bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐specific mortality, cure fraction, and noncancer causes of death among diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients in the immunochemotherapy era
Authors: Howlader Nadia , Mariotto Angela B. , Besson Caroline , Suneja Gita , Robien Kim , Younes Naji , Engels Eric A.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Survival after the diagnosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been increasing since 2002 because of improved therapies; however, long‐term outcomes for these patients in the modern treatment era are still unknown.

METHODS

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, this study first assessed factors associated with DLBCL‐specific mortality during 2002‐2012. An epidemiologic risk profile, based on clinical and demographic characteristics, was used to stratify DLBCL cases into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups. The proportions of DLBCL cases that might be considered cured in these 3 risk groups was estimated. Risks of death due to various noncancer causes among DLBCL cases versus the general population were also calculated with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS

Overall, 8274 deaths were recorded among 18,047 DLBCL cases; 76% of the total deaths were attributed to DLBCL, and 24% were attributed to noncancer causes. The 10‐year survival rates for the low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups were 80%, 60%, and 36%, respectively. The estimated cure proportions for the low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups were 73%, 49%, and 27%, respectively; however, these cure estimates were uncertain because of the need to extrapolate the survival curves beyond the follow‐up time. Mortality risks calculated with SMRs were elevated for conditions including vascular diseases (SMR, 1.3), infections (SMR, 3.1), gastrointestinal diseases (SMR, 2.5), and blood diseases (SMR, 4.6). These mortality risks were especially high within the initial 5 years after the diagnosis and declined after 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Some DLBCL patients may be cured of their cancer, but they continue to experience excess mortality from lymphoma and other noncancer causes. Cancer 2017;123:3326‐34. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Increasing colonoscopy screening in disparate populations: Results from an evaluation of patient navigation in the New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Rice Ketra , Gressard Lindsay , DeGroff Amy , Gersten Joanne , Robie Janene , Leadbetter Steven , Glover‐Kudon Rebecca , Butterly Lynn
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

To investigate uniformly successful results from a statewide program of patient navigation (PN) for colonoscopy, this comparison study evaluated the effectiveness of the PN intervention by comparing outcomes for navigated versus non‐navigated patients in one of the community health clinics included in the statewide program. Outcomes measured included screening completion, adequacy of bowel preparation, missed appointments and cancellations, communication of test results, and consistency of follow‐up recommendations with clinical guidelines.

METHODS

The authors compared a subset of 131 patients who were navigated to a screening or surveillance colonoscopy with a similar subset of 75 non‐navigated patients at one endoscopy clinic. The prevalence and prevalence odds ratios were computed to measure the association between PN and each study outcome measure.

RESULTS

Patients in the PN intervention group were 11.2 times more likely to complete colonoscopy than control patients (96.2% vs 69.3%; P<.001), and were 5.9 times more likely to have adequate bowel preparation (P =.010). In addition, intervention patients had no missed appointments compared with 15.6% of control patients, and were 24.8 times more likely to not have a cancellation <24 hours before their appointment (P<.001). All navigated patients and their primary care providers received test results, and all follow‐up recommendations were consistent with clinical guidelines compared with 82.4% of patients in the control group (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PN appears to be effective for improving colonoscopy screening completion and quality in the disparate populations most in need of intervention. To the best of our knowledge, the results of the current study demonstrate some of the strongest evidence for the effectiveness of PN to date, and highlight its value for public health. Cancer 2017;123:3356‐66. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Practical Considerations When Altering Digital Images
Authors: Sedgewick Jerry
Published: May 2017

Worldwide, Adobe Photoshop is the primary means in research for altering images. Training on the use of this powerful tool most often is peer to peer within a laboratory, or it is self‐taught through trial and error. As a result, varying amounts of visual data can be removed unwittingly; contrast‐ and brightness‐enhancement of images can be done without adjusting color and grayscale levels to conform to the output (which includes publication, projection, Web placement, and inclusion into Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat); images can be unethically altered; and pixelation can be introduced. Correct methods for use of Adobe Photoshop are outlined in this unit so that these errors can be avoided. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Multi‐Parametric Fluorescent Assay for the Screening and Mechanistic Study of Drug‐Induced Steatosis in Liver Cells in Culture
Authors: Tolosa Laia , Gómez‐Lechón M. José , Donato M. Teresa
Published: May 2017

Human hepatic cells have been used for drug safety risk evaluations throughout early development phases. They provide rapid, cost‐effective early feedback to identify drug candidates with potential hepatotoxicity. This unit presents a cell‐based assay to evaluate the risk of liver damage associated with steatogenic drugs. Detailed protocols for cell exposure to test compounds and for the assessment of steatosis‐related cell parameters (intracellular lipid content, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial impairment, and cell death) are provided. A few representative results that illustrate the utility of this procedure for the screening of drug‐induced steatosis are shown. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessing the impact of revegetation and weed control on urban sensitive bird species
Authors: Archibald Carla L. , McKinney Matthew , Mustin Karen , Shanahan Danielle F. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: May 2017

