bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ancestor of lithium‐ion batteries – a modified experiment of the historically significant Rüdorff‐Hofmann‐battery suitable for pupils
Authors: Novotny Jana , Quarthal Dominik , Oetken Marco
Published: August 2019

Lithium‐Ionen‐Akkumulatoren sind nicht mehr wegzudenken: Überall wo man portable elektrische Energie benötigt, sind sie zu finden, wie bspw. in Handys, Laptops sowie elektrisch betriebenen Automobilen. Dies wundert nicht, da sie aufgrund des hohen negativen Standardelektrodenpotentials (−3 V) und der geringen molaren Masse von Lithium (ca. 7 g mol−1) die derzeit leistungsfähigsten Batteriesysteme darstellen [1]. Weitgehend unbekannt ist, dass bereits 1938 durch die wegweisenden Arbeiten von Walter Rüdorff und Ulrich Hofmann die Grundlagen für die heutigen Lithium‐Ionen‐Akkumulatoren gelegt wurden. Im Folgenden soll ein neues, eindrucksvolles Alternativ‐Experiment dargestellt werden, da es sich aufgrund der Verwendung hochkonzentrierter Schwefelsäure im originalen Experiment nicht empfiehlt, die stahlblaue Graphit‐Schwefelsäure‐Verbindung im Schulexperiment so herzustellen. Um die Funktionsweise des sogenannten Urahns des Lithium‐Ionen‐Akkumulators dennoch experimentell erschließen zu können, wird mit Polypyrrol als elektrochromes Material auf FTO‐Gläsern gearbeitet.
Transplantation in adults with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are treated with blinatumomab from a phase 3 study
Authors: Jabbour Elias J. , Gökbuget Nicola , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Thomas Xavier , Larson Richard A. , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Ghobadi Armin , Topp Max S. , Tran Qui , Franklin Janet L. , Forman Stephen J. , Stein Anthony S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Blinatumomab, a bispecific T‐cell‐engaging (BiTE®) immuno‐oncology therapy, demonstrated superior overall survival versus standard‐of‐care chemotherapy (SOC) in adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL) in the phase 3 TOWER study. Herein, the authors reported clinical features and outcomes for those patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after treatment with blinatumomab.

Methods

In the TOWER study, adults with R/R ALL were randomized 2:1 to receive blinatumomab or SOC. Study treatment consisted of 2 cycles of induction with blinatumomab or SOC followed by consolidation and maintenance therapy. At any time after the first cycle, patients who were eligible for HSCT could proceed to HSCT.

Results

Of the 97 patients who underwent HSCT during the study, baseline characteristics generally were comparable and donor types were similar between the patients treated with blinatumomab (65 patients) and those receiving SOC (32 patients). There was no evidence to suggest that the survival benefit of HSCT differed between the patients treated with blinatumomab and those receiving SOC (P = .68). On the basis of descriptive statistics, a survival benefit of HSCT versus no HSCT was not observed in patients who achieved complete remission with full, partial, or incomplete hematologic recovery with blinatumomab (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.54‐2.53). The best outcomes were achieved in patients with no prior salvage therapy and with minimal residual disease response to blinatumomab regardless of on‐study HSCT status.

Conclusions

Survival was found to be driven by response to study treatment and by salvage status regardless of on‐study HSCT status. These data should be interpreted with caution because the current study was not designed to prospectively assess survival outcomes associated with HSCT after blinatumomab.

Lay Summary

Evidence before this study: Blinatumomab is associated with superior morphologic and molecular response rates and superior overall outcome when compared with standard of care chemotherapy in adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Added value of this study: The best outcomes with blinatumomab were observed in patients who achieved minimal residual disease remission in first salvage treatment regardless of subsequent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Implications of all the available evidence: Patients achieving CR/CRh/CRi following blinatumomab can have a durable response with or without HSCT.
Partnered status and receipt of guideline‐concordant adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with colon cancer
Authors: Veenstra Christine M. , Hawley Sarah T. , McLeod M. Chandler , Banerjee Mousumi , Griggs Jennifer J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Partnered status is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes, including overall survival, among patients with cancer. However, the mechanisms by which partnered status impacts survival are not fully understood and to the authors' knowledge the associations between partnered status and the specific attributes of chemotherapy have not been studied to date.

Methods

The current study was an observational study of patients with resected American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III colon cancer diagnosed from 2008 through 2015 and recruited from an academic cancer center and 2 large community oncology practices. Outcome measures were specific attributes of adjuvant chemotherapy. Partnered status (partnered vs unpartnered) was the primary independent variable. Bivariate comparisons between independent variables and the primary outcomes were performed. Associations between partnered status and the outcomes also were analyzed using multivariable generalized estimating equations using a logit link.

