bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The extracellular matrix: Focus on oligodendrocyte biology and targeting CSPGs for remyelination therapies
Authors: Pu Annie , Stephenson Erin L. , Yong V. Wee
Published: March 2018

The repair of myelin, termed remyelination, is a regenerative process that occurs within the central nervous system in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Remyelination is enabled by oligodendrocytes that mature from oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Many factors influence the biology of oligodendrocytes and their capacity to reform myelin, and considerable evidence now implicates the extracellular matrix within the injured central nervous system as a major modifier of remyelination. Herein, we review current knowledge of components of the brain extracellular matrix that are beneficial or inhibitory for oligodendrocyte recruitment and maturation, and for their capacity to remyelinate where evidence exists. We highlight the detrimental roles of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in remyelination and discuss approaches to alter the brain extracellular matrix for the wellbeing of oligodendrocytes and their capacity for myelin regeneration.
Impact of prediabetes on poststroke depression in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Xiao Meijuan , Wang Qiongzhang , Ren Wenwei , Zhang Zheng , Wu Xujie , Wang Zhen , Feng Liang , Chen Siyan , He Jincai
Published: March 2018

Objective

It is unknown whether prediabetes is a predictor of poststroke depression (PSD). We aimed to explore the relationship between prediabetes and PSD in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study, and a total of 358 patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited and enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups: normal glucose group (NGT, n = 96), prediabetes group (preDM, n = 134, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or HbA1c (A1c) 5.7%‐6.4%), and the diabetes mellitus group (DM, n = 128). At 1 month after stroke, patients with a Hamilton Depression Scale score of ≥8 were diagnosed as PSD.

Results

In post hoc comparisons, the risk of PSD in patients with diabetes and prediabetes was higher than patients with NGT (37.5% vs 31.3% vs 14.6%, P = .001). Compared with NGT, the incidence rate of PSD in patients with prediabetes with HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% and patients with prediabetes with IFG/IGT + HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% was higher (35.3% vs 14.6%, 38.0% vs 14.6%; P = .006; P = .003, respectively). In logistic regression, prediabetes with HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% and prediabetes with IFG/IGT + HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% were a significant independent predictor of PSD after adjusting for potential confounding factors, with odd ratios of 1.731 and 1.978, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study showed that prediabetes was associated with PSD and may predict its development at 1 month poststroke. In prediabetes subgroups, patients with HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% were more likely to develop PSD compared to NGT and IFG/IGT groups.
Systematic review evaluating randomized controlled trials of smoking and alcohol cessation interventions in people with head and neck cancer and oral dysplasia
Authors: Shingler Ellie , Robles Luke A. , Perry Rachel , Penfold Chris , Ness Andy R. , Thomas Steve , Lane J. Athene , Martin Richard M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of head and neck cancer and affect treatment outcomes. Interventions modifying these behaviors may improve posttreatment outcomes and survival. We systematically reviewed evidence of the effectiveness of smoking/alcohol interventions in head and neck cancer and oral dysplasia.

Methods

The AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of smoking/alcohol interventions in people with head and neck cancer. A qualitative synthesis of the studies was conducted.

Results

Three RCTs were identified: 2 smoking interventions and 1 smoking and alcohol intervention. One intervention, which was comprised of a smoking intervention based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and pharmacologic management compared to usual care, reduced smoking prevalence.

Conclusion

Further research is required into the underlying mechanisms that lead to cessation and interventions that include both pharmacological and behavioral therapy. Future RCTs should include suitable control conditions and sufficient power to assess clinical outcomes.
Loss of PDK4 switches the hepatic NF‐κB/TNF pathway from pro‐survival to pro‐apoptosis
Authors: Wu Jianguo , Zhao Yulan , Park Young‐Ki , Lee Ji‐Young , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun , Wang Li
Published: March 2018

It has been established that nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) members promote survival by upregulating antiapoptotic genes and that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NF‐κB is required for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that this pro‐survival pathway is switched to pro‐apoptosis under pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4)‐deficient conditions. PDK4‐deficiency triggered hepatic apoptosis concomitantly with increased numbers of aberrant mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, sustained c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase (JNK) activation, and reduction of glutathione (GSH). Interestingly, PDK4 retained p65 in cytoplasm via a direct protein‐protein interaction. Disruption of PDK4‐p65 association promoted p65 nuclear translocation. This, in turn, facilitated p65 binding to the TNF promoter to activate TNF‐TNFR1 apoptotic pathway. Pdk4
−/− livers were sensitized to Jo2 and D‐(+)‐Galactosamine /Lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)‐mediated apoptotic injury which was prevented by the inhibition of p65 or TNFR1. The pro‐survival activity of TNF was shifted, which was switched to a pro‐apoptotic activity in Pdk4
−/− hepatocytes as a result of impaired activation of pro‐survival NF‐κB targets. Conclusion: PDK4 is indispensable to dictate the fate of TNF/NF‐κB‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis. (Hepatology 2018).
Receipt of a pediatric liver offer as the first offer reduces waitlist mortality for adult women
Authors: Ge Jin , Gilroy Richard , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: March 2018

