bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatigue and cognition: Pupillary responses to problem‐solving in early multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: de Rodez Benavent Sigrid A. , Nygaard Gro O. , Harbo Hanne F. , Tønnesen Siren , Sowa Piotr , Landrø Nils I. , Wendel‐Haga Marte , Etholm Lars , Nilsen Kristian B. , Drolsum Liv , Kerty Emilia , Celius Elisabeth G. , Laeng Bruno 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionIn early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, cognitive changes and fatigue are frequent and troublesome symptoms, probably related to both structural and functional brain changes. Whether there is a common cause of these symptoms in MS is unknown. In theory, an altered regulation of central neuropeptides can lead to changes in regulation of autonomic function, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue. Direct measurements of central neuropeptides are difficult to perform, but measurements of the eye pupil can be used as a reliable proxy of function.MethodsThis study assesses pupil size during problem‐solving in early MS patients versus controls. A difference in pupil size to a cognitive challenge could signal altered activity within the autonomic system because of early functional brain changes associated with cognitive load. We recruited MS patients (mean disease duration: 2.6 years, N = 41) and age‐matched healthy controls (N = 43) without eye pathology. Neurological impairment, magnetic resonance imaging, visual evoked potentials, depression, and fatigue were assessed in all of the patients. In both groups, we assessed processing speed and retinal imaging. Pupil size was recorded with an eye‐tracker during playback of multiplication tasks.ResultsBoth groups performed well on the cognitive test. The groups showed similar pupillary responses with a mean of 0.55 mm dilation in patients and 0.54 mm dilation in controls for all the tasks collapsed together. However, controls (N = 9) with low cognitive scores (LCS) had an increased pupillary response to cognitive tasks, whereas LCS MS patients (N = 6) did not (p < .05). There was a tendency toward a smaller pupillary response in patients with fatigue.ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate pupillary responses to cognitive tasks in MS patients. Our results suggest that MS‐related changes in cognition and fatigue may be associated with changes in arousal and the autonomic regulation of task‐related pupillary responses. This supports the theory of a link between cognition and fatigue in MS.
Validity and reliability of the Finnish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale‐29
Authors: Rosti‐Otajärvi Eija , Hämäläinen Päivi , Wiksten Anna , Hakkarainen Tanja , Ruutiainen Juhani 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale‐29 (MSIS‐29) has been increasingly used to evaluate the self‐perceived impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on a patient.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of MSIS‐29 in patients with MS.MethodsA total of 553 patients with MS completed the MSIS‐29 and self‐administered questionnaires capturing information on demographics, disease characteristics and severity, perceived quality of life (EuroQol 5D‐3L instrument), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale).ResultsThe data quality for MSIS‐29 was excellent, with 99.5% computable scores for the MSIS‐29 physical scale and 99.3% for the MSIS‐29 psychological scale. Floor and ceiling effects were minimal. Excellent Cronbach's alpha values of 0.97 and 0.90 were seen for MSIS‐29 physical and psychological subscales, respectively. The physical subscale showed highest correlations with measures of physical functioning, such as disease severity and the mobility domain of the quality of life. Similarly, the psychological subscale showed highest correlations with self‐reported fatigue and the anxiety/depression domains of the quality of life. MSIS‐29 physical scores related strongly to disease severity, whereas the MSIS‐29 psychological scores increased in mild disease but declined in more severe disease forms.ConclusionThe Finnish version of MSIS‐29 has satisfactory psychometric properties. Consistent with the previous recommendations, the use of two MSIS‐29 subscale scores instead of a total score was supported.
Late complications after Cabrol technique in a case with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Ohki Shin‐ichi , Takazawa Ippei , Akutsu Hirohiko , Misawa Yoshio 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageA patient with Marfan syndrome underwent aortic root replacement with the Cabrol technique at 37 years of age. She underwent a surgical repair for an aneurysm in the right coronary at 58 years of age, followed by a surgical repair for a pseudoaneurysm of the left coronary artery at 64 years of age.
