bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental exposures during pregnancy: Mechanistic effects on immunity
Authors: Rychlik Kristal A. , Sillé Fenna C. M.
Published: February 2019

In human studies, it is well established that exposures during embryonic and fetal development periods can influence immune health. Coupled with genetic predisposition, these exposures can alter lifetime chronic and infectious disease trajectory, and, ultimately, life expectancy. Fortunately, as research advances, mechanisms governing long‐term effects of prenatal exposures are coming to light and providing the opportunity for intervention and risk reduction. For instance, human association studies have provided a foundation for the association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter with early immunosuppression and later allergic disease in the offspring. Only recently, the mechanisms mediating this response have been revealed and there is much we have yet to discover. Although cellular immune response is understood for many exposure scenarios, molecular pathways are still unidentified. This review will provide commentary and synthesis of the current literature regarding environmental exposures during pregnancy and mechanisms determining immune outcomes. Shared mechanistic features and current gaps in the state of the science are identified and discussed. To such purpose, we address exposures by their immune effect type: immunosuppression, autoimmunity, inflammation and tissue damage, hypersensitivity, and general immunomodulation.
CRISPR–Cas‐Mediated Chemical Control of Transcriptional Dynamics in Yeast
Authors: Cunningham‐Bryant Daniel , Sun Jingwen , Fernandez Brianna , Zalatan Jesse G.
Published: February 2019

Synthetic CRISPR–Cas transcription factors enable the construction of complex gene‐expression programs, and chemically inducible systems allow precise control over the expression dynamics. To provide additional modes of regulatory control, we have constructed a chemically inducible CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system in yeast that is mediated by recruitment to MS2‐functionalized guide RNAs. We use reporter gene assays to systematically map the dose dependence, time dependence, and reversibility of the system. Because the recruitment function is encoded at the level of the guide RNA, it is straightforward to target multiple genes and independently regulate expression dynamics at individual targets. This approach provides a new method to engineer sophisticated, multigene programs with precise control over the dynamics of gene expression.
Revealing the Unusual Rigid Boron Chain Substructure in Hard and Superconductive Tantalum Monoboride
Authors: Ma Shuailing , Bao Kuo , Tao Qiang , Li Li , Huang Yanping , Huang Xiaoli , Zhao Yongsheng , Xu Chunhong , Zhu Pinwen , Cui Tian
Published: February 2019

Poor electrical conductivity severely limits the diverse applications of high hardness materials in situations where electrical conductivities are highly desired. A “covalent metal” TaB with metallic electrical conductivity and high hardness has been fabricated by a high pressure and high temperature method. The bulk modulus, 302.0(4.9) GPa, and Vickers hardness, 21.3 GPa, approaches and even exceeds that of traditional insulating hard materials. Meanwhile, temperature‐dependent electrical resistivity measurements show that TaB possesses metallic conductivity that rivals some widely‐used conductors, and it will transform into a superconductor at Tc=7.8 K. Contrary to common understanding, the hardness of TaB is higher than that of TaB2, which indicates that low boron concentration borides could be mechanically better than the higher boron concentration counterparts. Compression behavior and first principles calculations denote that the high hardness is associated with the ultra‐rigid covalent boron chain substructure. The hardness of TaB with different topologies of boron substructure shows that besides incorporating higher boron content, manipulating light element backbone configurations is also critical for higher hardness amongst transition metal borides with identical boron content.
Soil warming affects sap flow responses to meteorological conditions for Betula albosinensis at a subalpine wetland in the edge of northeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yan Chunhua , Takeuchi Shinichi , Qiu Guo Yu
Published: February 2019

Transpiration in cold‐limited areas is restricted by low soil temperature. However, little is known about the influence of soil warming on tree transpiration under a water logged and cold soil conditions. We aimed to test the hypothesis that an increase in soil temperature in the absence of water stress will lead to increased sap flow of red birch (Betula albosinensis) in a subalpine wetland. Sap flow and relevant environmental data were measured for B. albosinensis in a subalpine wetland in the edge of northeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 2013 to 2016. The cooling and controlling experiments were also conducted in the lab from June to July in 2017. The results showed that meteorological parameters, as well as soil temperature, are important limiting factors for tree transpiration. It was governed by meteorological factors throughout the growing season, whereas we only found a significant increase of sap flow upon soil warming in the mid‐growing season, which may be attributed to warm‐induced hydraulic conductivity. In the early growing season, no warming effect was observed on sap flow. We then concluded that whole‐tree water use may increase with increasing soil temperature and similar precipitation and thus alter the local water balance. These results are essential to understand the response of hydrological processes to future climate warming.
Indicators for assessing tropical alpine rehabilitation practices
Authors: Duchicela Sisimac A. , Cuesta Francisco , Pinto Esteban , Gosling William D. , Young Kenneth R.
Published: February 2019

