bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of co‐occurring psychosocial and lifestyle factors with multisite musculoskeletal pain during late adolescence—A birth cohort study
Authors: Heikkala Eveliina , Paananen Markus , Taimela Simo , Auvinen Juha , Karppinen Jaro
Published: May 2019

Background

Musculoskeletal (MS) pain is common. It often exists in several sites and is recurrent. Psychosocial difficulties and unhealthy behaviours have been related to multisite MS pain, but no literature has assessed the impact of accumulated psychosocial and lifestyle factors on recurrent multiple MS pain.

Methods

Our data were gathered from two questionnaires of the well‐known Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986), sent to members when they were aged 16 and 18. A total of 1,625 adolescents (712 boys and 913 girls) answered questions on smoking, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleeping and emotional and behavioural problems at 16 years and on musculoskeletal pain at 16 and 18 years. Weight and height measurements were taken at a health examination at baseline. A latent class analysis and multinomial regression analysis were conducted.

Results

We identified four clusters among both sexes. “Externalizing behavior” among both genders (OR 2.98, CI 1.73–5.13 among boys; OR 2.38, CI 1.38–4.11 among girls), “Multiple risk behaviors” among girls (OR 2.73, CI 1.30–5.71) and a “Sedentary” cluster among boys (OR 1.85, CI 1.21–2.82) were associated to recurrent multisite MS pain. “Obese” clusters had no significant associations with recurrent multiple MS pain.

Conclusions

Adolescents with psychosocial difficulties and/or several adverse health behaviours were at an increased risk of recurrent multisite MS pain, which emphasizes the importance of simultaneously studying multiple rather than single factors. The identification of risk groups may help more accurately target preventive interventions.

Significance

This study found subgroups of adolescents at risk of recurrent multisite musculoskeletal pain during late adolescence. The accumulation of multiple adverse behaviours is likely to provide new perspectives for understanding the multidimensional nature of multiple MS pains.
The role of movement leaders in building intergroup solidarity for social change: A case of the electoral reform movement in Malaysia
Authors: Selvanathan Hema Preya , Khoo Ying Hooi , Lickel Brian
Published: May 2019

Leaders of social movements play a critical role in mobilizing broader society for social change. However, we know little about how movement leaders strategize to build a movement. To examine this issue, we interviewed the central leadership team of the electoral reform movement (Bersih) in Malaysia, before and after a mass protest organized by the movement. We then used thematic analysis to provide theoretically derived insights into how the leaders fostered intergroup solidarity among multiple racial groups. Specifically, they (a) expanded the movement's boundaries to include new groups within its support base, (b) shared the demands of the movement with multiple groups, and (c) highlighted leaders that were representative of different groups the movement sought to unite. These findings demonstrate how leaders attempt to craft an inclusive movement identity (i.e., who we are, what we do, who stands for us) to mobilize a diverse society for social change.
Comparative proteomic analysis of plasma of children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Huang Qiong , Geng Zhi , Chen Tao , Cheng Xiangjun , Gu Haitao , Li Qingguo , Li Dianfu , Liu Rui
Published: May 2019

Congenital heart disease is one of the largest class of birth defects. Eight subjects with ventricular septal defect (VSD, a kind of congenital heart disease) and 11 health children were enrolled in tandem mass tags label‐based quantitative proteomic analysis to compare plasma proteins differentially abundance. A total of 66 proteins were significantly upregulated or downregulated in VSD patients compared with healthy children. These proteins were involved in pathways linked to platelet activation, fructose and mannose metabolism, complement and coagulation cascades, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and carbon metabolism. The amount of ten proteins changed significantly (p < 0.05) in newly recruited 30 VSD compared with 15 control children, which were validated by ELISA. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase B (ALDOB) and thymosin beta‐4 (Tβ4) were higher than those of other candidate proteins. ALDOB and Tβ4 might be potential biomarkers applied for identifying VSD in the further works.
Effects of Silver Nitrate are a Conservative Estimate for the Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Algae Growth and Daphnia magna Reproduction
Authors: Mertens Jelle , Oorts Koen , Leverett Dean , Arijs Katrien
Published: May 2019

Silver (Ag) salts have been shown to be highly toxic to freshwater organisms. There is nevertheless still a high level of uncertainty as to the aquatic effects of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and how these relate to the effects of soluble Ag salts. As part of the substance evaluation for Ag of the European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals regulation, we have generated new data to justify read-across from soluble Ag salts to AgNPs. The aquatic toxicity to algae growth and Daphnia magna reproduction, fate, and behavior of AgNO3 versus AgNPs were tested and compared. Chloride salts in the test media were replaced with equimolar concentrations of nitrate salts. Total Ag, “conventionally” dissolved Ag (0.45 µm), and “truly” dissolved Ag (3 kDa) were determined. Algae were the most sensitive test species to AgNO3 (10% effect concentration [EC10] 0.10 µg Ag/L) when expressed as conventionally dissolved Ag. The corresponding value for AgNPs was 0.26 µg/L. For D. magna reproduction, the lowest EC10 values were 3.49 µg Ag/L for AgNO3 and 33.4 µg Ag/L for AgNPs. Using measured Ag concentrations, AgNO3 was experimentally shown to be more toxic than AgNPs for all Ag fractions. We explain these observations by a different dissolution behavior of AgNO3 versus AgNPs. The results provide experimental confirmation that AgNO3 can be used as a conservative estimate for the aquatic effects of AgNPs at comparable Ag concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1701–1713. © 2019 SETAC
Phototoxicity Assessments of Field Sites in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, and Heavily Weathered Macondo Crude Oil: 4 Years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Finch Bryson E. , Stubblefield William A.
Published: May 2019

