bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticancer and antibacterial effects of Iranian viper (Vipera latifii) venom; an in‐vitro study
Authors: Moridikia Abdullah , Zargan Jamil , Sobati Hossein , Goodarzi Hamid R. , Hajinourmohamadi Ashkan
Published: January 2018

Viper venom contains antibacterial and cytotoxic components. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the crude venom of Vipera latifii (V. latifii). Lyophilized venom of V. latifii was quantified by Bradford method and its antibacterial activity (6.25–400 μg/ml) was assessed using the MTT, MIC, Disc diffusion, and Well diffusion assays. Also, its cytotoxic activity was investigated using MTT reduction, Neutral uptake, and Comet assay on human liver cancer (HepG2) cell line. Crude venom showed antibacterial effects against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, but was not effective on Escherichia coli. Also, the crude venom showed apoptotic and necrotic effects on human liver cancer cells. The venom of V. latifii can inhibit the growth of bacteria and cancer cells. These findings suggest that this may be a potential source of molecules with antibacterial and anticancer characteristics.
Macrophage plasticity, polarization, and function in health and disease
Authors: Shapouri‐Moghaddam Abbas , Mohammadian Saeed , Vazini Hossein , Taghadosi Mahdi , Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Mardani Fatemeh , Seifi Bita , Mohammadi Asadollah , Afshari Jalil T. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: January 2018

Macrophages are heterogeneous and their phenotype and functions are regulated by the surrounding micro‐environment. Macrophages commonly exist in two distinct subsets: 1) Classically activated or M1 macrophages, which are pro‐inflammatory and polarized by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) either alone or in association with Th1 cytokines such as IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, and produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐23, and TNF‐α; and 2) Alternatively activated or M2 macrophages, which are anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory and polarized by Th2 cytokines such as IL‐4 and IL‐13 and produce anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐10 and TGF‐β. M1 and M2 macrophages have different functions and transcriptional profiles. They have unique abilities by destroying pathogens or repair the inflammation‐associated injury. It is known that M1/M2 macrophage balance polarization governs the fate of an organ in inflammation or injury. When the infection or inflammation is severe enough to affect an organ, macrophages first exhibit the M1 phenotype to release TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐12, and IL‐23 against the stimulus. But, if M1 phase continues, it can cause tissue damage. Therefore, M2 macrophages secrete high amounts of IL‐10 and TGF‐β to suppress the inflammation, contribute to tissue repair, remodeling, vasculogenesis, and retain homeostasis. In this review, we first discuss the basic biology of macrophages including origin, differentiation and activation, tissue distribution, plasticity and polarization, migration, antigen presentation capacity, cytokine and chemokine production, metabolism, and involvement of microRNAs in macrophage polarization and function. Secondly, we discuss the protective and pathogenic role of the macrophage subsets in normal and pathological pregnancy, anti‐microbial defense, anti‐tumor immunity, metabolic disease and obesity, asthma and allergy, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, wound healing, and autoimmunity.
Effects of PrPC on DF‐1 cells’ biological processes and RNA‐seq‐based analysis of differential genes
Authors: Zhang Tian‐liang , Wan Xue‐rui , Wu Run , Wang Chuan
Published: January 2018

To reveal the effects of PrPC on cells’ biological processes and on gene expression. We established stable DF‐1 (PrPC‐knockdown (KD)) cells, and combined with DF‐1 (wt) and DF‐1 (PrPC‐overexpression (OE)) cells that we previously established we studied the effects of chicken PrPC (PrPC) on DF‐1 cells’ processes. Then by using high throughput sequencing technology (HTS) and bioinformatics, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cells. The results show that compared with DF‐1 (wt) and DF‐1 (PrPC‐scramble), DF‐1 (PrPC–KD) are significantly decreased in adhesion, proliferation, formation rate of colony and cells number of colony, scratch wound healing rate, cells number of invasion and migration, S phase cell populations, but the apoptosis rate and G1 phase cell populations are significantly increased. Conversely, all of these features in DF‐1 (PrPC‐OE) are opposite. In addition, compared with DF‐1 (wt), we found that there are totally 1055 DE genes between DF‐1 (PrPC–KD) and DF‐1 (PrPC‐OE) cells. After Go and pathway enrichment analysis, we know that these DEGs are significantly enriched in cell, cell part, cellular process, and metabolic pathway. In short, we found that PrPC can promote DF‐1 cells’ processes except apoptosis. Furthermore, PrPC involves in the focal adhesion, cancer, ribosome, metabolic pathways, and so forth, and the overexpression of PrPC can promote the pathway of amoebiasis, but its down‐regulation can promote the pathway of serotonergic synapse. However, the details are keeping unknown and that would be our next research.
WISP1 promotes non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance via TLR4/JNK signaling
Authors: Jung Tae Woo , Kang Changmuk , Goh Jiwon , Chae Soo In , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Lee Tae Jin , Abd El‐Aty A.M. , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: January 2018

