bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine needle aspiration cytology of epididymal nodules and its corroboration with ultrasonographic‐histological findings
Authors: Mondal Krishnendu , Mandal Rupali , Saha Amitava , Shahabuddin MD , Sarkar Ranjan
Published: November 2019

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) assisted with scrotal ultrasonography is the best preoperative diagnostic modality for palpable epididymal nodules. It also aids in their successive remedial approach as well as serves semi‐therapeutically in cystic lesions. The objectives of this study are to recognize the spectrum of pathological conditions giving rise to epididymal nodules, then to compare them with corresponding ultrasound images, and to evaluate the histological features wherever practicable.

Methods

Total 62 patients underwent FNAC as well as sonographic evaluation for their epididymal nodules. Histopathology was performed in only 20 cases.

Results

Epididymitis either caused by tuberculosis (30.6%), or in its acute (11.3%) and chronic (8.1%) forms remained the commonest cytological diagnosis. Neoplastic lesions included mostly adenomatoid tumors (8.1%), and another case of seminomatous spread from ipsilateral testicular primary. Nineteen of the excised masses corroborated with their respective cytodiagnoses. The discrepant lesion was actually a papillary cystadenoma, which was cytologically misinterpreted as adenomatoid tumor.

Conclusions

FNAC becomes the first‐hand investigative measure for epididymal nodules, by virtue of its early, easy and highly accurate diagnostic implications. It segregates the patients into proper therapeutic protocol and thereby estranges those who really need operative management. When deployed together with ultrasound, the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC improves further.
Hematological changes following an Ironman triathlon: An antidoping perspective
Authors: Miller Geoffrey D. , Beharry Adam , Teramoto Masaru , Lai Auriella , Willick Stuart E. , Eichner Daniel
Published: November 2019

Understanding and characterizing confounding factors to the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is crucial for the reliable interpretation of biological profiles in the antidoping field. The physiological effects on hematological parameters and plasma volume (PV) following competition in a long‐distance triathlon, as seen in the Ironman discipline, have yet to be fully described and are the focus of this study. Complete blood count blood tests were conducted on 19 Ironman triathletes before and after an Ironman triathlon to characterize changes in hematological parameters and the effect on ABP interpretation, as it was hypothesized that changes in the plasma volume may result in the presentation of atypical ABP profiles. Baseline blood samples were collected from the athletes prior to the event, and one sample was collected per day for up to 1 week following the race. Differences were observed between the male and female athletes across multiple parameters. Most importantly to the ABP, decreases in hemoglobin concentration (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) were identified post‐race, with the largest decreases identified on day +2. The average HGB returned to pre‐race baseline levels on day +5. Beginning 5–6 days after the race, increases in the reticulocyte percentage (Ret%) were identified. Atypical Passport Findings were identified in 32% (6/19) of the ABPs, flagged mainly due to atypical hemoglobin concentration and one instance in which the OFF‐score exceeded the adaptive model limits. These results offer a characterized timeline of hematological changes and expected shifting of plasma volume following an Ironman triathlon providing important data for the reliable interpretation of ABP profiles in this field.
Diagnostic implications of the double deficit model for young adolescents with dyslexia
Authors: Harrison Allyson G. , Stewart Matthew
Published: November 2019

Considerable support exists for both the phonological core deficit and the naming speed deficit models of dyslexia. The double deficit model proposed that many students with dyslexia might also be impaired in both underlying processes. Employing either performance thresholds (i.e., scores below the 16th or 25th percentile) or k‐means clustering as classification methods, the current study investigated whether 154 young adolescents with dyslexia could be categorized into subtypes according to the presence or absence of phonological deficits alone, naming speed deficits alone, or a combination of the two and whether group composition changed depending on classification method. Results support the existence of both single and double deficit groups and confirm that those with both deficits are the most severely impaired across multiple measures. Contrary to previous research, most adolescents were classified as either naming speed only (about a third of the group) or double deficit when defining impairment using performance thresholds to classify groups. This may suggest that although early phonological deficits are amenable to remediation, identification of language symbols fails to become automatized in most individuals with dyslexia and may require more targeted intervention. Classification differences reported in the literature may depend on age and methods employed for classification.
Sex matters: Otolith shape and genomic variation in deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus)
Authors: Vaux Felix , Rasmuson Leif K. , Kautzi Lisa A. , Rankin Polly S. , Blume Matthew T. O. , Lawrence Kelly A. , Bohn Sandra , O'Malley Kathleen G.
Published: November 2019