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in the release of large amounts of crude oil into waters of the Gulf of Mexico (USA). A significant portion of the oil reached coastal waters and shorelines where aquatic organisms reside. Four years after the spill, oil remains in small quantities along the coast. Given the high volume of oil coupled with the high ultraviolet light intensities of the Gulf of Mexico, continued polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phototoxicity may be occurring in the Gulf region. The objective of the present study was to determine the potential for phototoxicity at 5 field sites (oiled, remediated, and unoiled) in Barataria Bay (LA, USA) to caged mysid shrimp and sheepshead minnows and to evaluate the phototoxic potential of field-collected oil water accommodated fractions (WAFs). Water chemistries were similar between field-collected oil WAFs and ambient waters, excluding the most oiled field site. Field bioassays indicated no phototoxic risk of heavily weathered crude oil under the highly turbid conditions present during the study. Laboratory WAFs of field-collected oil resulted in phototoxicity to mysid shrimp, suggesting a potential for phototoxicity of heavily weathered crude oil remaining in the Gulf of Mexico. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1811–1819. © 2019 SETAC
Proteasomal Degradation of Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 in Cholangiocytes Promotes Biliary Fibrosis
Authors: Jalan‐Sakrikar Nidhi , De Assuncao Thiago M. , Shi Guang , Aseem Sayed Obaidullah , Chi Cheng , Shah Vijay H. , Huebert Robert C.
Published: May 2019

During biliary disease, cholangiocytes become activated by various pathological stimuli, including transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). The result is an epigenetically regulated transcriptional program leading to a pro‐fibrogenic microenvironment, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and progression of biliary fibrosis. This study evaluated how TGF‐β signaling intersects with epigenetic machinery in cholangiocytes to support fibrogenic gene transcription. We performed RNA sequencing in cholangiocytes with or without TGF‐β. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified “HSC Activation” as the highly up‐regulated pathway, including overexpression of fibronectin 1 (FN), connective tissue growth factor, and other genes. Bioinformatics identified enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) as an epigenetic regulator of the cholangiocyte TGF‐β response. EZH2 overexpression suppressed TGF‐β‐induced FN protein in vitro, suggesting FN as a direct target of EZH2‐based repression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified an FN promoter element in which EZH2‐mediated tri‐methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 is diminished by TGF‐β. TGF‐β also caused a 50% reduction in EZH2 protein levels. Proteasome inhibition rescued EZH2 protein and led to reduced FN production. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry identified ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N‐recognin 4 in complex with EZH2, which was validated by western blotting in vitro. Ubiquitin mutation studies suggested K63‐based ubiquitin linkage and chain elongation on EZH2 in response to TGF‐β. A deletion mutant of EZH2, lacking its N‐terminal domain, abrogates both TGF‐β‐stimulated EZH2 degradation and FN release. In vivo, cholangiocyte‐selective knockout of EZH2 exacerbates bile duct ligation–induced fibrosis whereas MDR2‐/‐ mice are protected from fibrosis by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Conclusion: TGF‐β regulates proteasomal degradation of EZH2 through N‐terminal, K63‐linked ubiquitination in cholangiocytes and activates transcription of a fibrogenic gene program that supports biliary fibrosis.
Prioritizing the health problems of slum residents using social determinants of health: A case study in a developing country
Authors: Nekoei‐Moghadam Mahmood , Heidari Narges , Amiresmaeili Mohammadreza , Heidarijamebozorgi Majid
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Today, countries are faced with the fact that despite unlimited human needs, resources are limited. The health sector has the same limitations as other sectors. Therefore, this study aimed to prioritize the health problems of the Kerman residents slums by using the social determinants of health.

Methods

The present study was carried out using a hierarchical analysis. The study population included experts of the deputy of social affairs, experts of the research center for SDH, experts of deputy of health, experts of social welfare in governing board of Kerman, and community health practitioners. Sixteen of these experts were selected using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Expert Choice software was used to analyze the information.

Results

In this study, the health problems were prioritized. The highest priority among the main themes and subtheme was related to early childhood development and child labor, respectively.

