bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Injury to the ACL and Lateral Meniscus Alters the Geometry of Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Soon After Initial Trauma
Authors: Beynnon Bruce D. , Fiorentino Niccolo , Gardner‐Morse Mack , Tourville Timothy W. , Slauterbeck James R. , Sturnick Daniel R. , Argentieri Erin C. , Imhauser Carl W.
Published: November 2019

Combined injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus is associated with earlier onset and increased rates of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis compared with isolated ACL injury. However, little is known about the initial changes in joint structure associated with these different types of trauma. We hypothesized that trauma to the ACL and lateral meniscus has an immediate effect on morphometry of the articular cartilage and meniscus about the entire tibial plateau that is more pronounced than an ACL tear without meniscus injury. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning soon after injury and prior to surgery. Those that suffered injury to the ACL and lateral meniscus underwent changes in the lateral compartment (increases in the posterior–inferior directed slopes of the articular cartilage surface, and the wedge angle of the posterior horn of the meniscus) and medial compartment (the cartilage‐to‐bone height decreased in the region located under the posterior horn of the meniscus, and the thickness of cartilage increased and decreased in the mid and posterior regions of the plateau, respectively). Subjects that suffered an isolated ACL tear did not undergo the same magnitude of change to these articular structures. A majority of the changes in morphometry occurred in the lateral compartment of the knee; however, change in the medial compartment of the knee with a normal appearing meniscus also occurred. Statement of clinical significance: Knee injuries that involve combined trauma to the ACL and meniscus directly affect both compartments of the knee, even if the meniscus and articular cartilage appears normal upon arthroscopic examination. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:759‐767, 2020
Capillary electrophoresis for the investigation of two novel aminoalkanol derivatives of 1,7‐diethyl‐8,9‐diphenyl‐4‐azatricyclo[5.2.1.02,6] dec‐8‐ene‐3,5,10‐trione as potential anticancer drugs in water solution and serum
Authors: Grodner Błażej , Napiórkowska Mariola
Published: November 2019

A simple, rapid, capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed and validated for the analysis of two novel aminoalkanol derivatives (I) and (II) of 1,7‐diethyl‐8,9‐diphenyl‐4‐azatricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec‐8‐ene‐3,5,10‐trione, which were found in earlier studies as potential anticancer drugs. Samples were analyzed to demonstrate the specificity and stability indicating ability of the developed method. The samples were extracted using n‐hexane‐ethyl acetate mixture in the ratio of 90:10. Electrophoretic separation was performed on a eCAP fused silica capillary (37 cm length, 50 µm inside diameter) with a 50 mM tetraborate buffer as a background electrolyte adjusted to pH = 2.5. The separation time of (I) and (II) was achieved within 7 min. In addition, analysis of the two compounds in the serum was conducted. Limits of detection of (I) and (II) by UV absorbance at 200 nm were achieved in the range of 87.4–92.1 ng/mL. The sufficient recovery was observed in the range of 90.3–99.8%. The quantification limits for the compounds (I) and (II) were in the range of 279.71–291.03 ng/mL, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of compounds (I) and (II) in serum samples.
One‐step polymerization of hydrophilic ionic liquid imprinted polymer in water for selective separation and detection of levofloxacin from environmental matrices
Authors: Zhu Guifen , Li Wanwan , Wang Peiyun , Cheng Guohao , Chen Letian , Zhang Kaige , Li Xiang
Published: November 2019

A novel green hydrophilic levofloxacin imprinted polymer was presented via one‐step polymerization in water using ionic liquid 1,6‐hexa‐3,3′‐bis‐1‐vinylimidazolium bromine with multiple hydrophilic groups and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate as a co‐functional monomer. Adsorption experiment revealed that the ionic liquid significantly improved the water compatible of imprinted polymer, and the excellent recognition of molecularly imprinted polymer for levofloxacin in water corresponds to the synergetic effect of H‐bonding and the electrostatic and π–π interactions between the levofloxacin and co‐functional monomer. Furthermore, the adsorption process of the imprinted material towards levofloxacin fitted the Langmuir model, and the maximum binding amount of levofloxacin onto the imprinted and corresponding non‐imprinted polymer were 16.45 and 6.82 mg/g at 25°C, respectively. After optimizing the parameters affecting solid phase extraction performance, an enrichment and determination system was achieved to separate and detect levofloxacin from water and sediment samples with recoveries that ranged from 83.67 to 101.33% and relative standard deviation of less than 5.59%.
Does Fetal Pulmonary Venous Flow Impedance Increase in Pregnancies With Placental Insufficiency–Related Oligohydramnios in the Third Trimester?
Authors: Cho Hyunjin
Published: November 2019

Objectives

In placental insufficiency, alteration of left heart compliance occurs, with consequent increased placental vascular impedance. Pulmonary vein flow patterns could reflect altered left atrial pressure. Although the fetal pulmonary venous pulsatility index (PVPI) has been reported as an early marker to evaluate fetal cardiac dysfunction, no studies have been focused on its correlation with oligohydramnios. The aim of this study was to determine whether fetal pulmonary venous flow impedance was greater in women with placental insufficiency–related oligohydramnios than in women with adequate amounts of amniotic fluid during the third trimester.

