bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuated Joint Tissue Damage Associated With Improved Synovial Lymphatic Function Following Treatment With Bortezomib in a Mouse Model of Experimental Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Lin Xi , Xu Hao , Sun Wen , Bouta Echoe M. , Zuscik Michael J. , Chen Di , Schwarz Edward M. , Xing Lianping
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the roles of the synovial lymphatic system in the severity and progression of joint tissue damage and functional responses of synovial lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to macrophage subsets, and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) in a mouse model of experimental posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

C57BL/6J wild‐type mice received a meniscal ligamentous injury to induce posttraumatic knee OA. Lymphangiogenesis was blocked by a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) neutralizing antibody. Synovial lymphatic drainage was examined by near‐infrared imaging. Joint damage was assessed by histology. RNA‐sequencing and pathway analyses were applied to synovial LECs. Macrophage subsets in the mouse synovium were identified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. M1 and M2 macrophages were induced from mouse bone marrow cells, and their effects on LECs were examined in cocultures in the presence or absence of BTZ. The effects of BTZ on joint damage, LEC inflammation, and synovial lymphatic drainage were examined.

Results

Injection of a VEGFR‐3 neutralizing antibody into the joints of mice with posttraumatic knee OA reduced synovial lymphatic drainage and accelerated joint tissue damage. Synovial LECs from the mouse OA joints had dysregulated inflammatory pathways and expressed high levels of inflammatory genes. The number of M1 macrophages was increased in the knee joints of mice with posttraumatic OA, thereby promoting the expression of inflammatory genes by LECs; this effect was blocked by BTZ. Treatment with BTZ decreased cartilage loss, reduced the expression of inflammatory genes by LECs, and improved lymphatic drainage in the knee joints of mice with posttraumatic OA.

Conclusion

Experimental posttraumatic knee OA is associated with decreased synovial lymphatic drainage, increased numbers of M1 macrophages, and enhanced inflammatory gene expression by LECs, all of which was improved by treatment with BTZ. Intraarticular administration of BTZ may represent a new therapy for the restoration of synovial lymphatic function in subjects with posttraumatic knee OA.
Recognition Properties and Self‐assembly of Planar [M(2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole)2]2+ Metallo‐ligands
Authors: Preston Dan , Findlay James A. , Crowley James D.
Published: August 2018

Molecular recognition continues to be an area of keen interest for supramolecular chemists. The investigated [M(L)2]2+ metallo‐ligands (M=PdII, PtII, L=2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1 H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine) form a planar cationic panel with vacant pyridyl binding sites. They interact with planar neutral aromatic guests through π–π and/or metallophilic interactions. In some cases, the metallo‐ligands also interacted in the solid state with AgI either through coordination to the pendant pyridyl arms, or through metal–metal interactions, forming coordination polymers. We have therefore developed a system that reliably recognises a planar electron‐rich guest in solution and in the solid state, and shows the potential to link the resultant host–guest adducts into extended solid‐state structures. The facile synthesis and ready functionalisation of 2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole ligands through copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” chemistry should allow for ready tuning of the electronic properties of adducts formed from these systems.
Tailoring Collagen to Engineer the Cellular Microenvironment
Authors: Que Richard A. , Crakes Dale R. , Abdulhadi Faten , Niu Chun‐Hao , Da Silva Nancy A. , Wang Szu‐Wen
Published: August 2018

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM), and it can direct the behavior of the neighboring cells. By customizing properties of collagen, it is possible to control the cells that interact with it. Utilizing a bottom‐up strategy, modular gene fragments are assembled and recombinantly processed to create collagen‐mimetic variants that modulate proteolytic degradation, cell adhesion, and mechanical characteristics. The removal of the native MMP cleavage site results in MMP‐1 resistant collagen. By introducing additional MMP‐susceptible sequences, the degradation characteristics of collagen molecules are modified. Additional non‐native functionality is also introduced into the collagen, including the IKVAV sequence, which has been implicated in neurite outgrowth. This mutation, which disrupts the Gly‐X‐Y tripeptide repeat of collagen, does not prevent the formation of triple‐helical collagen. Non‐native cysteines and the integrin binding sequence GFOGER are combined in the collagen, and encapsulation of normal human lung fibroblasts within collagen hydrogels are tested. Cells remain spherical, when encapsulated within hydrogels of collagen variants in which the native integrin binding sites are removed, but cell adhesion is restored with the introduction of non‐native GFOGER binding sequences. This modular collagen system allows for the combination of multiple functionalities, and it enables the production of biomimetic scaffolds with customizable characteristics to modulate cellular microenvironments.
Tissue‐engineering approaches in pancreatic islet transplantation
Authors: Perez‐Basterrechea Marcos , Esteban Manuel M. , Vega Jose A. , Obaya Alvaro J.
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising alternative to whole‐pancreas transplantation as a treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. This technique has been extensively developed during the past few years, with the main purpose of minimizing the complications arising from the standard protocols used in organ transplantation. By using a variety of strategies used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, pancreatic islets have been successfully introduced in host patients with different outcomes in terms of islet survival and functionality, as well as the desired normoglycemic control. Here, we describe and discuss those strategies to transplant islets together with different scaffolds, in combination with various cell types and diffusible factors, and always with the aim of reducing host immune response and achieving islet survival, regardless of the site of transplantation.
Designing multimedia instruction in anatomy: An evidence‐based approach
Authors: Mayer Richard E.
Published: August 2018

