bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review on location and timing of distant progression in human papillomavirus‐positive and human papillomavirus‐negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Tiedemann Daniel , Jakobsen Kathrine Kronberg , von Buchwald Christian , Grønhøj Christian
Published: December 2018

Distant progression (DP) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has significant impact on morbidity and mortality. This study systematically reviewed the literature on studies reporting location and timing of DP after human papillomavirus (HPV)+ or HPV− OPSCCs. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting DP in patients treated with curative intend for an OPSCC. Outcome was site of and time to DP stratified on HPV‐status. Seven studies (n = 1564; 77% HPV+) were included in which 313 patients (20%) developed a DP (70% HPV+). The most common site of DP was the lungs (n = 232) regardless of HPV‐status. Patients with HPV+ tumors were more prone to dissemination involving multiple sites (risk ratio = 16.49). There was no difference in time to DP when stratified on HPV‐status (P = .10). The pattern of but not time to DP was significantly different in patients with OPSCC when stratified on HPV‐status.
The Role of Three‐Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Allen Alina M. , Shah Vijay H. , Therneau Terry M. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Mounajjed Taofic , Larson Joseph J. , Mara Kristin C. , Schulte Phillip J. , Kellogg Todd A. , Kendrick Michael L. , McKenzie Travis J. , Greiner Suzanne M. , Li Jiahui , Glaser Kevin J. , Wells Michael L. , Chen Jun , Ehman Richard L. , Yin Meng
Published: December 2018

The lack of reliable, noninvasive methods to diagnose early nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major unmet need. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of three‐dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D‐MRE), with shear stiffness measured at 60 Hz, damping ratio at 40 Hz, and magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) in the detection of NASH in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Obese adults at risk for NASH were enrolled between 2015 and 2017 (prospective cohort, n = 88) and 2010 and 2013 (retrospective cohort, n = 87). The imaging protocol consisted of multifrequency 3D‐MRE (mf3D‐MRE) with shear waves delivered at different frequencies to explore parameters that best correlated with histologic NASH, and MRI‐PDFF to estimate steatosis. The prospective cohort was used to establish the optimal mf3D‐MRE technical parameters for NASH detection. The two cohorts were then combined to derive predictive models of NASH and disease activity by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) using the three imaging parameters that correlated with NASH. A total of 175 patients (median age 45, 81% women, and 81 [46%] with histologic NASH) were used for model derivation. From the complex shear modulus output generated by mf3D‐MRE, the damping ratio at 40 Hz and shear stiffness at 60 Hz best correlated with NASH. The fat fraction obtained from MRI‐PDFF correlated with steatosis (P < 0.05 for all). These three parameters were fit into a logistic regression model that predicted NASH with cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.73, sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.80, positive predictive value = 0.73 and negative predictive value = 0.74, and disease activity by NAS with cross‐validated AUROC = 0.82. Conclusion: The mf3D‐MRE allows identification of imaging parameters that predict early NASH and disease activity. This imaging biomarker represents a promising alternative to liver biopsy for NASH diagnosis and monitoring. The results provide motivation for further studies in nonbariatric cohorts.
Introducing a new collaborative prenatal clinic model
Authors: Rule Travis , Beckmann Michael
Published: December 2018

Objective

To measure quality of care‐planning for women in a new collaborative prenatal model of care.

Methods

A collaborative patient‐centered (CPC) model was introduced into a tertiary prenatal clinic, replacing the traditional model. A retrospective analysis was conducted of women with a first documented hospital doctor contact between February 1, 2015, and October 1, 2016. Quality of care‐planning before and after introduction of the model was compared by measuring the number and size of documented care plans and amount of doctor contact. Categorical data were compared using χ2 or Fisher exact tests; continuous data were analyzed using the student t test.

Results

Quality of care was measured for 3606 women before, and 3511 after, introduction of the CPC model. Under the model, more women had clinical risks identified and care plans documented (2224 [63.3%] vs 1883 [52.2%]; P<0.001), and more clinical risks were identified (1.07 vs 0.74; P<0.001). Doctors documented more in each care plan (P<0.001) and had more subsequent clinical contact with women (0.69 ± 1.23 vs 0.88 ± 1.34; P<0.001) in the model.

Conclusion

Introduction of a collaborative model in a tertiary prenatal clinic improved identification of clinical risks and documentation of care plans, and increased doctor contacts.
Using misoprostol to treat postpartum hemorrhage in home deliveries attended by traditional birth attendants
Authors: Abbas Dina F. , Jehan Nusrat , Diop Ayisha , Durocher Jill , Byrne Meagan E. , Zuberi Nadeem , Ahmed Zafar , Walraven Gijs , Winikoff Beverly
Published: December 2018

Objective

To explore the clinical and programmatic feasibility of using 800 μg of sublingual misoprostol to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during home delivery.

