bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of MRI‐derived vs. traditional estimations of fatty acid composition from MR spectroscopy signals
Authors: Nemeth Angeline , Segrestin Bérénice , Leporq Benjamin , Coum Amandine , Gambarota Giulio , Seyssel Kevin , Laville Martine , Beuf Olivier , Ratiney Hélène
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The composition of fatty acids in the body is gaining increasing interest, and can be followed up noninvasively by quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). However, current MRS quantification methods have been shown to provide different quantitative results in terms of lipid signals, with possible varying outcomes for a given biological examination. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging using multigradient echo sequence (MGE‐MRI) has recently been added to MRS approaches. In contrast, these methods fit the undersampled magnetic resonance temporal signal with a simplified model function (expressing the triglyceride [TG] spectrum with only three TG parameters), specific implementations and prior knowledge. In this study, an adaptation of an MGE‐MRI method to MRS lipid quantification is proposed.

Methods

Several versions of the method – with time data fully or undersampled, including or excluding the spectral peak T2 knowledge in the fitting – were compared theoretically and on Monte Carlo studies with a time‐domain, peak‐fitting approach. Robustness, repeatability and accuracy were also inspected on in vitro oil acquisitions and test–retest in vivo subcutaneous adipose tissue acquisitions, adding results from the reference LCModel method.

Results

On simulations, the proposed method provided TG parameter estimates with the smallest variability, but with a possible bias, which was mitigated by fitting on undersampled data and considering peak T2 values. For in vitro measurements, estimates for all approaches were correlated with theoretical values and the best concordance was found for the usual MRS method (LCModel and peak fitting). Limited in vivo test–retest variability was found (4.1% for PUFAindx, 0.6% for MUFAindx and 3.6% for SFAindx), as for LCModel (7.6% for PUFAindx, 7.8% for MUFAindx and 3.0% for SFAindx).

Conclusion

This study shows that fitting the three TG parameters directly on MRS data is one valuable solution to circumvent the poor conditioning of the MRS quantification problem.
Study of the Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Oxime Ethers by using a Super Base
Authors: Kosmalski Tomasz , Studzińska Renata , Daniszewska Natalia , Ullrich Małgorzata , Sikora Adam , Marszałł Michał , Modzelewska‐Banachiewicz Bożena
Published: July 2018

In this study, we present a convenient method for the synthesis of oxime ethers by reacting oximes with various chlorides (alkyl, functionalized alkyl, and benzyl) and with the subsequent use of a super base—pulverized potassium hydroxide in DMSO. The reactions take place at room temperature and the products are obtained in high yields. The final products were received within 2 min to 3 h. In addition, the compounds do not require chromatographic separation. The structure elucidation of the titled compounds was performed by using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The presented method of synthesis for oxime ethers is environmentally friendly, because neither water cooling or heating of the reaction mixture/solvents (necessary for chromatographic purification) is required. The synthesis can be carried out very easily on a large scale.
FGFR3 mutation increases bladder tumourigenesis by suppressing acute inflammation
Authors: Foth Mona , Ismail Nur Faezah Binti , Kung Jeng Sum Charmaine , Tomlinson Darren , Knowles Margaret A , Eriksson Pontus , Sjödahl Gottfrid , Salmond Jonathan M , Sansom Owen J , Iwata Tomoko
Published: July 2018

Recent studies of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer show that FGFR3 mutations are generally found in a luminal papillary tumour subtype that is characterised by better survival than other molecular subtypes. To better understand the role of FGFR3 in invasive bladder cancer, we examined the process of tumour development induced by the tobacco carcinogen OH‐BBN in genetically engineered models that express mutationally activated FGFR3 S249C or FGFR3 K644E in the urothelium. Both occurrence and progression of OH‐BBN‐driven tumours were increased in the presence of an S249C mutation compared to wild‐type control mice. Interestingly, at an early tumour initiation stage, the acute inflammatory response in OH‐BBN‐treated bladders was suppressed in the presence of an S249C mutation. However, at later stages of tumour progression, increased inflammation was observed in S249C tumours, long after the carcinogen administration had ceased. Early‐phase neutrophil depletion using an anti‐Ly6G monoclonal antibody resulted in an increased neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio at later stages of pathogenesis, indicative of enhanced tumour pathogenesis, which supports the hypothesis that suppression of acute inflammation could play a causative role. Statistical analyses of correlation showed that while initial bladder phenotypes in morphology and inflammation were FGFR3‐dependent, increased levels of inflammation were associated with tumour progression at the later stage. This study provides a novel insight into the tumour‐promoting effect of FGFR3 mutations via regulation of inflammation at the pre‐tumour stage in the bladder. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tripartite motif‐containing 37 (TRIM37) promotes the aggressiveness of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells by activating the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Yun , Deng Liwen , Zhao Xiaohui , Li Bohan , Ren Dong , Yu Lihong , Pan Hehai , Gong Qing , Song Libing , Zhou Xiang , Dai Ting
Published: July 2018