Base‐Modified Nucleic Acids as a Powerful Tool for Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology
Authors: Eremeeva Elena , Abramov Michail , Margamuljana Lia , Herdewijn Piet 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe ability of various nucleoside triphosphate analogues of deoxyguanosine and deoxycytidine with 7‐deazadeoxyadenosine (A1) and 5‐chlorodeoxyuridine (T1) to serve as substrates for Taq DNA polymerase was evaluated. The triphosphate set composed of A1, T1, and 7‐deazadeoxyguanosine with either 5‐methyldeoxycytidine or 5‐fluorodeoxycytidine was successfully employed in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 1.5 kb fragments as well as random oligonucleotide libraries. Another effective combination of triphosphates for the synthesis of a 1 kb PCR product was A1, T1, deoxyinosine, and 5‐bromodeoxycytidine. In vivo experiments using an antibiotic‐resistant gene containing the latter set demonstrated that the bacterial machinery accepts fully modified sequences as genetic templates. Moreover, the ability of the base‐modified segments to selectively protect DNA from cleavage by restriction endonucleases was shown. This approach can be used to regulate the endonuclease cleavage pattern.
Protein Reduction and Dialysis‐Free Work‐Up through Phosphines Immobilized on a Magnetic Support: TCEP‐Functionalized Carbon‐Coated Cobalt Nanoparticles
Authors: Zwyssig Adrian , Schneider Elia M. , Zeltner Martin , Rebmann Balder , Zlateski Vladimir , Grass Robert N. , Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) is an often‐used reducing agent in biochemistry owing to its selectivity towards disulfide bonds. As TCEP causes undesired consecutive side reactions in various analytical methods (e.g., gel electrophoresis, protein labeling), it is usually removed by means of dialysis or gel filtration. Here, an alternative method of separation is presented, namely the immobilization of TCEP on magnetic nanoparticles. This magnetic reagent provides a simple and rapid approach to remove the reducing agent after successful reduction. A reduction capacity of 70 μmol per gram of particles was achieved by using surface‐initiated atom transfer polymerization.
Efficient Fusion of Liposomes by Nucleobase Quadruple‐Anchored DNA
Authors: Meng Zhuojun , Yang Jian , Liu Qing , de Vries Jan Willem , Gruszka Agnieszka , Rodríguez‐Pulido Alberto , Crielaard Bart J. , Kros Alexander , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAnchoring DNA via hydrophobic units into the membrane of vesicles allows tagging of these nanocontainers with sequence information. Moreover, the hybridization of DNA on the surface of liposomes enables sequence specific functionalization, vesicle aggregation, and vesicle fusion. Specifically, DNA‐hybridization‐based approaches for fusion employing oligonucleotides terminally modified with one or two anchoring units were hindered by a limited degree of full fusion or by significant leakage during fusion. The current work deals with a new strategy for anchoring oligonucleotides on a membrane by lipid‐modified nucleobases rather than by attaching hydrophobic units to the 3′‐ or 5′‐termini. The lipid anchors were incorporated into the DNA sequence via phosphoramidite nucleotide building blocks during automated solid‐phase synthesis allowing variation of the number and position of hydrophobic units along the DNA backbone. Single‐stranded DNA functionalized with four lipid‐modified nucleobases was stably grafted onto the membrane of lipid vesicles. It was found that the orientation of DNA hybridization and the number of anchoring units play a crucial role in liposomal fusion, which in the most efficient system reached remarkable 29 % content mixing without notable leakage.