Methods

The present double‐blind randomized controlled trial included women who underwent home deliveries in Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, after presenting at healthcare facilities during the third trimester of pregnancy between May 28, 2012, and November 27, 2014. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 800 μg of misoprostol or placebo sublingually if PPH was diagnosed, having previously received a prophylactic oral dose of 600 μg misoprostol. The primary outcome, hemoglobin decrease of 20 g/L or greater from pre‐ to post‐delivery assessment, was compared on a modified intention‐to‐treat basis.

Results

There were 49 patients allocated to receive misoprostol and 38 allocated to receive placebo; the incidence of a 20 g/L decrease in hemoglobin was similar between the groups (20/43 [47%] vs 19/33 [58%], respectively; P=0.335).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two trial arms.

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01485562.
Timing of staples and dressing removal after cesarean delivery (the SCARR study)
Authors: Heinemann Netanella , Solnica Amy , Abdelkader Rana , Gutman Jakov , Nalbandian Noemzar , Raizman Ela , Hochner‐Celnikier Drorith
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate optimal timing of dressing and staples removal after cesarean delivery (CD).

Methods

This prospective clustered clinical trial enrolled women undergoing CD between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2014, at Hadassah–Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem. Women were assigned to one of five clusters differing in timing of dressing and staples removal. We assessed scar healing at 6 weeks.

Results

920 women completed telephone questionnaires. Wound healing did not differ significantly among the clusters: the healing complication rate was 21% in the control group (n=46) and ranged from 18% to 26% (n=27–50) in clusters two to five (P=0.49). More healing complications were observed in women with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 kg/m2 versus 35 kg/m2 or less (P=0.016), urgent versus elective CD (P=0.013), preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) versus intact membranes (P=0.016), and chorioamnionitis at delivery versus no chorioamnionitis (P=0.001). 586 (64%) women underwent physician assessment at staples removal and at 6 weeks post CD.

Conclusions

Timing of dressing and staples removal has no effect on CD scar healing in low‐ and high‐risk parturients. A BMI of more than 35 kg/m2, urgent CD, PPROM, and chorioamnionitis were associated with mal‐healing, regardless of cluster.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01724255.
High orchiectomy and ipsilateral testicular sperm extraction in a man with a testicular tumor and Klinefelter syndrome: A case report
Authors: Takeshima Teppei , Yamamoto Mizuki , Takamoto Daiji , Mochizuki Taku , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Kawahara Takashi , Izumi Koji , Teranishi Jun‐ichi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Otani Masako , Uemura Hiroji , Yumura Yasushi
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Testicular epidermal cysts in Klinefelter syndrome are very rare. We report a case of Klinefelter syndrome associated with a testicular epidermal cyst. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing successful spermatozoa retrieval from the affected testis.

Case presentation

A 25‐year‐old married man was referred to our hospital with right scrotal induration, which was in lower pole of the right testis. Testicular cancer tumor markers were normal; endocrinological findings indicated hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Semen analyses revealed azoospermia. Preoperative chromosome test result: 47, XXY karyotype; ultrasonography report: 1.9‐cm internal heterogeneous echoic mass in the right testis (malignancy not discarded). Because the patient hoped for children, he underwent high orchiectomy with ipsilateral testicular sperm extraction (200 spermatozoa from normal testicular tissue) for future fertilization procedures. Tumor pathology was an epidermal cyst.

Conclusion

While performing orchiectomy for testicular tumors, sperm retrieval should be attempted from normal tissues in patients planning for children.
A new method for excavating feature lncRNA in lung adenocarcinoma based on pathway crosstalk analysis
Authors: Qi Guoqiang , Kong Wei , Mou Xiaoyang , Wang Shuaiqun
Published: December 2018

Recent theoretical and experimental studies indicate that long‐chain noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential for the growth and differentiation of cells and the occurrence and development of tumors in epigenetics, but the regulation of lncRNA on gene expression, transcriptional activation, and transcriptional interference in diseases is still unclear. There is an urgent need for effective methods to discover significant lncRNAs with their functions on gene regulatory mechanisms. For this purpose, a new method of extracting significant lncRNA based on pathway crosstalk and dysfunction caused by the differentially expressed genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was proposed. The pathway analysis method based on global influence (PAGI) was first applied to find the feature genes that play an important role in the crosstalks of disease‐related pathways. Then to explore the hub lncRNAs, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct coexpression models of the feature genes and lncRNAs. The experiment results showed that 64 out of the 322 hub lncRNAs were closely related to the clinical features of patients with LUAD. Among them, nine lncRNAs (UCA1, LINC00857, PVT1, PCAT6, LINC00460, LINC00319, AP000553.1, AP000439.2, and AP005233.2) were identified to be tightly correlated with non‐small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathways. In summary, we offer an effective way to extract significant lncRNA by dysfunctional pathway crosstalk in LUAD which allows the selected lncRNAs with more biologically interpreted and reproducible results. This method can be applied to other diseases and provide useful information for understanding the pathogenesis of human cancer.
Glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor contributes to the regulation of HSP70, HSP90, actin, and ribosome on gene and protein levels in vitro
Authors: Yu Xi , Li Yue , Zou Yongdong , Zheng Yizhi , He Zhendan , Liu Zhigang , Xie Wenlin , Wu Haiqiang
Published: December 2018

