bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Templating Fabrication of Hollow SAPO‐34 Molecular Sieves for Enhanced MTO Catalytic Activity and Selectivity
Authors: Yang Hong , Miao Ping , Sun Qi , Zhang Yi , Tian Dayong
Published: December 2018

Micron‐sized SAPO‐34 zeolites with hollow morphology are first prepared using triethylamine (TEA) and diethylamine hydrochloride (DEA·HCl) as dual templates via a facial one‐pot hydrothermal treatment. It is revealed that the morphology and crystal size of the obtained zeolites change significantly with the increased DEA·HCl/Al2O3 ratio. Due to the reduced diffusion distance, larger micropore volume, and slightly stronger acid strength, the hollow materials demonstrate greatly enhanced catalytic activity in the methanol‐to‐olefins reaction. Because of the simple synthesis procedure, this method is of great importance and has the potential to be scaled up to an industrial level.
Synthesis of Quinolines Through Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling Catalyzed by Rhenium PN(H)P Complexes
Authors: Wei Duo , Dorcet Vincent , Darcel Christophe , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste
Published: December 2018

A practical and sustainable synthesis of substituted quinolines was achieved through the annulation of 2‐aminobenzyl alcohol with various secondary alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, or nitriles, under hydrogen‐borrowing conditions. Under the catalysis of well‐defined rhenium complexes bearing tridentate diphosphinoamino ligands, the reaction proceeded efficiently (31 examples were isolated with yields up to 96 %) affording a variety of quinoline derivatives.
Amputation‐induced reactive oxygen species signaling is required for axolotl tail regeneration
Authors: Al Haj Baddar Nour W. , Chithrala Adarsh , Voss S. Randal
Published: December 2018

Background

Among vertebrates, salamanders are unparalleled in their ability to regenerate appendages throughput life. However, little is known about early signals that initiate regeneration in salamanders.

Results

Ambystoma mexicanum embryos were administered tail amputations to investigate the timing of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the requirement of ROS for regeneration. ROS detected by dihydroethidium increased within minutes of axolotl tail amputation and levels remained high for 24 hr. Pharmacological inhibition of ROS producing enzymes with diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and VAS2870 reduced ROS levels. Furthermore, DPI treatment reduced cellular proliferation and inhibited tail outgrowth.

Conclusions

The results show that ROS levels increase in response to injury and are required for tail regeneration. These findings suggest that ROS provide instructive, if not initiating cues, for salamander tail regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 248:189‐196, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic disorders in heart failure and cancer
Authors: Lena Alessia , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Markus S.
Published: December 2018

In an aging population, the number of patients affected by heart failure and cancer is constantly increasing and together these two conditions account for more than 50% of all deaths worldwide. Both diseases share similar risk factors including smoking, obesity, and hypertension. Presenting symptoms may also be similar, with patients frequently complaining of dyspnea, fatigue, and anorexia. Many affected patients, especially those with more advanced heart failure or cancer, suffer also from metabolic disorders. These can lead eventually to muscle wasting, sarcopenia, and cachexia. These complications are associated with increased morbidity, a poorer quality of life, a worse prognosis and indeed they represent an independent risk factor for the advancement of the underlying disease itself. Very few therapeutic options have been established to treat these co‐morbidities. For sarcopenia the only validated treatment is resistance training. Moreover, there is currently no guideline recommended therapy for the treatment of cachexia. New treatment strategies are urgently needed to prevent and treat muscle and wasting disorders in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and chronic heart failure.
Propofol attenuates postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating spinal GluN2B‐p38MAPK/EPAC1 pathway in an animal model of postoperative pain
Authors: Wong Stanley S.‐C. , Sun Liting , Qiu Qiu , Gu Pan , Li Qing , Wang Xiao‐Min , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: December 2018

Background

Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol has been shown to reduce postoperative pain in some clinical studies, but knowledge of its underlying analgesic mechanism remains limited. In this study, we compared the analgesic effects of propofol versus isoflurane in an animal model of postoperative pain and evaluated its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Plantar incision was made in the hind paws of rats under general anesthesia with 2.5% of inhalational isoflurane (isoflurane group) or intravenous infusion of propofol (1.5 mg kg−1 min−1, propofol group). Mechanical allodynia was assessed by paw withdrawal threshold before and after incision. Spinal dorsal horns (L3–L5) were harvested 1 hr after incision to assess the level of phosphorylated GluN2B, p38MAPK, ERK, JNK, and EPAC using Western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results

Mechanical allodynia induced by plantar incision peaked at 1 hr and lasted for 3 days after incision. It was significantly less in the propofol group compared with the isoflurane group in the first 2 hr following incision. The incision‐induced increases in phosphorylated GluN2B, p38MAPK, and EPAC1 were significantly reduced in the propofol group. The number of spinal dorsal neurons co‐expressed with EPAC1 and c‐Fos after the incision was significantly lower in the propofol group.