Conclusion

The early years of life are the most important years of life, and the experiences of these years will be the foundation of the future life of every human being. Therefore, if their needs and developmental areas are not answered properly during this period, their health will be compromised.
Image registration‐based brain tumor detection and segmentation using ANFIS classification approach
Authors: Nagarathinam Ezhilmathi , Ponnuchamy Thirumurugan
Published: May 2019

Abnormal cells in human brain lead to the development of tumors. Manual detection of this tumor region is a time‐consuming process. Hence, this paper proposes an efficient and automated computer‐aided methodology for brain tumor detection and segmentation using image registration technique and classification approaches. This proposed work consists of the following modules: image registration, contourlet transform, and feature extraction with feature normalization, classification, and segmentation. The extracted features are optimized using genetic algorithm, and then an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system classification approach is used to classify the features for the detection and segmentation of tumor regions in brain magnetic resonance imaging. A quantitative analysis is performed to evaluate the proposed methodology for brain tumor detection using sensitivity, specificity, segmentation accuracy, precision, and Dice similarity coefficient.
Dodecenylsuccinic anhydride modified collagen hydrogels loaded with simvastatin as skin wound dressings
Authors: Olivetti Christian E. , Alvarez Echazú María I. , Perna Oriana , Perez Claudio J. , Mitarotonda Romina , De Marzi Mauricio , Desimone Martín F. , Alvarez Gisela S.
Published: May 2019

Skin wound healing presents a unique challenge because of its complex healing process. Herein, we developed a hydrophobic wound dressing to incorporate simvastatin, which has potential application in the treatment of ulcers and prevention of wound infection. For that matter, collagen hydrogels were grafted with dodecenylsuccinic anhydride (DDSA). The chemical modification was confirmed by FTIR and solid state 13C‐NMR spectroscopies while the ultrastructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. In contact angle measurements, a higher water droplet angle in DDSA‐collagen gels was observed. This was consistent with the swelling assay, in which water absorption was 5.2 g/g for collagen and 1.9 g/g for DDSA‐collagen. Additionally, viability and adhesion studies were performed. Cell adhesion decreased ~11% in DDSA‐collagen and the number of viable cells showed a tendency to decrease as DDSA concentration increased but it was only significantly lower above concentrations of 12%. Modified gels were loaded with simvastatin showing higher adsorption capacity and lower release. Lastly, the antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activity of DDSA‐collagen materials were assessed. DDSA‐collagen hydrogels, either unloaded or loaded with simvastatin showed sustained antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus for 72 hr probably due to the hydrophobic interaction of DDSA chains with bacterial cell walls. The antimicrobial activity was stronger against S. aureus. Collagen hydrogels also presented a prolonged antibacterial activity when they were loaded with simvastatin, confirming the antimicrobial properties of statins. Finally, it was observed that these materials can stimulate resident macrophages and promote an M2 profile which is desirable in wound healing processes.
Ex vivo pregnant‐like tissue model to assess injectable hydrogel for preterm birth prevention
Authors: Raia Nicole R. , Bakaysa Stephanie L. , Ghezzi Chiara E. , House Michael D. , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2019

Cervical insufficiency (CI) is an important cause of preterm birth, which leads to severe newborn complications. Standard treatment for CI is cerclage, which has variable success rates, resulting in a clinical need for alternative treatments. Our objective was to develop an ex vivo model of softened cervical tissue to study an injectable silk‐based hydrogel as a novel alternative treatment for CI. Cervical tissue from nonpregnant women was enzymatically treated and characterized to determine tissue hydration, collagen organization, and mechanical properties via unconfined compression. Enzymatic treatment led to an 86 ± 7.9% decrease in modulus, which correlated to a decrease in collagen organization as observed by differences in collagen birefringence. The softened tissue was injected with a crosslinked silk‐hyaluronic acid composite hydrogel. After injection, the mechanical properties and volume increase of the hydrogel‐treated tissue were measured resulting in a 54 ± 16% volume increase with minimal effect on tissue mechanical properties. In addition, cervical fibroblasts on silk‐hyaluronic acid hydrogels remained viable and exhibited increased proliferation and metabolic activity over 5 days. Overall, this study developed an ex vivo pregnant‐like human tissue model to assess cervical augmentation and showed the potential of silk‐based hydrogels as an alternative treatment for cervical insufficiency.
Performance of FRAX in Women with Breast Cancer Initiating Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: A Registry-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Leslie William D , Morin Suzanne N , Lix Lisa M , Niraula Saroj , McCloskey Eugene V , Johansson Helena , Harvey Nicholas C , Kanis John A
Published: May 2019

