bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of incidental versus palpable thyroid nodules presenting for fine‐needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Iwata Ayaka J. , Bhan Arti , Lahiri Sharon , Williams Amy M. , Taylor Andrew R. , Chang Steven S. , Singer Michael C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Many attribute the rise in incidence of thyroid cancer to a deluge of radiologically identified incidental thyroid nodules. The clinical implications are unclear.

Methods

A review was performed of all patients who underwent fine‐needle aspirations of thyroid nodules by our academic medical center's Endocrinology Division between 2006 and 2010. Medical records were reviewed to identify whether the thyroid nodule was discovered incidentally or by palpation.

Results

Of 1153 patients, 37.4% underwent a biopsy because of an incidental thyroid nodule. These patients were significantly more likely to be >45 years old, men, white race, and with a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Of the 17.2% of incidentalomas that led to surgery, 8.5% were found to be thyroid cancer.

Conclusion

Thyroid nodules discovered incidentally are increasing the diagnosis of subclinical thyroid cancers. Not investigated previously, our study found that the mode of detection was not related to malignancy or surgery.
Testosterone, cortisol,hGH, andIGF‐1 levels in anItalianfemale elite volleyball team
Authors: Roli Laura , De Vincentis Sara , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Trenti Tommaso , De Santis Maria Cristina , Savino Gustavo
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To assess the transferability of the reference intervals (RI) of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), human growth hormone (hGH), and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, calculated on a normal healthy population, to a population of female elite volleyball players. Secondary aim of this study is the evaluation of the T/C ratio as predictive tool of overtraining during the annual regular season.

Methods

A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was performed, enrolling 58 professional female volleyball players periodically evaluated during the regular sportive season, which lasts from September to May.

Results

Statistically significant differences between the volleyball players and reference populations for T (P = .010), C (P < .001), and IGF‐1 (P < .001) were found. Three different statistical approaches to calculate the RI in the athlete group showed a high degree of concordance and pointed out a shift upwards of both lower and upper reference limits. The T/C ratio significantly changed among visits (P = .009). In particular, an overall decrease of about 30% was observed for this ratio during the season, suggesting a state of overtraining.

Conclusion

T, C, hGH, and IGF‐1 reference values calculated on elite volleyball female players are higher than those of the reference population used in normal clinical practice, suggesting that the health status of highly trained subjects needs the definition of tailored RI for these variables. Moreover, the utility of T/C ratio in the evaluation of overtraining is confirmed.
Hemicucurbit[n]urils and Their Derivatives – Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Andersen Nicolaj N. , Lisbjerg Micke , Eriksen Kristina , Pittelkow Michael
Published: March 2018

The first hemicucurbit[n]uril macrocycles were described in 2004, and since then a series of functionalised hemicucurbit[n]uril derivatives have been prepared and studied. The original hemicucurbit[n]urils suffer from sparse solubility, which limits their applications in supramolecular chemistry. Recent progress in the synthesis of a range of derivatives such as the biotin[n]urils, the bambus[n]urils, and the cyclohexylhemicucurbit[n]urils have enabled studies of the supramolecular chemistry of the hemicucurbituril system, both in water and in a range of organic solvents. In contrast to the popular cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles that are state‐of‐the‐art hosts for cations, the hemicucbit[n]urils host anions. Herein we provide a survey of the literature covering the syntheses of the hemicucurbituril derivatives and their supramolecular chemistry.
Carbon portfolio management
Authors: Afonin Alexander , Bredin Don , Cuthbertson Keith , Muckley Cal , Nitzsche Dirk
Published: March 2018

The aim of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is that by 2020, emissions from sectors covered by the EU ETS will be 21% lower than in 2005. In addition to large CO2 emitting companies covered by the scheme, other participants have entered the market with a view of using emission allowances for the diversification of their investment portfolios. The performance of this asset as a stand alone investment and its portfolio diversification implications will be investigated in this paper. Our results indicate that the market views Phases 1, 2, and 3 European Union allowance futures as unattractive as stand alone investments. In a portfolio context, in Phase 1, once the short‐selling option is added, there are considerable portfolio benefits. However, our results indicate that these benefits only existed briefly during the pilot stage of the EU ETS. There is no evidence to suggest portfolio diversification benefits exist for Phase 2 or the early stages of Phase 3.
Standardization of plasma vitellogenin level for surveying environmental estrogen pollution using the Japanese common goby Acanthogobius flavimanus
Authors: Song Jing , Nagae Masaki , Soyano Kiyoshi
Published: March 2018

