bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue engineering of human knee meniscus using functionalized and reinforced silk‐polyvinyl alcohol composite three‐dimensional scaffolds: Understanding the in vitro and in vivo behavior
Authors: Pillai Mamatha Muraleedharan , Gopinathan Janarthanan , Senthil Kumar Rathinasamy , Sathish Kumar Gopal , Shanthakumari Sivanandam , Sahanand Kulasekaran Santosh , Bhattacharyya Amitava , Selvakumar Rajendran
Published: February 2018

Tissue engineered constructs with rapid restoration of mechanical and biological properties remain a challenge, emphasizing the need to develop novel scaffolds. Here, we present a multicomponent composite three‐dimensional scaffold structure with biomimetic reinforcement and biomolecule functionalization for meniscus tissue engineering. The scaffold structure was developed using 3:1 silk fibroin (SF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Autoclaved eggshell membrane (AESM) powder (1–3%w/v) was used as reinforcement to enhance biomechanical properties. Further to improve cell attachment and proliferation, these scaffolds were functionalized using an optimized unique combination of biomolecules. Comprehensive analysis of scaffolds was carried out on morphological, structural, mechanical and biological functionalities. Their mechanical properties were compared with different native human menisci. The results indicated that, functionalized SF‐PVA with 3%AESM has shown similar order of magnitude of compressive and dynamic mechanical properties as in human meniscus. Moreover, 3% AESM based scaffolds were found to support better primary human meniscal cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed angiogenesis and biocompatibility with minimal inflammatory response for subcutaneously implanted scaffolds in New Zealand white rabbits. The developed reinforced and functionalized SF‐PVA scaffolds can uniquely combine the potential for load‐bearing properties with improved in vitro and in vivo support for meniscus tissue regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1722–1731, 2018.
Combining advantages: Direct correlation of two‐dimensional microcomputed tomography datasets onto histomorphometric slides to quantify three‐dimensional bone volume in scaffolds
Authors: Westhauser F. , Reible B. , Höllig M. , Heller R. , Schmidmaier G. , Moghaddam A.
Published: February 2018

Microcomputed tomography (mCT) belongs to the most powerful tools for the three‐dimensional (3D) assessment of bone. While it is possible to refer to landmarks in mCT scans of actual bone structure, the assessment of calcified osteoid within scaffolds is problematic, due to the missing morphological correlates. Therefore, bone formation within scaffolds is mostly analyzed using indirect parameters such as changes in volume or surface alteration, preserving histomorphometry the gold standard in the direct analysis of bone formation. The presented method combines the advantages of mCT and histomorphometry: by creating an overlay image of the exact same histomorphometric and mCT slice, a grey‐value‐threshold representing calcified tissue was defined. Compared to the scaffolds global threshold, a direct evaluation of bone formation within scaffolds is possible by mCT—applied on the whole dataset, evaluation of bone volume is achievable. Two groups of human mesenchymal‐stem‐cell‐seeded ß‐Tricalciumphosphate‐scaffolds were analyzed: whilst group B was stimulated with 0.1 µg/mL Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐7, group A remained unstimulated during in vivo differentiation. Strong correlations (r > 0.8) were obtained between percentage bone area in mCT and histomorphometry, as well as for 3D bone volume. Using the presented method, 3D bone volume can be directly estimated within scaffolds by combination of histomorphometric and mCT‐analysis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1812–1821, 2018.
Fatigue and quasi‐static mechanical behavior of bio‐degradable porous biomaterials based on magnesium alloys
Authors: Hedayati R. , Ahmadi S. M. , Lietaert K. , Tümer N. , Li Y. , Amin Yavari S. , Zadpoor A. A.
Published: February 2018

Magnesium and its alloys have the intrinsic capability of degrading over timein vivowithout leaving toxic degradation products. They are therefore suitable for use as biodegradable scaffolds that are replaced by the regenerated tissues. One of the main concerns for such applications, particularly in load‐bearing areas, is the sufficient mechanical integrity of the scaffold before sufficient volumes ofde novotissue is generated. In the majority of the previous studies on the effects of biodegradation on the mechanical properties of porous biomaterials, the change in the elastic modulus has been studied. In this study, variations in the static and fatigue mechanical behavior of porous structures made of two different Mg alloys (AZ63 and M2) over different dissolution times (,, and) have been investigated. The results showed an increase in the mechanical properties obtained from stress–strain curve (elastic modulus, yield stress, plateau stress, and energy absorption) afterand a sharp decrease after. The initial increase in the mechanical properties may be attributed to the accumulation of corrosion products in the pores of the porous structure before degradation has considerably proceeded. The effects of mineral deposition was more pronounced for the elastic modulus as compared to other mechanical properties. That may be due to insufficient integration of the deposited particles in the structure of the magnesium alloys. While the bonding of the parts being combined in a composite‐like material is of great importance in determining its yield stress, the effects of bonding strength of both parts is much lower in determining the elastic modulus. The results of the current study also showed that the dissolution rates of the studied Mg alloys were too high for direct use in human body. © 2018 Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1798–1811, 2018.
Comparison of the CMNC and MNC apheresis protocol for the collection of T‐cells showed comparable outcome: An observational study in a single centre
Authors: Putensen Daniel , Smith Richard , Pilcher Linda , Trandafir George
Published: February 2018

Background

An increasing demand for human lymphocytes require an efficient, reliable and reproducible lymphocyte process. Here, we compare the Spectra Optia® CMNC protocol with the Optia MNC platform in unmobilised donor lymphocyte collections.

