bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific patterns in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure in the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, South Africa
Authors: Beresheim Amy C. , Pfeiffer Susan K. , Grynpas Marc D. , Alblas Amanda
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to provide bone histomorphometric reference data for South Africans of the Western Cape who likely dealt with health issues under the apartheid regime.

Methods

The 206 adult individuals (nfemale = 75, nmale = 131, mean = 47.9 ± 15.8 years) from the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, U. Stellenbosch, lived in the Cape Town metropole from the late 1960s to the mid‐1990s. To study age‐related changes in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure, photomontages of mid‐thoracic rib cross‐sections were quantitatively examined. Variables include relative cortical area (Rt.Ct.Ar), osteon population density (OPD), osteon area (On.Ar), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp).

Results

All cortical variables demonstrated significant relationships with age in both sexes, with women showing stronger overall age associations. Peak bone mass was compromised in some men, possibly reflecting poor nutritional quality and/or substance abuse issues throughout adolescence and early adulthood. In women, greater predicted decrements in On.Ar and Rt.Ct.Ar suggest a structural disadvantage with age, consistent with postmenopausal bone loss. Age‐related patterns in trabecular bone microarchitecture are variable and difficult to explain. Except for Tb.Th, there are no statistically significant relationships with age in women. Men demonstrate significant negative correlations between BV/TV, Tb.N, and age, and a significant positive correlation between Tb.Sp and age.

Conclusions

This research highlights sex‐specific differences in patterns of age‐related bone loss, and provides context for discussion of contemporary South African bone health. While the study sample demonstrates indicators of poor bone quality, osteoporosis research continues to be under‐prioritized in South Africa.
Occupational rhinitis and occupational asthma: Association or progression?
Authors: Balogun Rahmat A. , Siracusa Andrea , Shusterman Dennis
Published: February 2018

Background

Occupational asthma is the most frequently reported occupational respiratory disease in registries, and is often co‐diagnosed with occupational rhinitis. We undertook a systematic review of the English‐language epidemiologic literature linking these two conditions, with emphasis on progression from occupational rhinitis to occupational asthma.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were queried in a series of structured searches designed to identify studies comparing occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis incidence or prevalence in occupationally exposed individuals.

Results

The searches yielded a total of 109 unique citations, 15 of which yielded inferential data on the occupational rhinitis‐asthma relationship. Nine of fifteen studies showed statistically significant associations between the occurrence of occupational rhinitis and occupational asthma among individual workers.

Conclusions

Limited data support the notion that occupational rhinitis precedes the development of occupational asthma, particularly when high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) agents are involved. The relationship between the two conditions could not be evaluated in many relevant studies due to a lack of cross‐tabulation of individual cases.
Regioselective Cyclotrimerization of Terminal Alkynes Using a Digermyne
Authors: Sugahara Tomohiro , Guo Jing‐Dong , Sasamori Takahiro , Nagase Shigeru , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: February 2018

The catalytic activation of small neutral molecules followed by the formation of C−C bonds is a highly important method to increase the complexity and/or value of simple starting materials. Reported is an isolable digermyne, a compound with a Ge≡Ge bond, which acts as a precatalyst for the cyclotrimerization of terminal arylacetylenes to afford the corresponding 1,2,4‐triarylbenzenes with absolute regioselectivity. The results demonstrate that bespoke main‐group‐element compounds can catalytically activate and transform small neutral organic molecules and induce the formation of C−C bonds.
Experimental study and thermodynamic model for respective solubilities of CO2 and ethanol for CO2‐ethanol‐polystyrene ternary system at elevated pressure and temperature
Authors: Qian Ying‐Hui , Cao Jun‐Ming , Li Xue‐Kun , Cao Gui‐Ping , Wang Chang‐Chun , Shi Yun‐Hai
Published: February 2018

Foamed non‐Fickian diffusion (FNFD) model for a ternary system was proposed for the first time to regress the desorption data obtained by the gravimetric method. Results showed that FNFD model could accurately describe the diffusion behavior of CO2 and ethanol out of foamed polystyrene (PS) and well predict total solubilities of CO2 and ethanol in foamed PS. Meanwhile, Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state (S–L EoS) was adopted to calculate the respective solubilities (solubility of CO2 in PS or solubility of ethanol in PS) and total solubilities of CO2 and ethanol in PS for CO2‐ethanol‐PS ternary system. Results showed that the total solubility of CO2 and ethanol obtained from S–L EoS agreed well with values obtained by FNFD model. Furthermore, the respective and total solubilities of CO2 and ethanol at 313.15, 338.15, and 343.15 K were calculated by S–L EoS. Results indicated that in the dissolving process, ethanol would be accelerated by CO2 to dissolve into PS, and ethanol would compete with CO2 to dissolve into PS, simultaneously. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46281.
An efficient recycling process of glycolysis of PET in the presence of a sustainable nanocatalyst
Authors: Guo Zengwei , Lindqvist Karin , de la Motte Hanna
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate that the catalyst Perkalite F100 efficiently works as a nanocatalyst in the depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). After depolymerization of PET in the presence of ethylene glycol and the Perkalite nanocatalyst, the main product obtained was bis(2‐hydroxylethyl) terephthalate (BHET) with high purity, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR. The BHET monomers could serve directly as starting materials in a further polymerization into PET with a virgin quality and contribute to a solution for the disposal of PET polymers. Compared with the direct glycolysis of PET, the addition of a predegradation step was shown to reduce the reaction time needed to reach the depolymerization equilibrium. The addition of the predegradation step also allowed lower reaction temperatures. Therefore, the strategy to include a predegradation step before depolymerization is suitable for increasing the efficiency of the glycolysis reaction of PET into BHET monomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46285.
Convergence Analysis of Weighted Stochastic Gradient Identification Algorithms Based on Latest‐Estimation for ARX Models
Authors: Wu Ai‐Guo , Fu Fang‐Zhou , Dong Rui‐Qi
Published: February 2018

