bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of contingency management in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Ziser Katrin , Resmark Gaby , Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Becker Sandra , Stuber Felicitas , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian
Published: March 2018

Contingency management in stipulating weight gain is routinely used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, however, empirical investigations concerning its effectiveness have been scarce. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Of N = 973 hits, 42 full‐texts were included in the qualitative synthesis (11 theoretical texts, 19 case reports, 12 descriptive, cohort, and controlled trials). A central topic in the included publications concerns the enhancement of patients' autonomy through participation in the contingency management process. This heightened autonomy is achieved by using contingency contracts. Positive short‐term effects on weight gain were shown, whereas follow‐up results were heterogeneous. Although contingency contracts are widely used in clinical practice, our systematic review shows that empirical evidence on underlying mechanisms and efficacy is still scarce. Using an explicit treatment contract can enhance patients' motivation, compliance, and autonomy. Clinical practice should see further development including innovative motivation enhancing and conflict dissolving techniques in addressing the pronounced ambivalence often shown by patients with anorexia nervosa.
Ethyl ester and silyl ester of imidodiphosphate: An alternative route to access phosphorus‐nitrogen‐phosphorus bonds via Staudinger reaction
Authors: Low Jia En , Levalois‐Grützmacher Joëlle
Published: March 2018

We present herein an alternative synthesis route to obtain tetraethyl imidodiphosphate (EtO)2P(O)NH(O)P(OEt)2 (3) and its silylester derivative tetrakis(trimethylsilyl) imidodiphosphate (Me3SiO)2P(O)NH(O)P(OSiMe3)2 (4) involving a phosphorazidate intermediate (1) and the Staudinger reaction. Compared to previous methods, this synthesis route is simpler, more atom efficient, and energetically inexpensive. Moreover, the final compounds are obtained with larger yield and higher purity.
Diabetes and smoking as predictors of cancer in Indigenous adults from rural and remote communities of North Queensland – A 15‐year follow up study
Authors: Li Ming , Roder David , McDermott Robyn
Published: March 2018

Indigenous Australians generally have a poor health status and an elevated cancer mortality that has increased in recent decades. A cohort of 2,273 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (TSI) adults (18+ years) from 26 remote communities in far North Queensland, who were initially free of cancer, were followed‐up for an average of 15 years. The associations of baseline anthropometric, biochemical and behavioural factors with cancer incidence were investigated using competing risk survival analysis. The age‐standardised incidence (all cancers) was 5.2 cases/1,000 person‐years (pys) (95% CI 4.1–6.6). Liver/bile duct and lung were the most common cancer sites. Overall cancer incidence was significantly higher in TSIs than Aboriginal people. The baseline prevalence of diabetes was 15.6% in Aboriginal and 25.6% in TSI people. The smoking rate of 59.8% for Aboriginal people was higher than the rate of 45.2% for TSIs. At follow‐up, the adjusted sub hazard ratios (SHRs) of diabetes for all cancers combined were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3–2.6), and for digestive system cancers, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2–4.4). Smokers had a 60% higher risk (SHR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.0) for all cancers combined and a fourfold risk (SHR 3.7, 95% CI 1.7–8.0) for lung cancers when compared to non‐smokers, regardless of age, sex and ethnicity. The most common cancers encountered by this Indigenous cohort and their consequences are potentially preventable in Indigenous Australians by effective management of highly prevalent modifiable risks in primary service settings, screening participation and arranging for good access to treatment services.
Combinational drug delivery using nanocarriers for breast cancer treatments: A review
Authors: Olov Nafise , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab , Mirzadeh Hamid
Published: March 2018

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women that requires special attention due to low response to conventional treatments. The common method for treating cancer (especially BC) is applying a single anticancer agent, however, due to some disadvantages including cytotoxicity, side effects, and multidrug resistance, the efficiency and application of this method are limited. To overcome these challenges, the combinational delivery of anticancer drugs (including chemical agents, genetic materials, etc.) has been introduced. To increase the efficacy of this new method, several nanocarriers including inorganic nanoparticles (such as, magnetic nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, etc.) and organic ones (e.g., dendrimers, liposomes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles) have been used. Based on the literature, combinational delivery using nanocarriers showed promising results in the treatment of BC. In this review, combination regimens for the treatment of BC, nanocarriers containing combinations of pharmaceutical agents (including small molecule chemotherapeutic, biological, and gene therapy agents) as an opportunity to overcome chemotherapy challenges and, finally, examples of these formulations have been presented. This review aims to provide a better understanding of these increasingly important new methods of cancer treatment and the main issues and key considerations for a rational design of nanocarriers used in combinational delivery of different synergistic anticancer agents. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2272‐2283, 2018.
The potential of the stem cells composite hydrogel wound dressings for promoting wound healing and skin regeneration: In vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Hsu Ling‐Chuan , Peng Bou‐Yue , Chen May‐Show , Thalib Bahruddin , Ruslin Muhammad , Tung Tran Dang Xuan , Chou Hsin‐Hua , Ou Keng‐Liang
Published: March 2018

