bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of indocyanine green fluorescence in predicting parathyroid vascularization during thyroid surgery
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Ibraheem Kareem , Haddad Antoine , Saparova Lachin , Shalaby Hosam , Abdelgawad Mohamed , Kandil Emad
Published: June 2019

Background

We examined the value of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography in predicting parathyroid vascularization following thyroid and central compartment surgeries.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected on adult patients undergoing thyroid and/or central compartment surgeries. Outcomes were compared in surgeries performed with and without ICG use. ICG scoring was used to quantify the vascularity of parathyroid glands.

Results

One hundred eleven patients were included; 43 (38.7%) patients underwent ICG injections. There was no significant difference in mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) changes at the end of surgery (29.24 vs 23.48 pg/mL, P = .38), symptomatic hypocalcemia (7.9% vs 3.9%, P = .37), or length of stay (1.095 ± 0.22 vs 0.912 ± 0.07 days, P = .51) between surgeries performed with and without ICG. The average vascularization score among individuals undergoing ICG angiography was 2.89 out of a maximum of 8 points.

Conclusion

Low‐flow ICG patterns are not associated with postoperative PTH changes or transient hypocalcemia and may lead to unnecessary parathyroid autotransplantation.
High‐grade radiologic extra‐nodal extension predicts distant metastasis in stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hu Yujun , Lu Tianzhu , Huang Shao Hui , Lin Shaojun , Chen Yunbin , Fang Yanhong , Zhou Han , Chen Yiping , Zong Jingfeng , Zhang Yu , Chen Ying , Pan Jianji , Xiao Youping , Guo Qiaojuan
Published: June 2019

Background

To investigate the prognostic value of radiologic extra‐nodal extension (rENE) in stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

Stage II NPC patients with N1 category (n = 365) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to the situation of rENE: without rENE, suspected rENE, and confirmed rENE (grades: A, infiltration into surrounding fat; B, matted nodes; C, infiltration into adjacent structures).

Results

Only high‐grade rENE (including matted nodes and infiltration into adjacent structures) could significantly influence the survival outcomes, patients with high‐grade rENE had significantly poorer survival than those without, with the 7‐year distant metastasis‐free survival and overall survival demonstrated to be 78.5% vs 93.0% (P < .001) and 81.9% vs 89.9% (P = .05), respectively. High‐grade rENE, as defined in our study, is a stable criterion, with high intra‐rater and inter‐rater consistency.

Conclusion

High‐grade rENE was an evaluable predictor that could help with the selection of stage II patients with high risk of distant metastasis.
Development of Capsular Fibrosis Beneath the Liver Surface in Humans and Mice
Authors: Balog Steven , Li Yuchang , Ogawa Tomohiro , Miki Toshio , Saito Takeshi , French Samuel W. , Asahina Kinji
Published: June 2019

Glisson's capsule is the connective tissue present in the portal triad as well as beneath the liver surface. Little is known about how Glisson's capsule changes its structure in capsular fibrosis (CF), which is characterized by fibrogenesis beneath the liver surface. In this study, we found that the human liver surface exhibits multilayered capsular fibroblasts and that the bile duct is present beneath the mesothelium, whereas capsular fibroblasts are scarce and no bile ducts are present beneath the mouse liver surface. Patients with cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis C virus infection show development of massive CF. To examine the effect of alcohol on CF in mice, we first injected chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) intraperitoneally and then fed alcohol for 1 month. The CG injection induces CF consisting of myofibroblasts beneath the mesothelium. One month after CG injection, the fibrotic area returns to the normal structure. In contrast, additional alcohol feeding sustains the presence of myofibroblasts in CF. Cell lineage tracing revealed that mesothelial cells give rise to myofibroblasts in CF, but these myofibroblasts disappear 1 month after recovery with or without alcohol feeding. Capsular fibroblasts isolated from the mouse liver spontaneously differentiated into myofibroblasts and their differentiation was induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) or acetaldehyde in culture. In alcohol‐fed mice, infiltrating CD11b+Ly‐6CLow/– monocytes had reduced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and increased expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, Tgfb1, and interleukin‐10 during resolution of CF. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the structure of Glisson's capsule is different between human and mouse livers and that alcohol impairs the resolution of CF by changing the phenotype of Ly‐6CLow/– monocytes.
Clinical Impact of Genomic Diversity From Early to Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nault Jean‐Charles , Martin Yoann , Caruso Stefano , Hirsch Théo Z. , Bayard Quentin , Calderaro Julien , Charpy Cecile , Copie‐Bergman Christiane , Ziol Marianne , Bioulac‐Sage Paulette , Couchy Gabrielle , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Nahon Pierre , Amaddeo Giuliana , Ganne‐Carrie Nathalie , Morcrette Guillaume , Chiche Laurence , Duvoux Christophe , Faivre Sandrine , Laurent Alexis , Imbeaud Sandrine , Rebouissou Sandra , Llovet Josep M. , Seror Olivier , Letouzé Eric , Zucman‐Rossi Jessica
Published: June 2019