This paper summarizes 10 research‐based principles for how to design effective multimedia instruction in medical education involving anatomy. Clin. Anat. 32:2–11, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of thoracolumbar fascia stretching on lumbar back muscle stiffness: A supersonic shear wave elastography approach
Authors: Blain Maxime , Bedretdinova Dina , Bellin Marie‐France , Rocher Laurence , Gagey Olivier , Soubeyrand Marc , Creze Maud
Published: August 2018

The lumbar paraspinal muscle compartment (PMC) is a stabilizing system of the spine whose efficiency depends on its elastic properties, which may be quantifiable by supersonic shear wave elastography (SWE). The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) encapsulates the lumbar paraspinal muscles (LPM) and creates a PMC. Tensioning of the TLF via the stretching of the latissimus dorsi is supposed to increase stiffness within the PMC. The aims of this study were (1) to test the reliability of SWE in the multifidus and the erector spinae (ES) in prone and sited position; (2) to investigate the role of the tensioning of the pTLF, via stretching of the latissimus dorsi (LD), on LPM stiffness. Stiffness of ES and multifidus was measured using SWE at L3–L4 in procubitus and seated position in 15 participants. Stretching of LD was performed with arm elevation. Parametric paired tests, multiple analyses of variance, and intraclass correlation were used for statistical analysis. Reliability estimates were fair to excellent. Reliability was greater in ES than the multifidus, greater in seated position than during rest. Stiffness was greater in the ES than in multifidus, and in seated position than at rest. Tensioning of the TLF via LD stretching did not generate significant LPM stiffness changes. SWE is a reliable tool for assessing stiffness in the LPM. Reliability of SWE protocols is improved during seated position. Tensioning of the TLF via LD stretching did not influence LPM stiffness. Clin. Anat. 32:73–80, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of indigo carmine angiography in patients with critical limb ischemia: Prospective multi‐center intervention study (DIESEL‐study)
Authors: Higashimori Akihiro , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Utsunomiya Makoto , Fukunaga Masashi , Kawasaki Daizo , Mori Shinsuke , Takimura Hideyuki , Hirano Keisuke , Tsubakimoto Yoshinori , Nakama Tatsuya , Yokoi Yoshiaki
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of indigo carmine angiography for wound healing after successful below‐the‐knee intervention in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Methods

A multi‐center prospective intervention study was conducted. Fifty‐four limbs of 53 patients in Rutherford categories 5 and 6 underwent endovascular therapy (EVT). After successful EVT, 5 mL of indigo carmine was injected through a catheter at the distal popliteal artery and color changes in the foot were evaluated. The results of indigo carmine angiography were divided into three groups: In type I, the color change of the wound was deeper than the surrounding tissue; in type II, the change in wound color was similar to the surrounding tissue; and in type III, no discoloration of the wound was observed by the indigo carmine.

Results

The wound healing rates at 3 months were 78% (25/32) for type I, 70% (7/10) for type II, and 42% (5/12) for type III (P for trend = 0.025). Indigo carmine angiography‐related complications were not seen.

Conclusion

Indigo carmine angiography was found to be a safe and useful procedure to provide visual information on foot perfusion. This dye coloring method demonstrated that after successful angioplasty, the perfused area was made visible at the microcirculation level. Indigo carmine angiography can thus be considered an important predictor for wound healing by EVT in patients with CLI.
Contemporary use of and outcomes associated with ultra‐low contrast volume in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Gurm Hitinder S. , Seth Milan , Dixon Simon R. , Michael Grossman P. , Sukul Devraj , Lalonde Thomas , Cannon Louis , West Daniel , Madder Ryan D. , Adam Lauver D.
Published: August 2018

Background

The risk of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) increases in a nonlinear fashion with increasing volume of contrast media. Prior studies recommend limiting contrast volume to less than three times the estimated creatinine clearance (CC). Recently, a number of operators have reported successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using even lower volumes of contrast.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes associated with ultra‐low contrast volume among patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence and outcomes associated with use of ultra‐low contrast volume among 75 393 patients undergoing PCI in Michigan between July 2014 and June 2017 in the BMC2 (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium) registry. Ultra‐low contrast volume was defined as contrast volume less than or equal to the patient's estimated CC. Patients receiving dialysis at the time of the procedure were excluded.

