bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly‐L‐lysine Coated Surfaces for Ultrasensitive Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Kuralay Filiz , Dükar Nilgün , Bayramlı Yaşar
Published: May 2018

Poly‐L‐lysine is one of the biocompatible polymers having amino and carboxyl groups in its structure. This attractive feature of poly‐L‐lysine makes it very convenient for bioactive molecule attachment. This study details the preparation of poly‐L‐lysine‐based pencil graphite electrodes (PLL/PGEs) and use of the coated electrodes for direct ultrasensitive DNA hybridization detection. In the first part of this study, poly‐L‐lysine coated electrodes were prepared using L‐lysine as the monomer by cyclic voltammetry (CV) with different cyclic scans. The effect of these cyclic scans during the electropolymerization was investigated. Coated electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, one‐pot preparation of poly‐L‐lysine composites with graphene (GN) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto the pencil graphite electrodes were achieved. Electrochemical responses of these 3 electrodes were compared. After all, electrochemical DNA hybridization was performed using the poly‐L‐lysine‐based electrodes prepared at optimum polymerization condition. The PLL/PGE coated electrode presented a good linear response in the target concentration range of 1.0×10−13 to 1.0×10−6 with a detection limit of 2.25×10−14 using differential pulse voltammetry as the detection method. We believe that poly‐L‐lysine‐based surfaces will be useful for further clinical applications.
Selective forgetting of self‐threatening statements: Mnemic neglect for dementia information in people with mild dementia
Authors: Cheston Richard , Dodd Emily , Christopher Gary , Jones Charlie , Wildschut Tim , Sedikides Constantine
Published: May 2018

Objective

We tested whether people with dementia manifest selective forgetting for self‐threatening information, the mnemic neglect effect (MNE). This selective forgetting is observed among healthy adults in the recall, but not the recognition, of self‐threatening feedback.

Methods

Sixty‐four statements about dementia were rated for their level of negativity by 280 staff and students at University of the West of England. The 12 statements rated as most negative and the 12 statements rated as least negative were then read to 62 people with dementia. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 conditions with the statements referring either to self or to another person. High‐negativity and self‐referent statements had strong threat potential. Participants recalled the statements and then completed a recognition task, which consisted of the 24 previously read statements and 24 new statements.

Results

Participants manifested the MNE: They recalled fewer high‐negativity (compared with low‐negativity) statements, but only when these referred to the self rather than another person. This pattern occurred independently of levels of depression or anxiety. Participants also made more self‐protective intrusion errors when the statements referred to the self than another person. Participants did not differ in their recognition of statements.

Conclusion

The MNE occurs among people with dementia. The selective forgetting of highly negative, self‐referent statements serves to protect the self against the threat that dementia represents. Given the similarities between the MNE and the clinical phenomenon of repression, the findings may mark psychological processes that are implicated in the acceptance (or lack thereof) of a dementia diagnosis.
ECTOPIC PITUITARY ADENOMA OF THE SPHENOID SINUS: REPORT OF A CASE AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Tovi Ferrit , Hirsch Menachem , Sacks Martin , Leiberman Alberto
Published: May 2018

Ectopic pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus in a 68‐year‐old woman is presented. The confusing discrepancy between the imaging features and the mild clinical manifestations of extensive bone destruction of the skull base is emphasized. A definite diagnosis can be established only by histopathological examination supported by immunohistochemical studies.
Expression of microRNAs and IRAK1 pathway genes are altered in gastric cancer patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ranjbar Reza , Hesari AmirReza , Ghasemi Faezeh , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most common cancer types in the world and one of the most lethal gastrointestinal cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be of great importance in the early detection of GC. This study aimed to investigate some miRNAs and the genes involved in IRAK1 pathways in the serum of GC patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections compared to the control group. Total RNA was extracted from the serum of GC patients with H. pylori infection and healthy volunteers. The expression levels of miRNAs and the genes were assessed using Real time RT‐PCR with specific primers. Our data showed that miR‐146, miR‐375, and Let‐7 were down‐regulated and miR‐19 and miR‐21 were up‐regulated in GC patients with H. pylori infection. Other genes involved in the pathways such as RAS, MYC, NFKB, JUN, TRAF6, and IRAK4 were overexpressed; while the expression of PTEN gene was decreased compared to the control group. Expression of miRNAs and IRAK1 pathway genes are altered in patients with GC and H. pylori infection. This suggests a potential role for the above‐mentioned miRNAs and genes in the diagnosis of GC.
Preparation, characterization, and lead removal appraisal of zinc aluminate prepared at different calcination temperatures
Authors: Abdullah Faizuan , Mohd Yusoff Abdull Rahim , Wan Abu Bakar Wan Azelee , Ismail Razali , Syafiuddin Achmad
Published: May 2018