Field surveys of the impact of environmental estrogen (EE) pollution in aquatic wildlife have been conducted using vitellogenin (VTG) as a biomarker to evaluate the influence of EE. However, a standard baseline of VTG level that can be used to evaluate EE pollution has not been fully determined. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to determine the standard baseline VTG level for evaluating the biological effects of EE pollution using the Japanese common goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) as the target model fish. Plasma VTG and estradiol‐17β (E2) levels associated with the reproductive cycle of wild goby inhabiting an unpolluted environment were measured. Mean plasma VTG and E2 levels exhibited similar changes, increasing in the yolk vesicle stage and peaking in the tertiary yolk stage in females. However, plasma VTG and E2 levels showed no significant changes in males, remaining at low levels throughout the reproductive cycle. The highest VTG levels in females and males were 1.6 mg ml–1 and 124.87 ng ml–1, respectively. These results indicate that the baseline level (normal level) in males was approximately 130 ng ml–1 at most. We concluded that the threshold between normal and abnormal levels with a 10% risk rate was 150 ng ml–1 in the wild male goby. Plasma VTG levels in males captured from Nagasaki Harbor were higher than the threshold in each reproductive developmental stage, indicating the possibility of EE pollution at this site. The biological standard baseline for VTG established in this study is useful for assessing EE pollution in natural waters.
Bioactivity tests of calcium phosphates with variant molar ratios of main components
Authors: Pluta Klaudia , Sobczak‐Kupiec Agnieszka , Półtorak Olga , Malina Dagmara , Tyliszczak Bożena
Published: March 2018

Calcium phosphates constitute attractive materials of biomedical applications. Among them particular attention is devoted to bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAp) and bioresorbable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) that possess ability to bind to living bones and can be used clinically as important bone substitutes. Notably, in vivo bone bioactivity can be predicted from apatite formation of bone immersed in SBF fluids. Thus, analyses of behavior of calcium phosphates immersed in various bio fluids are of great importance. Recently, stoichiometric HAp and TCP structures have been widely studied, whereas only limited number of publications have been devoted to analyses of nonstoichiometric calcium phosphates. Here, we report physicochemical analysis of natural and synthetic phosphates with variable Ca/P molar ratios. Subsequently attained structures were subjected to incubation in either artificial saliva or Ringer's fluids. Both pH and conductivity of such fluids were determined before and after incubation. Furthermore, the influence of the Ca/P values on such parameters was exemplified. Physicochemical analysis of received materials was performed by XRD and FT‐IR characterization techniques. Their potential antibacterial activity and behavior in the presence of infectious microorganisms as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also evaluated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1941–1950, 2018.
Manipulating multifaceted microbubble shell composition to target both TRAIL‐sensitive and resistant cells
Authors: Jablonowski Lauren J. , Conover Dolores , Teraphongphom Nutte T. , Wheatley Margaret A.
Published: March 2018

This study represents the first attempt to combine surface TRAIL expression and doxorubicin co‐encapsulation in a single drug delivery agent in the form of ultrasound‐responsive microbubbles that shatter into fragments, or nanoshards, in an ultrasound beam. We compare customized microbubbles of different polymeric shell compositions, and investigate the effect of both shell composition and incorporation of doxorubicin on action against TRAIL‐sensitive MDA‐MB‐231 and TRAIL‐resistant MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells. Ligation of TRAIL only significantly impacted MDA‐MB‐231 cells predominantly by apoptosis, and had minimal effect on MCF12A (normal control) cells. For all shell types, nanoshards had a greater effect (apoptotic death ranging from approximately 25% for 1 wt % LipidPEG to 50% for 100% PLA), reflecting the greater surface area and larger number of particles that ultrasound generates. Encapsulation of doxorubicin generated necrosis in all cell lines, but PEGylation produced less effective necrosis in all cell lines. Co‐encapsulation of doxorubicin within the contrast agent shell increased MDA‐MB‐231 cell death to approximately 40–80%, representing a marked increase over TRAIL alone, reflecting the dramatic effect of shell composition. Additionally, shells that co‐encapsulated TRAIL and doxorubicin resulted in approximately 30–60% death in TRAIL‐resistant MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, compared with little apoptotic response in these cells from shells encapsulating TRAIL alone, demonstrating the sensitization effect of the drug. This work has resulted in production of a library of effective ultrasound‐triggered, minimally immunogenic, targeted drug delivery agents for potential use in cancer therapy, and represents a promising multifaceted treatment to better serve the population with solid tumors. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1903–1915, 2018.
Influence of macroporosity on NIH/3T3 adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 over bio‐functionalized highly porous titanium implant material
Authors: Alves A. C. , Thibeaux R. , Toptan F. , Pinto A. M. P. , Ponthiaux P. , David B.
Published: March 2018

Highly porous Ti implant materials are being used in order to overcome the stress shielding effect on orthopedic implants. However, the lack of bioactivity on Ti surfaces is still a major concern regarding the osseointegration process. It is known that the rapid recruitment of osteoblasts in bone defects is an essential prerequisite for efficient bone repair. Conventionally, osteoblast recruitment to bone defects and subsequent bone repair has been achieved using growth factors. Thus, in this study highly porous Ti samples were processed by powder metallurgy using space holder technique followed by the bio‐functionalization through microarc oxidation using a Ca‐ and P‐rich electrolyte. The biological response in terms of early cell response, namely, adhesion, spreading, viability, and proliferation of the novel biofunctionalized highly porous Ti was carried out with NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts in terms of viability, adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity. Results showed that bio‐functionalization did not affect the cell viability. However, bio‐functionalized highly porous Ti (22% porosity) enhanced the cell proliferation and activity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 73–85, 2019.
Development of a mixed‐species biofilm model and its virulence implications in device related infections
Authors: Thet Naing T. , Wallace Laura , Wibaux Anne , Boote Nick , Jenkins A. Toby A.
Published: March 2018

