bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced interatrial block predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation after accessory pathway ablation in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome
Authors: Wu Jin‐Tao , Zhao Dan‐Qing , Li Fei‐Fei , Wu Rui , Fan Xian‐Wei , Hu Guang‐Ling , Bai Min‐Fu , Yang Hai‐Tao , Yan Li‐Jie , Liu Jing‐Jing , Xu Xian‐Jing , Wang Shan‐Ling , Chu Ying‐Jie
Published: June 2019

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently occurs in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome. Although successful ablation of the accessory pathway (AP) eliminates paroxysmal AF in some patients, in other patients it can recur.

Hypothesis

We investigated the clinical utility of advanced interatrial block (IAB) for predicting the risk of AF recurrence in patients with verified paroxysmal AF and WPW syndrome after successful AP ablation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 103 patients (70 men, 33 women; mean age, 44 ± 16 years) with WPW syndrome who had paroxysmal AF. A resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram was performed immediately after successful AP ablation to evaluate the presence of advanced IAB, which was defined as a P‐wave duration of >120 ms and biphasic [±] morphology in the inferior leads.

Results

During the mean follow‐up period of 30.9 ± 20.0 months (range, 2‐71 months), 16 patients (15.5%) developed AF recurrence. Patients with advanced IAB had significantly reduced event‐free survival from AF (P < .001). Cox regression analysis with adjustment for the left atrial diameter and CHA2DS2‐VASc score identified advanced IAB (hazard ratio, 9.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30‐36.72; P = .002) and age > 50 years (hazard ratio, 12.64; 95% CI, 1.33‐119.75; P = .027) as independent predictors of AF recurrence.

Conclusions

Advanced IAB was an independent predictor of AF recurrence after successful AP ablation in patients with WPW syndrome.
Survival disparities for second primary malignancies diagnosed among childhood cancer survivors: A population‐based assessment
Authors: Brown Austin L. , Arroyo Vidal M. , Agrusa Jennifer E. , Scheurer Michael E. , Gramatges M. Monica , Lupo Philip J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Curative therapy places childhood cancer survivors at increased risk for second primary malignancies (SPMs). However, there have been few population‐based attempts to characterize differences between outcomes of SPMs in childhood cancer survivors and outcomes of first primary malignancies (FPMs).

Methods

Clinical and demographic information about childhood cancer survivors who developed SPMs and individuals with comparable FPMs was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models comparing the overall survival (OS) of individuals with and without a history of childhood cancer. OS was evaluated both overall and for specific cancers diagnosed in 50 or more childhood cancer survivors. Models accounted for potential confounders, including sex, race, age, treatment decade, histology, and disease stage.

Results

Compared with individuals with FPMs (n = 1,332,203), childhood cancer survivors (n = 1409) with an SPM experienced poorer OS (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.72‐2.02) after the study had accounted for cancer type, age, sex, race, and decade of diagnosis. A history of childhood cancer remained a poor prognostic factor for all specific cancers evaluated, including breast cancer (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.63‐2.62), thyroid cancer (HR, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.08‐6.19), acute myeloid leukemia (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.87‐3.05), brain cancer (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.72‐2.55), melanoma (HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.55‐4.27), bone cancer (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.37‐2.57), and soft‐tissue sarcoma (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.78‐3.33).

Conclusions

Compared with individuals without a prior cancer diagnosis, survivors of childhood cancer with an SPM experienced inferior outcomes. Survival disparities were observed for the most frequent SPMs diagnosed in childhood cancer survivors.
A metaheuristic‐based approach to optimizing color design for military camouflage using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Prasetyo Yogi Tri
Published: June 2019

Enhancing an existing military camouflage is an important component during the assessment of military camouflage. The current study proposed a new and practical approach to enhancing the undetectability of a military camouflage using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Eight different locations (20 × 50 pixels) in the one swamp background were selected to be the place of a human‐shaped target. The PSO would generate newly proposed camouflage as an empirical parameter based on the lower and the upper bounds from selected four different colors in swamp background. The predictive algorithm was applied to adjust the optimum shift of %L*, %a*, and %b* from the original to the empirical parameter. Thirty participants were recruited to evaluate the original and newly proposed camouflages. Paired sample t test indicates that the newly proposed military camouflage had a significant lower camouflage similarity index value and a longer detection time. The PSO shows to be a method with good results; however, a comprehensive study using multiple backgrounds and patterns would be required to generalize the methodology to other background environments or camouflage patterns.
Performance analysis of SDN vs OSPF in diverse network environments
Authors: Abdallah Sarah , Kayssi Ayman , Elhajj Imad H. , Chehab Ali
Published: June 2019

Network convergence is an important aspect in networks because it can limit the damage resulting from network failures and changes. Consequently, a lot of research considered comparing the performance of different routing protocols, whether in IP or SDN, to assess their convergence speed and reaction to failures. We previously modeled OSPF vs SDN networks in general network deployments and studied their comparative convergence delays for different network conditions. However, the type of network and the architecture choices also affect performance. Consequently in this paper, we model network convergence for two network architectures, datacenters and WANs, to discern the difference in SDN and IP convergence processes and speeds when the network type and characteristics change.
Improved error performance of a 3/4‐Sezginer space‐time block codes
Authors: Ramasila Wamolambo Lucky , Xu Hongjun
Published: June 2019

