bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An environmentally benign, green, and efficient ionic liquid catalyzed synthesis of Quinoline derivatives via Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Tasqeeruddin Syed , Asiri Yahya I.
Published: December 2019

The present investigation is in the interest of one‐pot, environmentally friendly and efficient protocol for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives from 2‐aminoarylketones and active methylene compounds in the presence of L‐proline and ionic liquid 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate [MMIm][MSO4]. The Ionic liquid which is used as a catalyst can be reused several times. The results obtained by using [MMIm][MSO4] were also compared with those described in the literature. The advantages of the method are shorter reaction time, milder conditions, easy workup and better yields. The catalyst [MMIm][MSO4] can be recovered for the subsequent reactions and reused without any appreciable loss of efficiency. This method of synthesis widens the applicability of Ionic liquids in heterocyclic compounds.
Rotator Cuff Fibro‐Adipogenic Progenitors Demonstrate Highest Concentration, Proliferative Capacity, and Adipogenic Potential Across Muscle Groups
Authors: Lee Carlin , Agha Obiajulu , Liu Mengyao , Davies Michael , Bertoy Lauren , Kim Hubert T. , Liu Xuhui , Feeley Brian T.
Published: December 2019

Fatty infiltration (FI) of rotator cuff (RC) muscles is common in patients with RC tears. Studies have demonstrated that fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), a population of resident muscle stem cells, are the main contributors of FI, which adversely affects muscle quality and RC repair success. Although FI is common in RC injuries, it is not frequently reported after other musculotendinous injuries. Additionally, studies have shown the development of different pathology patterns across muscle groups suggestive of intrinsic differences in cellular composition and behavior. This study evaluates FAP distribution and differentiation properties across anatomic locations in mice. Muscles from seven different anatomic locations were harvested from PDGFRα‐eGFP FAP reporter mice. FAPs were quantified using histology and FACS sorting with BD Aria II with CD31−/CD45−/Integrinα7−/Sca‐1+ and PDGFRα reporter signal (n = 3 per muscle). The cells were analyzed for adipogenesis using immunocytochemistry and for proliferation properties with Brdu‐Ki67 staining. In a separate group of mice, RC and tibialis anterior muscles received glycerol injection and were harvested after 2 weeks for FI quantification (n = 4). One‐way analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons among groups, with significance at p < 0.05. FAPs from the RC, masseter, and paraspinal muscles were more numerous and demonstrated greater proliferative capacity and adipogenic potency than those from the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius. The RC demonstrated significantly greater levels of FI than the tibialis anterior after glycerol‐injection injury. Clinical Significance: This study suggests differences in FAP distribution and differentiation characteristics may account for the propensity to develop FI in RC tears as compared with other musculotendinous injuries. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1113‐1121, 2020
Uptake of cardiovascular health checks in community pharmacy versus general practice
Authors: Whittaker Paula J.
Published: December 2019

The NHS Health Check is a cardiovascular screening program for individuals aged 40–74 years that aims to identify those with early disease or at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Eligible patients from two matched primary care practices were offered NHS Health Checks, one group in their own general practice and the other at a local community pharmacy. The number of patients invited and number of NHS Health Checks performed was compared from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 inclusive. In all, 2265 eligible patients were invited by letter to book an NHS Health Check, 1000 at a community pharmacy and 1265 at their own primary care practice. Of these, 264 people (21%) attended the primary care practice and 234 people (23%) attended a community pharmacy (p = 0.075). Offering NHS Health Checks in a community pharmacy is a viable alternative to performing checks in general practice.
Airway Surgery Communication Protocol: A Quality Initiative for Safe Performance of Jet Ventilation
Authors: Matrka Laura , Soldatova Liuba , deSilva Brad W. , Traetow Daniel
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To assess whether manual jet ventilation can safely be performed with variable anesthesia and operating room (OR) staff experience levels and communication skills.

Methods

Jet ventilation procedures for airway stenosis at a single institution over 35 months were retrospectively reviewed. OR and anesthesia staff were assigned scores based on experience level and communication skills. Data were analyzed for any association between the experience or communication skills of the staff and the successful use of jet ventilation, complication rate, or ultimate patient outcome, controlling for intraoperative variables and patient and airway complexity. A detailed preoperative surgeon‐led communication protocol was followed in all cases.

Results

Seventy procedures in 46 patients were performed. Jet ventilation was successful in 69 of 70 cases. No relationship was found between staff experience or communication scores and the successful use of jet ventilation, complication rate, or ultimate patient outcome. The percentage of cases performed with a fully experienced team was low, at 7.1%. The experience level of the certified registered nurse anesthetist was significantly associated with likelihood of using an adequate paralytic dose upfront (P = 0.017), which in turn correlated with shorter anesthesia time by 19.7 minutes (P = 0.0131); however, neither affected complication rate nor ultimate patient outcome. The statements above remained true in cases of medically complex patients, difficult airways with high degrees of stenosis, and multiple shift changes.