Results

Data were collected from 436 patients. Of these patients, approximately 65% were from community oncology practices. Approximately 62% were partnered (married or living with a partner), and approximately 86% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Among these individuals, 87% received multiagent chemotherapy and 65% completed 6 months of therapy. Partnered patients were found to have a higher odds of completing chemotherapy (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.04‐3.77).

Conclusions

In this innovative investigation of the associations between partnered status and specific attributes of curative‐intent chemotherapy, approximately 35% of patients terminated chemotherapy early. Having a partner increased the odds of completing therapy, which may be one mechanism through which having a partner improves disease‐specific outcomes among patients with colon cancer. Identifying those aspects of partner support that can be reproduced with community or clinical personnel may help unpartnered patients to complete the recommended course of curative‐intent chemotherapy.
Enhancement of Charge Transport in Polythiophene Semiconducting Polymer by Blending with Graphene Nanoparticles
Authors: Pavlica Egon , Pastukhova Nadiia , Nawrocki Robert A. , Ciesielski Artur , Tkachuk Vadym , Samorì Paolo , Bratina Gvido
Published: August 2019

This paper describes a study on the charge transport in a composite of liquid‐exfoliated graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) and a polythiophene semiconducting polymer. While the former component is highly conducting, although it consists of isolated nanostructures, the latter offers an efficient charge transport path between the individual GNPs within the film, overall yielding enhanced charge transport properties of the resulting bi‐component system. The electrical characteristics of the composite layers were investigated by means of measurements of time‐of‐flight photoconductivity and transconductance in field‐effect transistors. In order to analyze both phenomena separately, charge density and charge mobility contributions to the conductivity were singled out. With the increasing GNP concentration, the charge mobility was found to increase, thereby reducing the time spent by the carriers on the polymer chains. In addition, for GNP loading above 0.2 % (wt.), an increase of free charge density was observed that highlights an additional key role played by doping. Variable‐range hopping model of a mixed two‐ and three‐dimensional transport is explained using temperature dependence of mobility and free charge density. The temperature variation of free charge density was related to the electron transfer from polythiophene to GNP, with an energy barrier of 24 meV.
Strontium enhances proliferation and osteogenic behavior of bone marrow stromal cells of mesenchymal and ectomesenchymal origins in vitro
Authors: Bizelli‐Silveira Carolina , Abildtrup Lisbeth Ann , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Foss Morten , Søballe Kjeld , Kraft David Christian Evar
Published: August 2019

Obejective

To investigate the effect of increasing Strontium (Sr) concentrations on the growth and osteogenic behavior of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from mesenchymal (i.e., fibula) and ectomesenchymal (i.e., mandible) embryonic origins.

Materials and methods

Fibula and mandible BMSCs were cultured in media without (Ctrl) or with Sr in four diverse concentrations: Sr1, 11.3 × 10−3 mg/L, human seric physiological level; Sr2, 13 mg/L, human seric level after strontium ranelate treatment; Sr3, 130 mg/L, and Sr4, 360 mg/L. Proliferation rate (1, 3, and 7 days), osteogenic behavior (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity, 7 and 14 days; expression of osteogenic genes (ALP, osteopontin, and osteocalcin at 7, 14, and 21 days), and formation of mineralized nodules (14 and 21 days) of the BMSCs were assessed. Data was compared group‐ and period‐wise using analysis of variance tests.

Results

Fibula and mandible BMSCs cultured with Sr4 showed increased proliferation rate, and osteocalcin and osteopontin gene expression together with more evident formation of mineralized nodules, compared all other Sr concentrations. For both cell populations, Sr4 led to lower ALP activity, and ALP gene expression, compared with the other Sr concentrations.

Conclusion

BMSCs from mesenchymal (i.e., fibula) and ectomesenchymal (i.e., mandible) embryonic origins showed increased cellular proliferation and osteogenic behavior when cultured with Sr4, in vitro.
Hydatid cyst of femur, radiologically mimicking a sarcoma
Authors: Ramteke Prashant , Phulware Ravi H. , Shende Tripti , Sahoo Biswajit , Barwad Adarsh
Published: August 2019

Hydatid disease is a rare pathology, but relatively common in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Africa. It may develop in almost any part of the body, although most hydatid cysts occur in the liver or in the lung. Bone involvement is rare, and accounts for only 0.5% to 4% of all locations. Most of the hydatid cyst are diagnosed on the basis of their clinical and radiological presentation. However, in cases with an atypical presentation, FNAC may be used to evaluate the nature of lesion.
Effects of taxon sampling and tree reconstruction methods on phylodiversity metrics
Authors: Jantzen Johanna R. , Whitten William M. , Neubig Kurt M. , Majure Lucas C. , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: August 2019

The amount and patterns of phylodiversity in a community are often used to draw inferences about the local and historical factors affecting community assembly and can be used to prioritize communities and locations for conservation. Because measures of phylodiversity are based on the topology and branch lengths of phylogenetic trees, which are affected by the number and diversity of taxa in the tree, these analyses may be sensitive to changes in taxon sampling and tree reconstruction methods.

