bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Features of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve in the Peripharyngeal Space, the Oropharynx, and the Tongue
Authors: Sakamoto Yujiro
Published: November 2018

The glossopharyngeal nerve comprises sensory, motor and parasympathetic fibers, and its problem results in several disorders. This study investigated the glossopharyngeal nerve to elucidate the characteristics of its extracranial course and branching pattern. The nerve and adjacent structures were gross anatomically examined in 32 cadavers. The glossopharyngeal nerve descended from the jugular foramen in the peripharyngeal space. It dodged between the carotid arteries and the internal jugular vein and distributed the carotid and pharyngeal branches that formed the plexus with the branches of the vagus and sympathetic nerves. The glossopharyngeal nerve curved anteriorly around the stylopharyngeus and supplied it and the glossopharyngeus. However, it occasionally disappeared because it penetrated the stylopharyngeus. The nerve passed medially to the stylohyoid ligament to enter the oropharynx, with its entry located medially to the facial artery. It appeared anteriorly to the stylopharyngeus and the palatopharyngeus and inferiorly to the palatine tonsil in the oropharynx. Its appearance was obscured beneath the tonsil and, sometimes, beneath the longitudinal muscles. The nerve distributed the branches to the palatine tonsil, which formed a plexus with those that pierced the glossopharyngeus from the outside. At the root of the tongue, the nerve ramified into the posterior branches to the epiglottic vallecula, the medial ones the lingual tonsil and the vallate papillae and the anterior ones the vallate and foliate papillae. This study suggests that, occasionally, the detection of the glossopharyngeal nerve is challenging, and its association with the pharyngeal muscles and the facial artery can facilitate its localization. Anat Rec, 302:630–638, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sectional Anatomy and Three‐Dimensional Visualization of the Posterolateral Complex of the Knee Joint Based on Undeformed High‐Resolution Sectional Anatomical Images
Authors: Song Yan , Xiong Yan , Chen Wei , Zuo Feng , Tan Liwen , Yao Jie , Chen Na , Bleys Ronald , Hu Xin , Zhang Shaoxiang , Wu Yi
Published: November 2018

The anatomy of the posterolateral complex (PLC) of the knee is usually studied by dissection and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which is still controversial. We aim to study it based on the images and an interactive 3D‐PDF from the Chinese Visible Human (CVH) datasets. CVH datasets (six transverse and one coronal) of the PLC and its adjacent structures were segmented and three‐dimensionally reconstructed. Histological sections images were used to establish criteria for the segmentation. MR images were studied in comparison with CVH images. The PLC was mainly composed of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), arcuate popliteal ligament (APL), popliteus tendon (PT), fabellofibular ligament (FFL) and biceps femoris tendon (BT). These structures had origins or insertions located close to each other and collectively maintained the stability of the PLC. The origins of the PT and the FCL were located on the lateral condyle of the femur. The APL was “Y” shaped and had a 100% occurrence in our study. Its lateral and medial heads originated, respectively, from the posterolateral part and medial‐inferior part of fibrous capsule close to the lateral femoral condyle. The FCL, BT, main trunk of the APL, PFL and FFL had adjacent insertions on the posterolateral fibular head. CVH high‐resolution sectional anatomical images and a 3D‐pdf provided detailed morphological data for the PLC, and improved the identification and diagnostic accuracy for the PLC in MRI. We speculate that APL has a strong biological and mechanistic significance in the PLC. Anat Rec, 301:1764–1773, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of the hybrid antimicrobial peptide lactoferrin–lysozyme in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Sun Jie , Jiang Jie , Liu Lifeng , Wang Zhao , Wei Chun
Published: November 2018

The use of lactoferrin antimicrobial peptides and lysozymes as traditional antibiotic alternatives is suitable for solving drug residue and pathogen resistance. In this study, bovine lactoferrin (LfcinB) and human lysozyme (hLY) were combined through fusion expression in Pichia pastoris GS115 driven by constitutive GAP promoter. For neutralizing the toxic property of the antimicrobial peptide, anion antioxidant peptides from porcine myofibrillar protein and enzymatically hydrolyzed chicken egg white were fused to the hybrid antimicrobial peptide LfcinB–hLY. The 72‐H culture supernatant of the strain GS–LfcinB–hLY exhibited antibacterial activity toward both Escherichia coli K88 and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The LfcinB–hLY yield was 15.7 mg/L, and approximately 1.8 mg of pure LfcinB–hLY was obtained from 500 mL of cell culture after purification via ion exchange and reversed‐phase chromatography. The LfcinB–hLY fusion peptide demonstrates good antibacterial activity toward both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. This recombination protein with good stability demonstrates a potential use as animal feed additive to partly replace antibiotics.
Which of the Following Is True: We Can Write Better Multiple Choice Questions
Authors: Rauschert Emily S. J. , Yang Suann , Pigg Rachel M.
Published: November 2018