Conclusions

Manual jet ventilation can be performed safely even in settings of lower staff experience level or communication skills given a surgeon experienced in the technique and a strict communication protocol.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:S1–S13, 2020
Health literacy: Impact on quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Nilsen Marci Lee , Moskovitz Jessica , Lyu Lingyun , Harrison Christine , Randazza Evan , Peddada Shyamal Das , Johnson Jonas T.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Although inadequate health literacy has been shown to impact health outcomes in other cancers, little is known about its impact in head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of inadequate health literacy and evaluate the association between health literacy and quality of life (QOL) in HNC survivors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of HNC survivors evaluated in a multidisciplinary HNC survivorship clinic. Survivors had to be ≥1‐year postcompletion of treatment to be included in the analysis. Health literacy was assessed via self‐report with the Brief Health Literacy Screen (score <10 indicating inadequate health literacy), and QOL was measured using the University of Washington QOL questionnaire. Linear regression with robust standard errors was utilized to evaluate the association between health literacy and QOL.

Results

Of the 218 survivors evaluated, 13.8% (n = 30) demonstrated inadequate health literacy. After adjusting for age, marital status, site, stage, treatment modality, and years since treatment completion, social–emotional QOL scores for survivors with adequate health literacy were estimated to be 10.67 points higher than those with inadequate health literacy (P = .013). Health literacy was not significantly associated with physical QOL after adjusting for covariates (P = .130).

Conclusion

Inadequate health literacy is associated with a lower social QOL in HNC survivors, and among those with inadequate health literacy, interventions to ameliorate the impact on QOL are needed.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2354–2359, 2020
Scalp advancement for transgender women: Closing the gap
Authors: Garcia‐Rodriguez Laura , Thain Lisa McLuckie , Spiegel Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hairline advancement is a powerful procedure to shorten the forehead and eliminate areas of hair loss, especially along the temporal recesses. This study was undertaken to report the typical hairline advancement possible with the senior author's method for scalp advancement at the time of forehead feminization.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A review was conducted of 29 consecutive cases that met inclusion criteria from January to March 2018 at an academic medical center. Sex, gender, age, whether galeatomy was performed, and additional variables were recorded. The distance of hairline advancement was measured in the midline and at the left and right midpupillary line. Galeatomies and rapid intraoperative tissue expansion were performed as per standard surgical protocol.

Results

For the group of 29 individuals who underwent the specified method for scalp advancement, the average differences for the glabella to the trichion, the right midpupillary line, and the left midpupillary line were 1.90 cm, 2.07 cm, and 2.07 cm, respectively. These differences between the pre‐ and post‐observations were statistically significant at the 0.1% level (P < .001). The overall average difference in scalp advancement was 2.01 cm (also significantly different pre‐ and post‐measurements at the 0.1% level; P < .001).

Conclusions

Our technique of hairline advancement provides a significant improvement in the hairline in patients seeking out advancement due to an elongated forehead while undergoing facial feminization.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1431–1435, 2020
Gender Trends in Authorship of Original Otolaryngology Publications: A Fifteen‐Year Perspective
Authors: Arrighi‐Allisan Annie E. , Shukla Devki C. , Meyer Annika M. , Kidwai Sarah M. , Barazani Sharon H. , Cosetti Maura K. , Teng Marita S.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine trends in female author representation within original otolaryngology research between 2000 and 2015.

Methods

Original research articles published in 11 otolaryngology journals were analyzed for 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015. The genders of the first and last authors for each article were recorded. Overall female authorship was calculated by summing the numbers of the first, last, and both first and last female‐authored articles. Student t test and Cochran‐Armitage trend test were utilized to determine significance between years and groups.

Results

Of the 9,623 research articles published during 5 representative years, 223 were excluded due to one or more gender‐indeterminate authors. Female first authorship exhibited a significant upward trend from 2000 to 2015 (P < 0.0001), as did the proportion of literature with female first and last authors (P < 0.0001). Although female senior authorship in literature with an impact factor (IF) greater than 2 did not increase significantly (10.0% in 2000 to 10.1% in 2015; P = 0.738), this metric did increase significantly just within journals with an IF between 1 and 2 (9.7%–12.3%, P = 0.036). The proportion of articles with a female author in the first, last, or both positions increased from 28% to 39% (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Increasing female representation in otolaryngology literature may reflect the rising proportion of women within otolaryngology as well as greater mentorship availability. Despite these auspicious strides, female‐authored articles nonetheless represent a smaller proportion of the literature, and female senior authors remain a stark minority. Future studies should identify the barriers to female access and advancement within the field.

Level of Evidence

III Laryngoscope, 130:2126–2132, 2020
Effect of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis on sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Xie Shaobing , Ning Hongting , She Yongchuan , Jing Qiancheng , Jiang Qian , Zhang Yanni , Mei Lingyun , Feng Yong , Wu Xuewen
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Recent reports have identified autoimmune systemic diseases as a significant risk factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). We investigated whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were correlated with the hearing recovery of SSNHL.