In this study, the wound healing properties of the gelatin‐based hydrogel (GBH) wound dressing combined with adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) were investigated using the mouse and porcine models. The analytical results showed that the ADSCs harvested from the porcine significantly increased cell growth and promoted cell differentiation (adipogenesis and osteogenesis) in comparison to the ADSCs harvested from the mouse in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo results also indicated that the GBH wound dressing combined with ADSCs and its culture medium could potentially accelerate wound healing in the mouse and porcine models. The ADSCs presented a possibility of recovery from wounds and injuries through skin regeneration. Therefore, both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the ADSCs can potentially be an effective clinical treatment through the GBH wound dressing, which is a promising evidence‐based complementary and alternative medicine for skin regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 278–285, 2019.
Mr. Trump: How I learned to stop worrying and love the patient‐aggressor
Authors: Coren Sidney
Published: March 2018

This paper offers an integration of social issues, psychoanalytic theory, and analytic experience in the treatment of a patient whose political values and identifications differed significantly from my own. Our political leanings facilitated a dynamic tension of difference, power, and aggression that mirrored how each of us felt in relation to the current social‐political milieu. In particular, the sadomasochistic dynamics on display in the treatment offered me a unique way of understanding my relationship with my patient and opened new ways of understanding the political present. In the end, I learned to stop worrying about getting rid of anger, aggression, and splitting, and instead to embrace what these feelings and behaviors can tell me as a therapist, and what they can inform for my patients about the nature of relationality, identity, and difference.
Confirmatory Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis for Sirukumab, a Human Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Interleukin‐6, in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Yan , Hu Chuanpu , Zhuang Yanli , Hsu Benjamin , Xu Zhenhua , Zhou Honghui
Published: March 2018

The population pharmacokinetics of sirukumab, a human immunoglobulin G1κ monoclonal antibody against interleukin‐6, were characterized in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in 4 phase 3 studies (SIRROUND‐D, ‐T, ‐H, and ‐M). A total of 17 034 serum concentrations were analyzed from 1991 rheumatoid arthritis patients who received subcutaneous administration of sirukumab 50 mg every 4 weeks or 100 mg every 2 weeks. A stepwise confirmatory population PK analysis was conducted to accommodate the staged data release and the sparse sampling nature of phase 3 studies and to assess the potential covariate influences in an unbiased and timely manner. The base model, that is, a 1‐compartment linear model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination, was prespecified based on prior information from a phase 2 study along with information about phase 3 study design. The covariate model was also prespecified based on pharmacological/physiological relevance and sample size. After the primary covariate analysis, a simplified model was produced by removing covariates with effect sizes <10%. The estimated apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution were 0.641 L/day and 16.1 L, respectively, at standard body weights of 70 kg. The terminal elimination half‐life was approximately 17.4 days. Sirukumab CL/F and volume of distribution increased with body weight, and CL/F was higher in patients with diabetic comorbidity. Simulations suggest that the effects of diabetic comorbidity and weight on sirukumab exposure were additive. To fully understand the clinical relevance including potential dose adjustment, current covariate findings need to be evaluated concurrently with the efficacy and safety data.
Pollen morphology of subfamily Caryophylloideae (Caryophyllaceae) and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Ullah Fazal , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Dilbar Shazia , Shah Syed Nasar , Sohail Aamir , Zaman Wajid , Iqbal Majid , Bahadur Siraj , Tariq Akash
Published: March 2018

The Pollen morphology of subfamily Caryophylloideae (Caryophyllaceae) from different phytogeographical region of Pakistan has been evaluated. In this research, 16 species belong to 6 genera of subfamily Caryophylloideae have been studied using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for both qualitative and quantitative characters. Different palyno‐morphological features were observed including; pollen ornamentation, pore ornamentation, echini arrangement, echinidensity, number of pori, size of polar and equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, exine thickness, and size of pore were studied. The palyno‐morphological characters of subfamily Caryophylloideae have taxonomically significant in identification and delimitation of species. Two pollen types, i.e., subspheroidal (15 species) and prolate (one species Vaccaria hispanica) were observed. Microechinate‐punctate and microechinate‐perforate pollen ornamentation were examined. Two pollen types of pori, i.e., prominent (5 species) and sunken (11 species) ornamentation have been reported. Three types of echini arrangement have been reported irregular, regular and rather regular, while three type of echinidensity (i.e., medium, dense and sparse) were observed. Pori numbers were found different in different species range from 5 in Silene apetala to 19‐35 in Silene vulgaris. Based on different palyno‐morphological characters, taxonomic key was develop for quick and accurate identification. The quantitative data were processed using SPSS software for average, minimum, maximum, and standard error.
Superficial radiotherapy as a treatment alternative for recurrent conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma: a case study
Authors: Edgar Amanda , Crutchfield Gretel , Anderson Nigel
Published: March 2018