Results

Ultra‐low contrast volume was used in 13% of procedures with the majority of these patients being at low risk of renal complications. Compared with patients who received a contrast volume between one and three times the CC, use of ultra‐low volume of contrast was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AKI (aOR 0.682, 95% CI 0.566–0.821, P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of need for dialysis (aOR = 0.341, 95% CI 0.165–0.704, P = 0.003). These benefits were most evident in the patients with a high baseline predicted risk of AKI.

Conclusions

A small but clinically significant number of patients are treated with ultra‐low contrast volume. Ultra‐low contrast volume use is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of AKI or need for dialysis. It may be prudent to consider this new threshold when performing PCI on patients who are at an increased risk of AKI.
A Highly‐Efficient KF‐Modified Nanorod Support Zr−Ce Oxide Catalyst and its Application
Authors: Tang Hongjuan , Li Yongfei , Liu Ning , Fu Lin , Liu Yuejin
Published: August 2018

A novel KF‐modified nanorod support Zr−Ce oxide as an efficient solid base catalyst was prepared. XRD, FT‐IR, CO2‐TPD, TEM‐EDS, and Raman were employed for the catalyst characterization. The results showed that the appropriate activation temperature could facilitate the insertion of K+ into the vacancy sites of the ZrO2−CeO2 nanorod support, and some new strong basic active sites of K3Zr2F11, KCe2F9, Ce2Zr2O7 were generated with the addition of KF on the mixed ZrO2−CeO2 support. The prepared KF/ZrO2−CeO2 as a solid base catalyst exhibited high activity and stability for transesterification of soybean oil with methanol to biodiesel. The high biodiesel yield of 99.8 % was obtained under the following conditions: 15 wt % KF loading amount, calcination temperature 400 °C, molar ratio of methanol/oil 20 : 1, 5 wt % catalyst account (wt/wt oil), reaction time 5 h at 65 °C. The formation of basic active sites of the KF/ZrO2−CeO2 catalyst and the mechanism for the catalytic reaction were explored.
Durability Testing of Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production under Day/Night Light Cycled Conditions
Authors: Bae Dowon , Seger Brian , Hansen Ole , Vesborg Peter C. K. , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: August 2018

This work investigates long‐term photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution (82 days) in 1 M HClO4 using a TiO2:H protected crystalline Si‐based photocathode with metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) junctions. It is shown that day/night cycling leads to relatively rapid performance degradation while the photocurrent under the continuous light condition is relatively stable. We observed that the performance loss is mainly due to contamination of the catalytically active surface with carbonaceous material. By ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, we also observed that the activity can be restored, most likely due to photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by the UV light excited TiO2 protection layer.
Activating Transition Metal Dichalcogenides by Substitutional Nitrogen‐Doping for Potential ORR Electrocatalysts
Authors: Singh Yashpal , Back Seoin , Jung Yousung
Published: August 2018

One of the challenging goals in the large‐scale realization of hydrogen‐based fuel cells is to replace or minimize the use of expensive Pt‐based electrocatalysts to reduce molecular oxygen at the cathode. Recently, non‐metal doped nanosheets of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as a promising Pt‐free electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we investigate the potential of nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐ (N‐ and P‐) doped TMDs (MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, and WSe2) as high‐performing electrocatalysts for ORR using first principle calculations, motivated by recent experimental advances to incorporate single S/Se vacancies on the surface of TMD monolayers using electrochemical methods. We observed a strong hybridization of p‐orbitals of N/P atom with the p‐ and d‐orbitals of neighbouring S/Se and Mo/W atoms, respectively, activating pristine TMDs by increasing density of states near Fermi‐level. Based on the free energy profiles of the four‐electron reduction process, we expect that N‐TMDs to be efficient in catalyzing ORR, whereas, too strong binding of reaction intermediates prevents ORR on P‐TMDs. Among the candidates considered, N‐WS2 is found to be a promising TMD as ORR catalyst with the overpotential as low as 0.31 V, stimulating further experimental studies.
In Water and under Mild Conditions: α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Alcohols by Phase‐Transfer‐Assisted Borrowing Hydrogen Catalysis
Authors: Rakers Lena , Schäfers Felix , Glorius Frank
Published: August 2018

Borrowing hydrogen is a powerful and green technique that allows readily available alcohols to be used as alkylating agents and produces water as the only by‐product. Nevertheless, harsh conditions such as high temperatures and organic solvents are usually required. Herein, we present a strategy to perform the α‐alkylation of ketones in aqueous media at mild temperatures by combining borrowing hydrogen with phase‐transfer catalysis. A broad scope of methyl ketones was functionalized with alkyl and benzyl alcohols in moderate to good yields at 40 °C. The protocol was also highly effective at large scale and room temperature.
Viewpoints in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis: Proposed modification of current guidelines
Authors: Sohn Dae‐Won , Park Jun‐Bean , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Kim Yong‐Jin
Published: August 2018

Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is a generally accepted disease condition, and the low yield of endomyocardial biopsy because of patchy involvement is also well known. However, current guidelines still require histologic confirmation of granuloma for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, either in myocardial or extra‐cardiac tissues. Therefore, only a presumptive diagnosis of chronic multifocal myocarditis of unknown origin can be made in a large number of patients in whom the only considerable diagnosis is cardiac sarcoidosis based on current knowledge. Even if these patients are treated with the same treatment scheme as that for cardiac sarcoidosis, which may not cause harm in the absence of a definite diagnosis, the true spectrum of cardiac sarcoidosis could not be determined for deciding the optimal treatment strategy. In addition, the current recommendations for dose, duration of initial steroid therapy, and treatment in patients who did not respond to initial steroid therapy are not easy to follow in real‐world practice. We would like to propose a scoring system for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis and suggest our adoption or modification of the diverse current recommendations.
Characterization of hospitalized cardiovascular patients with suspected heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Stoll Felicitas , Gödde Miriel , Leo Albrecht , Katus Hugo A. , Müller Oliver J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Little is known about heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a pro‐thrombotic, potentially life‐threatening immune‐mediated reaction to heparin exposure, in conservative and interventional cardiovascular medicine.

Hypothesis

The 4T score, validated for prediction of HIT in surgical patients before, is also suitable for assessing HIT probability in cardiovascular patients with unclear thrombocytopenia.

Methods

A total of 403 consecutive patients from our Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology in whom a HIT screening test was performed between 2009 and 2016 were identified. All 72 patients with a positive screening test were subjected to a functional confirmation test (heparin‐induced platelet activation test, HIPA), resulting in 23 patients with serologically confirmed HIT (positive screening test, positive HIPA) and 49 patients with nonconfirmed HIT (positive screening test, negative HIPA).

Results

The 4TScore had a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 28.6% in our patients, suggesting that it might not sufficiently predict the clinical probability of HIT in cardiovascular patients. In both confirmed and nonconfirmed HIT, intrahospital mortality was high without a significant difference (30% in confirmed HIT vs 43% in nonconfirmed HIT). Bacteremia was more often found in patients with nonconfirmed HIT, suggesting infection as a frequent differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in these patients (49% vs 17%, P = 0.0185).

Conclusion

HIT screening should be initiated in cardiovascular patients with unclear thrombocytopenia despite a low 4Tscore in order to distinguish patients requiring alternative anticoagulants from those with other causes such as infections. Further research is needed to specify the risk profile for HIT in cardiovascular patients.
Thyroid stimulating hormone elevation as a predictor of long‐term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Seo Suk Min , Koh Yoon‐Seok , Park Hun‐Jun , Kim Dong Bin , Her Sung Ho , Lee Jong Min , Park Chul Soo , Kim Pum‐Joon , Kim Hee Yeol , Yoo Ki Dong , Jeon Doo Soo , Ahn Young Keun , Jeong Myung Ho , Chung Wook Sung , Seung Ki‐Bae
Published: August 2018

Background

Hypothyroidism has been known to be associated with hyperlipidemia, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Elevation of thyroid‐stimulation hormone (TSH) is a gold standard to detect these conditions. However, no large studies have investigated the association between TSH elevation and long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hypothesis

Hypothyroidism is associated with higher mortality in patients with AMI.

Methods

A total of 4748 AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents were consecutively enrolled. We analyzed 1977 patients whose thyroid function data available after the exclusion of hyperthyroidism and possible central hypothyroidism. Patients were divided into two groups; euthyroid group (n = 1846) with normal TSH and normal free thyroxine (FT4); hypothyroidism group (n = 131) with elevated TSH and normal or low FT4. The two groups were subsequently compared with their all‐cause and cardiac mortalities.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 3.5 years. Hypothyroidism group were older, included in more females, and had higher incidences of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and renal dysfunction. Elevated TSH was associated with significantly higher all‐cause mortality (26.0% vs 11.7%, P < 0.0001) and cardiac mortality (9.2% vs 4.6%, P = 0.014). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model identified that TSH elevation was a significant predictor of all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.560, 95% confidence interval 1.017 to 2.392, P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that AMI patients with TSH elevation had worse clinical outcome. Moreover, TSH elevation was a predictor of all‐cause mortality in patients with AMI.
Increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hu Wei‐Syun , Lin Cheng‐Li
Published: August 2018

Objective

The objective was to compare the rate of onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as compared with controls.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on national health registry comparing the incidence of AF between a cohort of 15 670 BPH patients and a propensity‐matched cohort of 15 670 control patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were performed to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of incident AF associated with BPH. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the risk of AF among BPH patients whether they received a BPH surgery or not as compared with those without BPH.

Results

We found a 4.77 incidence rate per 1000 person‐years in the BPH group, compared to 3.76 in the control group. After controlling for the confounders, a significant association between BPH and risk of incident AF was shown with an adjusted HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.28) and this association was attenuated once surgical intervention for BPH has been applied (adjusted HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76‐0.97).