To date, genomic analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been limited to early stages obtained from liver resection. We aim to describe the genomic profiling of HCC from early to advanced stages. We analyzed 801 HCC from 720 patients (410 resections, 137 transplantations, 122 percutaneous ablations, and 52 noncurative) for 190 gene expressions and for 31 gene mutations. Forty‐one advanced HCC and 156 whole exome of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0/A were analyzed by whole‐exome sequencing. Genomic profiling was correlated with tumor stages, clinical features, and survival. Our cohort included patients classified in BCLC stage 0 (9.4%), A (59.5%), B (16.2%), and C (14.9%). Among the overall 801 HCC, the most frequently mutated genes were telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) (58.1%), catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) (30.7%), tumor protein 53 (TP53; 18.7%), AT‐rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) (13%), albumin (11.4%), apolipoprotein B (APOB) (9.4%), and AXIN1 (9.2%). Advanced‐stage HCC (BCLC B/C) showed higher frequencies of splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) (P = 0.0003), TP53 (P = 0.0006), and RB Transcriptional Corepressor 1 mutations (P = 0.03). G1‐G6 transcriptomic classification and the molecular prognostic 5‐gene score showed different distributions according to the stage of the disease and the type of treatment with an enrichment of G3 (P < 0.0001), poor prognostic score (P < 0.0001), and increased proliferation and dedifferentiation at the transcriptomic level in advanced HCC. The 5‐gene score predicted survival in patients treated by resection (P < 0.0001) and ablation (P = 0.01) and in advanced HCC (P = 0.04). Twenty‐two percent of advanced HCC harbored potentially druggable genetic alterations, and MET amplification was associated with complete tumor response in patients with advanced HCC treated by a specific MET inhibitor. Conclusion: Genomic analysis across the different stages of HCC revealed the mechanisms of tumor progression and helped to identify biomarkers of response to targeted therapies.
Hippocampal BDNF regulates a shift from flexible, goal‐directed to habit memory system function following cocaine abstinence
Authors: Harvey Eric , Blurton‐Jones Matthew , Kennedy Pamela J.
Published: June 2019

The transition from recreational drug use to addiction involves pathological learning processes that support a persistent shift from flexible, goal‐directed to habit behavioral control. Here, we examined the molecular mechanisms supporting altered function in hippocampal (HPC) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) memory systems following abstinence from repeated cocaine. After 3 weeks of cocaine abstinence (experimenter‐ or self‐administered), we tested new behavioral learning in male rats using a dual‐solution maze task, which provides an unbiased approach to assess HPC‐ versus DLS‐dependent learning strategies. Dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) and DLS brain tissues were collected after memory testing to identify transcriptional adaptations associated with cocaine‐induced shifts in behavioral learning. Our results demonstrate that following prolonged cocaine abstinence rats show a bias toward the use of an inflexible, habit memory system (DLS) in lieu of a more flexible, easily updated memory system involving the HPC. This memory system bias was associated with upregulation and downregulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression and transcriptionally permissive histone acetylation (acetylated histone H3, AcH3) in the DLS and dHPC, respectively. Using viral‐mediated gene transfer, we overexpressed BDNF in the dHPC during cocaine abstinence and new maze learning. This manipulation restored HPC‐dependent behavioral control. These findings provide a system‐level understanding of altered plasticity and behavioral learning following cocaine abstinence and inform mechanisms mediating the organization of learning and memory more broadly.
Implementation of policies and practices to increase physical activity among children attending centre‐based childcare: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Razak Lubna A. , Jones Jannah , Clinton‐McHarg Tara , Wolfenden Luke , Lecathelinais Christophe , Morgan Philip J. , Wiggers John H. , Tursan D'Espaignet Edouard , Grady Alice , Yoong Sze Lin
Published: June 2019

Issue addressed

Supporting centre‐based childcare services to create physical activity (PA) environments is a recommended strategy to improve child PA. This study aimed to describe the implementation of PA policies and practices by these services, and to examine the associations with service characteristics.

Methods

Nominated supervisors of childcare services (n = 309) in the Hunter New England region, New South Wales, Australia, completed a telephone interview. Using previously validated measures, the interview assessed the implementation of evidence‐based practices shown to be associated with child PA. This includes: (a) provision of active play opportunities, (b) portable play equipment availability, (c) delivery of daily fundamental movement skills, (d) having at least 50% of staff trained in promoting child PA the past 5 years and (e) having written PA and small screen recreation policies.

Results

Although 98% (95% CI 96, 99) of childcare services provided active play opportunities for at least 25% of their daily opening hours, only 8% (95% CI 5, 11) of services fully implemented all policies and practices; with no service characteristic associated with full implementation. Long day care service had twice the odds of having a written PA policy (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.7, 5.8), compared to preschools (adjusted for service size, socio‐economic disadvantage and geographical location).

Conclusions

Improvements could be made to childcare services’ operations to support the promotion of child PA.

So what?