In liver transplantation, adults with small stature have a greater susceptibility to waitlist mortality. This may explain the persistent waitlist mortality disparity that exists for women. We hypothesized that women who receive early offers of pediatric donor livers have improved waitlist survival, and that preferentially offering these organs to women mitigates this sex‐based disparity. We analyzed donor liver offers from 2010 to 2014. Adult candidates who received a first offer that ranked within the first three match run positions from the donors' perspective were classified based on gender and whether they received a pediatric versus adult offer. We used competing risks regression to associate first offer type and waitlist mortality. A total of 8,101 waitlist candidates received a first offer that was ranked within the first three match run positions: 5.6% (293/5,202) men and 6.2% (179/2,899) women received a pediatric donor liver as their first offer. In multivariable analyses, compared with adult‐first men, adult‐first women (subhazard ratio [sHR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.17‐1.51, P < 0.01) had an increased pretransplant mortality risk while pediatric‐first men and pediatric‐first women had noninferior risks of morality. Pediatric‐to‐adult and adult‐to‐adult recipients had similar risks of graft failure and posttransplant mortality. Conclusion: Our study examines allograft selection by donor age, recipient sex, and in effect size as a means to address disparities in waitlist mortality. We found that women who received a pediatric donor liver as the first offer had a lower risk of waitlist mortality compared with those who receive adult offers. Our data provides a simple approach to mitigating the increased waitlist mortality experienced by women by incorporating donor and recipient size as variables into organ allocation. (Hepatology 2018).
Standard methods for the assessment of structural and functional diversity of soil organisms: A review
Authors: Römbke Jörg , Bernard Jeannette , Martin-Laurent Fabrice
Published: March 2018

The lack of standardized methods to study soil organisms prevents comparisons across data sets and the development of new global and regional experiments and assessments. Moreover, standardized methods are needed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic stressors, such as chemicals, on soil organism communities in the regulatory context. The goal of this contribution is to summarize current methodological approaches to measure structural and functional diversity of soil organisms, and to identify gaps and methodological improvements so as to cross data sets generated worldwide. This is urgently needed because several currently ongoing regional and global soil biodiversity studies are not coordinated with one another in terms of methodology, including database development. Therefore, we evaluated the standard methods to sample, identify, determine, and assess soil organisms currently applied or proposed, using well-accepted criteria such as ecological relevance; practicability of usage in terms of resources, time, and costs; and the level of standardization. Methods addressing both the structure and the functions of soil organisms (populations or communities) are included, with a special focus on new molecular methods based on nucleic acid extraction and further analyses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches for microorganisms and invertebrates. We particularly highlight the activities of the Technical Committee (TC) 190 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) because ISO guidelines are legally accredited by many national or international authorities when they put conservation laws and regulations into practice. Finally, we propose detailed recommendations regarding gaps in the available set of standards, in order to identify a list of new methods to be standardized. We propose to organize this whole process under the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI) in order to ensure a truly global approach for the assessment of soil biodiversity. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:463–479. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

Lack of standard methods hampers the protection of soil organism communities. A list of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard methods in the area of soil biodiversity is provided and discussed. Both “traditional” as well as modern (e.g., genetical) methods are presented. Detailed recommendations are proposed in order to close gaps in the existing list of standards.
Associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking with stomach cancer survival: A prospective patient cohort study in Japan
Authors: Minami Yuko , Kanemura Seiki , Oikawa Tomoyuki , Suzuki Shinichi , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Miura Koh , Nishino Yoshikazu , Kakugawa Yoichiro , Fujiya Tsuneaki
Published: March 2018

Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking may affect the prognosis of stomach cancer, but evidence has been inconsistent. We investigated the associations between pretreatment smoking and alcohol drinking and the risk of all‐cause and stomach cancer death among 1,576 patients with histologically confirmed stomach cancer diagnosed during 1997–2010 at a single hospital in Japan. Histories of smoking and alcohol drinking were assessed using a self‐administered questionnaire. The patients were followed until December 31, 2013. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 9,625.1 person‐years, 670 all‐cause and 419 stomach cancer deaths were documented. Among the patients overall, ever‐drinking was significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐cause death (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03–1.51), but not stomach cancer death. Positive linear associations with the frequency of drinking (ptrend = 0.02) and the amount of alcohol consumed per day (ptrend = 0.03) were observed for the risk of all‐cause death. Ever‐smoking was not related to either the risk of all‐cause or stomach cancer death. Conversely, among the patients who underwent curative resection, a significant positive association was found between ever‐smoking and the risk of stomach cancer death (HR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.17–5.08). A positive association was also found for earlier age at start of smoking (ptrend = 0.0046). Pretreatment smoking and alcohol drinking have significant effects on stomach cancer survival. Lifestyle adjustments throughout life may improve survival.
PLOD2 as a potential regulator of peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer
Authors: Kiyozumi Yuki , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Kurashige Junji , Ogata Yoko , Yamashita Kohei , Koga Yuki , Toihata Tasuku , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Baba Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Mimori Koshi , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2018