Nature in cities is concentrated in urban green spaces, which are key areas for urban biodiversity and also important areas to connect people with nature. To conserve urban biodiversity within these natural refugia, habitat restoration such as weed control and revegetation is often implemented. These actions are expected to benefit biodiversity, although species known to be affected by urbanization may not be interacting with restoration in the ways we anticipate. In this study, we use a case study to explore how urban restoration activities impact different bird species. Birds were grouped into urban sensitivity categories and species abundance, and richness was then calculated using a hierarchical species community model for individual species responses, with “urban class” used as the hierarchical parameter. We highlight variable responses of birds to revegetation and weed control based on their level of urban sensitivity. Revegetation of open grassy areas delivers significant bird conservation outcomes, but the effects of weed control are neutral or in some cases negative. Specifically, the species most reliant on remnant vegetation in cities seem to remain stable or decline in abundance in areas with weed control, which we suspect is the result of a simplification of the understorey. The literature reports mixed benefits of weed control between taxa and between locations. We recommend, in our case study site, that weed control be implemented in concert with replanting of native vegetation to provide the understory structure preferred by urban sensitive birds. Understanding the impacts of revegetation and weed control on different bird species is important information for practitioners to make restoration decisions about the allocation of funds for conservation action. This new knowledge can be used both for threatened species and invasive species management.
Modeling forest carbon cycle using long‐term carbon stock field measurement in the Delaware River Basin
Authors: Xu Bing , Pan Yude , Plante Alain F. , McCullough Kevin , Birdsey Richard
Published: May 2017

Process‐based models are a powerful approach to test our understanding of biogeochemical processes, to extrapolate ground survey data from limited plots to the landscape scale, and to simulate the effects of climate change, nitrogen deposition, elevated atmosphericCO2, increasing natural disturbances, and land‐use change on ecological processes. However, in most studies, the models are calibrated using ground measurements from only a few sites, though they may be extrapolated to much larger areas. Estimation accuracy can be improved if the models are parameterized using long‐term carbon (C) stock data from multiple sites representative of the simulated region. In this study, forest biomass C stocks measured in 61 forested plots located in three research sites in the Delaware River Basin (DRB) were used to modify the PnET‐CNmodel in three ways: (1) Field‐measured mortality rates in each forest type were used to parameterize the wood turnover rate; (2) a numerical approach was used to calibrate the relationship between foliage N and maximum photosynthesis rate; and (3) stand age was incorporated into the model as an input variable, which determines the year of the last disturbance. The results showed that these model modifications improved model performance in capturing the spatial variation of forest C dynamics in theDRBforests. The spatial distribution of forest C pools and fluxes in the three sites was mapped using the modified model. The modified model was also used in experimental scenarios, which predicted that 39% of forest C sequestered over the past decade could be attributed to the combined effects of elevatedCO2and N deposition. This study demonstrated an effective method for using long‐term biometric measurements of forest biomass C stocks to constrain and improve a process‐based ecosystem model at a regional scale. Further research should target improving model parameters that are sensitive to the spatial variation of forest C dynamics.
Predator trait evolution alters prey community composition
Authors: Holdridge Erica M. , Flores Gilberto E. , terHorst Casey P.
Published: May 2017

Predators have potentially strong effects on prey abundance, growth, life histories, and behavior, but the net direction and strength of these effects depend on traits in the predator population. Trait evolution that occurs on ecological timescales is common and may affect species interactions. Using laboratory microcosms of a bacterivorous ciliate (Colpidium sp.) and a diverse community of bacteria, we tested the hypothesis that predator trait evolution in response to temperature variability and nutrient concentration alters the composition of the prey community using a two‐phase experiment. The first phase consisted of a selection experiment, in which microcosm communities were randomly assigned to one of eight fully factorial treatments of high or low nutrients, variable or stable temperatures, and with or without Colpidium. The second phase was a reciprocal transplant experiment, in which a subsample of each microcosm community from the selection experiment was transferred to one of four common garden environments, consisting of all combinations of high or low nutrients and variable or stable temperature. Nutrient enrichment directly decreased bacterial species richness and altered the community composition, but also indirectly increased bacterial species richness through decreases in ciliate peak density and, subsequently, ciliate abundance. Moreover, the evolutionary effects of nutrient enrichment on predator traits were more pronounced in some contemporary common garden environments, and undetectable in others. Our findings suggest that historical and contemporary environments are equally important to consider in understanding how trait evolution affects community structure.
A framework to quantify the strength of ecological links between an environmental stressor and final ecosystem services
Authors: Bell Michael D. , Phelan Jennifer , Blett Tamara F. , Landers Dixon , Nahlik Amanda M. , Van Houtven George , Davis Christine , Clark Christopher M. , Hewitt Julie
Published: May 2017

