bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical neighbor effects on mycorrhizal community structure and function
Authors: Moeller Holly V. , Dickie Ian A. , Peltzer Duane A. , Fukami Tadashi
Published: July 2016

Theory predicts that neighboring communities can shape one another's composition and function, for example, through the exchange of member species. However, empirical tests of the directionality and strength of these effects are rare. We determined the effects of neighboring communities on one another through experimental manipulation of a plant‐fungal model system. We first established distinct ectomycorrhizal fungal communities on Douglas‐fir seedlings that were initially grown in three soil environments. We then transplanted seedlings and mycorrhizal communities in a fully factorial experiment designed to quantify the direction and strength of neighbor effects by focusing on changes in fungal community species composition and implications for seedling growth (a proxy for community function). We found that neighbor effects on the composition and function of adjacent communities follow a dominance hierarchy. Specifically, mycorrhizal communities established from soils collected in Douglas‐fir plantations were both the least sensitive to neighbor effects, and exerted the strongest influence on their neighbors by driving convergence in neighbor community composition and increasing neighbor seedling vigor. These results demonstrate that asymmetric neighbor effects mediated by ecological history can determine both community composition and function.
Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Alkyne‐Containing Amino Acids: Controlled Tuning of C–N vs. C–O Reactivity
Authors: Medran Noelia S. , Villalba Matías , Mata Ernesto G. , Testero Sebastián A.
Published: July 2016

Versatile alkyne‐containing amino acids were used as ambident precursors in the divergent synthesis of alkylidenelactones and 1‐pyrrolines. Two gold‐catalyzed protocols were applied for selective intramolecular O‐ and N‐cycloisomerization reactions.
Spin State Switching in Solution with an Azoimidazole‐Functionalized Nickel(II)‐Porphyrin
Authors: Heitmann Gernot , Schütt Christian , Herges Rainer
Published: July 2016

We herein report the synthesis and switching properties of an azo‐1‐methylimidazole‐functionalized Ni2+ porphyrin. Upon irradiation and cis/trans isomerization of the azo unit, 1‐methylimidazole is reversibly coordinated as an axial ligand to the Ni2+ porphyrin. Consequently, the Ni2+ is switched between a diamagnetic low‐spin state (trans) and a paramagnetic high‐spin state (cis) according to the light‐driven coordination‐induced spin state switching (LD‐CISSS) principle. The spin state switching is operable in solution under ambient conditions. The paramagnetic cis‐species is formed in exceptionally high amounts upon irradiation with UV light (365 nm), whereas an excess of the diamagnetic trans‐species was obtained upon irradiation with blue light (430 nm).
Catalyst‐Free S–S Bond Insertion Reaction of a Donor/Acceptor‐Free Carbene by a Radical Process: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Zheng Yang , Bian Rongjian , Zhang Xiaolu , Yao Ruwei , Qiu Lihua , Bao Xiaoguang , Xu Xinfang
Published: July 2016

Herein, a donor/acceptor‐free carbene insertion reaction of an S–S bond through a radical process is presented. This catalyst‐free reaction was thermally induced and provided the dithioketal products in moderate to high yields. A mechanism involving radical intermediates was proposed according to the computational study, and these intermediates were verified experimentally and intercepted for the first time by using a cross‐coupling reaction.
Toxicokinetics and time-variable toxicity of cadmium in Oppia nitens Koch (Acari: Oribatida)
Authors: Keshavarz Jamshidian Maryam , Verweij Rudo A. , Van Gestel Cornelis A.M. , Van Straalen Nico M.
Published: July 2016

The soil-living mite Oppia nitens Koch has recently been proposed as a promising test species for the ecotoxicological risk assessment of contaminated boreal soils. Adding oribatid mites to the assemblage of test species for soil is highly desirable given the enormous diversity and ecological significance of these microarthropods. The authors aimed at revealing how toxicity, lethal body concentration, and bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) changed over a period of 7 wk when mites were exposed to Cd-spiked natural soils. The estimated median lethal concentration (LC50) values showed a gradual decrease with time, but a steady state was not reached within 7 wk. Estimates for lethal body concentration varied from 44 μg Cd/g to 91 μg Cd/g dry body weight, with a tendency to increase with time. The estimated 50% effective concentration (EC50) for effects on reproduction after 7-wk exposure was 345 μg Cd/g dry soil. Accumulation of Cd in mites was extremely variable but overall showed a nonsaturating increase. A simple 1-compartment toxicokinetic model did not describe the data well. The analysis suggests that O. nitens has a storage-detoxification strategy that is not at equilibrium under chronic exposure. Considering the tiny body size of the animal, it is remarkable that long exposure times are necessary to reveal chronic toxicity. The use of oribatids provides a clear added value to soil risk assessment but trades off with exposure length. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:408–413. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Learning‐based subject‐specific estimation of dynamic maps of cortical morphology at missing time points in longitudinal infant studies
Authors: Meng Yu , Li Gang , Gao Yaozong , Lin Weili , Shen Dinggang
Published: July 2016

