bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pellets of proof: First glimpse of the dietary composition of adult odonates as revealed by metabarcoding of feces
Authors: Kaunisto Kari M. , Roslin Tomas , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Vesterinen Eero J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRecent advances in molecular techniques allow us to resolve the diet of unstudied taxa. Odonates are potentially important top‐down regulators of many insects. Yet, to date, our knowledge of odonate prey use is based mainly on limited observations of odonates catching or eating their prey. In this study, we examine the potential use of metabarcoding in establishing the diet of three adult odonate species (Lestes sponsa, Enallagma cyathigerum, and Sympetrum danae) at a site in southwestern Finland. To this purpose, we compared three different methods for extracting DNA from fecal samples: the Macherey‐Nagel Nucleospin XS kit, a traditional salt extraction, and the Zymo Research Fecal Microprep kit. From these extracts, we amplified group‐specific mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA) from altogether 72 odonate individuals, and compared them to comprehensive reference libraries. The three odonate species show major overlap in diet, with no significant differences between individuals of different size and/or gender, reflecting opportunistic foraging of adult odonates. Of a total of 41 different prey species detected, the most frequently consumed ones were Diptera, with additional records of six other orders. Based on our data, the best DNA extraction method is the traditional salt extraction, as it provides the most information on prey content while also being the most economical. To our knowledge, this is the first study to resolve the species‐level diet of adult odonates. Armed with the appropriate methodological caveats, we are ready to examine the ecological role of odonates in both terrestrial and aquatic food webs, and in transferring subsidies between these two realms.
Assessing recovery of in vitro steroid production in male rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) in response to municipal wastewater treatment plant infrastructure changes
Authors: Marjan Patricija , Van Der Kraak Glen J. , MacLatchy Deborah L. , Fuzzen Meghan L.M. , Bragg Leslie M. , McMaster Mark E. , Tetreault Gerald R. , Servos Mark R. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

The present study examined in vitro 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone production by the testes of rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) collected from selected reference sites and downstream of 2 municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs; Waterloo and Kitchener) on the central Grand River (Ontario, Canada), over a 6-yr period (2011–2016). The main objective was to investigate if infrastructure upgrades at the Kitchener MWWTP in 2012 resulted in a recovery of this response in the post-upgrade period (2013–2016). Two supporting studies showed that the fall season is appropriate for measuring in vitro sex steroid production because it provides stable detection of steroid patterns, and that the sample handling practiced in the present study did not introduce a bias. Infrastructure upgrades of the Kitchener MWWTP resulted in significant reductions in ammonia and estrogenicity. After the upgrades, 11-ketotestosterone production by MWWTP-exposed fish increased in 2013 and it continued to recover throughout the study period of 2014 through 2016, returning to levels measured in reference fish. Testosterone production was less sensitive and it lacked consistency. The Waterloo MWWTP underwent some minor upgrades but the level of ammonia and estrogenicity remained variable over time. The production of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in rainbow darter below the Waterloo MWWTP was variable and without a clear recovery pattern over the course of the present study. The results of the present study demonstrated that measuring production of sex steroids (especially 11-ketotestosterone) over multiple years can be relevant for assessing responses in fish to environmental changes such as those resulting from major infrastructure upgrades. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:501–514. © 2017 SETAC
Bioequivalence of Intravenous and Oral Rolapitant: Results From a Randomized, Open‐Label Pivotal Study
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Powers Daniel , Wang Jing , Lu Sharon , Arora Sujata , Hughes Lorraine , Christensen Jennifer , Kansra Vikram 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRolapitant, a selective and long‐acting neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist, is approved in an oral formulation for the prevention of delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in adults. The objective of this pivotal study was to assess the bioequivalence of a single intravenous infusion of rolapitant versus a single oral dose of rolapitant. In this randomized, open‐label phase 1 study, healthy volunteers were administered rolapitant as a 180‐mg oral dose or a 30‐minute 166.5‐mg intravenous infusion. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected predose and at points up to 912 hours postdose. Criteria for bioequivalence of the intravenous dose versus the oral dose were met if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the ratios of the geometric least‐squares means (GLSMs) for the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t) and AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞) for rolapitant were within 0.80–1.25. Mean rolapitant systemic exposure and half‐lives were similar in the oral (n = 62) and intravenous (n = 61) rolapitant groups. The 90%CIs of the ratio of GLSMs were within the 0.80–1.25 range for AUC0–t (0.94–1.09) and AUC0–∞ (0.93–1.10). The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events, all mild or moderate in severity, was similar in the intravenous and oral groups. A 166.5‐mg intravenous infusion of rolapitant met the bioequivalence criteria based on AUC to a 180‐mg oral dose and was well tolerated.
