bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User centric three‐factor authentication protocol for cloud‐assisted wearable devices
Authors: Jiang Qi , Qian Yuanyuan , Ma Jianfeng , Ma Xindi , Cheng Qingfeng , Wei Fushan
Published: December 2018

Wearable devices, which provide the services of collecting personal data, monitoring health conditions, and so on, are widely used in many fields, ranging from sports to healthcare. Although wearable devices bring convenience to people's lives, they bring about significant security concerns, such as personal privacy disclosure and unauthorized access to wearable devices. To ensure the privacy and security of the sensitive data, it is critical to design an efficient authentication protocol suitable for wearable devices. Recently, Das et al proposed a lightweight authentication protocol, which achieves secure communication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal. However, we find that their protocol is vulnerable to offline password guessing attack and desynchronization attack. Therefore, we put forward a user centric three‐factor authentication scheme for wearable devices assisted by cloud server. Informal security analysis and formal analysis using ProVerif is executed to demonstrate that our protocol not only remedies the flaws of the protocol of Das et al but also meets desired security properties. Comparison with related schemes shows that our protocol satisfies security and usability simultaneously.
Imprint cytology of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma of the paranasal sinus: A case report
Authors: Sugita Shintaro , Kubo Terufumi , Aoyama Tomoyuki , Moriya Jun , Okuni Tsuyoshi , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Yamashita Ken , Onodera Maki , Tsujiwaki Mitsuhiro , Segawa Keiko , Sugawara Taro , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: December 2018

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare low‐grade spindle cell sarcoma that predominantly affects middle‐aged women with multiple tumors in the sinonasal tract. BSNS shows biphenotypic expression of neural and myogenic markers on immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a specific chimeric PAX3‐MAML3 fusion. The cytological features of BSNS have so far not been reported. Here, we describe a case of BSNS including findings of imprint cytology, histology, IHC, and genetic analysis. A 30‐year‐old woman presented with a nodular tumor that completely occupied the ethmoid sinus. The tumor was resected and submitted for imprint cytology, which revealed relatively bland spindle tumor cells that had mildly enlarged oval to spindle‐shaped nuclei with fine nuclear chromatin and a thin nuclear rim in a clear background. Nucleoli were inconspicuous and there was no significant nuclear atypia and pleomorphism. These cytological findings were consistent with the histology of low‐grade spindle cell sarcoma in BSNS. On IHC, the tumor cells were focally positive for S‐100 protein and α‐smooth muscle actin; nuclear β‐catenin expression was also seen. PAX3 split signals were detected in 52% of tumor cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction also identified a chimeric PAX3‐MAML3 fusion gene. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the tumor as BSNS. Our findings revealed that a relatively bland spindle cell cytology with a clear background is a characteristic feature of BSNS. BSNS should therefore be differentiated from benign and bland‐appearing malignant spindle cell tumors and the combination of cytology, histology, IHC, and genetic analysis facilitates the diagnosis of BSNS.
It is the egg, not the chicken; dorsal visual deficits present in dyslexia are not present in illiterate adults
Authors: Flint Sarah , Pammer Kristen
Published: December 2018

Some individuals with dyslexia demonstrate deficits in reading, visual attention, and visual processing which can be attributed to a functional failure of the magnocells in the visual system or in the dorsal visual pathway. The study examines the role of magno/dorsal function in dyslexic adults compared with normal, illiterate, and semi‐literate readers. Coherent motion and coherent form were used in Experiment 1, and the frequency doubling illusion and static‐gratings were used in Experiment 2. If a magno/dorsal deficit is demonstrated for dyslexic readers but not illiterate, semi‐literate, and normal reading adults, then the deficit cannot be attributed to reading experience. Illiterate adults performed the same as normal and semi‐literate readers in coherent motion and frequency doubling tasks, and all three groups performed better than the dyslexic readers. There was no difference between any of the groups in the coherent form or static grating tasks. Together, these studies show that illiterate and semi‐literate adults do not demonstrate a magno/dorsal deficit that is a characteristic of some sufferers of dyslexia. Therefore, magno/dorsal deficits in dyslexia are unlikely to be a consequence of failing to learn to read but rather provides evidence to suggest a causal role for reduced visual magno/dorsal processing.
Factors that affect transfer swing period in mutual smoothing effect of RE output fluctuation
Authors: Komami Shintaro , Jozuka Takeshi
Published: December 2018

