bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size of septectomy does not affect distribution of nasal irrigation after endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure
Authors: Roxbury Christopher R. , Tang Dennis , Shah Janki , McBride Jennifer , Woodard Troy D. , Sindwani Raj
Published: June 2018

Background

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is commonly performed in recalcitrant frontal sinusitis, in part to achieve better penetration of medicated irrigations postoperatively. Although EMLP requires a septectomy for exposure, it is unknown whether septectomy size affects delivery of irrigations. In this study we evaluated the role of septectomy in delivery of irrigations to the EMLP cavity.

Methods

EMLP was performed on fresh human cadavers with sequentially increasing septectomy (minimal septectomy: drilling across septum to combine frontal sinuses; standard septectomy: 1.5 cm anterior to middle turbinate and inferiorly to the midlevel of the turbinate; large septectomy: extension to nasal floor). Irrigation with fluorescein‐labeled water was performed with a 240‐mL irrigation bottle in the vertex position and recorded with a 30° endoscope fixed in a 4‐mm trephine in the paramedian EMLP cavity. Two blinded reviewers scored irrigation distribution recordings (0 = nasal cavity only; 1 = frontal recess; 2 = medial distribution; 3 = lateral distribution; 4 = entire sinus lavage). Distribution scores were assessed with Wilcoxon rank sum analysis.

Results

Six specimens (mean age, 75.2 ± 2.4; 50% female) were assessed. Interobserver scores were highly concordant (Kendall's W = 0.86, p < 0.01), internally validating the experiment. Distribution scores did not vary significantly when comparing minimal septectomy with standard or large septectomy (Z = 0.55, p = 0.58, Z = 0.37, p = 0.71).

Conclusion

Increasing septectomy does not improve irrigation delivery in patients undergoing EMLP. These results suggest that a limited septectomy for access to the bilateral frontal sinuses is all that is required for effective drug delivery postoperatively. This strategy may reduce morbidity associated with larger septectomies.
Accessory maxillary ostium repair using middle turbinate flap: a case series of 116 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Penttilä Matti
Published: June 2018

Background

The ostiomeatal complex (OMC), comprising a small natural maxillary sinus ostium and narrow infundibulum, transmits the air diffusion into the antrum and mucociliary transport from the antrum, and is considered a key area in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Thin membranous anterior and posterior fontanelle areas below the OMC can rupture forming a perforation, accessory maxillary ostium (AMO), that increases antral airflow changing the anatomy and function of the sinus. The purpose of this study was to report the first case series of CRS patients who had undergone repair of fontanelle defects aiming to reconstruct normal structures.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2017, a total of 157 perforations were diagnosed and repaired in 121 of 525 consecutive endoscopic sinus operations performed by the author. Defects were 3 mm to 4 mm in size (range, 1 mm to 7 mm). A flap cut from the undersurface of the middle turbinate was used. In total, 101 patients received concurrent balloon catheter dilation (BCD), while 15 patients had only an AMO repair. The mean endoscopic follow‐up time was 16 weeks (range, 1 to 188 weeks).

Results

Overall, 101 perforations were closed, 21 open, and 17 partially open. A history of earlier endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) or BCD surgery, presence of nasal polyposis or whether the repair was made without simultaneous BCD did not influence the closure rate. Postoperative febrile sinusitis occurred in 26 patients.

Conclusion

Repair of AMO is in theory a beneficial and technically feasible office procedure with only transient side effects. Three out of 4 perforations were closed after repair.
Desymmetrized Leaning Pillar[6]arene
Authors: Wu Jia‐Rui , Mu Anthony U. , Li Bao , Wang Chun‐Yu , Fang Lei , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: June 2018

In this work, a novel version of macrocyclic arenes, namely leaning pillar[6]arenes, was discovered and it can be considered as a tilted version of a pillar[6]arene with two hydroxy/alkoxy functionalities removed. Through a facile two‐step synthetic approaches, in conjunction with a diversity of post‐modification possibilities, a series of leaning pillar[6]arenes, with good cavity adaptability and enhanced guest‐binding capability, was synthesized, and their self‐assembly in single‐crystal states is presented. DFT calculations demonstrated that the lower rotational barrier of unsubstituted phenylene rings, the uneven electron density centered at the leaning phenyl rings, and the polarization effect along the edge generated by the hydrogen‐bond‐induced orientation of hydroxy groups greatly affected the host‐guest properties, and meanwhile provided an intuitive explanation for the pillar‐like and rigid structure of traditional pillar[6]arenes. Significantly, the crystal structure of cyclo‐oligomeric quinone was obtained by direct oxidation of leaning pillar[6]arenes.
Synthesis of carbon nanotube‐based nanocomposite and application for wastewater treatment by ultrasonicated adsorption process
Authors: Ahmadi Azqhandi M.H. , Shekari M. , Ghalami‐Choobar B.
Published: June 2018

