bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psoas muscle fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose uptake associated with the incidence of existing and incipient metabolic derangement
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Jun Dae Won , Choi Jun , Nam Eunwoo , Son Donghee , Choi Yun Young 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle glucose utilization is an important component of whole‐body glucose consumption in normal humans. Fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) is a non‐invasive molecular imaging probe for evaluating tissue glucose utilization. It remains unclear whether or not 18F‐FDG uptake by skeletal muscle has utility as a biomarker for metabolic derangement. We investigated the utility of measurement of muscle 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography uptake as a surrogate marker for existing and incipient metabolic abnormalities.MethodsFluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptakes of insulin‐sensitive organs (liver, pancreas, mesenteric visceral fat, psoas muscle, and abdominal subcutaneous fat) and their association with metabolic abnormalities were evaluated in an experimental group comprising 91 men and 66 women (mean age 49.9 ± 11.1 years). In this cross‐sectional cohort, we assessed the predictive power of the optimal cut‐off 18F‐FDG uptake [maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)]. We confirmed its feasibility and reliability for diagnosis of existing and incipient metabolic derangement in the validation group (longitudinal cohort comprising 91 men and 67 women; mean age 52.6 ± 7.9 years).ResultsFluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptake (SUVmax) of psoas muscle was strongly correlated with clinical metabolic parameters in the experimental group. It was positively correlated with waist circumference, body mass index, fasting glucose, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic pressure, and negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (for all, P < 0.05). SUVmax of the psoas muscle also showed the best area under the curve value (0.779) as a predictor of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the experimental group. Using the optimal cut‐off SUVmax of 1.34, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive value for predicting existing MetS in the experimental group were 70.0%, 84.6%, 80.9%, 60.9%, and 89.2%, respectively. In the validation group, corresponding values were 47.6%, 92.3%, 86.1%, 50.0%, and 91.6%, respectively. Existing and incipient MetS were significantly higher in subjects with high 18F‐FDG uptake by the psoas muscle (SUVmax > 1.34). Subjects with higher psoas muscle SUVmax had a 3.3‐fold increased risk of developing MetS (P = 0.017).ConclusionsFluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptake of psoas muscle is a promising surrogate marker for existing and incipient metabolic derangement.
How well does the local climate zone scheme discern the thermal environment of Toulouse (France)? An analysis using numerical simulation data
Authors: Kwok Yu Ting , Schoetter Robert , Lau Kevin Ka‐Lun , Hidalgo Julia , Ren Chao , Pigeon Grégoire , Masson Valéry 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo build healthy, resilient, and climate‐responsive cities, planners need ways to understand the local complexities of urban thermal climates. To assist in meeting this need, this study employs the simple classification of “local climate zones” (LCZs) to conduct a spatiotemporal thermal climatic analysis of the Toulouse Metropolitan Region (France) under warm and dry summer conditions. Simulations are performed using the mesoscale atmospheric model Méso‐NH. These simulations provide a city‐wide spatial coverage of 2‐m air temperature (T2M), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Model parameters describing the urban morphology are initialized based on administrative databases and independent of LCZ maps, which allows for an evaluation of whether the distributions of the modelled thermal climatic parameters will differ between LCZs. The results show that different LCZs possess significantly different distributions of T2M and MRT, confirming the suitability of the LCZ scheme for discerning the thermal environment of Toulouse. Compact urban settings (LCZ 1/2/3) show the highest T2M throughout the day and a nocturnal temperature difference of up to 2.8 K compared to rural settings. The MRT of LCZ 1/2/3 in the late afternoon (1700–2000 LST (UTC + 2)) can be as much as 6.3 K lower than it is for LCZs with open settings due to shading by dense urban structures. Additional analysis reveals that the intra‐LCZ variabilities of T2M and MRT may be explained by the distance to the city centre. Finally, the thermal stress in different LCZs is assessed with the modelled UTCI. Among the built LCZs, the probability of strong heat stress is the highest for open high/mid‐rise (LCZ 4/5) and lowest for sparsely built (LCZ 9) and open low‐rise (LCZ 6) settings. For land cover type LCZs, dense trees (LCZ A) are the most favourable for daytime outdoor human thermal comfort.