Application of power ultrasound on the convective drying of fruits and vegetables: effects on quality
Authors: Rodríguez Óscar , Eim Valeria , Rosselló Carmen , Femenia Antoni , Cárcel Juan A , Simal Susana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDrying gives rise to products with a long shelf life by reducing the water activity to a level that is sufficiently low to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, enzymatic reactions and other deteriorative reactions. Despite the benefits of this operation, the quality of heat sensitive products is diminished when high temperatures are used. The use of low drying temperatures reduces the heat damage but, because of a longer drying time, oxidation reactions occur and a reduction of the quality is also observed. Thus, drying is a method that lends itself to being intensified. For this reason, alternative techniques are being studied. Power ultrasound is considered as an emerging and promising technology in the food industry. The potential of this technology relies on its ability to accelerate the mass transfer processes in solid–liquid and solid–gas systems. Intensification of the drying process with power ultrasound can be achieved by modifying the product behavior during drying, using pre‐treatments such as soaking in a liquid medium assisted acoustically or, during the drying process itself, by applying power ultrasound in the gaseous medium. This review summarises the effects of the application of the power ultrasound on the quality of different dried products, such as fruits and vegetables, when the acoustic energy is intended to intensify the drying process, either when the application is performed before pretreatment or during the drying process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in phytochemical composition, bioactivity and in vitro digestibility of guayusa leaves (Ilex guayusa Loes.) in different ripening stages
Authors: Villacís‐Chiriboga José , García‐Ruiz Almudena , Baenas Nieves , Moreno Diego A , Meléndez‐Martínez Antonio J , Stinco Carla M , Jerves‐Andrade Lourdes , León‐Tamariz Fabián , Ortiz‐Ulloa Johanna , Ruales Jenny 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDGuayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes.) leaves, native of the Ecuadorian Amazon, are popularly used for preparing teas. This study aimed to assess the influence of leaf age on the phenolic compounds and carotenoids and the bioactivity and digestibility (in vitro) of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts.RESULTSIn total, 14 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin‐3‐O‐hexose were the main representatives of the hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols respectively. Seven carotenoids were quantified, lutein being the main compound. Ripening affected phenolic content significantly, but there was no significant difference in carotenoid content. Antioxidant capacity, measured by the DPPH• method, was also significantly affected by leaf age. The measurement of in vitro digestibility showed a decrease in phenolic content (59%) as well as antioxidant capacity, measured by the ABTS•+ method, in comparison with initial conditions of the guayusa infusion. Antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities were assayed with young leaves owing to their higher phenolic contents. Guayusa did not show any antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 or Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Finally, the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited high in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity (>65%).CONCLUSIONYoung guayusa leaves have potential applications as a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Neutron damage induced in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices from a clinical 18 MV photon beam: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Ezzati Ahad Ollah , Studenski Matthew T. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to quantify the relative neutron damage induced in CIEDs from clinical 18 MV photon beams for varying field sizes, depths, and off axis distances.Methods and MaterialsDamage was assessed using silicon damage response functions and ICRP neutron dose conversion factors in MCNPX. Particular attention was devoted to the modelling of the Varian 2100C/D linear accelerator to ensure accurate contamination neutron spectra. Neutron dose, fluence and relative damage to CIEDs was calculated.ResultsCIED damage from neutrons is related to the neutron dose rather than the neutron fluence. As field size increases, the region of high damage probability extends to a greater distance beyond the edge of the field than with smaller fields. At a distance greater than 50 cm or from the central axis or a depth deeper than 10 cm, the probability of damage is less than 10% of the central axis damage probability for all field sizes.ConclusionsClinically, increasing the depth or the distance from the central axis to the CIED will reduce the probability of damage from neutrons. Care must be taken when treating large fields as the overall probability of damage increase as does the distance the higher probability of damage extends beyond the field edge.
