bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the attitudes of four groups of stakeholders from Quebec, Canada, toward extending medical aid in dying to incompetent patients with dementia
Authors: Bravo Gina , Trottier Lise , Rodrigue Claudie , Arcand Marcel , Downie Jocelyn , Dubois Marie‐France , Kaasalainen Sharon , Hertogh Cees M. , Pautex Sophie , Van den Block Lieve
Published: May 2019

Objective

The Canadian province of Quebec has recently legalized medical aid in dying (MAID) for competent patients who satisfy strictly defined criteria. The province is considering extending the practice to incompetent patients. We compared the attitudes of four groups of stakeholders toward extending MAID to incompetent patients with dementia.

Methods

We conducted a province‐wide postal survey in random samples of older adults, informal caregivers of persons with dementia, nurses, and physicians caring for patients with dementia. Clinical vignettes featuring a patient with Alzheimer's disease were used to measure the acceptability of extending MAID to incompetent patients with dementia. Vignettes varied according to the stage of the disease (advanced or terminal) and type of request (written or oral only). We used the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach to compare attitudes across groups and vignettes.

Results

Response rates ranged from 25% for physicians to 69% for informal caregivers. In all four groups, the proportion of respondents who felt it was acceptable to extend MAID to an incompetent patient with dementia was highest when the patient was at the terminal stage, showed signs of distress, and had written a MAID request prior to losing capacity. In those circumstances, this proportion ranged from 71% among physicians to 91% among informal caregivers.

Conclusion

We found high support in Quebec for extending the current MAID legislation to incompetent patients with dementia who have reached the terminal stage, appear to be suffering, and had requested MAID in writing while still competent.
Accelerated estimation and permutation inference for ACE modeling
Authors: Chen Xu , Formisano Elia , Blokland Gabriëlla A. M. , Strike Lachlan T. , McMahon Katie L. , de Zubicaray Greig I. , Thompson Paul M. , Wright Margaret J. , Winkler Anderson M. , Ge Tian , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: May 2019

There are a wealth of tools for fitting linear models at each location in the brain in neuroimaging analysis, and a wealth of genetic tools for estimating heritability for a small number of phenotypes. But there remains a need for computationally efficient neuroimaging genetic tools that can conduct analyses at the brain‐wide scale. Here we present a simple method for heritability estimation on twins that replaces a variance component model‐which requires iterative optimisation‐with a (noniterative) linear regression model, by transforming data to squared twin‐pair differences. We demonstrate that the method has comparable bias, mean squared error, false positive risk, and power to best practice maximum‐likelihood‐based methods, while requiring a small fraction of the computation time. Combined with permutation, we call this approach “Accelerated Permutation Inference for the ACE Model (APACE)” where ACE refers to the additive genetic (A) effects, and common (C), and unique (E) environmental influences on the trait. We show how the use of spatial statistics like cluster size can dramatically improve power, and illustrate the method on a heritability analysis of an fMRI working memory dataset.
Muscle Alterations Are Associated With Minimal and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Nardelli Silvia , Lattanzi Barbara , Merli Manuela , Farcomeni Alessio , Gioia Stefania , Ridola Lorenzo , Riggio Oliviero
Published: May 2019

Muscle alterations (myosteatosis and sarcopenia) are frequent in cirrhosis and related to some complications including overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between muscle alterations and minimal HE (MHE) and their role in the risk of overt HE. Sixty‐four patients with cirrhosis were administered the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score and animal naming test to detect MHE. Computed tomography was used to analyze the skeletal muscle index and attenuation. The incidence of the first episode of HE, taking into account the competing risk nature of the data, was estimated. Myosteatosis was observed in 24 patients (37.5%), sarcopenia in 37 (58%), and MHE in 32 (50%). Both myosteatosis (62.5% versus 12.5%, P < 0.001) and sarcopenia (84% versus 31%, P < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with MHE. The variables independently associated with the presence of MHE were sarcopenia, previous overt HE, and myosteatosis. Thirty‐one (48%) patients developed overt HE over 16.1 ± 13 months; myosteatosis was detected in 68% and sarcopenia in 84% of them. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were also independently associated with the development of overt HE. Venous ammonia was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia (62.6 ± 17.7 versus 41.4 ± 16.1 μg/dL, P < 0.001) and in patients with myosteatosis (65.2 ± 19.2 versus 46.7 ± 17.1 μg/dL, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated to both parameters. Survival was significantly lower in malnourished patients compared to patients without myosteatosis or sarcopenia (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Myosteatosis and sarcopenia, probably by reducing the handling of ammonia in the muscle, are independently associated with MHE and the risk of overt HE in patients with cirrhosis; in malnourished patients, the amelioration of nutritional status may be a goal to decrease both the prevalence of MHE and the incidence of overt HE.
Attachment style predicts cooperation in intuitive but not deliberative response in one‐shot public goods game
Authors: Gao Qianyun , Jia Xuying , Liu Hanyue , Wang Xiuxin , Liu Yongfang
Published: May 2019