Improvement in the Safety of Use of Hand Dishwashing Liquids through the Addition of Sulfonic Derivatives of Alkyl Polyglucosides
Authors: Seweryn Artur , Klimaszewska Emilia , Ogorzałek Marta 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe effect of a sulfonic acid derivative of alkyl polyglucosides on the safety of hand dishwashing liquids was assessed. In this study, it was found that an increase in the concentration of the natural origin raw material in samples led to a decrease in the zein number, and reduced changes in the pH level of bovine serum albumin solution, compared to a reference sample formulated without these compounds. These findings suggest a high level of reduction in the skin‐irritation effect after applying hand dishwashing liquids. In addition, the application of this type of anionic surfactants in products decreases their ability to emulsify fats. Consequently, the skin‐drying effect produced by the washing process and removal of protective epidermal lipids may be significantly reduced.
Significance of radiographic splenic vessel involvement in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the body and tail of the gland
Authors: Hyun Jong Jin , Rose J. Bart , Alseidi Adnan A. , Biehl Thomas R. , Helton Scott , Coy David L. , Kozarek Richard A. , Rocha Flavio G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUnlike pancreatic head tumors, little is known about the biological significance of radiographic vessel involvement with pancreatic body/tail adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized radiographic splenic vessel involvement may be an adverse prognostic factor.MethodsAll distal pancreatectomies performed for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2016 were reviewed and clinicopatholgic data were collected, retrospectively. Preoperative computed tomography imaging was re‐reviewed and splenic vessel involvement was graded as none, abutment, encasement, or occlusion.ResultsAmong a total of 71 patients, splenic artery or vein encasement/occlusion was present in 41% (29 of 71) of patients, each. There were no significant differences in tumor size or grade, margin positivity, and perineural or lymphovascular invasion. However, splenic artery encasement/occlusion (P = 0.001) and splenic vein encasement/occlusion (P = 0.038) both correlated with lymph node positivity. Splenic artery encasement was associated with a reduced median overall survival (20 vs 30 months, P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis also showed that splenic artery encasement was an independent risk factor of worse survival (hazard ratio, 2.246; 95% confidence interval, 1.118‐4.513; P = 0.023).ConclusionPatients with cancer of the body or tail of the pancreas presenting with radiographic encasement of the splenic artery, but not the splenic vein, have a poorer prognosis and perhaps should be considered for neoadjuvant therapy before an attempt at curative resection.
Effect of anesthesia on evoked auditory responses in pediatric auditory brainstem implant surgery
Authors: Wong Kevin , Kiringoda Ruwan , Kanumuri Vivek V. , Barber Samuel R. , Franck Kevin , Sahani Nita , Brown M. Christian , Herrmann Barbara S. , Lee Daniel J. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveElectrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABR) guide placement of the multichannel auditory brainstem implant (ABI) array during surgery. EABRs are also recorded under anesthesia in nontumor pediatric ABI recipients prior to device activation to confirm placement and guide device programming. We examine the influence of anesthesia on evoked response morphology in pediatric ABI users by comparing intraoperative with postoperative EABR recordings.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsSeven children underwent ABI surgery by way of retrosigmoid craniotomy. General anesthesia included inhaled sevoflurane induction and propofol maintenance during which EABRs were recorded to confirm accurate positioning of the ABI. A mean of 7.7 ± 2.8 weeks following surgery, the ABI was activated under general anesthesia or sedation (dexmedetomidine) and EABR recordings were made. A qualitative analysis of intraoperative and postoperative waveform morphology was performed.ResultsSeven subjects (mean age 20.6 months) underwent nine ABI surgeries (seven primary, two revisions) and nine activations. EABRs were observed in eight of nine postoperative recordings. In three cases, intraoperative EABRs during general anesthesia were similar to postoperative EABRs with sedation. In one case, sevoflurane and propofol were used for intra‐ and postoperative recordings, and waveforms were also similar. In four cases, amplitude and latency changes were observed for intraoperative versus postoperative EABRs.ConclusionSimilarity of EABR morphology in the anesthetized versus sedated condition suggests that anesthesia does not have a large effect on far‐field evoked potentials. Changes in EABR waveform morphology observed postoperatively may be influenced by other factors such as movements of the surface array.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:507–513, 2020