Conclusion

Propofol reduced pain responses in an animal model of postoperative pain and suppressed the spinal GluN2B‐p38MAPK/EPAC1 signaling pathway. Since the p38MAPK/EPAC pathway plays a critical role in the development of postoperative hyperalgesia, our results provide evidence‐based behavioral, molecular, and cellular mechanisms for the analgesic effects of propofol when used for general anesthesia.

Significance

These findings may provide a new mechanism for the postsurgical analgesic effect of propofol, which is particularly interesting during the subacute period after surgery as it is the critical period for the development of persistent postsurgical pain.
Landing pages that convert
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: December 2018

If you're creating a specific ad campaign, whether email, paid search, social, print, or out of home (e.g., billboards), a smart way to boost conversions is to build a corresponding landing page. Here are a few things to think about as you plan a campaign or two of your own.
Book review: Facts, statistics can change the way you see the world
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: December 2018

I recently read an article about Bill Gates making a gift of the book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World — and Why Things Are Better Than You Think to every graduating senior from an American college and university in 2018. My curiosity was piqued. I bought and read the book. I don't often review books, but this is one that I feel is worth sharing with the readers of this publication.
Onboard online students to set them up for success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2018

ORLANDO — When students are accepted to Indiana University, they receive a big welcome packet in the mail with #IUsaidYes printed on the outside. For traditional‐aged students, an on‐campus orientation follows in the summer, said Mitchell Farmer, assistant director of campus partner programs in the Office of Online Education at IU. He spoke at the Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference, along with Julia Sanders, principal instructional designer.
Create a space to uncover unconscious bias to advance racial equity on campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Unconscious bias lives in all of us,” said Mee Moua, principal at Interdependent Group LLC and consultant at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, at a session on advancing racial equity presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Investigating predictive tools for refinery effluent hazard assessment using stream mesocosms
Authors: Cailleaud Kevin , Bassères Anne , Gelber Clémentine , Postma Jaap F. , ter Schure Anneke T.M. , Leonards Pim E.G. , Redman Aaron D. , Whale Graham F. , Spence Mike J. , Hjort Markus
Published: December 2018

Hazard assessment of refinery effluents is challenging because of their compositional complexity. Therefore, a weight-of-evidence approach using a combination of tools is often required. Previous research has focused on several predictive tools for sophisticated chemical analyses: biomimetic extraction to quantify the potentially bioaccumulative substances, 2-dimensional gas chromatography, modeling approaches to link oil composition to toxicity (PETROTOX), and whole-effluent toxicity assessments using bioassays. The present study investigated the value of these tools by comparing predicted effects to actual effects observed in stream mesocosm toxicity studies with refinery effluents. Three different effluent samples, with and without fortification by neat petroleum substances, were tested in experimental freshwater streams. The results indicate that the biological community shifted at higher exposure levels, consistent with chronic toxicity effects predicted by both modeled toxic units and potentially bioaccumulative substance measurements. The present study has demonstrated the potential of the predictive tools and the robustness of the stream mesocosm design to improve our understanding of the environmental hazards posed by refinery effluents. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:650–659. © 2018 SETAC
The effect of jujube powder incorporation on the chemical, rheological, and sensory properties of toffee
Authors: Bahrasemani Koohestani Mahdieh , Sahari Mohammad A. , Barzegar Mohsen
Published: December 2018

One of the major problems caused by the consumption of toffee is its high sugar content. So, great efforts have been made to replace sugar in toffee with bioactive ingredients. To the best of our knowledge, there is no research relevant to the application of jujube powder as sugar replacer in toffee. In this study, the sugar content of the toffee was replaced with the jujube powder in six different levels 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, and the physico‐chemical, rheological, and sensory properties of the toffee were evaluated. The results showed that the fat, raw energy,pH, color (L*,a*,b*), sucrose, and firmness of the toffee samples decreased by increasing the percentage of jujube powder in the formulas but their moisture, water activity, ash, protein, glucose, and fructose increased. The rheological results revealed that storage modulus (G′) was greater than loss modulus (G″), which represents the elastic behavior (solid‐like) of the samples. Also storage modulus (G′) of the control sample (jujube powder instead of 0% sugar) was greater than that the other samples. On the other hand, the firmness of the samples was decreased by increasing the percent of jujube powder. According to the chemical and rheological results, samplesIIIandIV(jujube powder instead of 40% and 60% sugar, respectively) were selected as optimum samples. Then the sensory properties were compared to that of control. No significant difference observed in chewiness, taste, flavor, sweetness, color, after‐taste, and overall acceptance between the control and the two other samples.
A concise and persistent feature to study brain resting‐state network dynamics: Findings from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Kuang Liqun , Han Xie , Chen Kewei , Caselli Richard J. , Reiman Eric M. , Wang Yalin ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in the elderly with no effective treatment currently. Recent studies of noninvasive neuroimaging, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) with graph theoretical analysis have shown that patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit disrupted topological organization in large‐scale brain networks. In previous work, it is a common practice to threshold such networks. However, it is not only difficult to make a principled choice of threshold values, but also worse is the discard of potential important information. To address this issue, we propose a threshold‐free feature by integrating a prior persistent homology‐based topological feature (the zeroth Betti number) and a newly defined connected component aggregation cost feature to model brain networks over all possible scales. We show that the induced topological feature (Integrated Persistent Feature) follows a monotonically decreasing convergence function and further propose to use its slope as a concise and persistent brain network topological measure. We apply this measure to study rs‐fMRI data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and compare our approach with five other widely used graph measures across five parcellation schemes ranging from 90 to 1,024 region‐of‐interests. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed network measure shows more statistical power and stronger robustness in group difference studies in that the absolute values of the proposed measure of AD are lower than MCI and much lower than normal controls, providing empirical evidence for decreased functional integration in AD dementia and MCI.
Neuroanatomical deficits shared by youth with autism spectrum disorders and psychotic disorders
Authors: Díaz‐Caneja Covadonga M. , Schnack Hugo , Martínez Kenia , Santonja Javier , Alemán‐Gomez Yasser , Pina‐Camacho Laura , Moreno Carmen , Fraguas David , Arango Celso , Parellada Mara , Janssen Joost
Published: December 2018