FRAX was developed to predict 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture in the general population. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) used in breast cancer induce loss in bone mineral density (BMD) and are reported to increase fracture risk. AI exposure is not a direct input to FRAX but is captured under “secondary osteoporosis”. To inform use of FRAX in women treated with AI, we used a population-based registry for the Province of Manitoba, Canada, to identify women aged ≥40 years initiating AI for breast cancer with at least 12 months’ AI exposure (n = 1775), women with breast cancer not receiving AI (n = 1016), and women from the general population (n = 34,205). Among AI users, fracture probability estimated without BMD (AI use coded as secondary osteoporosis) significantly overestimated risk (10-year observed/predicted ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.68; 10-year hip fracture observed/predicted ratio 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.49). However, when BMD was included in the fracture probability, there was no significant difference between observed and predicted fracture risk. In Cox proportional hazards models, FRAX stratified risk of MOF, hip, and any fracture equally well in all subgroups (p-interaction >0.1). When adjusted for FRAX score without BMD, with AI use coded as secondary osteoporosis, AI users were at significantly lower risk for MOF (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95), hip fracture (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.73) and any fracture (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.63–0.89). AI use was no longer significantly associated with fractures when AI use was not entered as secondary osteoporosis in FRAX without BMD or when BMD was included in the FRAX calculation. In conclusion, FRAX scores stratify fracture risk equally well in women receiving AI therapy as in non-users, but including secondary osteoporosis as a risk factor for AI users overestimates fracture risk. Our results call this practice into question. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Do wealthy economies have better accounting quality? International evidence
Authors: Pirveli Erekle , Zimmermann Jochen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to empirically test whether wealthy economies have better accounting quality (AQ) compared to their “poor” counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the formulated hypothesis, this article examines accounting and market data of 40 countries' capital markets, obtained from Compustat Global and Compustat North America, and spanned throughout the last quarter of century, from 1992 to 2016. Country wealth and controlling‐ and valuation‐usefulness of accounting information are proxied by gross domestic product per capita, conditional accounting conservatism and value relevance of earnings and book values, respectively.

Findings

Descriptive analysis, consistent with the prior literature, reveals that controlling‐usefulness and valuation‐usefulness of accounting information significantly negatively correlate with each other, putting them as alternative (rather than compatible) objectives of the accounting system. The major finding shows that wealthy economies report significantly more controlling‐useful but about equally valuation‐useful accounting information compared to their poor counterparts.

Practical implications

The findings are interesting from investors as well as standard setters' perspective.

Originality/value

According to Ball (Journal of International Accounting Research (2016), 15(2), 1–6), wealthy economies are likely to invest more in the establishment and development of a country‐level reporting infrastructure such as accounting, financial, legal and political systems, which should ultimately lead to better AQ. This article argues that wealthy economies are likely to report more controlling‐useful, but not necessarily more valuation‐useful accounting information compared to the poor ones. This argument is based on the fact that on the one hand decision makers within the wealthy economies' capital markets are likely to intensively utilize various alternative sources of information, implying a lower demand on accounting information as a source of valuation decisions. On the other hand, demand for controlling‐useful accounting information would exist even while utilizing other (external) sources of information as the inside (managerial) information helps the management to efficiently control and plan the firm activities.
Effects of regulation on audits: A Canadian example
Authors: Lelkes Anne‐Marie T.
Published: May 2019

The increase in regulation has caused the number of publicly traded Canadian public companies to decline. This study analyzes audit fee data from Audit Analytics from 2002 through 2015 for Canadian companies to determine if they have moved away from using Big 4 auditors. Charts and regression are used to analyze the data. Results show that there is a decline in the number of public audits from 2002 to 2015 that seems to correspond to the decline of Canadian public companies due to increased regulation. In spite of the decline in the number of publicly traded companies, the results of this study show that, of the total audits, the proportion done by Big 4 auditors is increasing, possibly due to the need for higher audit quality and more experienced auditors for the companies to be listed on stock exchanges. This leads to higher audit fees. As a result, many executives have decided to fund their companies with private equity. This decline in the number of publicly traded companies is not healthy for the Canadian market. Perhaps more incentives can be given to attract more public issuers, which will give investors more opportunities to invest, and thus, further strengthen the economy.
Shire/Takeda: How deal risks create M&A opportunities
Authors: Tournier Florence
Published: May 2019

M&A activity in 2018 has been concentrated––in terms of news flow, deal length, spread width, size and volume––around two main mega‐deals, the competing bids of Fox and Comcast for Sky and Takeda's acquisition of Shire, which both ended successfully. The US‐China trade war and European‐wide political concerns, including the uncertainty and lack of visibility around Brexit and the Italian budget, may have discouraged large transactions. Overall deal risk has also increased with enhanced regulatory scrutiny over national interest in sensitive sectors. In this article, we will focus on one of them: Takeda's acquisition of Shire, whose interest lies in the number and nature of issues involved, as well as the attractiveness of the trade until the very end.
Exploring self‐organization of molecular tether molecules on a gold surface by global structure optimization
Authors: Freibert Antonia , Dieterich Johannnes M. , Hartke Bernd
Published: May 2019

We employ nondeterministic global cluster structure optimization, based on the evolutionary algorithms paradigm, to model the self‐assembly of complex molecules on a surface. As a real‐life application example directly related to many recent experiments, we use this approach for the assembly of triazatriangulene “platform” molecules on the Au(111) surface. Without additional restrictions like spatial discretizations, coarse‐graining or precalculated adsorption poses, and despite the proof‐of‐principle character of this study, we achieve satisfactory qualitative agreement with several experimental observations and can provide answers to questions that experiments on these species had left open so far. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dilatation of left portal vein after right portal vein embolization: a simple estimation for growth of future liver remnant
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Kim Kyoung Won , Choi Sang Hyun , Lee Jeongjin , Kwon Heon‐Ju , Kwon Jae Hyun , Song Gi‐Won , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: May 2019

Background

To evaluate correlation between growth rate of left portal vein (LPV) and future liver remnant (FLR) after right portal vein embolization (PVE), and to design models predicting FLR growth rate and volume using LPV area measurements on computed tomography (CT).

