bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Formation of Acrylamide from and Its Reduction by 3‐Aminopropanamide Occur Simultaneously During Thermal Treatment
Authors: Wu Haojie , Zheng Jie , Zhang Guangwen , Huang Caihuan , Ou Shiyi 
Published: September 2018

Abstract3‐Aminopropanamide (3‐APA) is the direct precursor of acrylamide produced in the Maillard reaction between asparagine and reducing sugars. In this research, we found that 3‐APA could reduce acrylamide by the formation of adducts between acrylamide and 3‐APA via Michael addition. The effects of temperature, heating duration and 3‐APA/acrylamide ratio on the reduction of acrylamide were investigated. Addition of 3‐APA to acrylamide at a molar ratio of 5:3 at 160 °C for 20 min reduced acrylamide by up to 47.29%. The major adduct was identified as 3,3′,3′‐nitrilotris, and its cytotoxicity on Caco‐2 cells was evaluated to be much lower than acrylamide. The viability of Caco‐2 cells retained at 88.31% and 86.43% after incubation with 16 mM 3,3′,3′‐nitrilotris for 24 and 48 hr, respectively, while those incubated with the same concentration of acrylamide were 23.33% and 19.12%, respectively.Practical ApplicationThe current study reported 3‐APA could reduce acrylamide through the Micheal addition reaction between 3‐APA and acrylamide. The adduct showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to acrylamide. The research is critical in evaluation and control of food contaminants. The results brought new insights in the area of food safety, especially in the mechanism researches on formation and mitigation of endogenous contaminants in thermal‐processed foods.
Carbon dioxide CT angiography during endovascular treatment of bilateral common iliac disease with angio‐CT utilisation
Authors: Heidrich Jason , Nguyen Julian , Florescu Cosmin , Steward Adam 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper presents the application of carbon dioxide for CT imaging during an endovascular procedure to help characterise unexpected bilateral common iliac artery stenosis utilising an angio‐CT system, confirming its application in interventional radiology while maintaining sterility. A 78 year old male was referred to the Radiology Interventional Suite with left lower limb rest pain. On imaging via digital subtraction angiography and CT utilising both iodinated contrast and carbon‐dioxide (CO2), endovascular treatment of bilateral CIA stenosis was performed with good clinical result. The case presented demonstrates the advanced imaging techniques possible in suites that have ready access to angiography and conventional CT. CO2 CT angiography is optimally performed on combined Angio‐CT systems where CT and angiography system are integrated into a single room.
Prognostic value of metabolic tumour volume and total lesion glycolysis measured by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nie Kai , Zhang Yu‐Xuan , Nie Wei , Zhu Lin , Chen Yi‐Nan , Xiao Yong‐Xin , Liu Shi‐Yuan , Yu Hong 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) was used to measure the influence of MTV and TLG on survival. The subgroup analysis according to VALSG stage and the measured extent of MTV was performed. Patients with high MTV values experienced a significantly poorer prognosis with a HR of 2.42 (95% CI 1.46–4.03) for overall survival (OS) and a HR of 2.78 (95% CI 1.39–5.53) for progression‐free survival (PFS) from the random effect model, and the pooled HR from the fixed effect model was 2.10 (95% CI 1.77–2.50) for OS and 2.27 (95% CI 1.83–2.81) for PFS. Patients with high TLG experienced a poorer prognosis with a HR of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.24–2.07) for OS from the random effect model, and the pooled HR from the fixed effect model was 1.64 (95% CI 1.37–1.96). Heterogeneity among studies was high for MTV in both OS and PFS meta‐analyses (I2 = 87% and 88% respectively). After removing one outlier study the heterogeneity was substantially reduced (I2 = 0%) and the pooled HR for the effect of MTV on OS was 1.80 (1.51–2.16, P < 0.00001), and on PFS it was 1.86 (1.49–2.33, P < 0.00001), using either the fixed or random effects model. High MTV is associated with a significantly poorer prognosis OS and PFS, and high TLG is associated with a significantly poorer prognosis regarding OS for SCLC.