Joint arterial input function and tracer kinetic parameter estimation from undersampled dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI using a model consistency constraint
Authors: Guo Yi , Lingala Sajan Goud , Bliesener Yannick , Lebel R. Marc , Zhu Yinghua , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a model‐based reconstruction framework for joint arterial input function (AIF) and kinetic parameter estimation from undersampled brain tumor dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data.MethodsThe proposed method poses the tracer‐kinetic (TK) model as a model consistency constraint, enabling the flexible inclusion of different TK models and TK solvers, and the joint estimation of the AIF. The proposed method is evaluated using an anatomic realistic digital reference object (DRO), and nine retrospectively down‐sampled brain tumor DCE‐MRI datasets. We also demonstrate application to 30‐fold prospectively undersampled brain tumor DCE‐MRI.ResultsIn DRO studies with up to 60‐fold undersampling, the proposed method provided TK maps with low error that were comparable to fully sampled data and were demonstrated to be compatible with a third‐party TK solver. In retrospective undersampling studies, this method provided patient‐specific AIF with normalized root mean‐squared‐error (normalized by the 90th percentile value) less than 8% at up to 100‐fold undersampling. In the 30‐fold undersampled prospective study, the proposed method provided high‐resolution whole‐brain TK maps and patient‐specific AIF.ConclusionThe proposed model‐based DCE‐MRI reconstruction enables the use of different TK solvers with a model consistency constraint and enables joint estimation of patient‐specific AIF. TK maps and patient‐specific AIF with high fidelity can be reconstructed at up to 100‐fold undersampling in k,t‐space. Magn Reson Med 79:2804–2815, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Resting‐state functional connectivity in the rat cervical spinal cord at 9.4 T
Authors: Wu Tung‐Lin , Wang Feng , Mishra Arabinda , Wilson George H. , Byun Nellie , Chen Li Min , Gore John C. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeNumerous studies have adopted resting‐state functional MRI methods to infer functional connectivity between cortical regions, but very few have translated them to the spinal cord, despite its critical role in the central nervous system. Resting‐state functional connectivity between gray matter horns of the spinal cord has previously been shown to be detectable in humans and nonhuman primates, but it has not been reported previously in rodents.MethodsResting‐state functional MRI of the cervical spinal cord of live anesthetized rats was performed at 9.4 T. The quality of the functional images acquired was assessed, and quantitative analyses of functional connectivity in C4‐C7 of the spinal cord were derived.ResultsRobust gray matter horn‐to‐horn connectivity patterns were found that were statistically significant when compared with adjacent control regions. Specifically, dorsal–dorsal and ventral–ventral connectivity measurements were most prominent, while ipsilateral dorsal–ventral connectivity was also observed but to a lesser extent. Quantitative evaluation of reproducibility also revealed moderate robustness in the bilateral sensory and motor networks that was weaker in the dorsal–ventral connections.ConclusionsThis study reports the first evidence of resting‐state functional circuits within gray matter in the rat spinal cord, and verifies their detectability using resting‐state functional MRI at 9.4 T. Magn Reson Med 79:2773–2783, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
u‐p semi‐Lagrangian reproducing kernel formulation for landslide modeling
Authors: Siriaksorn Thanakorn , Chi Sheng‐Wei , Foster Craig , Mahdavi Ashkan 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThis paper presents a u‐p (displacement‐pressure) semi‐Lagrangian reproducing kernel (RK) formulation to effectively analyze landslide processes. The semi‐Lagrangian RK approximation is constructed based on Lagrangian discretization points with fixed kernel supports in the current configuration. As a result, it tracks state variables at discretization points while allowing extreme deformation and material separation that is beyond the capability of Lagrangian formulations. The u‐p formulation following Biot theory is incorporated into the formulation to describe poromechanics of saturated geomaterials. In addition, a stabilized nodal integration method to ensure stability of the domain integration and kernel contact algorithms to model contact between bodies are introduced in the u‐p semi‐Lagrangian RK formulation. The proposed method is verified with several numerical examples and validated with an experimental result and the field data of an actual landslide.
Tandem thiotepa with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue in patients with recurrent, refractory, or poor prognosis solid tumor malignancies
Authors: Osorio Diana S. , Dunkel Ira J. , Cervone Kelly Ann , Goyal Rakesh K. , Steve Lo K. M. , Finlay Jonathan L. , Gardner Sharon L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and tolerability of tandem courses of high‐dose thiotepa with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AHCR) in patients with recurrent, refractory solid tumors who were ineligible for a single course of high‐dose therapy due to greater than minimal residual disease. Patients with decreased hearing or poor renal function were eligible. Procedure: Thiotepa was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 mg/m2/day (6.67 mg/kg/day) daily for 3 days followed by AHCR. A second course of thiotepa was given 4 weeks later provided blood counts recovered sufficiently without evidence of tumor progression. Results: Fifty‐eight patients received 96 courses. Thirty‐eight (65%) patients received two courses of therapy. Twenty‐seven courses (28%) were administered completely in the outpatient setting. A toxic mortality rate of 3.4% was observed. Five of 26 patients with medulloblastoma were alive at a median of 35 months, whereas 21 patients died at a median of 11.7 months. Four of five patients with central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCT) were alive 68–103 months following AHCR. Conclusions: Two cycles of high‐dose thiotepa with AHCR were well tolerated even in these heavily pretreated patients. This therapy may provide prolonged survival in patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma and CNS GCT.
