bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting the Cellular Redox‐Control System for Activatable Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gharibi Nima , Kailass Karishma , Beharry Andrew A.
Published: November 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used to treat a variety of cancers. However, one drawback has been the adverse side effects experienced by patients during therapy, as a result of the destruction of normal tissues upon irradiation. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis and characterisation of a photosensitiser to overcome this issue that, in addition to light, is also dependent on the overactive redox system present in cancer cells for its activation. Our probe consists of the photosensitiser, protoporphyrin IX, and a FRET‐based quencher dye, BHQ‐3, on a scaffold containing a disulfide bond. The close proximity of BHQ‐3 to protoporphyrin IX quenches its ability to fluoresce and produce reactive oxygen species, whereas nonenzymatic or enzymatic reduction can recover its native properties. We further demonstrate its ability to be activated in cancer cells in a thiol‐dependent manner and destroy breast and lung cancer cells upon red‐light irradiation.
Ingestible Contrast Agents for Gastrointestinal Imaging
Authors: Yang Xingyue , Lovell Jonathan F. , Zhang Yumiao
Published: November 2018

Gastrointestinal (GI) ailments cover a wide variety of diseases involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. They bring about many inconveniences in daily life in chronic diseases and can even be life threatening in acute cases. Rapid and safe detection approaches are essential for early diagnosis and timely management. Contrast agents for GI imaging can enhance contrast to distinguish abnormal lesions from normal structures. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are two important diagnostic tools for the evaluation of GI conditions. This review mainly involves several common GI diseases, including inflammatory diseases, intestinal tumors, diarrhea, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux diseases. Selected contrast agents, such as barium sulfate, iodine‐based agents, gadolinium‐based agents, and others, are summarized. Going forward, continued endeavors are being made to develop more emerging contrast agents for other imaging modalities.
Retrospective longitudinal study of osteoporosis in adults with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Hubbard Lynne D. , Mayre‐Chilton Kattya
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

This retrospective study looks at bone mineral density of people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa as assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Data were collected in 34 patients aged 16‐35 years. Statistical analysis showed immobility, low body mass index, and pubertal delay was associated with osteoporosis.
Late T‐wave inversion following resolution of non‐ischemic acute pulmonary edema
Authors: Tampakis Konstantinos , Makris Nikolaos , Kontogiannis Christos , Spartalis Michael , Repasos Evangelos , Spartalis Eleftherios , Anninos Hector , Paraskevaidis Ioannis
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes occurring several hours after the onset of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema have been seldom described. The proposed explanatory mechanisms are various and not fairly established. In the absence of significant coronary artery disease, these ECG abnormalities could be attributed to mechanisms implicated in coronary microcirculatory dysfunction.
A patient with solid gynecologic cancer causing lactic acidosis, severe hypercalcemia, and hypoglycemia
Authors: Hausken John , Haave Ellen M. , Haugaa Håkon , Løberg Else M. , Kongsgaard Ulf E.
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Though rare in cervical cancer patients, paraneoplastic syndrome usually presents with several endocrine and hormonal symptoms. Knowledge of the pathophysiology that underlies these abnormalities is beneficial to diagnosis and treatment. An interdisciplinary approach and test analysis prior to initiating specific treatment is recommended, though prognosis appears poor in advanced cases.
Acute‐on‐chronic food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome in an exclusively breast‐fed infant
Authors: Ntoumpara Maria , Sotiriadou Fotini , Fotoulaki Maria
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non‐IgE‐mediated gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity disorder, typically provoked by cow's milk or soy in formula‐fed infants. This case shows that diagnosis of FPIES should be suspected in exclusively breast‐fed infants and pediatricians should be suspicious of this in infants with shock and sepsis.
Polyglandular syndrome type 2 in a Mexican family and its association with human leukocyte antigen
Authors: Bermeo‐Cabrera Janneth , Reza‐Albarrán Alfredo Adolfo , Granados Julio , Morales Juan José , González Jorge Alberto Gutiérrez , Doño Susana Hernández , Gutiérrez María Fernanda García
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

The evaluation of first‐degree family members is very important to detect additional cases of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 2. The genetic evaluation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) may be useful in the study of this syndrome. This study is the first report of an HLA study of this syndrome in a Mexican family.
Highly Enantioselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Prochiral Ketones Using Ru(II)‐Chitosan Catalyst in Aqueous Media
Authors: Szőllősi György , Kolcsár Vanessza Judit
Published: November 2018