Peritoneal dissemination is the most common metastatic pattern in advanced gastric cancer (GC) and has a very poor prognosis. However, its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Our study investigated genes associated with peritoneal dissemination of GC. We performed combined expression analysis of metastatic GC cell lines and identified Procollagen‐lysine, 2‐oxoglutarate 5‐dioxygenase2 (PLOD2) as a potential regulator of peritoneal dissemination. PLOD2 is regulated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) and mediates extracellular matrix remodeling, alignment, and mechanical properties. We analyzed PLOD2 expression immunohistochemically in 179 clinical samples, and found high PLOD2 expression to be significantly associated with peritoneal dissemination, leading to poor prognosis. In an in vivo‐collected metastatic cell line, downregulation of PLOD2 by siRNA reduced invasiveness and migration. Hypoxia upregulated PLOD2 mediated by HIF‐1, and promoted invasiveness and migration. After exposure to hypoxia, a cell line transfected with siPLOD2 exhibited significantly suppressed invasiveness and migration, despite high HIF‐1 expression. These findings indicate that PLOD2 is a regulator of, and candidate therapeutic target for peritoneal dissemination of GC. Although peritoneal dissemination of GC has a very poor prognosis, its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. We identified PLOD2 regulated by HIF‐1 as a potential regulator of peritoneal dissemination of GC. Finally, we showed that PLOD2 promotes cell invasiveness and migration in GC under hypoxia and lead to peritoneal dissemination of GC.
Distinct profiles of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase expression in head and neck cancer and cervical carcinoma
Authors: Annunziata Clorinda , Pezzuto Francesca , Greggi Stefano , Ionna Franco , Losito Simona , Botti Gerardo , Buonaguro Luigi , Buonaguro Franco M. , Tornesello Maria Lina
Published: March 2018

Two recurrent mutations (–124 G > A and −146 G > A) in the core promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene create consensus binding sites for ETS transcription factors and cause increased TERT expression in several tumour types. We analyzed TERT promoter mutations and TERT mRNA levels in head and neck cancer, cervical carcinoma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) as well as in C‐4I, CaSki, HeLa and SiHa cervical cell lines. Nucleotide sequence analysis of TERT promoter region showed that 33.3% of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 16.8% of cervical SCC harboured mutually exclusive G to A transitions at nucleotide position −124 or −146. TERT promoter was mutated at nucleotide −146 (G > A) in SiHa cell line. Other nucleotide changes creating in some cases putative ETS binding sites were more frequent in oral SCC (26.7%) than in cervical carcinoma (4.8%). The frequency of mutations was independent of human papillomavirus (HPV) tumour status in both cervical and oral cancer. Expression of TERT gene was significantly higher in TERT promoter mutated (–124G > A or −146G > A) cervical SCC compared to not mutated SCC irrespective of HPV16 E6 and E7 levels. Such hot spot changes were not detected in oropharyngeal SCC, cervical adenocarcinoma and CIN lesions. Our results suggest that TERT promoter mutations play a relevant role in oral SCC as well as in cervical SCC, besides the already known effect of HPV16 E6 protein on TERT expression.
Higher carbohydrate intake is associated with increased risk of all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality in head and neck cancer patients: results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Arthur Anna E. , Goss Amy M. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Mondul Alison M. , Fontaine Kevin R. , Chen Yi Tang , Carroll William R. , Spencer Sharon A. , Rogers Laura Q. , Rozek Laura S. , Wolf Gregory T. , Gower Barbara A. ,   The University of Michigan Head and Neck SPORE Program
Published: March 2018

No studies have evaluated associations between carbohydrate intake and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) prognosis. We prospectively examined associations between pre‐ and post‐treatment carbohydrate intake and recurrence, all‐cause mortality, and HNSCC‐specific mortality in a cohort of 414 newly diagnosed HNSCC patients. All participants completed pre‐ and post‐treatment Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) and epidemiologic surveys. Recurrence and mortality events were collected annually. Multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards models tested associations between carbohydrate intake (categorized into low, medium and high intake) and time to recurrence and mortality, adjusting for relevant covariates. During the study period, there were 70 deaths and 72 recurrences. In pretreatment analyses, high intakes of total carbohydrate (HR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.23–4.25), total sugar (HR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.12–3.68), glycemic load (HR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.15–3.83) and simple carbohydrates (HR 2.26; 95% CI 1.19–4.32) were associated with significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality compared to low intake. High intakes of carbohydrate (HR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.23–4.25) and total sugar (HR 3.03; 95% CI 1.12–3.68) were associated with increased risk of HNSCC‐specific mortality. In post‐treatment analyses, medium fat intake was significantly associated with reduced risk of recurrence (HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.69) and all‐cause mortality (HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07–0.96). Stratification by tumor site and cancer stage in pretreatment analyses suggested effect modification by these factors. Our data suggest high pretreatment carbohydrate intake may be associated with adverse prognosis in HNSCC patients. Clinical intervention trials to further examine this hypothesis are warranted.
Immune‐mediated antitumor effect of a transplanted lymph node
Authors: Maeda Taku , Hayashi Toshihiko , Furukawa Hiroshi , Iwasaki Daisuke , Ishikawa Kosuke , Funayama Emi , Murao Naoki , Osawa Masayuki , Oyama Akihiko , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: March 2018