In August of 2018, we held a workshop for ecological educators on best practices for writing multiple‐choice questions at the annual Ecological Society of America (ESA) meeting. Here, we summarize the highlights from the pedagogical literature and our own experiences that we shared with workshop participants, along with their insights. The feedback we received at the end of the workshop suggested a need for more pedagogical training opportunities at future conferences.
Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum mimicking a suspicious thyroid lesion
Authors: Schmitt Willian , Germano Ana
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum represents a rare form of esophageal diverticulum originating on the anterolateral wall of the cervical esophagus. Despite its rarity, it is crucial to recognize this entity, with such specific imaging findings, to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as fine‐needle aspiration or even surgery.
Unusual recurrence of breast cancer in a BRCA‐variant patient after fat grafting
Authors: Skendelas John P. , Lee Clara , Mangino Ann , Carson William E.
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

The oncologic safety of fat grafting procedures remains well‐characterized in the recent literature; however, we recommend exercising vigilance when evaluating BRCA‐positive and other patients at higher oncologic risk after reconstruction and fat grafting, whose cancer recurrence diagnosis may pose significant clinical challenges.
A Catalytic Strategy for α,ω‐Functionalization: NHC‐Mediated Fragmentation/Umpolung Cascades to Access Hydroxytrifluoromethyl Ynones and Allenones
Authors: Selg Christoph , Kraft Fabian B. , Welcke Linda , Zeitler Kirsten
Published: November 2018

Herein we report an unprecedented, convenient NHC‐catalyzed one‐pot cascade reaction to afford α,ω‐difunctionalized hydroxytrifluoromethyl alkynones and allenones in a single step. The critical fragile aliphatic aldehydes are introduced by a base‐mediated in situ Grob‐type fragmentation of their corresponding latent cyclic vinylogous hemiacetal triflate (VHAT) and γ‐hydroxy vinyl triflate (GHVT) precursors, avoiding typical problems and losses upon isolation. The ′demasked′ aldehydes are subsequently trapped by NHC‐catalyzed umpolung and further metal‐free C−C‐cross‐coupling to access a broad scope of terminally modified alkynyl or allenyl aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic trifluoromethyl ketones as multifunctionalized, high‐value building blocks for advanced synthetic applications. Additional synthetic utility of this approach is demonstrated with the possibility for asymmetric variants using chiral NHC‐catalysts.
Fluctuating fishing intensities and climate dynamics reorganize the Gulf of Mexico's fisheries resources
Authors: Kilborn Joshua P. , Drexler Michael , Jones David L.
Published: November 2018

Integrated ecosystem assessment provides a practical framework for implementing ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) while also balancing socioeconomic and ecological objectives. However, significant challenges remain, including (1) the identification of relevant ecosystem‐level fisheries management indicators; (2) quantitatively describing the historical qualitative changes to fisheries ecosystem resource organization; (3) elucidating dynamic system regimes and their trade‐offs related to variability in both natural and anthropogenic drivers; and (4) distilling and communicating the results to stakeholders and managers. Here, we describe the Ecosystem‐Level, Management‐Indicator Selection Tool (EL‐MIST), which was developed to address these EBFM challenges. We also present a case study from the Gulf of Mexico large marine ecosystem (Gulf LME) where EL‐MIST was applied to 79 time series indicators from the Gulf's 2013 ecosystem status report for the period 1980–2011. Results from Gulf LME's EL‐MIST model indicated that the functional response of the Gulf's fisheries resources underwent significant reorganizations during the study period, primarily driven by basin‐scale climate variability and shifting fishing fleets’ targets, effort, and associated regulatory environments, over time. Using EL‐MIST, we identified four unique organizational regimes, and we were able to describe the prominent differences in the underlying resources’ structure and function between those dynamic regimes. We also detail three pertinent ecological regime shifts over the 30‐yr study period and present evidence for the dominating effects of commercial and recreational fishing activities, along with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and its teleconnected processes, on the organization of fisheries resources. Support for the hypothesis that fishing intensity can affect the relative resilience of a fishery ecosystem that is undergoing climatic and physical–chemical environmental changes is also presented here, as are results implicating a slowing trend in the rates of change across many relevant ecosystem‐level fisheries‐management indicators. When implementing EBFM, the EL‐MIST protocol is useful for distilling the large amounts of information gathered by large‐scale monitoring efforts and assessments. This new framework is transferable across management systems, is ideal for use with current indices and metrics, has the flexibility to address a wide range of inquiries, and can help disentangle complex fisheries ecosystem dynamics to help better inform management recommendations.
Intramolecular Cyclization of 3,3‐Diarylpropenylamides of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes: Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Hexahydrobenzo[f]isoindoles
Authors: Sugiura Hirotaka , Yamazaki Shoko , Go Kakeru , Ogawa Akiya
Published: November 2018

Intramolecular Diels–Alder reactions of various 3,3‐diarylpropenylamides of electron‐deficient alkenes to give hexahydrobenzo[f]isoindoles were investigated. Reaction of 1,1,2‐ethenetricarboxylic acid 1,1‐diethyl ester with 3,3‐diaryl‐2‐propen‐1‐amines under the amide formation conditions gave the tricyclic compounds in sequential processes involving intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction. The reaction gave cis‐ and trans‐fused tricyclic compounds selectively, depending on the substituents on the benzene ring, reaction temperature and solvent. In the reaction with dissymmetrically substituted 3,3‐diaryl‐2‐propen‐1‐amines, trans‐substituted aryl group reacted mainly as a styrene component. Amides of electron‐deficient alkenic carboxylic acids such as fumarate do not undergo cyclization at room temperature sequentially and the reaction on heating gave trans‐fused hexahydrobenzo[f]isoindoles. The origin of the observed stereoselectivity has been examined by the DFT calculations.
First Synthesis of Aliphatic Nitro‐NNO‐azoxy Compounds
Authors: Leonov Nikita E. , Klenov Michael S. , Anikin Oleg V. , Churakov Aleksandr M. , Strelenko Yurii A. , Monogarov Konstantin A. , Tartakovsky Vladimir A.
Published: November 2018

