bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Supported 3D Array Electrodes for Sodium Microbatteries
Authors: Ni Jiangfeng , Li Liang
Published: November 2017

The ever‐increasing demand for autonomous microelectronic devices necessitates on‐chip miniature energy storage systems such as microbatteries. Conventional microbatteries adopt planar thin‐film electrodes that display limited areal energy and power due to their undesired coupling. To achieve high energy and power simultaneously, employment of 3D array electrodes has proven indispensable. Adoption of 3D electrodes has become a fashionable trend in lithium microbatteries during the last decade. This trend also occurs in sodium batteries, which are an important alternative to the current lithium system owing to the potentially high power and wide availability of sodium. In this perspective, state‐of‐the‐art progress in design and application of 3D arrays for sodium microbatteries are summarized. Specifically, emphasis is placed on material strategies to efficiently address the intrinsic limitations of pristine arrays such as transportation, activity, and stability. Future challenges and prospects in this field are also discussed, and the importance of integrating novel concepts into 3D electrode fabrication, characterization, and modeling to meet practical requirements is highlighted.
The Role of Nanomechanics in Healthcare
Authors: Nautiyal Pranjal , Alam Fahad , Balani Kantesh , Agarwal Arvind
Published: November 2017

Nanomechanics has played a vital role in pushing our capability to detect, probe, and manipulate the biological species, such as proteins, cells, and tissues, paving way to a deeper knowledge and superior strategies for healthcare. Nanomechanical characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, nanotribology, optical tweezers, and other hybrid techniques have been utilized to understand the mechanics and kinetics of biospecies. Investigation of the mechanics of cells and tissues has provided critical information about mechanical characteristics of host body environments. This information has been utilized for developing biomimetic materials and structures for tissue engineering and artificial implants. This review summarizes nanomechanical characterization techniques and their potential applications in healthcare research. The principles and examples of label‐free detection of cancers and myocardial infarction by nanomechanical cantilevers are discussed. The vital importance of nanomechanics in regenerative medicine is highlighted from the perspective of material selection and design for developing biocompatible scaffolds. This review interconnects the advancements made in fundamental materials science research and biomedical technology, and therefore provides scientific insight that is of common interest to the researchers working in different disciplines of healthcare science and technology.
Organ Bioprinting: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Gao Guifang , Huang Ying , Schilling Arndt F. , Hubbell Karen , Cui Xiaofeng
Published: November 2017

About 15 years ago, bioprinting was coined as one of the ultimate solutions to engineer vascularized tissues, which was impossible to accomplish using the conventional tissue fabrication approaches. With the advances of 3D‐printing technology during the past decades, one may expect 3D bioprinting being developed as much as 3D printing. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The printing principles of bioprinting are dramatically different from those applied in industrialized 3D printing, as they have to take the living components into account. While the conventional 3D‐printing technologies are actually applied for biological or biomedical applications, true 3D bioprinting involving direct printing of cells and other biological substances for tissue reconstruction is still in its infancy. In this progress report, the current status of bioprinting in academia and industry is subjectively evaluated. The progress made is acknowledged, and the existing bottlenecks in bioprinting are discussed. Recent breakthroughs from a variety of associated fields, including mechanical engineering, robotic engineering, computing engineering, chemistry, material science, cellular biology, molecular biology, system control, and medicine may overcome some of these current bottlenecks. For this to happen, a convergence of these areas into a systemic research area “3D bioprinting” is needed to develop bioprinting as a viable approach for creating fully functional organs for standard clinical diagnosis and treatment including transplantation.
Biomimetic Platelet‐Camouflaged Nanorobots for Binding and Isolation of Biological Threats
Authors: Li Jinxing , Angsantikul Pavimol , Liu Wenjuan , Esteban‐Fernández de Ávila Berta , Chang Xiaocong , Sandraz Elodie , Liang Yuyan , Zhu Siyu , Zhang Yue , Chen Chuanrui , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: November 2017

One emerging and exciting topic in robotics research is the design of micro‐/nanoscale robots for biomedical operations. Unlike industrial robots that are developed primarily to automate routine and dangerous tasks, biomedical nanorobots are designed for complex, physiologically relevant environments, and tasks that involve unanticipated biological events. Here, a biologically interfaced nanorobot is reported, made of magnetic helical nanomotors cloaked with the plasma membrane of human platelets. The resulting biomimetic nanorobots possess a biological membrane coating consisting of diverse functional proteins associated with human platelets. Compared to uncoated nanomotors which experience severe biofouling effects and hence hindered propulsion in whole blood, the platelet‐membrane‐cloaked nanomotors disguise as human platelets and display efficient propulsion in blood over long time periods. The biointerfaced nanorobots display platelet‐mimicking properties, including adhesion and binding to toxins and platelet‐adhering pathogens, such as Shiga toxin and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The locomotion capacity and platelet‐mimicking biological function of the biomimetic nanomotors offer efficient binding and isolation of these biological threats. The dynamic biointerfacing platform enabled by platelet‐membrane cloaked nanorobots thus holds considerable promise for diverse biomedical and biodefense applications.
Pt‐Nanoparticle‐Supported Carbon Electrocatalysts Functionalized with a Protic Ionic Liquid and Organic Salt
Authors: Izumi Reiko , Yao Yu , Tsuda Tetsuya , Torimoto Tsukasa , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: November 2017