To ensure the benefits to child health, childcare services require support to implement a number of PA promoting policies and practices that are known to improve child PA.
Performance analysis of spiral and serpentine tube solar collector with carbon nanotube nanofluids under natural flow method
Authors: Kabeel Abd Elnaby , El‐Agouz El‐Sayed , Prakash Nakka , Prasad Chandran , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Manokar Athikesavan Muthu
Published: June 2019

This study communicates the performance analysis of spiral and serpentine tube solar collector with carbon nanotube nanofluids under natural flow method. Experiments were carried out at three different mass flow rates namely 3, 5, and 7 kg/hour while the concentration of nanoparticles was varied from 0.05% and 0.1%, respectively. Experiments were carried out under the same condition of ambient parameters for validation. Results show that the maximum exit water temperature was found to be about 75°C with a maximum concentration of 0.1% under a minimum flow rate of 3 kg/hour during the peak intensity. Similarly, the improvement in temperature of the water is found to be 6% under peak intensity and decreased to about 4.3% and 4.2% for the flow rates of 5 and 7 kg/hour, respectively
The allergic phenotype during the first 10 years of life in a prospective cohort
Authors: Björkander Sophia , Hallberg Jenny , Persson Jan‐Olov , Lilja Gunnar , Nilsson Caroline , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva
Published: June 2019

Background

Heredity and environmental parameters jointly affect allergy development. Here, we used a Swedish prospective cohort to study the influence of heredity and factors usually associated with allergic disease and the development of allergic manifestations in combination with immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization at four different time points until 10 years of age.

Methods

Parents‐to‐be were characterized concerning allergy and their children (n = 281) were divided based on allergic heredity and followed from birth and clinically examined for IgE‐associated allergic symptoms until 10 years of age. The relation between allergy and early‐life parameters was analyzed by logistic regression. Group‐wise comparisons were made by nonparametrical tests.

Results

Early life eczema and/or asthma in combination with IgE sensitization, was a strong indicator of allergy at a later time point. Further, the early occurrence of multiple allergic symptoms among IgE‐sensitized children predisposed for a more complex allergic phenotype at later ages, independently of allergic heredity. At 10 years of age, allergic children had higher fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) levels, regardless of asthma, and FeNO levels were also influenced by heredity. Birth season was strongly associated with allergy development, but only in children with two allergic parents.

Conclusion

Allergic eczema/asthma in early life, being born during the autumn/winter, having multiple allergic symptoms and two allergic parents were all strong predictors for having allergic diseases at 5 and 10 years of age. However, the allergic march seems to be independent of heredity, as IgE‐mediated allergies follow the same trajectories in children with and without allergic heredity.
Water‐insoluble amorphous silk fibroin scaffolds from aqueous solutions
Authors: Fan Zhihai , Xiao Liying , Lu Guozhong , Ding Zhaozhao , Lu Qiang
Published: June 2019

Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) is emerging as promising biomaterial for regeneration, drug delivery and optical devices, with continued demand for mild, all‐aqueous processes to control microstructure and the performance. Here, temperature control of assembly kinetics was introduced to prepare the water‐insoluble scaffolds from neutral aqueous solutions of RSF protein. Higher temperatures were used to accelerate the assembly rate of the silk fibroin protein chains in aqueous solution and during the lyophilization process, resulting in water‐insoluble scaffold formation. The scaffolds were mainly composed of amorphous states of the silk fibroin chains, endowing softer mechanical properties. These scaffolds also showed nanofibrous structures, improved cell proliferation in vitro and enhanced neovascularization and tissue regeneration in vivo than previously reported silk fibroin scaffolds. These results suggest utility of silk scaffolds in soft tissue regeneration.
Hypermethylation of microRNA‐149 activates SDF‐1/CXCR4 to promote osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Guangjie , An Jiangdong , Han Xingwen , Zhang Xueliang , Wang Wenjin , Wang Shuanke
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs (miRs) involve in osteogenic differentiation and osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Accordingly, the present study aimed to further uncover role miR‐149 plays in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs with the involvement of the stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1)/CXC chemokine receptor‐4 (CXCR4) pathway. Initially, the osteogenic differentiation model was induced. Next, the positive expression of STRO‐1 in periosteum, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OCN) protein content, and the calcium deposition in MSCs were determined. MSCs were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐CdR, SDF‐1 neutralizing antibody, or CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 to investigate their roles in osteogenic differentiation; with the expression of CD44, CD90, CD14, and CD45 detected. Furthermore, the levels of SDF‐1 and CXCR4, and the genes related to stemness (Nanog, Oct‐4, and Sox‐2) were measured to explore the effects of miR‐149. The obtained data revealed the upregulation of STRO‐1 in the periosteum. miR‐149 could specifically bind to SDF‐1. Besides, increased miR‐149 methylation, higher ALP activity and OCN content, decreased positive rates of CD44 and CD90, and increased positive rates of CD14 and CD45 were found in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Subsequently, 5‐Aza‐CdR treatment reversed the above‐mentioned effects. MSCs were finally treated with SDF‐1 neutralizing antibody or AMD3100 to decrease Nanog, Oct‐4, and Sox‐2 expression. Taken together these results, miR‐149 hypermethylation has the potential to activate the SDF‐1/CXCR4 pathway and further promote osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Small GTPase Arf6 regulates diabetes‐induced cholesterol accumulation in podocytes
Authors: Hu Jijia , Yang Qian , Chen Zhaowei , Liang Wei , Feng Jun , Ding Guohua
Published: June 2019