Methods

The fetal PVPI and the umbilical arterial systolic‐to‐diastolic (S/D) ratio were measured by Doppler echocardiography in 130 pregnant women between 28 and 39 gestational weeks. Pregnant women were divided into 2 groups according to the amount of amniotic fluid. The PVPI and umbilical arterial S/D ratio were compared between 19 pregnancies with oligohydramnios and 111 with adequate amniotic fluid.

Results

The mean gestational age and estimated fetal weight were not significantly different between the groups. The maternal age was higher in the oligohydramnios group than in the control group (mean ± SD, 36.89 ± 5.88 versus 34.06 ± 4.79 years; P = .023). The mean PVPI was significantly higher in the oligohydramnios group than in the control group (1.13 ± 0.22 versus 0.89 ± 0.31; P < .001). There was no significant difference in umbilical arterial S/D ratio between the groups (P = .142).

Conclusions

The PVPI could be used as an early diagnostic marker of fetal deterioration in placental insufficiency–related oligohydramnios.
Ultrasound‐Guided Perineural Injection for Pronator Syndrome Caused by Median Nerve Entrapment
Authors: Delzell Patricia B. , Patel Mital
Published: November 2019

Patients and physicians have increasingly sought minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasound‐guided injection for the treatment of peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes. In this series, we assessed subjective outcome data in 14 patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided perineural hydrodissection and steroid injection for pronator syndrome secondary to median nerve entrapment in the pronator tunnel. Excellent symptomatic relief (≥75% improvement) was achieved in 70% of nerves with 3‐month follow‐up data, with no significant change in symptoms between 3 and 6 months. These outcomes suggest that this technique could play a role in the management of pronator syndrome due to median nerve entrapment.
Improved Diagnostic Sensitivity of Bowel Disease of Prematurity on Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Benjamin Jamaal L. , Dennis Rebecca , White Stacy , Munson David , Anupindi Sudha A. , Piskunowicz Maciej , Darge Kassa , Gokli Ami , Hwang Misun
Published: November 2019

Bowel diseases of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis, are dreaded ailments of neonates. Early diagnosis is difficult, with clinical and radiographic findings often inconclusive. We present a novel use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in detection of pediatric bowel disease. Early identification of compromised blood flow or an at‐risk bowel can be quantitatively detected and monitored. This ability has implications for guidance of emerging therapies, allowing targeting of inflammation. These findings represent an advancement in detection of bowel disease in neonates.
Sudden unexpected death in asymptomatic infants due to PPA2 variants
Authors: Phoon Colin K. L. , Halvorsen Matthew , Goldstein David B. , Rabin Rachel , Cecchin Frank , Crandall Laura , Devinsky Orrin
Published: November 2019

Background

Sudden death in children is a tragic event that often remains unexplained after comprehensive investigation. We report two asymptomatic siblings who died unexpectedly at approximately 1 year of age found to have biallelic (compound heterozygous) variants in PPA2.

Methods

The index case, parents, and sister were enrolled in the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Registry and Research Collaborative, which included next‐generation genetic screening. Prior published cases of PPA2 variants, along with the known biology of PPA2, were also summarized.

Results

Whole exome sequencing in both siblings revealed biallelic rare missense variants in PPA2: c.182C > T (p.Ser61Phe) and c.380G > T (p.Arg127Leu). PPA2 encodes a mitochondrially located inorganic pyrophosphatase implicated in progressive and lethal cardiomyopathies. As a regulator and supplier of inorganic phosphate, PPA2 is central to phosphate metabolism. Biological roles include the following: mtDNA maintenance; oxidative phosphorylation and generation of ATP; reactive oxygen species homeostasis; mitochondrial membrane potential regulation; and possibly, retrograde signaling between mitochondria and nucleus.

Conclusions

Two healthy and asymptomatic sisters died unexpectedly at ages 12 and 10 months, and were diagnosed by molecular autopsy to carry biallelic variants in PPA2. Our cases add additional details to those reported thus far, and broaden the spectrum of clinical and molecular features of PPA2 variants.
Medial femoral condyle free flap in combination with paramedian forehead flap for total/subtotal nasal reconstruction: Level of evidence: IV (therapeutic studies)
Authors: Cherubino Mario , Stocco Chiara , Tamborini Federico , Maggiulli Francesca , Sallam Davide , Corno Martina , Bignami Maurizio , Battaglia Paolo , Valdatta Luigi
Published: November 2019

Background

The nose is a functionally complex organ with also a critical role in aesthetics. For reconstruction of full thickness nasal defects, multiple stages are needed and there is risk for resorption resulting in residual deformity. The aim of this report was to develop and evaluate a new method for full thickness total/subtotal nose reconstruction using the medial femoral condyle free flap (MFCFF) in combination with a paramedian forehead flap.

