bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of spatiotemporal variation in ranavirus distribution using eDNA
Authors: Vilaça Sibelle Torres , Grant Samantha A. , Beaty Lynne , Brunetti Craig R. , Congram Megan , Murray Dennis L. , Wilson Chris C. , Kyle Christopher J.
Published: November 2019

Amphibian population declines have been associated with emerging diseases including ranaviruses, which can cause mass die‐offs across entire amphibian communities. Understanding and mitigating disease spread requires knowledge of spatial and temporal patterns of pathogen distribution, but also how environmental factors influence pathogen occurrence. We applied environmental DNA (eDNA) detection tools to survey spatial and temporal distributions of ranaviruses by sampling 103 waterbodies in southeastern Ontario, Canada and assessed the role of abiotic factors as predictors of pathogen occurrence. Ten waterbodies sampled during June–August (>30 km between sites) revealed that ranavirus was marginally more prevalent (p = .055) during the latter part of the summer. Ninety‐three sites sampled at a finer scale (<10 km between sites) exhibited seasonal variability in ranavirus detection (site prevalence: 56% May; 66% July). Occupancy modeling revealed that wetland size and elevation influenced ranavirus occurrence while sampling date and water temperature influenced probability of detection. These findings indicate that biotic factors, such as host density and alternative hosts, should be investigated further as likely determinants of ranavirus prevalence across the landscape. Further, these results highlight the sensitivity of eDNA for detecting widespread presence of ranavirus and that abiotic factors may have a limited role in determining its prevalence and infectivity.
Decorated Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Ligands: Powerful Chemical Tools for the Design of Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Cador Olivier , Le Guennic Boris , Ouahab Lahcène , Pointillart Fabrice
Published: November 2019

This Minireview covers the design and characterization of coordination lanthanide complexes involving TTF‐based ligands. The specific design of TTF‐based ligands allowed the isolation of complexes with magnetic properties such as Single‐Molecule Magnets (SMMs) behavior and the studies of magnetic modulations due to supramolecular interaction, molecular engineering, magnetic dilution as well as isotopic enrichment. A careful design leads to TTF‐based ligands displaying several coordination sites in order to rationally elaborate polynuclear systems with multi‐SMM behavior or to auto‐assembly SMMs. Their redox activity allowed the investigation of coordination lanthanide complexes in several oxidation states and their consequences on optical and magnetic properties. The complete experimental and theoretical studies of such systems contributed to the understanding of the magnetic properties of lanthanide ions for futures applications in high density storage and quantum computing.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2,6‐Disubstituted‐1,2,3,6‐Tetrahydropyridines through a Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Amination
Authors: Visseq Alexia , Boibessot Thibaut , Nauton Lionel , Théry Vincent , Anizon Fabrice , Abrunhosa‐Thomas Isabelle
Published: November 2019

An efficient synthesis of 2,6‐disubstituted‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridines is reported, featuring a highly diastereoselective palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular allylic amination from non‐activated alcohols. This method allowed a straightforward access to 2,6‐trans‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridines with de up to 100 % under mild conditions, in moderate to good yields.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition of In Situ Generated Aza‐Quinone Methides for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Furo/pyrano[3,2‐c]tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Vishwakarma Dharmendra S.
Published: November 2019

The TMSOTf catalyzed intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of in situ generated aza‐o‐quinone methide allows an expedient, stereoselective access to cis/trans‐fused furo/pyrano[3,2‐c]tetrahydroquinolines with excellent yields and diastereoselectivity. The geometry of the dienophile olefin was found to have a profound effect on the stereochemical outcome of these reactions.
Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au Nanocomposite Prepared for Electrochemical Determination of Quercetin in Food Samples and Biological Fluids
Authors: Saljooqi Asma , Shamspur Tayebeh , Mostafavi Ali
Published: November 2019

A new electrochemical sensor based on Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au nanocomposite was fabricated for modification of glassy carbon electrode (Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au GCE). The Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au nanocomposite was characterized by TEM, FESEM‐EDS‐Mapping, XRD, and TGA methods. The Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au GC electrode exhibited an acceptable sensitivity, fast electrochemical response, and good selectivity for determination of quercetin. Under optimal conditions, the linear range for quercetin concentrations using this sensor was 1.0×10−8 to 1.5×10−5 mol L−1, and the limit of detection was 3.8×10−9 mol L−1. The results illustrated that the offered sensor could be a possible alternative for the measurement of quercetin in food samples and biological fluids.
Direct Determination of Cu2+ Based on the Electrochemical Catalytic Reaction of Fe3+/Cu2+
Authors: Ma Xiangyu , Qian Kun , Kandawa‐Schulz Martha , Miao Weimin , Wang Yihong
Published: November 2019