Little is known about intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus), a recently described species found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We investigated population structure among fish sampled from two nearshore reefs (Siletz Reef and Seal Rock) and one offshore site (Stonewall Bank) within a <50‐km2 area off the Oregon coast. Fish from the three sample sites exhibited small but statistically significant differences based on genetic variation at >15,000 neutral loci, whether analyzed independently or classified into nearshore and offshore groups. Male and females were readily distinguished using genetic data and 92 outlier loci were associated with sex, potentially indicating differential selection between males and females. Morphometric results indicated that there was significant secondary sexual dimorphism in otolith shape, but further sampling is required to disentangle potential confounding influence of age. This study is the first step toward understanding intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish and the potential management implications. Since differentiation among the three sample sites was small, we consider the results to be suggestive of a single stock. However, future studies should evaluate how the stock is affected by differences in sex, age, and gene flow between the nearshore and offshore environments.
Combined effects of growth hormone and testosterone replacement treatment in heart failure
Authors: Salzano Andrea , Marra Alberto M. , Arcopinto Michele , D'Assante Roberta , Triggiani Vincenzo , Coscioni Enrico , Pasquali Daniela , Rengo Giuseppe , Suzuki Toru , Bossone Eduardo , Cittadini Antonio
Published: November 2019

Aims

Although preliminary studies have demonstrated safety and effectiveness of single replacement therapy for growth hormone deficiency or testosterone deficiency in heart failure (HF), no data are available regarding the combined treatment with both GH and T in this setting. Thus, the aim of the present hypothesis generating pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple hormonal replacement therapies in chronic HF.

Methods and results

Five stable HF with reduced ejection fraction patients, with a concomitant diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency and testosterone deficiency, on top of guideline‐based HF treatment underwent 1 year of GH replacement therapy by subcutaneous injections of somatotropin at a dose of 0.012 mg/kg every second day. After 12 months, a T replacement treatment was added at a dosage of 1000 mg every 3 months. Each patient underwent a complete M‐mode, two‐dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic examination, and an incremental symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise test on a bicycle ergometer at baseline (BL), after 1 year of GH treatment (V1), and after 1 year of combined GH + T treatments (V2). One‐year of GH treatment resulted in a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (+5.4%, P < 0.01), New York Heart Association functional class (P < 0.05), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (+19.3%, P < 0.01), and in a significant reduction in NT‐proBNP levels (−35.1%, P < 0.01). Notably, one additional year of combined GH and T replacement therapy induced a further increase in VO2 peak (+27.7%, final delta change + 52.44%, P < 0.01), as well as a significant improvement in muscular strength, as assessed by handgrip dynamometry (+17.5%, final delta change + 25.8%, P < 0.01). These beneficial effects were paralleled with an improvement of the overall clinical status (as assessed by New York Heart Association class). Of note, neither adverse effects nor cardiovascular events were reported during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggest for the first time that combined replacement therapy with GH and T could be considered safe and therapeutic in HF patients with multiple hormone deficiencies, supporting the hypothesis that multiple hormone deficiencies syndrome can be considered as a novel and promising therapeutic target in HF. Further studies with a more robust design and larger population are needed.
Myocardial adipose deposition and the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wu Cho‐Kai , Lee Jen‐Kuang , Hsu Jung‐Chi , Su Mao‐Yuan M. , Wu Yi‐Fan , Lin Ting‐Tse , Lan Chen‐Wei , Hwang Juey‐Jen , Lin Lian‐Yu
Published: November 2019

Aims

It has been proposed that an increase of myocardial adiposity is related to left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. The specific roles of myocardial steatosis including epicardial fat and intramyocardial fat for diastolic function are unknown in those patients suffering heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study aims to determine the complex relationship between myocardial adiposity in patients with HFrEF or HFpEF.

Methods and results

Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), myocardial steatosis was measured in 305 subjects (34 patients with HFrEF, 163 with HFpEF, and 108 non‐HF controls). We also evaluated cardiac structure and diastolic and systolic function by echocardiography and CMRI. Patients with HFpEF had significantly more intramyocardial fat than HFrEF patients or non‐HF controls [intramyocardial fat content (%), 1.56 (1.26, 1.89) vs. 0.75 (0.50, 0.87) and 1.0 (0.79, 1.15), P < 0.05]. Intramyocardial fat amount (%) was higher in HFpEF women than in men [1.91% (1.17%, 2.32%) vs. 1.22 (0.87%, 2.02%), P = 0.01]. When estimated by CMRI (left ventricular peak filling rate), echocardiographic E/e′ level, or left atrial volume index, intramyocardial fat correlated with LV diastolic dysfunction parameters in HFpEF patients, and this was independent of age, co‐morbidities, body mass index, gender, and myocardial fibrosis (standardized coefficient: β = −0.34, P = 0.03; β = 0.29, P = 0.025; and β = 0.25, P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF had significantly more intramyocardial fat than HFrEF patients or non‐HF controls. Independent of risk factors or gender, intramyocardial fat correlated with LV diastolic dysfunction parameters in HFpEF patients.
Leakage rate–based untrustworthy relay selection
Authors: Ozduran Volkan
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the leakage rate based untrustworthy relay selection strategies, which are based on the untrustworthy relay terminals operate in half‐duplex, full‐duplex, and hybrid modes. The investigation considers a dual‐hop one/two‐way half/full‐duplex wireless relaying network in the system model. The investigation also considers that a finite number of friendly jammers affect the untrustworthy relay terminals. According to analytical, asymptotic, and Monte Carlo simulation results, the LR‐based untrustworthy relay selection strategies achieve cooperative diversity order in high‐signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, friendly jammers and loop interference severely affect the system performance and degrade the achievable diversity order from M to 0 and also cause system coding gain losses. In addition, friendly jammers and loop interference also degrade the system achievable rate performance and cause saturation in high SNRs.
Salt‐tolerant Staphylococcus bacteria induce structural and nutritional alterations of salted duck egg white
Authors: Xiao Gongnian , Chen Yuanzhe , Fang Ruosi , Xiao Chaogeng , Yuan Haina , Chu Bingquan , Liu Xuangan , Gong Jinyan
Published: November 2019