Podocyte injury is a critical factor for the initiation and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the underlying mechanisms of podocyte injury in DKD have not been completely elucidated. Studies suggested that intracellular cholesterol accumulation was correlated with podocyte injury, but the cause of podocyte cholesterol disorders in DKD are still unknown. ADP‐ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) is a small GTPase with pleiotropic effects and has previously been shown to regulate ATP‐binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) recycling, and thus, cholesterol homeostasis. However, Arf6 involvement in cholesterol metabolism in podocytes is scarce. To investigate the role of Arf6 in cholesterol modulation in podocytes, the effect of Arf6 on the regulation of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 was studied in podocytes in vivo and in vitro. Intracellular cholesterol accumulation was significantly increased in podocytes from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats and that hyperglycemia downregulated the expression of Arf6. Arf6 knockdown could cause ABCA1 recycling disorders, and thus, further aggravate cholesterol accumulation in podocytes under high‐glucose (HG) conditions. Our results demonstrate that HG‐induced cholesterol accumulation and cellular injury in podocytes may be related to the recycling disorder of ABCA1 caused by the downexpression of Arf6 in DKD.
Upregulation of lncRNA GAS5 inhibits the growth and metastasis of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Yang Wenwu , Xu Xuexian , Hong Li , Wang Qin , Huang Jinling , Jiang Li
Published: June 2019

This study aims to figure out the methylation of long non‐coding RNA GAS5 promoter in cervical cancer and the mechanism of GAS5 on the progression of cervical cancer cells. The expression of GAS5 and methylation state of GAS5 in cervical cancer tissues and cells were determined. With the aim to to explore the ability of GAS5 in the proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, invasion, migration as well as the tumor growth, and metastasis in nude mice were determined. The expression of GAS5 was decreased and methylation state of GAS5 was elevated in cervical cancer. Overexpression of GAS5 inhibited proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion, migration while inducing apoptosis of cervical cancer cells as well as suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Our study demonstrates that abnormal methylation of GAS5 contributes to poor expression of GAS5 in cervical cancer. In addition, upregulation of GAS5 inhibits the cervical cancer development.
The molecular markers of cancer stem cells in head and neck tumors
Authors: Yu Si Si , Cirillo Nicola
Published: June 2019

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the six most common malignancy worldwide leading to more than 350,000 deaths annually. Despite recent advances in treatment modalities for these patients, there has been only a slight improvement of prognosis. As cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in tumor cell survival, progression, and response to therapy, the identification of this tumor subpopulation would have important therapeutic and prognostic implications. In this structured appraisal of the literature, Embase, PubMed, and Ovid were searched for publications that investigated CSC markers of HNC in humans. The search was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for articles published in the last two decades. The review process resulted in the identification of some key CSC‐associated molecules such as CD44, ALDH1, CD133, Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2, although a single common CSC sorting marker could not be found. These biomarkers were identified in a range of HNCs but the most common one was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), predominantly oral SCC. Patient cohorts were of variable size (3–195 individuals) and the most common technique used for detection was immunohistochemistry. Some of the molecules were associated with poor prognosis and may be able to inform the choice of appropriate treatment for these patients.
Mst1 deletion reduces hyperglycemia‐mediated vascular dysfunction via attenuating mitochondrial fission and modulating the JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Qin Ruijie , Lin Dong , Zhang Lina , Xiao Fei , Guo Lixin
Published: June 2019

Diabetes is a leading cause of microvascular complications, such as nephropathy and retinopathy. Recent studies have proposed that hyperglycemia‐induced endothelial cell dysfunction is modulated by mitochondrial stress. Therefore, our experiment was to detect the upstream mediator of mitochondrial stress in hyperglycemia‐treated endothelial cells with a focus on macrophage‐stimulating 1 (Mst1) and mitochondrial fission. Our data illuminated that hyperglycemia incubation reduced cell viability, as well as increased apoptosis ratio in endothelial cell, and this alteration seemed to be associated with Mst1 upregulation. Inhibition of Mst1 via transfection of Mst1 siRNA into an endothelial cell could sustain cell viability and maintain mitochondrial function. At the molecular levels, endothelial cell death was accompanied with the activation of mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptosis, and mitochondrial fission. Genetic ablation of Mst1 could reduce mitochondrial oxidative injury, block mitochondrial apoptosis, and repress mitochondrial fission. Besides, we also found Mst1 triggered mitochondrial dysfunction as well as endothelial cell damage through augmenting JNK pathway. Suppression of JNK largely ameliorated the protective actions of Mst1 silencing on hyperglycemia‐treated endothelial cells and sustain mitochondrial function. The present study identifies Mst1 as a primary key mediator for hyperglycemia‐induced mitochondrial damage and endothelial cell dysfunction. Increased Mst1 impairs mitochondrial function and activates endothelial cell death via opening mitochondrial death pathway through JNK.
Who Deserves Faulty Products? How Blaming the Victim Prevents Consumer Punitive Action
Authors: Reich Brandon J. , Campbell Troy , Madrigal Robert
Published: June 2019