Copper ion (Cu2+) is one of the heavy metal ions which has been considered as a severe pollutant affecting the environment and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to detect Cu2+ sensitively and conveniently in food and drinks. However, the gold standard method that inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is expensive equipment required and time‐consuming. In this work, a highly sensitive and facile electrochemical method was studied to directly determine the concentration of Cu2+ without cumbersome modification on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In the presence of ferric ion (Fe3+), Cu2+ could play a role of catalyst in the detection system, and the electrochemical signal of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response to Cu2+ could be amplified obviously. Under the optimal conditions, a good linear relationship was obtained in the range of 1 nM to 5 μM with a detection limit of 57.5 pM (S/N=3) were obtained. Besides, the proposed method has good applicability for the detection of Cu2+ in tap water. Furthermore, the copper complex was detected and the results were indicated the proposed method was effective and sensitive.
Bioaccumulation and Distribution Behavior of Endosulfan on a Cichlid Fish: Differences Between Exposure to the Active Ingredient and a Commercial Formulation
Authors: Da Cuña Rodrigo Hérnan , Lo Nostro Fabiana Laura , Shimabukuro Valeria , Ondarza Paola Mariana , Miglioranza Karina Silvia Beatriz
Published: November 2019

Persistent organic pollutants reach aquatic ecosystems during application and can bioconcentrate/biomagnify because of their lipophilic nature. Toxicological studies focus almost exclusively on the active ingredients of pesticides, instead of commercial formulations, whose toxicity can differ as a result of nonspecified ingredients. The intensive use of endosulfan as a wide-ranging insecticide over the last few decades makes it one of the most frequently detected contaminants in the aquatic environment, even after it has been restricted worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation and organ distribution of waterborne endosulfan in the freshwater fish Cichlasoma dimerus, comparing the active ingredient and a commercial formulation. Males were exposed to 0.7 μg/L endosulfan for 2 wk, which was quantified (gas chromatography with an electron capture detector) in the liver, testes, gills, brain, and muscle. The results suggest rapid metabolism of α-endosulfan and β-endosulfan isomers to endosulfan sulfate (endosulfan-S) in tissues. Isomer levels were highest in gills, indicative of recent uptake. Levels of endosulfan-S were highest in liver and testes for the active ingredient and testes and brain for the commercial formulation. For the active ingredient, endosulfan-S levels showed a positive correlation with organ-lipid percentage. No correlation was evident for the commercial formulation, indicating that the presence of adjuvants alters endosulfan distribution because gills and liver showed a higher uptake and mobilization of β-endosulfan. These differences in organ distribution may alter tissue-specific toxicity; therefore, additives cannot be considered inactive even if nontoxic. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:604–611. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Bioaccumulation and organ distribution of endosulfan isomers and their main metabolite endosulfan sulfate differed when fish were exposed to the active ingredient alone or to a commercial formulation. These differences in organ distribution may alter tissue-specific toxicity; therefore, additives present in commercial formulations cannot be considered inactive even if nontoxic. ES = endosulfan; ES-S = endosulfan sulfate; GC-ECD = gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector.
Anatomical subsite modifies survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: National Cancer Database study
Authors: Tham Tristan , Ahn Seungjun , Frank Douglas , Kraus Dennis , Costantino Peter
Published: November 2019

Background

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) can occur in either tonsillar related areas (TRA) or nontonsillar areas (nTRA). The prognostic differences between these sites are unclear. This study investigated this question using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), controlling for other confounders including human papillomavirus (HPV) status.

Methods

This NCDB study was conducted by stratifying the HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer cohort into two primary groups, TRA and nTRA. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was stratified according to HPV status, and further analysis was conducted using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

A total of 23 297 patients were included in this study. In the multivariable cox regression analysis, OPSCC subsite was found to be an independent prognostic factor for survival (TRA vs nTRA HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67‐0.86, P < .0001).

Conclusion

In this large cohort, OPSCC subsite was found to be an independent prognostic factor for survival.
Heat transfer and buoyancy‐driven convective MHD flow of nanofluids impinging over a thin needle moving in a parallel stream influenced by Prandtl number
Authors: Nayak M. K. , Mabood F. , Makinde O. D.
Published: November 2019

The current study focuses on investigating the influence of transverse magnetic field, variable viscosity, buoyancy, variable Prandtl number, viscous dissipation, Joulian dissipation, and heat generation on the flow of nanofluids over thin needle moving in parallel stream. The theory of nanofluids that includes the Buongiorno model featured by slip mechanism, such as Brownian motion and thermophoresis, has been implemented. Further, convective boundary condition and zero mass flux condition are considered. The nondimensionally developed boundary layer equations have been solved by Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method with shooting technique for different values of parameters. The most relevant outcomes of the present study are that the augmented magnetic field strength, viscosity parameter, buoyancy ratio parameter, and the size of the needle undermine the flow velocity, establishing thicker velocity boundary layer while Richardson number and Brownian motion show opposite trend. Another most important outcome is that increase in the size of the needle, viscous dissipation, convective heating, and heat generation upsurges the fluid temperature, leading to improvement in thermal boundary layer. The effects of different natural parameters on wall shear stress and heat and mass transfer rates have been discussed.
5‐HT2c agonist, lorcaserin, reduces aggressive responding in intermittent explosive disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Coccaro Emil F. , Lee Royce J.
Published: November 2019

Rationale

Impulsive aggressive behavior is associated with reduced central function of serotonin (5‐HT). Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can reduce such behaviors, many with history of impulsive aggression do not respond adequately to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and may require treatment with a direct 5‐HT agonist.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that pretreatment with the selective 5‐HT2c agonist, lorcaserin, can reduce aggressive responding in impulsively aggressive individuals.