Although output of individual RE (Renewable Energy) such as PV (Photovoltaic Generation) severely varies, total output of many REs locate with geographical diversity is considerably smoothed out. The phenomenon is well known and is called as (mutual) smoothing effect. To quantitatively and mathematically express it, a theory named “Transfer Hypothesis” using “Transfer Swing Period Tx” as an important parameter is presented. Since the theory regards the effect as a kind of low pass filter, the theory can be applied to not only spectrum on frequency axis but also time sequential data. However, whole view of factors that affect Tx is not made clear yet. Therefore, it is questionable that once identified Tx in the studied area can be always adequate for practical use. The paper verifies the adequacy. Seasonal factors such as month and week, impact by number of sites in the studied area, and geographical factors such as distance between neighboring sites and studied area's size are examined. It has been demonstrated that Tx of two sites strongly depends on their distance, that number of sites does not affect Tx, and that Tx of the studied area is equal to that of two sites separated a distance 1/3 the length of the studied area. Therefore, it has been found that long time measurement on many sites is not necessary to identify Tx.
The role of irradiated heart and left ventricular volumes in heart failure occurrence after childhood cancer
Authors: Mansouri Imène , Allodji Rodrigue S. , Hill Catherine , El‐Fayech Chiraz , Pein François , Diallo Stéphanie , Schwartz Boris , Vu‐Bezin Giao , Veres Cristina , Souchard Vincent , Dumas Agnès , Bolle Stéphanie , Thomas‐Teinturier Cécile , Pacquement Hélène , Munzer Martine , Bondiau Pierre‐Yves , Berchery Delphine , Fresneau Brice , Oberlin Odile , Diallo Ibrahima , De Vathaire Florent , Haddy Nadia
Published: December 2018

Background

Paediatric cancer survivors have a high risk of developing cardiac diseases, and the most frequent cardiac disease is heart failure (HF). The radiation dose–volume effects in the heart and cardiac substructures have not been explored in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Therefore, the role of irradiated heart volume in the occurrence of HF among this population remains unclear. The aims of this study were to determine the doses and irradiated volumes of the heart and left ventricle (LV) related to the risk of HF in CCS and to investigate the impact of anthracycline exposure on this risk.

Methods and results

A case‐control study nested in the French Childhood Cancer Survivors Study cohort. The mean heart and left ventricular doses and volumes indicators were estimated by reconstruction of individual treatments. A total of 239 HF cases and 1042 matched controls were included. The median age of HF diagnosis was 25.1 years. The median volume of the heart that received ≥ 30 Gy was 61.1% for cases and 16.9% for controls. In patients who did not receive anthracycline, the risk of HF was increased 3.6‐fold when less than 10% of the LV received ≥ 30 Gy when compared to patients who were not exposed to any cardiac radiation and anthracycline.

Conclusions

Small irradiated volumes of the heart or LV were significantly associated with HF risk. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to report a dose–response relationship based on dose–volume indicators in CCS, which can be translated efficiently into current clinical practice.
The effect of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol on postoperative pain after third molar surgery: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Stanley Sau Ching , Leung Mike Yiu Yan , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: December 2018

Background

Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol may reduce pain after surgery compared with inhalational anaesthetic techniques. Whether propofol provides analgesic benefit may be influenced by the surgical procedure and anaesthetic/analgesic regime. Third molar surgery is a consistent and fairly standard surgical technique that provides a good model for postoperative pain. We investigated whether propofol TIVA or sevoflurane (SEVO) inhalational anaesthesia would produce better quality pain relief after third molar surgery.

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized controlled trial, patients scheduled for bilateral third molar surgery received propofol TIVA or SEVO inhalational anaesthesia. Postoperative numerical rating pain scores, analgesic consumption, adverse effects and global pain satisfaction were assessed.

Results

Data from 48 patients in each group were analysed. The area under curves for numerical rating scale pain scores were significantly lower in the propofol TIVA group at rest and during mouth opening between 1 and 72 hr after surgery (p = 0.013 at rest, p = 0.021 with mouth opening). There was no difference in postoperative analgesic consumption. Propofol TIVA was associated with less postoperative headache (p = 0.041 in the postoperative anaesthetic care unit, p = 0.036 in ward). There were no differences in other adverse effects including postoperative nausea and vomiting. Global pain satisfaction and level of postoperative discomfort at 24 hr after surgery were significantly better in the propofol TIVA group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion

Propofol TIVA was associated with reduced postoperative pain after bilateral third molar surgery, but did not reduce postoperative analgesic consumption.

Significance

Choice of general anaesthetic technique can affect postoperative analgesia. The results of this study suggest that propofol TIVA improves postoperative pain and patient satisfaction after third molar surgery compared to inhalational anaesthesia.
Rational Synthesis of Hierarchical Bramble‐Shaped Co/CoO Nanofibers with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Dong , Ji Xueyang , Lu Qifang
Published: December 2018

The hierarchical bramble‐shaped Co/CoO nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by rational and delicate electrospinning/post‐thermal treatment. The metal Co thorns are distributed homogeneously on the surface of CoO nanofiber matrix. The hierarchical Co/CoO nanofibers manifest the remarkable lithium storage performance with excellent rechargeable stability (charge/discharge capacity of 794.2/794.4 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles) and improved rate capacities (discharge capacity of 285.4 mAh g−1 at the high rate of 10 C, 1 C=716 mA g−1), which could be attributed to the advantage of unique hierarchical structures to keep the structural stability and hold the large specific surface area (153.62 m2 g−1) providing the favorable electronic and lithium ion transport by increasing the contact area with the electrolyte, as well as the presence of metal Co thorns. The present study offers a strategy for the rational synthesis of promising anodes with hierarchical structures for superior lithium storage.
Resource management for green growth: Ensure environment sustainability agenda for mutual exclusive global gain
Authors: Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Aldakhil Abdullah Mohammed , Abro Muhammad Moinuddin Qazi , Zaman Khalid , Kabbani Ahmad
Published: December 2018