Anthropogenic stressors such as climate change, increased fire frequency, and pollution drive shifts in ecosystem function and resilience. Scientists generally rely on biological indicators of these stressors to signal that ecosystem conditions have been altered. However, these biological indicators are not always capable of being directly related to ecosystem components that provide benefits to humans and/or can be used to evaluate the cost‐benefit of a change in health of the component (ecosystem services). Therefore, we developed the STEPS (Stressor–Ecological Production function–final ecosystem Services) Framework to link changes in a biological indicator of a stressor to final ecosystem services. The STEPS Framework produces “chains” of ecological components that explore the breadth of impacts resulting from the change in a stressor. Chains are comprised of the biological indicator, the ecological production function (EPF, which uses ecological components to link the biological indicator to a final ecosystem service), and the user group who directly uses, appreciates, or values the component. The framework uses a qualitative score (high, medium, low) to describe the strength of science (SOS) for the relationship between each component in the EPF. We tested the STEPS Framework within a workshop setting using the exceedance of critical loads of air pollution as a model stressor and the Final Ecosystem Goods and Services Classification System (FEGS‐CS) to describe final ecosystem services. We identified chains for four modes of ecological response to deposition: aquatic acidification, aquatic eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, and terrestrial eutrophication. The workshop participants identified 183 unique EPFs linking a change in a biological indicator to a FEGS; when accounting for the multiple beneficiaries, we ended with 1104 chains. The SOS scores were effective in identifying chains with the highest confidence ranking as well as those where more research is needed. The STEPS Framework could be adapted to any system in which a stressor is modifying a biological component. The results of the analysis can be used by the social science community to apply valuation measures to multiple or selected chains, providing a comprehensive analysis of the effects of anthropogenic stressors on measures of human well‐being.
The role of ants, birds and bats for ecosystem functions and yield in oil palm plantations
Authors: Denmead Lisa H. , Darras Kevin , Clough Yann , Diaz Patrick , Grass Ingo , Hoffmann Munir P. , Nurdiansyah Fuad , Fardiansah Rico , Tscharntke Teja
Published: May 2017

One of the world's most important and rapidly expanding crops, oil palm, is associated with low levels of biodiversity. Changes in predator communities might alter ecosystem services and subsequently sustainable management but these links have received little attention to date. Here, for the first time, we manipulated ant and flying vertebrate (birds and bats) access to oil palms in six smallholder plantations in Sumatra (Indonesia) and measured effects on arthropod communities, related ecosystem functions (herbivory, predation, decomposition and pollination) and crop yield. Arthropod predators increased in response to reductions in ant and bird access, but the overall effect of experimental manipulations on ecosystem functions was minimal. Similarly, effects on yield were not significant. We conclude that ecosystem functions and productivity in oil palm are, under current levels of low pest pressure and large pollinator populations, robust to large reductions of major predators.
Expedient Synthesis of a Metallostibine Os2(CO)8(µ‐SbPh): An Unusual and Strong Two‐Electron‐Donor Ligand
Authors: Li Ying‐Zhou , Ganguly Rakesh , Leong Weng Kee
Published: May 2017

A metallostibine, Os2(CO)8(µ‐SbPh) (2), was generated readily and in high yield and purity from the Os3(CO)11(µ‐SbPh)(Cl)2 (1) cluster through elimination of the terminal Os(CO)3(Cl)2 Lewis acid fragment with activated γ‐alumina. Compound 2 is air sensitive in solution but relatively stable as a solid. The Sb atom in 2 adopts a trigonal pyramidal geometry in both the solid and solution states, with an active lone pair of electrons. Experimental and computational studies show that 2 is a strong two‐electron donor with a donor strength comparable to that of alkylphosphines.
Functionalized Ruthenium Complexes: Selective “Turn‐on” Detection of Biologically Relevant Anionic Species
Authors: Berni Emanuela , Le Henaff Laurent , Jarrige Lucie , Girard Emeline , Jonusauskas Gediminas , Gosse Isabelle , Pinet Sandra
Published: May 2017

To study the effect of the structure of 3,3′‐modified bipyridyl ruthenium complexes on their ability to recognize organic anions, various ruthenium complexes have been prepared. The binding functions and large‐sized modified bipyridyl ligand turned out to be essential for selectivity in acetonitrile. The selectivity for dicarboxylates or phosphates can be switched by using guanidinium‐ or ammonium‐functionalized probes. One of these probes turned out to be selective towards glutamate over aspartate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Another was selective towards adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) over adenosine 5′‐diphosphate (ADP), pyrophosphate (PPi), adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP), and orthophosphate (Pi). In both cases, the binding was attributed to coulombic interactions and hydrogen bonding. π‐stacking interactions also occurred with nucleotides. Replacing ammonium by zinc‐dipicolylamine units made possible the recognition of phosphorylated species in buffered aqueous systems. To our delight, this probe showed selectivity for ADP over ATP and we proved that the selectivity was partly due to substitution at the 3‐ and 3′‐positions of the ligand.
Approaches to Automated Scoring of Speaking for K–12 English Language Proficiency Assessments
Authors: Evanini Keelan , Hauck Maurice Cogan , Hakuta Kenji
Published: May 2017

