bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderating effect of pay dispersion on the relationship between employee share ownership and labor productivity
Authors: Sengupta Sukanya , Yoon Yeongjoon
Published: March 2018

The moderating effect of pay dispersion on the relationship between employee share ownership (ESO) and labor productivity is examined in an unbalanced panel sample of 533 organizations (1,156 organization‐year data points) in Korea. Pay differential between job levels (vertical pay dispersion) is theorized to negatively moderate the ESO–productivity relationship. On the other hand, pay differential within a job level (horizontal pay dispersion) is theorized to positively moderate the ESO–productivity relationship. These predictions are partially supported. Consistent with the prediction, vertical pay dispersion negatively moderates the ESO–productivity relationship in that the relationship is more negative when vertical pay dispersion is high. However, we found no support for the moderating effect of horizontal pay dispersion in this relationship. The results challenge the simplistic view that pay dispersion per se can be detrimental to the ESO–productivity relationship.
Why do women engineers leave the engineering profession? The roles of work–family conflict, occupational commitment, and perceived organizational support
Authors: Singh Romila , Zhang Yejun , Wan Min (Maggie) , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the factors that underlie the relationship between work–family conflict (WFC) and women engineers' intention to leave the occupation. The study draws from three theories: Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, turnover theory, and Rhodes and Doering's (1983) integrated model of career change. We proposed that both work interference with family (WIF) and family interference with work (FIW) influence women's intention to leave an engineering occupation by decreasing their commitment to the occupation. Using insights from the above theories and models, we further examined how perceptions of support from the organization changed the relationship between commitment to the occupation and intention to leave the occupation, as well as how conflict between work and family was related to intention to leave the occupation. We tested our predictions using time‐lagged data from a sample of 245 women engineers. The results revealed that occupational commitment mediated and explained the positive relationship between FIW and occupational turnover intentions but not the relationship between WIF and occupational turnover intentions. In addition, perceptions of organizational support influenced the relationship between occupational commitment and occupational turnover intentions and also the indirect relationship between FIW and occupational turnover intentions. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings as well as future research directions are discussed.
How to Evaluate the Quality of Toxicokinetic—Toxicodynamic Models in the Context of Environmental Risk Assessment
Authors: Jager Tjalling , Ashauer Roman
Published: March 2018

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of chemicals relies on the combination of exposure and effects assessment. Exposure concentrations are commonly estimated using mechanistic fate models, but the effects side is restricted to descriptive statistical treatment of toxicity data. Mechanistic effect models are gaining interest in a regulatory context, which has also sparked discussions on model quality and good modeling practice. Proposals for good modeling practice of effect models currently focus very much on population and community models, whereas effects models also exist at the individual level, falling into the category of toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TKTD) models. In contrast to the higher-level models, TKTD models are usually completely parameterized by fitting them to experimental data. In fact, one of their explicit aims is to replace descriptive methods for data analysis. Furthermore, the construction of these models does not fit into an orderly modeling cycle, given that most TKTD models have been under continuous development for decades and are being applied by many different research groups, for many different purposes. These aspects have considerable consequences for the application of frameworks for model evaluation. For example, classical sensitivity analysis becomes rather meaningless when all model parameters are fitted to a data set. We illustrate these issues with the General Unified Threshold model for Survival (GUTS), relate them to the quality issues for currently used models in ERA, and provide recommendations for the evaluation of TKTD models and their analyses. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:604–614. ©2018 SETAC

Key Points

Mechanistic effect models, including at the individual level the toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TKTD) models, are gaining increasing interest in a regulatory context. Current frameworks for “model quality” or “good modeling practice” cannot not accommodate TKTD models, which differ in key aspects from models at higher levels of biological organization (e.g., they are completely parameterized by fitting the model to a data set). We discuss these differences and propose a different structure for evaluating models and modeling analyses, breaking up the process in 3 stages: the conceptual model, the implementation, and the application. The methods that are currently routinely used in environmental risk assessment (such as dose–response curves) should be evaluated using the same criteria as put forward for alternatives (such as TKTD models).
Genetic and clonal dissection of osteosarcoma progression and lung metastasis
Authors: Xu Huaiyuan , Zhu Xiaojun , Bao Hua , Wh Shek Tony , Huang Zongwen , Wang Yongqian , Wu Xue , Wu Yong , Chang Zhili , Wu Shuyu , Tang Qinglian , Zhang Huizhong , Han Anjia , Mc Cheung Kenneth , Zou Changye , Yau Raymond , Ho Wai‐Yip , Huang Gang , Batalha Sellma , Lu Jinchang , Song Guohui , Kang Yao , Shao Yang W. , Lam Ying Lee , Shen Jingnan , Wang Jin
Published: March 2018