Wnt1‐inducible signaling pathway protein‐1 (WISP1) is a Cyr61/CTGF/NOV (CCN) family matricellular protein involved in adipogenesis and low‐grade inflammation in obesity. However, the roles of WISP1 in hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle remain elusive. Mouse primary hepatocytes and differentiated mouse skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) were treated with various concentrations of WISP1 and the functions and signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot analysis. In vivo transfection for WISP1 knockdown was also performed to examine the effects of WISP1 on hepatic steatosis and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Knockdown of WISP1 in high‐fat diet‐fed C57BL/6 mice significantly reduced (0.45–0.5%; p < 0.05) inflammation and JNK phosphorylation (45–50%; P < 0.01) and attenuated hepatic steatosis (approximately 55%; p < 0.001) and skeletal muscle insulin resistance (30–40%; p < 0.05). Treatment with WISP1 significantly induced inflammation (hepatocytes: approximately 500%; p < 0.01, C2C12 cells: approximately 500%; p < 0.01) and JNK phosphorylation (hepatocytes: approximately 200%; p < 0.01, C2C12 cells: approximately 280%; p < 0.01) in mouse primary hepatocytes and C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. Moreover, it increased lipogenesis‐associated gene expression (200–300%; p < 0.01) and accumulation of triglycerides (approximately 320%; p < 0.01) in hepatocytes, and suppressed insulin signaling (approximately 50%; p < 0.01) in C2C12 cells. These WISP1‐induced effects were significantly abrogated in NFκB‐, JNK‐, and TLR4‐knockdown hepatocytes (p < 0.05) and C2C12 cells (p < 0.05). These results indicate that WISP1 contributes to hepatic steatosis and skeletal muscle insulin resistance through a TLR4‐activated inflammation/JNK signaling pathway and could be a useful therapeutic target for treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Observation of curative effect of intravitreal injection of conbercept in wet age‐related macular degeneration: Optical coherence tomography analysis after injection
Authors: Yang Wen , Tan Ying , Li Chaowei , Liu Yi , Lu Guohua
Published: January 2018

To observe the clinical efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept in the treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration (wAMD), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was observed to measure the changes of anatomical changes of central macular thickness (CMT) and the area and volume of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) uplift. Fifteen patients (15 eyes) with wet AMD were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent intravitreal injection of conbercept of 0.05 mL once. After 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, OCT and BCVA were used to examine and to compare with the preoperative and postoperative central macular thickness and RPE uplift area. BCVA (median) increased respectively from 0.12 ± 0.13 to 0.21 ± 0.15 at 1 week, to 0.90 ± 0.25 at 1 month, to 0.38 ± 0.17 at 3 months (p < .001). The thickness of central macular decreased from 500 ± 25 μm to 256 ± 19 μm, 221 ± 29 μm, and 215 ± 14 μm, respectively. The normal physiological structure and stratification of the macular area were clear gradually. Conbercept treatment of wet AMD can significantly improve visual acuity, after 1 month up to the plateau, 3 months of continuous drug injection can make the vision maintained at a high stage, and macular retinal normal structural morphology recovery is good, the treatment has no obvious adverse reactions, and with good security.
Ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps ofChlorophorus caragana(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Ru , Ren Li‐Li , Zhang Lu , Wang Rong , Yu Yang , Lu Peng‐Fei , Luo You‐Qing
Published: January 2018

Chlorophorus caraganais a species of long‐horned beetle that damagesCaragana davazamciiSancz. (Fabales: Papilionaceae) bushes in desert areas in China. The beetles cause substantial damage to local forestry plantations and the environment. Sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps of coleopterans a allow the insects to recognize their host plants. We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study the ultrastructure, distribution, and abundance of various sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps ofC. caragana. We found four types of sensilla including ten subtypes: one of Böhm's bristles, three of sensilla chaetica, one of digitiform sensilla, and five of sensilla twig basiconica. The types and distribution of the sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps were highly similar between males and females. Finally, this article discusses the functions of the sensilla of related species in recognizing hosts and the significance of gustation studies in the context of the control ofC. caragana.
Polymorphism of HLA class I and class II alleles in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infected population of Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Dutta Mousumi , Dutta Prafulla , Medhi Subhash , Borkakoty Biswajyoti , Biswas Dipankar
Published: January 2018

