bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trabecular Bone Structure in the Distal Femur of Humans, Apes, and Baboons
Authors: Sukhdeo Simone , Parsons Jacob , Niu Xiaoyue Maggie , Ryan Timothy M.
Published: December 2018

Trabecular bone structure has been used to investigate the relationship between skeletal form and locomotor behavior on the premise that trabecular bone remodels in response to loading during an animal's lifetime. The aim of this study is to characterize human distal femoral trabecular bone structure in comparison to three non‐human primate taxa and relate the patterns of trabecular structural variation in the distal femur to knee posture during habitual locomotor behavior. A whole‐epiphysis approach was applied using microCT scans of the distal femora of extant Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Pongo pygmaeus, and Papio spp. (N = 48). Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was quantified in the epiphysis and analyzed with both whole‐condyle and a novel sector analysis. The results indicate high trabecular bone structural variation within and between species. The sector analysis reveals the most distinctive patterns in the stereotypically loaded human knee, with a pattern of high BV/TV distally. In general, Pan, Pongo, and Papio show evidence of flexed knee postures, typical of their locomotor behaviors, with regions of high BV/TV posteriorly within the condyles. The pairwise comparisons confirm the unique pattern in Homo and reveal a shared high BV/TV region in the patellar groove of both Homo and Papio. The distinct pattern found in Homo relative to the other primate taxa suggests a plastic response to unique loading patterns during bipedal locomotion. Results may facilitate resolving the antiquity of habitual bipedality in the hominin fossil record. This analysis also presents new approaches for statistical analysis of whole‐epiphysis trabecular bone structure. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.
A systematic review of ayres sensory integration intervention for children with autism
Authors: Schoen Sarah A. , Lane Shelly J. , Mailloux Zoe , May‐Benson Teresa , Parham L. Dianne , Smith Roley Susanne , Schaaf Roseann C.
Published: December 2018

Sensory integration is one of the most highly utilized interventions in autism, however, a lack of consensus exists regarding its evidence base. An increasing number of studies are investigating the effectiveness of this approach. This study used the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards for Evidence‐based Practices in Special Education to evaluate the effectiveness research from 2006 to 2017 on Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) intervention for children with autism. A systematic review was conducted in three stages. Stage 1 involved an extensive database search for relevant studies using search terms related to sensory integration and autism, interventions suggesting a sensory integration approach, and high‐quality study designs. Searches yielded 19 studies that were evaluated in Stage 2. Six of these met inclusion criteria of being peer‐reviewed, written in English, description of intervention this is consistent with ASI intervention, and comparison group design or single subject method employed. Prior to analysis using CEC standards, three articles were excluded because intervention details were not consistent with the core principles of ASI, or because of major methodological flaws. In Stage 3, the remaining three studies were rated using the CEC quality indicators and standards for an evidence‐based practice. Two randomized controlled trials respectively met 100% and 85% of the CEC criteria items. One additional study met more than 50% of the criteria. Based on CEC criteria, ASI can be considered an evidence‐based practice for children with autism ages 4–12 years old. Autism Research 2019, 12: 6–19. © 2018 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Ayres Sensory Integration intervention is one of the most frequently requested and highly utilized interventions in autism. This intervention has specific requirements for therapist qualifications and the process of therapy. This systematic review of studies providing Ayres Sensory Integration therapy to children with autism indicates that it is an evidence‐based practice according to the criteria of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Salidroside protected against MPP+‐induced Parkinson's disease in PC12 cells by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Feng , Ju Jing , Fang Yongjun , Fan Xiaoxuan , Yan Shuguang , Wang Qiang , Wei Pengfang , Duan Fuliang , Miao Feng , Hu Zhenyuan , Wang Maode
Published: December 2018

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of salidroside (SAL) on 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‐induced PC12 cell model for Parkinson's disease. PC12 cells were pretreated with SAL in different concentrations and then exposed to MPP+. To evaluate the effects of SAL on cytotoxicity, the survival rate was tested by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐dimethyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the apoptosis was tested via flow cytometry and Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected to analyze the effects of SAL on oxidative stress. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory factors TNF‐α and IL‐1β were also determined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Pretreatment with SAL effectively relieved the MPP+ cytotoxic effects and decreased the release of ROS production and inflammatory cytokines. SAL also inhibited apoptosis, suppressed MDA activity, and increased GSH levels in MPP+‐treated PC12 cells. Moreover, the expression levels of caspase‐9, caspase‐3, and Bax were significantly decreased in the SAL treatment groups compared with the MPP+ group, whereas Bcl‐2 expression was significantly increased in the SAL treatment groups. In summary, the overall results suggested that SAL have neuroprotective effects on the MPP+‐induced PC12 cell model by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. SAL may be a potential active product to protect against Parkinson's disease.
Silk fibroin hydrogels for potential applications in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rojas Jose Eduardo U. , Gerbelli Barbara B. , Ribeiro Anderson O. , Nantes‐Cardoso Iseli L. , Giuntini Francesca , Alves Wendel A.
Published: December 2018