The study aims to explore the dynamic relationships between Water‐Energy‐Food (WEF) resources, carbon‐fossil‐GHG emissions, and growth specific factors in the context of Pakistan by using an annual time series data from 1970 to 2016. The results of simultaneous Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator show that industry value added largely influenced water's share in carbon emissions and fossil fuel combustion, while chemicals that used in manufacturing value added largely increases water's GHG footprints in a country. The inverted U‐shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) relationship confirmed for water's carbon footprint and food's carbon‐fossil‐GHG footprint with a turning point of EKC per capita income at US$1120, US$1170, US$1250, and US$1140, respectively. The U‐shaped EKC is substantiated by water's share in fossil fuel and energy's carbon‐fossil‐GHG footprints, while monotonic increasing functions is established with per capita income and water's share in GHG emissions. The Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) is verified in case of water's share in carbon emissions, while IPAT hypothesis is substantiate in water's carbon footprint, food's carbon‐fossil‐GHG footprints, and energy's carbon‐fossil footprint. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13132, 2019
Efficiency of stabilization/solidification of heavy metals contained in hydroxide sludge waste into metakaolin based geopolymers
Authors: Chaabane Loubna , Moussaceb Karim , Aït‐Mokhtar Abdelkarim
Published: December 2018

In this work, the S/S of heavy metals contained in hydroxide sludge waste was used into geopolymers. Metakaolin, sludge waste, hydroxide, and sodium silicate were mixed. Amount of waste added varied between 10% and 40% in the synthesis of geopolymers. Geopolymers were cured at 40°C for 24 h. After 7 and 28 days of aging, strength of the geopolymers specimen were studied. Mineralogical phases, morphology and FTIR analysis were used to characterize raw materials and geopolymers. TCLP test was used to determine amount of heavy metals released from S/S materials. Amount of heavy metals released are lower than quantities released from raw waste. Heavy metals were identified, by XRD analysis, within mineralogical phases. Results obtained shows that geopolymers can immobilize heavy metals and reduce their release to the environment. Mechanical strengths of all samples are higher than the lower required for the S/S processes. Best mechanical strength was of 9.29 and 10.02 MPa at 7 and 28 days, respectively. A decrease of mechanical strengths recorded is due to increasing amount of waste added that causes structural discontinuity within the gel during geopolymerization. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13137, 2019
Seismic protection of rocking structures with inerters
Authors: Thiers‐Moggia Rodrigo , Málaga‐Chuquitaype Christian
Published: December 2018

The seismic behaviour of a wide variety of structures can be characterized by the rocking response of rigid blocks. Nevertheless, suitable seismic control strategies are presently limited and consist mostly on preventing rocking motion all together, which may induce undesirable stress concentrations and lead to impractical interventions. In this paper, we investigate the potential advantages of using supplemental rotational inertia to mitigate the effects of earthquakes on rocking structures. The newly proposed strategy employs inerters, which are mechanical devices that develop resisting forces proportional to the relative acceleration between their terminals and can be combined with a clutch to ensure their rotational inertia is only employed to oppose the motion. We demonstrate that the inclusion of the inerter effectively reduces the frequency parameter of the block, resulting in lower rotation seismic demands and enhanced stability due to the well‐known size effects of the rocking behaviour. The effects of the inerter and inerter‐clutch devices on the response scaling and similarity are also studied. An examination of their overturning fragility functions reveals that inerter‐equipped structures experience reduced probabilities of overturning in comparison with uncontrolled bodies, while the addition of a clutch further improves their seismic stability. The concept advanced in this paper is particularly attractive for the protection of rocking bodies as it opens the possibility of nonlocally modifying the dynamic response of rocking structures without altering their geometry.
Carer insights into self‐harm in the very old: A qualitative study
Authors: Wand Anne Pamela Frances , Peisah Carmelle , Draper Brian , Brodaty Henry
Published: December 2018

Objective

To examine the insights of carers to better understand self‐harm in their older relatives.

Methods

An in‐depth interview was conducted with the nominated relative/friend (carer) of a person over 80 who had self‐harmed within the last month. Carer interpretation and experience of the self‐harm and clinical care were explored qualitatively. Audio recordings were transcribed and the content thematically analyzed using N‐VIVO.