Methods

Between November 2015 and January 2018, eight patients (four males, four females) mean age 52 years (range 40–73 years) undergoing a total/subtotal nasal excision and subsequential reconstruction with MFCFF plus paramedian forehead flap were enrolled. Six cases were squamous cell carcinomas while two were basal cell carcinomas. The MFCFF was stabilized, with the periosteum as inner layer, with plates and a paramedian forehead flap was used as external skin coverage. All patients were evaluated for with postoperative nasal endoscopy and CT scan. A postoperative questionnaire was given 6 months after surgery.

Results

The mean MFCFF size was 2–3.8 cm × 2.25–2.5 cm with a mean pedicle length of 6.3 cm (range 4.1–9.4 cm). The postoperative period was uneventful. The mean follow‐up was 16 months, no bone displacement or resorption was observed at the CT scan, no evidence of nasal stenosis occurred. All patients had a satisfying aesthetic evaluation and a good subjective nasal function.

Conclusions

In this series, the MFCFF in combination with the paramedian forehead flap appeared to provide a valid subtotal nose reconstruction, allowing for the recreation of all the three nasal layers and maintaining the nose projection and airway patency in the long term.
A novel design of proton computed tomography detected by multiple‐layer ionization chamber with strip chambers: A feasibility study with Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Chen Xinyuan , Liu Ruirui , Zhou Shuang , Sun Baozhou , Reynoso Francisco J. , Mutic Sasa , Zhang Tiezhi , Zhao Tianyu
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Uncertainty in proton range can be reduced by proton computed tomography (CT). A novel design of proton CT using a multiple‐layer ionization chamber with two strip ionization chambers on the surface is proposed to simplify the imaging acquisition and reconstruction.

Methods

Two strip ionization chambers facing the proton source were coupled into a multiple‐layer ionization chamber (MLIC). The strip chambers measured locations and lateral profiles of incident proton beamlets after exiting the imaging object, while the integral of depth dose measured in the MLIC was translated into the residual energy of the beamlet. The simulation was performed at five levels of imaging dose to demonstrate the feasibility and performance expectations of our design. The energy of the proton beamlet was set to 150 ± 0.6 MeV. A collimator with a round slit of 1 cm in diameter was placed in the central beam axis upstream from steering magnets. Proton stopping power ratio (SPR) was reconstructed through inverse radon transform on sinograms generated with proton beamlets scanning through an imaging phantom from a half‐circle gantry rotation. The imaging phantom was 10 cm in diameter. The base was made of water‐equivalent material holding 13‐tissue equivalent inserts constructed according to ICRP 1975 (Task Group on Reference Man. “Report of the Task Group on Reference Man: A Report”, Pergamon Press 23, 1975). All inserts were 1 cm in diameter with materials ranging from lung to cortical bone. Percentage discrepancies were reported by comparing to the ground truths. The imaging dose and quality were also evaluated.

Results

The maximum deviation in reconstructed proton SPR from the ground truths was reported to be 1.02% in one of the 13 inserts when the number of protons per beamlet passing through the slit dropped to 103. Imaging dose was correlated linearly to incident protons and was determined to be 0.54 cGy if 5 × 102 protons per beamlet were used. Imaging quality was acceptable for planning purpose and held consistently through all levels of imaging dose. Spatial resolution was measured as five line pairs per cm consistently in all simulations varying in imaging dose.

Conclusions

Proton CT using a multiple‐layer ionization chamber with two strip ionization chambers on the surface simplifies data acquisition while achieving excellent accuracy in proton SPR and acceptable spatial resolution. The imaging dose is lower compared to kV CBCT, making it potentially a great tool for localization and plan adaption in proton therapy.
Spatial correlation of linear energy transfer and relative biological effectiveness with suspected treatment‐related toxicities following proton therapy for intracranial tumors
Authors: Ödén Jakob , Toma‐Dasu Iuliana , Witt Nyström Petra , Traneus Erik , Dasu Alexandru
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The enhanced relative biological effectiveness (RBE) at the end of the proton range might increase the risk of radiation‐induced toxicities. This is of special concern for intracranial treatments where several critical organs at risk (OARs) surround the tumor. In the light of this, a retrospective analysis of dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) and RBE‐weighted dose (DRBE) distributions was conducted for three clinical cases with suspected treatment‐related toxicities following intracranial proton therapy. Alternative treatment strategies aiming to reduce toxicity risks are also presented.

Methods

The clinical single‐field optimized (SFO) plans were recalculated for 81 error scenarios with a Monte Carlo dose engine. The fractionation DRBE was 1.8 Gy (RBE) in 28 or 30 fractions assuming a constant RBE of 1.1. Two LETd‐ and α/β‐dependent variable RBE models were used for evaluation, including a sensitivity analysis of the α/β parameter. Resulting distributions of DRBE and LETd were analyzed together with normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs). Subsequently, four multi‐field optimized (MFO) plans, with an additional beam and/or objectives penalizing protons stopping in OARs, were created to investigate the potential reduction of LETd, DRBE, and NTCP.