In this study, we prepared translucid hydrogels with different concentrations of silk fibroin, extracted from raw silk fibers, and used them as a matrix to incorporate the photosensitizer 5‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐10,15,20‐tris‐(4‐sulphonatophenyl) porphyrin trisodium for application in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The hydrogels obtained were characterized by rheology, spectrophotometry, and scattering techniques to elucidate the factors involved in the formation of the hydrogel, and to characterize the behavior of silk fibroin (SF) after incorporating of the porphyrin to the matrix. The rheology results demonstrated that the SF hydrogels had a shear thinning behavior. In addition, we were able to verify that the structure of the material was able to be recovered over time after shear deformation. The encapsulation of porphyrins in hydrogels leads to the formation of self‐assembled peptide nanostructures that prevent porphyrin aggregation, thereby greatly increasing the generation of singlet oxygen. Also, our findings suggest that porphyrin can diffuse out of the hydrogel and permeate the outer skin layers. This evidence suggests that SF hydrogels could be used as porphyrin encapsulation and as a drug carrier for the sustained release of photosensitizers for PDT.
Flow Synthesis of a Thiazolidine Drug Intermediate in Capillary Microreactors
Authors: de Oliveira Silva Renan Rodrigues , Cuesta Calvo Paulo Victor , Fernandes da Silva Milena , Solisio Carlo , Converti Attilio , Alves Palma Mauri Sergio
Published: December 2018

Microreactor technology can help to reduce the time to market new drugs. It was applied to produce (Z)‐5‐benzylidenethiazolidine‐2,4‐dione, a heterocyclic intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs. Ethanol was the optimum solvent and piperidine the best catalyst in the batch process. The continuous/microreactor process exhibited a much better performance than the batch process. The productivity, which was strongly influenced by solvent and temperature, reached a maximum at 160 °C using methanol as solvent. A kinetic/thermodynamic study indicated that the reaction followed the second‐order model and allowed estimating its main thermodynamic parameters. A product recovery protocol was finally proposed. The microreactor proved an efficient alternative to the batch reactor in scaling up the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
A Diaminopillar[5]arene‐Based Macrobicyclic Molecule: Synthesis, Characterization and A Lock–Key Story
Authors: Hu Wei‐Bo , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Xiao‐Li , Liu Yahu A. , Li Jiu‐Sheng , Jiang Biao , Wen Ke
Published: December 2018

A new macrobicyclic molecule (BC‐DAP5), consisting of a diaminopillar[5]arene cavity and a fused ring, was successfully constructed using a Grubbs metathesis reaction. Further studies indicated that BC‐DAP5 possessed a unique molecular behavior, showing a response to acid/base stimuli. In BC‐DAP5, protons (acid) acted as a lock, locking the fused ring out of the cavity (pillar[5]arene), and a base served as the key, making the fused ring switch in or out freely. Reversible control of the molecular behavior was achieved simply by adding acid and base alternately.
Site‐Selective Supramolecular Complexation Activates Catalytic Ethane Oxidation by a Nitrido‐Bridged Iron Porphyrinoid Dimer
Authors: Mihara Nozomi , Yamada Yasuyuki , Takaya Hikaru , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Fujii Hiroshi , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: December 2018

Development of supramolecular methods to further activate a highly reactive intermediate is a fascinating strategy to create novel potent catalysts for activation of inert chemicals. Herein, a supramolecular approach to enhance the oxidizing ability of a high‐valent oxo species of a nitrido‐bridged iron porphyrinoid dimer that is a known potent molecular catalyst for light alkane oxidation is reported. For this purpose, a nitrido‐bridged dinuclear iron complex of porphyrin‐phthalocyanine heterodimer 35+, which is connected through a fourfold rotaxane, was prepared. Heterodimer 35+ catalyzed ethane oxidation in the presence of H2O2 at a relatively low temperature. The site‐selective complexation of 35+ with an additional anionic porphyrin (TPPS4−) through π–π stacking and electrostatic interactions afforded a stable 1:1 complex. It was demonstrated that the supramolecular post‐synthetic modification of 35+ enhances its catalytic activity efficiently. Moreover, supramolecular conjugates achieved higher catalytic ethane oxidation activity than nitrido‐bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer, which is the most potent iron‐oxo‐based molecular catalyst for light‐alkane oxidation reported so far. Electrochemical measurements proved that the electronic perturbation from TPPS4− to 35+ enhanced the catalytic activity.
Rapid Interception of CnF2n+1(O)SO. Radical with Copper‐Based Carbene: A Novel Access to Perfluoroalkanesulfinate Ester
Authors: Wang Hanghang , Li Haiyan , Zheng Yonggao , Lian Pengcheng , Wan Xiaobing
Published: December 2018

In this communication, an unprecedented interception of CnF2n+1(O)SO. radical with a copper‐based carbene has been established. Distinguished by wide substrate scopes and mild reaction conditions, this novel radical–carbene coupling reaction (RCC reaction) provides a fundamentally different and mechanistically interesting strategy for the synthesis of perfluoroalkanesulfinate esters.
Inhibition of Hepatitis C Replication by Targeting the Molecular Chaperone Hsp90: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4,5,6,7‐Tetrahydrobenzo[1,2‐d]thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Lillsunde Katja‐Emilia , Tomašič Tihomir , Schult Philipp , Lohmann Volker , Kikelj Danijel , Tammela Päivi
Published: December 2018