Lymph node (LN) transplantation is a recognized method for reconstruction of the lymphatic system and is used in the clinical setting to treat lymphedema. However, it is unclear whether transplanted LNs contribute to immune surveillance. In our study, we investigated whether a single transplanted non‐vascularized LN, defined as a tumor‐draining transplanted lymph node (TDTLN), could exert an immune‐mediated antitumor effect. LN and lung metastases and primary tumor enlargement were evaluated in mice that were inoculated with B16‐F10‐luc2 melanoma cells in a hind limb footpad without (group 1) and with (group 2) popliteal lymph node (PLN) resection and in mice that underwent LN transplantation after PLN resection (group 3). The function of a TDTLN (group 3) and a tumor‐draining popliteal lymph node (TDPLN; group 1) was evaluated in the context of cancer. LN and lung metastases were significantly aggravated by PLN resection but were significantly decreased by LN transplantation. Immunohistochemistry showed that the TDTLNs retained T‐cells and B‐cells and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis confirmed expansion of lymphocytes in these nodes; however, the degree of expansion in TDTLNs was different from that in TDPLNs. Expression of cytokines associated with immunostimulation was confirmed in the TDTLNs as well as in the TDPLNs. One of the differences in the immune‐mediated antitumor effect of the TDPLNs and TDTLNs was ascribed to a difference in the site of lymphocyte homing to peripheral LNs through high endothelial venules. Non‐vascularized LN transplantation had an immune‐mediated antitumor effect.
Prognostic factors for the use of intrauterine balloon tamponade in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Kong Choi Wah , To William W.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To identify prognostic factors associated with successful management of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) using intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT).

Methods

Retrospective review of all cases of severe PPH with blood loss greater than 1 L in a tertiary unit in Hong Kong from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2017. Records of patients who had undergone IUBT insertion were reviewed. Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors for successful management with IUBT.

Results

Of 22 860 deliveries during the study period, severe PPH occurred in 1.4% (n=311), and IUBT was attempted in 26.0% (n=81) of these patients. IUBT alone was successful in arresting hemorrhage in 72.8% (n=59), and the overall rate for avoiding hysterectomy was 86.4% (n=70). Presence of coagulopathy (P=0.048) and placenta accreta (P=0.048) were the adverse prognostic factors associated with higher failure rates. Less blood loss (≤1400 mL) at the time of insertion of IUBT and a positive tamponade test (≤50 mL of blood drained from the uterus within the first 30 minutes after insertion of IUBT) were good predictors for success of IUBT.

Conclusion

The presence of adverse prognostic factors should prompt early resort to other treatment modalities or hysterectomy as a salvage procedure.
Performance of duo‐binary turbo codes with optimized hierarchical modulation
Authors: Beeharry Yogesh , Fowdur Tulsi Pawan , Soyjaudah Krishnaraj Madhavjee Sunjiv
Published: March 2018

Non‐binary turbo codes (TCs) have become an important class of TCs following the adoption of duo‐binary TCs (DBTCs) in the digital video broadcasting with return channel via satellite (DVB‐RCS) standard. Several hierarchical modulation (HM) schemes for binary TCs have been proposed with a view to enhancing their performance. However, the existing techniques make use of fixed parameters throughout the Eb/N0 range and have not been applied to non‐binary TCs. In this paper, optimum parameters have been derived from exhaustive simulations for performing HM with 8‐PSK integrated with DBTCs. To validate the improved error performances obtained with the optimized parameters for HM, EXIT charts have been generated. Moreover, a model that could predict the optimized parameters at each Eb/N0 using K‐nearest neighbor (K‐NN)‐based binary classification has been derived from the results of exhaustive simulations. Significant improvement in error performances have been observed with the proposed scheme. For example, with a couple length of 48, code rate of 1/3 or 1/2, and 8‐PSK modulation, a significant average gain of 0.5 dB is obtained over conventional DBTCs without HM.
#SoundingOutMySilence: Readinga LGBTQYouth's Sonic Cartography as Multimodal (Counter)Storytelling
Authors: Wargo Jon M.
Published: March 2018

By partnering theoretical insights from multiliteracies, queer phenomenology, and sound studies, this article underscores sound's capacity as a resource for adolescent multimodal writing. Refracted through a singularLGBTQyouth's practice of sonic cartography, the practice of mapping narrative through sound, the author articulates how sound came to impact the student's multiliterate practice and expression. Findings suggest that sonic cartography became a form of (counter)storytelling. It carried with it new ways of knowing, being, and being known forLGBTQyouths. Presenting a topography of life through phenomenological experiences, the author theoretically reroutes research on adolescent multimodal composition by examining the numerous rhythms, routes, and frictions among sound, identity, writing, and injustice. Pedagogically, the author asks educators to consider how sound operates as more than text, how the spatial stories that students compose may turn up the volume on formal and informal spaces of literacy learning, and how these intersect with issues of identity and power.
Assessing the risk of epidemic dropsy from black salve use
Authors: Croaker Andrew , King Graham J. , Pyne John H. , Anoopkumar‐Dukie Shailendra , Liu Lei
Published: March 2018