This report is the fifth in a series concerning English language proficiency (ELP) assessments for English learners (ELs) in kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States. The series, produced by Educational Testing Service (ETS), is intended to provide theory‐ and evidence‐based principles and recommendations for improving next‐generationELPassessment systems, policies, and practices and to stimulate discussion on better serving K–12ELstudents. The first report articulated a high‐level conceptualization of next‐generationELPassessment systems (Hauck, Wolf, & Mislevy, 2016). The second report addressed accessibility issues in the context ofELPassessments forELsandELswith disabilities (Guzman‐Orth, Laitusis, Thurlow, & Christensen, 2016). The third report focused on critical policy and research issues of summativeELPassessments that state use for accountability purposes (Wolf, Guzman‐Orth, & Hauck, 2016). The fourth report dealt with one of the major uses ofELPassessments—the initial identification and classification of ELs (Lopez, Pooler, & Linquanti, 2016). The present report discusses approaches to using automated scoring technology for the evaluation of student‐spoken responses on K–12ELPassessments. As many states have begun to use computer‐basedELPassessments, there is a growing interest in automated scoring of spoken responses to increase the efficiency of scoring. This report delineates major areas to consider in using automated speech scoring for K–12ELPassessments (i.e., assessment construct and task design, scoring and score reporting, and artificial intelligence (AI) model development and test delivery) and makes recommendations for states on how to evaluate these considerations and determine a path forward.
Age‐related mapping of intracortical myelin from late adolescence to middle adulthood using T1‐weighted MRI
Authors: Rowley Christopher D. , Sehmbi Manpreet , Bazin Pierre‐Louis , Tardif Christine L. , Minuzzi Luciano , Frey Benicio N. , Bock Nicholas A.
Published: May 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in humans have reported that the T1‐weighted signal in the cerebral cortex follows an inverted “U” trajectory over the lifespan. Here, we investigated the T1‐weighted signal trajectory from late adolescence to middle adulthood in humans to characterize the age range when mental illnesses tend to present, and efficacy of treatments are evaluated. We compared linear to quadratic predictors of age on signal in 67 healthy individuals, 17–45 years old. We investigated ¼, ½, and ¾ depths in the cortex representing intracortical myelin (ICM), in the superficial white matter (SWM), and in a reference deep white matter tract. We found that the quadratic fit was superior in all regions of the cortex, while signal in the SWM and deep white matter showed no global dependence on age over this range. The signal trajectory in any region followed a similar shape regardless of cortical depth. The quadratic fit was analyzed in 70 cortical regions to obtain the age of maximum signal intensity. We found that visual, cingulate, and left ventromedial prefrontal cortices peak first around 34 years old, whereas motor and premotor areas peak latest at ∼38 years. Our analysis suggests that ICM trajectories over this range can be modeled well in small cohorts of subjects using quadratic functions, which are amenable to statistical analysis, thus suitable for investigating regional changes in ICM with disease. This study highlights a novel approach to map ICM trajectories using an age range that coincides with the onset of many mental illnesses. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3691–3703, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activation of transforming growth factor‐β1 by thrombin via integrins αvβ1, αvβ3, and αvβ5 in buccal fibroblasts: Suppression by epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate
Authors: Chang Jenny Zwei‐Chieng , Hsieh Yu‐Ping , Lin Wen‐Hsin , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping
Published: May 2017

Background

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Thrombin is a key player in tissue repair, inflammation, and fibrosis after injury.

Methods

Effects of thrombin on activated‐TGF‐β1 levels, Smad3 phosphorylation, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) synthesis in primary human buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or Western blot analysis.

Results

Thrombin and protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) agonist induced TGF‐β1 activation and Smad3 phosphorylation. Pretreatment with TGF‐β‐neutralizing antibody completely inhibited thrombin‐induced CCN2 synthesis. Neutralizing antibodies to integrin αv, β1, αvβ3, αvβ5, and Rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 completely blocked thrombin‐induced TGF‐β1 activation, Smad3 phosphorylation, and CCN2 synthesis. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) dose‐dependently inhibited thrombin‐induced TGF‐β1 activation.

Conclusion

Thrombin induces αvβ1, αvβ3, and αvβ5 integrins‐mediated TGF‐β1 activations via ROCK signaling. EGCG inhibits thrombin‐induced CCN2 synthesis in BMFs by suppressing latent TGF‐β1 activation.
Quantitative pretreatment CT volumetry: Association with oncologic outcomes in patients with T4a squamous carcinoma of the larynx
Authors: Shiao Jay C. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Messer Jay A. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Johnson Jason M. , Enderling Heiko , Kamal Mona , Warren Benjamin W. , Pham Brian , Morrison William H. , Zafereo Mark E. , Hessel Amy C. , Lai Stephen Y. , Kies Merril S. , Ferrarotto Renata , Garden Adam S. , Schomer Donald F. , Gunn G. Brandon , Phan Jack , Frank Steven J. , Beadle Beth M. , Weber Randal S. , Lewin Jan S. , Rosenthal David I. , Fuller Clifton D.
Published: May 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CT‐determined pretreatment primary tumor volume on survival and disease control in T4a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 124 patients with T4a laryngeal cancer from 2000‐2011. Tumor volume measurements were collected and correlated with outcomes.