In this paper, weighted stochastic gradient (WSG) algorithms for ARX models are proposed by modifying the standard stochastic gradient identification algorithms. In the proposed algorithms, the correction term is a weighting combination of the correction terms of the standard stochastic gradient (SG) algorithm in the current and last recursive steps. In addition, a latest estimation based WSG (LE‐WSG) algorithm is also established. The convergence performance of the proposed LE‐WSG algorithm is then analyzed. It is shown by a numerical example that both the WSG and LE‐WSG algorithms can possess faster convergence speed and higher convergence precision compared with the standard SG algorithms if the weighting factor is appropriately chosen.
On a random lead time and threshold shock model using phase‐type geometric processes
Authors: Sarada Y. , Shenbagam R.
Published: February 2018

This study investigates two random threshold shock models for a repairable deteriorating system with nonnegligible maintenance times, with and without a spare via a phase‐type geometric process. The system fails whenever the intershock arrival time is less than a random threshold. The provision of stochastic lead time is incorporated in Model II so that an ordering policy N−1 and a replacement policy N based on the number of failures of the system are also considered. An explicit expression of the average cost rate is derived for both models and the optimal replacement policy N* is obtained by minimizing the long‐run average cost rate analytically. The numerical illustrations and sensitivity analysis provided therein conform to the observations made in the study.
New sunspots and aurorae in the historical Chinese text corpus? Comments on uncritical digital search applications
Authors: Neuhäuser D. L. , Neuhäuser R. , Chapman J.
Published: February 2018

We review some applications of the method of electronic searching for historical observations of sunspots and aurorae in the Chinese text corpus by Hayakawa et al. (,,,), Kawamura et al. (), and Tamazawa et al. (). However, we show strong shortcomings in the digital search technique as applied by them: almost all likely true sunspot and aurora records were presented earlier (e.g., Xu et al.), which are not mentioned in those papers; the remaining records are dubious and often refer to other phenomena, neither spots nor aurorae (this also applies to Hayakawa et al.). The alleged aurorae in Hayakawa et al. () and Kawamura et al. () show a broad peak around full moon, not expected for aurorae. Hayakawa et al. () use the Korean reportAt night, the gate of heaven was opened(between AD 992 Dec 6 and AD 993 Jan 25, i.e., close to the14C variation AD 993/994) to estimate the Dst index of solar activity, even though the text does not fulfill any discriminative aurora criteria (except night‐time). Most of the above publications include very few Chinese texts and translations, and their tables with abbreviated keywords do not allow the reader to consider alternative interpretations (the tables also do not specify which records mention night‐time). We have compared some of their event tables with previously published catalogues and found various discrepancies. There are also intrinsic inconsistencies, misleading information (lunar phase for day‐time events), and dating errors. We present Chinese texts and translations for some of their presumable new aurorae: only one can be considered a likely true aurora (AD 604 Jan); some others were selected on the sole basis of the use of the wordlightorrainbow. Several alleged new aurorae present observations beside the Sun during day‐time. There are well‐known comets among their presumable aurorae. We also discuss (a) whetherheiqi ri pangcan stand for black spot(s)on one side oforbesidethe sun, (b) the aurora color confusion in Hayakawa et al. (,), and (c) whetherwhiteandunusual rainbowscan be aurorae.
Detection of a centrifugal magnetosphere in one of the most massive stars in the ρ Oph star‐forming cloud
Authors: Hubrig S. , Schöller M. , Järvinen S. P. , Küker M. , Kholtygin A. F. , Steinbrunner P.
Published: February 2018

Recent XMM‐Newton observations of the B2 type star ρ Oph A indicated a periodicity of 1.205 day, which was ascribed to rotational modulation. Since variability of X‐ray emission in massive stars is frequently the signature of a magnetic field, we investigated whether the presence of a magnetic field can indeed be invoked to explain the observed X‐ray peculiarity. Two FORS 2 spectropolarimetric observations in different rotation phases revealed the presence of a negative (⟨Bz⟩all = − 419 ± 101 G) and positive (⟨Bz⟩all = 538 ± 69 G) longitudinal magnetic field, respectively. We estimate a lower limit for the dipole strength as Bd = 1.9 ± 0.2 kG. Our calculations of the Kepler and Alfvén radii imply the presence of a centrifugally supported, magnetically confined plasma around ρ Oph A. The study of the spectral variability indicates a behavior similar to that observed in typical magnetic early‐type Bp stars.
Effects of Parent‐Implemented Early Start Denver Model Intervention on Chinese Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Non‐Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Bingrui , Xu Qiong , Li Huiping , Zhang Ying , Wang Yi , Rogers Sally J. , Xu Xiu
Published: February 2018

