bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight on the bacterial ecology in membrane bioreactor: Operational conditions effect over dominant ecological players
Authors: Rodriguez‐Sanchez Alejandro , Calero‐Diaz Gustavo , Martin‐Pascual Jaime , Lopez‐Lopez Cristina , Torres Juan Carlos , Poyatos Jose Manuel
Published: October 2018

A bench‐scale bioreactor was operated under two different technologies of membrane bioreactor and hybrid moving bed bioreactor‐membrane bioreactor at hydraulic retention time 6–16 h, sludge retention time 6–24 days, and mixed liquor suspended solids 3400–7800 mg L−1. Analyses of their bacterial community structures showed marked differences between the two technologies for global communities but not for dominant phylotypes, and the domination of different bacterial phylotypes for the different operational conditions. Tetrasphaera genus was ubiquitous (1.1%–19.2% relative abundance) in both bioprocesses. Fodinibacter (0.04%–7.75%) was found to positively correlate with other dominant phylotypes, highlighting the relevance of Intrasporangiaceae family in membrane‐based technologies. Oligotypes distribution of dominant phylotypes showed that certain strains were favored at all operational conditions. Linkage with operational conditions determined that the presence/absence of carriers deeply impacted the relative abundance of dominant phylotypes. The results are relevant to discern the effect of operational conditions over bacterial communities in membrane‐based technologies. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 536–548, 2019
Acute myeloid leukemia: 2019 update on risk‐stratification and management
Authors: Estey Elihu H.
Published: October 2018

Outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ranges from death within a few days of beginning treatment (treatment related mortality, TRM) to likely cure. The major reason patients are not cured is resistance to treatment, often manifested as relapse from remission, rather than, even in older patients, TRM, whose incidence is decreasing. Knowledge of the pre‐treatment mutation status of various genes has improved our ability to assign initial treatment and, of particular importance, knowledge of whether patients ostensibly in remission have measurable residual disease should influence subsequent management. Several new drugs have been approved by the FDA and we discuss their role in treatment.
Time‐to‐pregnancy and offspring finger‐length ratio (2D:4D)
Authors: Shere Mahvash , Arbuckle Tye E. , Monnier Patricia , Fraser William , Velez Maria P.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Time‐to‐Pregnancy (TTP) is an epidemiological tool to assess couple fecundity. The finger digit ratio (2D:4D) has been suggested as a marker of androgen exposure in utero. Maternal, paternal, or couple‐mediated factors related to fecundity may also have an effect on androgen exposure during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the association between TTP, infertility, or use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and offspring 2D:4D.

Methods

Data from 673 mother‐child pairs were collected from questionnaires in the Maternal‐Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study across 10 cities in Canada. The mean maternal age was 33.4 years (SD 4.7), with a median gestational age of 12.1 weeks (SD 1.3), at the time of recruitment. Our study included 338 girls and 335 boys, and the mean age of the children at follow‐up was 3.5 years (SD 1.0). TTP was assessed through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy. Digital photographs of both hands were taken in a follow‐up study to calculate the children's 2D:4D (2–5 years). anova, t tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Boys had significantly lower mean 2D:4Ds (0.936 ±0.041 in right hand, 0.936 ±0.040 in left hand) compared to girls (0.948 ±0.038 in right hand, 0.945 ±0.038 in left hand). The mean 2D:4D did not differ according to TTP, infertility, or use of ART. The only factors associated with the child's 2D:4D were the child's age and maternal 2D:4D.

Conclusions

Our study does not support an association between TTP, infertility, or use of ART and children's 2D:4D.
Dreikomponenten‐Kupplungs‐(3+3)‐Anellierung zum Aufbau von blaufluoreszierenden, wasserlöslichen, tricyclischen 2‐Aminopyridinsalzen
Authors: Bakulina Olga , Merkt Franziska K. , Knedel Tim‐Oliver , Janiak Christoph , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: October 2018

