bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cover Picture: Nitrogen Analogues of o‐Quinodimethane with Unexpected non‐Kekulé Diradical Character (Chin. J. Chem. 6/2018)
Authors: Li Tao , Cheng Cheng , Yuan Ningning , Wang Lei , Chen Chao , Tan Gengwen , Wang Xinping
Published: May 2018

The cover picture shows  para‐Quinodimethane (p‐QDM) and ortho‐quinodimethane (o‐QDM) are two typical examples of Kekulé‐type delocalized diradicals. The cover picture shows that the replacement of the carbinyl centers with isoelectronic aminium centers leads to the formation of isolable nitrogen analogues of o‐QDM. In contrast to o‐QDM, the nitrogen analogues exhibit unexpected non‐Kekulé diradical characters and features open‐shell singlet ground states with thermally accessible triplet states. More details are discussed in the article by wang et al. on page 487–490.

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Influence of inlet ionization degree on performance of seed‐free MHD generator
Authors: Tsuruoka Mio , Tanaka Manabu , Okuno Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Power generating characteristics of seed‐free linear shaped Faraday type and disk shaped Hall type MHD generators are examined by two‐dimensional numerical simulation with changing the inlet ionization degree. A liner shaped Faraday type generator can get stable and high power output at high inlet ionization degree. The net enthalpy extraction ratio, however, is reduced owing to the increase in the required pre‐ionization power. At low inlet ionization degree, on the other hand, ionization instability occurs and the enthalpy extraction ratio decreases. A disk shaped Hall type generator can get high net enthalpy extraction ratio even at low inlet ionization degree under a low pre‐ionization power. The net enthalpy extraction ratio decreases for an excessive inlet ionization degree because of a strong MHD interaction.
Chiral Unsymmetrically Substituted Bipyridine N,N′‐Dioxides as Catalysts for the Allylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Ulč Jan , Nečas David , Koukal Petr , Havlíček Vojtěch , Tošner Zdeněk , Hybelbauerová Simona , Kotora Martin
Published: May 2018

A series of unsymmetrically substituted diastereoisomeric (Ra,R) and (Sa,R) bipyridine N,N′‐dioxides was synthesized by using oxidative coupling of the corresponding metallated tetrahydroisoquinoline N‐oxides in the presence of iodine. The N,N′‐dioxides contained substituted aryl groups with electron‐donating or electron‐accepting groups in the near vicinity of the N,N′‐dioxide moiety. Their catalytic activity was tested in a series of reactions of allyltrichlorosilane with various substituted benzaldehydes, thiophenecarbaldehyde, and cinnamaldehyde. The reactions proceeded with high enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee) with catalyst loadings as low as 0.5 mol‐%. Furthermore, allylation reactions of (E)‐3‐iodomethacrylaldehyde were also carried out to give chiral (E)‐1‐iodo‐2‐methylpenta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐ol, a convenient building block for the synthesis of natural products. The allylations proceeded with high enantioselectivities (up to ca. 99 % ee) with a catalyst loading of 2.5 mol‐%.
Mixed AuPd Nanoparticles as Highly Active Catalysts for Alkyne Z‐Semihydrogenation
Authors: Wissing Maren , Niehues Maximilian , Ravoo Bart Jan , Studer Armido
Published: May 2018

A method for the preparation of mixed AuPd nanoparticles that are used as catalysts for selective alkyne Z‐semihydrogenation is described. It is shown that the corresponding monometallic Pd nanoparticles display a lower activity, documenting the cooperative effect exerted by the two metals. These mixed AuPd nanoalloys are readily prepared by irradiation of the corresponding precursor salts in the presence of photoactive polymers or commercially available photoinitiators as reducing and stabilizing agents. Alkyne semihydrogenation using these catalyst systems with H2 proceeds in high yield (up to 97 % yield of isolated product) and excellent Z‐selectivity (up to 99 %). Hydrogenations work on larger scale and the hybrid catalyst can be recovered and reused by simple centrifugation.
Determination of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities from peel, flesh, seed of guava (Psidium guajava L.)
Authors: Liu Xuan , Yan Xu , Bi Jinfeng , Liu Jianing , Zhou Mo , Wu Xinye , Chen Qinqin
Published: May 2018

White‐flesh guava is widely planted in tropical or subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. Despite of folk statements on specific function, few researches are focused on the description of its plant secondary metabolites. In the present work, contents of total phenolics and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity from different parts (peel, flesh, and seed) were determined. The constituents of ethanol extracts were characterized by HPLC‐QTOF‐MS. A total of 69 phenolic compounds as well as nine polar compounds were detected, with flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acid derivatives, and benzophenones of the four predominant phenolic compounds. Moreover, the presence of other phenolics (lignan, phenylethanoid, stilbenoid, and dihydrochalcones) was revealed. Simultaneously, the polar compounds, such as triterpenoids, iridoid were identified. Benzophenones and triterpenoids were proved to be marked constitutes of peel and flesh, respectively. The existence of isoflavonoids, lignan, phenylethanoid were firstly reported for edible parts or by‐products of guava. The results showed that white‐flesh guavas, particularly peel parts, were superior resources of antioxidant compounds, with exploitation value.
Tuning Morphology of Zn/HZSM‐5 for Catalytic Performance in Methanol Aromatization
Authors: Tian Haifeng , Lv Jinlong , Liang Xiaohu , Tang Xiaohua , Zha Fei
Published: May 2018