This case study discusses the use of superficial radiotherapy (SXRT) in the treatment of recurrent conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Conjunctival SCC is often an aggressive cancer, with surgery the current standard of care. There is currently limited literature on alternative treatment options to treat conjunctival SCC recurrences that enable ocular function preservation. Furthermore, the use of SXRT in this setting is not well‐reported. Technical feasibility, practical limitations and potential side effects of SXRT (in comparison to other treatment options) are discussed in this case study. This case describes a 62 years old male with limited treatment options following multiple recurrences of conjunctival SCC. He was prescribed a therapeutic SXRT dose of 48.4 Gy in 22 fractions (5 fractions/week). At 6‐month follow‐up, there was no evidence of residual or recurrent disease, or any significant objective or patient reported treatment induced side effects. This case study provides preliminary evidence for the potential application of SXRT for conjunctival SCC. The benefits reported in this case study warrant further investigation of the applicability of SXRT in a larger patient cohort, with the potential to provide patients with a less invasive treatment alternative for recurrent conjunctival SCC.
Evaluation of multiple alternative instrument platforms for targeted and non‐targeted dioxin and furan analysis
Authors: Stultz Conner , Jobst Karl J. , Haimovici Liad , Jones Rhys , Besevic Sladjana , Byer Jonathan , Organtini Kari L. , Kolic Terry , Reiner Eric J. , Dorman Frank L.
Published: March 2018

The use of gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution magnetic sector mass spectrometers (GC‐HRMS) is well established for dioxin and furan analysis. However, the use of gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole (MS/MS) and time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers with atmospheric pressure ionization (API) and traditional electron ionization (EI) for dioxin and furan analysis is emerging as a viable alternative to GC‐HRMS screening. These instruments offer greater versatility in the lab for a wider range of compound identification and quantification as well as improved ease of operation. The instruments utilized in this study included 2 API‐MS/MS, 1 traditional EI‐MS/MS, an API‐quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (API‐QTOF), and a EI‐high‐resolution TOF (EI‐HRTOF). This study compared these 5 instruments to a GC‐HRMS using method detection limit (MDLs) samples for dioxin and furan analysis. Each instrument demonstrated acceptable MDL values for the 17 chlorinated dioxin and furans studied. The API‐MS/MS instruments provide the greatest overall improvement in MDL value over the GC‐HRMS with a 1.5 to 2‐fold improvement. The API‐QTOF and EI‐TOF demonstrate slight increases in MDL value as compared with the GC‐HRMS with a 1.5‐fold increase. The 5 instruments studied all demonstrate acceptable MDL values with no MDL for a single congener greater than 5 times that for the GC‐HRMS. All 5 instruments offer a viable alternative to GC‐HRMS for the analysis of dioxins and furans and should be considered when developing new validated methodologies.
Brugada syndrome and sinus node dysfunction
Authors: Hayashi Hidemori , Sumiyoshi Masataka , Nakazato Yuji , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: March 2018

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a well‐known catastrophic disease first reported in 1992 by the Brugada brothers. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an essential arrhythmia in BrS. An association between BrS and atrial tachyarrhythmias is not uncommon. However, sinus node dysfunction (SND) associated with BrS has not been well discussed. In this review, we focus on the association between BrS and SND. Based on previous reports describing clinical, epidemiological, and genetic evidence, SND is not a rare concomitant disorder in BrS. BrS may be a multiple conduction or arrhythmogenic disorder including not only the His‐Purkinje system and right ventricle, but also the sinus node and atrium, derived from ion channel mutations.
Deriving Lamb weather types suited to regional climate studies: A case study on the synoptic origins of precipitation over Ireland
Authors: Fealy Rowan , Mills Gerald
Published: March 2018

The Lamb weather type (LWT) categorization system is one of the best known procedures for summarizing the synoptic circulations that regulate daily weather. Traditionally, it is applied to daily sea level pressure, centred on a domain over the British Isles (BI), which is classed into one of 27 types (or 7 main types). The available register of LWTBI extends to the mid‐19th century and has provided a valuable context for understanding the reasons for temporal and spatial variations in recorded weather elements, especially precipitation. Much of what is known of the synoptic origins of precipitation in Ireland has been based on the LWTBI, although it lies in the western part of this domain. While the original classification was based on manual assessment of weather maps, numerical methods can now be employed to objectively classify a pressure field into a LWT. As a result, it is possible to redefine the region of interest. In this study we applied the objective method to a new domain centred on Ireland (LWTIR). The article compares the catalogue of LWT created for the new domain with that available for the original domain; while the overall synoptic climatology does not change, the sequence of LWT classes differs considerably. As a result, the interpretation of the synoptic origins of precipitation over Ireland is modified and this directs research to new areas of enquiry. This new LWT register that is focused on Ireland provides a more useful context for studying Irish climate and demonstrates the value of the objective method.
Remote Mentoring of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Skills to Inexperienced Operators Using Multiple Telemedicine Platforms: Is a Cell Phone Good Enough?
Authors: Smith Andrew , Addison Reuben , Rogers Peter , Stone‐McLean Jordan , Boyd Sarah , Hoover Kristopher , Pollard Megan , Dubrowski Adam , Parsons Mike
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Telemedicine technology contributes to the teaching of point‐of‐care ultrasound (US); however, expensive equipment can limit its deployment in resource‐challenged settings. We assessed 3 low‐cost telemedicine solutions capable of supporting remote US training to determine feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. We also explored the value of instructional videos immediately before telementoring.