Results

Thirty‐two carers of 30 older people who self‐harmed were interviewed. Physical, social, and psychological issues were identified as contributory to self‐harm. Themes relating to the perceived barriers to seeking help included “they can't communicate,” “suicide and secrets,” and “invalidation.” Themes for the intent of self‐harm were “attention seeking” and “wanting to die.” Themes which emerged for consequences of self‐harm for carers were “anger,” “guilt and self‐blame,” and “it made us ill.” Themes for solutions to address the underlying factors leading to self‐harm were “more practical support and structure,” “improving communication,” “removing means of self‐harm,” “advance care directives as a solution for suffering,” and “ignoring self‐harm.” Clinical care themes were “shared shame and stigma,” “safety and supervision vs being locked up,” “clinicians dismissing the carer,” and “relief and support.”

Conclusions

Validation of carer perspectives and understanding family dynamics may improve communication at various system levels and inform interventions for older persons, concurrently support families, and potentially reduce risk of repeat self‐harm. Good care must be holistic, be person‐centred, and relieve carer burden. A shared understanding and psychotherapeutic approaches to management of self‐harm in late life should be considered.
Actin Depolymerization in Dedifferentiated Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Promotes Fenestrae Re‐Formation
Authors: Di Martino Julie , Mascalchi Patrice , Legros Philippe , Lacomme Sabrina , Gontier Etienne , Bioulac‐Sage Paulette , Balabaud Charles , Moreau Violaine , Saltel Frédéric
Published: December 2018

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) possess fenestrae, which are key for the exchange between blood and hepatocytes. Alterations in their number or diameter have important implications for hepatic function in liver diseases. They are lost early in the development of hepatic fibrosis through a process called capillarization. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate whether in vitro dedifferentiated LSECs that have lost fenestrae are able to re‐form these structures. Using stimulated emission depletion super‐resolution microscopy in combination with transmission electron microscopy, we analyzed fenestrae formation in a model mimicking the capillarization process in vitro. Actin is known to be involved in fenestrae regulation in differentiated LSECs. Using cytochalasin D, an actin‐depolymerizing agent, we demonstrated that dedifferentiated LSECs remain capable of forming fenestrae. Conclusion: We provide a new insight into the complex role of actin in fenestrae formation and in the control of their size and show that LSEC fenestrae re‐formation is possible, suggesting that this process could be used during fibrosis regression to try to restore exchanges and hepatocyte functions.
Probability prediction of peak break‐up water level through vine copulas
Authors: Yu Kun‐xia , Zhang Xiang , Li Peng , Li Zhanbin , Qin Yi , Sun Qian
Published: December 2018

Prediction of the peak break‐up water level, which is the maximum instantaneous stage during ice break‐up, is desirable to allow effective ice flood mitigation, but traditional hydrologic flood routing techniques are not efficient in addressing the large uncertainties caused by numerous factors driving the peak break‐up water level. This research provides a probability prediction framework based on vine copulas. The predictor variables of the peak break‐up water level are first chosen, the pair copula structure is then constructed by using vine copulas, the conditional density distribution function is derived to perform a probability prediction, and the peak break‐up water level value can then be estimated from the conditional density distribution function given the conditional probability and fixed values of the predictor variables. This approach is exemplified using data from 1957 to 2005 for the Toudaoguai and Sanhuhekou stations, which are located in the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River, and the calibration and validation periods are divided at 1986. The mean curve of the peak break‐up water level estimated from the conditional distribution function can capture the tendency of the observed series at both the Toudaoguai and Sanhuhekou stations, and more than 90% of the observed values fall within the 90% prediction uncertainty bands, which are approximately twice the standard deviation of the observed series. The probability prediction results for the validation period are consistent with those for the calibration period when the nonstationarity of the marginal distributions for the Sanhuhekou station are considered. Compared with multiple linear regression results, the uncertainty bands from the conditional distribution function are much narrower; moreover, the conditional distribution function is more capable of addressing the nonstationarity of predictor variables, and the conclusions are confirmed by jackknife analysis. Scenario predictions for cases in which the peak break‐up water level is likely to be higher than the bankfull water level can also be conducted based on the conditional distribution function, with good performance for the two stations.
Coordination Assembly of the Water‐Soluble Ti4(embonate)6 Cages with Mn2+ Ions
Authors: He Yan‐Ping , Yuan Lv‐Bing , Chen Guang‐Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2018

In the past decades, great efforts have been devoted to the design and self‐assembly of discrete metal‐organic cages (MOCs). The further assembly of cages into advanced supramolecular materials is relatively less developed. Previously, we reported a water‐soluble Ti4L6 cage (L=embonate), which has been applied as the starting material to realize coordination assembly with different metal ions through two‐step reaction. In this work, by employing the Ti4L6 cages to assemble with Mn2+ ions in the presence of piperazine and melamine, a Ti4L6−Mn2 cage and a Z‐shaped Ti4L6−Mn2 chain structure have been synthesized and structurally characterized, respectively.
Does the mortality salience effect on worldview defence depend on the cultural orientation of Chinese people?
Authors: Zeng Taoran , Tse Chi‐Shing
Published: December 2018