The first aliphatic nitro‐NNO‐azoxy compounds were synthesized by substitutive nitration of appropriate tert‐butyl‐NNO‐azoxy compounds with nitronium tetrafluoroborate. Nitro(nitro‐NNO‐azoxy)methane (1), (tert‐butyl‐NNO‐azoxy)(nitro‐NNO‐azoxy)methane (2), bis(nitro‐NNO‐azoxy)methane (3), and 2‐nitro‐2‐(nitro‐NNO‐azoxy)propane (4) were prepared. Compound 4 with the nitro‐NNO‐azoxy group bound with the tertiary C atom appeared most stable (DSC, onset temperature of decomposition 104 °C). Compound 2 was less stable (DSC, onset temperature 88 °C). Compounds with strong electron withdrawing substituents had the least stability, assumingly, due to rather high acidity of CH protons alongside with instability of C‐anions of nitro‐NNO‐azoxy compounds.
miR‐155expression in antitumor immunity: The higher the better?
Authors: Michaille Jean‐Jacques , Awad Hamdy , Fortman Emily C. , Efanov Alexander A. , Tili Esmerina
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression either directly, by impairing the stability and/or translation of transcripts that contain their specific target sequence, or indirectly through the targeting of transcripts that encode transcription factors, factors implicated in signal transduction pathways, or epigenetic regulators. Abnormal expression of micro‐RNAs has been found in nearly all types of pathologies, including cancers.MiR‐155has been the first microRNA to be implicated in the regulation of the innate and adaptative immune responses, and its expression is either increased or decreased in a variety of liquid and solid malignancies. In this review, we examine the oncogenic and antitumor potentials ofmiR‐155, with special emphasize on its dose‐dependent effects. We describe the impact ofmiR‐155levels on antitumor activity of lymphocytes and myeloid cells. We discussmiR‐155dose‐dependent effects in leukemias and analyze results showing thatmiR‐155intermediate levels tend to be detrimental, whereas high levels ofmiR‐155expression usually prove beneficial. We also examine the beneficial effects of high levels ofmiR‐155expression in solid tumors. We discuss the possible causal involvement ofmiR‐155in leukemias and dementia in individuals with Down's syndrome. We finally propose that increasingmiR‐155levels in immune cells might increase the efficiency of newly developed cancer immunotherapies, due tomiR‐155ability to target transcripts encoding immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 or programmed death‐ligand 1.
Immunohistochemical correlates of recurrent genetic alterations in sarcomas
Authors: Anderson William J. , Hornick Jason L.
Published: November 2018

Accurate diagnosis of sarcomas relies on the integration of clinical, histopathological and molecular features. Our understanding of the latter has increased dramatically in recent years with the application of high‐throughput sequencing. Concomitantly, the role of immunohistochemistry has expanded as genomic alterations have been exploited by the development of diagnostic markers that serve as surrogates for their detection. Herein, we review selected immunohistochemical markers that can infer the presence of diverse molecular events. These include gene fusions in vascular neoplasms (FOSB, CAMTA1 and TFE3), round cell sarcomas (BCOR, DUX4 and WT1), and fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors (STAT6, ALK and Pan‐TRK); amplifications in well‐differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (MDM2 and CDK4); and deletions in several aggressive neoplasms (SMARCB1 and SMARCA4). Protein correlates of single nucleotide variants (beta‐catenin in desmoid fibromatosis) and epigenetic alterations (histone H3K27me3 in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) and markers discovered through gene expression profiling (NKX2.2 and MUC4) are also discussed.
Role of adverse pathological features in surgically treated early oral cavity carcinomas with adequate margins and the development of a scoring system to predict local control
Authors: Subramaniam Narayana , Balasubramanian Deepak , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Murthy Samskruthi , Anand Adharsh , Prasad Chaya , Vijayan Smitha N. , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Iyer Subramania
Published: November 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting local control in patients with T1N0 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 144 patients with pT1N0 SCC of the tongue who underwent wide excision and neck dissection without adjuvant therapy.

Results

The adverse pathological features associated with local control were least margin 5 mm (P = .004), infiltrative margin (P = .403), depth >4 mm (P = .136), lymphovascular invasion (P = .301), and perineural invasion (P = .342). We derived a scoring system of 10 points based on the hazard ratio for local failure; those with scores >5 points had a 5‐year local control of <60%.