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and early‐onset psychosis (EOP) are neurodevelopmental disorders that share genetic, clinical and cognitive facets; it is unclear if these disorders also share spatially overlapping cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) abnormalities. MRI scans of 30 ASD, 29 patients with early‐onset first‐episode psychosis (EO‐FEP) and 26 typically developing controls (TD) (age range 10–18 years) were analyzed by the FreeSurfer suite to calculate vertex‐wise estimates of CT, SA, and cortical volume. Two publicly available datasets of ASD and EOP (age range 7–18 years and 5–17 years, respectively) were used for replication analysis. ASD and EO‐FEP had spatially overlapping areas of cortical thinning and reduced SA in the bilateral insula (allp’s < .00002); 37% of all left insular vertices presenting with significant cortical thinning and 20% (left insula) and 61% (right insula) of insular vertices displaying decreased SA overlapped across both disorders. In both disorders, SA deficits contributed more to cortical volume decreases than reductions in CT did. This finding, as well as the novel finding of an absence of spatial overlap (for ASD) or marginal overlap (for EOP) of deficits in CT and SA, was replicated in the two nonoverlapping independent samples. The insula appears to be a region with transdiagnostic vulnerability for deficits in CT and SA. The finding of nonexistent or small spatial overlap between CT and SA deficits in young people with ASD and psychosis may point to the involvement of common aberrant early neurodevelopmental mechanisms in their pathophysiology.
Characterizing the role of the pre‐SMA in the control of speed/accuracy trade‐off with directed functional connectivity mapping and multiple solution reduction
Authors: Weigard Alexander , Beltz Adriene , Reddy Sukruth Nagarimadugu , Wilson Stephen J.
Published: December 2018

Several plausible theories of the neural implementation of speed/accuracy trade‐off (SAT), the phenomenon in which individuals may alternately emphasize speed or accuracy during the performance of cognitive tasks, have been proposed, and multiple lines of evidence point to the involvement of the pre‐supplemental motor area (pre‐SMA). However, as the nature and directionality of the pre‐SMA's functional connections to other regions involved in cognitive control and task processing are not known, its precise role in the top‐down control of SAT remains unclear. Although recent advances in cross‐sectional path modeling provide a promising way of characterizing these connections, such models are limited by their tendency to produce multiple equivalent solutions. In a sample of healthy adults (N = 18), the current study uses the novel approach of Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation for Multiple Solutions (GIMME‐MS) to assess directed functional connections between the pre‐SMA, other regions previously linked to control of SAT, and regions putatively involved in evidence accumulation for the decision task. Results reveal a primary role of the pre‐SMA for modulating activity in regions involved in the decision process but suggest that this region receives top‐down input from the DLPFC. Findings also demonstrate the utility of GIMME‐MS and solution‐reduction methods for obtaining valid directional inferences from connectivity path models.
Economic conditions and sleep
Authors: Niekamp Paul
Published: December 2018

This paper uses the American Time Use Survey from 2003 to 2015 to analyze the effect of economic conditions on sleep duration. Prior work has found that increases in the employment rate cause sleep duration of individuals to fall. No previous research considers that weekday sleep behavior and weekend sleep behavior may be differentially related to economic conditions. Estimates suggest that weekday sleep duration is indeed countercylical whereas weekend sleep duration is procyclical. Results are driven by individuals most susceptible to economic fluctuations: minorities, single adults, and individuals with less education. Differential results concerning economic conditions and sleep by day type may be one mechanism for which to expect economic conditions to impact other sleep‐related outcomes diversely depending on day of the week.
Acute Hepatic Porphyrias: Review and Recent Progress
Authors: Wang Bruce , Rudnick Sean , Cengia Brent , Bonkovsky Herbert L.
Published: December 2018