Purpose

To establish and compare the feasibility, efficiency, and practicability of the two apheresis protocols.

Methods

Data was collected prospectively from 60 non‐cytokine stimulate donors who underwent a total of 64 T‐cell collection procedures. Of these, 24 procedures were performed in the CMNC cohort and 40 procedures in the MNC cohort. All donors in the CMNC group were related; all donors in the MNC group were donors from a registry. Donor characteristics, procedure parameters and cellular product content were analysed and compared.

Results

Donor characteristics and full blood count results were comparable, except the median white blood cell count, which was higher in the CMNC cohort (6.87 vs. 5.58 ×109/L, P < .005). This resulted in higher lymphocyte (1.95 vs. 1.57 ×109/L, P < .009) and CD3+ cell counts (1476 vs. 1060/L, P < .02). A total blood volume processed of 2.0 resulted in i) run time (222 vs. 242 min), ii) product volume (192 vs. 183 ml), iii) platelet content (2140 vs. 1345 ×106/ml, P < .003). CD3+ CE2 (%): 54.7 vs. 50.4.

Conclusion

The CMNC and MNC protocols are reliable, efficient and comparable in performance parameters and cell composition of final product, respectively. One advantages of the CMNC protocol is the potential ability to tailor the cell composition of the final product accordingly to demands from cell processing laboratories.
Trigger bond analysis of nitroaromatic energetic materials using wiberg bond indices
Authors: Shoaf Ashley L. , Bayse Craig A.
Published: February 2018

The identification of trigger bonds, bonds that break to initiate explosive decomposition, using computational methods could help direct the development of novel, “green” and efficient high energy density materials (HEDMs). Comparing bond densities in energetic materials to reference molecules using Wiberg bond indices (WBIs) provides a relative scale for bond activation (%ΔWBIs) to assign trigger bonds in a set of 63 nitroaromatic conventional energetic molecules. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions enhance contributions of resonance structures that strengthen, or deactivate, the CNO2 trigger bonds and reduce the sensitivity of nitroaniline‐based HEDMs. In contrast, unidirectional hydrogen bonding in nitrophenols strengthens the bond to the hydrogen bond acceptor, but the phenol lone pairs repel and activate an adjacent nitro group. Steric effects, electron withdrawing groups and greater nitro dihedral angles also activate the CNO2 trigger bonds. %ΔWBIs indicate that nitro groups within an energetic molecule are not all necessarily equally activated to contribute to initiation. %ΔWBIs generally correlate well with impact sensitivity, especially for HEDMs with intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and are a better measure of trigger bond strength than bond dissociation energies (BDEs). However, the method is less effective for HEDMs with significant secondary effects in the solid state. Assignment of trigger bonds using %ΔWBIs could contribute to understanding the effect of intramolecular interactions on energetic properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CAMERRA: An analysis tool for the computation of conformational dynamics by evaluating residue–residue associations
Authors: Johnson Quentin R. , Lindsay Richard J. , Shen Tongye
Published: February 2018

A computational method which extracts the dominant motions from an ensemble of biomolecular conformations via a correlation analysis of residue–residue contacts is presented. The algorithm first renders the structural information into contact matrices, then constructs the collective modes based on the correlated dynamics of a selected set of dynamic contacts. Associated programs can bridge the results for further visualization using graphics software. The aim of this method is to provide an analysis of conformations of biopolymers from the contact viewpoint. It may assist a systematical uncovering of conformational switching mechanisms existing in proteins and biopolymer systems in general by statistical analysis of simulation snapshots. In contrast to conventional correlation analyses of Cartesian coordinates (such as distance covariance analysis and Cartesian principal component analysis), this program also provides an alternative way to locate essential collective motions in general. Herein, we detail the algorithm in a stepwise manner and comment on the importance of the method as applied to decoding allosteric mechanisms. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of electron tomography reconstruction methods for interface roughness measurement
Authors: Hayashida Misa , Ogawa Shinichi , Malac Marek
Published: February 2018

We evaluate the suitability of simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT), filtered back projection, and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique methods for buried interface roughness measurements. We also investigate the effect of total electron dose distributed over the entire tilt series on measured roughness values. We investigate the applicability of the dose fractionation theorem by evaluating the effect of an increasing number of images, i.e., decreasing tilt increment size at fixed total electron irradiation dose on the quantitative measurement of buried interface roughness. The results indicate that SIRT is the most suitable method for reconstruction and a 3° to 5° angle is optimal for the roughness measurement.
Rapid and Selective Detection of Cyanide Anion by Enhanced Fluorescent Emission and Colorimetric Color Changes at Micromole Levels in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Qu Wen‐Juan , Li Wen‐Ting , Zhang Hai‐Li , Wei Tai‐Bao , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Zhang You‐Ming
Published: February 2018