Cooperation is an important prosocial behaviour that is of great significance to individuals and society. The social heuristics hypothesis (SHH) systematically explains how cooperation is interactively affected by intuitive and deliberative processes. On the one hand, the intuitive process can be either cooperative or selfish, which is determined by previous experience. On the other hand, the deliberative process could support either a cooperative decision or a selfish decision, depending on which strategy could maximise the current payoff. This research aims to investigate the mechanism of cooperation. Attachment style was selected as a proxy for previous experience to examine whether and how previous life experience shapes intuitive response. Time constraint (Studies 1 and 2) and cognitive load (Study 3) were manipulated to dissociate the intuitive and deliberative processes. In addition, cooperation was assessed by adopting one‐shot public goods games. Results showed that attachment avoidance (Studies 1, 2, and 3) and attachment anxiety (Study 3) significantly predicted cooperation in the intuition condition, whereas these associations were insignificant in the deliberation condition (Studies 1, 2, and 3). These findings provide further support for the SHH and shed new light on the mechanism of cooperation.
Measurement method for human body anteflexion angle based on image processing
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Lu Xu
Published: May 2019

Measurement of the human body anteflexion angle is an essential method for evaluating human flexibility. In this study, a method based on edge detection is proposed for measuring the angle of human body anteflexion. In this technique, an adaptive Gaussian filter is used to filter an image while preserving as much of its edge information as possible. A 5 × 5 template is adopted to calculate the gradient amplitude and direction of the image. Moreover, the Otsu algorithm is used to compute the high and low thresholds of the gradient image, thereby rendering the algorithm adaptive and eliminating any need for manual threshold setting. After the edges are obtained, the feature points of the head, buttocks, and foot are extracted to calculate the anteflexion angle of the human body.
Developing Academic Discourse Through Literacy and the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: A Design‐Based Approach
Authors: Wrenn Melissa , Reed Adam
Published: May 2019

In this qualitative study, the authors investigated seventh‐ and eighth‐grade students’ participation in an elective civics course focused on the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The researcher and classroom teacher collaborated to embed literacy strategies into his curriculum in this design‐based research study. The intervention cycle was repeated through six units of instruction over a nine‐week period. Data analysis suggests that literacy strategies supported students with citing facts, understanding issues, and considering others. Teachers may learn how to use literacy strategies to develop disciplinary knowledge within civics education.
Universal guidelines for the conversion of proteins and dyes into functional nanothermometers
Authors: Spicer Graham , Efeyan Alejo , Adam Alejandro P. , Thompson Sebastian A.
Published: May 2019

In the last decade, technological advances in chemistry and photonics have enabled real‐time measurement of temperature at the nanoscale. Nanothermometers, probes specifically designed to relay these nanoscale temperature changes, provide a high degree of temperature, temporal, and spatial resolution and precision. Several different approaches have been proposed, including microthermocouples, luminescence and fluorescence polarization anisotropy‐based nanothermometers. Anisotropy‐based nanothermometers excel in terms of biocompatibility because they can be built from endogenous proteins conjugated to dyes, minimizing any system perturbation. Moreover, the resulting fluorescent proteins can retain their native structure and activity while performing the temperature measurement, allowing precise temperature recordings from the native environment or during an enzymatic reaction in any given experimental system. To facilitate the future use of these nanothermometers in research, here we present a theoretical model that predicts the optimal sensitivity for anisotropy‐based thermometers starting with any protein or dye, based on protein size and dye fluorescence lifetime. Using this model, most proteins and dyes can be converted to nanothermometers. The utilization of these nanothermometers by a broad spectrum of disciplines within the scientific community will bring new knowledge and understanding that today remains unavailable with current techniques.
Impact of crystallinity and crystal size of nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite on pre‐osteoblast in vitro biocompatibility
Authors: dos Anjos Suzana , Mavropoulos Elena , Alves Gutemberg G. , Costa Andrea M. , de Alencar Hausen Moema , Spiegel Carolina N. , Longuinho Mariana M. , Mir Mirta , Granjeiro José M. , Rossi Alexandre M.
Published: May 2019

Nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (nCHA) is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering due to its chemical properties, similar to those of the bone mineral phase and its enhanced in vivo bioresorption. However, the biological effects of nCHA nanoparticles on cells and tissues are not sufficiently known. This study assessed the impact of exposing pre‐osteoblasts to suspensions with high doses of nCHA nanoparticles with high or low crystallinity. MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts were cultured for 1 or 7 days in a culture medium previously exposed to CHA nanoparticles for 1 day. Control groups were produced by centrifugation for removal of bigger nCHA aggregates before exposure. Interaction of nanoparticles with the culture medium drastically changed medium composition, promoting Ca, P, and protein adsorption. Transmission Electron microscopy revealed that exposed cells were able to internalize both materials, which seemed concentrated inside endosomes. No cytotoxicity was observed for both materials, regardless of centrifugation, and the exposure did not induce alterations in the release of pro‐and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Morphological analysis revealed strong interactions of nCHA aggregates with cell surfaces, however without marked alterations in morphological features and cytoskeleton ultrastructure. The overall in vitro biocompatibility of nCHA materials, regardless of physicochemical characteristics such as crystallinity, encourages further studies on their clinical applications.
Enhanced bone formation onto the bone surface using a hydroxyapatite/collagen bone‐like nanocomposite
Authors: Hiratsuka Taizo , Uezono Masayoshi , Takakuda Kazuo , Kikuchi Masanori , Oshima Sho , Sato Taira , Suzuki Shoichi , Moriyama Keiji
Published: May 2019

The process of bone formation onto the bone surface using a hydroxyapatite/collagen bone‐like nanocomposite (HAp/Col) was investigated. Immersion tests were performed to evaluate the impact of pH on the degradation of the specimens in an aqueous environment. The specimens were soaked in aqueous solutions of pH 4.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Using standardized images, the top‐view areas of the specimens were measured. Animal experiments were performed to investigate the bone formation process onto the bone surface. The specimens were placed under the rat calvarial periosteum, and μCT image analysis and histological observation were performed on samples harvested on postoperative Days 3, 5, and 7. In all experiments, β‐tricalciumphosphate (β‐TCP) was adopted as the control. HAp/Col turned to gel in acidic environments below pH 5.0. In contrast to the β‐TCP, the HAp/Col specimens placed under the periosteum expanded and attained a hollow structure with a gel‐filled center, accompanied by larger volume of new bone and appearance of TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells on postoperative Day 5. Therefore, HAp/Col can enhance bone formation onto the bone surface via induction of TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells, and may have clinical applications.
Combining proteomics and bioinformatics to explore novel tegumental antigens as vaccine candidates against Echinococcus granulosus infection
Authors: Miles Sebastián , Portela Madelón , Cyrklaff Marek , Ancarola María Eugenia , Frischknecht Friedrich , Durán Rosario , Dematteis Sylvia , Mourglia‐Ettlin Gustavo
Published: May 2019

Echinococcus granulosus is the parasite responsible for cystic echinococcosis (CE), an important worldwide‐distributed zoonosis. New effective vaccines against CE could potentially have great economic and health benefits. Here, we describe an innovative vaccine design scheme starting from an antigenic fraction enriched in tegumental antigens from the protoscolex stage (termed PSEx) already known to induce protection against CE. We first used mass spectrometry to characterize the protein composition of PSEx followed by Gene Ontology analysis to study the potential Biological Processes, Molecular Functions, and Cellular Localizations of the identified proteins. Following, antigenicity predictions and determination of conservancy degree against other organisms were determined. Thus, nine novel proteins were identified as potential vaccine candidates. Furthermore, linear B cell epitopes free of posttranslational modifications were predicted in the whole PSEx proteome through colocalization of in silico predicted epitopes within peptide fragments identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐TOF/TOF. Resulting peptides were termed “clean linear B cell epitopes,” and through BLASTp scanning against all nonhelminth proteins, those with 100% identity against any other protein were discarded. Then, the secondary structure was predicted for peptides and their corresponding proteins. Peptides with highly similar secondary structure respect to their parental protein were selected, and those potentially toxic and/or allergenic were discarded. Finally, the selected clean linear B cell epitopes were mapped within their corresponding 3D‐modeled protein to analyze their possible antibody accessibilities, resulting in 14 putative peptide vaccine candidates. We propose nine novel proteins and 14 peptides to be further tested as vaccine candidates against CE.
3,3′,4,4′,5‐Pentachlorobiphenyl influences mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in granulosa cells
Authors: Zhong Tao , Zhang Jianmei , Han Xiaoying , Gongye Xiaoxiao , Lyu Tianqi , Jiang Menghan , Yu Kaiwei , Meng Xiaoqian , Cheng Dong , Lyu Hui , Zhang Tianliang , Zhang Lei , Liu Shuzhen
Published: May 2019