Conclusions

This study supported the notion that BPH is associated with greater AF occurrence.
Left atrial size and function in a South Asian population and their potential influence on the risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: O'Neill James , Swoboda Peter P. , Plein Sven , Tayebjee Muzahir H.
Published: August 2018

Background

South Asians have a low prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with Caucasians despite having a higher prevalence of conventional risk factors for the arrhythmia. The reason for this disparity is uncertain but may be due to ethnic differences in atrial morphology. This study examines the association between ethnicity and left atrial (LA) size and function in South Asian and Caucasian subjects using the reference technique of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Hypothesis

South Asians have smaller LA size and therefore increased LA function.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study of 60 South Asian and 60 Caucasian patients who had undergone a clinically indicated MRI between April 2010 and October 2017 and had been found to have a structurally normal heart. LA and left ventricular (LV) volume and function were assessed and compared between the ethnicities.

Results

In comparison with Caucasians, South Asians had significantly lower minimum (27.7 ± 11.1 mL vs 34.9 ± 12.3 mL, P = 0.002) and maximum LA volumes (64.7 ± 21.1 mL vs 80.9 ± 22.5 mL, P < 0.001), lower LV end‐diastolic volume (P < 0.001), lower LV stroke volume (P < 0.001), and lower LV mass (P = 0.022) and these values remained significant after correcting for body surface area. Further analysis revealed that LA volume was independently associated with South Asian ethnicity. There was no difference in LA function between the ethnic groups.

Conclusions

South Asians have reduced LA volumes and a proportionally smaller heart size in comparison to Caucasians. Smaller LA size may protect against the development of AF by reducing the risk of reentrant circuit formation and atrial fibrosis development.
Glomerular filtration rate: A prognostic marker in atrial fibrillation—A subanalysis of the AntiThrombotic Agents Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Proietti Riccardo , Gonzini Lucio , Pizzimenti Giovanni , Ledda Antonietta , Sanna Pietro , AlTurki Ahmed , Russo Vincenzo , Lencioni Mauro ,   on behalf of ATA‐AF Investigators
Published: August 2018

Objective

An increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has been widely reported in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, a subanalysis of the AntiThrombotic Agents Atrial Fibrillation (ATA‐AF) is performed with the aim to evaluate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as an independent prognostic marker of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with AF.

Methods and Results

The ATA‐AF study enrolled 7148 patients with AF, in 360 Italian centers. The eGFR was calculated from data reported in patient notes or hospital database. This post‐hoc analysis included 1097 AF patients with eGFR data available and 1‐year clinical follow‐up. The endpoint was assessed as cardiovascular mortality and/or hospital admission for cardiovascular causes at follow‐up. Patients were also divided in two groups according to the eGFR (<60 and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The Kaplan‐Meyer curve for the mentioned endpoint showed a higher endpoint incidence in the group of patient with eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis (Cox regression), a trend toward a higher rate of occurrence of the primary endpoint was observed for eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 without reaching the conventional level of statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99‐1.99; P = 0.0572). When eGFR was included in the analysis as continuous variable a significant correlation was observed with the combined endpoint at the Cox regression (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98‐0.99, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The result of this post‐hoc analysis indicates that an impaired eGFR is independently associated with worse prognosis among patients with AF.
Crystallizing Galactocele: A rare entity—report of two cases
Authors: Umasankar P. , Lakshmi Priya U. , Sideeque Asiq
Published: August 2018

Galactocele is a common lesion occurring during pregnancy or lactation. It is a benign cystic breast lesion containing milk. On Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, milky fluid is aspirated, and cytology shows paucicellular aspirate with foamy macrophages and occasional apocrine cells in a proteinaceous fluid background. Rarely, the contents of galactocele can crystallize giving rise to an entity of crystallizing galactocele. Crystallizing galactocele is a rare entity, and to the best of our knowledge, less than 10 cases have been reported in the literature.
Novel cytomorphologic characteristics suggesting human papillomavirus infection in patients diagnosed as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy and a comparison of diagnostic performance of three human papillomavirus tests
Authors: Jin Min‐Sun , Lee Hyebin , Kim Min A. , Park In Ae , Lee Chul , An Hyoung Jin , Shim Bobae , Moon Ji Hye , Won Jae Kyung , Ryu Han Suk
Published: August 2018

Background

Although the Papanicolaou (Pap) test is the first‐line screening method for cervical cancer, it has low sensitivity for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐infected cervical lesion compared to the HPV test. The aims of this study are to determine novel cytomorphologic parameters for HPV infection in patients previously diagnosed as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and to comparatively analyze the detection performance of 3 HPV tests: nested PCR, the DNA Chip test, and the Liquid Beads Microarray (LBMA) assay.