The sorption of methylene blue (MB) and basic yellow 28 (BY28) dyes in water on Ag@ZnO/MWCNT (Ag‐doped ZnO loaded on multiwall carbon nanotubes) nanocomposite is investigated in a batch process, optimizing starting initial dye concentration, sonication time and adsorbent mass. Isotherms and kinetic behaviours of MB and BY28 adsorption onto Ag@ZnO/MWCNT were explained by extended Freundlich and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. Ag@ZnO/MWCNT was synthesized and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. According to the experimental data, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), backpropagation neural network (BPNN), radial basic function neural network (RBFNN) and response surface methodology (RSM) were developed, and applied to forecast the removal performance of the sorbent. The influence of process variables (i.e. sonication time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent mass) on the removal of MB and BY28 was considered by central composite rotatable design of RSM, GRNN, ANFIS, BPNN and RBFNN. The performances of the developed ANFIS, GRNN, BPNN and RBFNN models were compared with RSM mathematical models in terms of the root mean square error, coefficient of determination, absolute average deviation and mean absolute error. The coefficients of determination calculated from the validation data for ANFIS, GRNN, BPNN, RBFNN and RSM models were 0.9999, 0.9997, 0.9883, 0.9898 and 0.9608 for MB and 0.9997, 0.9990, 0.9859, 0.9895 and 0.9593 for BY28 dye, respectively. The ANFIS model was found to be more precise compared to the other models. However, the GRNN method is much easier than the ANFIS method and needs less time for analysis. So, it has potential in chemometrics and it is feasible that the GRNN algorithm could be applied to model real systems. The monolayer adsorption capacity of MB and BY28 was 292.20 and 287.02 mg g−1, respectively.
A study on the dielectric properties of coking coal
Authors: Tao Ge , Chuanchuan Cai
Published: June 2018

It is of great significance for the optimization of coal microwave desulfurization technologies to know the dielectric properties of coking coal. The paper uses the dielectric constant and reflection coefficient to represent the dielectric properties of coking coal at 0.3–25 GHz of microwave frequency band, explores the coking coal's wave‐absorbing properties, and proposes the best microwave response frequency point of coking coal under civilian microwave frequency. The results show that the coking coal is a dielectric with good wave‐absorbing properties; 0.3–2.5 GHz and 16.5–25 GHz are the significant microwave response intervals for coking coal; at the frequency points of 915 and 22,125 MHz, the coking coal has stronger absorbing and transforming capacity towards the microwave.
Temperature dependency of gas barrier properties of biodegradable PP/PLA/nanoclay films: Experimental analyses with a molecular dynamics simulation approach
Authors: Salehi Abolfazl , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Ebadi‐Dehaghani Hassan
Published: June 2018

Polypropylene (PP)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/clay nanocomposite films with various compositions (PP‐rich and PLA‐rich) were prepared. Their structural and barrier properties against CO2, O2, and N2 were investigated. The microstructure of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and wide angle X‐ray scattering. The PP‐rich with 75/25 composition revealed the best barrier properties against all the gases which could be justified according to its microstructure. Selectivity of O2/N2 and CO2/N2 was also measured. It was found that the addition of nanoclay as a gas barrier component reduced the permeability in both systems. The permselectivity was also reduced in the PP‐rich films while it was increased in the PLA‐rich system. Moreover, the temperature dependency of permeability, selectivity, and permselectivity for PP, PLA, and PP/PLA (75/25) samples was examined. The results showed that the temperature dependence of permeability obeyed an Arrhenius equation and order of activation energy of permeability for O2, CO2, and N2 gases was found to be EP < EP/PLA < EPLA. According to solubility measurements, the order of solubility coefficient for gases was as follows: CO2 > O2 > N2. Finally, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to estimate the diffusivity coefficients of the gases and showed that solubility increases with increasing temperature, which was in accordance with the experiments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46665.
Combined effect of water uptake and temperature on wood polymer composites
Authors: Fortini Annalisa , Mazzanti Valentina
Published: June 2018

Wood polymer composites are materials frequently used for outdoor applications, since they can operate under a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The present work investigates the combined effect of water soaking and temperature (ranging from 10 up to 40 °C) on wood flour filled high density polyethylene. Water soaking tests have revealed that the percentage of absorbed water at the saturation plateau increases with temperature due to the induced stiffness reduction of the polymeric matrix. This hypothesis has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analyses, which has allowed to observe the filler–matrix interface and to measure the wood flour particle size. In addition, instrumented Charpy impact tests have shown a strong toughness reduction as a consequence of fiber–matrix debonding induced by particle swelling, which worsens with temperature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46674.
Primary Cilia Reconsidered in the Context of Ciliopathies: Extraciliary and Ciliary Functions of Cilia Proteins Converge on a Polarity theme?
Authors: Hua Kiet , Ferland Russell J.
Published: June 2018

Once dismissed as vestigial organelles, primary cilia have garnered the interest of scientists, given their importance in development/signaling, and for their implication in a new disease category known as ciliopathies. However, many, if not all, “cilia” proteins also have locations/functions outside of the primary cilium. These extraciliary functions can complicate the interpretation of a particular ciliopathy phenotype: it may be a result of defects at the cilium and/or at extraciliary locations, and it could be broadly related to a unifying cellular process for these proteins, such as polarity. Assembly of a cilium has many similarities to the development of other polarized structures. This evolutionarily preserved process for the assembly of polarized cell structures offers a perspective on how the cilium may have evolved. We hypothesize that cilia proteins are critical for cell polarity, and that core polarity proteins may have been specialized to form various cellular protrusions, including primary cilia.
Agent‐Based Modeling in Molecular Systems Biology
Authors: Soheilypour Mohammad , Mofrad Mohammad R. K.
Published: June 2018