Study Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

Records of 663 SSNHL patients between January 2008 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, including demographic, comorbid diseases, and hearing recovery. Patients were divided into four groups (complete, partial, slight, and no recovery) according to Siegel's criteria and Chinese Medical Association of Otolaryngology (CMAO) criteria. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of onset of treatment, initial hearing threshold, audiogram pattern, diabetes mellitus, SLE, and RA on the prognosis of SSNHL according to both criteria.

Results

Patients in complete recovery, partial recovery, slight recovery, and no improvement were 95 (14.3%), 183 (27.6%), 170 (25.6%), and 215 (32.4%) by Siegel's criteria, and 90 (13.6%), 152 (22.9%), 188 (28.4%), and 233 (35.1%) by CMAO criteria, respectively. Among the four groups, onset of treatment, initial hearing threshold, diabetes mellitus, SLE, RA, and profound audiogram pattern were found to be associated with recovery outcome by both Siegel's criteria and CMAO criteria (P < .05). According to analysis results, presence of SLE, RA, diabetes mellitus and higher initial hearing threshold were significantly correlated with a poor prognosis by both Siegel's criteria and CMAO criteria (P < .05).

Conclusion

Comorbid SLE or RA may negatively affect the prognosis of SSNHL. Lower initial hearing threshold and absence of diabetes mellitus are associated with favorable hearing recovery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 130:2475–2480, 2020
PLLA/POSS Nanofibers Loaded with Multitargeted pANG Composite Nanoparticles for Promotion of Vascularization in Shear Flow
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Huang Lin , Zhang Jiehong , Lin Beiman , Huang Zhiguan , Li Yuhe
Published: December 2019

In vitro prevascularization is particularly important for the clinical application of tissue engineering scaffolds that require vascularization. The principal challenge is simulating the dynamic in vivo environment to promote the continuous growth of blood vessels. In this study, two targeting polypeptides are linked to the two ends of an amphiphilic block copolymer, polyethyleneimine‐b‐poly(lactide‐co‐3(S)‐methyl‐morpholine‐2,5‐dione)‐b‐polyethyleneimine (PEI‐PLMD‐PEI), and self‐assembled to form positively charged nanoparticles (NPs), which can bind to negatively charged pANG through electrostatic interactions; the polypeptides are finally loaded into PLLA/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) porous fibers to prepare untargeted nanofibers (unTFs), targeted porous nanofibers (TFBs), and targeted nanofiber bundles. The effects of the porous nanofibers on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) transfection, spreading, proliferation, morphology, and expression of related factors are investigated under the action of shear flow force. The results show that the PLLA/POSS nanofibers can maintain stable release of multitargeted NPs for nearly 45 days. Both the dual‐targeted porous NPs and shear flow improve the pANG transfection efficiency and promote cell proliferation, and they have a good synergistic effect. These results provide a potential strategy for designing HUVEC‐specific gene carriers and using shear flow to enhance endothelialization.
Whole‐genome comparison between the type strain of Halobacterium salinarum (DSM 3754T) and the laboratory strains R1 and NRC‐1
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Losensky Gerald , Marchfelder Anita , Habermann Bianca , Dyall‐Smith Mike
Published: December 2019

Halobacterium salinarum is an extremely halophilic archaeon that is widely distributed in hypersaline environments and was originally isolated as a spoilage organism of salted fish and hides. The type strain 91‐R6 (DSM 3754T) has seldom been studied and its genome sequence has only recently been determined by our group. The exact relationship between the type strain and two widely used model strains, NRC‐1 and R1, has not been described before. The genome of Hbt. salinarum strain 91‐R6 consists of a chromosome (2.17 Mb) and two large plasmids (148 and 102 kb, with 39,230 bp being duplicated). Cytosine residues are methylated (m4C) within CTAG motifs. The genomes of type and laboratory strains are closely related, their chromosomes sharing average nucleotide identity (ANIb) values of 98% and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) values of 95%. The chromosomes are completely colinear, do not show genome rearrangement, and matching segments show <1% sequence difference. Among the strain‐specific sequences are three large chromosomal replacement regions (>10 kb). The well‐studied AT‐rich island (61 kb) of the laboratory strains is replaced by a distinct AT‐rich sequence (47 kb) in 91‐R6. Another large replacement (91‐R6: 78 kb, R1: 44 kb) codes for distinct homologs of proteins involved in motility and N‐glycosylation. Most (107 kb) of plasmid pHSAL1 (91‐R6) is very closely related to part of plasmid pHS3 (R1) and codes for essential genes (e.g. arginine‐tRNA ligase and the pyrimidine biosynthesis enzyme aspartate carbamoyltransferase). Part of pHS3 (42.5 kb total) is closely related to the largest strain‐specific sequence (164 kb) in the type strain chromosome. Genome sequencing unraveled the close relationship between the Hbt. salinarum type strain and two well‐studied laboratory strains at the DNA and protein levels. Although an independent isolate, the type strain shows a remarkably low evolutionary difference to the laboratory strains.
Swimming is Compromised in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Neves Maria Ana , Bouça‐Machado Raquel , Guerreiro Daniela , Caniça Verónica , Pona‐Ferreira Filipa , Ferreira Joaquim J.
Published: December 2019