We propose a procedure to remove lead (Pb) via catalytic chelation using peracetic acid (PAA) catalyzed using zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) prepared at different calcination temperatures of 900, 1,000, and 1,100 °C. In addition, their characterization in terms of the thermogravimetry analysis‐differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (FESEM‐EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was achieved. Moreover, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for modeling. This study confirms that the properties of ZnAl2O4 are highly influenced by the calcination temperature. In addition, up to 95.3% of Pb can be removed using the proposed approach by employing optimum parameters such as temperature, pH, treatment time, PAA concentration, catalyst loading, and dissolved oxygen.
Long non‐coding RNA FEZF1‐AS1 promotes breast cancer stemness and tumorigenesis via targeting miR‐30a/Nanog axis
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Sun Liwei , Zhang Yixuan , Lu Guanming , Li Yongqiang , Wei Zhongheng
Published: May 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified to modulate the tumorigenesis of breast cancer at multiple levels. In present study, we aim to investigate the role of lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 on breast cancer‐stem like cells (BCSC) and the potential regulatory mechanism. In breast cancer tissue, lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 was up‐regulated compared with controls and indicated poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. In vitro experiments, FEZF1‐AS1 was significantly over‐expressed in breast cancer cells, especially in sphere subpopulation compared with parental subpopulation. Loss‐of‐functional indicated that, in BCSC cells (MDA‐MB‐231 CSC, MCF‐7 CSC), FEZF1‐AS1 knockdown reduced the CD44+/CD24− rate, the mammosphere‐forming ability, stem factors (Nanog, Oct4, SOX2), and inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo, FEZF1‐AS1 knockdown inhibited the breast cancer cells growth. Bioinformatics analysis tools and series of validation experiments confirmed that FEZF1‐AS1 modulated BCSC and Nanog expression through sponging miR‐30a, suggesting the regulation of FEZF1‐AS1/miR‐30a/Nanog. In summary, our study validate the important role of FEZF1‐AS1/miR‐30a/Nanog in breast cancer stemness and tumorigenesis, providing a novel insight and treatment strategy for breast cancer.
Chronic phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition has beneficial effects on subcutaneous adipose tissue plasticity in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Fiore Daniela , Gianfrilli Daniele , Cardarelli Silvia , Naro Fabio , Lenzi Andrea , Isidori Andrea M. , Venneri Mary A.
Published: May 2018

Different adipose tissue (AT) depots are associated with multiple metabolic risks. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is involved in adipocyte physiology and PDE5 inhibition may affect adipogenesis and ameliorate white AT quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of AT and the composition of the stroma‐vascular fraction (SVF) of subcutaneous AT (SAT) in type 2 diabetic mice after prolonged treatment with a PDE5 inhibitor, Sildenafil. 18 db/db mice were treated with Sildenafil or vehicle for 12 weeks. AT distribution was monitored and SAT was processed for isolation of SVF by flow cytometry. Sildenafil induced an overall reduction in AT, mainly in visceral AT (VAT), compared with SAT. In Sildenafil‐treated mice, the mean change in body weight from baseline positively correlated with VAT, but not with SAT. Characterization of SVF of SAT showed an increase in the frequency of M2 macrophages and endothelial cells in treated mice. Sildenafil improved the maintenance of SAT homeostasis and distribution.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell donors with a high body mass index display elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress and are functionally impaired
Authors: Ulum Baris , Teker Hikmet Taner , Sarikaya Aysun , Balta Gunay , Kuskonmaz Baris , Uckan‐Cetinkaya Duygu , Aerts‐Kaya Fatima
Published: May 2018

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative medicine purposes. The effect of obesity on the function of BM‐MSCs is currently unknown. Here, we assessed how obesity affects the function of BM‐MSCs and the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) therein. BM‐MSCs were obtained from healthy donors with a normal (<25) or high (>30) body mass index (BMI). High‐BMI BM‐MSCs displayed severely impaired osteogenic and diminished adipogenic differentiation, decreased proliferation rates, increased senescence, and elevated expression of ER stress–related genes ATF4 and CHOP. Suppression of ER stress using tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) resulted in partial recovery of osteogenic differentiation capacity, with a significant increase in the expression of ALPL and improvement in the UPR. These data indicate that BMI is important during the selection of BM‐MSC donors for regenerative medicine purposes and that application of high‐BMI BM‐MSCs with TUDCA or 4‐PBA may improve stem cell function. However, whether this improvement can be translated into an in vivo clinical advantage remains to be assessed.
Synthesis of Substituted Quinolinyl Ether‐based Inhibitors of PI3K as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Aggile Kadirappa , Alagumuthu Manikandan , Mundre Reddy Sailaja , Napoleon Ayyakannu Arumugam
Published: May 2018