Longitudinal neuroimaging analysis of the dynamic brain development in infants has received increasing attention recently. Many studies expect a complete longitudinal dataset in order to accurately chart the brain developmental trajectories. However, in practice, a large portion of subjects in longitudinal studies often have missing data at certain time points, due to various reasons such as the absence of scan or poor image quality. To make better use of these incomplete longitudinal data, in this paper, we propose a novel machine learning‐based method to estimate the subject‐specific, vertex‐wise cortical morphological attributes at the missing time points in longitudinal infant studies. Specifically, we develop a customized regression forest, named dynamically assembled regression forest (DARF), as the core regression tool. DARF ensures the spatial smoothness of the estimated maps for vertex‐wise cortical morphological attributes and also greatly reduces the computational cost. By employing apairwise estimationfollowed by ajoint refinement, our method is able to fully exploit the available information from both subjects with complete scans and subjects with missing scans for estimation of the missing cortical attribute maps. The proposed method has been applied to estimating the dynamic cortical thickness maps at missing time points in an incomplete longitudinal infant dataset, which includes 31 healthy infant subjects, each having up to five time points in the first postnatal year. The experimental results indicate that our proposed framework can accurately estimate the subject‐specific vertex‐wise cortical thickness maps at missing time points, with the average error less than 0.23 mm.Hum Brain Mapp 37:4129–4147, 2016. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution and the risk of lung cancer among participants of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study
Authors: Tomczak Anna , Miller Anthony B. , Weichenthal Scott A. , To Teresa , Wall Claus , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V. , Crouse Dan Lawson , Villeneuve Paul J.
Published: July 2016

Recently, air pollution has been classified as a carcinogen largely on the evidence of epidemiological studies of lung cancer. However, there have been few prospective studies that have evaluated associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cancer at lower concentrations. We conducted a prospective analysis of 89,234 women enrolled in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study between 1980 and 1985, and for whom residential measures of PM2.5 could be assigned. The cohort was linked to the Canadian Cancer Registry to identify incident lung cancers through 2004. Surface PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using satellite data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to characterize associations between PM2.5 and lung cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) computed from these models were adjusted for several individual‐level characteristics, including smoking. The cohort was composed predominantly of Canadian‐born (82%), married (80%) women with a median PM2.5 exposure of 9.1 µg/m3. In total, 932 participants developed lung cancer. In fully adjusted models, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an elevated risk of lung cancer (HR: 1.34; 95% CI = 1.10, 1.65). The strongest associations were observed with small cell carcinoma (HR: 1.53; 95% CI = 0.93, 2.53) and adenocarcinoma (HR: 1.44; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.97). Stratified analyses suggested increased PM2.5 risks were limited to those who smoked cigarettes. Our findings are consistent with previous epidemiological investigations of long‐term exposure to PM2.5 and lung cancer. Importantly, they suggest associations persist at lower concentrations such as those currently found in Canadian cities.
Genomic analysis of the evolutionary lineage of Norovirus GII.4 from archival specimens during 1975–1987 in Tokyo
Authors: Mori Kohji , Chu Pei‐Yu , Motomura Kazushi , Somura Yoshiko , Nagano Miyuki , Kimoto Kana , Akiba Tetsuya , Kai Akemi , Sadamasu Kenji
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to analyze NoV GII.4 sequences from archival specimens obtained during 1975–1987 by comparing them with reference sequences. The first NoV GII.P4_GII.4 sequence was identified in 1980. NoV GII.4 collected in 1970 had a GII.P1_GII.4 sequence. These results indicate that the GII.P4_GII.4 sequence may be the result of a recombination that might have occurred around 1980. Amino acid substitutions based on this replacement were mainly accumulated in the NTPase, p22, and RdRp regions. The emergence of GII.P4_GII.4 sequence is considered to have ended the major prevalence of NoV GII.4. J. Med. Virol. 89:363–367, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early articular cartilage MRI T2 changes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction correlate with later changes in T2 and cartilage thickness
Authors: Williams Ashley , Winalski Carl S. , Chu Constance R.
Published: July 2016

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a known risk factor for future development of osteoarthritis (OA). This human clinical study seeks to determine if early changes to cartilage MRI T2 maps between baseline and 6 months following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with changes to cartilage T2 and cartilage thickness between baseline and 2 years after ACLR. Changes to T2 texture metrics and T2 mean values in medial knee cartilage of 17 human subjects 6 months after ACLR were compared to 2‐year changes in T2 and in cartilage thickness of the same areas. T2 texture and mean assessments were also compared to that of 11 uninjured controls. In ACLR subjects, six‐month changes in mean T2 correlated to 2‐year changes in mean T2 (R = 0.80, p = 0.0001), and 6‐month changes to T2 texture metrics, but not T2 mean, correlated with 2‐year changes in medial femoral cartilage thickness in 9 of the 20 texture features assessed (R = 0.48–0.72, p ≤ 0.05). Both mean T2 and texture differed (p < 0.05) between ALCR subjects and uninjured controls. Clinical Significance: These results show that short‐term longitudinal evaluation of T2 map and textural changes may provide early warning of cartilage at risk for progressive degeneration after ACL injury and reconstruction. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:699–706, 2017.
Determination of biogenic amines in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) by ion‐pair extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ata Şevket , Akyüz Mehmet , Çabuk Hasan
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Ion‐pair extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been proposed for the determination of biogenic amines in licorice samples.