Methods

A total of 134 patients (59.6 ± 10.2 years; 103 men) who underwent right PVE with contrast‐enhanced CT before and 3–5 weeks after PVE were retrospectively identified. Kinetic hypertrophy ratio (KHR) and kinetic degree of hypertrophy (KDH) served as growth rate parameters. Correlations between LPV growth rate and FLR growth rate and volume change were evaluated by linear regression analysis. The agreements between actual volumetrically determined growth rates and volume of FLR and those estimated from regression equation using LPV measurements were assessed by Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Growth rates of LPV and FLR correlated significantly (P < 0.001). The mean difference between actual and estimated value was 0.1% for KHR‐FLR (actual, 9.5 ± 6.0%; estimated, 9.4 ± 3.8%), 0.0% for KDH‐FLR (actual, 3.3 ± 1.4%; estimated, 3.3 ± 0.7%), −3.8 cm3 for FLR volume (actual, 642.5 ± 167.8 cm3; estimated, 646.4 ± 156.5 cm3), and −0.1% for proportion of FLR volume (actual, 48.7 ± 7.8%; estimated, 48.9 ± 7.8%).

Conclusions

After right PVE, FLR growth rate and volume can be simply estimated from the change in LPV area.
Combination of Plaque Characteristics, Pial Collaterals, and Hypertension Contributes to Misery Perfusion in Patients With Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Liu Song , Luo Yu , Wang Chen , Tang Ruowei , Sheng Zhiguo , Xie Weiwei , Chai Shengting , Guo Yu , Chai Chao , Yang Qi , Fan Zhaoyang , Chang Binge , Xia Shuang
Published: May 2019

Background

Atherosclerotic plaque in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is linked to ischemic stroke events, but the relationship between plaque characteristics and cerebral perfusion is unclear.

Purpose

To investigate MCA plaque characteristics between intracranial atherosclerotic patients with and without hypoperfusion area, and to identify the variables affecting hypoperfusion volume.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Seventy‐one patients with MCA stenosis (>50%), and all with ischemic onset in recent 2 weeks.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI / diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA), inversion‐recovery prepared sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrast using different flip angle evolutions (IR‐SPACE), dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion‐weighted imaging (DSC‐PWI).

Assessment

Plaque characteristics including eccentric index (EI), eccentricity, plaque length, and enhancement on MCA were measured on IR‐SPACE. Pial collaterals (PCs) were evaluated on axial TOF‐MRA source images. Time‐to‐maximum (Tmax) maps with a threshold more than 6 seconds were assessed by rapid processing of perfusion and diffusion (RAPID) software.

Statistical Tests

Two independent‐samples t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square test, Z test, univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used.

Results

Patients with hypoperfusion had fewer eccentric plaque, lower EI, longer plaque length, and poor PCs compared with those without (P = 0.002, 0.016, 0.003, and 0.001). Eccentricity, plaque length, PCs, and hypertension were the factors independently associated with the occurrence of hypoperfusion after adjustment for risk factors of cerebrovascular disease (P = 0.014, 0.017, 0.035, and 0.018). The area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval) was 0.865 (0.763–0.934) for a combination of the above four variables, which was significantly higher than any variable alone (P < 0.001, 0.016, < 0.001, and < 0.001). Patients with lower EI, concentric morphology, and grade 2 enhancement trended to have larger hypoperfusion volume (P = 0.028, 0.037, and 0.009).

Data Conclusion

Plaque eccentricity, plaque length, PCs, and hypertension showed an association with the occurrence of hypoperfusion.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:195–204.
Standardized Evaluation of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations Using Flow Distribution Network Graphs and Dual‐venc 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Aristova Maria , Vali Alireza , Ansari Sameer A. , Shaibani Ali , Alden Tord D. , Hurley Michael C. , Jahromi Babak S. , Potts Matthew B. , Markl Michael , Schnell Susanne
Published: May 2019

Background

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are pathological connections between arteries and veins. Dual‐venc 4D flow MRI, an extended 4D flow MRI method with improved velocity dynamic range, provides time‐resolved 3D cerebral hemodynamics.

Purpose

To optimize dual‐venc 4D flow imaging parameters for AVM; to assess the relationship between spatial resolution, acceleration, and flow quantification accuracy; and to introduce and apply the flow distribution network graph (FDNG) paradigm for storing and analyzing complex neurovascular 4D flow data.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects/Phantom

Scans were performed in a specialized flow phantom: 26 healthy subjects (age 41 ± 17 years) and five AVM patients (age 27–68 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Dual‐venc 4D flow with varying spatial resolution and acceleration factors were performed at 3T field strength.

Assessment

Quantification accuracy was assessed in vitro by direct comparison to measured flow. FDNGs were used to quantify and compare flow, peak velocity (PV), and pulsatility index (PI) between healthy controls with various Circle of Willis (CoW) anatomy and AVM patients.