One main source of cyanide (CN−) exposure for mammals is through the plant consumption; thus, the sensitive and selective cyanide detection in plant tissue is a significant and urgent work. Here, a simple sensor N′‐(2,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)naphtha[2,1‐b]furan‐2‐carbohydrazide (Q1‐3) was designed and synthesized for selective and sensitive dual‐channel detection of cyanide in aqueous medium (DMSO/H2O, 1:9, v/v). Acylhydrazone and phenolic hydroxyl groups on Q1‐3 are the recognition sites, and naphthofuran group is the signal report group. The intramolecular charge transfer between the benzene group and naphthofuran group was impeded because of the electron‐withdrawing groups (hydroxyl) on sensor Q1‐3. Interestingly, the sensor Q1‐3 exhibited an intramolecular charge transfer absorption band at 400 nm and emission band at 500 nm, respectively, directly realizing an “OFF–ON” response after the deprotonation process induced by cyanide anions in aqueous medium (DMSO/H2O, 1:9, v/v). Notably, this sensor was successfully applied to detect cyanide anions in food samples, which proves a very simple and selective platform for on‐site monitoring of cyanide in agriculture samples. In addition, the test strips and silica gel plates based on Q1‐3 were also fabricated, which could act as test kits and silica gel plates for convenient and efficient detection of cyanide anions.
Synthesis of Some New Scaffolds of Amino Isoxazolidines and Their Further Functionalization into New Class of Peptides: A New Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaskar , Rai Neelam
Published: February 2018

Some new class of amino isoxazolidine derivatives have been synthesized from α‐amino nitrones in water with good to excellent yields. The new isoxazolidines are further functionalized into new scaffolds of peptides with good synthetic potentiality. Simple reaction methodology, greener approaches, atom efficiency, noninvolvement of catalysts, faster reaction conditions, excellent yields, and a new approach in peptide synthesis are the attractions in these syntheses.
Neutrophil heterogeneity: Bona fide subsets or polarization states?
Authors: Deniset Justin F , Kubes Paul
Published: February 2018

Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system that play important roles during infection, injury, and chronic disease. In recent years, neutrophil heterogeneity has become an emerging focus with accumulating evidence of neutrophil populations with distinct functions under both steady-state and pathologic conditions. Despite these advances, it remains unclear whether these different populations represent bona fide subsets or simply activation/polarization states in response to local cues. In this review, we summarize the varied neutrophils populations that have been described under both basal and during inflammation. We discuss the evidence that supports the existence of neutrophils subsets. Finally, we identify potential gaps in our knowledge that may further advance our current understanding of neutrophil heterogeneity.
Identification and characterization of neutralization epitopes at VP2 and VP1 of enterovirus A71
Authors: NikNadia NMN , Tan Chee Wah , Ong Kien Chai , Sam I‐Ching , Chan Yoke Fun
Published: February 2018

Enterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) neutralization escape mutants were generated with monoclonal antibody MAB979 (Millipore). The VP2‐T141I and VP1‐D14N substitutions were identified. Using reverse genetics, infectious clones with these substitutions were constructed and tested by neutralization assay with immune sera from mice and humans. The N‐terminus VP1‐14 is more important than EF loop VP2‐141 in acute human infection, mainly because it recognised IgM present in acute infection. The N‐terminus VP1 could be a useful target for diagnostics and therapeutic antibodies in acute infection.
Microbiome at sites of gingival recession in children with Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Bassir Seyed Hossein , Chase Isabelle , Paster Bruce J. , Gordon Leslie B. , Kleinman Monica E. , Kieran Mark W. , Kim David M. , Sonis Andrew
Published: February 2018

Background

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder with significant oral and dental abnormalities. Clinical symptoms include various features of accelerated aging such as alopecia, loss of subcutaneous fat, bone abnormalities, and premature cardiovascular disease. In addition, children with HGPS have been observed to suffer from generalized gingival recession. Whether periodontal manifestations associated with this syndrome are the results of changes in the oral flora is unknown. The present study aimed to identify the microbial composition of subgingival sites with gingival recession in children with HGPS.

Methods

Nine children with HGPS were enrolled in this study. Plaque samples were collected from teeth with gingival recession. DNA samples were analyzed using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM). Microbial profiles from HGPS children were compared with microbial profiles of controls from healthy individuals (n = 9) and patients with periodontal disease (n = 9).

Results

Comparison of microbial compositions of HGPS samples with periodontal health samples demonstrated significant differences for two bacterial taxa; Porphyromonas catoniae and Prevotella oulora were present in children with HGPS, but not normal controls. There were statistically significant differences of 20 bacterial taxa between HGPS and periodontal disease groups.

Conclusions

Typical periodontal pathogens were not present at sites with gingival recession in HGPS children. The microbial compositions of sites of gingival recession and attachment loss in HGPS were generally more similar to those of periodontal health than periodontal disease. Species other than typical periodontal pathogens may be involved in this recession.
Insulin resistance predicts the risk of gingival/periodontal inflammation
Authors: Andriankaja Oelisoa M. , Muñoz‐Torres Francisco J. , Vivaldi‐Oliver José , Leroux Brian G. , Campos Maribel , Joshipura Kaumudi , Pérez Cynthia M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Evaluate whether insulin resistance (IR) predicts the risk of oral inflammation, assessed as the number of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) and number of teeth with probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥ 4 mm and BOP.