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in which the NF‐κB pathway is constitutively activated, is one of the most common malignancies. Herein, we identify an E3 ubiquitin ligase, tripartite motif‐containing 37 (TRIM37), participating in the K63 polyubiquitination of TRAF2, which is a significant step in the activation of NF‐κB signaling. Both the mRNA and the protein expression levels of TRIM37 were much higher in NSCLC cell lines and tissues than in normal bronchial epithelial cells and matched adjacent non‐tumor tissues. TRIM37 expression correlated closely with clinical stage and poor survival in NSCLC. Overexpression of TRIM37 antagonized cisplatin‐induced apoptosis, induced angiogenesis and proliferation, and increased the aggressiveness of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas inhibition of TRIM37 led to the opposite effects. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that TRIM37 expression significantly correlated with NF‐κB signaling. Furthermore, we found that TRIM37 bound to TRAF2 and promoted K63‐linked ubiquitination of TRAF2, sustaining the eventual activation of the NF‐κB pathway. Mutation in the ring finger domain of TRIM37, a hallmark of E3 ubiquitin ligases, led to loss of the ability to promote K63 polyubiquitination of TRAF2 and activate NF‐κB signaling. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that TRIM37 plays an important role in constitutive NF‐κB pathway activation and could serve as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in NSCLC. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Germline mutations in PPFIBP2 are associated with lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Yishuo , Yu Hongjie , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Feng Bingjian , Kapron Ashley L. , Na Rong , Boyle Julie L. , Shah Sameep , Shi Zhuqing , Ewing Charles M. , Wiley Kathleen E. , Luo Jun , Walsh Patrick C. , Carter Herbert Ballentine , Helfand Brian T. , Cooney Kathleen A. , Xu Jianfeng , Isaacs William B.
Published: July 2018

Background

Few genes have germline mutations which predispose men to more aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). This study evaluated the contribution of germline loss of function (LOF) variants in PPFIBP2 to risk of lethal PCa.

Methods

A case‐case study of 1414 PCa patients with lethal PCa and low‐risk localized PCa was performed. Germline DNA samples from these patients were sequenced for PPFIBP2. Mutation carrier rates and association with lethal PCa were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, logistic regression, and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis.

Results

In the entire study population, eight patients, all of European ancestry, were identified as carrying PPFIBP2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations. Seven (1.52%) of 462 lethal PCa patients were carriers compared with only one (0.12%) carrier in 810 low‐risk PCa patients, P = 0.0029. The estimated Odds Ratio (OR) of carrying PPFIBP2 mutation for lethal PCa was 13.8 in European American population. The PPFIBP2 loss‐of‐function mutation carrier rate in lethal PCa cases was also higher than in 33 370 non‐Finnish European individuals from the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) (carrier rate of 0.17%, P = 1.92 × 10−5) and in 498 men with localized PCa from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (TCGA) cohort (carrier rate of 0%, P = 0.0058). Survival analysis in European American lethal cases revealed PPFIBP2 mutation status as an independent predictor of shorter survival after adjusting for age at diagnosis, PSA at diagnosis, and genetic background (hazard ratio = 2.62, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

While larger studies are needed, germline mutations in a novel gene, PPFIBP2, differentiated risk for lethal PCa from low‐risk cases and were associated with shorter survival times after diagnosis.
Congestus modes in circulating equilibria of the tropical atmosphere in a two‐column model
Authors: Nuijens Louise , Emanuel Kerry
Published: July 2018

A two‐column radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) model is used to study the depth of convection that develops in the subsiding branch of a Walker‐like overturning circulation. The model numerically solves for two‐dimensional non‐rotating hydrostatic flow, which is damped by momentum diffusion in the boundary layer and model interior, and by convective momentum transport. Convection, clouds and radiative transfer are parametrized, and the convection scheme does not include explicit freezing or melting.

While integrating the model towards local RCE, the level of neutral buoyancy (LNB) fluctuates between mid‐ and high levels. Evaporation of detrained moisture at the LNB locally cools the environment, so that the final RCE state has a stable layer at mid‐levels (550 hPa ≈ 50–100 hPa below 0 °C), which is unrelated to melting of ice. Preferred detrainment at mid‐ and high levels leaves the middle‐to‐upper troposphere relatively dry.

A circulation is introduced by incrementally lowering the sea‐surface temperature in one column, which collapses convection: first to a congestus mode with tops near 550 hPa, below the dry layer created in RCE; then to congestus with tops near 650 hPa; and finally to shallow cumulus with tops near 850 hPa. Critical to stabilizing congestus near 650 hPa is large radiative cooling near moist cumulus tops under a dry upper atmosphere. This congestus mode is very sensitive, and only develops when horizontal temperature gradients created by evaporative and radiative cooling can persist against the work of gravity waves. This only happens in runs with ample momentum diffusion, which are those with convective momentum transport or large domains.

Compared to the shallow mode, the congestus mode produces a deep moist layer and more precipitation. This reduces radiative cooling in the cloud layer and enhances stability near the cloud base, which weakens the circulation, and leads to less precipitation over the warm ocean.
Program comprehension through reverse‐engineered sequence diagrams: A systematic review
Authors: Ghaleb Taher Ahmed , Alturki Musab A. , Aljasser Khalid
Published: July 2018