Conclusion

This study suggests patients having a margin of 5 mm need revision, however, if they do not have additional adverse pathological features (score ≤4), local control is 88% at 5 years, and they may be observed. Those who have margins over 5 mm with a total score >5 may still benefit from adjuvant therapy. Those with margins over 5 mm have improved local control (P = .029).
Frailty, Psychoactive Medications, and Cognitive Dysfunction Are Associated With Poor Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Cirrhosis
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Baki Jad , Parikh Neehar D. , Lok Anna S.
Published: November 2018

Cirrhosis is associated with disabling symptoms and diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). However, for patients with compensated disease, data are limited regarding associations with poor patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). We prospectively enrolled 300 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension without a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and reviewed medical and pharmacy records. We characterized determinants of PROs using the 8‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐8) scale (0‐100) and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; poor sleep >5). Disability and frailty measures were assessed using activities of daily living (ADLs), falls, hand‐grip, and chair‐stands. Cognitive function was measured using weighted‐lures from the Inhibitory Control Test (ICT). The median age of our cohort was 60 (interquartile range [IQR], 52‐66) years, 56.3% were male, and 70% Child class A. All patients had portal hypertension, 76% had varices, and 41% had a history of ascites (predominantly well controlled). The median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease with Sodium (MELD‐Na) score was 9 (IQR, 7‐13). The overall median SF‐8 was 70 (IQR, 54‐86). Multivariate analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, education, and MELD‐Na, performance on chair‐stands (9.28 HRQOL points [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.76‐13.8] per 10‐stands), ADL dependence (–6.06 [–10.8 to –1.36]), opiate use (–5.01 [–7.84 to –2.19]), benzodiazepine use (–3.50 [–6.58 to –0.42]), and ICT performance (–0.10 [–0.20 to 0.001] per weighted‐lure) were significantly associated with HRQOL. Among patients completing the ICT, poor HRQOL (score <50) was significantly associated with chair‐stands (odds ratio [OR] per 10‐stands, 0.24; 95% CI [0.11‐0.56]) and weighted lures (OR per weighted‐lure, 1.01 [1.00‐1.03]). Poor sleep quality was associated with opiate use (OR, 2.85 [1.11‐7.29]) and lures (OR per‐lure, 1.03 [1.00‐1.05]). Conclusion: Disability, chair‐stand performance, cognitive dysfunction, as well as psychoactive medication use are significantly associated with PROs in patients with clinically stable cirrhosis.
Barriers to implementation of a healthy canteen policy: A survey using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Reilly Kathryn , Nathan Nicole , Grady Alice , Wu Jason H.Y. , Wiggers John , Yoong Sze Lin , Wolfenden Luke
Published: November 2018

Issue addressed

Improving implementation of school healthy canteen policies requires a comprehensive understanding of implementation barriers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess a range of barriers, as reported by canteen managers, using a quantitative survey instrument developed based on a theoretical framework.

Methods

A cross sectional survey of primary school canteen managers from the Hunter New England region of New South Wales was conducted of eligible schools in the study region identified as having an operational canteen. Survey items assessed canteen manager employment status, canteen characteristics and potential barriers to healthy canteen policy implementation, aligned to the 14 domains of the theoretical domains framework via a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The mean domain scores of canteen managers were calculated, less than four indicating the canteen manager considered the domain was a barrier. Canteen managers were also asked to provide the current canteen menu for audit by a dietitian.

Results

Of the 184 participants, 20% (n = 36) were assessed as having menus compliant with the state policy. The five most common domains identified as potential barriers to policy implementation were behavioural regulation (n = 117, 65%), skills (n = 105, 57%), beliefs about capabilities (n = 100, 55%), reinforcement (n = 95, 52%) and goals (n = 95, 52%). Canteen managers who reported optimism as a barrier had significantly lower odds of having a menu compliant with the state policy (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.16‐0.95, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence of perceived and actual barriers that canteen managers face when attempting to implement a healthy canteen policy, and highlights the need to address differences in canteen characteristics when planning implementation support.

So what?

For public health benefits of nutrition policies within schools to be realised, the barriers to implementation need to be identified and used to help guide implementation support strategies.
Comparing self‐directed methods for training staff to create graphs using Graphpad Prism
Authors: Berkman Sydney J. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Bourret Jason C.
Published: November 2018