In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of indicators for rehabilitation practices in high mountain landscapes that were aimed at increasing grassland palatability and biomass accumulation. Focusing on the department of Huancavelica in Peru, the importance of rehabilitation practiced in this area involves the relationship of alpaca pastoralists and their need to produce wool. Overgrazing in this area has decreased the carrying capacity of the system, which may be problematic for continuing their present levels of grazing. Therefore, rehabilitation practices, including herbivory exclusion, exclusion with added irrigation, and exclusion with water collecting ditches, were installed to increase vegetation biomass and palatability of the vegetation. The effects of the rehabilitation practices were assessed using six indicators: vegetation coverage, species richness, Shannon‐Weiner Diversity Index, below and aboveground biomass, and soil organic matter, which were analyzed using mixed‐effects models. The indicators show that some practices, such as exclusion and ditches, are positively affecting vegetation coverage while negatively affecting species richness. Additionally, biomass showed lower accumulation in areas not excluded from grazing. Therefore, although some of the treatments were initiated as recently as 2013, we can already observe changes in the indicators involving vegetation composition and structure. In the long term, these indicators may allow us to fully understand the effect of the rehabilitation practices on maintaining the carrying capacity of the system. Furthermore, the general approach should be widely applicable in other utilized landscapes.
Sinapic Acid and its Derivatives Increase Oxidative Stability in Different Model Lipid Systems
Authors: Martinović Neda , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Abramovič Helena
Published: February 2019

Sinapic acid and its derivatives syringic acid, syringaldehyde, three sinapoyl esters (ethyl, propyl, butyl sinapates), 4‐vinylsyringol, and sinapine are investigated for anti‐radical activity in relation to different free radical species, reaction environments and model systems, and with special emphasis on lipid peroxidation in different lipid systems: as an emulsion, bulk oil, oleogel and liposome suspension. Syringic acid and sinapic acid show the highest DPPH• and O2•− scavenging activities, whereas for the •OH‐scavenging the highest activities are for ethyl sinapate, propyl sinapate, and sinapine. While sinapic acid esters have the highest activities in the emulsion and liposome suspension, in bulk oil, the more polar sinapic acid, syringic acid, and syringaldehyde show the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation. In oleogel‐based system a noted increase in the activity of less polar compounds, especially 4‐vinylsyringol and butyl sinapate is recorded, while the level of inhibition for the more polar sinapic acid, syringic acid, and syringaldehyde remain unchanged, compared to the bulk oil. In oleogel the potential interactions of these less polar compounds with the oil structuring agent might be an additional factor that influences their inhibitory actions.

Practical Applications: This study examines the potential for the application of sinapic acid and its derivatives for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, using different lipid systems as models for real food matrices. The study shows how modifications to the naturally occurring compound sinapic acid can affect its activity, and which of these modifications would be appropriate for each lipid system. It is also shown that contrary to the polar paradox, the influence of lipophilic antioxidants on the oxidative stability of oleogel‐based products might be due to their interactions with the oleogelation agents, which will thus further stabilize the oleogels. In addition to their antioxidant actions, this would open new possibilities for the application of lipophilic antioxidants to oil‐based products.

While sinapic acid esters [ethyl sinapate (SE), propyl sinapate (SP), butyl sinapate (SB)] have the highest activities in the emulsion and liposome suspension, in bulk oil, the more polar sinapic acid (SA), syringic acid (SY), and syringaldehyde (SYA) show the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The increase in lipophilicity in sinapic acid by esterification and decarboxylation [4‐vinylsyringol (VS)] results in increased antioxidant activity in oleogel, compared to bulk oil, which is contradictory to polar paradox. This indicates interference in the oil structuring by the more lipophilic compounds.
Stabilization of Fish Oil‐Loaded Electrosprayed Capsules with Seaweed and Commercial Natural Antioxidants: Effect on the Oxidative Stability of Capsule‐Enriched Mayonnaise
Authors: Hermund Ditte , Jacobsen Charlotte , Chronakis Ioannis S. , Pelayo Andres , Yu Sen , Busolo María , Lagaron Jose M. , Jónsdóttir Rosa , Kristinsson Hordur G. , Akoh Casimir C. , García‐Moreno Pedro J.
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the stabilization of fish oil‐loaded electrosprayed capsules with different natural antioxidants: i) an ethanol extract from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus; or ii) a combination of δ‐tocopherol and rosemary extract. The seaweed extract enhances the oxidative stability of fish oil‐loaded capsules with dextran as the main biopolymer wall material, but shows a prooxidant effect in fish oil‐loaded capsules having glucose syrup as the main biopolymer. These results can mainly be explained by the higher encapsulation efficiency of dextran capsules when compared to glucose capsules (90 vs. 83–85%), which prevents interaction of metal ions present in the extract with non‐encapsulated oil. On the contrary, the addition of a lipophilic radical scavenger such as δ‐tocopherol in combination with synergistic antioxidants such as carnosic acid and carnosol present in rosemary extract improves the oxidative stability of glucose syrup capsules during 21 day storage, but not when the capsules are added to mayonnaise. Moreover, the capsule‐containing mayonnaise presents a larger droplet size and higher apparent viscosity than mayonnaise enriched with neat fish oil. Both findings indicate that the structure of capsules may have been lost when added to a water‐based food matrix (e.g., mayonnaise) and this requires further investigation.