Reverse engineering of sequence diagrams refers to the process of extracting meaningful information about the behavior of software systems in the form of appropriately generated sequence diagrams. This process has become a practical method for retrieving the behavior of software systems, primarily those with inadequate documentation. Various approaches have been proposed in the literature to produce from a given system a series of interactions that can be used for different purposes. The reason for such diversity of approaches is the need to offer sequence diagrams that can cater for the users' specific goals and needs, which can vary widely depending on the users' perception and understandability of visual representations and the target application domains. In this paper, we systematically review existing techniques in this context while focusing on their distinct purposes and potentials of providing more understandable sequence diagrams. In addition, a qualitative evaluation of such techniques is conducted to expose their adequacy and applicability for effective program comprehension. Finally, we list a set of possible extensions to the unified modeling language sequence diagram standard that we anticipate will enhance its versatility and understandability of program control flow, followed by a number of concluding remarks.
Haemorrhoids: piling on the agony
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammed , Mohamed Said , Ashrafian Hutan
Published: July 2018

Perianal disease is often considered ‘assumed knowledge’ among clinicians but is generally poorly understood. This article gives an overview of haemorrhoidal disease and its management options.
Mesh‐adaptive simulations of horizontal‐axis turbine arrays using the actuator line method
Authors: Deskos Georgios , Piggott Matthew D.
Published: July 2018

Numerical models of the flow and wakes due to turbines operating within a real‐scale offshore wind farm can lead to a prohibitively large computational cost, particularly when considering blade‐resolved simulations. With the introduction of turbine parametrizations such as the actuator disk (AD) or the actuator line (AL) models, this problem has been partially addressed, yet the computational cost associated with these simulations remains high. In this work, we present an implementation and validation of an AL model within the mesh‐adaptive three‐dimensional fluid dynamics solver, Fluidity, under a unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes–based turbulence modelling approach. A key feature of this implementation is the use of mesh optimization techniques, which allow for the automatic refinement or coarsening of the mesh locally according to the resolution needed by the fluid flow solver. The model is first validated against experimental data from wind tunnel tests. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of mesh‐adaptivity by considering flow past the Lillgrund offshore wind farm.
Characteristics of Calcium-Aluminate Slags and Pig Iron Produced from Smelting-Reduction of Low-Grade Bauxites
Authors: Azof Fabian Imanasa , Kolbeinsen Leiv , Safarian Jafar
Published: July 2018

Low-grade bauxite ores are not favorable in the conventional Bayer process for alumina production, as they are producing more bauxite residue (red mud) and accompanying lower alumina yield than high-grade ores. In the current study, the thermodynamics and characterization of calcium-aluminate slags and pig iron produced from smelting reduction of high iron- and silica-containing bauxites are studied. Coke and limestone are used to reduce the iron oxide and adjust the basicity of slag during smelting. There is evidence that complete iron separation from bauxite is feasible through smelting-reduction process, and up to 99.9 pct of iron can be eliminated. Moreover, it is shown that the partial separation of silicon, titanium, and other elements from the Al2O3-containing slag occurs. The phase compositions and the distribution of elements between the metal and slag phases provide information about the high-temperature behavior of the bauxite components during smelting reduction. Employing electron microscopy analysis, it is indicated that the morphologies of CaO·Al2O3, 12CaO·7Al2O3, 2CaO·Al2O3·SiO2, and CaO·Al2O3·SiO2 phases in the slag, as well as the complex oxides of Ca-Al-Si-Ti in the slag behave differently as the mass ratio of Al2O3/(Fe2O3 + SiO2) in the bauxite changes. It is also shown that the phases of slag produced from smelting-reduction below 5 K s−1 of cooling rate are proper for further leaching process.
Changing the transmission belt: the programme-to-policy link in Italy between the First and Second Republic
Authors: Carammia Marcello , Borghetto Enrico , Bevan Shaun
Published: July 2018

This article analyses the transmission of policy priorities from electoral campaigns to legislative outputs under different institutional configurations. Taking an agenda-setting approach, the article tests whether a mandate effect exists, if incumbents also uptake the priorities of their competitors, and whether and how the introduction of alternation in government impacts on these dynamics. The analysis relies on data sets of the Italian Agendas Project recording the issue content of party manifestos and laws and covering the period 1983–2012. The results of time series cross-sectional models lend support to the presence of a mandate effect in Italy, a mechanism which was strengthened after the introduction of alternation in government. Opposition priorities may have an impact on the legislative agenda, but mostly when considering the legislation initiated in Parliament. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of the impact of government alternation, an institutional feature underlying – with varying intensity – most democracies, on the functioning of democratic representation.
Acculturation of immigrant diet, basic taste responses and sodium appetite
Authors: Leshem Micah , Dessie-Navon Haymanot
Published: July 2018

In young new Ethiopian immigrants (EI, about 0·5 years since immigration;n20), veteran Ethiopian immigrant students (ES, about 13 years since immigration;n30) and native Israeli students (NS;n82), dietary macronutrients and electrolytes, and responses to basic tastes were compared in a cross-sectional design. From EI, to ES, to NS, dietary energy, protein, fat, and Na+increase, whereas carbohydrates, K+and Ca2+do not differ. Corrected for energy intake, only Na+increases. EI consume less dietary Na+, like foods with less Na+content, salt their food less, yet show a greater hedonic response to salt taste. In contrast, preference for sweet does not differ. Taste psychophysics, 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) responses and lingual fungiform papillae density differ by group (and sex), but do not relate to dietary intake. Together, these changes could reflect dietary acculturation, increasing overall intake, Na+in particular, accompanied by decreasing taste sensitivity, and changes in sensory perception and preference in these Ethiopian immigrants. The fact that immigrants find salt more hedonic, yet eat less of it, could suggest increased sensitivity to its taste, and might suggest restoring sensitivity to reduce Na+intake for all. Similar alterations in taste sensory responses might be obtained in other forms of dietary flux. Understanding dietary acculturation can focus efforts (e.g. on Na+), to anticipate the disease burden of diets of affluence among immigrants. Yet, these immigrants’ nutrition is healthier in its low fat and Na+, suggesting that nutritional advice should focus on preservation, as well as prevention. Our study adds Ethiopian nutritional acculturation to that of the varied immigrant groups around the world.
In Memoriam: Arthur S. Abramson (1925–2017)
Authors: Koenig Laura L. , Whalen D. H.
Published: July 2018