A new strategy for the preparation of 8‐quinolyl ethers 3(a–g), 5(a–g), and 7(a–d) was studied by copper (II)‐catalyzed methodology in the presence of Cs2CO3 and acetone–water mixture (1:1). Screening of quinolinyl‐8‐ethers was investigated against anticancer expressive studies to validate new chemical entity in medicinal chemistry. Approaches were evaluated against breast cancer (MCF‐7), skin cancer (G‐361), and colon cancer (HCT 116) cell lines. Inhibitory potentials against phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) enzyme responsible for cancer development have been evaluated by competitive ELISA studies. In PI3K assay, 3a–c were inactive (IC50 > 5 μM), while 3e–g, 5a, 5c–e, 5g, 7a, and 7d showed a moderate activity (IC50 ≥ 0.05 μM). Compounds (5b, 5f, 7b, and 7c) showed significant activity (IC50 < 1.0 μM); thus, their anticancer activities were carried out. Anticancer activity was found to be selective towards breast cancer (MCF‐7); 5b, 5f, 7b, and 7c showed predominant relative percentage activities of 74.12%, 79.04%, 72.56%, and 78.47%, with IC50 values of 5b (2.27 ± 0.88 μM), 5f (1.38 ± 0.60 μM), 7b (2.64 ± 0.86 μM), and 7c (1.87 ± 0.68 μM) compared with the standard doxorubicin 73.14% inhibition (IC50 = 1.98 ± 0.75 μM). Docking study also conducted to find out the binding interactions with p110α (PDB ID: 3T8M) enzyme. Compounds 5b, 5f, 7b, and 7c showed best docking score into the active site of PI3K 12.59, 10.51, 56.52, and 8.61 nM. Structure–activity relationship studies demonstrated that the synthesized compounds are the potential PI3K inhibitors to treat various cancer‐related diseases.
Palladium Catalyzed Tricyclohexylphosphine Ligand Associated Synthesis of N‐(2‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c]‐pyridin‐6‐yl‐(substituted)‐sulfonamide Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Pawar Chandrakant D. , Sarkate Aniket P. , Karnik Kshipra S. , Shinde Devanand B.
Published: May 2018

A series of novel N‐(2‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c]‐pyridin‐6‐yl‐(substituted)‐sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized from 2‐bromo‐6‐nitro‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c]pyridine through a series of reactions including Suzuki reaction, reduction, protection, and sulfonamide coupling. All the synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against MCF‐7, HeLa, A‐549, and Du‐145 cancer cell lines by the MTT assay. The preliminary bioassay suggests that most of the compounds show antiproliferation with different degrees. Doxorubicin was used as a positive control. Among the synthesized compounds, 8d and 8h were most active compared with the standard in cell line data. The synthesized compounds 8d and 8h show IC50 values in the range of 1.88–5.16 μM for all the cell lines. Compounds 8d and 8h were further studied for a panel of eight human kinase at 10 μM concentrations and the result shows 64% to 70% inhibitions for both Aurora‐A and Aurora‐B kinase.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Some Hydrazone and 2H‐benzopyranone Derivatives as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Abumelha Hana M. A.
Published: May 2018

A new series of hydrazone, 2H‐benzopyranone‐3‐carboxamide and 2H‐benzopyranone‐3‐carbonylthiosemicarbazide derivatives were synthesized from the alkyl 7‐hydroxy‐2H‐benzopyranone‐3‐carboxylate (1a,b) and dibromo derivatives (6a,b) as a key starting materials. The structures of the synthesized new compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H, 13C‐NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Some hydrazone derivatives and N‐substituted 2H‐benzopyranone‐3‐carboxamides were evaluated for their anticancer activity against HepG‐2 cell lines. Some of these compounds shared good cytotoxicity.
Exploring the inhibition mechanism on HIF‐2 by inhibitor PT2399 and 0X3 using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sun Dong‐Ru , Wang Zhi‐Jun , Zheng Qing‐Chuan , Zhang Hong‐Xing
Published: May 2018

Targeting transcription factors HIF‐2 is currently considered to be the most direct way for the therapy of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The preclinical inhibitor PT2399 and artificial inhibitor 0X3 have been identified as promising on‐target inhibitors to inhibit the heterodimerization of HIF‐2. However, the inhibition mechanism of PT2399 and 0X3 on HIF‐2 remains unclear. To this end, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular docking were applied to investigate the effects of 2 inhibitors on structural motifs and heterodimerization of HIF‐2. Our simulation results reveal that the binding of inhibitors disrupts the crucial hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions of interdomain of HIF‐2 heterodimer due to the local conformational changes of binding interface, confirming the hypothesis that the perturbation of few residues is sufficient to disrupt the heterodimerization of HIF‐2. In addition, it can be found that PT2399 with dominant substituents (cyano, fluorine, sulfuryl, and hydroxyl) is more preferred than 0X3 as HIF‐2 inhibitor and these substituents play a crucial role in involving more hydrogen bond interactions with residues of interface and then cause the larger structural change of protein. This study may provide a deeper atomic‐level insight into the effect of on‐target inhibitors on HIF‐2 heterodimer, which is expected to contribute to further rational design of effective clear cell renal cell carcinoma drugs.
Rapid design and modelling of wideband sinuous antenna reflector feeds through blended rational interpolation
Authors: Cuyt Annie , Louw Ridalise , Segers Christophe , de Villiers Dirk
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the design of sinuous antenna reflector feeds using blended rational interpolation. The blended rational interpolation method is developed to interpolate a sparse set of high‐fidelity (HF) data while following the trends of a denser set of low‐fidelity (LF) data. The HF data are obtained by full‐wave computational electromagnetics simulations of the input impedance of a pyramidal sinuous antenna above a ground plane, while the LF data are obtained, at a significantly reduced computational cost, through simulations of a truncated version of the same antenna. Comparisons with other interpolation schemes, both for HF as well as for multifidelity data sets, are presented. It is shown that the blended rational interpolation scheme presented herein yields improved accuracy in most cases. A design example is also presented where a global model of the maximum input reflection coefficient over frequency is built over the design space and thus used to identify the region of acceptable performance. Comparisons with a validation set of HF data resulted in similar results, with the blended rational interpolation model requiring significantly shorter computer simulation time.
Specific detection of form IA RubisCO genes in chemoautotrophic bacteria
Authors: Alfreider Albin , Bogensperger Teresa
Published: May 2018