3,3′,4,4′,5‐Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB126) is a persistent organic environmental pollutant which can affect various biological activities of organisms, such as immunity, neurological function, and reproduction. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PCB126 on granulosa cells (GCs). GCs were collected from ovaries in PMSG‐treated mice, after 24 hours culture. GCs were then incubated with 10 pg/mL, 100 pg/mL, and 10 ng/mL of PCB126 for another 24 hours. Following these steps, exposed GCs were collected for further experimentation. Our data showed that the number of GCs in the 10 ng/mL PCB126 decreased. Meanwhile, pyknotic nuclei and condensed chromatin increased, while the apoptotic cells in the 10 ng/mL PCB126 group were significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression of the apoptotic executive protein caspase‐3 increased after PCB126 treatment. The expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and Bim related to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway were also influenced to different degrees. Thus, our data suggested that PCB126 affect the GCs apoptosis, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was involved in this process.
The expression of long noncoding RNA CRCAL‐3 in colorectal cancer and its impacts on cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Chang Hui , Wang Guan‐Nan , Tao Ya‐Lan
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC). And lncRNA RP11‐138J23.1 (CRCAL‐3) was previously reported as a candidate regulator of CRC development. But its regulating functions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 253 CRC patients treated in our hospital to assess expression dysregulation of CRCAL‐3, and the correlation between CRCAL‐3 expression and disease progression. Further, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on different cell lines and knockdown experiments by small interfering RNA were performed to assess functions of CRCAL‐3 in proliferation and migration of CRC cells. As a result, analyses on TCGA datasets showed an upregulated CRCAL‐3 expression in 14 solid tumors, including CRC. PCR assay on 253 cases of CRC tissue and 114 cases of normal adjacent tissue confirmed this expression upregulation. Also, CRCAL‐3 expression was exhibited by survival analyses on the 253 CRC patients, to have a negative correlation with patients' overall and progression‐free survivals. PCR assay on different cell lines showed that CRC cells expressed a higher level of CRCAL‐3, compared with normal colonic epithelial cells. In vitro knockdown of CRCAL‐3 resulted in an obvious retardation of proliferation and migration in two CRC cell lines (HCT116 and DLD‐1). Moreover, CRCAL‐3 knockdown was observed in xenograft models to repress cell proliferation and enhance cisplatin sensitivity. Taking these results together, CRCAL‐3 emerged as a biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and individualized treatment of CRC.
Melatonin is an appropriate candidate for breast cancer treatment: Based on known molecular mechanisms
Authors: Amin Negin , Shafabakhsh Rana , Reiter Russel J. , Asemi Zatollah
Published: May 2019

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and one of the most important causes of death in women throughout the world. Breast cancer risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, personal and family history, hypertension, and hormone therapy, long‐term use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and tobacco usage. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and neoadjuvant therapy are the current means for breast cancer treatment. Despite hormonal agents and chemotherapy, which have beneficial effects on lowering breast cancer death rate, the reaction of different people to these treatments is still a challenging point. Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxy tryptamine) is a methoxy indole compound that is mainly secreted by the pineal gland at night; it is as an antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and oncostatic agent. On the basis of recent studies, melatonin has antitumor properties on different cancer types and it may suppress cancer development in vitro and as well as in animal models. It is suggested that melatonin inhibits the development of breast cancer by various mechanisms. This paper summarizes the roles of melatonin in breast cancer treatment from the aspect of its molecular actions.
Surface modification by deposition of IPA plasma and gellan gum/chitosan hybrid hydrogel onto thermoplastic polyurethane for controlled release of N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Pan Jiunn‐An , Liu Hsuan‐Liang , Ting Wei‐Ting , Hsu Hong‐Kai , Chen Ko‐Shao
Published: May 2019

A thin film system composed of gellan gum and chitosan was fabricated through a combination of polyelectrolyte blend and hybrid hydrogel gelation for controlled release of drug. In this study, precursor isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used to plasma deposit on the surface of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to form a hydrophilic film. The features of the thin film were evaluated using water contact angle (WCA) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, and studies of controlled release of drugs. The hybrid hydrogel, pH‐sensitive, was tested at pH values of 1.2 and 7.4 of buffer solution and at a temperature of 37°C to observe its swelling ratio and drug delivery properties with N‐acetylcysteine as a drug material for controlled release. Furthermore, at pH 7.4, the hybrid hydrogel has an outstanding release ratio of up to about 90% absorption amounts of N‐acetylcysteine after 8 hr. The mechanism of drug release from thin film devices (n = 0.684) is anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport, the value of n lies between 0.43 and 0.85.
Resveratrol increases stem cell function in the treatment of damaged pancreas
Authors: Chen Tung‐Sheng , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Pan Lung‐Fa , Chen Ray‐Jade , Chen Bih‐Cheng , Padma Vijaya V. , Lin Yueh‐Min , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic damage results in insufficient insulin secretion, leading to type 1 diabetes. Stem cell‐based therapy has recently shown potential in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Resveratrol supplementation has demonstrated a beneficial effect in treating diabetes. This study investigates if adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC), preconditioned with resveratrol, show better effects on experimental diabetic animals. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including sham (normal rats), DM (diabetic rats induced by SZT injection), DM+ADSC (DM rats with receiving autologous ADSC transplantation) and DM+R‐ADSC (DM rats receiving resveratrol preconditioned ADSC). The experimental results show that SZT induced pancreatic damage (DM group), including reduction of islet size, fibrosis pathway activation, survival signaling suppression, and apoptotic pathway expression, lead to serum glucose elevation. Autologous ADSC (DM+ADSC group) transplantation shows improvement in the above observations in DM rats. Furthermore, ADSC precondition with resveratrol (DM+R‐ADSC group) reveals significant improvement in the above pathological observations over both DM and DM+ADSC groups. We found that ADSC precondition with resveratrol increases the survival marker p‐Akt expression, leading to enhanced ADSC viability. This study suggests that ADSC precondition with resveratrol shows potential in the treatment of patients with type 1 DM.
Evaluation of cytokeratin 19 as a prognostic tumoral and metastatic marker with focus on improved detection methods
Authors: Mehrpouya Masoumeh , Pourhashem Zeinab , Yardehnavi Najmeh , Oladnabi Morteza
Published: May 2019