The Alamouti space‐time block code (STBC) achieves full diversity gain at a rate of 1/2. However, the Alamouti scheme does not provide multiplexing gain. The Silver code offers both diversity and multiplexing gain. It has a minimum normalization determinant of
. The Golden code is another STBC that offers both diversity and multiplexing gain. The Golden code is ranked higher than the Silver code because of its lower minimum normalization determinant of
, however, the golden code suffers from a high detection complexity in the modulation order of M4. The 3/4‐Sezginer code is another STBC, which compromises between the Alamouti scheme and the Golden code in terms of diversity gain and multiplexing gain. The 3/4‐Sezginer code achieves full diversity and half of multiplexing gain. The uncoded space‐time labeling diversity (USTLD) is a recent scheme that improves the error performance when applied to the STBC in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems and will be applied to the 3/4‐Sezginer STBC to improve the error performance in this paper. The theoretical error probability for both the 3/4‐Sezginer STBC and the improved system is formulated using the union bound in this paper. The theoretical error probabilities of both 16‐QAM and 64‐QAM are validated through Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation and theoretical results show that the proposed system with 4 NR can achieve an SNR gain of 1 dB for 16‐QAM and 1.2 dB 64‐QAM at a bit error rate (BER) of 10−6.
Tentative identification of the metabolites of (1‐(cyclohexylmethyl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐(2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone, and the product of its thermal degradation, by in vitro and in vivo methods
Authors: Grigoryev Andrej , Kavanagh Pierce , Labutin Andrew , Pechnikov Alexandr , Dowling Geraldine , Shevyrin Vadim , Krupina Natalia
Published: June 2019

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), mimicking the psychoactive effects of cannabis, consist of a vast array of structurally diverse compounds. A novel compound belonging to the SC family, (1‐(cyclohexylmethyl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐(2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone (named TMCP‐CHM in this article) contains a cyclopropane ring that isomerizes during the smoking process, resulting in a ring‐opened thermal degradant with a terminal double bond in its structure. Metabolites of TMCP‐CHM were tentatively identified in vitro (after incubation of the parent substance with S9 pooled human liver fraction) and in vivo (rat experimental model) studies by accurate‐mass liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). For the identification of the degradant metabolites, and to study biotransformation of parent substance in the human, urine and hair samples from patients, who had ingested the compound and were subsequently admitted to hospital with drug intoxications, were analyzed. Products of mono‐, di‐, trihydroxylation, carboxylation, and carboxylation combined with hydroxylation of TMCP‐CHM and its degradant were detected in human urine. Metabolism of the degradant included addition of water to the terminal double bond followed by dehydration and formation of a cyclic metabolite. Degradant metabolites prevailed in comparison with metabolites of the parent substance in each metabolite group examined, except carboxylation. N‐Dealkylated metabolites found in human urine originated only from the degradant. Most of the hydroxy metabolites were detected in human urine in both the free form and as glucuronides. The detection of monohydroxylated (M1.1‐M1.3, M/A1.10) and carboxylated/hydroxylated (M4.2, M/A4.3) metabolites of TMCP‐CHM and the hydrated form of the monohydroxylated metabolite of the degradant was found to be convenient for routine analysis.
A comprehensive approach to detecting multitudinous bioactive peptides in equine plasma and urine using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Guan Fuyu , You Youwen , Li Xiaoqing , Robinson Mary A.
Published: June 2019

Bioactive peptides possess pharmacological effects and can be illicitly used in sports. To deter such misuse, an untargeted method using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has been developed for comprehensive detection of multitudinous exogenous peptides in equine plasma and urine. Forty‐four peptides were extracted using mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction (SPE) from plasma and urine, separated with a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column, and detected on an HRMS instrument. Ammonium formate as a mobile phase additive had effects on HILIC retention and charge state distribution of the peptides. The acetonitrile percentage in the reconstitution solution affected the solubility of peptide neat standards and peptides in plasma and urine extracts differently. The stability of the peptides in plasma at ambient temperature was assessed. The limit of detection (LOD) was 10–50 pg/mL for most of the peptides in plasma, and ≤ 500 pg/mL for the remaining. LOD was 100–400 pg/mL for the majority of the analytes in urine, and ≤ 4000 pg/mL for the others. The method was used successfully to analyze incurred plasma and urine samples from research horses administered dermorphin. Even in the absence of reference standards, dermorphin metabolites (aFGYPS‐NH2, YaFG, and YaF) were identified. These results demonstrate that data generated with this method can be retrospectively reviewed for peptides that are unknown at the time of sample analysis without requiring re‐analysis of the sample. This method provides a powerful novel tool for detection of numerous bioactive peptides and their metabolites in equine plasma and urine for doping control.
Permeability enhancement mechanism of sand‐carrying hydraulic fracturing in deep mining: A case study of uncovering coal in cross‐cut
Authors: Shuaifeng Yin , Haifeng Ma , Zhiheng Cheng , Quanle Zou , Yingming Li , Housheng Jia , Kexue Zhang
Published: June 2019