Pt‐nanoparticle‐supported carbon catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction produced using a Pt‐nanoparticle‐monodispersed ionic liquid (IL) show better durability than a commercially available catalyst due to the small amount of IL between the Pt nanoparticles and the carbon support. In this study, to add further functionality to the catalysts prepared with the Pt‐nanoparticle‐monodispersed IL, a protic organic salt, diphenylammonium hydrogen sulfate ([DPA][HSO4]), and a protic ionic liquid, N,N‐diethyl‐N‐methylammonium hydrogen sulfate ([DEMA][HSO4]), are employed for catalyst preparation. Interestingly, the mass activity and durability of the resulting catalyst are significantly enhanced by the addition of an electrochemically polymerizable [DPA][HSO4] to the Pt‐nanoparticle‐monodispersed [DEMA][HSO4] because of the formation of a conducting polymer, poly(diphenylamine), between the Pt nanoparticles and the carbon support during potential cycling.
Influence of bleaching treatment by hydrogen peroxide on chitosan/durian husk cellulose biocomposite films
Authors: Wong Jason Yit Meng , Chan Ming Yeng
Published: November 2017

This study covered the preparation and characterization of durian husk cellulose (DHC)‐filled chitosan (CS) biocomposite films. The effects of the DHC content and bleaching treatment via hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the tensile and thermal properties of the CS/DHC biocomposite films were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break decreased with increasing DHC contents, but the modulus of elasticity of the CS/DHC biocomposite films increased along with the DHC contents. The bleaching treatment of the durian husk is to remove the lignin content to form bleached DHC, resulting in an improvement of tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and thermal properties of bleached CS/DHC biocomposite films. The functional groups of the unbleached and bleached DHC filler were proved by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and the thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the CS/DHC biocomposite films were measured by the thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, respectively.
Carbon‐Sheathed MoS2 Nanothorns Epitaxially Grown on CNTs: Electrochemical Application for Highly Stable and Ultrafast Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Zijia , Zhao Hailei , Teng Yongqiang , Chang Xiwang , Xia Qing , Li Zhaolin , Fang Jiejun , Du Zhihong , Świerczek Konrad
Published: November 2017

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which possesses a layered structure and exhibits a high theoretical capacity, is currently under intensive research as an anode candidate for next generation of Li‐ion batteries. However, unmodified MoS2 suffers from a poor cycling stability and an inferior rate capability upon charge/discharge processes. Herein, a unique nanocomposite comprising MoS2 nanothorns epitaxially grown on the backbone of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and coated by a layer of amorphous carbon is synthesized via a simple method. The epitaxial growth of MoS2 on CNTs results in a strong chemical coupling between active nanothorns and carbon substrate via CS bond, providing a high stability as well as a high‐efficiency electron‐conduction/ion‐transportation system on cycling. The outer carbon layer can well‐accommodate the structural strain in the electrode upon lithium‐ion insertion/extraction. When employed as an anode for lithium storage, the prepared material exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties with a high specific capacity of 982 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, as well as excellent long‐cycling stability (905 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 500 cycles) and superior rate capability, confirming its potential application in high‐performance Li‐ion batteries.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Dimerization and Homocoupling of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Xu Daqian , Sun Qiangsheng , Quan Zhengjun , Wang Xicun , Sun Wei
Published: November 2017

Methods toward the dimerization and homocoupling of terminal alkynes have been established that employ Co complexes along with tBuOK under different atmosphere. A variety of Z‐1,3‐enynes were furnished with a high Z:E (up to 93:7) ratio in moderate to very good yields under inert atmosphere. Alternatively, the Glaser homocoupling reaction of terminal alkynes was also accomplished with a Co catalyst, successfully affording various 1,3‐diynes in excellent yields (up to 93 %) under oxygen.
Crystal‐Field Tuning of Photoluminescence in Two‐Dimensional Materials with Embedded Lanthanide Ions
Authors: Xu Ding , Chen Weiyin , Zeng Mengqi , Xue Haifeng , Chen Yunxu , Sang Xiahan , Xiao Yao , Zhang Tao , Unocic Raymond R. , Xiao Kai , Fu Lei
Published: November 2017