According to the terror management theory, people tend to favour their worldview and in‐group members after being reminded of death (i.e., mortality salience [MS] effect). However, inconsistent findings of the MS effect were found among Chinese people. In the present study, we examined the MS effect with Chinese samples and tested whether the effect would depend on participants' cultural orientation and relational self‐esteem. In Studies 1 (N = 227) and 2 (N = 221), we examined the roles of participants' cultural orientations and relational self‐esteem in their evaluations on moral transgression and/or perceived regard from people around after being primed with mortality (vs. dental pain) salience. We obtained the interaction effects of mortality salience, cultural orientations, and relational self‐esteem. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of Chinese culture.
Successful treatment with sorafenib for sunitinib‐refractory metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma: Potential impact of Raf overexpression on predicting the efficacy of sorafenib
Authors: Morinaga Ryota , Kawahara Takashi , Teranishi Jun‐ichi , Chuma Makoto , Izumi Koji , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yao Masahiro , Otani Masako , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Uemura Hiroji
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The prognosis of type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma is often poor. We herein report a case of papillary renal cell carcinoma with liver metastasis that was successfully treated with sorafenib as a second‐line therapy.

Case presentation

An 82‐year‐old man who had undergone radical nephrectomy 5 years previously experienced biopsy‐proven liver metastasis. He received sunitinib as a first‐line treatment; the dose was initially 12.5 mg/day and was escalated to 25 mg/day, but it was discontinued due to several adverse events. We then switched to sorafenib as a second‐line treatment, which resulted in a partial response (51% reduction in tumor size); the patient showed no recurrence 5 months after the initiation of sorafenib treatment. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed the overexpression of Raf in both the primary and metastatic tumors.

Conclusion

As sorafenib blocks Raf signaling, the expression of Raf may serve as a useful predictor of the efficacy of sorafenib.
LINC00969 promotes the degeneration of intervertebral disk by sponging miR‐335‐3p and regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Yu Lei , Hao Yingjie , Xu Chaojun , Zhu Guangduo , Cai Yingchun
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) may serve as miRNA sponges to regulate the expressions of miRNA target genes. LncRNA LINC00969 has been indicated to be upregulated in intervertebral disk degeneration. However, the regulatory mechanism of LINC00969 in intervertebral disk degeneration progression remains unclear. Differently expressed LINC00969, miR‐335‐3p, and thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) were determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and cells isolated from patients with intervertebral disk degeneration. The interaction between LINC00969, miR‐335‐3p, and TXNIP was also assessed. In this study, we demonstrated that LINC00969 was highly expressed, whereas miR‐335‐3p was aberrantly downregulated in NP tissues and cells of intervertebral disk degeneration patients. In addition, our results suggested that LINC00969 enhanced NP cell apoptosis. More importantly, LINC00969 was identified to function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐335‐3p to positively regulate TXNIP expression in vitro. Our study provided evidence for the cross‐talk between LINC00969, miR‐335‐3p, and TXNIP, shedding light on the therapy for intervertebral disk degeneration. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(5):611–618, 2019
Role of vitamin E in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nagashimada Mayumi , Ota Tsuguhito
Published: December 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. NAFLD manifests as hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation, and can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD, including those that drive its progression, are unclear. Both liver‐resident (Kupffer cells) and recruited macrophages play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance and NASH. Therefore, NALFD could potentially be ameliorated by modifying the polarization of macrophages/Kupffer cells. Reactive oxygen species induce oxidative stress, which is implicated in the progression of NASH. Micronutrients, including vitamins, are potent antioxidants that exert anti‐inflammatory effects, and are used in the treatment of NAFLD. We review here the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the potential utility of vitamin E in its prevention and/or treatment. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):516–522, 2019
Combination of D‐dimer and carcinoembryonic antigen levels as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in advanced colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Huiping , Zhao Shuangshuang , Jing Zhao , Li Juan , Shuanying Yang , Zhang Ni
Published: December 2018

In view of the controversial findings on the utility of D‐dimer and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as biomarkers in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), we evaluated the predictive and prognostic value of the D‐dimer and CEA levels in unresectable advanced CRC patients treated with first‐line chemotherapy. A total of 57 previously untreated patients with advanced CRC were enrolled. We assessed both plasma D‐dimer and CEA levels at the start (D1 and CEA1) and after two cycles (D2 and CEA2) of chemotherapy. Based on the respective optimal cut‐off values of 0.8 and 5.0 ng/mL for D1 and CEA1, respectively, patients were divided into low and high D‐dimer or CEA groups. The results show that D1 and CEA1 levels were correlated (r = 0.392, P = 0.003). Mean CEA2 was reduced by 26.24 ng/mL in patients with partial response and stable disease and increased by 165.95 ng/mL in patients with progressive disease relative to the CEA1 level (P < 0.001). However, no correlation was evident between changes in the D‐dimer levels and chemotherapy response (P = 0.441). The overall survival (OS) of patients with high D1 was shorter than that of patients with low D1 (median OS, 16 vs 29 months, P = 0.009). Multivariate analyses further demonstrated that D1 (P = 0.042) and chemotherapy response (P = 0.016), but not CEA, were independent prognostic factors for OS in advanced CRC. Taken together, our result found that changes in CEA levels may serve as a predictive biomarker of the chemotherapy response and baseline D‐dimer levels as a prognostic biomarker of OS in patients with advanced CRC.
Structural diradical character
Authors: Alexander Voigt Bodo , Steenbock Torben , Herrmann Carmen
Published: December 2018