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor that has a high potential to metastasize to lungs. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the dissemination of OS cancer cells to lungs. We performed whole exome sequencing of 13 OS primary tumors, with matched lung metastases and normal tissues. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that lung metastatic tumors often harbor clones that are nonexistent or rare in the matched primary OS tumors. Spatially and temporally separated lung metastases were from parallel seeding events with a polyphyletic pattern. Loss of TP53 or RB1 is among the early events during OS tumorigenesis, while loss of PTEN is involved at the later stages associated with lung metastases. Finally, KEAP1 was identified as a novel biomarker for increased metastatic risk. Patients whose primary tumors harbored KEAP1 amplification have significantly poorer lung‐metastasis free survival. This finding was validated in two independent datasets. Further, in vitro experiments exhibited that KEAP1 depletion suppressed the invasion of OS cells. Our findings uncover the patterns of clonal evolution during OS progression and highlight KEAP1 as a novel candidate associated with the risk of lung metastasis in OS patients.
A randomized, controlled trial of two strategies of offering the home‐based HPV self‐sampling test to non‐ participants in the Flemish cervical cancer screening program
Authors: Kellen Eliane , Benoy Ina , Vanden Broeck Davy , Martens Patrick , Bogers Jean‐Paul , Haelens Annemie , Van Limbergen Erik
Published: March 2018

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate different strategies of offering an HPV‐self sampling program, and compared this with two control groups. All total of 35,354 women who did not participate in the Flemish cancer screening program were included in the study: 9,118 received a HPV self‐collection brush (RIATOL qPCR HPV genotyping test (qPCR [E6/E7]); 9,098 were offered the opportunity to order an HPV‐selfsampling brush, 8,830 received the recall letter; 8,849 received no intervention. Within 12 months after the mailing, 18.7% of the women who had received the brush, participated by returning a self‐sample sample, while 10.6% women allocated to the opt‐ in group did so. 10.5% women who received the standard recall letter, had a PAP smear taken within a period of 12 months; while 8% women did so without receiving an intervention at all. Participation in postmenopausal women was higher than in women younger than 50 in both self‐sampling arms. Screening by means of the self‐sample kit increased by age, contradictory when screening is performed by a PAP smear. Of those testing hrHPV positive (9.5%), 88.9% attended for follow up cytology. The mean DNA concentration, found in the self‐sampler, decreased by age, causing a higher number of inconclusive results. Our results support the efficacy of a self‐sampling strategy to increase participation in the Flemish screening program. Self‐sampling seems particularly acceptable to postmenopausal non‐responders. Future research should focus on the performance of different self‐sampling devices in post‐menopausal women as low DNA concentrations exponentially increased over age.
Etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in West Africa, a case–control study
Authors: Jaquet Antoine , Tchounga Boris , Tanon Aristophane , Bagny Aklesso , Ekouevi Didier K. , Traore Hamar A. , Sasco Annie J. , Maiga Moussa , Dabis François
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer in West Africa where HBV infection is endemic. However, limited information is available on other risk factors such as alcohol use, HCV and HIV infection. A case–control study was conducted in referral hospitals of Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire), Bamako (Mali) and Lome (Togo). Cases were matched with controls on age, gender and participating site. The diagnosis of HCC relied on the combination of one or more space‐occupying lesions suggestive of an HCC on a standardized abdominal ultrasound and an α‐fetoprotein level ≥400 ng/ml. HIV, HBV and HCV serology were performed. Hazardous alcohol use was assessed using the AUDIT questionnaire. A conditional logistic regression model was used to measure odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 160 cases and 320 controls were included. Cases were predominantly men (80.0%) with a median age of 47 years (IQR 38–57). Hazardous alcohol use (OR = 4.5 [CI 1.1–18.5]), HBV infection (OR = 62.5 [CI 20.5–190.7]) and HCV infection OR = 35.9 [CI 10.0–130.3]) were independently associated with HCC. Combining the effect of HBV infection and alcohol, HBV‐infected hazardous drinkers had an OR = 149.8 (CI 13.5–1 667.0), HBV mono‐infected had an OR = 57.4 (CI 18.8–175.3) (ref: HBV‐negative). Aside the independent association of alcohol use and HBV and HCV infection with HCC, a synergic effect between alcohol use and HBV infection was identified. Timely screening and care of HBV infection and hazardous drinking might prevent a significant number of HCC in West Africa.
Adiposity and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women: Results from the UK Biobank prospective cohort
Authors: Guo Wenji , Key Timothy J. , Reeves Gillian K.
Published: March 2018