RESULTS

Limit of detection and limit of quantitation for the biogenic amines were 1.4–2.7 and 4.7–9.1 ng mL−1, respectively. Relative standard deviations based on five replicate extraction of 100 ng mL−1 of each biogenic amine were <4.7% for intra‐day and 7.4% for inter‐day precision. The method described in this study has been shown to be in accordance with satisfactory accuracy and good reproducibility for the quantitative determination of biogenic amines in licorice samples. Nine biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, spermine, spermidine, tyramine, tryptamine, agmatine and phenylethylamine) were detected in licorice samples and total biogenic amine concentrations were determined at 369 ng mL−1 in fresh and 3532 ng mL−1 in non‐fresh licorice samples. Putrescine was found at the highest concentrations to be up to 704 ng mL−1 in all the analyzed samples, followed by tyramine (675 ng mL−1) and tryptamine (282 ng mL−1). Putrescine, tyramine and spermine concentrations were dramatically increased, whereas agmatine concentration was significantly decreased, in non‐fresh licorice samples compared to fresh ones.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of freshly prepared licorice is recommended because of the relatively low concentration of total biogenic amines. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Front glass thickness requirements for high resolution polarized stereoscopic displays: A simulation platform
Authors: Rousson Johanna , De Visschere Patrick , Vasiliev Anton , Vetsuypens Arnout , Kimpe Tom
Published: July 2016

The tendency of the display market is towards displays with higher resolutions. Therefore, patterned retarder‐based stereoscopic displays require smaller front glass thickness to maintain good vertical viewing angle and limited crosstalk. To properly design these stereoscopic displays and quantify these requirements, we developed a simulation platform to predict radiance, polarization profile, and crosstalk over viewing angles and over wavelengths. Tunable parameters such as the distance between the pixels and the patterned retarder, and the optical properties of the patterned retarder are included. The simulation platform has been validated by comparing outcomes of simulations with measurements. We predict crosstalk accounting for both the human eye field of view and the diameter of the pupil. We found that to obtain a vertical viewing angle of at least ± 30° and crosstalk of at most 0.11 for a display with a pixel pitch beyond 0.27 mm, the display should include black absorbers, and the thickness of the front glass should be at most 0.5 mm. For higher resolution displays (pixel pitch no more than 0.21 mm), a front glass thickness at most 0.15 mm is required to produce a vertical viewing angle beyond ± 14° and a minimum viewing distance of 0.3 m.
Isomorphic copies of ℓ1 for m‐homogeneous non‐analytic Bohnenblust–Hille polynomials
Authors: Conejero J. Alberto , Seoane‐Sepúlveda Juan B. , Sevilla‐Peris Pablo
Published: July 2016

We employ a classical result by Toeplitz (1913) and the seminal work by Bohnenblust and Hille on Dirichlet series (1931) to show that the set of continuous m‐homogeneous non‐analytic polynomials on c0 contains an isomorphic copy of ℓ1. Moreover, we can have this copy of ℓ1 in such a way that every non‐zero element of it fails to be analytic at precisely the same point.
Molecular Polarization Potential as a Molecular Descriptor to Predict Biological Activity of Dioxins and Dibenzofurans
Authors: Roset Lurdes , Perez Juan J.
Published: July 2016

Molecular interaction potential (MIP) maps are a powerful tool to develop structure‐activity relationships of a series of compounds. In the present study we have studied the effect of molecular polarization on the description of the toxicity of a series of dioxins and benzofurans using their MIPs. Specifically, we have used principal component analysis in an exploratory way to understand the common structural features that describe the toxicity of these molecules through the analysis of their MIPs and each of their components, i.e.; molecular electrostatic and polarization potentials. Moreover, we have developed a predictive model using PLS that permits to evaluate the toxicity of compounds belonging to any of the families of compounds studied in the present work on the basis of their molecular electrostatic and interaction potentials.
Preparation of epoxidized Eucommia ulmoides gum and its application in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites
Authors: Xia Lin , Wang Yan , Ma Zhenguo , Du Aihua , Qiu Guixue , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: July 2016

In this article, we primarily introduced a method to prepare epoxidized Eucommia ulmoides gum (EEUG) and studied its application as interfacial additive in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites. We prepared the EEUG from the Eucommia gum extract solution using E. ulmoides leaves pretreated with enzymatic solutions as the raw material, petroleum ether as the solvent, and peracetic acid (CH3COOOH) as the oxidant under a certain temperature. Accordingly, we focused on studying the effects of a series of factors, such as the mole ratio (γ) of peracetic acid to double bonds of Eucommia gum and reaction time on the epoxidation degree and crystallization degree of Eucommia gum in the epoxidation process, in order to control the properties of the EEUG. Regarding the study of the application of EEUG in SBR/silica composites, we found that the addition of EEUG greatly promoted the properties of SBR/silica composites by improving the dispersion of silica in SBR composites, which possessed excellent mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength, tear strength, 100 and 300% modulus, wear resistance, and low heat buildup. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and properties of rare‐earth‐doped optical fiber using barium as an alternate codopant
Authors: Dhar Anirban , Paul Mukul Chandra , Chowdhury Sourav Das , Pal Mrinmay , Pal Atasi , Sen Ranjan
Published: July 2016