Arthur S. Abramson, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics and founding department chair at the University of Connecticut at Storrs, Emeritus Senior Scientist at Haskins Laboratories, and a major figure in the international phonetics community, died on 15 December, 2017 at the age of 92.
Double Stars with Common Proper Motion
Authors: Luyten Willem J.
Published: July 2018

The proper Motion Survey with the 48-in Schmidt telescope has now progressed far enough such that we may begin to make some meaningful statistical discussions of the results obtained. Altogether 135 regions have been blinked - one seventh of the total - and in particular all fifty plates covering the area of the North Polar Cap, north of declination +69 (1855) have been blinked and completely measured.
Sur la Validité de la Relation Masse-Luminosité dans Le Calcul Des Masses des Étoiles
Authors: Couteau Paul
Published: July 2018

Les travaux sur les parallaxes dynamiques sont peu nombreux; les plus rÉcents remontent dÉjá loin dans le passÉ (Russell et Moore, 1940; Barbier, 1936; Baize et Romani, 1946; et Strand, 1953). L'idÉe directrice est toujours la même: associer la troisieme loi de Kepler et une relation masse-luminosité.
Reflexions sur Quelques Méthodes de Mesures D'Étoiles Doubles et Leur Emploi
Authors: Lacroute P.
Published: July 2018

J'ai été conduit á m'intéresser á la mesure des étoiles doubles au cours d'un projet de mesures spatiales de positions d'étoiles par une méthode de balayage photoelectrique. L'existence d'etoiles doubles perturbe les mesures. J'ai done étudié les limitations imposées aux mesures de position par balayage d'images du fait de composantes d'etoiles doubles. Cette étude m'a donné I'occasion de réfléchir au problème de la mesure des étoiles doubles et voici le résultat de mes réflexions.
L'Observation Spectroscopique des Couples Visuels
Authors: Dommanget J.
Published: July 2018

Le concours de diverses techniques d'observation a toujours été profitable au progrès des connaissances astronomiques.

Dans le cas des couples stellaires, l'observation visuelle et Fobservation spectroscopique se completent heureusement: chacune d'elles - lorsqu'elles sont possiblesconduit a la connaissance des éléments orbitaux, sauf que la première ne fournit pas l'échelle de Forbite en unités astronomiques et laisse subsister une certaine indetermination, relative á la position du noeud ascendant, et que la seconde n'apporte aucune information sur la valeur de Finclinaison et sur celle de Fangle de position de la ligne des nœuds.
Finding small counterexamples for abstract rewriting properties
Authors: ZANTEMA HANS
Published: July 2018

Rewriting notions like termination, normal forms and confluence can be described in an abstract way referring to rewriting only as a binary relation. Several theorems on rewriting, like Newman's lemma, can be proved in this abstract setting. For investigating possible generalizations of such theorems, it is fruitful to have counterexamples showing that particular generalizations do not hold. In this paper, we develop a technique to find such counterexamples fully automatically, and we describe our tool Carpa that follows this technique. The basic idea is to fix the number of objects of the abstract rewrite system, and to express the conditions and the negation of the conclusion in a satisfiability (SAT) formula, and then call a current SAT solver. In case the formula turns out to be satisfiable, the resulting satisfying assignment yields a counterexample to the encoded property. We give several examples of finite abstract rewrite systems having remarkable properties that are found in this way fully automatically.
Effects of a Brief Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy on Disorder Specific Symptoms
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Hafrún , Sigurðsson Baldur Heiðar , Salkovskis Paul , Sigurðsson Engilbert , Sighvatsson Magnús Blöndahl , Sigurðsson Jón Friðrik
Published: July 2018

Background:In recent years, cognitive behavioural group therapies (CBGT) have been increasingly deployed as a strategy to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness in treatment of common mental health problems. The vast majority of these therapies are disorder specific, but in the last few years there has been growing interest in transdiagnostic CBGT.Aims:The aim of this study was twofold: to evaluate the treatment effects of transdiagnostic CBGT on disorder specific symptoms and what (if any) differences would be observed in the treatment effects with regard to general as opposed to disorder specific symptoms measured pre- and post-treatment.Method:The participants were 233 adult patients diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety disorders. They underwent a 6-week transdiagnostic CBGT. To compare treatment effects on general and disorder specific symptoms, raw scores on all measures were converted to standardized scores.Results:Pre–post differences were significant and there was no evidence that treatment was differentially effective for general and disorder specific symptoms. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large.Conclusion:The 6-week transdiagnostic CBGT is feasible for a wide range of mood and anxiety disorders. The results indicate that low-intensity transdiagnostic group therapies may have similar effects on both general and disorder specific symptoms.
The impact of oil revenues on wellbeing in Chad
Authors: Gadom Gadom Djal , Kountchou Armand Mboutchouang , Araar Abdelkrim
Published: July 2018