Background

A recent survey reported a high risk of drowning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study intended to assess PD patients’ swimming ability and explore the disease‐related characteristics that may affect this.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in idiopathic PD patients. The assessment included swimming in 2 different styles and the evaluation of isolated technical gestures. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients who were able to swim. Limb coordination, blockage episodes, and capacity to maintain the body in a horizontal position were also evaluated.

Results

Thirteen patients were evaluated. Three patients were able to swim according to the predefined definition. The inability to maintain the horizontal position and floatability were the main reasons identified for the decrease in swimming performance.

Conclusions

Swimming ability is compromised in some PD patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the global frequency of swimming difficulties in PD patients and their contributing factors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Circulating Brain‐Enriched MicroRNAs for Detection and Discrimination of Idiopathic and Genetic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ravanidis Stylianos , Bougea Anastasia , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Maniati Matina , Koros Christos , Simitsi Athina‐Maria , Bozi Maria , Pachi Ioanna , Stamelou Maria , Paraskevas George P. , Kapaki Elisabeth , Moraitou Marina , Michelakakis Helen , Stefanis Leonidas , Doxakis Epaminondas
Published: December 2019

Background

A minimally invasive test for early detection and monitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly unmet need for drug development and planning of patient care. Blood plasma represents an attractive source of biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding RNA molecules that serve as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. As opposed to ubiquitously expressed miRNAs that control house‐keeping processes, brain‐enriched miRNAs regulate diverse aspects of neuron development and function. These include neuron‐subtype specification, axonal growth, dendritic morphogenesis, and spine density. Backed by a large number of studies, we now know that the differential expression of neuron‐enriched miRNAs leads to brain dysfunction.

Objectives

The aim was to identify subsets of brain‐enriched miRNAs with diagnostic potential for familial and idiopathic PD as well as specify the molecular pathways deregulated in PD.

Methods

Initially, brain‐enriched miRNAs were selected based on literature review and validation studies in human tissues. Subsequently, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed in the plasma of 100 healthy controls and 99 idiopathic and 53 genetic (26 alpha‐synucleinA53T and 27 glucocerebrosidase) patients. Statistical and bioinformatics analyses were carried out to pinpoint the diagnostic biomarkers and deregulated pathways, respectively.

Results

An explicit molecular fingerprint for each of the 3 PD cohorts was generated. Although the idiopathic PD fingerprint was different from that of genetic PD, the molecular pathways deregulated converged between all PD subtypes.

Conclusions

The study provides a group of brain‐enriched miRNAs that may be used for the detection and differentiation of PD subtypes. It has also identified the molecular pathways deregulated in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Salivary microR‐153 and microR‐223 Levels as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cressatti Marisa , Juwara Lamin , Galindez Julia M. , Velly Ana M. , Nkurunziza Eva S. , Marier Sara , Canie Olivia , Gornistky Mervyn , Schipper Hyman M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder among adults, affecting 2% of the world population older than 65 years of age. No diagnostic biomarker for routine use in clinical settings currently exists. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in various neurodegenerative conditions, including PD. Distinct miRNAs have been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of α‐synuclein, a key player in PD pathogenesis; miR‐153 and miR‐223 are downregulated in the brain and serum of parkinsonian GFAP.HMOX1 transgenic mice where they directly regulate α‐synuclein.

Objective

To ascertain whether salivary miR‐153 and miR‐223 are similarly downmodulated in, and may serve as diagnostic biomarkers of, idiopathic PD.

Methods

Using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction, miR‐153 and miR‐223 levels were evaluated in the saliva of 77 non‐neurological controls and 83 PD patients. Levels of heme oxygenase‐1 and α‐synuclein were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Analyses were adjusted by age, sex, medication exposure, disease duration, and relevant comorbidities.

Results

Log‐transformed expression levels of miR‐153 and miR‐223 were significantly decreased in the saliva of human PD patients in comparison with nonneurological controls. The miRNA expression levels did not change as a function of disease progression (Hoehn and Yahr staging). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve separating controls from PD patients was 79% (95% confidence interval, 61%–96%) for miR‐153 and 77% (95% confidence interval, 59%–95%) for miR‐223. The ratios of miRNAs to oligomeric α‐synuclein, total α‐synuclein, or heme oxygenase‐1 protein did not improve accuracy of the test.