Cellular chaperones that belong to the heat‐shock protein 90 (Hsp90) family are a prerequisite for successful viral propagation for most viruses. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) uses Hsp90 for maturation, folding, and modification of viral proteins. Based on our previous discovery that marine alkaloid analogues with a 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[1,2‐d]thiazole‐2‐amine structure show inhibition of HCV replication and binding to Hsp90, a series of twelve novel compounds based on this scaffold was designed and synthesized. The aim was improved Hsp90 affinity and anti‐HCV activity. Through structural optimization, improved binding to Hsp90 and specific HCV inhibition in genotype 1b and 2a replicon models was achieved for three compounds belonging to the newly synthesized series. Furthermore, these compounds efficiently inhibited replication of full‐length HCV genotype 2a in a reporter virus RNA assay with IC50 values ranging from 0.03 to 0.6 μm.
Renal Chloride Channels in Relation to Sodium Chloride Transport
Authors: Teulon Jacques , Planelles Gabrielle , Sepúlveda Francisco V. , Andrini Olga , Lourdel Stéphane , Paulais Marc
Published: December 2018

The many mechanisms governing NaCl absorption in the diverse parts of the renal tubule have been largely elucidated, although some of them, as neutral NaCl absorption across the cortical collecting duct or regulation through with‐no‐lysine (WNK) kinases have emerged only recently. Chloride channels, which are important players in these processes, at least in the distal nephron, are the focus of this review. Over the last 20‐year period, experimental studies using molecular, electrophysiological, and physiological/functional approaches have deepened and renewed our views on chloride channels and their role in renal function. Two chloride channels of the ClC family, named as ClC‐Ka and ClC‐Kb in humans and ClC‐K1 and ClC‐K2 in other mammals, are preponderant and play complementary roles: ClC‐K1/Ka is mainly involved in the building of the interstitial cortico‐medullary concentration gradient, while ClC‐K2/Kb participates in NaCl absorption in the thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule and the intercalated cells of the collecting duct. The two ClC‐Ks might also be involved indirectly in proton secretion by type A intercalated cells. Other chloride channels in the kidneys include CFTR, TMEM16A, and probably volume‐regulated LRRC8 chloride channels, whose function and molecular identity have not as yet been established. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:301‐342, 2019.
Telemedicine for screening diabetic retinopathy: The NO BLIND Italian multicenter study
Authors: Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Pafundi Pia Clara , Gelso Aldo , Bono Valeria , Costagliola Ciro , Marfella Raffaele , Sardu Celestino , Rinaldi Luca , Galiero Raffaele , Acierno Carlo , de Sio Chiara , Adinolfi Luigi Elio ,   on behalf of NO BLIND Study Group
Published: December 2018

Aims

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) represents the main cause of blindness among adults in the industrialized Countries. Use of telemedicine could offer an easy, smart specialist fundus oculi examination, as well as putting in a screening programme many patients who otherwise would be excluded.

Materials and methods

The NO BLIND is a transversal, multicentre, observational study. Its pilot phase involved nine public outpatient clinics for 6 months. As endpoint of the study, we assessed the prevalence of DR by retinography in a subset of the Italian population. Patients' fundus oculi photos were performed by trained diabetologists through a digital smart ophthalmoscope.

Results

According to our endpoint, in the final study population (n = 1461), obtained excluding patients for whom retinography was not able to provide any diagnosis, DR prevalence was equal to 15.5%. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve performed, we can observe how retinography appears a highly accurate method to detect DR (AUROC 0.971, 95% confidence interval, 0.954‐0.989), with a specificity of the 100% and a sensitivity of the 94.3%.

Conclusions

Our findings, in an Italian setting, confirm main data in the literature about DR prevalence. Hence, telemedicine could represent an accurate, fast, and cheap method for screening of DR.
Silicon–Halogen Bond Activation in Mixed Si/Al Compounds and an Approach to Intramolecular Stabilized Silylium Ions
Authors: Uhl Werner , Tolzmann Michael , Willeke Kira , Honacker Christian , Hepp Alexander , Layh Marcus , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: December 2018