A core requirement of a functioning free‐market system is that consumers hold companies accountable for selling faulty products. Following a harmful product failure, any blame that is incorrectly directed toward the victim may threaten consumer well‐being. Four experiments—in contexts of both fictitious and actual high‐profile product failures—show that this may in fact occur. The findings show that for a victim possessing immoral character: (a) consumers exaggerate blame because, (b) the victim is seen as deserving of suffering in general and, as a result, (c) consumers are less likely to take punitive action against the company (e.g., petition signing, negative word of mouth, and supporting financial justice). One field experiment and three online experiments converge to show that morality's effects are unique from other traits (e.g., sociability), but may be attenuated based on severity of harm to the victim and consumers’ own beliefs about justice. In sum, the current research furthers understanding of how and why victims are blamed, how doing so may threaten consumer and societal well‐being, and how it might be prevented.
The prognostic significance of weight loss in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease‐related cachexia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kwan Hoi Yee , Maddocks Matthew , Nolan Claire M. , Jones Sarah E. , Patel Suhani , Barker Ruth E. , Kon Samantha S.C. , Polkey Michael I. , Cullinan Paul , Man William D.‐C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Cachexia is an important extra‐pulmonary manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting as unintentional weight loss and altered body composition. Previous studies have focused on the relative importance of body composition compared with body mass rather than the relative importance of dynamic compared with static measures. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cachexia and pre‐cachexia phenotypes in COPD and examine the associations between cachexia and its component features with all‐cause mortality.

Methods

We enrolled 1755 consecutive outpatients with stable COPD from two London centres between 2012 and 2017, stratified according to European Respiratory Society Task Force defined cachexia [unintentional weight loss >5% and low fat‐free mass index (FFMI)], pre‐cachexia (weight loss >5% but preserved FFMI), or no cachexia. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox proportional hazards regression for cachexia classifications (cachexia, pre‐cachexia, and no cachexia) and component features (weight loss and FFMI) and mortality, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and disease‐specific prognostic markers.

Results

The prevalence of cachexia was 4.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6–5.6] and pre‐cachexia 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0–2.2). Prevalence was similar across sexes but increased with worsening Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease spirometric stage and Medical Research Council dyspnoea score (all P < 0.001). There were 313 (17.8%) deaths over a median (interquartile range) follow‐up duration 1089 (547–1704) days. Both cachexia [HR 1.98 (95% CI: 1.31–2.99), P = 0.002] and pre‐cachexia [HR 2.79 (95% CI: 1.48–5.29), P = 0.001] were associated with increased mortality. In multivariable analysis, the unintentional weight loss feature of cachexia was independently associated with mortality [HR 2.16 (95% CI: 1.31–3.08), P < 0.001], whereas low FFMI was not [HR 0.88 (95% CI: 0.64–1.20), P = 0.402]. Sensitivity analyses using body mass index‐specific, age‐specific, and gender‐specific low FFMI values found consistent findings.

Conclusions

Despite the low prevalence of cachexia and pre‐cachexia, both confer increased mortality risk in COPD, driven by the unintentional weight loss component. Our data suggest that low FFMI without concurrent weight loss may not confer the poor prognosis as previously reported for this group. Weight loss should be regularly monitored in practice and may represent an important target in COPD management. We propose the incorporation of weight monitoring into national and international COPD guidance.
Free‐standing nitrogen‐doped graphene‐carbon nanofiber composite mats: electrospinning synthesis and application as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Shan Changsheng , Wang Yong , Xie Shuya , Guan Hong‐Yu , Argueta Monica , Yue Yanfeng
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Graphene and carbon nanofibers have shown outstanding advantages as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of their prominent electronic conductivity, outstanding flexibility, high theoretical specific capacity, high specific surface, and chemical durability. Free‐standing nanocomposite mats from graphene and carbon nanofibers, without any conductive additive and binder, could improve the weight energy density of the LIBs.

RESULTS

Nitrogen‐doped carbon fiber‐reduced graphene oxide (NCNFs‐rGO) mats are fabricated by high‐temperature thermal treatment of graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile (PAN‐GO) nanofiber composite mats via a simple electrospinning method. The resultant free‐standing NCNFs‐rGO mats which were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical properties as an anode for LIBs were also measured. Without any conductive additive and binder, the resultant free‐standing NCNFs‐rGO mats were directly used as an anode material in LIBs.

CONCLUSION

The LIBs with NCNFs‐rGO mats as anodes exhibited a high rate capability and long cycle stability owing to the structural integrity and highly electrical conductivity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of saline versus gel as contact medium for ultrasonographic image quality
Authors: Williams George W. , Cai Chunyan , Artime Carlos A. , Teima Dalia , Emerald Andrew , Rajkumar Karuna Puttur
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Evaluate the time taken to visualize the internal jugular vein and carotid arteries, and subjective image quality assessed on a 0–100 visual analogic scale, on an ultrasound model using either traditional ultrasound gel or normal saline.