Epidemic dropsy is a potentially life‐threatening condition resulting from the ingestion of argemone oil derived from the seeds of Argemone mexicana Linn. Exposure to argemone oil is usually inadvertent, arising from mustard cooking oil adulteration. Sanguinarine, an alkaloid present in argemone oil, has been postulated as a causative agent with the severity of epidemic dropsy correlating with plasma sanguinarine levels. Cases of epidemic dropsy have also been reported following the topical application of argemone containing massage oil. Black salve, a topical skin cancer therapy also contains sanguinarine, but at significantly higher concentrations than that reported for contaminated massage oil. Although not reported to date, a theoretical risk therefore exists of black salve inducing epidemic dropsy. This literature review explores the presentation and pathophysiology of epidemic dropsy and assesses the risk of it being induced by black salve.
Intravital molecular tagging velocimetry of cerebral blood flow using Evans Blue
Authors: Namykin Anton A. , Shushunova Natalia A. , Ulanova Maria V. , Semyachkina‐Glushkovskaya Oxana V. , Tuchin Valery V. , Fedosov Ivan V.
Published: March 2018

The effects of light‐driven enhancement of Evans Blue dye complexes with blood plasma proteins were observed for the first time, both in vitro and in vivo. The possible background of the effect concerns the photochemical cis‐trans isomerization of the azo dye molecules. The effect was induced in the solution with a red laser with a wavelength of 638 nm, which corresponds to the peak of the dye absorption. The lifetime of the enhanced fluorescence is approximately 1 second and enables its use as an optically tagged molecular flow tracer for blood flow velocity measurements. Utilizing the effect, we performed for the first time the intravital molecular tagging velocimetry of the blood velocity in blood vessels in a living animal. The results of the measurements of the blood flow velocities in the cerebral veins of a group of healthy mice are presented.
Opto‐electro‐thermal optimization of photonic probes for optogenetic neural stimulation
Authors: Dong Na , Berlinguer‐Palmini Rolando , Soltan Ahmed , Ponon Nikhil , O'Neil Anthony , Travelyan Andrew , Maaskant Pleun , Degenaar Patrick , Sun Xiaohan
Published: March 2018

Implantable photonic probes are of increasing interest to the field of biophotonics and in particular, optogenetic neural stimulation. Active probes with onboard light emissive elements allow for electronic multiplexing and can be manufactured through existing microelectronics methods. However, as the optogenetics field moves towards clinical practice, an important question arises as to whether such probes will cause excessive thermal heating of the surrounding tissue. Light emitting diodes typically produce more heat than light. The resultant temperature rise of the probe surface therefore needs to be maintained under the regulatory limit of 2°C. This work combines optical and thermal modelling, which have been experimental verified. Analysis has been performed on the effect of probe/emitter geometries, emitter, and radiance requirements. Finally, the effective illumination volume has been calculated within thermal limits for different probe emitter types and required thresholds.
Ultraviolet radiation oxidative stress affects eye health
Authors: Ivanov Iliya V. , Mappes Timo , Schaupp Patrick , Lappe Christian , Wahl Siegfried
Published: March 2018

In the eye, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is not known to contribute to visual perception but to mainly damage multiple structures. UVR carries higher energy than visible light and high dose exposure to UVR causes direct cellular damage, which has an important role in the development of cancer. This review provides an overview on the most recent knowledge on the role of UVR in oxidative stress (OS) in relation to noncancer ocular pathologies: various corneal pathologies, cataract, glaucoma and age‐related macular degeneration. Possible OS signaling streams and mechanisms in the aging eye are discussed. Excessive exposure to UVR through live may seriously contribute to increase in OS of various eye tissues and thus lead to the advancement of serious ocular pathologies. Children are especially vulnerable to UVR because of their larger pupils and more transparent ocular media: up to 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to UVR is reached before the age of 18. Therefore, efficient everyday protection of the sensitive tissues of the eye by wearing of sunglasses, clear UVR‐blocking spectacles or contact lenses should be considered from early age on. Many initiatives are taken worldwide to inform and raise the population's awareness about these possible UVR hazards to the eye.
Chylomicrons against light scattering: The battle for characterization
Authors: Chernova Darya N. , Konokhova Anastasiya I. , Novikova Olga A. , Yurkin Maxim A. , Strokotov Dmitry I. , Karpenko Andrei A. , Chernyshev Andrei V. , Maltsev Valeri P.
Published: March 2018