Consensus and controversies regarding the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Borinstein Scott C. , Steppan Diana , Hayashi Masanori , Loeb David M. , Isakoff Michael S. , Binitie Odion , Brohl Andrew S. , Bridge Julia A. , Stavas Mark , Shinohara Eric T. , Meyer William H. , Reed Damon R. , Wagner Lars M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOptimal treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) requires multidisciplinary approach, incorporating chemotherapy with local control. Although current therapies are built on cooperative group trials, a comprehensive standard of care to guide clinical decision making has been lacking, especially for relapsed patients. Therefore, we assembled a panel of pediatric and adolescent and young adult sarcoma experts to develop treatment guidelines for managing RMS and to identify areas in which further research is needed. We created algorithms incorporating evidence‐based care for patients with RMS, emphasizing the importance of clinical trials and close integration of all specialties involved in the care of these patients.
Benefits and Limitations of DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding in Herbal Product Authentication
Authors: Raclariu Ancuta Cristina , Heinrich Michael , Ichim Mihael Cristin , de Boer Hugo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionHerbal medicines play an important role globally in the health care sector and in industrialised countries they are often considered as an alternative to mono‐substance medicines. Current quality and authentication assessment methods rely mainly on morphology and analytical phytochemistry‐based methods detailed in pharmacopoeias. Herbal products however are often highly processed with numerous ingredients, and even if these analytical methods are accurate for quality control of specific lead or marker compounds, they are of limited suitability for the authentication of biological ingredients.ObjectiveTo review the benefits and limitations of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding in complementing current herbal product authentication.MethodRecent literature relating to DNA based authentication of medicinal plants, herbal medicines and products are summarised to provide a basic understanding of how DNA barcoding and metabarcoding can be applied to this field.ResultsDifferent methods of quality control and authentication have varying resolution and usefulness along the value chain of these products. DNA barcoding can be used for authenticating products based on single herbal ingredients and DNA metabarcoding for assessment of species diversity in processed products, and both methods should be used in combination with appropriate hyphenated chemical methods for quality control.ConclusionsDNA barcoding and metabarcoding have potential in the context of quality control of both well and poorly regulated supply systems. Standardisation of protocols for DNA barcoding and DNA sequence‐based identification are necessary before DNA‐based biological methods can be implemented as routine analytical approaches and approved by the competent authorities for use in regulated procedures. © 2017 The Authors. Phytochemical Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Quality of life outcomes following pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Lazor Tanya , Grasemann Hartmut , Solomon Melinda , Anthony Samantha J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeCompared to other solid organs, survival after lung transplantation (LTx) is still poor. Discussions on survival benefits following LTx in children, however, have largely concentrated on medical outcome data. Little research describes quality of life (QoL) of pediatric LTx recipients, which is partly due to the small number of pediatric LTxs performed. Only two centers worldwide performed >10 pediatric LTxs in 2013, making data on QoL in this population difficult to obtain. The primary objective was to examine the impact of LTx on QoL of pediatric recipients.MethodsLTx recipients aged 8‐17 years and their parents were recruited from a Canadian pediatric transplant centre. Participants completed the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, a validated health‐related QoL patient‐reported outcome measure for children and adolescents, pre‐transplant and two times post‐transplant. Pre‐LTx QoL scores were compared with initial assessment scores post‐LTx and changes in QoL over time were described. Correlations between self‐ and proxy‐reports were also discussed.ResultsTen pediatric LTx recipients (six male, mean age = 13.3 years) and their parents were enrolled. Assessments were completed pre‐LTx (mean months = 4.8) and two times post‐LTx (mean months 8.7 and 24.6, respectively). Pre‐ and post‐transplant total scores differed significantly for both self‐ and proxy‐report, which remained consistent at a second assessment post‐transplant (P = 0.018 and 0.028, respectively).ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of QoL outcomes when exploring LTx as a treatment option. Future research should explore long‐term QoL outcomes post‐LTx and examine standardized integration of patient‐reported outcomes into clinical practice.