Methods

Thirty‐six participants were randomly assigned to receive US mentoring in 1 of 3 telemedicine conditions: multiple fixed cameras, a smartphone, and traditional audio with a live US stream. Participants were then asked to perform a standardized US examination of the right upper quadrant under remote guidance. We measured observer's global ratings of performance along with the mentor's and student's rating of effort and satisfaction to determine which of the 3 approaches was most feasible, acceptable, and effective. During the second phase, students were randomized to watch an instructional video or not before receiving remote coaching on how to complete a subxiphoid cardiac examination. Effort, satisfaction, and performance from the independent observer's and student's perspective were surveyed.

Results

There was no significant difference between the different telemedicine setups from the observer's perspective; however, the mentor rated the smartphone significantly worse (P = .028–.04) than other technologies. Platforms were rated equivalent from the student's perspective. No benefit was detected for watching an instructional video before the mentored task.

Conclusions

Remote US skills can be taught equally effectively by using a variety of telemedicine technologies. Smartphones represent a viable option for US training in resource‐challenged settings.
Odontogenic sinusitis: A review of the current literature
Authors: Little Ryan E. , Long Christopher M. , Loehrl Todd A. , Poetker David M.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To present current literature on the topic of odontogenic sinusitis.

Data Source

PubMed literature search for odontogenic sinusitis.

Results

Odontogenic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses that is the result of dental pathology, most often resulting from prior dentoalveolar procedures, infections of maxillary dentition, or maxillary dental trauma. Infections are often polymicrobial with an anaerobe‐predominant microbiome requiring special considerations for antimicrobial therapy. Medical management and treatment of the underlying dental pathology remains a critical initial step in the treatment of odontogenic sinusitis, however recent literature suggests that a significant portion of patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery for successful disease resolution.

Conclusions

This review describes the essential epidemiological and etiological factors, relevant clinical findings and diagnostic modalities, microbiologic and antimicrobial considerations, as well as the medical and surgical treatment approaches commonly utilized for the management of odontogenic sinusitis.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Oral and intratympanic steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Hara Jared H. , Zhang Julia A. , Gandhi Krupa R. , Flaherty Anna , Barber Wayne , Leung Marcia A. , Burgess Lawrence P.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To investigate the role of intratympanic (IT) therapy in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Methods

This study was a retrospective review. Patients were treated for ISSNHL from January 1, 2011 to April 12, 2015 with the following: pre/posttreatment audios, treatment initiated ≤90 days and idiopathic etiology. Fifty‐three ISSNHL patients were analyzed in the following subgroups: oral steroids (n = 8), combination oral+IT (n = 39), and IT (n = 6). Main outcomes measured were pre/posttreatment pure tone average (PTA) scores.

Results

The PTA changes for all treatment groups improved by 8.0 ± 19.5 dB (P = .004); for 31 patients treated ≤2 weeks after onset, PTA improved by 13.8 ± 16.6 dB (P < .001). Multivariable generalized linear model for repeated measures was conducted to investigate the association between PTA changes for treatment groups adjusted for age, gender, time‐to‐treatment, and vertigo. Earlier time‐to‐treatment and older age were statistically correlated towards improved outcomes. As time‐to‐treatment increased by each day, change in PTA decreased by 0.324 (95% CI [0.12, 0.52], P = .002). As age increased by each year, PTA changes increased by 0.802 (95% CI [0.36, 1.24], P < .001). For the oral+IT group, PTA changes for concurrent oral+IT (n = 20, 7.10 dB) and delayed/salvage oral+IT (n = 19, 5.43 dB) were not statistically different (P = .79); earlier time‐to‐treatment (P = .001), and older age (P = .006) remained statistically correlated towards improved outcomes.

Conclusion

Results suggest outcomes can be improved with early identification and oral steroid therapy by primary care providers. Poorer prognosis for younger patients potentially suggests a need for more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic management for this subgroup.