Lanthanide (Ln) group elements have been attracting considerable attention owing to the distinct optical properties. The crystal‐field surroundings of Ln ions in the host materials can determine their energy level splitting, which is of vital importance to tailor their optical properties. 2D MoS2 single crystals were utilized as the host material to embed Eu3+ and energy‐level splitting was achieved for tuning its photoluminescence (PL). The high anisotropy of the 2D host materials makes them distort the degenerate orbitals of the Ln ions more efficiently than the symmetrical bulk host materials. A significant red‐shift of the PL peak for Eu3+ was observed. The strategy for tailoring the energy level splitting of Ln ions by the highly designable 2D material crystal field provides a new method to extend their optical properties.
Association of Defective Regulation of Autoreactive Interleukin‐6–Producing Transitional B Lymphocytes With Disease in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Taher Taher E. , Ong Voon H. , Bystrom Jonas , Hillion Sophie , Simon Quentin , Denton Christopher P. , Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Abraham David J. , Mageed Rizgar A.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest case‐specific mortality of any rheumatic disease, and no effective therapy is available. A clear manifestation of SSc is the presence of autoantibodies. However, the origin of autoantibody‐producing B lymphocytes, their mechanisms of activation and autoantibody production, and their role remain unclear. This study was undertaken to identify mechanisms that contribute to pathogenic B cell generation and involvement in SSc and to assess the altered distribution and function of B cells in SSc patients.

Methods

Multicolor flow cytometry was performed to determine B cell subset distribution, cytokine production, and tolerance induction in SSc patients and healthy controls. Cytokine production following stimulation of the cells ex vivo was determined by multiplex assay.

Results

A range of defects in B lymphocyte tolerance and cytokine production in SSc were noted. There was evidence of altered distribution of transitional B cell subsets, increased production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8, and defective tolerance induction in SSc B cells. In addition, B cells from SSc patients had a reduced ability to produce IL‐10 when stimulated through innate immune pathways. In contrast to healthy individuals, tolerance checkpoints in SSc patients failed to suppress the emergence of B cells that produce autoantibodies with specificity to the Scl‐70 antigen, which is strongly associated with SSc. These defects were paralleled by altered intracellular signaling and apoptosis following B cell receptor engagement.

Conclusion

Our findings provide new insights into mechanisms underlying defective B lymphocyte responses in patients with SSc and their contribution to disease.
Sex Differences in Health Care Utilization, End‐Stage Renal Disease, and Mortality Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Incident Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Feldman Candace H. , Broder Anna , Guan Hongshu , Yazdany Jinoos , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: November 2017

Objective

While systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis (LN) disproportionately affect females, previous studies suggest that males may experience poorer outcomes. We undertook this study to investigate sex differences in health care utilization, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality among patients with LN receiving Medicaid, public insurance for low‐income individuals.

Methods

Within the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) from 29 states (from 2000 to 2010), we used billing claims to identify individuals ages 5–65 years with incident LN (positive predictive value 80%). MAX data were linked to the US Renal Data System to determine ESRD and to Social Security Death Index files to determine death. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by sex for health care utilization using Poisson regression, and we used multivariable proportional hazards models to compare risks of ESRD and death by sex.

Results

Of 2,750 patients with incident LN, 283 (10%) were male. The mean ± SD follow‐up period for both sexes was 3.1 ± 2.3 years. The mean ± SD age was 29.6 ± 13.9 years among females and 24.7 ± 14.1 years among males (P < 0.01). Males had fewer outpatient visits (IRR 0.88 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.80–0.97]) and fewer emergency department visits (IRR 0.75 [95% CI 0.63–0.90]). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of ESRD was 22.3% in males and 21.2% in females. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of death was 9.4% in males and 9.8% in females. Comparing males to females, there were no sex differences in ESRD (subdistribution hazard ratio [HR] 1.05 [95% CI 0.76–1.45]) or death (HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.47–1.35]).

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients with incident LN, ESRD and mortality were extremely high overall but were not increased among males compared to females. In this vulnerable population, biologic and health care utilization differences by sex may not significantly affect outcomes.
Maximum mass of axisymmetric rotating quark stars
Authors: Zhou E. , Tsokaros A. , Rezzolla L. , Xu R.
Published: November 2017

The internal structure of pulsar‐like compact stars is still a puzzle, as the equation of state (EoS) of cold dense matter is unclear yet. One way to distinguish between different EoSs of compact stars is based on the maximum mass of different EoSs, which can be estimated by solving the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation. In a more realistic consideration, rotations should to be taken into account when estimating the maximum mass. It has been shown that rotating neutron stars could support up to 20% more mass compared with the TOV maximum mass (MTOV). However, apart from neutron star models, other models such as the quark star or the hybrid star model are also suggested as possible EoSs for compact stars. In this work, we apply numerical relativity calculation for axisymmetric rotating quark stars and investigate the solution sequences. We consider both the conventional MIT Bag model and another stiff EoS (strangeon star model) in our calculations. We find that rotating quark stars, different from rotating neutron stars, can support up to roughly 40% more mass than MTOV. Possible astrophysical influence and possible ways to distinguish between EoSs are discussed.
Mixed phase within the multi‐polytrope approach to high‐mass twins
Authors: Alvarez‐Castillo D. , Blaschke D. , Typel S.
Published: November 2017

