bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of dementia associated with cardiometabolic abnormalities and depressive symptoms: a longitudinal cohort study using the English longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: Kontari Panagiota , Smith Kimberley J. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesDepression and cardiometabolic abnormalities are independently associated with a high risk of dementia. This study aimed to examine the association of comorbid depressive symptoms and cardiometabolic abnormalities with risk of dementia.MethodsThe sample comprised 4859 participants aged 50 or older without baseline dementia who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (waves 2‐7). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression tool. Cardiometabolic abnormalities were defined as three or more cardiometabolic risk factors (inflammation, central obesity, raised triglycerides, low high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia or diabetes). Participants were classified into four groups based on presence of depressive symptoms and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Results were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for covariates.ResultsA total of 216 cases of incident dementia were reported over 10 years of follow‐up. The group with high depressive symptoms only had an increased hazard of developing incident dementia during follow‐up (HR = 2.68; 95%CI, 1.70‐4.23), which was attenuated after adjustment for baseline cognition. No evidence was found for an association of overall cardiometabolic abnormalities with incident dementia; though hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity with depressive symptoms had an unadjusted association with incident dementia. Only low‐HDL cholesterol with depressive symptoms had an adjusted association with incident dementia (HR = 0.18; 95%CI, 0.04‐0.75).ConclusionsThis work confirms depressive symptoms as a risk factor for incident dementia. However, low HDL‐cholesterol with depressive symptoms may be protective against dementia, though more work is required to confirm this association.
In vitro compatibility testing of thiol‐ene/acrylate‐based shape memory polymers for use in implantable neural interfaces
Authors: Black Bryan J. , Ecker Melanie , Stiller Allison , Rihani Rashed , Danda Vindhya Reddy , Reed Isabella , Voit Walter E. , Pancrazio Joseph J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractShape memory polymers (SMPs) based on thiol‐ene/acrylate formulations are an emerging class of materials with potential applications as structural and/or dielectric coatings for implantable neural interfaces. Here, we report in vitro compatibility studies of three novel thiol‐ene/acrylate‐based SMP formulations. In vivo cytotoxicity assays were carried out in accordance with International Organization for Standards (ISO) protocol 10993‐5, using NCTC clone 929 fibroblasts as well as embryonic cortical cultures. All three SMP formulations passed standardized cytotoxicity assays (>70% normalized cell viability) using both cell types. Functional neurotoxicity assays were carried out using primary cortical networks cultured on substrate‐integrated microelectrode arrays (MEAs). We observed significant reduction in cortical network activity in the case of positive control material, but no significant alterations in activity following incubation with SMP material extracts, indicating functional cytocompatibility. Finally, we assessed cell reactivity at the tissue‐material interface by performing an in vitro glial scarring assay. Through immunostaining, we observed similar astrocyte‐associated (GFAP) mean intensity ratios near nonsoftening SMP‐coated and uncoated stainless steel microwires (1.10 ± 0.06 vs. 1.19 ± 0.10), suggesting similar glial cell reactivity. However, we observed decreased mean intensity ratios in the presence of fully softening SMP‐coated microwires (1.02 ± 0.04) suggesting reduced glial cell reactivity. Overall, these results indicate that the thiol‐ene/acrylate SMP formulations presented here are neither cytotoxic nor neurotoxic, and suggest that fully softening SMP may reduce foreign body response in terms of glial cell reactivity. These findings support further consideration of this class of materials as backbone or insulating materials for implantable neural stimulating/recording devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2891–2898, 2018.