Level of Evidence

3b.
Greenhouse gas emissions from lakes and impoundments: Upscaling in the face of global change
Authors: DelSontro Tonya , Beaulieu Jake J. , Downing John A.
Published: March 2018

Lakes and impoundments are important sources of greenhouse gases (GHG: i.e., CO2, CH4, N2O), yet global emission estimates are based on regionally biased averages and elementary upscaling. We assembled the largest global dataset to date on emission rates of all three GHGs and found they covary with lake size and trophic state. Fitted models were upscaled to estimate global emission using global lake size inventories and a remotely sensed global lake productivity distribution. Traditional upscaling approaches overestimated CO2 and N2O emission but underestimated CH4 by half. Our upscaled size‐productivity weighted estimates (1.25–2.30 Pg of CO2‐equivalents annually) are nearly 20% of global CO2 fossil fuel emission with ∼ 75% of the climate impact due to CH4. Moderate global increases in eutrophication could translate to 5–40% increases in the GHG effects in the atmosphere, adding the equivalent effect of another 13% of fossil fuel combustion or an effect equal to GHG emissions from current land use change.
Development of Biobased Epoxy Matrices for the Preparation of Green Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications
Authors: Viretto Amandine , Galy Jocelyne
Published: March 2018

Epoxy matrices are successfully used for structural strengthening in civil engineering applications by means of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). In the context of sustainable development, the aim of this study is to develop biobased epoxy matrices as an alternative to the traditional petroleum‐based epoxy matrices used in CFRPs. This study focuses on two biobased epoxy monomers: a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPGE). These monomers are reacted with a biobased curing agent, a phenalkamine (PhA), derived from cardanol. After in‐depth characterization of the chemical structures of the three monomers, the reactivity of both systems, DGEBA‐PhA and SPGE‐PhA, is studied using differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. The properties of the networks are characterized via dynamic mechanical analysis and water uptake measurements for polymers with partial or full conversion of epoxy groups, which are obtained by crosslinking at room temperature or at high temperature, respectively. The results reveal that the two systems are good candidates for the preparation of green composite materials as they meet the requirements necessary for manufacturing composites in civil engineering applications.
Core–Shell Double Gyroid Structure Formed by Linear ABC Terpolymer Thin Films
Authors: Antoine Ségolène , Aissou Karim , Mumtaz Muhammad , Telitel Siham , Pécastaings Gilles , Wirotius Anne‐Laure , Brochon Cyril , Cloutet Eric , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: March 2018

The synthesis and self‐assembly in thin‐film configuration of linear ABC triblock terpolymer chains consisting of polystyrene (PS), poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP), and polyisoprene (PI) are described. For that purpose, a hydroxyl‐terminated PS‐b‐P2VP (45 kg mol−1) building block and a carboxyl‐terminated PI (9 kg mol−1) are first separately prepared by anionic polymerization, and then are coupled via a Steglich esterification reaction. This quantitative and metal‐free catalyst synthesis route reveals to be very interesting since functionalization and purification steps are straightforward, and well‐defined terpolymers are produced. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is used to promote the self‐assembly of frustrated PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PI chains into a thin‐film core–shell double gyroid (Q230, space group: Iad) structure. As terraces are formed within PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PI thin films during the SVA process under a CHCl3 vapor, different plane orientations of the Q230 structure ((211), (110), (111), and (100)) are observed at the polymer–air interface depending on the film thickness.
Differential systems with reflection and matrix invariants
Authors: Codesido Santiago , F. Tojo F. Adrián
Published: March 2018

In this work, we derive important properties regarding matrix invariants that occur in the theory of differential equations with reflection.
MRI detection of bacterial brain abscesses and monitoring of antibiotic treatment using bacCEST
Authors: Liu Jing , Bai Renyuan , Li Yuguo , Staedtke Verena , Zhang Shuixing , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Liu Guanshu
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To develop a new MRI method to detect and characterize brain abscesses using the CEST contrast inherently carried by bacterial cells, namely bacCEST.

Methods

Bacteria S. aureus (ATCC #49775) and F98 and 9L glioma cells were injected stereotactically in the brains of F344 rats to form abscesses and tumors. The CEST signals of brain abscesses (n = 4) and tumors (n = 7) were acquired using 2 B1 values (i.e., 1 and 3 µT) and compared. The bacCEST signal of the brain abscesses in the rats (n = 3) receiving ampicillin (intraperitoneal injection 40 mg/kg twice daily) was acquired before, 4 and 10 days after the treatment.

Results

The bacCEST signal of S. aureus was characterized in vitro as a strong and broad signal in the range of 1 to 4 ppm, with the maximum contrast occurring at 2.6 ppm. The CEST signal in S. aureus–induced brain abscesses was significantly higher than that of contralateral parenchyma (p = .003). Moreover, thanks to their different B1 independence, brain abscesses and tumors could be effectively differentiated (p = .005) using ΔCEST(2.6 ppm, 3 µT−1 µT), defined by the difference between the CEST signal (offset = 2.6 ppm) acquired using B1 = 3 µT and that of 1 µT. In treated rats, bacCEST MRI could detect the response of bacteria as early as 4 days after the antibiotic treatment (p = .035).