It is becoming increasingly accepted that to understand and model the bacterial colonization and infection of abiotic surfaces requires the use of a biofilm model. There are many bacterial colonizations by at least two primary species, however this is difficult to model in vitro. This study reports the development of a simple mixed‐species biofilm model using strains of two clinically significant bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on nanoporous polycarbonate membranes on nutrient agar support. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the complex biofilm characteristics of two bacteria blending in extensive extracellular matrices. Using a prototype wound dressing which detects cytolytic virulence factors, the virulence secretion of 30 single and 40 mixed‐species biofilms was tested. P. aeruginosa was seen to out‐compete S. aureus, resulting in a biofilm with P. aeruginosa dominating. In situ growth of mixed‐species biofilm under prototype dressings showed a real‐time correlation between the viable biofilm population and their associated virulence factors, as seen by dressing fluorescent assay. This paper aims to provide a protocol for scientists working in the field of device related infection to create mixed‐species biofilms and demonstrate that such biofilms are persistently more virulent in real infections. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 129–137, 2019.
PGC1β Organizes the Osteoclast Cytoskeleton by Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Activation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Rohatgi Nidhi , Veis Deborah J , Schilling Joel , Teitelbaum Steven L , Zou Wei
Published: March 2018

Osteoclasts are mitochondria-rich cells, but the role of these energy-producing organelles in bone resorption is poorly defined. To this end, we conditionally deleted the mitochondria-inducing co-activator, PGC1β, in myeloid lineage cells to generate PGC1βLysM mice. In contrast to previous reports, PGC1β-deficient macrophages differentiate normally into osteoclasts albeit with impaired resorptive function due to cytoskeletal disorganization. Consequently, bone mass of PGC1βLysM mice is double that of wild type. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function are diminished in PGC1βLysM osteoclasts. All abnormalities are normalized by PGC1β transduction. Furthermore, OXPHOS inhibitors reproduce the phenotype of PGC1β deletion. PGC1β's organization of the osteoclast cytoskeleton is mediated by expression of GIT1, which also promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, osteoclast mitochondria regulate the cell's resorptive activity by promoting cytoskeletal organization. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dehydroepiandrosterone rehabilitate BRL‐3A cells oxidative stress damage induced by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Li Longlong , Zhao Jinlong , Ge Chongyang , Yu Lei , Ma Haitian
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) rehabilitated BRL‐3A cells oxidative stress damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Results showed that DHEA reversed the decrease of cell viability and ameliorated nuclear chromatin damage in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells. DHEA increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells. DHEA attenuated the protein damage and lipid peroxidation, and reduced the apoptosis in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells. The mRNA levels of Bax, Caspase‐9, and Caspase‐3 were decreased, while the Bcl‐2 mRNA level was increased in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells treated with DHEA. Our results showed that DHEA treatment increased the PI3K and p‐Akt protein levels, while decreased the Bax and capase‐3 protein levels in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells. However, the rise in PI3K and p‐Akt protein levels, and the decrease in Bax and capase‐3 protein levels induced by DHEA treatment were reversed when the cells pretreated with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). These results indicated that DHEA ameliorated H2O2‐induced oxidative damage by increasing anti‐oxidative enzyme activities and ameliorating the protein damage and lipid peroxidation in BRL‐3A cells. In addition, DHEA decreased the apoptosis by inhibiting caspase‐3 and Bax protein levels and this action mainly achieved via the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in H2O2‐induced BRL‐3A cells. These results provided substantial information for DHEA as a nutritional supplement to treat oxidative stress and it related diseases in animals and humans.
Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community residents of Japan
Authors: Yamasaki Fumi , Takeuchi Seisho , Uehara Yoshio , Matsushita Masahide , Arise Kazumi , Morimoto Norihito , Seo Hiromi
Published: March 2018

Background

To implement effective precautions to avoid methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial infections, it is important to clarify when, how, and from whom MRSA was transmitted to the patients. However, MRSA strains obtained from outpatient population were not analyzed, and the transmission routes of MRSA in the community are not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether MRSA is spreading in community settings or whether MRSA transmission still occurs only in healthcare institutions.

Methods

Surveillance cultures of 1274 residents living in a community were performed in two different areas, Kochi and Osaka prefectures of Japan. All isolated MRSA strains were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to clarify the transmission routes of MRSA. The results were compared with those of inpatients. Moreover, written questionnaires and medical records were analyzed.