Because of the crucial roles of upregulated glutaminyl cyclase (QC) in the initiation and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), QC inhibitors are supposed as disease‐modifying agents for the treatment of AD. And reported compounds encourage this hypothesis greatly based on the remarkable anti‐AD effects in vivo. To illustrate the mechanism in detail, the actions of a selected QC inhibitor (23) were assessed firstly in a cell system here. It was demonstrated that QC activities and the generation of pyroglutamate‐modified β‐amyloids in PC12 cells were both inhibited obviously after the treatment of 23. A total of 13 and 15 genes were up‐ and downregulated significantly in treated cells by RNA‐sequencing analysis. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, WB, and immunoﬂuorescence analysis supported the effects of 23 on the transcriptome of PC12 cells consequently. The expressions of chaperones, heat shock proteins (HSP) 70, and 90, were upreglutated, while gene expression of actin and the level of encoded protein were reduced significantly in PC12 cells with the treatment. Furthermore, the regulations of ribosome were observed after the treatment. These results indicate the potency of 23 to improve the translation, expression and folding regulation of proteins and affect the multivalent cross‐linking of cytoskeletal protein and other proteins subsequently in the cell system and might contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of QC inhibitor as potential anti‐AD agents.
CXCL12/CXCR4 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas via PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Yin Xiaohong , Liu Zhiyong , Zhu Pan , Wang Yuelong , Ren Qingqing , Chen Hongxu , Xu Jianguo
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (adaCP) accounts for 5.6% to 15% of intracranial tumors. High expression of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as stromal cell‐derived factor 1 [SDF1]) and its receptor CXC receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are widespread in various malignancy via multiple signal transduction pathways. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of CXCL12/CXCR4 promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of adaCP.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 mRNA and protein in 10 human adaCP tissues. Three successfully primary cell lines were obtained from native mainly solid tumor specimens, and confirmed by the means of inverted contrast microscope directly and following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect protein expression in vivo for the verification of primary cell line. Proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed to assess the biological functional role of CXCL12/CXCR4 in adaCP. The signal pathways involved in the action of CXCL12/CXCR4 in adaCP were also evaluated.

Results

CXCL12 and CXCR4 were highly expressed in human adaCP samples. Primary adaCP cells were isolated and detected by the means of immunofluorescence for the detection of pan cytokeratin (pan‐CK) and vimentin (VIM). Overexpression of CXCL12/CXCR4 significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of primary adaCP cells. Moreover, cancer‐promoting activity of CXCL12/CXCR4 is partially through its facilitation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Conclusions

Our data showed that CXCL12/CXCR4 promotes adaCP proliferation, migration, and invasion through PI3K/AKT signal pathway. These findings suggested that therapeutic strategies regulating CXCL12/CXCR4 expression may provide an effective treatment of adaCP.
MicroRNA‐329‐mediated PTTG1 downregulation inactivates the MAPK signaling pathway to suppress cell proliferation and tumor growth in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Zhi‐Gao , Zheng Chao‐Wen , Su Hui‐Zhao , Zeng Yong‐Lian , Lin Cheng‐Jie , Guo Zhen‐Ya , Zhong Fu‐Di , Yuan Guan‐Dou , He Song‐Qing
Published: December 2018