Conclusion

BacCEST MRI provides a new imaging method to detect, discriminate, and monitor bacterial infection in deep‐seated organs. Because no contrast agent is needed, such an approach has a great translational potential for detecting and monitoring bacterial infection in deep‐seated organs.
On a Chebyshev accelerated splitting iteration method with application to two‐by‐two block linear systems
Authors: Wang Zeng‐Qi
Published: March 2018

The Chebyshev accelerated preconditioned modified Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting (CAPMHSS) iteration method is presented for solving the linear systems of equations, which have two‐by‐two block coefficient matrices. We derive an iteration error bound to show that the new method is convergent as long as the eigenvalue bounds are not underestimated. Even when the spectral information is lacking, the CAPMHSS iteration method could be considered as an exponentially converging iterative scheme for certain choices of the method parameters. In this case, the convergence rate is independent of the parameters. Besides, the linear subsystems in each iteration can be solved inexactly, which leads to the inexact CAPMHSS iteration method. The iteration error bound of the inexact method is derived also. We discuss in detail the implementation of CAPMHSS for solving two models arising from the Galerkin finite‐element discretizations of distributed control problems and complex symmetric linear systems. The numerical results show the robustness and the efficiency of the new methods.
Preordering saddle‐point systems for sparse LDLT factorization without pivoting
Authors: Lungten Sangye , Schilders Wil H.A. , Scott Jennifer A.
Published: March 2018

This paper focuses on efficiently solving large sparse symmetric indefinite systems of linear equations in saddle‐point form using a fill‐reducing ordering technique with a direct solver. Row and column permutations partition the saddle‐point matrix into a block structure constituting a priori pivots of order 1 and 2. The partitioned matrix is compressed by treating each nonzero block as a single entry, and a fill‐reducing ordering is applied to the corresponding compressed graph. It is shown that, provided the saddle‐point matrix satisfies certain criteria, a block LDLT factorization can be computed using the resulting pivot sequence without modification. Numerical results for a range of problems from practical applications using a modern sparse direct solver are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Effect of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes on tensile hysteresis in carboxylated nitrile rubber composites
Authors: Sasikumar Krishnamoorthy , Jayesh Prabhakaran , Manoj Nalanda Rajagopalan , Mukundan Thekkekara , Khastgir Dipak
Published: March 2018

This work deals with the study of effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) on the tensile hysteresis behavior of carboxylated nitrile rubber composites under various cyclic strain levels (5, 25, and 300%). The presence of thermo‐labile ionic crosslinks as well as interfacial stick‐slip motion of filler in the matrix was found to enhance both Mullins effect and hysteretic damping. Hysteretic damping reached a maximum of 37% for 0.050 volume fraction of MWNT at medium strain (25%). The crosslink density measured through equilibrium swelling method revealed that the degree of ionic crosslinking decreased with increase in MWNT content, which was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopic images showed that agglomeration of nanotubes was prominent at higher volume fractions of MWNT. Acoustic absorption capability, as measured by the impulse method, decreased with increase in MWNT concentration. The high hysteretic damping and low acoustic absorption make the nanocomposites a superior choice for structural vibration damping in underwater acoustic sensor systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1269–E1279, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aspiring personality: Patients waiting for obesity treatment
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Forssell Henrik , Cloninger Kevin M.
Published: March 2018

The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in temperament and character between patients (N = 70) waiting for obesity surgery and the general population. Patients waiting for obesity surgery scored higher in Harm‐Avoidance, Reward Dependence, Persistence, and Cooperativeness and also lower in Self‐Directedness.
Knowledge and behaviors in relation to antibiotic use among rural residents in Anhui, China
Authors: Cheng Jing , Coope Caroline , Chai Jing , Oliver Isabel , Kessel Anthony , Wang Debin , Sun Yehuan
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To examine antibiotic‐related knowledge and behaviors in rural Anhui, identify factors associated with knowledge, and explore the relationship between knowledge and antibiotic use.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of a random sample of 2760 residents of rural China using structured interviews.

Results

The response rate was 94.6%. A total of 2390 respondents (91.6%) believed that antibiotics can control viruses; 2007 (77.5%) respondents thought that a combination of antibiotics is more effective than a single class; and 590 (22.6%) were able to name at least one disbenefit of using antibiotics. Multivariate analysis revealed those with a higher educational level and younger age group had greater knowledge of antibiotics (OR 2.54 and 0.77, respectively). Self‐medication was common with 1052 (out of 2274 responses, 46.3%) of participants use over the counter or leftover medicines for common infections. Greater knowledge was associated with buying drugs without prescription (aOR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.29–3.17) and using leftover medication (aOR 2.80; 95% CI, 1.55–5.06).