Methods

Twenty‐two anesthesiology residents and twenty anesthesiology faculty were blinded and randomized into four separate groups using gel and saline as a conduction medium, in different sequences.

Results

Subjective image quality was 12.2 ± 4.2 better with gel than with saline (P < 0.01). Image acquisition time did not differ significantly between the two mediums. There was no significant difference in subjective image quality or time to image acquisition between faculty and residents.

Conclusions

Internal jugular vein and carotid artery identification time using ultrasonography were similar between gel and saline as conduction mediums. The difference in subjective image quality did not appear clinically relevant. Better image quality resulted in less time taken to identify the structures, as expected. We conclude that saline may be an effective alternative medium to gel for vessel imaging and access guidance. Further study in a clinical setting is warranted.
Cervical human papillomavirus among women in Guangdong, China 2008‐2017: Implication for screening and vaccination
Authors: Luo Ganfeng , Sun Xiaoli , Li Meijuan , Liu Tingyan , Hu Guiying , He Yu , Mao Lingzhi , Yan Lingmei , Xie Longxu , Zou Huachun , Luo Xiping
Published: June 2019

Our study aimed to analyze genotype‐specific, age‐specific prevalence, and year‐on‐year trend of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) detection among women in Guangdong, China 2008 to 2017. A total of 199 963 women attending the gynecological department and 11 999 women attending the medical examination center at Guangdong Women and Children Hospital were included. Prevalent HPV detection significantly differed between these two groups of women (20.16% vs 17.25%; P < .001). HPV genotypes of these two populations have a large overlap, with HPV52, 16, 58, CP8304, and 53 being the dominant subtypes among gynecological outpatients and HPV52, CP8304, 58, 53, and 16 among women receiving physical examinations. The distribution of prevalent HPV detection showed a bimodal pattern across age groups among these two populations. However, prevalent HPV detection among these two populations exhibited different trends from 2008 to 2017. Our study demonstrated that prevalent HPV detection among women in Guangdong is associated with age and different from that among women from other regions of China. Our study may provide valuable data to inform cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programs for women in this province.
p‐Cymene, a natural antioxidant, in Canadian total diet foods: occurrence and dietary exposures
Authors: Cao Xu‐Liang , Sparling Melissa , Dabeka Robert
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of information on the presence of volatile organic compounds including p‐cymene in foods for dietary exposure assessment. p‐Cymene is a monoterpene found in many plant species, which has been used as a flavouring agent in foods and also exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. While the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has no safety concerns at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring, the current study examines p‐cymene levels in foods in general, not just from possible uses as a flavouring, as there could still be a potential health concern if there were high levels of exposure.

RESULTS

159 food composite samples from the 2014 Canadian Total Diet Study were analysed for p‐cymene using a gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric method after headspace solid‐phase microextraction. Concentrations of p‐cymene in the composite samples of most food types were generally low, with a maximum level of 73.5 μg g−1, detected in the composite sample of herbs and spices. Dietary exposures to p‐cymene were estimated for different age groups of Canadian populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although p‐cymene was detected in various foods, estimated dietary exposures to p‐cymene for different age groups are well below the human intake threshold of toxicological concern established by JECFA of 1800 μg per person per day for structural class I flavours, which includes p‐cymene. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural color pigments: oxidative stability and degradation kinetics during storage in thermally pasteurized vegetable purees
Authors: Sonar Chandrashekhar R , Rasco Barbara , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam S
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Package oxygen transmission rate (OTR) can affect the stability of natural color pigments such as anthocyanins, betalains and chlorophylls in foods during storage. In the present study, we investigated the oxygen sensitivity of selected pigments in thermally pasteurized vegetable purees held at a refrigeration temperature. We modulated the oxygen ingress in packaging using multilayer films with OTRs of 1, 30 and 81 cm3 m−2 day−1. Red cabbage, beetroot and pea purees were vacuum packed, pasteurized to achieve a cumulative lethality of = 12.8–13.4 min and stored at 7 °C for 80 days.

RESULTS

Anthocyanins were relatively stable (< 4% losses), regardless of the film OTR. Betalains showed the highest sensitivity to different OTRs, with total losses varying from 4% to 49% at the end of storage and showing significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three films. Chlorophylls showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sensitivity to film OTRs. However, continuous degradation of chlorophylls was observed for all film types, with total chlorophyll losses ranging from 33% to 35%. Overall color differences (ΔE) at the end of storage for cabbage, beet and pea puree were between 0.50–1.70, 1.00–4.55 and 7.41–8.08, respectively. Betalains and chlorophylls degradation followed first‐order and fractional conversion kinetics, whereas ΔE followed zero‐order and fractional conversion kinetics during storage.