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a severe malignancy usually producing a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported in association with CCA; however, the role miR‐329 plays in the CCA condition still remains unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the underlying mechanism of which miR‐329 is influencing the progression of CCA. This work studied the differential analysis of the expression chips of CCA obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Next, to determine both the expression and role of pituitary tumor transforming gene‐1 (PTTG1) in CCA, the miRNAs regulating PTTG1 were predicted. In the CCA cells that had been intervened with miR‐329 upregulation or inhibition, along with PTTG1 silencing, expression of miR‐329, PTTG1, p‐p38/p38, p‐ERK5/ERK5, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), B‐cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), and caspase‐3 were determined. The effects of both miR‐329 and PTTG1 on cell proliferation, cell‐cycle distribution, and apoptosis were also assayed. The miR‐329 was likely to affect the CCA development through regulation of the PTTG1‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The miR‐329 targeted PTTG1, leading to inactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Upregulation of miR‐329 and silencing of PTTG1 inhibited the CCA cell proliferation, induced cell‐cycle arrest, and subsequently promoted apoptosis with elevations in Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, and total caspase‐3, but showed declines in PCNA, Cyclin D1, and Bcl‐2. Moreover, miR‐329 was also found to suppress the tumor growth by downregulation of PTTG1. To summarize, miR‐329 inhibited the expression of PTTG1 to inactivate the MAPK signaling pathway, thus suppressing the CCA progression, thereby providing a therapeutic basis for the CCA treatment.
DDN‐AS1‐miR‐15a/16‐TCF3 feedback loop regulates tumor progression in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Wu Meiqin , Shi Huifeng , Huang Chong , Luo Sukun , Song Xiaojie
Published: December 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is known as one of the most common gynecological tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of regulators that have been widely reported in human malignant tumors including CC. On the basis of the data of The Cancer Genome Atlas, lncRNA DDN and PRKAG1 antisense RNA 1 (
DDN‐AS1) that is overexpressed in CC tissues predicted poor prognosis for patients with CC. Moreover, quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis further identified the upregulation of DDN‐AS1 in CC tissues and cell lines. Loss‐of‐function assays revealed that knockdown of DDN‐AS1 suppressed CC progression by efficiently inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanism investigations revealed that DDN‐AS1 was upregulated by its upstream transcription activator transcription factor 3 (
TCF3). Moreover, DDN‐AS1 increased the expression of 
TCF3 by competitively binding miR‐15a and miR‐16. In conclusion, DDN‐AS1‐miR‐15a/16‐TCF3 feedback loop contributes to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CC.
Chlorogenic acid inhibits osteosarcoma carcinogenesis via suppressing the STAT3/Snail pathway
Authors: Zhang Fang , Yin Guodong , Han Xiufu , Jiang Xinqiang , Bao Zhongsheng
Published: December 2018

Chlorogenic acid (CA) is a polyphenol compound that possesses anticancer effects on several types of tumors. However, there are few previous studies concerning the protective effects of CA on osteosarcoma. The current study aimed to examine the toxicity of CA to osteosarcoma cells and to explore the potential mechanisms. Cell growth was evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 assay and Western blot analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis using flow cytometry and caspase‐3/7 activity assay. The expression changes of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/Snail pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. We found that CA dose‐dependently inhibited cell viability and PCNA expression in osteosarcoma cells. Meanwhile, CA treatment increased the apoptotic rate and caspase‐3/7 activity in osteosarcoma cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. We found that CA concentration‐dependently inhibited the activation of the STAT3/Snail pathway in osteosarcoma cells. Inhibition of the STAT3/Snail pathway by si‐STAT3 retarded the growth and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, activation of the STAT3/Snail pathway by pcDNA‐STAT3 reversed the effects of CA on osteosarcoma cell growth and apoptosis. In conclusion, CA inhibited osteosarcoma carcinogenesis by suppressing osteosarcoma cell growth and inducing apoptosis, which was involved in inactivation of the STAT3/Snail pathway. Therefore, our study suggested that CA might have good therapy prospects in osteosarcoma therapy.
Isothiirane: A Molecular Structure Dilemma Resolved
Authors: Maley Steven M. , Mawhinney Robert C.
Published: December 2018

The electronic structure of molecules is routinely assessed using a number of methodologies including Bader's Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Weinhold's Natural Bond Orbital/Natural Resonance Theory (NBO/NRT). Previously these methods were applied to the study of isothiirane; however, the results obtained were incongruous with one another: the QTAIM analysis suggested an acyclic structure while NRT indicated a cyclic structure. The previous results assume the NRT description to be correct despite limitations in the analysis, while Foroutan‐Nejad et al. (Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 10140) employed a multiple molecular graph analysis to resolve the QTAIM discrepancy. In this work, we re‐examine the electronic structure of isothiirane, employing a detailed NRT analysis and the catastrophe theory model originally described by Bader for the study of three‐membered ring systems; additional analysis is performed using NMR tensor calculations and studying substituent effects. A congruous description of the electronic structure of isothiirane and the substituted versions is achieved using all modes of analysis. These results highlight how the careful application of commonly used methodologies can achieve a unified description of electronic structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of human menstrual blood stem cells‐derived granulosa cells on ovarian follicle formation in a rat model of premature ovarian failure
Authors: Manshadi Marjan D. , Navid Shadan , Hoshino Yumi , Daneshi Erfan , Noory Parastoo , Abbasi Mehdi
Published: December 2018

Many studies have reported that human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (HuMenSCs) are capable of repairing damaged tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of HuMenSCs transplantation as a treatment modality in premature ovarian failure (POF) associated with chemotherapy‐induced ovarian damage. HuMenSCs were isolated from menstrual blood samples of five women. After the in vitro culture of HuMenSCs, purity of the cells was assessed by cytometry using CD44, CD90, CD34, and CD45 FITC conjugate antibody. Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: negative control, positive control, sham, and treatment groups. The rat models of POF used in our study were established by injecting busulfan intraperitoneally into the rats during the first estrus cycle. HuMenSCs were transplanted by injection via the tail vein into the POF‐induced rats. Four weeks after POF induction, ovaries were collected and the levels of Amh, Fst, and Fshr expression in the granulosa cell (GC) layer, as well as plasma estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated. Moreover, migration and localization of DiI‐labeled HuMenSCs were detected, and the labeled cells were found to be localized in GCs layer of immature follicles. In addition to DiI‐labelled HuMenSCs tracking, increased levels of expression of Amh and Fshr and Fst, and the high plasma levels of E2 and P4 confirmed that HuMenSC transplantation had a significant effect on follicle formation and ovulation in the treatment group compared with the negative control (POF) group.
Effect of EDTA, sodium, and calcium hypochlorite on the inorganic component of root canal dentin: A SEM analysis
Authors: Cardoso Luana Roleto , Baldasso Flávia Emi Razera , Delai Débora , Montagner Francisco , Kopper Patrícia Maria Poli
Published: December 2018