Methods

Data on 870 overweight/obese diabetes free adults, aged 40–65 years from the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study over a three‐year period, was analyzed. Baseline IR, assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR) index, was divided into tertiles. BOP was assessed at buccal and lingual sites, and PPD at six sites per tooth. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) for oral inflammation adjusted for baseline age, gender, smoking status, alcohol intake, education, physical activity, waist circumference, mean plaque index, and baseline number of sites with BOP, or number of teeth with PPD≥4 mm and BOP. The potential impact of tertiles of serum TNF‐α and adiponectin on the IR‐oral inflammation association was also assessed in a subsample of 597 participants.

Results

Participants in the highest HOMA‐IR tertile at baseline had significantly higher numbers of sites with BOP [RR = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.36] and number of teeth with PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09–1.78) at follow‐up, compared with individuals in the lower two HOMA‐IR tertiles. Neither TNF‐α nor adiponectin confounded the associations.

Conclusion

IR significantly predicts gingival/periodontal inflammation in this population.
Periodontal profile class is associated with prevalent diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and systemic markers of C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6
Authors: Beck James D. , Moss Kevin L. , Morelli Thiago , Offenbacher Steven
Published: February 2018

Background

This paper focuses on the Periodontal Profile Class (PPC) System that may be more informative and representative of periodontitis phenotypes than current case definitions of periodontitis. This study illustrates the unique aspects of the PPC compared with other periodontal indices for studying associations between periodontal disease and prevalent systemic conditions.

Methods

We computed odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to compare associations between periodontal disease and prevalent systemic conditions using our new PPC and two traditional indices. We used the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to determine the fit of the model and the magnitude of the contribution attributable to periodontal disease beyond traditional risk factors. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (1996–1998) results were compared with results from the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014 datasets.

Results

In the ARIC Study, high gingival inflammation, tooth loss, severe tooth loss, and severe disease PPC components were significantly associated with diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and interleukin (IL)‐6, while only severe disease was associated with stroke. Severe disease was associated with CHD using the Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodontology index, and the European Periodontal index was associated with CHD and IL‐6.

Conclusions

The addition of the PPC to traditional variables associated with prevalent diabetes, stroke, CHD, and systemic measures of inflammation resulted in very strong improvement of the overall models, while the traditional indices were less likely to be associated and, if present, the associations were weaker. The PPC system provides specific insight into the individuals and periodontal characteristics of the phenotype that are associated with systemic conditions that may be useful in designing treatment interventions.
Reduction of infection risk mediated by co‐culturing Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated cooked shrimp
Authors: Niu Ben , Mu Lili , Xiao Lili , Zhang Zhaohuan , Malakar Pradeep K , Liu Haiquan , Pan Yingjie , Zhao Yong
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes are seafood pathogens of public health significance, and predictive models are effective tools for quantitative microbial risk assessment of these pathogens. However, most current predictive models are based on growth of single strains in broth cultures, and interactions of two or more bacteria in a food matrix can skew the outcomes of the predictions. Therefore, the impact of V. parahaemolyticus and L. monocytogenes when co‐cultured and in monoculture on cooked shrimp in cold storage was investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated that L. monocytogenes co‐cultured with V. parahaemolyticus exhibited reduced growth and longer lag phase at 4 °C and 10 °C. V. parahaemolyticus exhibited similar behavior when co‐cultured with L. monocytogenes at 4 °C (death rate K =  − 0.67 log10 CFU g−1 day . The death rate K at 10 °C when V. parahaemolyticus co‐cultured with L. monocytogenes was −1.62 log10 CFU g−1 day−1. There was no significant reduction of growth in monoculture experiments.

CONCLUSION

This study has revealed that interaction of V. parahaemolyticus and L. monocytogenes should be considered when quantifying risks posed by these pathogens during consumption of seafood products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Conversion of Polysaccharides to Sugar Alcohols: A Modeling Approach Based on Oligosaccharides
Authors: Negahdar Leila , C. Hausoul Peter J. , Sibirtsev Stephan , Palkovits Stefan , Palkovits Regina
Published: February 2018

We extend our former kinetic and experimental study of hydrogenolysis of di‐ and trisaccharides using Ru/C in combination with a molecular acid as a catalyst system, to longer oligosaccharides up to heptasaccharide. The extended kinetics, despite the considerably more complex reaction network, reconfirms our previous hypothesis that reactions of oligosaccharides proceed through two competing reaction pathways, namely hydrolysis of oligosaccharides and their hydrogenation to a reduced form. This challenges the widely accepted supposition that conversion of polysaccharides to sorbitol passes consecutively through hydrolysis to monosaccharides followed by hydrogenation to sorbitol. This works also sets forth the hypothesis that hydrogenation of long‐chain oligosaccharides increases the rate of hydrolysis to a considerable extent and presents a significant alternative pathway in sorbitol formation.
A strongly degenerate diffusion‐haptotaxis model of tumour invasion under the go‐or‐grow dichotomy hypothesis
Authors: Zhigun Anna , Surulescu Christina , Hunt Alexander
Published: February 2018