Alkenylchlorosilanes functionalized by coordinatively unsaturated Al atoms, R′′(R′)Si(Cl)C(AltBu2)=C(H)R 5 [R = tBu, cHex, 1‐Ad, Ph, 3,5‐(F3C)2C6H3; R′ = Mes, Ph, 4‐tBuC6H4, 4‐tBuOC6H4, 4‐Et2NC6H4, tBu; R′′ = Mes, CH(SiMe3)2, tBu], were obtained in good yields by hydroalumination of the respective alkynylchlorosilanes R′′(R′)Si(Cl)C≡C‐R 3 with tBu2Al‐H. They feature four‐membered, close to planar SiCAlCl heterocycles by intramolecular Al–Cl interactions. The activation of the Si–Cl bonds results in bond lengthening from about 209 pm in 3 to 220 to 225 pm in compounds 5. The 29Si NMR resonances show an increasing shift to a lower field and range from δ = 24.0 for 5a [R = tBu, R′ = R′′ = Mes] to δ = 68.1 for 5j [R = R′ = R′′ = tBu]. The latter value approaches those of solvent coordinated silyl cations such as Et3Si(C6H5Me)+. The related fluorides R′(tBuC≡C)Si(F)C(AltBu2)C = C(H)tBu 9 (R′ = Ph, Mes) were similarly obtained by hydroalumination of alkynylsilanes R′Si(F)(C≡C‐tBu)2 8. Compounds 9 are dimeric via Si–F–Al bridges and form eight‐membered C2Al2Si2F2 heterocycles. The 29Si NMR shifts of δ = –4.7 and –14.7 and Si–F bond lengths of about 170 pm indicate the presence of four‐coordinate, covalently bound Si atoms. Treatment of 8a with two equivalents of tBu2Al‐H led to H/F exchange and formation of tBu2Al‐F which is coordinated by monomeric 9a via Si–F–Al and Al–F–Al bridges to form a six‐membered SiCAlFAlF heterocycle.
Microfluidic techniques for tumor cell detection
Authors: Tan Feifei , Wang Tianbao , Wang Haishi , Zheng Yuzheng
Published: December 2018

Cancer metastasis is the main cause of cancer‐related death. Early detection of tumor cell in peripheral blood is of great significant to early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer. Over the past two decades, microfluidic technologies have been demonstrated to have great potential for isolating and detecting tumor cell from blood. The present paper reviews microfluidic techniques for tumor cell detection based on various physical principles. The specific methods are categorized into active and passive methods depending on whether extra force field is applied. Working principles of the two methods are explained in detail, including microfluidics combined with optical tweezer, electric field, magnetic field, acoustophoresis, and without extra fields for tumor cell detection. Typical experiments and the results are reviewed. Based on these, research characteristics of the two methods are analyzed.
Impact of changing environmental factors and species competition on iron filings‐based green environmental media for nutrient removal in stormwater treatment
Authors: Chang Ni‐Bin , Wen Dan , Wanielista Martin P.
Published: December 2018

Iron filings‐based green environmental media (IFGEM) is a new type of green sorption media that may be applied to heterogeneous environments for removing nutrients. To confirm the reliability and efficacy of this new green sorption media, multiple factors must be considered for a holistic assessment, primarily temperature effect, varying influent concentration, changing pH value, varying iron filing content, presence of iron filings, and interaction (competition) between nutrient species such as nitrogen and phosphorus. In this study, two IFGEM recipes were selected to compare against one control (natural soil). Whereas IFGEM‐1 is made of 96.2% fine sand and 3.8% iron filings (by volume), IFGEM‐2 contains 80% sand, 10% tire crumb, 5% pure clay, and 5% iron filings (by volume). IFGEM‐1 can function well from 12 to 35°C, while IFGEM‐2 can work well only at the optimal temperature of 12°C. IFGEM‐2 may adapt to a wider pH range from acidic to neutral, while IFGEM‐1 performs well only at the neutral pH condition. When varying influent concentrations to test the sensitivity of both IFGEM recipes, our findings indicated that higher influent concentration results in higher removal efficiency. Higher iron filing content exhibits better nutrient recovery potential, and nitrogen and phosphorus compete for more shares of adsorption/adsorption capacity. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13087, 2019
Impact of sex and reproductive status on memory circuitry structure and function in early midlife using structural covariance analysis
Authors: Seitz Johanna , Kubicki Marek , Jacobs Emily G. , Cherkerzian Sara , Weiss Blair K. , Papadimitriou George , Mouradian Palig , Buka Stephen , Goldstein Jill M. , Makris Nikos
Published: December 2018

Research on age‐related memory alterations traditionally targets individuals aged ≥65 years. However, recent studies emphasize the importance of early aging processes. We therefore aimed to characterize variation in brain gray matter structure in early midlife as a function of sex and menopausal status. Subjects included 94 women (33 premenopausal, 29 perimenopausal, and 32 postmenopausal) and 99 demographically comparable men from the New England Family Study. Subjects were scanned with a high‐resolution T1 sequence on a 3 T whole body scanner. Sex and reproductive‐dependent structural differences were evaluated using Box's M test and analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) for gray matter volumes. Brain regions of interest included dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), inferior parietal lobule (iPAR), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hippocampus (HIPP), and parahippocampus. While we observed expected significant sex differences in volume of hippocampus with women of all groups having higher volumes than men relative to cerebrum size, we also found significant differences in the covariance matrices of perimenopausal women compared with postmenopausal women. Associations between ACC and HIPP/iPAR/DLPFC were higher in postmenopausal women and correlated with better memory performance. Findings in this study underscore the importance of sex and reproductive status in early midlife for understanding memory function with aging.
Shared and distinct neural circuitry for nonsymbolic and symbolic double‐digit addition
Authors: Bugden Stephanie , Woldorff Marty G. , Brannon Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2018