Chylomicrons (CMs) are lipoprotein particles circulating in blood and transporting dietary lipids. Optically speaking, CMs are small compared to the wavelength of visible light and widely distributed by the size and refractive index (RI). Consequently, intensity of light scattered by the CMs scales with up to the sixth power of their size, hampering simultaneous analysis of 60 and 600 nm CMs. We present an accurate method for quantitative characterization of large‐size CM subpopulation by the distributions over size and RI. For the first time the CM characteristics have been determined at a single particle level based on angle‐resolved light‐scattering measurements. We applied the developed method to 2 key processes relating to CM metabolism, namely in vivo dynamics of CMs in blood plasma after a meal and in vitro lipolysis of CMs by the lipoprotein lipase in postheparin plasma. We have observed the substantial variations in CM concentration, size and RI distributions. This opens the way for a multitude of medical applications involving screening of CM metabolism, which we exemplified by revealing large differences in CM characteristics after a 12‐hour fast between a healthy volunteer and a patient with atherosclerosis.
An ultra‐low‐cost smartphone octochannel spectrometer for mobile health diagnostics
Authors: Wang Li‐Ju , Naudé Nicole , Chang Yu‐Chung , Crivaro Anne , Kamoun Malek , Wang Ping , Li Lei
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development and proliferation of mobile devices with powerful computing power and the ability of integrating sensors into mobile devices, the potential impact of mobile health (mHealth) diagnostics on the public health is drawing researchers' attention. We developed a Smartphone Octo‐channel Spectrometer (SOS) as a mHealth diagnostic tool. The SOS has nanoscale wavelength resolution, is self‐illuminated from the smartphone itself, and is ultra‐low cost (less than $20). A user interface controls the optical sensing parameters and precise alignment. After calibrating and testing the SOS by quantifying protein concentrations, we clinically validated the SOS by comparing the diagnostic performance of our device with that of a clinical spectrophotometer. About 180 serum samples from de‐identified patients with 4 types of autoantibodies were blindly read the ELISA results. The accuracy of the SOS achieved 100% across the clinical reportable range compared with the FDA‐approved instrument. Furthermore, the self‐illuminated SOS only requires about half of the light intensity of the FDA‐approved instrument to achieve clinical‐level sensitivity. The low‐energy‐consumption and low‐cost SOS enables point‐of‐care spectrophotometric sensing in low‐resource areas, and can be integrated into point‐of‐care diagnostic systems for rapid multiplex readout and analysis at patient bedside or at home.
Development of asymmetric resorbable membranes for guided bone and surrounding tissue regeneration
Authors: Fidalgo C. , Rodrigues M. A. , Peixoto T. , Lobato J. V. , Santos J. D. , Lopes M. A.
Published: March 2018

Membranes design for guided tissue engineering have been studied to aid in cell viability and function as tissue barriers. Two asymmetric resorbable membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) were produced: chitosan/pectin/poly‐caprolactone (PECm) and poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylenimine/poly(ethylene glycol) (PVAm). Both membranes were characterized by physical, chemical, mechanical, degradation rate, and in vitro biological assessment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the membranes asymmetry, in which PECm asymmetry is given by roughness and chemical composition, while PVAm's only by differences in porosity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified chemical groups and bonds between polymers. Both sides of PVAm revealed to be hydrophobic, whereas the PECm presented one side with higher hydrophobicity than the other. In vitro biological assessment disclosed that PECm presented a higher cell adhesion growth pattern than PVAm, where it seemed to occur a delay in proliferation due to initial low cell adhesion. Both developed membranes are suitable for GBR, since both membranes fulfil the requirements to be used as a tissue barrier. The PECm has an additional role in cell viability that was not observed in the PVAm. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2141‐2150, 2018.
In vitro assessment of electrospun polyamide‐6 scaffolds for esophageal tissue engineering
Authors: Zhuravleva Margarita , Gilazieva Zarema , Grigoriev Timofei E. , Shepelev Alexey D. , Kh. Tenchurin Timur , Kamyshinsky Roman , Krasheninnikov Sergey V. , Orlov Sergei , Caralogli Gina , Archipova Svetlana , Holterman Mark J. , Mavlikeev Mikhail , Deev Roman V. , Chvalun Sergei N. , Macchiarini Paolo
Published: March 2018

Artificial tissue‐engineered grafts offer a potential alternative to autologous tissue grafts for patients, which can be traumatic. After decellularizing Papio hamadryas esophagus and studying the morphology and physical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), we generated electrospun polyamide‐6 based scaffolds to mimic it. The scaffolds supported a greater mechanical load than the native ECM and demonstrated similar 3D microstructure, with randomly aligned fibers, 90% porosity, 29 μm maximal pore size, and average fiber diameter of 2.87 ± 0.95 µm. Biocompatibility studies showed that human adipose‐ and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD‐MSC and BMD‐MSC) adhered to the scaffold surface and showed some proliferation: scaffold cell coverage was 25% after 72 h of incubation when seeded with 1000 cells/mm2; cells elongated processes along the polyamide‐6, although they flattened 1.67–4 times less than on cell culture plastic. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, however, showed poor adherence and proliferation. We thus provide in vitro evidence that polyamide‐6 scaffolds approximating the esophageal biomechanics and 3D topography of nonhuman primates may provide a biocompatible substrate for both AD‐MSC and BMD‐MSCs, supporting their adhesion and survival to some degree. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 253–268, 2019.
Optia® continuous mononuclear collection (CMNC) system is a safe and efficient system for hematopoietic progenitor cells‐apheresis (HPC‐a) collection and yields a lower product hematocrit (HCT%) than the COBE® spectra system: A retrospective study
Authors: Pandey Soumya , Cottler‐Fox Michele
Published: March 2018