Coal and gas outburst disasters are prone to occur within rock cross‐cut coal uncovering in deep underground coal mines. To reduce the risk of coal and gas burst under rock cross‐cut coal uncovering, a technique of permeability enhancement using hydraulic fracturing sand‐carrying is proposed. Field test was conducted using HF sand‐carrying approach, and the effect of permeability enhancement was investigated. The results show that the evolution of cracks has been subjected three stages: energy slowly increasing and crack initiation, damage localization of coal seam and gradually failure, and crack instability expansion and formation of a complex fracture network system. In addition, it is found that “water‐sand” type injection of high‐pressure fluid carried sand into HF cracks, which creates a support force on crack surface and prevents crack closure. A fully developed fracture network system with high flow conductivity capacity is created and thus increases gas permeability largely. Furthermore, a clearly increasing trend associated with the HF sand‐carrying is found for the treated coal seam area. The permeability coefficient is about 21.5‐30.5 times higher than that from the raw coal seam. A good prevention effect of coal and gas outburst is achieved using HF sand‐carrying method.
Characterization of a temporoparietal junction subtype of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Meyer François , Wehenkel Marie , Phillips Christophe , Geurts Pierre , Hustinx Roland , Bernard Claire , Bastin Christine , Salmon Eric ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) subtypes have been described according to genetics, neuropsychology, neuropathology, and neuroimaging. Thirty‐one patients with clinically probable AD were selected based on perisylvian metabolic decrease on FDG‐PET. They were compared to 25 patients with a typical pattern of decreased posterior metabolism. Tree‐based machine learning was used on those 56 images to create a classifier that was subsequently applied to 207 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) patients with AD. Machine learning was also used to discriminate between the two ADNI groups based on neuropsychological scores. Compared to AD patients with a typical precuneus metabolic decrease, the new subtype showed stronger hypometabolism in the temporoparietal junction. The classifier was able to distinguish the two groups in the ADNI population. Both groups could only be distinguished cognitively by Trail Making Test‐A scores. This study further confirms that there is more than a typical metabolic pattern in probable AD with amnestic presentation.
Using data‐driven methods to explore the predictability of surface soil moisture with FLUXNET site data
Authors: Pan Jinjing , Shangguan Wei , Li Lu , Yuan Hua , Zhang Shupeng , Lu Xinjie , Wei Nan , Dai Yongjiu
Published: June 2019

Soil moisture (SM) is a key variable of land surface‐atmosphere interactions. Data‐driven methods have been used to predict SM, but the predictability of SM has not been well evaluated. This study investigated what variables and methods can be used to better predict SM for leading times of 7 days or longer with a global coverage of FLUXNET site data for the first time. Three machine‐learning models, that is, Bayesian linear regression, random forest, and gradient boosting regression tree, are used for the prediction. Variables including atmospheric forcing, surface soil temperature, time variables (year, day of year, and hour), the Fourier transformation of time variables, and lagged SM (7‐ to 14‐day lagged) were sequentially added into models. A framework with five experiments is designed for factorial exploration of SM predictability. A stepwise method was used to build the best models for each site. The performance of regression models became better when adding more explaining variables in most cases. The results showed that from 50 to 95% of variation of the best models can be explained. The important explaining variables are lagged surface SM, followed by day of year, year, soil temperature, and atmospheric forcing. The predictability of SM depends highly on SM memory characteristics and the persistence of seasonality. The effect of SM memory characteristics on SM prediction as an initial condition question has been widely discussed in this paper. Our results also provide an insight that mechanisms of seasonality effects on SM should be also paid more attention to.
FEATURES FOR CLASSIFYING PHOTOSYNTHETIC AEROBIC NANOPLANKTON BY NUMERICAL TAXONOMY
Authors: Van Valkenburg Shirley D. , Karlander Edward P. , Patterson Glenn W. , Colwell Rita R.
Published: June 2019

A list of features for preparing a numerical taxonomy of the nanoplankton is presented and includes 387 morphological, ultrastructural, physiological, and biochemical characters. The characters are to be recorded and the taxonomic data are to be analyzed by computer to determine: (i) degree of over‐all similarity among the strains, based on the 387 characters; (ii) minimum number and particular characters suitable for construction of an identification key; and (iii) minimum set of characters providing as robust a classification as that developed using all the characters. The approach taken in this study can provide the basis for on‐line computer identification of the photosynthetic, aerobic nanoplankton. Results of an analysis of 10 species of Haptophyceae and Chrysophyceae, using morphological and ultrastructural data, demonstrate the practicality of this proposed system. Dendrograms prepared by computer are presented and comparison of the results obtained by computer analysis with classical taxonomic treatment shows good agreement.
AUSTRALIAN COLLECTIONS OF LABILLARDIERE IN THE HERBARIUM OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA
Authors: Apfelbaum Joan
Published: June 2019

