bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful management of cesarean scar pregnancy with vacuum extraction under ultrasound guidance
Authors: Sel Görker , Sucu Sadun , Harma Müge , Harma Mehmet İbrahim
Published: August 2018

Aim

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy. The gestational sac is implanted in the myometrium at the site of a previous cesarean section. Mothers with CSP are faced with risks of unpredictable massive bleeding or more fatal complications. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and reliability of the intraoperative ultrasound‐guided vacuum aspiration method as an effective treatment option for CSP.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective analysis of CSP patients who had undergone the vacuum aspiration method, by reviewing patient records from the period October 2015 to January 2018. All of the operations were carried out under general anesthesia, with patients in the lithotomy position, using suprapubic ultrasonography guidance. A vacuum aspirator was used to aspirate the whole pregnancy material without perforating the previous cesarean section scar.

Results

Ten women with CSP were managed successfully by ultrasound‐guided vacuum extraction without complications or further interventions, such as reoperation or methotrexate administration. Three of the 10 patients needed uterine Foley catheter tampon (50 cc) for 4 h after vacuum extraction alone was applied. During the study period, two additional patients who did not meet the criteria for the vacuum extraction method alone were managed with methotrexate plus vacuum application. Because of the rarity of the condition, the majority of CSPs are case reports or small case series reported in published works, with no consensus on the preferred course of treatment.

Conclusion

The vacuum extraction method seems to be a good and practical way of treating CSP. Comparisons of efficacy should be undertaken but large sample sizes are required. We hope this study brings a new perspective for larger sample‐sized studies, considering the technique is feasible and applicable.
Alkali Lithosilicates: Renaissance of a Reputable Substance Class with Surprising Luminescence Properties
Authors: Dutzler Daniel , Seibald Markus , Baumann Dominik , Huppertz Hubert
Published: August 2018

A hitherto unknown synthetic access to alkali lithosilicates, a substance class first described by Hoppe in the 1980s, is reported. With the synthesis and characterization of NaK7[Li3SiO4]8, a new representative has been discovered, expanding the family of known alkali lithosilicates. Astonishingly, NaK7[Li3SiO4]8 and the already established alkali lithosilicates Na[Li3SiO4] as well as K[Li3SiO4] display unforeseen luminescence properties, when doped with Eu2+. Na[Li3SiO4]:Eu2+ exhibits an ultra‐narrow blue, K[Li3SiO4]:Eu2+ a broadband, and NaK7[Li3SiO4]8:Eu2+ a yellow‐green double emission upon excitation with near‐UV to blue light. Consequently, all of the investigated substances of this class of compounds are highly interesting phosphors for application in phosphor converted LEDs.
Autism spectrum disorder symptoms from ages 2 to 19 years: Implications for diagnosing adolescents and young adults
Authors: Bal Vanessa H. , Kim So‐Hyun , Fok Megan , Lord Catherine
Published: August 2018

This study explored change in social‐communicative symptoms in 140 individuals with childhood autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses. Trajectories of caregiver‐reported social‐communicative symptoms were examined for three groups (verbal, delayed speech, minimally verbal) from ages 2 to 19 years. Groups showed comparable levels of social‐communicative impairment at 2 years and significant decreases in overall symptom levels across the 17‐year period (P < .001). Across three subdomains, main effects of time and language (P < .001) reflected patterns of overall improvement, although children with more impaired language tended to have more caregiver‐reported symptoms relative to verbal peers. A significant time‐by‐language interaction (P < .001) reflected that trajectories of socioemotional reciprocity symptoms differed according to patterns of language development. In contrast, improvements in the nonverbal communication domain were seen across language groups, whereas deficits in the development and maintenance of relationships improved for only verbal children. Verbal adults showed significant reductions in the prevalence of kseveral symptoms exhibited during childhood. Improvements suggest that symptoms indicative of ASD in young children may no longer be diagnostic markers in adolescents and adults. Relative stability of several items suggests that impaired facial expression may be a core ASD symptom that warrants more systematic study across the lifespan. Research investigating the manifestation of ASD in older individuals is needed to foster development of appropriate assessment tools and interventions. Differential relationships to developmental factors within the broader social‐communication domain underscores a need to focus on more narrowly defined symptom constructs when exploring links between pathophysiology and observable phenotypes. Autism Research 2019, 12: 89–99. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In a sample of 140 participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) followed from 2 to 19 years old, this study found that overall social‐communicative symptoms improve across childhood and adolescence. However, timing and amount of change varied for different symptom categories and participants with different language abilities. Findings suggest that some older adolescents and adults with ASD may not exhibit the same difficulties observed in young children with ASD. More research is needed to better understand the strengths and needs of young adults with ASD.
CCR-CARESS score for predicting operative mortality in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Baré M , Mora L , Torà N , Gil M J , Barrio I , Collera P , Suárez D , Redondo M , Escobar A , Fernández de Larrea N , Quintana J M , Redondo M , Rivas F , Briones E , Campano E , Sotelo A I , Medina F , Del Rey A , Morales M M , Gómez S , Baré M , Pont M , Torà N , Alcántara M J , Mora L , José Gil M , Pera M , Collera P , Alfons Espinàs J , Espallargues M , Almazán C , Comas M , Fernández de Larrea N , Blasco J A , del Cura I , Dujovne P , María Fernández J , Anula R , Ángel Mayol J , Cantero R , Guadalajara H , Heras M , García D , Morey M , María Quintana J , González N , García S , Lafuente I , Aguirre U , Orive M , Martin J , Antón A , Lázaro S , Sarasqueta C , María Enriquez J , Placer C , Perales A , Escobar A , Bilbao A , Loizate A , Arostegui I , Errasti J , Urkidi I , María Erro J , Cormenzana E , Gimeno A Z
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer and to design and internally validate a simple score for predicting perioperative mortality.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for primary invasive colorectal cancer in 22 centres in Spain between June 2010 and December 2012 were included. Clinical variables up to 30 days were collected prospectively. Multiple logistic regression techniques were applied and a risk score was developed. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test was applied and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC, with 95 per cent c.i.) was estimated.