Unprecedentedly high enantioselectivities are obtained in the transfer hydrogenation of prochiral ketones catalyzed by a Ru complex formed in situ with chitosan chiral ligand. This biocompatible, biodegradable chiral polymer obtained from the natural chitin afforded good, up to 86 % enantioselectivities, in the aqueous‐phase transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives using HCOONa as hydrogen donor. Cyclic ketones were transformed in even higher, over 90 %, enantioselectivities, whereas further increase, up to 97 %, was obtained in the transfer hydrogenations of heterocyclic ketones. The chiral catalyst precursor prepared ex situ was examined by scanning electron microscopy, FT‐mid‐ and ‐far‐IR spectroscopy. The structure of the in situ formed catalyst was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and using various chitosan derivatives. It was shown that a Ru pre‐catalyst is formed by coordination of the biopolymer to the metal by amino groups. This precursor is transformed in water insoluble Ru‐hydride complex following hydrogen donor addition. The practical value of the developed method was verified by preparing over twenty chiral alcohols in good yields and optical purities. The catalyst was applied for obtaining optically pure chiral alcohols at gram scale following a single crystallization.
Effect of Electrolyte Ions on the Stability of Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide‐Dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase
Authors: Nemoto Miki , Sugihara Kazunori , Adachi Tsubasa , Murata Kazuki , Shiraki Kentaro , Tsujimura Seiya
Published: November 2018

The thermal stability of flavin adenine dinucleotide‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD‐GDH) from Aspergillus terreus in phosphate buffer solution was substantially improved by kosmotropic ions, especially kosmotropic anions. The residual activity of FAD‐GDH in a 1.5 M sodium or ammonium sulfate solution remained more than 90 % after 60 min of heat treatment at 60 °C, while slight activity was observed for FAD‐GDH in a solution in the absence of additive sulfate ions. The stabilizing effect of the electrolytes was concentration‐dependent and strongly related to the structural stabilization of the enzyme, which involved enzyme compaction.
Chemometrics in instrumental analysis of complex systems—in honor and memory of Yi‐Zeng Liang
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Li Hongdong , Yun Yonghuan , Ma Pan , Yi Lunzhao , Ren Dabing , Zhang Liangxiao , Yan Jun , Dong Naiping , Deng Baichuan , Lu Hongmei
Published: November 2018

A true pioneer in the fields of chemometrics and analytical chemistry was lost with the passing of Yi‐Zeng Liang in October 2016. This is an enormous loss to both the local and global community of chemometrics. Yi‐Zeng Liang is recognized as one of the major players in China in the field of chemometrics. As a professor of chemometrics and analytical chemistry in Hunan University and Central South University, he made significant advances within instrumental analysis of complex systems. Liang inspired many students and visiting scholars. As Liang's former students, we have attempted to summarize Liang's contributions to the field over the past 30 years. This review covers different chemometric areas, signal preprocessing, multivariate curve resolution, and multivariate calibration and discusses the application of these methods in traditional Chinese medicine, metabolomics, proteomics, and quantitative structure‐activity relationship research.
The Shape of the Simplest Non‐proteinogenic Amino Acid α‐Aminoisobutyric Acid (Aib)
Authors: Alonso José L. , Peña Isabel , López Juan C. , Alonso Elena R. , Vaquero Vanesa
Published: November 2018

The simplest non‐proteinogenic amino acid α‐aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), an analogue of glycine and alanine, has been vaporized by laser ablation and probed by high‐resolution Fourier transform microwave spectroscopic techniques. Comparison of the experimental rotational and 14N nuclear quadrupole constants with that predicted ab initio has allowed the identification of three conformers of Aib exhibiting three types of hydrogen‐bond interactions I (NH⋅⋅⋅O=C, cis‐COOH), II (OH⋅⋅⋅N, trans‐COOH), and III (N−H⋅⋅⋅O−H, cis‐COOH) within the amino acid backbone. The observation of conformer III, not detected previously for related proteinogenic amino acids with a nonpolar side chain in a supersonic expansion, indicates that the presence of the methyl groups should restrict the conformational relaxation from conformer Aib‐III to Aib‐I. For conformer Aib‐II, the rotational spectra of the 13C isotopomers reveal a tunneling motion arising from the two equivalent methyl groups in the molecule. The observation of a single spectrum at the midpoint between those predicted for the two 13C of the methyl groups has been explained by considering a double‐minimum potential function with a low‐energy interconversion barrier for a large amplitude internal motion. This singular fact has been corroborated by the anomalous centrifugal distortion effects determined in conformer Aib‐II.
Back Cover: Electrochemical Sensor Based on AgNPs‐NNH Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection by Zero Current Potentiometry (Chin. J. Chem. 12/2018)
Authors: Fu Yanyi , Hao Huan , Liu Xiaoli , Zheng Jianbin
Published: November 2018

The back cover picture shows a zero current potential technique for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide based on silver‐nickel nitrate hydroxide (AgNPs‐NNH). By using the AgNPs‐NNH nanocomposites, a very low detection limit of 0.3 nmol L−1 for hydrogen peroxide detection was achieved. The zero current potential technique holds great promise for the construction of novel electrochemical sensors and the application to various targets assay. More details are discussed in the article by Zheng et al. on page 1174–1178.

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Loss of ATRX/DAXX expression and alternative lengthening of telomeres in uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Ahvenainen Terhi V. , Mäkinen Netta M. , von Nandelstadh Pernilla , Vahteristo Maija E. A. , Pasanen Annukka M. , Bützow Ralf C. , Vahteristo Pia M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are the most common gynecologic tumors and affect 3 of every 4 women by the age of 50 years. The majority of ULs are classified as conventional tumors, whereas 10% represent various histopathological subtypes with features that mimic malignancy. These subtypes include cellular and mitotically active ULs and ULs with bizarre nuclei. Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), the malignant counterpart of UL, is an aggressive cancer with poor overall survival. The early diagnosis and preoperative differentiation of ULMS from UL are often challenging because their symptoms and morphology resemble one another. Recent studies have shown frequent loss of alpha‐thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X‐linked (ATRX) or death domain–associated protein (DAXX) expression in ULMS, and this is often associated with an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype.