Catalytic performance is influenced by the morphology and assembly of catalyst particles. Therefore, Zn ion‐doped HZSM‐5 zeolite with different morphological structures is prepared using post‐treatments of selective dissolution and recrystallization, causing silicon components to migrate from the interior to the exterior in the different template etching processes. The core–shell, hollow, and hierarchical core–shell Zn/HZSM‐5 microspheres with weak acid sites on the external surfaces are successfully synthesized. Hierarchical core–shell‐structured Zn/HZSM‐5 microspheres with a silicon‐rich surface layer are prepared using an etching method in n‐butylamine solution. Their catalytic activity is investigated in methanol aromatization. The functionalized morphological Zn/HZSM‐5 catalysts show good catalytic performance and the silicon‐rich surface layer improves selectivity of p‐xylene in the reaction of methanol to aromatics.
Velocities of shallow overland flow on semiarid hillslopes
Authors: Polyakov Viktor , Nearing Mark A. , Stone Jeffry
Published: May 2018

A series of 188 rainfall plot simulations was conducted on grass, shrub, oak savanna, and juniper sites in Arizona and Nevada. A total of 897 flow velocity measurements were obtained on 3.6% to 39.6% slopes with values ranging from 0.007 m s‐1 to 0.115 m s‐1. The experimental data showed that shallow flow velocity on rangelands was related to discharge and ground litter cover and was largely independent of slope gradient or soil characteristics. A power model was proposed to express this relationship. These findings support the slope–velocity equilibrium hypothesis. Namely, eroding soil surfaces evolve such that steeper areas develop greater hydraulic roughness. As a result overland flow velocity becomes independent of the slope gradient over time. Our findings have implications for soil erosion modeling suggesting that hydraulic friction is a dynamic, slope and discharge dependent property. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures and Strategies to Enhance Academic Retirement
Authors: Brown Janette C. , Jones Deborah
Published: May 2018

This chapter describes the types of organizations that have been established in recent years to enhance the experience and engagement of retirees from higher education institutions. Using the University of Southern California as an example, it also introduces a range of strategies institutions can employ to ease the transition into retirement.
Asset‐Based or Burden‐Based Views of Senior and Retired Faculty: How Values Translate Into Culture and Shape Practice and Policies
Authors: Kezar Adrianna
Published: May 2018

This chapter reviews discourses about “senior” and retired faculty. These discourses suggest a deficit or burden‐based view that shapes the values and practices of faculty and department chairs. Yet retired faculty can be valuable resources and help with teaching, service, and research. A process for changing departmental views to create an asset‐based culture that assists in the adoption of favorable retirement policies and programs is provided.
Adjuvant therapy in major salivary gland cancers: Analysis of 8580 patients in the National Cancer Database
Authors: Cheraghlou Shayan , Kuo Phoebe , Mehra Saral , Agogo George O. , Bhatia Aarti , Husain Zain A. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Burtness Barbara A. , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Evidence surrounding the effect of adjuvant treatment in salivary gland cancers is limited. The benefit of adding chemotherapy to adjuvant treatment is also of interest. We investigated the association of these treatments with survival and whether this differed by stage or the presence of adverse features.

Methods

A retrospective study of adult salivary gland cancer cases diagnosed from 2004 to 2013 in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was conducted.

Results

Treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with improved survival for both patients with early‐stage (hazard ratio [HR] 0.744; P = .004) and late‐stage (HR 0.688; P < .001) disease with adverse features. Further addition of chemotherapy to the adjuvant treatment of patients with late‐stage disease with adverse features was not associated with a survival benefit (HR 1.028; P = .705).

Conclusion

Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improved survival for patients with adverse features, regardless of stage. The addition of chemotherapy to the adjuvant treatment of patients with late‐stage disease with adverse features is not associated with improved outcomes.
Topical superoxide dismutase in posttreatment fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Landeen Kelly C. , Spanos William C. , Gromer Laurie
Published: May 2018

Background

Topical superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been shown to decrease postradiation fibrosis in some cancers but has not demonstrated an effect in patients with head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine if topical SOD is an effective treatment for postradiation neck fibrosis.

Methods

This was a randomized prospective blinded clinical study of topical SOD versus placebo for the treatment of neck fibrosis. Measures of fibrosis grade and quality of life were obtained at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

Results

Improvement in fibrosis score was comparable between the 2 study arms at 3 months.

Conclusion

Both study groups showed improvement but the differences between groups was not statistically significant. Topical SOD likely has limited benefit for posttreatment neck fibrosis but this study confirms other published evidence of benefit from active physical therapy of posttreatment fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer.
Use of radioiodine‐131 scan to measure influence of surgical discipline, practice, and volume on residual thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Song Jin Soo A. , Moolman Nico , Burrell Steven , Rajaraman Murali , Bullock Martin Joseph , Trites Jonathan , Taylor S. Mark , Rigby Matthew H. , Hart Robert D.
Published: May 2018

Background

Our study's purpose is to determine the influence of surgical discipline, surgeon site, and volume on remnant thyroid tissue visualized on radioactive iodine‐131 (I‐131) scans after total thyroidectomy and I‐131 ablation in patients with well‐differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of patients who received I‐131 therapeutic ablation and postablation radioactive I‐131 scans at our center after thyroidectomy to calculate the fraction of administered dose multiplied by 1000 (UDR1000).