Results

A total of 2749 patients with a median age of 68·5 (range 24–97) years were included; the male : female ratio was approximately 2 : 1. Stage III tumours were diagnosed in 32·6 per cent and stage IV in 9·5 per cent. Open surgery was used in 39·3 per cent, and 3·6 per cent of interventions were urgent. Complications were most commonly infectious or surgical, and 25·5 per cent of patients had a transfusion during the hospital stay. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 1·9 (95 per cent c.i. 1·4 to 2·4) per cent. Predictive factors independently associated with mortality were: age 80 years or above (odds ratio (OR) 2·76), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 3·62) and palliative surgery (OR 10·46). According to the categorical risk score, a patient aged 80 years or more, with COPD, and who underwent palliative surgery would have a 23·5 per cent risk of death within 30 days of the intervention.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with co-morbidity and palliative intention of surgery have an unacceptably high risk of death.
Electrocatalytic Study of the Thin Metallopolymer Film of [2,2′‐{1,2‐Ethanediylbis[Nitrilo(1E)‐1‐Ethyl‐1‐Ylidene]}Diphenolate]‐Nickel(II) for Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Olean‐Oliveira André , Pereira Camila F. , David‐Parra Diego N. , Teixeira Marcos F. S.
Published: August 2018

The present paper describes the electrochemical activity of a Ni(II)‐Schiff base metallopolymer electrode for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media. The scanning electron microscope results show that the metallopolymer at the glassy carbon surface has a nanoflake‐like lamellar structure, and there is no molecular structural change after treatment with NaOH. Voltammetry measurements indicate that the metallopolymer acts as efficient material for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol, where a high‐valent nickel(IV) was revealed as the reactive intermediate during the anodic scan. An isopotential point can be observed in rotating disk electrode voltammetry for ethanol oxidation. The electrode surface may be considered to consist of two independent electrochemical regions, one corresponding to the ethanol electro‐oxidation by nickel(IV) and the second corresponding to water oxidation. The Tafel slopes were found to be 246 mV dec−1 at low overpotentials and 44 mV dec−1 at high overpotentials, which suggest that the first electron transfer step is the rate controlling step. The specific activity of the metallopolymer‐modified electrode for the ethanol electro‐oxidation reaction was 6.66 mA cm−2 for 0.130 μmol cm−2 of electroactive species of metallopolymer at 0.6 V vs. SCE.
Insight Observation of Simultaneously Enhanced CO Tolerance and Stability of Pt Electrocatalysts Decorated with Oxygen Vacancy Rich Cerium Oxide
Authors: Yu Xinxin , Luo Fang , Yang Zehui , Zhang Quan , Ling Ying , Cai Weiwei , Cheng Hansong
Published: August 2018

High and stable catalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and CO tolerance are essential for anodic electrocatalysts in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Here, we report a new method to simultaneously boost the CO tolerance as well as MOR stability of a Pt electrocatalyst by decoration with cerium oxide (CeOx). Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed that CeOx decoration can significantly improve the MOR stability of the Pt electrocatalyst due to the formation of Pt−O−Ce bonds ascribed to the high number of oxygen vacancies of CeOx. The simultaneously improved CO anti‐poisoning property of the CeOx decorated Pt electrocatalyst is resulting from Ce(OH)3, which is formed by the adsorption of water to CeOx. Ce(OH)3 could accelerate the formation of Pt(OH)ads species to recover CO poisoned Pt nanoparticles. At the same time, the CO species could also be oxidized by the lattice oxygen from CeOx. The fuel cell performance of the CeOx decorated Pt electrocatalyst is therefore higher than that of bare Pt electrocatalyst.
Cover Picture: Building up 1‐D, 2‐D, and 3‐D Polyiodide Frameworks by Finely Tuning the Size of Aryls on Ar‐S‐TTF in the Charge‐Transfer (CT) Complexes of Ar‐S‐TTFs and Iodine (Chin. J. Chem. 9/2018)
Authors: Ma Longfei , Peng Haili , Lu Xiaofeng , Liu Lei , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: August 2018

The cover picture shows The arylthio‐substituted tetrathiafulvalenes (Ar‐S‐TTFs) are electron donors having three reversible states, neutral, cation radical, and dication. The charge‐transfer (CT) between Ar‐S‐TTFs and iodine (I2) occurs in solution, whereas the Ar‐S‐TTFs are partially at cation radical state. In CT complexes of Ar‐S‐TTFs with I2, the charged states of Ar‐S‐TTFs are distinctly increased, say, the dicationic state is observed. The iodine components in CT complexes show various structures including 1‐D polymeric chain, and 2‐D and 3‐D iodine networks. More details are discussed in the article by Shao et al. on page 845–850.