Die (3+3)‐Anellierung von Alkinonen mit cyclischen Amidinen stellt eine neue und unerwartete Methode dar, um intensiv blaufluoreszierende, tricyclische 2‐Aminopyridinsalze aufzubauen, die Fluoreszenzquantenausbeuten Φf von bis zu 63 % in Wasser aufweisen. Durch Integration in eine konsekutive Dreikomponentenreaktion können die Titelmoleküle besonders rasch und effizient im Sinne einer Diversitäts‐orientierten Reaktionsführung aufgebaut werden. Besonders interessant ist dabei, dass die so dargestellten bi‐ und tricyclischen 2‐Aminopyridinsalze sowohl in Dichlormethan als auch in Wasser stark fluoreszent sind, was diese Luminophore zu geeigneten Kandidaten in der Bioanalytik macht. Zusätzlich zeigen ausgewählte Derivate neben der Fluoreszenz in Lösung auch Festkörperfluoreszenz, sodass sie als Blaulichtemitter mit einstellbaren Effizienzen Anwendung finden können.
Biocatalytic “Oxygen‐Fueled” Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Enciso Alan E. , Fu Liye , Lathwal Sushil , Olszewski Mateusz , Wang Zhenhua , Das Subha R. , Russell Alan J. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) can be carried out in a flask completely open to air using a biocatalytic system composed of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with an active copper catalyst complex. Nanomolar concentrations of the enzymes and ppm amounts of Cu provided excellent control over the polymerization of oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA500), generating polymers with high molecular weight (Mn>70 000) and low dispersities (1.13≤Đ≤1.27) in less than an hour. The continuous oxygen supply was necessary for the generation of radicals and polymer chain growth as demonstrated by temporal control and by inducing hypoxic conditions. In addition, the enzymatic cascade polymerization triggered by oxygen was used for a protein and DNA functionalized with initiators to form protein‐b‐POEOMA and DNA‐b‐POEOMA bioconjugates, respectively.
Achieving Atomic Dispersion of Highly Loaded Transition Metals in Small‐Pore Zeolite SSZ‐13: High‐Capacity and High‐Efficiency Low‐Temperature CO and Passive NOx Adsorbers
Authors: Khivantsev Konstantin , Jaegers Nicholas R. , Kovarik Libor , Hanson Jonathan C. , Tao Franklin (Feng) , Tang Yu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Koleva Iskra Z. , Aleksandrov Hristiyan A. , Vayssilov Georgi N. , Wang Yong , Gao Feng , Szanyi János
Published: October 2018

The majority of harmful atmospheric CO and NOx emissions are from vehicle exhausts. Although there has been success addressing NOx emissions at temperatures above 250 °C with selective catalytic reduction technology, emissions during vehicle cold start (when the temperature is below 150 °C), are a major challenge. Herein, we show we can completely eliminate both CO and NOx emissions simultaneously under realistic exhaust flow, using a highly loaded (2 wt %) atomically dispersed palladium in the extra‐framework positions of the small‐pore chabazite material as a CO and passive NOx adsorber. Until now, atomically dispersed highly loaded (>0.3 wt %) transition‐metal/SSZ‐13 materials have not been known. We devised a general, simple, and scalable route to prepare such materials for PtII and PdII. Through spectroscopy and materials testing we show that both CO and NOx can be simultaneously completely abated with 100 % efficiency by the formation of mixed carbonyl‐nitrosyl palladium complex in chabazite micropore.
Collateral Projections from the Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus to the Central Amygdaloid Nucleus and the Ventral Tegmental Area in the Rat
Authors: Qiao Yu , Zhang Chun‐Kui , Li Zhi‐Hong , Niu Ze‐Hao , Li Jin , Li Jin‐Lian
Published: October 2018

Lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) is a critical region in the integration and transmission of peripheral nociceptive information. The parabrachio‐amygdaloid (P‐Amy) pathway and parabrachio‐ventral tegmental area (P‐VTA) pathway is thought to be significant in regulation of pain‐related negative emotions. In present study, retrograde tract tracers Fluoro‐gold (FG) and tetramethylrhodramine‐dextran (TMR) were stereotaxically injected into the right central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) and right VTA, respectively. Then, part of these rats were performed with the spare nerve injury (SNI) in the controlateral side of FG and TMR injection. Afterwards, double‐ or triple‐immunofluorescent histochemistry was used to examine FG/TMR double‐ and FG/TMR/FOS or FG/TMR/CGRP triple‐labeled neurons in the LPB. The results showed that all of FG, TMR single‐ and FG/TMR double‐labeled neurons were distributed in the LPB bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance. The proportion of FG/TMR double‐labeled neurons to the total number of FG‐ and TMR‐labeled neurons was 10.78% and 13.07%, respectively. Nearly all of the FG/TMR double‐labeled neurons (92.67%) showed calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) immunopositive. On the other hand, in the SNI rats, about 89.49% and 77.87% of FG‐ and TMR‐labeled neurons were FG/FOS‐ and TMR/FOS‐positive neurons; about 93.33% of the FG/TMR double‐labeled neurons were FOS‐LI. Our results suggest that the part of CGRP immunopositive neurons in the LPB send projection fibers to both the CeA and VTA by the way of axon collaterals, which are activated by the nociceptive stimulation in the SNI condition, and may play an important role in the transmission of peripheral nociceptive information. Anat Rec, 302:1178–1186, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Prenatal Development of the Humpback Whale: Growth Rate, Tooth Loss and Skull Shape Changes in an Evolutionary Framework
Authors: Lanzetti Agnese , Berta Annalisa , Ekdale Eric G.
Published: October 2018