Statistical Tests

In vitro measurements were compared to ground truth with Student's t‐test. In vivo groups were compared with Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Flow was overestimated in all in vitro experiments, by an average 7.1 ± 1.4% for all measurement conditions. Error in flow measurement was significantly correlated with number of voxels across the channel (P = 3.11 × 10−28) but not with acceleration factor (P = 0.74). For the venous‐arterial PV and PI ratios, a significant difference was found between AVM nidal and extranidal circulation (P = 0.008 and 0.05, respectively), and between AVM nidal and healthy control circulation (P = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively).

Data Conclusion

Dual‐venc 4D flow MRI and standardized FDNG analysis might be feasible in clinical applications. Venous‐arterial ratios of PV and PI are proposed as network‐based biomarkers characterizing AVM nidal hemodynamics.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1718–1730.
Novel approach to enhance sensitivity in surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging using deposited organic‐inorganic hybrid matrices
Authors: Nozaki Kazuyoshi , Nakabayashi Yuji , Murakami Tatsuya , Miyazato Akio , Osaka Issey
Published: May 2019

Sample pretreatment is key to obtaining good data in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI). Although sublimation is one of the best methods for obtaining homogenously fine organic matrix crystals, its sensitivity can be low due to the lack of a solvent extraction effect. We investigated the effect of incorporating a thin film of metal formed by zirconium (Zr) sputtering into the sublimation process for MALDI matrix deposition for improving the detection sensitivity in mouse liver tissue sections treated with olanzapine. The matrix‐enhanced surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (ME‐SALDI) method, where a matrix was formed by sputtering Zr to form a thin nanoparticle layer before depositing MALDI organic matrix comprising α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) by sublimation, resulted in a significant improvement in sensitivity, with the ion intensity of olanzapine being about 1800 times that observed using the MALDI method, comprising CHCA sublimation alone. When Zr sputtering was performed after CHCA deposition, however, no such enhancement in sensitivity was observed. The enhanced sensitivity due to Zr sputtering was also observed when the CHCA solution was applied by spraying, being about twice as high as that observed by CHCA spraying alone. In addition, the detection sensitivity of these various pretreatment methods was similar for endogenous glutathione. Given that sample preparation using the ME‐SALDI‐MSI method, which combines Zr sputtering with the sublimation method for depositing an organic matrix, does not involve a solvent, delocalization problems such as migration of analytes observed after matrix spraying and washing with aqueous solutions as sample pretreatment are not expected. Therefore, ME‐Zr‐SALDI‐MSI is a novel sample pretreatment method that can improve the sensitivity of analytes while maintaining high spatial resolution in MALDI‐MSI.
Safety and effectiveness of apixaban in Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in clinical practice: A regulatory postmarketing surveillance, the STANDARD study
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi , Umeyama Michiaki , Yamada Takako , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Komoto Akira , Yasaka Masahiro
Published: May 2019

Background

Apixaban, a non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC), was approved in Japan in 2012 for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, the safety and effectiveness of apixaban in clinical practice have not yet been elucidated thoroughly among Japanese NVAF patients.

Methods

A postmarketing surveillance study was conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of apixaban. Patients were followed‐up for 104 weeks. Outcome events included adverse drug reactions (ADRs), hemorrhages, and thromboembolic events (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism [SE], and transient ischemic attack [TIA]).

Results

Among 6306 NVAF patients in the safety analysis set (age, 74.5 ± 10.1 years; women, 41.1%; and CHADS2 score, 2.0 ± 1.4), 3600 patients (57.1%) received the standard dose (5 mg twice daily) and 2694 (42.7%) received a reduced dose (2.5 mg twice daily) of apixaban. ADRs occurred in 604 patients (9.58%), with the most common being epistaxis (0.86%), subcutaneous hemorrhage (0.67%), and hematuria (0.57%). Incidence rate of any hemorrhages and major hemorrhage was 5.52% per year and 2.36% per year, respectively. Incidence rate of ischemic stroke/SE/TIA was 1.00% per year among 6286 patients in the effectiveness analysis set. Among three subgroups (3106 apixaban initiators, 2038 patients switched from warfarin, and 1118 patients switched from other NOACs), incidence rates of major hemorrhage (P = 0.221 for trend) and ischemic stroke/SE/TIA (P = 0.686 for trend) were comparable.

Conclusions

No new safety signals of apixaban were identified in Japanese NVAF patients. Safety and effectiveness of apixaban were consistent with those in the ARISTOTLE study.
Effects of multiple climate change factors on the spring phenology of herbaceous plants in Inner Mongolia, China: Evidence from ground observation and controlled experiments
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Ge Quansheng , Wang Huanjiong , Dai Junhu
Published: May 2019