Symbolic arithmetic is a complex, uniquely human ability that is acquired through direct instruction. In contrast, the capacity to mentally add and subtract nonsymbolic quantities such as dot arrays emerges without instruction and can be seen in human infants and nonhuman animals. One possibility is that the mental manipulation of nonsymbolic arrays provides a critical scaffold for developing symbolic arithmetic abilities. To explore this hypothesis, we examined whether there is a shared neural basis for nonsymbolic and symbolic double‐digit addition. In parallel, we asked whether there are brain regions that are associated with nonsymbolic and symbolic addition independently. First, relative to visually matched control tasks, we found that both nonsymbolic and symbolic addition elicited greater neural signal in the bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS), bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, and the right superior parietal lobule. Subsequent representational similarity analyses revealed that the neural similarity between nonsymbolic and symbolic addition was stronger relative to the similarity between each addition condition and its visually matched control task, but only in the bilateral IPS. These findings suggest that the IPS is involved in arithmetic calculation independent of stimulus format.
Factors associated with gastrostomy tube dependence following salvage total laryngectomy with microvascular free tissue transfer
Authors: Worley Mitchell L. , Graboyes Evan M. , Blair Julie , Momin Suhael , Day Terry A. , Hornig Joshua D. , Skoner Judith , Huang Andrew T.
Published: December 2018

Background

Following salvage total laryngectomy (STL) with microvascular‐free tissue transfer (MFTT), patients are at high risk for swallowing dysfunction, but risk factors for persistent gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) dependence are unknown.

Methods

Retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent STL with MFTT.

Results

A total oral diet was achieved by 81% of patients with ≥6 months of postoperative follow‐up. Approximately 27% of patients were G‐tube dependent preoperatively with 67% achieving a total oral diet postoperatively. Factors associated with persistent G‐tube dependence included pT4 tumor, pN2+ status, more extensive pharyngectomy, and re‐irradiation. Strictures occurred in 30% of patients and were associated with more extensive pharyngectomy and tubed reconstruction.

Conclusions

For patients undergoing STL with MFTT, the majority of patients achieve a total oral diet regardless of their preoperative swallowing function. Advanced‐stage recurrent tumors and increased extent of pharyngectomy contribute to poorer swallowing outcomes.
Translation and validation of the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) for Spanish‐speaking patients
Authors: Montes‐Jovellar Lourdes , Carrillo Alvaro , Muriel Alfonso , Barbera Rafael , Sanchez Fatima , Cobeta Ignacio
Published: December 2018

Background

The main objective of this study was to perform the adaptation and cultural translation and validation of the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire for the Spanish language.

Methods

A total of 69 patients were diagnosed with head and neck cancer treated with surgery; radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy were included. MDADI was translated and a feasibility, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and construct validity were assessed.

Results

The mean overall score of the MDADI was 51.9 (18‐85). Internal consistency for total score was 0.908. The overall score of intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 and kappa coefficient scores were almost perfect (test‐retest reliability). All domains of MDADI were significantly correlated with physical and mental domains of the SF‐12. Construct validity was also evaluated with food texture measures, and with TNM classification.

Conclusion

The translation and validation of the Spanish version of the MDADI was performed and can be considered an important patient‐reported outcomes tool for dysphagia‐related quality of life.
18F‐FDG PET/MRI vs MRI in patients with recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Kirchner Julian , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Sauerwein Wolfgang , Deuschl Cornelius , Arweiler‐Harbeck Diana , Holtmann Laura , Stebner Vanessa , Umutlu Lale , Antoch Gerald , Ruhlmann Verena
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic potential of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (18FDG‐PET/MRI) and MRI for recurrence diagnostics after primary therapy in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

Methods

A total of 32 dedicated head and neck 18F‐FDG PET/MRI datasets were included in this analysis. MRI and 18F‐FDG PET/MRI datasets were analyzed in separate sessions by two readers for tumor recurrence or metastases.

Results

Lesion‐based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were 96%, 84%, 90%, 93%, and 91% for 18F‐FDG PET/MRI and 77%, 94%, 95%, 73%, and 84% for MRI, resulting in a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of 18F‐FDG PET/MRI compared to MRI (P < .005).

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/MRI is superior to MRI in detecting local recurrence and metastases in patients with ACC of the head and neck. Especially concerning its negative predictive value, 18F‐FDG PET/MRI outperforms MRI.
Reimbursement pricing for new medical devices in Japan: Is the evaluation of innovation appropriate?
Authors: Tamura Makoto , Nakano Shohei , Sugahara Takuma
Published: December 2018

Objectives

In Japan, strong reimbursement pricing control measures for existing medical device products have rendered new medical device reimbursement pricing critical for manufacturers. Few studies have been conducted on this aspect; therefore, this paper (1) clarifies whether evaluation of innovation is appropriate or not and (2), if not, investigates its background.

Methods

In this research, 319 C1/C2 government decisions for new medical devices in the 10 years from April 2008 to March 2018 were analyzed. Evaluation of innovation was considered in terms of the reimbursement price, as well as the foreign average price ratio.

Results

Considering the degree of evaluation of innovation, the average premium rate for the similar function category comparison method was 10.2% during 2008 to 2010 (this means the newly set reimbursement price was 10.2% higher than that of corresponded exiting categories); it declined consistently thereafter, to 3.2% during 2016 to 2018. Moreover, evaluation of innovation by the foreign average price (FAP) ratio was 1.04 in 2008 to 2010, consistently decreasing to 0.88 in 2016 to 2018. The period from product approval to the non‐Special Designated Treatment Material (non‐STM) (a part of technical fee) price listing is much longer than that of the STM (own reimbursement price) listing.