An important skill for behavior analysts is creating graphs that clearly convey outcomes and conform to publication conventions. GraphPad Prism is software designed for creating scientific graphs, but no prior research has empirically evaluated training graphing skills using Prism. Two effective training methods are enhanced written instructions (EWI) and video modeling with voiceover instructions (VMVO), but no single‐subject studies have compared the effects of these methods. In this study, we compared the efficacy and social validity of EWI and VMVO for training staff to create graphs using Prism. A single‐subject design was employed to compare the effects of the methods on the individual performance of 11 graduate students. EWI and VMVO were both found to be effective, and more participants chose to use EWI.
Design and fabrication of a hybrid alginate hydrogel/poly(ε‐caprolactone) mold for auricular cartilage reconstruction
Authors: Visscher D. O. , Gleadall A. , Buskermolen J. K. , Burla F. , Segal J. , Koenderink G. H. , Helder M. N. , van Zuijlen P. P. M.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to design and manufacture an easily assembled cartilage implant model for auricular reconstruction. First, the printing accuracy and mechanical properties of 3D‐printed poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with varying porosities were determined to assess overall material properties. Next, the applicability of alginate as cell carrier for the cartilage implant model was determined. Using the optimal outcomes of both experiments (in terms of (bio)mechanical properties, cell survival, neocartilage formation, and printing accuracy), a hybrid auricular implant model was developed. PCL scaffolds with 600 μm distances between strands exhibited the best mechanical properties and most optimal printing quality for further exploration. In alginate, chondrocytes displayed high cell survival (~83% after 21 days) and produced cartilage‐like matrix in vitro. Alginate beads cultured in proliferation medium exhibited slightly higher compressive moduli (6 kPa) compared to beads cultured in chondrogenic medium (3.5 kPa, p > .05). The final auricular mold could be printed with 300 μm pores and high fidelity, and the injected chondrocytes survived the culture period of 21 days. The presented hybrid auricular mold appears to be an adequate model for cartilage tissue engineering and may provide a novel approach to auricular cartilage regeneration for facial reconstruction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1711–1721, 2019.
Modulation of gastric acid secretion by cannabinoids in rats
Authors: Salama Rania A. A. , Abdelsalam Rania M. , Abdel‐Salam O. M. E. , khattab Mahmoud M. , Salem Neveen A. , El‐Khyat Zakaria A. , Morsy Fatma A. , Eldenshary Ezz‐El Din S.
Published: November 2018

The current study aimed to evaluate the role of cannabinoid receptors in the regulation of gastric acid secretion and oxidative stress in gastric mucosa. To fulfill this aim, gastric acid secretion stimulated with histamine (5 mg/kg, subcutaneous [SC]), 2‐deoxy‐
d‐glucose (D‐G) (200 mg/kg, intravenous) or ‐carbachol (4 μg/kg, SC) in the 4‐hour pylorus‐ligated rats. The CB1R agonist (
N‐arachidonoyl dopamine, 1 mg/kg, SC) inhibited gastric acid secretion stimulated by D‐G and carbachol but not in histamine, reduced pepsin content, and increased mucin secretion. Furthermore, it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents with an increase in glutathione (GSH) and paraoxonase 1 (PON‐1). Meanwhile, CB2R antagonist (AM630, 1 mg/kg, SC) inhibited gastric acid secretion stimulated by D‐G and reduced MDA and NO contents with an increase in GSH and PON‐1. Meanwhile, CB1R antagonist rimonabant or CB2R agonist GW 405833 had no effect on stimulated gastric acid secretion. Therefore, both CB1R agonist and CB2R antagonist may exert antisecretory and antioxidant potential in the stomach.
Upregulation of lncRNA FER1L4 suppresses the proliferation and migration of the hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Wang Xu , Dong Ke , Jin Qizhi , Ma Yujing , Yin Shujun , Wang Shan
Published: November 2018

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the potential function of FER1L4 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and uncover its underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

In the current study, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to determine the expression profile of FER1L4 in normal liver tissues and hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of human, as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines including HL‐7702[L‐02], HepG‐2, Hep3b, and SMMC‐7721. Then, HepG‐2 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1‐FER1L4 (pcDNA3.1‐empty as negative control) for gain‐of‐function analysis, followed with cell functional abnormality tests. Specifically, colony formation analysis and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide experiment were taken advantage to measure the cell proliferation, while cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell experiment respectively. Additionally, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, the effect of FER1L4 on PI3K/AKT signal pathway activation was investigated through analyzing phosphorylation of related proteins, p‐AKT/AKT and p‐PI3K/PI3K, via Western blot assay.

Results

Downregulation of FER1L4 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cells was demonstrated by qRT‐PCR analysis. Besides, FER1L4 overexpression evidently attenuated the cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but prompted cell apoptosis. Importantly, Western blot assays revealed that PII3K/AKT signal pathway were involved in mediating the progression regulation role of FER1L4 in HCC cells.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that FER1L4 might alleviate progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via blocking PI3K/AKT pathway, which encourages a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC and may provide a novel potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment.
Methane potential and metagenomics of wastewater sludge and a methane‐producing landfill solid sample as microbial inocula for anaerobic digestion of food waste
Authors: Sillas‐Moreno María V , Senés‐Guerrero Carolina , Pacheco Adriana , Montesinos‐Castellanos Alejandro
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Anaerobic digestion of food waste is influenced by the selection of an adequate microbial inoculum. In this study, wastewater sludge, a methane (CH4)‐producing landfill solid sample and the combination of both [1:1 volatile solid (VS)] were tested as inocula to treat food waste modelled to the Mexican diet. Hence, biochemical methane potential assays at inoculum to substrate (I:S) ratios of 1–3 and each inoculum metagenome were determined.

RESULTS

Methane production was optimal at I:S = 1 for sludge and the combined inoculum, whereas for landfill solid sample increasing the proportion of inoculum was beneficial up to I:S = 2. The landfill solid sample produced more CH4 than commonly used sludge (311.5 ± 11.1 and 282.5 ± 18.1 mL CH4 g−1 VS, respectively) but presented an adaptation phase (four days). Combining inocula (I:S = 1) produced a synergistic effect in CH4 yield (374.5 ± 10.5 mL CH4 g−1 VS), biogas quality (58.0 ± 0.3% CH4) and COD removal (90.0 ± 0.6%) without start‐up time. Moreover, an enriched microbial community high in Archaea and Bacteria was observed, probably because of the incorporation of predominant members of each inoculum (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota in sludge, and Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in landfill solid sample). Archaea was represented mainly by the genus Methanosaeta (order Methanosarcinales), suggesting that methanogenesis occurred by the acetoclastic pathway.