Methods

To investigate ATRX and DAXX expression and the presence of ALT in UL subtypes, immunohistochemical and telomere‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses were performed. The study material consisted of 142 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue samples representing various UL subtypes and 64 conventional ULs.

Results

A loss of ATRX or DAXX and/or ALT was detected in 6.3% of the histopathological UL subtype samples (9 of 142). Two patients whose ULs showed either ATRX loss or ALT were later diagnosed with a pulmonary smooth muscle tumor. Pulmonary tumors displayed molecular alterations found in the corresponding uterine tumors, which indicated metastasis to the lungs. All conventional ULs displayed normal ATRX, DAXX, and telomeres.

Conclusions

These results highlight the differences between conventional and histopathologically atypical ULs and indicate that some UL subtype tumors may harbor long‐term malignant potential.
A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Multiple‐Ascending‐Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Praliciguat in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Hanrahan John P. , Wakefield James D. , Wilson Phebe J. , Mihova Marina , Chickering Jennifer G. , Ruff Dennis , Hall Michael , Milne G. Todd , Currie Mark G. , Profy Albert T.
Published: November 2018

Nitric oxide (NO)‐soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling is central to the regulation of several physiological processes, including blood flow and inflammation. Deficient NO signaling is implicated in multiple diseases. sGC stimulators are small molecules that enhance sGC activity, particularly in combination with NO. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study, the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple ascending doses of the sGC stimulator praliciguat were assessed in 44 healthy adults. Four cohorts of 11 subjects (8 praliciguat, 3 placebo) received once‐daily praliciguat for 14 days before up‐titrating for 7 days (treatment sequences: 15/30 mg, 20/40 mg, 30/40 mg, and weight‐based). All doses were tolerated. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs) were reported. The most common AEs in praliciguat recipients were headache and symptoms consistent with blood pressure (BP) lowering/vasodilation. There were no laboratory, vital sign, electrocardiographic, or platelet function findings indicative of a safety concern. Pharmacokinetics were dose proportional, with an effective half‐life of 24–37 hours, supporting once‐daily dosing. Praliciguat produced dose‐related increases in plasma cGMP consistent with stimulation of sGC. Repeated once‐daily dosing showed sustained decreases in BP. Results support evaluation of praliciguat for the treatment of conditions associated with deficient NO signaling.
Auditive training effects from a dichotic listening app in children with dyslexia
Authors: Helland Turid , Morken Frøydis , Bless Josef J. , Valderhaug Hanna V. , Eiken Monica , Helland Wenche A. , Torkildsen Janne v.K.
Published: November 2018

Dichotic listening (DL) taps information on the brain's language laterality, processing, and attention. Research has shown that DL responses in dyslexia deviate from the typical pattern. Here, effects of DL training and its correspondence to rapid naming (RAN) and digit span (DS) in typical children and children with dyslexia were assessed. Three groups of third graders participated: two training groups, control training (CT) and dyslexia training (DT), and a control group that received no training (control no training, CnT). All took part in testing pretraining and posttraining. DL measures were on laterality, response scores, and attention. The three groups showed different response patterns: minor changes in CnT, change in all measures in CT, and some changes in DT. RAN and DS scores correlated significantly with some of the DL measures, especially with the attention scores. Our findings support arguments that brain architecture for language in dyslexia is lateralised in the same way as in children without dyslexia. However, the ability to modulate attention during DL is weaker in dyslexia than in typically developing children. A training‐induced normalisation of lateralisation was observed in free recall in the dyslexia group, which suggests that DL training may be a promising intervention approach.
Understanding the water dynamics on a tropical forest litter using a new device for interception measurement
Authors: Rosalem Lívia M.P. , Wendland Edson C. , Anache Jamil A.A.
Published: November 2018

Forest litter is a layer on the forest floor formed by materials falling from the vegetation. It plays an important role in the interception process in forests and, combined with canopy interception, can represent up to 50% of the total evaporation. However, the forest litter interception is usually underestimated and has been neglected mainly because of the difficulties in performing these measurements. This paper presents an equipment called Litter Interception Device (LID), which can be used both in laboratory and on site to measure the forest litter interception and the intensity of water flux to the soil. We tested and calibrated the LID in laboratory using three different simulated rainfall intensities above three different litter samples amounts. The samples were collected in an undisturbed wooded Cerrado area located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The maximum and minimum water storage capacities of the wooded Cerrado litter ranged between 1.0–3.07 and 0.78–2.27 mm, respectively. The device enables continuous measurements of the litter interception with 0.006 mm min−1 of precision and can assist future studies on the role of forest litter on hydrological processes and water balance improvements.
‘Sometimes, it's not just about the food': The social identity dynamics of foodbank helping transactions
Authors: Bowe Mhairi , Wakefield Juliet R. H. , Kellezi Blerina , McNamara Niamh , Harkin Lydia , Jobling Rosie
Published: November 2018