Purpose

We evaluated the Optia® continuous mononuclear collection (CMNC) system for hematopoietic progenitor cell‐apheresis (HPC‐A) collection (Terumo BCT, Lakewood, CO) compared to the COBE® Spectra (Terumo BCT, Lakewood, CO), including both large volume leukapheresis (LVL) and non‐LVL collections.

Methods

We performed a retrospective data analysis of all autologous HPC‐A collections with the Optia® CMNC system (n = 93; LVL = 59, non‐LVL = 34) since implementation at our institution and compared it with a similar number of concurrent collections utilizing the COBE® Spectra (n = 96; LVL = 68, non‐LVL = 28). The population studied included multiple myeloma (62 patients/171 collections) and lymphoma (5 patients/18 collections). Mobilization was achieved using chemotherapy + G‐CSF (n = 108), chemotherapy + G‐CSF + plerixafor (n = 67), G‐CSF alone (n = 10), or G‐CSF + plerixafor (n = 4). Based on our minimum predicted collection formula and the collection goal, 7‐30 L of whole blood was processed. Per protocol, a minimum of 2 days of collection was performed.

Results

HPC‐A collected on Optia® CMNC had lower %HCT than those collected on COBE® Spectra (3.7 versus 4.3%, P = .029). There were no statistically significant differences between the two devices for other variables examined, including preapheresis WBC count and CD34+ cell count, procedure time, whole blood volume processed, collection efficiency (CE2), % platelet loss and throughput. CE2 for both devices was higher when <30 L of whole blood volume was processed. A linear correlation was noted between the preapheresis CD34+ cell count and CD34+ cells collected. No adverse events or bleeding episodes were noted, even when acetyl salicyclic acid (ASA) was given.

Conclusions

Optia® CMNC system is equivalent to the COBE® Spectra, with significantly lower product HCT%.
Recognition of protein allosteric states and residues: Machine learning approaches
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Dong Zheng , Tao Peng
Published: March 2018

Allostery is a process by which proteins transmit the effect of perturbation at one site to a distal functional site upon certain perturbation. As an intrinsically global effect of protein dynamics, it is difficult to associate protein allostery with individual residues, hindering effective selection of key residues for mutagenesis studies. The machine learning models including decision tree (DT) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were applied to develop classification model for a cell signaling allosteric protein with two states showing extremely similar tertiary structures in both crystallographic structures and molecular dynamics simulations. Both DT and ANN models were developed with 75% and 80% of predicting accuracy, respectively. Good agreement between machine learning models and previous experimental as well as computational studies of the same protein validates this approach as an alternative way to analyze protein dynamics simulations and allostery. In addition, the difference of distributions of key features in two allosteric states also underlies the population shift hypothesis of dynamics‐driven allostery model. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐dependent pair distribution functions based on Smoluchowski equation and application to an electrolyte solution
Authors: Kasahara Kento , Sato Hirofumi
Published: March 2018

Time‐dependent pair distribution function characterizes the diffusion of pairs of molecules in liquids. In the diffusion regime, the function is described with three‐dimensional Smoluchowski equation. We propose a scheme to numerically calculate the function between polyatomic and monoatomic species based on the Smoluchowski equation. The present scheme is successfully applied to the diffusion of Ar–Ar pair in liquid Ar and ethylene carbonate (EC)‐Li+pair in 1 M LiPF6/EC electrolyte solution. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved reference method for serum cations measurement by ion chromatography
Authors: Zou Jihua , Shen Min , Zhang Man , Tu Minmin , Feng Rui , Yan Ying , Zou Bingde
Published: March 2018

Background

To improve the accuracy of the routine methods in laboratory medicine, ion chromatography with a simple sample treatment procedure, which can completely remove the proteins and/or organics in human serum, has been developed for the determination of serum cations.

Methods

Chromatographic conditions for the separate and simultaneous determination of K, Na, Ca, and Mg were investigated. Furthermore, various factors influencing the mineralization of human serum, such as the selection and amount of oxidant, were also examined systematically and optimized.

Results

The optimized experimental conditions are as follows: 1.0 mL of serum specimen digested with 2 mL nitric acid (120°C) followed by 2 mL hydrogen peroxide (80°C). The specimens were then redissolved and determined by ion chromatography under the optimum eluent concentration of 32 mmol/L methanesulfonic acids. The measurement accuracy and precision are less than 1.0% for all the analytes by analyzing NIST certified reference materials, IFCC‐RELA specimens and serum specimens. The results were also comparable with the reference values obtained by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), which were found to be in good agreement.