CONCLUSION

Food waste from Mexican diet was a suitable feedstock for biogas generation. Optimal conditions were observed when combining both inocula. Further studies on population dynamics during digestion would help understand the synergistic effect for effective industrial application. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple sessions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy associated with surgical periodontal treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Cadore Uislen B. , Reis Marília B. L. , Martins Sergio H. L. , Invernici Marcos de M. , Novaes Arthur B. , Taba Mario , Palioto Daniela B. , Messora Michel R. , Souza Sergio L. S.
Published: November 2018

Background

This double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of multiple sessions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to surgical periodontal treatment (ST) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (SCP).

Methods

Sixteen patients with SCP were treated with aPDT+ST (test group, TG) or ST only (control group, CG), in a split‐mouth design. aPDT was applied at 0, 2, 7, and 14 postoperative days only in TG. All patients were followed up for 90 days after surgery. The following clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed: clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), and count of 40 subgingival microbial species (checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization). Data were collected at baseline (preintervention), at 60 days (30 days after the end of non‐surgical therapy), and at 150 days (90 days after surgery).

Results

A significant reduction in PD was observed at 150 days for the TG, when compared with the CG (P ˂ 0.05). CAL gain was significantly higher in the TG at 60 and 150 days (P ˂ 0.05). Changes in the subgingival microbiota were similar between the groups (P ˃ 0.05), but the TG revealed a larger number of bacteria associated with periodontal disease at the end of the experiment compared with the CG (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Multiple sessions of aPDT as an adjunct to surgical periodontal treatment significantly improved clinical parameters at 90 postoperative days.
Emergency front‐of‐neck airway by ENT surgeons and residents: A dutch national survey
Authors: Bruijstens Loes , Titulaer Imke , Scheffer Gert Jan , Steegers Monique , van den Hoogen Frank
Published: November 2018

Objectives

ENT surgeons and anesthesiologists work closely together in managing challenging airway cases. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and expectations interdisciplinary is essential in order to facilitate decision‐making and adequate management in emergency front‐of‐neck airway cases.

Methods

A survey was performed, to analyze level of experience, technique of preference, training, knowledge of material and protocols, and self‐efficacy scores of Dutch ENT surgeons and residents in performing an urgent or emergency front‐of‐neck airway.

Results

Within one year (January 2014–2015), 25.7% of the 257 respondents had performed an urgent or emergency front‐of‐neck airway. Of all reported emergency front‐of‐neck airways (N = 30), 80% were managed by tracheotomy. In future emergency front‐of‐neck airway cases, 74% stated cricothyrotomy would be their technique of preference. The majority would choose an uncuffed large‐bore cannula technique. Post‐academic hands‐on training was attended by 42% of respondents. Self‐efficacy scores were highest for surgical tracheotomy, and higher when trained or experienced. In case of an emergency scenario, 8.6% would not perform a front‐of‐neck airway themselves. The main reasons for reluctance to start in general were lack of experience and lack of training. Reported items for improvement were mainly the development of a protocol and training.

Conclusion

The chance of encountering an airway emergency scenario requiring front‐of‐neck airway is realistic. There is inconsistency between advised technique, technique of preference and technique actually performed by ENT surgeons. This study shows that there is both a need and desire for improvement in training and organization of care. Interdisciplinary guidelines and education is needed and could eventually safe lives.

Level of evidence

5
Bacterial biophotons as non‐local information carriers: Species‐specific spectral characteristics of a stress response
Authors: Tessaro Lucas W. E. , Dotta Blake T. , Persinger Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Studies by Alexander Gurwitsch in the 1920' s with onion root cells revealed the phenomenon of mitogenetic radiation. Subsequent works by Popp, Van Wijk, Quickenden, Tillbury, and Trushin have demonstrated a link between Gurwitsch's mitogenetic radiation and the biophoton, emissions of light correlated with biological processes. The present study seeks to expand upon these and other works to explore whether biophoton emissions of bacterial cultures is used as an information carrier of environmental stress. Bacterial cultures (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) were incubated for 24 hr in 5 ml of nutrient broth to stationary phase and cell densities of ~107 cells/mL. Cultures of E. coli were placed upon a photomultiplier tube housed within a dark box. A second bacterial culture, either E. coli or S. marcescens, was placed in an identical dark box at a distance of 5 m and received injections of hydrogen peroxide. Spectral analyses revealed significant differences in peak frequencies of 7.2, 10.1, and 24.9 Hz in the amplitude modulation of the emitted biophoton signal with respect to whether a peroxide injection occurred or not, and whether the species receiving the injection was E. coli or S. marcescens. These and the subsequent results of discriminant functions suggest that bacteria may release biophotons as a non‐local communication system in response to stress, and that these biophotons are species specific.
Triple A syndrome presenting as complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Leveille Etienne , Gonorazky Hernan D. , Rioux Marie‐France , Hazrati Lili‐Naz , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Carnevale Amanda , Spiegelman Dan , Dionne‐Laporte Alexandre , Rouleau Guy A. , Yoon Grace , Gan‐Or Ziv
Published: November 2018

Background

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of rare disorders characterized by spastic paraparesis and other symptoms. Often, other diseases can mimic HSP, which may delay diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed in families with clinically suspected HSP without a genetic diagnosis.