Barium has been established as an alternate codopant other than conventional aluminum or phosphorous for fabrication of rare‐earth‐ (RE) doped optical fiber through modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) coupled with solution doping technique. Different optical and material characterization results of our fabricated fibers indicate potential application as amplifier and laser. The amplifier performance of Er‐doped fiber and lasing as well as photo darkening (PD) experiment of Yb‐doped fiber doped with BaO is presented where Ba serves as an alternate candidate for enhancement of RE solubility in silica glass.
Coordination‐Cluster‐Based Molecular Magnetic Refrigerants
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Cheng Peng
Published: July 2016

Coordination polymers serving as molecular magnetic refrigerants have been attracting great interest. In particular, coordination cluster compounds that demonstrate their apparent advantages on cryogenic magnetic refrigerants have attracted more attention in the last five years. Herein, we mainly focus on depicting aspects of syntheses, structures, and magnetothermal properties of coordination clusters that serve as magnetic refrigerants on account of the magnetocaloric effect. The documented molecular magnetic refrigerants are classified into two primary categories according to the types of metal centers, namely, homo‐ and heterometallic clusters. Every section is further divided into several subgroups based on the metal nuclearity and their dimensionalities, including discrete molecular clusters and those with extended structures constructed from molecular clusters. The objective is to present a rough overview of recent progress in coordination‐cluster‐based molecular magnetic refrigerants and provide a tutorial for researchers who are interested in the field.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Transformations Using Cu–H, Cu–B, and Cu–Si as Active Catalyst Species
Authors: Tsuji Yasushi , Fujihara Tetsuaki
Published: July 2016

This review summarizes transformations using copper hydride (Cu–H), boryl copper (Cu–B) or silyl copper (Cu–Si) as active catalyst species. Semihydrogenation, hydroboration, and hydrocarboxylation have been developed using Cu–H as active catalyst species. Preferential reduction of sterically hindered ketones is accompanied by Cu–H species bearing a bowl‐shaped phosphine as a crucial ligand. Employing Cu–B species, hydroboration of alkynes and allenes, synthesis of 2‐boryl‐1,3‐butadiene, and borylative allyl–allyl coupling are established. Silacarboxylation of alkynes, regiodivergent silacarboxylation of allenes, and silylative allylation of ketones involve Cu–Si species. The key to these selective transformations is regioselective addition of Cu–H, Cu–B, or Cu–Si species to carbon–carbon multiple bonds of alkynes and allenes to afford the corresponding alkenylcopper or allylcopper intermediates.

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An imaging investigation of in situ uroliths in hospitalized cats in New Zealand and in the United States
Authors: Wightman Paul F. , Hill Kate E. , Cohen Eli B. , Bridges Janis , Bolwell Charlotte F. , French John , Adler Brian A. , Green Ron
Published: July 2016

The submission rates of feline uroliths to laboratories and the composition of uroliths have been reported in studies. The prevalence of uroliths reported on imaging findings has not been published. The objective of this retrospective study was to use imaging data to investigate the anatomical location and the prevalence of macroscopic in situ uroliths in cats. Radiographs, sonograms and imaging reports from two cohorts of cats (from New Zealand (n = 497) and the United States (n = 693)) from 2004‐2013 were reviewed for the presence of in situ uroliths. Uroliths were categorized by their location in the lower or upper urinary tract. Radiographic studies were performed on 43% (212/497) of the cats from New Zealand and 50% (349/693) of the cats from the USA. Sonographic studies were performed on 57% (285/497) of the cats from New Zealand and 50% (344/693) of the cats from the USA. The total prevalence of uroliths was 3% in the New Zealand cohort and 13% in the USA cohort. Lower tract urolith prevalence in the New Zealand cohort was 2.4% (5/212) in cats ≤ 6y and 1.1% (3/285) in cats >6y. Upper tract urolith prevalence in the New Zealand cohort was 0.5% (1/212) in cats ≤ 6y and 1.8% (5/285) in cats >6y. Lower tract urolith prevalence in the United States cohort was 6.0% (11/183) in cats ≤ 6y and 2.9% (15/510) in cats >6y. Upper tract urolith prevalence in the United States cohort was 2.7% (5/183) in cats ≤ 6y and 10.2% (52/510) in cats >6y. The prevalence of uroliths in the upper tract or lower tract was low in the New Zealand cohort compared to that of cats in the USA cohort, irrespective of age category. Geographical location may be important when evaluating risk factors for feline urolithiasis.
A Novel Self‐assembled Nickel(II)‐Cerium(III) Heterotetranuclear Dimer Constructed from N2O2‐type Bisoxime and Terephthalic Acid: Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Wang Li , Ma Jian‐Chun , Dong Wen‐Kui , Zhu Li‐Chun , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2016

By self‐assembly of a Salamo‐type ligand H2L [H2L = 1,2‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylideneaminooxy)ethane] with Ni(OAc)2·4H2O, Ce(NO3)3·6H2O, and H2bdc (H2bdc = terephthalic acid), a novel NiII‐CeIII heterometallic complex, [{Ni(L)Ce(NO3)2(CH3OH)(DMF)}2(bdc)], was obtained. Two crystallographically equivalent [Ni(L)Ce(NO3)2(CH3OH)(DMF)] moieties lie in the inversion center, and are linked by one bdc2– ligand leading to a heterotetranuclear dimer, in which the carboxylato group bridges the NiII and CeIII atoms. Moreover, the photophysical properties of the NiII‐CeIII complex were studied.
Chronic Pain, Quality of Life, and Functional Impairment After Surgery Due to Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Jeppesen Maja , Tolstrup Mai‐Britt , Gögenur Ismail
Published: July 2016

Background

Emergency laparotomy is a high‐risk procedure regarding short‐term outcomes; however, long‐term outcomes are not well described. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chronic postoperative pain, pain‐related functional impairment, and incisional hernias and to evaluate the gastrointestinal quality of life after emergency laparotomy due to small bowel obstruction.