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) represents one of the most highly polymorphic systems which plays a central role in the immune response. Genetic polymorphism of HLA in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infected population may be an important factor in disease progression and severity that needs further probing. In this study, a total of 110 Influenza like illness patients were recruited from the population of Assam, Northeast India, from which 35 cases infected by A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and 35 controls were typed for HLA‐A, B and DRB1 locus by PCR‐SSP method. A total of seven alleles of HLA‐A, 16 alleles of HLA‐B, and 11 alleles of HLA‐DRB1 locus were identified. The most common alleles within each locus in cases were HLA‐A*11 (85.71%,P = 0.046), HLA‐B*35 (25%,P = 0.0001), and HLA‐DRB1*15 (49.35%,  P = 0.133) as compared to the controls, HLA‐A*11 (40.82%), HLA‐B*35 (0.00%), and HLA‐DRB1*15 (67.53%). The frequency of HLA‐A*11 and HLA‐B*35 were significantly higher in cases as compared to the controls. In DRB1 locus, HLA‐DRB1*10 was significantly higher in cases (20.78%,P = 0.005) than that of controls (0.00%). Whereas, HLA‐DRB1*15 showed a higher frequency in controls than in cases. In addition, HLA‐DRB3*01 (P = 0.053), DRB4*01 (P = 1.000), and DRB5*01(P = 0.591) were also identified along with HLA‐DRB1 haplotype. From this preliminary study, it is suspected that there may be a role of HLA‐A*11, HLA‐B*35 and HLA‐DRB1*10 in conferring susceptibility to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection in the study population. A larger extended study on HLA polymorphism may explain the association between HLA and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and provide insights for HLA restricted peptide based vaccines.
Antiviral activity of A771726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, against Junín virus
Authors: Sepúlveda Claudia S. , García Cybele C. , Damonte Elsa B.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of A771726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, (CONICET‐UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad against the infection with Junín virus (JUNV), agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). The treatment with non‐cytotoxic concentrations of A771726 of Vero and A549 cells infected with JUNV inhibited virus replication in a dose‐dependent manner, as determined by virus yield reduction assay. The antiviral effectiveness of A771726 was not importantly affected by the multiplicity of infection and the virus strain. Moreover, the combination of A771726 and ribavirin had a significantly more potent antiviral activity than each single drug treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that the main action of A771726 is exerted before 6 h of JUNV infection. Accordingly, inhibition of viral RNA synthesis was detected in treated infected cells by real time RT‐PCR. The exogenous addition of uridine or orotic acid produced a partial reversal of the inhibitory effect of A771726 on infective virus production whereas a total reversion was detected on JUNV RNA synthesis, probably by restoration of the enzymatic activity of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and the intracellular pyrimidine pools. In conclusion, these results suggest that the antiviral target would be viral RNA synthesis through pyrimidine depletion, but any other effect of the compound on JUNV infection cannot be excluded. This study opens the possibility of the therapeutic application of a wide spectrum host‐targeted compound alone or in combination with ribavirin to combat AHF as well as other human pathogenic arenaviruses.
Surveillance for antiviral resistance among influenza viruses circulating in Algeria during five consecutive influenza seasons (2009‐2014)
Authors: Ait‐Aissa Assia , Derrar Fawzi , Hannoun Djouhar , Gradi El Alia , Scaravelli Dino , Bouslama Zihad
Published: January 2018

Influenza season 2007/2008 was marked by a worldwide emergence of oseltamivir‐resistant A(H1N1) viruses possessing a mutation in the neuraminidase gene causing His‐to‐Tyr substitution at amino acid position 275 (H275Y). These strains were isolated in Algeria where 30% of seasonal A(H1N1) viruses harbored the H275Y mutation. Emergence of resistant viruses to currently approved antiviral drug determined the need for antiviral susceptibility monitoring in Algeria especially that oseltamivir is currently used in hospitals of some provinces of the country for treatment of influenza in populations at risk. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensitivity of circulating influenza viruses in Algeria to oseltamivir. We present 5‐year local surveillance results from 2009/2010 influenza season to 2013/2014 influenza season. We tested the sensitivity to oseltamivir of 387 human influenza A and B viruses isolated in Algeria. Determination of IC50 values were performed using the fluorogenic MUNANA substrate. To detect the H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase of the A(H1N1) strains we performed a real‐time RT‐PCR allelic discrimination analysis. The obtained results showed that all influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and B viruses studied remained susceptible to oseltamivir. This is the first study on influenza antiviral susceptibility surveillance in Algeria. Obtained results allow establishing a baseline data for future studies on antiviral resistance emergence worldwide. Our report highlights the importance of a continued and active monitoring of circulating viruses in Algeria for strengthens collaboration within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
Beam steering of eye shape metamaterial design on dispersive media by FDTD method
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: January 2018

The finite difference time domain method is applied for numerical modelling of composite dispersive material‐based proposed metamaterial, where the electromagnetic waves are propagating along the y‐axis with some exceptional properties in this paper. The existing frequency dispersive finite difference time domain method can be categorised into auxiliary differential equation method and the Z‐transform method, both of them are analysed in this paper. The auxiliary differential equation method has been introduced additional differential equations for describing frequency‐dependent material characteristics, and Z‐transform converts the frequency domain constitutive relations to Z‐domain relation. The proposed left‐handed metamaterial, single unit cell shows resonance at 5.48 GHz and the beam refraction characteristics by the incident beams on the structure. The incident beams are refracted 90°, 45° (positive refraction), and −25° (negative refraction) with respect to the metamaterial structure.
Precipitation reconstruction for the Lidder Valley, Kashmir Himalaya using tree‐rings of Cedrus deodara
Authors: Shah Santosh K. , Pandey Uttam , Mehrotra Nivedita
Published: January 2018