Results

The two variable RBE models agreed well and predicted average RBE values around 1.3 in the toxicity volumes, resulting in an increased near‐maximum DRBE of 7–11 Gy (RBE) compared to RBE = 1.1 in the nominal scenario. The corresponding NTCP estimates increased from 0.8%, 0.0%, and 3.7% (RBE = 1.1) to 15.5%, 1.8%, and 45.7% (Wedenberg RBE model) for the three patients, respectively. The MFO plans generally allowed for LETd, DRBE, and NTCP reductions in OARs, without compromising the target dose. Compared to the clinical SFO plans, the maximum reduction in the near‐maximum LETd was 56%, 63%, and 72% in the OAR exhibiting the toxicity for the three patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Although a direct causality between RBE and toxicity cannot be established here, high LETd and DRBE correlated spatially with the observed toxicities, whereas setup and range uncertainties had a minor impact. Individual factors, which might affect the patient‐specific radiosensitivity, were however not included in these calculations. The MFO plans using both an additional beam and proton track‐end objectives allowed the largest reductions in LETd, DRBE, and NTCP, and might be future tools for similar cases.
Data sustained misalignment correction in microscopic cone beam CT via optimization under the Grangeat Epipolar consistency condition
Authors: Luo Shouhua , Zheng Liang , Luo Shuang , Gu Ning , Tang Xiangyang
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The misalignment correction in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is usually carried out in an offline manner, is a difficult and tedious process. It becomes even more challenging in microscopic CBCT due to the much higher requirements on spatial resolution. In practice, however, an offline approach for misalignment correction may not be readily implementable, especially in the situations where either time is of the essence or the process needs to be carried out repetitively. Thus, an online self‐calibration (i.e., data sustained misalignment correction without the involvement of specific alignment phantom) would be more practical. In this work, we investigate the data sustained misalignment correction in microscopic CBCT via optimization under the Grangeat Epipolar Consistence Condition and evaluate its performance via phantom and specimen studies.

Methods

With the cost function defined according to the Grangeat Epipolar Consistency Condition (G‐ECC) and by minimizing the cost function using the simplex‐simulated annealing algorithm (SIMPSA), we evaluate and verify the G‐ECC optimization‐based online self‐calibration method's performance. Performance is measured in sensitivity, robustness, and accuracy using the projection data of phantoms generated by computer simulation and botanical specimens acquired by a prototype microscopic CBCT.

Results

The online data sustained misalignment correction in microscopic CBCT via G‐ECC optimization works very well in sensitivity and robustness, in addition to its accuracy of 0.27%, 0.48%, and 0.34% relative errors, respectively, in obtaining the three geometric parameters that are the most critical to image reconstruction in CBCT. Quantitatively, the performance in meeting the requirements on spatial resolution is comparable to, if not better than, that of the offline misalignment correction method, in which a specific alignment phantom has to be used.

Conclusions

The G‐ECC optimization‐based online self‐calibration approach provides a practical solution (as long as no latitudinal (lateral) data truncation occurs) for misalignment correction in microscopic CBCT, an application that demands high accuracy in geometric alignment for biological (cellular) imaging at super high spatial resolutions in the order of micrometers (2.1 µm).
Estimations of relative biological effectiveness of secondary fragments in carbon ion irradiation of water using CR‐39 plastic detector and microdosimetric kinetic model
Authors: Hirano Yoshiyuki , Kodaira Satoshi , Souda Hikaru , Osaki Kohei , Torikoshi Masami
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To estimate relative biological effectiveness (RBE) ascribed to secondary fragments in a lateral distribution of carbon ion irradiation. The RBE was estimated with the microdosimetric kinetic (MK) model and measured linear energy transfer (LET) obtained with CR‐39 plastic detectors.

Methods

A water phantom was irradiated by a 12C pencil beam with energy of 380 MeV/u at the Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center (GHMC), and CR‐39 detectors were exposed to secondary fragments. Because CR‐39 was insensitive to low LET, we conducted Monte Carlo simulations with Geant4 to calculate low LET particles. The spectra of low LET particles were combined with experimental spectra to calculate RBE. To estimate accuracy of RBE, we calculated RBE by changing yield of low LET particles by ± 10% and ± 40%.

Results

At a small angle, maximum RBE by secondary fragments was 1.3 for 10% survival fractions. RBE values of fragments gradually decreased as the angle became larger. The shape of the LET spectra in the simulation reproduced the experimental spectra, but there was a discrepancy between the simulation and experiment for the relative yield of fragments. When the yield of low LET particles was changed by ± 40%, the change in RBE was smaller than 10%.

Conclusions

An RBE of 1.3 was expected for secondary fragments emitted at a small angle. Although, we observed a discrepancy in the relative yield of secondary fragments between simulation and experiment, precision of RBE was not so sensitive to the yield of low LET particles.
Sparse deconvolution of proton radiography data to estimate water equivalent thickness maps
Authors: Deffet Sylvain , Farace Paolo , Macq Benoît
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In proton therapy, the conversion of the planning computed tomography (CT) into proton stopping powers is tainted by uncertainties which may jeopardize dose conformity. Proton radiography provides a direct information on the energy reduction of protons in the patient. However, it is currently limited by the degradation (“blurring”) of the one‐dimensional depth‐dose deposition profiles which constitute the pixels.