The analysis of RubisCO genes is a highly useful instrument to explore the diversity of chemoautotrophic bacteria using the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle for CO2fixation. However, because of the wide taxonomic distribution of phylogenetically related RubisCO forms, environmental studies targeting chemoautotrophs are hampered in habitats dominated by phototrophs. Here, we report the development of a gene marker that specifically detects form IA RubisCO genes in bacteria, excluding photoautotrophic representatives. The high specificity of the PCR assay was confirmed by sequence analysis of DNA obtained from the photic zone of six lakes, were chemoautotrophs are outnumbered by Cyanobacteria also using form IA RubisCO for CO2assimilation.
Arthroplasty implant registries over the past five decades: Development, current, and future impact
Authors: Malchau Henrik , Garellick Göran , Berry Daniel , Harris William H. , Robertson Otto , Kärrlholm Johan , Lewallen David , Bragdon Charles R. , Lidgren Lars , Herberts Peter
Published: May 2018

Local, regional, and national registries have played an important role in the development of hip and knee arthroplasty and the treatment of patients with various maladies of these joints. Four arthroplasty registries stand out as leading forces behind the drive to popularize the use of registries and pursue the concept of evidence based medicine. The Mayo registry, started by Mark Coventry, is recognized as the oldest continuing registry for arthroplasty. The Harris Registry at Massachusetts General Hospital, along with the Mayo Registry, has greatly contributed to the advancement of arthroplasty surgery and have served an important role of identifying poorly performing implants and techniques in the United States. The Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Registry is the oldest national registry dedicated to joint arthroplasty and along with the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Registry have established the infrastructure, analysis and reporting mechanisms, and leadership that has enabled other countries to subsequently develop national registries around the world. As more countries have adopted the concept of national registries, a new area of research is possible by pooling the resources of large registries as is now occurring with the Nordic countries. Several international organizations have been formed to promote future collaboration and develop international standards. The process of globalization of registries is a result of continued efforts over the past 50 years in improving and disseminating the knowledge gained from the early registries. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2319–2330, 2018.
Patients with a previous total hip replacement experience less reduction of back pain following lumbar back surgery
Authors: Eneqvist Ted , Bülow Erik , Nemes Szilárd , Brisby Helena , Garellick Göran , Fritzell Peter , Rolfson Ola
Published: May 2018

The coexistence of degenerative disorders from the hip joint and the lumbar spine, known as “the hip‐spine syndrome,” is a common encounter in clinical practice. These degenerative conditions may cause similar symptoms which often entail diagnostic challenges in determining the origin of pain. Lumbar back surgery (LBS) with fusion and/or decompression, and total hip replacement (THR) are both often successful interventions. However, the knowledge is limited about the post‐operative patient‐reported outcome (PRO) following LBS in the presence of a prior THR. The aims of this study were to compare 1‐year post‐operative patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) following lumbar back surgery (LBS) in patients with and without a prior total hip replacement (THR). Data from Swespine and the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register were linked in order to identify the study group of patients with THR prior to LBS. The study group (n = 220) and a matched control group (n = 220) with isolated LBS was defined by using a step‐wise selection process. Linear‐ and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and pre‐operative PROMs demonstrated that THR prior to LBS was associated with worse back‐pain (VAS) at 1‐year follow‐up (B = 5.3, 95%CI: 0.3;10.3). However, previous THR did not influence the EQ‐5D index (B = 0.01, 95%CI: −0.05;0.06), EQ VAS (B = −3.0, 95%CI: −6.9;1.0), leg pain (B = 1.5, 95%CI: −4.0;7.0), Oswestry Disability Index (B = 2.6, 95%CI: −0.5;5.6) or satisfaction (OR = 1.1, 97.5%CI 0.7;1.6). This knowledge is important to communicate prior to LBS in order to set proper expectations on surgical outcomes. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2484–2490, 2018.
Self‐reported knee instability associated with pain, activity limitations, and poorer quality of life before and 1 year after total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Leichtenberg Claudia S. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , Kroon Herman M. , Dekker Joost , Marijnissen Willem Jan , Damen Pieter‐Jan , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , van der Esch Martin ,   On behalf of the LOAS Studygroup
Published: May 2018