A reconstruction of annual to multi‐decadal precipitation based on ring‐width of Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar or deodar) was carried out in the Lidder (Liddar) Valley, Kashmir Himalaya. A composite tree‐ring chronology demonstrated a significant direct relationship with April–June precipitation. A modified version of point‐by‐point regression methodology was used to reconstruct April–June precipitation since 1723 C.E. This reconstruction accounts for 40% of the total variance of the actual precipitation in the calibration period. The reconstruction shows a prolonged decadal dry period between 1822 and 1887 C.E., the driest period in the reconstruction. The wettest period occurred during the early 19th century and latter part of the 20th century. Extreme dry and wet events have been identified in the reconstruction on the basis of percentile distribution. The reconstruction was compared with documented extreme flood, famines and drought events in Kashmir Valley occurring in those 288 years. The composite 500 mb height‐anomaly maps suggest the prospect to study the long‐term atmospheric circulation variability over the Kashmir Valley and surrounding region using tree‐ring data. The impact of westerlies in the precipitation patterns was also evident in analysis of composite 500 mb height anomaly. Furthermore, the reconstruction was validated through comparison with independent records and spatial correlation with gridded precipitation and drought.
The influence of acid whey on the antioxidant peptides generated to reduce oxidation and improve colour stability in uncured roast beef
Authors: Wójciak Karolina M , Kęska Paulina , Okoń Anna , Solska Elżbieta , Libera Justyna , Dolatowski Zbigniew J
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of marinating beef in acid whey on the antioxidant peptides generated, and their influence on lipid oxidation, colour stability, sensory analysis and protein degradation products in uncured roasted beef stored 6 weeks in vacuum conditions (T = 4 °C) were determined. Measurements of pHe, water activity, oxidation–reduction potential, colour, TBARS, the cutting force, texture and amino acid profile, the total content of peptides, and antioxidant activity of isolated peptides were conducted immediately after production and during 42 days of storage.

RESULTS

The non‐nitrite control batch (C) was characterized by a lower a* value (6.33–6.70) during the whole storage period compared to the non‐nitrite sample with acid whey (W). It also appears that meat with the worst colour stability has the poorest oxidative stability (C = 1.57 mg MDA kg−1, W = 0.76 mg MDA kg−1). Activity against reactive forms of oxygen to fraction A and fraction B (P < 0.05) showed an increasing trend with time and it was the largest in sample C and W.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that bioactive peptides could be generated in uncured roasted beef. The <3.5 kDa peptides have strong antioxidant activity, as a result of which they function as inhibitors of lipid oxidation and colour discoloration during prolonged storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol in polyamideamine epichlorohydrin resin solution by reaction‐based headspace gas chromatography
Authors: Yan Ning , Wan Xiao‐Fang , Chai Xin‐Sheng , Chen Run‐Quan
Published: January 2018

We report on a headspace gas chromatographic method for determining the content of 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol in polyamideamine epichlorohydrin resin solution. It was based on quantitatively converting 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol to formaldehyde by periodate oxidation in a closed headspace sample vial at a room temperature for 10 min, and then to methanol by borohydride reduction at 90°C for 40 min followed by the headspace gas chromatographic measurement. The results showed that the present method has an excellent measurement precision (relative standard deviation < 2.60%) and accuracy (recoveries from 96.4–102%) in 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol analysis. The limit of quantitation was 0.031 mg/mL. It is simple and suitable for determining the 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol content in polyamideamine epichlorohydrin resin solution.
Factors affecting the success of grizzly bear translocations
Authors: Milligan Sarah , Brown Leonie , Hobson Dave , Frame Paul , Stenhouse Gordon
Published: January 2018

Evaluations of wildlife translocation can be traditional assessments of survival and reproductive success or can be expanded to include valuable but seldom used measures of behavior and physiology in reference to baseline data from a resident population. In Alberta, Canada where grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) are listed as a threatened species, there has been research on resident grizzly bear populations but limited follow‐up of translocated individuals associated with management actions. We determined an outcome for 110 grizzly bear translocation events (77 failed events, 33 successful events) between 1974 and 2014. We used logistic regression to investigate the effects of individual bear characteristics, management strategies, and habitat factors on translocation success. A translocation event was successful if the bear did not require further management action and if the bear survived at least one year without homing. We also compared the home range size, habitat selection, and denning behavior of translocated bears to the resident population over time to assess the long‐term effects of translocation. The odds of translocation success were higher if bears were moved early in the year and decreased by 47% for each unit increase in the level of mortality risk (based on road density, water, and edge features) at the release site. The odds of homing decreased substantially at translocation distances >100 km, but bears translocated outside the Bear Management Area (BMA) of capture had annual home ranges that were 3.25 times larger on average than resident bears. Translocated bears were initially selecting high quality habitat similar to areas used by resident bears, but this behavior appeared to decline after the first year of translocation. Den entry dates, den exit dates, and the denning period of translocated bears did not differ significantly from resident bears. Our findings can aid managers in making more informed decisions when considering translocation as a tool for managing human–bear conflict or supporting grizzly bear conservation efforts. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Chemical modifications of nucleic acid drugs and their delivery systems for gene‐based therapy
Authors: Chen Changmai , Yang Zhenjun , Tang Xinjing
Published: January 2018