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Inside Cover: Structural Designs for Accommodating Volume Expansion in Sodium Ion Batteries (Chin. J. Chem. 9/2018)
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Zhu Xiaohui , Zhang Yujing , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Qin , Fu Lei
Published: August 2018

The inside cover picture shows that four effective routes are applied to the anode material to help it keep fit, which is out of shape due to the intake of sodium ions. As a result, the sodium ion batteries (SIBs) with this anode exhibit high electrochemical performances, so that they tend to meet the demand for large‐scale energy storage devices. In this review, four strategies based on structural designs are summarized in order to accommodate volume changes of anode materials in SIBs, including nanoarchitecture configuration, buffer matrix protection, cavity volume reservation, and interlayer spacing regulation. More details are discussed in the review by Fu et al. on page 866–874.

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Preparation of Pyrimidine Alkenyl Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonoamidates
Authors: Pileggi Elisa , Serpi Michaela , Pertusati Fabrizio
Published: August 2018

This synthetic protocol describes two strategies for the preparation of pyrimidine alkenyl acyclic nucleoside phosphonoamidates (ANPs), including linear and trisubstituted alkenyl derivatives. For the first procedure, a bis‐trimethylsilyl ester of the parent alkenyl ANPs is the key intermediate that reacts with the desired amino acid ester and aryl alcohol. For the second procedure, an allyl phosphonoamidate bearing the ProTide promoieties is the key synthon employed as olefin partner for a cross‐metathesis reaction with an alkylated nucleobase. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sequence Similarity Searching
Authors: Hu Gang , Kurgan Lukasz
Published: August 2018

Sequence similarity searching has become an important part of the daily routine of molecular biologists, bioinformaticians and biophysicists. With the rapidly growing sequence databanks, this computational approach is commonly applied to determine functions and structures of unannotated sequences, to investigate relationships between sequences, and to construct phylogenetic trees. We introduce arguably the most popular BLAST‐based family of the sequence similarity search tools. We explain basic concepts related to the sequence alignment and demonstrate how to search the current databanks using Web site versions of BLASTP, PSI‐BLAST and BLASTN. We also describe the standalone BLAST+ tool. Moreover, this unit discusses the inputs, parameter settings and outputs of these tools. Lastly, we cover recent advances in the sequence similarity searching, focusing on the fast MMseqs2 method. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Misconception, misinformation, and myths: Advising pre‐health students with disabilities
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Glicksman Gail G.
Published: August 2018

Pre‐health students with disabilities often receive misinformation about their competitiveness and candidacy for professional school programs. Misconceptions about the requirements for medical, nursing, and other professional programs are often at the core of prevailing myths. Public campaigns like #DocsWithDisabilities and #NursesWithDisabilities on Twitter are working to change public perception of health care providers with disabilities. In this article, we address these widespread beliefs in an effort to develop a budding pipeline of qualified students in health science programs.
Harvard again seeks dismissal of web access complaint
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: August 2018

The legal battle continues, as Harvard University has recently filed a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in the complaint filed by the National Association of the Deaf on behalf of its members, private individuals on behalf of themselves, and a proposed class of similarly situated persons brought pursuant to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act against Harvard for failure to provide equal access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to the audio and audiovisual content that Harvard makes available online to the general public by not providing captioning.
Suicide rates show increases for almost every state
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2018

Suicide rates have increased nationwide since 1999, with Nevada being the sole state to see a decrease in the rate of suicide during that period, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2016, nearly 10,000 Americans aged 10 years or older died by suicide, and it is one of only three leading causes of death in America on the rise since 1999.
A systematic review of reviews of neurocognitive functioning in eating disorders: The state‐of‐the‐literature and future directions
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Mason Tyler B. , Johnson Jeffrey S. , Lavender Jason M. , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: August 2018

Objective

In recent years there has been increasing clinical and empirical interest in neurocognitive functioning in eating disorders (EDs), which has resulted in numerous quantitative and qualitative reviews. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive synthesis or critical review of this literature to identify future directions to advance the field in this area. Therefore the aim of this systematic review of systematic reviews was to (a) characterize the existing literature on neurocognitive functioning in EDs based on recent reviews (i.e., published since 2010), (b) describe related limitations, and (c) suggest avenues for future research to address gaps in the current literature.

Method

Electronic databases were queried for reviews of neurocognitive domains (i.e., inhibitory control, decision‐making, central coherence, set‐shifting, working memory, and attention bias) in EDs, which identified 28 systematic and meta‐analytic reviews.