To evaluate the effects of a 26‐week, high‐intensity, parent‐implemented Early Start Denver Model (P‐ESDM) intervention on developmental outcomes, severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and parental stress of ASD toddlers in China. Subjects in P‐ESDM group (n = 23) were recruited from 1.5‐ to 2.5‐year‐old toddlers who were screened positive in Xuhui and Minhang Districts and were diagnosed with ASD. A community (comparison) group of age‐matched toddlers with ASD (n = 20) was recruited from other areas. Subjects of the P‐ESDM group attended 1.5‐hr parent coaching per week for 26 weeks, and those in the community group received interventions available from communities. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T1) and 26 weeks later (T2). After adjusting for baseline differences between the two groups, P‐ESDM group demonstrated greater improvement than the community group in general development, especially in Language domain. Neither group demonstrated significant change in ASD severity, but the P‐ESDM group showed greater improvement in social affect, parent‐reported social communication and symbolic play than community group did. Finally, parents in P‐ESDM group experienced decreased parenting stress while those in community group showed an opposite trend, though the differences did not reach significant association with the P‐ESDM intervention. Chinese toddlers with ASD receiving 26 weeks of P‐ESDM via regular coaching sessions showed significant greater improvement than those receiving community interventions in multiple aspects of development including social communications. These findings add support to the importance of providing early screening, diagnosis, and immediate referral for evidence‐based interventions to improve outcome of young children with ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 654–666. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The development of early screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China has highlighted the importance of early intervention for young children with ASD. Our current study demonstrated that parent‐implemented Early Start Denver Model (P‐ESDM) via coaching from professionals improved developmental outcomes, especially in the language domain, and social communicational behaviors of Chinese toddlers with ASD. P‐ESDM may help parents in China provide effective early intervention to their children with ASD via improving their skills when they are still at a waiting list for services or lack access to intervention, and has the potential to alleviate their parenting stress.
Reactive Oxygen Species: Radical Factors in the Evolution of Animal Life
Authors: Taverne Yannick J. , Merkus Daphne , Bogers Ad J. , Halliwell Barry , Duncker Dirk J. , Lyons Timothy W.
Published: February 2018

Introduction of O2 to Earth's early biosphere stimulated remarkable evolutionary adaptations, and a wide range of electron acceptors allowed diverse, energy‐yielding metabolic pathways. Enzymatic reduction of O2 yielded a several‐fold increase in energy production, enabling evolution of multi‐cellular animal life. However, utilization of O2 also presented major challenges as O2 and many of its derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly toxic, possibly impeding multicellular evolution after the Great Oxidation Event. Remarkably, ROS, and especially hydrogen peroxide, seem to play a major part in early diversification and further development of cellular respiration and other oxygenic pathways, thus becoming an intricate part of evolution of complex life. Hence, although harnessing of chemical and thermo‐dynamic properties of O2 for aerobic metabolism is generally considered to be an evolutionary milestone, the ability to use ROS for cell signaling and regulation may have been the first true breakthrough in development of complex life.
Split trehalase as a versatile reporter for a wide range of biological analytes
Authors: Drikic Marija , De Buck Jeroen
Published: February 2018

In health care, biosensors are envisioned as universal diagnostic devices with AAAA characteristics (i.e., available for anything, anywhere, anytime, to anyone). Despite numerous attempts to develop such a diagnostic device, none have managed to fulfill all four criteria and be commercialized. Glucometers, the most successful class of biosensor currently marketed monitor blood glucose concentrations. Their performance in clinical samples, including sensitivity and specificity, has been optimized and they are small and relatively inexpensive. We aimed to develop a technology that uses this existing biosensor, but adds versatility in detection of a wide range of analytes. Herein, we report the periplasmic trehalase of E. coli as a novel split enzyme reporter capable of converting a wide variety of analytes into glucose. Conditional complementation of trehalase fragments induced by detection of analytes, resulting in trehalose hydrolysis and glucose production, was used to detect antibodies and bacterial cells. We also demonstrated retention of split TreA activity in undiluted clinical samples. In conclusion, a trehalase‐based biosensor platform offers a versatile and convenient method for point‐of‐care applications as it does not require sample preparation or handling and can be integrated with existing glucometers or sensors.
Improving methyl ketone production in Escherichia coli by heterologous expression of NADH‐dependent FabG
Authors: Goh Ee‐Been , Chen Yan , Petzold Christopher J. , Keasling Jay D. , Beller Harry R.
Published: February 2018