Gene‐based therapy is one of essential therapeutic strategies for precision medicine through targeting specific genes in specific cells of target tissues. However, there still exist many problems that need to be solved, such as safety, stability, selectivity, delivery, as well as immunity. Currently, the key challenges of gene‐based therapy for clinical potential applications are the safe and effective nucleic acid drugs as well as their safe and efficient gene delivery systems. In this review, we first focus on current nucleic acid drugs and their formulation in clinical trials and on the market, including antisense oligonucleotide, siRNA, aptamer, and plasmid nucleic acid drugs. Subsequently, we summarize different chemical modifications of nucleic acid drugs as well as their delivery systems for gene‐based therapeutics in vivo based on nucleic acid chemistry and nanotechnology methods.
Bending of elastic plates with transverse shear deformation: The Neumann problem
Authors: Constanda Christian , Doty Dale
Published: January 2018

A generalized Fourier series method is constructed to approximate the solution of the Neumann problem in a finite domain for the system of equations governing the bending of elastic plates with transverse shear deformation. The method is illustrated by an example with computation performed by 3 different techniques that are contrasted and compared for efficiency, accuracy, and stability.
Minimal time for the approximate bilinear control of Schrödinger equations
Authors: Beauchard Karine , Coron Jean‐Michel , Teismann Holger
Published: January 2018

We consider a quantum particle in a potential V(x) subject to a time‐dependent (and spatially homogeneous) electric field E(t) (the control). Boscain, Caponigro, Chambrion, and Sigalotti proved that, under generic assumptions on V, this system is approximately controllable on the
unit sphere, in sufficiently large time T. In the present article, we show that, for a large class of initial states (dense in
unit sphere), approximate controllability does not hold in arbitrarily small time. This generalizes our previous result for Gaussian initial conditions. Furthermore, we prove that the minimal time can in fact be arbitrarily large.
Endometriosis increased the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: A population‐based study
Authors: Wu Chia‐Chang , Chung Shiu‐Dong , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: January 2018

Objective

Previous studies have suggested an association between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and endometriosis. However, no nation‐wide population study has yet reported an association between them. In this study, we examined the risk of BPS/IC among subjects with endometriosis during a 3‐year follow‐up in Taiwan using a population‐based dataset.

Study Design

This study comprised 9191 subjects with endometriosis, and 27 573 subjects randomly selected as controls. We individually followed‐up each subject (n = 36 764) for a 3‐year period to identify subjects subsequently diagnosed with BPS/IC. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to estimate the risk of subsequent BPS/IC following a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Results

Incidences of BPS/IC during the 3‐year follow‐up period was 0.2% and 0.05% for subjects with and without endometriosis, respectively. The hazard ratio for developing BPS/IC over a 3‐year period for subjects with endometriosis compared to subjects without endometriosis was 4.43 (95% CI: 2.13‐9.23). After adjusting for co‐morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, hyperlipidemia, chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, panic disorder, migraines, sicca syndrome, allergies, endometriosis, asthma, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse, the Cox proportional hazards regressions revealed that the hazard ratio for BPS/IC among subjects with endometriosis was 3.74 (95% CI = 1.76‐7.94, P < 0.001) compared to that in controls.

Conclusions

This study provides epidemiological evidence of an association between endometriosis and a subsequent diagnosis of BPS/IC.
Extent of Hunner lesions: The relationships with symptom severity and clinical parameters in Hunner type interstitial cystitis patients
Authors: Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Nomiya Akira , Yamada Yukio , Nakagawa Tohru , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki , Igawa Yasuhiko , Homma Yukio
Published: January 2018

Aims

To assess the clinical impact of Hunner lesions in patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis (HIC).

Methods

The clinical records of 94 HIC patients who underwent their first hydrodistension (with lesion fulguration) were retrospectively reviewed. At surgery, the extent of each lesion was classified in terms of the relative involvement for the whole‐bladder luminal surface; we defined four grades of involvement: <10%, 10‐24%, 25‐49%, and ≥50%; and two grades of severity: <25% (focal) and ≥25% (extensive). We examined the relationships between the extent of the lesions and all demographic characteristics, symptom scores, voiding symptoms, and bladder capacity. Factors predictive of the need for repeat hydrodistension were also explored.

Results

Symptom severity worsened as the lesional extent rose. Those with extensive lesions scored higher on the O'Leary and Sant Symptom (P = 0.004) and Problem Index scales (P < 0.001), the pain visual analog scale (P = 0.011), the International Prostate Symptom Score scale (P = 0.012), and a quality‐of‐life index (P = 0.020); and exhibited greater daytime urinary frequency (P = 0.040), more nocturia (P = 0.041), and a smaller bladder capacity (P = 0.007) than the focal group. No symptomatic or clinical parameters predicted the need for repeat hydrodistension.