Expression of myostatin in human hematopoietic cells unveils novel autocrine/paracrine actions for the hormone
Authors: Fernández‐Nocelo Susana , Gallego Rosalía , Costoya José A. , Arce Víctor M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMyostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily that has a well‐established role as a mediator of muscle growth and development. However, myostatin is now emerging as a pleiotropic hormone with multiple actions in the regulation of the metabolism as well as several aspects of both cardiac and smooth muscle cells physiology. In addition, myostatin is also expressed in several nonmuscular cells where its physiological role remains to be elucidated in most cases. In this report, we have shown that both myostatin and its receptor system are expressed in blood cells and in hematopoietic cell lines. Furthermore, myostatin treatment promotes differentiation of both HL60 and K562 cells through a mechanism that involves activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 and p38‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase, thus leading to the possibility that myostatin may be a paracrine/autocrine factor involved in the control of haematopoiesis. In addition, the presence of myostatin expression in immune cells could envisage a novel role for the hormone in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Rare earth element geochemistry during weathering of S‐type granites from dry to humid climates of Brazil
Authors: da Silva Ygor Jacques Agra Bezerra , Araújo do Nascimento Clístenes Williams , Biondi Caroline Miranda , van Straaten Peter , da Silva Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractS‐type granites are igneous rock types that are widespread in all continental crust. These granites play a key role in global weathering patterns and can be important economic ores of rare earth elements (REEs). This study provides insights into the geochemical and mineralogical signatures of REEs in S‐type granites and their derived soil profiles along a climosequence from dry to humid climates of Brazil. Mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical and soil analyses (physical and chemical) were used to evaluate the geochemistry of REEs in rock and soil samples. The granites were characterized as strongly peraluminous, being classified as typical S‐types. Both the granites and their derived soils contained high contents of REEs, with monazite and apatite being the major source of REEs. The high enrichment of light REEs (LRREs) in monazite and apatite explained the REE fractionation evidenced in the S‐type granites. The normalized REE distribution patterns for soil profiles along the climosequence revealed the fractionation between light and heavy REEs (HREEs). The ratio of La/YbN > 1 also confirmed the LREEs/HREEs fractionation. The mineralogical composition of the parent material and the clay minerals (kaolintes) seemed to govern the fractionation between LREEs and HREEs in these soils. Chemical index of alteration (CIA) values, REE fractionation and kaolinite proportions in soil profiles increased from dry to humid climates. These results suggest that the degree of weathering plays an important role in the type and volume of secondary minerals, as well as the REE fractionation. Among the phyllosilicates, kaolinite seems to be the most important adsorbent of light REE. The higher positive Eu anomalies with advanced weathering are explained by the breakdown of plagioclase. The weathering of monazite and apatite was the main reason for the slight negative Ce anomalies in the soil profiles. This study can be used to comprehend the geochemistry of REEs in other parts of the tropics underlain by S‐type granites.
Pod‐wall proteomics provide novel insights into soybean seed‐filling process under chemical‐induced terminal drought stress
Authors: Sengupta Debashree , Kariyat Divya , Marriboina Sureshbabu , Reddy Attipalli R 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrought is very detrimental when it occurs during the reproductive phase of soybeans, leading to considerable yield loss due to the disproportionate allocation of photo‐assimilates to competing sinks. As pod walls are known to play a crucial role in regulating carbon partitioning during seed filling under stress conditions, the present study aims to analyze the stage‐specific carbon allocation pattern during potassium iodide (KI)‐simulated terminal drought, and to provide an insight into the pod‐wall proteome responses during drought onset.RESULTSA comparative proteomics approach was adopted to visualize the differential protein expression in soybean pod‐wall at stage R5 (seed initiation). Sugar status was analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and biochemical methods. Potassium iodide‐simulated terminal drought during reproductive stages 4, 5 and 6 (R4, R5, and R6) caused a significant decline in starch, total carbohydrate, and reducing sugar in the leaves; however, the pod‐wall and seeds showed a reduction only in the total carbohydrate content, whereas starch and reducing sugar levels remained unchanged. A pod‐wall proteome at stage R5 showed immediate induction of proteins belonging to stress signaling / regulation, protein folding / stabilization, redox‐homeostasis, cellular energy, and carbon utilization and down‐regulation of negative regulators of drought stress and protein degradation‐related proteins.CONCLUSIONSA KI spray effectively simulated terminal drought stress and caused around 50% yield loss when compared to controls. Our results indicate that, at the very onset of desiccation stress, the pod wall (stage R5) activates strong protective responses to maintain the carbon allocation to the surviving seeds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Electromembrane extraction of verapamil and riluzole from urine and wastewater samples using a mixture of organic solvents as a supported liquid membrane: Study on electric current variations
Authors: Rahimi Atyeh , Nojavan Saeed 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, the application of a mixture of organic solvents as a supported liquid membrane for improving the efficiency of the electromembrane extraction procedure was investigated. The extraction process was followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of two model drugs (verapamil and riluzole). In this research, four organic solvents, including 1‐heptanol, 1‐octanol, 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether, and 2‐ethyl hexanol, were selected as model solvents and different binary mixtures (v/v 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) were used as the supported liquid membrane. The mixture of 2‐ethyl hexanol and 1‐otanol (v/v, 2:1) improved the extraction efficiency of model drugs by 1.5 to 12 times. It was found that extraction efficiency is greatly influenced by the level of electric current. In this study, for various mixtures of organic solvents, the electric current fluctuated between 50 and 2500 μA, and the highest extraction efficiencies were obtained with low and stable electric currents. Finally, the optimized extraction condition was validated and applied for the determination of model drugs in urine and wastewater samples.