We present a multi‐polytrope approach to describe high‐mass twins fulfilling chiral effective field theory estimations of the neutron star equation of state and test it against the appearance of mixed phases at the hadron–quark interface. In addition, we discuss astrophysical applications of this method and the expected future measurements that will further constrain neutron star matter and the understanding of the quantum chromodynamics phase diagram.
Opportunities and risks for sustainable biomass export from the south‐eastern United States to Europe
Authors: Fingerman Kevin R , Nabuurs Gert‐Jan , Iriarte Leire , Fritsche Uwe R , Staritsky Igor , Visser Lotte , Mai‐Moulin Thuy , Junginger Martin
Published: November 2017

Import of wood pellets to the EU from the southeastern United States has increased almost ten‐fold over the past seven years, driven largely by mandates under the Renewable Energy Directive. While the displacement of fossil fuels with biomass can offer significant energy diversity and climate benefits, these must be balanced against the potential detriment from unsustainable extraction of biomass resources. This study projects the scale of the sustainable biomass resource base in the US southeast through 2030 under various scenarios of industry development and domestic market dynamics. We characterise this resource base at the county level, disaggregating it by material type and spatially constraining it to ensure biodiversity conservation. Our analysis shows that there could be as much as 70 million green metric tons of sustainable export potential from the US Southeast in 2030. However, we also show the extent to which sustainable sourcing criteria applied only to EU biomass energy imports could create leakage across biomass markets, erasing gains from any sustainability mandate. This leakage risk was fairly consistent across our study scenarios and time periods, ranging from 50 to over 63 million green tons of biomass per year. Meaningful biodiversity protections can only be achieved if sustainability criteria for biomass import to the EU are combined with more comprehensive support for sustainable sourcing across biomass industries in exporting regions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
In utero ultrasound diagnosis of corpus callosum agenesis leading to the identification of orofaciodigital type 1 syndrome in female fetuses
Authors: Alby Caroline , Boutaud Lucile , Bonnière Maryse , Collardeau‐Frachon Sophie , Guibaud Laurent , Lopez Estelle , Bruel Ange‐Line , Aral Bernard , Sonigo Pascale , Roth Philippe , Vibert‐Guigue Claude , Castaigne Vanina , Carbonne Bruno , Joyé Nicole , Faivre Laurence , Cordier Marie‐Pierre , Bernabe Gelot Antoinette , Clementi Maurizio , Mammi Isabella , Vekemans Michel , Razavi Féréchté , Gonzales Marie , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Attié‐Bitach Tania
Published: November 2017

Background

OFD1 syndrome is a rare ciliopathy inherited on a dominant X‐linked mode, typically lethal in males in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by oral cavity and digital anomalies possibly associated with cerebral and renal signs. Its prevalence is between 1/250,000 and 1/50,000 births. It is due to heterozygous mutations of OFD1 and mutations are often de novo (75%). Familial forms show highly variable phenotypic expression. OFD1 encodes a protein involved in centriole growth, distal appendix formation, and ciliogenesis.

Cases

We report the investigation of three female fetuses in which corpus callosum agenesis was detected by ultrasound during the second trimester of pregnancy. In all three fetuses, fetopathological examination allowed the diagnosis of OFD1 syndrome, which was confirmed by molecular analysis.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, these are the first case reports of antenatal diagnosis of OFD1 syndrome in the absence of familial history, revealed following detection of agenesis of the corpus callosum. They highlight the impact of fetal examination following termination of pregnancy for brain malformations. They also highlight the contribution of ciliary genes to corpus callosum development.
Soft‐Bodied Fossils Are Not Simply Rotten Carcasses – Toward a Holistic Understanding of Exceptional Fossil Preservation
Authors: Parry Luke A. , Smithwick Fiann , Nordén Klara K. , Saitta Evan T. , Lozano‐Fernandez Jesus , Tanner Alastair R. , Caron Jean‐Bernard , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Briggs Derek E. G. , Vinther Jakob
Published: November 2017

Exceptionally preserved fossils are the product of complex interplays of biological and geological processes including burial, autolysis and microbial decay, authigenic mineralization, diagenesis, metamorphism, and finally weathering and exhumation. Determining which tissues are preserved and how biases affect their preservation pathways is important for interpreting fossils in phylogenetic, ecological, and evolutionary frameworks. Although laboratory decay experiments reveal important aspects of fossilization, applying the results directly to the interpretation of exceptionally preserved fossils may overlook the impact of other key processes that remove or preserve morphological information. Investigations of fossils preserving non‐biomineralized tissues suggest that certain structures that are decay resistant (e.g., the notochord) are rarely preserved (even where carbonaceous components survive), and decay‐prone structures (e.g., nervous systems) can fossilize, albeit rarely. As we review here, decay resistance is an imperfect indicator of fossilization potential, and a suite of biological and geological processes account for the features preserved in exceptional fossils.
Dihydromyricetin inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent pyroptosis by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Hu Qin , Zhang Ting , Yi Long , Zhou Xi , Mi Mantian
Published: November 2017