Results

Broadly, the literature indicates deficits across these neurocognitive domains in EDs, though heterogeneity was noted in the magnitude of these effects, which varied to some extent across ED subtypes, sample characteristics, and methodological approaches.

Discussion

While these reviews have generally suggested varying patterns of neurocognitive deficits across EDs, there remain critical limitations regarding the methodological quality of these studies (e.g., the lack of prospective designs, consideration of confounding influences, or examination of interrelationships between neurocognitive domains and relationships between neurocognition and other relevant behavioral constructs). Specifically, we outline 10 key areas that are imperative to address in future research in this area in order to move our field forward.
Invigorating hydrological research through journal publications
Authors: Quinn Nevil , Blöschl Günter , Bárdossy András , Castellarin Attilio , Clark Martyn , Cudennec Christophe , Koutsoyiannis Demetris , Lall Upmanu , Lichner Lubomir , Parajka Juraj , Peters‐Lidard Christa D. , Sander Graham , Savenije Hubert , Smettem Keith , Vereecken Harry , Viglione Alberto , Willems Patrick , Wood Andy , Woods Ross , Xu Chong‐Yu , Zehe Erwin
Published: August 2018

Editors of several journals in the field of hydrology met during the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union—EGU in Vienna in April 2017. This event was a follow‐up of similar meetings held in 2013 and 2015. These meetings enable the group of editors to review the current status of the journals and the publication process and to share thoughts on future strategies. Journals were represented at the 2017 meeting by their editors, as shown in the list of authors. The main points on invigorating hydrological research through journal publications are communicated in this joint editorial published in the above journals.
Wholesale Electricity Less Competitive, Price Regulation Tighter
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Lately, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is being called upon to permit energy projects that some states oppose. The tension between FERC's role and that of the states is playing out in several natural‐gas‐pipeline permitting cases, where states deny water permits, stopping a project near dead in its tracks. States and parties to several other FERC proceedings regarding pricing mechanics of wholesale power markets are also ramping up, some to favor certain generation resources over others.
Thriving in the Second Year of College: Pathways to Success
Authors: Schreiner Laurie A.
Published: August 2018

This chapter defines thriving as a holistic definition of student success that forms the desired outcome of the sophomore year, highlighting the pathways that contribute to thriving and how those differ among students of color.
Outcomes Assessment and Sophomore Programs: How Assessment as Organizational Learning Can Improve Institutional Integrity
Authors: Young Dallin George
Published: August 2018

This chapter outlines a case for institutions to engage in assessment as organizational learning to better achieve institutional integrity, using the focus on the sophomore year as a context to identify and evaluate student outcomes and to employ the results in meaningful organizational responses.
The Ohio State University's Second‐Year Transformational Experience Program
Authors: Pitstick Vicki
Published: August 2018

This chapter describes an intentionally designed comprehensive sophomore experiences for students at The Ohio State University.
Antiproliferative potential of miR‐33a in laryngeal cancer Hep‐2 cells via targeting PIM1
Authors: Karatas Omer Faruk
Published: August 2018

Background

Laryngeal cancer is a frequent cause of cancer‐associated mortality worldwide with an overall poor prognosis along with high mortality rates. Therefore, comprehensive investigation of underlying molecular mechanisms of laryngeal carcinogenesis remains an important problem.

Methods

In this study, proliferative and apoptotic features of Hep‐2 cells overexpressing microRNA‐33a (miR‐33a) were evaluated and in silico analysis along with literature search was used to find putative targets of miR‐33a. The potential of PIM1 (pim‐1 oncogene) as a direct target of miR‐33a was tested using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and luciferase assay.

Results

Induced miR‐33a expression significantly inhibited proliferation through inducing apoptosis of Hep‐2 cells. Further in vitro tests showed downregulation of PIM1 in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein level upon miR‐33a overexpression and confirmed PIM1 as a direct target of miR‐33a.

Conclusions

Mir‐33a was demonstrated to act as a tumor suppressor in larnygeal cancer via directly targeting the 3′ untranslated region of PIM1.
Transcriptome analysis of papillary thyroid cancer harboring telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation
Authors: Chien Ming‐Nan , Yang Po‐Sheng , Hsu Yi‐Chiung , Liu Tsang‐Pai , Lee Jie‐Jen , Cheng Shih‐Ping
Published: August 2018

Background

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations have recently been identified as an important prognostic factor in thyroid cancer. Studies suggest that TERT may have noncanonical functions beyond telomere maintenance.

Methods

Clinicopathological information and transcriptome data for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for potential confounding variables between the TERT promoter wild‐type group and the mutant group. Gene expression data of 36 patients in the mutant group were systemically compared to those of 72 patients in the wild‐type group.

Results

Tumors with TERT promoter mutations had a higher TERT expression. Pathways central to DNA damage responses and cell cycle regulation were significantly enriched among 888 upregulated genes. Transporter and metabolic activities were overrepresented among 799 downregulated genes. There was no difference in the expression of most of the thyroid differentiation genes.