We propose and study a strongly coupled PDE‐ODE‐ODE system modeling cancer cell invasion through a tissue network under the go‐or‐grow hypothesis asserting that cancer cells can either move or proliferate. Hence, our setting features 2 interacting cell populations with their mutual transitions and involves tissue‐dependent degenerate diffusion and haptotaxis for the moving subpopulation. The proliferating cells and the tissue evolution are characterized by way of ODEs for the respective densities. We prove the global existence of weak solutions and illustrate the model behaviour by numerical simulations in a 2‐dimensional setting. The numerical results recover qualitatively the infiltrative patterns observed histologically and moreover allow to establish a qualitative relationship between the structure of the tissue and the expansion of the tumour, thereby paying heed to its heterogeneity.
Urinary Excretion of Niacin Metabolites in Humans After Coffee Consumption
Authors: Kremer Jonathan Isaak , Gömpel Katharina , Bakuradze Tamara , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Richling Elke
Published: February 2018

Scope

Coffee is a major natural source of niacin in the human diet, as it is formed during coffee roasting from the alkaloid trigonelline. The intention of our study was to monitor the urinary excretion of niacin metabolites after coffee consumption under controlled diet.

Methods and results

We performed a 4‐day human intervention study on the excretion of major niacin metabolites in the urine of volunteers after ingestion of 500 mL regular coffee containing 34.8 μmol nicotinic acid (NA) and 0.58 μmol nicotinamide (NAM). In addition to NA and NAM, the metabolites N1‐methylnicotinamide (NMNAM), N1‐methyl‐2‐pyridone‐5‐carboxamide (2‐Py), and nicotinuric acid (NUA) were identified and quantified in the collected urine samples by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIVA) using HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Rapid urinary excretion was observed for the main metabolites (NA, NAM, NMNAM, and 2‐Py), with tmax values within the first hour after ingestion. NUA appeared in traces even more rapidly. In sum, 972 nmol h−1 of NA, NAM, NMNAM, and 2‐Py were excreted within 12 h after coffee consumption, corresponding to 6% of the ingested NA and NAM.

Conclusion

The results indicate regular coffee consumption to be a source of niacin in human diet.
GPCR6A Is a Molecular Target for the Natural Products Gallate and EGCG in Green Tea
Authors: Pi Min , Kapoor Karan , Ye Ruisong , Smith Jeremy C. , Baudry Jerome , Quarles Leigh D.
Published: February 2018

Scope

The molecular mechanisms whereby gallates in green tea exert metabolic effects are poorly understood.

Methods and results

We found that GPRC6A, a multi‐ligand‐sensing G‐protein‐coupled receptor that regulates energy metabolism, sex hormone production, and prostate cancer progression, is a target for gallates. Sodium gallate (SG), gallic acid (GA) > ethyl gallate (EG) > octyl gallate (OG) dose dependently activated ERK in HEK‐293 cells transfected with GPRC6A but not in non‐transfected controls. SG also stimulated insulin secretion in β‐cells isolated from wild‐type mice similar to the endogenous GPRC6A ligands, osteocalcin (Ocn) and testosterone (T). Side‐chain additions to create OG resulted in loss of GPRC6A agonist activity. Another component of green tea, epigallocatechin 3‐gallate (EGCG), dose‐dependently inhibited Ocn activation of GPRC6A in HEK‐293 cells transfected with GPRC6A and blocked the effect of Ocn in stimulating glucose production in CH10T1/2 cells. Using structural models of the venus fly trap (VFT) and 7‐transmembrane (7‐TM) domains of GPRC6A, calculations suggest that l‐amino acids and GA bind to the VFT, whereas EGCG is calculated to bind to sites in both the VFT and 7‐TM.

Conclusion

GA and EGCG have offsetting agonist and antagonist effects on GPRC6A that may account for the variable metabolic effect of green tea consumption.
Image guidance doses delivered during radiotherapy: Quantification, management, and reduction: Report of the AAPM Therapy Physics Committee Task Group 180
Authors: Ding George X. , Alaei Parham , Curran Bruce , Flynn Ryan , Gossman Michael , Mackie T. Rock , Miften Moyed , Morin Richard , Xu X. George , Zhu Timothy C.
Published: February 2018

Background

With radiotherapy having entered the era of image guidance, or image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT), imaging procedures are routinely performed for patient positioning and target localization. The imaging dose delivered may result in excessive dose to sensitive organs and potentially increase the chance of secondary cancers and, therefore, needs to be managed.

Aims

This task group was charged with: a) providing an overview on imaging dose, including megavoltage electronic portal imaging (MV EPI), kilovoltage digital radiography (kV DR), Tomotherapy MV‐CT, megavoltage cone‐beam CT (MV‐CBCT) and kilovoltage cone‐beam CT (kV‐CBCT), and b) providing general guidelines for commissioning dose calculation methods and managing imaging dose to patients.