This study evaluated the influence of canal irrigation protocols with 5.25% calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2], 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA solution on the inorganic component of root canal dentin. Sixty roots were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): Saline solution (SS) (control); Saline solution (SSE) +17% EDTA; CH − 5.25% Ca(OCl)2; CHE − 5.25% Ca(OCl)2 + 17% EDTA; SH − 5.25% NaOCl; SHE − 5.25% NaOCl +17% EDTA. After canal irrigation, the specimens were longitudinally split and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dentinal tubules were observed in transverse (middle and apical thirds) direction. The images were classified in scores, according to smear layer removal and peritubular dentin alteration, and data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis's test, followed by Dunn's test (α = 0.05). In the middle third, all groups with EDTA presented better removal of the smear layer with higher peritubular dentin alteration (p < .05). In the apical third, this happened only in SHE (p < .05). Ca(OCl)2 and NaOCl exhibit similar performance to remove smear layer and alteration of the inorganic component in the middle third. In the apical third, NaOCl associated with EDTA showed better performance in smear layer removal.
Long bone human anlage longitudinal and circumferential growth in the fetal period and comparison with the growth plate cartilage of the postnatal age
Authors: Pazzaglia Ugo E. , Reguzzoni Marcella , Casati Lavinia , Minini Andrea , Salvi Andrea G. , Sibilia Valeria
Published: December 2018

The patterns of longitudinal and peripheral growth were analyzed in human autopod cartilage anlagen (fetal developmental stage 20th–22nd week) through morphometric assessment of chondrocyte parameter size, shape, alignment and orientation between peripheral and central sectors of the anlage transition zone defined by primary ossification center and the epiphyseal basis. The aim was to correlate the chondrocyte dynamics with the longitudinal and peripheral growth. A further comparison was carried out between the corresponding sectors of the postnatal (3–5 months old) growth plate cartilage documenting: (1) the different chondrocyte framework and the new peripheral mechanism; (2) the opposite direction of fetal periosteal ossification versus the Lacroix bone bark. Measurement of multiple parameters (% lac area, % total matrix area, total lac density and mean single lac area), which characterize the cartilage Anlage growth, suggested the following correlations with chondrocyte duplication rate: (a) slow duplication rate ≈ coupled, intralacunar chondrocytes (in central epiphysis); (b) repeated/frequent cell duplications ≈ clusters (in the basal epiphyseal layer); (c) clusters of chondrocytes before becoming hypertrophic were stacked up on the top of each other (both in the Anlage transition zone or in the columns of metaphyseal growth plate); (d) enhanced osteoclastic resorption of the Lacroix bone bark lower end, extended to the more external metaphyseal trabeculae counterbalancing the discrepancy between the epiphyseal and the diaphyseal circumferential growth.
Leaf epidermal micromorphology and its implications in systematics of certain taxa of the fern family Pteridaceae from Northern Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Nasar , Celik Ali , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ullah Fazal , Zaman Wajid , Zafar Muhammad , Malik Khafsa , Rashid Neelam , Iqbal Majid , Sohail Aamir , Bahadur Saraj
Published: December 2018

The present study is insights into foliar epidermal anatomy for characterizing clades, and their utility in taxonomic segregation of certain species of Pteridaceae from Northern Pakistan. The leaf epidermal anatomy of 10 species of Pteridaceae representing four genera were examined using light and scanning electron microscope. A micromorphological matrix was constructed for eight qualitative and 12 quantitative characters. unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means and principal components analysis statistical analysis were performed to test the validity of foliar epidermal anatomical features as method of separating species and genera, and phylogenetic clusters among species are constructed using qualitative and quantitative traits. The qualitative characters described here are shape of epidermal cells, stomata, guard cell and subsidiary cells, anticlinal wall pattern, and trichomes types which is helpful in defining groups within Pteridaceae. In addition, the size of stomata, guard cells, subsidiary cells, stomatal pore epidermal cells, and trichomes are quantitatively analyzed. All species have hypostomatic leaves. Two types of stomata were observed in studied species, anomocytic and polocytic. Anomocytic stomata were observed in three genera namely: Adiantum, Onychium, and Chielanthes whereas Pteris can be discriminated from other genera by its polocytic stomata. On the basis of multivariate analysis present study does provides sufficient information on the taxonomic importance of foliar anatomy which validate its efficacy in species and genera discrimination. From result obtained here it is further possible to use leaf micromorphologic data in ferns phylogeny and providing basis for future taxonomic delimitation in other taxa.
Usefulness of synchrotron radiation for three‐dimensional microstructure analysis of the mouse tibia
Authors: Kim Subok , Jang Sanghun , Lee Onseok
Published: December 2018