Results

Analysis of surveillance cultures from residents living in the community in Japan revealed an MRSA colonization rate of 0.94%. The proportion of MRSA to S. aureus colonization was 2.6% in the 310 residents, which was significantly lower than in the 393 hospitalized patients (63.1%; P < .0001). MRSA strains in residents are different from the endemic strains in the hospitalized patients. Previous hospital admission is a risk factor for MRSA infection of the endemic strain in hospital.

Conclusions

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in community setting is rare in Japan. MLST results suggest that some MRSA strains are moving to the community through previous hospital admissions; however, MRSA is not spreading in community settings.
Biology of IL-2 and its therapeutic modulation: Mechanisms and strategies
Authors: Mitra Suman , Leonard Warren J
Published: March 2018

Cytokines signal through specific cell surface receptors to broadly regulate immune development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival, thereby influencing cellular fate and function. Accordingly, cytokines are potential therapeutic targets for modulation of immune responses. Indeed, over the last several decades, an increasing number of cytokine-based clinical trials have been performed, collectively using either recombinant forms of cytokines or blocking agents that modulate the actions of cytokines. The pleiotropic actions of cytokines, including their abilities to mediate both inflammatory and protective immune responses, indicate that using or targeting cytokines can have desired but also potentially undesirable effects. Here, we focus on the immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-2. We review the underlying basic science related to IL-2 and its biologic actions, discuss the current state of IL-2-based immunotherapy, and focus on emerging concepts of modulating the activities of this cytokine, including the generation of novel partial cytokine agonists as new potential therapeutics.
Protective effect of dihydromyricetin on LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiao Yunfang , Yang Xiaofeng , He Yanhao , Jing Ting , Wang Weirong , Zhang Jiye , Lin Rong
Published: March 2018

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a bioactive flavonoid component isolated from Ampelopsis grossedentata, is known to have anti-inflammatory effect, but the effect of DHM on acute lung injury (ALI) is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of DHM on ALI and the underlying mechanism by bioinformatic analyses and animal experiments. We found that pretreatment with DHM ameliorated lung pathological changes and suppressed the inflammation response in lung tissues after LPS challenge. The potential targets of DHM were predicted by DDI-CPI and DRAR-CPI tools and analyzed using the STRING server to predict the functionally related signaling pathways, such as MAPK signaling. Molecular docking calculations indicated that DHM could be embedded tightly into the binding pocket of ERK, JNK, and p38. Furthermore, the activation of MAPK signaling induced by LPS was inhibited by DHM. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DHM may exert its protective effect on ALI by inhibiting MAPK signaling. The present study supports a potential clinical application for DHM in treating ALI and provides a novel design that combines in silico methods with in vivo experiments for drug research.
Morphology of the core fibrous layer of the cetacean tail fluke
Authors: Gough William T. , Fish Frank E. , Wainwright Dylan K. , Bart‐Smith Hilary
Published: March 2018

The cetacean tail fluke blades are not supported by any vertebral elements. Instead, the majority of the blades are composed of a densely packed collagenous fiber matrix known as the core layer. Fluke blades from six species of odontocete cetaceans were examined to compare the morphology and orientation of fibers at different locations along the spanwise and chordwise fluke blade axes. The general fiber morphology was consistent with a three‐dimensional structure comprised of two‐dimensional sheets of fibers aligned tightly in a laminated configuration along the spanwise axis. The laminated configuration of the fluke blades helps to maintain spanwise rigidity while allowing partial flexibility during swimming. When viewing the chordwise sectional face at the leading edge and mid‐chord regions, fibers displayed a crossing pattern. This configuration relates to bending and structural support of the fluke blade. The trailing edge core was found to have parallel fibers arranged more dorso‐ventrally. The fiber morphology of the fluke blades was dorso‐ventrally symmetrical and similar in all species except the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), which was found to have additional core layer fiber bundles running along the span of the fluke blade. These additional fibers may increase stiffness of the structure by resisting tension along their long spanwise axis.
Association between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery vasospasm during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Minami Kentaro , Kumagai Koji , Sugai Yoshinao , Nakamura Kohki , Naito Shigeto , Oshima Shigeru
Published: March 2018

Coronary artery vasospasms (CAVs) during pulmonary vein isolation have been reported, but the mechanism remains unclear. We experienced a rare case of CAVs caused by radiofrequency (RF) applications to sites with massive epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) attached. Because EAT contains ganglionated plexuses, RF application may have caused an autonomic nervous system imbalance, which thereby provoked severe CAVs.
Effect of Hydrophobic Modification on the Properties of Polymer‐Blended Microemulsion Gels
Authors: Thampi Neetha V. , John Rohith P. , Ojha Keka , Nair Udayabhanu G.
Published: March 2018