Results

The remnant thyroid tissue (ie, the UDR1000), between academic and community surgeons was 0.471 (±0.705) and 1.190 (±2.487), respectively (P = .001). The UDR1000 between otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery and general surgery was 0.654 (±1.575) and 1.043 (±1.625), respectively (P = .159). The UDR1000 partitioned by patient frequencies of <10, 10 to 19, and ≥20 patients yielded 1.255 (±2.554), 0.926 (±2.084), and 0.467 (±0.721), respectively (P = .003).

Conclusion

Our study found statistically significant differences in residual thyroid tissue visualized on radioactive I‐131 scans based on surgeon parameters.
Survival without adjuvant chemotherapy for selected patients with stage II and III nasopharyngeal carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone
Authors: Wu Jia‐Shing , Tsai Yu‐Chen , Jian James Jer‐Min , Chen Hsin‐Hsuan , Horng Cheng‐Fang , Cheng Skye Hung‐Chun
Published: May 2018

Background

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is controversial. We report our phase II prospective study of withholding adjuvant chemotherapy in a subgroup of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II and III NPC with low risk for metastasis.

Methods

Between April 1998 and December 2008, 263 patients with stage II (AJCC 1997 T2aN0, T1‐T2aN1; AJCC 2010 T1N1) NPC or stage III (AJCC 1997 T1‐T2aN2; AJCC 2010 T1N2) NPC were enrolled. Patients received standard concurrent CRT with cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) but without adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 107 months, the 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were 92.4%, 84.4%, and 90.7% for all patients; 94.1%, 85.9%, and 92.9% for patients with stage II NPC; and 90.9%, 83.2%, and 88.9% for patients with stage III NPC, respectively.

Conclusion

It is safe to withhold adjuvant chemotherapy for selected patients with stage II and III NPC.
Successful treatment of severe facial lymphedema by lymphovenous anastomosis
Authors: Inatomi Yusuke , Yoshida Sei , Kamizono Kenichi , Hanada Masuo , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Kadota Hideki
Published: May 2018

Background

Facial edema is a common complication after neck dissection and/or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Edema subsides spontaneously in most cases but sometimes persists, in which case surgical intervention is required. We report a case of severe facial edema that showed significant improvement upon lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA).

Methods

A 66‐year‐old man with oral floor cancer developed progressive facial lymphedema after tumor resection, bilateral neck dissections, chemoradiotherapy, and fibular and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap transfer. His eyesight was completely disturbed due to severe eyelid edema. The LVAs were performed in the bilateral preauricular area. Surgical findings showed stagnation of the lymphatic fluids in dilated lymphatic vessels, which were drained to the superficial temporal veins by LVA.

Results

The edema subsided rapidly and the patient's eyesight returned as soon as 4 days postoperatively.

Conclusion

Using LVA in the preauricular region can be a choice of surgical treatment for severe facial edema.
Early outcomes in transoral vestibular thyroidectomy: Robotic versus endoscopic techniques
Authors: Razavi Christopher R. , Khadem Mai G. Al , Fondong Akeweh , Clark James H. , Richmon Jeremy D. , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O.
Published: May 2018

Background

The transoral thyroidectomy vestibular approach has been utilized via both robotic (TORTVA) and endoscopic (TOETVA) techniques to perform thyroidectomy. However, there have been no studies evaluating outcomes between these approaches. Here we describe our outcomes for thyroid lobectomy with TORTVA and TOETVA.

Methods

All cases of transoral vestibular approach thyroid lobectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital were reviewed. Primary outcomes and demographic data were then compared between TORTVA and TOETVA.

Results

Twenty‐seven cases were identified, 7 using the robotic approach and 20 using the endoscopic approach. The procedural success rate for the robotic and endoscopic cohorts was 5 of 7 (71%) and 19 of 20 (95%), respectively (P = .15). There were no persistent nerve injuries, mental, or recurrent in either cohort. Median operative time for TOETVA was 188 minutes versus 322 minutes for TORTVA (P = .001).