Sediment addition and legume cultivation result in sustainable, long‐term increases in ecosystem functions of sandy grasslands
Authors: Wu Honghui , Lü Linyou , Zhang Yunlong , Xu Chong , Yang Hao , Zhou Wei , Wang Weiqi , Zhao Liren , He Nianpeng , Smith Melinda D. , Han Xingguo , Hartley Iain P. , Yu Qiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDesertification of sandy grasslands is an increasing problem, with serious negative impacts on ecosystem functions. Sandy grasslands are fragile with low ecosystem productivity mainly because of the sandy soil structure with low water and nutrient holding capacities and especially low levels of nitrogen. Here, we evaluate the long‐term impacts of sediment addition from a local reservoir, and grass and legume cultivation (artificial grasslands) on a sandy grassland in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that even after 32 years, sediment addition had improved soil structure significantly, that is, increasing of silt and clay contents, soil bulk density, and water holding capacity. As the result of improved soil structure, ecosystem functions, including aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and soil carbon, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus storage, increased significantly. Net C, N, and P sequestration increased even after accounting for the sediment addition, due, at least partially, to the greater plant biomass trapping large quantities of wind‐blown dust. Plant cultivation, especially the addition of a legume, further increased ANPP significantly, that is, the cultivation of Leymus chinensis and the legume Medicago sativa increased ANPP 6.99 and 44.62 times, respectively. Our study highlights that improvements in soil structure and cultivation with legume species can increased substantially the productivity of sandy grasslands and that the initial increases in grass biomass promoted the sequestration of wind‐blown dust, which helped sustain the increases in productivity.
Smart Wearable Textiles with Breathable Properties and Repeatable Shaping in In Vitro Orthopedic Support from a Novel Biomass Thermoplastic Copolyester
Authors: Chan Hao‐Wei , Cho Chia‐Jung , Hsu Kai‐Hung , He Cyuan‐Lun , Kuo Chi‐Ching , Chu Chien‐Chia , Chen Yu‐Haw , Chen Chin‐Wen , Rwei Syang‐Peng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, materials with low melting temperatures and high toughness are developed for orthopedic applications. A series of an aliphatic copolyester based on sebacic acid (SeA), a green resource, is copolymerized with ethylene glycol, trimesic acid, aminocaproic acid, and adipic acid (AA) to produce poly(ethylene sebacate‐co‐ethylene adipate) (PESA) with various molar ratios through melt polymerization. Thermal characterizations of the PESA copolyesters are tuned with SeA and AA in varying molar ratios, exhibiting a crystalline phase with a lower degree of perfection. The melting point (Tm) and crystallization temperature (Tc) of the copolyesters are observed at 60–70 and 30–40 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a high Young's modulus ranging between 140 and 200 MPa is observed, which could be attributed to the 3D network structure formed by the trimesic acid unit used as a cross‐linking agent. Within the authors' research group, the PESA copolyesters are adopted to reinforce the mechanical properties of a 3D air mesh fabric as a composite application. Also, the highly breathable and low‐weight characteristics of 3D fabric with PESA copolyesters render them suitable for replacing traditional plaster in the future.
Fabrication of Shape‐Memory Aerogel Based on Chitosan/Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Semi‐Interpenetrating Networks via a Facile and Eco‐Friendly Strategy
Authors: Li Bei , Xiao Yi , Du Lan , Fan Cheng‐Jie , Xiao Wen‐Xia , Yang Ke‐Ke , Wang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWhile the field of shape memory polymers (SMPs) has developed rapidly, it is still highly challenging to obtain SMPs in the form of aerogels (SMPAs) due to the unique technique used for the fabrication of the aerogels and their high porosity. Herein, a thermally induced SMPA based on chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (CS/PEGDA) semi‐interpenetrating networks is reported that are produced using an eco‐friendly strategy. The main network is responsible for the shape memory effect (SME) and can be easily tuned by varying the feed ratio of the two PEGDA precursors, which have different molecular weights. The crystalline segment in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) with higher molecular weight acts as the molecular switch, and the PEGDA with lower molecular weight endows the network with an efficient degree of crosslinking. Meanwhile, the chitosan (CS) is interpenetrated into the main network to enhance the aerogel. The SME is realized both at the macroscale and the microscale, as is further demonstrated for three different models with various shapes.