Salted duck egg white, a major by‐product of salted egg yolk production, is rich in nutrients. However, its high salinity limits its application in the food industry. In the present study, three haloduric bacterium strains (C1, C2, and C3) were isolated from Jinhua ham, and strain C1 exhibited higher ratio of the transparent circle diameter to the colony diameter (HC) and gelatin liquefaction. Strain C1 was further identified as a member of the genus Staphylococcus through gene sequencing and EzTaxon‐e analyses. Salted duck egg white was fermented by strain C1, and the thermal stability, microstructure, amino acid composition, and γ‐aminobutyric acid of the egg white were compared with egg white without fermentation. The fermented salted duck egg white had a significantly low salinity. Meanwhile, it increased its thermal stability compared with the control through losing an endotherm at around 85°C and forming a new endotherm peak starting at 91.8°C. Additionally, free amino acids and γ‐aminobutyric acid were found only in the fermented salted duck egg white. These indicated that fermentation with salt‐resistant strains could alter the structure of salted duck egg white and improve its nutritional quality.
A novel EWSR1‐VGLL1 gene fusion in a soft tissue malignant myoepithelial tumor
Authors: Komatsu Masato , Kawamoto Teruya , Kanzawa Maki , Kawakami Yohei , Hara Hitomi , Akisue Toshihiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Nakamura Hayate , Hokka Daisuke , Jimbo Naoe , Itoh Tomoo , Hirose Takanori
Published: November 2019

Soft tissue myoepithelial tumors are very rare mesenchymal tumors that are currently categorized as miscellaneous neoplasms with uncertain differentiation. Although the molecular pathogenesis of soft tissue myoepithelial tumors remains unclear, EWSR1 gene fusions with a variety of partner genes are regarded as one of the major pathogenic driver events in these tumors. We herein present a case of a deep soft tissue malignant myoepithelial tumor arising in the thigh with multiple pulmonary metastases. This tumor displayed diverse and unique histological features, namely, an epithelioid glandular growth pattern, pseudorosette‐like formation, and a diffuse nest and cord‐like pattern within an abundant myxoid matrix. Next‐generation RNA sequencing identified a novel fusion transcript, in which the in‐frame junctional reads contained exon 9 of EWSR1 and exon 2 of VGLL1, resulting in the formation of a putative chimeric protein with the N‐terminal transcriptional activation domain of EWSR1 and C‐terminal full length of the VGLL1 protein. EWSR1‐VGLL1 fusion has not been described in neoplasm before. Further molecular and functional experiments on the present EWSR1‐VGLL1 fusion gene are required to elucidate its tumorigenic effect.
The oligodendrocyte growth cone and its actin cytoskeleton: A fundamental element for progenitor cell migration and CNS myelination
Authors: Thomason Elizabeth J. , Escalante Miguel , Osterhout Donna J. , Fuss Babette
Published: November 2019

Cells of the oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage engage in highly motile behaviors that are crucial for effective central nervous system (CNS) myelination. These behaviors include the guided migration of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs), the surveying of local environments by cellular processes extending from differentiating and pre‐myelinating OLGs, and during the process of active myelin wrapping, the forward movement of the leading edge of the myelin sheath's inner tongue along the axon. Almost all of these motile behaviors are driven by actin cytoskeletal dynamics initiated within a lamellipodial structure that is located at the tip of cellular OLG/OPC processes and is structurally as well as functionally similar to the neuronal growth cone. Accordingly, coordinated stoichiometries of actin filament (F‐actin) assembly and disassembly at these OLG/OPC growth cones have been implicated in directing process outgrowth and guidance, and the initiation of myelination. Nonetheless, the functional importance of the OLG/OPC growth cone still remains to be fully understood, and, as a unique aspect of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, F‐actin depolymerization and disassembly start to predominate at the transition from myelination initiation to myelin wrapping. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about OLG/OPC growth cones, and it proposes a model in which actin cytoskeletal dynamics in OLG/OPC growth cones are a main driver for morphological transformations and motile behaviors. Remarkably, these activities, at least at the later stages of OLG maturation, may be regulated independently from the transcriptional gene expression changes typically associated with CNS myelination.
Does passive smoking at home lead to depression among older people in China?
Authors: Lu Wei , Wu Hong
Published: November 2019

Background

This paper was carried out based on two motivations: (a) prior studies achieved mixed results regarding the effect of passive smoking on depression; and (b) studies on the impacts of passive smoking usually neglect effects on older people. In our paper, we studied the causal effect of passive smoking at home on depression among older people aged 60 years and older in China with a longitudinal study.