Methods

An iterative algorithm is implemented to extract high‐resolution water equivalent thickness (WET) maps from the measurements of depth‐dose profiles acquired with a multilayer ionization chamber. The method relies on the assumption that those curves are a function of the WET, which can benefit from a sparse representation.

Results

When used without relying on any prior knowledge derived from the planning CT, the method already outperforms the published one in terms of accuracy. We also propose a variant which integrates the planning CT in a robust fashion to further improve the deconvolution result and reach an accuracy of 1.5 mm on the estimated WET. The methods are applied to both synthetic data and actual proton radiography acquisitions on phantoms.

Conclusions

Besides the increase in accuracy achieved in the estimation of WET maps from proton radiography data, we demonstrate that the proposed deconvolution algorithm is also more robust with respect to confounding factors such as residual setup errors or changes in the anatomy. Therefore, proton radiography using a range probe provides both the required accuracy to assess and reduce range uncertainty in proton therapy and the simplicity of integrated‐mode proton radiography.
How do elevated levels of testosterone affect the function of the human fallopian tube and fertility?—New insights
Authors: Dulohery Kate , Trottmann Matthias , Bour Susanne , Liedl Bernhard , Alba‐Alejandre Irene , Reese Sven , Hughes Barbara , Stief Christian G. , Kölle Sabine
Published: November 2019

Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube—the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long‐term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female‐to‐male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1–3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.
Otolith-Based Age Estimates of Alligator Gar Assessed Using Bomb Radiocarbon Dating to Greater than 60 Years
Authors: Daugherty Daniel J. , Andrews Allen H. , Smith Nathan G.
Published: November 2019

Considerable efforts have been undertaken to characterize population dynamics of the Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula. Accomplishing this task required identification of suitable structures to estimate age. Buckmeier et al. (2012) validated sagittal otoliths to 31 years—the oldest fish in their study. However, they noted that interpreting annuli became increasingly difficult with age and cautioned that difficulties may result in underestimates of age for older fish. In recent years, sampling efforts have resulted in the collection of otoliths from a number of large (>1,800 mm TL) individuals. Age estimates of these fish ranged to 68 years; however, the accuracy of these ages was unknown. Therefore, we used bomb radiocarbon dating to assess accuracy. The technique measures the time-specific increase in the radioactive carbon isotope (14C) in calcified aging structures resulting from the testing of thermonuclear devices in the 1950s and 1960s. An abrupt, worldwide increase in environmental radiocarbon occurred in approximately 1958 and acts as a time stamp, providing a reliable means of corroborating the age estimates of long-lived fishes. Core material (i.e., hatch year), along with a subsample from early growth years, was extracted from the otoliths of 24 Alligator Gar (1,805 to 2,540 mm TL) and analyzed for Δ14C. Estimated age from growth zone counting ranged from 26 to 68 years, corresponding to hatch years spanning from 1946 to 1989. Otolith Δ14C was then plotted against the corresponding hatch years and compared to reference curves for environmental 14C levels across time. Despite evidence of regionally specific trends attributed to differences in groundwater and surface inflows, Δ14C levels in the otoliths were highly correlated with reference data, indicating that age estimates were accurate to within a few years. Thus, our results extend the utility of methods developed by Buckmeier et al. (2012) for Alligator Gar in excess of 60 years and provide greater insight on longevity.
Making sense of giant cell lesions of the jaws (GCLJ): lessons learned from next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Gomes Carolina C , Diniz Marina G , Bastos Victor C , Bernardes Vanessa F , Gomez Ricardo S
Published: November 2019

Next‐generation sequencing has revealed mutations in several bone‐related lesions and was recently used to uncover the genetic basis of giant cell lesions of the jaws (GCLJ). Consistent with their benign nature, GCLJ show a low tumor mutation burden. They also harbor somatic, heterozygous, mutually exclusive mutations in TRPV4, KRAS, or FGFR1. These signature mutations occur only in a subset of lesional cells, suggesting the existence of a ‘landscaping effect’, with mutant cells inducing abnormal accumulation of non‐mutant cells that form the tumor mass. Osteoclast‐rich lesions with histological similarities to GCLJ can occur in the jaws sporadically or in association with genetically inherited syndromes. Based on recent results, the pathogenesis of a subgroup of sporadic GCLJ seems closely related to non‐ossifying fibroma of long bones, with both lesions sharing MAPK pathway‐activating mutations. In this review, we extrapolate from these recent findings to contextualize GCLJ genetics and we highlight the therapeutic implications of this new information. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prestrained twistless flax yarn as reinforcement for polymer‐matrix composites
Authors: Magniez Kevin , Zaidi Badar Munir , Zhang Jin , Miao Menghe
Published: November 2019