Extant baleen whales (Mysticeti) share a distinct suite of extreme and unique adaptations to perform bulk filter feeding, such as a long, arched skull, and mandible and the complete loss of adult dentition in favor of baleen plates. However, mysticetes still develop tooth germs during ontogeny. In the fossil record, multiple groups document the transition from ancestral raptorial feeding to filter feeding. Fetal specimens give us an extraordinary opportunity to observe when and how this macroevolutionary transition occurs during gestation. We used iodine‐enhanced and traditional CT scanning to visualize the internal anatomy of five fetuses of humpback whale representing the first two‐thirds of gestation, and we combine these data with previously published reports to provide the first comprehensive qualitative description of the sequence of developmental changes that characterize the skull and dentition. We also use quantitative methods based on 3D landmarks to investigate the shape changes in the fetuses in relation to a juvenile cranial morphology. We found similarities in the ossification patterns of the humpback and other cetaceans (dolphins), but there appear to be major differences when comparing them to terrestrial artiodactyls. As for the tooth germs, this developmental sequence confirms that the tooth‐to‐baleen transition occurs in the last one‐third of gestation. Analysis of cranial shape development revealed a progressive elongation of the rostrum and a resulting posterior movement of the nasals relative to the braincase. Future work will involve acquisition of data from other species to complete our documentation of the teeth‐to‐baleen transition. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.
Isolation and Characterization of Pancreatic Canine Fetal Cells at the Final Stage of Gestation
Authors: Aguiar Bruna Andrade , Orechio Dailiany , Fratini Paula , Carreira Ana Claudia Oliveira , Castelucci Patricia , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: October 2018

The incidence of diabetes mellitus in dogs is increasing in recent years, mainly because of genetic and/or environmental factors, including endocrine disorders (like in humans); failure of suitable control of blood sugar levels, which triggers hyperglycemia; glycosuria and weight loss, which demands the development of innovative treatments to cure or treat this complex disease in dogs. The present study established for the first time a protocol to obtain and characterize cells derived from pancreas of canine fetuses. Those fetuses do not have a defined breed and were at the final stage of gestation. The protocol aims to provide morphological data to enable future applications of these cells for therapeutic approaches. In cell culture, pancreatic cells showed a fibroblast‐like appearance with a mono‐layered growth pattern and were not tumorigenic. They exhibited a positive expression for the pluripotent proliferation markers NANOG and PCNA and expressed PDX1, a transcription factor that is important for activation of the insulin gene promoter. In addition, Tyrosine Hydroxylase‐positive (TH+) sympathetic nerve fibers were identified. Histologically, the pancreatic epithelium was developed, pancreatic glands in the fetuses were like those in the parenchyma of postconception dogs and pancreatic islets were unevenly distributed and organized in small clusters along the glands close to the vasculature. Staining with dithizone indicated the presence of insulin in the cells. A large number of beta cells were confirmed by immunofluorescence. In conclusion, the canine fetal pancreas cells could be an alternative and adequate source of cell lineages for stem cell therapies for diabetes treatment. Anat Rec, 302:1409–1418, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meta-analysis of the influence of lifestyle changes for preoperative weight loss on surgical outcomes
Authors: Roman M , Monaghan A , Serraino G F , Miller D , Pathak S , Lai F , Zaccardi F , Ghanchi A , Khunti K , Davies M J , Murphy G J
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim was to investigate whether preoperative weight loss results in improved clinical outcomes in surgical patients with clinically significant obesity.

Methods

This was a systematic review and aggregate data meta-analysis of RCTs and cohort studies. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL Plus databases were searched from inception to February 2018. Eligibility criteria were: studies assessing the effect of weight loss interventions (low-energy diets with or without an exercise component) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing any surgical procedure. Data on 30-day or all-cause in-hospital mortality were extracted and synthesized in meta-analyses. Postoperative thromboembolic complications, duration of surgery, infection and duration of hospital stay were also assessed.

Results

A total of 6060 patients in four RCTs and 12 cohort studies, all from European and North American centres, were identified. Most were in the field of bariatric surgery and all had some methodological limitations. The pooled effect estimate suggested that preoperative weight loss programmes were effective, leading to significant weight reduction compared with controls: mean difference –7·42 (95 per cent c.i. –10·09 to –4·74) kg (P < 0·001). Preoperative weight loss interventions were not associated with a reduction in perioperative mortality (odds ratio 1·41, 95 per cent c.i. 0·24 to 8·40; I2 = 0 per cent, P = 0·66) but the event rate was low. The weight loss groups had shorter hospital stay (by 27 per cent). No differences were found for morbidity.

Conclusion

This limited preoperative weight loss has advantages but may not alter the postoperative morbidity or mortality risk.
Clinical landscape of cancer metastases
Authors: Riihimäki Matias , Thomsen Hauke , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Hemminki Kari
Published: October 2018

Population‐based data on metastatic patterns are lacking because cancer registries seldom record metastases. This study uses a novel population‐based approach to identify metastases and describes metastatic pathways from 14 common primary cancers to 12 specific metastatic sites. A total of 179 581 patients with metastatic cancer were identified from the Swedish Cancer Registry and metastatic sites were identified using the Cause of Death Register and the National Patient Register. Patterns of metastatic spread were described across age and sex. In men, colorectal cancer was the main source of lung, peritoneal, and liver metastases. Lung cancer was the main origin of pleural and nervous system metastases. Prostate cancer dominated bone metastases but had minor contribution to other metastatic sites. Among women, breast cancer was the dominant origin of most metastatic sites, with the exception of peritoneum which was ruled by metastases from the ovary. As other exceptions, for nervous system metastases, lung cancer was the origin of metastases somewhat more frequently than breast cancer and for liver metastases, colorectal cancer was the main origin instead of breast cancer. The present achievement was to implement the first nationwide description of clinical landscape of cancer metastases, with an aim to serve as a reliable source for clinicians and researchers.
Prognostic value of impaired hepato‐renal function assessed by the MELD‐XI score in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Spieker Maximilian , Hellhammer Katharina , Wiora Julian , Klose Simon , Zeus Tobias , Jung Christian , Saeed Diyar , Horn Patrick , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD)‐XI score in patients undergoing PMVR with the MitraClip system.