A reliable first‐principles description of singlet diradical character is essential for predicting nonlinear optical and magnetic properties of molecules. As diradical and closed‐shell electronic structures differ in their distribution of single, double, triple, and aromatic bonds, modeling electronic diradical character requires accurate bond‐length patterns, in addition to accurate absolute bond lengths. We therefore introduce structural diradical character, which we suggest as an additional measure for comparing first‐principles calculations with experimental data. We employ this measure to identify suitable exchange–correlation functionals for predicting the bond length patterns and electronic diradical character of a biscobaltocene with the potential for photoswitchable nonlinear optical activity. Out of four popular approximate exchange–correlation functionals with different exact‐exchange admixtures (BP86, TPSS, B3LYP, TPSSh), the two hybrid functionals TPSSh and B3LYP perform best for diradical bond length patterns, with TPSSh being best for the organometallic validation systems and B3LYP for the organic ones (for which the D3 dispersion correction was included). Still, none of the functionals is suitable for correctly describing relative bond lengths across the range of molecules studied, so that none can be recommended for predictive studies of (potential) diradicals without reservation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distance supervision in the Aiglé Foundation's Latin American Psychotherapy Training Program
Authors: Fernández Álvarez Héctor , del Pilar Grazioso Maria , Kirszman Diana
Published: December 2018

Latin American literature on clinical supervision is limited and literature concerning technology‐assisted supervision is virtually nonexistent. We address this gap, providing our perspective on the use of technology in distance supervision within Argentina and Guatemala. Despite important differences, these two countries share many sociocultural features. We contextualize these perspectives, describing therapist training according to the Integrative Model of Fundación Aiglé. Through the use of vignettes, we illustrate contextualized training experiences, concluding with a synthesis of strengths and weaknesses encountered when implementing the use of technology in distance supervision.
Predator videos and electric shock function as punishers for zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Kuroda Toshikazu , Mizutani Yuto , Cançado Carlos R. X. , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: December 2018

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a promising animal model for studying the effects of gene–environment interactions on behavior. Two experiments were conducted to assess punishment effects of presenting predator videos (Indian leaf fish; Nandus nandus) and electric shock on operant approach responses in zebrafish. In Experiment 1, the predator video and shock stimuli were presented upon a response maintained by a single variable‐interval schedule of food reinforcement in different groups of fish. In Experiment 2, the predator video and shock stimuli were presented upon one of two response alternatives maintain by concurrently available variable‐interval schedules of food reinforcement in different groups of fish. Responding decreased when the predator video and shock stimuli were presented relative to their absence in both experiments. Moreover, responding on an unpunished alternative did not reliably decrease in Experiment 2. These results indicate that the decrease in responding resulted from the punishment contingency rather than from elicited species‐specific defense responses or conditioned avoidance. Thus, the predator video and electric shock functioned as punishers of operant behavior for zebrafish. Identifying punishers for this species could lead to research on how gene–environment interactions influence individual differences in sensitivity to punishment.
Histomicroscopy and normal anatomy of the adult killifishAphanius hormuzensis(Teleostei; Aphaniidae) from the Persian Gulf coastal environment
Authors: Motamedi Mina , Shamsaldini Fatemeh , Teimori Azad , Hesni Majid Askari
Published: December 2018

The histomicroscopy and normal anatomy of the major body organ systems were investigated in the adult killifish,Aphanius hormuzensisusing histological examination, X‐ray imaging, double staining, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the histomicroscopic observations, the kidney, liver and swim bladder in the studied species were comparable to other fish models. The anterior portion of the kidney is bulbous, while the posterior portion is narrow and elongated; the liver has a single lobe and the swim bladder is a single‐chambered organ with no connection to the digestive tract (physoclistous). X‐ray imaging and double staining examination showed 12 abdominal and 15 caudal vertebrae and a single hypural plate in the caudal skeleton. According to light microscopy, the scales were rounded to pentagonal in shape with three types of radii (primary, secondary and tertiary), and the urohyal bone was elongated. SEM microscopy showed a single row of tricuspid teeth on the upper and lower jaw, respectively, each tooth has two lateral cusps that are shorter than the middle one. The number of teeth was 17–18 in the upper jaw and 19–20 in the lower jaw. The saccular otoliths were rounded‐trapezoid in shape with a moderately incised and V‐shaped excisura. The members of killifishes are an important group for biologists because of their evolutionary properties, regeneration capacity and usefulness as biological control and also for the ecotoxicological assessment of environmental pollution. The outcomes of this study may provide a useful basis for future research on the genusAphanius.
Outcome of radiological interventions in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases: A large tertiary center experience
Authors: Nabi Zaheer , Singh Jagadeesh R , Haris Arafat , Shava Upender , Chavan Radhika , Nageshwar Reddy Duvvur
Published: December 2018

Background

Interventional radiology (IR) is an indispensable component of multidisciplinary care in various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The literature on safety and utility of IR is limited in children.