Conclusions

The extent of Hunner lesions was associated with both symptom severity and bladder capacity but not with other clinical parameters, including the need for repeat hydrodistension, in patients with HIC.
Can T1w/T2w ratio be used as a myelin‐specific measure in subcortical structures? Comparisons between FSE‐based T1w/T2w ratios, GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios and multi‐echo GRASE‐based myelin water fractions
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Figley Teresa D. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Figley Chase R. ,   for the CCOMS Study Group
Published: January 2018

Given the growing popularity of T1‐weighted/T2‐weighted (T1w/T2w) ratio measurements, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the concordance between T1w/T2w ratios obtained using conventional fast spin echo (FSE) versus combined gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequences for T2w image acquisition, and to compare the resulting T1w/T2w ratios with histologically validated myelin water fraction (MWF) measurements in several subcortical brain structures. In order to compare these measurements across a relatively wide range of myelin concentrations, whole‐brain T1w magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), T2w FSE and three‐dimensional multi‐echo GRASE data were acquired from 10 participants with multiple sclerosis at 3 T. Then, after high‐dimensional, non‐linear warping, region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed to compare T1w/T2w ratios and MWF estimates (across participants and brain regions) in 11 bilateral white matter (WM) and four bilateral subcortical grey matter (SGM) structures extracted from the JHU_MNI_SS ‘Eve’ atlas. Although the GRASE sequence systematically underestimated T1w/T2w values compared to the FSE sequence (revealed by Bland–Altman and mountain plots), linear regressions across participants and ROIs revealed consistently high correlations between the two methods (r2 = 0.62 for all ROIs, r2 = 0.62 for WM structures and r2 = 0.73 for SGM structures). However, correlations between either FSE‐based or GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs were extremely low in WM structures (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.000020; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.0014), low across all ROIs (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.053; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.029) and moderate in SGM structures (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.20; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.17). Overall, our findings indicated a high degree of correlation (but not equivalence) between FSE‐based and GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios, and low correlations between T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs. This suggests that the two T1w/T2w ratio approaches measure similar facets of subcortical tissue microstructure, whereas T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs appear to be sensitized to different microstructural properties. On this basis, we conclude that multi‐echo GRASE sequences can be used in future studies to efficiently elucidate both general (T1w/T2w ratio) and myelin‐specific (MWF) tissue characteristics.
Proton change of parotid glands after gustatory stimulation examined by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Yi‐Jui , Lee Yi‐Hsiung , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Chiu Hui‐Chu , Chiu Ta‐Wei , Hsu Kang , Pen Cheng‐Ming , Hsu Hsian‐He , Juan Chun‐Jung
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate proton changes of the parotid gland after gustatory stimulation by semi‐quantitative parameters and an empirical mathematical model (EMM) using high‐temporal‐resolution, double‐echo, echo‐planar imaging (EPI). Approved by a local institutional review board, this study examined 20 parotid glands from 10 healthy volunteers (male:female = 6: 4; age ± standard deviation =35.1 ± 14.1 years) with written informed consent obtained. All participants underwent 1.5‐T, double‐echo EPI with gustatory stimulation. Semi‐quantitative parameters, including maximal drop ratio (MDR), time to peak (TTP), drop slope (DS), recovery slope (RS) and recovery ratio (RR), were calculated. The effect of temporal resolution on parotid functional parameters was evaluated. An EMM comprising an output function (
) and an input function (
) was also applied to fit all dynamic curves. Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, linear regression analysis and goodness of fit were used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The signal intensity dropped significantly after gustatory stimulation on the proton density (PD) image (p < 0.01). MDR was 8.26% in the PD image. MDR and RR were negatively associated with time interval, whereas DS and TTP were significantly positively associated with time interval (all p < 0.05). EMM parametric values derived from PD–time curves of parotid glands were 12.04 ± 6.81%, 6.43 ± 4.23 min–1, 88.73 ± 6.18%, 8.41 ± 4.86 min–1 and 1.09 ± 1.35 for Ao, ko, B, Ain and kin, respectively. Semi‐quantitative functional parameters and EMM parameters using high‐temporal‐resolution, double‐echo EPI allow the quantification of parotid proton changes after gustatory stimulation.
Reliability‐based topology optimization of structures under stress constraints
Authors: dos Santos Renatha Batista , Torii André Jacomel , Novotny Antonio André
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we propose an approach for reliability‐based design optimization where a structure of minimum weight subject to reliability constraints on the effective stresses is sought. The reliability‐based topology optimization problem is formulated by using the performance measure approach, and the sequential optimization and reliability assessment method is employed. This strategy allows for decoupling the reliability‐based topology optimization problem into 2 steps, namely, deterministic topology optimization and reliability analysis. In particular, the deterministic structural optimization problem subject to stress constraints is addressed with an efficient methodology based on the topological derivative concept together with a level‐set domain representation method. The resulting algorithm is applied to some benchmark problems, showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Laplace‐collocation method for solving fractional differential equations and a class of fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Rakhshan Seyed Ali , Effati Sohrab
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a new numerical technique is proposed for solving fractional differential equations where its derivative is considered in the Caputo sense. This approach is based on a combination of the Laplace transform and shifted Chebyshev‐Gauss collocation method. In addition, we used the proposed technique for solving a class of fractional optimal control problems. For confirming the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach, illustrative numerical examples are introduced with its approximate solution.
Preparation and characterization of TiO2/Pebax/(PSf‐PES) thin film nanocomposite membrane for humic acid removal from water
Authors: Cheshomi Naeema , Pakizeh Majid , Namvar‐Mahboub Mahdieh
Published: January 2018