Methods

This study was a questionnaire study, conducted at a major gastrointestinal‐surgery department in a single tertiary university hospital in Denmark. Patients who had been through emergency laparotomy due to small bowel obstruction were included in the study. The extent of acute and chronic postoperative pain and the prevalence of incisional hernias were examined with specially designed questionnaires, while the pain quality was assed by the self‐report version of the S‐LANSS‐questionnaire. Pain‐related functional impairment and quality of life were measured using the AAS and the GIQLI questionnaire, respectively.

Results

A total of 90 patients returned the questionnaire (response rate 82 %). Nineteen patients (21 %) suffered from chronic postoperative pain. Seventeen patients (19 %) had pain‐related functional impairment as a result of the surgery, and 17 patients (19 %) had an incisional hernia at follow‐up. Patients with chronic postoperative pain had significantly lower gastrointestinal quality of life score compared with the remaining study population (109 (IQR 39) vs. 127 (IQR 19), P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Chronic postoperative pain is a common long‐term complication after emergency laparotomy, and it is related to decreased quality of life. These results should be confirmed in prospective studies.
Preoperative Left Portal Vein Embolization for Left Liver Resection in High‐Risk Hepatobiliary Malignancy Patients
Authors: Hwang Shin , Ko Gi‐Young , Kim Myeong‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Koo , Gwon Dong‐Il , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Park Do Hyun , Lee Sang Soo
Published: July 2016

Background

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed for right liver (RL) and sometimes left liver (LL) resection to prevent postoperative surgical complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients who underwent preoperative left PVE before LL resection for hepatobiliary malignancies along with 3 propensity score‐matched control groups (n = 40 each).

Results

Mean patient age was 68.6 ± 6.9 years. Diagnoses included intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 4), perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 1), recurrent cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1), and inflammatory liver mass (n = 1). The reason for left PVE was a large LL >40 % of the total liver volume (TLV) with a major comorbidity or age > 70 years with a poor overall condition. All patients underwent preplanned operations, including LL resection at 1–3 weeks post PVE. The LL volume proportion of the TLV was 44.9 ± 1.7 and 40.7 ± 2.3 % before and after PVE; thus, 1–2 weeks post PVE, the kinetic shrinkage rate of the LL was 9.4 ± 3.3 %, and the kinetic growth rate of the RL was 7.6 ± 2.7 %. The overall surgical complication rates were 40, 50, and 39.2 % in the left PVE, large LL control, and all three control groups, respectively (p ≥ 0.727). In contrast, the adjusted rates of major complications were 0 % in the left PVE group versus 36.8 % (p = 0.040), 25.6 % (p = 0.123), and 15.8 % (p = 0.295) in the large‐, medium‐, and small‐sized LL control groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Our experience indicates that left PVE is safe and induces atrophy of the LL effectively. We suggest that it can be a useful option to reduce the risk of postoperative complications in elderly high‐risk patients.
Selective Parathyroid Hormone Venous Sampling in Patients with Persistent or Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Negative, Equivocal or Discordant Noninvasive Imaging
Authors: Sun Philip Y. , Thompson Scott M. , Andrews James C. , Wermers Robert A. , McKenzie Travis J. , Richards Melanie L. , Farley David R. , Thompson Geoffrey B.
Published: July 2016

Background

In patients with persistent (P‐PHPT) or recurrent (R‐PHPT) primary hyperparathyroidism, preoperative localization is important. Selective parathyroid hormone venous sampling (sPVS) is an invasive technique that can be used to regionalize and/or lateralize the source of PHPT when noninvasive imaging studies are nonlocalizing. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of sPVS in the preoperative evaluation of patients with P‐PHPT or R‐PHPT and negative, equivocal, or discordant noninvasive imaging localization.

Methods

After IRB‐approval a retrospective review of all patients with P‐PHPT or R‐PHPT and nonlocalizing noninvasive imaging that underwent sPVS from 2000 to 2014 was performed. The location of the source of PHPT at sPVS was predicted by a parathyroid hormone (PTH) gradient and compared to the surgical, pathology, and biochemical follow‐up data as the gold standard. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated.

Results

Of 30 patients who underwent sPVS, 12 patients did not undergo surgical exploration due to negative or non‐localizing PTH gradient (n = 8) or opted for medical management (n = 4). Of the 18 patients who underwent surgical exploration, 17 (94 %) had a positive PTH gradient and pathologic parathyroid tissue identified at surgery. Sensitivity and PPV of sPVS were 93 and 77 %, respectively, for all surgical cases, 86 and 60.0 % for cervical cases (n = 11), and 100 and 100 % for mediastinal cases (n = 7). Sixteen patients (89 %) were surgically cured.