Background

MELD‐XI score, which was originally developed for prognostic assessment in patients with advanced liver disease, has been reported as a predictor of outcome in heart failure patients.

Methods

A total of 192 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) were included into final analysis. MELD‐XI score was calculated on the day of the procedure and patients were categorized into three groups based on MELD‐XI score and compared with regards to clinical characteristics and outcomes following PMVR.

Results

MELD‐XI > 12 was associated with male gender, higher logistic EuroSCORE, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, enlarged right ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, degree of mitral regurgitation, increased NT‐proBNP serum levels and elevated right atrial pressures. Youden‐Index revealed a cutoff of 16 in the MELD‐XI score as best predictor of one‐year all‐cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log‐rank test confirmed increased one‐year mortality in patients with critically high score above 16 (mortality MELD‐XI score > 16 vs 16–12 vs <12:39% vs 9%. vs 15%; P = 0.005). Compared to patients with lower MELD‐XI score, these patients exhibited a more than 3‐fold increased one‐year mortality after PMVR.

Conclusion

Given the high mortality in patients with a MELD‐XI score > 16, these patients require a high‐risk preoperative assessment and should undergo a careful discussion within the heart team for the best treatment option given the considerable one‐year mortality following PMVR.
Survival outcomes of patients with primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) treated with novel agents
Authors: Mina Roberto , Joseph Nisha S. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Gupta Vikas A. , Heffner Leonard T. , Hofmeister Craig C. , Boise Lawrence H. , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Gleason Charise , Nooka Ajay K. , Lonial Sagar
Published: October 2018

Background

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is an aggressive plasma cell disorder characterized by circulating plasma cells and a poor prognosis. Although patients who have pPCL benefit from the use of stem cell transplantation (SCT) and novel agents, their prognosis remains inferior to that of patients who have myeloma.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 38 consecutive patients with pPCL who were diagnosed between October 2005 and July 2016 and were registered in the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University database. Baseline characteristics as well as data about treatment and survival outcomes were collected.

Results

The median patient age at diagnosis was 58 years. All patients received a bortezomib‐based induction regimen, and 92% received both bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug (thalidomide or lenalidomide); in addition, 74% of patients underwent autologous SCT (ASCT), and 61% received maintenance therapy. The best response to first‐line therapy was a partial response or better in 87% of patients, and 45% had a complete response (CR). The achievement of ≥CR was a predictor for prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The median PFS was 20 months, and the median OS was 33 months. PFS was prolonged in patients who underwent ASCT compared with those who did not undergo ASCT (25 vs 6 months; P = .004), and patients who received maintenance therapy after ASCT had prolonged median PFS (27 vs 11 months; P = .03) and a trend toward prolonged OS (median, 38 vs 22 months; P = .06) compared with those who did not receive maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

The current data support the use of regimens combining novel agents in the upfront treatment of patients with pPCL as well as the role of ASCT and maintenance therapy for long‐term disease control.
Protecting clinical trial participants and study integrity in the age of social media
Authors: Lynch Holly Fernandez , Largent Emily A. , Joffe Steven , DeMichele Angela M.
Published: October 2018

Social media communication among clinical trial participants has the potential to pose risks to their safety and to trial integrity. The Social Media ADEPT framework may help mitigate that potential by encouraging investigators and patient partners to work together to Assess social media risks, Design studies to minimize those risks, Educate participants, Preempt problems, and Take additional steps as needed, such as intervening when problems arise.
Developmental expression of Neuregulin‐3 in the rat central nervous system
Authors: Rahman Afrida , Weber Janet , Labin Edward , Lai Cary , Prieto Anne L
Published: October 2018