CONCLUSION

All three pigments behaved differently to oxygen ingress during storage. Low to medium barrier films are suitable for products containing red cabbage anthocyanins. High barrier films are must for betalains, whereas medium to high barrier films are suitable for chlorophyll‐containing products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Pre‐véraison treatment of salicylic acid to enhance anthocyanin content of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries
Authors: Oraei Mehdi , Panahirad Sima , Zaare‐Nahandi Fariborz , Gohari Gholamreza
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Grape berries produce significant amounts of phenolic compounds. These are an essential qualitative factor due to their nutritional value and effect on berry color and texture. Salicylic acid (SA) and its derivatives usually lead to enhancement of phenolic content in plant tissues. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of SA (0.0, 50.0, 100.0, and 200.0 mM) on the production of phenolic compounds and the derivatives (anthocyanin and flavonoid) in the grape berries, with emphasis on malvidin‐3‐O‐β glucoside as a regular anthocyanin in red grapes.

RESULT

The results showed that total phenolics content were significantly enhanced in SA‐treated (100.0 and 200.0 mM) berries compared to untreated ones. Salicylic acid treatment at all concentrations considerably improved the anthocyanin content in the berries and, compared with untreated berries, the accumulation of malvidin‐3‐O‐β glucoside was higher in SA‐treated fruits. In particular, the 200.0 mM concentration caused approximately two times more malvidin‐3‐O‐β glucoside than the control. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity of the fruits treated with SA were significantly higher than those of the untreated berries. The activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) in SA treated fruits significantly increased as compared with the untreated clusters.

CONCLUSION

A general evaluation of the current results leads us to the conclusion that SA is a suitable and recommendable treatment for improving and increasing the phenolic and antioxidant capacity of grape berries. Spraying grape berries at pre‐véraison stage with SA could therefore be a convenient strategy to increase quality and nutritional value of grape berries considerably. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Metabolite profiling and quantification of phytochemicals of Tianma–Gouteng granule in human and rat urine using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hongye , Wang Lu , Lu Bin , Qi Wen , Jiao Fuying , Zhang Hong , Yuan Dan
Published: June 2019

Tianma–Gouteng granule has been used for the treatment of hypertension, headache, and stroke in China. However, the metabolism of Tianma–Gouteng granule has not been clear. In the present study, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method has been developed for rapid identification of 35 prototypes and 43 metabolites in human and rat urine after single oral administration of Tianma–Gouteng granule. The results showed that glucuronidation and sulfation were the main metabolic pathways for flavonoids, alkaloids, iridoidic glycosides, anthraquinones, phenols, and stilbenes that were found in Tianma–Gouteng granule. Moreover, a validated ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was applied for the quantification of 14 compounds in rat urine after an oral administration of Tianma–Gouteng granule (2.5 g/kg). During 0–48 h after dosing, the cumulative excretion rates of nine prototype components were 53% for gastrodin, 0.07∼1.6% for geniposide, baicalin and baicalein, wogonoside, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, leonurine, and emodin, indicating that urinary excretion is the major way for gastrodin to eliminate from the body. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of metabolism and excretive kinetics of Tianma–Gouteng granule in human and/or rat, and helpful information for screening of its active components in vivo and clinical application.
Exposure to Genocide and the Risk of Dementia
Authors: Kodesh Arad , Levav Itzhak , Levine Stephen Z
Published: June 2019

Competing hypotheses stating that past genocide exposure reduces (owing to resilience) versus increases (owing to vulnerabilities) the risk of dementia are yet to receive empirical support. This study tested these competing hypotheses. Registry data were extracted on 51,752 Israeli residents without dementia from September 2002 to January 2012; individuals were born between 1901 and 1945, alive on January 2012, and followed‐up for the risk of dementia between January 2013 and October 2017. Groups were classified as exposed to the European Holocaust, based on government recognition, or unexposed. Hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox regression models were used to quantify the risk of dementia between the groups, adjusting for demographic and diagnostic covariates; additionally, 12 sensitivity analyses were computed. In total 10,780 participants (20.8%) were exposed to the Holocaust and 5,584 (10.8%) were diagnosed with dementia during follow‐up. Dementia rates were 16.5% in the Holocaust‐exposed group and 9.3% in the unexposed group. In the primary analysis, the estimated unadjustedHRof dementia for the exposed compared to the unexposed group was 1.77, 95% CI [1.67, 1.87], and the adjustedHRwas 1.21, 95% CI [1.15, 1.28]. Sensitivity analyses significantly replicated the primary results with similar point estimates, adjustedHRs = 1.18–1.28, allps < .001; allHRs had a small effect size. The current study results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to the extreme adversities of genocide heightens vulnerability to the risk of dementia in later life.
Lymph node yield from neck dissection in HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Zenga Joseph , Stadler Michael , Massey Becky , Campbell Bruce , Shukla Monica , Awan Musaddiq , Schultz Christopher J. , Wong Stuart , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrick
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To determine the influence of nodal yield during neck dissection on survival in surgically managed human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with HPV‐associated tumor T1 to T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent upfront surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. Patients were stratified by lymph node yield (<26 vs. ≥26 nodes). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overall survival. Models were stratified by pathologically positive node number.