Methods

In assessing the causal relationship, we developed a fixed‐effects instrumental variable method using an exogenous variable—health consciousness and the smoking status of parents—as instruments of smoking status. We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which provides a national, high‐quality, and longitudinal household survey of people aged 45 years and older.

Results

Our empirical results reveal that passive smoking at home increased the depressive symptoms of older people, regardless of their smoking status. Moreover, the impact of passive smoking on depression is larger for nonsmokers than smokers. Additionally, the health consciousness and smoking status of parents are effective instrumental variables.

Conclusions

This paper calls for governments and medical institutions to pay more attention to the health of older people and their need for healthy living environments.
Broad‐based employee stock ownership: What makes it effective in the management of human resources?
Authors: Mullins Frank , Weltmann Dan , Kruse Douglas , Blasi Joseph
Published: November 2019

Research linking broad‐based employee stock ownership (BESO) with firm performance continues to receive considerable attention both in and outside the field of management. Despite the evidence being generally positive regarding the BESO–firm performance relationship, there has been a relative dearth of research providing insights into the circumstances surrounding the effectiveness of BESO. With this research gap in mind, we formulated and launched this special issue. This guest editor introduction begins with a look at the research on this topic, followed by a brief discussion of each article accepted for publication. We conclude by highlighting the major themes from the collective contributions of the articles and share insights regarding future research in this growing research domain.
Long‐term evapotranspiration rates for rainfed corn versus perennial bioenergy crops in a mesic landscape
Authors: Abraha Michael , Chen Jiquan , Hamilton Stephen K. , Robertson G. Philip
Published: November 2019

Perennial cellulosic crops are promoted for their potential contributions to a sustainable energy future. However, a large‐scale perennial bioenergy production requires extensive land use changes through diversion of croplands or conversion of uncultivated lands, with potential implications for local and regional hydrology. To assess the impact of such land use conversions on ecosystem water use, we converted three 22 year‐old Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands and three 50+ year‐old conventionally tilled corn‐soybean crop fields (AGR) to either no‐till continuous maize (corn) or perennial (switchgrass or restored prairie) bioenergy crops. We also maintained one CRP grassland without conversion. We measured evapotranspiration (ET) rates on all fields for 9 years using eddy covariance methods. Results show that: (a) mean growing‐season ET rates for perennial crops were similar to the ET rate of the corn they replaced at the previously cultivated (AGR) field but ET rates for perennial crops at CRP fields were 5–9% higher than ET rate for corn on former CRP fields; and (b) mean nongrowing season ET rates for perennial fields were 11–15% lower than those for corn fields, regardless of land use history. On an annual basis, mean ET rates for perennial crops tended to be lower (4–7%) than ET rate of the corn that they replaced at AGR fields but ET rates for perennial crops and corn at CRP fields were similar. Over 9 years, mean ET rates for the same crop across land use histories were remarkably similar for corn, whereas for the perennial crops they were 4–10% higher at former CRP than at former AGR fields, mainly due to differences in growing season ET. Over the 9 years and across all fields, ET returned ~60% of the precipitation back to the atmosphere. These findings suggest that large‐scale substitution of perennial bioenergy crops for rainfed corn in mesic landscapes would have little if any (0 to −3%) impact on terrestrial water balances.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia associated with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis
Authors: Raval Jay S. , Park Yara A. , Perjar Irina , Mazepa Marshall A. , Vincent Benjamin G. , Ma Alice D. , Rollins‐Raval Marian A.
Published: November 2019

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can occur following exposure to heparin and is characterized by thrombocytopenia with increased risk for thrombosis. This condition is mediated by formation of immunoglobulin G antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complexes that can subsequently lead to platelet activation. Herein, we detail the clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes of two patients who developed HIT and thrombosis after undergoing collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis (HPC‐A) for autologous HPC transplant. Given that heparin may be used during HPC‐A collections, these cases emphasize the importance of prompt consideration of HIT in patients that develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis following HPC‐A collection with heparin anticoagulation.
Evaluating the effect of delay spacing on delay discounting: carry‐over effects on steepness and the form of the discounting function
Authors: Rung Jillian M. , Frye Charles C. J. , DeHart William B. , Odum Amy L.
Published: November 2019