Conclusion

Thyroid lobectomy can be safely performed via both techniques, although performed more quickly endoscopically, which is likely due in part to differences in the learning curves.
Risk of bladder cancer by disease severity in relation to metabolic factors and smoking: A prospective pooled cohort study of 800,000 men and women
Authors: Teleka Stanley , Häggström Christel , Nagel Gabriele , Bjørge Tone , Manjer Jonas , Ulmer Hanno , Liedberg Fredrik , Ghaderi Sara , Lang Alois , Jonsson Håkan , Jahnson Staffan , Orho‐Melander Marju , Tretli Steinar , Stattin Pär , Stocks Tanja
Published: May 2018

Previous studies on metabolic factors and bladder cancer (BC) risk have shown inconsistent results and have commonly not investigated associations separately by sex, smoking, and tumor invasiveness. Among 811,633 participants in six European cohorts, we investigated sex‐specific associations between body mass index (BMI), mid‐blood pressure (BP, [systolic + diastolic]/2), plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and risk of BC overall, non‐muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) and muscle invasive BC (MIBC). Among men, we additionally assessed additive interactions between metabolic factors and smoking on BC risk. During follow‐up, 2,983 men and 754 women were diagnosed with BC. Among men, triglycerides and BP were positively associated with BC risk overall (hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation [SD]: 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.27] and 1.09 [1.02–1.17], respectively), and among women, BMI was inversely associated with risk (HR: 0.90 [0.82–0.99]). The associations for BMI and BP differed between men and women (pinteraction ≤ 0.005). Among men, BMI, cholesterol and triglycerides were positively associated with risk for NMIBC (HRs: 1.09 [95% CI 1.01–1.18], 1.14 [1.02–1.25], and 1.30 [1.12–1.48] respectively), and BP was positively associated with MIBC (HR: 1.23 [1.02–1.49]). Among women, glucose was positively associated with MIBC (HR: 1.99 [1.04–3.81]). Apart from cholesterol, HRs for metabolic factors did not significantly differ between MIBC and NMIBC, and there were no interactions between smoking and metabolic factors on BC. Our study supports an involvement of metabolic aberrations in BC risk. Whilst some associations were significant only in certain sub‐groups, there were generally no significant differences in associations by smoking or tumor invasiveness.
Recurrence of phonetic responding
Authors: Garner Joshua , Neef Nancy A. , Gardner Ralph
Published: May 2018

This study determined if previously reinforced academic responding recurred when alternative responses were differentially reinforced and subsequently placed on extinction, and whether the magnitude of resurgence was related to the rate of differential reinforcement for the alternative behavior. Three kindergarten students read Greek letters aloud as arbitrary consonant–vowel blends. Resurgence was reliably demonstrated within and across participants, and the magnitude of resurgence was related to the prior rate of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior.
Differences in emotion regulation difficulties among adults and adolescents across eating disorder diagnoses
Authors: Anderson Leslie K. , Claudat Kimberly , Cusack Anne , Brown Tiffany A. , Trim Julie , Rockwell Roxanne , Nakamura Tiffany , Gomez Lauren , Kaye Walter H.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Although much empirical attention has been devoted to emotion regulation (ER) in individuals with eating disorders, little is known about ER across a wide age range and among different ED subtypes. The current study sought to examine ER in a sample of eating disorder patients.

Method

A total of 364 adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa restricting subtype (AN‐R), anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype (AN‐BP), or bulimia nervosa (BN) were assessed with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).

Results

Older ages were associated with higher DERS total, nonacceptance, goals, and impulsivity scores. When controlling for age, patients with BN and AN‐BP had higher overall DERS scores than those with AN, and there were some differences among diagnostic subtypes on specific facets of ER.

Conclusions

These results indicate that treatments for emotion dysregulation may be applied across eating disorder diagnoses and ages, and inform how these strategies apply to different diagnostic groups.
Daclatasvir and asunaprevir improves health‐related quality of life in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Ikeda Hiroki , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Hiraishi Tetsuya , Nakano Hiroyasu , Noguchi Yohei , Hattori Nobuhiro , Shigefuku Ryuta , Yamashita Masaki , Nakahara Kazunari , Matsunaga Kotaro , Okuse Chiaki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Tanaka Atsushi , Suzuki Michihiro , Itoh Fumio
Published: May 2018

Aims

Interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) regimens for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients have improved their health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Currently, there are no published data assessing the impact of DAAs regimens without sofosbuvir on HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement of HRQOL in Japanese HCV patients treated with a protease inhibitor and a nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor.

Methods and Results

A total of 123 Japanese genotype 1b HCV patients receiving daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) for 24 weeks were enrolled. HRQOL was assessed using the Japanese version of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) at baseline; weeks 4, 12, and 24; and post‐24 weeks. Changes in CLDQ scores were calculated by subtracting the CLDQ score at each time point from the baseline value. Improvement in the mean change of the Japanese version of the CLDQ score became statistically significant as early as week 4 after the initiation of treatment (+9.3%; P < 0.0001) and was sustained during and after DCV/ASV treatment. The changes of CLDQ at posttreatment week 24 in patients with sustained virological responses (SVR) were significantly higher than those in patients without SVR (0.4% and −4.1%, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study of DCV/ASV treatment for Japanese HCV patients in a clinical setting demonstrated that HRQOL can improve as early as at the initiation of treatment and can continue during and after treatment, regardless of the classes of DAAs regimens and race. Moreover, SVR are needed to continue HRQOL improvement.
Soluble Fgl2 restricts autoimmune hepatitis progression via suppressing Tc17 and conventional CD8+ T cell function
Authors: Ai Guo , Yan Weiming , Yu Haijing , Xiao Fang , Xi Dong , Ma Ke , Huang Jiaquan , Luo Xiaoping , Wan Xiaoyang , Ning Qin
Published: May 2018

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory disease caused by an aberrant immune response to hepatic self‐antigens in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for maintaining immunosupression. The soluble form of fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (sFGL2), a novel effector molecule of Treg, is rarely investigated in AIH. In the present study, we dissected the role of sFGL2 in autoimmune hepatitis and its potential mechanism underlying AIH progression.