Oxygen‐Deficient Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets as More Effective Polysulfide Reservoirs for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Han‐Chi , Fan Chao‐Ying , Zheng Yan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Li Wen‐Hao , Liu Si‐Yu , Sun Hai‐Zhu , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Sun Ling‐Na , Wu Xing‐Long 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this work, oxygen‐deficient anatase TiO2 nanosheets (A‐TiO2−xNSs) are proposed as a substrate to improve the electrochemical properties of sulfur electrodes for lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. The A‐TiO2−xNSs are prepared by partly reducing pristine TiO2 nanosheets (A‐TiO2NSs) in NaBH4 solution. With some oxygen vacancies on the surface of the TiO2 nanosheets, A‐TiO2−xNSs not only promote electronic transfer, but also act as more effective polysulfide reservoirs to minimize the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) than the A‐TiO2NSs control. Hence, upon utilization as modifiers for cathodes of Li‐S batteries, the A‐TiO2−xNSs‐modified sulfur (A‐TiO2−xNSs‐S) cathode exhibits a higher reversible specific capacity and greater cycling performance and rate capability than the A‐TiO2NSs‐modified one (A‐TiO2NSs‐S). For example, A‐TiO2−xNSs‐S delivers an initial specific capacity of 1277.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains a stable Coulombic efficiency of approximately 99.2 % after the first five cycles; these values are higher than those of 997.3 mAh g−1 and around 96.7 %, respectively, for A‐TiO2NSs‐S. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the A‐TiO2−xNSs‐S cathode can be ascribed mainly to the more effective adsorption of dissolvable and diffused LiPSs by the oxygen vacancies. Therefore, utilization of the structure of oxygen vacancies in Li‐S batteries demonstrates great prospects for practical application.
Hydrogen Bonds Involving Cavity NH Protons Drives Supramolecular Oligomerization of Amido‐Corroles
Authors: Orłowski Rafał , Tasior Mariusz , Staszewska‐Krajewska Olga , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Schilf Wojciech , Ventura Barbara , Cyrański Michał K. , Gryko Daniel T. 
Published: May 2017

Abstracttrans‐A2B‐Corroles with amide substituents at different positions versus the macrocyclic core have been synthesized. Their self‐organizing properties have been comprehensively evaluated both in solid‐state and in solution. The rigid arrangement of the amide functionality with the corrole ring led to the formation of strong intramolecular interactions and precluded intermolecular interactions. Replacement of sterically hindered C6F5 substituents at positions 5 and 15 with smaller electron‐withdrawing CO2Me groups resulted in significant changes in the self‐assembly pattern. With these substituents, tetramers formed in a crystalline state, in which one of the H‐pyrrole subunits is out of the corrole plane. This allows the N‐H group to form a hydrogen bond with a neighboring carbonyl group of the n‐butyl amide fragment. DOSY NMR studies showed that amido‐corroles bearing the OCH2CONHnBu motif formed dimers in millimolar solutions in nonpolar solvents and the dimers existed in equilibrium with monomers. However, the corroles possessing meso‐ester groups did not form dimers in polar tetrahydrofuran. Comprehensive optical studies allowed the absorption and emission features of the monomer corroles to be characterized in dilute solutions.
[11C]Fluoroform, a Breakthrough for Versatile Labeling of PET Radiotracer Trifluoromethyl Groups in High Molar Activity
Authors: Haskali Mohammad B. , Pike Victor W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPositron‐emission tomography (PET) is an immensely important imaging modality in biomedical research and drug development but must use selective radiotracers to achieve biochemical specificity. Such radiotracers are usually labeled with carbon‐11 (t1/2=20 min) or fluorine‐18 (t1/2=110 min), but these are only available from cyclotrons in a few simple chemical forms. [18F]Fluoroform has emerged for labeling tracers in trifluoromethyl groups but is severely limited in utility by low radioactivity per mass (low molar activity). Here, the synthesis of [11C]fluoroform is described, based on CoF3‐mediated fluorination of cyclotron‐produced [11C]methane. This process is efficient and repetitively reliable. [11C]Fluoroform shows versatility for labeling small molecules in very high molar activity (>200 GBq μmol−1), far exceeding that possible by using [18F]fluoroform. Therefore, [11C]fluoroform represents a major breakthrough for labeling prospective PET tracers in trifluoromethyl groups at high molar activity.