Sixteen plant specimens collected in Australia by Jacques Julien Houtou de Labillardière, naturalist on the voyage of d'Entrecasteaux, 1791‐1794, and eight other Australian specimens possibly collected by Labillardière are listed. Their original names and names in current use are given, with bibliographic citations, data from specimen labels, identification of handwriting on these labels, and locality information from original descriptions. A history of the specimens is given.
TECHNICAL AIDS FOR SYSTEMATIC BOTANY: NEW MODELS OF PLANT‐PRESS DRIERS
Authors: Tillett Stephen S.
Published: June 2019

Three models of plant‐press driers are presented briefly. They were developed for greater efficiency, higher quality, inexpensive local manufacture, and use under diverse conditions.
TYPIFICATION OF NAMES VS. TYPIFICATION OF TAXA: PROPOSALS ON ARTICLE 48 AND RECONSIDERATION OF MITRACARPUS HIRTUS VS. M. VILLOSUS (RUBIACEAE)
Authors: Nicolson Dan H.
Published: June 2019

Three proposals on Article 48 are made: (1) to revise the text of the first paragraph, emphasizing explicit exclusion of types, rather than implicit exclusion by circumscription, (2) to transfer the first paragraph to Article 64 and (3) to transfer the second paragraph to Article 14. The principle of requiring explicit, rather than implicit, exclusion of a type leads to the conclusion that Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. is the correct name for the taxon often called M. villosus (Sw.) DC.
CONVERTING DATES FROM THE JULIAN (OLD STYLE) OR FRENCH REPUBLICAN (REVOLUTIONARY) CALENDARS TO THE GREGORIAN (NEW STYLE) CALENDAR
Authors: Kerzhner I. M.
Published: June 2019

The Julian and Gregorian calendar systems are discussed and tables provided for conversions.
L'HERBIER DU CENTRE ORSTOM DE CAYENNE (CAY) A 25 ANS
Authors: Cremers G.
Published: June 2019

L'herbier du Centre ORSTOM de Cayenne (CAY) fête ses 25 ans d'existence. Il comporte environ 50 000 spécimens, soit plus de 3000 taxons de Phanérogames, 300 de Ptéridophytes et 200 de Bryophytes.

L'historique du laboratoire et l'activité des différents chercheurs y est exposé. Cet exposé sur le laboratoire se termine par une liste des principales publications.
THE CONCEPT OF NOMENCLATURAL ILLEGITIMACY, INCLUDING 32 PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CODE
Authors: Parkinson P. G.
Published: June 2019

According to Art. 6.4 of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Sydney), “An illegitimate name is one that is designated as such in Arts. 18.3 or 63–67 (see also Art. 21 Note 1 and Art. 24 Note 1).” Art. 6.3 defines legitimacy; “A legitimate name is one that is in accordance with the rules.” A name which is not “in accordance with the rules” is not necessarily illegitimate however. If it is contrary to Art. 33 the name is invalid. If the name is contrary to Art. 57 it is merely incorrect. A sentence was added to Art. 6.4 at Sydney, stating “A name which according to this Code was illegitimate when published cannot become legitimate later unless it is conserved.”

Despite the wording of previous Codes in speaking of “illegitimate names or epithets” there was agreement among most botanists to whom I referred the point that epithets cannot be illegitimate. Legitimacy is a property of a validly published name. If a name is not validly published it has no standing under the Code. If it is validly published then it is either legitimate or illegitimate. If it is legitimate then it is used either correctly or else incorrectly. The Editorial Committee for the Sydney Code accepted this and deleted all references to “illegitimate epithets” from the Sydney Code while that was in draft. This affects only slightly the meaning of Art. 6. It has long seemed to me that if a name is validly published then it can be used correctly or incorrectly; I see no need for a special category of names which are valid but not legitimate. In coming to this viewpoint I have examined the origins and effects of the concept of nomenclatural illegitimacy and these studies have confirmed for me my suspicion that the entire concept of legitimacy/illegitimacy is an unnecessary, confusing encumbrance on the Code and that the purposes of botanical nomenclature will be best served if we get rid of it. This paper sets forth the arguments for this position.
SOBRE IBERIS CONTRACTA PERS., NON I. LINIFOLIA LOEFL. (BRASSICACEAE)
Authors: Moreno M. , Fernández L.
Published: June 2019

Se argumenta que Iberis contracta Pers. es el nombre que corresponde a la planta que se ha denominado Iberis linifolia Loefl.
THE TYPIFICATION OF THREE LINNAEAN SPECIES OF HORDEVM (POACEAE)
Authors: Baum B. R. , Jarvis C. E.
Published: June 2019

The following names are typified: Hordeum murinum L., Hordeum bulbosum L. and H. nodosum L. Arguments and details are provided in support of the findings. The first two retain their common usage, whereas the third is the diploid subspecies of H. bulbosum.
ANOTHER APPROACH TO LEAF SHAPE COMPARISONS
Authors: Dickinson T. A. , Parker W. H. , Strauss R. E.
Published: June 2019