Conclusion

Salivary miR‐153 and miR‐223 levels may serve as useful, noninvasive, and relatively inexpensive diagnostic biomarkers of idiopathic PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effectiveness of Physiotherapy on Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Cosentino Carola , Baccini Marco , Putzolu Martina , Ristori Diego , Avanzino Laura , Pelosin Elisa
Published: December 2019

Freezing of gait is considered one of the most disabling gait disorders in patients with PD. An effective treatment for freezing of gait is missing, thus current management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Among treatment options, physiotherapy is acknowledged to be crucial; however, a systematic review that demonstrates its efficacy is missing. This review aims at examining the short‐ and long‐term effects of physiotherapy in improving freezing of gait in PD patients. Five electronic databases were searched for English‐language full‐text articles, and only randomized controlled trials were considered. The freezing of gait questionnaire was selected as the primary outcome measure because it is the only validated measure used to evaluate the severity and impact of freezing of gait on patients’ daily life. From 1,130 trials, 19 relevant studies, including 913 patients, were selected. The included studies varied for sample size, methodology, and type of intervention. None of the studies had a low risk of bias, but the majority of randomized control trials presented a low risk for at least 6 of 13 biases. Our findings provide evidence for short‐term effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving freezing of gait (physiotherapy vs. no treatment: effect size = –0.28 [–0.45, –0.11], P = 0.001; physiotherapy vs. control: effect size = 0.43 [–0.65, –0.21], P < 0.0001), particularly when tailored interventions are applied. These results seem to be maintained at the follow‐up examinations (effect size = –0.52 [–0.78, –0.26]; P = 0.001). Promising findings on the potential benefits of physiotherapy in improving freezing of gait were found, although further randomized control trial studies are still needed. Questions remain on the type and duration of intervention that best fits for treating freezing of gait symptom in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A representation for Jost solutions and an efficient method for solving the spectral problem on the half line
Authors: Delgado Briceyda B. , Khmelnytskaya Kira V. , Kravchenko Vladislav V.
Published: December 2019

For the one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation with short‐range potential on a half‐line x>0, the knowledge of the Jost solution e(ρ,x)∼eiρx, Imρ ≥ 0, x→∞ allows one to solve corresponding spectral problems. In the present work, a new series representation for e(ρ,x) is derived with the aid of the Levin formula for the Jost solution and a recently proposed Fourier‐Laguerre series expansion of the integral kernel from the Levin formula. The representation for e(ρ,x) has the form
, where, for the coefficients bn(x), a simple recurrent integration procedure is obtained and the parameter
belongs to the unit disk. An analogous representation is derived for the derivative of the Jost solution as well.

With the aid of the series representations, numerical solution of the classical spectral problem on the half‐line becomes an easy task. Indeed, computation of the eigenvalues reduces to finding zeros of a polynomial for z∈(−1,1). For computing corresponding normalizing constants, a simple formula is derived. Moreover, computation of the (usually) most difficult spectral characteristics, the spectral density function (or its derivative) for all positive values of the spectral parameter reduces to calculation of an easily computable function along the unitary upper half‐circle. Numerical illustrations of the efficiency of the computational method based on the obtained results are presented.
Fair‐Weather Friends: Evidence of Lipoxin Dysregulation in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Kim Changmo , Livne‐Bar Izhar , Gronert Karsten , Sivak Jeremy M.
Published: December 2019

Lipoxins (LXs) are autacoids, specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) acting locally in a paracrine or autocrine fashion. They belong to a complex superfamily of dietary small polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)–metabolites, which direct potent cellular responses to resolve inflammation and restore tissue homeostasis. Together, these SPM activities have been intensely studied in systemic inflammation and acute injury or infection, but less is known about LX signaling and activities in the central nervous system. LXs are derived from arachidonic acid, an omega‐6 PUFA. In addition to well‐established roles in systemic inflammation resolution, they have increasingly become implicated in regulating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. In particular, chronic inflammation plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology, and dysregulated LX production and activities have been reported in a variety of AD rodent models and clinical tissue samples, yet with complex and sometimes conflicting results. In addition, reduced LX production following retinal injury has been reported recently by the authors, and an intriguing direct neuronal activity promoting survival and homeostasis in retinal and cortical neurons is demonstrated. Here, the authors review and clarify this growing literature and suggest new research directions to further elaborate the role of lipoxins in neurodegeneration.
Numerical modelling of internal erosion during hydrate dissociation based on multiphase mixture theory
Authors: Akaki Toshifumi , Kimoto Sayuri
Published: December 2019