Conclusions

Ion chromatography with a simple sample treatment procedure for the determination of cations in human serum with high sensitivity and specificity was developed. The proposed method could be recommended as a candidate reference method for the determination of serum cations.
Risk factors and mortality rate in premature babies with acute kidney injury
Authors: Elmas Ahmet Taner , Tabel Yılmaz , Özdemir Ramazan
Published: March 2018

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common morbidity in neonatal intensive care units and associated with poor outcome. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AKI and provide a demographic data and risk factors associated with the mortality and morbidity.

Methods

This is a retrospective study included 105 premature babies. Diagnosis of AKI was based on neonatal KDIGO classification criteria. The babies were stratified into two groups according to AKI status during the hospitalization. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the AKI group were compared to non‐AKI group.

Results

AKI occurred in 21 (20.0%) of 105 premature babies, and mortality rate in these babies was 61.9%. Lower gestational weeks, lower Apgar scores at 5 minutes, lower systolic blood pressures, and inotropic supports were independent risk factors for the development of AKI in preterm babies (P < .05, for each). Oliguria, preeclampsia/eclampsia, resuscitation at birth, lower diastolic blood pressure, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), inotropic support, and furosemide treatment were associated with the mortality (P < .05, for each).

Conclusions

Prenatal risk factors and medical interventions are associated with AKI, and AKI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, identification of AKI is very important in this vulnerable population and it should be performed as quickly as possible in all babies who are at high risk for developing of AKI.
A retrospective analysis of 237 Chinese families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy history and strategies of prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Xu Ying , Li Yu , Song Tingting , Guo Fenfen , Zheng Jiao , Xu Hui , Yan Feng , Cheng Lu , Li Chunyan , Chen Biliang , Zhang Jianfang
Published: March 2018

Background

To offer 4‐year clinical prenatal diagnosis experience of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and Sanger sequencing were used for molecular diagnosis of 237 DMD families.

Results

In the study, deletions, duplications, complex rearrangement and small mutations accounted for 47.3%, 8.4%, 1.7% and 42.6% of 237 families, respectively. Sixty‐six different deletion patterns were identified in 112 families. Fourteen different duplication patterns were identified in 20 families and 4 complex rearrangements were identified. About 87.1% different small mutation patterns were identified, including 37.6% different nonsense mutation patterns, 24.8% different frameshift mutation patterns, 7.9% different missense mutation patterns, and 16.8% different splice site mutation patterns. There was no significant difference in the age of onset and mutation patterns (P > .05). The follow‐up examinations revealed that the pregnancies of 14 cases were interrupted. Two cases were preterm births, 151 cases were delivered at term, 63 cases continued to pregnancy, and 7 cases were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

DHPLC and Sanger sequencing technique are efficient, sensitive, and specific in screening for DMD gene mutations. And pre‐pregnancy DMD gene examination is an important step to assess mutation type of family with suspected DMD and guides exactly prenatal diagnosis in high‐risk families.
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio in acute aortic dissection
Authors: Sbarouni Eftihia , Georgiadou Panagiota , Kosmas Elias , Analitis Antonis , Voudris Vassilis
Published: March 2018

Background

Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of acute aortic dissection (AAD). New inflammatory indices derived from full cell blood count and its differential may be associated with increased risk. We evaluated platelet‐lymphocyte (PLR), red cell distribution width (RDW) and RDW/PLT's (platelets) (RPR) in AAD.

Methods

We studied 120 consecutive patients with AAD type I admitted for emergency surgery (group I), 121 consecutive patients with aortic aneurysms of the ascending aorta prior to elective repair (group II) and 121 controls (group III), age and sex matched.

Results

PLR was significantly higher in group I vs both groups II and III (P < .001). There was an excellent correlation of PLR with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in all three groups (P < .001 for all). After adjustment for hemoglobin, RDW did not differ but RPR remained significantly higher in group I compared to groups II and III (P < .001). The best cutoff value of PLR to predict dissection was 159 with 53% sensitivity and 86% specificity. No association between PLR, RDW, and RPR and mortality in group I was found.

Conclusions

Indices derived from full cell blood count may provide diagnostic information in patients with AAD; whether these indices may contribute to prognosis assessment should be further investigated.
Modified Carba NP Test: Simple and rapid method to differentiate KPC‐ and MBL‐producing Klebsiella species
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Singh Varsha A. , Beniwal Vikas , Pottathil Shinu
Published: March 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the modified Carba NP test to differentiate KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase)‐ and MBL (metallo‐β‐lactamase)‐producing Klebsiella species.

Methods

A total of 508 non‐duplicate clinical isolates of Klebsiella spp. were processed by modified Carba NP and combined disc tests which were further confirmed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a gold standard method for statistical analysis.

Results

Modified Carba NP test demonstrated 91.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 99.8% negative predictive value (NPV) for KPC and 96.7%, 100%, 100%, and 99.5% for MBL detection, respectively.

Conclusion

The performance of modified Carba NP test was significantly better than combined disc test, fulfilling the requirement of simple and rapid test for clinical applications.