Methods for shape comparisons among groups originally developed in zoological studies are found to be useful in examining variation in leaf shape. These methods (sampling outlines by means of truss networks connecting landmarks or pseudolandmarks, and sheared principal components analysis) take advantage of electronic methods of data capture and multivariate data analysis. They have the desirable properties of discriminating between shape variation and variation in size, and of permitting their results to be related directly to the original measurements from which they were obtained. The utility of these methods is demonstrated with respect to a search for possible leaf shape intermediacy in putativeCrataegushybrids, and an examination of geographic variation in the cross‐sectional shape ofLarix laricinaneedles.
LOUDON'S HORTUS BRITANNICUS (1830): AN EARLY SOURCE OF SECTIONAL NAMES, NECESSITATING NOMENCLATURAL CHANGES IN MANY GENERA—ASTER: A CASE IN POINT
Authors: Sundberg Scott , Jones Almut G.
Published: June 2019

Loudon's Hortus Britannicus, Part 1 (1830) is a catalogue of the native and cultivated plants of Great Britain. Sections and subsections are validly named and briefly diagnosed for most of the larger genera. Because of the early publication date of the book, these names (none of which was typified) have priority over many of the sectional and subsectional names currently in use. Types are indicated and, where needed, lectotypes are designated for the seven sectional names under Aster.
THE LAST PLANT NAME IN MERIAN
Authors: Adams C. Dennis
Published: June 2019

The hitherto unnamed plant illustrated by Merian (1705) in her plate LIII is Drymonia serrulata (Jacq.) Mart. (Gesneriaceae). A comment is made on factors contributing to the long delay in obtaining this determination.
Ownership of the Pomona College Herbarium formally transferred to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Authors: Boyd Steve
Published: June 2019

Boyd, S.: Ownership of the Pomona College Herbarium formally transferred to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. – Taxon 47: 515. 1998. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

The Pomona College Herbarium (POM) has been housed with the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Herbarium (RSA) in Claremont, California, since 1951 and fully integrated with it since the late 1960s. Ownership of the Pomona College Herbarium was formally transferred to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden on 1 June 1996.
The Role of Computational Chemistry in the Experimental Determination of the Dipole Moment of Molecules in Solution
Authors: Cammi Roberto
Published: June 2019

The methods for the experimental determination of electric dipole moment of molecules in solution from measurements of dielectric permittivity and refractive index are traditionally based on the classical Onsager model. In this model the molecular solute is approximated as a simple polarizable point dipole inside a spherical or ellipsoidal cavity of a dielectric medium representing the solvent. However, the inadequacies of the model resulting from the assumption of a simple shape of the cavity, for the evaluation of the cavity field effect, and from the uncertainty of the polarizability of the molecular solute influences the results and hampers the comparison with the electric dipole moments computed from quantum chemical solvation models. In this article we propose a new method for the experimental determination of the electric dipole moment in solution in which information from the Polarizable Continuum Model calculations are used in place of the Onsager model. The new method overcomes the limitations of this latter model regarding both the cavity field effect and the polarizability of the molecular solutes, and thus allows a coherent comparison between experimental and computed dipole moments of solvated molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of heterozygous NPC1 carriers
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Cotelli Maria S. , Cantoni Valentina , Bertasi Valeria , Turla Marinella , Dardis Andrea , Biasizzo Jessica , Manenti Rosa , Cotelli Maria , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara
Published: June 2019

Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is an uncommon lysosomal storage disorder, which is characterized neuropathologically by cholinergic dysfunction and presents clinically with a broad series of neurological signs and symptoms. NPC is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes. However, recent reports have raised concerns on heterozygous NPC1 gene mutation carriers, which historically have been considered as clinically unaffected, occasionally presenting with clinical parkinsonian syndromes or dementia. In the present study, we aimed at comprehensively assessing clinical, biochemical, and neurophysiological features in heterozygous NPC1 gene mutation carriers. We assessed cholinergic intracortical circuits with transcranial magnetic stimulation, executive functions and plasma oxysterol levels in two families comprising two monozygotic twins with a homozygous NPC1 p.P888S mutation, four patients with a compound heterozygous p.E451K and p.G992W mutation, 10 heterozygous NPC1 p.P888S carriers, 1 heterozygous NPC1 p.E451K carrier, and 11 noncarrier family members. We observed a significant impairment in cholinergic circuits, evaluated with short‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI), and executive abilities in homozygous/compound heterozygous patients and heterozygous asymptomatic NPC1 carriers, compared to noncarriers. Moreover, we reported a significant correlation between executive functions performances and both plasma oxysterol levels and neurophysiological parameters. These data suggest that heterozygous NPC1 carriers show subclinical deficits in cognition, possibly mediated by an impairment of cholinergic circuits, which in turn may mediate the onset of neurological disorders in a subset of patients.
Long‐term outcome of lower extremity lymphedema treated with vascularized lymph node flap transfer with or without venous complications
Authors: Koide Satomi , Lin Chia‐Yu , Chen Courtney , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: June 2019

Background: Vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transfer is an emerging approach for extremity lymphedema. This study investigated the long‐term outcome and venous complications of VSLN for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2018, patients who underwent VSLN for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were retrospectively evaluated. Patient demographics, operative records, complications, circumferential improvement, and episodes of cellulitis were analyzed. Further comparisons were performed between different types, numbers, and techniques of venous anastomoses.