It has been reported that sand production, which is a simultaneous production of soil particles along with gas and water into a production well, forced to terminate the operation during the world's first offshore methane production test from hydrate‐bearing sediments in the Eastern Nankai Tough. The sand production is induced by internal erosion, which is the detachment and migration of soil particles from soil skeleton due to seepage flow. The inflow of the eroded soil particles into the production well leads to damage of the production devices. In the present study, a numerical model to predict the chemo‐thermo‐mechanically coupled behavior including internal erosion during hydrate dissociation has been formulated based on the multiphase mixture theory. In the proposed model, the internal erosion is expressed as mass transition of soil particles from soil skeleton to the fluidized soil particles. Since the internal erosion is considered to depend on the soil particle size, mass of soil particles are divided into several groups that have different representative particle diameters, and the constitutive equations for the onset condition and the mass transition rate of the internal erosion are formulated for each group. Also, transportation of soil particles in the liquid phase is formulated for each particle size group in the proposed model. Finally, a simulation of the methane gas production from the hydrate‐bearing sediment by depressurization method is presented, and the internal erosion and the dissociation behavior are discussed.
Feasibility of coronary endothelial function assessment using arterial spin labeled CMR
Authors: Javed Ahsan , Yoon Andrew , Cen Steven , Nayak Krishna S. , Garg Parveen
Published: December 2019

Coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, but its assessment has been limited to invasive coronary angiography. Myocardial perfusion imaging using arterial spin labeled (ASL) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may be an effective non‐invasive alternative for detection of CED.

Thirty‐four patients were recruited: 10 healthy volunteers, 13 at high‐risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), and 11 with established CAD. ASL‐CMR was performed continuously in a single mid‐short axis slice during rest, stress, and recovery. Stress was induced with sustained isometric handgrip exercise, an endothelial dependent stressor. Myocardial perfusion (MP) during rest, peak stress, and recovery were calculated and compared.

After excluding subjects unable to complete the protocol or who exhibited poor data quality, 6 healthy, 10 high‐risk, and 7 CAD patients were included in the analysis. Average MP (ml/g/min) was 1.31 ± 1.23, 1.61 ± 1.12, and 1.40 ± 0.97 at rest, and 1.64 ± 1.49, 2.31 ± 1.61, and 2.84 ± 1.77 during stress, for the CAD, high‐risk and healthy group, respectively. The average MP response (MPstress – MPrest, ml/g/min) was 0.32 ± 1.93, 0.69 ± 1.34, and 1.44 ± 1.46 for CAD, high‐risk and healthy group, respectively. MP during handgrip stress was significantly lower for both the CAD (p = 0.0005) and high‐risk groups (p = 0.05) compared to the healthy volunteers. In only the healthy subjects, MP was significantly higher in stress compared to rest (p = 0.0002).

Participants with CAD had significantly lower MP response compared to healthy volunteers, as detected by ASL‐CMR. These findings support the feasibility of ASL‐CMR for non‐invasive assessment of CED.
Multiparametric classification of sub‐acute ischemic stroke recovery with ultrafast diffusion, 23Na, and MPIO‐labeled stem cell MRI at 21.1 T
Authors: Leftin Avigdor , Rosenberg Jens T. , Yuan Xuegang , Ma Teng , Grant Samuel C. , Frydman Lucio
Published: December 2019

MRI leverages multiple modes of contrast to characterize stroke. High‐magnetic‐field systems enhance the performance of these MRI measurements. Previously, we have demonstrated that individually sodium and stem cell tracking metrics are enhanced at ultrahigh field in a rat model of stroke, and we have developed robust single‐scan diffusion‐weighted imaging approaches that utilize spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN) of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for these challenging field strengths. Here, we performed a multiparametric study of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) biomarker evolution focusing on comparison of these MRI biomarkers for stroke assessment during sub‐acute recovery in rat MCAO models at 21.1 T. T2‐weighted MRI was used as the benchmark for identification of the ischemic lesion over the course of the study. The number of MPIO‐induced voids measured by gradient‐recalled echo, the SPEN measurement of ADC, and 23Na MRI values were determined in the ischemic area and contralateral hemisphere, and relative performances for stroke classification were compared by receiver operator characteristic analysis. These measurements were associated with unique time‐dependent trajectories during stroke recovery that changed the sensitivity and specificity for stroke monitoring during its evolution. Advantages and limitations of these contrasts, and the use of ultrahigh field for multiparametric stroke assessment, are discussed.
Simultaneous single‐loop multimaterial and multijoint topology optimization
Authors: Florea Vlad , Pamwar Manish , Sangha Balbir , Kim Il Yong
Published: December 2019