Methods

Ten male and female adults were given lorcaserin (20 mg), or a matching placebo, in random order, on 2 days separated by at least 1 week. The Taylor aggression paradigm was used to assess aggressive responding, which was represented by mean shock setting administered to an opponent and by frequency of setting high and extreme shock levels to the opponent.

Results

Compared with placebo, lorcaserin attenuated provoked, but not unprovoked, aggression during the Taylor aggression paradigm. This was manifest by reduction in the frequency of selecting high and extreme levels of shock against the opponent.

Conclusion

Lorcaserin may possess anti‐aggressive properties that could prove useful in the treatment of impulsive aggressive behavior in human subjects. These data, thus, provide a rationale for a follow‐up randomized clinical trial of lorcaserin in individuals with prominent histories of impulsive aggressive behavior.
Costs and benefits of cultural value mismatch in the globalising era: A commentary on the special issue “cross‐cultural value mismatch: A by‐product of migration and population diversity around the world” (IJP, December, 2018)
Authors: Shengtao Wu Michael
Published: November 2019

In this commentary, the author first seeks to counterbalance the current focus on the cost of cultural value mismatch by calling attention to ample evidence in the literature that value mismatch can produce cultural adaptation and resilience in the long run, besides promoting cultural innovations and individual creativity. Second, we propose three factors that differentiate the benefits from the costs of cultural value mismatch. Personal orientation towards integrating heritage and host culture, accurate perception of cultural value differences, and supportive multicultural environments are associated with benefits. In contrast, dichotomous orientation towards one or the other culture, exaggeration of value differences between heritage and host culture, and assimilationist social environments are associated with costs. Third, our analysis of the decoupling between cultural values and ecological niches in the special issue led to observation of bidirectionality in cultural value mismatch: Whereas most articles in the Special Issue focus on the cross‐cultural value mismatch that occurs when people move from a more rural, low‐resource, less technological ecology into a more urban, high‐resource, more technological ecology, we were able to document the effects of value mismatch when movement occurs in the opposite direction.
Poly (hexamethylene biguanide), adsorbed onto Ti‐Al‐V alloys, kills slime‐producing Staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa without inhibiting SaOs‐2 cell differentiation
Authors: Hornschuh Melanie , Zwicker Paula , Schmidt Thomas , Finke Birgit , Kramer Axel , Müller Gerald
Published: November 2019

Antimicrobial coating of implant material with poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) may be an eligible method for preventing implant‐associated infections. In the present study, an antibacterial effective amount of PHMB is adsorbed on the surface of titanium alloy after simple chemical pretreatment. Either oxidation with 5% H2O2 for 24 hr or processing for 2 hr in 5 M NaOH provides the base for the subsequent formation of a relatively stable self‐assembled PHMB layer. Compared with an untreated control group, adsorbed PHMB produces no adverse effects on SaOs‐2 cells within 48 hr cell culture, but promotes the initial attachment and spreading of the osteoblasts within 15 min. Specimens were inoculated with slime‐producing bacteria to simulate a perioperative infection. Adsorbed PHMB reacts bactericidally against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after surface contact. Adhered SaOs‐2 cells differentiate and produce alkaline phosphatase and deposit calcium within 4 days in a mineralization medium on PHMB‐coated Ti6Al4V surfaces, which have been precontaminated with S. epidermidis. The presented procedures provide a simple method for generating biocompatibly and antimicrobially effective implant surfaces that may be clinically important.
The characteristics of mussel‐inspired nHA/OSA injectable hydrogel and repaired bone defect in rabbit
Authors: Liu Chen , Wu Juan , Gan Donglin , Li Zhiqiang , Shen Jun , Tang Pengfei , Luo Shiyu , Li Pengfei , Lu Xiong , Zheng Wei
Published: November 2019