Results: A total of 75 VSLNs in 70 patients survived, giving a 100% success rate. Six flaps (8%) had venous complications (VC group) and 69 flaps (92%) did not (No‐VC group). There were no statistical differences in types, numbers, and techniques of anastomoses between two groups (P = .65, 1, and .56, respectively). At a mean follow‐up of 32.0 ± 23.0 months, mean circumferential improvement and episodes of cellulitis between two groups did not statistically differ significantly (P = .31 and .09, respectively).

Conclusions: VSLN is an effective treatment for lower extremity lymphedema. The types, numbers of veins, and techniques of venous anastomoses did not statistically affect the venous complication rates. Functional outcomes of the VSLNs were not compromised if venous complications were salvaged promptly.
Melanoma
Authors: O'Neill Conor H. , Scoggins Charles R.
Published: June 2019

Current recommendations by the United States Preventive Services Task Force do not support screening for skin cancer. Melanoma is unique among cancers because detection is through visual inspection. Development of technologies that aid visual inspection have supported screening strategies in high‐risk populations such as older fair skinned males with personal or family history of melanoma. Clearly delineating these populations and appropriate utilization of these newer technologies will be imperative in future screening paradigms.
Pediatric tracheostomy: A large single‐center experience
Authors: Roberts Jessica , Powell Jason , Begbie Jacob , Siou Gerard , McLarnon Claire , Welch Andrew , McKean Michael , Thomas Mathew , Ebdon Anne‐Marie , Moss Samantha , Agbeko Rachel S. , Smith Jonathan H. , Brodlie Malcolm , O'Brien Christopher , Powell Steven
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To describe the epidemiology, specifically the indications, complications, and outcomes, of pediatric tracheostomies performed in one tertiary referral unit.

Methods

Single‐center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients undergoing tracheostomy between May 2010 and May 2018 at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, United Kingdom.

Results

One hundred seventy‐two pediatric tracheostomies were performed during the study period with a median age of 141 (interquartile range [IQR] 51–484) days. The most common primary indication was long‐term ventilation (38.4%, 66 of 172), followed by weaning from ventilation in cardiac patients (22.1%, 38 of 172). Only 5.2% (9 of 172) of our cohort underwent tracheostomy for subglottic stenosis. The vast majority of tracheostomies were performed electively, with just 6.4% (11 of 172) performed as an emergency procedure. Early and late complication rates were 9.8% (15 of 153) and 40.0% (61 of 153), respectively. Tracheostomy decannulation was successful in 44.4% of children (68 of 153). The median duration the tracheostomy was in situ was 397 (IQR 106–708) days. All‐cause mortality was 22.1% (38 of 172), with tracheostomy‐related mortality at 1.2% (2 of 172).

Conclusion

We report one of the largest contemporary case series of pediatric tracheostomies. Present‐day pediatric tracheostomy is primarily performed as an elective procedure in ventilated children under the age of 1 year. Pediatric tracheostomy should be considered as a long‐term intervention in many children. Nevertheless, a large proportion of children are ultimately decannulated. It is important to acknowledge the significant morbidity associated with this intervention and the small‐but‐present risk of tracheostomy‐related mortality.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:E375–E380, 2020
Identification of novel variants in MYO15A, OTOF, and RDX with hearing loss by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bai Xuejing , Nian Shiyan , Feng Lei , Ruan Qingrong , Luo Xuan , Wu Mengna , Yan Zefeng
Published: June 2019

Background

Nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is the most common sensorineural disorder and one of the most common human defects. Autosomal recessive inheritance accounts for a huge percentage of familial cases. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful molecular diagnostic strategy for NSHL. The combination of a microarray gene chip and NGS can better delineate the etiology and genetic cause of deafness in many cases.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐one unrelated students with NSHL who attend a special education school in Yunnan Province were recruited. Firstly, four common deafness‐related genes (GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4, and mtDNA 12S rRNA) were evaluated for mutations using a microarray kit. Furthermore, 227 known human deafness genes were sequenced to identify the responsible genetic variant of the proband in three Chinese families with autosomal recessive hearing loss. The mutational status of family members of the probands was validated by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Five novel variants were found in three families using NGS. In family 1, we identified compound heterozygosity at the MYO15A (OMIM, #600316), including an duplication variant c.3866dupC, p.His1290Alafs*25 and a 3‐bp deletion (c.10251_10253del, p.Phe3420del), resulting in protein length changes and premature protein truncation, respectively. In family 2, two affected siblings from a consanguineous Chinese Dai family harbored an c.1274G>C, p.Arg425Pro missense variant in the OTOF (OMIM, #601071). In family 3, we identified compound heterozygosity for c.129_130del, p.His43Glnfs*28 and c.76_79del, p.Lys26* in the RDX gene (OMIM, #611022).