Information on the association of self‐reported knee instability with clinical outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and 1 year follow‐up is scarce. The aims were to determine (i) the course and prevalence of self‐reported knee instability before and 1 year after TKA and (ii) the associations of preoperative, postoperative, and retained self‐reported knee instability with pain, activity limitations, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients undergoing primary TKA, selected from the Longitudinal Leiden Orthopaedics and Outcomes of OsteoArthritis Study, had their knee instability measured using a questionnaire. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain, activity limitations, and QoL subscales were administered before and 1 year after surgery. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between knee instability, pain, activity limitations, and QoL, adjusted for covariates (age, gender, comorbidities, and radiographic severity). Of the 908 included patients, 649 (71%) and 187 (21%) reported knee instability before and following TKA, respectively. Of the patients with preoperative knee instability, this perception was retained in 165 (25%) cases. Knee instability was preoperatively associated with pain (B −9.6; 95%CI: −12.4 to −6.7), activity limitations (B −7.5; 95%CI: −10.2 to −4.8), and QoL (B −4.7; 95%CI: −7.0 to −2.4) and postoperatively with pain (B −15.0; 95%CI: −18.5 to −11.6), activity limitations (B −15.1; 95%CI: −18.4 to −11.8), and QoL (B −18.7; 95%CI: −22.3 to −15.3). Retained knee instability was associated with postoperative pain (B −15.1; 95%CI: −18.9 to −11.2), activity limitations (B −14.1; 95%CI: −17.8 to −10.4), and QoL (B −18.0; 95%CI: −21.7 to −14.3). In conclusion, in clinical care, self‐reported knee instability is retained postoperatively in 25% of the patients. Retained knee instability is associated with more pain, activity limitations, and poorer QoL postoperatively. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2671–2678, 2018
Walking velocity and step length adjustments affect knee joint contact forces in healthy weight and obese adults
Authors: Milner Clare E. , Meardon Stacey A. , Hawkins Jillian L. , Willson John D.
Published: May 2018

Knee osteoarthritis is a major public health problem and adults with obesity are particularly at risk. One approach to alleviating this problem is to reduce the mechanical load at the joint during daily activity. Adjusting temporospatial parameters of walking could mitigate cumulative knee joint mechanical loads. The purpose of this study was to determine how adjustments to velocity and step length affects knee joint loading in healthy weight adults and adults with obesity. We collected three‐dimensional gait analysis data on 10 adults with a normal body mass index and 10 adults with obesity during over ground walking in nine different conditions. In addition to preferred velocity and step length, we also conducted combinations of 15% increased and decreased velocity and step length. Peak tibiofemoral joint impulse and knee adduction angular impulse were reduced in the decreased step length conditions in both healthy weight adults (main effect) and those with obesity (interaction effect). Peak knee joint adduction moment was also reduced with decreased step length, and with decreased velocity in both groups. We conclude from these results that adopting shorter step lengths during daily activity and when walking for exercise can reduce mechanical stimuli associated with articular cartilage degenerative processes in adults with and without obesity. Thus, walking with reduced step length may benefit adults at risk for disability due to knee osteoarthritis. Clinical Significance: Adopting a shorter step length during daily walking activity may reduce knee joint loading and thus benefit those at risk for knee cartilage degeneration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2679‐2686, 2018
Priming to protect maize from Fusarium verticillioides and its fumonisin accumulation
Authors: Aguado Ana , Savoie Jean‐Michel , Chéreau Sylvain , Ducos Christine , Aguilar María , Ferrer Nathalie , Aguilar Manuel , Pinson‐Gadais Laetitia , Richard‐Forget Florence
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Systemic infection through the seed is one of the routes used by the mycotoxinogenic pathogen Fusarium verticillioides for colonizing maize plants. The prohibition of the use of most chemical fungicides by the EU has promoted research on plant resistance inducers as an effective and sustainable alternative. Induction of a priming state in maize seeds might affect their susceptibility to contamination and accumulation of fumonisins. This state by application of a natural fertilizer called Chamae on maize seeds, was investigated in two varieties to control the colonization by the fungus and the accumulation of fumonisins B1, B2 and B3, germinating seeds, dead plants and yield.

RESULTS

After inoculation of F. verticillioides on germinating seeds, the colonization by the fungus and the accumulation of fumonisins were significantly lower in seedlings coming from treated seeds, but a significant number of plants stopped their development by necrosis. In a field trial, the 0.01% (v/v) application dilution showed a lower plant density, although the level of biomass at harvest was not affected.