With the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques in orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery combined with injection of bone repair materials has attracted increasing attention for the treatment of bone defects. Inspired by material in mussels, we decorated nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) with dopamine (DA) to form polydopamine (PDA)‐decorated nHA (PHA). Then, we introduced PHA into a Schiff base reaction of oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) and gelatin (Gel) to prepare an injectable bone repair hydrogel under mild conditions. Subsequently, the injectability, morphology, mechanical, swelling, and degradation properties of the hydrogel were studied. Then, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cocultured with the hydrogels to investigate the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation properties of the hydrogel. Finally, the bone repair ability of the OSA‐Gel‐PHA hydrogels was explored using a 12 weeks rabbit bone defect model. The results of tube inversion and rheological test showed that the hydrogel gelation time was 3–7 min, which will be suitable for clinical operation. The results of SEM, compression tests, rheological tests, swelling and degradation properties tests showed that the addition of PHA changed the microstructure of the hydrogels from porous structure to layered structure, not only improved the compressive strength, toughness, elastic modulus, storage modulus of the hydrogels, but also reduced the swelling properties and degradation rate of the hydrogels, making it more conducive to clinical operations. The results of laser confocal, MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and in vivo animal experiments showed that the addition of PHA not only nontoxic, but also promoted the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, as well as the repair and maturation of bone. The application of injectable bone repair materials not only solves the problem of bone defect filling, but also avoids a series of complications caused by open surgery, providing new method for the treatment of bone defects.
Diagnostic performance for declined microRNA‐133a in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Zhenyong
Published: November 2019

MicroRNA‐133a (MiR‐133a) is proven to exhibit a decreasing tendency in several cancers, as well as pancreatic cancer. Through the present study, we inspected performance for serum miR‐133a in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Serum samples were collected from 110 pancreatic cancer and 64 healthy persons. Relative messenger RNA level for miR‐133a in serum specimens was gauged adopting quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and compared betwixt two groups employing the Student t test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis evaluated miR‐133a performance in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. MiR‐133a displayed a declining trend among pancreatic cancer samples, compared to the healthy controls (P < .001). The reduced miR‐133a degree held strong relation to tumor dimension (P = .002), vessel invasion (P = .004), tumor lymph node metastasis stage (P = .002), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001). In addition, ROC analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve value was 0.893, accompanied by a sensitivity of 90.6% and a specificity of 87.2%, revealing fine execution for serum miR‐133a in diagnosing cancer. The downregulation of miR‐133a might possess a tight relation to hostile advancement in pancreatic cancer. Serum miR‐133a could function as a potential diagnostic indicator for pancreatic cancer.
Detection and clinical characteristics analysis of respiratory viruses in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections by a GeXP‐based multiplex‐PCR assay
Authors: Huang Huanhuan , Chen Suqing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hong Linliang , Zeng Yongbin , Wu Bin
Published: November 2019

Background

The information regarding viral epidemiology and clinical characteristics in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in central Fujian is limited. In this study, we aimed at analyzing the viral epidemiology and clinical characteristics of ARTI in hospitalized children admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.

Methods

Cohort of 386 hospitalized children (31 days to 15 years) diagnosed with ARTI admitted to the Department of Pediatrics from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, was enrolled in this study. Nasopharyngeal swab or sputum samples on the day of hospitalization were tested for 11 viruses via a GeXP‐based multiplex‐PCR assay. The viral profiles and clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results

The overall positive rate of the samples was 43.26% (167/386). Among the 167 positive samples, 134 (80.24%, 134/167) had a single virus and 33 (19.76%, 33/167) had multiple viruses. There was a significant difference in the frequency of single vs mixed infections among positive samples (80.24% vs 19.76%; χ2 = 122.168, P = .000) as well as among the total examined samples (34.72% vs 8.55%; χ2 = 77.945, P = .000). Human rhinovirus was the most prevalent virus (17.36%, 67/386), followed by influenza A (5.96%, 23/386) and human adenovirus (5.70%, 22/386). There was no significant difference in the etiological distribution of viral pathogens between males and females (χ2 = 0.480, P = .489). Viral infections were more likely to occur in the winter‐spring months than in the summer‐autumn months (52.51% vs 33.53%, χ2 = 13.830, P = .000).

Conclusions

The GeXP‐based multiplex PCR is an accurate and high‐throughput assay allows us to quickly detect multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously in pediatric patients. Our study provides information on the viral profiles and clinical characteristics in hospitalized children with ARTI, which would help better effective prevention strategies.
GPX2 silencing relieves epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by downregulating Wnt pathway
Authors: Li Fuzhou , Dai Lan , Niu Jixiang
Published: November 2019

Glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) participates in many cancers including pancreatic cancer (PC), and overexpression of GPX2 promotes tumor growth. Herein, we identified the role of GPX2 in epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), invasion, and metastasis in PC. Bioinformatics prediction was applied to select PC‐related genes. The regulatory function of GPX2 in PC was explored by treatment with short hairpin RNA against GPX2 or LiCl (activator of wingless‐type MMTV integration site [Wnt] pathway) in PC cells. GPX2 level in PC tissues, the levels of GPX2, β‐catenin, Vimentin, Snail, epithelial‐cadherin (E‐cadherin), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and Wnt2 in cells were determined. Subsequently, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis were assayed. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that GPX2 was involved in PC development mediated by the Wnt pathway. GPX2 was highly expressed in PC tissues. GPX2 silencing downregulated levels of β‐catenin, Vimentin, Snail, MMP2, MMP9, and Wnt2 but upregulated levels of E‐cadherin. It was confirmed that GPX2 silencing suppressed PC cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion. Furthermore, the trend of EMT and invasion and metastasis of PC induced by the LiCl‐activated Wnt pathway was reversed when the GPX2 was silenced. GPX2 silencing could inhibit the Wnt pathway, subsequently suppress PC development.
Calcitriol decreases live Porphyromonas gingivalis internalized into epithelial cells and monocytes by promoting autophagy
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Niu Li , Ma Chunliang , Huang Yuehua , Yang Xue , Shi Yakun , Pan Chunling , Liu Jingbo , Wang Hongyan , Li Qian , Geng Fengxue , Tang Xiaolin
Published: November 2019