Most delay discounting studies use tasks that arrange delay progressions in which the spacing between consecutive delays becomes progressively larger. To date, little research has examined delay discounting using other progressions. The present study assessed whether the form or steepness of discounting varied across different delay progressions. Human participants completed three discounting tasks with delay progressions that varied in the time between consecutive delays: a standard (increasing duration between delays), linear (equal duration between delays), and an inverse progression (decreasing duration between delays). Steepness of discounting was generally reduced, and remained so, following experience with the inverse progression. Effects of the delay progression on the best fitting equation were order‐dependent. Overall the hyperbola model provided better fits, but the exponential model performed better with data from the inverse progression. Regardless, differences in which model fit best were often small. The finding that the best fitting model was dependent, in some cases, on the delay progression suggests that a single quantitative model of discounting may not be applicable to describe discounting across all procedural contexts. Ultimately, changes in steepness of discounting following experience with the inverse progression appeared similar to anchoring effects, whose mechanism will require further study to delineate.
Colonoscopy using back brace support belt: A randomized, prospective trial
Authors: Toyoshima Osamu , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Sakitani Kosuke , Yamakawa Tadahiro , Yoshida Shuntaro , Fukagawa Kazushi , Hata Keisuke , Ishihara Soichiro , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Looping is a major problem in colonoscopy, and it prolongs procedure time. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an external abdominal compression device (back brace support belt; Maxbelt) with respect to cecal insertion time and other outcomes.

Methods

We performed a prospective study on outpatients undergoing elective colonoscopy in Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups and were subjected to either Maxbelt (n = 39) or no device (control, n = 38) during colonoscopy. The colonoscopist was blinded to the study. The primary outcome that was observed was insertion time.

Results

The intubation time of the Maxbelt group was shorter than that of the no device group, but the difference was not significant (3.29 vs 4.49 min, P = 0.069). After stratifying by age, the use of Maxbelt significantly decreased cecal intubation time in elderly participants (age ≥ 45) compared to no device group (3.27 vs 5.00 min, P = 0.032). The use of the Maxbelt significantly decreased insertion difficulty encountered by the colonoscopist (P = 0.01). There was no difference in adenoma detection rate, manual pressure, position change, and adverse event.

Conclusions

The use of a back brace support belt could be a viable approach for colonoscopy in elderly patients. (University Hospital Medical Information Network: UMIN000029361).
Exploration of quinoxaline derivatives as antimicrobial and anticancer agents
Authors: Bayoumi Ashraf H. , Ghiaty Adel H. , Abd El‐Gilil Shimaa M. , Husseiny Ebtehal M. , Ebrahim Maha A.
Published: November 2019

Novel 2 and 3‐substituted quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized through various synthetic pathways, among which cyanoacetamide and cyanoacetohydrazide quinoxaline derivatives 4a‐c and 11a‐c, respectively, were synthesized. Furthermore, methoxy quinoxaline derivatives 3c and quinoxaline derivatives bearing substituted pyridines 6a,b, 12a,b, and 13a,b were designed to be synthesized. However, we have synthesized acrylohydrazide 5a,b and 7/acrylamide derivatives, Schiff base analogues 14a‐f, pyrazole derivatives 15a‐e, amide derivatives 16a‐f, guanidine derivatives 16 g,h as well as, quinoxalin‐2‐methylallyl propionate derivative 14g. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed via spectral data and elemental analyses. Moreover, the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity (Gm +ve, Gm −ve in comparison to Gentamycin a standard) and fungi (in comparison to Ketoconazole as a standard). Thus, compound 16b showed promising antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis, P. vulgaris, and S. mutants with values ranging from 20 to 27‐mm zone of inhibition. While compounds 5a, 14e,f, and 16a,c,d,g,h showed potent antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) selected 20 compounds that were submitted for anticancer screening against 60 types of cancer cell lines. The most active compounds are 5b and 12a where compound 5b containing 2,4‐dichlorophenyl moiety at cyanoacetamide linkage of hydrazine quinoxaline backbone exerted significant growth inhibition activity against Leukemia MOLT‐4, Renal cancer UO‐31, and Breast cancer MCF‐7. In addition, compound 12a having 4,6‐diaminopyridinone side chain at position‐3 of quinoxaline nucleus exhibited remarkable anticancer activity against renal cancer UO‐31.
Editorial on “Diagnostic Efficacy of Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in Detecting Residual or Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis”
Authors: Macdonald D. Blair , Walsh Cynthia B. , McInnes Matthew D.F.
Published: November 2019

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1029–1030.
δ34S for tracing the origin of cheese and detecting its authenticity
Authors: Pianezze Silvia , Bontempo Luana , Perini Matteo , Tonon Agostino , Ziller Luca , Franceschi Pietro , Camin Federica
Published: November 2019

Casein δ34S of 725 samples of cheese from all over the world were measured using IRMS. δ34S alone made it possible to establish characteristic ranges of values for two types of Italian cheese (Grana Padano PDO and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO) and for the different regions and provinces of both the Grana Padano PDO and the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO zones. Moreover, δ34S of PDO Italian samples were compared to both Italian (not PDO) and foreign competitive cheese samples. In all the cases, sulfur isotopic ratio analysis was a powerful tool to fix characteristic ranges of values for cheeses coming from different countries and to improve the information given by other isotopic parameters.
Widespread presence of bovine proteins in human cell lines
Authors: Sugár Simon , Turiák Lilla , Vékey Károly , Drahos László
Published: November 2019