The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of four inherited diseases of heme biosynthesis that present with episodic, acute neurovisceral symptoms. The four types are 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase deficiency porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. Their diagnoses are often missed or delayed because the clinical symptoms mimic other more common disorders. Recent results indicate that acute intermittent porphyria, the most severe of the more common types of AHP, is more prevalent than previously thought, occurring in about 1 in 1600 Caucasians, but with low clinical penetrance (approximately 2%‐3%). Here we provide an updated review of relevant literature and discuss recent and emerging advances in treatment of these disorders. Symptomatic attacks occur primarily in females between 14 and 45 years of age. AHP is diagnosed by finding significantly elevated levels of porphyrin precursors ALA and porphobilinogen in urine. Acute attacks should be treated promptly with intravenous heme therapy to avoid the development of potentially irreversible neurologic sequelae. All patients should be counseled about avoiding potential triggers for acute attacks and monitored regularly for the development of long‐term complications. Their first‐degree relatives should undergo targeted gene testing. Patients who suffer recurrent acute attacks can be particularly challenging to manage. Approximately 20% of patients with recurrent symptoms develop chronic and ongoing pain and other symptoms. We discuss newer treatment options in development, including small interfering RNA, to down‐regulate ALA synthase‐1 and/or wild‐type messenger RNA of defective genes delivered selectively to hepatocytes for these patients. We expect that the newer treatments will diminish and perhaps obviate the need for liver transplantation as treatment of these inborn metabolic disorders.
Corrosion Control when Using Passively Treated Abandoned Mine Drainage as Alternative Makeup Water for Cooling Systems
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Kai , Chien Shih‐Hsiang , Li Heng , Monnell Jason D. , Dzombak David A. , Vidic Radisav D.
Published: December 2018

Passively treated abandoned mine drainage (AMD) is a promising alternative to fresh water as power plant cooling water system makeup water in mining regions where such water is abundant. Passive treatment and reuse of AMD can avoid the contamination of surface water caused by discharge of abandoned mine water, which typically is acidic and contains high concentrations of metals, especially iron. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of reusing passively treated AMD in cooling systems with respect to corrosion control through laboratory experiments and pilot‐scale field testing. The results showed that, with the addition of the inhibitor mixture orthophosphate and tolyltriazole, mild steel and copper corrosion rates were reduced to acceptable levels (<0.127 mm/y and <0.0076 mm/y, respectively). Aluminum had pitting corrosion problems in every condition tested, while cupronickel showed that, even in the absence of any inhibitor and in the presence of the biocide monochloramine, its corrosion rate was still very low (0.018 mm/y).
Stepwise Calibration of the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 at a Partially Denitrifying Large Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Fall C. , Espinosa‐Rodriguez M. A. , Flores‐Alamo N. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Hooijmans C. M.
Published: December 2018

Activated sludge modeling technology is maturing; however, currently, there exists a great need to increase its use in daily engineering practice worldwide. A good way for building the capacities of the practitioners is to promote good modeling practices and standardize the protocols. In this study, a systematic procedure was proposed to calibrate the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) at a large wastewater treatment plant, by which the model adequately predicted the quality of the effluent and the sludge quantities. A hydraulics model was set up and validated through a tracer test. The Vesilind settling constants were measured and combined with the default value of the flocculent zone settling parameter, to calibrate the clarifiers. A virtual anoxic tank was installed in the return activated sludge to mimic the denitrification occurring in the settlers. In ASM1, the calibrated parameters were only two influent chemical oxygen demand fractions and one kinetic constant (oxygen half‐saturation coefficient).
Dynamic specification tests for dynamic factor models
Authors: Fiorentini Gabriele , Sentana Enrique
Published: December 2018

We derive computationally simple expressions for score tests of misspecification in parametric dynamic factor models using frequency domain techniques. We interpret those diagnostics as time domain moment tests which assess whether certain autocovariances of the smoothed latent variables match their theoretical values under the null of correct model specification. We also reinterpret reduced‐form residual tests as checking specific restrictions on structural parameters. Our Gaussian tests are robust to nonnormal, independent innovations. Monte Carlo exercises confirm the finite‐sample reliability and power of our proposals. Finally, we illustrate their empirical usefulness in an application that constructs a US coincident indicator.
NEFLb impairs early nervous system development via regulation of neuron apoptosis in zebrafish
Authors: Wang Su , Ji Dongrui , Yang Qingyun , Li Mingyue , Ma Zengyu , Zhang Shicui , Li Hongyan
Published: December 2018