We report a technique to improve the mechanical performance of aligned fiber‐reinforced polymer‐matrix composites utilizing a twistless wrap‐spun yarn structure. Conventional wrap‐spinning technology introduces crimps to the yarn structure, which is a source of fiber misalignment in the final composites. Here, we report a twistless wrap‐spun yarn constructed from flax fibers and an extensible wrapping filament so that the yarn crimp can be removed during composite fabrication. This is achieved by applying a prestrain to the yarn while the resin is being cured during compression molding. The study demonstrates that this manufacturing technique can be simply and efficiently utilized to produce highly aligned and twistless natural fiber yarn‐reinforced polymeric composites with up to 25% and 45% improvements in mechanical properties.
Wasp venom peptide, synoeca‐MP, from Synoeca surinama shows antimicrobial activity against human and animal pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Freire Daniel O. , da Cunha Nicolau B. , Leite Michel L. , Kostopoulos Alessandra G. C. , da Silva Sheila N. B. , de Souza Adolfo C. B. , Nolasco Diego O. , Franco Octávio L. , Mortari Márcia R. , Dias Simoni C.
Published: November 2019

The rising number of multidrug‐resistant microorganisms has triggered interest in the prospection of biocompounds with antimicrobial activities. Synoeca‐MP consists of an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) classified as a mastoparan, which was isolated from the venom of Synoeca surinama, a social wasp. Synoeca‐MP presented a potent antimicrobial activity, with values of MIC50 and MIC90 against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus—MRSA (1.9 and 2.2 μM), Escherichia coli ESBL (2.0 and 2,1 μM), vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecalis (8.3 and 17.1 μM), Pseudomonas aeruginosa metallo‐ß‐lactamase (5.2 and 5.9 μM), and Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC (3.5 and 4.7 μM). Synoeca‐MP was also tested against six Candida species, with MICs varying from 10 to 40 μM. Moreover, the structural prediction for Synoeca‐MP demonstrated a cationic α‐helix capable of interacting with in silico membranes and low hemolytic activity. Due to its antimicrobial activity, synoeca‐MP shows potential as an adjuvant to antibiotics and antifungals commonly used in antibiotic therapies.
Vasopressin Plasma Concentrations Are Not Associated with Hemodynamic Response to Exogenous Vasopressin for Septic Shock
Authors: Yerke Jason R. , Sacha Gretchen L. , Scheraga Rachel G. , Culver Daniel A. , Abraham Susamma , Torbic Heather , Lam Simon W. , Ammar Mahmoud A. , Olman Mitchell A. , Bauer Seth R.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Positive hemodynamic response to vasopressin after 6 hours of infusion was independently associated with lower mortality in a previous retrospective study of patients with septic shock. However, factors previously associated with higher plasma vasopressin concentration were not associated with response, and the relationship between plasma vasopressin concentration and hemodynamic response has not been evaluated.

Objectives

This cross‐sectional study compared plasma vasopressin concentrations in hemodynamic responders and nonresponders to vasopressin in patients with septic shock to evaluate plasma vasopressin concentration as a therapeutic target for hemodynamic response to vasopressin.

Methods

Adult patients with septic shock were included if they were treated with fixed‐dose vasopressin as an adjunct to catecholamines for at least 3 hours. Patients were assigned to groups based on vasopressin response.

Results

Ten hemodynamic responders to vasopressin and eight nonresponders were included. Blood samples for plasma vasopressin concentration were collected 3–6 hours after vasopressin initiation. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No difference was detected in plasma vasopressin concentrations between hemodynamic responders and nonresponders (median 88.6 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 84.4–107.5 pg/ml] vs 89.9 pg/ml [IQR 67.5–157.4 pg/ml], p=0.79, respectively). We also did not detect a difference between groups after correcting for vasopressin dose; median vasopressin plasma concentration per 0.01 units/minute of vasopressin infusion for responders was 25.9 pg/ml (IQR 21.8–31.8 pg/ml) versus 29.5 pg/ml (IQR 23.0–57.5 pg/ml, p=0.48) for nonresponders. No difference in clinical outcomes was detected between groups. The findings were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This study does not support the use of plasma vasopressin concentrations as a therapeutic target to predict hemodynamic response to exogenous vasopressin in septic shock.
Post‐traumatic growth and related factors among 1221 Chinese cancer survivors
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Lu Yuhan , Qin Yin , Xue Jing , Chen Yang
Published: November 2019

Objective

There is an increasing number of studies on the post‐traumatic growth (PTG) of cancer survivors worldwide. However, few Chinese studies have reported about PTG in cancer survivors because of the underdevelopment of community health services. This study aimed to evaluate the level of PTG in China and explore related factors among a large sample of survivors of more than 12 cancer types.

Methods

We recruited 1236 survivors from 14 sites of the Beijing Cancer Rehabilitation Association. Survivors completed standardized questionnaires assessing PTG, social support, coping styles, demographic characteristics, and clinical conditions. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate potential predictive factors of PTG.

Results

A total of 1221 (98.7%) subjects completed the questionnaires. The average PTG score was 61.15 ± 20.26. Seven variables were included in the final regression model: social support, coping style, time after treatment, exercise, BMI, work status, and economic income (P < .05). Survivors who had low levels of social support, had negative coping strategies, had a time after treatment of less than 5 years, exercised irregularly, had an abnormal BMI, were unemployed, or had low economic income had lower PTG levels.