Conclusions

In patients with P‐PHPT or R‐PHPT and nonlocalizing imaging studies, sPVS is a sensitive test for localizing the source of PHPT when a positive PTH gradient is present.
Girls' and boys' experience with teen sexting in early and late adolescence
Authors: Ševčíková Anna
Published: July 2016

This study explored the extent to which sexting represents a problematic behavior in early and late adolescence. Using data from the EU Kids Online II project (17,016 participants aged 11–16 from 25 European countries, 49.7% boys), multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for four groups: younger girls, older girls, younger boys, and older boys. Irrespective of age and gender, sexting was associated with emotional problems and alcohol use. Its effect decreased in older adolescents, except for emotional difficulties, which remained relatively high in older boys. Vaginal sex was associated with sexting in both younger and older boys while, in girls, the association was observed only in the older group. Younger boys with higher self‐efficacy were more likely to send sexts than those with lower self‐efficacy. Although sexting is associated with psychological challenges and other types of risk behavior, sexting in some younger boys may not necessarily represent problematic behavior.
Searching for protein biomarkers in pain medicine – Mindless dredging or rational fishing?
Authors: Bäckryd E.
Published: July 2016

Aims

Biomarker research seems to be somewhat controversial in pain medicine. Because pain is a subjective experience, renowned pain researcher Eija Kalso wrote in a 2004 Pain editorial that biomarkers for pain is an impossibility. However, in the same editorial, she also seemed to imply that what she called “biomarkers of (neuronal) activity in the nociceptive pathway” would be possible. Recently, I proposed the neologism “noci-marker” as a better term than “pain biomarker” for denoting attempts to find objective, measurable correlates to the neurobiological processes involved in different pain conditions. The purpose of the present conceptual work is to propose criteria for sensible hypothesis-generating research in the field of “noci-marker” research.

Method

Conceptual theoretical work, with examples from the literature.

Results

Criteria for sensible biomarker research in pathological pain conditions, together with examples from the literature, will be presented for discussion, including consideration of (work in progress):

“Mirroring” rationale – which body fluid is studied? The example of saliva vs. cerebrospinal fluid.

Time frame rationale – when is it sensible to look for what? The example of Cystatin C.

Statistical considerations – univariate multiple testing vs. correlation structure of a whole data set. The example of multivariate data analysis by projection using SIMCA.

The definition of patient cohorts – clinically and phenotypically.

Relating findings to the literature and to systems biology. The example of Pain Networks.

Reporting issues – how should the hypothesis-generating (explorative) nature of such studies be acknowledged?

Conclusions

Although it seems ethically dangerous and philosophically dubious to talk about “pain biomarkers”, searching for biological correlates to pathological activity in the nociceptive pathways (“noci-markers”) seems justified and conceptually possible.
Effectiveness of smart tablets as a distraction during needle insertion amongst children with port catheter: Pre-research with pre-post test design
Authors: Bragadóttir B. , Hjörleifsdóttir J. , Egeland S.E. , Kristjánsdóttir G.
Published: July 2016

Aims

Children who experience pain and anxiety while undergoing interventions or treatments during hospitalization at a young age can experience negative feelings which can influence how they experience health care in the future.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the protocol of using a tablet computer as a source of distraction from pain and fear when children undergo needle insertion in a port catheter (port-a-cath®).

Methods

The study uses a quasi-experimental pretest-post test design with a sample of 14 children, 20 months to 16 years of age, 9 boys and 5 girls. Pain and fear were first evaluated without the distraction of a tablet computer. The second time pain and fear were evaluated while a tablet computer was used for distraction. The children evaluated their pain and fear with a 10 cm Numeric Rating Scale (NRS/VAS) and six faces scales in all cases except three. In those three cases the mothers evaluated the children’s pain and fear with the NRS, the Faces scale, or the Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale (FLACC).

Results

The Shapiro-Wilk test showed a significant distribu-tion (p < 0.05) of pain and fear but most subjects did not feel any fear before the intervention. The mean score of pain was 2.90 (sd = 3.67) and the mean score for fear was 3.67 (sd = 3.76). No significant difference was found between pain and the fear prior to the intervention (p = 0.09). Children who felt fear prior to the intervention (n = 5) experienced significantly lower pain when a tablet computer was used (p<0.05). No difference was found between pain and fear by age or gender. No difference in pain was found by the type of distraction (p = 0.20). All subjects where highly experienced with needle insertions and some of them had developed their own approach to deal with the intervention.

Conclusions

More extensive research is needed in this area.
Sport participation and physical activity level in relation to musculoskeletal pain in a population-based sample of adolescents: The Young-HUNT Study
Authors: Guddal M.H. , Småstuen M.C. , Stensland S. , Johnsen M.B. , Zwart J.A. , Storheim K.
Published: July 2016

Aims

Studies have shown conflicting results regarding associations between physical activity (PA) and musculoskeletal pain among adolescents, and few have evaluated the impact of sport participation. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the associations between sport participation and persistent weekly pain by body region in a population-based sample of adolescents.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data from the adolescent part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (Young-HUNT3) were used. Participants were asked how often during the last 3 months they had experienced pain in the neck-and-shoulders (NSP), low back (LBP) or lower extremities (LEP). The impact of sport participation and PA level on pain was evaluated using logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender, and adjusted for age, socioeconomic status and psychological distress.