We previously engineered Escherichia coli to overproduce medium‐ to long‐chain saturated and monounsaturated methyl ketones, which could potentially be applied as diesel fuel blending agents or in the flavor and fragrance industry. Recent efforts at strain optimization have focused on cofactor balance, as fatty acid‐derived pathways face the systematic metabolic challenge of net NADPH consumption (in large part, resulting from the key fatty acid biosynthetic enzyme FabG [β‐ketoacyl‐ACP reductase]) and net NADH production. In this study, we attempted to mitigate cofactor imbalance by heterologously expressing NADH‐dependent, rather than NADPH‐dependent, versions of FabG identified in previous studies. Of the four NADH‐dependent versions of FabG tested in our previously best‐reported methyl ketone‐producing strain (EGS1895), the version from Acholeplasma laidlawii (Al_FabG) showed the greatest increase in methyl ketone yield in shake flasks (35–75% higher than for an RFP negative‐control strain, depending on sugar loading). An improved strain (EGS2920) attained methyl ketone titers during fed‐batch fermentation of 5.4 ± 0.5 g/L, which were, on average, ca. 40% greater than those for the base strain (EGS1895) under fermentation conditions optimized in this study. Shotgun proteomic data for strains EGS2920 and EGS1895 during fed‐batch fermentation were consistent with the goal of alleviating NADPH limitation through expression of Al_FabG. For example, relative to strain EGS1895, strain EGS2920 significantly upregulated glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (directing flux into glycolysis rather than the NADPH‐producing pentose phosphate pathway) and downregulated MaeB (a NADP+‐dependent malate dehydrogenase). Overall, the results suggest that heterologous expression of NADH‐dependent FabG in E. coli may improve sustained production of fatty acid‐derived renewable fuels and chemicals.
Fowlicidin‐3 Analog with Improved Cell Selectivity Synthesized by Shifting a PXXP Motif from the N‐Terminus to a Central Position
Authors: Rajasekaran Ganesan , Shin Song Yub
Published: February 2018

Fowlicidin‐3 (Fow‐3), a chicken‐derived cathelicidin, is an antimicrobial peptide with considerable antimicrobial activity and mammalian cell toxicity. To reduce toxicity toward mammalian cells and improve selectivity for bacteria, a Fow‐3 analog was synthesized by shifting its PXXP motif from the N‐terminus to a central position. This analog was more selective against bacteria and was less toxic to mammalian cells, including human erythrocytes, than Fow‐3. Circular dichroism and retention time in reversed‐phase high‐performance chromatography demonstrated that the drastic decrease in mammalian cell toxicity of the Fow‐3 analog correlated with increased conformational flexibility and decreased hydrophobicity. This analog had potent antimicrobial activity against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium. Furthermore, this analog was more synergistic with chloramphenicol and oxacillin compared to LL‐37, against a multidrug‐resistant strain of P. aeruginosa. Thus, repositioning the proline residues to the center of the α‐helical antimicrobial peptides improved cell selectivity.
5‐HT2CR antagonist/5‐HT2CR inverse agonist recovered the increased isolation‐induced aggressive behavior of BALB/c mice mediated by ADAR1 (p110) expression and Htr2c RNA editing
Authors: Yu Weizhi , Xu Hong , Xue Ying , An Dong , Li Huairui , Chen Wei , Yu Deqin , Sun Yiping , Ma Jianmei , Tang Yiyuan , Xiao Zhaoyang , Yin Shengming
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Social isolation enhances the aggressive behavior of animals, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Epigenetic studies have suggested that Htr2c RNA editing is closely related to aggressive behavior. This study aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of how social isolation impacts adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1, RNA editing enzyme) and Htr2c RNA editing, leading to aggressive behavior, and explore the effective solutions for the recovery of this behavior.

Methods

We evaluated 21‐day‐old BALB/c mice with and without isolation for aggressive behavior using a resident‐intruder test. Immune‐reactivity and protein expression of ADAR1 (p110) were measured using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Htr2c RNA editing was evaluated using pyrosequencing. In addition, the 5‐HT2CR antagonist SB243213/5‐HT2CR inverse agonist SB206553 was used to treat the isolated mice, and the performance of both treatments on the behavior, ADAR1 (p110) expression, and Htr2c RNA editing in isolated mice was examined.

Results

Both the protein expression and immune‐reactivity of ADAR1 (p110) in the amygdala decreased, but the percentage of Htr2c RNA editing at A and B sites of amygdala only showed a moderate increase in isolated BALB/c mice with enhanced aggressive behavior compared to the age‐matched group‐housed BALB/c mice. Additionally, treatment with the 5‐HT2CR antagonist SB243213/5‐HT2CR inverse agonist SB206553 recovered the enhanced aggressive behavior of isolated mice and returned the protein expression and immune‐reactivity of ADAR1 (p110) back to the normal level. Moreover, compared to the age‐matched isolated mice treated with physiological saline, isolated mice treated with 5‐HT2CR inverse agonist SB206553 showed a lower percentage of Htr2c RNA editing at both A and B sites, and the same result occurred in isolated mice treated with 5‐HT2CR antagonist SB243213 at B site of Htr2c RNA editing.

Conclusions

The 5‐HT2CR antagonist SB243213/5‐HT2CR inverse agonist SB206553 recovered increased aggressive behavior of isolated BALB/c mice mediated by ADAR1 (p110) expression and Htr2c RNA editing.
Challenges in the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Allen Jeffrey A. , Gorson Kenneth C. , Gelinas Deborah
Published: February 2018

Introduction

We explored adherence to the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) by reviewing data from a specialty pharmacy database.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and electrophysiologic data were reviewed for 65 consecutive patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for CIDP. Three neuromuscular neurologists independently classified cases according to EFNS/PNS criteria as (1) fulfilling CIDP criteria; (2) non‐CIDP (neither clinical nor electrophysiologic criteria met); or (3) unknown (insufficient information).

