bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of maternal touch of the abdomen on cardiotocography fetal patterns
Authors: Rolland Souza Alex S. , Cavalcante Emanuela V. V. , Macedo Candice A. , Freitas Stênio G. , Figueiredo Amanda T. P. , Alves Susi A. , Silva Thaíse C. A. C. , de Albuquerque Souza Gustavo F. , Alves João G.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Some studies suggest that maternal touch of the abdomen produces an increase in the number of movements of the fetus. However, the influence of maternal touch of the abdomen on fetal cardiotocography patterns has not been studied.

Methods

This nonrandomized, before‐after clinical trial that assessed fetal cardiotocography patterns during maternal touch of the abdomen in 28 low‐risk pregnant women.

Results

Baseline fetal heart rate, accelerations, decelerations, and variability did not change with maternal touch of the abdomen, but fetal movements increased (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Fetal movements increases during maternal touch of the abdomen.
Reaction Conditions‐Dependent Formation of Catalytically Active Palladium Complexes or Palladium Nanoparticles on a Silica Support
Authors: Bornstein Megan , Parker David M. , Quast Arthur D. , Shumaker‐Parry Jennifer S. , Zharov Ilya
Published: June 2019

Silica nanoparticles carrying covalently bound dipyridylmethylene (dpm) ligands were treated with Pd(OAc)2 in acetone in an attempt to prepare a silica surface‐immobilized Pd2+‐dpm complex. However, instead of the expected tethered complexes, small, monodisperse and evenly distributed palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) formed. We found that an organic impurity, most likely an alcohol, in reagent‐grade acetone led to the reduction of Pd(OAc)2 to form PdNPs. The size and surface distribution of the PdNPs are affected by temperature, and formation of PdNPs can be inhibited by using high purity solvents and/or low temperature. The PdNPs supported on silica nanoparticles demonstrated catalytic activity in oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, while silica nanoparticles with surface‐immobilized Pd2+‐dpm complexes required an induction period in order to reach a similar level of catalytic activity. In all cases, PdNPs were observed after the catalytic reaction, providing evidence that the induction period exhibited by the materials carrying Pd2+‐dpm complexes may be related to a time‐dependent PdNP formation process, with PdNPs rather than the immobilized complexes playing a central role in the catalytic reaction. Although nanoparticles are sometimes identified after carrying out catalytic reactions with supported molecular Pd complexes, our studies demonstrate the importance of identifying the species present in as‐synthesized heterogeneous materials of supported transition metal complexes.
Carbon Dots from Citric Acid and its Intermediates Formed by Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Ludmerczki Robert , Mura Stefania , Carbonaro Carlo Maria , Mandity Istvan M. , Carraro Massimo , Senes Nina , Garroni Sebastiano , Granozzi Gaetano , Calvillo Laura , Marras Sergio , Malfatti Luca , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: June 2019

Thermal decomposition of citric acid is one of the most common synthesis methods for fluorescent carbon dots; the reaction pathway is, however, quite complex and the details are still far from being understood. For instance, several intermediates form during the process and they also give rise to fluorescent species. In the present work, the formation of fluorescent C‐dots from citric acid has been studied as a function of reaction time by coupling infrared analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) with the change of the optical properties, absorption and emission. The reaction intermediates, which have been identified at different stages, produce two main emissive species, in the green and blue, as also indicated by the decay time analysis. C‐dots formed from the intermediates have also been synthesised by thermal decomposition, which gave an emission maximum around 450 nm. The citric acid C‐dots in water show short temporal stability, but their functionalisation with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane reduces the quenching. The understanding of the citric acid thermal decomposition reaction is expected to improve the control and reproducibility of C‐dots synthesis.
On the use of priors in goodness‐of‐fit tests
Authors: Contreras‐Cristán Alberto , Lockhart Richard A. , Stephens Michael A. , Sun Shaun Z.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Priors are introduced into goodness‐of‐fit tests, both for unknown parameters in the tested distribution and on the alternative density. Neyman–Pearson theory leads to the test with the highest expected power. To make the test practical, we seek priors that make it likely a priori that the power will be larger than the level of the test but not too close to one. As a result, priors are sample size dependent. We explore this procedure in particular for priors that are defined via a Gaussian process approximation for the logarithm of the alternative density. In the case of testing for the uniform distribution, we show that the optimal test is of theU‐statistic type and establish limiting distributions for the optimal test statistic, both under the null hypothesis and averaged over the alternative hypotheses. The optimal test statistic is shown to be of the Cramér–von Mises type for specific choices of the Gaussian process involved. The methodology when parameters in the tested distribution are unknown is discussed and illustrated in the case of testing for the von Mises distribution.The Canadian Journal of Statistics47: 560–579; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Sensing the Molecular Structures of Hexan‐2‐one by Internal Rotation and Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Andresen Maike , Kleiner Isabelle , Schwell Martin , Stahl Wolfgang , Nguyen Ha Vinh Lam
Published: June 2019

Using two molecular jet Fourier transform spectrometers, the microwave spectrum of hexan‐2‐one, also called methyl n‐butyl ketone, was recorded in the frequency range from 2 to 40 GHz. Three conformers were assigned and fine splittings caused by the internal rotations of the two terminal methyl groups were analyzed. For the acetyl methyl group CH3COC3H6CH3, the torsional barrier is 186.9198(50) cm−1, 233.5913(97) cm−1, and 182.2481(25) cm−1 for the three observed conformers, respectively. The value of this parameter could be linked to the structure of the individual conformer, which enabled us to create a rule for predicting the barrier height of the acetyl methyl torsion in ketones. The very small splittings arising from the internal rotation of the butyl methyl group CH3COC3H6CH3 could be resolved as well, yielding the respective torsional barriers of 979.99(88) cm−1, 1016.30(77) cm−1, and 961.9(32) cm−1.
Ultra‐thin Co−Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Hollow Nanocubes for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Yuan Haitao , Wang Yanzhi , Yang Chenxi , Liang Zuozhong , Chen Mingxing , Zhang Wei , Zheng Haoquan , Cao Rui
Published: June 2019

Hierarchical hollow nanocubes based on ultra‐thin CoFe‐layered double hydroxide (CoFe−LDH) nanosheets have been prepared. The obtained CoFe−LDH hollow nanocubes could effectively catalyze water oxidation at a low overpotential of 270 mV @ 10 mA cm−2, low Tafel slope of 58.3 mV dec−1 and show a long‐term stability in alkali.
Immunophenotypic Characterization and Purification of Neoplastic Cells from Lymph Nodes Involved by T‐Cell/Histiocyte‐rich Large B‐cell Lymphoma by Flow Cytometry and Flow Cytometric Cell Sorting
Authors: Glynn Emily , Fromm Jonathan R.
Published: June 2019

Background

T‐cell/histiocyte rich large B‐cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) is B‐cell lymphoma in which rare neoplastic cells are embedded in a reactive infiltrate. We describe the first characterization of the neoplastic cells by flow cytometry (FC).

Methods

Using FC, we immunophenotyped the neoplastic cells of 11 cases of THRLBCL and 11 cases of DLBCL, NOS (controls). Neoplastic THRLBCL cells were also purified by flow cytometric cell sorting (FCCS).

Results

A neoplastic THRLBCL population was detected by FC in 9 of 11 cases (82%). Neoplastic THRLBCL cells demonstrated an aberrant germinal center B‐cell immunophenotype (bright CD20, bright CD40; positive for Bcl‐6 and CD75; weakly positive for CD32; negative for IgH). With regard to adhesion molecules, CD54 was overexpressed, CD58 expression varied between cases, and CD50 expression was intermediate. Evaluation of immunomodulatory receptors demonstrated that PD‐L2 was weakly expressed and PD‐L1 was variably expressed. Finally, FCCS of two cases showed large multi‐lobated cells with morphology consistent with neoplastic cells of THRLBCL.

Conclusions

The immunophenotype identified and the morphology of the FCCS purified cells confirms the FC defined populations are neoplastic cells from THRLBCL. While the cohort is small, neoplastic THRLBCL cells lack surface immunoglobulins. CD40, CD50, and CD54 were overexpressed in THRLBCL relative to DLBCL, NOS, perhaps contributing to the predominance of T cells in THRLBCL. Expression of CD32, PD‐L1, and PD‐L2 may be useful in distinguishing THRLBCL and NLPHL. Finally, the FC assays will be useful for purifying neoplastic cells of THRLBCL and for diagnostic immunophenotyping of THRLBCL. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Advancing genetic and genomic technologies deepen the pool for discovery in Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Kakebeen Anneke , Wills Andrea
Published: June 2019

Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis have long been used to drive discovery in developmental, cell, and molecular biology. These dual frog species boast experimental strengths for embryology including large egg sizes that develop externally, well‐defined fate maps, and cell‐intrinsic sources of nutrients that allow explanted tissues to grow in culture. Development of the Xenopus cell extract system has been used to study cell cycle and DNA replication. Xenopus tadpole tail and limb regeneration have provided fundamental insights into the underlying mechanisms of this processes, and the loss of regenerative competency in adults adds a complexity to the system that can be more directly compared to humans. Moreover, Xenopus genetics and especially disease‐causing mutations are highly conserved with humans, making them a tractable system to model human disease. In the last several years, genome editing, expanding genomic resources, and intersectional approaches leveraging the distinct characteristics of each species have generated new frontiers in cell biology. While Xenopus have enduringly represented a leading embryological model, new technologies are generating exciting diversity in the range of discoveries being made in areas from genomics and proteomics to regenerative biology, neurobiology, cell scaling, and human disease modeling.
On piecewise models and species–area patterns
Authors: Gao De , Cao Zhen , Xu Peng , Perry Gad
Published: July 2019

Aim

Area thresholds, at which the form of the species–area relationship (SAR) changes abruptly, have played an important role in the theoretical framework of conservation biogeography and biodiversity research. The application of piecewise regressions has been advocated as a rigorous statistical technique to identify such thresholds within SARs, but a large variety of piecewise models remains untested. We explore the prevalence and number of thresholds in SARs and examine whether the currently widely used method for detecting the small island effect (SIE) is robust.

Location

Global.

Taxon

We consider all multicellular taxa based on the criteria of datasets selection.

Methods

We apply 15 regression models, including linear regression and piecewise regressions with two and three segments to 68 global island datasets that are sourced from the literature.

Results

The number of area thresholds in SARs varied among groups and correlated positively with area range of a studied system. Under the AIC or AICc criterion, three‐segment piecewise models were more prevalent, whereas under the BIC criterion, two‐segment piecewise models were more prevalent. From the results of Aegean Sea isopods, West Indies herpetofauna, and Australian Islands mammals, we found evidence that the traditional criteria for detection of SIEs are not robust.

Main conclusions

Our study demonstrates that (a) to detect an SIE, the comparison should use as many models as possible, including not only variants with and without a left‐horizontal part, but also those with two and more segments; (b) naive use of the traditional two‐segment piecewise regressions may cause poor estimations of both slope and breakpoint values; (c) the number of thresholds increases with the area range of a studied system; (d) conservation biologists and applied ecologists should determine the number of area thresholds when estimating the precise species–area patterns and making management strategies in fragmented landscapes.
Scroll bars are inner bank levees along meandering river bends
Authors: Mason Jasmine , Mohrig David
Published: June 2019

Scroll bars across a 65‐km stretch of the Trinity River in Texas, USA were studied using LiDAR data as well as with a series of 11 trenches spread out across the survey area. We conclude that scroll bars are levees that are deposited along the inner banks of these meandering river bends. Scroll bar crests were found to have similar elevations to those of outer bank levee crests, implying that they are constructional features that create positive topographic relief above the elevation of the floodplain. Trenches reveal that scroll bars are built from reworked suspended sediment, with common ripple‐scale cross stratification, planar laminations and muddy bioturbated layers – characteristics often associated with levee sedimentation in other systems. LiDAR observation of the erosion of scroll bars by bed material transport during flood implies that scroll bar spacing is an imperfect proxy for estimating overall channel migration rates. In addition, interspersed lenses of coarser sediment with dune‐scale cross stratification represent the stratigraphic record of these erosional events and suggest that erosion of the channel‐ward edge of the scroll bar is not uncommon. Preservation of scroll bars is unlikely, given that they are responsible for an average of only the uppermost 12% of the total inner bank relief. We suggest that misidentification of point bar lateral accretion surfaces as scroll bars is common and can lead to issues with reconstructing channel properties due to systematic differences between point bar and scroll bar planform geometries. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The more you get, the more you give: Positive cascading effects shape the evolutionary potential of prenatal maternal investment
Authors: Pick Joel L. , Postma Erik , Tschirren Barbara
Published: July 2019

Maternal effects are prevalent in nature and significantly contribute to variation in phenotypic trait expression. However, little attention has been paid to the factors shaping variation in the traits mediating these effects (maternal effectors). Specific maternal effectors are often not identified, and typically they are assumed to be inherited in an additive genetic and autosomal manner. Given that these effectors can cause long-lasting effects on offspring phenotype, it is likely that they may also affect themselves in the next generation. Although the existence of such cascading maternal effects has been discussed and modeled, empirical examples of such effects are rare, let alone quantitative estimates of their strength and evolutionary consequences. Here, we demonstrate that the investment a mother makes in her eggs positively affects the egg investment of her daughters. Through reciprocally crossing artificially selected lines for divergent prenatal maternal investment in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), we demonstrate that the size of eggs daughters lay resembles the egg size of their maternal line significantly more than that of their paternal line, highlighting that egg size is in part maternally inherited. Correspondingly, we find that variation in the daughters' egg size is in part determined by maternal identity, in addition to substantial additive genetic effects. Furthermore, this maternal variance in offspring egg size is fully explained by maternal egg size, demonstrating the presence of a positive cascading effect of maternal egg size on offspring egg size. Finally, we use an evolutionary model to quantify the consequences of covariance between cascading maternal and additive genetic effects for both maternal effector and offspring body mass evolution. Our study demonstrates that by amplifying the amount of variation available for selection to act on, positive cascading maternal effects can significantly enhance the evolutionary potential of maternal effectors and the offspring traits that they affect.
Socio‐economic inequality in health service utilisation: Does accounting for seasonality in health‐seeking behaviour matter?
Authors: Ataguba John E.
Published: July 2019

Seasonal variation exists in disease incidence. The variation could occur across the different regions in a country. This paper argues that using national household data that are not adjusted for seasonal and regional variations in disease incidence may not be directly suitable for assessing socio‐economic inequality in annual outpatient service utilisation, including for cross‐country comparison. In fact, annual health service utilisation may be understated or overstated depending on the period of data collection. This may lead to miss‐estimation of socio‐economic inequality in health service utilisation depending, among other things, on how health service utilisation, across geographical areas, varies by socio‐economic status. Using a nationally representative dataset from South Africa, the paper applies a seasonality index that is constructed from the District Health Information System, an administrative dataset, to annualise public outpatient health service visits. Using the concentration index, socio‐economic inequality in health service visits, after accounting for seasonal variations, was compared with that when seasonal variations are ignored. It was found that, in some cases, socio‐economic inequality in outpatient health service visits depends on the socio‐economic distribution of the seasonality index. This may justify the need to account for seasonal and geographical variations.
A biomaterials approach to Schwann cell development in neural tissue engineering
Authors: Lotfi Leila , Khakbiz Mehrdad , Moosazadeh Moghaddam Mehrdad , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: June 2019

Schwann cells, in addition to forming myelin sheaths, have pivotal roles in regeneration of injured axons in the peripheral nervous system such as producing a natural permissive conduit between distal and proximal stumps and secreting nerve growth factors. Due to the atrophy and senescence of Schwann cells in long nerve gap, and the need to ensure the presence of nerve growth factors and basal lamina tubes for axon regeneration in a critical time, injection of Schwann cells with the aid of an engineered conduit seems to be an effective approach to induce axon regrowth. Stem cells with high differentiation and proliferation capability can provide an adequate number of Schwann cells in healthy state for regeneration purposes. Guidance of stem cells differentiation into desired lineages, control of implanted Schwann cells fate, maintenance of nerve growth factors expression, and guidance of axon regrowth are possible with the aid of biomaterials with appropriate chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Biomaterials' surface chemistry and biomolecules interacting with cells' receptors initiate specific intracellular signaling cascades and direct cells fate. In addition, biomaterials' surface topography in association with cells contact area, focal adhesion, and cytoskeletal remodeling by mechanotransduction process influences cells behavior and induces specific differentiation. The main objective of this review is to investigate the chemical, topographical, and mechanical properties of biomaterials which influence the fate of Schwann cells and the nerve regeneration process.
Comparative study of density functionals for the description of lithium‐graphite intercalation compounds
Authors: Lenchuk Olena , Adelhelm Philipp , Mollenhauer Doreen
Published: June 2019

The lack of description of van der Waals interactions in layered materials such as graphite and binary graphite intercalation compounds remains a main drawback of conventional density functional theory. Two fundamentally different approaches to overcome this issue are the employment of semiempirical dispersion correction scheme such as Grimme dispersion correction or nonlocal density functionals. We carefully compare these two approaches for the description of the geometric structure and the thermodynamic stability of pure graphite and Li‐GICs at different lithium concentrations and stages. Based on the computed formation energies, we also evaluate the lithium‐graphite intercalation potential. We find that PBE‐D3(BJ) accurately reproduces the lattice parameters and the interlayer binding energy of graphite, although it underestimates the thermodynamic stability of stage‐II Li‐GICs mainly due to overbinding of carbon atoms in pure graphite. The nonlocal van der Waals functionals optB88‐vdW, optB86b‐vdW, and revPBE‐vdW show a good agreement with experiments concerning stability of Li‐GICs of different stages, although they overestimate the van der Waals interactions in graphite. The experimentally determined decreasing step‐function behavior of Li‐graphite intercalation potential can be qualitatively reproduced only by employing the revPBE van der Waals functional, whereas the other density functionals fail in the description. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychological trajectories of mothers and fathers following their child's diagnosis of a life‐threatening illness or injury: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Darling Simone J. , Hearps Stephen J.C. , Muscara Frank , McCarthy Maria , Nicholson Jan M. , Burke Kylie , Dimovski Anica , Anderson Vicki
Published: June 2019

Objective

Explore the mental health trajectories of parents following their child's life‐threatening illness/injury.

Methods

Participants were 217 parents (mean age: 34.9–40.0; 66 fathers) of 165 children who presented to a tertiary hospital with a life‐threatening illness/injury. Parents completed questionnaires about their mental health and psychosocial stressors within 4 weeks of the child's illness/injury (T1), and 4 months (T2), 7 months (T3), and 19 months (T4) postdiagnosis.

Results

For both mothers and fathers, mental health symptoms were elevated at diagnosis declining to normal levels by T3, with a pattern of increase at T4. Fathers demonstrated a faster decline in symptoms between T1 and T2, and fathers, but not mothers, experienced a relapse in depressive symptoms at T4. Fathers reported higher rates of work changes.

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for the design and timing of parental interventions to support families of children with life‐threatening disease/injury.
Laminin‐derived peptide C16 regulates Tks expression and reactive oxygen species generation in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Caires‐dos‐Santos Livia , da Silva Suély V. , Smuczek Basilio , de Siqueira Adriane S. , Cruz Karen S. P. , Barbuto José Alexandre M. , Augusto Taize M. , Freitas Vanessa M. , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Jaeger Ruy G.
Published: June 2019

Laminin peptides influence cancer biology. We investigated the role of a laminin‐derived peptide C16 regulating invadopodia molecules in human prostate cancer cells (DU145). C16 augmented invadopodia activity of DU145 cells, and stimulated expression Tks4, Tks5, cortactin, and membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinase 1. Reactive oxygen species generation is also related to invadopodia formation. This prompted us to address whether C16 would induce reactive oxygen species generation in DU145 cells. Quantitative fluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the peptide C16 increased reactive oxygen species in DU145 cells. Furthermore, significant colocalization between Tks5 and reactive oxygen species was observed in C16‐treated cells. Results suggested that the peptide C16 increased Tks5 and reactive oxygen species in prostate cancer cells. The role of C16 increasing Tks and reactive oxygen species are novel findings on invadopodia activity.
Apelin/APJ system: A novel promising target for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Luo Huaiqing , Han Li , Xu Jin
Published: June 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), are incurable diseases characterized by progressive loss of cognitive or motor function, which construct a serious threat to the life quality of aging populations and their life spans. Apelin is an endogenous ligand for the G protein‐coupled receptor. Apelin is reported to be detected not only in the cardiovascular system but also in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, alterations in the expression level of apelin appear to play a pivotal role in various physiological processes including loss of structure or function of neurons, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, Ca2+ signaling, apoptosis, and autophagy. All of these processes are intimately related to the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, apelin is reported to improve cognitive impairment in PD by antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Hence, it is becoming increasingly appreciated that altering the level of apelin can change the course or dictate the outcome of neurodegenerative events such as AD, PD, and HD, suggesting that apelin could be a potential target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases possibly acting on a variety of signaling pathways such as suppression of inflammatory responses, inhibition of oxidative stress, reduction of Ca2+ signaling, induction of autophagy, and suppression of apoptosis.
Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and seed germination effects of green‐emitting graphene oxide‐carbon dot composite using brown macroalgal bio‐oil as precursor
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Sivashunmugam , Vishnukumar Perumalsamy , Hariram Muruganandham , Vivekanandhan Singaravelu , Camus Carolina , Buschmann Alejandro H , Navia Rodrigo
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Bio‐oils can be effectively used for the preparation of bio‐based materials owing to their chemical compositions. In this study, brown macroalgal‐derived bio‐oil was used for the synthesis of graphene oxide‐carbon dot composite by a simple hydrothermal process.

RESULTS

A simple and facile hydrothermal process was explored for the preparation of green‐emitting graphene oxide‐carbon dot (GO‐CD) composite from brown macroalgal biomass‐derived bio‐oil as carbon source in water medium at 170 °C for 4 h. An aqueous solution of the prepared GO‐CD composite exhibited green emission under ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the successful formation of GO‐CD composite. Physicochemical characterizations such as phase structure and optical properties of the GO‐CD were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible and photoluminescence analyses. The effects of the GO‐CD composite on the seed germination of mung bean were studied. It was found that, compared with the control (100/0 vol% water; total length of plant ∼20 cm), the 75/25 vol% water/GO‐CD ratio treatment resulted in better plant growth (total length of plant ∼25 cm) under the studied conditions. Further increase in GO‐CD concentration above the optimum level resulted in a decrease in plant growth but did not have a significant effect on the mass, root and leaf mass development.

CONCLUSION

Brown macroalgal bio‐oil‐derived graphene oxide‐carbon dot composite were explored for the seed germination of mung bean and the results showed that a low concentration enhanced the plant growth. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A recommended and verified procedure for in situ tryptic digestion of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues for analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Judd Audra M. , Gutierrez Danielle B. , Moore Jessica L. , Patterson Nathan Heath , Yang Junhai , Romer Carrie E. , Norris Jeremy L. , Caprioli Richard M.
Published: June 2019

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a molecular imaging technology uniquely capable of untargeted measurement of proteins, lipids, and metabolites while retaining spatial information about their location in situ. This powerful combination of capabilities has the potential to bring a wealth of knowledge to the field of molecular histology. Translation of this innovative research tool into clinical laboratories requires the development of reliable sample preparation protocols for the analysis of proteins from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues, the standard preservation process in clinical pathology. Although ideal for stained tissue analysis by microscopy, the FFPE process cross‐links, disrupts, or can remove proteins from the tissue, making analysis of the protein content challenging. To date, reported approaches differ widely in process and efficacy. This tutorial presents a strategy derived from systematic testing and optimization of key parameters, for reproducible in situ tryptic digestion of proteins in FFPE tissue and subsequent MALDI IMS analysis. The approach describes a generalized method for FFPE tissues originating from virtually any source.
Association of HLA‐DQB1*03:01 and DRB1*11:01 with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in Chinese Li ethnicity, an ethnic group genetically distinct from Chinese Han ethnicity and infected with unique HCV subtype
Authors: Huang Jieting , Xu Ru , Wang Min , Liao Qiao , Huang Ke , Shan Zhengang , You Qingzhu , Li Chengyao , Rong Xia , Fu Yongshui
Published: June 2019

Specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and class II alleles have been associated with spontaneous clearance or persistent infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV), which seemed to be restricted by the host's ethnicity and viral genotype. Recently we reported a high prevalence and spontaneous clearance rate of HCV in a cohort of Chinese Li ethnicity who were infected with new variants of HCV genotype 6. In this study, we found that the distribution of HLA class I and class II alleles in HCV infected individuals of Chinese Li ethnicity (n = 143) was distinct from that of Chinese Han ethnicity which was reported in our previous study. HLA‐DRB1*11:01 and DQB1*03:01 were more prevalent in Chinese Li subjects who cleared HCV spontaneously than those who were chronically infected (P = .036 and P = .024, respectively), which were consistent with our previous report regarding the Chinese Han population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that DQB1*03:01 (odds ratio = 3.899, P = .017), but not DRB1*11:01, associated with HCV spontaneous clearance, independent of age, sex, and IFNL3 genotype. Because DQB1*03:01 and DRB1*11:01 were tightly linked because of linkage disequilibrium, our results clearly supported the associations of these two alleles with HCV spontaneous clearance in Chinese Li as well as Han ethnicity.
Natural history of liver‐related disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: An analysis using a Markov chain model
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Miyake Nozomi , Kumada Takashi , Kurisu Akemi , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko
Published: June 2019

Background

Long‐term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) remains incompletely characterized. We investigated the long‐term prognosis of liver disease in patients with chronic HCV infection who have not received antiviral therapy.

Methods

A total of 2304 patients with chronic HCV who were not received interferon‐based therapy were included.

Results

In the assessment of 1‐year disease state of liver transition probabilities, progression to chronic hepatitis occurred in 12% to 14% of patients across all age groups in male asymptomatic carriers. In male patients with chronic hepatitis, progression to cirrhosis was observed mostly in the 60 to 69 (7.6%) and ≥70 age groups (9.6%). In addition, in male patients with cirrhosis, HCC development occurred in approximately 5% of patients over the age of 40. In female asymptomatic carriers, progression to chronic hepatitis was observed in 6% to 14% of patients across all age groups. In female patients with chronic hepatitis, progression to cirrhosis was observed mostly in the 60 to 69 (8.7%) and ≥70 (7.4%) age groups. In addition, in female patients with cirrhosis, HCC development occurred in 0.9% to 3.3% of patients over the age of 50. Under assumptions of either chronic hepatitis or asymptomatic carrier state at age 40 as the starting condition for simulation over the following 40 years, the probability of HCC gradually increased with age and was higher in male patients.

Conclusions

There is a risk of cirrhosis or HCC development in HCV patients with not only chronic hepatitis but the asymptomatic carrier state as well.
The effects of trauma on brain and body: A unifying role for the midbrain periaqueductal gray
Authors: Terpou Braeden A. , Harricharan Sherain , McKinnon Margaret C. , Frewen Paul , Jetly Rakesh , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: June 2019

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis that may follow the experience of trauma, has multiple symptomatic phenotypes. Generally, individuals with PTSD display symptoms of hyperarousal and of hyperemotionality in the presence of fearful stimuli. A subset of individuals with PTSD; however, elicit dissociative symptomatology (i.e., depersonalization, derealization) in the wake of a perceived threat. This pattern of response characterizes the dissociative subtype of the disorder, which is often associated with emotional numbing and hypoarousal. Both symptomatic phenotypes exhibit attentional threat biases, where threat stimuli are processed preferentially leading to a hypervigilant state that is thought to promote defensive behaviors during threat processing. Accordingly, PTSD and its dissociative subtype are thought to differ in their proclivity to elicit active (i.e., fight, flight) versus passive (i.e., tonic immobility, emotional shutdown) defensive responses, which are characterized by the increased and the decreased expression of the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. Moreover, active and passive defenses are accompanied by primarily endocannabinoid‐ and opioid‐mediated analgesics, respectively. Through critical review of the literature, we apply the defense cascade model to better understand the pathological presentation of defensive responses in PTSD with a focus on the functioning of lower‐level midbrain and extended brainstem systems.
Task load modulates tDCS effects on language performance
Authors: Rodrigues de Almeida Lílian , Pope Paul A. , Hansen Peter C.
Published: June 2019

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects in cognition are inconsistent across studies. This study aimed to discuss why typical models might be insufficient to explain these effects, and to investigate a brain state factor, task load, with behavioral experiments on phonological processing. The motor theory of speech perception states that motor codes for articulation take part in speech perception, a view sharpened by neuroimaging findings, which show that the motor role in phonological processing is weighted by the nature of the tasks. Three groups of 20 participants, each under a different tDCS condition (anodal, cathodal, or sham), performed a categorical perception (CP), a lexical decision (LD), and a word naming (WN) task while stimulated on the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus, a language area typically involved with the motor role. These tasks were assumed to be subserved by a network of nodes which included the target, believed to be increasingly relevant for performance from speech perception to speech production. A‐tDCS facilitation and C‐tDCS downregulation should directly increase with the relevance of the target for the task. Downregulation of a low relevance node could result in facilitation by compensation from other nodes. Overall, our brain stimulation findings support the neuroimaging literature in that motor participation in phonological processing depends on task nature and show that tDCS effects are modulated by task load relative to the target. Outcomes such as the improved performance following cathodal tDCS in CP and WN suggest that compensatory mechanisms may take place when the tasks involve more complex neuronal networks.
The spillover effects of coworker, supervisor, and outsider workplace incivility on work‐to‐family conflict: A weekly diary design
Authors: Zhou Zhiqing E. , Meier Laurenz L. , Spector Paul E.
Published: June 2019

This study used an experience sampling design to examine the spillover effects of experienced workplace incivility from organizational insiders (coworkers and supervisors, respectively) and organizational outsiders (patients and their visitors) on targets' work‐to‐family conflict and to test the mediating effect of burnout and the moderating effect of display rules. Data collected over five consecutive weeks from 84 full‐time nurses showed that within individuals, weekly experiences of coworker incivility and outsider incivility were positively related to weekly experience of work‐to‐family conflict, and burnout mediated these relationships while controlling for initial level of burnout before participants started a week's work. In addition, display rules, defined as the extent to which individuals perceive they are expected to display desired positive emotions and suppress negative emotions at work, moderated the relationship between outsider incivility and burnout; specifically, the positive relationship between weekly outsider incivility and burnout was stronger for individuals who perceived a higher level of display rules. Our findings contribute to the literature by demonstrating the mediating effect of burnout and the moderating effect of perceived display rules in the relationship between workplace incivility from multiple sources and work‐to‐family conflict from a resource perspective.
Disclosure of stigmatized identities at work: An interdisciplinary review and agenda for future research
Authors: Follmer Kayla B. , Sabat Isaac Emmanuel , Siuta Rose L.
Published: June 2019

This review focuses on the disclosure decisions faced by employees with concealable stigmatized identities—one of the most challenging decisions these individuals must make on a day‐to‐day basis. Indeed, multiple theoretical frameworks have provided a foundation for understanding the antecedents and outcomes associated with the decision to disclose or not to disclose a stigmatized identity. What is less clear, however, is the extent to which these frameworks have been empirically supported. This systematic review serves to unify the extant literature and prompt continued research related to employees with concealable stigmatized identities. Specifically, we draw upon multiple fields of study, including applied psychology, management, social psychology, and occupational health as a means to systematically synthesize the existing empirical research related to disclosure of stigmatized identities at work. In addition to advancing the scholarly knowledge of disclosure, this review also provides practical utility to organizations as they continue to create work environments that foster inclusion of all stigmatized and nonstigmatized employees.
Parametric Finite Element Analysis of Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Proximal Femur Fractures
Authors: Tucker Scott M. , Wee Hwabok , Fox Edward , Reid J. Spence , Lewis Gregory S.
Published: June 2019

Proximal femur fracture fixation with intramedullary nailing relies on stability at the fracture site and integrity of the fixation construct to achieve union. The biomechanics that dictate fracture site stability and implant stress depend on fracture type as well as implant features such as nail length, nail diameter, presence of distal fixation screws, and material composition of the implant. When deciding how to fix a fracture, surgeons have choices in these implant‐related design variables. This study models all combinations of a range of implant variables for nine standard AO/OTA proximal femur fractures using finite element analysis. Under simulated maximum load during gait, the maximum stress in the implant and screws as well as interfragmentary motions at the fracture site in the axial and shear directions were computed. The results were separated by fracture type to show the influence of each design variable on measured biomechanical outcomes. Filling the reamed canal with the largest fitting nail diameter reduced axial and shear interfragmentary motion for all fracture types. Nail length was less predictive of shear interfragmentary motion for most simulated fracture types than other construct variables. Furthermore, gapping at the fracture site predisposed the construct to higher implant stresses and larger interfragmentary motions. Clinical significance: Biomechanical outcomes from this computational study can aid in surgical decision‐making for optimizing hip fracture fixation with IM nailing. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2358–2366, 2019
Platelet‐Rich Plasma Released From Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels Exerts Beneficial Effects on Human Chondrocytes
Authors: Jain Era , Chinzei Nobuaki , Blanco Alexandra , Case Natasha , Sandell Linda J. , Sell Scott , Rai Muhammad Farooq , Zustiak Silviya P.
Published: June 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease resulting from chronic joint inflammation and erosion of articular cartilage. A promising biological treatment for OA is intra‐articular administration of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). However, immediate bolus release of growth factors limits beneficial therapeutic effects of PRP, thus necessitating the demand for sustained release platforms. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic value of PRP released from a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel on articular chondrocytes/cartilage explants derived from OA patients. Lyophilized PRP (PRGF) was encapsulated in PEG hydrogels at 10% w/v and hydrogel swelling, storage modulus and degradation and PRGF release kinetics were determined. PRGF releasate from the hydrogels was collected on day 1, 4, and 11. Encapsulation of PRGF at 10% w/v in PEG hydrogels had minimal effect on hydrogel properties. PRGF was released with an initial burst followed by sustained release until complete hydrogel degradation. Effect of PRGF releasates and bolus PRGF (1% w/v PRGF) on patient‐derived cartilage explants or chondrocytes was assessed by chondrocyte proliferation (pico‐green assay), gene expression for COL1A1, COL2A1, MMP13, COX2, and NFKB1 (real‐time polymerase chain reaction), and measurement of nitric oxide concentration (Griess’ assay). Compared to bolus PRGF, PRGF releasates enhanced chondrocyte proliferation, suppressed the expression of genes like MMP13, NFKB1, COL1A1, and COL2A1 and reduced levels of nitric oxide. Taken together, these results indicate that release of PRGF from PEG hydrogels may improve the therapeutic efficacy of PRP and merits further investigation in an animal model of OA. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2401–2410, 2019
Response surface methodology approach for the preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer for solid‐phase extraction of fenoxycarb pesticide in mussels
Authors: Atayat Amani , Mergola Lucia , Mzoughi Nadia , Del Sole Roberta
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to develop an efficient method for the selective extraction and analysis of fenoxycarb, a carbamate pesticide, in mussel samples using a molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction device. The optimization of molecularly imprinted polymer synthesis was performed using the experimental design under the response surface methodology approach. A fast rebinding study and Freundlich isotherm adsorption were carried out to calculate binding capacity B, site number n, and affinity constant Kf. The optimum molecularly imprinted polymer was successfully used as sorbent of a solid‐phase extraction cartridge for the determination of fenoxycarb in real mussel samples. The range of linearity was 0.3–30 mg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.991. The limit of detection was 0.247 mg/kg. The recovery of fenoxycarb extracted from mussel samples of Mediterranean sea was 97% (n = 3) with relative standard deviation between 6 and 7% proving the reliability of the developed method.
Relationship of vocal fold atrophy to swallowing safety and cough function in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yiu Yin , Curtis James A. , Perry Sarah E. , Troche Michelle S.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

When swallowing function is compromised in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), cough plays a crucial role in clearing the airway and preventing pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of vocal fold atrophy severity as measured by the bowing index (BI) on airway protection in PD.

Methods

Thirty participants with PD completed measures of voluntary and reflex cough. Flexible laryngoscopy with endoscopic evaluation of swallowing allowed for measurement of BI using ImageJ software. Swallowing safety was scored on the Penetration‐Aspiration Scale (PAS). Regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to test our study aim.

Results

Twenty‐four of 30 participants had some degree of vocal fold atrophy (BI >0). When controlling for age, disease duration did not significantly influence BI. BI was not predictive of any sensorimotor parameters of cough including measures of cough airflow, reflex cough threshold, or urge to cough. BI discriminated participants with near‐normal (PAS 1–3) swallowing safety from participants with impaired (PAS 4–8) swallowing safety (P= .01, sensitivity: 87.0%, specificity: 71.4%, cutoff value BI >4.6).

Conclusion

Vocal fold atrophy is a potential factor contributing to poor swallowing safety in PD. BI was not associated with cough function in this PD cohort, contrary to prior studies that have shown improved cough measures after vocal fold augmentation. Vocal fold atrophy in PD remains an important area of study as a targetable intervention for patients with airway protective dysfunction. Future studies should include measures of glottic closure during vocal fold adduction.

Level of Evidence

Level 3Laryngoscope, 130:303–308, 2020