This paper uses two recent household surveys, together with data from the College for Control and Monitoring of Oil Revenues, to analyse the impact of oil revenues on wellbeing in Chad. Following a multiple-correspondence analysis to estimate a synthetic household-based multidimensional wellbeing (MDW) index, we used the difference-in-difference approach to assess the impact of oil revenues on average MDW at the department level. We found evidence that departments in Chad that received significant oil transfers have a higher MDW compared to those disadvantaged by the oil-revenue-redistribution policy. We conclude that, in order to promote economic inclusion, the government of Chad should better develop oil-revenue-redistribution policies according to local development needs and target the poorest departments.
Fibroblast growth factor 12 is expressed in spiral and vestibular ganglia and necessary for auditory and equilibrium function
Authors: Hanada Yukiko , Nakamura Yukiko , Ozono Yoshiyuki , Ishida Yusuke , Takimoto Yasumitsu , Taniguchi Manabu , Ohata Kazuya , Koyama Yoshihisa , Imai Takao , Morihana Tetsuo , Kondo Makoto , Sato Takashi , Inohara Hidenori , Shimada Shoichi
Published: July 2018

We investigated fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF12) as a transcript enriched in the inner ear by searching published cDNA library databases. FGF12 is a fibroblast growth factor homologous factor, a subset of the FGF superfamily. To date, its localisation and function in the inner ear have not been determined. Here, we show that FGF12 mRNA is localised in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and the vestibular ganglion. We also show that FGF12 protein is localised in SGNs, the vestibular ganglion, and nerve fibres extending beneath hair cells. Moreover, we investigated FGF12 function in auditory and vestibular systems using Fgf12-knockout (FGF12-KO) mice generated with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Our results show that the inner ear morphology of FGF12-KO mice is not significantly different compared with wild-type mice. However, FGF12-KO mice exhibited an increased hearing threshold, as measured by the auditory brainstem response, as well as deficits in rotarod and balance beam performance tests. These results suggest that FGF12 is necessary for normal auditory and equilibrium function.
Magnetoliposomes as Contrast Agents for Longitudinal in vivo Assessment of Transplanted Pancreatic Islets in a Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Garcia Ribeiro Rita Sofia , Gysemans Conny , da Cunha João Paulo Monteiro Carvalho Mori , Manshian Bella B. , Jirak Daniel , Kriz Jan , Gallo Juan , Bañobre-López Manuel , Struys Tom , De Cuyper Marcel , Mathieu Chantal , Soenen Stefaan J. , Gsell Willy , Himmelreich Uwe
Published: July 2018

Magnetoliposomes (MLs) were synthesized and tested for longitudinal monitoring of transplanted pancreatic islets using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rat models. The rat insulinoma cell line INS-1E and isolated pancreatic islets from outbred and inbred rats were used to optimize labeling conditions in vitro. Strong MRI contrast was generated by islets exposed to 50 µg Fe/ml for 24 hours without any increased cell death, loss of function or other signs of toxicity. In vivo experiments showed that pancreatic islets (50–1000 units) labeled with MLs were detectable for up to 6 weeks post-transplantation in the kidney subcapsular space. Islets were also monitored for two weeks following transplantation through the portal vein of the liver. Hereby, islets labeled with MLs and transplanted under the left kidney capsule were able to correct hyperglycemia and had stable MRI signals until nephrectomy. Interestingly, in vivo MRI of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats transplanted with allogeneic islets demonstrated loss of MRI contrast between 7–16 days, indicative of loss of islet structure. MLs used in this study were not only beneficial for monitoring the location of transplanted islets in vivo with high sensitivity but also reported on islet integrity and hereby indirectly on islet function and rejection.
Genotype determination of the OPN1LW/OPN1MW genes: novel disease-causing mechanisms in Japanese patients with blue cone monochromacy
Authors: Katagiri Satoshi , Iwasa Maki , Hayashi Takaaki , Hosono Katsuhiro , Yamashita Takahiro , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Ueno Shinji , Kondo Mineo , Ueyama Hisao , Ogita Hisakazu , Shichida Yoshinori , Inagaki Hidehito , Kurahashi Hiroki , Kondo Hiroyuki , Ohji Masahito , Hotta Yoshihiro , Nakano Tadashi
Published: July 2018

Blue cone monochromacy (BCM) is characterized by loss of function of both OPN1LW (the first) and OPN1MW (the downstream) genes on the X chromosome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the first and downstream genes in the OPN1LW/OPN1MW array in four unrelated Japanese males with BCM. In Case 1, only one gene was present. Abnormalities were found in the promoter, which had a mixed unique profile of first and downstream gene promoters and a −71A > C substitution. As the promoter was active in the reporter assay, the cause of BCM remains unclear. In Case 2, the same novel mutation, M273K, was present in exon 5 of both genes in a two-gene array. The mutant pigments showed no absorbance at any of the wavelengths tested, suggesting that the mutation causes pigment dysfunction. Case 3 had a large deletion including the locus control region and entire first gene. Case 4 also had a large deletion involving exons 2–6 of the first gene. As an intact LCR was present upstream and one apparently normal downstream gene was present, BCM in Case 4 was not ascribed solely to the deletion. The deletions in Cases 3 and 4 were considered to have been caused by non-homologous recombination.
Single institution analysis of incidence and risk factors for post-mastectomy pain syndrome
Authors: Cui Lingfei , Fan Ping , Qiu Chaoxue , Hong Yong
Published: July 2018

Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) is a common postoperative condition for breast cancer, but has been ignored. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PMPS and the risk factors in women submitted to surgical treatment for breast cancer. The study included 532 postoperative breast cancer patients in a hospital for five consecutive years period, of whom 473 were considered eligible and included in the study. A total of 420 people completed a questionnaire survey, which revealed that 152 (36.2%) had ever suffered from PMPS and 18 (11.8%) sought treatment. Of the patients with PMPS, 34 (22.4%) had a history of chronic pain. Patients with PMPS were younger than patients without PMPS (50.5 ± 10.4 vs 53.5 ± 11.1). Univariate analysis showed that age, history of chronic pain, tumor staging, number of lymphadenectomy were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis shows that age and history of chronic pain were independent risk factors. The incidence of PMPS in postoperative breast cancer patients can reach 36.2%, and age as well as previous history of pain are independent risk factors for PMPS. The combination of prevention and treatment may be an effective way to reduce PMPS.
Moderate alcohol drinking is not associated with risk of depression in older adults
Authors: García-Esquinas Esther , Ortolá Rosario , Galán Iñaki , Soler-Vila Hosanna , Laclaustra Martín , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando
Published: July 2018

The scarce research on the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on mental health among older adults suggests a protective effect against depression. We prospectively examined the association between patterns of moderate alcohol consumption, depression and psychological distress, using information from 5,299 community-dwelling older adults from the ELSA and Seniors-ENRICA cohorts. A Mediterranean drinking pattern (MDP) was defined as moderate alcohol intake (<40 g/day for men; <24 g/day for women) with a preference for wine and drinking only with meals. Depression was ascertained with the 10-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-10), a self-report of clinically-diagnosed depression, or being on anti-depressant medication (Seniors-ENRICA); and with the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (ELSA). Psychological distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Compared to never drinkers, moderate drinkers showed comparable scores on the ENRICA-GDS-10 (PRR (95%CI): 1.03 (0.84–1.26)), the ENRICA-GHQ-12 (0.88 (0.73–1.06)), the ELSA-CES-D (0.92 (0.79–1.06)) and the ELSA-GHQ-12 (0.75 (0.55–1.01). The MDP was not associated with the GDS-10 or GHQ-12 scores, or with clinically-diagnosed depression; however drinkers with a preference for wine showed an increased number of psychological distress symptoms (1.31 (1.03–1.66)). In conclusion, we found no consistent protective association between moderate alcohol consumption and depression in older adults.
Janus N,N-dimethylformamide as a solvent for a gradient porous wound dressing of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and as a reducer for in situ nano-silver production: anti-permeation, antibacterial and antifouling activities against multi-drug-resistant bacteria both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Menglong , Wang Ying , Hu Xiaodong , He Weifeng , Gong Yali , Hu Xiaohong , Liu Meixi , Luo Gaoxing , Xing Malcolm , Wu Jun
Published: July 2018

The requirements for anti-permeation, anti-infection and antifouling when treating a malicious wound bed raise new challenges for wound dressing.
Energetic differences between non-domain-swapped and domain-swapped chain connectivities in the K2P potassium channel TRAAK
Authors: Navarro-Retamal Carlos , Caballero Julio
Published: July 2018

In the available crystallographic structures of K2P channels, the cap is present as non-domain-swapped (NDS) and domain-swapped (DS) chain conformations.
One-pot synthesis of highly active Ni/Fe nano-bimetal by simultaneous ball milling and in situ chemical deposition
Authors: Zhang Shuo-Shuo , Yang Ning , Ni Shou-Qing , Natarajan Vinothkumar , Ahmad Hafiz Adeel , Xu Shiping , Fang Xu , Zhan Jinhua
Published: July 2018

In this study, nanoscale bimetallic particles (Ni/Fe) were prepared by a simultaneous ball milling and in situ chemical deposition process (B&C) with high dechlorination activity for 4-chlorophenol (4-CP).
Carbonization of covalent triazine-based frameworks via ionic liquid induction
Authors: Jia Jiangtao , Chen Zhijie , Belmabkhout Youssef , Adil Karim , Bhatt Prashant M. , Solovyeva Vera A. , Shekhah Osama , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: July 2018

A series of porous organic polymers (POPs) were synthesized based on the tetrahedral 1,3,5,7-tetracyanoadamantane as the main building block. This synthetic exploration afforded a drastic porosity alteration/enhancement of the unveiled POPs.
Neonataler Morbus Behçet
Authors: Schuberth Katharina , Kniess Norbert , Johann Müller Matthias , Seeliger Stephan
Published: July 2018

Hintergrund Der Morbus Behçet ist eine Multisystemerkrankung mit entzündlichem Befall, v. a. der kleinen und mittleren Arterien und Venen. Histologisch zeigt sich das Bild einer leukozytoklastischen Vaskulitis. Die Ursachen des Morbus Behçet sind unbekannt. Genetische Faktoren werden in der Pathogenese diskutiert. Ein „klassischer“ Autoantikörper als Diagnostiktool ist nicht bekannt. Die Erkrankung betrifft normalerweise Patienten in der dritten Lebensdekade und ist in der Pädiatrie selten. Eine sehr seltene klinische Form des Morbus Behçet tritt bereits in der Neonatalperiode auf. Hier sind bei einer Manifestation lebensbedrohliche Verläufe beschrieben.