Conclusion

The TERT promoter mutations were associated with proliferative and metabolic alterations in PTC.
Characteristics of Immune Response to Tumor‐Associated Antigens and Immune Cell Profile in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Inada Yuki , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Seike Takuya , Tamai Toshikatsu , Iida Noriho , Kitahara Masaaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Arai Kuniaki , Terashima Takeshi , Fushimi Kazumi , Yamashita Taro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: August 2018

Host antitumor immune responses may be different between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by metabolic disorders and HCC associated with hepatitis virus infection. In this study, we examined the immune response of tumor‐associated antigen (TAA)–specific T cells and immune cell profile in patients with HCC separated by cause. Thirty‐two patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related HCC, 42 patients with hepatitis C virus–related HCC, and 18 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)–related HCC were analyzed. The frequencies of TAA‐specific T cells, the expression levels of surface markers on each immune cell, and the expression of each TAA in HCC tissue were measured. The immune response to TAA and immune cell profile were markedly different among the three groups. The immune response to TAA in the NASH‐related HCC group was weaker than the responses in the other two groups. In patients with NASH‐related HCC, the frequencies of effector regulatory T cells (eTregs) and cluster of differentiation 8–positive (CD8+) T cells strongly expressing cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)‐4 were high. The frequency of CD8+ T cells strongly expressing programmed cell death 1 was the highest in patients with HBV‐related HCC. Among these immune cell profiles, the frequencies of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 3+ eTregs and CTLA‐4+CD8+ T cells were inversely correlated with the strength of the TAA‐specific T‐cell immune response, and the restoration of TAA‐specific T‐cell responses by anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody was observed.
Conclusion

: The immune response to TAA were markedly different among the three groups, and a correlation with the immune cell profile was observed, suggesting that development of immunotherapy based on the etiology of HCC may lead to more effective treatment outcomes.
The gracilis muscle flap for irreparable, “impossible”, and recurrent obstetric fistulas
Authors: Pope Rachel , Brown Rodger H. , Chalamanda Chisomo , Hollier Larry H. , Wilkinson Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2018

The gracilis muscle flap as vascularized healthy tissue gives patients with otherwise irreparable obstetric fistulas another option before urinary diversion as 95% are healed.
Electrospun fibroin/polyurethane hybrid meshes: Manufacturing, characterization, and potentialities as substrates for haemodialysis arteriovenous grafts
Authors: van Uden Sebastião , Catto Valentina , Perotto Giovanni , Athanassiou Athanassia , Redaelli Alberto C. L. , Greco Francesco G. , Riboldi Stefania A.
Published: August 2018

Several attempts made so far to combine silk fibroin and polyurethane, in order to prepare scaffolds encompassing the bioactivity of the former with the elasticity of the latter, suffer from critical drawbacks concerning industrial and clinical applicability (e.g., separation of phases upon processing, use of solvents unaddressed by the European Pharmacopoeia, and use of degradable polyurethanes). Overcoming these limitations, in this study, we report the successful blending of regenerated silk fibroin with a medical‐grade, non‐degradable polyurethane using formic acid and dichloromethane, and the manufacturing of hybrid, semi‐degradable electrospun tubular meshes with different ratios of the two materials. Physicochemical analyses demonstrated the maintenance of the characteristic features of fibroin and polyurethane upon solubilization, blending, electrospinning, and postprocessing with ethanol or methanol. Envisioning their possible application as semidegradable substrates for haemodialysis arteriovenous grafts, tubular meshes were further characterized, showing submicrometric fibrous morphologies, tunable mechanical properties, permeability before and after puncture in the same order of magnitude as commercial grafts currently used in the clinics. Results demonstrate the potential of this material for the development of hybrid, new‐generation vascular grafts with disruptive potential in the field of in situ tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 807–817, 2019.
Teriparatide Treatment Increases Mineral Content and Volume in Cortical and Trabecular Bone of Iliac Crest: A Comparison of Infrared Imaging With X-Ray–Based Bone Assessment Techniques
Authors: Paschalis Eleftherios P , Krege John H , Gamsjaeger Sonja , Eriksen Erik F , Burr David B , Disch Damon P , Stepan Jan J , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Klaushofer Klaus , Marin Fernando , Pavo Imre
Published: August 2018