Practical Applications: Novel omega‐3 delivery systems that are more easily dispersed and still maintain their oxidative stability are needed by the food industry. Electrosprayed capsules with a reduced size when compared to spray‐dried capsules, and which are produced without the need of heat for drying emulsions are promising omega‐3 powdered encapsulates. Moreover, the addition of natural antioxidants, commonly used by the industry to further stabilize omega‐3 encapsulates, deserves scientific attention. This study reveals the effect of seaweed antioxidants (e.g., phlorotannins) and commercial natural antioxidants (e.g., δ‐tocopherol and rosemary extract) on the oxidative stability of electrosprayed capsules loaded with fish oil. In addition, the effect of adding the capsules to a food matrix such as mayonnaise has been investigated. Although further development is necessary, these results will open up new strategies to enrich food products with omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Fish oil‐loaded electrosprayed capsules stabilized with antioxidants. This study investigates the stabilization of fish oil‐loaded electrosprayed capsules with different natural antioxidants: i) an ethanol extract from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus; or ii) a combination of δ‐tocopherol and rosemary extract.
Assessment of the Suitability of Pitanga Leaf Extract as a Natural Antioxidant for Enhancing Canola Oil Stability: Monitoring Lipid Oxidation Parameters
Authors: Vargas Flávia C. , Gómez Belen , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Strozzi Isabella , Gavahian Mohsen , Barba Francisco J. , Sobral Paulo José do Amaral , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: February 2019

The efficiency of pitanga leaf extracts (PLE) to protecting vegetable oils against lipid oxidation is evaluated and compared with the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In addition, the main phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of PLE are determined by UPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS and spectrophotometric methods. Moreover, the fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation of canola oil containing five different concentrations of PLE (200–1000 ppm), BHT or without added antioxidant are evaluated after being subjected to accelerated oxidation conditions (60 °C during 16 days). The results show a considerable amount of phenols (229.4 mg gallic acid/g extract) with two major phenolic compounds (miricitrin and quercetin 3‐α‐fucopiranoside) in the PLE intermediate fraction. The fatty acid composition of canola oils with additives did not change significantly after 16 day of accelerated oxidation (7.3% SFA, 64.5% MUFA, and 27.8% PUFA). The incorporation of PLE, even at the minimum concentration assayed (200 ppm), offers important decreases of primary and secondary oxidation products with respect to the control sample, obtaining reduction percentages of 74, 58, 62, and 61% for peroxides, conjugated dienes, p‐anisidine, and TBARS values, respectively. A similar stability for canola oil is observed with BHT at equivalent concentrations, enhancing the inhibitory effects against lipid oxidation in different oxidations steps.

Practical Applications: The incorporation of pitanga leaf extracts to canola oils is a promising strategy to preserve their polyunsaturated fatty acids, avoiding their lipid oxidation during storage. This procedure is of great interest due to the natural origin of the additive under study versus synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene.

The antioxidant potential of pitanga leaf extracts, including UPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and their effects on canola oil stability after accelerated storage conditions, are evaluated.
Cyclodextrin‐mediated capillary electrophoresis enantioseparation of dansylated β‐amino acids with bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane and cyclopenta[d][1,2]oxazole core structures
Authors: Harnisch Henrik , Ilisz István , Fülöp Ferenc , Szakonyi Zsolt , Kiss Lóránd , Péter Antal , Scriba Gerhard K. E.
Published: February 2019

The present study investigated the separation of bicyclic β‐amino acids with bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane and cyclopenta[d][1,2]oxazole core structures by capillary electrophoresis using native cyclodextrins as well as neutral and charged derivatives as chiral selectors. The amino acids were derivatized with dansyl chloride to provide a UV chromophore. Separations were carried out at 20°C in a 48.5/40 cm, 50 µm fused‐silica capillary at an applied voltage of 20 kV. Fifty millimolar sodium phosphate background electrolytes pH 2.5 and 7.2 containing either 5 or 30 mg/mL of the CDs were used. For the majority of the investigated CDs, enantioseparations could only be achieved at pH 2.5 when the analytes are positively charged. Successful enantioseparations as negatively charged analytes at pH 7.2 were only observed for few compounds. In the case of methyl‐γ‐cyclodextrin, opposite enantiomer migration order was observed in pH 2.5 or 7.2 background electrolytes. Dependence of the enantiomer migration order on the size of the cavity of the cyclodextrins was also found. Furthermore, the degree of methylation of β‐cyclodextrin derivatives affected the migration order of several analyte enantiomers.
FeCl3 Intercalated Microcrystalline Graphite Enables High Volumetric Capacity and Good Cycle Stability for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Yali , Han Fei , Zhang Chengzhi , Zhang Fuquan , Zhou Dianwu , Liu Hongbo , Fan Changling , Li Xuanke , Liu Jinshui
Published: February 2019