Materials & Methods

We briefly review the dose to radiotherapy (RT) patients resulting from different image guidance procedures and list typical organ doses resulting from MV and kV image acquisition procedures.

Results

We provide recommendations for managing the imaging dose, including different methods for its calculation, and techniques for reducing it. The recommended threshold beyond which imaging dose should be considered in the treatment planning process is 5% of the therapeutic target dose.

Discussion

Although the imaging dose resulting from current kV acquisition procedures is generally below this threshold, the ALARA principle should always be applied in practice. Medical physicists should make radiation oncologists aware of the imaging doses delivered to patients under their care.

Conclusion

Balancing ALARA with the requirement for effective target localization requires that imaging dose be managed based on the consideration of weighing risks and benefits to the patient.
Correlating serum micrornas and clinical parameters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Raheja Radhika , Regev Keren , Healy Brian C. , Mazzola Maria Antonietta , Beynon Vanessa , Von Glehn Felipe , Paul Anu , Diaz‐Cruz Camilo , Gholipour Taha , Glanz Bonnie I. , Kivisakk Pia , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L. , Berry James D. , Gandhi Roopali
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurologic disorder with poor survival rates and no clear biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Methods: We compared serum microRNA (miRNA) expression from patients with ALS with healthy controls and patients with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. We also correlated miRNA expression in cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohorts of ALS patients with clinical parameters. Results: We identified 7 miRNAs (miR‐192‐5p, miR‐192‐3p, miR‐1, miR‐133a‐3p, miR‐133b, miR‐144‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p) that were upregulated and 6 miRNAs (miR‐320c, miR‐320a, let‐7d‐3p, miR‐425‐5p, miR‐320b, miR‐139‐5p) that were downregulated in patients with ALS compared with healthy controls, patients with Alzheimer disease, and patients with multiple sclerosis. Changes in 4 miRNAs (miR‐136‐3p, miR‐30b‐5p, miR‐331‐3p, miR‐496) correlated positively and change in 1 miRNA (miR‐2110) correlated negatively with changes in clinical parameters in longitudinal analysis. Discussion: Our findings identified serum miRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for ALS diagnosis and progression. Muscle Nerve 58: 261–269, 2018
Brachial plexitis or neuritis? MRI features of lesion distribution in Parsonage–Turner syndrome
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Rancy Schneider K. , Wolfe Scott W. , Lee Susan C. , Kalia Vivek , Lee Steve K. , Feinberg Joseph H.
Published: February 2018

Introduction: This study seeks to characterize lesion distribution in Parsonage–Turner Syndrome (PTS) using high‐resolution MRI. Methods: MRIs of 27 patients with clinically confirmed PTS were reviewed. Two radiologists independently evaluated the brachial plexus proper, side and terminal plexus branches, and more distal, upper extremity nerves. Results: All patients had at least 1 clinically involved nerve. MRI revealed that the plexus appeared normal in 24 of 27 patients; in 3 other patients, signal hyperintensity was seen immediately proximal to the take‐off of abnormal side or terminal branch nerves. Focal intrinsic constrictions were detected in 32 of 38 nerves. MRI interobserver agreement was high (Cohen's κ = 0.839). Discussion: MRI findings, corroborated by electrodiagnostic testing, localized abnormalities to plexus branches and peripheral nerves, suggesting that PTS is characterized by 1 or more mononeuropathies rather than changes involving a portion of or the complete plexus proper. These results may improve diagnosis, prognostication, and management. Muscle Nerve 58: 359–366, 2018
Prospective randomized study evaluating ultrasound versus fluoroscopy guided sacral InterStim® lead placement: A pilot study
Authors: Shakuri‐Rad Jaschar , Cicic Arman , Thompson Jannah
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the use of intraoperative ultrasound during stage I InterStim® sacral lead placement.

Methods

A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to undergo InterStim® lead placement utilizing fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance. Patients were blinded for the duration of the study. The surgeon and staff were blinded until after induction of anesthesia. Patients met criteria for refractory overactive bladder, fecal incontinence, or both. The ICIQ‐OABqol, OABSS, and FIQL validated questionnaires were used pre‐ and post‐operatively. Primary endpoint was total fluoroscopy time. Secondary endpoints were total radiation exposure and total number of foramen needle skin punctures.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled, twenty in the ultrasound and twenty in the fluoroscopy only arm. Mean age was 60 (SD = 14.4) and mean BMI 32 (SD = 7.2). Twenty‐seven patients (67.5%) had urinary symptoms, four (10%) fecal incontinence, and nine (22.5%) had mixed symptoms. Radiation exposure time was reduced by 70.5 s (P = 0.002), radiation exposure was decreased by 42.3 mGy (P = 0.017), and the number of needle skin punctures decreased by 3.6 (P = 0.035) with use of ultrasound. Mean OR time in minutes was 55.5 in ultrasound and 58.2 in fluoroscopy group (P = 0.53). There were no statistically significant differences in questionnaire scores between groups.