CONCLUSION

The priming state contributed to the control of F. verticillioides development from seed infection and fumonisin
accumulation in the early stage of plant growth, without affecting the final crop yield, and could reduce fungicide use and environmental contamination. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of five methods for the estimation of methane production from vented in vitro systems
Authors: Alvarez Hess Pablo S , Eckard Richard J , Jacobs Joe L , Hannah Murray C , Moate Peter J
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

There are several methods for estimating methane production (MP) from feedstuffs in vented in vitro systems. One method (A; ‘gold standard’) measures methane proportions in the incubation bottle's headspace (HS) and in the vented gas collected in gas bags. Four other methods (B, C, D and E) measure methane proportion in a single gas sample from the HS. Method B assumes the same methane proportion in the vented gas as in the HS, method C assumes constant methane to carbon dioxide ratio, method D has been developed based on empirical data, and method E assumes constant individual venting volumes. This study aimed to compare the MP predictions from these methods to that of the gold standard method under different incubation scenarios, to validate these methods based on their concordance with a gold‐standard method.

RESULTS

Methods C, D and E had greater concordance (0.85, 0.88 and 0.81), lower root‐mean‐square error (RMSE; 0.80, 0.72 and 0.85) and lower mean bias (0.20, 0.35, −0.35) with the gold standard than did method B (concordance 0.67, RMSE 1.49 and mean bias 1.26). Methods D and E were simpler to perform than method C, and method D was slightly more accurate than method E.

CONCLUSION

Based on precision, accuracy and simplicity of implementation, it is recommended that, when method A cannot be used, methods D and E are preferred to estimate MP from vented in vitro systems. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and purification of canthinone and β‐carboline alkaloids from Picrasma quassioides based on bioautography and mass‐spectrometry‐directed autopurification system
Authors: Yang Na , Shi Yanhong , Xiong Aizhen , Zhou Yue , Gu Lihua , Wang Rui , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: May 2018

Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for anti‐inflammation and antibiosis. Canthinone and β‐carboline alkaloids are the main characteristic constituents that possess diverse pharmacological effects, such as anti‐inflammatory and anti‐infectious properties. In this study, bioautography in thin‐layer chromatography indicated that the antiradical activity compound may be alkaloids. Then, a simple, fast, and efficient method was established for the separation and purification of two types of alkaloids from P. quassioides by mass‐spectrometry‐directed autopurification system. Eight alkaloids were isolated and purified in this one‐step methodology. Among them, five compounds (3, 95.1%, 58.8 mg; 4, 98.4%, 71.7 mg; 6, 97.8%, 365.4 mg; 7, 97.7%, 172.7 mg; 8, 98.2%, 180.3 mg) were obtained in large amounts with extremely high purities. Then, the antiradical activities of the isolates showed that 4‐methoxy‐5‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one (6) exhibited obvious 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 84.037 μM. This study offers a new method for the preparation of targeted bioactive alkaloids in P. quassioides. This work also provides a reference for the separation of other targeted chemical components with potential activities from traditional Chinese herbal medicines.
Experimental investigation on corrosion behaviour of Fe‐C‐Cr P/M alloy steels
Authors: Kandavel T. K. , Sacs K. Praveen , Krishna M. Venkat
Published: May 2018

Experimental investigation is under taken in the present work to understand the corrosion mechanism of sinter‐forged Fe‐0.5%C, Fe‐0.5%C‐1%Cr and Fe‐0.5%C‐2%Cr low alloy steels. Aqueous immersion and electrochemical corrosion tests were conducted on the forged alloys using 18% HCl acid solution for various timings to simulate the pickling corrosion. Weight loss measurement was made on the corroded specimens. Corrosion rate is found to decrease drastically with increase in percentage theoretical density irrespective of the alloy compositions. It is found from the results that addition of Cr enhances the corrosion resistance of the alloy steels. The enhanced hardness of the densified alloy steel specimen improves the corrosive resistance of the alloy steel. Corrosion rates were determined using Tafel plots in the case of electrochemical corrosion. Microstructure of the forged alloys revealed the presence of numerous fine rounded pores both within the grains and along the grain boundaries. SEM and XRD were taken for all the compositions and correlated with the corrosion behaviour of the alloy steels.
Obesity‐Associated Diseases Biomarkers Are Differently Modulated in Lean and Obese Individuals and Inversely Correlated to Plasma Polyphenolic Metabolites After 6 Weeks of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Consumption
Authors: Fang Chuo , Kim Hyemee , Barnes Ryan C. , Talcott Stephen T. , Mertens‐Talcott Susanne U.
Published: May 2018

Scope

Mangos are a rich source of gallotannin‐derived polyphenols that may exert anti‐inflammatory effects relevant to obesity‐related chronic diseases. This randomized human clinical study investigated the influence of daily mango supplementation for 6 weeks on inflammation and metabolic functions in lean and obese individuals.

Methods and results

Lean (n = 12, body mass index [BMI] 18–26.2 kg m−2) and obese (n = 9, BMI >28.9 kg m−2) participants, aged 18–65 years received daily 400 g of mango pulp for 6 weeks. Inflammatory cytokines, metabolic hormones, and lipid profiles were examined in plasma before and after 6 weeks. In lean participants, systolic blood pressure was lowered by 4 mmHg after 6 weeks. In obese participants, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were reduced by 18% and 20%, respectively. Obese participants showed decreased plasma concentrations (area under the curve [AUC] 0–8h) of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Correlation analysis indicates that the beneficial effects of mango supplementation on pro‐inflammatory cytokines, PAI‐1 and HbA1c, are associated with systemic exposure to polyphenolic metabolites.