Results

In total, 3765 boys and 3831 girls were included, mean age 15.8 years (SD 1.7). NSP was most prevalent (17%). Adolescents who participated in endurance sports had lower odds of NSP and LBP compared to non-participants. Participation in technical sports was associated with increased odds of LBP, and participation in team sports with increased odds of LEP, vs. no participation in the respective sports. Participation in strength sports and risk sports, vs. no participation, was related to higher levels of pain in all regions. Compared to a low PA level, a moderate PA level reduced the odds of NSP and LBP, whereas a high PA level increased the odds of LEP.

Conclusion

This study identified sports potentially protective, as well as sports associated with higher odds of NSP, LBP and LEP in a large population-based sample, and has increased the understanding of participation in sports as potential determinants of musculoskeletal pain among adolescents. Our findings highlight that types of sport adolescents participate in should be considered by healthcare professionals when evaluating their musculoskeletal pain.
Predictors of long-term opioid use among chronic nonmalignant pain patients: A register-based national open cohort study
Authors: Hansen C.A. , Abrahamsen B.
Published: July 2016

Aims

(1) To determine the distribution and determinants of opioid use among chronic nonmalignant pain (CNP) patients. (2) To identify the patient, treatment and socioeconomic characteristics as determinants for potential risk groups.

We hypothesized that CNP patient who use opioids for more than 1 year would differ in demographics and comorbidity from other patients who use opioids for less than 6 months.

Methods

National registers were used to include patients beginning opioid therapy in the period 01/01/2000-31/12/2014 (incl.). The cohort consists of adults aged 16 years or older who redeemed at least one prescription for an opioid product and residing in Denmark, analysing only patients who survived for at least two years. Follow-up minimum one year after the last redeemed opioid prescription or to 31/12/2015. Participants are included at first redeemed prescription for an opioid product using the ATC codes N02AA01-N02AX06. Patients were then classified as either opioid use for more than 1 year (group A), as opioid use for more than 6 months but less than 1 year (group B) and opioid use equal to or less than 6 months (group C).

Results

The quantity of sold opioids has been increasing during 1997-2008, with a fairly stable but high level since. It is expected that we will be able to determine patterns and the distribution of opioid use among CNP patients in Denmark. Consequently, describing potential risk groups of opioid use based on patient, treatment, comorbidity, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Data analysis is ongoing.

Conclusions

It is expected that this study will serve as a significant supplement of existing knowledge in the area of opioid consumption among CNP patients in Denmark. In a future perspective of prevention and health promotion initiatives of the growing public health problem CNP, it might be beneficial to include perspectives of risk assessment of long-term opioid use.

http://medstat.dk/ statistics for annual sales of medicines in Denmark 1996–2014.
ADRB2, pain and opioids in mice and man
Authors: Kambur O. , Samoshkin A. , Kaunisto M. , Wieskopf J.S. , Mogil J.S. , Diatchenko L. , Kalso E.
Published: July 2016

Aims

We aim to characterize the effects of variation within ADRB2-gene on pain and opioid requirements in human patients. We will assess ADRB2-OPRM1-6TM heterodimer as a molecular mechanism, potentially explaining pronociceptive and antianalgetic effects, using preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. We will further assess clinical significance via its genetic proxy, rs563649 in humans

Methods

In humans, experimental and postoperative pain and opioid responses were assessed in 1000 breast cancer surgery patients. Association of ADRB2 (n = 40) and OPRM1 (n = 1) polymorphisms was assessed using linear regression and analysis of variances (ANOVA). In vitro methods involved immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), cellular localization and translocation of 6TM/β2AR-heterodimers and Ca2+-measurements. Behavioral in vivo characterization was performed in mice using formalin, von Frey, hot plate and cold plate tests after administration of morphine, specific OPRM1-6TM agonist IBNtxA and ADRB2-antagonist ICI118,551.

Results

In humans, several ADRB2 SNPs were associated with pain and opioid phenotypes. The strongest associations were seen between cold pain phenotypes and rs17108817 & rs11957757 (p < 0.0001). In vitro, coexpression with β2-Ars increased translocation of 6TM-MOR to plasma membrane and Ca2+responses after treatment with selective 6TM-agonist, IBNtxA, compared with the cells expressing OPRM1-6TM alone. In vivo, co-administration of P2AR selective antagonist ICI 118,551 increased analgesic efficacy of opioids in a synergistic manner and reduced opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ADRB2 and genetic variation in ADRB2-gene are involved in the modulation of human pain and opioid responses. 6TM-MOR/P2-AR heterodimerization represents a molecular mechanism causing excitatory cellular effects and sufficient explanatory potential to explain pronociceptive and antianalgesic effects. Our animal findings further confirmed the concept of β2-AR and 6TM-MOR interaction in vivo. We suggest that co-administration of β-blockers with opioids might increase efficacy and safety of OPRM1 agonists.
Pain rehabilitation with language interpreter, a multicenter development project
Authors: Löfgren M. , Uhlin K. , Persson E. , Stålnacke B.-M. , Rivano-Fischer M.
Published: July 2016

Aims

To describe patients with persistent pain participating in multimodal rehabilitation with language interpreter (MMRI) with regard to demographic data, pain, anxiety, depression, fear of movement, health related quality of life before and after rehabilitation.