Neuregulin‐3 (Nrg3) is a member of the Nrg family of growth factors identified as risk factors for schizophrenia. There are three Nrgs expressed in the nervous system (Nrg1‐3) and of these Nrg1 has been the best characterized. To set the groundwork for elucidating neural roles for Nrg3, we studied its expression in the rat brain at both the RNA and protein levels. Using an antibody developed against Nrg3, we observed a developmental increase of Nrg3 protein expression from embryonic stages to adulthood and determined that it carries O‐linked carbohydrates. In cortical neuronal cultures, transfected Neuro2a cells, and brain tissue sections Nrg3 protein was localized to the soma, neurites, and to the Golgi apparatus, where it is prominently expressed. Nrg3 was detected in excitatory, GABAergic and parvalbumin‐expressing inhibitory neurons while expression in glia was limited. Nrg3 mRNA and protein were widely expressed during both embryonic and postnatal ages. At E17, Nrg3 was detected within the cortical plate and ventricular zone suggesting possible roles in cell proliferation or migration. At postnatal ages, Nrg3 was abundantly expressed throughout the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Multiple thalamic nuclei expressed Nrg3, while detection in the striatum was limited. In the cerebellum, Nrg3 was found in both Purkinje cells and granule neurons. In the rodent brain, Nrg3 is the most abundantly expressed of the Nrgs and its patterns of expression differ both temporally and spatially from that of Nrg1 and Nrg2. These findings suggest that Nrg3 plays roles that are distinct from the other Nrg family members.
Regulating Phase Conversion from Ni3Se2 into NiSe in a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water‐Splitting Enhancement
Authors: Zhong Yueyao , Chang Bin , Shao Yongliang , Xu Chengwei , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: October 2018

Phase engineering has been demonstrated as an efficient method for the enhancement of catalytic activity. This study concerns the phase and morphology modulation of Ni3Se2/NiSe nanorod arrays through a hydrothermal process. Partial phase conversion can effectively enhance the electrical conductivity and yield more active sites through atom rearrangement during phase transformation. Quite low optimal overpotentials of 166 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 370 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are obtained in a sample containing 32.4 % of NiSe phase and 67.6 % of Ni3Se2 phase. The performance is superior to the samples with only one phase. Furthermore, a water electrolyzer was assembled by using two symmetrical NiSe/Ni foam electrodes as the anode and cathode, which can deliver 10 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.61 V. More significantly, the water electrolyzer can be operated at 10 mA cm−2 over 10 h without noticeable degradation, showing extraordinary operational stability. This phase conversion control strategy provides a new way to improve the catalytic activity of NiSe and may have potential use in the design of other selenide electrocatalysts.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Erythrocytes Osmotic Fragility in Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Case‐Controlled Study Evaluating the Best Anticoagulant, Sample Pre‐Treatment and NaCl Concentration for Reliable Screening of this Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorder
Authors: Nobre Camila Santos , Silva Jeovania Almeida , Jácomo Rafael Henriques , Nery Lídia Freire Abdalla , Barra Gustavo Barcelos
Published: October 2018

Background

The cytometric flow osmotic fragility test (FC‐OFT) was recently introduced. However, the test is still under development and some variables have not yet been fully tested.

Methods

The osmotic fragility of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) cases and healthy controls were evaluated by FC‐OFT using a series of tubes containing decreasing concentrations of NaCl. The analyses were executed in fresh and incubated (37°C for 24 h) blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA and heparin. The percentages of residual red blood cells were used to plot the osmotic fragility curves. The OF curves of each tested condition were compared using the median corpuscular fragility (MCF). ROC curve analyses identified the most accurate NaCl concentrations for differentiation between HS cases and healthy controls.

Results

FC‐OFT curves assumed a sigmoidal dose–response shape and the MCF of cases and controls were different in all instances. MCF comparisons revealed that incubation and anticoagulant have major and minor effects on the FC‐OFT, respectively. One hundred percent of sensitivity and specificity was obtained from 5.5 to 6.0 g/L of NaCl in EDTA‐treated fresh blood, from 6.0 to 8.0 g/L of NaCl in EDTA‐treated incubated blood, and in none of the tested NaCl concentration in heparinized blood.

Conclusions

EDTA is the anticoagulant of choice for the assay. Incubation at 37°C for 24 h increased its diagnostic capability. The most reliable NaCl concentration for the discrimination of HS case from controls was 6.0 g/L of NaCL in fresh EDTA‐treated blood, and was 7.5 g/L of NaCl in incubated EDTA‐treated blood. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Naïve/memory T‐cell phenotypes in leukemic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: Putative cell of origin overlaps disease classification
Authors: Horna Pedro , Moscinski Lynn C. , Sokol Lubomir , Shao Haipeng
Published: October 2018

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) are clinically distinct cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas with strikingly similar morphologic and phenotypic features. Prior studies have suggested phenotypic differences based on markers of antigen experience, suggesting a different cell of origin.

Methods

Seventy‐nine involved peripheral blood or bone marrow samples from 33 patients with SS and 19 patients with MF were studied by 10‐color flow cytometry, including CD62L, CD45RA, CCR4, and PD‐1. Gated tumor events were classified as naïve (TN), central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM), or effector memory with reacquired CD45RA (TEMRA); based on CD62L+/CD45RA+, CD62L+/CD45RA−, CD62L−/CD45RA−, or CD62L−/CD45RA+ phenotype, respectively. Sequential specimens were compared to assess for phenotypic stability.