Molecular systems orchestrating the biology of the cell typically involve a complex web of interactions among various components and span a vast range of spatial and temporal scales. Computational methods have advanced our understanding of the behavior of molecular systems by enabling us to test assumptions and hypotheses, explore the effect of different parameters on the outcome, and eventually guide experiments. While several different mathematical and computational methods are developed to study molecular systems at different spatiotemporal scales, there is still a need for methods that bridge the gap between spatially‐detailed and computationally‐efficient approaches. In this review, we summarize the capabilities of agent‐based modeling (ABM) as an emerging molecular systems biology technique that provides researchers with a new tool in exploring the dynamics of molecular systems/pathways in health and disease.
Assessment and treatment of rumination in a young man with autism
Authors: Wilder David A. , Neve Della
Published: June 2018

After a pretreatment screening analysis suggested that rumination by a 19‐year‐old man with autism was maintained by automatic reinforcement, we evaluated his preference for three snack foods and the frequency of his rumination after consuming each. Rumination was more common after eating high‐preference foods. We then examined noncontingent access to a type of lollipop (i.e., a Ring Pop™) to decrease rumination. The Ring Pop™ reduced rumination to moderately low levels. Next, to further decrease rumination, we added a reprimand, which reduced rumination to near zero levels. Finally, we evaluated the reprimand by itself, which resulted in a reduction in rumination roughly equivalent to that produced by the Ring Pop™. Results are discussed in terms of the source of reinforcement for rumination and the behavioral mechanisms responsible for intervention effects.
Monitoring of Epidermal Growth Factor Degradation Products by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Kim Hyunbin , Seo Chan , Ji Moongi , Kim Youngbae , Kim Jung Dong , Jeong Do Hyeon , Lee Wonjae , Paik Man‐Jeong
Published: June 2018

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has an anti‐aging effect of skin. In this study, a HPLC method was developed to monitor of EGF degradation products from pure EGF as a cosmetic raw material. The optimized mobile phase was 7.5 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) at flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. In the method validation of pure EGF, it showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.999) with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL. Intra‐ and inter‐day repeatability as a percentage of relative standard deviation (%RSD) varied from 0.01‐2.1, and accuracy was 1.1 as the percentage of relative error (%RE). Under optimized conditions, four peaks of pure EGF and three degradation products were observed after storage at room temperature for 12 days. Pure EGF represented as 97.78 ± 0.03% from the total area of the four peaks, whereas the three unknown peaks showed as 0.53 ± 0.01%, 0.61 ± 0.01%, and 1.08 ± 0.01%, respectively. The present method will be useful for the purity and stability tests of EGF in cosmetic materials and products.
Effective and efficient characterization of Chinese hamster ovary production cell lines using automated intracellular staining and statistical modeling
Authors: Krebs Lara E. , Bowden Daniel M. , Bray Christopher M. , Shaw Margaret M. , Frye Christopher C.
Published: June 2018

Mammalian cell line development is critical to bioproduct manufacturing. Success requires selecting a line with desirable performance characteristics, including consistent expression throughout the proposed manufacturing window. Given the genetic and phenotypic flux inherent to immortalized lines such as Chinese hamster ovary cells, clonally‐derived cell line characterization is vital. We describe here the development and implementation of a novel addition to our characterization approach to ensure production cell line suitability: automated intracellular staining with statistical modeling. Case studies are presented which highlight this method's sensitivity to epigenetic expression effects, closing a gap left by our historically‐leveraged genetic suitability characterization. Additionally, we demonstrate how an orthogonal, complimentary assay can help identify opportunities for improvement in even a well‐established methodology such as our genetic suitability assessment. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:570–583, 2018
Hysteresis Charges in the Dynamic Enrichment and Depletion of Ions in Single Conical Nanopores
Authors: Wang Dengchao , Brown Warren , Li Yan , Kvetny Maksim , Liu Juan , Wang Gangli
Published: June 2018

Inhomogeneous distribution of electrolyte ions at solid–solution interfaces at the nanometer scale is known to contribute to several emerging transport phenomena discovered from various nanopores or nanochannels. The topic has attracted extensive research effort, aiming to achieve better energy harvesting, storage, conversion, desalination and separation, sample concentration, stochastic sensing, and so on. In this report, dynamic ion concentration polarization inside charged conical nanopores, one of the two characteristics to describe the electrical double layer (EDL) structure (charge distribution and potential profile), is quantified. The hysteresis in the ion transport or redistribution in single nanopores is determined from the pinched current–potential loops by time‐dependent electrokinetic measurements. The extent of polarization in ion concentrations over different timescales, or residual charges during the transition from one ion distribution/EDL structure to another, is quantitated from the area enclosed in the hysteresis current loops. The ratio of the residual charges during the high/low conductivity states is correlated with the current ratio at the threshold potentials (rectification factor), which, in turn, serves as a convenient parameter to estimate the charge transport hysteresis. By adjusting the solution pH and ionic strength, and under different potential sweeping rates, the dynamics of ion enrichment or depletion is elucidated, respectively, and successfully described with a simple capacitive charging model. Taken together with our previous reports of the memristive ion transport in conical nanopores/nanopipettes and the physical meaning of the unique non‐zero cross‐point potential, a comprehensive view of the charge redistribution and EDL dynamics at nanoscale interfaces is offered.
A Phenylene‐Bridged Cyclohexa‐meta‐phenylene as Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene Precursor
Authors: Dumslaff Bastian , Wagner Manfred , Schollmeyer Dieter , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2018