Methods

Plasma and intrahepatic sFGL2 levels, as well as Treg cells, were measured in both AIH patients and experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) mice. Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg‐related cytokines were measured in the liver of EAH mice. Treg expression of sFgl2 and its effect on CD8+ T cell activity in EAH were assessed. The clinical relevance of sFGL2 in AIH‐associated inflammation and fibrosis was evaluated.

Results

Th17 responses is predominant in robust AIH patients and EAH mice. In AIH patients and EAH mice, the frequency of plasma Tregs was reduced, whereas intrahepatic Tregs were increased significantly. The plasma sFGL2 level was significantly higher at active phases compared to those during remission and was correlated with AIH progression. Enhanced sFGL2 expression was found in Tregs and inhibited conventional CD8+ T cells and Tc17 cell in EAH mice ex vivo.

Conclusions

The Th17 response dominates autoimmune hepatitis progression. The increase in intrahepatic and plasma sFGL2 by Tregs may restrict AIH progression by inhibiting conventional CD8+ T cells and Tc17 cell function. The high correlation between sFGL2 and disease severity may predict AIH outcome.
The VEGFA ‐1154G/A polymorphism is associated with reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis but not with systemic lupus erythematosus in Mexican women
Authors: Ramírez‐Bello Julian , Cadena‐Sandoval Daniel , Fragoso José Manuel , Barbosa‐Cobos Rosa Elda , Moreno‐Eutímio Mario Adán , Saavedra‐Salinas Miguel Ángel , Valencia‐Pacheco Guillermo , López‐Villanueva Ricardo F. , Jiménez‐Morales Silvia
Published: May 2018

Background

Levels of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (a potent endothelial‐cell‐specific angiogenic factor) have been correlated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including the VEGFA ‐2578C/A, have been associated with RA in some populations. By contrast, the role of different VEGFA SNPs in the susceptibility to SLE has received little attention. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether the VEGFA ‐2578C/A, −1154G/A and ‐634G/C polymorphisms confer risk or were associated with reduced risk of RA or SLE in a Mexican population.

Methods

The present study included 903 women from Mexico: 405 were patients with RA, 282 had SLE and 216 were healthy individuals. The genotypes were obtained with TaqMan probes.

Results

The data obtained in the present study suggest that the VEGFA ‐2578C/A and ‐634G/C polymorphisms are not risk factors for RA or SLE; however, VEGFA ‐1154G/A was associated with reduced risk in women with RA (odds ratio = 0.6, pc = 0.0051) but not with SLE (odds ratio = 0.7, pc = 0.13).

Conclusions

The present study is the first to document an association between VEGFA ‐1154G/A and reduced risk in women with RA but not with SLE.
An Expert on Expertise: An Interview with Dr. Anders Ericsson
Authors: Rosch David
Published: May 2018

The current article is an edited version of an interview with Dr. Anders Ericsson, a world‐renowned researcher on the development of expertise in human capacities. Applications to leadership development and leadership education are discussed, including specific suggestions for classroom structure and pedagogy.
Critical Thinking Disposition and Scientific Creativity: The Mediating Role of Creative Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Qiang Ruichao , Han Qin , Guo Yongyu , Bai Jie , Karwowski Maciej
Published: May 2018

This study explores the relationship between critical thinking disposition and scientific creativity and examines the hypothesized mediating role played by creative self‐concept (trait‐like creative self‐efficacy). A large sample (N = 1,153) of Chinese high school students filled the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and revised trait‐like creative self‐efficacy scale, and then solved Scientific Creativity Test for Adolescent. Structural equation modeling has demonstrated that students’ critical thinking disposition was positively related to their creative self‐concept and scientific creativity, and creative self‐concept fully mediated the link between critical thinking disposition and scientific creativity. We discuss these findings in terms of the hypothetical role played by creative self‐concept for creative functioning.
Assessment of main factor causing sensory quality defects in chicken seasoning during storage
Authors: Tian Huai‐Xiang , Zhang Ya‐Jing , Chen Chen , Qin Lan , Xiao Li‐Zhong , Fei Yu‐Gang , Yu Hai‐Yan
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Chicken seasoning is a widely consumed palatable seasoning made with chicken meat. Quality, and especially sensory quality, may determine the consumer choice of food. The same bag of chicken seasoning will be stored by the consumers over a long period of time when it is in use, so it is particularly important to be able to assess its sensory quality. However, the sensory quality defects of chicken seasoning during storage remain unknown. This study evaluated flavor changes in chicken seasoning during storage using sensory evaluation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).