Background

The present study aimed to explore the effects of the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1α,25 (OH)2D3, 1,25D) on live Porphyromonas gingivalis internalized into KB cells and U937 cells.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method was used to evaluate the number of surviving P. gingivalis internalized into KB cells and U937 cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect P. gingivalis in cells. A western blot analysis was performed to observe LC3 expressions.

Results

1) Treatment with 1,25D decreased the number of live P. gingivalis in KB cells and U937 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. 2) Dividing P. gingivalis were found only in KB cells but not in U937 cells. The cell walls of most P. gingivalis in KB cells were intact, while those in U937 cells were disrupted. Treatment with 1,25D promoted the encapsulation of P. gingivalis in autophagosomes in both KB and U937 cells. 3) Both 1,25D treatment and P. gingivalis infection increased the LC3 II/I ratio. Furthermore, 1,25D treatment increased the P. gingivalis‐upregulated LC3 II/I ratio. 4) Treatment with 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) decreased the number of P. gingivalis by 11.41% in KB cells, while increased that by 121.51% in U937 cells. Under 1,25D treatment conditions, 3‐MA treatment increased the number of P. gingivalis by 88.71% in KB cells and by 284.70% in U937 cells.

Conclusions

Autophagy may facilitate P. gingivalis survival in KB cells and eliminate P. gingivalis in U937 cells. Treatment with 1,25D may help decrease the number of live P. gingivalis in KB cells and U937 cells by promoting functional autophagy.
Liquiritin elicitation can increase the content of medicinally important glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale plants
Authors: Akram Waheed , Saeed Taiba , Ahmad Aqeel , Yasin Nasim A , Akbar Muhammad , Khan Waheed U , Ahmed Shakeel , Guo Juxian , Luo Wenlong , Wu Tingquan , Li Guihua
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra (Chinese kale) is an important vegetable grown in southern China. This study was aimed at searching for environmentally friendly and affordable approaches to increase the production of medicinally relevant glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale plants. For this purpose, the foliar application of liquiritin at 0 (control), 250, 500 and 750 ppm was tested starting from the four‐leaf stage and repeated every two weeks until plants were two months old.

RESULTS

Foliar application of liquiritin in Chinese kale plants significantly increased glucosinolates and total phenolic content, in a dose‐dependent manner. Compared with control plants, 2.3‐ and 1.9‐fold increases in yields of glucosinolates and total phenolic content, respectively, were corroborated in Chinese kale plants treated with 750 ppm of liquiritin. Along with rises in the content of eight different glucosinolates, liquiritin elicitation effectively increased the concentration of glycosilated and acylated flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. The expression of genes involved in glucosinolate and phenolic biosynthesis was significantly higher in liquiritin‐treated plants as compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Liquiritin elicitation is a feasible and environmentally friendly practice for increasing the production of medicinally important glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale, which may improve this plant's value as a nutraceutical food. This study also contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liquiritin elicitation. This is the first report documenting the use of liquiritin for an elicitation purpose in plants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of laser‐assisted indocyanine green angiography in breast reconstruction: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: da Silva Neto Edgard , Figueiredo Pedro H. M. , Moro Marcella G. , de Oliveira Ana P. L. , Assumpção Carolina B. , Perina André L. F. , da Costa Fábio P. P. , Faria Eduardo P. , de Oliveira André C. V. , Prates Renato A.
Published: November 2019

Laser‐assisted indocyanine green angiography allows surgeons to determine intraoperative flap perfusion and achieve the best outcomes in breast reconstruction. This study stratified outcomes based on a meta‐analysis of complications including longitudinal trials comparing the clinical assessment of skin flaps during breast reconstruction. Nine studies met inclusion criteria and reported outcomes of interest (n = 2256). The risk of flap necrosis and the necessity of reoperation was statistically significantly higher in the control group.
Correlation of sinonasal symptoms with the size and position of nasal septal perforations
Authors: Khong Grace C. , Leong Samuel C.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the correlation of sinonasal symptoms and quality of life with size and position of nasal septal perforation (NSP).