This study was to construct a quantitative analysis for the diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis by using synchrotron radiation based X‐ray, which can analyze the three‐dimensional microstructure of white mouse tibia. The anatomical structure and microstructure of the white mouse tibia was obtained through synchrotron radiation, and to achieve this, three‐dimensional structural analysis was performed. Then, we visualized the quantified analysis and microstructure information with high‐resolution imagery through the image data obtained by synchrotron radiation. In addition, it was confirmed that synchrotron radiation can obtain more reliable results through accurate observation than analysis by the mechanical method. The present invention can provide the diagnosis and evaluation associated with osteoporosis. It is expected that this will provide a basis for the evaluation and prevention of evidence‐based skeletal diseases.
Attaining landmark status: Rumelhart and McClelland's PDP Volumes and the Connectionist Paradigm
Authors: Gibbons Michelle
Published: December 2018

In 1986, David Rumelhart and James McClelland published their two‐volume work, Parallel distributed processing: Explorations in microcognition, Volume 1: Foundations and Volume 2: Psychological and biological models. These volumes soon become classic texts in both connectionism, specifically, and in the cognitive science field more generally. Drawing on oral histories, book reviews, translations, citation records, and close textual analysis, this paper analyzes how and why they attained landmark status. It argues that McClelland and Rumelhart's volumes became classics largely as a result of a confluence of rhetorical factors. Specifically, the PDP Volumes appeared at a kairotic moment in the history of connectionism, publishing dynamics that facilitated their circulation played an important role, and the volumes were ambiguous about the relationship between model and brain in a manner that enabled them to address an expansive audience. In so doing, this paper offers insight into both the history of cognitive science and rhetoric's role in establishing classic texts.
Development of high‐resolution 3D MR fingerprinting for detection and characterization of epileptic lesions
Authors: Ma Dan , Jones Stephen E. , Deshmane Anagha , Sakaie Ken , Pierre Eric Y. , Larvie Mykol , McGivney Debra , Blümcke Ingmar , Krishnan Balu , Lowe Mark , Gulani Vikas , Najm Imad , Griswold Mark A. , Wang Z. Irene
Published: December 2018

Background

Conventional MRI can be limited in detecting subtle epileptic lesions or identifying active/epileptic lesions among widespread, multifocal lesions.

Purpose

We developed a high‐resolution 3D MR fingerprinting (MRF) protocol to simultaneously provide quantitative T1, T2, proton density, and tissue fraction maps for detection and characterization of epileptic lesions.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) / International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) phantom, five healthy volunteers and 15 patients with medically intractable epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation with noninvasive or invasive electroclinical data.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D MRF scans and routine clinical epilepsy MR protocols were acquired at 3 T.

Assessment

The accuracy of the T1and T2values were first evaluated using the NIST/ISMRM phantom. The repeatability was then estimated with both phantom and volunteers based on the coefficient of variance (CV). For epilepsy patients, all the maps were qualitatively reviewed for lesion detection by three independent reviewers (S.E.J., M.L., I.N.) blinded to clinical data. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed on T1and T2maps to quantify the multiparametric signal differences between lesion and normal tissues. Findings from qualitative review and quantitative ROI analysis were compared with patients' electroclinical data to assess concordance.

Statistical Tests

Phantom results were compared using R‐squared, and patient results were compared using linear regression models.

Results

The phantom study showed high accuracy with the standard values, with an R2of 0.99. The volunteer study showed high repeatability, with an average CV of 4.3% for T1and T2in various tissue regions. For the 15 patients, MRF showed additional findings in four patients, with the remaining 11 patients showing findings consistent with conventional MRI. The additional MRF findings were highly concordant with patients' electroclinical presentation.

Data Conclusion

The 3D MRF protocol showed potential to identify otherwise inconspicuous epileptogenic lesions from the patients with negative conventional MRI diagnosis, as well as to correlate with different levels of epileptogenicity when widespread lesions were present.

Level of Evidence:3.

Technical Efficacy Stage:3.