Simultaneous analysis of 2‐methylimidazole, 4‐methylimidazole, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural potentially formed in fermented soy sauce by “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe” purification and UHPLC with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Chunhai 
Published: October 2018

Abstract2‐Methylimidazole, 4‐methylimidazole and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural are harmful by‐products potentially formed via Maillard reaction in fermented soy sauce. The present study proposed a new method based on “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe” purification and ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous analysis of 2‐methylimidazole, 4‐methylimidazole and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural in fermented soy sauce. The sample was dissolved in water after addition of internal standard 4‐methylimidazole‐d6 and extracted with acetonitrile. After dehydration, it was centrifuged and the supernatant was subsequently purified using two sorbents namely primary‐secondary amine and multi‐walled carbon nanotube. Three target analytes were separated by gradient elution and determined under multiple reactions monitoring mode. The limit of detection, matrix effect, recovery and precision of the developed method were investigated. Results found that three target analytes displayed excellent linearity in concentration range of 1–250 μg/L. Limit of detection was in the range of 0.3–1 μg/kg for three target analytes. The mean recoveries for fermented soy sauce samples at three spiked concentrations were in the range of 91.2–112.5%, and the intra‐ and interday precision were in the ranges of 3.6–9.2 and 7.1–10.8%, respectively. This validated method was successfully applied to determine 2‐methylimidazole, 4‐methylimidazole and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural concentrations in fermented soy sauce.
Efficacy of common reagents for killing ticks in the ear canal
Authors: Orobello Nicklas C. , Dirain Carolyn O. , Kaufman Phillip E. , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo determine if widely available solutions can effectively kill ticks that may be found in the human ear canal.MethodsThis study was prospective, controlled and blinded animal study. Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), both nymphal and adult, were submerged in one of four preparations (acetone, isopropyl alcohol 70%, ethanol 95%, or 4% lidocaine) in test tubes (n = 20 per group) for 20 minutes. Ticks were agitated by intermittent probing. Activity of the nymphal ticks was directly observed while those of the adult ticks was video‐recorded during the exposure period. Two blinded investigators viewed the videos of adult ticks and during the exposure period to determine the time until death (ie, movement cessation). Mortality was assessed immediately after exposure, and confirmed 24 and 48 hours after exposure.ResultsAcetone killed ticks most rapidly (nymph mean time = 185.1 s; adult mean time = 562.9 s). Isopropyl alcohol 70% (nymphs, 328.9 s; adults, 1128.4 s) and ethanol 95% (nymphs, 294 s; adults, 1129.4 s) took longer to kill the ticks. All ticks treated with 4% lidocaine survived. These differences were significant (nymphs, P < .0001; adults, P < .0001).ConclusionsAcetone was the fastest acting and most effective reagent, followed by ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. These solutions may prove useful in otoacariasis with an intact tympanic membrane.Level of EvidenceN/A
A comparison of commercially available compression feedback devices in novice and experienced healthcare practitioners: A prospective randomized simulation study
Authors: Davis Terri L. , Hoffman Adam , Vahedian‐Azimi Amir , Brewer Kori L. , Miller Andrew C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundGuidelines note the importance of chest compression components including rate, depth, no‐flow time and chest recoil. Audio‐visual feedback (AVF) technologies are included in the American Heart Association's training videos and loosely recommended by the 2015 guidelines.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of 3 compression AVF devices compared to standard compressions.MethodsProspective simulation study of 118 subjects randomized into 4 groups: TrueCPR™, Pocket CPR™, CPR RsQ Assist® and Control. The SimMan® 3G simulator recorded compression total, rate, depth, recoil, no‐flow time and flow fraction during 6 min of continuous compressions.ResultsCompression number and rate were similar, and depth was poor across all groups, but TrueCPR™ and PocketCPR™ demonstrated statically (not clinically) significant improvements compared to control (p = 0.024) and CPR RsQ Assist® groups (p < 0.001). PocketCPR™ had the greatest % compressions with sufficient depth, while TrueCPR™ had the greatest % with adequate rate. Controls outperformed all devices in no‐flow time (p < 0.001) and flow fraction (p < 0.001). Full recoil was not improved by device use (p = 0.31).ConclusionIn this simulation study, PocketCPR™ was the highest performing AVF device. AVF use improved mean compression depth and per cent compressions with adequate rate or depth. Devices underperformed for recoil, no‐flow time and flow fraction. Metronome components most benefited novice providers. Further study is warranted before recommending AVF use in routine clinical practice.