As the aerospace and automotive industries continue to strive for efficient lightweight structures, topology optimization (TO) has become an important tool in this design process. However, one ever‐present criticism of TO, and especially of multimaterial (MM) optimization, is that neither method can produce structures that are practical to manufacture. Optimal joint design is one of the main requirements for manufacturability. This article proposes a new density‐based methodology for performing simultaneous MMTO and multijoint TO. This algorithm can simultaneously determine the optimum selection and placement of structural materials, as well as the optimum selection and placement of joints at material interfaces. In order to achieve this, a new solid isotropic material with penalization‐based interpolation scheme is proposed. A process for identifying dissimilar material interfaces based on spatial gradients is also discussed. The capabilities of the algorithm are demonstrated using four case studies. Through these case studies, the coupling between the optimal structural material design and the optimal joint design is investigated. Total joint cost is considered as both an objective and a constraint in the optimization problem statement. Using the biobjective problem statement, the tradeoff between total joint cost and structural compliance is explored. Finally, a method for enforcing tooling accessibility constraints in joint design is presented.
A hybrid stabilization approach for reduced‐order models of compressible flows with shock‐vortex interaction
Authors: Rezaian Elnaz , Wei Mingjun
Published: December 2019

Model order reduction approaches, such as proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)‐Galerkin projection, provide a systematic manner to construct Reduced‐Order Models (ROM) from pregenerated high‐fidelity datasets. The current study focuses on the stabilization of ROMs built from high‐fidelity simulation data of a supersonic flow passing a circular cylinder, which features strong interactions between shockwaves and vortices. As shown in previous literatures and the current study, an implicit subspace correction (ISC) method is efficient in the stabilization of similar problems, but its accuracy is not consistent when applied on different ROMs; on the other hand, an eigenvalue reassignment (ER) method delivers superb accuracy when the mode number is small, but becomes too expensive and less robust as the number increases. A Hybrid method is proposed here to balance the computational cost while improving the overall robustness/accuracy in ROM stabilization. The Hybrid method first handles the majority of the modes using the ISC method and then applies the ER method to fine tune a smaller number of modes under a constraint for accuracy. Furthermore, when the typical L2 inner product is changed to a symmetry inner product in both POD computation and Galerkin projection, the performance of the stabilized ROMs is substantially improved for all methods.
It’s Absolutely Relative: The Effect of Age on the BMI–Mortality Relationship in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Banack Hailey R. , Bea Jennifer W. , Stokes Andrew , Kroenke Candyce H. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Beresford Shirley A. , Bird Chloe E. , Garcia Lorena , Wallace Robert , Wild Robert A. , Caan Bette , Wactawski‐Wende Jean
Published: December 2019

Objective

The use of relative and absolute effect estimates has important implications for the interpretation of study findings. Likewise, examining additive and multiplicative interaction can lead to differing conclusions about the joint effects of two exposure variables. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between BMI and mortality on the relative and absolute scales and investigate interaction between BMI and age.

Methods

Data from 68,132 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study were used. The risk ratio and risk difference of BMI on mortality were estimated. A product term was also included to examine interaction between BMI and age on the multiplicative scale, and the relative excess risk of interaction was calculated to measure additive interaction.

Results

Results demonstrated that the mortality risk ratio decreased as women aged, but the mortality risk difference increased as women aged. Evidence of additive and multiplicative interaction between age and BMI was found.

Conclusions

In postmenopausal women, the relative mortality risk associated with high BMI decreased with increasing age, but the absolute risk of high BMI increased with increasing age. This indicates the importance of considering the interaction between age and BMI to understand mortality risk in older women.
Alternative South–South development collaboration? The role of China in the Coega Special Economic Zone in South Africa
Authors: Thompson Lisa
Published: December 2019

Aid, in the form of financial aid and investment, has become increasingly prevalent in both bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the BRICS. In Africa, the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation provides the official framings for forms of development assistance to the continent, with financial forms of aid available through the New Development Bank and the China–Africa Development Bank (CADFund). This article explores how Chinese international development assistance has influenced South Africa's economic growth and development strategies and is reshaping South Africa as “gateway” to Africa and continental leader. Special economic zones (SEZs) have become a prioritised form of BRICS development collaboration particularly in terms of Chinese trade and investment expansionism into Africa through South Africa. Chinese international development assistance and foreign direct investment in South Africa in particular are very notable and have been strengthened during the Chinese official state visit prior to the Johannesburg BRICS Summit in 2018. The article critically analyses the development policy discourse on BRICS spearheading an alternative model of South–South international cooperation by examining the Coega SEZ in South Africa, hailed as the most SEZ in Africa. The article critically examines the development alternative potential of the Coega SEZ.
Chitosan‐modified graphene oxide as a modifier for improving the structure and performance of forward osmosis membranes
Authors: Du Chun‐Hui , Zhang Xin‐Yi , Wu Chun‐Jin
Published: December 2019