Conclusion

Ultrasound guided placement of foramen needle during Stage I sacral neuromodulation results in reduction of radiation exposure to the patient, surgeon, and operating room staff. Further studies are necessary to determine the learning curve and efficacy of this technique.
Synthetic mid‐urethral sling complications: Evolution of presenting symptoms over time
Authors: Wang Connie , Christie Alana L. , Zimmern Philippe E.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

To study the evolution of type of presenting symptoms after mid‐urethral sling (MUS) placement relative to the interval between placement and subsequent synthetic sling removal (SSR) for complication(s).

Methods

An IRB‐approved, prospectively maintained database of women who underwent SSR was retrospectively reviewed for demographics, interval between MUS placement and SSR, history of chronic pain syndromes and recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI), anti‐incontinence and prolapse repairs, and MUS‐related symptoms at presentation, including storage dysfunction, voiding dysfunction, RUTI, vaginal pain, non‐vaginal pain, mesh exposure, and urinary incontinence (UI). Comparisons were made between patient groups divided into 2 and 4‐year intervals to test the hypothesis that there would be higher rates of mesh exposure, pain and/or dyspareunia earlier, but higher rates of RUTI and UI in later groups.

Results

Between 2005‐2017, 278/435 women met study criteria. Overall, mean number of presenting symptoms per patient was 3.8 ± 1.4 and increased significantly in relation to time since MUS placement (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference between number of patients presenting with RUTI (P = 0.01), vaginal pain (P = 0.03), and UI (P = 0.03) between the 2‐year groups and a significant difference between number of patients presenting with RUTI (P < 0.01), non‐vaginal pain (P = 0.01) and vaginal pain (P = 0.05) between the 4‐year groups.

Conclusions

In our tertiary care center, women with MUS‐related complications presented with multiple symptoms that increased in number over time, with a higher rate of pain complaints in earlier groups but a higher rate of RUTI and UI in later groups.
Towards an analytic solution for pulsed CEST
Authors: Gochberg Daniel F. , Does Mark D. , Zu Zhongliang , Lankford Christopher L.
Published: February 2018

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is an imaging method based on magnetization exchange between solutes and water. This exchange generates changes in the measured signal after off‐resonance radiofrequency irradiation. Although the analytic solution for CEST with continuous wave (CW) irradiation has been determined, most studies are performed using pulsed irradiation. In this work, we derive an analytic solution for the CEST signal after pulsed irradiation that includes both short‐time rotation effects and long‐time saturation effects in a two‐pool system corresponding to water and a low‐concentration exchanging solute pool. Several approximations are made to balance the accuracy and simplicity of the resulting analytic form, which is tested against numerical solutions of the coupled Bloch equations and is found to be largely accurate for amides at high fields, but less accurate at the higher exchange rates, lower offsets and typically higher irradiation powers of amines.
Stability of a finite volume element method for the time‐fractional advection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Badr M. , Yazdani A. , Jafari H.
Published: February 2018

The numerical solution for the time fractional advection‐diffusion problem in one‐dimension with the initial‐boundary condition is proposed in this paper by B‐spline finite volume element method. The fractional derivative is Caputo in the proposed scheme. The stability of the proposed numerical method is studied, and the numerical results presented support the theoretical results.
New Process Chain for the Production of Complex Freeforms
Authors: Bliedtner Jens , Henkel Sebastian , Schwager Anne‐Marie , Götze Kerstin , Gerhardt Martin , Fuhr Michael
Published: February 2018

Freeform optics enable completely new solutions in optical design for many different optical applications. Complex optical systems usually need a variety of multiple classic spherical surfaces to fulfill their function. The usage of a freeform surface instead makes it possible to replace some of these spherical surfaces by only one freeform element. Therefore, it is possible to build optical systems that are more compact and lighter than existing ones. However, these new possibilities also lead to new challenges regarding fabrication and assembly of the freeform components. Therefore, an efficient production of such elements needs improvement of existing or development of new manufacturing technologies and process chains. This paper describes a new fabrication approach focused on freeform optics by introducing a process chain consisting of an ultrasonic‐assisted grinding process, an ultrafine grinding method using novel resin bond tools and a CO2 laser polishing process for final surface smoothing.
A laboratory high‐throughput glass chamber using dynamic headspace TD‐GC/MS method for the analysis of whole Brassica napus L. plantlet volatiles under cadmium‐related abiotic stress
Authors: Durenne Bastien , Blondel Alodie , Druart Philippe , Fauconnier Marie‐Laure
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The dynamic headspace sampling technique using thermal desorption, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (TD‐GC/MS) is a powerful method for analysing plant emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and experiments performed in sterile and controlled conditions can be useful for VOC metabolism investigations.

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to set up a laboratory high‐throughput glass chamber for whole plant volatiles analysis. Brassica napus L. plantlets were tested with the developed system to better understand the relationship between low emission of induced terpene and cadmium (Cd)‐related abiotic stress.

Methodology

VOCs emitted by 28‐day‐old Brassica napus L. plantlets cultivated in vitro were trapped with our device using adsorbent cartridges that were desorbed with a thermal desorption unit before cryofocusing with a cooled injection system and programmable temperature vaporising inlet into an HP‐5 ms GC column. Terpene detection and quantitation from chromatogram profiles were acquired using selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode during full scan analysis and mass spectra were obtained with a quadrupole‐type mass spectrometer.