Teriparatide increases bone mass primarily through remodeling of older or damaged bone and abundant replacement with new mineralizing bone. This post hoc analysis investigated whether dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric (DXA) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measurement adequately reflects changes of mineral and organic matrix content in cortical and trabecular bone. Paired biopsies and aBMD measurements were obtained before and at end of 2 years of teriparatide treatment from postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who were either alendronate pretreated (mean, 57.5 months) or osteoporosis-treatment naive. Biopsies were assessed by micro–computed tomography (μCT) to calculate mean cortical width (Ct.Wi), cortical area (Ct.Ar), and trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV). Fourier transformed infrared imaging (pixel size ∼6.3 × 6.3 μm2) was utilized to calculate mineral and organic matrix density (mean absorption/pixel), as well as total mineral and organic contents of cortical and cancellous compartments (sum of all pixels in the compartment). Effect of pretreatment over time was analyzed using mixed model repeated measures. μCT derived Ct.Wi and BV/TV increased, accompanied by similar increases in the overall mineral contents of their respective bone compartments. Mineral density did not change. Marked increases in the total content of both mineral and organic matrix associated with volumetric growth in both compartments consistently exceeded those of aBMD. Increases in organic matrix exceeded increases in mineral content in both cortical and trabecular compartments. For percent changes, only change in Ct.Wi correlated to change in femoral neck aBMD (r = .38, p = 0.043), whereas no other significant correlations of Ct.Wi or BV/TV with lumbar spine, total hip, or femoral neck aBMD were demonstrable. These data indicate that 2 years of teriparatide treatment leads to an increased bone organic matrix and mineral content in the iliac crest. The magnitude of these increases in the iliac crest were not detected with conventional aBMD measurements at other skeletal sites. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modelling concentration gradients in fed‐batch cultivations of E. coli – towards the flexible design of scale‐down experiments
Authors: Anane Emmanuel , Sawatzki Annina , Neubauer Peter , Cruz‐Bournazou Mariano Nicolas
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The impact of concentration gradients in large industrial‐scale bioreactors on microbial physiology can be studied in scale‐down bioreactors. However, scale‐down systems pose several challenges in construction, operation and footprint. Therefore, it is challenging to implement them in emerging technologies for bioprocess development, such as in high throughput cultivation platforms. In this study, a mechanistic model of a two‐compartment scale‐down bioreactor is developed. Simulations from this model are then used as bases for a pulse‐based scale‐down bioreactor suitable for application in parallel cultivation systems.

RESULTS

As an application, the pulse‐based system model was used to study the misincorporation of non‐canonical branched‐chain amino acids into recombinant pre‐proinsulin expressed in Escherichia coli, as a response to oscillations in glucose and dissolved oxygen concentrations. The results show significant accumulation of overflow metabolites, up to 18.3% loss in product yield and up to 10‐fold accumulation of the non‐canonical amino acids norvaline and norleucine in the product in the pulse‐based cultivation, compared with a reference cultivation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that the combination of a pulse‐based scale‐down approach with mechanistic models is a very suitable method to test strain robustness and physiological constraints at the early stages of bioprocess development. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Renal Functional MRI and Its Application
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Ying , Wang Yuan‐Cheng , Zeng Chu‐Hui , Ju Sheng‐Hong
Published: August 2018

Renal function varies according to the nature and stage of diseases. Renal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a technique considered superior to the most common method used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, allows for noninvasive, accurate measurements of renal structures and functions in both animals and humans. It has become increasingly prevalent in research and clinical applications. In recent years, renal fMRI has developed rapidly with progress in MRI hardware and emerging postprocessing algorithms. Function‐related imaging markers can be acquired via renal fMRI, encompassing water molecular diffusion, perfusion, and oxygenation. This review focuses on the progression and challenges of the main renal fMRI methods, including dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, blood oxygen level‐dependent MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, fat fraction imaging, and their recent clinical applications.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:863–881.
Conspicuity of Malignant Liver Tumors on Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging With Short tau Inversion Recovery After Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Administration
Authors: Iwanaga Takashi , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Saito Tomonori , Sasaki Masashi , Kumagae Yuichi , Takumi Koji , Hakamada Hiroto , Fujisaki Takuro , Saigo Yasumasa , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: August 2018

Background

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has been used for the detection and characterization of liver tumors because it has excellent contrast resolution. DWI using short tau inversion recovery (STIR) can improve tumor‐to‐liver contrast after gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) administration that shortens the T1 relaxation of liver parenchyma.

Purpose

To quantitatively and qualitatively compare the conspicuity of malignant liver tumors on DWI after Gd‐EOB‐DTPA administration between STIR and chemical shift selective (CHESS) sequences.

Study Type

Single‐institution retrospective study.

Subjects

Fifty‐seven patients with histologically confirmed malignant liver tumors were evaluated.

Field Strength/Sequence

Low b‐value DWIs with STIR and CHESS sequences 18–20 minutes after Gd‐EOB‐DTPA administration were acquired at 1.5T.

Assessment

Tumor contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and visual grade of tumor conspicuity on DWI between STIR and CHESS sequences were compared.

Statistical Tests

Paired Student's t‐test and the Wilcoxon signed rank‐test were applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean tumor CNR and visual grade of tumor conspicuity on DWI were significantly higher for STIR than for CHESS (both P < 0.001). Regardless of the presence of chronic liver disease, the mean CNR (normal liver 33.5 ± 19.8 vs. 15.7 ± 12.2, P < 0.001; chronic liver disease 19.6 ± 11.0 vs. 9.2 ± 7.8, P < 0.001) and the visual conspicuity grade (normal liver 3.36 ± 0.64 vs. 2.56 ± 0.77, P < 0.001; chronic liver disease 2.94 ± 0.80 vs. 2.25 ± 0.84, P = 0.001) were significantly higher for STIR than for CHESS. Mean CNR and the visual conspicuity grade were also significantly higher for STIR than for CHESS in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (CNR 18.1 ± 10.5 vs. 8.8 ± 7.2, P < 0.001; visual grade 2.88 ± 0.83 vs. 2.22 ± 0.87, P = 0.001) or metastases (CNR 35.0 ± 19.3 vs. 16.2 ± 13.1, P < 0.001; visual grade 3.45 ± 0.51 vs. 2.59 ± 0.73, P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