In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) studies in the cancer research field. CK19 belongs to the Type I CKs, serves as a useful research tool in prognosis, diagnosis, and management of the tumors. In this paper, we dissect the metastatic potential of CK19, its relation with cancer stem cells and retinal epithelial cells behavior, its application as a tumor marker and its role among 30 cancers such as thyroid, thoracic, lung, pancreatic, cervical, colorectal, and so forth. CK19 expressed in several cancer types because of its metastatic potential. This paper also presents modified detection methods of CK19 in disseminated tumor cells.
Off‐Label Treatment of 4 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients With 4‐Aminopyridine
Authors: Peikert Kevin , Naumann Marcel , Günther René , Wegner Florian , Hermann Andreas
Published: May 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder characterized by degeneration of the upper and lower motor neuron. Among the at least 25 known genes associated with familial (hereditary) and sporadic ALS, mutations in fused‐in‐sarcoma (FUS) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been extensively investigated in the past years, with emphasis on altered excitability of affected neurons. Recently, we reported on hypoexcitability and increased cell death in a FUS/SOD1‐ALS–induced pluripotent stem cell–derived motor neuron model, which was partly reversible by a treatment with the potassium channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP). Based on this study, we aimed to examine this US Food and Drug Administration–approved drug as a potential individualized treatment for patients with ALS. We therefore retrospectively investigated 4 FUS/SOD1‐ALS patients who were prescribed 4‐AP. Two patients expressed an improved quality of life due to regain of facial muscle motor function and decreased disease progression rate, respectively. Together with recent pathophysiologic findings, this case series supports the need for clinical trials to examine the efficacy of this potential treatment in distinct ALS subgroups and disease stages.
Selective separation and recovery of fluoride ion from ammonia‐based flue gas desulfurization slurry using electrodialysis
Authors: Luo Zhengwei , Zhu Dongmei , Wang Dan , Xu Jiahuan , Jiang Hui , Geng Wenhua , Wei Wuji , Lian Zhouyang
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The ammonia‐based wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system generates fluoride‐rich slurry, the concentration of which reaches several thousand mg L−1. Therefore this slurry has to be treated to avoid damage to industrial equipment, human health and environment safety. This work aims at separating fluoride from high‐concentrated ammonia‐based wet FGD slurry and purifying the ammonium sulfate byproduct using electrodialysis (ED).

RESULTS

The effects of experimental conditions such as applied potential, circular flow rate, pH and temperature were investigated for the ED process. The influence of competing ions such as Cl− and SO42− on the removal efficiency was also studied. The use of a homogeneous AMX membrane in the first stage of ED and an ACS monovalent anion selective membrane in the second stage of ED proved to be a feasible and cost‐effective strategy for F− removal. The total recovery rate of F− was 81.4%, while the content of NH4F increased from 0.35 to 40.70%. The power consumption and current efficiency were also studied to evaluate the suitability of ED for the defluoridation of FGD slurry.

CONCLUSION

The separation and recovery of F− using the designed ED is cost‐effective and efficient, and the process can be extended to other FGD techniques. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Interactions between the effects of food and water motivating operations on food‐ and water‐reinforced responding in mice
Authors: Lewon Matthew , Spurlock Emily D. , Peters Christina M. , Hayes Linda J.
Published: May 2019

Two experiments examined interactions between the effects of food and water motivating operations (MOs) on the food‐ and water‐reinforced operant behavior of mice. In Experiment 1, mice responded for sucrose pellets and then water reinforcement under four different MOs: food deprivation, water deprivation, concurrent food and water deprivation, and no deprivation. The most responding for pellets occurred under food deprivation and the most responding for water occurred under water deprivation. Concurrent food and water deprivation decreased responding for both reinforcers. Nevertheless, water deprivation alone increased pellet‐reinforced responding and food deprivation alone likewise increased water‐reinforced responding relative to no deprivation. Experiment 2 demonstrated that presession food during concurrent food and water deprivation increased in‐session responding for water relative to sessions where no presession food was provided. Conversely, presession water during concurrent food and water deprivation did not increase in‐session responding for pellets. These results suggest that a) the reinforcing value of a single stimulus can be affected by multiple MOs, b) a single MO can affect the reinforcing value of multiple stimuli, and c) reinforcing events can also function as MOs. We consider implications for theory and practice and suggest strategies for further basic research on MOs.
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking, and Anticancer Evaluation of 4‐Thiazolidinone Analogues
Authors: Mushtaque Md , Avecilla Fernando , Hafeez Zubair Bin , Rizvi Mohammad Moshahid A.
Published: May 2019