In a natural ecosystem or as climatic climax community, grassland is relatively dry with a strongly seasonal climate, and sensitive to climatic changes. Most of the previous studies used remote sensing data to investigate the phenological response of grassland to climate change, while ground‐based studies covering a large geographic area were limited. In this study, using the long‐term phenological data (1981–2012) of 16 herbaceous species observed at 20 stations in Inner Mongolia, China, we first investigated the trends in three spring phenophases, including the dates of bud‐burst, first leaf unfolding, and 50% of leaf unfolding. Subsequently, multiple linear regressions between phenophases and four climatic factors (spring temperature, soil moisture, chilling temperature, and insolation) were performed to determine the relative importance of each factor on the spring phenology. To validate the resulted regression coefficients, we developed a controlled environment to investigate the factors regulating the leaf unfolding time of one dominant species (Leymus chinensis). The results showed that the study area became warmer and drier from 1981 to 2012. However, the overall changes in spring phenophases were not apparent, as there was a similar proportion of significant earlier or later trends. Such phenological changes were driven by multiple climatic factors. The warmer temperature would advance the spring phenophases, while lower soil moisture would delay them. The impact of soil moisture was significant in the experimental data, but not significant in the observation data. In addition, leaf unfolding became faster whenL. chinensisexperienced more chilling days, but this effect was difficult to be detected in observation data due to the weak sensitivity of the leaf unfolding time to chilling days. These findings can help us to understand how the spring phenology of typical herbaceous species responds to multiple climatic factors under the background of climate change.
Periodontal inflammation is related to increased serum calcitonin gene‐related peptide levels in patients with chronic migraine
Authors: Leira Yago , Ameijeira Pablo , Domínguez Clara , López‐Arias Esteban , Ávila‐Gómez Paulo , Pérez‐Mato María , Sobrino Tomás , Campos Francisco , D'Aiuto Francesco , Leira Rogelio , Blanco Juan
Published: May 2019

Background

Recently, a relationship was found between periodontitis and chronic migraine. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a key element in migraine pathophysiology. However, no information exists of the potential association between periodontal inflammation and CGRP in chronic migraine. The aim of the study was, therefore, to investigate whether there is a link between periodontitis and peripheral levels of CGRP in a cohort of patients with chronic migraine.

Methods

We included 102 chronic migraineurs and 77 age‐ and sex‐matched individuals free of headache/migraine. Full‐mouth periodontal parameters were recorded and the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated to quantify the periodontal inflammatory status for each participant. Sociodemographic data and comorbidities were assessed by means of a standard questionnaire. We collected blood samples and serum concentrations were done for CGRP, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10.

Results

In the chronic migraine group, patients with periodontitis had greater levels of serum CGRP (19.7 ± 6.5 versus 15.3 ± 6.2 pg/mL,P< 0.0001) and IL‐6 (15.1 ± 9.2 versus 9.6 ± 6.3 pg/mL,P < 0.0001) while non‐significant differences were observed with IL‐10 (2.0 ± 1.0 versus 2.8 ± 1.5 pg/mL,P = 0.675) concentrations than those without periodontitis. PISA was independently associated with CGRP in patients with chronic migraine (β = 0.003; 95% confidence interval: 0.001 to 0.006,P = 0.031). PISA correlated positively with CGRP (r = 0.236;P = 0.017) and IL‐6 (r = 0.262;P = 0.008) in chronic migraine.

Conclusions

Periodontal inflammation is associated with increased circulating levels of CGRP in chronic migraineurs. Elucidating the exact mechanisms through which periodontitis and CGRP are linked in these patients deserves further investigation.
Effects of topical application of 1% sodium alendronate gel in the surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: A 6‐month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Carvalho Dutra Bernardo , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Oliveira Peterson Antônio Dutra , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Silveira Juliana Oliveira , Costa Fernando Oliveira
Published: May 2019

Background

Sodium alendronate (ALN) is an aminobisphosphonate and potent inhibitor of bone resorption. It has been suggested that ALN might be a promising carrier of biomolecules for periodontal bone repair. The aim of this randomized split‐mouth clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of the topical application of 1% ALN gel in intrabony defects during the surgical treatment of patients with periodontitis.

Methods

Sixty‐four intrabony defects from 32 patients with periodontitis were randomly treated with either 1% ALN gel or placebo gel during periodontal surgeries. Full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded as the clinical outcomes. Bone defects were evaluated by digital subtraction radiography (DSR) at baseline and 6 months post‐treatment. Analyses were performed through Fisher, Kruskal‐Wallis, and ANOVA tests and a generalized estimation equations method.

Results

Both ALN and placebo groups showed significant improvements in BOP, PD, and CAL after periodontal surgical procedures (P < 0.001). Intergroup analysis showed significantly better outcomes in the ALN group with higher PD reduction and clinical attachment gain. DSR showed positive effects on periodontal bone repair strongly associated in the ALN group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Topical application of 1% ALN may be a promising and beneficial adjuvant for the treatment of intrabony defects during surgical periodontal therapy.
Synthesis of core‐shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective determination of imidacloprid in apple samples
Authors: Farooq Saqib , Nie Jiyun , Cheng Yang , Yan Zhen , Bacha Syed Asim Shah , Zhang Jianyi , Nahiyoon Riaz Ali , Hussain Quaid
Published: May 2019