Objectives

In this study, we aim to analyze the outcomes of IR in various pediatric GI diseases.

Methods

The data of children (≤18 years) who underwent radiological interventions for GI disorders (2009–2017) were analyzed, retrospectively. The indications for interventions included vascular (Budd Chiari syndrome [BCS], pseudoaneurysm) and nonvascular (pancreatic fluid collections [PFCs], cholangitis and anastomotic biliary strictures). The outcomes of radiological interventions, including success and adverse events, were assessed.

Results

A total of 93 children (mean age 13.45 ± 4.09 years) underwent radiological interventions for vascular (chronic BCS = 14, pseudoaneurysm = 28) or nonvascular (PFCs = 33, hepaticojejunostomy strictures or leaks = 12, cholangitis = 6) indications. Of 33 children who underwent drainage of PFCs, clinical success was noticed in 32 children during a mean follow‐up of 32.4 ± 21.66 months; 11 children with persistent external pancreatic fistula were managed with endoscopic pancreatic ductal stenting (8 children) and internalization of transgastric drain (3 children). In children who underwent hepatic vein or inferior vena cava stenting for BCS, mean stent patency was 78.57% during a follow‐up of 24.1 ± 13.78 months. In children with pseudoaneurysms, angioembolization was successfully performed in 92.8% patients. Re‐bleeding was noticed in two children, one of whom required reintervention. In children who underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, resolution of anastomotic strictures was noticed in all during a follow‐up of 36.1 ± 13.73 months.

Conclusion

Interventional radiology is safe and effective in the management of various pediatric GI diseases.
Synthesis of [15N4] purine labeled cytokinin glycosides derived from zeatins and topolins with 9‐β‐d, 7‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl, or 9‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl group
Authors: Tranová Lenka , Buček Jan , Zatloukal Marek , Cankař Petr , Stýskala Jakub
Published: December 2018

Synthesis of [15N4] purine labeled cytokinine glycosides derived from zeatins and topolins containing a 9‐β‐d, 7‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl, or 9‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl group is described. These N6‐substituted adenine derivatives are intended as internal analytic standards for phytohormone analysis. All labeled compounds were prepared from 6‐chloro[15N4]purine (1). The equilibrium reaction of 1 with acetobromo‐α‐d‐glucose gave isomeric 7‐β‐d (3) and 9‐β‐d (4) chloro glucosyl precursors, which were treated with the corresponding amines to get desired labeled cytokinin 7‐β‐d (6) and 9‐β‐d (5) glucopyranosides. Cytokinins containing 9‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl group (8) were obtained by direct enzymatic transglycosylation reaction of cytokinins (7) prepared from 6‐chloro[15N4] purine (1).
Otosyphilis: Resurgence of an Old Disease
Authors: Theeuwen Hailey , Whipple Mark , Litvack Jamie R.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with a new diagnosis of otosyphilis over the past 10 years in a large, urban, safety‐net hospital affiliated with a large county sexually transmitted disease clinic.

Methods

Retrospective case series. A chart review was performed of all patients who presented to an adult otolaryngology clinic with a new diagnosis of syphilis and hearing loss from January 2008 to December 2017.

Results

Twelve patients met the criteria for “suspected” or “likely” otosyphilis based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. The average age was 48 years (range 19–59). All were male. Nine (75%) were men who have sex with men. Eight (67%) were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. One (8%) presented with primary, nine (75%) with secondary, and two (17%) with early latent syphilis. Seven (58%) presented with bilateral audiogram‐confirmed hearing loss, two (17%) with unilateral hearing loss, and three (25%) with suspected hearing loss based on fluctuating symptoms. Nine (75%) presented with tinnitus and two (17%) with vertigo. The median duration of otologic symptoms prior to presentation was 2 weeks (range: 0–16 weeks). All presented within the last 2 years surveyed.

Conclusion

We have seen an increase in the number of otosyphilis cases in our clinic. We suspect otosyphilis may be underdiagnosed and emphasize the importance of screening for syphilis in patients with new audiologic symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1680–1684, 2019
A pathway to value‐based care of chronic rhinosinusitis using a claims database
Authors: Denneny James C. , Cyr Derek D. , Witsell David L. , Brereton Jean , Schulz Kristine
Published: December 2018

Objective

To construct a comprehensive picture of the typical chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patient in the United States including the demographics, comorbidities, and geographic prevalence. The study will also identify the diagnostic and treatment regimens, their cost, and pattern of use for both medically and surgically managed patients.