Conclusion

Five novel variants were found in three families with NSHL. Our findings extend the mutational spectrum in deafness‐related genes and will help physicians in better understanding the etiology of hearing loss.
Rising Atmospheric CO2 Lowers Concentrations of Plant Carotenoids Essential to Human Health: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Loladze Irakli , Nolan John M. , Ziska Lewis H. , Knobbe Amy R.
Published: June 2019

Plant and human tissues (e.g., leaves, retina) share the need for carotenoids to protect against light‐induced and other oxidative stresses. While plants synthesize carotenoids de novo, humans must obtain them primarily through plant‐based foods. In plants, elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) decrease the concentrations of essential minerals, including magnesium and zinc (essential for brain and eye health), but the overall effect of globally rising CO2 levels on carotenoids is unknown. Here, investigation is sought on how eCO2 affects carotenoids in plants. A meta‐analysis of 1026 experimental observations from 37 studies shows that eCO2 decreases plant carotenoid concentrations by 15% (95% CI: −26% to −6%). The meta‐analysis of available gene expression data for Arabidopsis thaliana points to a potential CO2‐induced downregulation of carotenoid biosynthesis (Log2 fold‐change −13%, 95% CI: −17% to −9%). Some other stoichiometric and biochemical mechanisms related to CO2‐induced changes in carotenoids are also highlighted. While overall eCO2 decreases carotenoid concentrations, individual CO2 studies report variable responses, including increases in carotenoid levels, especially in abiotically stressed plants. The initial assessment raises a novel question about the potential effects of rising CO2 on human health through its global effect on plant carotenoids.
Application of the proposed eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union of International Cancer Control esophageal cancer staging system in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Wen‐cheng , Zhang Bao‐zhong , Zhang Hua‐lei , Zhang Jia‐qi , Pang Qing‐song , Wang Ping
Published: June 2019

Objective

The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union of International Cancer Control esophageal cancer staging system was proposed in early 2018. The eighth edition staging system includes clinical staging, pathological staging, and neoadjuvant pathological staging, which fills in the blank of non‐operative staging of esophageal cancer. However, there are few reports on the eighth edition of clinical staging, and the purpose of the present study was to verify the prognostic value of the new American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical staging system for esophageal cancer patients who undergo radical radiation therapy.

Methods

A total of 544 patients with esophageal cancer from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between March 2010 and September 2016 were staged according to the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical staging system. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate of the patients. The Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis.

Results

All the patients were divided into different groups by the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical tumor–node–metastasis staging system: 40 patients with T2; 157 patients with T3; 347 patients with T4; 132 patients with N0; 193 patients with N1; 172 patients with N2; 47 patients with N3; 81 patients with stage II; 102 patients with state III; and 361 patients with stage IVA. The 3‐year survival rates of stage T2, stage T3, and stage T4 were 60.1%, 45.6%, and 30.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 3‐year survival rates of stage N0, stage N1, stage N2, and stage N3 were 48.2%, 40.7%, 29.4%, and 17.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 3‐year survival rates of stage II, stage III, and stage IVA were 59.3%, 40.1%, and 31.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, age, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, T stage, N stage, Karnofsky marking system, the sixth edition staging system and the eighth edition staging system were important prognostic factors in univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, concurrent chemotherapy and N stage were important prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Based on the data from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, the eighth edition clinical staging system had a better predictive ability for esophageal cancer patients who underwent radical radiation therapy.
Bilobalide protects astrocytes from oxygen and glucose deprivation‐induced oxidative injury by upregulating manganese superoxide dismutase
Authors: Xiang Jun , Zhang Jingsi , Cai Xiaofang , Yang Feng , Zhu Wen , Zhang Wen , Cai Min , Yu Zhonghai , Li Xiangting , Wu Ting , Wang Guohua , Cai Dingfang
Published: June 2019

Bilobalide (BB), a constituent of the Ginkgo biloba extract, is a neuroprotective agent with multiple mechanisms of action. To further explore the potential therapeutic effects of BB in stroke, we investigated its effects on primary astrocytes using the oxygen and glucose deprivation‐reoxygenation (OGD‐R) model. Cell viability was measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell death was measured by annexin 5 conjgated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (V‐FITC) assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by 2′,7′‐Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFH‐DA) probe. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression was measured by western blot and immunofluorescence. Mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored using JC‐1 staining. Our results show that OGD‐R downregulated MnSOD and impaired mitochondrial function, which further enhanced ROS production in primary astrocytes. As a result, cell viability was compromised, and cell death increased. BB treatment protected astrocytes from those injuries mainly by restoring MnSOD level as MnSOD inhibitor abolished the effects of BB. In conclusion, we demonstrated that OGD‐R induced astrocytic injury, but BB increased the expression of MnSOD, the ROS scavenger, to reverse the exacerbated astrocytic injury.
On a method for solving a local boundary problem for a nonlinear stationary system with perturbations in the class of piecewise constant controls
Authors: Kvitko Alexander N. , Maksina Alla M. , Chistyakov Sergey V.
Published: June 2019