Increasing evidence demonstrates that pyroptosis, pro‐inflammatory programmed cell death, is linked to atherosclerosis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid, was reported to exert anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory bioactivities. However, the effect of DHM on atherosclerosis‐related pyroptosis has not been studied. In the present study, palmitic acid (PA) treatment led to pyroptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as evidenced by caspase‐1 activation, LDH release, and propidium iodide‐positive staining; enhanced the maturation and release of proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome; and markedly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) levels. Moreover, NLRP3 siRNA transfection or treatment with inhibitors efficiently suppressed PA‐induced pyroptosis, and pretreatment with total ROS scavenger or mtROS scavenger attenuated PA‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent pyroptosis. However, DHM pretreatment inhibited PA‐induced pyroptotic cell death by increasing cell viability, decreasing LDH and IL‐1β release, improving cell membrane integrity, and abolishing caspase‐1 cleavage and subsequent IL‐1β maturation. We also found that DHM pre‐treatment remarkably reduced the levels of intracellular ROS and mtROS and activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA abrogated the inhibitory effects of DHM on ROS generation and subsequent PA‐induced pyroptosis. Together, these results indicate that the Nrf2 signaling pathway plays a role, as least in part, in the DHM‐mediated improvement in PA‐induced pyroptosis in vascular endothelial cells, which implies the underlying medicinal value of DHM targeting immune/inflammatory‐related diseases, such as atherosclerosis. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):123–136, 2018
Early versus late recurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after resection with curative intent
Authors: Zhang X -F , Beal E W , Bagante F , Chakedis J , Weiss M , Popescu I , Marques H P , Aldrighetti L , Maithel S K , Pulitano C , Bauer T W , Shen F , Poultsides G A , Soubrane O , Martel G , Koerkamp B G , Itaru E , Pawlik T M
Published: November 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, treatment and prognosis of early versus late recurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after hepatic resection.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection with curative intent for ICC were identified from a multi-institutional database. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, initial operative details, timing and sites of recurrence, recurrence management and long-term outcomes were analysed.

Results

A total of 933 patients were included. With a median follow-up of 22 months, 685 patients (73·4 per cent) experienced recurrence of ICC; 406 of these (59·3 per cent) developed only intrahepatic disease recurrence. The optimal cutoff value to differentiate early (540 patients, 78·8 per cent) versus late (145, 21·2 per cent) recurrence was defined as 24 months. Patients with early recurrence had extrahepatic disease more often (44·1 per cent versus 28·3 per cent in those with late recurrence; P < 0·001), whereas late recurrence was more often only intrahepatic (71·7 per cent versus 55·9 per cent for early recurrence; P < 0·001). From time of recurrence, overall survival was worse among patients who had early versus late recurrence (median 10 versus 18 months respectively; P = 0·029). In multivariable analysis, tumour characteristics including tumour size, number of lesions and satellite lesions were associated with an increased risk of early intrahepatic recurrence. In contrast, only the presence of liver cirrhosis was independently associated with an increased likelihood of late intrahepatic recurrence (hazard ratio 1·99, 95 per cent c.i. 1·11 to 3·56; P = 0·019).

Conclusion

Early and late recurrence after curative resection for ICC are associated with different risk factors and prognosis. Data on the timing of recurrence may inform decisions about the degree of postoperative surveillance, as well as help counsel patients with regard to their risk of recurrence.
Experimental study of delivery of humidified-warm carbon dioxide during open abdominal surgery
Authors: Carpinteri S , Sampurno S , Malaterre J , Millen R , Dean M , Kong J , Chittleborough T , Heriot A , Lynch A C , Ramsay R G
Published: November 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of humidified-warm carbon dioxide (HWCO2) delivered into the open abdomen of mice, simulating laparotomy.

Methods

Mice were anaesthetized, ventilated and subjected to an abdominal incision followed by wound retraction. In the experimental group, a diffuser device was used to deliver HWCO2; the control group was exposed to passive air flow. In each group of mice, surgical damage was produced on one side of the peritoneal wall. Vital signs and core temperature were monitored throughout the 1-h procedure. The peritoneum was closed and mice were allowed to recover for 24 h or 10 days. Tumour cells were delivered into half of the mice in each cohort. Tissue was then examined using scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Passive air flow generated ultrastructural damage including mesothelial cell bulging/retraction and loss of microvilli, as assessed at 24 h. Evidence of surgical damage was still measurable on day 10. HWCO2 maintained normothermia, whereas open surgery alone led to hypothermia. The degree of tissue damage was significantly reduced by HWCO2 compared with that in controls. Peritoneal expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor A was lowered by HWCO2. These effects were also evident at the surgical damage sites, where protection from tissue trauma extended to 10 days. HWCO2 did not reduce tumorigenesis in surgically damaged sites compared with passive air flow.