The association between complications and quality of life after mastectomy and breast reconstruction for breast cancer
Authors: Browne John P. , Jeevan Ranjeet , Gulliver‐Clarke Carmel , Pereira Jerome , Caddy Christopher M. , van der Meulen Jan H. P. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDMedical treatment for breast cancer is associated with substantial toxicity and patient burden. There is less known about the impact of surgical complications. Understanding this impact could provide important information for patients when they are considering surgical options.METHODSBetween 2008 and 2009, the UK National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit recorded surgical complications for a prospective cohort of 17,844 women treated for breast cancer at 270 hospitals; 6405 of these women were surveyed about their quality of life 18 months after surgery. Breast appearance, emotional well‐being, and physical well‐being were quantified on 0‐ to 100‐point scales. Linear multiple regression models, controlling for a range of baseline prognostic factors, were used to compare the scores of patients who had complications with the scores of those who did not.RESULTSThe overall complication rate was 10.2%. Complications were associated with little or no impairment in women undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction or with delayed reconstruction. The association was much larger for flap‐related complications suffered during immediate reconstruction. The breast‐appearance scores (adjusted mean difference, –23.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], –31.0 to –16.6) and emotional well‐being scores (adjusted mean difference, –14.0; 95% CI, –22.0 to –6.0) of these patients were much lower than those of any other patient group. Implant‐related complications were not associated with a lower quality of life in any surgical group.CONCLUSIONSThere is a strong case for prospectively collecting flap‐complication rates at the surgeon and surgical unit level and for allowing patients to access these data when they make choices about their breast cancer surgery. Cancer 2017;123:3460‐7. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Syntheses, analytical and pharmacological characterizations of the ‘legal high’ 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo) and analogues
Authors: Colestock Tristan , Wallach Jason , Mansi Matt , Filemban Nadine , Morris Hamilton , Elliott Simon P. , Westphal Folker , Brandt Simon D. , Adejare Adeboye 
Published: May 2017

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are commonly referred to as ‘research chemicals’, ‘designer drugs’ or ‘legal highs’. One NPS class is represented by dissociative anesthetics, which include analogues of the arylcyclohexylamine phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine and diphenidine. A recent addition to the NPS market was 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo), a morpholine analogue of 3‐MeO‐PCP. Although suspected to have dissociative effects in users, information about its pharmacological profile is not available. From clinical and forensic perspectives, detailed analytical data are needed for identification, especially when facing the presence of positional isomers, as these are frequently unavailable commercially. This study presents the analytical and pharmacological characterization of 3‐MeO‐PCMo along with five additional analogues, namely the 2‐ and 4‐MeO‐PCMo isomers, 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐PCMo (3,4‐MD‐PCMo), 3‐Me‐PCMo and PCMo. All six arylcyclohexylmorpholines were synthesized and characterized using chromatographic, mass spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques. The three positional isomers could be differentiated and the identity of 3‐MeO‐PCMo obtained from an internet vendor was verified. All six compounds were also evaluated for affinity at 46 central nervous system receptors including the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), an important target for dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine. In vitro binding studies using (+)‐[3‐3H]‐MK‐801 in rat forebrain preparations revealed moderate affinity for NMDAR in the rank order of 3‐Me >3‐MeO > PCMo >3,4‐MD > 2‐MeO > 4‐MeO‐PCMo. 3‐MeO‐PCMo was found to have moderate affinity for NMDAR comparable to that of ketamine, and had an approximate 12‐fold lower affinity than PCP. These results support the anecdotal reports of dissociative effects from 3‐MeO‐PCMo in humans.