Neurofilament light chain (NEFL), a subunit of neurofilament, has been shown to play an important role in pathogenic neurodegenerative disease and in radial axonal growth. However, information remains largely lacking regarding the function of NEFL in early development to date. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of two nefl genes,
nefla and
neflb, in zebrafish, generated by fish‐specific third round genome duplication. These duplicated
nefl genes were predominantly expressed in the nervous system with an overlapping and distinct expression pattern. Both gene knockdown and rescue experiments show that it was
neflb rather than
nefla that played an indispensable role in nervous system development. It was also found that
neflb knockdown resulted in striking apoptosis of the neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to morphological defects such as brain structure disorder and trunk bending. Thus, we report a previously uncharacterized role of NEFL that NEFLb impairs the early development of zebrafish nervous system via regulation of the neuron apoptosis in the brain and spinal cord.
The prognostic potential of long noncoding RNA HOTAIR expression in human digestive system carcinomas: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdeahad Hossein , Avan Amir , Pashirzad Mehran , Khazaei Majid , Soleimanpour Saman , Ferns Gordon A. , Fiuji Hamid , Ryzhikov Mikhail , Bahrami Afsane , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi
Published: December 2018

Homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), one of the well‐known long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), plays an important role in initiation and development of various tumors. Elevated level of HOTAIR is associated with metastatic behavior of primary tumor and poor outcome in several cancers. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to clearly measure the prognostic impact of HOTAIR in patients with digestive system carcinomas. Fourteen studies including 2,666 patients with five different type of digestive system cancers were selected to be entered in meta‐analysis. Finding demonstrated that HOTAIR overexpression could predict unfavorable outcome in digestive system carcinomas (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0–2.9; p < 0.001; fixed‐effect model). In stratified analysis, increased level of HOTAIR predicted poor overall survival in gastric cancer (HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.9; p < 0.001), colorectal cancer (HR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.6–10.2; p = 0.002), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7–3.0; p < 0.001), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.9–6.1; p < 0.001). Our meta‐analysis results clearly support the prognostic value of HOTAIR to predict unfavorable prognostic outcomes in diverse digestive system carcinomas.
Biocatalytic electrode improvement strategies in microbial fuel cell systems
Authors: Breheny Mark , Bowman Kyle , Farahmand Nasim , Gomaa Ola , Keshavarz Taj , Kyazze Godfrey
Published: December 2018

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) produce electricity as a result of the microbial metabolism of organic substrates, hence they represent a sustainable approach for energy production and waste treatment. If the technology is to be implemented in industry, low cost and sustainable bioelectrodes must be developed to increase power output, increase waste treatment capacity, and improve service intervals. Although the current application of abiotic electrode catalysts, such as platinum and electrode binders such as Nafion leads to greater MFC performance, their use is cost prohibitive. Novel bioelectrodes which use cost effective and sustainable materials are being developed. These electrodes are developed with the intention to reduce start‐up time, reduce costs, extend life‐span and improve core MFC performance metrics (i.e. power density, current density, chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and Coulombic efficiency (CE)). Comparison of different MFC systems is not an easy task. This is due to variations in MFC design, construction, operation, and different inocula (in the case of mixed‐culture MFCs). This high intra‐system variability should be considered when assessing MFC data, operation and performance. This review article examines the major issues surrounding bioanode and biocathode improvement in different MFC systems, with the ultimate goal of streamlining and standardising improvement processes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Tailored‐design Synthesis of Sulfapyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Azzam Rasha A.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we report an efficient and convenient approach for the synthesis of tailored‐design target sulfapyrimidine derivatives expected to show remarkable antimicrobial activities. The approach is based on reacting arylsulfonyl guanidine with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds to afford N‐(4,6‐diarylpyrimidin‐2‐yl)arylsulfonamide or with ylidene derivatives to afford N‐(6‐aryl‐5‐cyanopyrimidin‐2‐yl)arylsulfonamide, N‐(4‐amino‐5‐cyano‐6‐(methylthio)‐pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐arylsulfonamide, and N‐(5‐cyanopyrimidin‐2‐yl)arylsulfonamide compounds through Michael addition reaction. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was confirmed from spectral data and elemental analysis.
Social franchising of community‐based HIV testing and linkage to HIV care and treatment services: an evaluation of a pilot study in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Shamu Simukai , Farirai Thato , Kuwanda Locadiah , Slabbert Jean , Guloba Geoffrey , Johnson Suzanne , Khupakonke Sikhulile , Masihleho Nomea , Kamera Julius , Nkhwashu Nkhensani
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Although HIV testing services (HTS) have been successfully task‐shifted to lay counsellors, no model has tested the franchising of HTS to lay counsellors as independent small‐scale business owners. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a social franchisee (SF) HTS‐managed pilot project compared to the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) employee‐managed HTS programme in testing and linking clients to care.