Results

Five‐year overall survival (OS) for patients with tumor volume ≥21 cm3 treated with larynx preservation (n = 26 of 41) was significantly inferior compared to <21 cm3 (42% vs 64%, respectively; P = .003). Five‐year OS for patients with tumor volumes ≥21 cm3 in the cohort treated with total laryngectomy followed by radiotherapy (RT; n = 42 of 83) was not statistically significant when compared to <21 cm3 (50% vs 63%, respectively; P = .058). On multivariate analysis, tumor volume ≥21 cm3 was a significant independent correlate of worse disease‐specific survival (DSS; P = .004), event‐free survival (P = .005), recurrence‐free survival (RFS; P = .04), noncancer cause‐specific survival (P = .02), and OS (P = .0002).

Conclusion

Pretreatment CT‐based tumor volume is an independent prognostic factor of outcomes in T4a laryngeal cancer.
Neural circuits involved in the renewal of extinguished fear
Authors: Chen Weihai , Wang Yan , Wang Xiaqing , Li Hong
Published: May 2017

The last 10 years have witnessed a substantial progress in understanding the neural mechanisms for the renewal of the extinguished fear memory. Based on the theory of fear extinction, exposure therapy has been developed as a typical cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Although the fear memory can be extinguished by repeated presentation of conditioned stimulus without unconditioned stimulus, the fear memory is not erased and tends to relapse outside of extinction context, which is referred to as renewal. Therefore, the renewal is regarded as a great obstruction interfering with the effect of exposure therapy. In recent years, there has been a great deal of studies in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of fear renewal. These offer a foundation upon which novel therapeutic interventions for the renewal may be built. This review focuses on behavioral, anatomical and electrophysiological studies that interpret roles of the hippocampus, prelimbic cortex and amygdala as well as the connections between them for the renewal of the extinguished fear. Additionally, this review suggests the possible pathways for the renewal: (1) the prelimbic cortex may integrate contextual information from hippocampal inputs and project to the basolateral amygdala to mediate the renewal of extinguished fear memory; the ventral hippocampus may innervate the activities of the basolateral amygdala or the central amygdala directly for the renewal. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):470–478, 2017
Measurement of optical properties of pig esophagus by using a modified spectrometer set‐up
Authors: Hohmann Martin , Lengenfelder B. , Kanawade R. , Klämpfl F. , Douplik A. , Albrecht H.
Published: May 2017

Optical properties (μa, μs and g) of certain human tissue types such as skin and blood have been very well investigated. However until today, for internal body organs such as the esophagus they are not well characterized. For ex‐vivo measurements “Inverse Adding Doubling” (IAD) and Inverse Monte‐Carlo‐Simulation (IMCS) are state of the art. Both methods need the measurement of the collimated transmission. Current methods lack a proper way of measuring the collimated transmission. Hence, this measurement of the g‐factor has a systematic error. Therefore, for the measurement of the collimated transmission, a new approach has been developed and evaluated with intralipid. Finally, the optical properties of mucosa, sub mucosa, muscularis and adventitia of pig esophagus tissue are calculated with IAD. The results are promising and in agreement with published literature.

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Non‐invasive diagnostic system and its opto‐mechanical probe for combining confocal Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Klemes Jan , Kotzianova Adela , Pokorny Marek , Mojzes Peter , Novak Jindrich , Sukova Lada , Demuth Jaroslav , Vesely Jaroslav , Sasek Ladislav , Velebny Vladimir
Published: May 2017

Non‐invasive optical diagnostic methods allow important information about studied systems to be obtained in a non‐destructive way. Complete diagnosis requires information about the chemical composition as well as the morphological structure of a sample. We report on the development of an opto‐mechanical probe that combines Raman spectroscopy (RS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), two methods that provide all the crucial information needed for a non‐invasive diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to introduce the technical design, construction and optimization of a dual opto‐mechanical probe combining two in‐house developed devices for confocal RS and OCT. The unique benefit of the probe is a gradual acquisition of OCT and RS data, which allows to use the acquired OCT images to pinpoint locations of interest for RS measurements. The parameters and the correct functioning of the probe were verified by RS scanning of various samples (silicon wafer and ex vivo tissue) based on their OCT images – lateral as well as depth scanning was performed. Both the OCT and RS systems were developed, optimized and tested with the ultimate aim of verifying the functionality of the probe. Picture: Schematic illustration and visualization of the developed RS‐OCT probe
Temporal focusing‐based widefield multiphoton microscopy with spatially modulated illumination for biotissue imaging
Authors: Chang Chia‐Yuan , Lin Cheng‐Han , Lin Chun‐Yu , Sie Yong‐Da , Hu Yvonne Yuling , Tsai Sheng‐Feng , Chen Shean‐Jen
Published: May 2017

A developed temporal focusing‐based multiphoton excitation microscope (TFMPEM) has a digital micromirror device (DMD) which is adopted not only as a blazed grating for light spatial dispersion but also for patterned illumination simultaneously. Herein, the TFMPEM has been extended to implement spatially modulated illumination at structured frequency and orientation to increase the beam coverage at the back‐focal aperture of the objective lens. The axial excitation confinement (AEC) of TFMPEM can be condensed from 3.0 μm to 1.5 μm for a 50 % improvement. By using the TFMPEM with HiLo technique as two structured illuminations at the same spatial frequency but different orientation, reconstructed biotissue images according to the condensed AEC structured illumination are shown obviously superior in contrast and better scattering suppression. Picture: TPEF images of the eosin‐stained mouse cerebellar cortex by conventional TFMPEM (left), and the TFMPEM with HiLo technique as 1.09 μm−1 spatially modulated illumination at 90° (center) and 0° (right) orientations.