To achieve a high volumetric capacity, both high tap density and high gravimetric capacity should be considered in one electrode. Herein, microcrystalline graphite (MG), a type of excellent graphite host, is proposed for the large‐scale preparation of FeCl3‐intercalated graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) to simultaneously meet the requirements of high tap density (0.95 g cm−3) and high gravimetric capacity (905 mAh g−1). FeCl3‐intercalated MG achieves the integration of isotropic orientation structure, amorphous carbon ingredients between graphite grains, and crumpled graphite layers, thus effectively buffering structure expansion and suppressing the dissolution of soluble FeCl3 guest and LiCl discharge products. In a lithium‐ion cell, the anode shows a high volumetric capacity of 859 mAh cm−3 and a stable cycle performance for lithium‐ion storage. More importantly, the influence of microstructure features of GICs on their electrochemical properties is demonstrated, which may be of great value to better design and prepare other GIC anodes for high volumetric capacity and good cycle stability.
Exceptional rates and mechanisms of muddy shoreline retreat following mangrove removal
Authors: Brunier Guillaume , Anthony Edward J. , Gratiot Nicolas , Gardel Antoine
Published: February 2019

Probably the largest regular shoreline fluctuations on Earth occur along the 1500 km‐long wave‐exposed Guianas coast of South America between the mouths of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, the world's longest muddy coast. The Guianas coast is influenced by a succession of mud banks migrating northwestward from the Amazon. Migrating mud banks dissipate waves, partially weld onshore, and lead to coastal progradation, aided by large‐scale colonization by mangroves, whereas mangrove‐colonized areas between banks (inter‐bank areas) are exposed to strong wave action and undergo erosion. On large tracts of this coast, urbanization and farming have led to fragmentation and removal of mangroves, resulting in aggravated shoreline retreat. To highlight this situation, we determined, in a setting where mangroves and backshore freshwater marshes have been converted into rice polders in French Guiana, shoreline change over 38 years (1976‐2014) from satellite images and aerial orthophotographs. We also conducted four field experiments between October 2013 and October 2014, comprising topographic and hydrodynamic measurements, to determine mechanisms of retreat. The polder showed persistent retreat, at peak rates of up to ‐200 m/yr, and no recovery over the 38‐year period of monitored change. Notwithstanding high erosion rates, mangrove shorelines show strong resilience, with recovery characterized by massive accretion. Retreat of the polder results in a steep wave‐reworked shoreface with a lowered capacity for bank welding onshore and mangrove establishment. Persistent polder erosion is accompanied by the formation of a sandy chenier that retreats landwards at rates largely exceeding those in inter‐bank situations. These results show that anthropogenic mangrove removal can durably modify the morphodynamics of muddy shorefaces. This limits the capacity for shoreline recovery and mangrove re‐establishment even when there is no sustained long‐term deficit in mud supply, as in the case of the Amazon‐influenced Guianas coast. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Effect of Humidity Level of H2 on Cell Performance of a HT‐PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhou F. , Singdeo D. , Kær S. Knudsen
Published: February 2019

High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT‐PEM) fuel cell is often integrated with a light fossil fuel reformer to improve the fuel flexibility. Although the operation of HT‐PEM fuel cell does not rely on the humidification of the inlet gas, water vapor is found in the reformate gas which is fed to the HT‐PEM fuel cell. In this work, the influence of water content in the H2 to the cell performance of a HT‐PEM fuel cell is studied under different operating temperatures. Under lower operating temperature of 140 °C, the HT‐PEM fuel cell shows the best performance with low water content in the H2. With increasing water content, the cell performance decreases. Under the operating temperature of 160 °C, the best cell performance is achieved with an intermediate water content in the H2. While under high operating temperature of 180 °C, the cell performance shows an increasing trend with the increase in the water content. By measuring the impedance spectra of the HT‐PEM fuel cell, the reasons for the different influence of anode humidification in cell performance at different operating temperatures were investigated.
Multicenter retrospective study of the prognosis and treatment outcomes of Japanese oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with level IV/V metastasis
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Yanamoto Souichi , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Kakei Yasumasa , Okura Masaya , Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Yamada Shin‐Ichi , Ota Yoshihide , Umeda Masahiro , Kirita Tadaaki , Kurita Hiroshi , Ueda Michihiro , Komori Takahide ,   the Japan Oral Oncology Group (JOOG)
Published: February 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and level IV/V metastasis and to compare patients who underwent no postoperative therapy with those who underwent postoperative radiotherapy (RT) and concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

We evaluated 669 patients. Clinicopathological data, postoperative therapy, and clinical course were investigated.