A phenylene‐bridged cyclohexa‐meta‐phenylene was synthesized via intramolecular Yamamoto coupling of an appropriate p‐quinquephenyl derivative carrying four m‐chlorophenyl substituents. The structural proof could be obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, which also revealed a slightly strained structure with an internal phenylene bridge. Notably, this cyclo‐meta‐phenylene served as a novel precursor for hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC). The cyclodehydrogenation proceeded smoothly, providing the corresponding HBC derivative as confirmed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
meso‐Functionalization of Boron(III) Subporphyrin with Boron(III) meso‐Lithiosubporphyrin
Authors: Bekki Yosuke , Shimizu Daiki , Fujimoto Keisuke , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: June 2018

Boron(III) meso‐lithiosubporphyrin was prepared by bromine–lithium exchange of B‐tolyl BIII meso‐bromosubporphyrin with n‐butyllithium at −98 °C. The resulting subporphyrinyllithium was treated with various electrophiles such as benzophenone, N,N‐dimethylformamide, CO2, chlorotrimethylsilane, N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide, and dimesitylboryl fluoride to give the corresponding meso‐functionalized BIII subporphyrins. The nucleophile was also used to construct BIII subporphyrin dimers such as bis(BIII subporphyrinyl)ketone, bis(BIII subporphyrinyl)carbinol, and disilane‐bridged BIII subporphyrin dimer. The structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of these meso‐functionalized BIII subporphyrins were examined by UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemical studies, and DFT calculations.
Development of Potent Pyrazolopyrimidinone‐Based WEE1 Inhibitors with Limited Single‐Agent Cytotoxicity for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Matheson Christopher J. , Casalvieri Kimberly A. , Backos Donald S. , Reigan Philip
Published: June 2018

WEE1 kinase regulates the G2/M cell‐cycle checkpoint, a critical mechanism for DNA repair in cancer cells that can confer resistance to DNA‐damaging agents. We previously reported a series of pyrazolopyrimidinones based on AZD1775, a known WEE1 inhibitor, as an initial investigation into the structural requirements for WEE1 inhibition. Our lead inhibitor demonstrated WEE1 inhibition in the same nanomolar range as AZD1775, and potentiated the effects of cisplatin in medulloblastoma cells, but had reduced single‐agent cytotoxicity. These results prompted the development of a more comprehensive series of WEE1 inhibitors. Herein we report a series of pyrazolopyrimidinones and identify a more potent WEE1 inhibitor than AZD1775 and additional compounds that demonstrate that WEE1 inhibition can be achieved with reduced single‐agent cytotoxicity. These studies support that WEE1 inhibition can be uncoupled from the potent cytotoxic effects observed with AZD1775, and this may have important ramifications in the clinical setting where WEE1 inhibitors are used as chemosensitizers for DNA‐targeted chemotherapy.
Development of Novel Inhibitors for Histone Methyltransferase SET7/9 based on Cyproheptadine
Authors: Hirano Tomoya , Fujiwara Takashi , Niwa Hideaki , Hirano Michitake , Ohira Kasumi , Okazaki Yusuke , Sato Shin , Umehara Takashi , Maemoto Yuki , Ito Akihiro , Yoshida Minoru , Kagechika Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

The histone methyltransferase SET7/9 methylates not only histone but also non‐histone proteins as substrates, and therefore, SET7/9 inhibitors are considered candidates for the treatment of diseases. Previously, our group identified cyproheptadine, used clinically as a serotonin receptor antagonist and histamine receptor (H1) antagonist, as a novel scaffold of the SET7/9 inhibitor. In this work, we focused on dibenzosuberene as a substructure of cyproheptadine and synthesized derivatives with various functional groups. Among them, the compound bearing a 2‐hydroxy group showed the most potent activity. On the other hand, a 3‐hydroxy group or another hydrophilic functional group such as acetamide decreased the activity. Structural analysis clarified a rationale for the improved potency only by tightly restricted location and type of the hydrophilic group. In addition, a SET7/9 loop, which was only partially visible in the complex with cyproheptadine, became more clearly visible in the complex with 2‐hydroxycyproheptadine. These results are expected to be helpful for further structure‐based development of SET7/9 inhibitors.
Nonstandard finite difference approach for solving 3‐compartment pharmacokinetic models
Authors: Egbelowo Oluwaseun Francis
Published: June 2018