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Bradykinin Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Tumor Growth of Gastric Cancer Through ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Guojun , Sun Junfeng , Liu Guanghui , Fu Yang , Zhang Xiefu
Published: May 2017

Bradykinin (BK) has been reported to be involved in the progression of diverse types of cancer. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of BK in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of gastric cancer (GC). Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assays. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assays. Tumor growth of nude mice was detected by establishing subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. Silencing of bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) and the bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) was performed by transfecting cells with si‐B1R and si‐B2R, respectively. The protein expression levels of phospho‐ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, and E‐Cadherin were examined by Western blot. Data revealed that BK promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the in vivo tumor growth of GC cells SGC‐7901 and HGC‐27. Furthermore, BK elevated the protein levels of p‐ERK1/2, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9, but reduced E‐Cadherin. In addition, by repressing B2R using si‐B2R or inhibiting ERK signaling pathway using PD98059, BK‐mediated promotion of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and upregulation of p‐ERK1/2, MMP‐2/9, as well as downregulation of E‐Cadherin were attenuated. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that BK promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth by binding to B2R via ERK signaling pathway. Our findings may provide promising options for the further treatment of GC. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4444–4453, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF‐23) Serum Levels With Low Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Shen Jun , Fu Shiping , Song Yuan
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) level and bone mass in postmenopausal women. A total of 60 premenopausal, 60 early postmenopausal, and 60 late postmenopausal women were investigated by the measurement of bone mineral densities (BMDs) at lumbar spine and proximal femur by DXA, together with serum concentrations of Ca, P, 25 (OH) D3, OC, iPTH, CTX‐I, PINP, and FGF‐23. The levels of FGF‐23 and PINP in early postmenopausal group were significantly higher than that in the premenopausal or the late postmenopausal groups, their changing patterns were different form 25(OH)D3, iPTH, IGF, CTX‐I, and OC. According to the AUCs in the ROC analysis, we found that serum FGF‐23 level was associated with the highest validity as compared to the other bone metabolism factors. Further study indicated the significant negative relationships between serum FGF‐23 level and lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs in postmenopausal women. After detection of the sensitivity and specificity of serum FGF‐ 23 for the low bone mass at different T‐score (SD) lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs, we found that serum FGF‐23 level may be a reliable marker for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The performance of FGF‐23 in the differential diagnosis low bone mass from healthy participants indicated that FGF‐23 has the capacity to differentiate the women with low bone mass from the normal ones. Our study indicated that serum FGF‐23 level could be served as the utility in the early detection of women with low bone mass. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4454–4459, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P120‐Catenin Mediates Intermittent Cyclic Mechanical Tension‐Induced Inflammation in Chondrocytes
Authors: Xu Hong‐guang , Gao Zhi , Ma Ming‐ming , Xu Jia‐jia , Xiao Liang , Wang Hong , Zhang Tao , Liu Xiang , Xu Yong‐ming , Zhang Xiao‐ling
Published: May 2017

To study the role of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling pathway and P120‐catenin in the inflammatory effects of intermittent cyclic mechanical tension (ICMT) on endplate chondrocytes. Inflammatory reactions of endplate chondrocyte were measured by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, a dual‐luciferase reporter assay system, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. ICMT loading led to inflammatory reactions of endplate chondrocytes in both the rabbit endplate cartilage model and rat endplate chondrocytes in vitro. Inhibition of NF‐κB signaling significantly ameliorated the inflammation induced by ICMT in endplate chondrocytes. Moreover, the expression of P120‐catenin was decreased by ICMT. However, over‐expression of P120‐catenin suppressed NF‐κB signaling and reversed the inflammatory effects. P120‐catenin prevents endplate chondrocytes from undergoing ICMT‐mediated inflammation by suppressing the expression of NF‐κB. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4508–4516, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast and accurate grid representations for atom‐based docking with partner flexibility
Authors: de Vries Sjoerd J. , Zacharias Martin
Published: May 2017

Macromolecular docking methods can broadly be divided into geometric and atom‐based methods. Geometric methods use fast algorithms that operate on simplified, grid‐like molecular representations, while atom‐based methods are more realistic and flexible, but far less efficient. Here, a hybrid approach of grid‐based and atom‐based docking is presented, combining precalculated grid potentials with neighbor lists for fast and accurate calculation of atom‐based intermolecular energies and forces. The grid representation is compatible with simultaneous multibody docking and can tolerate considerable protein flexibility. When implemented in our docking method ATTRACT, grid‐based docking was found to be ∼35x faster. With the OPLSX forcefield instead of the ATTRACT coarse‐grained forcefield, the average speed improvement was >100x. Grid‐based representations may allow atom‐based docking methods to explore large conformational spaces with many degrees of freedom, such as multiple macromolecules including flexibility. This increases the domain of biological problems to which docking methods can be applied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlations of ALDH2 rs671 and C12orf30 rs4767364 polymorphisms with increased risk and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the Kazak and Han populations in Xinjiang province
Authors: Liu Pan , Zhao Hua‐Rong , Li Fang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hua , Wang Wen‐Ran , Mao Rui , Su Wei‐Peng , Zhang Yang , Bao Yong‐Xing
Published: May 2017