Conclusion

Several reasons were considered for the decline in innovation evaluation: (1) the lowering of the FAP upper limit ratio, (2) the possibility that there was not enough evidence at the time of price listing, (3) and the more rigorous standards to create a new separate functional category. However, some aspects were attributable to reimbursement system reform.
miR‐150‐504‐519d inhibits the growth of human colorectal cancer cell line SW48 and downregulates c‐FLIP receptor
Authors: Rong Guoqiang , Yang Xiaodong , Wu Haorong , Wu Yongyou
Published: December 2018

microRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that regulates the expression of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). c‐FLIP is an inhibitor of cell apoptosis through inhibition of caspase 8. miR‐150, miR‐504, and miR‐519d were related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of miR‐150‐504‐519d in CRC has not been studied and the relationship between miR‐150‐504‐519d and c‐FLIP remains unclear. In this study, we found that c‐FLIP was upregulated in CRC tissues, without detectable expression in normal CRC tissues. Using SW48 cell line, we further showed that miR‐150‐504‐519d inhibited migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis of SW48 cells. Moreover, in SW48 cell line transfected with miR‐150‐504‐519d, the protein expression of c‐FLIP was significantly lower compared with cells transfected with scramble. Our results demonstrated upregulation of c‐FLIP in CRC, which was downregulated in SW48 cells after the transfection of miR‐150‐504‐519d, suggesting that manipulation of miR‐150‐504‐519d expression might be a novel approach for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
The electronic structure of thorium monoxide: Ligand field assignment of states in the range 0–5 eV
Authors: Kaledin Leonid A. , Kaledin Alexey L. , Heaven Michael C.
Published: December 2018

Configuration interaction ligand field theory (CI LFT) calculations of the electronic energy levels of ThO were performed by treating the molecular electronic states as Th
2+ free‐ion levels perturbed by the ligand field of O2−. Twenty nine experimentally characterized ThO v = 0 energy levels, together with the energy difference between the v = 0 levels of the Y and W states were fitted using a CI LFT model that included Th
2+ 7s
2
, 6d7s, 6d2, 7s7p, 6d7p, 5f7s, and 7p2 configurations. Predictions from these calculations were used to provide tentative assignments for 171 out of 250 ThO band heads listed by Gatterer et al. [“Molecular Spectra of Metallic Oxides”, Specola Vaticana (1957)]. Term energies for 30 electronic states have been determined based on these assignments. Subsequently, the CI LFT model was refined by fitting to a set of 59 electronic term energies. The inclusion of CI effects together with integer valence, atomic‐in‐molecule, ionic bonding ideas reveals atomic energy level patterns that are multiply replicated in the molecular energy level patterns of six Th
2+ O2− atomic ion configurations (6d7s, 6d2, 7s7p, 6d7p, 5f7s, and 7p2) revealing the underlying atomic ion structure that gives rise to the complex and seemingly erratic unassigned bands reported in the Vatican Atlas. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mandibular osteotomy‐induced hypoxia enhances osteoclast activation and acid secretion by increasing glycolysis
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhu Jie , Huang Danqing , Hu Xiu , Cai Yun , Song Xiwen , Song Zhaohui , Hong Chaoyue , Feng Zifan , Kang Feiwu
Published: December 2018

The rapid bone remodeling after osteotomy has been reported for a long time. However, the underlying mechanism promoting the active bone reconstruction was still to be elucidated. Since not only the bone, blood vessels, and supportive tissues, but also the local microenvironment were destroyed, if the changes on the cell metabolism was contributed to the accelerated bone remodeling came into sight. In present study, we found that the mandibular osteotomy in rabbit activated osteoclasts, as well as the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in alveolar bone. Hypoxia or HIF‐1α could enhanced osteoclastogenesis, bone absorption, and lactic acid concentration in receptor activator of nuclear factor κΒ ligand‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Coincided with the upregulated HIF‐1α expression, HIF‐driven glycolytic enzymes, such as lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), glucokinase (GCK), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and phosphofructokinase1 (PFK1), were found massively increased in both hypoxic RAW264.7 cells and the alveolar HIF‐1α‐positive osteoclasts after mandibular osteotomy. Knockdown of HIF‐1α suppressed not only the hypoxia‐mediated glycolysis, but also the hypoxia‐induced acid secretion and bone resorption in RAW264.7 cells. Application of inhibitor on glycolysis gave rise to the similar results as HIF‐1α knockdown. Our findings suggested that hypoxia‐driven glycolysis in osteoclasts was an adaptive mechanism to permit alveolar bone remodeling after mandibular osteotomy.
Downregulated microRNA‐330 suppresses left ventricular remodeling via the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway by targeting SRY in mice with myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu Zheng‐Yu , Pan Hong‐Wei , Cao Yan , Zheng Jiao , Zhang Yu , Tang Yi , He Jin , Hu Yong‐Jun , Wang Chang‐Lu , Zou Qiong‐Chao , Fu Qing‐Hua , Zhang Le , Peng Jian‐Qiang , Ling Jing , Peng Ning , Rong Jing‐Jing , Zheng Zhao‐Fen
Published: December 2018