Food insecurity in developed countries has increased rapidly. Research has suggested that stigma may inhibit food‐aid help‐seeking, but has failed to determine how such barriers might be overcome. Adopting a social identity perspective, this study explored the processes involved in food‐aid helping transactions and sought to identify conditions that facilitate positive helping outcomes. Interviews were conducted with 18 clients and 12 volunteers at two English foodbanks, and a theoretically guided thematic analysis was conducted. Two primary themes were identified: ‘Here to Help’ and ‘The Legitimate Recipient’. This article offers a distinct and novel contribution by applying a social identity perspective to foodbank helping transactions, thereby demonstrating how group dynamics and behaviours are integral to these interactions, and by moving beyond the typical ‘Social Curse’ focus on barriers to help‐seeking to explore how such obstacles may be overcome. Suggestions for addressing stigma‐laden helping transactions and promoting successful delivery of aid are provided.
Study of Electrochemical Behaviour of Carotenoids in Aqueous Media
Authors: Čižmek Lara , Komorsky‐Lovrić Šebojka
Published: November 2018

Focus of this research was electrochemical study of β‐carotene, astaxanthin and lutein in aqueous media. Compounds were investigated on paraffin impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE) in 0.1 M HClO4 aqueous electrolyte using square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) with pulse amplitude of 50 mV and step potential of 2 mV.

Voltammetry of immobilized microparticles (VIM) allowed determination of β‐carotene and astaxanthin as solids immersed in aqueous electrolyte. Results obtained with SWV revealed oxidation peaks at 0.88 V and 1.09 V versus Ag/AgCl for β‐carotene and astaxanthin, respectively. To obtain additional information about their behaviour, stripping voltammetry microprobe (SPV) was employed. With this technique the responses of astaxanthin, β‐carotene and lutein exhibit three peaks (−0.345 V, 0.47 V and 0.65 V), two peaks (0.477 V and 0.725 V) and a single peak at 0.687 V, respectively. Based on these results, antioxidant activity of these carotenoids is in order: astaxanthin > β‐carotene > lutein. Good dose‐response relationship between carotenoid concentrations precipitated on PIGE and net peak current was obtained, but in rather narrow concentration range for each compound.
MWCNTs/Ionic Liquid/Graphene Quantum Dots Nanocomposite Coated with Nickel‐Cobalt Bimetallic Catalyst as a Highly Selective Non‐enzymatic Sensor for Determination of Glucose
Authors: Nasr‐Esfahani Parisa , Ensafi Ali A. , Rezaei Behzad
Published: November 2018

In this work, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes/ionic liquid/graphene quantum dots (MWCNTs/IL/GQDs) nanocomposite. Then, the nanocomposite was decorated with nickel‐cobalt nanoparticles (Ni−Co NPs), and it was used as a non‐enzymatic glucose sensor. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were employed to prove the electrodeposition of the Ni−Co NPs on the surface of MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE. Also, cyclic voltammetric and amperometric methods were utilized for the investigation of the electrochemical behaviour of the Ni−Co NPs/MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE for glucose oxidation. The novel amperometric sensor displayed two linear ranges from 1.0 to 190.0 μmol L−1 and 190.0 to 4910 μmol L−1 with a low detection limit of 0.3 μmol L−1 as well as fast response time (2 s) and high stability. Also, the sensor showed good selectivity for glucose determination in the presence of ascorbic acid, citric acid, dopamine, uric acid, fructose, and sucrose, as potential interference species. Finally, the performance of the proposed sensor was investigated for the glucose determination in real samples. Ni−Co NPs/MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE showed good sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
Temperature Compensation by Embedded Temperature Variation Method for an AC Voltammeric Analyzer of Electroplating Baths
Authors: Jaworski Aleksander , Wikiel Hanna , Wikiel Kazimierz
Published: November 2018

An in‐situ sensor utilizing a variety of DC‐ and AC‐voltammetric techniques is an integral component of the on‐line monitoring system that provides a complete chemical analysis of different plating solutions by predicting concentration values of all deliberately‐added bath constituents with a single device despite differences in the constituents’ chemical properties. Such sensors are employed routinely for electroplating process control in semiconductor manufacturing. This voltammetric approach exploits quantitatively the physicochemical processes (like adsorption) which are temperature dependent. Therefore the accuracy of analyte concentration predictions can be affected adversely by temperature fluctuations. This paper introduces a novel comprehensive method which allows the mitigation of temperature variation effects on voltammetric scans allowing accurate concentration prediction. Specifically, this study introduces a multi‐step rigorous routine for the development and subsequent validation of the analytical method utilizing a chemometric model with temperature variation embedded in regression for exemplary determination of leveler additive concentration. This approach analyses the effect on AC voltammograms resulting from two qualitatively indistinguishable sources of variation: leveler concentration and temperature. A critical step of this routine of fundamental novelty, which aims to select the variables (index points of voltammogram) to be utilized for building of the analytical model in the presence of two concurrent sources of variation, is introduced to incorporate temperature variation.
An Enzyme‐free H2O2 Sensor Based on Poly(2‐Aminophenylbenzimidazole)/Gold Nanoparticles Coated Pencil Graphite Electrode
Authors: Teker Mine Şen , Karaca Erhan , Pekmez Nuran Özçiçek , Tamer Uğur , Pekmez Kadir
Published: November 2018