To investigate the effects of taxon sampling and tree reconstruction methods on measures of phylodiversity, we investigated the community phylogenetics of the Ordway‐Swisher Biological Station (Florida), which is home to over 600 species of vascular plants. We studied the effects of (a) the number of taxa included in the regional phylogeny; (b) random versus targeted sampling of species to assemble the regional species pool; (c) including only species from specific clades rather than broad sampling; (d) using trees reconstructed directly for the taxa under study compared to trees pruned from a larger reconstructed tree; and (e) using phylograms compared to chronograms.

We found that including more taxa in a study increases the likelihood of observing significantly nonrandom phylogenetic patterns. However, there were no consistent trends in the phylodiversity patterns based on random taxon sampling compared to targeted sampling, or within individual clades compared to the complete dataset. Using pruned and reconstructed phylogenies resulted in similar patterns of phylodiversity, while chronograms in some cases led to significantly different results from phylograms.

The methods commonly used in community phylogenetic studies can significantly impact the results, potentially influencing both inferences of community assembly and conservation decisions. We highlight the need for both careful selection of methods in community phylogenetic studies and appropriate interpretation of results, depending on the specific questions to be addressed.
Al2O3‐Atomic Layer Deposited Films on CH3NH3PbI3: Intrinsic Defects and Passivation Mechanisms
Authors: Kot Małgorzata , Henkel Karsten , Müller Klaus , Kegelmann Lukas , Albrecht Steve , Tsud Nataliya , Kús Peter , Matolinová Iva , Schmeißer Dieter
Published: August 2019

The initial interaction of atomic layer deposited films of Al2O3 at room temperature on CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) films is studied. Synchrotron radiation–based photoelectron spectroscopy is applied to analyze the initial changes in the Al‐derived features by comparing samples with different Al2O3 film thicknesses. It is found that polarons and excitons, both intrinsic defects of Al2O3, play a key role in the interface formation. The polaronic states uptake a charge from the MAPI substrate. This charge is transferred to and stabilized in the excitonic state of Al2O3 which is assigned to predominately tetrahedral coordinated Al sites. This charge transfer is initiated by vacancies present in the MAPI substrate and stabilizes a covalent bonding at the Al2O3–MAPI interface but also causes a roughening of the interface which may lead to the formation of grain boundaries. On top of the rough interface, 2D Al2O3 clusters with an increasing number of octahedrally coordinated Al—O bonds grow, and with increasing Al2O3 coverage, they introduce self‐healing of the structural defects.
The fate and function of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells after traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Duncan Greg J. , Manesh Sohrab B. , Hilton Brett J. , Assinck Peggy , Plemel Jason R. , Tetzlaff Wolfram
Published: August 2019

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are the most proliferative and dispersed population of progenitor cells in the adult central nervous system, which allows these cells to rapidly respond to damage. Oligodendrocytes and myelin are lost after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), compromising efficient conduction and, potentially, the long‐term health of axons. In response, OPCs proliferate and then differentiate into new oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells to remyelinate axons. This culminates in highly efficient remyelination following experimental SCI in which nearly all intact demyelinated axons are remyelinated in rodent models. However, myelin regeneration comprises only one role of OPCs following SCI. OPCs contribute to scar formation after SCI and restrict the regeneration of injured axons. Moreover, OPCs alter their gene expression following demyelination, express cytokines and perpetuate the immune response. Here, we review the functional contribution of myelin regeneration and other recently uncovered roles of OPCs and their progeny to repair following SCI.
Salvage surgery for recurrent larynx cancer
Authors: Mimica Ximena , Hanson Martin , Patel Snehal G. , McGill Marlena , McBride Sean , Lee Nancy , Dunn Lara A. , Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Shah Jatin P. , Wong Richard J. , Ganly Ian , Cohen Marc A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite advances in treatment, the recurrence rates for laryngeal cancer range from 16% to 40%.

Methods

Patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) from 1999 to 2016 were reviewed. Survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Of 241 patients, 88% were male; the median age was 67 years; 71% had primary glottic tumors. At initial treatment, 72% of patients were seen with early stage disease; primary treatment was radiation (68%), chemoradiation (29%), and surgery (3%). The most common salvage surgery was total laryngectomy (74%). Forty‐seven percentage were upstaged at salvage surgery. The 2‐ and 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 74% and 57%, respectively. Patients with cT4 disease treated with nonsurgical primary management had a 0% 5‐year DSS. Independent predictors of DSS were tumor location, perineural invasion, margin, and stage.