Results

Patients were treated by 31 different community neurologists in 14 states. Only seven patients (11%) met clinical and electrodiagnostic CIDP criteria. The remainder (89%) did not have CIDP (49%) or were unknown (40%). IVIG mean induction dose was 1.25 g/kg, mean maintenance dose 0.79 g/kg, and mean interval between infusions was 23 days.

Conclusions

Adherence to EFNS/PNS CIDP diagnostic and treatment guidelines in the general neurologic community was poor. Improved education and awareness of widely available CIDP guidelines are recommended.
Positional relationship between the pectoralis major and external abdominal oblique muscles for consideration during dual‐plane breast augmentation
Authors: Gil Young‐Chun , Lee Kang‐Woo , Chang Doo‐Yeoul , Park Sang‐Hyuk , Kim Hee‐Jin , Kim Hyoung‐Moon
Published: February 2018

During dual plane breast augmentation (DPBA), the costal origin of the pectoralis major (the PM) should be cut to ensure appropriate coverage and positioning of an implant. However, surgeons sometimes make inappropriate planar incisions and insufficient muscular incisions because the external abdominal oblique (the EAO) muscle partially overlaps the lateral portion of the PM. The goal of this study was to clarify the positional relationship between the PM and EAO with the aim of improving the accuracy of implant and muscular incisions during DPBA. Forty sides of 20 embalmed and fresh cadavers were dissected. The midline and midclavicular line (MCL) were used as reference lines for measurements. We clarified the overlapping patterns between the PM and EAO, and measured the distances from the MCL to the borders of those two muscles. The costal part of the PM originated from the 5th (25%), 6th (70%), or 7th rib (5%), respectively. The distances from the MCL to the lateral border of the PM at the 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs were 49.8 mm, 30.5 mm, and 6.3 mm, respectively. In 90% of the specimens, the PM and the EAO overlapped near the MCL. The width of the overlapping portion between the PM and EAO was about 25 mm. This study is one of the first to suggest an innovative approach for explaining the positional relationships between the PM and EAO. Our findings can be useful for surgeons attempting to produce optimal outcomes in DPBA, especially in procedures that involve patients of different races. Clin. Anat. 31:339–346, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The anatomy of the perineal branch of the sciatic nerve
Authors: Gibbs Christopher M. , Ginsburg Alexander D. , Wilson Thomas J. , Lachman Nirusha , Hevesi Mario , Spinner Robert J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: February 2018

A “perineal” branch of the sciatic nerve has been visualized during surgery, but there is currently no description of this nerve branch in the literature. Our study investigates the presence and frequency of occurrence of perineal innervation by the sciatic nerve and characterizes its anatomy in the posterior thigh. Fifteen cadavers were obtained for dissection. Descriptive results were recorded and analyzed statistically. Twenty‐one sciatic nerves were adequately anatomically preserved. Six sciatic nerves contained a perineal branch. Five sciatic nerves had a branch contributing to the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous (PFC) nerve. In specimens with adequate anatomical preservation, the perineal branch of the sciatic nerve passed posterior to the ischial tuberosity in three specimens and posterior to the conjoint tendon of the long head of biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles (conjoint tendon) in one. In specimens in which the perineal branch of the PFC nerve received a contribution from the sciatic nerve, the branch passed posterior to the sacrotuberous ligament in one case and posterior to the conjoint tendon in three. Unilateral nerve anatomy was found to be a poor predictor of contralateral anatomy (Cohen's kappa = 0.06). Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence and frequency of occurrence of the perineal branch of the sciatic nerve and a sciatic contribution to the perineal branch of the PFC nerve. Clinicians should be cognizant of this nerve and its varying anatomy so their practice is better informed. Clin. Anat. 31:357–363, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspirin and clopidogrel high on‐treatment platelet reactivity and genetic predictors in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Yeo Khung‐Keong , Armstrong Ehrin J. , López Javier E. , Chen Debbie C. , Westin Gregory G. , Li Chin‐Shang , Anderson David , Hua Amy , Singapuri Anil , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Laird John R.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Our aims were to examine the prevalence and genetic predictors of aspirin and clopidogrel high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (HoTPR), and associated adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Background

The association of aspirin and clopidogrel HoTPR with outcomes in PAD remains unclear.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of patients with angiographically documented PAD involving carotid and lower extremity arteries. Aspirin and clopidogrel HoTPR (using the VerifyNow Assay) and associated genetic predictors were compared to clinical outcomes. The primary end‐point was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events: all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization (TVR) and limb‐loss in patients who underwent extremity intervention.