Phase behavior of sodium oleate (NaOl)/isoamyl alcohol‐based lamellar gel phase in cedar oil/water medium in the presence of the nonionic polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and its hydrophobic modified product (HMHEC) is investigated for the development of polymer‐embedded surfactant gels. HMHEC is more soluble in oil‐in‐water (o/w) microemulsions, but nonionic HEC shows limited solubility in the lamellar microemulsion (o/w type). Quantitative estimation of rate of adsorption of the polymer on lamellae bilayers can be easily done by Sudan solubilization and methylene blue complexation methods. Addition of HMHEC to the lamellar gel phase increases the polymer solubilization limit of lamellar gels as well as the viscoelasticity and thermal stability. The polymer‐embedded microemulsion gel acts as a “clean gel” since it exhibits good solubilization in different hydrocarbon media at ambient conditions. Elastic modulus of the polymer‐embedded gel influences directly the suspension performance of gels at high temperature and yields a reasonable sand‐settling velocity acceptable according to fracturing standards. The thermal characteristics and viscoelastic properties of polymer‐embedded gel were found to be suitable for moderate‐temperature reservoir stimulation where the bottom hole temperature is in the range 70–75 °C. Already a large amount of experimental data on pure microemulsions (without polymer) exists. Our studies indicate that the developed polymer‐embedded microemulsion gel has great potential as a model system for the study of polymer–microemulsion interactions.
An internally validated prognostic model for success in revision stapes surgery for otosclerosis
Authors: Wegner Inge , Vincent Robert , Derks Laura S. M. , Rauh Simone P. , Heymans Martijn W. , Stegeman Inge , Grolman Wilko
Published: March 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a prediction model that can accurately predict the chance of success following revision stapes surgery in patients with recurrent or persistent otosclerosis at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up and to validate this model internally.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively gathered data in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

The associations of 11 prognostic factors with treatment success were tested in 705 cases using multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward selection. Success was defined as a mean air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less. The most relevant predictors were used to derive a clinical prediction rule to determine the probability of success. Internal validation by means of bootstrapping was performed. Model performance indices, including the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), and the explained variance were calculated.

Results

Success was achieved in 57.7% of cases at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up. Certain previous surgical techniques, primary causes of failure leading up to revision stapes surgery, and positions of the prosthesis placed during revision surgery were associated with higher success percentages. The clinical prediction rule performed moderately well in the original dataset (Hosmer‐Lemeshow P = .78; AUC = 0.73; explained variance = 22%), which slightly decreased following internal validation by means of bootstrapping (AUC = 0.69; explained variance = 13%).

Conclusions

Our study established the importance of previous surgical technique, primary cause of failure, and type of the prosthesis placed during the revision surgery in predicting the probability of success following stapes surgery at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:2390–2396, 2018
Nodal response after 46 Gy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy is associated with human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Dronkers Emilie A. C. , Koljenovic Senada , Verduijn Gerda M. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Hardillo Jose A. U.
Published: March 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to analyze the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated T1‐2 node‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) on nodal response, recurrent disease, and survival in patients treated according to the Rotterdam protocol.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

In total, 77 patients with T1‐2 OPSCC with nodal disease, treated between 2000 and 2012, were included in this study. Patients were treated according to the Rotterdam protocol: 46 Gy of IMRT followed by a local boost using cyberknife or brachytherapy (22 Gy) and neck dissection. The presence of HPV was determined by p16INK4A immunostaining. Outcomes were overall survival, disease‐free survival, and the extent of nodal response. Nodal stage was determined following the 7th and 8th American Joint Cancer Committee/Union for International Cancer Control classification.

Results

Overall, 68.4% of patients had p16‐positive disease, and 35.4% of all patients achieved complete nodal response (pN0) after 46 Gy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Based on the 7th TNM classification, nodal response (partial or complete) was significantly associated with HPV status (P = .002). Patients with p16‐positive OPSCC had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.6 to achieve complete nodal response. However, smoking interacted with this effect. Applying the 8th TNM classification, complete or partial response was associated with HPV status but was not significant (OR: 1.7, P = .138). Complete nodal response led to 100% overall survival in p16‐positive OPSCC patients.

Conclusions

HPV‐related OPSCCs are associated with complete nodal response after 46 Gy of IMRT. Patients with full regional control (pN0) after IMRT and subsequent neck dissection show a significantly better overall survival, but smoking negatively interacts with this effect.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2333–2340, 2018
A convolutional neural network to filter artifacts in spectroscopic MRI
Authors: Gurbani Saumya S. , Schreibmann Eduard , Maudsley Andrew A. , Cordova James Scott , Soher Brian J. , Poptani Harish , Verma Gaurav , Barker Peter B. , Shim Hyunsuk , Cooper Lee A. D.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Proton MRSI is a noninvasive modality capable of generating volumetric maps of in vivo tissue metabolism without the need for ionizing radiation or injected contrast agent. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging has been shown to be a viable imaging modality for studying several neuropathologies. However, a key hurdle in the routine clinical adoption of MRSI is the presence of spectral artifacts that can arise from a number of sources, possibly leading to false information.