HPLC‐MS/MS analysis of various human cell lines shows the presence of a major amount of bovine protein contaminants. These likely originate from fetal bovine serum (FBS), typically used in cell cultures. If evaluated against a human protein database, on average 10% of the identified human proteins will be misleading (bovine proteins, but indicated as if they were human). Bovine contaminants therefore may cause major bias in proteomic studies of cell cultures, if not considered explicitly.
Applicability of MALDI‐TOF MS for determination of quinolone residues in fish
Authors: Braga Patrícia A. de C. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Reyes Felix G.R.
Published: November 2019

MALDI‐TOF MS approach for determination of six quinolones residues in fillets of pangasius (Pangasionodon hypophthalmus) was studied, considering that is a very sensitive analytical technique with simple and high‐throughput operation, contributing to knowledge regarding application of this technique to the determination of small‐molecular‐weight organic compound residues in foods. LIFT‐MS/MS showed to be a successful approach to identify the presence of all quinolone residues in the fish fillet, at their respective MRL level. This study opens an important field of research for the development of simple and high‐throughput bioanalytical screening methods for the determination of veterinary drug residues in foods.
Climatological aspects of the increase of the skin cancer (melanoma) incidence rate in Europe
Authors: Czerwińska Agnieszka E. , Krzyścin Janusz W.
Published: November 2019

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has a detrimental impact on human health. Overexposures can lead to erythema and DNA damage causing various skin cancers, including the most dangerous melanoma. Recently, a large increase in melanoma incidents has been detected in Europe. We search for a link between the increase of the skin cancer incidence rate and early spring (April) trends in surface UVR and meteorological parameters (temperature, cloudiness, and precipitation) for several European sites: Belsk (Poland), Oslo (Norway), Reading (UK), and Uccle (Belgium). The trends are calculated for the periods of 1980–2004 and 2005–2018 using ground‐based UV measurements and the reconstructed data by a multilinear regression model. The April trends are of special interest because after winter the human skin is not adapted to high UVR intensity and thus susceptible to solar exposure. Statistically insignificant UV trends are found for all stations except for Belsk with the trend of ~5% per 10 years in the former period. Positive trends of 0.5–1.0°C per 10 years (statistically significant) were calculated for all stations in the mean daily maximum temperature of April in the period 1980–2018. In April, total ozone values are negatively correlated with the daily maxima of the surface temperature, so if the temperature is higher than 15°C, the corresponding total ozone values will go below the long‐term mean, causing more intense surface UVR. Moreover, high temperatures in April may encourage people to stay longer in the sun and expose parts of the body previously covered by winter clothing, which may result in numerous sunburns yielding a higher risk of melanoma. Thus, social campaigns promoting healthy scenarios of outdoor activities should start earlier than before, that is, at the beginning of spring not just before the summer vacation.
A comprehensive study of protein–mesoporous–macroporous silica interactions by extended canonical variate analysis of Raman spectra
Authors: Videira‐Quintela Diogo , Prazeres Sofia F. , Ortega‐Ojeda F. E. , Montalvo‐García G.
Published: November 2019

Understanding the protein–support interactions is of major importance when manufacturing bionanomaterials to a certain application. These interactions can be the cause for enhanced properties or denaturation phenomena in the target protein. Raman spectroscopy was applied to a bionanomaterial comprehending the protein β‐galactosidase immobilized by physical adsorption into a mesoporous–macroporous silica material, with a nanoporous network consisting of 9‐nm mesopores and 200‐nm macropores. Raman spectra of the bionanomaterial evidenced a complex amount of differences related to the Raman shifts, intensities, band enlargement, appearance of new bands, and overlapping, in comparison with the silica support and the protein spectra. To help in the analysis of the Raman spectra and in the inspection of possible protein–support interactions, ECVA (extended canonical variate analysis) was used as a chemometric complementary tool, dividing the spectra into four segments: 1 (3,100 to 2,800 cm−1), 2 (1,800 to 1,500 cm−1), 3 (1,500 to 1,200 cm−1), and 4 (1,200 to 900 cm−1). Major alterations in the Amide I band (1,800 to 1,500 cm−1) and the amino acid band regions demonstrated possible structure alterations to a non‐native form of the protein β‐galactosidase. Also, other minor alterations were observed in other spectral regions (3,100 to 2,800 cm−1,1,500 to 1,200 cm−1, and 1,200 to 900 cm−1) also representative of protein structure alteration due to protein–support interactions.
The effect of an additive containing three Lactobacillus species on the fermentation pattern and microbiological status of silage
Authors: Fijałkowska Maja , Przemieniecki Sebastian Wojciech , Purwin Cezary , Lipiński Krzysztof , Kurowski Tomasz Paweł , Karwowska Anna
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Appropriate combinations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains should be selected to optimize the ensiling process, and the additives should be adjusted to the ensiled forage crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inoculation with three Lactobacillus species on the chemical parameters and microbiological quality (beneficial and harmful microbiota) of grass silage.

RESULTS

Three species: L. paracasei (LPa), L. brevis (LB) and L. plantarum (LPl), isolated from sugar beet silage and characterized based on 16S rDNA sequences and biochemical parameters, were analyzed in the study. Single strains and their combinations were used as silage inoculants. The basic chemical and microbiological (qPCR) parameters of silages were determined. Based on the results of agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA) it was determined that silages inoculated with single LAB strains and LPa + LB and commercial additive (0+) were the best quality ones, particularly with regard to microbiological parameters and they effectively lowered the pH value. A consortium of three Lactobacillus species had no influence on silage quality, whereas LPa + LB and LPl + LB combinations as well as a commercial additive exerted positive effects. Inoculation inhibited the growth of toxin‐producing fungi.

CONCLUSION

Only the appropriate LAB composition can improve the quality of the ensiled material (antagonistic relationship). Only the LPa + LB combination was able to improve the value of low dry silage; nevertheless, almost all combinations were able to reduced concentrations of toxin‐producing fungi. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Aqueous ethyl acetate as a novel solvent for the degreasing of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae: degreasing rate, nutritional value evaluation of the degreased meal, and thermal properties
Authors: Wang Tielin , Shen Qiao , Feng Weiliang , Wang Cunwen , Yang Fang
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to select appropriate low‐toxicity degreasing solvents to degrease black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) larvae to prepare high‐quality protein. Aqueous ethyl acetate was chosen as the solvent to extract BSF protein, and traditional solvents, such as petroleum ether, n‐hexane, and isopropanol, were chosen as controls.

RESULTS

The meal degreased by aqueous ethyl acetate (the volume ratio of ethyl acetate to water is 90 to 10, EA + W10) shows a high degreasing rate (29.04%), crude protein content (562.3 g kg−1), essential amino acid index (EAAI, 95.57), and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS, 85). The digestibility of the degreased meal samples in the simulated in vitro intestine can reach 76.52%. Thermodynamic analysis and the apparent morphology of the protein fragments showed that the meal degreased by EA + W10 exhibited thermodynamic stability, which suggests that using aqueous ethyl acetate as the degreasing solvent did not affect the nutritional value of the degreased meal.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that aqueous ethyl acetate (EA + W10) can be used as a novel solvent in the degreasing of BSF larvae meal to prepare high‐quality protein with high EAAI and DIAAS and good digestibility. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation and quantification of imidazoles in atmospheric particles using LC–Orbitrap‐MS
Authors: Teich Monique , Schmidtpott Mechthild , van Pinxteren Dominik , Chen Jianmin , Herrmann Hartmut
Published: November 2019

A method using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer was developed to identify and quantify imidazoles in aqueous extracts of aerosol particles. The aqueous particle extract was used without further enrichment or sample clean‐up. Five columns were tested for efficient separation of ten imidazoles and the Acquity HSS T3 column was chosen for further optimization. Low limits of detection (<25 nM) and good intraday and interday repeatability (<1.6 and <6%, respectively) were achieved. Investigation of matrix effects showed that external calibration is applicable when the loading of organic carbon in the sample is below 10 µg m−3. The developed method was applied to ten real samples, and six out of the ten test imidazoles were successfully quantified, while six further imidazoles were qualitatively identified, among them 4‐imidazolecarboxaldehyde and 4‐methyl‐5‐imidazolecarboxaldehyde. Advantages of the method are the minimal sample preparation, the short run time for each sample, and the low detection limits. These allow for a fast and reliable quantification of imidazoles even in a large number of aqueous particle extract samples.
Genetic Management of Captive and Reintroduced Bilby Populations
Authors: Lott Matthew J. , Wright Belinda R. , Kemp Leah F. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Hogg Carolyn J.
Published: November 2019

Captive breeding and translocation, whereby selected individuals are used to supplement or re‐establish failing populations, are powerful tools for conserving threatened fauna. These tools, however, are rarely successful at establishing self‐sustaining populations that can survive without ongoing human assistance. The maintenance of genetic diversity and demographic security in captivity, or following wildlife translocation events, is important for improving the long‐term effectiveness of threatened species recovery efforts around the world. Routine population monitoring using hypervariable genetic markers represents a promising technique for evaluating the effect of established management practices on population structure and genetic diversity across various spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we employed a data set of 1,068 single nucleotide polymorphisms to conduct a comprehensive survey of population structure and genetic diversity in greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) held at 13 zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across Australia between August 1996 and December 2016. We observed significant genetic structuring across the study sites, consistent with the limited exchange of animals between independently managed facilities. The majority of variation, however, still occurred at the level of individual bilbies (75%, P < 0.001). We also uncovered evidence for an ongoing loss of genetic diversity in some conservation‐fenced populations, despite a slight excess of heterozygosity across the sampling sites as a whole. Maintaining the genetic health of bilbies in captivity or following translocation will therefore require stakeholders to focus on reducing individual mortality, and maintaining genetic connectivity across all existing populations through the regular exchange of selected individuals. As such, admixture is expected to play an increasingly important role in future conservation programs. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Stepwise Lateral Extension of Phenyl‐Substituted Linear Polyphenylenes
Authors: Hou Ian Cheng‐Yi , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus
Published: November 2019