Conclusion

HWCO2 diffusion into the abdomen in the context of open surgery afforded tissue protection and accelerated tissue repair in mice, while preserving normothermia. Surgical relevanceDamage to the peritoneum always occurs during open abdominal surgery, by exposure to desiccating air and by mechanical trauma/damage owing to the surgical intervention. Previous experimental studies showed that humidified-warm carbon dioxide (HWCO2) reduced peritoneal damage during laparoscopic insufflation. Additionally, this intervention decreased experimental peritoneal carcinomatosis compared with the use of conventional dry-cold carbon dioxide.In the present experimental study, the simple delivery of HWCO2 into the open abdomen reduced the amount of cellular damage and inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair. Sites of surgical intervention serve as ideal locations for cancer cell adhesion and subsequent tumour formation, but this was not changed measurably by the delivery of HWCO2.
Moral processing deficit in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is associated with facial emotion recognition and brain changes in default mode and salience network areas
Authors: Van den Stock Jan , Stam Daphne , De Winter François‐Laurent , Mantini Dante , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt , Van Laere Koen , Vandenberghe Rik , Vandenbulcke Mathieu
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is associated with abnormal emotion recognition and moral processing.

Methods

We assessed emotion detection, discrimination, matching, selection, and categorization as well as judgments of nonmoral, moral impersonal, moral personal low‐ and high‐conflict scenarios.

Results

bvFTD patients gave more utilitarian responses on low‐conflict personal moral dilemmas. There was a significant correlation between a facial emotion processing measure derived through principal component analysis and utilitarian responses on low‐conflict personal scenarios in the bvFTD group (controlling for MMSE‐score and syntactic abilities). Voxel‐based morphometric multiple regression analysis in the bvFTD group revealed a significant association between the proportion of utilitarian responses on personal low‐conflict dilemmas and gray matter volume in ventromedial prefrontal areas (pheight < .0001). In addition, there was a correlation between utilitarian responses on low‐conflict personal scenarios in the bvFTD group and resting‐state fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations (fALFF) in the anterior insula (pheight < .005).

Conclusions

The results underscore the importance of emotions in moral cognition and suggest a common basis for deficits in both abilities, possibly related to reduced experience of emotional sensations. At the neural level abnormal moral cognition in bvFTD is related to structural integrity of the medial prefrontal cortex and functional characteristics of the anterior insula. The present findings provide a common basis for emotion recognition and moral reasoning and link them with areas in the default mode and salience network.
The auditory comprehension changes over time after sport‐related concussion can indicate multisensory processing dysfunctions
Authors: Białuńska Anita , Salvatore Anthony P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Although science findings and treatment approaches of a concussion have changed in recent years, there continue to be challenges in understanding the nature of the post‐concussion behavior. There is growing a body of evidence that some deficits can be related to an impaired auditory processing.

Purpose

To assess auditory comprehension changes over time following sport‐related concussion (SRC) in young athletes.

Methods

A prospective, repeated measures mixed‐design was used. A sample of concussed athletes (n = 137) and the control group consisted of age‐matched, non‐concussed athletes (n = 143) were administered Subtest VIII of the Computerized‐Revised Token Test (C‐RTT). The 88 concussed athletes selected for final analysis (neither previous history of brain injury, neurological, psychiatric problems, nor auditory deficits) were evaluated after injury during three sessions (PC1, PC2, and PC3); controls were tested once. Between‐ and within‐group comparisons using RMANOVA were performed on the C‐RTT Efficiency Score (ES).

Results

ES of the SRC athletes group improved over consecutive testing sessions (F = 14.7, p < .001), while post‐hoc analysis showed that PC1 results differed from PC2 and PC3 (ts ≥ 4.0, ps < .001), but PC2 and PC3 C‐RTT ES did not change statistically (t = 0.6, p = .557). The SRC athletes demonstrated lower ES for all test session when compared to the control group (ts > 2.0, Ps<.01).

Conclusion

Dysfunctional auditory comprehension performance following a concussion improved over time, but after the second testing session improved performance slowed, especially in terms of its timing. Yet, not only auditory processing but also sensorimotor integration and/or motor execution can be compromised after a concussion.
A factorial design to identify process parameters affecting whole mechanically disrupted rat pancreata in a perfusion bioreactor
Authors: Sharp Jamie , Spitters Tim WGM , Vermette Patrick
Published: November 2017