Methods

In total, 232 patients diagnosed with NILM were enrolled and assessed using 8 cytomorphologic parameters.

Results

Six non‐classical cytomorphologic features were identified as novel characteristics suggesting HPV infection in patients initially diagnosed with NILM. A combination of these 6 variables showed the best predictive performance for HPV infection (area under the curve, 0.722). In terms of diagnostic ability, the LBMA assay showed better performance in detection of HPV infection (39.7%) in NILM cases compared to the other tests.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the novel cytomorphologic features used in this study can be used as supportive morphologic parameters to increase the sensitivity of cytological screening tests. The LBMA assay could be used as an advanced method for HPV detection.
Role of FNAC in diagnosing lesions of hand and wrist
Authors: Goyal Aditi , Pathak Priya , Sharma Pooja , Sharma Sonal
Published: August 2018

Background

Swellings in the hand and wrist are frequently encountered in clinical practice and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is used as a primary diagnostic modality in most of them. A wide spectrum of lesions can be encountered at these sites. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence and spectrum of hand and wrist lesions and evaluate the diagnostic role of FNAC.

Methods

All the patients who presented with palpable lesions in the hand or wrist between January 2011 and July 2016 were reviewed, retrospectively.

Results

1312 cases were subjected to FNAC of hand and wrist swellings, of which 1136 (86.6%) cases were satisfactory. Age ranged from 5 months to 90 years with M: F = 0.7:1. 138 (12.1%) were diagnosed as inflammatory lesions, 875 (77.0%) as benign, non‐neoplastic (tumor‐like) lesions and 123 (10.8%) were neoplastic lesions. The inflammatory lesions included 75 cases of synovitis, 30 cases of tuberculosis, 28 cases of abscess, one case of cysticercosis, two cases of gout, and fat necrosis each. In the benign, non‐neoplastic (tumor‐like) lesions, the most common lesion was ganglion (775 cases). The neoplastic lesions included 78 benign lesions with the most common being giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (61 cases). There were 40 cases of mesenchymal lesions, four cases of appendageal tumors and one case of malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma). Mesenchymal lesions accounted for 3.5% (40/1136) cases.

Conclusion

FNAC is very useful and simple investigation for early diagnosis of lesions of hand and wrist. The lesions encountered at these sites most commonly are benign.
Cytologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma on bile duct brushings in the presence of stent associated changes: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Goyal Abha , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Alperstein Susan A. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: August 2018

Background

Bile duct brushing (BDB) cytology, for the characterization of bile duct strictures, can be challenging to interpret when associated with a stent. Our study aims to identify the cytologic criteria for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in BDBs in the presence of a stent.

Methods

A database search (January 2010‐December 2015) identified three groups of BDBs—negative with stent, malignant with stent, malignant without stent. All malignant cases had histologic and/or cytologic evidence of malignancy within 1 month of the brushing sample. All reactive cases had ≥6 months of benign clinical follow‐up. ThinPrep slides were reviewed by two cytopathologists and cytologic features were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

The study cohort included 12 reactive cases with stent, 17 malignant cases with stent and 32 malignant cases without stent. Among the stented cases, the cytologic features that reached statistical significance were 3D architecture, anisonucleosis to the extent of ≥1:6, coarse chromatin distribution and the presence of single atypical cells in the malignant group in contrast to the benign group. Cases that were diagnosed malignant in the presence of a stent revealed a spectrum of cell populations more frequently as compared with the malignant cases without stent (76% vs 16%).

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that the cytologic features of malignancy in non‐stented BDBs mostly hold true for stented specimens as well. Application of these criteria in the presence of a stent can improve diagnostic accuracy and thereby patient care.
Extending the developmental origins of disease model: Impact of preconception stress exposure on offspring neurodevelopment
Authors: Keenan Kate , Hipwell Alison E. , Class Quetzal A. , Mbayiwa Kimberley
Published: August 2018

The concept of the developmental origins of health and disease via prenatal programming has informed many etiologic models of health and development. Extensive experimental research in non‐human animal models has revealed the impact of in utero exposure to stress on fetal development and neurodevelopment later in life. Stress exposure, however, is unlikely to occur de novo following conception, and pregnancy health is not independent of the health of the system prior to conception. For these reasons, the preconception period is emerging as an important new focus for research on adverse birth outcomes and offspring neurodevelopment. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence for the role of preconception stress exposure on pregnancy health and offspring neurodevelopment across species and discuss the implications of this model for addressing health disparities in obstetrics and offspring outcomes.
“Liaisons dangereuses”: The invasive red‐vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), a disperser of exotic plant species in New Caledonia
Authors: Thibault Martin , Masse Felix , Pujapujane Aurore , Lannuzel Guillaume , Bordez Laurent , Potter Murray A. , Fogliani Bruno , Vidal Éric , Brescia Fabrice
Published: August 2018

The biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia hosts high levels of endemism (74% of flora) that is threatened increasingly by climate change, habitat reduction, and invasive species. The fruit‐eating red‐vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is currently invading the main island of the archipelago, and its recent dispersal out of urbanized habitats raises questions about its potential to disperse noxious plant seeds along urban corridors and beyond. Indeed, the red‐vented bulbul is considered a vector of several introduced plant species in its alien range including Miconia calvescens, Lantana camara, and Schinus terebinthifolius. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the bulbul's fruits consumption by analyzing the gut contents of shot birds. We estimated gut passage times for four species of fruit found in gut contents (S. terebinthifolius, Myrtastrum rufopunctatum, Passiflora suberosa, and Ficus prolixa) and tested the effects of bird digestion on seed germination rates for two species. Finally, we monitored the movements of individual VHF radio‐tagged red‐vented bulbuls. All of the consumed fruit species we identified here have red fleshy diaspore, including fruit of the shrub M. rufopunctatum that occurred frequently (9.6%) in bulbul gut samples. Median gut passage times were short (15–41 min), corresponding to short‐distance seed transportation (77–92 m). The effect of gut passage was positive for the germination of the invasive S. terebinthifolius and negative for the endemic M. rufopunctatum, suggesting a potential bias in the contribution to the dispersal toward alien species. This study provides the first integrated assessment of mechanisms involved in the seed dispersal effectiveness of this high‐concern invasive bird species that is expected to face similar plant communities in most of its alien range in tropical islands. More generally, our results enhance knowledge of synergies between non‐native frugivores and plant species dispersal.
Tree water balance drives temperate forest responses to drought
Authors: Berdanier A. B. , Clark J. S.
Published: August 2018

Intensifying drought is increasingly linked to global forest diebacks. Improved understanding of drought impacts on individual trees has provided limited insight into drought vulnerability in part because tree moisture access and depletion is difficult to quantify. In forests, moisture reservoir depletion occurs through water use by the trees themselves. Here, we show that drought impacts on tree fitness and demographic performance can be predicted by tracking the moisture reservoir available to trees as a mass balance, estimated in a hierarchical state‐space framework. We apply this model to multiple seasonal droughts with tree transpiration measurements to demonstrate how species and size differences modulate moisture availability across landscapes. The depletion of individual moisture reservoirs can be tracked over the course of droughts and linked to biomass growth and reproductive output. This mass balance approach can predict individual moisture deficit, tree demographic performance, and drought vulnerability throughout forest stands based on measurements from a sample of trees.
Towards a multi‐marker prognostic strategy in acute heart failure: a role for GDF‐15
Authors: Bettencourt Paulo , Ferreira‐Coimbra João , Rodrigues Pedro , Marques Pedo , Moreira Helena , Pinto Maria João , Guimarães João Tiago , Lourenço Patrícia
Published: August 2018

Aims

Growth differentiation factor (GDF)‐15 mirrors inflammation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is associated with cardiomyocyte stretch in heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of plasma GDF‐15 and BNP in acute HF.

Methods and results

We studied a subgroup of patients prospectively recruited in an acute HF registry (follow‐up: 2 years; endpoint: all‐cause mortality). Cox regression multivariate models were built to study the association of GDF‐15 and mortality. Further cross‐classification according to discharge GDF‐15 (mean) and BNP (mean) and association with mortality was studied. We studied 158 patients: seventy‐nine were male, mean age was 75 years, 55.1% had left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, mean discharge BNP was 1000 pg/mL, and mean GDF‐15 was 3013 ng/mL. Higher BNP and GDF‐15 predicted 2‐year mortality. Patients with GDF‐15 ≥ 3000 ng/mL had a multivariate adjusted 2‐year death risk of 1.86 (1.08–3.18). Patients discharged with both BNP and GDF‐15 above the mean had an adjusted hazard ratio of 4.33 (2.07–9.06) when compared with those with both <mean.

Conclusions

Higher GDF‐15 associated with worse prognosis in acute HF independently of BNP. When both biomarkers GDF‐15 and BNP were elevated at discharge, the 2‐year mortality risk increased over four‐fold. Biomarkers related to different pathophysiological pathways can provide incremental prognostic information in acute HF.
Methodologic recommendations and possible interpretations of video‐EEG recordings in immature rodents used as experimental controls: A TASK1‐WG2 report of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force
Authors: Akman Ozlem , Raol Yogendra H. , Auvin Stéphane , Cortez Miguel A. , Kubova Hana , de Curtis Marco , Ikeda Akio , Dudek F. Edward , Galanopoulou Aristea S.
Published: August 2018