DWI using STIR may be more helpful for depicting malignant liver tumors after Gd‐EOB‐DTPA administration compared with DWI using CHESS.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:565–573.
Added Value of sequentially performed gadoxetic acid‐enhanced liver MRI for the diagnosis of small (10–19 mm) or atypical hepatic observations at contrast‐enhanced CT: A prospective comparison
Authors: Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Yoon Jin , Lee Kyung Bun , Han Joon Koo
Published: August 2018

Background

Small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) often show atypical features at cross‐sectional imaging, yet there is no preferred recommendation for the diagnosis or characterization of small observations (10–19 mm) at present.

Purpose

To determine the added value of sequentially performed gadoxetic acid‐enhanced liver MRI for contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT)‐detected small (10–19 mm) or atypical hepatic observations ≥20 mm in the diagnosis of HCC.

Study Type

Prospective, cross‐sectional, intraindividual comparison.

Population

In all, 110 patients at high risk of developing HCC.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3T/T1‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

Hepatic observations were classified into HCCs or benign non‐HCCs based on imaging features of arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and portal or delayed washout at CT or APHE and portal washout at MRI. Final diagnoses were established using a composite algorithm and diagnostic performances of MRI and CT were compared in all observations. In addition, in a subgroup of histologically confirmed observations and stable benign observations during follow‐up (n = 94), sensitivity and specificity of MRI were compared between the aforementioned criteria and LR‐5 of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System v2014.

Statistical Test

χ2 test.

Results

MRI provided higher sensitivity than CT (62.2% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.0001) while maintaining specificity (97.2%, each) at the per‐patient level. Among 124 observations, 10–19 mm in size, MRI showed significantly higher sensitivity in diagnosing HCCs (62.5%, 50/80) than CT (25%, 20/80, P < 0.0001) with comparable specificity (97.7% [43/44], each). However, seven atypical observations (≥20 mm) at CT remained atypical at MRI. In the subgroup analysis, the diagnostic criteria of APHE and portal washout showed a significantly higher sensitivity (44.2%, 19/43) than LR‐5 (23.2%, 10/43, P = 0.004), without compromising specificity (97.7% vs. 95.5%).

Data Conclusion

Sequentially performed gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI provided added value to CECT for the diagnosis of HCCs in small observations by improving sensitivity while maintaining specificity.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:574–587.
Radiomic signature as a predictive factor for lymph node metastasis in early‐stage cervical cancer
Authors: Kan Yangyang , Dong Di , Zhang Yuchen , Jiang Wenyan , Zhao Nannan , Han Lu , Fang Mengjie , Zang Yali , Hu Chaoen , Tian Jie , Li Chunming , Luo Yahong
Published: August 2018

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the principal risk factor for poor outcomes in early‐stage cervical cancer. Radiomics may offer a noninvasive way for predicting the stage of LNM.

Purpose

To evaluate a radiomic signature of LN involvement based on sagittal T1 contrast‐enhanced (CE) and T2 MRI sequences.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 143 patients were randomly divided into two primary and validation cohorts with 100 patients in the primary cohort and 43 patients in the validation cohort.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1 CE and T2 MRI sequences at 3T.

Assessment

The gold standard of LN status was based on histologic results. A radiologist with 10 years of experience used the ITK‐SNAP software for 3D manual segmentation. A senior radiologist with 15 years of experience validated all segmentations. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC AUC), classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used between LNM and non‐LNM groups.

Statistical Tests

A total of 970 radiomic features and seven clinical characteristics were extracted. Minimum redundancy / maximum relevance and support vector machine algorithms were applied to select features and construct a radiomic signature. The Mann–Whitney U‐test and the chi‐square test were used to test the performance of clinical characteristics and potential prognostic outcomes. The results were used to assess the quantitative discrimination performance of the SVM‐based radiomic signature.

Results

The radiomic signatures allowed good discrimination between LNM and non‐LNM groups. The ROC AUC was 0.753 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.656–0.850) in the primary cohort and 0.754 (95% CI, 0584–0.924) in the validation cohort.

Data Conclusions

A multiple‐sequence MRI radiomic signature can be used as a noninvasive biomarker for preoperative assessment of LN status and potentially influence the therapeutic decision‐making in early‐stage cervical cancer patients.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:304–310.
Association between time since quitting smoking and periodontitis in former smokers in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009 to 2012
Authors: ALHarthi Shatha S.Y. , Natto Zuhair Saleh , Midle Jennifer Bassett , Gyurko Robert , O'Neill Rory , Steffensen Bjorn
Published: August 2018

Background

The aims of this study were to analyze the periodontal conditions among non‐smokers, former smokers and current smokers in the two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) acquired between 2009 to 2012 and determine the association between time since quitting smoking and periodontal status.