Conclusion

Knowledge about antibiotics was low and reported use high. Worryingly those with greater knowledge had less desirable behaviors that highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to change behavior.
Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized by Single Tripodal Ligands
Authors: Peters Erich Henrik , Lehmann Mario , Mayor Marcel
Published: March 2018

In order to coat the entire surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by a single ligand, tripodal macromolecules comprising benzylic thioethers coordinating to the AuNP surface are synthesized and their abilities to stabilize AuNPs are investigated. Out of the five studied ligands 1–5, the tetraphenylmethane‐based oligomers 4 and 5 display excellent AuNP coating features. Both ligand structures are able to control the dimensions of the AuNPs by stabilizing particles of narrow size distributions during their syntheses (1.05 ± 0.28 nm for Au‐4, and 1.15 ± 0.34 nm for Au‐5). Closer inspection of these AuNPs by transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses suggests that single ligands 4 and 5 are able to stabilize entire AuNPs. These particles Au‐4 and Au‐5 are obtained in good yields and display promising thermal stabilities (110 °C for Au‐4, and 95 °C for Au‐5), making them interesting nanoscale inorganic–organic building blocks for further functionalization/processing by wet chemistry.
Insights into Islet Differentiation and Maturation through Proteomic Characterization of a Human iPSC‐Derived Pancreatic Endocrine Model
Authors: Haller Corinne , Chaskar Prasad , Piccand Julie , Cominetti Ornella , Macron Charlotte , Dayon Loïc , Kraus Marine R‐C
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Great progresses have been made for generating in vitro pluripotent stem cell pancreatic β‐like cells. However, the maturation stage of the cells still requires in vivo maturation to recreate the environmental niche. A deeper understanding of the factors promoting maturation of the cells is of great interest for clinical applications.

Experimental design

Label‐free mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis is performed on samples from a longitudinal study of differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells toward glucose responsive insulin producing cells.

Results

Proteome patterns correlate with specific transcription factor gene expression levels during in vitro differentiation, showing the relevance of the technology for identification of pancreatic‐specific markers. The analysis of proteomes of the implanted cells in a longitudinal study shows that the neovascularization process linked to the extracellular matrix environment is time‐dependent and conditions the proper maturation of the cells in β‐like cells secreting insulin in response to glucose.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Proteomic profiling is valuable to qualify and better understand in vivo maturation of progenitor cells toward β‐cells. This is critical for future clinical trials where in vivo maturation still needs to be improved for robustness and effectiveness of cell therapy. Novel biomarkers for predicting the efficiency of maturation represents noninvasive monitoring tools for following efficiency of the implant.
Black Holes as Brains: Neural Networks with Area Law Entropy
Authors: Dvali Gia
Published: March 2018

Motivated by the potential similarities between the underlying mechanisms of the enhanced memory storage capacity in black holes and in brain networks, we construct an artificial quantum neural network based on gravity‐like synaptic connections and a symmetry structure that allows to describe the network in terms of geometry of a d‐dimensional space. We show that the network possesses a critical state in which the gapless neurons emerge that appear to inhabit a ‐dimensional surface, with their number given by the surface area. In the excitations of these neurons, the network can store and retrieve an exponentially large number of patterns within an arbitrarily narrow energy gap. The corresponding micro‐state entropy of the brain network exhibits an area law. The neural network can be described in terms of a quantum field, via identifying the different neurons with the different momentum modes of the field, while identifying the synaptic connections among the neurons with the interactions among the corresponding momentum modes. Such a mapping allows to attribute a well‐defined sense of geometry to an intrinsically non‐local system, such as the neural network, and vice versa, it allows to represent the quantum field model as a neural network.
The stereodynamics of macrocyclic succinimide‐thioethers
Authors: Lenz Stefan , Horx Philip , Geyer Armin
Published: March 2018

Maleimide‐thiol coupling is a popular bioconjugation strategy, but little is known about the stereoselectivity and the stereodynamics of the succinimide thioether formed in a biopolymer environment. We used thiol 1,4‐addition for the macrocyclisation of 5 designed pentapeptides with the ringsize of hexapeptides because they incorporate the succinimide thioether (4‐8). Both succinimide diastereomers are observed in the constrained macrocyclic rings in each case. In spite of the low diastereoselectivity of the macrocyclisation reaction, there is a significant influence of the amino acid environment on the epimerization rate of the succinimide. Its half life can be as short as several hours at room temperature when Gly is the amino acid following the succinimide (peptide 8). On the contrary, no epimerization is detectable even after several weeks in the case of d‐Phe C‐terminal to the succinimide in peptide 4. Already the small selection of examples shows how big the differences in epimerization rates can be and that the local environment has a significant influence. The variation of amino acids in the vicinity of the ligation site points the way towards the synthesis of bioconjugates which are obtained as stable and separable diastereomers.
2D MoSe2 Structures Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Krbal Milos , Prikryl Jan , Zazpe Raul , Dvorak Filip , Bures Filip , Macak Jan M.
Published: March 2018