Patient/Methode Vorgestellt werden soll eine Familie mit bekannter Erkrankung der Mutter, bei der bereits das zweite Kind in der ersten Lebenswoche mit Ulzerationen im Schleimhautbereich auffiel. Die Frage einer Übertragung von Autoantikörpern, die dieses beim Kind triggert, muss in diesem Zusammenhang diskutiert werden. Dieser klinische Verlauf wird mit Verläufen aus der Literatur verglichen, um Empfehlungen zum therapeutischen Procedere ableiten zu können.

Ergebnis Bei unserem Patienten ließen sich vorübergehend ANAs, die mit den mütterlichen korrelierten, nachweisen. Trotzdem zeigte sich ein milder Verlauf, der keine weiteren Interventionen bedurfte. An mögliche potentielle lebensbedrohliche Symptome sollte aber immer gedacht werden. Hierbei scheinen Steroide das Mittel der Wahl zu sein.

Schlussfolgerung Im Zuge der zunehmenden Immigration schwangerer Morbus Behçet-Patientinnen aus dem Mittelmeerraum und aus Ländern mit höherer Prävalenz, wie z. B. auch Japan, nach Deutschland sollte bei der Betreuung von Neugeboren Morbus Behçet-positiver Mütter an die Möglichkeit eines transienten neonatalen Morbus Behçet gedacht werden.
Niedrigintensive Interventionen zur Reduktion depressiver Symptome vor Beginn einer ambulanten Psychotherapie
Authors: Grünzig Sasha-Denise , Bengel Jürgen , Göhner Wiebke , Violetta Krämer Lena
Published: July 2018

Psychotherapeutische Praxen in Deutschland können dem Versorgungsbedarf nur mit langen Wartezeiten nachkommen. Eine Möglichkeit der Versorgungslücke zu begegnen ist der Einsatz niedrigintensiver Interventionen. Ziel des Reviews ist es, niedrigintensive Interventionen zur Reduktion depressiver Symptome zu systematisieren und deren Wirksamkeit und Akzeptanz vor Beginn einer Psychotherapie zu beurteilen. Es wurden 22 Studien identifiziert, deren Interventionen sich den Intensitätsstufen aktives Warten, Selbsthilfe, begleitete Selbsthilfe, kurze fokussierte Intervention und niedrigintensive psychotherapeutische Behandlung zuordnen lassen. Die Evidenz zur Wirksamkeit einzelner Interventionen ist begrenzt; die Akzeptanz schwankt zwischen den Interventionen. Die resultierende Systematik veranschaulicht innovative Interventionen, die je nach Ressourcen und Bedürfnissen eingesetzt werden können. Versorgungsmodelle für die Bereitstellung niedrigintensiver Interventionen werden diskutiert.
Isoliert motorischer Teilausfall des Nervus medianus nach muskulärer Überbeanspruchung
Authors: Mayr-Riedler Michael Stephan , Schmitt Rainer , van Schoonhoven Jörg
Published: July 2018

Ein 22-jähriger Patient stellte sich mit einer seit rund zwei Monaten bestehenden Schwäche des Mittel-, Ring- und Kleinfingers der rechten Hand in unserer
handchirurgischen Sprechstunde vor. Insbesondere im Rahmen seiner Tätigkeit als professioneller Pianist bestünden dadurch deutliche Einschränkungen, da beim
Betätigen der Tasten nicht ausreichender Druck ausgeübt werden könne und es zu einer ungewollten Streckung der betroffenen Fingermittelgelenke komme. Dies
konnte der Patient auch demonstrieren. Ein vorheriges Trauma war nicht erinnerlich. Der Patient berichtete jedoch von rund drei Monate zurückliegenden
intensiven Umzugsarbeiten. Im Anschluss an diese ungewohnte muskuläre Beanspruchung hätten für mehrere Wochen beugeseitig am rechten Unterarm ziehende
Schmerzen, ähnlich denen eines Muskelkaters, bestanden.
Effect of Regioisomerism on the Efficiency of 1-Phenylpyrrole-Type Atropisomeric Amino Alcohol Ligands in Enantioselective Organometallic Reactions
Authors: Faigl Ferenc , Mátravölgyi Béla , Deák Szilvia , Erdélyi Zsuzsanna , Hergert Tamás , Ábrányi-Balogh Péter
Published: July 2018

Syntheses of two regioisomeric series of atropisomeric amino alcohols and a comparative study on their application in the enantio­selective addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde are reported. Systematic modification of the electronic and steric properties of the functional groups resulted in highly efficient catalyst ligands in both series. Quantum-chemical calculations agreed well with the experimental results of this first systematic comparative study on regioisomeric ­atropisomeric ligands.
Constitutive Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Biosynthesis in Human Hep G2 Hepatoma Cells Is Maintained by an Autocrine Factor
Authors: Bergonzelli Gabriela E , Kruithof Egbert K O
Published: July 2018