Methods

A deep learning model was developed that was capable of identifying and filtering out poor quality spectra. The core of the model used a tiled convolutional neural network that analyzed frequency‐domain spectra to detect artifacts.

Results

When compared with a panel of MRS experts, our convolutional neural network achieved high sensitivity and specificity with an area under the curve of 0.95. A visualization scheme was implemented to better understand how the convolutional neural network made its judgement on single‐voxel or multivoxel MRSI, and the convolutional neural network was embedded into a pipeline capable of producing whole‐brain spectroscopic MRI volumes in real time.

Conclusion

The fully automated method for assessment of spectral quality provides a valuable tool to support clinical MRSI or spectroscopic MRI studies for use in fields such as adaptive radiation therapy planning.
Sexual function and qualify of life in women with spina bifida: Are the women with spina bifida satisfied with their sexual activity?
Authors: Choi Eun Kyoung , Kim Sang Woon , Ji Yoonhye , Lim Seoung‐Wha , Han Sang Won
Published: March 2018

Aims

As the life expectancy of persons with spina bifida increases, sexual life in adulthood presents a considerable challenge for this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of young women with spina bifida and its impact on their quality of life (QOL).

Methods

To assess sexual function and QOL by using self‐administered questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey) in young women with spina bifida, we collected data from 44 young women with spina bifida between June 2013 and October 2013 at the spina bifida clinic of our hospital.

Results

Sexual dysfunction was noted in 55.5% of women with spina bifida who had sexual activity in the previous month. In sexually active women, the diagnosis, ventriculoperitoneal shunt in situ, mobility, and clean intermittent catheterization did not show a significant difference between each subdomain (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) and the total FSFI score. However, women who did not have urinary incontinence experienced better sexual function in terms of lubrication and pain scores (P = 0.033 and P = 0.026, respectively). Both the physical and mental composites of QOL were positively weakly correlated with the arousal score of FSFI (r = 0.455, P = 0.044 and r = 0.507, P = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

More than half of sexually active women with spina bifida experience sexual dysfunction. Therefore, health‐care providers should pay attention to the symptoms and their management.
Virtual Issue: Chemosensors
Authors: Sedgwick Adam C. , James Tony D.
Published: March 2018

Chemosensors are compounds that incorporate a receptor unit and a reporter unit in a single molecule. A chemosensor transforms the action of binding to a specific analyte into a readable signal. Chemosensors have enabled the study of molecular interactions in a range of different media and interfaces. This offers a non‐invasive approach to observe living biological samples in real time without the sample being destroyed. For example, fluorescence‐based chemosensors are designed to have a high sensitivity and specificity, allowing them to interact selectively with a single target within a complex biological environment. As a result, such chemosensors can be used for fluorescence imaging, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolution of biological samples. Consequently, chemosensors have been used for a broad range of applications including clinical diagnostics and for the detection of environmental, agriculture, and industrial pollutants, making them critically important for public health and safety.
In situ polymerization and reduction to fabricate gold nanoparticle‐incorporated polyaniline as supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Ran Fen , Tan Yongtao , Dong Wenju , Liu Zhen , Kong Lingbin , Kang Long
Published: March 2018

Nanocomposites of gold nanoparticles and polyaniline are synthesized by using HAuCl4 and ammonium peroxydisulfate as the co‐oxidant involving in situ polymerization of aniline and in situ reduction of HAuCl4. Through these in situ methods, the synthesized Au nanoparticles of ca. 20 nm embedded tightly and dispersed uniformly in polyaniline backbone. With the Au content in composite increasing from 4.20 to 24.72 wt.%, the specific capacitance of the materials first increased from 334 to 392 F g−1 and then decreased to 298 F g−1. Based on the real content of PANI in composite material, the highest specific capacitance is calculated to be 485 F g−1 at the Au amount of 19.15 wt.%, which remains 55.6% after 5000 cycles at the current density of 2 A g−1. Finally, the asymmetric supercapacitor of AuNP/PANI||AC and the symmetric supercapacitor of AuNP/PANI||AuNP/PANI are assembled. The asymmetric supercapacitor device shows a better electrochemical performance, which delivers the maximum energy density of 7.71 Wh kg−1 with power density of 125 W kg−1 and maximum power density of 2500 W kg−1 with the energy density of 5.35 Wh kg−1.
Electron tunneling in carbon nanotubes and carbon black hybrid filler‐filled natural rubber composites: Influence of non‐rubber components
Authors: Nakaramontri Yeampon , Kummerlöwe Claudia , Vennemann Norbert , Wisunthorn Suwaluk , Pichaiyut Skulrat , Nakason Charoen
Published: March 2018