The use of immature rodents to study physiologic aspects of cortical development requires high‐quality recordings electroencephalography (EEG) with simultaneous video recording (vEEG) of behavior. Normative developmental vEEG data in control animals are fundamental for the study of abnormal background activity in animal models of seizures or other neurologic disorders. Electrical recordings from immature, freely behaving rodents can be particularly difficult because of the small size of immature rodents, their thin and soft skull, interference with the recording apparatus by the dam, and other technical challenges. In this report of the TASK1 Working Group 2 (WG2) of the International League Against Epilepsy/American Epilepsy Society (ILAE/AES) Joint Translational Task Force, we provide suggestions that aim to optimize future vEEG recordings from immature rodents, as well as their interpretation. We focus on recordings from immature rodents younger than 30 days old used as experimental controls, because the quality and correct interpretation of such recordings is important when interpreting the vEEG results of animals serving as models of neurologic disorders. We discuss the technical aspects of such recordings and compare tethered versus wireless approaches. We also summarize the appearance of common artifacts and various patterns of electrical activity seen in young rodents used as controls as a function of behavioral state, age, and (where known) sex and strain. The information herein will hopefully help improve the methodology of vEEG recordings from immature rodents and may lead to results and interpretations that are more consistent across studies from different laboratories.
Alternate wetting and drying in Bangladesh: Water‐saving farming practice and the socioeconomic barriers to its adoption
Authors: Pearson Karen A. , Millar Gearoid M. , Norton Gareth J. , Price Adam H.
Published: August 2018

Water saving in irrigated agriculture is a critical issue for global food security, and much research has suggested substantial benefits of management systems designed to achieve it. Yet there are likely to be socioeconomic barriers which must be understood if these systems are to be adopted. Here, we highlight one example, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, almost half of the workforce is engaged in agriculture and many people are dependent on rice as their staple food, sometimes consuming it three times per day. Rice production, therefore, is central both to economic well‐being and to food security in Bangladesh. However, this sector also faces a number of troubling problems. These include an electricity supply over‐stressed by irrigation pumps during the dry season, the gradual depletion of groundwater as a result of unsustainable use, the consumption of rice grains with elevated arsenic content, and the significant emission of rice‐based methane into the atmosphere. Interestingly, for more than a decade, evidence has indicated that AWD—an innovative farming practice—holds the promise of mitigating each of these threats to some degree and has been promoted by the Bangladeshi government. However, evidence seems to indicate that it has not been widely adopted in Bangladesh. This paper reviews the existing literature on AWD, related policies in Bangladesh, and the barriers to its uptake among farmers. The complicated relationship between agricultural and socioeconomic systems represents a key barrier to the successful use of AWD among Bangladeshi farmers. Similar barriers to water‐saving strategies are likely to exist in other countries and regions, and overcoming these barriers will be essential for AWD to be adopted. The case of Bangladesh provides important indications of how this might be achieved.
Microglia heterogeneity along a spatio–temporal axis: More questions than answers
Authors: Silvin Aymeric , Ginhoux Florent
Published: August 2018

Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system; they arise during early embryonic development and persist throughout adulthood. These unique cells provide developmental support, contribute to adult brain homeostasis and impart immune protection during infection. Dysregulated microglia are implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer disease, and as such, a better understanding of their regulation and function is required for rational therapeutic design. Recent studies have highlighted the various heterogeneous aspects of microglia, such as their wide differentiation spectrum from early embryogenesis to adulthood, their location in different brain regions and their responses to ageing, infection and inflammation. In this review, we discuss microglial heterogeneity in time and space and highlight the remaining questions arising from such heterogeneity.
Increased expression of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 in mouse spinal cord with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis correlates with microglial activation and neuronal loss
Authors: Gushchina Svetlana , Pryce Gareth , Yip Ping K. , Wu Dongsheng , Pallier Patrick , Giovannoni Gavin , Baker David , Bo Xuenong
Published: August 2018

Microglia contribute to pathophysiology at all stages of multiple sclerosis. Colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF1) is crucial for microglial proliferation and activation. In this study we measured the CSF1 levels and studied its cellular expression in the mouse spinal cords with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to explore the potential contribution of CSF1 in neuronal death. ELISA data showed that CSF1 levels were significantly higher in the spinal cords with acute and chronic EAE than those of normal and adjuvant‐injected mice. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that CSF1 was expressed in astrocytes and neurons in normal mouse spinal cord. In acute EAE, CSF1 expression was significantly increased, especially in astrocytes in peripheral white matter and large motoneurons. High density of activated microglia was observed in the gray matter where motoneurons expressed high‐level CSF1 in acute EAE. Significant large motoneuron loss was seen in chronic EAE and the remaining motoneurons with high‐level CSF1 were enwrapped by microglia. Viral vector mediated over‐expression of CSF1 in spinal neurons induced profound proliferation and activation of microglia at the injection site and microglia enwrapped CSF1‐transduced neurons and their neurites. Significant loss of large CSF1‐transduced neurons was seen at 2 and 3 weeks post‐viral injection. Demyelination in the CSF1‐transduced areas was also significant. These results implicate that CSF1 upregulation in CNS may play an important role in the proliferation and activation of microglia in EAE, contributing to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.