Few studies report whole pancreatic tissue culture, as it is a difficult task using traditional culture methods. Here, a factorial design was used to investigate the singular and combinational effects of flow, dissolved oxygen concentration (D.O.) and pulsation on whole mechanically disrupted rat pancreata in a perfusion bioreactor. Whole rat pancreata were cultured for 72 h under defined bioreactor process conditions. Secreted insulin was measured and histological (haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)) as well as immunofluorescent insulin staining were performed and quantified. The combination of flow and D.O. had the most significant effect on secreted insulin at 5 h and 24 h. The D.O. had the biggest effect on tissue histological quality, and pulsation had the biggest effect on the number of insulin‐positive structures. Based on the factorial design analysis, bioreactor conditions using high flow, low D.O., and pulsation were selected to further study glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Here, mechanically disrupted rat pancreata were cultured for 24 h under these bioreactor conditions and were then challenged with high glucose concentration for 6 h and high glucose + IBMX (an insulin secretagogue) for a further 6 h. These cultures secreted insulin in response to high glucose concentration in the first 6 h, however stimulated‐insulin secretion was markedly weaker in response to high glucose concentration + IBMX thereafter. After this bioreactor culture period, higher tissue metabolic activity was found compared to that of non‐bioreacted static controls. More insulin‐ and glucagon‐positive structures, and extensive intact endothelial structures were observed compared to non‐bioreacted static cultures. H&E staining revealed more intact tissue compared to static cultures. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:432–444, 2018
Pretreatment C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio is associated with poor survival in patients with stage IB‐IIA cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Liu Kejun , Ye Bin , Liang Weijiang , Ren Yazhou
Published: November 2017

Previous studies have shown that the C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) is a prognostic indicator in multiple types of carcinomas. This study is the first to evaluate the prognostic significance of CAR in stage IB‐IIA cervical cancer patients treated with radical surgery, as well as that of several other inflammation‐based factors, including the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). A total of 235 patients were enrolled in this study. The optimal cut‐off values of CAR and other inflammation‐based factors were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model analysis were performed to determine the independent predictors of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). At a cut‐off value of 0.15, patients with a high CAR had significantly shorter PFS and OS than those with a lower CAR (P < 0.001). A higher CAR was significantly associated with elevated scores of NLR and PLR and a decreased PNI (P < 0.001). Univariate analyses showed that elevated CAR preoperatively was significantly associated with poor survival; a similar trend was also noted for the NLR, PLR, and PNI. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only CAR was an independent indicator for PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.164; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.495–10.687; P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 4.729; 95% CI: 2.263–9.882; P < 0.001). In conclusion, preoperative CAR is a novel and superior predictor of poor survival in patients with stage IB‐IIA cervical cancer.
Percutaneous transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in children weighing less than 20 kg
Authors: Martin Mary Hunt , Shahanavaz Shabana , Peng Lynn F. , Asnes Jeremy D. , Riley Michelle , Hellenbrand William E. , Balzer David T. , Gray Robert G. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Since FDA approval of the Melody valve, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) has been offered to an expanding population. Limited data exist regarding the safety and feasibility of TPVR in smaller patients.

Methods

All patients weighing <20 kg who underwent catheterization for percutaneous TPVR at four centers were reviewed.

Results

Of the 51 patients reviewed, 43 (84%) had successful valve implantation and 8 (16%) were found not to be candidates due to access veins too small (n = 3), coronary artery/aortic root compression (n = 3), and RVOT too large (n = 2). The 43 patients who underwent successful percutaneous TPVR had a median age and weight of 5.8 years (3.3–10) and 17.7 kg (13.5–19.8), and most had tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). TPVR was performed via femoral vein (FV) access in 24 patients and internal jugular vein (IJV) access in 19 patients. Median weight in patients with IJV implant was 1.1 kg lower than those who underwent transfemoral implant (17.0 vs. 18.1 kg, P = 0.05). There were four adverse events: one iliac vein injury, one contained MPA tear, and two patients with post‐procedure femoral vein bleeding. All patients were alive at recent follow‐up, a median of 2.0 years (0.1–6.0) after TPVR. There was excellent valve function with mean Doppler gradients of 3–20 mm Hg, and trivial or mild pulmonary regurgitation in all but one patient. There were no RVOT reinterventions and no cases of endocarditis.

Conclusions

Percutaneous TPVR can be safely performed in patients <20 kg. The procedure frequently requires IJV access, and access site/bleeding complications may be more common in this cohort.
Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 and discrete bicytopenia
Authors: Schwetz Verena , Trummer Christian , Friedl Claudia , Beham‐Schmid Christine , Kulnik Roman , Wölfler Albert , Horvath Karl , Wunsch Stefanie , Prattes Jürgen , Zollner‐Schwetz Ines , Pieber Thomas R. , Mader Julia K. , Krause Robert
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

An Austrian patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 developed visceral leishmaniasis after trips to Spain and Crete, presenting with slight bicytopenia, later developing severe pancytopenia. Travel history taking is important due to an extended incubation period. Coexistence of diabetes mellitus can impair T lymphocyte function and cause higher relapse rates.
Cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Duarte Ribeiro Filipa , Coelho Henrique , Tente David , Badior Margarida
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma accounts for ~6% of all cutaneous lymphomas. It is associated with poor prognosis, and solitary lesions are relatively rare. It often requires an aggressive approach with multi‐agent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important to recognize these cases in order to offer rapid and appropriate management.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the esophagus presenting with hematemesis and melaena: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Bulathsinghala Rasika P. , Handagala Dassanayake M Sumana , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu Nandadeva
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Esophageal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT) are extremely rare, and the understanding on the clinical presentation is limited. IMT of esophagus should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the context of unexplained upper gastrointestinal bleeding and rapidly progressing dysphagia in young patients.
Unexpected discovery of multiple myeloma following cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dahraoui Souhail , Uwingabiye Jean , Belarj Badia , Biaz Asmae , Rachid Achraf , Dami Abdellah , Bouhsain Sanae , Ouzzif Zohra , Elmachatni Idrissi Samira
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