A poly(2‐aminophenylbenzimidazole)/gold nanoparticles (P2AB/AuNPs) coated disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was fabricated as an enzyme‐free sensor for the H2O2 determination. P2AB/AuNPs and P2AB were successfully synthesized electrochemically on PGE in acetonitrile for the first time. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. AuNPs interacted with P2AB as carrier enhances the electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of H2O2. The analytical performance was evaluated in a 100 mM phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.5 by amperometry. The steady state current vs. H2O2 concentration is linear in the range of 0.06 to 100 mM (R2=0.992) with a limit of detection 3.67×10−5 M at −0.8 V vs. SCE and no interference is caused by ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, and glucose. The examination for the sensitive determination of H2O2 was conducted in commercially available hair oxidant solution. The results demonstrate that P2AB/AuNPs/PGE has potential applications as a sensing material for quantitative determination of H2O2.
Spontaneous oscillatory markers of cognitive status in two forms of dementia
Authors: Shah‐Basak Priyanka P. , Kielar Aneta , Deschamps Tiffany , Verhoeff Nicolaas Paul , Jokel Regina , Meltzer Jed
Published: November 2018

Abnormal oscillatory brain activity in dementia may indicate incipient neuronal/synaptic dysfunction, rather than frank structural atrophy. Leveraging a potential link between the degree of abnormal oscillatory activity and cognitive symptom severity, one could localize brain regions in a diseased but pre‐atrophic state, which may be more amenable to interventions. In the current study, we evaluated the relationships among cognitive deficits, regional volumetric changes, and resting‐state magnetoencephalography abnormalities in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; N = 10; age: 75.9 ± 7.3) or primary progressive aphasia (PPA; N = 12; 69.7 ± 8.0), and compared them to normal aging [young (N = 18; 24.6 ± 3.5), older controls (N = 24; 67.2 ± 9.7]. Whole‐brain source‐level resting‐state estimates of relative oscillatory power in the delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (15–30 Hz) bands were combined with gray matter volumes and cognitive scores to examine between‐group differences and brain–behavior correlations. Language and executive function (EF) abilities were impaired in patients with PPA, while episodic memory was impaired in MCI. Widespread oscillatory speeding and volumetric shrinkage was associated with normal aging, whereas the trajectory in PPA indicated widespread oscillatory slowing with additional volumetric reductions. Increases in delta and decreases in alpha power uniquely predicted group membership to PPA. Beyond volumetric reductions, more delta predicted poorer memory. In patients with MCI, no consistent group difference among oscillatory measures was found. The contributions of delta/alpha power on memory abilities were larger than volumetric differences. Spontaneous oscillatory abnormalities in association with cognitive symptom severity can serve as a marker of neuronal dysfunction in dementia, providing targets for promising treatments.
Frequency, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Gallbladder Polyps in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Torabi Sagvand Babak , Edwards Katelyn , Shen Bo
Published: November 2018

The prevalence polyps (GBPs) in the general population has been estimated to be approximately 5%, with up to 10% of these being dysplastic or malignant. Previous studies have suggested that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have increased frequency of GBPs. However, data on the prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of GBPs in these patients are sparse. This case‐control study investigates the frequency, risk factors, and outcome of GBPs in patients with PSC. In this study, 363 patients with an established diagnosis of PSC based on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), or liver biopsy were identified. Patients with at least one abdominal imaging and no history of cholecystectomy before the first available abdominal imaging were included. The presence of GBPs was confirmed by abdominal computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. Patients with GBPs were compared to those without GBPs. Furthermore, patients with malignant/premalignant polyps were compared to those with benign polyps. The frequency of GBPs in patients with PSC was 10.6%. There was no significant difference in the frequency of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between the two groups. Of the 16 with GBPs who underwent cholecystectomy, 10 had malignant/premalignant lesions, of whom 6 had adenocarcinoma, and 4 had high‐grade dysplasia. Of the 6 patients with adenocarcinoma, 4 had lesions >10 mm, 1 had a lesion as small as 4 mm, and 1 had a 7‐mm lesion. Conclusion: GBPs may be frequently seen in patients with PSC. These lesions seem to occur independent of IBD. In patients with PSC, even small GBPs appear to have a risk of malignancy. These findings suggest that patients with PSC and GBPs may benefit from cholecystectomy, regardless of the size of the polyp.
Assessing hemorrhagic shock: Feasibility of using an ultracompact photoacoustic microscope
Authors: Chen Qian , Guo Heng , Qi Weizhi , Gan Qi , Yang Lei , Ke Bowen , Chen Xingxing , Jin Tian , Xi Lei
Published: November 2018