Responsibility, identity, and genomic sequencing: A comparison of published recommendations and patient perspectives on accepting or declining incidental findings
Authors: Boardman Felicity , Hale Rachel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe use of genomic sequencing techniques is increasingly being incorporated into mainstream health care. However, there is a lack of agreement on how “incidental findings” (IFs) should be managed and a dearth of research on patient perspectives.MethodsIn‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out with 31 patients undergoing genomic sequencing at a regional genetics service in England. Interviews explored decisions around IFs and were comparatively analyzed with published recommendations from the literature.ResultsThirteen participants opted to receive all IFs from their sequence, 12 accepted some and rejected others, while six participants refused all IFs. The key areas from the literature, (a) genotype/phenotype correlation, (b) seriousness of the condition, and (c) implications for biological relatives, were all significant; however, patients drew on a broader range of social and cultural information to make their decisions.ConclusionThis study highlights the range of costs and benefits for patients of receiving IFs from a genomic sequence. While largely positive views toward the dissemination of genomic data were reported, ambivalence surrounding genetic responsibility and its associated behaviors (e.g., duty to inform relatives) was reported by both IF decliners and accepters, suggesting a need to further explore patient perspectives on this highly complex topic area.
Predicting image properties in penalized‐likelihood reconstructions of flat‐panel CBCT
Authors: Wang Wenying , Gang Grace J. , Siewerdsen Jeffrey H. , Stayman J. Webster 
Published: October 2018

PurposeModel‐based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithms such as penalized‐likelihood (PL) methods exhibit data‐dependent and shift‐variant properties. Image quality predictors have been derived to prospectively estimate local noise and spatial resolution, facilitating both system hardware design and tuning of reconstruction methods. However, current MBIR image quality predictors rely on idealized system models, ignoring physical blurring effects and noise correlations found in real systems. In this work, we develop and validate a new set of predictors using a physical system model specific to flat‐panel cone‐beam CT (FP‐CBCT).MethodsPhysical models appropriate for integration with MBIR analysis are developed and parameterized to represent nonidealities in FP projection data including focal spot blur, scintillator blur, detector aperture effect, and noise correlations. Flat‐panel‐specific predictors for local spatial resolution and local noise properties in PL reconstructions are developed based on these realistic physical models. Estimation accuracy of conventional (idealized) and FP‐specific predictors is investigated and validated against experimental CBCT measurements using specialized phantoms.ResultsValidation studies show that flat‐panel‐specific predictors can accurately estimate the local spatial resolution and noise properties, while conventional predictors show significant deviations in the magnitude and scale of the spatial resolution and local noise. The proposed predictors show accurate estimations over a range of imaging conditions including varying x‐ray technique and regularization strength. The conventional spatial resolution prediction is sharper than ground truth. Using conventional spatial resolution predictor, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of local point spread function (PSF) is underestimated by 0.2 mm. This mismatch is mostly eliminated in FP‐specific prediction. The general shape and amplitude of local noise power spectrum (NPS) FP‐specific predictions are consistent with measurement, while the conventional predictions underestimated the noise level by 70%.ConclusionThe proposed image quality predictors permit accurate estimation of local spatial resolution and noise properties for PL reconstruction, accounting for dependencies on the system geometry, x‐ray technique, and patient‐specific anatomy in real FP‐CBCT. Such tools enable prospective analysis of image quality for a range of goals including novel system and acquisition design, adaptive and task‐driven imaging, and tuning of MBIR for robust and reliable behavior.
Estimating the spectrum in computed tomography via Kullback–Leibler divergence constrained optimization
Authors: Ha Wooseok , Sidky Emil Y. , Barber Rina Foygel , Schmidt Taly Gilat , Pan Xiaochuan 
Published: October 2018

PurposeWe study the problem of spectrum estimation from transmission data of a known phantom. The goal is to reconstruct an x‐ray spectrum that can accurately model the x‐ray transmission curves and reflects a realistic shape of the typical energy spectra of the CT system.MethodsSpectrum estimation is posed as an optimization problem with x‐ray spectrum as unknown variables, and a Kullback–Leibler (KL)‐divergence constraint is employed to incorporate prior knowledge of the spectrum and enhance numerical stability of the estimation process. The formulated constrained optimization problem is convex and can be solved efficiently by use of the exponentiated‐gradient (EG) algorithm. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on the simulated and experimental data. The comparison to the expectation–maximization (EM) method is also discussed.ResultsIn simulations, the proposed algorithm is seen to yield x‐ray spectra that closely match the ground truth and represent the attenuation process of x‐ray photons in materials, both included and not included in the estimation process. In experiments, the calculated transmission curve is in good agreement with the measured transmission curve, and the estimated spectra exhibits physically realistic looking shapes. The results further show the comparable performance between the proposed optimization‐based approach and EM.ConclusionsOur formulation of a constrained optimization provides an interpretable and flexible framework for spectrum estimation. Moreover, a KL‐divergence constraint can include a prior spectrum and appears to capture important features of x‐ray spectrum, allowing accurate and robust estimation of x‐ray spectrum in CT imaging.