Objective

Genetic polymorphisms in ALDH2 and C12orf30 genes have been reported to increase the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aims to investigate the relationship between ALDH2 rs671 and c12orf30 rs4767364 polymorphisms in the chromosome 12q24 gene, and risk and prognosis of individuals developing esophageal cancer (ESCC) in Xinjiang Kazak and Han populations.

Methods

The case group consisted of 127 ESCC patients. The control group comprised of 125 healthy individuals. Subjects that were recruited all come from Xinjiang province. TaqMan and the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium were the main methods employed to detect and examine the distribution of genotypes of rs671 and rs4767364.

Results

The genotype frequencies of ALDH2 rs671 between the Kazak case and control groups were statistically significant, while no significant difference was observed between the Han case and control groups (P>.05). Moreover, ALDH2 rs671 (G>A) was associated with poor prognosis of ESCC in both Kazak and Han populations, and c12orf30 rs4767364 (A>G) was also connected with poor prognosis of ESCC in Kazak but not in Han population.

Conclusion

In the chromosome 12q24 locus, ALDH2 rs671 (G>A) is related to the susceptibility to ESCC in Kazak populations, and it is also associated with poor prognosis of EC in Kazak and Han populations. Furthermore, c12orf30 rs4767364 (A>G) may be correlated with poor ESCC prognosis in Kazak population.
Overexpression of HOXA4 and HOXA9 genes promotes self‐renewal and contributes to colon cancer stem cell overpopulation
Authors: Bhatlekar Seema , Viswanathan Vignesh , Fields Jeremy Z. , Boman Bruce M.
Published: May 2017

Because HOX genes encode master regulatory transcription factors that regulate stem cells (SCs) during development and aberrant expression of HOX genes occurs in various cancers, our goal was to determine if dysregulation of HOX genes is involved in the SC origin of colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously reported that HOXA4 and HOXD10 are expressed in the colonic SC niche and are overexpressed in CRC. HOX gene expression was studied in SCs from human colon tissue and CRC cells (CSCs) using qPCR and immunostaining. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of HOX expression was used to evaluate the role of HOX genes in modulating cancer SC (CSC) phenotype at the level of proliferation, SC marker expression, and sphere formation. All‐trans‐retinoic‐acid (ATRA), a differentiation‐inducing agent was evaluated for its effects on HOX expression and CSC growth. We found that HOXA4 and HOXA9 are up‐regulated in CRC SCs. siRNA knockdown of HOXA4 and HOXA9 reduced: (i) proliferation and sphere‐formation and (ii) gene expression of known SC markers (ALDH1, CD166, LGR5). These results indicate that proliferation and self‐renewal ability of CRC SCs are reduced in HOXA4 and HOXA9 knockdown cells. ATRA decreased HOXA4, HOXA9, and HOXD10 expression in parallel with reduction in ALDH1 expression, self‐renewal, and proliferation. Overall, our findings indicate that overexpression of HOXA4 and HOXA9 contributes to self‐renewal and overpopulation of SCs in CRC. Strategies designed to modulate HOX expression may provide ways to target malignant SCs and to develop more effective therapies for CRC.
Combined effects of bone morphogenetic protein 10 and crossveinless‐2 on cardiomyocyte differentiation in mouse adipocyte‐derived stem cells
Authors: Jumabay Medet , Zhumabai Jiayinaguli , Mansurov Nurlan , Niklason Katharine C. , Guihard Pierre J. , Cubberly Mark R. , Fogelman Alan M. , Iruela‐Arispe Luisa , Yao Yucheng , Saparov Arman , Boström Kristina I.
Published: May 2017

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 10, a cardiac‐restricted BMP family member, is essential in cardiomyogenesis, especially during trabeculation. Crossveinless‐2 (CV2, also known as BMP endothelial cell precursor derived regulator [BMPER]) is a BMP‐binding protein that modulates the activity of several BMPs. The objective of this study was to examine the combined effects of BMP10 and CV2 on cardiomyocyte differentiation using mouse dedifferentiated fat (mDFAT) cells, which spontaneously differentiate into cardiomyocyte‐like cells, as a model. Our results revealed that CV2 binds directly to BMP10, as determined by co‐immunoprecipitation, and inhibits BMP10 from initiating SMAD signaling, as determined by luciferase reporter gene assays. BMP10 treatment induced mDFAT cell proliferation, whereas CV2 modulated the BMP10‐induced proliferation. Differentiation of cardiomyocyte‐like cells proceeded in a reproducible fashion in mDFAT cells, starting with small round Nkx2.5‐positive progenitor cells that progressively formed myotubes of increasing length that assembled into beating colonies and stained strongly for Troponin I and sarcomeric alpha‐actinin. BMP10 enhanced proliferation of the small progenitor cells, thereby securing sufficient numbers to support formation of myotubes. CV2, on the other hand, enhanced formation and maturation of large myotubes and myotube‐colonies and was expressed by endothelial‐like cells in the mDFAT cultures. Thus BMP10 and CV2 have important roles in coordinating cardiomyogenesis in progenitor cells.
A case of tracheo‐innominate artery fistula successfully treated with endovascular stent of the innominate artery
Authors: Yogo Aoi , Komori Masafumi , Yano Yudai , Fujita Koji , Sando Eiichiro , Kotani Mitsuhisa , Sugimura Hiroshi , Ochi Atsushi , Moody Sandra , Yaegashi Makito
Published: May 2017