Methods

The university rehabilitation departments in Lund and Stockholm developed multimodal rehabilitation programmes for patients who cannot participate in ordinary programmes due to insufficient knowledge in Swedish. From 2014 to 2015, 50 patients participated in the MMRI. Data was collected at admission and discharge with instruments from the Swedish quality registry for pain rehabilitation. The assessments included health related quality of life (EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS), fear of movements (TSK), disability (PDI).

Preliminary results

Fifty patients participated in MMRI. Seventy-eight percent were women, and 88% were born outside Europe. Compared to patients participating in Swedish regular rehabilitation programmes (MMR), the level of education was low, 44% had finished high school (55% in MMR in Sweden) and 8% university (27% in MMR in Sweden). Also the distribution of pain differed; in MMRI 40% reported pain with varying localization compared to 33% in MMR. Both groups were frequent health care seekers, even though MMRl’s patients reported a higher frequency of visits than MMR regular patients; 94% of MMRl’s patients compared to 70% MMR patients were seeking physicians more than 4 times due to pain during the previous year. Both groups report very low health related quality of life. In the MMRI group, at admission, the EQ5Dindex was 0.088 (md) (MMR 0.157). This can be compared with 0.83, the value for the Swedish norm population.

Conclusions

Patients participating in MMRI, compared to patients participating in MMR, reported poorer health, higher rate of visit to physicians due to pain and less higher education than other, Swedish speaking pain patients attending to the country pain programmes.
Use of Complimentary/Alternative therapy for chronic pain
Authors: Jonsdottir Thorbjörg , Jonsdottir Helga , Gunnarsdottir Sigridur
Published: July 2016

Aims

To investigate the use of Complimentary/Alternative therapy for chronic pain in nationwide sample.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study a postal questionnaire measuring socio-demographic variables (e.g. gender, education, income and residence), pain characteristics (severity and interference with daily life), health related quality of life and use of Complimentary/Alternative therapy for chronic pain, was sent to a sample of 4500 individuals randomly drawn from the national population of Iceland. The relationships between sociodemographic and pain related variables and pain related use Complimentary/Alternative therapy among participants reporting chronic pain (≥3 months) were tested.

Results

The prevalence of chronic pain (≥3 months) among respondents was 47.5%. Among participants reporting chronic pain, 45.5% (n = 343) reported having consulted some kind of Complimentary or Alternative therapy for their pain the previous six months and this was more prevalent among women than men. Most usual kind of therapists consulted was Acupuncturists (21.4%) and Chiropractors (18.3%). There were some gender differences in what kind of therapy people had consulted. Women were more likely than men to have consulted Acupuncturist while men consulted a Chiropractor more often than women. Logistic regression analysis showed that predictors for use of Complimentary/Alternative therapy for chronic pain were gender, urban residence and pain severity. The use of Complimentary/Alternative therapy was not related to education, family income or health related quality of life.

Conclusions

Women and urban residents are more likely than men and rural residents to seek Complimentary/Alternative therapy for chronic. People are more likely to seek Complimentary/Alternative care for chronic pain the more severe pain is.
Effect of conditioned pain modulation on long-term potentiation-like pain amplification in humans
Authors: Xia Weiwei , Mørch Carsten Dahl , Matre Dagfinn , Andersen Ole Kæseler
Published: July 2016

Aim

The current study aimed to explore the effect of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) on the long-term potentiation (LTP)-like pain amplification induced by peripheral 10 Hz conditioning electrical stimulation (CES).

Methods

Sensory changes and neurogenic inflammatory vas-cular reactions induced by 10 Hz CES were assessed in twenty subjects in a randomized crossover design involving two experimental days separated by at least one week. The CPM effect was activated by cold pressor test (CPT) (4 °C) which was applied immediately before the 10 Hz CES in the active session and 32 °C water was used in the control session. Perceptual intensity ratings to single electrical stimulation (SES) at the conditioned skin site and to mechanical stimuli (pinprick and light stroking) in the immediate vicinity of the electrode for CES were recorded. Superficial blood flow (SBF), skin temperature (ST), and heat pain threshold (HPT) were also measured. The pain intensities during the CES process were recorded and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) was used for assessing the pain experience.

Results

CPT reduced the pain perception increments to pin-prick (12.8 g) and light stroking stimuli after 10 Hz CES compared to the control session. Moreover, CPT resulted in lower pain intensity ratings during the CES process but without significant changes in the SF-MPQ scores between the two sessions. The SBF and ST were found to increase after CES and then gradually decline but without differences between the CPT and the control sessions. No CPM effect was found for HPT and pain intensity increments to SES.

Conclusions

The cold pressor test inhibited heterotopic perception amplification to mechanical stimuli after conditioning electrical stimulation. The results indicate that endogenous descending inhibitory systems may affect pain-amplificatory mechanisms.