Polyphenylenes (PPs) are unique polymers showing high mechanical strength and chemical stability, and having potential applications, for example, in proton transfer and gas‐separation membranes. Moreover, phenyl‐substituted linear PPs can serve as precursors for bottom‐up syntheses of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), a new class of nanoscale carbon materials that appear promising for nanoelectronics. Notably, lateral extensions of linear PPs with appropriate “branched” phenyl substituents, that is, avoiding spatial overlap of benzene rings in their projections into a plane, can lead to wider GNRs with modulated electronic and optical properties. GNRs with widths up to ≈2 nm are obtained, but synthetic methods to further expand PPs laterally so as to achieve even wider GNRs have not yet been developed. Here, phenyl‐substituted linear PPs bearing two ethynyl groups at “outer” positions in each repeating unit, together with 3,4‐diphenylcyclopentadienones bearing a trimethylsilyl‐protected ethynyl group are used for stepwise lateral extension of the PPs, based on a sequence of Diels–Alder cycloadditions and deprotections. Each successive reaction step is corroborated by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as gel permeation chromatography, providing a new pathway toward branched polyphenylenes with linear‐PP‐backbones that can potentially serve as precursors of wider GNRs with tunable electronic bandgaps.
On convex multiobjective programs with application to portfolio optimization
Authors: Jayasekara Pubudu L.W. , Adelgren Nathan , Wiecek Margaret M.
Published: November 2019

Focusing on (strictly) convex multiobjective programs (MOPs), we review some well‐established scalarizations in multiobjective programming from the perspective of parametric optimization and propose a modified hybrid scalarization suitable for a class of specially structured convex MOPs. Because multiobjective quadratic programs are a prominent class of convex MOPs due to their broad applicability, we review the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for computing their efficient solutions. These two lines of investigation are merged to solve multiobjective portfolio optimization problems with three or more quadratic objective functions, a class of problems that has not been solved before. Computational examples are provided.
Coupling of NMR to ACOMP for Terpolymerization Monitoring and Control
Authors: McAfee Terry , Jarand Curtis W. , Zekoski Thomas , Montgomery Rick , Reed Wayne F.
Published: November 2019

Monitoring and control of free radical copolymerization using automatic continuous online monitoring of polymerization reactions (ACOMP) with UV detection has been recently achieved. It is difficult, however, to achieve spectral separation of similar monomers with UV alone. Here, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is coupled to ACOMP for the first time and terpolymerization reactions involving acrylamide (Am), sodium acrylate (Ac), and styrene sulfonate (SS) are monitored, and a first attempt at active composition control is made. The NMR resolves the concentrations of Am and Ac, while the UV resolves SS and the sum of Am and Ac. NMR analysis is performed in water, using signal suppression, to eliminate the need for deuterated solvents. From this, instantaneous fractions of each comonomer in the terpolymer are continuously known, along with weight average molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, IV. Am and Ac have similar reactivities, whereas the reactivity ratio of SS is much larger. Hence, there is high composition drift in batch polymerization and SS is rapidly consumed, leaving a final copolymer of Am and SS to form. Maintaining constant terpolymer composition is taken as a first step toward active control.
Wall‐slab joint parameter identification of a reinforced concrete structure using possibly corrupted modal data
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Louf François , Hervé‐Secourgeon Estelle , Gatuingt Fabrice
Published: November 2019

In numerical models, the connections among component members are crucial for the prediction of structural behaviour under different types of solicitations. In reinforced structures, the connections are often assumed rigid, what may not be realistic in many practical cases. As alternative, a semi‐rigid behaviour depending on a set of independent parameters can be proposed. In this case, a new difficulty arises, which is finding the appropriate values for those parameters. The present study proposes a numerical strategy for identification of the connection parameters based on the constitutive relation error (CRE). To include all available information, an augmented version (Modified CRE) is implemented. The parameters search is iterative and require large amount of system response analysis. To increase the computational efficiency, a reduced order model is adopted. The proposed approach shows low‐sensitivity to limited lack of information and also to support condition variability, both of them verified numerically. In this work, experimental tests for a real 1:4 scale structure is utilized for finding the parameters corresponding to the first three modal shapes. A good agreement between numerical predictions and observations is verified, what highlights the accuracy and stability of the proposed numerical approach. The present study may also find applications in the domain of design of experiments.