Methods

Unemployed, formally employed or own business individuals were engaged as franchisees, trained and supported to deliver HTS services under a common brand in high HIV‐prevalent communities in Tshwane district between 2016 and 2017. SFs were remunerated per‐HIV test and received larger payments per‐HIV‐positive client linked to care. In the standard HTS, FPD employed counsellors received similar training and observed similar standards as in the SF HTS, but were remunerated through the normal payroll. We assessed the proportion of clients tested, HIV positivity, linkage to care and per‐counsellor cost of HIV test and linkage to care in the two HTS groups.

Results

The SF HTS had 19 HIV counsellors while FPD HTS employed 20. A combined total of 84,556 clients were tested by SFs (50.5%: 95% confidence interval (CI) 50.2 to 50.8)) and FPD (49.5%: 49.2 to 49.8). SFs tested more females than FPD (54.1%: 53.6 to 54.6 vs. 48%: 47.7 to 48.7). SFs identified more first‐time testers than FPD (21.5%: 21.1 to 21.9 vs. 8.9%: 8.6 to 9.1). Overall, 8%: 7.9 to 8.2 tested positive with more clients testing positive in the SF (10.2%: 9.9 to 10.5) than FPD (5.9%: 5.6 to 6.1) group. The SFs identified more female HIV‐positive clients (11.1%: 10.7 to 11.6) than FPD (6.5%: 6.2 to 6.9). The SFs linked fewer clients to HIV care and treatment (60.0%: 58.5 to 61.5) than FPD (80.3%: 78.7 to 81.9%). It cost four times less to conduct an HIV test using SFs ($3.90 per SF HIV test) than FPD ($13.98) and five times less to link a client to care with SFs ($62.74) than FPD ($303.13).

Conclusions

SF HTS was effective in identifying more clients, first‐time HIV testers and more HIV‐positive people, but less effective in linking clients to care than FPD HTS. The SF HTS model was cheaper than the FPD‐employee model. We recommend strengthening SFs particularly their linkage to care activities.
One‐step analysis of brain perfusion and function for acute stroke patients after reperfusion: A resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhou Junshan , Zhang Hong , Chen Yuchen , Mao Cunnan , Chen Xiangliang , Ni Ling , Zhuo Zhizheng , Zhang Yingdong , Geng Wen , Yin Xindao , Lv Yating
Published: December 2018

Background

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) can noninvasively estimate the perfusion and function of the brain.

Purpose

To investigate the perfusion and functional status using rs‐fMRI in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after reperfusion therapy.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐five AIS patients who underwent dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) upon hospital admission and both rs‐fMRI and DSC scans at 24 hours after reperfusion therapy.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; DSC, rs‐fMRI.

Assessment

The time delay of the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal was calculated using time‐shift‐analysis (TSA) and compared with the time to peak (TTP) derived from the DSC. For patients who exhibited partial or complete reperfusion in the supratentorial hemisphere, we quantified the function of different regions (healthy tissue, reperfused tissue, not reperfused tissue) by using three rs‐fMRI measurements (functional connectivity, the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation [ALFF] and regional homogeneity [ReHo]). Correlations between the functional measurements and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were calculated.

Statistical Tests

Dice coefficient (DC) analysis, two‐sample t‐tests, Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Twelve patients who exhibited complete reperfusion on their TTP maps showed no time‐delayed areas on the TSA maps. For the remaining 13 patients with partial reperfusion (5/13) or no reperfusion (8/13) on the TTP maps, the TSA detected comparable time‐delayed areas. Eleven out of 13 patients showed moderate to good overlap (mean DC, 0.58 ± 0.1) between the TTP and TSA results. Fourteen patients were chosen for functional analyses and most patients (12/14) showed abnormal functional connectivity in the reperfused regions. The reperfused and not reperfused tissues had lower mean ReHo values than those of the healthy tissue (both P < 0.001). The mRS scores showed negative correlation with mean ReHo values of reperfused region (R = –0.523, P = 0.027).

Data Conclusion

rs‐fMRI might be a useful way to estimate both the perfusion and functional status for AIS patients after reperfusion therapy.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:221–229.
Seed prioritized unwrapping (SPUN) for MR phase imaging
Authors: Ye Yongquan , Zhou Fei , Zong Jinguang , Lyu Jingyuan , Chen Yanling , Zhang Shuheng , Zhang Weiguo , He Qiang , Li Xueping , Li Ming , Zhang Qinglei , Qing Zhao , Zhang Bing
Published: December 2018

Background

Region‐growing‐based phase unwrapping methods have the potential for lossless phase aliasing removal, but generally suffer from unwrapping error propagation associated with discontinuous phase and/or long calculation times. The tradeoff point between robustness and efficiency of phase unwrapping methods in the region‐growing category requires improvement.

Purpose

To demonstrate an accurate, robust, and efficient region‐growing phase unwrapping method for MR phase imaging applications.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects, Phantom

normal human subjects (10) / brain surgery patients (2) / water phantoms / computer simulation.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/gradient echo sequences (2D and 3D).