Results

The naïve/memory phenotype of the neoplastic T‐cells was markedly heterogeneous, with a dominant TN, TCM, TEM, or TEMRA subset on 11 (14%), 32 (41%), 30 (38%), and 6 (8%) cases, respectively. There was no correlation between the diagnosis of MF or SS and putative cell of origin (P = 0.4). Overexpression of CCR4 and PD1 was observed in most cases, with higher intensity in SS compared to MF. The naïve/memory phenotype remained the same for 10 patients up to 273 days after the initial analysis; while on six patients, the naïve/memory phenotype was different from the original phenotype.

Conclusions

Both SS and MF can have phenotypic features of any of the major naïve/memory T‐cell subsets, which questions the current principle of “cell‐of‐origin” distinction between SS and MF. Phenotypic shifts within these subsets are common, suggesting a functional state rather than a cell‐of‐origin surrogate. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Transcriptomic responses to predator kairomones in embryos of the aquatic snail Radix balthica
Authors: Tills Oliver , Truebano Manuela , Feldmeyer Barbara , Pfenninger Markus , Morgenroth Holly , Schell Tilman , Rundle Simon D.
Published: October 2018

The ability of organisms to respond to predation threat by exhibiting induced defenses is well documented, but studies on the potential mechanistic basis for such responses are scarce. Here, we examine the transcriptomic response to predator kairomones of two functionally distinct developmental stages in embryos of the aquatic snail Radix balthica: E8—the stage at which a range‐finding trial indicated that kairomone‐induced accelerated growth and development first occurred; and E9—the stage at which embryos switched from ciliary‐ to crawling‐driven locomotion. We tested whether expression profiles were influenced by kairomones and whether this influence varied between stages. We also identified potential candidate genes for investigating mechanisms underpinning induced responses. There were 6,741 differentially expressed transcripts between developmental stages, compared to just five in response to predator kairomones. However, on examination of functional enrichment in the transcripts responding to predator kairomones and adopting a less stringent significance threshold, 206 transcripts were identified relating to muscle function, growth, and development, with this response being greater at the later E9 stage. Furthermore, these transcripts included putative annotations for genes identified as responding to predator kairomones in other taxa, including C1q, lectin, and actin domains. Globally, transcript expression appeared reduced in response to predator kairomones and we hypothesize that this might be a result of metabolic suppression, as has been reported in other taxa in response to predation threat.
Maternal and paternal nutrition in a mosquito influences offspring life histories but not infection with an arbovirus
Authors: Zirbel Kylie E. , Alto Barry W.
Published: October 2018

The nutritional ecology of an organism can influence the phenotypes of its offspring, generating maternal effects (when derived from mothers) and paternal effects (when derived from fathers). Given the importance of larval nutrition in influencing adult life histories and vector competence inAedes aegypti, we considered how maternal and paternal nutrition influences offspring. Parental generation females and males were reared on either high or low larval food and mated in four sex‐by‐parental diet crosses. Offspring traits measured included development time, survivorship, female size, susceptibility to infection with dengue virus, viral titer, and viral dissemination. We found evidence for both maternal and paternal effects on life history traits (with female development time contributing most to this effect), but not viral traits. These results were only evident when mothers mated with high larval food fathers and when fathers mated with high larval food mothers. Offspring from dissimilar nutrient condition parents developed more quickly than offspring from other parental crosses. Overall, results suggest that parental effects inAe. aegyptiare conditionally derived from both the maternal and paternal environment.
Occurrence, dietary exposure, and health risk estimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in grilled and fried meats in Shandong of China
Authors: Jiang Dafeng , Wang Guoling , Li Linlin , Wang Xiaolin , Li Wei , Li Xia , Shao Lijun , Li Fenghua
Published: October 2018

There is a lack of information regarding the quantitative determination and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in grilled and fried meat products in Shandong Province of China. The aim of this work was firstly to detect the contamination levels of 15 PAHs in 52 grilled and fried meats consumed by the population of Shandong Province, China. In brief, concentrations of the sum of 15 PAHs in individual samples were ranged from 8.23 to 341 μg/kg with a mean contamination level of 63.3 μg/kg. Moreover, the factors for the formation of PAHs in these samples have been identified and analyzed. One grilled meat sample exceeded the maximum limits of 2 and 12 μg/kg set for BaP and PAH4 by the European Union. For a further step, the mean dietary exposures for total PAHs from grilled and fried meat products were estimated to be 120 and 74.8 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. Finally, the health risk estimation was performed using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) approach. The obtained values of four groups were all lower than 10‐4, indicating a slight potential carcinogenic risk of consumer health. This study was the first attempt to provide baseline information of potential health risk of dietary exposure of PAH‐containing grilled and fried meats, which could be useful for health management of the local consumers.
Post‐combustion CO2 capture with chemical absorption and hybrid system: current status and challenges
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Suleman Muhammad , Haq Ihtishamul , Jamal Syed Asad
Published: October 2018