New thin film composite (TFC) membrane was prepared via coating of Pebax on PSf‐PES blend membrane as support, and its application in wastewater treatment was investigated. To modify this membrane, hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles were coated on its surface at different loadings via dip coating technique. The as‐prepared membrane was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission SEM, and contact angle analysis. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and surface SEM images indicated that TiO2 was successfully coated on the membrane surface. In addition, the results stated that the hydrophilicity and roughness of membrane surface increased by addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Performance of TFC and modified TFC membranes was evaluated through humic acid removal from aqueous solution. Maximum permeate flux and humic acid rejection were obtained at 0.03 and 0.01 wt% TiO2 loadings, respectively. Rejection was enhanced from 96.38% to 98.92% by the increase of feed concentration from 10 to 30 ppm. Additionally, membrane antifouling parameters at different pressures and feed concentration were determined. The results indicated that surface modification of membranes could be an effective method for improvement of membrane antifouling property.
Treatment dynamics of bone‐targeting agents among men with bone metastases from prostate cancer in the United States
Authors: Butler Anne M. , Cetin Karynsa , Hernandez Rohini K. , Diane Reams B. , Overman Robert A. , I. Kim Jung , Hirsch Bradford R. , Abernethy Amy P. , Liede Alexander , Alan Brookhart M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To examine the dynamics of treatment with 2 bone‐targeting agents (BTAs)—denosumab and zoledronic acid—among men with bone metastases from prostate cancer.

Methods

Using electronic health record data from oncology practices across the US, we identified prostate cancer patients diagnosed with bone metastasis in 2012/2013 without evidence of BTA use within 6 months prior to diagnosis. We examined the risk and predictors of BTA initiation, interruption, and re‐initiation.

Results

Among 897 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the cumulative incidence of BTA initiation after bone metastasis diagnosis was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31–37%) at 30 days, 64% (95% CI, 61–68%) at 180 days, and 88% (95% CI, 85–91%) at 2 years. Denosumab was initiated more frequently than zoledronic acid. Men with diabetes, more bone lesions, history of androgen deprivation therapy, or no hospice enrollment were more likely to initiate treatment. Following initiation, the cumulative incidence of treatment interruption was 17% (95% CI, 14–19%) at 60 days and 70% (95% CI, 66–74%) at 2 years, with interruption more likely among patients receiving emerging therapies for prostate cancer or enrolling in hospice. The cumulative incidence of re‐initiation following interruption was 36.3% (95% CI, 32.7–40.2%) at 15 days, 49.8% (95% CI, 45.9–54.1%) at 30 days, and 81.0% (95% CI, 77.5–84.7%) at 1 year.

Conclusions

Bone‐targeting agent therapy is initiated by the majority of men living with bone metastases following a prostate cancer diagnosis; however, the timing of initiation is highly variable. Once on treatment, gaps or interruptions in therapy are common.
Risk factors for medication errors at admission in preoperatively screened patients
Authors: Ebbens Marieke M. , Gombert‐Handoko Kim B. , Al‐Dulaimy Muhammad , van den Bemt Patricia M.L.A. , Wesselink Elsbeth J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Preoperative screening (POS) may help to reduce medication errors at admission (MEA). However, due to the time window between POS and hospital admission, unintentional medication discrepancies may still occur and thus a second medication reconciliation at hospital admission can be necessary. Insight into potential risk factors associated with these discrepancies would be helpful to focus the second medication reconciliation on high‐risk patients.

Objective

To determine the proportion of POS patients with MEA and to identify risk factors for MEA.

Methods

This single‐centre observational cross‐sectional study included elective surgical patients between October 26 and December 18, 2015. Main exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years and daycare admissions. Medication reconciliation took place at the POS and was repeated within 30 hours of admission. Unintended discrepancies between the first and second medication reconciliation were defined as MEA. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more MEA. The association of this outcome with potential risk factors was analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 183 included patients, 60 (32.8%) patients had at least one MEA. In a multivariate model, the number of medications at POS (adjusted odds ratio 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.04‐1.30]) and respiratory disease (4.25 [1.52–11.83]) were significantly associated with MEA.

Conclusion

In one‐third of preoperatively screened patients, an MEA was found. The number of medications and respiratory comorbidities are risk factors for MEA in preoperatively screened patients.
Stiff and hierarchical chain nature of atactic and stereoregular poly(substituted methylene)s
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kenta , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Ihara Eiji , Shigehara Kiyotaka
Published: January 2018

In this study, we estimated the chain nature of atactic and stereoregular poly(substituted methylene)s containing a phenylmethoxy side chain at each main‐chain backbone carbon atom using synchrotron X‐ray scattering to understand the topological and conformational properties of these rigid polymers. The atactic poly(substituted methylene) showed a linear chain nature. Contrastingly, the stereoregular poly(substituted methylene) exhibited a random coil structure. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ionic liquid based on 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy hexopyranose cation and BF4¯, PF6¯, and ClO4¯as anions: A DFT study on the structural and electronic properties
Authors: Kheirjou Somayyeh , Fattahi Alireza
Published: January 2018