Results

Sixty‐one patients (9.1%) developed level IV/V metastasis. The 3‐year cumulative overall survival rates of patients with and without level IV/V metastasis were 47.3% and 64.3%, respectively. Tongue tumors, pN2 or N3 classification, and moderate or poor differentiation were significantly associated with the development of level IV/V metastasis. The surgery+RT/CCRT group was associated with better 3‐year cumulative disease‐specific survival and overall survival rates than the surgery only group.

Conclusion

Adjuvant therapy (RT alone or CCRT) after surgery is recommended for patients with level IV/V metastasis.
Association between CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood and clinical features and short‐term therapeutic effects of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tang Lingli , Ye Jiangfeng , Shi Yingli , Zhu Xiaoyong
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate the association between CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood and the clinical features and short‐term therapeutic effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional study included women diagnosed with PCOS at a University Hospital in Shanghai, China, between June 4 and November 28, 2016. Patients received Diane‐35, metformin, or both combined for 3 months. We collected anthropometric measures and used flow cytometry to detect CD16++ monocytes.

Results

The final analysis included 70 patients: 18 in the Diane‐35 group, 30 in the metformin group, and 22 in the Diane‐35 plus metformin group. The control group comprised 60 women without PCOS. The proportion of CD16++ monocytes was significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in those with no PCOS (16.05% vs 10.73%; P=0.001). The proportion differed significantly between patients with and those without hyperandrogenism (13.12% vs 17.30%; P=0.002) and showed moderate accuracy in diagnosing hyperandrogenism before treatment. We noted a decrease in monocytes post‐treatment in patients given metformin and Diane‐35 plus metformin.

Conclusions

The proportion of CD16++ monocytes was most significantly associated with hyperandrogenism before treatment. Our findings suggest that the proportion of CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood might be related to the inflammatory condition of PCOS.
The effect of climate and land‐cover changes on runoff response in Guguf spate systems, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Emnet , Gebresamuel Girmay , Embaye Tesfa‐Alem G. , Zenebe Amanuel
Published: February 2019

Irrigated agriculture in the rainfall‐deficit semi‐arid lowlands of the Raya valley rely on spate systems to produce food crops. Climate and land‐cover dynamics upstream are, however, threatening runoff response reaching these spate systems. The objective of this study was thus to analyse the hydrological response of dryland catchments to changing climate and land cover in Guguf spate systems. Thirty‐six years of climate data were analysed using Mann–Kendall, Pettitt's test and linear regression methods, and time‐series land‐cover information extracted from Landsat satellite images in a remote‐sensing interface. The Soil Conservation Systems curve number method was then employed to formulate the likely impact of climate and land‐cover changes on runoff response, and trends analysed. Results showed that temperature, evapotranspiration and rainfall varied at least by 0.11°C, 15.2 mm and −5.1 mm yr−1 respectively, intensifying moisture stress. Moreover, improving vegetation cover in the highlands enhanced the water‐abstraction capacity of the soil, impeding the runoff curve number by 9.2%. Thus, the combined effects of climate induced moisture stress and land cover led water abstraction upstream has threatened runoff response at a rate of 0.23 × 106 m3 yr−1. In other words, the runoff response reaching Guguf spate systems degenerated by 7.96 × 106 m3 over 36 years. Such unusual highland–lowland hydrological linkage has therefore endangered the availability of surplus water to irrigate spate‐based farms downstream. Appropriate policies and strategies would therefore be desirable to address conflicting interests in scarce water resources in the face of climate change. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential
Authors: White C. Michael
Published: February 2019

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly touted product for many different disorders among the lay press. Numerous CBD products are available, ranging from a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved product called Epidiolex to products created for medical marijuana dispensaries and products sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and over the Internet. The legal status of the non–FDA‐approved products differs depending on the source of the CBD and the state, while the consistency and quality of the non–FDA‐approved products vary markedly. Without independent laboratory verification, it is impossible to know whether the labeled CBD dosage in non–FDA‐approved CBD products is correct, that the delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol content is <0.3%, and that it is free of adulteration and contamination. On the Internet, CBD has been touted for many ailments for which it has not been studied, and in those diseases with evaluable human data, it generally has weak or very weak evidence. The control of refractory seizures is a clear exception, with strong evidence of CBD's benefit. Acute CBD dosing before anxiety‐provoking events like public speaking and the chronic use of CBD in schizophrenia are promising but not proven. CBD is not risk free, with adverse events (primarily somnolence and gastrointestinal in nature) and drug interactions. CBD has been shown to increase liver function tests and needs further study to assess its impact on suicidal ideation.
High Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Concentrations Are Found in Preterm Baboons Receiving Intravenous Amino Acid Solutions and Mimic Alterations Found in Preterm Infants
Authors: Blanco Cynthia , McGill‐Vargas Lisa , Li Cun , Winter Lauryn , Nathanielsz Peter
Published: February 2019

Background

Parenteral amino acid (AA) nutrition administration after premature birth is necessary to ensure adequate growth and neurodevelopment. However, optimizing safety and efficacy remains a major challenge. This study investigated the effects of intravenous AA administration on plasma AA profiles in premature baboons and infants.