Body size is an important modifiable risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. However, it remains unclear whether direct measures of fat mass are better indicators of risk than anthropometric measures, or whether central adiposity may contribute to risk beyond overall adiposity. We analyzed data from 162,691 postmenopausal women in UK Biobank followed from 2006 to 2014. Body size was measured by trained technicians. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate relative risks. Analyses were stratified by age at recruitment, region and socioeconomic status, and adjusted for family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, age at first birth, parity, age at menopause, previous hormone replacement therapy use, smoking, alcohol intake, height, physical activity and ethnicity. We observed 2,913 incident invasive breast cancers during a mean 5.7 years of follow‐up. There was a continuous increase in risk of postmenopausal breast cancer with increasing adiposity, across all measures. The point estimate, comparing women in the top (median 37.6 kg) to bottom (median 17.6 kg) quartile of body fat mass was 1.70 (95% confidence interval 1.52–1.90). The magnitudes of the associations between per SD increase in BMI and body fat mass with breast cancer risk were similar, suggesting impedance measures of fat were not substantially better indicators of risk than anthropometric measures. After adjusting for body fat mass, the associations between anthropometric measures of central adiposity and breast cancer risk were attenuated. The magnitude of risk, across all measures of adiposity, was greater in women who had been postmenopausal for 12 or more years.
Garlic intake and gastric cancer risk: Results from two large prospective US cohort studies
Authors: Kim Hanseul , Keum NaNa , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. , Bao Ying
Published: March 2018

Although many case–control studies suggested that garlic intake may reduce gastric cancer risk, evidence from prospective cohort studies has been lacking. We examined the association between garlic intake and subsequent risk of gastric cancer among 77,086 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2014) and 46,398 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study (1986–2014). Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. We additionally examined garlic intake in relation to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among 613 participants using logistic regression. During up to 30 years of follow‐up, 292 participants were diagnosed with gastric cancer. The pooled multivariable RR of gastric cancer among participants who ate garlic, as compared to those who did not, were 1.11 (95% CI = 0.81–1.51) for the intake of garlic less than once per week, 0.98 (95% CI = 0.71–1.36) for one to four times per week and 1.39 (95% CI = 0.89–2.17) for five or more times per week (p for trend = 0.23). Similarly, no statistically significant association was observed cross‐sectionally between garlic intake and H. pylori infection (comparing five or more times per week to never, pooled multivariable odds ratio = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.89–3.09; p for trend = 0.11). The findings from this large prospective study do not support the hypothesis that high garlic intake reduces risk of gastric cancer.
Impact of BRCA mutations on outcomes among patients with serous endometrial cancer
Authors: Kadan Yfat , Raviv Oshrat , Segev Yakir , Lavie Ofer , Bruchim Ilan , Fishman Ami , Michaelson Rachel , Beller Uzi , Helpman Limor
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare the outcome of patients with uterine papillary serous cancer (UPSC) carrying a BRCA mutation with that of patients with UPSC who are BRCA wild‐type.

Methods

The present retrospective, multicenter cohort study included women with UPSC who were diagnosed between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2014, and were tested for the BRCA mutation at three Israeli medical centers. Data were collected from the medical records, and patient and tumor characteristics and disease outcomes were compared between BRCA mutation carriers and noncarriers. The primary outcome was overall survival.

Results

In total, 14 BRCA mutation carriers and 50 noncarriers were included. Both groups had similar treatment modalities (P=0.530). A non‐significant trend toward BRCA mutation carriers being diagnosed more frequently at an advanced stage compared with noncarriers was observed (P=0.090). Median overall survival (25 vs 37 months; P=0.442), progression‐free survival (37 vs 29 months; P=0.536), and disease‐specific survival (60 vs 39 months; P=0.316) were similar between the carrier and noncarrier groups.

Conclusions

Although not significant, BRCA mutation carriers tended to have more advanced disease at diagnosis. However, the survival was similar irrespective of the BRCA status in this small group. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of velamentous cord insertion among singleton pregnancies and the risk of preterm delivery
Authors: de los Reyes Samantha , Henderson Janice , Eke Ahizechukwu C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Observational studies have reported varying results about the association of velamentous cord insertion (VCI) with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives

To evaluate the risk of preterm delivery among singleton pregnancies complicated by VCI.

Search strategy

Various databases were searched for English‐language articles published up to February, 28, 2017, using keywords including VCI; abnormal placentation; abnormal cord insertions; adverse perinatal outcomes; and preterm birth. Outcome measures included preterm delivery; pre‐eclampsia; cesarean delivery; fetal demise in utero (FDIU); and small for gestational age (SGA).

Selection criteria

Only studies involving VCI were included in the meta‐analysis.

Data collection and analysis

Analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3.5 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark).

Main results

There were six studies included in the analysis. The VCI and control groups comprised 16 295 and 1 366 485 women, respectively. An increased incidence of preterm delivery was found for the VCI group compared with the control group (11.8% vs 7.0%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85–2.04). A diagnosis of VCI was also associated with cesarean delivery (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.12–1.23), SGA (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.83–2.04), and FDIU (aOR 3.96, 95% CI 3.21–4.89).