Results

The study was stopped prematurely due to slow patient enrolment. Of 195 patients enrolled, the primary analysis was performed in 154 patients taking both drugs. Aspirin HoTPR was present in 31 (20%) and clopidogrel HoTPR in 76 (49%) patients. There was a trend toward more primary composite outcome events with PRU ≥ 235 (52% freedom‐from‐event rate vs. 70% for PRU < 235; P = 0.09). TVR was higher in those with PRU ≥ 235 (20 vs. 6%, unadjusted P = 0.02). There was no association between aspirin HoTPR and combined outcomes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 (PON1) gene was associated with aspirin HoTPR (P = 0.005) while SNP in phospholipase A2, group III (PLA2G3) gene was associated with clopidogrel HoTPR (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Clopidogrel HoTPR was significantly associated with TVR, while aspirin HoTPR was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with PAD.
Initial experience with the use of fractional flow reserve in the hemodynamic evaluation of transplant renal artery stenosis
Authors: Gomes Júnior Manuel Pereira Marques , Alves Cláudia Maria Rodrigues , Barbosa Adriano Henrique Pereira , Caixeta Adriano , Batista Marcelo Costa , Pestana José Osmar Medina , Carvalho Antônio Carlos
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe and standardize an original protocol for fractional flow reserve (FFR) pre and postangioplasty in an initial series of patients with clinically manifested transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS).

Background

There is no data in the literature about the use of FFR in TRAS.

Methods

Patients with TRAS detected in a noninvasive study were referred to diagnostic angiography and stenosis considered visually severe (≥ 60%) were included. After selective cannulation, a PressureWire 0.014” (Certus™—St. Jude Medical) was advanced to the distal portion of the vessel. Resting Pd/Pa ratio (ratio of mean distal to lesion and mean proximal pressures) and translesional systolic pressure gradient were obtained and FFR and hyperemic translesional systolic and mean pressure gradients (HSG and HMG) were registered after papaverine induced maximum hyperemia—pre and poststent implantation. Creatinine levels and office blood pressure measurements were registered at the baseline, 6 and 12 months after intervention.

Results

Ten consecutive patients had successful stent implantation and were included. After treatment, significant increase in FFR (0.76 ± 0.09 vs. 0.96 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) and reduction in systolic hyperemic gradients (–41.40 ± 19.18, P < 0.001) and mean (–24.00 ± 11.65, P < 0.001) were observed. A strong negative correlation was observed between FFR and percent stenosis diameter—%SD (r = –0.89, P < 0.001) and HSG (r = –0.9, P < 0.001) as well as a strong positive correlation between FFR and baseline Pd/Pa ratio (r = 0.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

FFR was a well‐tolerated, valid and reproducible tool during percutaneous intervention for TRAS. Good correlation was observed between FFR and others hemodynamic parameters of lesion severity.
Diagnosis and management of rare inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma guided by a novel minimally invasive vascular biopsy technique
Authors: Balaney Bhavna , Mitzman Brian , Fung John , Paul Jonathan D.
Published: February 2018

Primary vascular tumors such as vascular leiomyosarcomas are rare, but exhibit markedly different characteristics than tumors that invade the vasculature from a secondary source. Establishing a diagnosis is essential in determining the appropriate treatment plan, but obtaining a histologic specimen may prove challenging and carry significant risks. Minimally invasive endovascular biopsy techniques can be pivotal in the diagnosis—and thus in the management—of vascular tumors. We present a case of a primary inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma, not able to be adequately assessed by noninvasive imaging and deemed too risky to be approached with traditional percutaneous biopsy techniques. Accurate diagnosis of such tumors is critical, as the success of surgical resection, although high risk, depends greatly upon the type, location, and extent of malignancy.
First report of the use of long‐tapered sirolimus‐eluting coronary stent for the treatment of chronic total occlusions with the hybrid algorithm
Authors: Zivelonghi Carlo , van Kuijk Jan P. , Nijenhuis Vincent , Poletti Enrico , Suttorp Maarten J. , van der Heyden Jan A. S. , Eefting Frank D. , Rensing Benno J. , ten Berg Jurrien M. , Azzalini Lorenzo , van den Brink Floris S. , Ribichini Flavio , Colombo Antonio , Henriques José P. S. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco
Published: February 2018

Background

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) usually coexist with diffusely diseased coronary segments proximal and/or distal to the CTO segment. During percutaneous treatment of CTO, multiple overlapping stents are often needed to treat these long lesions.

Objectives

Aim of this study is to report the first use of long, tapered coronary sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) in this setting.

Methods and results

This is a retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients undergoing CTO recanalization following the hybrid algorithm. Procedural success rate was 89% (11 failures). Among the successful cases, “conventional” drug‐eluting stents(DES) were used in 40(44.9%) patients, while in 49(55%) patients long‐tapered SES were attempted with a success rate of 98% (1 cross‐over to regular stents). Total stent length in the long‐tapered DES group was higher compared to the “conventional” stenting group (76 ± 28 mm vs 46 ± 22 mm, P < .001), with a similar total number of stent (1.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.9 ± 0.8). At quantitative coronary analysis, proximal and distal segment involvement was more extended in patients undergoing long‐tapered stenting, with longer overall lesion length. No differences in periprocedural complications and clinical outcomes at a mean follow‐up of 303 ± 179 days were observed.