Complex nature of the analytical solutions to 3‐compartment pharmacokinetic models leads to the discrete approximation of the continuous differential equation been mostly used. In this paper, we applied nonstandard finite difference method to 3‐compartment pharmacokinetic models. This method was introduced to compensate for the weaknesses of methods such as the standard finite difference methods, numerical instabilities being a prime example of such. Three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with 2 different routes of administration (IV bolus injection and IV bolus infusion) is considered for simulations. For the case when the system is homogeneous (models arising from IV bolus injection mode of administration), “exact” finite difference scheme is obtained for any step size while in the case of nonhomogeneous (models arising from IV bolus infusion route of administration), scheme that has the same qualitative behavior as the analytical solution for all step sizes is obtained. It was shown computationally that the nonstandard finite difference scheme for 3‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with IV bolus mode of administration is exact while 3‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with IV infusion is dynamically consistent with the continuous model for all step sizes.
Multi‐GPU solution to the lattice Boltzmann method: An application in multiscale digital rock simulation for shale formation
Authors: Chen Tianluo , Ning Yang , Amritkar Amit , Qin Guan
Published: June 2018

Characterization of rock properties is vital in producing oil and gas from shale reservoirs in an economically viable fashion. The nano‐pore structure and ultralow permeability in shale reservoirs present challenges to the traditional experimental characterization methods. Digital rock physics for the estimation of rock properties, especially for shale reservoirs, has become a powerful tool that greatly complements to lab experiments by combining advance imaging techniques with numerical simulations. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is a well‐applied numerical method to simulate the fluid flow in pore structures at multiple length scales. Usually, the LBM simulation is resource intense because of its computation complexity and is facing great numerical challenges in extremely large‐cale computation. In this paper, we propose a multi‐GPU parallel implementation of 3D LBM on a hybrid high‐performance computing cluster to perform large‐scale simulations in reconstructed digital rocks. The program provides multiscale solution, pore scale and representative elementary volume (REV) scale based on the resolution of digital rock images. Optimization strategies are applied on partitioning simulation domain, improving data communication efficiency and maximizing CUDA occupancy. When running on a cluster of 32 GPUs, the proposed parallel implementation achieves a speedup of 1074x comparing to the in‐house sequential program.
Assessment of metacognitive beliefs in an at risk mental state for psychosis: A validation study of the Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30
Authors: Bright Measha , Parker Sophie , French Paul , Morrison Anthony P. , Tully Sarah , Stewart Suzanne L.K. , Wells Adrian
Published: June 2018

Aim

The Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30 (MCQ‐30) has been used to assess metacognitive beliefs in a range of mental health problems. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of the MCQ‐30 in people at risk for psychosis.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐five participants meeting criteria for an at risk mental state completed the MCQ‐30 as part of their involvement in a randomized controlled trial. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were conducted to assess factor structure and construct validity.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the original five‐factor structure of the MCQ‐30. Examination of principal component analysis and parallel analysis outputs also suggested a five‐factor structure. Correlation analyses including measures of depression, social anxiety, and beliefs about paranoia showed evidence of convergent validity. Discriminant validity was supported using the normalizing subscale of the beliefs about paranoia tool.

Conclusions

The MCQ‐30 demonstrated good fit using the original five‐factor model, acceptable to very good internal consistency of items was evident and clinical usefulness in those at risk for psychosis was demonstrated.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid: a two‐pronged protectant against infection of the urogenital tract?
Authors: Mowbray Catherine A , Shams Syema , Chung Git , Stanton Anna , Aldridge Phillip , Suchenko Andrejus , Pickard Robert S , Ali Ased SM , Hall Judith
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Recurrent urinary tract infections are associated with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) ascending and infecting the urinary tract. Antibiotics provide only symptomatic relief, not prevent recurrence. Clinical evidence suggests that intravesical glycosaminoglycan therapy, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), helps reduce UTI recurrence. This has been investigated here using in vitro systems modelling the urogenital tract tissues.

Methods

RT4 bladder cells were preconditioned with high molecular weight HA (> 1500 kDa) at 2 mg mL−1 and challenged with UPEC to analyse barrier protection and bacterial adherence. Untreated and HA‐preconditioned VK2 E6/E7 vaginal cells were challenged with E. coli flagellin (50 ng mL−1) to mimic bacterial challenge, and media analysed for lipocalin‐2, human β‐defensin 2 and interleukin‐8 by ELISA. Experiments were repeated after siRNA knockdown of Toll‐like receptors 2, 4 and 5, and CD44 to investigate signalling.

Results

Microscopic analyses showed reduced bacterial adherence and urothelial disruption with HA, suggesting that HA functions as a barrier protecting the epithelium from bacterial infection. Cells treated with HA and flagellin simultaneously produced more of the host antimicrobial peptide LCN2 and pro‐inflammatory IL‐8 (P < 0.05) compared to the no HA/flagellin challenges. Increased gene expression of DEFB4 (P < 0.05), but not the hBD2 peptide, was observed in the HA/flagellin‐challenged cells.