Method

This is a prospective observational study in a tertiary referral center involving adult patients presented with NSP. The Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) and its clinico‐psychometric domains were analyzed, including additional NSP‐specific symptoms (nasal crusting, epistaxis, and whistling noise during nasal breathing). The size of NSP was measured radiologically by calculating the area in cm2 and anteroposterior (AP) diameter. Position of perforation was determined clinically by distance from columella to the anterior edge of the perforation.

Results

Forty patients were included in this study (22 males). The most common etiology of NSP was iatrogenic. The mean SNOT‐22 score was 50.8 (standard deviation 23.8), and mean NSP size was 3.0 cm2. No statistical correlation was observed between the total SNOT‐22 score with either position or size of NSP. As for NSP‐specific symptoms, there was a statistically significant negative correlation with the size of perforation (A‐P diameter) (r = −0.34, P = 0.03) and position of the perforation (r = −0.49, P = 0.0016), suggesting that these symptoms improved with posterior and larger perforations.

Conclusion

Reported SNOT‐22 scores were comparable to patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis, although the scores did not correlate with size and position of NSP. Sinonasal symptoms typically observed in NSP improved with more posteriorly placed and larger sized perforations. This study provides an insight into the quality‐of‐life impact of NSP and affirms the clinical observation that anterior NSP are more symptomatic.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 2019
Who shares health and medical scholarly articles on Facebook?
Authors: Mohammadi Ehsan , Barahmand Nilofar , Thelwall Mike
Published: November 2019

Over a million journal articles had been shared on public Facebook pages by 2017, but little is known about who is sharing (posting links to) these papers and whether mention counts could be an impact indicator. This study classified users who had posted about 749 links on Facebook before October 2017 mentioning 500 medical and health‐related research articles, obtained using altmetric.com data. Most accounts (68%) belonged to groups, including online communities, journals, academic organizations, and societies. Of individual profiles, academics accounted for only 4%, but the largest group were health care professionals (16%). More than half (58%) of all Facebook accounts examined were not academic. The non‐academic dominance suggests that public Facebook posts linking to health‐related articles are mostly used to facilitate scientific knowledge flow between non‐academic professionals and the public. Therefore, Facebook mention counts may be a combined academic and non‐academic attention indicator in the health and medical domains.
Intracrystalline Dynamics in Oligomer‐Diluted Poly(Ethylene Oxide)
Authors: Schäfer Mareen , Wallstein Niklas , Schulz Martha , Thurn‐Albrecht Thomas , Saalwächter Kay
Published: November 2019

Solid‐state creep, ductility, and drawability are relevant mechanical properties of “crystal‐mobile” polymers, related to a large‐scale chain transport through the crystal, which is in turn mediated by intracrystalline monomer jumps. Here, high‐Mw poly(ethylene oxide) is used as a well‐controlled model system, modulating the properties of the amorphous phase by diluting with a non‐crystallized oligomer. Faster intracrystalline motions are found upon oligomer addition, indicating little changes in the fold surface and a dominant influence of the somewhat reduced lamellar thickness.
Effects of Blended Reversible Epoxy Domains on Structures and Properties of Self‐Healing/Shape‐Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Chen Tianqi , Fang Liang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: November 2019

Few thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blending materials are reported to tune shape‐memory capability, self‐healing ability, and recyclability as well as mechanical property due to the different requirement of phase morphologies. This work focuses on how reversible epoxy domains affect the structures and properties of TPUs that contain disulfide bonds in main chains. The blended epoxy oligomers with dangling furan groups are miscible with the TPU. Self‐healing efficiency can be improved by such miscible epoxy oligomers that are also beneficial for shape recovery but harmful for shape fixation. In the presence of bis(4‐maleimidophenyl)methane (BMI), crosslinked epoxy domains phase separate from the TPU matrix to form microscale domains after the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between furan groups and maleimide groups in BMI. Elastic modulus and tensile strength of TPU are greatly improved in comparison with pristine TPU and TPU/epoxy blends without BMI. The phase‐separated domains deteriorate the self‐healing, and the presence of phase‐separated microdomains facilitates the shape fixation but deteriorates the shape recovery. This work is not only useful to further understand the relation between structures of polymer blends with intelligent features, but also offers a useful approach to adjust the properties and capabilities of TPU in a cost‐effective manner.
Real‐time MR elastography for viscoelasticity quantification in skeletal muscle during dynamic exercises
Authors: Schrank Felix , Warmuth Carsten , Görner Steffen , Meyer Tom , Tzschätzsch Heiko , Guo Jing , Uca Yavuz Oguz , Elgeti Thomas , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop and test real‐time MR elastography for viscoelastic parameter quantification in skeletal muscle during dynamic exercises.

Methods

In 15 healthy participants, 6 groups of lower‐leg muscles (tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus, extensor digitorum longus, soleus, gastrocnemius) were investigated by real‐time MR elastography using a single‐shot, steady‐state spiral gradient‐echo pulse sequence and stroboscopic undersampling of harmonic vibrations at 40 Hz frequency. One hundred and eighty consecutive maps of shear‐wave speed and loss angle (φ) covering 30.6 s of total acquisition time at 5.9‐Hz frame rate were reconstructed from 360 wave images encoding 2 in‐plane wave components in an interleaved manner. The experiment was carried out twice to investigate 2 exercises—isometric plantar flexion and isometric dorsiflexion—each performed over 10 s between 2 resting periods.