RESULTS

The sensory evaluation indicated a perceptible change in rancidity during storage. The GC–MS results showed increases in the content of aldehydes, heterocyclic compounds, ketones, and sulfur compounds associated with lipid oxidation. A random forest model was constructed to predict the storage time based on the data for volatile compounds related to lipid oxidation. The low average predicted error indicated a good correlation between lipid oxidation and storage time.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that lipid oxidation is the main factor behind sensory quality defects in chicken seasoning during storage. This can be used as the basis for further evaluation of sensory quality and the shelf life of chicken seasoning. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective parathyroid venous sampling in primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ibraheem Kareem , Toraih Eman A. , Haddad Antoine B. , Farag Mahmoud , Randolph Gregory W. , Kandil Emad
Published: May 2018

Objective

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy requires accurate preoperative localization techniques. There is considerable controversy about the effectiveness of selective parathyroid venous sampling (sPVS) in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to examine the diagnostic accuracy of sPVS as a preoperative localization modality in PHPT.

Methods

Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of sPVS for PHPT were electronically searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases. Two independent authors reviewed the studies, and revised quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy study tool was used for the quality assessment. Study heterogeneity and pooled estimates were calculated.

Results

Two hundred and two unique studies were identified. Of those, 12 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of sPVS were 74%, 41%, and 1.55, respectively. The area‐under‐the‐receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.684, indicating an average discriminatory ability of sPVS. On comparison between sPVS and noninvasive imaging modalities, sensitivity, PLR, and positive posttest probability were significantly higher in sPVS compared to noninvasive imaging modalities. Interestingly, super‐selective venous sampling had the highest sensitivity, accuracy, and positive posttest probability compared to other parathyroid venous sampling techniques.

Conclusion

This is the first meta‐analysis to examine the accuracy of sPVS in PHPT. sPVS had higher pooled sensitivity when compared to noninvasive modalities in revision parathyroid surgery. However, the invasiveness of this technique does not favor its routine use for preoperative localization. Super‐selective venous sampling was the most accurate among all other parathyroid venous sampling techniques. Laryngoscope, 2662–2667, 2018
Velopharyngeal dysfunction from intranasal substance abuse: Case series and review of literature
Authors: You Peng , Chow Linda , Dworschak‐Stokan Anne , Husein Murad
Published: May 2018

Objective

Intranasal substance abuse with cocaine or opioids can result in complications involving the midline nasal and oral structures. When the defect involves the velopharyngeal musculature, this leads to velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). This article aims to illustrate this clinical entity through a series of four patients and a review of the literature.

Methods

A series of four cases of VPD due to intranasal narcotic use and their management are discussed. A comprehensive search in PubMed was conducted for cases of VPD associated with intranasal drug use in the English‐language literature.

Results

Four female patients presented with symptoms of VPD, including worsening nasal regurgitation, poor speech intelligibility, and hypernasal speech. One patient presented with nasopharyngeal stenosis. All patients admitted to intranasal cocaine, methamphetamine, and/or prescription narcotics use prior to the onset of symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed with abnormal velopharyngeal musculature seen on nasopharyngoscopy. Both conservative and surgical treatment options were proposed. A literature review identified nine cases of VPD. Erosion of the velum was seen in all cases. Reported treatments included obturator prosthetic, local flap, and free flap. Ancillary investigations were not consistently pursued to rule out other etiologies to VPD.

Conclusion

Intranasal illicit drug use can result in destructive changes leading to VPD. This is the largest case series to date of this difficult clinical problem. Management principles including options for conservative and surgical interventions are summarized.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2721–2725, 2018
99mTc‐HMPAO‐leukocyte scintigraphy for diagnosis and therapy monitoring of skull base osteomyelitis
Authors: Rozenblum‐Beddok Laura , Verillaud Benjamin , Paycha Frédéric , Vironneau Pierre , Abulizi Mukedaisi , Benada Abdel , Cross Tumatarii , El‐Deeb Ghada , Vodovar Nicolas , Peretti Ilana , Herman Philippe , Sarda‐Mantel Laure
Published: May 2018

Objective

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare but life‐threatening disease observed in elderly diabetic patients, with high risk of recurrence and difficult therapeutic management. The diagnosis is ascertained from a set of clinical, biological, and imaging findings. CT and MRI allow initial diagnosis, but are not accurate to affirm healing at the end of therapy. 99mTc‐HMPAO‐Leucocyte Scintigraphy (LS) is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate LS i) for initial diagnosis, and ii) to confirm healing at the end of antibiotherapy in SBO.

Study design

We retrospectively reviewed from November 2011 to September 2015 all patients with confirmed SBO who underwent LS twice, at diagnosis and at the end of antibiotic therapy in our nuclear medicine department (n = 27).

Methods

Clinical, biological, CT, LS, and follow‐up data were recorded in all patients. LS images (planar and tomographic performed 4 hours and 24 hours after intravenous injection of autologous Tc‐99m‐HMPAO‐leucocytes) were visually assessed and quantified.

Results

At initial diagnosis, 25 of 27 patients had a positive LS. At the end of antibiotic therapy (3 ± 1 months duration), 26 of 27 patients had a negative LS. During subsequent follow‐up (= or >6 months), the disease recurred in four patients including three with a negative postantibiotherapy LS scan.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, LS was powerful for initial diagnostic of SBO and for healing assessment at the end of antibiotic therapy. We conclude it is a useful technique for therapeutic monitoring of SBO.