Chitosan (CS) with good hydrophilicity and charged property was used to modify graphene oxide (GO), the obtained GO‐CS was used as a novel modifier to fabricate thin film composite forward osmosis (FO) membranes. The results revealed that the amino groups on CS reacted with carboxyl groups on GO, and the lamellar structure of the GO nanosheets was peeled off by CS, resulting in the reducing of their thicknesses. The GO‐CS improved the hydrophilicity of polyethersulfone (PES) substrate, and their contact angles decreased to 64° with the addition of GO‐CS in the substrate. GO‐CS also increased the porosity of the substrate and surface roughness of FO membrane, thereby optimizing the water flux and reverse salt flux of FO membrane. The average water flux of the FO membrane reached the optimal flux of 21.34 L/(m2 h) when GO‐CS addition was 0.5 wt%, and further addition of GO‐CS to the substrate would decrease the water flux of FO membrane, and the reverse salt flux also decreased to the lowest value of 2.26 g/(m2 h). However, the salt rejection of the membrane increased from 91.4% to 95.1% when GO‐CS addition increased from 0.5 to 1.0 wt% under FO mode using 1 mol/L sodium chloride (NaCl) solution as draw solution (DS). In addition, high osmotic pressure favored water permeation, and at the same concentration of DS, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) exhibited better properties than NaCl. These results all suggested that GO‐CS was a good modifier to fabricate FO membrane, and MgCl2 was a good DS candidate.
Interface strength of glass fibers in polypropylene: Dependence on the cooling rate and the degree of crystallinity
Authors: Mahato Biltu , Babarinde Victor O. , Abaimov Sergey G. , Lomov Stepan V. , Akhatov Iskander
Published: December 2019

The article experimentally investigates the interface strength of glass fibers in polypropylene (PP) with two different levels of crystallinity. The different degrees of crystallinity, 46.6% and 52.5%, were achieved using fast (quenching, ~4500°C/min) and slow (~2°C/min) cooling, respectively, during production of the PP film. The degree of crystallinity was measured using the differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties of the films were characterized with the dynamic mechanical analysis and with a tensile test on Deben micro‐tester. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of glass fiber/PP was determined using fiber fragmentation test. Interfacial normal strength (IFNS) was determined using inverse identification based on finite‐element modeling of transverse tensile loading of a single fiber (Deben micro‐tester with digital image correlation‐based observation of the debonding). The measurements have confirmed the expected trend in mechanical properties of the film: increase of the storage and Young's moduli (room temperature) with the increase of degree of crystallinity, accompanied by the decrease in the loss modulus and tan δ. Interfacial strength followed the trend of the PP stiffness: both the IFSS and IFNS values for the PP with high crystallinity (slow cooling) are three (IFSS) and four (IFNS) times higher than those for the low crystallinity (fast cooling) case.
The mediating effect of trust on the relationship between doctor–patient communication and patients' risk perception during treatment
Authors: Wei Dong , Xu Anqi , Wu Xue
Published: December 2019

Doctor–patient communication interacts with patients' satisfaction to influence patients' risk perception. Current theories to explain this relationship have assumed particular psychological processes to explain observations of risk‐sensitive behavior in an economic setting, but as of yet, they have not addressed whether it is adaptive for a decision‐maker in a health‐care situation. In addition, little is known about the role of interpersonal trust between doctor and patient. We surveyed 602 patients to examine the way in which trust, communication, and patients' satisfaction are related to patients' risk perception about uncertainties in medical treatment. The results showed that patients held a relatively low level of risk perception, which means that they had insufficient preparation for the possibility of uncertainties about the treatment. The association between doctor–patient communication and patients' perceived risk was mediated by doctor–patient trust. These results suggest that there is a relationship among good doctor–patient communication, patients' trust in medical staff, and perceived risk during medical treatment. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Iterative annealing mechanism explains the functions of the GroEL and RNA chaperones
Authors: Thirumalai D. , Lorimer George H. , Hyeon Changbong
Published: December 2019

Molecular chaperones are ATP‐consuming machines, which facilitate the folding of proteins and RNA molecules that are kinetically trapped in misfolded states. Unassisted folding occurs by the kinetic partitioning mechanism according to which folding to the native state, with low probability as well as misfolding to one of the many metastable states, with high probability, occur rapidly. GroEL is an all‐purpose stochastic machine that assists misfolded substrate proteins to fold. The RNA chaperones such as CYT‐19, which are ATP‐consuming enzymes, help the folding of ribozymes that get trapped in metastable states for long times. GroEL does not interact with the folded proteins but CYT‐19 disrupts both the folded and misfolded ribozymes. The structures of GroEL and RNA chaperones are strikingly different. Despite these differences, the iterative annealing mechanism (IAM) quantitatively explains all the available experimental data for assisted folding of proteins and ribozymes. Driven by ATP binding and hydrolysis and GroES binding, GroEL undergoes a catalytic cycle during which it samples three allosteric states, T (apo), R (ATP bound), and R″ (ADP bound). Analyses of the experimental data show that the efficiency of the GroEL–GroES machinery and mutants is determined by the resetting rate
k
R ″  → T, which is largest for the wild‐type (WT) GroEL. Generalized IAM accurately predicts the folding kinetics of Tetrahymena ribozyme and its variants. Chaperones maximize the product of the folding rate and the steady‐state native state fold by driving the substrates out of equilibrium. Neither the absolute yield nor the folding rate is optimized.