Conclusions

Salvage surgery results in acceptable oncologic outcomes. Stage, disease site, perineural invasion, and margins are associated with inferior DSS.
Physical activity, dietary calcium to magnesium intake and mortality in the National Health and Examination Survey 1999–2006 cohort
Authors: Hibler Elizabeth A. , Zhu Xiangzhu , Shrubsole Martha J. , Hou Lifang , Dai Qi
Published: August 2019

Calcium and magnesium affect muscle mass and function. Magnesium and calcium are also important for optimal vitamin D status. Vitamin D status modifies the associations between physical activity and risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, no study examined whether levels of magnesium and calcium and the ratio of dietary calcium to magnesium (Ca:Mg) intake modify the relationship between physical activity and mortality. We included 20,295 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants (1999–2006) aged >20 years with complete dietary, physical activity and mortality data (2,663 deaths). We assessed physical activity based on public health guidelines and sex‐specific tertiles of MET‐minutes/week. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential confounding factors and stratified by the intakes of magnesium, calcium, Ca:Mg ratio. We found higher physical activity was significantly associated with reduced risk of total mortality and cause‐specific mortality, regardless of Ca:Mg ratio, magnesium or calcium intake. In contrast, both moderate and high physical activity were significantly associated with substantially reduced risks of mortality due to cancer when magnesium intake was above the RDA level. We also found higher physical activity was significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality due to cancer only when Ca:Mg ratios were between 1.7 and 2.6, although the interaction was not significant. Overall, dietary magnesium and, potentially, the Ca:Mg ratio modify the relationship between physical activity and cause‐specific mortality. Further study is important to understand the modifying effects of the balance between calcium and magnesium intake on physical activity for chronic disease prevention.
The Best of Both Worlds: Agile Development Meets Product Line Engineering at Lockheed Martin
Authors: Gregg Susan P. , Scharadin Rick , Clements Paul C.
Published: August 2019

Agile development has long been touted to optimize software development team efficiency and improve project success. Product line engineering (PLE) brings large‐scale improvements in cost, time to market, product quality, and more. Can these two paradigms work in concert with each other? This paper details the experience of Lockheed Martin as it introduced large‐scale agile development practices on one of its largest and most successful product line engineering efforts.
Model‐based Product Line Engineering–Enabling Product Families with Variants
Authors: Hause Matthew , Hummell James
Published: August 2019

Product Lines are a group of related products manufactured or produced within or between collaborating organizations. Effectively managing a product line requires understanding the similarities and differences between products, optimizing the development life cycle to leverage the similarities, and concentrating development on the differences. ISO 26550:2013 Software & Systems Engineering–Reference Model for Product Line Management & Engineering provides a standard for defining similarities, differences, and the choices between them. Model‐Based Systems and Software Engineering (MBSE) using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and the Unified Modeling Language (UML) provides a means of modeling systems and software. Bringing the two together allows users to model product lines in industry standard formats. These standards provide Model‐Based Product Line Engineering (MB‐PLE). Combining these with an execution engine means product models can be created for specific products, whilst maintaining the original product line model, providing significant return on investment (ROI) for aerospace companies.
Model Based Engineering and Product Line Engineering: Combining Two Powerful Approaches at Raytheon
Authors: Young Bobbi , Clements Paul
Published: August 2019

Model‐based engineering (MBE) refers to a systems engineering approach that employs models as an integral part of a system's engineering stream, providing a formality and semantic rigor that lends itself to analysis and prediction, thus enabling earlier detection of problems. Product line engineering (PLE) is a way to engineer a portfolio of related products in an efficient manner, taking full advantage of the products’ similarities while respecting and managing their differences. Raytheon, one of the world's largest defense contractors, is applying PLE and MBE together and combining the benefits of each. This paper will show how Raytheon is using the two methodologies to support each other, and the lessons it is learning as it does so.
Exosomal miR‐1246 derived from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells attenuates hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury by modulating T helper 17/regulatory T balance
Authors: Xie Kun , Liu Lei , Chen Jiangming , Liu Fubao
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSCs)‐derived exosomes exerted protective effect in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). hUCB‐MSCs‐derived exosomes were administrated into hepatic IRI mice or cocultured with naïve CD4+ T cells exposed to hepatic hypoxia/reoxygenation microenvironment. Hepatic function was assessed by determining serum transaminases. Histological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The concentration of inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between miR‐1246 and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) signal transducer (also known as gp130) was verified by luciferase activity assay. The miR‐1246 expression, Th17/Treg‐related genes, and gp130‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. hUCB‐MSCs‐derived exosomes ameliorated IRI‐induced hepatic dysfunction and decreased Th17/Treg ratio in CD4+ T cells in vitro, whereas treatment of hUCB‐MSCs with miR‐1246 inhibitor showed opposite effects, which was mediated via the IL‐6‐gp130‐STAT3 pathway. hUCB‐MSCs‐derived exosomes could alleviate hepatic IRI through modulating the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells via miR‐1246‐mediated IL‐6‐gp130‐STAT3 axis.
The inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm
Authors: Wahl Siegfried , Engelhardt Moritz , Schaupp Patrick , Lappe Christian , Ivanov Iliya V.
Published: August 2019