Conclusion

These data suggest that exogenous HA has potential to protect the urogenital epithelia from UPEC infection via a two‐pronged approach that involves the physical enhancement of the epithelial barrier and augmentation of its innate immune response.
The immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX‐0914 regulates inflammation and expression of contraction associated proteins in myometrium
Authors: Liong Stella , Lim Ratana , Nguyen‐Ngo Caitlyn , Barker Gillian , Parkington Helena C. , Lappas Martha
Published: June 2018

There are currently no effective treatments to prevent spontaneous preterm labor. The precise upstream biochemical pathways that regulate the transition between uterine quiescence during pregnancy and contractility during labor remain unclear. It is well known however that intrauterine inflammation, including infection, is commonly associated with preterm labor. In this study, we identified the immunoproteasome subunit low‐molecular‐mass protein (LMP)7 mRNA expression to be significantly upregulated in laboring human myometrium. Silencing LMP7 using siRNA‐targeted knockdown of LMP7 and its inhibitor ONX‐0914 in human myometrial cells and tissues decreased proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6), cell chemotaxis (CXCL8, CCL2 expression, and THP‐1 migration), cell to cell adhesion (ICAM1 expression and myometrial adhesion), contraction‐associated proteins (PTGS2, FP, PGE2, and PGF2α), as well as suppressing contractions in myometrial cells and in myometrial tissues obtained from laboring women. In addition, LMP7 silencing reduced NF‐κB RelA activity. ONX‐0914 alleviated inflammation (CCL3, CXCL1, PTGS2, and IL‐6) in myometrium, placenta, fetal brain, amniotic fluid, and maternal serum induced by LPS in pregnant mice. Collectively, our data suggest a novel role for ONX‐014 to suppress uterine activation and contractility associated with preterm labor.
Drivers of international variation in prevalence of disabling low back pain: Findings from the Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability study
Authors: Coggon D. , Ntani G. , Palmer K.T. , Felli V.E. , Harari F. , Quintana L.A. , Felknor S.A. , Rojas M. , Cattrell A. , Vargas‐Prada S. , Bonzini M. , Solidaki E. , Merisalu E. , Habib R.R. , Sadeghian F. , Kadir M.M. , Warnakulasuriya S.S.P. , Matsudaira K. , Nyantumbu‐Mkhize B. , Kelsall H.L. , Harcombe H.
Published: June 2018

Background

Wide international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain (LBP) among working populations is not explained by known risk factors. It would be useful to know whether the drivers of this variation are specific to the spine or factors that predispose to musculoskeletal pain more generally.

Methods

Baseline information about musculoskeletal pain and risk factors was elicited from 11 710 participants aged 20–59 years, who were sampled from 45 occupational groups in 18 countries. Wider propensity to pain was characterized by the number of anatomical sites outside the low back that had been painful in the 12 months before baseline (‘pain propensity index’). After a mean interval of 14 months, 9055 participants (77.3%) provided follow‐up data on disabling LBP in the past month. Baseline risk factors for disabling LBP at follow‐up were assessed by random intercept Poisson regression.

Results

After allowance for other known and suspected risk factors, pain propensity showed the strongest association with disabling LBP (prevalence rate ratios up to 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2–3.1; population attributable fraction 39.8%). Across the 45 occupational groups, the prevalence of disabling LBP varied sevenfold (much more than within‐country differences between nurses and office workers), and correlated with mean pain propensity index (r = 0.58).

Conclusions

Within our study, major international variation in the prevalence of disabling LBP appeared to be driven largely by factors predisposing to musculoskeletal pain at multiple anatomical sites rather than by risk factors specific to the spine.

Significance

Our findings indicate that differences in general propensity to musculoskeletal pain are a major driver of large international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain among people of working age.
Discussion of “A new inherent damping model for inelastic time‐history analyses” by Enrique Luco and Armando Lanzi
Authors: Hall John F.
Published: June 2018

This discussion examines several aspects of the proposed elastic velocity damping formulation that pertain to the suitability of the method for use in inelastic time history analysis. These aspects include the absence of damping actions as a structure moves through a collapse mechanism, lack of physical justification, and potential computational issues.
Evaluation of an approach–avoidance training intervention for children and adolescents with obesity: A randomized placebo‐controlled prospective trial
Authors: Warschburger Petra , Gmeiner Michaela , Morawietz Marisa , Rinck Mike
Published: June 2018

This study evaluated the efficacy of approach–avoidance training as an additional treatment for children and adolescents with obesity seeking inpatient treatment. Two hundred thirty‐two participants (8–16 years, 53.9% girls) were randomly assigned either to multisession approach–avoidance (IG) or to placebo training (CG). As outcomes, cognitive biases post intervention, body mass index, eating behaviour, food intake, self‐regulation, and weight‐related quality of life were assessed, also at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Modification of approach–avoidance bias was observed, but lacked in transfer over sessions and in generalization to attention and association bias. After 6 months, the IG reported less “problematic” food consumption, higher self‐regulation, and higher quality of life; effects did not persist until the 12‐month follow‐up; no significant interaction effects were observed regarding weight course. Despite there was no direct effect on weight course, approach–avoidance training seems to be associated with promising effects on important pillars for weight loss. Further research concerning clinical effectiveness is warranted.
Exploring a motivation of medical staff
Authors: Goncharuk Anatoliy G.
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to identify the true motivators (needs) of medical staff, compare them with the current labor incentives, and detect possible differences in motivators for main groups of medical staff. Observing personnel of 5 hospitals and students of the medical institute by special questionnaires, the author confirmed the hypothesis of different motivators for groups of medical staff with different ages, professions, and gender. The author used special questionnaires to collect the data. Study results confirmed the hypothesis of different motivators for groups of medical staff with different ages, professions, and gender. The author also found significant differences between the motivation of Ukrainian health workers and their colleagues from other countries. The main conclusion is that no matter how we would like to satisfy gender and age equality, all people are individual and what is good for an elderly male doctor cannot be acceptable for a young female nurse. Therefore, forming the motivation system for employees of medical institutions, it is necessary to take into account the age, gender, professions, and other characteristics of each employee. In this way, we can achieve the highest health‐care performance.
How the baby boomers' retirement wave distorts model‐based output gap estimates
Authors: Wolters Maik H.
Published: June 2018