Assessment

A seed prioritized unwrapping (SPUN) method was developed based on single‐region growing, prioritizing only a portion (eg, 100 seeds or 1% seeds) of available seed voxels based on continuity quality during each region‐growing iteration. Computer simulation, phantom, and in vivo brain and pelvis scans were performed. The error rates, seed percentages, and calculation times were recorded and reported. SPUN unwrapped phase images were visually evaluated and compared with Laplacian unwrapped results.

Statistical Tests

Monte Carlo simulation was performed on a 3D dipole phase model with a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 1–9 dB, to obtain the mean and standard deviation of calculation error rates and calculation times.

Results

Simulation revealed a very robust unwrapping performance of SPUN, reaching an error rate of <0.4% even with SNR as low as 1 dB. For all in vivo data, SPUN was able to robustly unwrap the phase images of modest SNR and complex morphology with visually minimal errors and fast calculation speed (eg, <4 min for 368 × 312 × 128 data) when using a proper seed priority number, eg, Nsp = 1 or 10 voxels for 2D and Nsp = 1% for 3D data.

Data Conclusion

SPUN offers very robust and fast region‐growing‐based phase unwrapping, and does not require any tissue masking or segmentation, nor poses a limitation over imaging parameters.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:62–70.
Viral respiratory infections diagnosed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction in pediatric patients
Authors: Appak Özgür , Duman Murat , Belet Nurşen , Sayiner Ayça Arzu
Published: December 2018

Syndromic diagnosis by multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests is the most practical approach to respiratory tract infections since the symptoms are rarely agent‐specific. The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory viruses in children admitted to a university hospital with acute respiratory tract infection during the last 8 years by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A total of 3162 respiratory samples collected from children between April 2011 and April 2018 tested by a multiplex real‐time PCR assay. Two different commercial assays were used during the study period, "AusDiagnostics/Respiratory Pathogens 12 (AusDiagnostics)" used between April 2011 and December 2015, which changed to "Fast Track Diagnostics/Respiratory Pathogens 21 (Fast Track Diagnostics)" after January 2016 to cover more viruses. Nucleic acid extraction was done by EZ1 Advanced XL platform (QIAGEN). Respiratory pathogens detected in 1857 of the 3162 (58.7%) samples. The most prevalent viruses during the 8‐year period were rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV; 36.2%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 19%), and influenza virus A/B (14.7%). Rhinovirus was the main contributor to the RV/EV group as shown by the assay used during the 2016‐2018 period. RV/EV and adenoviruses detected throughout the year. Influenza virus was most frequently detected during January to March when both RSV and metapneumovirus were also in circulation. The coinfection percentage was 10.2%. Rhinovirus was the most common virus in coinfections while RSV plus rhinovirus/enterovirus were the most frequent combination. RSV and metapneumovirus showed a similar seasonal distribution to the influenza virus, which made it necessary to use a virological diagnostic assay during the influenza season.
Molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in children under 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Mugyia Akongnwi E. , Ndze Valentine N. , Akoachere Jane‐Francis T. K. , Browne Hannah , Boula Angeline , Ndombo Paul Koki , Cannon Jennifer L. , Vinjé Jan , Ndip Lucy M.
Published: December 2018

Norovirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children in developing countries. Limited data on the prevalence and genetic variability of norovirus are available in Cameroon, where early childhood mortality due to AGE is common. We tested 902 fecal specimens from children younger than 5 years of age hospitalized with AGE between January 2010 and December 2013. Overall, 76 (8.4%) samples tested positive for norovirus, of which 83% (63/76) were among children below 12 months old. Most of the noroviruses detected were in children infected between July and December of each year. All norovirus‐positive specimens were genotyped, with 80% (61/76) being GII.4 (three variants detected). Genotypes GI.2, GI.6, GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, GII.6, GII.16, GII.17, and GII.21 were also detected. Interestingly, GII.4 Sydney and GII.17 Kawasaki viruses were found as early as 2010, years before their emergence globally. This study suggests norovirus is a significant cause of moderate to severe gastroenteritis among young children in Cameroon. The results are important to highlight appropriate prevention and control strategies for reducing the burden of norovirus disease.
Hepatitis B virus in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Genomic characterization and evolutionary analysis of subgenotype F1b
Authors: Torres María Celeste , Civetta Elida , D’amico Claudia , Barbini Luciana
Published: December 2018