Scaffolds containing one or more heteroatoms are ubiquitous in nature and are responsible for almost every biological processes in flora and fauna. The fact that heterocyclic cores have high propensity for biological targets, several nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur‐containing heterocyclic compounds have been reported in the last few decades. One such intriguing class is 4‐thiazolidinone that exhibit diverse range of pharmacological activities. In the present study, we report synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, and anticancer evaluation of 10 new 4‐thiazolidinone analogues (5–14). One of the compounds (11) was structurally characterized using single crystal X structure. Anticancer evaluation against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) revealed that compound (7) was the most potent (IC50 = 75 μM) while other showed moderate to low activity (85–530 μM). To underpin the druggability and possible modes of action, drug‐likeness was determined and docking studies were carried out against β‐carbonic anhydrase receptor (PDB ID: 3IA). Attempts have also been made to establish a structure–activity relationship of the reported compounds.
Distance to clinic is a barrier to PrEP uptake and visit attendance in a community in rural Uganda
Authors: Mayer Christopher M , Owaraganise Asiphas , Kabami Jane , Kwarisiima Dalsone , Koss Catherine A , Charlebois Edwin D , Kamya Moses R , Petersen Maya L , Havlir Diane V , Jewell Britta L
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Geographic and transportation barriers are associated with poorer HIV‐related health outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa, but data on the impact of these barriers on prevention interventions are limited. We estimated the association between distance to clinic and other transportation‐related barriers on pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and initial clinic visit attendance in a rural community in southwestern Uganda enrolled in the ongoing SEARCH study (NCT01864603).

Methods

Community‐wide HIV testing was conducted and offered to adult (≥15 years) participants in Ruhoko. Participants were eligible for PrEP based on an empiric risk score, having an HIV‐discordant partner, or self‐referral at either the community health campaign or during home‐based testing from March to April 2017. We collected data from PrEP‐eligible households on GPS‐measured distance to clinic, walking time to clinic and road difficulty. A sample of participants was also asked to identify their primary barriers to PrEP use with a semi‐quantitative questionnaire. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between transportation barriers and (1) PrEP uptake among PrEP‐eligible individuals and (2) four‐week clinic visit attendance among PrEP initiators.

Results

Of the 701 PrEP‐eligible participants, 272 (39%) started PrEP within four weeks; of these, 45 (17%) were retained at four weeks. Participants with a distance to clinic of ≥2 km were less likely to start PrEP (aOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.79, p = 0.012) and less likely to be retained on PrEP once initiated (aOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.84; p = 0.024). Participants who were deemed eligible during home‐based testing and did not have the option of same‐day PrEP start were also substantially less likely to initiate PrEP (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.37, p < 0.001). Of participants asked to name barriers to PrEP use (N = 98), the most frequently cited were “needing to take PrEP every day” (N = 18) and “low/no risk of getting HIV” (N = 18). Transportation‐related barriers, including “clinic is too far away” (N = 6) and “travel away from home” (N = 4) were also reported.

Conclusions

Distance to clinic is a significant predictor of PrEP uptake and four‐week follow‐up visit attendance in a community in rural Uganda. Interventions that address geographic and transportation barriers may improve PrEP uptake and retention in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Dual‐time‐point 64Cu‐PSMA‐617‐PET/CT in patients suffering from prostate cancer
Authors: Hoberück Sebastian , Wunderlich Gerd , Michler Enrico , Hölscher Tobias , Walther Martin , Seppelt Danilo , Platzek Ivan , Zöphel Klaus , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: May 2019

Regardless of its high positron energy, 68Ga‐labeled PSMA ligands have become standard of care in metabolic prostate cancer imaging. 64Cu, a radionuclide with a much longer half‐life (12.7 h), is available for PSMA labeling allowing imaging much later than 68Ga. In this study, the diagnostic performance of 64Cu‐labeled PSMA was compared between early and late scans. Sixteen men (median age: 70 y) with prostate cancer in different stages underwent 64Cu‐PSMA‐617‐PET/CT 2 and 22 hours post tracer injection. Pathologic and physiologic uptakes were analyzed for both points of time. Pathologic tracer accumulations occurred in 12 patients. Five patients presented with pathologic uptake in 17 different lymph nodes, two patients showed pathologic bone uptake in nine lesions, and seven patients had pathologic PSMA uptake in eight prostatic lesions. Physiologic uptake of the renal parenchyma, urine bladder, and salivary glands decreased over time, while the physiologic uptake of liver and bowel increased. In the present study, 64Cu‐PSMA‐617‐PET demonstrated to be feasible for imaging prostate cancer for both the primary tumor site and metastases. Later imaging showed no additional, clinically relevant benefit compared with the early scans. At least the investigated time points we chose did not vindicate the additional expenditure.
A novel method to dynamic thermal impedance and channel temperature extraction of GaN HEMTs
Authors: Wang Liu , Liu Jun , Zhou Wenyong , Xu Zhongchao , Wu Yuanyuan , Tao Hongqi
Published: May 2019