Conclusions

PTG levels among Chinese cancer survivors are associated with social support, coping style, time after treatment, exercise, BMI, work status, and economic income. Strategies tailored to Chinese survivors should be developed to promote their PTG and improve their physical and psychological well‐being.
Differential effects of serine side chain interactions in amyloid formation by islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Akter Rehana , Zou Junjie , Raleigh Daniel P.
Published: November 2019

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a 37 residue polypeptide, is the main protein component of islet amyloid deposits produced in the pancreas in Type 2 diabetes. Human IAPP contains five serine residues at positions 19, 20, 28, 29, and 34. Models of the IAPP amyloid fibril indicate a structure composed of two closely aligned columns of IAPP monomers with each monomer contributing to two intermolecular β‐strands. Ser 19 and Ser 20 are in the partially ordered β‐turn region, which links the two strands, whereas Ser 28, Ser 29, and Ser 34 are in the core region of the amyloid fibril. Ser 29 is involved in contacts between the two columns of monomers and is the part of the steric zipper interface. We undertook a study of individual serine substitutions with the hydrophobic isostere 2‐aminobutyric acid (2‐Abu) to examine the site‐specific role of serine side chains in IAPP amyloid formation. All five variants formed amyloid. The Ser 19 to 2‐Abu mutant accelerates amyloid formation by a factor of 3 to 4, while the Ser 29 to 2‐Abu mutation modestly slows the rate of amyloid formation. 2‐Abu replacements at the other sites had even smaller effects. The data demonstrate that the cross‐column interactions made by residue 29 are not essential for amyloid formation and also show that cross‐strand networks of hydrogen‐bonded Ser side chains, so called Ser‐ladders, are not required for IAPP amyloid formation. The effect of the Ser 19 to 2‐Abu mutant suggests that residues in this region are important for amyloid formation by IAPP.
A practical approach to preventing systematic error in the maintenance of instrumented safeguards
Authors: Summers Angela , Roche Eloise
Published: November 2019

Instrumentation and electrical (I&E) maintenance is typically managed using site‐wide policies, practices, and procedures. Since I&E equipment is part of the control system and nearly every other layer of protection, the cumulative impact of poor I&E performance can be a significant contributor to major events. Systematic problems in managing I&E equipment reliability lower process safety performance across a site. Practical guidance is needed on how to assess the vulnerability of existing sites to instrumented safeguard failure due to maintenance deficits. This paper leverages Reason's organizational accident model as a framework to discuss site‐specific factors that impact a site's susceptibility to maintenance error. A table of more than 60 human factors covering I&E maintenance activities was developed and organized by four elements of causality: organizational processes, workplace practices, personnel traits, and enabling conditions. The human factors table can be used to rate an industrial site on a negative‐to‐positive scale, highlighting those areas where systematic changes would likely improve maintenance performance and instrument reliability.
Quantitative determination of human IgA subclasses and their Fc‐glycosylation patterns in plasma by using a peptide analogue internal standard and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Fan , Shiao Ching‐Ya , Wu Mei‐Yi , Lin Yen‐Chung , Chen Hsi‐Hsien , Chang Wei‐Chiao , Wu Mai‐Szu , Kao Chih‐Chin , Tsai I‐Lin
Published: November 2019

Rationale

Glycosylation on immunoglobulins is important for the immune function. In this study, we developed and validated a method for the absolute quantification of IgA subclasses and relative quantification of IgA‐Fc glycopeptides by using affinity purification and ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS). Only micro‐volumes of plasma were required from each sample and we also applied the method to discover IgA and IgA‐glycopeptide profiles in patients with chronic kidney diseases and IgA nephropathy.

Methods

Peptide M affinity beads were used to purify IgA, and a cost‐effective peptide analogue was added as internal standard. With an efficient on‐bead digestion process, purified samples were analyzed by UHPLC/MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode.

Results

Correlation coefficients were greater than 0.999 for the IgA1 and IgA2 calibration curves and greater than 0.994 for glycopeptide regression curves. Intraday and interday precisions for IgA1 and IgA2 were <1.6% and <5.1% RSD, respectively. Intraday and interday accuracies ranged from 102.6 to 114.9% and 103.5 to 113.5% for IgA1 and IgA2, respectively. Stabilities of IgA1 and IgA2 at −80°C for 7 to 15 days ranged from 96.0 to 109.4%, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.916 when comparing the IgA quantification results of the 30 clinical samples by using ELISAs and the developed UHPLC/MS/MS method. Compared with healthy controls, IgA and IgA‐glycopeptides showed different profiles in patients with chronic kidney diseases and IgA nephropathy.