Methods

Premature baboons were delivered by cesarean section at 125 days (67% gestation) and chronically ventilated. At 24 hours of life, a parenteral AA protocol comparable to the early and high AA regimens used in premature infants was initiated. Serial plasma AA concentrations were obtained on days of life (DOLs) 1, 3, and 7 and compared with concentrations at similar DOLs from preterm infants. Fetal baboon (165 ± 2 days; 89% gestation) and term baboon plasma AA concentrations were obtained for comparison.

Results

Premature baboons receiving early and high parenteral AA supplementation exhibited significant differences in plasma AA concentrations compared with fetuses. In particular, concentrations of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and ornithine were elevated (fold increase: 2.14, 2.03, 1.95, and 16.5, respectively; P < 0.001) on DOL 3 vs fetuses. These alterations mimicked those found in preterm infants.

Conclusion

Early and high AA supplementation in extremely premature baboons significantly disrupted plasma AA concentrations. Elevated concentrations of branched‐chain AAs and ornithine raise concerns for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These results are consistent with those found in premature human infants and emphasize the need to optimize parenteral AA solutions for the unique metabolic requirements of premature infants. Improved technologies for rapid monitoring of AA concentrations during treatment are essential.
Combating desertification through economic development in northwestern China
Authors: Feng Qi , Tian Yongzhen , Yu Tengfei , Yin Zhenliang , Cao Shixiong
Published: February 2019

Desertification affects about 36 × 106 km2 of land around the world, two‐thirds of the world's countries and one‐fifth of its population, but poverty prevents these people from developing effective solutions. To balance the need for sustainable development with environmental protection, China's scientists have tested a new and more environmentally friendly approach based on ecological restoration projects that simultaneously provide a sustainable livelihood for the citizens affected by the projects. This strategy for controlling desertification requires cooperation among governments, scientists, and researchers from many disciplines and the communities affected by the program. To document the effectiveness of this strategy, we monitored the implementation of a programme to combat desertification in the Alxa League of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Our study showed that the new strategy can significantly increase vegetation cover, species richness, aboveground biomass, soil organic matter content, and soil nutrients. The successful ecological restoration provides potentially important lessons for other parts of the world that face the joint burden of poverty and environmental degradation.
Does freshwater connectivity influence phosphorus retention in lakes?
Authors: Stachelek Jemma , Soranno Patricia A.
Published: February 2019

Lake water residence time and depth are known to be strong predictors of phosphorus (P) retention. However, there is substantial variation in P retention among lakes with the same depth and residence time. One potential explanatory factor for this variation is differences in freshwater connectivity of lakes (i.e., the type and amount of freshwater connections to a lake), which can influence watershed P trapping or the particulate load fraction of P delivered to lakes via stream connections. To examine the relationship between P retention and connectivity, we quantified several different measures of connectivity including those that reflect downstream transport of material (sediment, water, and nutrients) within lake‐stream networks (lake‐stream‐based metrics) as well as those that reflect transport of material from hillslope and riparian areas adjacent to watershed stream networks (stream‐based metrics). Because it is not always clear what spatial extent is appropriate for determining functional differences in connectivity among lakes, we compared connectivity metrics at two important spatial extents: the lake subwatershed extent and the lake watershed extent. We found that variation in P retention among lakes was more strongly associated with connectivity metrics measured at the broader lake watershed extent rather than metrics measured at the finer lake subwatershed extent. Our results suggest that both connectivity between lakes and streams as well as connectivity of lakes and their terrestrial watersheds influence P retention.
Polyurethane Coatings Based on Renewable White Dextrins and Isocyanate Trimers
Authors: Konieczny Jakob , Loos Katja
Published: February 2019

The polyurethane industry is strongly dependent on fossil‐based polyols and polyisocyanates. Developing novel sustainable polyols from valuable biobased building blocks is a first step toward strong and durable development. The synthesis and properties of PU films based on pristine and acylated white dextrins (AVEDEX W80) as polyol and an aliphatic, low‐viscosity, solvent‐free triisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (trimer—Desmodur N3300) as crosslinker is reported. After optimizing several conditions, such as the reaction time, reaction temperature, amount of solvent, isocyanate index, and amount per surface area, it is possible to obtain smooth PU films with good thermal properties.
Reticular telangiectatic erythema from implanted devices attributed to low‐grade infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Wuyts Laura , Van Dyck Frederic , Kamerling Niels , Olyslaegers Christophe , Jansens Hilde , Lambert Julien , Aerts Olivier
Published: February 2019