We studied the production of PAI-1 by human Hep G2 hepatoma cells. When culturing these cells in fresh medium (FM), PAI-1 accumulation rate was not linear: PAI-1 antigen after 24 h was 200 ng/106 cells while in subsequent 24 h periods, it was on average 1,000 ng/106 cells. Culture of Hep G2 cells in regular changes of a 12 h conditioned medium (CM) obtained from other Hep G2, instead of in FM, resulted in a 2-fold higher PAI-1 accumulation. In cells incubated in FM, PAI-1 mRNA declined rapidly after medium change and returned to basal levels after 24 h. In contrast, PAI-1 mRNA remained relatively stable when CM was used. The acute phase mediator interleukin 6 (IL-6) was not responsible for the autocrine stimulation of PAI-1: neither IL-6 nor antibodies to IL-6 altered the observed variations in PAI-1 expression. Our studies suggest the presence of an unknown PAI-1 stimulating factor.
CD4 Cells in HIV-1 Infected Hemophiliacs: Effect of Factor VIII Concentrates
Authors: Goldsmith JoAnne M , Deutsche Joann , Tang Mary , Green David
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study was to determine the long-term clinical outcome of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in a group of HIV-seropositive hemophiliacs for whom the dates of seroconversion were known and to investigate whether the use of monoclonal antibody purified factor (high purity) concentrate and treatment with zidovudine may alter the effect of HIV infection in seropositive hemophiliacs.

Twenty-eight hemophiliacs were followed for up to 9 years after seroconversion. In addition, 13 seropositive patients who elected to receive (high purity) factor VIII concentrate for up to 1.5 years were compared to a contemporaneous concurrent control group of 8 seropositive patients treated with intermediate purity factor VIII concentrate, and then both groups were followed for an additional 1.5 years while receiving zidovudine.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed in 9 of 28 patients (33%) from 1 to 9 years following seroconversion. CD4 cell count declined at a rate of 13.5% per year for the cohort but for persons 25 years and above the rate was significantly higher (17.5 ± 9.2% per year vs. 9.5 ± 4.7%, mean ± SD, p <0.05) than in those under 25. All three patients who had undergone splenectomy developed AIDS.

Subjects treated with high purity concentrates, with the exception of one patient who developed the nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis, had stable CD4 cell counts. On the other hand, all patients receiving intermediate purity concentrates had a decline in CD4 cells, and the difference from initial levels was highly significant (p = 0.01). The CD4 cell concentrations in these patients were stable after treatment with zidovudine.

We conclude that the incidence of AIDS in seropositive hemophiliacs more than 9 years after seroconversion is similar to that seen in other seropositive groups. CD4 cell counts declined more rapidly in those patients who were older at the time of seroconversion. Splenectomy may adversely affect the outcome of HIV infection.

Individuals receiving high purity concentrate may have less immunosuppression than those receiving intermediate purity concentrates. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these observations.
The Role of von Willebrand Factor in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Bergmann Frauke , Rotmensch Siegfried , Rosenzweig Bruce , How Helen , Chediak Juan
Published: July 2018

The von Willebrand factor (vWF) has gained considerable interest in recent years as a marker of endothelial cell activation or insult and by virtue of its interactions with platelets and vessel walls. Altered patterns of vWF multimers were found to occur frequently in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the acute and chronic stages. This disorder shares some clinical and laboratory findings with pre-eclampsia, including thrombocytopenia. Recent studies have also suggested that abnormalities of endothelial cell metabolism play a central role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. In order to determine if vWF could be instrumental in the disease process and the thrombocytopenia of pre-eclampsia we analyzed the ante- and postpartum structural and functional distribution of vWF. This data was correlated with hematological parameters such as platelet counts and the clinical severity of the disease. We found no consistent changes of vWF in association with thrombocytopenia or clinical severity. However, functional vWF was lower in postpartum samples of severely affected pre-eclamptics as compared to normal controls. This finding may reflect endothelial cell exhaustion after stimulation or cellular injury. Elevated titers of fibrin split products and thrombocytopenia were evident in severe pre-eclampsia, as seen in DIC, despite factor VIII coagulant levels within the normal range. Our data is consistent with the hypothesis of endothelial cell dysfunction in pre-eclampsia. However, the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in this disorder does not appear to be related to alterations in the structure or biological function of vWF.
Effect of Heparin on the Activation of Factor XII and the Contact System in Plasma
Authors: Pixley Robin A , Cassello Anita , De La Cadena Raul A , Kaufman Nathan , Colman Robert W
Published: July 2018

We examined in purified systems and in human plasma whether heparin serves as a contact system activating compound. Purified human factor XII zymogen was not activated by heparin through an autoactivation mechanism, but was activated in the presence of purified prekallikrein. Zn2+ (12 εM) did not support autoactivation by heparin. The activation of factor XII and the contact system by heparin in plasma anticoagulated with citrate or with hirudin (not chelating ions) was examined by the cleavage of 125I-labeled factor XII and high molecular weight kininogen (HK). Heparin at 1.6 and 16 USP U/ml was not able to produce activation, in contrast to dextran sulfate (20 εg/ml) which supported activation of both factor XII and HK. This study indicates that heparinized plasma does not support activation of the contact system mediated through activation of factor XII. It is not expected that heparin anticoagulant therapy will contribute to activation of the contact system.