Recovering cellular biomass from fluids using chemical flocculation
Authors: Kenward Paul A. , Simister Rachel L. , Morgan‐Lang Connor , Finke Niko , Sturm Arne , Hallam Steven J. , Crowe Sean A. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryWe developed an efficient, scalable and inexpensive method for recovering cellular biomass from complex fluid matrices that cannot be processed using conventional filtration methods. The method uses chemical flocculation with iron oxyhydroxides, is capable of recovering greater than 90% of cellular biomass from fluids with more than 103 cells ml−1, and was validated using both mock communities and field samples. High quality DNA can be readily extracted from iron flocs using standard soil extraction kits. We applied chemical flocculation to fracing fluids from British Columbia, Canada and recovered a diversity of microbial taxa including abundant members of the Epsilon‐ and Deltaproteobacteria previously recovered from shale gas operations in the United States. Application of chemical flocculation presents new opportunities for scalable time‐series monitoring and experimentation on complex fluid matrices including microbial community profiling and shotgun metagenomics over gas production well completion cycles.
Physician‐assisted Death: Ethical Implications for Emergency Physicians
Authors: Derse Arthur R. , Moskop John C. , McGrath Norine A. , Vearrier Laura E. , Clayborne Elizabeth P. , Goett Rebecca R. , Limehouse Walter E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhysician‐assisted death (PAD) has long been a strongly debated moral and public policy issue in the United States, and an increasing number of jurisdictions have legalized this practice under certain circumstances. In light of changing terminology, laws, public and professional attitudes, and the availability of published data about the practice, we review key concepts and terms in the ongoing PAD debate, moral arguments for and against PAD, the current legal status of PAD in the United States and in other nations, and data on the reported experience with PAD in those U.S. jurisdictions where it is a legal practice. We then identify situations in which emergency physicians (EPs) may encounter patients who request PAD or have attempted to end their lives with physician assistance and consider EP responses in those situations. Based on our analysis, we offer recommendations for emergency medical practice and professional association policy.
Evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary premolars: a cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: de Lima Carolina Oliveira , de Souza Laura Campos , Devito Karina Lopes , do Prado Maíra , Campos Celso Neiva 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal configuration of maxillary premolars using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 999 maxillary premolars from a database were analysed to determine the frequency of the number of roots, root canals and Vertucci's classification. The associations among these variables were evaluated by Chi‐square test (P < 0.05). In the first premolars, 42.2% of single‐rooted teeth had a type II configuration, whereas 98.7% of 2‐rooted teeth showed type IV. In the second premolars, type I was the most prevalent (49.9%). The presence of two roots was more prevalent in first premolars, and the presence of one root was more prevalent in second premolars (P < 0.05). Male patients had a higher percentage of two roots compared with female patients (P < 0.05). Type IV and I was more prevalent in first and second premolars respectively (P < 0.05). There was a high frequency of 2‐rooted and single‐rooted teeth among maxillary first and second premolars respectively.
Influence of ultrasonic activation using different final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength of filling material
Authors: Souza Matheus Albino , Hoffmann Igor Paim , Menchik Vitor Hugo Sanches , Zandoná Julia , Dias Caroline Tumelero , Palhano Huriel Scartazzini , Bertol Charise Dallazem , Rossato‐Grando Luciana Grazziotin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (US) over final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength. The root canals of 180 extracted human teeth were distributed into three experimental tests (n = 60). In each test, the samples were subdivided into six groups (n = 10) according to final irrigation protocols: G1:distilled water (DW); G2:DW + US; G3:17% EDTA; G4:QMix; G5:17% EDTA + US; and G6:QMix + US. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by counting of colony‐forming units (CFUs), the smear layer removal by scanning electron microscopy and the bond strength by push‐out test. Statistical analysis was performed for each evaluation (α = 5%). Groups 4 and 6 provided higher bacterial reduction, groups 5 and 6 provided higher smear layer removal, groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 provided the higher bond strength (P < 0.05). US activation did not improve the antimicrobial activity and the bond strength, whereas it improved the smear layer removal.