Reticular telangiectatic erythema (RTE) is a poorly defined clinical condition occurring days, months to even years after the implantation of medical devices such as orthopaedic prostheses, neurostimulators and pacemakers. In its pathogenesis a role for Staphylococcus epidermidis has been suggested, but such cases have only rarely been reported. We describe three patients, one with a neurostimulator and two with an orthopaedic prosthesis, respectively, in whom a RTE developed and, ultimately, could be attributed to a low‐grade infection with the biofilm‐producing S. epidermidis. The devices showed no apparent technical defects and patch tests, to exclude a contact‐allergic origin of the RTE, were negative in all cases. However, an antimicrobial strategy, including antibiotic therapy and removal of the infected devices, led to complete disappearance of the RTE in all cases. The subsequent and uneventful replacement by a new, but identical, medical device, in two of three patients, further argues for a potential aetiologic role of S. epidermidis in the occurrence of some cases of—otherwise unexplained—RTE.
Functional characterization of a novel CSF1R mutation causing hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids
Authors: Kraya Torsten , Quandt Dagmar , Pfirrmann Thorsten , Kindermann Andrea , Lampe Leonie , Schroeter Matthias L. , Kohlhase Jürgen , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Hoffmann Katrin , Villavicencio‐Lorini Pablo
Published: February 2019

Background

Colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane protein that mediates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of monocytes/macrophages and microglia. CSF1R gene mutations cause hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), an autosomal‐dominantly inherited microgliopathy, leading to early onset dementia with high lethality.

Methods

By interdisciplinary assessment of a complex neuropsychiatric condition in a 44‐year old female patient, we narrowed down the genetic diagnostic to CSF1R gene sequencing. Flow cytometric analyses of uncultivated peripheral blood monocytes were conducted sequentially to measure the cell surface CSF1 receptor and autophosphorylation levels. Monocyte subpopulations were monitored during disease progression.

Results

We identified a novel heterozygous deletion–insertion mutation c.2527_2530delinsGGCA, p.(Ile843_Leu844delinsGlyIle) in our patient with initial signs of HDLS. Marginally elevated cell surface CSF1 receptor levels with increased Tyr723 autophosphorylation suggest an enhanced receptor activity. Furthermore, we observed a shift in monocyte subpopulations during disease course.

Conclusion

Our data indicate a mutation‐related CSF1R gain‐of‐function, accompanied by an altered composition of the peripheral innate immune cells in our patient with HDLS. Since pharmacological targeting of CSF1R with tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevents disease progression in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders, a potential pharmacological benefit of CSF1R inhibition remains to be elucidated for patients with HDLS.
Two novel PET image restoration methods guided by PET‐MR kernels: Application to brain imaging
Authors: Tahaei Marzieh S. , Reader Andrew J. , Collins D. Louis
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Post‐reconstruction positron emission tomography (PET) image restoration methods that take advantage of available anatomical information can play an important role in accurate quantification of PET images. However, when using anatomical information, the resulting PET image may lose resolution in certain regions where the anatomy does not agree with the change in functional activity. In this work, this problem is addressed by using both magnetic resonance (MR) and filtered PET images to guide the denoising process.

Methods

In this work, two novel post‐reconstruction methods for restoring PET images using the subject’s registered T1‐weighted MR image are proposed. The first method is based on a representation of the image using basis functions extracted from T1‐weighted MR and filtered PET image. The coefficients for these basis functions are estimated using a sparsity‐penalized least squares objective function. The second method is a noniterative fast method that uses guided kernel filtering in combination with twicing to restore the noisy PET image. When applied after conventional PVE correction, these methods can be considered as voxel‐based MR‐guided partial volume effect (PVE) correction methods.

Results

Using simulation analyses of [F]FDG PET images of the brain with lesions, the proposed methods are compared to other denoising methods through different figures of merit. The results show promising improvements in image quality as well as reduction in bias and variance of the lesions. We also show the application of the proposed methods on real [F]FDG data.

Conclusion

Two methods for restoring PET images were proposed. The methods were evaluated on simulation and real brain images. Most MR‐guided PVE correction methods are only based on segmented T1‐weighted images and their accuracy is very sensitive to segmentation errors, especially in regions of abnormalities and lesions. However, both proposed methods can use the T1‐weighted image without segmentation. The simplicity and the very low computational cost of the second method make it suitable for clinical applications and large data studies. The proposed methods can be naturally extended to PVE correction and denoising of other functional modalities using corresponding anatomical information.
Patient body motion correction for dynamic cardiac PET‐CT by attenuation‐emission alignment according to projection consistency conditions
Authors: Hunter Chad R. R. N. , Klein Ran , Alessio Adam M. , deKemp Robert A.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Patient body motion is known to cause large deviations in the determination of myocardial blood flow (MBF) with errors exceeding 300%. Accurate correction for patient whole‐body motion is still a largely unsolved problem in cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy of using Natterer's formulation of the Helgason–Ludwig consistency conditions on the two‐dimensional Radon transform to align computed tomography to PET projection data in multiple time frames of a dynamic sequence for the purpose of frame‐by‐frame correction of rigid whole‐body motion.

Methods

The correction algorithm was evaluated with digital NCAT phantoms using realistic noise added by the analytical simulator. Count rates used in the simulation were derived from clinical patient data. In addition, a proof of concept test using measured data with a cardiac torso phantom was conducted.