The wide class of nonlinear stationary systems of ordinary differential equations taking into account restrictions on control and external perturbation is considered. An algorithm for constructing a discrete control function that guarantees the transfer of the systems from the initial state to the origin and an arbitrary neighborhood of the origin is proposed. A constructive sufficient condition of the Kalman type, in which the specified translation is possible, is obtained. The problem of robot‐manipulator control is considered and its numerical simulation is carried out.
Phenotypic Drug Screening for Dysferlinopathy Using Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kokubu Yuko , Nagino Tomoko , Sasa Katsunori , Oikawa Tatsuo , Miyake Katsuya , Kume Akiko , Fukuda Mikiko , Fuse Hiromitsu , Tozawa Ryuichi , Sakurai Hidetoshi
Published: June 2019

Dysferlinopathy is a progressive muscle disorder that includes limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and Miyoshi myopathy (MM). It is caused by mutations in the dysferlin (DYSF) gene, whose function is to reseal the muscular membrane. Treatment with proteasome inhibitor MG-132 has been shown to increase misfolded dysferlin in fibroblasts, allowing them to recover their membrane resealing function. Here, we developed a screening system based on myocytes from MM patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. According to the screening, nocodazole was found to effectively increase the level of dysferlin in cells, which, in turn, enhanced membrane resealing following injury by laser irradiation. Moreover, the increase was due to microtubule disorganization and involved autophagy rather than the proteasome degradation pathway. These findings suggest that increasing the amount of misfolded dysferlin using small molecules could represent an effective future clinical treatment for dysferlinopathy. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:1017–1029
Efficient Removal of U(VI) Using Functionalized Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Wang Fuxiang , Li Chengyang , Yang Weiting , Dou Weixin , Niu Cheng , Liu Yanfeng , Pan Qinhe
Published: June 2019

The capture and recycle uranium from wastewater is very important for the environmental protection and sustainable nuclear energy development. In this work, functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres bearing aminopropyl and Schiff base groups, abbreviated as HMSNs‐NH2 and HMSNs‐SA, respectively, were prepared for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution. The effects of solution pH, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherms, as well as the presence of competing metal ions on the uranium adsorption onto the two adsorbents were investigated in detail. It was found that both adsorbents showed largely enhanced adsorption capacity and good selectivity towards U(VI) than unfunctionalized HMSNs. The maximum adsorption capacities reach 499.72 mg/g for HMSNs‐NH2 and 317.29 mg/g for HMSNs‐SA, which are at a high level compared with the reported functionalized mesoporous silica materials. Furthermore, both adsorbents can rapidly remove uranium with the removal rate more than 97% from tap water and 85% from seawater with injected uranium of 5 ppm. The findings of the present work provide new actinide adsorbents by combining organic ligands with hollow mesoporous matrixes.
2D Molecular Crystal Bilayer p–n Junctions: A General Route toward High‐Performance and Well‐Balanced Ambipolar Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhu Xiaoting , Zhang Yu , Ren Xiangwei , Yao Jiarong , Guo Siyu , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Dong , Wang Guangwei , Zhang Xiaotao , Li Rongjin , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2019

Ambipolar organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are vital for the construction of high‐performance all‐organic digital circuits. The bilayer p–n junction structure, which is composed of separate layers of p‐ and n‐type organic semiconductors, is considered a promising way to realize well‐balanced ambipolar charge transport. However, this approach suffers from severely reduced mobility due to the rough interface between the polycrystalline thin films of p‐ and n‐type organic semiconductors. Herein, 2D molecular crystal (2DMC) bilayer p–n junctions are proposed to construct high‐performance and well‐balanced ambipolar OFETs. The molecular‐scale thickness of the 2DMC ensures high injection efficiency and the atomically flat surface of the 2DMC leads to high‐quality p‐ and n‐layer interfaces. Moreover, by controlling the layer numbers of the p‐ and n‐type 2DMCs, the electron and hole mobilities are tuned and well‐balanced ambipolar transport is accomplished. The hole and electron mobilities reach up to 0.87 and 0.82 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, which are the highest values among organic single‐crystalline double‐channel OFETs measured in ambient air. This work provides a general route to construct high‐performance and well‐balanced ambipolar OFETs based on available unipolar materials.
Bond behavior of reinforcement embedded in steel fiber reinforced concrete under chloride attack
Authors: Hou Lijun , Ye Ziyao , Zhou Bingxuan , Shen Chun , Aslani Farhad , Chen Da
Published: June 2019

Bonding between rebar and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has a major effect on reinforced SFRC members exposed to chloride environments where both steel fiber and reinforcement are subjected to corrosion damage. This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of corrosion on the bond behavior of reinforcement and SFRC. The test parameters include corrosion ratio, fiber fraction, and cover thickness‐rebar diameter ratio (c/d). Failure patterns, bond‐slip curves, and bond strength were compared. Increasing fiber fraction and c/d ratio enhanced bond strength and residual bond strength through improved confinement by the surrounding SFRC. With increasing corrosion, bond strength at first retained its initial strength or increased slightly and then reduced at corrosion ratios beyond 6–8.88%. A bond strength model is proposed which considers the combined effect of corrosion ratio, fiber fraction, and c/d ratio.