A New Template and Teleoperation System for Human‐Guided Spine Surgery
Authors: Azimifar Farhad , Hassani Kamran , Hossein Saveh Amir , Izadi Farhad 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFluoroscopy‐guided placement of pedicle screws is usually used to position pedicle screws, although it is highly risky due to lack of accuracy during operation and surgeon’s intensive labor requirement during surgery. In this study, a new method was introduced to consider the issues and we tried to reduce the risk of pedicle screw placement and drilling process. To put pedicle screws in the correct position and orientation, a specific drill guide is designed and fabricated by additive manufacturing technology. In addition, since the drilling process is remarkably important and it is usually dependent on surgeon skill, therefore a teleoperation system is proposed to perform this task. In order to let the surgeon to have better control on the patient, a control scheme including position and velocity signals along with surgeon force and reaction force of vertebra was proposed. This helped the surgeon for proper control on the patient during surgery. A force estimation algorithm was presented to eliminate measuring external force signal. Consequently, 10 vertebras were used to evaluate specific drill guide and teleoperation system simultaneously. Then, the computed tomography evaluation demonstrated that Kirschner wire trajectories followed the planned axes with an error between 1 and 2 mm in 20% of cases and less than 1 mm in 80% of cases. The results obtained by the teleoperation system showed that the surgeon, in the master side, has proper control over the patient body in the slave side because the slave robot followed the master position. Furthermore, the surgeon in the master side sensed the reaction force of vertebra in the slave side appropriately.
Four‐year outcome of randomly assigned lifestyle treatments in primary care of children with obesity
Authors: Forsell Christer , Gronowitz Eva , Larsson Yvonne , Kjellberg Britt‐Marie , Friberg Peter , Mårild Staffan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the four‐year outcome in children with obesity randomised to one of two 12‐month lifestyle treatment programmes in primary care.MethodsAt baseline, 64 children with obesity aged 8.0–13.0 years were randomised to a treatment programme managed either by a nurse, dietician and physiotherapist (n = 32) or by a nurse and dietician (n = 32).ResultsFrom baseline to follow‐up, the mean body mass standard deviation score (BMISDS) had decreased by −0.50 [standard deviation (SD) 0.73], p = 0.002, in the nurse, dietician and physiotherapist group (n = 27), by −0.26 (SD 0.73), p = 0.057 in the other group (n = 29); adjusted mean difference was −0.22, 95% confidence interval −0.59; 0.16, p = 0.25. Changes in weight categories did not differ between the groups: both had a change from obesity to normal weight in 1 and to overweight in 6; in the physiotherapist group 1 case of severe obesity changed to obesity. The combined treatment groups (n = 56) had a mean reduction in BMISDS of −0.37 (SD 0.73) and an improved distribution in weight categories, p = 0.015.ConclusionAfter four years, there was no difference in outcome between the treatment options. In the treatment groups combined the number of children with obesity and their adiposity measures were significantly lower.