In this study, the structural and electronic properties of a carbohydrate‐based (6‐amino‐6‐deoxy hexopyranose [ADHP]) ionic liquid were explored. The interactions among 3 anions (BF4¯, PF6¯, and ClO4¯) and ADHP as cation were investigated at B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level. Based on the calculated interaction energy, it was found that PF6¯anion has the highest interaction energy with ADHP. It was found that the hydrogen bonds play an important role in the interaction of ion pairs. The nature of hydrogen bonds in the optimized ion pars was analyzed by using natural bond orbital analysis and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. The linear relationship between electron density at the bond critical points of hydrogen bonds and the interaction energy values was checked.
Distinct and heterogeneous trajectories of self‐perceived cognitive impairment among Asian breast cancer survivors
Authors: Ng Terence , Dorajoo Sreemanee Raaj , Cheung Yin Ting , Lam Yick Ching , Yeo Hui Ling , Shwe Maung , Gan Yan Xiang , Foo Koon Mian , Loh Wei‐Jen Kiley , Koo Si‐Lin , Jain Amit , Lee Guek Eng , Dent Rebecca , Yap Yoon Sim , Ng Raymond , Chan Alexandre
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Currently, there are no studies that have established the self‐perceived cognitive trajectories experienced by breast cancer patients (BCPs) post‐chemotherapy. Therefore, we characterized the long‐term trajectory of self‐perceived cognitive function among Asian early‐stage BCPs using the minimal clinically important difference of a subjective measure of cognitive function.

Methods

Early‐stage BCPs who received chemotherapy were recruited and assessed at 4 time points: Before chemotherapy initiation (T1), 6 weeks post‐chemotherapy initiation (T2), 12 weeks post‐chemotherapy initiation (T3), and 15‐months post‐chemotherapy initiation (T4). All assessments were performed approximately within 2 weeks post‐chemotherapy. Subjective and objective cognitive function were assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive (version 3) and Headminder™.

Results

A total of 166 BCPs were recruited, of whom 131 completed assessment at all time points. Using the minimal clinically important difference of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive, 5 distinct cognitive trajectories were established. Of the 131 patients, 70 (53.4%) did not report any clinically significant cognitive impairment. Twenty‐one (16.0%) patients reported acute cognitive changes during chemotherapy (T2 and/or T3) but not at T4. Forty patients (30.5%) reported clinically significant cognitive impairment at T4, of whom 18 did not report any cognitive impairment at earlier time points. Fifteen (11.5%) patients reported persistent cognitive impairment throughout all time points, while 7 (5.3%) patients reported intermittent cognitive impairment at T2 and T4 but not at T3.

Conclusion

This is the first study to establish the existence of heterogeneous cognitive trajectories based on clinically significant thresholds of self‐perceived cognitive impairment. The findings have important implications on the window for screening and management of post‐chemotherapy cognitive impairment.
Treatment of TNT Red Water Using Ice Crystallization
Authors: Jo Jeong‐Hyeon , Kim Hyoun‐Soo , Kim Kwang‐Joo
Published: January 2018

Crystallization of ice from TNT red water was studied using a scraped unit. Growth rate, crystal size distribution, and median particle size of ice crystals were measured. The effect of subcooling, temperature, growth rate, and crystal size on the treatment of red water was investigated. The relationship between ice crystal growth rate and effective distribution coefficient was correlated. From the plot of ice growth rate against subcooling degree, the order of the growth kinetic was in the range of 1.2 to 2.0 for various concentrations. The purity of ice crystals increased with increasing amounts of partial melt. Above 99 % of dinitrotoluene sulfonates in red water were removed after crystallization at a cooling rate of 1.0 K/min, a final crystallization temperature of −10 °C, and a yield of 50 %. The purity of ice crystal was significantly affected by the subcooling degree. Finally, it was shown that TNT red water of 9800 mg/L COD can be treated to provide water of 54 mg/L COD by scraped ice crystallization at a yield of 50 %.
Research on Tensile Mechanical Properties and Damage Mechanism of Composite Solid Propellants
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhi Shijun , Shen Zhibin
Published: January 2018

The study focuses on the tensile mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of composite solid propellants under extensive temperatures and strain rates. Uniaxial tensile tests of the propellant have been conducted at the temperature of +70 °C, +23 °C and −50 °C separately with strain rate changing from 0.05 %/s to 150 %/s. According to the differences of tensile mechanical properties under those three classic temperatures, the damage mechanism of composite solid propellants are investigated by numerical simulation using particle packing models under varying strain rates and temperatures. The results show that the quantity of damaged interfaces between particles and binder as well as damage evolvement extents under loading are strain rate dependent. With the rising of loading strain rates, the quantity of the damaged interfaces increases while the development of particle dewetting damage and the damage accumulation process are postponed. Especially under lower temperature, the “bifid hump” is more obvious for composite solid propellant because of binder damage dominant. The typical stress‐strain curves under different strain rates are provided finally.