Hemorrhagic shock, as an important clinical issue, is regarding as a critical disease with a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, existing clinical technologies are inaccessible to assess the hemorrhagic shock via hemodynamics in microcirculation. Here, we propose an ultracompact photoacoustic microscope to assess hemorrhagic shock using a rat model and demonstrate its clinical feasibility by visualizing buccal microcirculation of healthy volunteers. Both functional and morphological features of the microvascular network including concentration of total hemoglobin (CHbT), number of blood vessels (VN), small vascular density (SVD) and vascular diameter (VD) were derived to assess the microvascular hemodynamics of different organs. Animal studies show the feasibility of the proposed tool to assess and stage the hemorrhagic shock via microcirculation. in vivo oral imaging of healthy volunteers indicates the translational possibility of this technique for clinical evaluation of hemorrhagic shock.
Visualizing the “sandwich” structure of osteocytes in their native environment deep in bone in vivo
Authors: Wang Ke , Du Yu , Liu Hongji , Gan Mengyao , Tong Shen , Wen Wenhui , Zhuang Ziwei , Qiu Ping
Published: November 2018

Osteocytes are the most abundant cells in bone and always the focus of bone research. They are embedded in the highly scattering mineralized bone matrix. Consequently, visualizing osteocytes deep in bone with subcellular resolution poses a major challenge for in vivo bone research. Here we overcome this challenge by demonstrating 3‐photon imaging of osteocytes through the intact mouse skull in vivo. Through broadband transmittance characterization, we establish that the excitation at the 1700‐nm window enables the highest optical transmittance through the skull. Using label‐free third‐harmonic generation (THG) imaging excited at this window, we visualize osteocytes through the whole 140‐μm mouse skull and 155 μm into the brain in vivo. By developing selective labeling technique for the interstitial space, we visualize the “sandwich” structure of osteocytes in their native environment. Our work provides novel imaging methodology for bone research in vivo.
miR‐483 inhibits bovine myoblast cell proliferation and differentiation via IGF1/PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Song Chengchuang , Yang Zhaoxin , Dong Dong , Xu Jiawei , Wang Jian , Li Hui , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Yun , Chen Hong
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been established to regulate skeletal muscle development in mammals. However, few studies have been conducted on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of bovine myoblast cells by miRNAs. The aim of our study was to explore the function of miR‐483 in cell proliferation and differentiation of bovine myoblast. Here, we found that miR‐483 declined in both proliferation and differentiation stages of bovine myoblast cells. During the proliferation phase, the overexpression of miR‐483 downregulated the cell cycle–associated genes cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) messenger RNA (mRNA), and the protein levels. At the cellular level, cell cycle, cell counting kit‐8, and 5‐ethynyl‐2´‐deoxyuridine results indicated that the overexpression of miR‐483 block cell proliferation. During differentiation, the overexpression of miR‐483 led to a decrease in the levels of the myogenic marker genes MyoD1 and MyoG mRNA and protein. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence analysis results showed that the number of MyHC‐positive myotubes was reduced. In contrast, the opposite experimental results were obtained concerning both proliferation and differentiation after the inhibition of miR‐483. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR‐483 target insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and downregulated the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Altogether, our findings indicate that miR‐483 acts as a negative regulator of bovine myoblast cell proliferation and differentiation.
Electrostatic field–induced tip‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for direct analysis of raw food materials
Authors: Li Lei , Li Wen , Hu Bin
Published: November 2018

Rapid characterization of metabolites and risk compounds such as chemical residues and natural toxins in raw food materials such as vegetables, meats, and edible living plants and animals plays an important part in ensuing food quality and safety. To rapidly characterize the analytes in raw food materials, it is essential to develop in situ method for directly analyzing raw food materials. In this work, raw food materials including biological tissues and living samples were placed between an electrode and mass spectrometric (MS) inlet under a strong electrostatic field; analytes were rapidly induced to generate electrospray ionization (ESI) from the sample tip by adding a drop of solvent onto the sample. Therefore, the electrostatic field–induced tip‐ESI‐MS allows raw samples to avoid contacting high voltage, and thus this method has the advantage for in vivo analysis of food living plants and animals. Metabolite profiling, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, and natural toxins from raw food materials have been successfully detected. The analytical performances, including the linear ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility, were investigated for direct sample analysis. The ionization mechanism of electrostatic field–induced tip‐ESI was also discussed in this work.
Heavy rainfall events over southeast peninsular India during northeast monsoon: Role of El Niño and easterly wave activity
Authors: Sanap S. D. , Priya P. , Sawaisarje G. K. , Hosalikar K. S.
Published: November 2018