Conclusions

The use of long tapered coronary DES is technically feasible and safe for the percutaneous treatment of CTOs, especially for patients presenting with long lesions.
A retrospective study of radiation dose measurements comparing different cath lab X‐ray systems in a sample population of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions
Authors: McNeice Andrew H. , Brooks Matthew , Hanratty Colm G. , Stevenson Michael , Spratt James C. , Walsh Simon J.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

A retrospective study was performed to investigate if the generation of X‐ray system used was an independent factor for radiation dose in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

PCI procedures for CTOs are known to be associated with higher doses of radiation. The authors suspected progressive reductions in radiation doses for CTO PCI as newer X‐ray systems were introduced into clinical practice.

Methods

Procedures performed over a five‐year period by three interventional cardiologists were retrospectively reviewed. Five different X‐ray systems were used across three hospital sites. These included: Axiom Artis and Coroskop HIP (both Siemens), Innova (GE), Allura Xper FD 10, and Allura Clarity FD 10 (both Philips). Procedural and demographic data including body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), fluoroscopy time (min), and dose area product (DAP; cGycm2) were collated for each procedure. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the influence each X‐ray system would have on DAP values after BMI and fluoroscopy time were controlled for.

Results

In total, 860 procedures were analyzed. Mean fluoroscopy time was 40.00 ± 19.99 min, mean BMI was 29.90 ± 5.13 kg/m2, mean DAP 11,980 ± 7,947 cGycm2. Log values of DAP were used to normalize results in a general linear model. A significant statistical difference in DAP between X‐ray systems was demonstrated after fluoroscopy time and BMI were controlled for (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a significant impact on DAP values resulting from the generation of X‐ray system used, measured during PCI for CTOs, with the most modern systems producing the lowest radiation doses.
Combined mitral valve repair and heart transplantation
Authors: Sprengel Anke , Skwara Wojtek , Ziegelhöffer Tibor , Cetinkaya Ayse , Schönburg Markus , Richter Manfred
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

In times of donor organ shortage, organs with extended allocation criteria, for example, valve pathologies, have to be taken into consideration for transplantation. The donor pool can be extended to hearts with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve repair can rapidly be performed in the donor heart on the back table with excellent results.
Solitary metastasis of ampullary carcinoma to the spleen: a case report
Authors: Phan Tri M.
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Here, we report a first case of ampullary cancer with solitary metastasis of the spleen, which was successfully treated with pancreatoduodenectomy and splenectomy and was discharged 7 days after the operation with outpatient chemotherapy. In such cases, physicians should consider splenectomy as an effective treatment option.
Triple Noncovalent‐Interaction‐Containing Supramolecular Polymer Vesicle Chemosensors with Dynamically Tunable Detection Ranges
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wang Shuodong , Li Yanran , Yan Hongxia , Tian Wei
Published: February 2018

Chemosensors (CSs) with dynamically tunable detection ranges have important significance for their expansion in practical applications; however, most CSs possess an unchangeable detection limit. In this work, we report the first example of a supramolecular polymer vesicle (SPV) chemosensor with a dynamically tunable detection range. SPVs containing porphyrin (PP) moieties and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)/azobenzene (Azo) host–guest interactions were first constructed. The obtained SPVs were used to detect Zn2+ with a high selectivity and sensitivity over a wide detection limit range of 8.67×10−9 to 1.99×10−11 under UV light irradiation. The corresponding sensing mechanism was attributed to the synergistic effects of the triple noncovalent interactions, including the metal‐ligand coordination of PP/Zn2+ and the double host–guest interactions of β‐CD/Azo and β‐CD/PP.
Triarylamine‐Cored Dendritic Molecular Gel for Efficient Colorometric, Fluorometric, and Impedometeric Detection of Picric Acid
Authors: Mondal Sanjoy , Bairi Partha , Das Sujoy , Nandi Arun K.
Published: February 2018

Detection of nitroaromatics at ultralow concentration is a major security concern in defense, forensics, and environmental science. To this end, a new triarylamine‐cored dendritic gelator (OGR) was synthesized, which produced thermoreversible, thixotropic, and fluorescent gels in n‐octanol. On gelation, both π–π* transitions and the emission peak of the gelator show redshifts with a 4.5‐fold increase of fluorescence intensity in the gel state indicating J‐aggregation. The nitrogen lone‐pair electrons of OGR make it a donor, and electron transfer occurs to acceptor nitroaromatics causing fluorescence quenching, which is further promoted due to its acidity. The Stern–Volmer rate constants measured for different nitroaromatics showed that it senses picric acid (PA) best. The contact‐mode technique with OGR‐treated paper strips can allow naked‐eye detection of PA under UV light down to 10−11 m concentration within 30 s. Reusability of the gel is achieved by treating OGR@PAx with NaOH solution. Impedance spectroscopic results indicated a decrease of both charge‐transport resistance and Warburg impedance on successive addition of PA. The limits of detection of PA determined from fluorescence and impedance measurements match well. Thus, the OGR gel is a reusable, low‐cost, specific sensor for PA by naked‐eye colorimetric, fluorescence, and impedance techniques.
Fast and Selective Heavy Metal Removal by a Novel Metal‐Organic Framework Designed with In‐Situ Ligand Building Block Fabrication Bearing Free Nitrogen
Authors: Rouhani Farzaneh , Morsali Ali
Published: February 2018