Post‐combustion CO2 capture from the power and industrial sectors has gained widespread attention due to its ability to retrofit easily with newly installed and existing plants. This state‐of‐the‐art, updated review provides an overview of technical issues in post‐combustion CO2 capture related to process performance, energy requirements for CO2 capture, and inconsistencies in the prediction of CO2 capture cost. Recent updates are presented regarding chemical absorption‐desorption systems, and particularly CO2 absorption and solubility enhancement studies, absorber operation at elevated pressure, recent developments in absorber configuration, and methods for reducing the heat duty of strippers. Furthermore, recently developed post‐combustion hybrid techniques such as the membrane‐absorbent hybrid process, the membrane‐cryogenic hybrid process, the membrane‐adsorption hybrid process, the absorption‐electrolysis hybrid process, and the solar thermal electrochemical process (STEP) are discussed. Finally, we suggest areas for improvement and indicate that there are significant future prospects for post‐combustion CO2 capture. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First documentation of the Polygnathoides siluricus conodont Zone (Ludfordian) in South America (Argentina) and the stratigraphic significance of the younger species of Kockelella (Conodonta)
Authors: Gómez María José , Mestre Ana , Garcías Yanina , Corradini Carlo
Published: October 2018

The coquinoid beds from the middle part of the Los Espejos Formation at the Poblete creek section (Talacasto Creek) yielded abundant conodonts. The genus Kockelella (Walliser) represents the most relevant biostratigraphical genus in this conodont fauna. The co‐occurrence of Kockelella maenniki Serpagli and Corradini, Kockelella variabilis ichnusae Serpagli and Corradini, K. variabilis Walliser, Kockelella ortus sardoa (Serpagli & Corradini), and Kockelella ortus absidata (Barrick & Klapper) allow us to record for the first time the Polygnathoides siluricus Zone in South America, which suggests the Ludfordian Stage (late Ludlow). We also propose an accurate correlation of the Los Espejos Formation with the lower Ludfordian deposits from the Carnic Alps, Sardinia, Morocco, Czech Republic, Gotland, and North America.
Electrokinetically modulated flow of couple stress magneto‐nanofluids in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Ramesh K. , Kumar Deepak , Devakar M.
Published: October 2018

In the present article, the theoretical investigation is presented for the mixed electrokinetic and pressure‐driven transport of couple stress nanoliquids in a microchannel with the effect of magnetic field and porous medium. This topic has gained a remarkable scope in nanoscale electro‐osmotic devices. The formulation of the present mathematical problem is simplified using the Debye‐Hückel linearization assumption. The merging model has important features such as the thermal Grashof number, solutal Grashof number, Joule heating, Helmholtz‐Smoluchowski velocity. The analytical solutions are presented for the axial velocity, temperature, and solute concentration. The expressions for the heat transfer rate, solute mass transfer rate, and surface shear stress function at the walls are also presented. The results display that, the velocity of the couple stress nanofluid is less in the case of pure electro‐osmotic flow as compared to that of combined electro‐osmotic and pressure‐driven flow. When the Joule heating parameter vanishes, the temperature and solute concentration profiles are linear, otherwise nonlinear. The shear stress function is larger in the case of pure electro‐osmotic flow and it is smaller for the combined effects of electro‐osmotic and pressure gradient. The present analysis places a significant observation that the various zeta potential plays an influential role in heartening fluid velocity. The analysis is relevant to electrokinetic hemodynamics and microfluidics.
Infection burden and immunological responses are equivalent for polymeric and metallic implant materials in vitro and in a murine model of fracture‐related infection
Authors: Rochford Edward T. J. , Sabaté Brescó Marina , Poulsson Alexandra H. C. , Kluge Katharina , Zeiter Stephan , Ziegler Mario , O'Mahony Liam , Richards Robert Geoff , Moriarty Thomas Fintan
Published: October 2018

The development of an infection is a major complication for some patients with implanted biomaterials. Whether the material or surface composition of the used biomaterial influences infection has not been directly compared for key biomaterials currently in use in human patients. We conducted a thorough in vitro and in vivo investigation using titanium (Ti) and polyether–ether–ketone (PEEK) as both commercially available and as modified equivalents (surface polished Ti, and oxygen plasma treated PEEK). Complement activation and cytokine secretion of cell of the immune system was assessed in vitro for all materials in the absence and presence of bacterial stimulants. In a follow‐up in vivo study, we monitored bacterial infection associated with clinically available and standard Ti and PEEK inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. Complement activation was affected by material choice in the absence of bacterial stimulation, although the material based differences were largely lost upon bacterial stimulation. In the in vivo study, the bacterial burden, histological response and cytokine secretion suggests that there is no significant difference between both PEEK and Ti.

In conclusion, the underlying material has a certain impact in the absence of bacterial stimulation, however, in the presence of bacterial stimulation, bacteria seem to dictate the responses in a manner that overshadows the influence of material surface properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1095–1106, 2019.
Comparison of gastric cancer survival after R0 resection in the US and China
Authors: Li Ping , Huang Chang‐Ming , Zheng Chao‐Hui , Russo Ashley , Kasbekar Priyanka , Brennan Murray F. , Coit Daniel G. , Strong Vivian E.
Published: October 2018

Background and Objectives

Gastric cancer (GC) outcomes differ between Asian and Western countries, even when controlling for contributing factors, but whether this difference holds true for China remains inadequately studied. We sought to compare the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with GC undergoing curative intent (R0) resection between the US and China, and to ascertain whether geography/ institution is an independent predictor of disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Methods

Data were analyzed from patients with GC undergoing R0 resection at high‐volume cancer centers in the US (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [MSKCC], n = 1378) and China (Fujian Medical University Union Hospital [FMUUH], n = 4262) between 2000 and 2014. Factors associated with DSS were examined by multivariate analysis.