Conclusions

The developed method showed good validation results, and the absolute quantification results of IgA correlated with those from ELISA. The pilot application study showed that IgA and IgA‐glycopeptides can be potential biomarker candidates for kidney diseases, and more clinical sample applications are worth investigating.
A primer on sustainable value creation
Authors: Fatemi Ali , Fooladi Iraj
Published: November 2019

This paper argues that the current paradigm of value creation has led to a number of unacceptable outcomes. Exaggerated by executive compensation incentives focused on short‐term results, the model of shareholder wealth maximization spurs short‐term profits that fail to take into account those costs that are externalized to other stakeholders. We argue that the all‐inclusive costs can far exceed those explicitly accounted for and that their magnitude is often such that it outweighs the short‐term gains by a wide margin. The cascading nature of these costs, the growing voice of other stakeholders in support of their interests, the erosion of public trust, and the increasingly dire state of the global environment have accelerated the pace of calls for the adoption of a model of sustainable value creation—one in which shareholders’ wealth is maximized without making any of the other stakeholders significantly worse off. Taking an exploratory step toward developing such an ideal process, we present a simple example of a valuation model that incorporates such a principle. We also argue that markets, education, and regulation represent the three indispensable cornerstones of a sustainable value creation framework.
Solution‐Processed Molybdenum Oxide with Hydroxyl Radical‐Induced Oxygen Vacancy as an Efficient and Stable Interfacial Layer for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Jung Seungon , Lee Junghyun , Kim Ungsoo , Park Hyesung
Published: November 2019

The interfacial layer (IL) in organic solar cells (OSCs) can be an important boosting factor for improving device efficiency and stability. Herein, a facile and cost‐effective approach to form a uniform molybdenum oxide (MoO3) film with desirable stability is provided, based on solution processing at low temperatures by simplified precursor solution synthesis. The solution‐processed MoO3 (SM) film, with oxygen vacancies induced by the hydroxyl group, functions as an efficient anode IL in conventional OSCs. The hole‐transporting performance of SM is well demonstrated in nonfullerene‐based OSCs exhibiting over 10% of power conversion efficiency. The enhanced device performance of SM‐based OSCs over that of poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is investigated by analyzing the morphology, electronic state, and electrical conductivity of such a hole‐transporting layer, as well as the charge dynamics in the completed devices. Furthermore, the high stability of the SM films in OSCs is examined under various environmental conditions, including long‐term and thermal stability. In particular, fullerene‐based OSCs with SM maintain over 90% of their initial cell performance over 2500 h under inert conditions. It is shown that solution‐processed metal oxides can be viable ILs with high functionality and versatility, overcoming the drawbacks of conventionally adopted conducting polymer interlayers.
SREBP2‐STARD4 is involved in synthesis of cholesteryl ester stimulated by mono‐butyl phthalate in MLTC‐1 cells
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Wang Yidi , Zhang Lulu , Hu Yanhui , Gu Chenxi , Wen Yun , Gu Aihua , Zhang Jingshu , Wang Yubang
Published: November 2019

Sterol is synthesized from cholesterol which is from the hydrolysis of stored cholesteryl esters. The process of maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is regulated by SREBP2‐STARD4. Lots of researches demonstrated that male steroidogenesis could be interfered by di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP) or monobutyl phthalate (MBP). However, mechanisms of MBP exposure in this process have not been uncovered clearly. The objectiveof this study was to explore roles of SREBP2 and STARD4 in cholesteryl estersynthesis stimulated by MBP in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC‐1). MLTC‐1 exposedto 10‐8, 10‐7, 10‐6, 10‐5 M MBP showed that levels of cholestery ester were increased significantly at 10‐7 M MBP. Besides, cholesteryl ester synthesis stimulated by MBP was down‐regulate when STARD4 or SREBP2 were inhibited. Activity of SREBP2 binding to the promoter of STARD4 was increased after MBP exposure. This study suggests that MBP can increase cholesteryl ester synthesis through SREBP2‐STARD4 signal pathway in MLTC‐1 cells.
Resummed prediction for Higgs boson production through b$$ \overline{\mathrm{b}} $$ annihilation at N3LL
Authors: Ajjath A.H. , Chakraborty Amlan , Das Goutam , Mukherjee Pooja , Ravindran V.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We present an accurate theoretical prediction for the production of Higgs bo- son through bottom quark annihilation at the LHC up to next-to-next-to-next-to leading order (N3LO) plus next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy. We de- termine the third order perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) correction to the process dependent constant in the resummed expression using the three loop bottom quark form factor and third order quark soft distribution function. Thanks to the recent compu- tation of N3LO corrections to this production cross-section from all the partonic channels, an accurate matching can be obtained for a consistent predictions at N3LO+N3LL accu- racy in QCD. We have studied in detail the impact of resummed threshold contributions to inclusive cross-sections at various centre-of-mass energies and also discussed their sensi- tivity to renormalization and factorization scales at next-to-next-to leading order (NNLO) matched with next-to-next-to leading logarithm (NNLL). At N3LO+N3LL, we predict the cross-section for different centre-of-mass energies using the recently available results in [1] as well as study the renormalization scale dependence at the same order.
Kinematical superspaces
Authors: Figueroa-O’Farrill José , Grassie Ross
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We classify N =1 d = 4 kinematical and aristotelian Lie superalgebras with spa- tial isotropy, but not necessarily parity nor time-reversal invariance. Employing a quater- nionic formalism which makes rotational covariance manifest and simplifies many of the calculations, we find a list of 43 isomorphism classes of Lie superalgebras, some with pa- rameters, whose (nontrivial) central extensions are also determined. We then classify their corresponding simply-connected homogeneous (4|4)-dimensional superspaces, resulting in a list of 27 homogeneous superspaces, some with parameters, all of which are reductive. We determine the invariants of low rank and explore how these superspaces are related via geometric limits.