Fast and effective adsorbents for the selective removal of HgII and PbII ions were prepared by the reaction of Zn(NO3)2⋅6H2O, H2BDC, and N1,N2‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene) ethane‐1,2‐diamine (L) that yields an unprecedented two‐dimensional layer‐based supramolecular framework, {Zn(BDC)(L*)}⋅DMF (TMU‐40), by solvothermal reaction. The formation of this framework involved an in situ C=C coupling of L to L* [L*=5,6‐di(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazine]. As L* contains free nitrogen atoms, direct reaction of L* and metals led to metallated products. Post‐synthetic modification of this novel MOF (TMU‐40) with H2O2 gives a new framework (O‐TMU‐40) by same structure and different ligand, which also bears free nitrogen atoms. FTIR spectra, TGA analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Zeta Potential analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize the prepared frameworks. The TMU‐40 and O‐TMU‐40 frameworks were used for heavy‐metal removal from aqueous solutions. Maximum adsorption values of 269 mg g−1 for HgII with TMU‐40 and 215 mg g−1 for PbII with O‐TMU‐40 were achieved in 10 min at 298 Kwithout changes in the pH of the adsorption medium with pseudo‐second order kinetics based on the Langmuir model. The extremely fast kinetics of TMU‐40 means this adsorbent can reduce heavily contaminated water containing HgII concentrations of 40 ppm down to the acceptable limit of 2 ppb.
Iron Carbides and Nitrides: Ancient Materials with Novel Prospects
Authors: Ye Zhantong , Zhang Peng , Lei Xiang , Wang Xiaobai , Zhao Nan , Yang Hua
Published: February 2018

Iron carbides and nitrides have aroused great interest in researchers, due to their excellent magnetic properties, good machinability and the particular catalytic activity. Based on these advantages, iron carbides and nitrides can be applied in various areas such as magnetic materials, biomedical, photo‐ and electrocatalysis. In contrast to their simple elemental composition, the synthesis of iron carbides and nitrides still has great challenges, particularly at the nanoscale, but it is usually beneficial to improve performance in corresponding applications. In this review, we introduce the investigations about iron carbides and nitrides, concerning their structure, synthesis strategy and various applications from magnetism to the catalysis. Furthermore, the future prospects are also discussed briefly.
Enantiospecific Three‐Component Alkylation of Furan and Indole
Authors: Silvi Mattia , Schrof Raffael , Noble Adam , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: February 2018

Furan‐ and indole‐derived boronate complexes react with alkyl iodides under radical (photoredox) or polar (SN2) conditions to generate three‐component alkylation products with high efficiency and complete stereospecificity. The methodology allows the incorporation of versatile functional groups such as nitriles, ketones, esters, sulfones, and amides, providing rapid access to complex chiral heteroaromatic molecules in enantioenriched form. Interestingly, while indolyl boronate complexes react directly with alkyl halides in a polar pathway, furyl boronates require photoredox catalysis. Careful mechanistic analysis revealed that the boronate complex not only serves as a substrate in the reaction but also acts as a reductive quencher for the excited state of the photocatalyst.
The Doctrine of the Mean: Workplace Relationships and Turnover Intention
Authors: Lai Fong‐Yi , Lu Szu‐Chi , Lin Cheng‐Chen , Lee Yu‐Chin
Published: February 2018

The present study examines the curvilinear relationships between LMX/TMX and team members' turnover intention simultaneously. That is, members with high LMX, TMX, or both are more likely to have turnover intention. Hypotheses were tested with a sample of 452 nurses, and we adopted the response surface methodology and polynomial regression to test our theoretical model. The hierarchical regression analysis showed that TMX has a U‐shaped relationship with turnover intention but not with LMX. In addition, the results indicate that both the congruence and incongruence of LMX and TMX result in higher turnover intention, but moderate levels of LMX and TMX have the lowest turnover intention. Strengths, limitations, practical implications, and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixing in a co‐current upflow bubble column reactors with and without internals
Authors: Bhusare Vishal H. , Kalaga Dinesh V. , Dhiman Mukesh K. , Joshi Jyestharaj B. , Roy Shantanu
Published: February 2018

Liquid phase mixing is a phenomenon that results mainly due to convective and turbulent flow fields, which are generated by hydrodynamic interactions between the gas and liquid phases within a continuous co‐current upflow bubble column reactor. The extent of liquid phase mixing is usually quantified through the mixing time, or the axial dispersion coefficient. In the present work, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for mixing and RTD in a continuous bubble column (with and without internals) are performed by using OpenFOAM 2.3.1. The superficial gas velocities were 0.014, 0.088, and 0.221 m/s and the superficial liquid velocities were 0.005 and 0.014 m/s. The simulations have been performed for three different configurations of the bubble column, that is, (a) an open bubble column, (b) a column with one vertical central rod of 36 mm diameter, (c) a column with the same central rod and four vertical additional rods of 12 mm diameter. The effects of superficial gas and liquid velocities and column internals were investigated on liquid phase mixing and the axial dispersion coefficient. Comparisons have been made between the experimental measurements and the CFD simulations.