Filled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates with various carbon based fillers, namely carbon nanotubes (CNTs), conductive carbon black (CCB) and CNT/CCB hybrid filler, were prepared with different types of rubber, namely epoxidized natural ruber (ENR), deproteinized NR (DPNR), and isoprene rubber (IR). The main aim was to examine the effects of polarity and non‐rubber components in rubbers on electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the rubber composites. It was found that the phospholipids in NR molecules play an important role in controlling content of bound rubber and its layer thickness. This might be attributed to the cation‐π interactions of the phospholipid moieties with CNT and CCB sidewalls. Thus, the bound rubber layers in ENR and IR vulcanizates are very thin due to low phospholipid content in ENR and the absence of non‐rubber constituents in IR. On the other hand, thicker bound layers were observed in the filled NR and DPNR vulcanizates owing to their similar high phospholipids contents. Therefore, ENR and IR composites exhibited very low percolation threshold concentration due to the thin layer of electrically insulating bound rubber. Furthermore, analysis of variance indicated that addition of CCB into the CNT composites significantly improved the percolation, optimal conductivity and dielectric properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1237–E1250, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental and numerical studies on compaction of carbon fiber composite joint with variable cross‐section using thermal expansion process
Authors: Zhang Weibo , Liang Xuhao , Li Min , Gu Yizhuo , Li Yanxia , Wang Shaokai , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: March 2018

For hollow composite with complex shape, thermal expansion process is usually used to ensure uniform compaction pressure and excellent processing quality. This study focused on compaction of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composite joint with variable cross‐section using thermal expansion process. Three kinds of silicone rubber core molds were adopted and experiments were performed to study the effect of elastomer core mold on resin pressure distribution inside prepreg stack during process and processing quality of composite joint. Moreover, based on numerical analysis, thermal expansion behaviors of different core molds and compaction pressure on prepreg stack were studied. The results indicate that material properties and geometric structure of core mold significantly influence thermal expansion behavior of core mold and compaction pressure distribution on prepreg stack. Due to irregular shape of core mold, thermal expansion of core mold at the regions with different cross‐sections is obviously uneven. And core mold with large coefficient of thermal expansion and small compressive modulus is more likely to fill process gap and achieve uniform compaction pressure distribution on prepreg stack. Therefore, controlling thermal expansion behavior of core mold to improve processing quality of composite involves reasonable material properties of core mold and adjusting process gap at different cross‐sections of composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1057–E1074, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Large‐scale purification of unstable, water‐soluble secologanic acid using centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Yeon Sung Hum , Jeon Je‐Seung , Um Key An , Kim Chul Young , Ahn Young‐Joon
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Secologanic acid, a major secoiridoid in the flower buds of Lonicera japonica, is a fragile, highly polar compound that readily changes to epivogeloside or vogeloside after being dissolved in methanol. Thus, it is very difficult to obtain secologanic acid on a large‐scale.

Objective

To develop a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) method for large‐scale purification of secologanic acid with high purity from the flower buds of L. japonica.

Methods

After fractionation with Diaion HP‐20 macroporous resin, 30% methanol eluent was purified by CPC with a ternary biphasic solvent system with ethyl acetate/isopropanol/water (6:4:10, v/v/v). CPC was performed separately twice with the same solvent system, first in descending mode and second in ascending mode.

Results

After the first CPC operation, a secologanic acid enriched fraction (586 mg) was obtained from 3 g of crude extract, and secologanic acid (206 mg) was isolated with a purity over 93% in the subsequent ascending mode with the same solvent system from a 586 mg enriched fraction. In addition, it was confirmed that epivogeloside and vogeloside were reversely converted to secologanic acid in an aqueous acidic solution.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that CPC is a simple, effective, and rapid method for the purification of secologanic acid in the flower buds of L. japonica.
Dry‐air drying at room temperature – a practical pre‐treatment method of tree leaves for quantitative analyses of phenolics?
Authors: Tegelberg Riitta , Virjamo Virpi , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta
Published: March 2018

Introduction

In ecological experiments, storage of plant material is often needed between harvesting and laboratory analyses when the number of samples is too large for immediate, fresh analyses. Thus, accuracy and comparability of the results call for pre‐treatment methods where the chemical composition remains unaltered and large number of samples can be treated efficiently.

Objective

To study if a fast dry‐air drying provides an efficient pre‐treatment method for quantitative analyses of phenolics.

Methodology

Dry‐air drying of mature leaves was done in a drying room equipped with dehumifier (10% relative humidity, room temperature) and results were compared to freeze‐drying or freeze‐drying after pre‐freezing in liquid nitrogen. The quantities of methanol‐soluble phenolics of Betula pendula Roth, Betula pubescens Ehrh., Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Picea abies L. Karsten and Pinus sylvestris L. were analysed with HPLC and condensed tannins were analysed using the acid‐butanol test.

Results

In deciduous tree leaves (Betula, Salix), the yield of most of the phenolic compounds was equal or higher in samples dried in dry‐air room than the yield from freeze‐dried samples. In Picea abies needles, however, dry‐air drying caused severe reductions in picein, stilbenes, condensed tannin and (+)‐catechin concentrations compared to freeze‐drying. In Pinus sylvestris highest yields of neolignans but lowest yields of acetylated flavonoids were obtained from samples freeze‐dried after pre‐freezing.