Conclusion

The presence of VCI was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Emerging topics in Internet technology: A complex networks approach
Authors: Khan Bisma S. , Niazi Muaz A.
Published: March 2018

Communication networks, in general, and Internet technology, in particular, are fast‐evolving areas of research. The literature in these domains is expanding at such a fast scale that it is very difficult to understand the underlying dynamics and emerging trends. While several citation databases are gradually indexing a large set of reliable content, currently the Web of Science represents one of the most highly valued databases. In this paper, we present a complex network‐based analytical approach to analyze recent data from the Web of Science in communication networks. Taking bibliographic records from the recent period of 2014 to 2017, we model and analyze complex scientometric networks. Using bibliometric coupling applied over complex citation data we present answers to cocitation patterns of documents, cooccurrence patterns of terms, as well as the most influential articles, among others, we also present key pivot points and intellectual turning points. Complex network analysis of the data demonstrates a considerably high level of interest in two key clusters labeled descriptively as “social networks” and “computer networks.” In addition, key themes in highly cited literature were clearly identified as “communication networks,” “social networks,” and “complex networks.”
Smart devices information extraction in home Wi‐Fi networks
Authors: Wang Pan , Ye Feng , Chen Xuejiao
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development of smart homes, there will be more smart devices connected to home Wi‐Fi for Internet access. Knowing the exact information of smart devices can further improve network quality‐of‐service from network operators as well as security from service providers. In this paper, we propose a scheme based on Hadoop platform and user‐defined function for smart device information extraction in home Wi‐Fi networks. The user‐defined function is developed in the proposed scheme to deal with massive amount of data that are not formatted according to published standards. The core of the proposed information extraction scheme is based on string matching a processed input data to a prebuilt smart device rule database. Testing has been conducted based on a massive dataset that was collected from real‐life home networks. The testing results demonstrate that our proposed method can accurately extract device information from home Wi‐Fi networks.
MiR‐127‐3p inhibits cell growth and invasiveness by targeting ITGA6 in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Dong , Tang Liang , Wu Huihui , Wang Kai , Gu Dongyun
Published: March 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most universal malignant bone tumors that occur mostly in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the roles of miR‐127‐3p and integrin subunit‐α 6 (ITGA6) in OS proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration, and to explore the possible molecular mechanism and target relationship. By conducting quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot, the microRNA (miRNA) and protein expressions of miR‐127‐3p and ITGA6 in both tissues and cells were determined. The expression of apoptosis and migration related were also detected by western blot. The target relationship between miR‐127‐3p and ITGA6 was predicted by TargetScan and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The biological functions of miR‐127‐3p and ITGA6 in OS were investigated by following experiments: cell counting kit 8 (CCK‐8) and colony formation assays to inspect cell proliferation, flow cytometry, and caspase 3 activity assay to examine apoptosis, and transwell and wound healing assays to analyze invasion and migration. Significant down‐regulation of miR‐127‐3p and up‐regulation of ITGA6 was found out in OS tissues and cells. ITGA6 was proved to be the downstream target gene of miR‐127‐3p and functioned as a tumor promotor in OS, while miR‐127‐3p restrained deterioration of OS by suppressing cell viability, reducing migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis. MiR‐127‐3p suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration while stimulated apoptosis of OS cells through knocking down ITGA6. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):411–419, 2018
The role of lipids in host–pathogen interactions
Authors: Walpole Glenn F. W. , Grinstein Sergio , Westman Johannes
Published: March 2018

Innate immunity relies on the effective recognition and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. This entails sequestration of pathogens into phagosomes that promptly acquire microbicidal and degradative properties. This complex series of events, which involve cytoskeletal reorganization, membrane remodeling and the activation of multiple enzymes, is orchestrated by lipid signaling. To overcome this immune response, intracellular pathogens acquired mechanisms to subvert phosphoinositide‐mediated signaling and use host lipids, notably cholesterol, as nutrients. We present brief overviews of the role of phosphoinositides in phagosome formation and maturation as well as of cholesterol handling by host cells, and selected Salmonella, Shigella, Chlamydia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to exemplify the mechanisms whereby intracellular pathogens co‐opt lipid metabolism in host cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):384–392, 2018
Anxiolytic effect of anacardic acids from cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell in mice
Authors: Gomes Júnior Antonio Luiz , Tchekalarova Jana Dimitrova , Machado Keylla da Conceição , Moura Arkellau Kenned Silva , Paz Márcia Fernanda Correia Jardim , da Mata Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira , Nogueira Tiago Rocha , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Rios Maria Alexsandra de Sousa , Graças Lopes Citó Antônia Maria das , Uddin Shaikh Jamal , Shilpi Jamil A. , Das Asish K. , Lopes Luciano da Silva , Melo‐Cavalcante Ana Amélia de Carvalho
Published: March 2018