Long‐term effects of grazing intensity on strategies and spatial components of functional diversity in subtropical grassland
Authors: Fischer Felícia M. , Bonnet Olivier J. F. , Cezimbra Ian M. , Pillar Valério D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractQuestionHow does grazing intensity affect plant community functional traits and the spatial components of functional diversity in subtropical grasslands?LocationLong‐term cattle grazing management experiment in subtropical Campos grassland, southern Brazil.MethodsFourteen experimental units (paddocks) maintained under seven grazing intensity treatments for 26 years. In each paddock, we recorded plant species cover and species functional traits in nine systematically located plots of 1 m2. Nineteen functional traits were used in the ordination of species to identify main axes of trait variation. Functional diversity measured by Rao entropy was partitioned into alpha, beta and gamma components. We tested, by linear models, for the effects of grazing intensity on community‐weighted mean traits and functional diversity components, using as traits the species scores on the PCA axes.ResultsThe two main axes of trait variation suggest a separation in species by their functional strategies (acquisition–conservation and tolerance–avoidance trade‐offs). Acquisitive and tolerant species increased while conservative and avoidant species decreased with grazing intensity. Rao quadratic entropy, considering the three spatial components, decreased with grazing intensity, but this trend was more accentuated with beta‐diversity.ConclusionsThe long‐term, strictly‐managed grazing experiment allowed us to reveal the effect of not only grazing disturbance per se, but also of different grazing intensities. Under high grazing intensity, frequent and severe defoliation allows only the persistence of species similarly adapted to regrowth. Under low grazing intensity, the lack of frequent defoliation enables the development of species with high investment in strong and long‐lived leaves. The partitioning of functional diversity revealed that the increase in functional diversity in areas with low grazing intensity is mostly due to an increase in heterogeneity among patches (beta‐component). The double stratum vegetation structure: tussocks, which escape grazing control, and short‐grazed patches often overgrazed, is maintained by grazer selectivity.
Stable states in soil chemistry persist in eucalypt woodland restorations
Authors: Macdonald Stuart , Bailey Tanya , Hunt Mark , Davidson Neil , Jordan Greg 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimTo assess whether restoration of dry eucalypt‐dominated plant communities on ex‐pasture sites is constrained by soil characteristics.LocationCentral Tasmania, Australia.MethodsWe use nutrient status to test recovery trajectories of soils within eucalypt woodland restorations established on ex‐pasture sites. Eucalyptus trees within these sites have been successfully established but understorey plant communities have had negligible recovery. Soils from restoration sites, aged from 3 to 22 years, were contrasted with those from two reference ecotypes: established pastures and native eucalypt woodlands presumed to be similar to that originally replaced by the pastures. We hypothesized that (a) total soil carbon to nitrogen ratios (C:N) would be substantially higher in forest soils than in pasture soils; (b) soil nutrient levels would be lower in forest sites than within pasture sites; and (c) if restoration soils were recovering they should fit between these continuums according to age of planting.ResultsWoodland and pasture reference soils were highly constrained in soil C:N and conformed to expectations. However, ex‐pasture restoration sites retained the characteristically low C:N and high nutrient levels of pasture soils, in particular total N. They also failed to demonstrate a transformational effect with age of planting.ConclusionsThe results suggest that both restoration interventions and natural processes had not sufficiently disrupted existing below‐ground systems within the given time frame. Such an intractable stable state within the soil system highlights the need within restoration practice for an increased emphasis on soil ecological transformation. Improving and implementing practices aimed at driving soil change may assist a timelier reassembly of complex native ecosystems. This study also shows that soil C:N ratios may provide a cheap and simple means of identifying soil constraints on restoration.
Blocking of YY1 reduce neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting IL-8 production via the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lin J , He Y , Wang B , Xun Z , Chen S , Zeng Z , Ou Q 
Published: September 2018

Summary
Our previous study revealed that Yin Yang 1(YY1) played an important part in promoting interleukin (IL)-6 production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether YY1 has any role in regulation of IL-8 in RA remains unclear. YY1 and IL-8 expression in RA patients were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the signaling pathway involved in YY1-induced IL-8 production. The expression of YY1 and proteins involved in the pathway were detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Migration of neutrophils was performed by chemotaxis assay. In this study, we found that high expression of IL-8 was positively associated with YY1 expression in RA. Blocking YY1 expression by YY1-short hairpin (sh)RNA lentivirus reduced IL-8 production. Mechanistically, we showed YY1 activated IL-8 production via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway. Further, using a co-culture system consisting of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils, we found that migration of neutrophils would be inhibited by YY1 RNA interference. Finally, using the collagen-induced arthritis animal model, we showed that treatment with the YY1-shRNA lentivirus led to reduction of IL-8 levels and attenuation of inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in vivo. Our results reveal a role of YY1 involved in neutrophil infiltration in RA via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/IL-8 signaling pathway. YY1 may be a new therapeutic target for treatment of RA.