Tracheo‐innominate artery fistula (TIF) is a rare but life‐threatening complication of tracheostomy. We describe a 44‐year‐old man who was admitted for a pressure ulcer infection with a third tracheostomy in place. He showed massive hemoptysis from the TIF, followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. The cuff of the tube was hyperinflated; however, even a slight movement of the tube resulted in recurrent massive hemorrhage. Thus, an endovascular stent graft was placed. Our case shows that sentinel bleeding may be found prior to TIF, and an endovascular repair can be a lifesaving temporizing option, when the hemorrhage was not controlled by hyperinflating the cuff of the tube.
Silicosis, then microscopic polyangiitis—antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies‐associated vasculitis may be work‐related disease in patients with silicosis
Authors: Nishimura Yoshito , Tsuda Tomohiro , Nishina Shinichi , Omoto Akiyoshi , Misawa Mahito , Yabe Hiroki , Nagao Toshihiko
Published: May 2017

A 74‐year‐old man with silicosis was admitted to the hospital because of prolonged fever. After referral to internal medicine for persistent fever and renal dysfunction, workup revealed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) positivity. He was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). After treatment with immunosuppressive therapy, his condition improved. Herein, we discuss silica exposure and the risk of ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV), particularly in terms of work‐related diseases. Silica exposure is a notorious risk factor for developing AAV, which is potentially lethal when not identified. When we see a silicosis patient with new‐onset prolonged fever and generalized fatigue, AAV should be taken into consideration. This case report provides beneficial information to reliably assess patients at high risk of developing AAV in primary care settings.
Noninvasive imaging in cardiac deposition diseases
Authors: Shah Ranjit , Nucifora Gaetano , Perry Rebecca , Selvanayagam Joseph B.
Published: May 2017

Infiltrative cardiomyopathy represents a heterogeneous group of diseases of the heart tissue with similar phenotypic expression. The condition is rare, but can be easily mistaken for other more common conditions of the heart. The diagnosis of infiltrative cardiomyopathy is therefore challenging and has often required the use of invasive procedures in the past. In the last decade there have been great advances in non‐invasive cardiac imaging modalities like echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance and nuclear imaging. Although no single imaging modality abnormality on its own is pathognomic for infiltrative cardiomyopathy, a combination of these different modalities are synergistic, and can greatly aid in the clinical diagnosis. In this review, we describe these advancements in non‐invasive cardiac imaging modalities with a particular focus on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:44–59.
Detection of Toscana virus from an adult traveler returning to Australia with encephalitis
Authors: Arden Katherine E. , Heney Claire , Shaban Babak , Nimmo Graeme R. , Nissen Michael D. , Sloots Theo P. , Mackay Ian M.
Published: May 2017

Toscana virus (TOSV) is identified in sandflies, animals, and humans around the Mediterranean Sea. TOSV has not been reported in Australia. During investigations of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with encephalitis, TOSV genetic sequences were identified in a traveler returning to Australia from Europe. TOSV should be considered, especially during May to October, in travelers to Australia who embarked in countries in and around the Mediterranean Sea and who subsequently present for medical care because of neurological symptoms.
Perylene‐Containing Conjugated Microporous Polymers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xu Yunfeng , Mao Na , Feng Shi , Zhang Chong , Wang Feng , Chen Yu , Zeng Jinghui , Jiang Jia‐Xing
Published: May 2017

Three perylene‐containing conjugated microporous polymers (PrCMPs) are synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction from perylene with four polymerizable functional groups and a range of different substituted benzene derivatives. The pore property and bandgap of the resulting PrCMPs can be tuned by changing the comonomer of benzene with different substituted groups and positions. The photocatalytic performances of the polymers are highly dependent on the surface area, geometry, and bandgap of the PrCMPs. It was found that the 1,2,4,5‐linked polymer of PrCMP‐3 shows the highest hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 12.1 µmol h−1 under UV–vis light irradiation among the three polymers because of its high surface area, broad light absorption, and suitable bandgap. PrCMP‐3 also exhibits good photocatalytic stability for prolonged hydrogen production reaction. This result demonstrates that the crucial role of the linkage geometry offers a general principle for the rational design of conjugated microporous polymer photocatalysts.

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