We report the case of multiple myeloma of unexpected discovery in an old patient admitted to the emergency department of cardiomyopathy. This observation emphasizes the need for exploring any anemia before linking it to heart failure or kidney disease. Serum protein electrophoresis remains crucial especially in the elderly patients.
Mosaic upd(14)pat in a patient with mild features of Kagami–Ogata syndrome
Authors: Haug Marte G. , Brendehaug Atle , Houge Gunnar , Kagami Masayo , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

We report a Norwegian girl with mild clinical features of Kagami–Ogata syndrome (KOS) and mosaic upd(14)pat. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a mosaic patient with KOS. These results imply that mosaic uniparental disomy should be examined in patients with mild features of imprinted disorders.
Facile Electrochemical Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties from Surfactant‐Free Electrolyte
Authors: Hasan Maksudul , Khunsin Worawut , Mavrokefalos Christos K. , Maier Stefan A. , Rohan James F. , Foord John S.
Published: November 2017

Synthesis of low‐dimensional metallic nanoparticles with a clean surface, high dispersibility, and enhanced atomic surface distribution is extremely important, as these factors strongly influence the electrocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles. In this study, the early stage electrochemical nucleation and growth of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) under potentiostatic control has been investigated on a Au(111) textured substrate. The size distribution and structural characterization of the ex situ as‐deposited Pd NPs by means of high‐resolution field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM) at different stages combined with electrochemical measurements revealed that the cluster of nuclei grew independently through the reduction of metal ions. The electrodeposited Pd NPs were very pure, as confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), owing to the surfactant‐free green electrodeposition process, and they exhibited a highly dispersed average particle size of 2–5 nm. The average nanoparticle size becomes smaller with higher overpotentials for the same deposition time. The synthesized Pd NPs demonstrated the largest specific surface area (four times that of commercial Pd−C) and electrocatalytic activity in ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox and ethanol electrooxidation processes (35 times that of commercial Pd−C). This work represents an important step in achieving the fundamental understanding of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles correlating the electrocatalytic performances.
Polyoxometalate‐graphene Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fernandes Diana M. , Araújo Mariana P. , Haider Ali , Mougharbel Ali S. , Fernandes António J. S. , Kortz Ulrich , Freire Cristina
Published: November 2017

Electrocatalytic reduction of water, also known as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), may be one of the solutions for a sustainable energy supply in the future, but the current use of precious platinum electrocatalysts is a major drawback, owing to the high cost. So, it is urgent to discover cost‐effective and earth‐abundant materials to replace precious‐metal electrocatalysts in order to make this technology economically viable. Herein, we report the preparation and application of three new nanocomposites based on polyoxometalates (POMs) and reduced oxidized‐graphene flakes (rGF_ox) as HER electrocatalysts (ECs). In highly acidic medium (pH=0.3), the POM@rGF_ox ECs showed similar overpotentials (0.033–0.044 V vs. RHE) for a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and these are very close to the state‐of‐the‐art HER EC, 20 wt% Pt/C (0.024 V). The POM‐based nanocomposites also exhibited excellent exchange current densities (0.65–1.02 mA cm−2) and very low Tafel slopes (0.033–0.041 V dec−1). P5W30@rGF_ox exhibited the best HER metrics and also showed long‐term electrochemical stability, as the overpotential only changed 0.009 V for j=10 mA cm−2 after 1000 linear sweep voltammetry cycles. Besides highlighting POM‐oxidized‐graphene flakes composites as a new class of nanomaterial with several important electrochemical applications, this work also points out that the POM shape, size, charge, and composition (W/P ratio) may play an important role in fine‐tuning the HER activity, and opens new avenues for designing a new set of highly efficient, cost‐effective, and durable non‐precious‐metal HER ECs in acidic medium.
Combination of heuristic optimal partner bands for variable selection in near‐infrared spectral analysis
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cui Xiaoyu , Cai Wensheng , Shao Xueguang
Published: November 2017

Variable selection plays a critical role in the analysis of near‐infrared (NIR) spectra. A method for variable selection based on the principle of the successive projection algorithm (SPA) and optimal partner wavelength combination (OPWC) was proposed for NIR spectral analysis. The method determines a number of knot variables with sufficient independence by SPA, and candidate variable bands with a definite width are defined. The cooperative effect of the bands is then evaluated with the partial least squares regression model by using the method of OPWC. The performance of the proposed method was compared with those of SPA, OPWC, randomization test, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling, and Monte Carlo uninformative variable elimination by using NIR datasets for pharmaceutical tablets, corn, and soil. The results show that the proposed method can select informative variable bands with a cooperative effect and improves the model for quantitative analysis.