Factors associated with the efficacy of intravenous methylprednisolone in moderate‐to‐severe and active thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Hu Shiqian , Wang Yue , He Mingqian , Zhang Meng , Ding Xi , Shi Bingyin 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveIntravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) is recommended as the first‐line treatment for moderate‐to‐severe and active thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). This study aimed to identify potential predictors and establish a multivariable prediction model for the efficacy of IVMP therapy.DesignA single‐centre retrospective study.PatientsA total of 302 consecutive patients diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe and active TAO who underwent the full course of IVMP therapy were included.MethodsParticipants were sequentially divided into the training set (n = 200) and the validation set (n = 102). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors and establish the predictive model.ResultsIn addition to the pretreatment clinical activity score (OR = 3.506, P < 0.001), elevated thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels during treatment (OR = 0.145, P = 0.005), pretreatment anti‐TSH receptor antibody levels (OR = 0.061, P < 0.001) and duration of eye symptoms (OR = 0.878, P = 0.017), a significant relationship was found between therapeutic efficacy and the pretreatment triglyceride levels (OR = 0.090, P = 0.001). The prediction model showed good calibration and excellent discrimination, with an area under curve of 0.915 (P < 0.001) and 0.885 (P < 0.001) in the training and validation sets, respectively.ConclusionsThis study provides some novel insights into the factors associated with the efficacy of IVMP therapy. A multivariable prediction model has been established and validated to help determine the indication and prognosis of IVMP therapy. Moreover, several suggestions have been made in the management of TAO patients: early diagnosis and treatment (within 15 months); prompt restoration and maintenance of euthyroidism, especially meticulous control of TSH levels (≤5 μIU/mL); and regular monitoring of triglyceride levels.
Skewed X chromosome inactivation in girls and female adolescents with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Santiwatana Suttikarn , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Limwongse Chanin , Khlairit Patcharin , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Roothumnong Ekkapong , Prangphan Kanjana , Choubtum Lulin , Songdej Duantida , Poomthavorn Preamrudee 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveSkewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) was associated with female predominance in adult autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). In normal females, skewed XCI is increased with age. Whether early‐onset skewed XCI is associated with childhood ATD remains unknown. This study aimed to determine XCI skewing in paediatric ATD.Design, Patients and MeasurementsNinety‐one female ATD patients, aged 3‐20 years and 57 age‐matched, female controls were enrolled. XCI was analysed by enzymatic digestion of DNA with methylation‐sensitive enzymes followed by PCR of the polymorphic CAG repeat in the androgen receptor gene. Skewed XCI was defined as having 80% or greater of the cells preferentially inactivated on the same X chromosome. XCI pattern of the enrolled patients and parental origin of the skewed XCI were determined.ResultsAfter exclusion of samples with homozygous CAG repeats, skewed XCI was analysed in 83 patients (57 Graves' disease and 26 Hashimoto thyroiditis) and 52 controls. There was an increased frequency of skewed XCI in ATD patients as compared with the controls (23% vs 8%, P = 0.022). Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis had greater frequency of skewed XCI than patients with Graves' disease (38% vs 16%, P = 0.023). There were no differences in clinical parameters between patients with skewed and random XCI. Analysis of 7 patients with skewed XCI showed a preferential inactivation of paternal X chromosome in 6 patients (86%).ConclusionsFrequency of skewed XCI was increased in childhood ATD. This observation suggests a possible association of skewed XCI in the development of paediatric ATD.