This work demonstrates the synthesis and characterization of core‐shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers based on surface imprinting using methacryloyl chloride as a functional monomer for the selective extraction of imidacloprid (template) from apple fruit. The characterization analysis results ensured the successful synthesis of the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers owing to their heterogeneous structure and good magnetic properties. An isothermal binding test was assessed with a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, and the kinetic results fit well to the Freundlich isothermal model. The polymers exhibited an adsorption capacity of 5.75 mg/g for the target analyte with a good selective extraction ability. In addition, the polymers can be reused several times without significant performance loss. The molecularly imprinted polymers showed good performance in the analysis of spiked apple sample with a linear range of 0.05–1.0 mg/L, a limit of detection of 0.048 mg/L and a limit of quantification of 0.146 mg/L (S/N = 3/10). The recoveries of the samples were 77.66–96.57% and their respective relative standard deviations were 3.36–0.45%. All the results indicated that the proposed method provided good selective extraction, as qualifying the analytical standards.
Finding of remarkable synergistic effect on the aroxyl‐radical‐scavenging rates under the coexistence of α‐tocopherol and catechins
Authors: Mukai Kazuo , Nagai Kanae , Ouchi Aya , Suzuki Tomomi , Izumisawa Katsuhiro , Nagaoka Shin‐Ichi
Published: May 2019

Measurements of aroxyl radical (ArO•)‐scavenging rate constants () of antioxidants (AOHs) (α‐tocopherol (α‐TocH) and three catechins (CatHs) (ie, epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) were performed in ethanol solution, using stopped‐flow spectrophotometry. values were measured not only for each AOH, but also for the mixtures of two AOHs (α‐TocH and CatH). A notable synergistic effect that the value of α‐TocH increases 1.29, 1.84, and 1.65 times under the coexistence of constant concentrations of EC, EGC, and EGCG, respectively, was observed for the solutions including α‐TocH and CatH. Similarly, values of CatHs (EC, EGC, and EGCG) increased 1.72, 2.25, and 2.34 times under the coexistence of constant concentrations of α‐TocH, respectively. UV‐Vis absorption of α‐tocopheroxyl radical (α‐Toc•) (λmax = 428 nm), which had been produced by reaction of α‐TocH with ArO•, decreased remarkably under the coexistence of α‐TocH and CatHs due to the fast α‐TocH‐regeneration reaction by CatHs. The result suggests that the prooxidant reaction due to α‐Toc• is suppressed by the coexistence of CatHs. By analyzing the formation and decay curves of α‐Toc•, it has been ascertained that one molecule of EGCG having three OH groups at B‐ring may rapidly regenerate three molecules of α‐Toc• to α‐TocH.
Reducing patient wait times in a head and neck cancer outpatient clinic: A pilot study
Authors: Silver Natalie , Weber Randal S. , Lozano Miguel , Hessel Amy , Meade Jeremy , Moore Judy , Hanna Ehab , Lewis Carol
Published: May 2019

Objectives

1) Identify causes of increased patient wait times in a high‐volume outpatient cancer clinic; and 2) use quality improvement tools to implement changes to reduce patient wait times.

Methods

Baseline patient wait times for 10 faculty members in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) outpatient head and neck cancer clinic were calculated. Patient workflow and scheduling processes were recorded and analyzed. The faculty with the lowest patient wait times was interviewed, and best practices were identified. Two physicians piloted interventions. Clinic templates were standardized and load‐leveled, and the total patients scheduled per hour was based on the physician's calculated capacity per hour. Paired t tests were used to analyze data, and P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The baseline patient wait time average was 71 minutes (range 33–122 minutes). Several factors were found to increase patient wait times, including scheduling too many patients in a short time interval at the beginning of clinic hours and exceeding the physician's patient capacity per hour. For physicians implementing changes, the patient wait time was reduced significantly. For physician 3, the average wait time was reduced from 122 minutes to 52 minutes (57% decrease, P < 0.01) For physician 5, the wait time was reduced from an average of 89 minutes to 62 minutes (30% decrease, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

By applying principles for quality improvement, such as identifying and benchmarking best practices, load‐leveling, and standardizing clinic scheduling, patient wait times were significantly reduced.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E151–E154, 2020
Using Backscattering and Backcoupling in Silicon Ring Resonators as a New Degree of Design Freedom
Authors: Li Ang , Bogaerts Wim
Published: May 2019

Silicon optical ring resonators are potentially valuable for many applications. Due to the limited design freedom (coupling coefficient and roundtrip length), the functionality and performance cannot always be fully explored and optimized. In addition, high‐contrast silicon ring resonators suffer from parasitic coupling between their clockwise and counterclockwise modes as well as parasitic coupling from the input to both circulating modes, which degrades or even distorts the response. Herein, an overview is given to harness these effects as additional design parameters to overcome the detrimental effects and realize novel functionalities in silicon ring resonators. Through simulations and experimental characterization, it is shown how the manipulation of backreflection and backcoupling enables various novel functions, including tunable Fano resonances with maximum slope rate over 700 dB nm−1, tunable electromagnetically induced transparency, which slows light down over 1100 ps, a single‐mode silicon ring resonator with a free spectral range over 150 nm and tuning efficiency over 11 times higher compared to that of conventional silicon ring resonators, fundamental suppression of inevitable backscattering, spectral tuning, single sideband filtering, and ultrahigh Q/large finesse resonances.