The catastrophic floods over southeast peninsular India during 2015 northeast monsoon season (NEM, October–December) avowed 400 lives, affected more than 4 million people and reported a loss of property worth 3 billion US dollars. In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the mechanism of occurrence of heavy rainfall events over southeast peninsular India during NEM, with a special emphasize on 2015 heavy rainfall events. In presence of strong El Niño, basin‐wide warming and low‐level easterly winds were observed over tropical Indian Ocean during NEM‐2015. It is noted that dominant easterly wave (EW) activity aided the intensification of already developing synoptic systems over Bay of Bengal (BoB) and led to occurrence of heavy rainfall events. This finding encouraged us to explore the association of El Niño, EW activity and heavy rainfall occurrences over southeast peninsular India during NEM for the period 1951–2015. It is noticed that ~43% of the heavy rainfall events during NEM are associated with El Niño, ~31% with La Niña and ~26% with neutral years, respectively. A 3–7‐day band‐pass filter is applied to the daily global reanalysis fields to elucidate the role of EW activity on heavy rainfall occurrences over the region during El Niño–Southern Oscillations (ENSO). Results indicate that EW activity over Indian Ocean plays a seminal role in occurrence of the heavy rainfall events during positive phase of the ENSO (El Niño), while it is found to be weak during negative (La Niña) and neutral phase. It is also revealed that significant above‐normal sea surface temperature (SST) over BoB, strong west–east SST gradient between southwest BoB and tropical western Pacific Ocean and anomalous strong low‐level easterly flow over tropical Indian Ocean during El Niño years offer favourable conditions for the initiation and westwards propagation of EWs.
Periodontal reconstructive surgery of deep intraosseous defects using an apical approach. Non‐incised papillae surgical approach (NIPSA): A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moreno Rodríguez Jose A. , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio J. , Caffesse Raúl G.
Published: November 2018

Background

The objective of this study was to compare a minimally‐invasive surgical technique (MIST) and a non‐incised papilla surgical approach (NIPSA) in periodontal reconstructive surgery of deep intraosseous defects.

Methods

Data on 30 patients with a deep intraosseous defect treated with MIST (n = 15) or NIPSA (n = 15) were analyzed retrospectively. All patients met the same inclusion criteria and were treated following the same protocol, except for the surgical management of soft tissue (MIST versus NIPSA). Clinical parameters at baseline and at 1‐year post‐surgery, early healing at 1 week, and postoperative pain were assessed.

Results

NIPSA and MIST resulted in significant clinical attachment gain (CAG) (P < 0.001) and probing depth reduction (PDr) (P < 0.001) at 1‐year post‐surgery. However, NIPSA resulted in significantly lower recession of the tip of the interdental papilla compared with MIST (P < 0.001). Smoking negatively influenced early healing in both techniques (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

NIPSA and MIST both resulted in significant improvements in clinical parameters. NIPSA showed significant soft tissue preservation. NIPSA may represent a promising papillae preservation technique in the treatment of intraosseous periodontal defects.
A cascaded Mura defect detection method based on mean shift and level set algorithm for active‐matrix OLED display panel
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Li Xiongjie , Xiao Junjun
Published: November 2018

Active‐matrix OLED (AMOLED), as the next‐generation display technology, is being commercially promoted rapidly. And Mura defects occur unavoidable during different phases of the AMOLED panel production process. In this paper, a cascaded Mura detection method leveraging the mean shift and the level set algorithm is proposed. First, we use the mean shift algorithm to find the general contour of the Mura defects that circumvent the issue in established level set segmentation approach wherein the use of the local image information is sensitive to the initial contour. Then, we improve the level set model that combines global and local information to segment Mura defects accurately. The integration of local image information can levitate the challenges in the global image model, which cannot separate the local intensity inhomogeneity and texture background individually. The experiments show that the cascaded method has a superior capability in terms of both accuracy and efficiency.
Localized synovial sarcoma of the foot or ankle: A series of 32 Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Study Group patients
Authors: Scheer Monika , Greulich Michael , Loff Steffan , Vokuhl Christian , Feuchtgruber Simone , von Kalle Thekla , Münter Marc , Stegmaier Sabine , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Kazanowska Bernarda , Niggli Felix , Fuchs Jörg , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   and the other members of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) Group
Published: November 2018

Background

Synovial sarcoma of the foot/ankle is rare. Mutilating surgery is often discussed.

Methods

Patients registered from 1981 to 2013 were analyzed. Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) protocols recommend chemotherapy for all synovial sarcoma patients.

Results

Thirty‐two of 330 patients with localized synovial sarcoma had their tumor at the foot/ankle. Eleven of thirty‐two tumors were >5 cm. Twenty were T1, 11 T2, and one TX, respectively. Eight (25%) patients underwent primary complete resection with free margins (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study [IRS] I), 12 of 32 (38%) primary complete resection with positive margins (IRS II), and 12 of 32 (38%) had macroscopic residuals (IRS III). The best surgical result at any time was R0 in 19, R1 in 10 and R2 in one patient, and missing in two. Mutilation was documented in 14 of 32 (44%). Radiotherapy was conducted in 20 patients. All patients achieved a first complete remission. Five‐year‐event‐free survival and overall survival rates were 80% and 86%, respectively. Four patients suffered local and four other metastatic recurrences. IRS and the best surgical result at any time did not correlate with survival. There was no prognostic difference between R0‐ and R1‐resection.

Conclusion

Survival expectancies for patients with localized synovial sarcomas of the foot/ankle compare favorably to that of those with other affected sites.

Discussion

Further studies are needed to set the limits of minimally required aggressiveness of local therapies.
T‐Helper 2 Lymphocyte Immunophenotype Is Associated With Iatrogenic Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Hillel Alexander T. , Ding Dacheng , Samad Idris , Murphy Michael K. , Motz Kevin
Published: November 2018

Objective/Hypothesis

This prospective controlled human and murine study assessed the presence of inflammatory cells and cytokines to test the hypothesis that immune cells are associated with fibroproliferation in iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS).