Visible light synchronizes the human biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus to the solar 24‐hour cycle. Short wavelengths, perceived as blue color, are the strongest synchronizing agent for the circadian system that keeps most biological and psychological rhythms internally synchronized. Circadian rhythm is important for optimum function of organisms and circadian sleep–wake disruptions or chronic misalignment often may lead to psychiatric and neurodegenerative illness. The beneficial effect on circadian synchronization, sleep quality, mood, and cognitive performance depends not only on the light spectral composition but also on the timing of exposure and its intensity. Exposure to blue light during the day is important to suppress melatonin secretion, the hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and plays crucial role in circadian rhythm entrainment. While the exposure to blue is important for keeping organism's wellbeing, alertness, and cognitive performance during the day, chronic exposure to low‐intensity blue light directly before bedtime, may have serious implications on sleep quality, circadian phase and cycle durations. This rises inevitably the need for solutions to improve wellbeing, alertness, and cognitive performance in today's modern society where exposure to blue light emitting devices is ever increasing.
Development of Macrocycle Kinase Inhibitors for ALK2 Using Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva‐Derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sánchez‐Duffhues Gonzalo , Williams Eleanor , Benderitter Pascal , Orlova Valeria , van Wijhe Michiel , Garcia de Vinuesa Amaya , Kerr Georgina , Caradec Josselin , Lodder Kirsten , de Boer Hetty C. , Goumans Marie‐José , Eekhoff Elisabeth M W , Morales‐Piga Antonio , Bachiller‐Corral Javier , Koolwijk Pieter , Bullock Alex N. , Hoflack Jan , ten Dijke Peter
Published: August 2019

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare congenital form of heterotopic ossification (HO), caused by heterozygous mutations in the activin A type I receptor (ACVR1), that encodes the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor ALK2. These mutations enable ALK2 to induce downstream signaling in response to activins, thereby turning them into bone‐inducing agents. To date, there is no cure for FOP. The further development of FOP patient‐derived models may contribute to the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, this has traditionally been a challenge, as biopsy sampling often triggers HO. We have characterized peripheral blood‐derived endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs) from three independent FOP donors as a new model for FOP. FOP ECFCs are prone to undergo endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and exhibit increased ALK2 downstream signaling and subsequent osteogenic differentiation upon stimulation with activin A. Moreover, we have identified a new class of small molecule macrocycles with potential activity against ALK2 kinase. Finally, using FOP ECFCs, we have selected OD36 and OD52 as potent inhibitors with excellent kinase selectivity profiles that potently antagonize mutant ALK2 signaling and osteogenic differentiation. We expect that these results will contribute to the development of novel ALK2 clinical candidates for the treatment of FOP. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of lactulose, lactose, and fructose breath testing in clinical practice: A focus on methane
Authors: Harvie Ruth M , Tuck Caroline J , Schultz Michael
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Breath testing (BT) is used to identify carbohydrate malabsorption and small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Measuring methane alongside hydrogen is advocated to reduce false‐negative studies, but the variability of methane production is unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of high methane production on hydrogen excretion after ingesting lactulose, fructose, or lactose.

Methods

A retrospective audit was performed of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent BT. Following a low fermentable carbohydrate diet for 24‐h, a fasting BT before consuming 35 ml lactulose, 35 g fructose, or lactose in 200 ml water, followed by BT every 10–15 min for up to 3‐h, was performed. A positive test was defined as a ≥20 ppm rise of hydrogen or methane from baseline. A high methane producer had an initial reading of ≥5 ppm. Breath hydrogen and methane production were measured as area under the curve. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare proportions of those meeting the cut‐off criteria.

Results

Of patients, 26% (28/106) were high methane producers at their initial lactulose test. The test–retest repeatability of methane production was high, with the same methane production status before ingesting lactose in all (70/70) and before ingesting fructose in most (71/73). Methane production was highly variable during testing, with 38% (10/26) having ≥1 reading lower than baseline. Hydrogen produced by high or low methane producers did not differ (1528 [960–3645] ppm min vs 2375 [1810–3195] ppm min [P = 0.11]). Symptoms and breath test results were not positively related.