Results

There were 2,554 patients identified with previously untreated T1 to T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent resection of the primary tumor and neck dissection between 2010 and 2015. Fifty‐two percent had zero to one pathologically involved lymph node. Among all study patients, lymph node harvest of ≥26 was not associated with survival when adjusted for relevant covariates (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–1.00). However, in patients with zero to one pathologically involved node, lymph node harvest of ≥26 was significantly associated with improved overall survival (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.20–0.78). This survival benefit was lost in patients with two or more positive nodes (2–4 positive nodes: HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.52–1.51; 5 or more positive nodes: HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.47–2.20).

Conclusion

For patients with surgically managed early T‐stage HPV‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, lymph node yield was not associated with survival outcomes for patients with multiple positive lymph nodes. Those with a more limited burden of regional metastatic disease, however, may benefit harvest of at least 26 nodes during neck dissection.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:666–671, 2020
Rural‐Urban Differences in In‐Hospital Mortality Among Admissions for End‐Stage Liver Disease in the United States
Authors: Ross Katherine H. , Patzer Rachel E. , Goldberg David , Osborne Nicolas H. , Lynch Raymond J.
Published: June 2019

Access to quality hospital care is a persistent problem for rural patients. Little is known about disparities between rural and urban populations regarding in‐hospital outcomes for end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) patients. We aimed to determine whether rural ESLD patients experienced higher in‐hospital mortality than urban patients and whether disparities were attributable to the rurality of the patient or the center. This was a retrospective study of patient admissions in the National Inpatient Sample, a population‐based sample of hospitals in the United States. Admissions were included if they were from adult patients who had an ESLD‐related admission defined by codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, between January 2012 and December 2014. The primary exposures of interest were patient‐level rurality and hospital‐level rurality. The main outcome was in‐hospital mortality. We stratified our analysis by disease severity score. After accounting for patient‐ and hospital‐level covariates, ESLD admissions to rural hospitals in every category of disease severity had significantly higher odds of in‐hospital mortality than patient admissions to urban hospitals. Those with moderate or major risk of dying had more than twice the odds of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] for moderate risk, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62‐3.59; OR for major risk, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.97‐3.14). There was no association between patient‐level rurality and mortality in the adjusted models. In conclusion, ESLD patients admitted to rural hospitals had increased odds of in‐hospital mortality compared with those admitted to urban hospitals, and the differences were not attributable to patient‐level rurality. Our results suggest that interventions to improve outcomes in this population should focus on the level of the health system.
A new solid‐state mode of hot corrosion at temperatures below 700°C
Authors: Kistler Emily , Chen Wei‐Ting , Meier Gerald H. , Gleeson Brian
Published: June 2019

Preliminary results on a single‐crystal nickel‐based superalloy indicated that hot corrosion can occur at temperatures as low as 550°C, where liquid formation, generally believed to be responsible for Type II hot corrosion, is not predicted. Additional tests were conducted on pure‐nickel samples at 650°C and below to more clearly elucidate the mechanism of this very low‐temperature hot corrosion. Environments in dry air and O2‐(2.5, 10, 100, and 1000) ppm SO2 were studied. Based on the results obtained, a solid‐state corrosion mechanism was inferred. The mechanism relies on the formation of a previously unreported compound phase, which was identified using transmission electron microscope analysis that indicated the stoichiometry of Na2Ni2SO5. Furthermore, it was nanocrystalline in structure and metastable. It was deduced that the Na2Ni2SO5 formation was responsible for the rapid nickel transport required for the observed accelerated corrosion process. Moreover, its eventual decomposition resulted in a mixed product of porous NiO with embedded particles of Na2SO4. Application of the proposed mechanism to nickel‐based alloys is discussed.
circ‐PKD2 inhibits carcinogenesis via the miR‐204‐3p/APC2 axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gao Ling , Zhao Chenyang , Li Shaoming , Dou Zhichao , Wang Qibo , Liu Jiacheng , Ren Wenhao , Zhi Keqian
Published: June 2019

Recent ﬁndings have shown that dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is implicated in various cancers. However, the contribution of circRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains largely unexplored. We screened circRNA expression profiles using a circRNA microarray in paired OSCC and normal tissues and explored the clinical significance of a downregulated circRNA, circ‐PKD2. Moreover, the biological function of circ‐PKD2 in OSCC was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. We found that downregulation of circ‐PKD2 in OSCC correlated signiﬁcantly with aggressive characteristics. Further analysis revealed that overexpression of circ‐PKD2 inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which were promoted by knockdown of circ‐PKD2. In addition, circ‐PKD2 was identified as a sponge for miR‐204‐3p and upregulated the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2), which was the functional target of miR‐204‐3p. Moreover, circ‐PKD2 attenuated the oncogenic effects of miR‐204‐3p‐mediated APC2 on OSCC progression via multiple signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that the circ‐PKD2/miR‐204‐3p/APC2 axis represents a novel pathway involved in the pathogenesis of OSCC and may serve as a novel therapeutic target of OSCC.