Development of an index for frost prediction: Technique and validation
Authors: Rozante José R. , Gutierrez Enver Ramirez , da Silva Dias Pedro Leite , de Almeida Fernandes Alex , Alvim Debora Souza , Silva Vinicius Matoso 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn index for frost prediction is proposed and calibrated against observations. It takes into account: (1) the main meteorological variables that favour or oppose to frost; (2) weights attributed to these variables; and (3) means and standard deviations of these variables, only for cases in which frost occurs, as defined by observation of temperatures that are ≤ 6°C. The meteorological variables used for the frost index IG (from the Portuguese, Índice de Geada) are numerically predicted by a regional weather forecast model. An outcome of the calibration processes results is that temperature has the largest contribution, followed by pressure and winds, while the other variables were adjusted to obey the restriction that the sum of weights are equal to 1. After index calibration and threshold determination, the method was applied for the 2017 winter season, and a case study for May 2018 was also considered. In order to verify whether the new index can satisfactorily contribute to the weather forecasting, the results using the IG were compared with the temperature outputs of the numerical regional model. It was found that for three selected areas, and for all the forecasted hours, the IG produces better results than the model's direct temperature forecasts. Thus, it was concluded that the use of the IG in an operational environment potentially provides considerable improvement in the predictive skill of frost events.
Systematic genetic analyses of GWAS data reveal an association between the immune system and insomnia
Authors: Xiang Bo , Liu Kezhi , Yu Minglan , Liang Xuemei , Huang Chaohua , Zhang Jin , He Wenying , Lei Wei , Chen Jing , Gu Xiaochu , Gong Ke 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have inferred a strong genetic component for insomnia. However, the etiology of insomnia is still unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore potential biological pathways, gene networks, and brain regions associated with insomnia.MethodsUsing pathways (gene sets) from Reactome, we carried out a two‐stage gene set enrichment analysis strategy. From a large genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of insomnia symptoms (32,155 cases/26,973 controls), significant gene sets were tested for replication in other large GWASs of insomnia complaints (32,384 cases/80,622 controls). After the network analysis of unique genes within the replicated pathways, a gene set analysis for genes in each cluster/module of the enhancing neuroimaging genetics through meta‐analysis GWAS data was performed for the volumes of the intracranial and seven subcortical regions.ResultsA total of 31 of 1,816 Reactome pathways were identified and showed associations with insomnia risk. In addition, seven functionally and topologically interconnected clusters (clusters 0–6) and six gene modules (named Yellow, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, and Turquoise) were associated with insomnia. Moreover, significant associations were detected between common variants of the genes in Cluster 2 with hippocampal volume (p = 0.035; family wise error [FWE] correction) and the red module with intracranial volume (p = 0.047; FWE correction). Functional enrichment for genes in the Cluster 2 and the Red module revealed the involvement of immune responses, nervous system development, NIK/NF‐kappaB signaling, and I‐kappaB kinase/NF‐kappaB signaling. Core genes (UBC, UBB, and UBA52) in the interconnected functional network were found to be involved in regulating brain development.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates that the immune system and the hippocampus may play central roles in neurodevelopment and insomnia risk.