Conclusion

The validity of including an increase of ≥20 ppm methane to identify carbohydrate malabsorption or small intestine bacterial overgrowth should be questioned due to the variability of readings during testing.
Morphological patterns of cell death in ovarian follicles of primary and secondary growth and postovulatory follicle complex of the annual killifish Millerichthys robustus (Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae)
Authors: Domínguez‐Castanedo Omar , Uribe Mari Carmen , Muñoz‐Campos Tessy M.
Published: August 2019

The dynamics of cellular development and homeostasis of the ovary depend on the balance between proliferation and cell death throughout the reproductive cycle. Millerichthys robustus is an annual fish whose ovarian follicles develop asynchronously, allowing daily reproduction from sexual maturity until death. The objective of this research is to describe, histologically, the processes of follicular atresia and regression of postovulatory follicular complexes (POC) throughout a reproductive cycle of M. robustus. Patterns of cell death were documented by apoptosis in atretic follicles and POC, and necrosis in the POC after ovulation with an associated inflammatory response. Atretic follicles were seen from the onset of sexual maturity, during week three post‐hatching (PH), both in primary growth (from the Cortical alveoli step, with folliculogenesis completed) and secondary growth Stages, with a higher prevalence in the latter. POCs were observed in different stages of regression from week four PH until the death of the fish. The apoptotic characteristics found were: (i) fragmentation of the nuclear membrane and zona pellucida, and liquefaction of the cortical alveoli and yolk; (ii) follicular cells becoming phagocytic, increasing their size, and migrating within the oocyte; and (iii) formation of an intrafollicular lumen, a product of phagocytosis of the oocyte constituents and dispersed pigments that remain after the digestion of yolk and cortical alveoli. The morphological changes of the follicular cells of the POC, from a squamous morphology after ovulation to columnar during its regression with PAS+ contents, was documented, suggesting a secretory activity.
Five‐Year Impacts of Family Stressors and Combat Threat on the Mental Health of Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans
Authors: Sanders Wesley , Smith Brian N. , Fox Annie B. , Vogt Dawne
Published: August 2019

It has been well established that warfare‐related stress puts service members at risk for a range of mental health problems after they return from deployment. Less is known about service members’ experience of family stressors during deployment. The aims of this study were to (a) evaluate whether family stressors would contribute unique variance to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms above and beyond combat threat during deployment and (b) examine whether family stressors would amplify the negative effects of combat threat on postmilitary mental health 5 years postdischarge. Study participants reported their experience of objective and subjective family stressors and combat threat during deployment. Objective family stressors demonstrated unique associations with PTSD and depression symptoms and remained significant after accounting for ongoing family stressors reported at follow‐up. A significant interaction was found between objective family stressors and combat threat on PTSD symptoms, r = −.10. Although the association between combat threat and PTSD was significant for participants who reported high, B = 0.04; and low, B = 0.09, exposure to family stressors, the steeper slope for those exposed to fewer family stressors indicates a stronger effect of combat threat. Follow‐up analyses revealed that veterans who experienced high amounts of family stress and high levels of combat threat reported significantly worse PTSD symptoms than those who reported low family stress, t(256) = 3.98, p < .001. Findings underscore the importance of attending to the role that family stressors experienced during deployment play in service members’ postmilitary mental health.
Radiomics With Attribute Bagging for Breast Tumor Classification Using Multimodal Ultrasound Images
Authors: Li Yongshuai , Liu Yuan , Zhang Mengke , Zhang Guanglei , Wang Zhili , Luo Jianwen
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We aimed to develop radiomics with attribute bagging, which leverages multimodal ultrasound (US) images to improve the classification accuracy of breast tumors.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted. B‐mode US, shear wave elastographic, and contrast‐enhanced US images of 178 patients with 181 tumors (67 malignant and 114 benign) were included. Radiomics with attribute bagging consisted of extraction of 1226 radiomic features and analysis of them with attribute bagging. Histologic examination results acted as the reference standard. Radiomics with several feature selection algorithms were used for comparison. Cross‐validation and a holdout test were performed to evaluate their performances.

Results

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of radiomics with attribute bagging with the multimodal US images were 84.12%, 92.86%, 78.80%, and 0.919, respectively, exceeding all the comparison methods.

Conclusions

Radiomics with attribute bagging combined with multimodal US images has the potential to be used for accurate diagnosis of breast tumors in the clinic.
Variability in pathologic interpretation of mandibular invasion
Authors: Namin Arya W. , Zitsch Robert P. , Layfield Lester J.
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our objective was to identify the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of pathological interpretation of mandibular invasion by oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and compare the sensitivity of detecting mandibular invasion in the erosive versus the infiltrative patterns of invasion. We also aimed to describe the significance of the terminology the carcinoma “abuts the mandible” in pathologic interpretation of mandibular invasion.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Mandibulectomy specimens from patients who underwent surgical treatment for oral cavity SCC between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015 were retrospectively reviewed by a board‐certified anatomic pathologist. The accuracy of pathologic interpretation of mandibular invasion was calculated using the retrospective interpretation of bone invasion as the true interpretation, which was compared to the interpretation on the original pathology report. Incidence of encountering the terminology the carcinoma “abuts the mandible” in the pathology report was calculated.