Conclusions

Mango supplementation improves the plasma levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones in obese participants. There is a crucial need to investigate the role of lowered polyphenolic absorption in obese individuals on their efficacy in reducing biomarkers for inflammation and other risk factors for chronic diseases.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis
Authors: Cervigni Mauro , Onesti Emanuela , Ceccanti Marco , Gori Maria C. , Tartaglia Giorgio , Campagna Giuseppe , Panico Giovanni , Vacca Lorenzo , Cambieri Chiara , Libonati Laura , Inghilleri Maurizio
Published: May 2018

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) associated with standard drug therapies for neuropathic pain that does not respond to pharmacological treatment alone in patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC). Secondary goals were to assess the effects of rTMS on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Quality of Life (QOL).

Methods

Fifteen patients with BPS/IC were enrolled in this randomized, double‐blind, sham stimulation‐controlled, crossover study. Patients were treated for 2 weeks with either real‐rTMS (for five consecutive days in 20‐min sessions) or sham‐rTMS (for five consecutive days in 20‐min sessions). After a 6‐week washout period, the patients who had previously undergone real‐rTMS underwent sham‐rTMS, and vice versa. Patients were rated at each visit by means of questionnaires on pain, urinary disturbances, depression, and QOL.

Results

The statistical analysis revealed significant effects of real‐rTMS, when compared with sham‐rTMS, on pain (in the VAS, Functional Neuropathic Pelvic Pain, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, McGill questionnaire, and Central Sensitization Inventory), urinary LUTS (in the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire score, bladder emptying, and daily urinary frequency), and QOL (in the subscores of the SF‐36 related to physical pain and to emotional status). No serious adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that rTMS applied with an H‐coil over the M1 in the area corresponding to the pelvic region in patients with BPS/IC appears to improve chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and associated urinary disorders.
Probe generation for active probing
Authors: Dusia A. , Sethi A. S.
Published: May 2018

Active probing is a widely adopted approach for developing effective solutions for network monitoring and diagnosing. However, the use of probing techniques incurs costs in terms of additional network traffic. Furthermore, probing stations are required to be configured and maintained in the network for sending out probes. The set of probes used for fault detection and/or diagnosis (called the target probe set) is selected by a probe selection algorithm from a larger set called the candidate probe set. Most of the existing techniques for selecting the target probe set assume that the candidate probe set will preexist and the set is determined by the configured routing model in the network. In this paper, we address the problem of generating an expanded candidate probe set, which results in the selection of a more efficient target probe set. We propose the use of heuristics and network partitioning strategies for generating the candidate probe set. For evaluating our approach, we perform experiments to generate candidate probe sets for the networks of several types and sizes. The candidate probe sets are used by the existing probe selection algorithms for selecting target probe sets for fault detection and localization. Our results demonstrate that the target probe set selected from the candidate probe set generated using our approach has a reduced cost of monitoring the network.
Does the Immigrant Advantage in Overweight/Obesity Persist over Time in Mexican American Youth? NHANES 1988‐1994 to 2005‐2014
Authors: Maldonado Luis E. , Albrecht Sandra S.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To examine whether the relationship between nativity and overweight/obesity has changed over time among Mexican American children and to investigate the implications of this pattern on overweight/obesity disparities relative to non‐Hispanic white children.

Methods

Using cross‐sectional data from Mexican American and non‐Hispanic white children aged 4 to 17 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988‐1994 [N = 4,720] and 2005‐2014 [N = 7,275]) log‐binomial regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) of overweight/obesity by nativity status adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, survey period, and a nativity‐by‐survey period interaction. A separate covariate‐adjusted model tested a three‐level interaction between ethnicity, nativity, and survey period that included non‐Hispanic white children.

Results

In 1988‐1994, foreign‐born Mexican Americans had significantly lower prevalence of overweight/obesity compared with US‐born Mexican Americans (PR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.94). However, by 2005‐2014, the nativity gap in overweight/obesity had closed (PR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.84‐1.07). Moreover, while foreign‐born Mexican Americans had the lowest levels of overweight/obesity in 1988‐1994, by 2005‐2014, foreign‐born and US‐born Mexican Americans had comparable estimates, both significantly higher than that of non‐Hispanic white individuals.

Conclusions

Although overweight/obesity disparities between Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic white Americans had previously been specific to US‐born Mexican Americans, disparities in more recent years have extended to foreign‐born Mexican Americans.
Energy Expenditure in Pregnant Women with Obesity Does Not Support Energy Intake Recommendations
Authors: Most Jasper , Vallo Porsha M. , Gilmore L. Anne , St. Amant Marshall , Hsia Daniel S. , Altazan Abby D. , Beyl Robbie A. , Ravussin Eric , Redman Leanne M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

This study aimed to identify factors that may predispose women to excess gestational weight gain (GWG).