Conclusion

Results show that dry‐air drying provides effective pre‐treatment method for quantifying the soluble phenolics for deciduous tree leaves, but when analysing coniferous species, the different responses between structural classes of phenolics should be taken into account.
Bridged bicyclic peptides: Structure and function
Authors: Thombare Varsha J. , Hutton Craig A.
Published: March 2018

Bicyclic peptides are conformationally rigid molecules that can bind with high affinity and specificity to their protein target, yet are significantly more protease stable than their linear or monocyclic counterparts. This emerging class of peptides has great potential for the development of novel peptide therapeutics and molecular probes. In this review, we highlight the structural complexity, synthesis/biosynthesis, and biological applications of bridged bicyclic peptides.
How does gender relate to social skills? Exploring differences in social skills mindsets, academics, and behaviors among high‐school freshmen students
Authors: Tan Kevin , Oe Jin Shin , Hoang Le Minh Dung
Published: March 2018

Boys struggle academically and behaviorally more than girls and are more likely to have difficulty with social skills. It seems likely that boys and girls do not perceive social skills in the same light. Past research has not investigated this or its relationship to academic and behavioral performance. Using data from a cohort of 9th‐grade students (n = 323) in one high school in central Illinois, this study involves interaction analyses of student mindsets about their social skills and gender. Findings indicated that females who perceive social skills as more important had higher grade point averages (GPAs), higher attendance rates, and fewer disciplinary problems than their male counterparts. Conversely, females who perceive social skills as of lesser importance have lower GPAs, poorer attendance, and more disciplinary referrals than their male counterparts. Findings highlight pertinent gender differences in the relation between social skills mindsets and outcomes among high‐school freshmen students.
HPV primary cervical screening in England: Women's awareness and attitudes
Authors: Patel Hersha , Moss Esther L. , Sherman Susan M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening is due to be implemented in England within the next 2 years; however, the acceptability of HPV testing as the primary screening test is unclear. This study explores women's awareness and attitudes toward HPV testing/screening.

Methods

Qualitative interviews (semistructured and focus group) were conducted with 46 women (aged 25‐65 years) from community and secondary care settings. Data were analyzed by using the inductive‐framework method.

Results

Women were unaware that cervical screening currently includes HPV testing and lacked HPV‐related knowledge. Emotions of shock, fear, and anxiety were reported upon receiving a positive HPV result. For women in long‐term relationships, the realization that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection was seen as a barrier to primary HPV testing. Knowledge that HPV testing is a screening test to prevent cervical cancer did not change their attitudes. Women debated the need for continued screening following a negative result. Women feared judgment by the community if they participated with primary HPV screening because they were being tested for a sexually transmitted infection, with the possible attendant perception that they had adopted a high‐risk lifestyle in comparison to nonattenders.

Conclusions

The acceptability of HPV testing may be a limiting factor in encouraging participation with screening in the future.
Private Investment and Public Redevelopment: The Case of New Markets Tax Credits
Authors: Hula Richard C. , Jordan Marty P.
Published: March 2018

The U.S. federal government has increasingly relied on tax incentives to leverage private investment to spur economic redevelopment in poor communities. One such popular program is the New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), established by the U.S. Congress in 2000. Community development entities transfer NMTC tax credits to private investors in exchange for equity and capital investments in qualifying projects in low‐income census tracts. Despite its popularity among private financiers and although nearly $40 billion has been allocated for NMTC, little scholarly attention has been paid to the program. We aim to close this information gap by describing the historical context under which NMTC emerged; detailing the practical elements and process of NMTC; and identifying critical, unanswered questions about this evolving relationship between the U.S. federal government and private investors. We use NMTC as a lens to consider the impact of the private sector's surging role in public redevelopment efforts in low‐income communities, and offer some suggestions for governing NMTC and similar partnerships moving forward.
Insights in the initiation and termination of poly(alkyl acrylates) synthesized by atmospheric pressure plasma‐initiated chemical vapor deposition (AP‐PiCVD)
Authors: Loyer François , Bengasi Giuseppe , Frache Gilles , Choquet Patrick , Boscher Nicolas D.
Published: March 2018

A comprehensive mass‐spectrometry study of a set of poly(alkyl acrylate) layers synthesized by atmospheric pressure plasma‐initiated chemical vapor deposition (AP‐PiCVD) is provided. High‐resolution mass spectrometry investigations demonstrate that exposure of the alkyl acrylate monomers to ultra‐short and low‐frequency plasma pulses produces a defined number of radical and neutral fragments, which can play both the roles of polymerization initiation or termination groups. Further inquiries illustrate the competition between a conventional free‐radical polymerization pathway and plasma‐polymerization. On the basis of the mass‐spectrometry observations and the bond dissociation energies calculated by density functional theory, guidelines are made to select appropriate AP‐PiCVD monomers.