Study Design

Historical cohort study utilizing private and public payer databases.

Methods

Medical claims data from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases from the years 2010 to 2012 for patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and CRS 18 and older were analyzed.

Results

There were 54 million unique patients in the databases from 2010 to 2012. Approximately 8 million had at least one diagnosis of ARS and 298,337 had a diagnosis of CRS. Females represented 63.7% of patients with ARS and 59.4% with CRS. Medicare patients represented 6.7% of the ARS population and 10.2% of the CRS population. The mean cost of a CRS episode for those commercially insured was $1024 and $762 in Medicare. CRS patients underwent diagnostic procedures including diagnostic endoscopy (55.1%), cultures (23.6%), sinus CT scan (82.1%) and MRI (0.2%). Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed on 14.4% of those patients with CRS. Change in frequency of medication use from the 6 months prior to ESS to the 6 months post‐ESS yielded a reduction in total costs of 34.2% or $3.9 M. The most commonly operated sinuses (with or without septoplasty on same day as ESS) were the maxillary (94%/76.1%); followed by ethmoid (82.1%/66.6%); frontal (38.8%/35.1%); and sphenoid (28.5%/28.1%). In total, 16.6% had one sinus operated on, 39.1% had two, 24.6% had three, and 18.7% had four sinuses operated on.

Conclusions

This data paints a much clearer understanding of the current medical and surgical management. This study confirms the previously described “value proposition” for the surgical management of those CRS patients refractory to medical management.

Level of Evidence

4
Otolaryngology interest groups: A potential solution to the residency match crisis
Authors: Naples James G. , Canfarotta Michael , Tabtabai Ryan , Sparks Devika , Parham Kourosh , Falcone Todd
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine whether medical student Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (Oto‐HNS) interest groups increase student and resident interest in the specialty and influence decisions to apply to Oto‐HNS residency.

Methods

Two web‐based surveys were distributed by the Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UConn Health: one to current medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the other to currents residents at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved otolaryngology training programs.

Results

Fifty medical students and 89 residents completed the surveys. Several components were assessed in these surveys, including factors contributing to the selection process, interest group availability, attendance of meetings, availability of otolaryngology mentors, and interest in the specialty. A majority of medical students noted that interest groups play a role in influencing their interest in a medical specialty (56%). Medical students who attended Oto‐HNS interest group were more likely to consider applying for otolaryngology residency (P < .0001) and had improved understanding of otolaryngology than those that did not attend (P = .0003). Residents who attended interest group meetings were more likely to be influenced to apply to otolaryngology than those that did not attend.

Conclusion

Oto‐HNS interest groups improve medical student understanding of the specialty. Medical students and residents who participated in interest groups were more likely to be influenced positively regarding the specialty than those that did not attend. Oto‐HNS interest groups may foster greater interest in otolaryngology residency and offer a potential solution to the current match concerns.

Level of Evidence

xx
Endothelial Lipase Is an Alternative Pathway for Fatty Acid Release from Lipoproteins: Evidence from a High Fat Diet Model of Obesity in Rats
Authors: Barchuk Magalí , Miksztowicz Verónica , Zago Valeria , Cevey Agata , López Graciela , Goren Nora , Friedman Silvia , Gelpi Ricardo Jorge , Morales Celina , Fernandez Tomé María del Carmen , Schreier Laura , Berg Gabriela
Published: December 2018

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase (EL) are involved in lipoprotein metabolism. In insulin‐resistance, their behavior is altered. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) and apoproteins (apo)CII and CIII could be partly responsible for these alterations. To evaluate this response, we assessed Lpl and Lipg expression, protein levels, and enzyme activity in adipose tissue (AT) and heart in an obesity model. Besides, we assessed the role of PPAR and apoC. Male Wistar rats were fed with standard diet (Control, n = 14) or high‐fat diet (HFD, n = 14) for 14 weeks. Glucose and lipoprotein profiles were measured. Histological studies were performed in heart and epididymal AT. Lpl and Lipg were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), protein levels by Western Blot, and activities by radiometric assays. Cardiac and AT PPAR expression were measured by Western Blot and hepatic Apoc2 and Apoc3 mRNA by RT‐qPCR. In HFD, fat deposits were observed in hearts, whereas AT presented a higher adipocyte size. In heart and AT, no differences were found in Lipg mRNA between groups, while AT Lpl mRNA and LPL protein were decreased in HFD, without differences in heart. In both tissues, EL protein levels and activity were increased and inversely associated with decreased LPL activity, being partially responsible for the atherogenic lipoprotein profile in HFD. PPARγ expression in AT was decreased in HFD, without differences in cardiac PPARδ expression and hepatic apoC mRNA. The increase in EL activity could be an alternative pathway for fatty acid release from lipoproteins and uptake in tissues with decreased LPL activity. In AT, PPARγ could be involved in enzyme regulation.