Results

Activation of lower‐extremity muscles was associated with increasing viscoelastic parameters shear‐wave speed and φ, both reflecting properties related to the transverse direction relative to fiber orientation. Major viscoelastic changes were observed in soleus muscle during plantar flexion (shear‐wave speed: 20.0% ± 3.6%, φ: 41.3% ± 12.0%) and in the tibialis anterior muscle during dorsiflexion (41.8% ± 10.2%, φ: 27.9% ± 2.8%; all P < .0001). Two of the muscles analyzed were significantly activated by plantar flexion and 4 by dorsiflexion based on shear‐wave speed, whereas φ changed significantly in 5 muscles during both exercises.

Conclusion

Real‐time MR elastography allows mapping of dynamic, nonperiodic viscoelasticity changes in soft tissues such as voluntary muscle with high spatial and temporal resolution. Real‐time MR elastography thus opens new horizons for the in vivo study of physiological processes in soft tissues toward functional elastography.
Nusinersen for older patients with spinal muscular atrophy: A real‐world clinical setting experience
Authors: Veerapandiyan Aravindhan , Eichinger Katy , Guntrum Debra , Kwon Jennifer , Baker Lindsay , Collins Erin , Ciafaloni Emma
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Clinical trials data concerning use of nusinersen in older spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients is lacking. We describe our center's experience in using intrathecal nusinersen for older patients in the clinical setting.

Methods

Retrospective study.

Results

Twelve patients (12–52 years old) were treated with nusinersen. Mean follow‐up duration was 17.4 months (range, 4–26 months). All patients had scoliosis; 10 had spinal fusion/instrumentation. All procedures (30 cervical and 57 lumbar punctures) were technically successful. The only side effects were postprocedural headache (9%) and site pain (5.7%). Functional assessments showed stability in 6/9 patients and improvement in 3/9 patients. Subjective improvements in endurance, hand strength, and bulbar functioning critical for activities of daily living were reported in 8/12 patients. None of the patients has discontinued treatment so far.

Discussion

Intrathecal nusinersen can be safely delivered in older SMA patients. Available functional outcome measures are not adequate to capture meaningful subjective improvements.
Improving the barrier function of damaged cultured urothelium using chondroitin sulfate
Authors: Rozenberg Boy. B. , Janssen D. A. W. , Jansen C. F. J. , Schalken J. A. , Heesakkers J. P. F. A.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To determine whether glycosaminoglycan (GAG) replenishment is able to improve recovery of a deficient urothelial barrier, chondroitin sulfate (CS) instillations were tested using an in vitro model. Porcine urothelial cells (Ucells) were terminally differentiated in culture conditions to construct a urothelial layer with a functional barrier. This layer was damaged to compromise barrier function to simulate a key characteristic of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. The functional effect of subsequent treatment with CS was evaluated.

Methods

Primary porcine Ucells were isolated and cultured on inserts. Differentiation of cells was evaluated with immunohistochemical analysis for the presence of umbrella cells, tight junctions and CS. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were performed to evaluate barrier function. Protamine was used to simulate mild urothelial damage. CS 0.2% (vol/vol), a GAG, was subsequently instilled in the treatment group. The recovery of barrier function was further evaluated with TEER measurements. The Student t test was used for the analysis of results.

Results

After induction of differentiation, the Ucells expressed barrier markers and a functional barrier was established (measured by high TEER). TEER decreased significantly after instillation with protamine. CS instillation improved recovery of TEER significantly measured after 7 hours (84% vs 22% in controls). After 24 hours; however, the TEER was comparable in both experimental groups.

Conclusion

CS instillation improves the recovery of the urothelial barrier after damage in vitro. This functional experiment shows that CS improves recovery of damaged urothelial function, which supports the hypothesis behind the mechanism of action of GAG‐replenishment therapy.
A comparative descriptive analysis of perceived quality of caring attitudes and behaviours between haemodialysis patients and their nurses
Authors: Delmas Philippe , Antonini Matteo , Berthoud Laurent , O’Reilly Louise , Cara Chantal , Brousseau Sylvain , Bellier‐Teichmann Tanja , Weidmann Jean , Roulet‐Schwab Delphine , Ledoux Isabelle , Pasquier Jérôme , Boillat Evelyne , Brandalesi Vanessa , Konishi Mario
Published: November 2019

Aim

Despite its importance in nursing, perceived quality of the nurse–patient relationship has seldom been researched. This study sought to examine and compare the quality of caring attitudes and behaviours as perceived by haemodialysis patients and their nurses.

Design

This comparative descriptive study involved 140 haemodialysis patients and 101 nurses caring for them in ten haemodialysis units in the French‐speaking part of Switzerland.