Level of Evidence

4
Does the recurrent laryngeal nerve recover function after initial dysfunction in patients undergoing thyroidectomy?
Authors: Pantvaidya Gouri , Mishra Aseem , Deshmukh Anuja , Pai Prathamesh S. , D'Cruz Anil
Published: May 2018

Objective

Total thyroidectomy with or without central compartment dissection is the treatment of choice for thyroid carcinoma. Extensive dissection along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) can lead to vocal cord fixity and hoarseness even without nerve sacrifice. Recovery rates after surgery for thyroid cancers have not been well documented. The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence of vocal cord palsy (VCP) and its recovery rates in patients operated for thyroid cancers.

Methodology: We performed a retrospective study on prospectively collected data in 152 thyroidectomy patients with 254 RLNs at risk. All patients underwent a laryngoscopic examination to document vocal cord function in the immediate postoperative period and on subsequent follow‐up. Incidence of VCP, recovery rates, univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for permanent VCP were calculated using binary logistic regression.

Results

In our study, 28% patients underwent redo surgeries and 74% patients had dissection of the central compartment. The immediate postoperative RLN palsy rate was 11.2%, with a palsy rate of 9% and 16.2% in the per primum and redo surgery cohorts. On follow‐up, there was complete recovery of VCP in 66.7% of these nerves. The incidence of permanent RLN palsy was 3.9%. The mean time to recovery was 9.6 months.

Conclusion

Vocal cord dysfunction recovered in most patients in this high‐risk cohort. There was a significant recovery even in the redo surgery group and a policy of watchful waiting is recommended in the absence of severe symptoms.

Level of Evidence

III
Investigation of Variations in the Human Urine Metabolome amongst European Populations: An Exploratory Search for Biomarkers of People at Risk‐of‐Poverty
Authors: Trimigno Alessia , Khakimov Bekzod , Savorani Francesco , Tenori Leonardo , Hendrixson Vaiva , Čivilis Alminas , Glibetic Marija , Gurinovic Mirjana , Pentikäinen Saara , Sallinen Janne , Garduno Diaz Sara , Pasqui Francesca , Khokhar Santosh , Luchinat Claudio , Bordoni Alessandra , Capozzi Francesco , Balling Engelsen Søren
Published: May 2018

Scope

According to Eurostat 2016, approximately 119 million European citizens live at‐risk‐of‐poverty (ROP). This subpopulation is highly diverse by ethnicity, age, and culture in the different EU states, but they all have in common a low income that could represent an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies due to poor nutritional habits. This study aims to investigate the human urine metabolome in the search of common biomarkers representing dietary deficiencies amongst European populations at ROP.

Methods and results

2732 urine samples were collected from 1391 subjects across five different European countries, including the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, and Serbia, and analyzed using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The resulting urine metabolome data were explored according to study design factors including economic status, country, and gender.

Conclusion

Partitioning of the effects derived from the study design factors using ANOVA‐simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) revealed that country and gender effects were responsible for most of the systematic variation. The effect of economic status was, as expected, much weaker than country and gender, but more pronounced in Lithuania than in other countries. Citrate and hippurate were among the most powerful ROP biomarkers. The possible relationship between these markers and nutritional deficiencies amongst the ROP population is discussed.
Iterative inversion of deformation vector fields with feedback control
Authors: Dubey Abhishek , Iliopoulos Alexandros‐Stavros , Sun Xiaobai , Yin Fang‐Fang , Ren Lei
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Often, the inverse deformation vector field (DVF) is needed together with the corresponding forward DVF in four‐dimesional (4D) reconstruction and dose calculation, adaptive radiation therapy, and simultaneous deformable registration. This study aims at improving both accuracy and efficiency of iterative algorithms for DVF inversion, and advancing our understanding of divergence and latency conditions.

Method

We introduce a framework of fixed‐point iteration algorithms with active feedback control for DVF inversion. Based on rigorous convergence analysis, we design control mechanisms for modulating the inverse consistency (IC) residual of the current iterate, to be used as feedback into the next iterate. The control is designed adaptively to the input DVF with the objective to enlarge the convergence area and expedite convergence. Three particular settings of feedback control are introduced: constant value over the domain throughout the iteration; alternating values between iteration steps; and spatially variant values. We also introduce three spectral measures of the displacement Jacobian for characterizing a DVF. These measures reveal the critical role of what we term the nontranslational displacement component (NTDC) of the DVF. We carry out inversion experiments with an analytical DVF pair, and with DVFs associated with thoracic CT images of six patients at end of expiration and end of inspiration.

Results

The NTDC‐adaptive iterations are shown to attain a larger convergence region at a faster pace compared to previous nonadaptive DVF inversion iteration algorithms. By our numerical experiments, alternating control yields smaller IC residuals and inversion errors than constant control. Spatially variant control renders smaller residuals and errors by at least an order of magnitude, compared to other schemes, in no more than 10 steps. Inversion results also show remarkable quantitative agreement with analysis‐based predictions.