Results

We report three patients from two families who presented with lower limb spasticity, muscular atrophy, and other neurological symptoms, who were clinically diagnosed with complicated HSP. Whole exome sequencing revealed bi‐allelic AAAS nonsense mutations; one individual was homozygous for the p.(Arg478*) mutation, and two siblings were homozygous for the p.(Arg286*) mutation, leading to the diagnosis of triple A syndrome. This rare syndrome is typically characterized by a triad of symptoms: achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and alacrima, and is often accompanied by other neurological abnormalities.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that triple A syndrome should be suspected in complicated HSP patients without a known genetic cause, especially if at least one of the main triad of triple A syndrome symptoms is present.
Phasenübergang durch chemische Substitution
Authors: Rader Oliver , Sánchez‐Barriga Jaime , Springholz Gunther
Published: November 2018

Kürzlich wurde entdeckt, wie sich zwei Klassen topologischer Isolatoren ineinander überführen lassen. Die Art und Weise, wie das geschieht, verspricht neue funktionelle Eigenschaften in den Materialien. So ließen sich elektrische oder spintronische Kanäle mit Spannungspulsen ein‐ und ausschalten.
Auf die Anordnung kommt es an
Authors: Detert Heiner
Published: November 2018

In Displays sind stäbchenförmige Flüssigkristalle verbreitet, scheibenförmige etwa aus Tristriazolotriazinen werden erst seit einigen Jahren untersucht. Sie eignen sich möglicherweise als Datenspeicher oder für den 3‐D‐Druck. Über die Synthese solcher Flüssigkristalle und deren Eigenschaften.
Herkunft von Nobelpreisträgern
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: November 2018

Die meisten Chemienobelpreisträger kommen aus den USA. Deutschland liegt an zweiter Stelle.
18. Deutscher Fluortag in Schmitten
Authors: Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: November 2018

Mitte September fand in Schmitten im Taunus der 18. Deutsche Fluortag statt, der seit mehr als 30 Jahren in zweijährigem Turnus veranstaltet wird. Über 100 Wissenschaftler aus Industrie und Hochschule, überwiegend Promovierende, nahmen an der Veranstaltung teil. In den 38 Vorträgen ging es um Fluor in Biochemie, anorganischer und organischer Synthesechemie sowie in Anwendungen der Materialwissenschaften.
Viertes Doktorandenseminar Nucleinsäurechemie in Bad Herrenalb
Authors: Richert Clemens
Published: November 2018

Mitte September trafen sich Doktoranden, Betreuer, Mitglieder der Deutschen Nucleinsäurechemiegemeinschaft (DNG) und Gäste zum vierten Doktorandenseminar der DNG in Bad Herrenalb. Die Veranstaltung zog diesmal 53 Teilnehmer an; sie umfasste vier Methodenvorträge eingeladener Referenten, zwölf Doktorandenvorträge sowie 19 Poster.
Global Citizenship Education
Authors: Cantón Alicia , Garcia Brenda Ivonne
Published: November 2018

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's “global citizenship education” model provides the background for the Universidad de Monterrey intercultural competence initiative. Acting on Nelson Mandela's advice that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” this cocurricular approach documented positive learning outcomes for UDEM's students.
Critical Perspectives on Capacity‐Building for International Leadership
Authors: Dugan John P.
Published: November 2018

Recognizing that young people are resilient in many ways, they need adequate and adaptive models to utilize as they address the complexities that are part of today's world. This chapter introduces critical perspectives as an essential framework for learning about youth capacity‐building for international leadership.
Exploring the Significance of Culture in Leadership
Authors: Deardorff Darla K.
Published: November 2018

Culture matters—especially in leadership in the twenty‐first century. This chapter explores the context and frameworks for developing intercultural competence for successful leadership.
Realizing the Potential of International Education in Leadership Learning
Authors: Niehaus Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

This chapter explores how study abroad and the presence of international students contributes to students’ leadership development, key challenges preventing that potential from being realized, and offers suggestions for improving access to and implementing leadership‐focused study abroad and international student programs.
Closing the Gap and Exploring the Intersections Between Internationalization and Multiculturalism
Authors: Lee Donna A.
Published: November 2018

Preparing students for twenty‐first century leadership and citizenship requires deepening students’ understanding of diversity and difference. U.S. higher education institutions must seek ways to bridge the historic gap between internationalization and multiculturalism as a means of addressing some of the moral imperatives of these times.
Implications of International Leadership for All
Authors: Roberts Darbi L.
Published: November 2018