An improved method to extract dynamic thermal impedance for power transistor is proposed, and the nonlinear thermal effect is considered. A novel model to characterize transistor dynamic thermal impedance is established. A four‐node R‐L network is attached in model to characterize self‐heating. And the method to extract model parameters is given. A constant m is defined to judge the change of thermal impedance with temperature. Thermal impedance Zth can be solved through rigorous mathematical calculation. This model is validated by using an AlGaN/GaN HEMT device under different measurement conditions, which demonstrates its potential to characterize the complete dynamic self‐heating behaviors for power transistors.
Spatial and temporal variability of daily precipitation concentration in the Sardinia region (Italy)
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso , Coscarelli Roberto , Gaudio Roberto
Published: May 2019

Recent studies evidenced that extreme daily rainfall often increases in spite of a decrease of the total rainfall. For this reason, the analysis of daily precipitation concentration is an important issue in climate research and can be useful to evaluate risks linked to extreme rainfall events. In this paper, an analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of the daily precipitation concentration in the Sardinia region, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has been performed for the period 1922–2011 by applying the Concentration Index. First, the CI has been evaluated at annual and seasonal scale. Then, the coefficient of variation, and the 5th and 95th percentiles of the annual CI values were calculated and mapped as a set of descriptors of variability and extreme characterization of precipitation concentration across the study area. Finally, in order to evaluate the temporal evolution of the CI, a trend analysis has been also performed using the Mann–Kendall test. Results show CI values ranging from a minimum of 0.477 to a maximum of 0.723. Spatially, the region can be divided in two parts with opposite behaviours: the western side characterized by a more uniform temporal distribution of rainfall intensity and the eastern side with the most critical intensity and aggressiveness of rainfall. From a seasonal point of view, this spatial gradient was evidenced in winter, spring and autumn while summer showed a more homogeneous spatial distribution of CI. The spatial distribution of the coefficient of variation did not show any spatial gradient between the two sides of the region, both at annual and seasonal scale. As regards the trend analysis, a marked positive trend of the CI has been detected, thus indicating a tendency towards more intense and aggressive rainfall. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High spatial resolution climatology of drought events for Spain: 1961–2014
Authors: Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Tomás‐Burguera Miquel , Peña‐Gallardo Marina , Beguería Santiago , El Kenawy Ahmed , Luna Yolanda , Morata Ana
Published: May 2019

This study characterizes the climatology of drought events over the mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands using high‐resolution (1.21 km2) meteorological data from 1961 to 2014. The climatology of drought was assessed based on two widely‐recognized drought indices: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), considering four different timescales (1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐months). Drought events were simply defined as sequences of months with negative values of the indices. We analysed the spatial and temporal variability of the frequency, duration and magnitude of the drought events. In general, the frequency of drought events is higher in the northern than in the southern regions. Conversely, the average duration and magnitude of the drought events in central and southwestern regions duplicate those recorded in northern areas. Although drought characteristics exhibit a general north–south gradient irrespective of the drought timescale and the drought index analysed, we found important spatial differences in terms of both drought duration and severity. As opposed to the SPI, the SPEI shows, on average, higher drought durations and magnitudes at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐months timescales. Albeit of the absence of significant temporal changes in drought duration or magnitude at the regional scale, a nonsignificant tendency toward higher drought duration and magnitude is observed over the majority of Spain. Our result provide valuable guidance to stakeholders and decision‐makers on detecting, monitoring and adapting to drought impacts at local, regional and national scale in Spain.
Gait Mechanics in Women of the ACL‐SPORTS Randomized Control Trial: Interlimb Symmetry Improves Over Time Regardless of Treatment Group
Authors: Capin Jacob J , Zarzycki Ryan , Ito Naoaki , Khandha Ashutosh , Dix Celeste , Manal Kurt , Buchanan Thomas S , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn
Published: May 2019