CEST MRI reveals a correlation between visceral fat mass and reduced myocardial creatine in obese individuals despite preserved ventricular structure and function
Authors: AlGhuraibawi Wissam , Stromp Tori , Holtkamp Rebecca , Lam Bonnie , Rehwald Wolfgang , Leung Steve W. , Vandsburger Moriel 
Published: May 2019

Systolic cardiac function is typically preserved in obese adults, potentially masking underlying declines in cardiomyocyte metabolism that may contribute to heart failure. We used chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI, a sensitive method for measurement of myocardial creatine, to examine whether myocardial creatine levels correlate with cardiac structure, contractile function, or visceral fat mass in obese adults. In this study, obese (body mass index, BMI > 30, n = 20) and healthy (BMI < 25, n = 11) adults were examined with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry to quantify fat masses. Cine MRI and myocardial tagging were performed at 1.5 T to measure ventricular structure and global function. CEST imaging with offsets in the range of ±10 parts per million (ppm) were performed in one mid‐ventricular slice, where creatine CEST contrast was calculated at 1.8 ppm following field homogeneity correction. Ventricular structure, global function (ejection fraction 69.4 ± 4.3% healthy versus 69.6 ± 9.3% obese, NS), and circumferential strain (−17.0 ± 2.3% healthy versus −16.5 ± 1.5% obese, NS) and strain rate were preserved in obese adults. However, creatine CEST contrast was significantly reduced in obese adults (6.8 ± 1.3% healthy versus 4.1 ± 2.7% obese, p = 0.001). Creatine CEST contrast was inversely correlated with total body fat% (ρ = −0.45, p = 0.011), visceral fat mass (ρ = −0.58, p = 0.001), and septal wall thickness (ρ = −0.44, p = 0.013), but uncorrelated to ventricular function or contractile function. In conclusion, creatine CEST‐MRI reveals a strong correlation between heightened body and visceral fat masses and reduced myocardial metabolic function that is independent of ventricular structure and global function in obese adults.
A new mouse model for the neurodevelopmental ciliopathy Joubert syndrome
Authors: Bachmann‐Gagescu Ruxandra 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecent recognition of the key role of primary cilia in orchestrating human development and of the dire consequences of their dysfunction on human health has placed this small organelle in the spotlight. While the causal link between mutations in ciliary genes and central nervous system malformations and dysfunction is well established, the mechanisms by which primary cilia dysfunction acts on development and function of the CNS remain partly unknown. The recent article by Bashford and Subramanian in The Journal of Pathology describes a new mouse model for the neurodevelopmental ciliopathy Joubert syndrome, supporting a role for ciliary‐mediated Hedgehog signaling on proliferation, survival, and differentiation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sickle cell screening in Uganda: High burden, human immunodeficiency virus comorbidity, and genetic modifiers
Authors: Kiyaga Charles , Hernandez Arielle G. , Ssewanyana Isaac , Schaefer Beverly A. , McElhinney Kathryn E. , Ndeezi Grace , Howard Thad A. , Ndugwa Christopher M. , Ware Russell E. , Aceng Jane R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Uganda Sickle Surveillance Study provided evidence for a large sickle burden among HIV‐exposed infants in Uganda. To date, however, no large scale screening program has been developed for Central or East Africa.MethodsA 3‐year targeted sickle cell screening project in Uganda was designed by the Ministry of Health to (1) determine sickle cell trait and disease prevalence within high‐burden districts, (2) document the prevalence among HIV‐exposed and nonexposed children, (3) confirm previously suggested HIV comorbidity, and (4) estimate the co‐inheritance of known genetic modifiers of sickle cell disease.ResultsA total of 163 334 dried blood spot samples collected between April 2015 and March 2018 were analyzed, including 112 352 samples within the HIV Early Infant Diagnosis program. A high burden with >1% sickle cell disease was found within targeted East Central and Mid‐Northern districts, in both HIV‐exposed and nonexposed children. Based on crude birth‐rate data, 236 905 sickle cell trait births and 16 695 sickle cell disease births will occur annually in Uganda. Compared to sickle cell disease without HIV, the odds ratio of having sickle cell disease plus HIV was 0.50 (95% confidence interval = 0.40‐0.64, P < .0001). Alpha‐thalassemia trait and G6PD deficiency were common with sickle cell disease, but with different geospatial distribution.ConclusionsHigh sickle cell burden and potential HIV comorbidity are confirmed in Uganda. Genetic modifiers are common and likely influence laboratory and clinical phenotypes. These prospective data document that targeted sickle cell screening is feasible and effective in Uganda, and support development of district‐level comprehensive care programs.