Results

The 5‐year DSS (
P < 0.001) for all patients was better at MSKCC than at FMUUH, even among patients not receiving preoperative chemotherapy (
P < 0.001), but stratification by substage eliminated this difference (
P > 0.05). Factors independently associated with DSS included age, histology, tumor size, T category, N category, gastrectomy type, and preoperative chemotherapy, but not institution.

Conclusions

Although the presentation of patients with GC between MSKCC and FMUUH differs, survival of patients with curatively resected GC, when matched for clinical stage, is comparable.
Integrative care of the patient with head and neck cancer
Authors: Nguyen Chau T. , Taw Malcolm B. , Wang Marilene B.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To review the literature on integrative care of the patient with head and neck cancer.

Methods

A review of the English language literature for articles relating to integrative care of patients with head and neck cancer, focusing on treatment of sequelae of surgery and chemoradiation.

Results

Many studies show a significant utilization of nontraditional (complementary/integrative) treatments by patients in dealing with head and neck cancer. Treatment of head and neck cancer entails potentially debilitating consequences of surgery and/or chemoradiation on cosmesis, speech, swallowing, breathing, and quality of life. While complementary/integrative treatments for head and neck cancer are not established as effective therapies, their use for relieving sequelae of treatment, improving quality of life, and providing potential chemoprevention is well documented.

Conclusion

Given the landscape of increasing use of nontraditional methodologies by patients with head and neck cancer and the complexity of care, the head and neck cancer surgeon should be aware of the uses and abuses of complementary/integrative medicine by patients as they navigate their care.

Level of Evidence

5
Integrative LHS for precision medicine research: A shared NIH and Taiwan CIMS experience
Authors: Yang Ueng‐Cheng , Hsiao Tzu‐Hung , Lin Ching‐Heng , Lee Wei‐Ju , Lee Yu‐Shan , Fann Yang C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Precision medicine is an important milestone toward the attainment of personalized medicine. A learning health system (LHS) may facilitate the evidence collection and knowledge generation process for disease‐based research and for the diagnosis, classification, or treatment of each disease subtype to improve patient care.

Methods

The LHS design and implementation used by Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH) in Taiwan for their newly funded precision medicine research, a dementia registry study, was modeled from an LHS developed at the National Institutes of Health in the United States. This Clinical Informatics and Management System (CIMS), including its subsystems, facilitates and enhances operations associated with the institutional review board, clinical research data collection and study management, the hospital biobank, and the participating health research centers to support their precision medicine research aimed at improving patient care.

Results

The implementation of a shared‐design, full‐cycle LHS with an enhanced CIMS, combined with hospital‐based real‐world data marts, has made the TCVGH dementia registry study a reality. The research data, including clinical assessment and genomics analysis information collected in CIMS, combined with data marts, are the foundation of the TCVGH dementia registry for outcome analyses. These high‐quality datasets are useful for clinical validation, new hypotheses, and knowledge generation, leading to new clinical recommendations or guidelines for better patient treatment and care. The cyclic data flow supports the full‐cycle LHS for TCVGH's dementia research to improve the care of elderly patients.

Conclusions

Knowledge generation requires high‐quality research and health care datasets. While the details of LHS implementation methods in the United States and Taiwan may differ slightly, the LHS concept design and basic system architecture, with improved CIMSs, were proven feasible. As a result, learning health processes in support of translational research and the potential for improvement in patient care were significantly facilitated.
Strategic consequences of being unsympathetic: For‐profit companies benefit more than individuals from focusing on responsibility
Authors: Rai Tage S. , Diermeier Daniel
Published: October 2018

Previous research has found that consumers ascribe mental states to for‐profit companies that enable them to elicit anger more easily than sympathy. The current study applies these findings to demonstrate how this evaluative asymmetry in consumer perceptions favor different strategies for individuals and companies managing conflicts and crises. First, it is shown that the mental states consumers ascribe to for‐profit companies enable them to elicit anger and admiration more easily than sympathy. Second, due to their ability to elicit anger more easily than sympathy, it is found that in conflicts between for‐profit companies and individuals, companies are evaluated more favorably when they focus attention on which side perpetrated the most harm, while individuals are evaluated more favorably when they focus on which side was most victimized. Third, due to their ability to elicit admiration more easily than sympathy, it is found that for‐profit companies derive greater benefits than individuals do from proactively taking responsibility to resolve crises rather than deflecting responsibility through claims of victimhood. Discussion focuses on marketing applications for companies managing conflicts and crises.