Methods

Seventy‐two healthy women with obesity (30 class I, 24 class II, 18 class III) expecting a singleton pregnancy were studied at 13 to 16 weeks gestation. Energy expenditure (EE) was measured during sleep (SleepEE, average EE from 0200‐0500 hours) in a whole‐room calorimeter, and total daily EE (TDEE) over 7 days using doubly labeled water. Glucose, insulin, thyroid hormones, and catecholamines were measured.

Results

Body composition explained 70% variability in SleepEE, and SleepEE accounted for 67% to 73% of TDEE. Though there was no evidence of consistent low metabolism, there was considerable variability. Low SleepEE was associated with insulin resistance and low triiodothyronine concentrations (both P = 0.01). Physical activity level was 1.47 ± 0.02. For women with SleepEE within 100 kcal/d of their predicted EE, TDEE was significantly less than the estimate (2,530 ± 91 vs. 2,939 kcal/d; P < 0.001) provided from the most recent gestational energy requirement model.

Conclusions

Pregnant women with obesity are inactive, possibly predisposing them to excess GWG. Current energy requirement models overestimate activity and may promote excess GWG in women with obesity. Furthermore, the observed large interindividual variability in basal metabolism may be important to consider when assessing the risk for excess GWG.
Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP): A lifespan cohort study for sickle cell disease progression from the pediatric stage into adulthood
Authors: Hankins Jane S. , Estepp Jeremie H. , Hodges Jason R. , Villavicencio Martha A. , Robison Leslie L. , Weiss Mitchell J. , Kang Guolian , Schreiber Jane E. , Porter Jerlym S. , Kaste Sue C. , Saving Kay L. , Bryant Paulette C. , Deyo Jeffrey E. , Nottage Kerri A. , King Allison A. , Brandow Amanda M. , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Adesina Oyebimpe , Chou Stella T. , Zemel Babette S. , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Wang Winfred C. , Gurney James G.
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous natural history studies have advanced the understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD), but generally have not included sufficient lifespan data or investigation of the role of genetics in clinical outcomes, and have often occurred before the widespread use of disease‐modifying therapies, such as hydroxyurea and chronic erythrocyte transfusions. To further advance knowledge of SCD, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital established the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP), to conduct research in a clinically evaluated cohort of individuals with SCD across their lifetime.

Procedures

Initiated in 2014, the SCCRIP study prospectively recruits patients diagnosed with SCD and includes retrospective and longitudinal collection of clinical, neurocognitive, geospatial, psychosocial, and health outcomes data. Biological samples are banked for future genomics and proteomics studies. The organizational structure of SCCRIP is based upon organ/system‐specific working groups and is opened to the research community for partnerships.

Results

As of August 2017, 1,044 (92.3% of eligible) patients with SCD have enrolled in the study (860 children and 184 adults), with 11,915 person‐years of observation. Population demographics included mean age at last visit of 11.3 years (range 0.7–30.1), 49.8% females, 57.7% treated with hydroxyurea, 8.5% treated with monthly transfusions, and 62.9% hemoglobin (Hb) SS or HbSB0‐thalassemia, 25.7% HbSC, 8.4% HbsB+‐Thalassemia, 1.7% HbS/HPFH, and 1.2% other.

Conclusions

The SCCRIP cohort will provide a rich resource for the conduct of high impact multidisciplinary research in SCD.
Late mortality and morbidity among long‐term leukemia survivors with Down syndrome: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Vonasek Julia , Asdahl Peter , Heyman Mats , Källén Karin , Hasle Henrik
Published: May 2018

Background

Late health consequences of treatment for childhood leukemia are well documented. Although individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a substantially increased risk of leukemia, information on late effects in this group is almost nonexistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality and morbidity among 5‐year leukemia survivors with DS.

Procedure

We compared 5‐year leukemia survivors with leukemia‐free individuals with DS. All individuals born with DS in Denmark between 1960 and 2007 and in Sweden between 1973 and 2009 were included. Long‐term morbidity was estimated by comparing hospitalization rates between survivors and leukemia‐free individuals.

Results

In total, we found 6,705 individuals with DS, 84 of whom were 5‐year survivors of leukemia. Survivors had a higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–13) compared with leukemia‐free individuals. All deaths (n = 7) among 5‐year leukemia survivors were due to relapse. Survivors had a higher hospitalization rate (HR 4.4; 95% CI: 3.1–6.2). However, most of these hospitalizations were due to relapse. Censoring individuals who either had a relapse or were being treated for a relapse more than 5 years from the initial diagnosis (n = 9) attenuated the association (HR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0–2.1).

Conclusion

In this study, we found that relapse was the main reason for death and hospitalization among leukemia survivors with DS, and not late effects. These results are reassuring for individuals treated for DS associated with leukemia and their parents.