Antianxiety drugs currently in use are associated with a number of serious side effects. Present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of anacardic acids (AAs) isolated from cashew nut (Anacardium occidentaleL.) shell liquid (CNSL) to treat anxiety as well as its role in oxidative stress in mice model. Anxiolytic effect of AA was evaluated using rota‐rod and a set of behavioral tests in male Swiss albino mice at the doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg. Flumazenil was used to evaluate the possible involvement of GABAergic system in the mechanism of action of AA. The effect of AA on oxidative stress in mice was evaluated by determining the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, and catalase (CAT) activity. The detection of DNA damage of the treated animals was performed using alkaline comet test in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the animals. The results demonstrated that AA did not produce myorelaxant and sedative effects, nor did it cause a decrease in locomotor activity. The anxiolytic effect of AA was well‐evident in all tests, especially at higher dose levels (25 and 50 mg/mg). Flumazenil reversed the anxiolytic effect of AA at all doses. In addition, AA reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the concentration of MDA and increasing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and CAT activity. Statistical analysis by Pearson's correlation indicated a positive correlation between anxiolytic effect of AA to its antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. Furthermore, increased CAT activity and GSH concentrations in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice was also complementary to the reduced genotoxic damage observed in the study. In comet assay, AA did not increase in DNA damage. In conclusion, the results supported that AA possesses GABAAreceptor mediated anxiolytic activity with the lack of myorelaxation and genotoxicity. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):420–431, 2018
Subchronic cadmium exposure upregulates the mRNA level of genes associated to hepatic lipid metabolism in adult female CD1 mice
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Yan , Fu Lin , Feng Yu‐Jie , Ji Yan‐Li , Wang Hua , Xu De‐Xiang
Published: March 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent environmental and occupational contaminant that accumulates in humans and shows adverse effects on health. Accumulating evidence reveals that environmental Cd exposure is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic alterations in adult male mice. However, whether Cd exposure induces hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic alterations in female mice remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cd exposure on insulin resistance, hepatic lipid accumulation and associated metabolic pathways. Female CD1 mice were administrated with CdCl2 (10 and 100 mg l–1) by drinking water. We found that Cd exposure did not induce obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation. By contrary, mice in the Cd‐100 mg l–1 group presented a significant reduction of the glucose area under the curve during the glucose tolerance test. However, there was a significant elevation in the mRNA level of Fasn and Scd‐1, which were critical genes during hepatic fatty acid synthesis. Moreover, hepatic Fabp1 and Fabp4, two genes for hepatic fatty acid uptake were upregulated in Cd‐treated mice. Of interest, Lpl, a key gene for hepatic lipoprotein lysis, was also upregulated in Cd‐treated mice. Collectively, our results suggest that Cd exposure upregulated mRNA level of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism although there was no insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation shown in the present study.
Assessing hyperthermia‐induced vasodilation in human skin in vivo using optoacoustic mesoscopy
Authors: Berezhnoi Andrei , Schwarz Mathias , Buehler Andreas , Ovsepian Saak V. , Aguirre Juan , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the unique imaging abilities of optoacoustic mesoscopy to visualize skin structures and microvasculature with the view of establishing a robust approach for monitoring heat‐induced hyperemia in human skin in vivo. Using raster‐scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), we investigated whether optoacoustic (photoacoustic) mesoscopy can identify changes in skin response to local heating at microvasculature resolution in a cross‐sectional fashion through skin in the human forearm. We visualized the heat‐induced hyperemia for the first time with single‐vessel resolution throughout the whole skin depth. We quantified changes in total blood volume in the skin and their correlation with local heating. In response to local heating, total blood volume increased 1.83‐ and 1.76‐fold, respectively, in the volar and dorsal aspects of forearm skin. We demonstrate RSOM imaging of the dilation of individual vessels in the skin microvasculature, consistent with hyperemic response to heating at the skin surface. Our results demonstrate great potential of RSOM for elucidating the morphology, functional state and reactivity of dermal microvasculature, with implications for diagnostics and disease monitoring. Image: Cross‐sectional view of skin microvasculature dilated in response to hyperthermia.
Sensitive Leptospira DNA detection using tapered optical fiber sensor
Authors: Zainuddin Nurul H. , Chee Hui Y. , Ahmad Muhammad Z. , Mahdi Mohd A. , Abu Bakar Muhammad H. , Yaacob Mohd H.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the development of tapered optical fiber sensor to detect a specific Leptospira bacteria DNA. The bacteria causes Leptospirosis, a deadly disease but with common early flu‐like symptoms. Optical single mode fiber (SMF) of 125 μm diameter is tapered to produce 12 μm waist diameter and 15 cm length. The novel DNA‐based optical fiber sensor is functionalized by incubating the tapered region with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), (3‐Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde. Probe DNA is immobilized onto the tapered region and subsequently hybridized by its complementary DNA (cDNA). The transmission spectra of the DNA‐based optical fiber sensor are measured in the 1500 to 1600 nm wavelength range. It is discovered that the shift of the wavelength in the SMF sensor is linearly proportional with the increase in the cDNA concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0 nM. The sensitivity of the sensor toward DNA is measured to be 1.2862 nm/nM and able to detect as low as 0.1 fM. The sensor indicates high specificity when only minimal shift is detected for non‐cDNA testing. The developed sensor is able to distinguish between actual DNA of Leptospira serovars (Canicola and Copenhageni) against Clostridium difficile (control sample) at very low (femtomolar) target concentrations.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel biodegradable Mg‐Ag‐Y alloys for use as resorbable bone fixation implant
Authors: Yu Kun , Dai Yilong , Luo Zhongwei , Long Haitao , Zeng Min , Li Zhaohui , Zhu Jianxi , Cheng Liang , Zhang Yu , Liu Hui , Zhu Yong
Published: March 2018