microRNAs (miRs) are essential in the development of heart failure. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of microRNA‐330 (miR‐330) on left ventricular remodeling via the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway by targeting the sex‐determining region Y (SRY) in mice with myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). Differentially expressed gene (DEG) in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (IR) was screened out and the miR that targeted the DEG was also predicted and verified. A model of MIRI was established to detect the expression of miR‐330, SRY, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β1), and Sekelsky mothers against dpp3 (Smad3). To further investigate the role of miR‐330 in MIRI with the involvement of SRY and TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, the modeled mice were treated with different mimic, inhibitor, or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to observe the changes of the related gene expression, as well as the myocardial infarction size and volume of myocardial collagen. SRY was screened out and verified as a target gene of miR‐330. The MIRI mice showed enlarged myocardial infarction size, increased volume of myocardial collagen, increased expression of miR‐330, TGF‐β1 and Smad3, while decreased the expression of SRY. The MIRI mice treated with miR‐330 inhibitor showed decreased myocardial infarction size, the volume of myocardial collagen, and expression of TGF‐β1 and Smad3 but promoted expression of SRY. Our findings demonstrated that downregulated miR‐330 could suppress left ventricular remodeling to inhibit the activation of the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway via negatively targeting of SRY in mice with MIRI. This can be a potential target in the strategy to attenuate patient suffering.
Mycobacterium avium complex infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Heidary Mohsen , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Jazi Faramarz Masjedian , Khoshnood Saeed , Drancourt Michel , Darban‐Sarokhalil Davood
Published: December 2018

Background

Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare complex (MAC) is one of the leading causes of death among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The current study was aimed to determine the frequency of MAC infection in patients infected with HIV.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies. All statistical analyses were performed by STATA version 14.

Results

From 6,627 retrieved articles, 23 were included in the final analysis. A total of 18,463 patients with HIV were included in the analysis. The frequency of MAC infection in patients with HIV was found to be 10.6% (95% confidence interval, 6.9–14.2).

Conclusion

The relatively large fractions of HIV‐infected patients were coinfected with MAC, which may poses significant public health problems. Continued progress in the development of rapid diagnostic methods and preventive therapy for MAC should lead to further improvements in survival and quality of life in patients with HIV.
Spatiotemporal variability in seawater carbon chemistry for a coral reef flat in Kāne‘ohe Bay, Hawai‘i
Authors: Page Heather N. , Courtney Travis A. , De Carlo Eric H. , Howins Noah M. , Koester Irina , Andersson Andreas J.
Published: December 2018

Coral reef community composition and ecosystem function may change in response to anthropogenic ocean acidification. However, the magnitude of acidification on reefs will be modified by natural spatial and temporal variability in seawater CO2 chemistry. Consequently, it is necessary to quantify the ecological, biogeochemical, and physical drivers of this natural variability before making robust predictions of future acidification on reefs. In this study, we measured temporal and spatial physiochemical variability on a reef flat in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, using autonomous sensors at sites with contrasting benthic communities and by sampling surface seawater CO2 chemistry across the reef flat at different times of the day during June and November. Mean and diurnal temporal variability of seawater CO2 chemistry was more strongly influenced by depth gradients (~ 0.5–10 m) on the reef rather than benthic community composition. Spatial CO2 chemistry gradients across the reef flat reflected the cumulative influence from benthic metabolism, bathymetry, and hydrodynamics. Based on graphical assessment of total alkalinity–dissolved inorganic carbon data, reef metabolism in November was dominated by organic carbon cycling over inorganic carbon cycling, while these processes were closely balanced in June. Overall, this study highlights the strong influence of depth on reef seawater CO2 chemistry variability through its effects on benthic biomass to seawater volume ratio, seawater flow rates, and residence time. Thus, the natural complexity of ecosystems where a combination of ecological and physical factors influence reef chemistry must be considered when predicting ecosystem biogeochemical responses to future anthropogenic changes in seawater CO2 chemistry.
Covalent Attachment of Fibronectin onto Emulsion‐Templated Porous Polymer Scaffolds Enhances Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Adhesion, Infiltration, and Function
Authors: Richardson Sarah A. , Rawlings Thomas M. , Muter Joanne , Walker Marc , Brosens Jan J. , Cameron Neil R. , Eissa Ahmed M.
Published: December 2018