Methods

Smoking status and periodontal examination data from NHANES 2009 to 2010 and 2011 to 2012 were analyzed. Respondents included in the analysis were aged ≥18 years, had undergone a complete NHANES Oral Health – Periodontal Exam with all measurements recorded as required for the periodontal classification algorithm, and had complete data from the NHANES Smoking – Cigarette Use questionnaire. Logistic regression was conducted with time since quitting as the exposure and presence of periodontitis as the outcome, and included adjustment for confounders.

Results

Smoking status was significantly associated with periodontal status (Chi‐square; P < 0.0001). The rate of periodontitis was highest among smokers (35%), compared with former smokers (19%) and never smokers (13%). Among former smokers, after adjusting for confounders, each additional year since quitting smoking was associated with a significant reduction in the odds ratio (OR) for periodontitis by 3.9% (OR for each year 0.961, 95% confidence interval 0.948 to 0.975).

Conclusions

Among former smokers, a longer time since quitting smoking was associated with a lower likelihood of periodontitis. Consequently, dental practitioners have a public health mandate to help their patients quit smoking. Future research should determine the best strategies for facilitating smoking cessation in dental patients.
Physicochemical Interactions of Chlorpheniramine Maleate with Sodium Deoxycholate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Srivastava Anirudh , Qiao Weihong , Ismail Kochi
Published: August 2018

The present study investigated the interactions of sodium deoxycholate (SDC) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in aqueous solution to help develop alternative pharmaceutical formulations. Surface tension measurements were used to characterize mixed aggregate formation of CPM‐SDC. The mixed system showed a large turbid region between αCPM = 0.3 and 0.9. The theoretical approaches of Clint, Rubingh, and Rosen were used to determine the nature of the interactions between CPM and SDC in the bulk as well as at the interface. Negative interaction parameter (−β
m) values indicated strong attractive interactions between CPM and SDC mixed solution. The ΔG
oex values for all CPM‐SDC systems were found to be negative and energetically favorable for micellization as well as adsorption processes. The dynamic light scattering results have demonstrated the size (d
H) of CPM‐SDC aggregates in the composition from αCPM = 0.0 to 1.0. In the middle composition αCPM = 0.5, very large‐sized aggregates were formed.
Global regular motions for compressible barotropic viscous fluids: Stability
Authors: Bae H‐O. , Zajączkowski Wojciech M.
Published: August 2018

Viscous compressible barotropic motions (described by‐velocity andϱ‐density) in a bounded domainwithon the boundary are considered. Assuming existence of some special global sufficiently regular solutions (velocity andϱs‐density), we prove their stability by assuming that initial differences ofandη=ϱ−ϱsare sufficiently small in some norms. Then we prove existence ofu,ηsuch thatu,η∈L∞(kT,(k+1)T;H2(Ω)),ut,ηt∈L∞(kT,(k+1)T;H1(Ω)),u∈L2(kT,(k+1)T;H3(Ω)),ut∈L2(kT,(k+1)T;H2(Ω)), whereT>0 and. Moreover,u,ηare sufficiently small in the above norms. Finally, the existence of global regular solutions such thatis proved.
Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Cut‐Off to Identify High‐Risk Is a Good Predictor of ICU Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Maciel Laura Rafaela Monteiro de Almeida , Franzosi Oellen Stuani , Nunes Diego Silva Leite , Loss Sérgio Henrique , dos Reis Audrey Machado , Rubin Bibiana de Almeida , Vieira Silvia Regina Rios
Published: August 2018

Background

The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) is a widely recommended nutrition risk indicator. Two cut‐offs have been proposed for intensive care unit (ICU) patients to classify nutrition risk: ≥3–<5, at risk and ≥5, high risk. To date, no study has directly compared these cut‐offs. The aim of this study is to compare the NRS‐2002 ICU nutrition risk cut‐offs as predictors of clinical outcomes including infections, ICU and hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (MVd), weaning failure, tracheotomy for prolonged MVd, and chronic critical illness (CCI).

Methods

Adult patients were screened and stratified according to NRS‐2002 ICU criteria. Clinical, epidemiologic, and nutrition data were extracted from medical records. Statistical analysis for independent samples and Poisson regression were performed.

Results

A total of 185 patients were screened: 1 (0.54%) no risk; 96 (51.89%) at risk, and 88 (47.56%) high risk. High‐risk patients were older, had higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (62.0 ± 14.1 vs 53.0 ± 12.9, respectively; P < .001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (6.9 ± 3.7 vs 5.1 ± 3.1, respectively; P < .001), and developed more infections (42 [47.8%] vs 27 [28.1%]; P = .010). No differences were found for ICU and hospital LOS, MVd days, weaning failure, tracheotomy, and CCI. ICU and hospital mortality were higher in high‐risk patients. The high‐risk cut‐off was predictor of ICU mortality (relative risk 2.10, 95% confidence interval 1.07–4.14; P = .032).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the NRS‐2002 high‐risk cut‐off is associated with worse clinical outcomes and is a predictor for ICU mortality.