Insular biogeography and population genetics of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) in the Central Rocky Mountains
Authors: Hill Roy , Loxterman Janet L. , Aho Ken 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum), an aggressive parasite of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia), is limited, in the Central Rocky Mountains, to montane host “islands.” We sought to quantify the effect of the insularity and life history of A. americanum on its population genetic structure by considering three questions: (1) Do apparent limits to A. americanum pollen and seed dispersal affect gene flow at small spatial scales? (2) Are patterns of genetic diversity on montane “islands” and “mainlands” consistent with the predictions of island biogeographic theory? (3) What is the origin and genetic relationship of “island” and “mainland” populations of A. americanum within the Central Rocky Mountain study area? We used seven A. americanum microsatellite markers developed specifically for the project to genotype 241 individuals from six populations (four “island” and two “mainland” locations) at the western edge of the Central Rocky Mountains, Idaho, USA. All loci were unlinked and polymorphic with a range of 4–24 alleles per locus. To consider gene flow, we performed spatial analyses and compared F‐statistics from our data to those from a wide range of species and functional groups. We tested the predictions of biogeographic theory by quantifying associations of genetic diversity with “island” area and isolation from “mainland” populations. To consider the genetic relationships of “island” and “mainland” regions, we applied agglomerative and Bayesian hierarchical classifications to datasets, and objectively identified the optimal numbers of clusters in these analyses. We found that FIS values in A. americanum were similar to those reported for dispersal‐limited species with similar life‐history characteristics, and FST values were similar to those reported for plants with animal‐facilitated seed dispersal. As predicted by biogeographic theory, island allelic richness was positively correlated with geographic size of the population and negatively correlated with distance from mainland populations. Average linkage (UPGMA) classifications and Bayesian cluster analyses both identified two groupings of island populations radiating from the mainland populations. Our results are likely to be of interest to foresters managing dwarf mistletoe infections, particularly in the Central Rocky Mountains, and to ecologists and geneticists working with insular population distributions.
The renal–cardiac connection in subjects with preserved ejection fraction: a population based study
Authors: Jain Amit , Scott Christopher , Chen Horng H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsChronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The interaction between diastolic dysfunction (DD) and CKD in subjects with preserved systolic function is not well defined. This study sought to determine the association between renal function and DD in subjects with preserved ejection fraction.Methods and resultsThrough the Rochester Epidemiology Project, subjects who underwent echocardiography over 2 years with EF ≥50% were identified and the clinical data were obtained. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the modification of diet in renal disease equation. Linear regression was used to test for association of GFR and DD. DD was defined as follows: Grade 2 or pseudonormal pattern (0.75 < E/A ≤ 1.5, E/e′ ≥ 10, DT > 140 ms, ΔE/A ≥ 0.5, and PV S < D) or Grade 3+ or restrictive pattern (E/A > 1.5, E/e′ ≥ 10, DT < 140 ms, and PV S < D). Cox regression was used to assess correlation of GFR and DD with time‐to‐event outcomes. A total of 2056 patients were identified. There was significant correlation between worsening GFR and degree of DD assessed by echo Doppler E/e′ ratio (P = 0.005), left ventricular mass index (P = 0.004), and right ventricular systolic pressure (P = 0.01). Worsening GFR was associated with increased mortality, development of heart failure, and hospitalization (P < 0.001). Within each GFR group, abnormal DD was associated with a higher risk of the clinical outcomes. No interaction between GFR and DD was noted, suggesting an increased risk of events associated with abnormal DD across ranges of GFR.ConclusionsWorsening GFR was associated with a greater degree of diastolic dysfunction and adverse clinical outcomes. Within each GFR group, the presence of DD was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Further studies are warranted to determine if improving DD in patients with CKD will benefit clinical outcomes.
Chemical and nutritional properties of channel and hybrid catfish byproducts
Authors: Bechtel Peter J. , Bland John M. , Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Grimm Casey C. , Brashear Suzanne S. , Lloyd Steven W. , Watson Michael A. , Lea Jeanne M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to chemically characterize both channel and hybrid catfish parts including heads, frames, viscera, skin, and fillet trimming mince. Triplicate samples of channel and hybrid catfish byproduct parts were obtained from a large commercial catfish processor and analyzed for percent moisture, lipid, protein, ash, and amino acid and fatty acid profiles were determined. The content of the off‐flavor compounds, 2‐methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin were also determined. The lipid content of samples were 13.6% and 10.0% for channel and hybrid skins, 17.7% and 21.4% for channel and hybrid viscera, 20.0% and 19.1% for channel and hybrid frames, and 9.7% and 9.3% for channel and hybrid heads. The protein content of samples ranged from a high of 22.8% for channel catfish skins, to a low of 13.4% for channel frames. Low levels of geosmin, <1 ppb, were detected in the byproduct samples, while no MIB was detected. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid comprised approximately 80% of the fatty acids in the byproduct tissues. The amino acid profiles indicated that the catfish mince had high levels of lysine and methionine and other essential amino acids. Results from this study will be used in the development of new value‐added products from catfish byproducts.