Results

Motion correction resulted in significant improvement in the accuracy of MBF estimates, especially for high count‐rate acquisitions. Maximum errors for 2 cm of motion dropped from 325% to 25% and from 250% to 25% using global and regional partial‐volume correction, respectively. Median MBF errors dropped from 33% to 4.5% and 27% to 3.8%, respectively. Importantly, the correction algorithm performed equally well to compensate for body motion in both early and late time frames.

Conclusion

Cardiac PET‐CT data used for attenuation correction (CTAC) alignment using projection consistency conditions was effective for reducing errors in MBF measurements due to simulated patient motion, and can be integrated into the image reconstruction workflow.
Repair of Central Venous Catheters in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Salonen Bradley R. , Bonnes Sara L. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Lal Simon
Published: February 2019

For patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN), vascular access with a central venous catheter (CVC) is essential to safely administer parenteral nutrition (PN) to meet their nutrition and hydration needs. Unfortunately, despite rigorous training and prevention strategies, CVCs are susceptible to complications such as infection, occlusion, thrombosis, and mechanical failure. Much of the published research on CVC complications focuses on infections; however, catheter occlusions and mechanical failures also contribute significantly to catheter dysfunction and loss. Frequent CVC exchanges put HPN patients at risk of loss of vascular access, making it essential that any strategies that can salvage the CVC be implemented prior to removal. CVC repair is 1 technique that can be utilized to avoid CVC exchanges in certain situations. CVC repairs can be performed in the office or on the ward and are cost effective when compared with CVC replacement. When performed by trained clinical staff, the procedures are highly successful and associated with low risk.
Measuring exercise self‐efficacy in Hong Kong Chinese adults with cardiovascular risk: Validation of a Chinese version of the Cardiac Exercise Self‐efficacy Instrument
Authors: Cheng Ho Yu , Chair Sek Ying , Wang Qun , Cao Xi , Cheng Li , Lee Iris F. K.
Published: February 2019

About one‐third of adults are physically inactive and thus prone to cardiovascular diseases. While self‐efficacy mediates health behavior, its influences on exercise behavior among Chinese is yet to be explored by a validated instrument. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Hong Kong Chinese version of the Cardiac Exercise Self‐efficacy Instrument (CESEI‐C), which had been translated previously by these authors. The psychometric properties of the CESEI‐C were tested with 160 Hong Kong Chinese with cardiovascular risk. Participants were asked to complete the CESEI‐C, a physical activity assessment tool, and perform the exercise stress test. Exploratory factor analysis identified a unidimensional structure of the CESEI‐C. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and good content validity (content validity indices: 0.93–1.00) had been reported previously. The convergent validity of the CESEI‐C was supported by the significant positive correlations between the CESEI‐C score and the amount of moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise (r = 0.18, p = 0.03), and exercise capacity (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). A comparison of CESEI‐C scores by exercise capacities indicated that those with moderate‐to‐high exercise capacity had significantly higher CESEI scores than those with low exercise capacity (t = 2.105, p = 0.04). Thus, the CESEI‐C is a valid and reliable instrument to measure exercise self‐efficacy among Hong Kong Chinese.
Motivation and harvesting behaviour of fishers in a specialized fishery targeting a top predator species at risk
Authors: French Robert P. , Lyle Jeremy M. , Lennox Robert J. , Cooke Steven J. , Semmens Jayson M.
Published: February 2019

Effective management of wildlife resources depends on understanding and cooperating with the human users of the resource, particularly as policies may be rejected if user satisfactions are not met. In Australia, recreational anglers can legally target a migratory top predator, the shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus, which is also a species at risk. It is assumed that most of the sharks are released and population remains minimally impacted; yet, the actual release rate of this species is unknown and little information is available about anglers that participate in this fishery.

Fishing motivations and behaviours were ascertained by a web survey of recreational shark anglers from three south‐eastern Australian states. Respondents reported that ~70% of the captured makos were released, with significant geographic variation in release rates between states.

Most anglers reported being motivated by the catch‐based objectives, the thrills and challenges, rather than harvest‐based motivations. However, there were significant differences in harvesting motivation among states. This could be attributed to the varying value assigned to shortfin mako as a sport fish and table fish among regions. Additionally, higher rates of release among anglers from New South Wales may be linked to increased opportunity for resource substitution (i.e. greater diversity of game fish species) and established norms driven by current catch‐and‐release fisheries in that region.

Increased participation in catch‐and‐release fishing may be achieved by establishing behavioural norms by the provision of more desirable incentives to release sharks during fishing competitions. Data on regional variation in release rates yield important information for managers to target specialized fishers to incentivize catch‐and‐release fishing with an objective of changing behaviour.

Many anglers understand that sharks are important to marine ecosystems and messaging may be important to deliver effective management given that most anglers are motivated by catch‐based objectives even though many enjoy harvesting makos. Information on natural resource user motivations and satisfactions, such as studied here, has the potential to guide management actions and the ways in which managers interact with resource users.

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