Results

A series of 108 consecutive mandibulectomy specimens were reviewed. Sixty‐nine percent (74/108) of cases were interpreted as having mandibular invasion. The accuracy of interpreting mandibular invasion was 84%. The sensitivities for interpretation of mandibular invasion for the erosive and infiltrative patterns of invasion were 77% (30/39) and 91% (32/35), respectively (P = .08). Nine percent (10/108) of pathology reports utilized the terminology the carcinoma “abuts the mandible,” and 80% (8/10) of these cases exhibited mandibular invasion.

Conclusions

The accuracy of identifying mandibular invasion is 84%, indicating a certain degree of sampling error and variability in interpretation. A precise pathologic definition of mandibular invasion should be applied during the interpretation of these specimens to minimize variability.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1721–1724, 2020
A structured histopathology‐based analysis of surgical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps
Authors: Marino Michael J. , Garcia J. Omar , Zarka Matthew , Lal Devyani
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Structured histopathology reporting has been recently described for detailing immunopathological characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and can be utilized for subtyping CRS and personalizing management. This study scrutinized elements of structured histopathology to identify characteristics that prognosticate outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

Methods

Outcomes following ESS were measured using the patient‐reported 22‐item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT‐22). Changes in total SNOT‐22 scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were analyzed. Thirteen parameters reported in structured histopathology of sinus surgical tissue were studied for association with outcomes postsurgery. The overall cohort of all CRS patients was studied, along with subgroup analyses of CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients.

Results

In the entire CRS cohort (n = 171), eosinophil count >10 per high power field (HPF) was associated with greater improvement in SNOT‐22 scores at 6 months post‐ESS (P = .039). At 12 months follow‐up, no histopathological characteristic was associated with change in total SNOT‐22 score. In the CRSwNP (n = 66) subgroup, the presence of fibrosis (P = .006) and eosinophil count ≤10 per HPF (P = .025) were associated with less favorable changes in SNOT‐22 scores at 12 months follow‐up. Fibrosis remained statistically significant in multivariable analysis (P = .007).

Conclusions

At 6 months post‐ESS, tissue eosinophilia is associated with significantly higher improvement in SNOT‐22 scores, but this difference is diluted by 12 months. Fibrosis was associated with less favorable outcomes in SNOT‐22 scores for CRSwNP patients at 12 months and may be a prognosticator for poorer long‐term outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4
Thermoresponsive Water Transportation in Dually Electrostatically Crosslinked Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Huang Heqin , Yang Yang , Wang Xiaojie , Rehfeldt Florian , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2019

Controlling water transportation within hydrogels makes hydrogels attractive for diverse applications, but it is still a very challenging task. Herein, a novel type of dually electrostatically crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogel showing thermoresponsive water absorption, distribution, and dehydration processes are developed. The nanocomposite hydrogels are stabilized via electrostatic interactions between negatively charged poly(acrylic acid) and positively charged layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets as well as poly(3‐acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride). Both LDH nanosheets as crosslinkers and the surrounding temperatures played pivotal roles in tuning the water transportation within these nanocomposite hydrogels. By changing the surrounding temperature from 60 to 4 °C, these hydrogels showed widely adjustable swelling times between 2 and 45 days, while the dehydration process lasted between 7 and 27 days. A swift temperature decrease, for example, from 60 to 25 °C, generated supersaturation within these nanocomposite hydrogels, which further retarded the water transportation and distribution in hydrogel networks. Benefiting from modified water transportation and rapidly alternating water uptake capability during temperature change, pre‐loaded compounds can be used to track and visualize these processes within nanocomposite hydrogels. At the same time, the discharge of water and loaded compounds from the interior of hydrogels demonstrates a thermoresponsive sustained release process.
Investigation of bacterial diversity and pathogen abundances in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) ponds during a cyprinid herpesvirus 2 outbreak
Authors: Gao Tianming , Cui Bingjian , Kong Xiao , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang , Qian Zhi
Published: August 2019