Women after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are more likely than men to exhibit asymmetric movement patterns, which are associated with post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. We developed the ACL specialized post‐operative return‐to‐sports (ACL‐SPORTS) randomized control trial to test the effect of strength, agility, plyometric, and secondary prevention (SAPP) training with and without perturbation training (SAPP + PERT) on gait mechanics in women after ACLR. We hypothesized that movement symmetry would improve over time across both groups but more so among the SAPP + PERT group. Thirty‐nine female athletes 3–9 months after primary ACLR were randomized to SAPP or SAPP + PERT training. Biomechanical testing during overground walking occurred before (Pre‐training) and after (Post‐training) training and one and 2 years post‐operatively. Hip and knee kinematic and kinetic variables were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrections for post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05). There was a time by limb interaction effect (p = 0.028) for peak knee flexion angle (PKFA), the primary outcome which powered the study, characterized by smaller PKFA in the involved compared to uninvolved limbs across treatment groups at Pre‐training, Post‐training, and 1 year, but not 2 years. Similar findings occurred across sagittal plane knee excursions and kinetics and hip extension excursion at midstance. There were no meaningful interactions involving group. Neither SAPP nor SAPP + PERT training improved walking mechanics, which persisted 1 but not 2 years after ACLR. Statement of clinical significance: Asymmetrical movement patterns persisted long after participants achieved symmetrical strength and functional performance, suggesting more time is needed to recover fully after ACLR. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1743–1753, 2019
Efficacy of Combining PRP and MMP Inhibitors in Treating Moderately Damaged Tendons Ex Vivo
Authors: Jafari Leila , Hassanisaber Hamid , Savard Martin , Gobeil Fernand , Langelier Eve
Published: May 2019

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and broad‐spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) have been used as therapeutic options for tendinopathy. However, mixed results have been reported regarding their efficacy. We posited that the combination of these two treatment strategies would be more beneficial for healing tendons than each treatment alone. Rat tail tendons were harvested and cultured without mechanical stress for 0, 4, or 10 days. Single and combination treatment with PRP and MMPIs with either broad‐ or narrow‐spectrum (MMP‐13 selective), was administered to 4‐day stress‐deprived (SD) tendons, an ex vivo model for moderate tendinopathy. This treatment was applied to the damaged tendons over 6 days. At the end of their culture time, the tendons were subjected to traction testing and pathohistology, immunohistochemistry, and viability assays. The results showed better histological features for the PRP + narrow‐spectrum MMPI group compared with all individual treatment modalities. Moreover, higher fiber density, more elongated nucleus shape, smaller space between fibers, and a trend toward higher mechanical strength were noted for PRP + narrow‐spectrum MMPI group compared with 10‐day SD tendons. This study shows that the combination of PRP + narrow‐spectrum MMPI is a potentially effective treatment approach for tendinopathy. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1838–1847, 2019
Brown Fat Promotes Muscle Growth During Regeneration
Authors: Bryniarski Anna R , Meyer Gretchen A
Published: May 2019

Accumulation of adipose tissue around and within muscles is highly correlated with reduced strength, functional limitations, and poor rehabilitative outcomes. Given the intimate physical contact between these tissues, paracrine cross‐talk is a likely mediator of this association. The recent discovery that muscle‐associated adipose tissue exhibits features of beige fat has suggested that this cross‐talk may be modifiable, as beige fat can be stimulated to assume features of brown fat. In this work, we describe a novel intermuscular fat transplant model in the mouse rotator cuff to investigate cross‐talk between muscle and adipose tissue. Specifically, we examine the role of transplanted fat phenotype on muscle regeneration by transplanting pieces of classical brown (interscapular), beige (inguinal), or white (epididymal) adipose tissue in conjunction with cardiotoxin injection to the adjacent supraspinatus muscle. Transplantation of brown fat, but not beige or white, significantly increased muscle mass, fiber cross‐sectional area and contractile force production compared with sham injury. This effect was not seen when cardiotoxin was delivered to a distant muscle, or when adjacent muscles were injected with saline indicating that the effect is localized and specifically targeting the regenerative process. Thus, we conclude that local signaling between fat and muscle varies by phenotype and that brown fat supports regeneration. Clinical significance: Our findings suggest that the phenotype of muscle‐associated fat could be a novel therapeutic target to modulate fat‐muscle signaling. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1817–1826, 2019
Rapid simultaneous quantification of fructooligosaccharides in Morinda officianalis by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Hao Qingxiu , Nan Tiegui , Zhou Li , Kang Liping , Guo Lanping , Yu Yi
Published: May 2019

Many Chinese herbal medicines with tonifying effects contain high levels of inulin fructooligosaccharides. These herbal medicines have high development and utilization value because of their effects against dementia, depression, and oxidative stress; on improving learning and memory ability; and on enhancing immunity. In this study, a method was developed for the separation and simultaneous quantitation of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and ten inulin fructooligosaccharides by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection within 10 min. Separation was performed on an Amide column with gradient elution. The calibration curves for the 13 constituents showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9991). The limits of detection and quantification were 10.78–33.44 and 35.94–124.81 μg/mL, respectively, and the recoveries ranged from 98.90 to 103.67%. This method was successfully used to quantify the 13 constituents in the Chinese herbal medicine Morinda officinalis. The contents of the ten inulin fructooligosaccharides ranged from 56.28 to 60.71%. This method is accurate, rapid and simple and can be used for quantitative analysis in the quality control of herbal medicines and functional foods.