Here, we demonstrate the preparation of 2D MoSe2 structures by the atomic layer deposition technique. In this work, we use ((CH3)3Si)2Se as the Se precursor and Mo(CO)6 or MoCl5 as the Mo precursors. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses of the prepared samples have revealed that using the MoCl5 precursor the obtained structure of MoSe2 is nearly identical to the reference powder MoSe2 sample while the composition of the sample prepared from Mo(CO)6 contains a significant amount of oxygen atoms. Further inspection of as‐deposited samples via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy has disclosed that the MoSe2 structure based on MoCl5 is formed from randomly oriented well crystalline flakes with their size ≈100 nm in contrast to the Mo–Se–O compact film originating from Mo(CO)6.
Gene expression profiling reveals the plausible mechanisms underlying the antitumor and antimetastasis effects of Andrographis paniculata in esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Yue Grace Gar‐Lee , Lee Julia Kin‐Ming , Wong Eric Chun‐Wai , Fung Kwok‐Pui , Yu Jun , Lau Clara Bik‐San , Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan
Published: March 2018

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a seriously invasive malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Metastasis of EC is the major cause of mortality. Our studies previously demonstrated that a herbal medicine Andrographis paniculata (AP) significantly suppressed EC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects have not yet been systematically elucidated. In this context, gene expression profiling of AP‐treated squamous EC cells (EC‐109) was performed to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of AP in antitumor and antimetastasis signaling pathways using gene expression microarray analysis. Differentially expressed genes were identified by Affymetrix Gene Chip, followed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction validation. The results showed that the canonical pathways were significantly regulated by AP treatment, including multiple genes related to proliferation, apoptosis, intercellular adhesion, metastatic processes, and drug resistance, such as WNT, TGF‐β, MAPK and ErbB signaling pathways, and ATP‐binding cassette transporter subfamily members. This genomic study emerges candidate molecular targets and pathways to reveal the mechanisms involved in AP's effects, which provides scientific evidence to support the clinical application of AP in EC treatment.
Influence of tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies on the East Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Jin Dachao , Huo Liwei
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the relationship between tropical Atlantic (TA) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), as well as the possible mechanism by which TA SST anomalies affect the EASM. We demonstrate a robust positive simultaneous correlation between the boreal summer TA SST anomalies and the EASM. Observational and model‐based studies identify an atmospheric teleconnection in which the summer TA warming can enhance convection and induce low‐level convergence in the Atlantic basin, which alters the Walker circulation and produces a sinking motion and divergence in the central Pacific. As a Rossby response to the anomalous divergence, an anomalous anticyclonic pair is generated over the western Pacific. As a result, the EASM is strengthened. Additionally, a significant lag correlation of the EASM with TA SST anomalies from the previous boreal spring is demonstrated, which implies potential applicability of the TA SST factor to the EASM prediction at seasonal time‐scales.
Linear and nonlinear variable selection in competing risks data
Authors: Ren Xiaowei , Li Shanshan , Shen Changyu , Yu Zhangsheng
Published: March 2018

Subdistribution hazard model for competing risks data has been applied extensively in clinical researches. Variable selection methods of linear effects for competing risks data have been studied in the past decade. There is no existing work on selection of potential nonlinear effects for subdistribution hazard model. We propose a two‐stage procedure to select the linear and nonlinear covariate(s) simultaneously and estimate the selected covariate effect(s). We use spectral decomposition approach to distinguish the linear and nonlinear parts of each covariate and adaptive LASSO to select each of the 2 components. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to demonstrate that the proposed procedure can achieve good selection accuracy in the first stage and small estimation biases in the second stage. The proposed method is applied to analyze a cardiovascular disease data set with competing death causes.
Spreadsheet guardian: An approach to protecting semantic correctness throughout the evolution of spreadsheets
Authors: Kulesz Daniel , Käfer Verena , Wagner Stefan
Published: March 2018

Spreadsheets are powerful tools that play a business‐critical role in many organizations. However, many bad decisions taken due to faulty spreadsheets show that these tools need serious quality assurance. Furthermore, while collaboration on spreadsheets for maintenance tasks is common, there has been almost no support for ensuring that the spreadsheets remain correct during this process.

We have developed an approach named Spreadsheet Guardian, which separates the specification of spreadsheet test rules from their execution. By automatically executing user‐defined test rules, our approach is able to detect semantic faults. It also protects all collaborating spreadsheet users from introducing faults during maintenance, even if only few end‐users specify test rules. To evaluate Spreadsheet Guardian, we implemented a representative testing technique as an add‐in for Microsoft Excel.

We evaluated the testing technique in 2 empirical evaluations with 29 end‐users and 42 computer science students. The results indicate that the technique is easy to learn and to apply. Furthermore, after finishing maintenance, participants with spreadsheets “protected” by the technique are more realistic about the correctness of their spreadsheets than participants who use only “classic,” noninteractive test rules on the basis of static analysis techniques. Hence, we believe that Spreadsheet Guardian can be of use for business‐critical spreadsheets.