A novel strategy for the surface functionalization of emulsion‐templated highly porous (polyHIPE) materials as well as its application to in vitro 3D cell culture is presented. A heterobifunctional linker that consists of an amine‐reactive N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester and a photoactivatable nitrophenyl azide, N‐sulfosuccinimidyl‐6‐(4′‐azido‐2′‐nitrophenylamino)hexanoate (sulfo‐SANPAH), is utilized to functionalize polyHIPE surfaces. The ability to conjugate a range of compounds (6‐aminofluorescein, heptafluorobutylamine, poly(ethylene glycol) bis‐amine, and fibronectin) to the polyHIPE surface is demonstrated using fluorescence imaging, FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Compared to other existing surface functionalization methods for polyHIPE materials, this approach is facile, efficient, versatile, and benign. It can also be used to attach biomolecules to polyHIPE surfaces including cell adhesion‐promoting extracellular matrix proteins. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that the fibronectin‐conjugated polyHIPE scaffolds improve the adhesion and function of primary human endometrial stromal cells. It is believed that this approach can be employed to produce the next generation of polyHIPE scaffolds with tailored surface functionality, enhancing their application in 3D cell culture and tissue engineering whilst broadening the scope of applications to a wider range of cell types.
Fatty Acid–Derived Aliphatic Long Chain Polyethers by a Combination of Catalytic Ester Reduction and ADMET or Thiol‐Ene Polymerization
Authors: Dannecker Patrick‐Kurt , Biermann Ursula , Sink Alexandra , Bloesser Fabian R. , Metzger Jürgen O. , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: December 2018

Aliphatic long‐chain polyesters are a common class of renewable polymers and can be obtained by various synthetic routes, most notably from renewable fatty acids. In contrast, for aliphatic long chain polyethers only a few examples are known. Recently, the GaBr3‐catalyzed reduction of esters to ethers has been introduced as convenient post‐polymerization modification to obtain polyethers directly from polyesters. Here, this reduction is applied to synthesize fatty acid–based ω,ω′‐unsaturated diene diether monomers, which are polymerized afterward by thiol‐ene or acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerizations in the “green” solvents methyl‐THF (2‐methyltetrahydrofuran) and polarclean. After polymerization, the thiol‐ene or ADMET polymers are modified by either oxidation or hydrogenation, respectively.
Role of High‐Molecular‐Weight Homopolymers on Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly: From Morphology Modifier to Template
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Cai Chunhua , Xu Zhanwen , Lin Jiaping , Jin Xiao
Published: December 2018

For block copolymer (BCP)/homopolymer self‐assembly systems, the molecular weight of homopolymers is usually lower than that of BCPs. Herein, the cooperative self‐assembly of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PS‐b‐PEG) BCPs with high‐molecular‐weight polystyrene (PS) homopolymers is reported. The molecular weight of PS homopolymers is 3–63 times that of the PS blocks. Typically, a spherical micelle–vesicle–large sphere morphology transition is observed by increasing the weight fraction of PS homopolymers in the polymer mixtures (f
HP). Dynamic process studies reveal that with adding water to the solution of polymer mixtures in organic solvent, the homopolymers first collapse into globules, and their size increases with f
HP and the molecular weight. Then these PS globules cooperatively self‐assemble with the PS‐b‐PEG BCPs. Depending on their size, these PS globules play different roles in the self‐assembly process. Small PS globules act as morphology modifiers inducing the micelle–vesicle transition, while large PS globules serve as self‐assembly templates for PS‐b‐PEG resulting in large spheres.
Tailored Gradient Morphologies and Anisotropic Surface Patterns in Polymer Blends
Authors: Pan Dan , Hufenus Rudolf , Qin Zongyi , Chen Long , Gooneie Ali
Published: December 2018

Gradient morphologies and surface patterns can provide a template for smart materials with tailored local properties. Fabricating such structures in a one‐step melt‐extrusion process will be most beneficial as they usually require several manipulation steps. In this study, gradient morphologies are developed by melt‐spinning matrix‐dispersed polypropylene/polystyrene blends as a template system and dynamic control of their formation is achieved, which further leads to anisotropic surface patterns. Cross and longitudinal sections and the surface of extruded fibers are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Distinct microstructure gradients regarding size and shape of the dispersed phase are formed in the bulk. After dissolving the dispersed phase, ordered (sub)micron channels appear on the surface, which are further refined by hot‐drawing. The resulting textures form anisotropic grooves along the fiber axis on the surface, as verified by atomic force microscopy. Capillary theory is applied to elucidate the formation mechanisms of gradient microstructures in polymer blends during processing. It is shown that all these features can be tailor‐made by using the extrusion die as a design tool. By transferring the knowledge to suitable polymer blends and processes, the designed gradient and surface structures can find applications, for instance, in materials with adaptive mechanical or interfacial properties.
Patient‐reported symptom‐mapping in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Nelson Johnny T. , Gauger Mitchell R. , Whaley James D. , Zinberg Ephraim M.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

To date, no method has been described or utilized to study the distribution of symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome. We describe a technique of symptom‐mapping that yields a population‐based “anatomic profile” of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

Symptoms were mapped on visual questionnaires depicting the volar hand, wrist, and forearm. Thirty‐four hands in 26 patients with isolated carpal tunnel syndrome were included in the study.

Results

Painful symptoms were clearly centered over the carpal tunnel and were reported much less frequently in the digits. Nonpainful sensory disturbances (e.g., numbness, paresthesias) were found to have a much more peripheral and lateral distribution.

Discussion

Our technique serves to establish a population‐based “anatomic profile” of carpal tunnel syndrome, assisting with clinical diagnosis and serving as a reference point for the comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment clinical data. Muscle Nerve 59:321–325, 2019