Magnesium (Mg) alloy is gaining more interest because of its degradability and osteogenic potential. Still, it has some deficiencies, such as its rapid degradation rate, insufficient mechanical property. This research aimed to design a novel biodegradable Mg‐argentum (Ag)‐yttrium (Y) alloy, and Y was added to improve degradable and mechanical property. Mg‐Ag‐Y alloys were characterized for mechanical features, practicabilities in vitro and in vivo. The mechanical features results shown that this novel component was similar to native bone tissue in elastic moduli, tensile, and compressive stress. Then mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded in alloys to assess cell toxicity in vitro. The results showed that its aqueous extract was suitable for MSCs adhesion and proliferation. Then the alloy was evaluated for biomedical applications in nonfractured distal femora of Sprague Dawley rats for 6 weeks, compared with those of pure‐Mg and stainless steel groups. All rats survived, and hematological and histological evaluation showed no abnormal physiology 6 weeks postimplantation, and measurements of serum Mg2+ concentration were within normal levels. X‐ray scanning, microcomputed tomography, and histological examinations were performed to evaluate the degradability and osteogenic potential. The results indicated that the degradation rate of alloy was 0.91 mm per year, (range 0.77–1.22 mm), and pure‐Mg 1.80 mm per year (1.43–2.26 mm). The new bone quantity was 3.18 mm3 (1.46–4.44 mm3) in Mg‐Ag‐Y alloys group, 1.39 mm3 (0.54–2.32 mm3) in pure‐Mg group, and none in stainless steel group. These promising results suggest potential clinical application of Mg‐Ag‐Y alloys for use as resorbable bone fixation implant. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2059–2069, 2018.
Evaluation of the temporary effect of physical vapor deposition silver coating on resistance to infection in transdermal skin and bone integrated pylon with deep porosity
Authors: Shevtsov Maxim A. , Yudintceva Natalia M. , Blinova Miralda I. , Voronkina Irina V. , Suslov Dmitriy N. , Galibin Oleg V. , Gavrilov Dmitriy V. , Akkaoui Michael , Raykhtsaum Grigoriy , Albul Andrey V. , Pitkin Emil , Pitkin Mark
Published: March 2018

Periprosthetic infection via skin‐implant interface is a leading cause of failures and revisions in direct skeletal attachment of limb prostheses. Implants with deep porosity fabricated with skin and bone integrated pylons (SBIP) technology allow for skin ingrowth through the implant's structure creating natural barrier against infection. However, until the skin cells remodel in all pores of the implant, additional care is required to prevent from entering bacteria to the still nonoccupied pores. Temporary silver coating was evaluated in this work as a means to provide protection from infection immediately after implantation followed by dissolution of silver layer in few weeks. A sputtering coating with 1 µm thickness was selected to be sufficient for fighting infection until the deep ingrowth of skin in the porous structure of the pylon is completed. In vitro study showed less bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) growth on silver coated tablets compared to the control group. Analysis of cellular density of MG‐63 cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed that silver coating did not inhibit the cell growth on the implants and did not affect cellular functional activity. The in vivo study did not show any postoperative complications during the 6‐month observation period in the model of above‐knee amputation in rabbits when SBIP implants, either silver‐coated or untreated were inserted into the bone residuum. Three‐phase scintigraphy demonstrated angiogenesis in the pores of the pylons. The findings suggest that a silver coating with well‐chosen specifications can increase the safety of porous implants for direct skeletal attachment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 169–177, 2019.
Bridges of biomaterials promote nigrostriatal pathway regeneration
Authors: Gómez‐Pinedo Ulises , Sanchez‐Rojas Leyre , Vidueira Sandra , Sancho Francisco J. , Martínez‐Ramos Cristina , Lebourg Myriam , Monleón Pradas Manuel , Barcia Juan A.
Published: March 2018

Repair of central nervous system (CNS) lesions is difficulted by the lack of ability of central axons to regrow, and the blocking by the brain astrocytes to axonal entry. We hypothesized that by using bridges made of porous biomaterial and permissive olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG), we could provide a scaffold to permit restoration of white matter tracts. We implanted porous polycaprolactone (PCL) bridges between the substantia nigra and the striatum in rats, both with and without OEG. We compared the number of tyrosine‐hydroxylase positive (TH+) fibers crossing the striatal‐graft interface, and the astrocytic and microglial reaction around the grafts, between animals grafted with and without OEG. Although TH+ fibers were found inside the grafts made of PCL alone, there was a greater fiber density inside the graft and at the striatal‐graft interface when OEG was cografted. Also, there was less astrocytic and microglial reaction in those animals. These results show that these PCL grafts are able to promote axonal growth along the nigrostriatal pathway, and that cografting of OEG markedly enhances axonal entry inside the grafts, growth within them, and re‐entry of axons into the CNS. These results may have implications in the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's and others associated with lesions of central white matter tracts. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 190–196, 2019.
Magnetoelastic galfenol as a stent material for wirelessly controlled degradation rates
Authors: DeRouin Andrew , Guillory Roger , He Weilue , Frost Megan , Goldman Jeremy , Ong Keat Ghee
Published: March 2018