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1333–1346.
Combined 5‐minute double‐echo in steady‐state with separated echoes and 2‐minute proton‐density‐weighted 2D FSE sequence for comprehensive whole‐joint knee MRI assessment
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay S. , Stevens Kathryn J. , Sveinsson Bragi , Wood Jeff P. , Beaulieu Christopher F. , Oei Edwin H.G. , Rosenberg Jarrett K. , Kogan Feliks , Alley Marcus T. , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: December 2018

Background

Clinical knee MRI protocols require upwards of 15 minutes of scan time.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To compare the imaging appearance of knee abnormalities depicted with a 5‐minute 3D double‐echo in steady‐state (DESS) sequence with separate echo images, with that of a routine clinical knee MRI protocol. A secondary goal was to compare the imaging appearance of knee abnormalities depicted with 5‐minute DESS paired with a 2‐minute coronal proton‐density fat‐saturated (PDFS) sequence.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐six consecutive patients (19 male) referred for a routine knee MRI.

Field Strength/Sequences

DESS and PDFS at 3T.

Assessment

Five musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated all images for the presence of internal knee derangement using DESS, DESS+PDFS, and the conventional imaging protocol, and their associated diagnostic confidence of the reading.

Statistical Tests

Differences in positive and negative percent agreement (PPA and NPA, respectively) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for DESS and DESS+PDFS compared with the conventional protocol were calculated and tested using exact McNemar tests. The percentage of observations where DESS or DESS+PDFS had equivalent confidence ratings to DESS+Conv were tested with exact symmetry tests. Interreader agreement was calculated using Krippendorff's alpha.

Results

DESS had a PPA of 90% (88–92% CI) and NPA of 99% (99–99% CI). DESS+PDFS had increased PPA of 99% (95–99% CI) and NPA of 100% (99–100% CI) compared with DESS (both P < 0.001). DESS had equivalent diagnostic confidence to DESS+Conv in 94% of findings, whereas DESS+PDFS had equivalent diagnostic confidence in 99% of findings (both P < 0.001). All readers had moderate concordance for all three protocols (Krippendorff's alpha 47–48%).

Data Conclusion

Both 1) 5‐minute 3D‐DESS with separated echoes and 2) 5‐minute 3D‐DESS paired with a 2‐minute coronal PDFS sequence depicted knee abnormalities similarly to a routine clinical knee MRI protocol, which may be a promising technique for abbreviated knee MRI.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
Laterality of cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways in a healthy right‐handed population: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Kim Youngkook , Im Sun , Kim Se‐Hong , Park Geun‐Young
Published: December 2018

The cerebellum communicates with the cerebral cortex through the cortico‐ponto‐cerebellar tract (CPCT, cerebellar afferent) and the dentato‐rubro‐thalamo‐cortical tract (DRTCT, cerebellar efferent). This study explored the laterality of CPCT and DRTCT in a right‐handed population. Forty healthy right‐handed subjects (18 males and 22 females with age range of 26–79 years old) who underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were retrospectively enrolled. Bilateral CPCT, DRTCT, and the corticospinal tract (CST) were reconstructed using probabilistic diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). Tract volume (TV) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were compared between dominant and non‐dominant tracts. Subjects were divided into age groups (20–40, 41–60, and 61–80 years), and the DTI‐derived parameters of the groups were compared to determine age‐related differences. TV and FA of non‐dominant CPCT were higher than those of dominant CPCT, and the dominant CST was higher than the non‐dominant CST. The TV and FA of DRTCT showed no side‐to‐side difference. The 61–80 years age group had the highest TV of the dominant and non‐dominant DRTCT among the three groups and the highest FA of the non‐dominant CPCT and DRTCT. The results revealed the structural characteristics of CPCT and DRTCT using probabilistic DTT. Normal asymmetric patterns and age‐related changes in cerebellar white matter tracts may be important to researchers investigating cerebro‐cerebellar structural connectivity.
On the relationship between the risk of hoar frost on roads and a changing climate in Sweden
Authors: Ou Tinghai , Hu Yumei , Gustavsson Torbjörn , Bogren Jörgen
Published: December 2018

Hoar frost, one of the most common types of road slipperiness, can reduce road surface friction thereby adversely affecting traffic safety. The two main causes of hoar frost are warm air advection and radiative cooling. This paper investigates the impact of a changing climate on the formation of hoar frost in Sweden during the winter months due to warm air advection and radiative cooling. The analysis is based on in situ observations from 244 stations in the Swedish Road Weather Information System. The results show that in northern Sweden, hoar frost was mainly caused by warm air advection, while radiative cooling was the main cause of hoar frost in southern Sweden. Given the increase in the air temperature over land due to climate change during the period 2000–2016, the relative frequency of hoar frost due to warm air advection has significantly decreased, while the relative frequency of hoar frost due to radiative cooling has significantly increased. Further analysis showed that the weakened temperature gradient between land and ocean, which leads to weakened warm air advection, is the main cause of the changes.
Identifying and dealing with functional psychopathic behavior in higher education
Authors: Forster Nick , Lund Daniel W.
Published: December 2018