Methods

Inflammation was assessed by histology and immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and flow cytometry of cricotracheal resections of iLTS patients compared to normal controls. An iLTS murine model assessed the temporal relationship between inflammation and fibrosis.

Results

iLTS specimens showed increased inflammation versus normal controls (159/high power field [hpf] vs. 119/hpf, P = 0.038), and increased CD3 + T‐cells, CD4 + cells, and CD3+/CD4 + T‐helper (TH) cells (all P < 0.05). The inflammatory infiltrate was located immediately adjacent to the epithelial surface in the superficial aspect of the thickened lamina propria. Human flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR showed a significant increase in interleukin (IL)‐4 gene expression, indicating a TH2 phenotype. Murine IF revealed a dense CD4 + T‐cell inflammatory infiltrate on day 4 to 7 postinjury, which preceded the development of fibrosis. Murine flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR studies mirrored the human ones, with increased T‐helper cells and IL‐4 in iLTS versus normal controls.

Conclusion

CD3/CD4 + T‐helper lymphocytes and the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐4 are associated with iLTS. The association of a TH2 immunophenotype with iLTS is consistent with findings in other fibroinflammatory disorders. The murine results reveal that the inflammatory infiltrate precedes the development of fibrosis. However, human iLTS specimens with well‐developed fibrosis also contain a marked chronic inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting that the continued release of IL‐4 by T‐helper lymphocytes may continue to propagate iLTS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:177–186, 2019
Curcumin gum formulation for prevention of oral cavity head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Boven Lindsay , Holmes Sean P. , Latimer Brian , McMartin Kenneth , Ma Xiaohui , Moore‐Medlin Tara , Khandelwal Alok R. , McLarty Jerry , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma represents the sixth most common cancer. As a result of field cancerization, second primaries and recurrences are high. Hence, research has focused on chemoprevention. Curcumin, a polyphenol compound with anticarcinogenic properties, is one such promising nutraceutical. As poor bioavailability limits curcumin's use, a novel gum formulation was tested allowing for direct mucosal absorption into the bloodstream. This preliminary study validates curcumin gum efficacy by assessing release and transmucosal absorption, along with measuring its effects on serum cytokine levels.

Study Design

Clinical trial.

Methods

Protocols consisting of initial chew (chewing gum for 30 minutes) and revised chew (alternating chewing and parking gum against buccal mucosa for 30 minutes) were tested in healthy volunteers. High‐performance liquid chromatography measured remnant curcumin in chewed gum, serum, and saliva. Serum levels were assayed for 15 proinflammatory cytokines via multiplex analysis.

Results

Revised chew samples demonstrated significantly higher curcumin release and absorption (P = .0078). Curcumin serum levels were significantly higher at 4 hours in samples > 2.0 g of curcumin release (P = .01). As saliva levels decreased, a concurrent increase in serum levels was observed, with no significance in the inverse relationship (P = .1423). When evaluating differences between gender, race, and age, the Asian population showed significantly lower curcumin release and serum levels (P = .009). CXCL1 (GRO‐α) and TNF‐α were significantly decreased in serum after chewing the gum (P = .036, P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions

Enhanced mucosal contact appears critical in improving curcumin release and absorption. CXCL1 and TNF‐α both represent potential biomarkers for the future study of curcumin chemoprevention.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 129:1597–1603, 2019
Identification of a new Cordyceps javanica fungus isolate and its toxicity evaluation against Asian citrus psyllid
Authors: Ou Da , Zhang Li‐He , Guo Chang‐Fei , Chen Xiao‐Sheng , Ali Shaukat , Qiu Bao‐Li
Published: November 2018

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most serious pest of citrus worldwide. It acts as a vector for a group of phloem‐limited bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Thus, D. citri management is an important strategy against HLB, and biological control is currently considered as the most effective method because of the unsustainable and negative side effects of chemical control. Here, we isolated a new strain of entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps javanica (GZQ‐1), from one cadaver of D. citri adult based on its morphological and phylogenetic data. Five conidial concentrations of the C. javanica pathogen (1 × 103, 1 × 104, 1 × 105, 1 × 106, and 1 × 107 conidia/ml) were assessed against six life stages of D. citri (1st‐5th instar nymphs and adults). Results showed that C. javanica GZQ‐1 was highly pathogenic to D. citri nymphs (69.49%–90.87% mortality) and adults (69.98% mortality). The LC50 and LT50 values of C. javanica against 1st‐2nd instar (younger), 3rd‐4th instar (middle aged), 5th instar (older), and adults were 1.20 × 105, 1.10 × 106, 4.47 × 106, 8.12 × 106 conidia/ml and 4.25, 4.51, 5.17, 5.49 days, respectively. Moreover, glasshouse experiments indicated that this C. javanica GZQ‐1 caused higher infection rates of D. citri adults compared to two other fungal strains we previously isolated in the laboratory, Cordyceps fumosorosea (IF010) and Metarhizium anisopliae (CNGD7).