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) infection is detrimental to gibel carp health and may result in severe economic loss in freshwater aquaculture. However, information regarding the interaction of this pathogen with the aquatic environment is scarce. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high‐throughput sequencing were used to determine the abundances of pathogens and bacterial community compositions in two aquaculture ponds in Jiangsu Province, China. The results indicate that the concentrations of six selected pathogens were higher in the water than in the sediment and that these concentrations peaked during disease outbreak. In total, 8,326 and 18,244 operational taxonomic units were identified from water and sediment samples, respectively. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chlorobi in water samples and Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes in sediment samples. Bacterial communities were similar at the phylum level in different ponds, although significant differences were observed at the genus level. In addition, bacterial diversity was associated with environmental factors (temperature, chemical oxygen demand, NO2−‐N, NO3−‐N, and NH4+‐N) in the pond where the outbreak occurred. Additionally, CyHV‐2 abundance was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen levels and Aeromonas spp. abundance in pond water (p < .01). This study provides comprehensive insight into the mechanisms of interaction between potential pathogens and the freshwater environment of aquaculture ponds during CyHV‐2 disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the results from this study can contribute to improvement of the aquatic environment and establishment of disease prevention and control measures.
Neuropathologic basis of frontotemporal dementia in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Sakae Nobutaka , Josephs Keith A. , Litvan Irene , Murray Melissa E. , Duara Ranjan , Uitti Ryan J. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Graff‐Radford Neil R. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: August 2019

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal loss in the extrapyramidal system with pathologic accumulation of tau in neurons and glia. The most common clinical presentation of PSP, referred to as Richardson syndrome, is that of atypical parkinsonism with vertical gaze palsy, axial rigidity, and frequent falls. Although cognitive deficits in PSP are often ascribed to subcortical dysfunction, a subset of patients has dementia with behavioral features similar to the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. In this study we aimed to identify the clinical and pathological characteristics of PSP presenting with frontotemporal dementia.

Methods

In this study, we compared clinical and pathologic characteristics of 31 patients with PSP with Richardson syndrome with 15 patients with PSP with frontotemporal dementia. For pathological analysis, we used semiquantitative methods to assess neuronal and glial lesions with tau immunohistochemistry, as well image analysis of tau burden using digital microscopic methods.

Results

We found greater frontal and temporal neocortical neuronal tau pathology in PSP with frontotemporal dementia compared with PSP with Richardson syndrome. White matter tau pathology was also greater in PSP with frontotemporal dementia than PSP with Richardson syndrome. Genetic and demographic factors were not associated with atypical distribution of tau pathology in PSP with frontotemporal dementia.

Conclusions

The results confirm the subset of cognitive‐predominant PSP mimicking frontotemporal dementia in PSP. PSP with frontotemporal dementia has distinct clinical features that differ from PSP with Richardson syndrome, as well as differences in distribution and density of tau pathology. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Estimating Discard Mortality for Dolphinfish in a Recreational Hook-and-Line Fishery
Authors: Rudershausen Paul J. , Poland Stephen J. , Merten Wessley , Buckel Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2019

Minimum length limits are used to manage Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus in the U.S. South Atlantic, but rates of discard mortality are unknown for this fishery and others throughout the species' worldwide range. We estimated discard mortality for Dolphinfish in the U.S. South Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico recreational hook-and-line fishery by using conventional tag–recapture data. Overall, 4,648 Dolphinfish were tagged in these areas between 2002 and 2018 through the efforts of cooperating (fishery-dependent) taggers as well as research scientists who employed gear types and fishing styles representative of the recreational fishery for this species. The condition of each tagged and released fish was classified as good or poor depending on hook trauma, bleeding, and postrelease swimming behavior. Numbers of tagged and recaptured fish in each release condition were used to estimate condition-specific discard mortality by fitting a relative risk model. The model assumption of 100% survival of fish in good condition was scaled downward by using numbers of dying fish in good condition from tank holding and satellite tagging experiments. An overall median rate of discard mortality (0.248; 95% credible interval = 0.053–0.389) for the fishery was estimated by summing the products of each condition-specific mortality rate and the proportion released in each condition. Given relatively high discard mortality rates (>20%), the results suggest that alternative management strategies (e.g., mandatory retention of hook-traumatized individuals contributing to a bag limit, regardless of size), educating fishers on the use of alternative gear types (e.g., circle hooks), modifying fishing practices (e.g., trolling with heavy drags to reduce rates of deep hooking), or a combination thereof may be more effective solutions than minimum size or bag limits to control the rates of fishing mortality for Dolphinfish.
Functionalized graphenes as nanofillers for polylactide: Molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Prasitnok Khongvit , In‐noi Orrasa
Published: August 2019

This simulation studied graphene functionalized with methyl (CH3), hydroxyl (OH), carboxyl (COOH), and amine (NH2) groups as potential nanofillers for polylactide (PLA) biodegradable polymers. Key properties including the structure and dynamics of polymer chains, interaction energy and interfacial shear force between the polymer matrix and the filler, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nanocomposites were investigated. Results indicated that graphene functional groups play important roles in the interfacial bonding characteristics between polymer matrix and the filler. Among the fillers studied, graphene modified by COOH groups provided the strongest enhancement of interfacial interaction and shear force between the PLA matrix and the filler. The presence of nanofillers resulted in a moderate shift of the composite Tg compared to the unfilled polymer. The system with stronger interfacial interaction possessed higher Tg due to lower mobility of chain segments induced by the interaction strength between the polymer and the filler.