Methods

Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Caring Nurse‐Patient Interaction Scale (CNPI‐70).

Results

Both nurses and patients reported a high frequency of caring attitudes and behaviours. Patients gave higher ratings than nurses did on all the caring dimensions, except spirituality. Implications are discussed.
Comparison of eye movements in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Shiino Tomoko , Miura Kenichiro , Fujimoto Michiko , Kudo Noriko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Ikeda Manabu , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: November 2019

Aim

Eye movement abnormalities are often associated with psychiatric illness. Subjects with either schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been reported to show eye movement abnormalities. However, it is still unclear whether eye movement abnormalities in schizophrenia and in ASD have common features. This study aimed to understand the similarities/differences in eye movement abnormalities of subjects with schizophrenia and those with ASD.

Methods

We analyzed 75 eye movement characteristics of 83 subjects with schizophrenia, 17 subjects with ASD and 255 healthy controls that were collected during fixation, smooth pursuit and free viewing tasks using analysis of covariance with the covariates age and sex.

Results

We found significant effects across groups on 21 eye movement characteristics, of which 4 characteristics had large effect sizes. Post hoc multiple comparisons indicated significant differences between the subjects with schizophrenia and healthy controls across all 21 characteristics. On the other hand, no significant difference between the ASD group and healthy control group was found. Instead, the subjects with ASD showed significant differences from the subjects with schizophrenia in 5 eye movement characteristics during the free viewing and smooth pursuit eye movements.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that eye movement abnormalities in the subjects with ASD are different from those with schizophrenia and that the tasks in this study are suitable to detect eye movement abnormality in schizophrenia. Thus, the eye movement examinations used here may distinguish subjects with schizophrenia from those with ASD.
Structural brain morphometry associated with theory of mind in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Quidé Yann , Wilhelmi Camille , Green Melissa J.
Published: November 2019

Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar I disorder (BD) share common functional and structural brain abnormalities, as well as various degrees of social cognitive deficits, suggesting shared brain mechanisms. This study examined the relationship between social cognitive skills and structural brain integrity in 60 cases with SZ, 65 cases with psychotic BD, and 61 healthy controls (HCs). All participants underwent structural MRI and completed The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT). Associations between social cognitive performance on each task of the TASIT (Emotion Recognition, Theory of Mind [ToM], and Complex ToM) and indices of gray matter volume and cortical thickness were investigated within three separate groups comprising (a) all cases with a history of psychosis (independently of their diagnostic status), (b) each diagnostic category separately, and (c) an HC group. Cases with psychosis showed worse social cognitive performance compared to the HC group, and SZ cases performed worse than BD on all ToM tasks, but not the Emotion Recognition subtest. Poor ToM performance was associated with thinner anterior temporal lobe in the combined group of cases with psychosis, and with decreased volume of the left fusiform gyrus/cerebellum in the HC group. In the BD group alone, poor ToM performance was associated with similar pattern of thinner anterior temporal lobe, as well as with increased volume in the mid‐ and posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus. However, there were no associations between brain morphometry and social cognition in the SZ group when considered alone. Taken together, ToM behavioral deficits were associated with thinner right anterior temporal lobe, a critical region from a larger affective ToM network among all cases with psychosis, but aberrant morphology of brain regions key for self‐processing were specific to the BD group. These findings may have important implications for targeted interventions for the affective social brain network in BD.
Influence of Macromolecular Brushes with Polyimide Backbones and Poly(methyl methacrylate) Side Chains on Structure, Physical, and Transport Properties of Polyphthalamide
Authors: Tian Nadezhda S. , Meleshko Tamara K. , Polotskaya Galina A. , Gofman Iosif V. , Kashina Anna V. , Kukarkina Nina V. , Vlasova Elena N. , Zoolshoev Zoolsho F. , Yakimansky Alexander V.
Published: November 2019

Composite films based on polyamide (poly(m‐phenylene‐iso‐phthalamide)) (PA) and a brush‐like polymer with polyimide (PI) backbone and side poly(methyl methacrylate) chains (PI‐PMMA) were prepared by mixing individual solutions of PA and PI‐PMMA and subsequent film casting. Macromolecular brushes with the same backbone length and density of side chains but with various lengths of side PMMA chains were synthesized via activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. Interactions between PA and PI‐PMMA, as well as distribution of PI‐PMMA filler inside the PA matrix, were studied by viscometry, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and IR spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of polymer samples were also investigated. Microphase separation was revealed in PA/PI‐PMMA films. The length of side chains influences interactions between PA and PI‐PMMA. At the same time, the degree of reduction in the rigidity parameters and in the elasticity parameter depends on the side chain length. Diffusion membranes were prepared on the basis of compositions with the best mechanical properties; these membranes proved to be highly efficient in pervaporation of methanol–hexane mixture. It was established that the fluxes and separation factors of the studied membranes are several times higher as compared to the corresponding characteristics of known commercial membranes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:481–490, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers