bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biphasic axillary synovial sarcoma diagnosed by preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Díaz del Arco Cristina , Fernández Aceñero Mª Jesús
Published: May 2017

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a soft‐tissue sarcoma which usually occurs in lower extremities. Less than 20 cases of SS located in shoulder or axillary region have been reported, and these studies describe histopathological features. We report a case of axillary SS diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology, immunocytochemistry, and molecular techniques performed on cytology smears. A 48‐year‐old woman presented with a palpable and well‐defined axillary mass which measured 4 cm. On‐site smears showed high cellularity with spindle cells, and a mesenchymal tumor was suspected. Definitive cytological analysis showed cells with ovoid‐ or comma‐shaped nuclei arranged in loose sheets and fascicles, associated with naked nuclei and isolated cells. Mitotic count was 2 mitoses/HPF. Immunocytochemical studies showed vimentin and focal CK AE1‐AE3 positivity. A PCR was performed and the specific translocation t(X;18) was detected. The lesion was excised and the diagnosis of biphasic SS was confirmed. The identification of SS on cytology specimens is difficult and differential diagnosis is broad. Complementary studies are necessary and they can be performed on FNA smears or cell blocks.
The feasibility of salivary sample collection in an international pediatric cohort: The the TEDDY study
Authors: Roth Roswith , Baxter Judith , Vehik Kendra , Hopkins Diane , Killian Michael , Gesualdo Patricia , Melin Jessica , Simell Barbara , Strauss Elisabeth , Lernmark Åke , Johnson Suzanne Bennett ,   The TEDDY Study Group
Published: May 2017

Saliva offers a relatively noninvasive method for measuring analytes such as cortisol, holding particular promise for use in pediatric populations on a large scale if a rigorous collection protocol is feasible in diverse settings. The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study protocol, conducted in centers in the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Germany, used salivary collection to assess cortisol level as a physiologic marker of stress. Saliva was collected using Sorbettes from subjects at 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 years of age. Parents collected a morning sample, and staff collected pre‐ and post‐blood draw samples. Feasibility was assessed based on protocol completion, adherence with instructions, factors affecting adherence, and sufficiency of saliva sample for cortisol determination. Collection of saliva samples in a diverse pediatric population is feasible. Establishing non‐invasive and acceptable methods for collecting physiological parameters of stress will allow better exploration of determinants of health in this important population.
Physiological functioning moderates infants’ sensory sensitivity in higher conflict families
Authors: Mammen Micah A. , Busuito Alex , Moore Ginger A. , Quigley Kelsey M. , Doheny Kim Kopenhaver
Published: May 2017

Children exposed to parent conflict may be at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders by becoming sensitized to conflict cues in their environments. This study explored possible precursors to negative child outcomes associated with parent conflict by examining the relation between parent conflict and infants’ (N = 36; 23–42 weeks; 44% female) behavioral sensitivity to general sensory stimuli (e.g., loud noises, physical touch). To determine whether infants’ characteristic autonomic arousal and regulation moderated this association, infant baseline skin conductance (SC) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were measured. Parents reported levels of parent conflict, and mothers reported infants’ behavioral sensory sensitivity. The association between parent conflict and lower threshold for sensory sensitivity was strongest for infants with higher physiological arousal (higher SC) and lesser capacity for physiological regulation (lower RSA). Children may become more sensitive to environmental stimuli as a function of parent conflict during infancy, though this appears to depend on characteristic physiological arousal and regulation.
A role for primary cilia in aortic valve development and disease
Authors: Toomer Katelynn A , Fulmer Diana , Guo Lilong , Drohan Alex , Peterson Neal , Swanson Paige , Brooks Brittany , Mukherjee Rupak , Body Simon , Lipschutz Joshua H. , Wessels Andy , Norris Russell A.
Published: May 2017

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is the most common congenital heart defect, affecting 0.5–1.2% of the population and causing significant morbidity and mortality. Only a few genes have been identified in pedigrees, and no single gene model explains BAV inheritance, thus supporting a complex genetic network of interacting genes. However, patients with rare syndromic diseases that stem from alterations in the structure and function of primary cilia (“ciliopathies”) exhibit BAV as a frequent cardiovascular finding, suggesting primary cilia may factor broadly in disease etiology. Results: Our data are the first to demonstrate that primary cilia are expressed on aortic valve mesenchymal cells during embryonic development and are lost as these cells differentiate into collagen‐secreting fibroblastic‐like cells. The function of primary cilia was tested by genetically ablating the critical ciliogenic gene Ift88. Loss of Ift88 resulted in abrogation of primary cilia and increased fibrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Consequentially, stratification of ECM boundaries normally present in the aortic valve were lost and a highly penetrant BAV phenotype was evident at birth. Conclusions: Our data support cilia as a novel cellular mechanism for restraining ECM production during aortic valve development and broadly implicate these structures in the etiology of BAV disease in humans. Developmental Dynamics 246:625–634, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Of beta diversity, variance, evenness, and dissimilarity
Authors: Ricotta Carlo
Published: May 2017

The amount of variation in species composition among sampling units or beta diversity has become a primary tool for connecting the spatial structure of species assemblages to ecological processes. Many different measures of beta diversity have been developed. Among them, the total variance in the community composition matrix has been proposed as a single‐number estimate of beta diversity. In this study, I first show that this measure summarizes the compositional variation among sampling units after nonlinear transformation of species abundances. Therefore, it is not always adequate for estimating beta diversity. Next, I propose an alternative approach for calculating beta diversity in which variance is substituted by a weighted measure of concentration (i.e., an inverse measure of evenness). The relationship between this new measure of beta diversity and so‐called multiple‐site dissimilarity measures is also discussed.
Bacterial phytopathogen infection disrupts belowground plant indirect defense mediated by tritrophic cascade
Authors: Rivera Monique J. , Pelz‐Stelinski Kirsten S. , Martini Xavier , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: May 2017

Plants can defend themselves against herbivores through activation of defensive pathways and attraction of third‐trophic‐level predators and parasites. Trophic cascades that mediate interactions in the phytobiome are part of a larger dynamic including the pathogens of the plant itself, which are known to greatly influence plant defenses. As such, we investigated the impact of a phloem‐limited bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), in cultivated citrus rootstock on a well‐studied belowground tritrophic interaction involving the attraction of an entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema diaprepesi, to their root‐feeding insect hosts, Diaprepes abbreviatus larvae. Using belowground olfactometers, we show how CLas infection interferes with this belowground interaction by similarly inducing the release of a C12 terpene, pregeijerene, and disconnecting the association of the terpene with insect presence. D. abbreviatus larvae that were not feeding but in the presence of a CLas‐infected plant were more likely to be infected by EPN than those near uninfected plants. Furthermore, nonfeeding larvae associated with CLas‐infected plants were just as likely to be infected by EPN as those near noninfected plants with D. abbreviatus larval damage. Larvae of two weevil species, D. abbreviatus and Pachnaeus litus, were also more attracted to plants with infection than to uninfected plants. D. abbreviatus larvae were most active when exposed to pregeijerene at a concentration of 0.1 μg/μl. We attribute this attraction to CLas‐infected plants to the same signal previously thought to be a herbivore‐induced plant volatile specifically induced by root‐feeding insects, pregeijerene, by assessing volatiles collected from the roots of infected plants and uninfected plants with and without feeding D. abbreviatus. Synthesis. Phytopathogens can influence the structuring of soil communities extending to the third trophic level. Field populations of EPN may be less effective at host‐finding using pregeijerene as a cue in citrus grove agroecosystems with high presence of CLas infection.
Past, current, and future trends of red spiny lobster based on PCA with MaxEnt model in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Authors: Moya Wladimir , Jacome Gabriel , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: May 2017

In order to enhance in terms of accuracy and predict the modeling of the potential distribution of species, the integration of using principal components of environmental variables as input of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) has been proposed in this study. Principal components selected previously from the principal component analysis results performed in ArcGIS in the environmental variables was used as an input data of MaxEnt instead of raw data to model the potential distribution of red spiny lobster from the year 1997 to 2015 and for three different future scenarios 2020, 2050, and 2070. One set of six original environmental variables pertaining to the years 1997–2015 and one set of four variables for future scenarios were transformed independently into a single multiband raster in ArcGIS in order to select the variables whose eigenvalues explains more than 5% of the total variance with the purpose to use in the modeling prediction in MaxEnt. The years 1997 and 1998 were chosen to compare the accuracy of the model, showing better results using principal components instead of raw data in terms of area under the curve and partial receiver operating characteristic as well as better predictions of suitable areas. Using principal components as input of MaxEnt enhances the prediction of good habitat suitability for red spiny lobster; however, future scenarios suggest an adequate management by researches to elaborate appropriate guidelines for the conservation of the habitat for this valuable specie with face to the climate change.
Tropical insect diversity: evidence of greater host specialization in seed‐feeding weevils
Authors: Peguero Guille , Bonal Raúl , Sol Daniel , Muñoz Alberto , Sork Victoria L. , Espelta Josep M.
Published: May 2017

Host specialization has long been hypothesized to explain the extraordinary diversity of phytophagous insects in the tropics. However, addressing this hypothesis has proved challenging because of the risk of over‐looking rare interactions, and hence biasing specialization estimations, and the difficulties to separate the diversity component attributable to insect specialization from that related to host diversity. As a result, the host specialization hypothesis lacks empirical support for important phytophagous insect clades. Here, we test the hypothesis in a radiation of seed‐feeding insects, acorn weevils (Curculio spp.), sampled in temperate and tropical regions (California and Nicaragua, respectively) with an equivalent pool of oak host species. Using DNA sequences from three low‐copy genes, we delimited to species level 778 weevil larvae extracted from host seeds and assessed their phylogenetic relationships by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference. We then reconstructed the oak‐weevil food webs and examined differences in alpha, beta and gamma diversity using Hill numbers of effective species. We found a higher alpha, beta and gamma diversity of weevils in Nicaragua compared to California despite similar richness of host species at both local and regional level. By means of Bayesian mixed models, we also found that tropical weevil species were highly specialized both in terms of host range and interaction strength, whereas their temperate congeners had a broader taxonomic and phylogenetic host spectrum. Finally, in Nicaraguan species, larval body size was highly correlated with the size of the acorns infested, as would be expected by a greater host specialization, whereas in California this relationship was absent. Altogether, these lines of evidence support the host specialization hypothesis and suggest contrasting eco‐evolutionary dynamics in tropical and temperate regions even in absence of differences in host diversity.
Local density regulates migratory songbird reproductive success through effects on double‐brooding and nest predation
Authors: Woodworth Bradley K. , Wheelwright Nathaniel T. , Newman Amy E. M. , Norris D. Ryan
Published: May 2017

Knowledge of the density‐dependent processes that regulate animal populations is key to understanding, predicting, and conserving populations. In migratory birds, density‐dependence is most often studied during the breeding season, yet we still lack a robust understanding of the reproductive traits through which density influences individual reproductive success. We used 27‐yr of detailed, individual‐level productivity data from an island‐breeding population of Savannah sparrows Passerculus sandwichensis to evaluate effects of local and total annual population density on female reproductive success. Local density (number of neighbors within 50 m of a female's nest) had stronger effects on the number of young fledged than did total annual population density. Females nesting in areas of high local density were more likely to suffer nest predation and less likely to initiate and fledge a second clutch, which led to fewer young fledged in a season. Fledging fewer young subsequently decreased the likelihood of a female recruiting offspring into the breeding population in a subsequent year. Collectively, these results provide insight into the scale and reproductive mechanisms mediating density‐dependent reproductive success and fitness in songbirds.
Targeting JAK/STAT signalling in inflammatory skin diseases with small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Welsch Katharina , Holstein Julia , Laurence Arian , Ghoreschi Kamran
Published: May 2017

For most inflammatory skin diseases topical glucocorticosteroids and traditional oral immunosuppressive drugs remain the principle treatment choices, but this has started to change. A deeper understanding in individual disease pathogenesis, basic immune mechanisms and molecular signalling pathways, together with advances in pharmaceutical drug development, allow us to interfere more precisely with disease‐related factors. Some examples of inflammation‐controlling interventions include antibodies neutralizing disease‐associated cytokines, and small molecules targeting intracellular pathways relevant to cytokine production or cytokine signalling. So far, this is best established for psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease dominated by Th17 cytokines. In this review, we focus on chronic inflammatory skin diseases where cytokines using type I/II cytokine receptors play a dominant role in disease pathogenesis and where novel treatments with inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway are already under clinical investigation. To better understand the rationale of using JAK/STAT inhibitors in the discussed skin diseases, we give an overview of important genetic and immunological associations with the JAK/STAT pathway and summarize the stage of clinical development of small molecular inhibitors. JAK/STAT inhibitors will presumably find wide application in dermatology, since they can be applied not only systematically but also topically for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
Spontaneous CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses directed against cancer testis antigens are present in the peripheral blood of testicular cancer patients
Authors: Pearce Hayden , Hutton Paul , Chaudhri Shalini , Porfiri Emilio , Patel Prashant , Viney Richard , Moss Paul
Published: May 2017

Cancer/testis antigen (CTAg) expression is restricted to spermatogenic cells in an immune‐privileged site within the testis. However, these proteins are expressed aberrantly by malignant cells and T‐cell responses against CTAgs develop in many cancer patients. We investigated the prevalence, magnitude and phenotype of CTAg‐specific T cells in the blood of patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). CD8+ and CD4+ T‐cell responses against MAGE‐A family antigens were present in 44% (20/45) of patients’ samples assayed by ex vivo IFN‐γ ELISPOT. The presence of MAGE‐specific CD8+ T cells was further determined following short‐term in vitro expansion through the use of pMHC‐I multimers containing known immunogenic peptides. Longitudinal analysis revealed that the frequency of MAGE‐specific T cells decreased by 89% following orchidectomy suggesting that persistence of tumor antigen is required to sustain CTAg‐specific T‐cell immunity. Notably, this decrease correlated with a decline in the global effector/memory T‐cell pool following treatment. Spontaneous T‐cell immunity against CTAg proteins therefore develops in many patients with testicular cancer and may play an important role in the excellent clinical outcome of patients with this tumor subtype.
Factors controlling soil erosion and runoff and their impacts in the upper Wissey catchment, Norfolk, England: A ten year monitoring programme
Authors: Evans Robert
Published: May 2017

Monitoring of runoff and erosion in farmers' fields and their impacts gives a better understanding of erosion. However, it is rare that monitoring at frequent intervals is done over a prolonged period. A part of the upper Wissey catchment in central Norfolk, eastern England was monitored for 10 years to assess the extent and frequency of erosion and runoff, their causes and impacts. Surface wash occurred more widely and more frequently than expected. Runoff and erosion took place a number of times in a year in a range of autumn‐ and spring‐sown crops, and occurred dominantly down tractor wheelings or ruts left after harvesting potatoes or sugar beet under wet conditions. Over 10 years erosion affected about half the 105 fields monitored, often more than once. Erosion was more extensive in autumn‐sown cereal fields, but often more severe and with greater off‐field effects, for example muddy flooding of roads from spring‐sown late harvested crops such as potatoes and sugar beet. Runoff from outdoor pig fields also flooded roads and houses. This study confirms other studies of the extent, frequency and severity of erosion in Britain, that rill erosion does not occur in every field in the landscape, that in the main, fields do not erode frequently and rates of erosion are generally small. Runoff and erosion within a field took place more frequently than had been suspected. Compaction and destruction of topsoil structure by machinery especially at harvest, or by outdoor pigs, is important in initiating runoff. Rates of erosion were generally very low and will not affect soil productivity adversely over the short‐term. However, flooding of roads and property, and especially pollution of water courses by sediment, nutrients and pesticides are important off‐field impacts and are the primary reason, over the short‐term, for mitigating runoff and erosion. Monitoring such as this sheds light on the problems of modelling to predict risk of erosion based on erosion rates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of using aluminum hypophosphite as a flame retardant for low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Tian Shenghui , He Hui , Wang Dekang , Yu Peng , Jia Yunchao , Luo Yuanfang
Published: May 2017

Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) was first used to improve the flame retardance of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The flame‐retardant properties of LDPE composites were investigated by the limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL‐94), microscale combustion calorimetry, and cone calorimeter tests. The results showed that the incorporation of AHP could improve the flame retardancy of LDPE dramatically, the limiting oxygen index of LDPE containing 50 phr AHP reached 27.5%, and the UL‐94 could pass V‐0 rating. The cone calorimeter test results indicated that PP/AHP composite exhibited superior performance, and the heat release rate and the total heat release of composites were significantly reduced. In addition, the strength of the char was improved with the load of AHP increased. The structure of the char was researched by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometer, and the results revealed that AHP promoted the formation of compact char layer. The TG‐FTIR analyses proved that AHP could react with LDPE to reduce the production of olefin in gas phase. Moreover, the structure of P–O–C was found, and the effective mechanism of AHP in LDPE composites was also hypothesized in this work.
Research Methodology in Global Strategy Research
Authors: Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Mudambi Ram , Pedersen Torben , Piscitello Lucia
Published: May 2017

Research summary

We review advances in research methodology used in global strategy research and provide suggestions on how researchers can improve their analyses and arguments. Methodological advances in the extraction of information, such as computer‐aided text analysis, and in the analysis of datasets, such as differences‐in‐differences and propensity score matching, have helped deal with challenges (e.g., endogeneity and causality) that bedeviled earlier studies and resulted in conflicting findings. These methodological advances need to be considered as tools that complement theoretical arguments and well‐explained logics and mechanisms so that researchers can provide better and more relevant recommendations to managers designing the global strategies of their organizations.

Managerial summary

We review advances in research methodology used in global strategy research and provide suggestions for improving researchers’ analyses and arguments. Methodological advances in the extraction of information and in the analysis of datasets have helped researchers deal with challenges that bedeviled earlier studies and resulted in conflicting findings. These advances have provided researchers with the ability to obtain valid, unbiased results with clear and relevant managerial implications. Such methodological advances need to be considered as tools that complement theoretical arguments and well‐explained logics and mechanisms so that researchers can provide better and more relevant recommendations to managers designing the global strategies of their organizations. Copyright © 2017 Strategic Management Society.
Robust rankings of socioeconomic health inequality using a categorical variable
Authors: Makdissi Paul , Yazbeck Myra
Published: May 2017

When assessing socioeconomic health inequalities, researchers often draw upon measures of income inequality that were developed for ratio scale variables. As a result, the use of categorical data (such as self‐reported health status) produces rankings that may be arbitrary and contingent to the numerical scale adopted. In this paper, we develop a method that overcomes this issue by providing conditions for which these rankings are invariant to the numerical scale chosen by the researcher. In doing so, we draw on the insight provided by Allison and Foster (2004) and extend their method to the dimension of socioeconomic inequality by exploiting the properties of rank‐dependent indices such as Wagstaff (2002) achievement and extended concentration indices. We also provide an empirical illustration using the National Institute of Health Survey 2012.
GSK3 activity regulates rhythms in hippocampal clock gene expression and synaptic plasticity
Authors: Besing Rachel C. , Rogers Courtney O. , Paul Jodi R. , Hablitz Lauren M. , Johnson Russell L. , McMahon Lori L. , Gamble Karen L.
Published: May 2017

Hippocampal rhythms in clock gene expression, enzymatic activity, and long‐term potentiation (LTP) are thought to underlie day–night differences in memory acquisition and recall. Glycogen synthase kinase 3‐beta (GSK3β) is a known regulator of hippocampal function, and inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β exhibits region‐specific differences over the light‐dark cycle. Here, we sought to determine whether phosphorylation of both GSK3α and GSK3β isoforms has an endogenous circadian rhythm in specific areas of the hippocampus and whether chronic inhibition or activation alters the molecular clock and hippocampal plasticity (LTP). Results indicated a significant endogenous circadian rhythm in phosphorylation of GSK3β, but not GSK3α, in hippocampal CA1 extracts from mice housed in constant darkness for at least 2 weeks. To examine the importance of this rhythm, genetic and pharmacological strategies were used to disrupt the GSK3 activity rhythm by chronically activating or inhibiting GSK3. Chronic activation of both GSK3 isoforms in transgenic mice (GSK3‐KI mice) diminished rhythmic BMAL1 expression. On the other hand, chronic treatment with a GSK3 inhibitor significantly shortened the molecular clock period of organotypic hippocampal PER2::LUC cultures. While WT mice exhibited higher LTP magnitude at night compared to day, the day–night difference in LTP magnitude remained with greater magnitude at both times of day in mice with chronic GSK3 activity. On the other hand, pharmacological GSK3 inhibition impaired day–night differences in LTP by blocking LTP selectively at night. Taken together, these results support the model that circadian rhythmicity of hippocampal GSK3β activation state regulates day/night differences in molecular clock periodicity and a major form of synaptic plasticity (LTP).
Climate teleconnections influence on West Africa's terrestrial water storage
Authors: Ndehedehe Christopher E. , Awange Joseph L. , Kuhn Michael , Agutu Nathan O. , Fukuda Yoichi
Published: May 2017

There is some evidence of rapid changes in the global atmosphere and hydrological cycle caused by the influence of climate variability. In West Africa, such changes impact directly on water resources leading to incessant extreme hydro‐meteorological conditions. This study examines the association of three global climate teleconnections—El‐Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO) with changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) derived from both Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA, 1980–2015) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE, 2002–2014). In the Sahel region, positive phase of AMO coincided with above‐normal rainfall (wet conditions) and the negative phase with drought conditions and confirms the observed statistically significant association (r = 0.62) between AMO and the temporal evolutions of standardised precipitation index. This relationship corroborates the observed presence of AMO‐driven TWS in much of the Sahel region (though considerably weak in some areas). Although ENSO appears to be more associated with GRACE‐derived TWS over the Volta basin (r=−0.40), this study also shows a strong presence of AMO‐ and ENSO‐induced TWS derived from MERRA reanalysis data in the coastal West African countries and most of the regions below latitude 10°N. The observed presence of ENSO‐ and AMO‐driven TWS is noticeable in tropical areas with relatively high annual/bimodal rainfall and strong inter‐annual variations in surface water. The AMO has a wider footprint and sphere of influence on the region's TWS and suggests the important role of North Atlantic Ocean. IOD‐related TWS also exists in West Africa and its influence on the region's hydrology maybe secondary and somewhat complementary. Nonetheless, presumptive evidence from the study indicates that ENSO and AMO are the two major climatic indices more likely to impact on West Africa's TWS.
Pro‐angiogenic TIE‐2‐expressing monocytes/TEMs as a biomarker of the effect of sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shoji Hirotaka , Yoshio Sachiyo , Mano Yohei , Doi Hiroyoshi , Sugiyama Masaya , Osawa Yosuke , Kimura Kiminori , Arai Taeang , Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Aoki Yoshihiko , Fukai Moto , Taketomi Akinobu , Mizokami Masashi , Kanto Tatsuya
Published: May 2017

Sorafenib, a multi‐kinase inhibitor, inhibits tumor angiogenesis and is the first‐line systemic therapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to its limited effects and frequent occurrence of side effects, biomarkers are needed to predict the effects of sorafenib. We considered the possibility of using TIE‐2‐expressing monocytes (TEMs) to predict the response in sorafenib‐treated patients with advanced HCC. TEMs serve as a diagnostic marker of HCC and are related to angiogenesis. We analyzed 25 advanced HCC patients and prospectively evaluated TEMs before (Pre TEMs) and at 1 month after initial therapy (T1m TEMs). The radiologic response was evaluated by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Median survival time (MST) was significantly longer in the partial response/stable disease (PR/SD) group (21.8 months) than in the PD group (8.7 months). ΔTEMs (changes of T1m TEMs compared to Pre TEMs) were significantly lower in the PR/SD group than in the PD group. MST of the ΔTEMs low group (14.2 months) was significantly longer than that of the high group (8.7 months). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that ΔTEMs [hazard ratio (HR) = 8.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.51–48.16, p = 0.015] and Child‐Pugh class (HR = 5.59, 95% CI = 1.06–29.63, p = 0.043) were independently associated with overall survival. Our results suggest that ΔTEMs could serve as a biomarker for predicting radiologic response and overall survival in sorafenib‐treated patients with advanced HCC.
Conjunctiva derived mesenchymal stem cell (CJMSCs) as a potential platform for differentiation into corneal epithelial cells on bioengineered electrospun scaffolds
Authors: Soleimanifar Fatemeh , Mortazavi Yousef , Nadri Samad , Soleimani Masoud
Published: May 2017

With the aid of tissue engineering, the capability of nanofibrous scaffolds was examined for corneal epithelial differentiation of Conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells (CJMSCs) as a new source. This study tried to provide a synthetic corneal sheet which could be applied in corneal regeneration. The hybrid arrangement of fine Silk fibers with the diameter of 93.65 nm and the polyurethane (PU) fibers with an average diameter of 575.5 makes a mat with sufficient mechanical properties and interconnected pores that could accelerate nutrient diffusion. After methanol and plasma treatment, the highest biocompatibility of Silk‐PU hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds based on cell attachment and proliferation were proven using MTT assay. The differentiation morphology of cells was observed by SEM micrographs of cells seeded on the scaffold after 12 days treatment through the differentiation medium. Despite up‐regulation of Cytokeratin (CK)3, CK8, CK12, Desmocollin (DSC)1, and Desmoglein (DSG)1 in the treated PU and silk hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds, the relative expression of CK3, CK8, and CK12 genes were highest among TCP, treated PU and silk nanofibrous scaffolds. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis was used to characterize the protein expression of CK3 in CJ‐MSCs seeded on different groups. Although, For both TCP and hybrid group, CJ‐MSCs were positive for corneal epithelial‐specific marker CK3, ICC data demonstrated that CJ‐MSCs seeded on the hybrid group likewise PU or Silk pure nanofibrous scaffolds, could differentiate into corneal epithelial‐like cells. Finally, it was inferred that the hybrid PU and silk nanofibrous scaffold has the potential for the treatment of corneal epithelium. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2703–2711, 2017.
Effect of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 9 (rhBMP9) loaded onto bone grafts versus barrier membranes on new bone formation in a rabbit calvarial defect model
Authors: Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Kobayashi Eizaburo , Schaller Benoit , Mottini Matthias , Miron Richard J. , Saulacic Nikola
Published: May 2017

Recent research has demonstrated that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 9 (rhBMP9) has been considered the most osteoinductive growth factor of the BMP‐family. In the present study, rhBMP9 was investigated for its influence in combination with two biomaterials for bone regenerative medicine. Either porcine‐derived collagen membrane (CM) or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBM) combined with 20 µg of rhBMP9 were implanted in 6 mm rabbit calvarial defects. Bone augmentation was evaluated by microCT and histomorphometry at 8 weeks post‐surgery. Both CM + rhBMP9 and DBM + rhBMP9 groups significantly promoted mineralized tissue volume (microCT) and area, new bone height and area (histomorphometric measurements) when compared to CM and DBM alone groups or control (empty). All specimens in the CM + rhBMP9 group but not all in the DBM + rhBMP9 group induced a complete horizontal bone defect closure. Multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) were observed directly in contact with DBM surfaces irrespective of rhBMP9, whereas CM was generally not associated to the presence of MNGCs. When combined with rhBMP9, DBM augmented a larger volume of mineralized tissue (including the mineralized bone graft), whereas CM induced greater volume of native host bone. While DBM in combination with rhBMP9 induced higher mineralized tissue mostly associated with the bone grafting material, CM may have presented preferable results based on a higher horizontal defect closure with a faster regeneration of host new bone. The effect of including collagen within the carrier system of rhBMP9 on bone regeneration justifies further evaluation of this combination procedure in larger animal models. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2655–2661, 2017.
The effect of riboflavin/UVA cross‐linking on anti‐degeneration and promoting angiogenic capability of decellularized liver matrix
Authors: Xiang Junxi , Liu Peng , Zheng Xinglong , Dong Dinghui , Fan Shujuan , Dong Jian , Zhang Xufeng , Liu Xuemin , Wang Bo , Lv Yi
Published: May 2017

Weak mechanical property and unstable degradation rate limited the application of decellularized liver matrix in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to explore a new method for improving the mechanical properties, anti‐degeneration and angiogenic capability of decellularized liver matrix. This was achieved by a novel approach using riboflavin/ultraviolet A treatment to induce collagen cross‐linking of decellularized matrix. Histological staining and scanning electron microscope showed that the diameter of cross‐linked fibers significantly increased compared with the control group. The average peak load and Young's modulus of decellularized matrix were obviously improved after cross‐linking. Then we implanted the modified matrix into the rat hepatic injury model to test the anti‐degeneration and angiogenic capability of riboflavin/UVA cross‐linked decellularized liver scaffolds in vivo. The results indicated that cross‐linked scaffolds degrade more slowly than those in the control group. In the experiment group, average microvessel density in the implanted matrix was higher than that in the control group since the first week after implantation. In conclusion, we initiated the method to improve the biomechanical properties of decellularized liver scaffolds by riboflavin/UVA cross‐linking, and more importantly, its improvement on anti‐degeneration and angiogenesis was identified. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2662–2669, 2017.
Dynamic compression of human and ovine meniscal tissue compared with a potential thermoplastic elastomer hydrogel replacement
Authors: Fischenich Kristine M. , Boncella Katie , Lewis Jackson T. , Bailey Travis S. , Haut Donahue Tammy L.
Published: May 2017

Understanding how human meniscal tissue responds to loading regimes mimetic of daily life as well as how it compares to larger animal models is critical in the development of a functionally accurate synthetic surrogate. Seven human and eight ovine cadaveric meniscal specimens were regionally sectioned into cylinders 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick along with 10 polystyrene‐b‐polyethylene oxide block copolymer‐based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) hydrogels. Samples were compressed to 12% strain at 1 Hz for 5000 cycles, unloaded for 24 h, and then retested. No differences were found within each group between test one and test two. Human and ovine tissue exhibited no regional dependency (p < 0.05). Human samples relaxed quicker than ovine tissue or the TPE hydrogel with modulus values at cycle 50 not significantly different from cycle 5000. Ovine menisci were found to be similar to human menisci in relaxation profile but had significantly higher modulus values (3.44 MPa instantaneous and 0.61 MPa after 5000 cycles compared with 1.97 and 0.11 MPa found for human tissue) and significantly different power law fit coefficients. The TPE hydrogel had an initial modulus of 0.58 MPa and experienced less than a 20% total relaxation over the 5000. Significant differences in the magnitude of compressive modulus between human and ovine menisci were observed, however the relaxation profiles were similar. Although statistically different than the native tissues, modulus values of the TPE hydrogel material were similar to those of the human and ovine menisci, making it a material worth further investigation for use as a synthetic replacement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2722–2728, 2017.
A reappraisal of the proposed metabolic and antioxidant actions of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in the liver
Authors: Castro Lorena dos Santos , Bracht Lívia , Comar Jurandir Fernando , Peralta Rosane Marina , Bracht Adelar
Published: May 2017

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was investigated for its metabolic actions in the perfused rat liver. Contrary to what is expected from an uncoupler, BHT up to 500 μM did not stimulate oxygen uptake nor did it inhibit gluconeogenesis from lactate. Transformation of fructose into glucose was also not affected by BHT; only lactate production was slightly increased at the concentration of 100 μM. The uncoupling effect of BHT in isolated mitochondria was confirmed, but only at concentrations above 10 μM; uncoupling at lower concentrations, 10−9 to 10−6 M, could not be confirmed. BHT, however, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in isolated mitochondria, starting at the concentration of 10−8 M. This is the opposite of what can be expected from a compound with proven ex vivo antioxidant action. One cannot exclude the possibility that, in mitochondria, stimulation of ROS production rather than uncoupling could be the most significant effect of BHT.
Characterization and ammonia adsorption of biochar prepared from distillers' grains anaerobic digestion residue with different pyrolysis temperatures
Authors: Zheng Xuebo , Yang Zhiman , Xu Xiaohui , Dai Meng , Guo Rongbo
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Increasing attention is being paid to find an alternative way to handle biogas residue from biogas production which is important for sustainable development of biogas project. In this study, biochars from distillers' grains anaerobic digestion residue (BRC) in the pyrolysis temperature range of 300 to 800°C were prepared. Subsequently, elemental analysis, thermal stability, specific surface area (SSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the performance of ammonia (NH4+) adsorption were studied.

RESULTS

BRC produced at 700°C exhibited the highest SSA (251.47 m2 g−1). Generally, the pH (6.2–8.4), ash (17.58–36.93%), carbon (48.09–56.18%) and the NH4+ adsorption capacity (1.95–5.86 mg N g−1) of BRC increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature (300–700°C). However, for pyrolysis yield (76.39–40.44%), volatile matter (48.72–4.69%), phenolic (0.85–0.01 mmol g−1), total acidity (1.39–0.21 mmol g−1) and the contribution of H (4.92–1.13%), O (29.41–5.76%), O/C (0.61–0.10), H/C (0.10–0.02), (O+N)/C (0.65–0.13), an opposite trend was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyrolysis temperature has a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of BRC and thus on the quantity of NH4+ adsorbed. The BRC produced at 700°C could serve as a highly efficient material for NH4+ removal, therefore presenting a high value‐added application for biogas residues. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Association between vascular rings and learning performance: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Fong‐Lin , Liaw Yung‐Po , Hsu Shu‐Yi , Nfor Oswald Ndi
Published: May 2017

Background

Chronic tracheal obstruction has been associated with learning deficits; hence, early surgical intervention has been suggested.

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between learning performance and vascular ring caused by an isolated aberrant right subclavian artery.

Methods

Participants included 1,685 undergraduate students (ie, students of medical informatics and medical/public health students) in Central Taiwan. The diagnostic period was from 2005 to 2010. Vascular ring was diagnosed by two‐dimensional echocardiographic screening and was validated by esophagogram. The reference group (medical students) was associated with higher learning performance, whereas the comparison group (students of medical informatics and public health) was associated with lower learning performance. Multiple logistic regression was used for analysis.

Results

The prevalence of vascular ring among the reference and comparison groups was 0.48 and 2.03%, respectively. The odds ratio for the vascular ring was 4.90 (95% confidence interval: 1.30–18.40) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

This study suggests that vascular ring can impact learning efficiency and advocates for larger dedicated studies. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Clinical Ultrasound Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:556–560, 2017
Cervical varices: An unusual source of first‐trimester hemorrhage
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina , Litton Christian , Conroy Kelley , Pinette Michael G.
Published: May 2017

Endocervical varices are a rare cause of obstetrical hemorrhage. Usually presenting in the second and third trimesters, bleeding varices often require pregnancy termination or indicated preterm birth via cesarean delivery. Our patient experienced variceal hemorrhage at 12 weeks' gestation in a dichorionic twin pregnancy conceived through in vitro fertilization. A low‐lying placenta resolved at 19 weeks followed by variceal regression at 22 weeks' gestation. Endocervical varices causing first‐trimester hemorrhage may regress with resolution of a coexisting low placental implantation, permitting planned vaginal delivery, despite progressive hemodynamic changes of pregnancy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:218–221, 2018
Ultrafast dynamic contrast‐enhanced mri of the breast using compressed sensing: breast cancer diagnosis based on separate visualization of breast arteries and veins
Authors: Onishi Natsuko , Kataoka Masako , Kanao Shotaro , Sagawa Hajime , Iima Mami , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Toi Masakazu , Togashi Kaori
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of ultrafast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (UF‐DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with compressed sensing (CS) for the separate identification of breast arteries/veins and perform temporal evaluations of breast arteries and veins with a focus on the association with ipsilateral cancers.

Materials and Methods

Our Institutional Review Board approved this study with retrospective design. Twenty‐five female patients who underwent UF‐DCE MRI at 3T were included. UF‐DCE MRI consisting of 20 continuous frames was acquired using a prototype 3D gradient‐echo volumetric interpolated breath‐hold sequence including a CS reconstruction: temporal resolution, 3.65 sec/frame; spatial resolution, 0.9 × 1.3 × 2.5 mm. Two readers analyzed 19 maximum intensity projection images reconstructed from subtracted images, separately identified breast arteries/veins and the earliest frame in which they were respectively visualized, and calculated the time interval between arterial and venous visualization (A‐V interval) for each breast.

Results

In total, 49 breasts including 31 lesions (breast cancer, 16; benign lesion, 15) were identified. In 39 of the 49 breasts (breasts with cancers, 16; breasts with benign lesions, 10; breasts with no lesions, 13), both breast arteries and veins were separately identified. The A‐V intervals for breasts with cancers were significantly shorter than those for breasts with benign lesions (P = 0.043) and no lesions (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

UF‐DCE MRI using CS enables the separate identification of breast arteries/veins. Temporal evaluations calculating the time interval between arterial and venous visualization might be helpful in the differentiation of ipsilateral breast cancers from benign lesions.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:97–104.
Dose‐dependence of transient respiratory motion artifacts on gadoxetic acid‐enhanced arterial phase MR images
Authors: Morisaka Hiroyuki , Motosugi Utaroh , Ichikawa Shintaro , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To compare the occurrence of transient respiratory motion (TM) artifacts between 0.05 mmol/kg and 0.025 mmol/kg gadoxetic‐acid on arterial phase MRI intra‐individually for evaluating dose‐dependence of gadoxetic acid.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study involved 91 patients who underwent dynamic MRI at 1.5T at different times, one time with 0.05 mmol/kg and the other 0.025 mmol/kg gadoxetic‐acid. Examinations with 0.05 mmol/kg totaled 91 scans, and examinations with 0.025 mmol/kg totaled 375 scans (due to multiple exams for several patients). The scan with 0.025 mmol/kg closest in time to the 0.05 mmol/kg scan was selected to minimize temporal effects. Two radiologists graded TM artifacts in the arterial phase images using a four‐point scale: no, mild, moderate, and severe artifacts. Results were compared between the two protocols (0.05 mmol/kg versus all 0.025 mmol/kg and 0.05 mmol/kg versus selected 0.025 mmol/kg), and the odds ratio for moderate‐to‐severe artifacts was calculated.

Results

Significantly more TM artifacts were observed in the double dose (16/91 [17%]) scans compared with either all (17/375 [4%]; P < 0.01) or selected (3/91 [3%]; P = 0.01) standard dose scans. The odds ratio of the moderate‐to‐severe artifacts with the higher dose was 4.99–5.33.

Conclusion

There appears to be dose‐dependence of gadoxetic‐acid and the occurrence of TM artifacts.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:433–438.