC and SnOC bonds as a linkage bridge is reported and the influence of the SnC and SnOC bonds on the lithium storage properties is revealed. It is found that the SnC bond can act as an ultrafast electron transfer path, facilitating the reversible conversion reaction between Sn and Li2O to form SnO2. Therefore, the SnO2@CNT composite with more SnC bond shows high reversible capacity and nearly half capacity contributes from conversion reaction. It is opposite for the SnO2@CNT composite with more SnOC bond that the electrons cannot be transferred directly to CNTs, resulting in depressed conversion reaction kinetics. Consequently, this work can provide new insight for exploration and design of metal oxide/carbon composite anode materials in lithium‐ion battery.