The gold standard of care for coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death for in the world, is balloon angioplasty in conjunction with stent deployment. However, implantation injuries and long‐term presence of foreign material often promotes significant luminal tissue growth, leading to a narrowing of the artery and severely restricted blood flow. A promising method to mitigate this process is the use of biodegradable metallic stents, but thus far they have either degraded too slowly (iron) or disappeared prematurely (magnesium). The present work investigates the use of a unique type of magnetic material, galfenol (iron‐gallium), for postoperative wireless control of stent degradation rates. Due to its magnetoelastic property, galfenol experiences longitudinal micron‐level elongations when exposed to applied magnetic fields, allowing generation of a microstirring effect that affect its degradation behavior. In vitro indirect cytotoxicity tests on primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells indicated that galfenol byproducts must be concentrated approximately seven times from collected 60 day degradation medium to cause ∼15% of death from all cells. Surface and cross‐sectional characterization of the material indicate that galfenol (Fe80Ga20) degradation rates (∼0.55% per month) are insufficient for stenting applications. While this material may not be ideal for comprising the entire stent, there is potential for use in combination with other materials. Furthermore, the ability to control degradation rates postimplantation opens new possibilities for biodegradable stents; additional magnetoelastic materials should be investigated for use in stenting applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 232–241, 2019.
Correlating S100B with disease course in a case of new onset, acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): Could this be a new predictive biomarker in TTP?
Authors: Kuhlman Patrick , Miller Peter , Farland Andrew , Owen John , Batt Katharine
Published: March 2018

Acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an aggressive thrombotic microangiopathy that if not treated, can have a 90% mortality rate. Clinical manifestations of this disease include profound thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and end‐organ dysfunction. Neurologic symptoms can occur in 80% of patients and range from mild confusion to coma (Scully et al., Br J Haematol 142:819‐826). Here, we present the clinical course of a patient diagnosed with new onset acquired TTP who presented with neurologic changes that waxed and waned during her disease course. In addition to usual clinical and laboratory markers for TTP severity and activity, we also collected and analyzed the protein S100B, an astroglial protein studied as a marker for central nervous system injury and impairment of the blood‐brain barrier. Our hypothesis here is that because TTP involves endovascular damage, S100B could function as a biomarker for neurologic dysfunction and ultimately, predict disease activity. As illustrated in this case, our patient's S100B levels did appear to correlate with TTP disease activity and the trajectory of this protein seemed a better predictor of cognitive function. Furthermore, increased S100B velocity seemed to be the earliest indicator of a refractory TTP disease process requiring more intensive plasma exchange (TPE) therapy regimen. Therefore, we would suggest that S100B is a promising predictive biomarker of disease activity in guiding the intensity of TPE therapy for TTP as well as cognitive function.
TopoMS: Comprehensive topological exploration for molecular and condensed‐matter systems
Authors: Bhatia Harsh , Gyulassy Attila G. , Lordi Vincenzo , Pask John E. , Pascucci Valerio , Bremer Peer‐Timo
Published: March 2018

We introduce TopoMS, a computational tool enabling detailed topological analysis of molecular and condensed‐matter systems, including the computation of atomic volumes and charges through the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, as well as the complete molecular graph. With roots in techniques from computational topology, and using a shared‐memory parallel approach, TopoMS provides scalable, numerically robust, and topologically consistent analysis. TopoMS can be used as a command‐line tool or with a GUI (graphical user interface), where the latter also enables an interactive exploration of the molecular graph. This paper presents algorithmic details of TopoMS and compares it with state‐of‐the‐art tools: Bader charge analysis v1.0 (Arnaldsson et al., 01/11/17) and molecular graph extraction using Critic2 (Otero‐de‐la‐Roza et al., Comput. Phys. Commun. 2014, 185, 1007). TopoMS not only combines the functionality of these individual codes but also demonstrates up to 4× performance gain on a standard laptop, faster convergence to fine‐grid solution, robustness against lattice bias, and topological consistency. TopoMS is released publicly under BSD License. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neighborhood social processes as moderators between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms for African American adolescents
Authors: Saleem Farzana T. , Busby Danielle R. , Lambert Sharon F.
Published: March 2018