This paper illustrates, based on an example, the importance of consistency between empirical measurement and the concept of variables in estimated macroeconomic models. Since standard New Keynesian models do not account for demographic trends and sectoral shifts, I propose adjusting hours worked per capita used to estimate such models accordingly to enhance the consistency between the data and the model. Without this adjustment, low‐frequency shifts in hours lead to unreasonable trends in the output gap, caused by the close link between hours and the output gap in such models. The retirement wave of baby boomers, for example, lowers US aggregate hours per capita, which leads to erroneous permanently negative output gap estimates following the Great Recession. After correcting hours for changes in the age composition, the estimated output gap closes gradually instead following the years after the Great Recession.
Probing the dynamics of dithiooxamide coordinated to gold nanoparticles using SERS
Authors: Grasseschi Daniel , Zamarion Vitor M. , Toma Henrique E.
Published: June 2018

The substitution kinetics and specific binding modes of the dithiooxamide (dto) ligand at the metal surface have been investigated and interpreted on the light of theoretical and experimental Raman studies. By monitoring the vibrational properties of this ligand, it was shown that gold nanoparticles employed as surface‐enhanced effects (SERS) probes are strongly dependent on the coordination chemistry of the ligands at the metal interface. The binding of dto to the gold nanoparticles led to linkage isomers, and at low concentrations, the bidentate form, corresponding to bis‐thione‐Au bond in cis configuration {Au‐S(NH2)CC(NH2)S‐Au}, was the predominating species. Even at high concentrations, the cis‐configuration was observed first; but as the ligand competition dynamics proceeded, the binding mode gradually changed into a monodentate thione‐Au mode {AuS(NH2)CCS(NH2)}. In this mode, the dto ligand adopts a thermodynamically favorable trans‐conformation geometry, producing dramatic changes in the SERS spectra. Such dynamic behavior of the ligand at the metal plasmonic surface is of crucial importance, as one of the possible factors associated with lack of reproducibility of the SERS spectra frequently reported in the literature.
Manganese soil and foliar fertilization of olive plantlets: the effect on leaf mineral and phenolic content and root mycorrhizal colonization
Authors: Pasković Igor , Herak Ćustić Mirjana , Pecina Marija , Bronić Josip , Ban Dean , Radić Tomislav , Pošćić Filip , Jukić Špika Maja , Soldo Barbara , Palčić Igor , Goreta Ban Smiljana
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to examine the effect of foliar (Mn_fol) and soil Zeolite‐Mn (Mn_ZA) application on leaf mineral, total phenolic and oleuropein content, and mycorrhizae colonization of self‐rooted cv. Leccino plantlets grown on calcareous soil.

RESULTS

The dissolution of zeolite was 97% when citric acid was applied at 0.05 mM dm−3, suggesting that organic acids excreted by roots can dissolve modified zeolite (Mn_ZA), making Mn available for plant uptake. The leaf Mn concentration was the highest for Mn_fol treatment at 90 days after transplanting (DAT) (172 mg kg−1) and 150 DAT (70 mg kg−1) compared to other treatments. Mn_ZA soil application increased leaf Mn concentration at 150 DAT compared to control and NPK treatments. The oleuropein leaf content was highest for Mn_fol compared to other treatments at 90 DAT and lowest at 150 DAT. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization was higher for Mn_fol treatment at 150 DAT compared to all other treatments.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the arbuscular colonization percentage and oleuropein content may be connected to stress conditions provoked by a high leaf Mn concentration in the Mn_fol treatment at 90 DAT. Mn_ZA application increased leaf Mn concentration at 150 DAT compared to control and NPK treatments. It can be assumed that the dominant mechanism in Mn uptake from modified zeolite is Mn_ZA dissolution through root exudates. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple linear regression models to predict the formation efficiency of triplet excited states of dissolved organic matter in temperate wetlands
Authors: McCabe Andrew J. , Arnold William A.
Published: June 2018