Results

The new trapping method produced reliable qualitative profiles of oilseed rape VOCs. Typical emissions of monoterpenes (myrcene, limonene) and sesquiterpenes (β‐elemene, (E,E)‐α‐farnesene) were found for the different concentrations tested. One‐way analysis of variance for quantitative results of (E,E)‐α‐farnesene emission rates showed a Cd concentration effect.

Conclusion

This inexpensive glass chamber has potential for wide application in laboratory sterile approach and replicated research. Moreover, the non‐invasive dynamic sampling technique could also be used to analyse volatiles under both abiotic and biotic stresses.
Structure, nanomechanics, and dynamics of dispersed surfactant‐free clay nanocomposite films
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhao Jing , Snyder Chad R. , Al‐Enizi Abdullah , Eltazahry Ahmed , Simmons David S. , Karim Alamgir
Published: February 2018

The current work presents a new approach to achieve high quality dispersion of surfactant‐free nanoclay tactoid particles in sub‐micron thin films despite the absence of organic modifier. Natural Montmorillonite particles,
Cloisite, were dispersed in thin films of polycaprolactone (PCL) through a flow coating technique assisted by ultra‐sonication. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GI‐WAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to confirm the level of natural clay dispersion down to the level of tactoids (sub‐micron scale stacks of clay sheets). These characterization techniques were carried out in conjunction with an analysis of nanomechanical properties via strain‐induced buckling instability for modulus measurements (SIEBIMM), a high‐throughput technique to characterize thin film mechanical properties. The buckling patterns indicate that the natural clay tactoids separate buckling‐enhancing (high‐modulus) crystalline regions and interconnect buckling‐suppressing amorphous (low‐modulus) regions. Due to the tactoid length scale, the glass transition behavior of the composites as characterized by broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy was unmodified by the clay. Likewise, the glass transition temperature, Tg, and fragility (slope of relaxation time behavior approaching Tg), remain unaffected, indicating that these dispersed tactoids do not induce pronounced confinement effects on dynamics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1285–1295, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A comparison of metacognitive factors among patients with cancer and the control group
Authors: Mutlu Hasan Huseyin , Bilican F. Isil , Mutlu Hacer Hicran , Gumus Mahmut
Published: February 2018

Objective

Research examining the relationship between metacognitions and cancer has only recently begun to emerge. This study attempted to compare the metacognitions of the patients with and without cancer. The effects of stage of cancer, type of cancer, and treatment modality (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, operation) on metacognitions were investigated. Patients with cancer were hypothesized to have higher levels of negative metacognitions.

Methods

Participants were patients with cancer (N = 279) and patients without cancer (control group, N = 212). The Metacognition Questionnaire‐30 was administered to all participants. Results were analyzed according to demographic and histopathological characteristics of the patients.

Results

The results showed that patients with different cancer diagnoses scored higher than the controls on all subscales of the MCQ‐30. Those who received chemotherapy scored the highest on the MCQ‐30. The patients who were in early stages of cancer had higher levels of negative metacognitions. Patients who did not have operation but had chemotherapy had the highest levels of negative metacognitions. Patients who were in locally advanced stage, did not have operation but had received or was receiving chemotherapy had the highest levels of negative metacognitions.

Conclusions

Patients who were in early stages of cancer appeared to be in greater need for psychological help and access to services. Findings indicated a need for psychological support for patients who undergo chemotherapy.
Serum vitamin D profile of Nigerian children with asthma: Association with asthma severity and control
Authors: Omole Kehinde O. , Kuti Bankole P. , Oyelami Oyeku A. , Adegbola Adebanjo J. , Omole John O.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Childhood asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder with increasing prevalence even in Africa. Vitamin D, with anti‐inflammatory and immune‐modulatory properties, may have effects on the severity and level of symptoms control in childhood asthma. We aimed to assess the serum vitamin D levels in children with asthma as related to disease severity and control in a tropical region.

Methods

A hospital based comparative cross sectional study was conducted in western Nigeria. Serum vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) levels of all the children, assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were compared to the various disease severity and levels of asthma control as well as between the asthmatic and non‐asthmatic children.

Results

A total of 206 children (103 asthmatics and 103 non‐asthmatics) were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 6.6 (3.7) years. The majority (82.5%) of the children with asthma had mild intermittent form, 63.1% had well controlled symptoms while 33.0% and 3.9% had partly controlled and uncontrolled symptoms, respectively. None of the children were deficient in vitamin D. The mean (SD) serum vitamin D levels of the children with asthma (49.2 [7.2] ng/mL) was significantly lower than those without asthma (51.2 [6.9] ng/mL, P = 0.043). Varying degrees of asthma severity and levels of symptoms control were not affected by serum vitamin D levels.

Conclusion

Children with asthma in Nigeria had marginally but significantly lower mean serum vitamin D levels when compared with their counterparts without asthma. However, serum vitamin D level does not seem to be associated with childhood asthma severity and control in these children with normal serum vitamin D levels.