Racial discrimination is associated with numerous psychological consequences, including increased depressive symptoms for African American adolescents (Brody et al., 2006; Wong, Eccles, & Sameroff, 2003). Adolescents’ perceptions of their neighborhood can influence how youth interpret and manage racial discrimination (Sampson, Morenoff, & Gannon‐Rowley, 2002). Yet little is known about how adolescent perceptions of neighborhood cohesion and neighborhood disorganization protect or exacerbate the effects of racial discrimination, or how these effects vary by youth's gender. Therefore, the current study examined whether neighborhood social cohesion and neighborhood disorganization moderated the association between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms for African American adolescents and how the effects differ for boys and girls. Participants were 106 African American adolescents (57% female; mean age 15.14) from an urban metropolitan area. Regression analyses suggest that perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion protected against racial discrimination for boys and girls. Additionally, the results indicate that when boys perceive less neighborhood disorganization, racial discrimination has a greater influence on their depressive symptoms. Findings have implications for intervention and prevention efforts that enhance and utilize positive neighborhood social processes for youth contending with racial discrimination.
A Path to More Enduring Happiness: Take a Detour from Specific Emotional Goals
Authors: Rodas Maria A. , Ahluwalia Rohini , Olson Nicholas J.
Published: March 2018

Although much of consumption behavior is prompted by the pursuit of happiness, enduring happiness remains elusive, since happiness is destined to adaptation. Our research identifies a novel yet simple method of slowing hedonic adaptation from consumption activities: reducing specificity of the happiness goal. We propose that in the realm of happiness, contrary to findings from other domains, having a general (e.g., feeling good) versus a specific (e.g., excitement) emotional goal might hold the key to more enduring happiness. One lab experiment and a longitudinal study demonstrate general (vs. specific) goals expand the breadth of emotions experienced from consumption activities, which in turn impact the top‐of‐mind awareness of the consumption target over time; higher top‐of‐mind awareness of the target allows one to continue to derive happiness from it. Importantly, the happiness advantage of general emotional goals strengthens over time. Given a significant tendency by consumers to pursue specific happiness goals (as three pilot studies reveal), a simple change in the way they formulate their happiness goals could be consequential for consumer wellbeing.
Tubular dentin sealer penetration after different final irrigation protocols: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Machado Ricardo , Cruz Alessandra Timponi Goes , de Araujo Bianca Marques de Mattos , Klemz Adriane Antoniw , Klug Hellen Pontes , da Silva Neto Ulisses Xavier
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate tubular dentin sealer penetration, comparing different final irrigation protocols using a conventional needle (CONV), EndoActivator system (EAS), EndoVac system (EVS), and ultrasound (PUI). Initially, fifty‐two first maxillary molars with a single canal in the palatal root, without abrupt curvatures, resorptive processes, or previous endodontic treatment were selected for this study. Then, the crowns were sectioned to obtain palatal roots 15 mm in length. The root canals were prepared with the ProTaper Universal System and irrigated with 5% NaOCl. Afterwards, the specimens were divided into four groups (n. 13), according to the final irrigation protocol: CONV, EAS, EVS, and PUI. After filling, slices at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex were obtained for analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two‐way comparisons between the groups and the levels were performed with Games Howell's test (p < .05). Tubular dentin sealer penetration was higher at 5 mm compared with 3 mm from the apex (p < .05). The EAS group showed a higher percentage of tubular dentin sealer penetration, compared with the CONV group, at both levels. At 3 mm, there was no statistically significant difference among EAS, EVS, and PUI; however, these groups showed better performance, compared with the CONV group. At 5 mm, there was no statistically significant difference between the EAS and EVS groups, but both showed higher sealer penetration than the PUI group (p < .05). The EAS and EVS groups achieved better degrees of tubular dentin sealer penetration, compared with the other groups.
Three‐dimensional visualization of rat retina by X‐ray differential phase contrast tomographic microscopy
Authors: Liu Xue‐Huan , Yin Hong‐Xia , Zhu Hua , Wang Zhen‐Tian , Zhao Peng‐Fei , Lv Han , Ding He‐Yu , Li Jing , Zhang Peng , Wang Zheng , Wang Peng , Wang Zhen‐Chang
Published: March 2018

The retina is one of the most tiny and sophisticated tissues of the body. Three dimensional (3D) visualization of the whole retina is valuable both in clinical and research arenas. The tissue has been predominantly assessed by time‐consuming histopathology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in research and clinical arenas. However, none of the two methods can provide 3D imaging of the retina. The purpose of this study is to give a volumetric visualization of rat retina at submicron resolution, using an emerging imaging technique‐phase‐contrast X‐ray CT. A Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat eye specimen was scanned with X‐ray differential phase contrast tomographic microscopy (DPC‐microCT) equipped at the Swiss Light Source synchrotron. After scanning, the specimen was subjected to routine histology procedures and severed as a reference. The morphological characteristics and signal features of the retina in the DPC‐microCT images were evaluated. The total retina and its sublayers thicknesses were measured on the DPC‐microCT images and compared with those obtained from the histological sections. The retina structures revealed by DPC‐microCT were highly consistent with the histological section. In this study, we achieved nondestructive 3D visualization of SD rat retina. In addition to detailed anatomical structures, the objective parameters provided by DPC‐microCT make it a useful tool for retinal research and disease diagnosis in the early stage.