The source and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) dictates light absorption in surface waters. Sunlight absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) forms reactive intermediates and drives global organic carbon processing. Triplet excited states of CDOM (3CDOM*) are primary reactive intermediates formed by sunlight absorption by CDOM. 3CDOM* also produce secondary reactive intermediates, including radicals and reactive oxygen species, which are active in biogeochemical pathways. The efficiency of 3CDOM* formation (apparent quantum yield, AQYT) depends on DOM composition, especially DOM molecular weight. This dependence may arise from the greater probability of forming intra‐molecular charge‐transfer (CT) complexes in high‐molecular weight DOM that inhibit 3CDOM* formation. There are few examples that demonstrate this in field samples. In this report, vegetation, general hydrology, and watershed characteristics for 39 temperate wetlands, which are critical sources of high‐molecular weight DOM, from the United States were defined and related to DOM composition and AQYT. The DOM bulk composition was assessed using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopies. AQYT was estimated under simulated sunlight using the probe 2,4,6‐trimethylphenol. Relatively high AQYT values (7%) were observed in wetlands with long hydroperiods and > 50% cropland watershed land cover compared to wetlands with >50% forest watershed land cover (< 1–4%). Low molecular weight DOM (E2/E3 > 7 and SUVA254 < 3 L mg‐C−1m−1) and autochthonous DOM (β/α > 0.7) had relatively high AQYT estimates (∼ 10%), indicating that allocthonous, high‐molecular weight compounds produce 3CDOM* less efficiently than autochthonous DOM. The CT theory of DOM light absorption and internal light‐screening offer mechanistic explanations for these trends.
Coherent Perfect Absorption via Photonic Doping of Zero‐Index Media
Authors: Luo Jie , Liu Bingbing , Hang Zhi Hong , Lai Yun
Published: June 2018

Coherent perfect absorption, as time‐reversed lasing, is achieved via appropriate interference of waves in absorbers and provides attractive opportunities for flexible control of light scattering and absorption. Here, the authors theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the realization of coherent perfect absorption by using photonic doping of zero‐index media with absorptive defects. Interestingly, the coherent perfect absorption is independent of the size and shape of this “doped” zero‐index medium absorber, as well as the position of the doping defects. This exceptional absorption property can be well explained via the photonic doping theory for zero‐index media. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that the doping scheme also enables novel ways to control absorption, such as multiple channels and multiple doping defects, etc. This work proposes a unique doping approach for advanced coherent perfect absorption with versatile control functionalities.
Graphene Oxide Hybrid Supramolecular Hydrogels with Self‐Healable, Bioadhesive and Stimuli‐Responsive Properties and Drug Delivery Application
Authors: Chen Yunhua , Cheng Wenhua , Teng Lijing , Jin Min , Lu Bingheng , Ren Li , Wang Yingjun
Published: June 2018

Self‐healable hydrogels are promising soft materials with great potential in biomedical applications due to their autonomous self‐repairing capability. Although many attempts are made to develop new hydrogels with good self‐healing performance, to integrate this characteristic along with other responsive multifunctions into one hydrogel still remains difficult. Here, a self‐healable hybrid supramolecular hydrogel (HSH) with tunable bioadhesive and stimuli‐responsive properties is reported. The strategy is imparting graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and quadruple hydrogen bonding ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties into a thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) polymer matrix. The obtained GO–HSH hydrogel shows rapid self‐healing behavior and good adhesion to various surfaces from synthetic materials to biological tissue. In addition, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) release profiles reveal the dual thermo‐ and pH‐responsiveness of the GO–HSH hydrogel. The DOX‐loaded hydrogel can further directly adhere to titanium substrate, and the released DOX from this thin hydrogel coating remains biologically active and has high capability to kill tumor cells.
Drug‐Associated Acute Kidney Injury Identified in the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Welch Hanna K. , Kellum John A. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L.
Published: June 2018

Study Objective

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition associated with both short‐term and long‐term consequences including dialysis, chronic kidney disease, and mortality. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database is a powerful tool to examine drug‐associated events, to our knowledge, no study has analyzed this database to identify the most common drugs reported with AKI. The objective of this study was to analyze AKI reports and associated medications in the FAERS database.

Design

Retrospective pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis.

Data Source

Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database.

Measurements and Main Results

We queried the FAERS database for reports of AKI from 2004 quarter 1 through 2015 quarter 3. Extracted drugs were assessed using published references and categorized as known, possible, or new potential nephrotoxins. The reporting odds ratio (ROR), a measure of reporting disproportionality, was calculated for the 20 most frequently reported drugs in each category. We retrieved 7,241,385 adverse event reports, of which 193,996 (2.7%) included a report of AKI. Of the AKI reports, 16.5% were known nephrotoxins, 18.6% were possible nephrotoxins, and 64.8% were new potential nephrotoxins. Among the most commonly reported drugs, those with the highest AKI ROR were aprotinin (7614 reports; ROR 115.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 110.63–121.01), sodium phosphate (1687 reports; ROR 55.81, 95% CI 51.78–60.17), furosemide (1743 reports; ROR 12.61, 95% CI 11.94–13.32), vancomycin (1270 reports, ROR 12.19, 95% CI 11.45–12.99), and metformin (4701 reports; ROR 10.65, 95% CI 10.31–11.00). The combined RORs for the 20 most frequently reported drugs with each nephrotoxin classification were 3.71 (95% CI 3.66–3.76) for known nephrotoxins, 2.09 (95% CI 2.06–2.12) for possible nephrotoxins, and 1.55 (95% CI 1.53–1.57) for new potential nephrotoxins.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury was a common reason for adverse event reporting in the FAERS. Most AKI reports were generated for medications not recognized as nephrotoxic according to our classification system. This report provides data on medications needing further research to determine the risk of AKI with these new potential nephrotoxins.