Numerous studies across several disciplines have described the genetic and environmental factors that can lead to the emergence of individual psychopathic personality traits and the psychological characteristics and behaviors of criminal psychopaths. Over the past three decades, an extensive body of research has also documented the effects of “functional” psychopaths in business and public‐sector organizations. Apart from some research on bullying and sexual harassment in colleges and universities, however, there are no published studies on the prevalence or effects of psychopathic behavior in the higher education sector. An examination of the causes of psychopathy and an evaluation of its manifestation in institutions of higher learning highlights the main consequences of this behavior and lead to practical suggestions for addressing and preventing it.
A separation of innate and learned vocal behaviors defines the symptomatology of spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Guiry Samantha , Worthley Alexis , Simonyan Kristina
Published: December 2018

Objective

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary spasms in the laryngeal muscles. It is thought to selectively affect speaking; other vocal behaviors remain intact. However, the patients' own perspective on their symptoms is largely missing, leading to partial understanding of the full spectrum of voice alterations in SD.

Methods

A cohort of 178 SD patients rated their symptoms on the visual analog scale based on the level of effort required for speaking, singing, shouting, whispering, crying, laughing, and yawning. Statistical differences between the effort for speaking and the effort for other vocal behaviors were assessed using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests within the overall SD cohort as well as within different subgroups of SD.

Results

Speech production was found to be the most impaired behavior, ranking as the most effortful type of voice production in all SD patients. In addition, singing required nearly similar effort as speaking, ranking as the second most altered vocal behavior. Shouting showed a range of variability in its alterations, being especially difficult to produce for patients with adductor form, co‐occurring voice tremor, late onset of disorder, and familial history of dystonia. Other vocal behaviors, such as crying, laughing, whispering, and yawning, were within the normal ranges across all SD patients.

Conclusion

Our findings widen the symptomatology of SD, which has predominantly been focused on selective speech impairments. We suggest that a separation of SD symptoms is rooted in selective aberrations of the neural circuitry controlling learned but not innate vocal behaviors.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1627–1633, 2019
Critical care resources utilized in high‐risk adenotonsillectomy patients
Authors: Lavin Jennifer M. , Smith Craig , Harris Zena Leah , Thompson Dana M.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Children at high risk for respiratory complication after adenotonsillectomy are often admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) postoperatively. Although many patients receive care in such units, it is unknown how many utilize critical care resources.

Methods

A review was conducted to audit intensive care needs of postadenotonsillectomy patients admitted to the PICU at a tertiary, academic, pediatric hospital between July 2013, and March 2017. Demographic information, ICU indication, polysomnogram results, and comorbidities were collected. Patients were defined as needing ICU resources based on supplemental oxygen requirements greater than 2 L between 2 to 24 hours postoperatively, more than two desaturation events in a 2‐hour period, or more than hourly nursing intervention. Factors associated with utilization of ICU resources were assessed.

Results

One hundred and ten patients were admitted to the PICU after adenotonsillectomy. Median age was 4.2 years, median body mass index was 90.8 percentile, and median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 34.3. Twenty patients (18.2%) utilized ICU resources by criteria defined. Of these patients, 14 were known to need such resources by 2 hours postoperatively (70%, negative predictive value 93.8%). Neither AHI nor obesity status was correlated with need for resources; however, resource need was associated with young age, gastrostomy tube status, and neuromuscular disorders (P = 0.048, P = 0.002 and 0.013, respectively).

Conclusion

Most high‐risk adenotonsillectomy patients do not utilize critical care resources despite their increased perioperative risk. Patients with respiratory complications are frequently identifiable within the first 2 hours of surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1229–1234, 2019
Diagnosis of a maxillary sinus fungus ball without intralesional hyperdensity on computed tomography
Authors: Ho Che‐Fang , Lee Ta‐Jen , Wu Pei‐Wen , Huang Chi‐Che , Chang Po‐Hung , Huang Yen‐Lin , Lee Yueh‐Lin , Huang Chien‐Chia
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Maxillary sinus fungus ball (MSFB) is the most common type of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Surgical removal of the ball achieves good outcomes. Making a rapid and accurate diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary medical therapy. Intralesional hyperdensity (IH) on computed tomography (CT) is reportedly a good indicator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic features of MSFB without IH on preoperative CT images.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐eight patients with histopathological evidence of a sinus fungal ball were retrospectively investigated. Forty‐seven of 222 patients with MSFB did not show IH on preoperative CT images and were enrolled in the MSFB group. Forty‐one patients with unilateral nonfungal chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled in a control group. CT features previously reported to have diagnostic significance were evaluated.

Results

Sclerosis of the lateral sinus wall, erosion of the inner sinus wall, and irregular surface of the material were significantly more common in the MSFB group than in the control group. In the subgroup of patients with total opacification in the maxillary sinus, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for erosion of the inner sinus wall were more than 90%. In the subgroup with partial opacification, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of an irregular surface of the material were more than 80%.

Conclusions

We have devised an algorithm to help diagnose MSFB without IH on preoperative CT images. Use of this algorithm would improve the diagnostic accuracy and ensure appropriate treatment.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1041–1045, 2019