The aim is to describe the molecular epidemiology and perform a genomic characterization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) circulating in Mar del Plata and to identify the origin and diversification patterns of the most prevalent genotype. The S gene and the region encompassing the X gene, basal core promoter (BCP), and precore (preC) was analyzed in 56 samples. They were genotyped as: 80% F1b, 9% A2, 7% D3, and 2% D1. A recombinant F4/D2 genome was detected. The double substitution G1764A/A1762T at the BCP (reduced HBeAg expression) was found in 20% F1b, 2% A2, 2% D1, and 2% D3 samples. A unique D3 presented the G1896A substitution at the preC (HBeAg negative phenotype). A 13% of the samples showed mutations at the HBsAg “a” immunodeterminant (escape from neutralizing antibodies). Mutations at the polymerase (antiviral resistance) were found in 52% of the samples. Coalescent analysis of subgenotype F1b, the most prevalent in the city, showed that viral diversification in Mar del Plata started by year 2000. F1b was the most prevalent genotype detected, being a characteristic of actual HBV infections in Mar del Plata. Local HBV exhibit clinically relevant mutations, but a minority of them was shown to be associated to potential vaccination escape or antiviral resistance. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether any of these mutants could pose a threat to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
Management of N0 neck in early oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Massey Conner , Dharmarajan Anbuselvan , Bannuru Raveendhara R. , Rebeiz Elie
Published: December 2018

Objective

The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with stage I (T1N0) and II (T2N0) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity remains a controversial topic. We investigate the need for END by establishing a true incidence of occult nodal disease as a function of T stage

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus.

Review Methods

Studies were selected using a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model was employed to generate an odds ratio (OR) comparing the incidence of occult metastasis between T1 and T2 tumors, as well as regional recurrence rates between patients receiving END versus observation.

Results

Thirty‐nine publications comprising five randomized controlled trials and 34 retrospective studies were selected for inclusion, yielding over 4,300 patients for analysis. The overall incidence of occult nodal metastasis, weighted by study size, was found to be 23%. Patients with T2 tumors have a significantly higher odds of having occult nodal disease (OR: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0‐3.4) over patients with T1 tumors. We also demonstrate that for patients who are observed, the odds of recurrence are significantly higher (OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 2.78‐6.28) compared to those who undergo END, although statistically significant interstudy heterogeneity was observed.

Conclusions

END should be reserved for stage II tumors given the significantly higher rate of occult metastasis. Observation may be more appropriate for stage I cancers.

Laryngoscope, 129:E284–E298, 2019
Epidemiologic, prognostic, and treatment factors in sinonasal diffuse large B ‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Varelas Antonios N. , Eggerstedt Michael , Ganti Ashwin , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To further characterize the epidemiology, prognostic disease‐specific factors, and treatment outcomes—including newly available chemotherapy data—for patients with sinonasal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was queried from 1973 to 2015 for patients with DLBCL of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Demographic and disease parameters were collected. Prognostic disease‐specific survival and overall survival factors were evaluated with univariate Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Significant variables were analyzed with multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 1,273 cases of DLBCL of the sinonasal tract were identified. Significant differences in age of diagnosis between men (65.3) and women (71.1) existed (P < .01). Most common primary sites of DLBCL were maxillary sinus (36.1%) and nasal cavity (34.5%), with nasal cavity more common among Asian/Pacific Islands (43.4%) and maxillary sinus more common for Caucasians (36.3%) and African Americans (42.1%). Overall survival was 70% at 2 years, 54% at 5 years, and 38% at 10 years. Disease‐specific survival was 81%, 73%, and 67%, respectively. Chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.551;P < .001) and radiation therapy (HR: 0.818;P = .012) were associated with improved prognosis, whereas higher Ann Arbor stage worsened prognosis (HR: 1.21;P < .001). Surgical intervention did not significantly impact survival.

Conclusion

This is the first study to include chemoradiation therapy in population‐based analysis of sinonasal DLBCL. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy use significantly improve survival in these patients, whereas Ann Arbor staging is significantly associated with poorer outcomes. The mainstay of treatment for DLBCL should remain combination chemoradiation.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1259–1264, 2019
A collection of barcoded natural isolates of Saccharomyces paradoxus to study microbial evolutionary ecology
Authors: Bleuven Clara , Dubé Alexandre K. , Nguyen Guillaume Q. , Gagnon‐Arsenault Isabelle , Martin Hélène , Landry Christian R.
Published: December 2018

While the use of barcoded collections of laboratory microorganisms and the development of barcode‐based cell tracking are rapidly developing in genetics and genomics research, tools to track natural populations are still lacking. The yeast Saccharomyces paradoxus is an emergent microbial model in ecology and evolution. More than five allopatric and sympatric lineages have been identified and hundreds of strains have been isolated for this species, allowing to assess the impact of natural diversity on complex traits. We constructed a collection of 550 barcoded and traceable strains of S. paradoxus, including all three North American lineages SpB, SpC, and SpC*. These strains are diploid, many have their genome fully sequenced and are barcoded with a unique 20 bp sequence that allows their identification and quantification. This yeast collection is functional for competitive experiments in pools as the barcodes allow to measure each lineage's and individual strains’ fitness in common conditions. We used this tool to demonstrate that in the tested conditions, there are extensive genotype‐by‐environment interactions for fitness among S. paradoxus strains, which reveals complex evolutionary potential in variable environments. This barcoded collection provides a valuable resource for ecological genomics studies that will allow gaining a better understanding of S. paradoxus evolution and fitness‐related traits.