As approaches to leadership learning are culturally examined and modified, educators will also need to do their own work to enhance their effectiveness in teaching and learning across culture.
Systematic classification of three-loop realizations of the Weinberg operator
Authors: Cepedello Ricardo , Fonseca Renato M. , Hirsch Martin
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We study systematically the decomposition of the Weinberg operator at three-loop order. There are more than four thousand connected topologies. However, the vast majority of these are infinite corrections to lower order neutrino mass diagrams and only a very small percentage yields models for which the three-loop diagrams are the leading order contribution to the neutrino mass matrix. We identify 73 topologies that can lead to genuine three-loop models with fermions and scalars, i.e. models for which lower order diagrams are automatically absent without the need to invoke additional symmetries. The 73 genuine topologies can be divided into two sub-classes: normal genuine ones (44 cases) and special genuine topologies (29 cases). The latter are a special class of topologies, which can lead to genuine diagrams only for very specific choices of fields. The genuine topologies generate 374 diagrams in the weak basis, which can be reduced to only 30 distinct diagrams in the mass eigenstate basis. We also discuss how all the mass eigenstate diagrams can be described in terms of only five master integrals. We present some concrete models and for two of them we give numerical estimates for the typical size of neutrino masses they generate. Our results can be readily applied to construct other d = 5 neutrino mass models with three loops.
NNLO soft function for top quark pair production at small transverse momentum
Authors: Ángeles-Martínez René , Czakon Michał , Sapeta Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The cross section for top quark pair production factorizes at small transverse momentum of the heavy quark pair, q

T
. One of the key ingredients that appears in the factorization formula is the soft function, which mediates soft gluon exchanges between particles and gives rise to colour correlations. We present the complete result for the small-q

T
soft function at the next-to-next-to-leading order. This is the last missing element needed to calculate the NNLO cross section for top quark pair production by means of the q

T
slicing method. In order to evaluate divergent integrals appearing in the calculation, we develop methods based on sector decomposition and differential equations. We present an extensive validation of our framework. In particular, we recover results predicted by the renormalization group, which constitutes a direct demonstration of validity of the small-q

T
factorization at NNLO. We provide complete results for the real and imaginary part of the soft function, which are ready for application in the calculation of the

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

cross section at NNLO.
The Irreducibility of Emotional Phenomenology
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Emotion theory includes attempts to reduce or assimilate emotions to states such as bodily feelings, beliefs-desire combinations, and evaluative judgements. Resistance to such approaches is motivated by the claim that emotions possess asui generisphenomenology. Uriah Kriegel defends a new form of emotion reductivism which avoids positing irreducible emotional phenomenology by specifying emotions’ phenomenal character in terms of a combination of other phenomenologies. This article argues Kriegel’s approach, and similar proposals, are unsuccessful, since typical emotional experiences are constituted bysui generisfeelings towards value.
The Self-Hollowing Problem of the Radical Sceptical Paradox
Authors: Lai Changsheng
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new solution to the radical sceptical paradox. A sceptical paradox purports to indicate the inconsistency within our fundamental epistemological commitments that are all seemingly plausible. Typically, sceptics employ an intuitively appealing epistemic principle (e.g., the closure principle, the underdetermination principle) to derive the sceptical conclusion. This paper will reveal a dilemma intrinsic to the sceptical paradox, which I refer to as the self-hollowing problem of radical scepticism. That is, on the one hand, if the sceptical conclusion turns out to be true, then the epistemic principle employed by sceptics would lose its foundation of plausibility; on the other hand, if the sceptical conclusion does not follow, then the sceptical problem would not arise. In either case, the so-called sceptical paradox cannot be a genuine paradox. This new solution has three theoretical merits: it is undercutting, less theory-laden, and widely applicable.
Long‐term ecological research on Korean forest ecosystems: the current status and challenges
Authors: Yun Soon Jin , Chun Junghwa
Published: November 2018

The present study aims to monitor the long‐term changes in forest structure, productivity, nutrient cycling, and to accumulate ecological information on forest ecosystem in Korea. There are six long‐term ecological research sites and seven flux measurement sites in Korea. The Gwangneung experimental forest (GEF) located in the central cool‐temperate forest sub zone is known as a model site where many interdisciplinary researches have been ongoing actively since mid‐1990s over all other Korea long‐term ecological research sites (KLTER). Collected data and information through monitoring and investigation of changes in forest ecosystem have been stored in a database for analyses. The relative importance of tree species (%) of GEF was in the order Quercus serrata (20) = Euonymus oxyphyllus (20) > Carpinus laxiflora (12). The total biomass and basal area were 249.53 t ha−1 and 26.66 m2 ha−1, respectively. There were 136 taxa with 49 families, with 97 genera, 11 varieties, 3 forma, and 1 subspecies in 1 ha permanent plot. The increase in temperature has been estimated to have negative effects on tree growth. The litter decomposition rate was in the order Cornus controversa < C. cordata < C. laxiflora < Q. serrata. The average litterfall and soil respiration were 5803 kg ha−1 and 8600 kg C ha−1, respectively. Further, the GEF, a KLTER site tended to be almost carbon neutral with an annual growth average of 51,000 ± 78,000 kg ha−1. The data from six LTER sites are digitalized and classified to build data catalogs on the ecological information system. The information on stand dynamics and materials and energy budget in the forest ecosystem is utilized for impact assessment and the study of adaptation strategy for forest ecosystem to climate change.