Conclusion

Our analysis captures properties of DVF data associated with clinical CT images, and provides new understanding of iterative DVF inversion algorithms with a simple residual feedback control. Adaptive control is necessary and highly effective in the presence of nonsmall NTDCs. The adaptive iterations or the spectral measures, or both, may potentially be incorporated into deformable image registration methods.
Impact of loss‐of‐function mutations at the RNF43 locus on colorectal cancer development and progression
Authors: Eto Tsugio , Miyake Keisuke , Nosho Katsuhiko , Ohmuraya Masaki , Imamura Yu , Arima Kota , Kanno Shinichi , Fu Lingfeng , Kiyozumi Yuki , Izumi Daisuke , Sugihara Hidetaka , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Miyamoto Yuji , Sawayama Hiroshi , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Furukawa Toru , Araki Kimi , Baba Hideo , Ishimoto Takatsugu
Published: May 2018

RNF43 mutations are frequently detected in colorectal cancer cells and lead to a loss of function of the ubiquitin E3 ligase. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of RNF43 mutations in a large Japanese cohort and the role of RNF43 at various stages of colorectal cancer development and progression. Mutation analysis of the RNF43 gene locus with pyrosequencing technology detected RNF43 hotspot mutations in one (0.88%) of 113 colorectal polyp cases and in 30 (6.45%) of 465 colorectal cancer cases. Moreover, patients with colorectal cancer harbouring mutated RNF43 experienced a higher recurrence rate than those harbouring non‐mutated RNF43. In addition, the growth of RNF43 wild‐type colorectal cancer cell lines was significantly increased by RNF43 silencing. We generated Rnf43 knockout mice in a C57BL/6 N background by using the CRISPR–Cas9 system. Although intestinal organoids from Rnf43 knockout mice did not show continuous growth in the absence of R‐spondin, an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate mouse model demonstrated that tumours were markedly larger in Rnf43 knockout mice than in wild‐type mice. These findings provide evidence that Wnt signalling activation by RNF43 mutations during the tumourigenic stage enhances tumour growth and promotes a high recurrence rate in colorectal cancer patients. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local aromaticity and aromatic sextet theory beyond Clar
Authors: Randić Milan , Balaban Alexandru T.
Published: May 2018

Recently assigned numerical expressions to qualitative benzenoid formulas of Clar have transformed Clar's theory into a quantitative model that allowed a structural characterization of aromaticity in benzenoid polycyclic hydrocarbons and construction of aromaticity maps for benzenoid polycyclic hydrocarbons. The key structural elements of the novel quantitative aromatic sextet theory of Clar are (1) Kekulé valence structures, (2) Pauling bond orders, and (3) Clar's aromatic sextet benzenoid rings. In the present contribution we go beyond Clar and consider local aromaticities of benzenoid rings in benzenoid polycyclic hydrocarbons. We have characterized each benzenoid ring by two descriptors: (1) their content of C = C bonds in the set of Kekulé valence structures, which is reflected in the ring bond orders, and by (2) the variations of CC bond orders within rings, which are zero for benzene. This allows us to introduce for any set of benzenoid hydrocarbons local aromaticity map, which allows one to graphically view similarities and dissimilarities of local aromaticity of different benzenoid rings. For such map, one can calculate the “distance” of each ring from the benzene, with coordinates (3.00, 0) for benzene RBO and variations in CC bonds, respectively. We show that the central ring in peropyrene is visibly less aromatic that the terminal sextets, as has been claimed by Gutman and Agranat, and similarly we show that the central ring of anthracene is unexpectedly more aromatic than the terminal rings, in having greater similarity in bond lengths to benzene ring than the terminal rings. This suggests limitations of the assumption of the Clar model that migrating sextets have equal local aromaticities. Finally, we examined a pair of non benzenoid hydrocarbons related to peropyrene, built from terminal benzenoid rings and naphthalene fragments. Surprisingly, we have found the terminal benzene rings in the two non benzenoid compounds to have unusually high ring bond orders, approaching that of benzene.
Three Regioselectively Acylated Flavonoid Aglycone Derivatives in Equimolar Yield at One Blow
Authors: Kyriakou Eleni , Kostagianni Androniki D. , Kellici Tahsin F. , Giannopoulou Efstathia , Siatis Konstantinos E. , Sayyad Nisar , Kalofonos Haralabos P. , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Stamatis Haralambos , Tzakos Andreas G.
Published: May 2018

A simple and time‐effective chemoenzymatic process to obtain three regioselective acylated quercetin analogues in a 1:1:1 ratio in one pot is described. This process overcomes the inherent scaffold intricacy and synthetic complexity of quercetin. Cell proliferation experiments in three breast cancers cell lines pinpoint the high potency of the generated compounds.
Recent Developments on the Total Synthesis of Nakadomarin A
Authors: Jana Samaresh , Mekonnen Habtamu Gelaw
Published: May 2018

(‐)‐Nakadomarin A is an alkaloid belongs to manzamine family having architecturally complex structure and exhibits promising biological activities. To accomplish this target molecule, few novel synthetic strategies have been developed by eminent synthetic chemists. This review will highlight the important and improved synthetic approaches for the total synthesis of natural as well as unnatural isomers of nakadomarin A. All synthetic strategies have been enlightened from the cluster of literatures to develop a more elegant strategy for the molecule in future.