bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cristazine, a novel dioxopiperazine alkaloid, induces apoptosis via the death receptor pathway in A431 cells
Authors: Jo Mi Jeong , Patil Maheshkumar P. , Jung Hyun Il , Seo Yong Bae , Lim Han Kyu , Son Byeng Wha , Kim Gun‐Do
Published: March 2019

The fungus Chaetomium sp. is a causative agent of infections in humans and is ubiquitous in the natural environment. The secondary metabolites of this genus exhibit many biological activities, including antifungal activity and toxicity in mitochondria. In this study, we isolated cristazine from the fungus C. cristatum, which has the potential to inhibit the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Its inhibitory activity was examined using a cell viability assay and cell death was elucidated by western blot analysis. Cristazine triggered apoptotic cell death via the Type I death receptor pathway including the activation of caspases and other target proteins. However, cristazine did not have any effect on mitochondrial apoptotic proteins such as Bid, cytochrome c, and apoptosis‐inducing factor. Cristazine inhibited the cell cycle progression by arresting the G1/S phase and up‐regulating the inhibitory proteins of cyclin‐dependent kinases. Thus, cristazine has great potential for inducing apoptosis in A431 cells via both cell cycle arrest and the inhibition of cell growth.
Predator–prey dynamics of bald eagles and glaucous‐winged gulls at Protection Island, Washington, USA
Authors: Henson Shandelle M. , Desharnais Robert A. , Funasaki Eric T. , Galusha Joseph G. , Watson James W. , Hayward James L.
Published: March 2019

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) populations in North America rebounded in the latter part of the twentieth century, the result of tightened protection and outlawing of pesticides such as DDT. An unintended consequence of recovery may be a negative impact on seabirds. During the 1980s, few bald eagles disturbed a large glaucous‐winged gull (Larus glaucescens) colony on Protection Island, Washington, USA, in the Salish Sea. Breeding gull numbers in this colony rose nearly 50% during the 1980s and early 1990s. Beginning in the 1990s, a dramatic increase in bald eagle activity ensued within the colony, after which began a significant decline in gull numbers.

To examine whether trends in the gull colony could be explained by eagle activity, we fit a Lotka–Volterra‐type predator–prey model to gull nest count data and Washington State eagle territory data collected in most years between 1980 and 2016. Both species were assumed to grow logistically in the absence of the other.

The model fits the data with generalizedR2 = 0.82, supporting the hypothesis that gull dynamics were due largely to eagle population dynamics.

Point estimates of the model parameters indicated approach to stable coexistence. Within the 95% confidence intervals for the parameters, however, 11.0% of bootstrapped parameter vectors predicted gull colony extinction.

Our results suggest that the effects of bald eagle activity on the dynamics of a large gull colony were explained by a predator–prey relationship that included the possibility of coexistence but also the possibility of gull colony extinction. This study serves as a cautionary exploration of the future, not only for gulls on Protection Island, but for other seabirds in the Salish Sea. Managers should monitor numbers of nests in seabird colonies as well as eagle activity within colonies to document trends that may lead to colony extinction.
Eighteen years of ecological monitoring reveals multiple lines of evidence for tundra vegetation change
Authors: Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Grabowski Meagan M. , Thomas Haydn J. D. , Angers‐Blondin Sandra , Daskalova Gergana N. , Bjorkman Anne D. , Cunliffe Andrew M. , Assmann Jakob J. , Boyle Joseph S. , McLeod Edward , McLeod Samuel , Joe Ricky , Lennie Paden , Arey Deon , Gordon Richard R. , Eckert Cameron D.
Published: March 2019

The Arctic tundra is warming rapidly, yet the exact mechanisms linking warming and observed ecological changes are often unclear. Understanding mechanisms of change requires long‐term monitoring of multiple ecological parameters. Here, we present the findings of a collaboration between government scientists, local people, park rangers, and academic researchers that provide insights into changes in plant composition, phenology, and growth over 18 yr on Qikiqtaruk‐Herschel Island, Canada. Qikiqtaruk is an important focal research site located at the latitudinal tall shrub line in the western Arctic. This unique ecological monitoring program indicates the following findings: (1) nine days per decade advance of spring phenology, (2) a doubling of average plant canopy height per decade, but no directional change in shrub radial growth, and (3) a doubling of shrub and graminoid abundance and a decrease by one‐half in bare ground cover per decade. Ecological changes are concurrent with satellite‐observed greening and, when integrated, suggest that indirect warming from increased growing season length and active layer depths, rather than warming summer air temperatures alone, could be important drivers of the observed tundra vegetation change. Our results highlight the vital role that long‐term and multi‐parameter ecological monitoring plays in both the detection and attribution of global change.
Biotic homogenization of wetland nematode communities by exotic Spartina alterniflora in China
Authors: Zhang Youzheng , Pennings Steven C. , Li Bo , Wu Jihua
Published: March 2019

Introduced species may homogenize biotic communities. Whether this homogenization can erase latitudinal patterns of species diversity and composition has not been well studied. We examined this by comparing nematode and microbial communities in stands of native Phragmites australis and exotic Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands across 18° of latitude in China. We found clear latitudinal clines in nematode diversity and functional composition, and in microbial composition, for soils collected from native P. australis. These latitudinal patterns were weak or absent for soils collected from nearby stands of the exotic S. alterniflora. Climatic and edaphic variables varied across latitude in similar ways in both community types. In P. australis there were strong correlations between community structure and environmental variables, whereas in S. alterniflora these correlations were weak. These results suggest that the invasion of S. alterniflora into the Chinese coastal wetlands has caused profound biotic homogenization of soil communities across latitude. We speculate that the variation in P. australis nematode and microbial communities across latitude is primarily driven by geographic variation in plant traits, but that such variation in plant traits is largely lacking for the recently introduced exotic S. alterniflora. These results indicate that widespread exotic species can homogenize nematode communities at large spatial scales.
Direct detection of DNA using 3D surface enhanced Raman scattering hotspot matrix
Authors: Wang Yongkang , Wei Zhiyong , Zhang Yan , Chen Yunfei
Published: March 2019

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are evaporatively self‐assembled into the 3D surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) hotspot matrix with the assistant of glycerol to improve the spectral reproducibility in direct DNA detection. AgNPs and DNA in the glycerol‐stabilized 3D SERS hotspot matrix are found to form flexible sandwich structures through electrostatic interaction where neighboring AgNPs create uniform and homogeneous localized surface plasmon resonance coupling environments for central DNA. Nearly two orders of magnitude extra SERS enhancement, more stable peak frequency and narrower peak full width at half maximum can therefore be obtained in DNA SERS spectra, which ensures highly stable and reproducible SERS signals in direct detection of both single strand DNA and double strand DNA utilizing the 3D SERS hotspot matrix. By normalizing the SERS spectra using phosphate backbone as internal standard, identification of single base variation in oligonucleotides, determination of DNA hybridization events and recognition of chemical modification on bases (hexanethiol‐capped at 5’ end) have been demonstrated experimentally. This proposed 3D SERS hotspot matrix opens a novel perspective in manipulating plasmonic nanoparticles to construct SERS platforms and would make the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy a more practical and reliable tool in direct DNA detection.
Wire‐Shaped and Membrane‐Free Fuel Cell Based on Biscrolled Carbon Nanotube Yarn
Authors: Zhou Xiaoshuang , Zheng Xianhong , Xu Jiang , Dai Shengping , Wang Xi , Hu Xinghao , Qiu Yiping , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: March 2019

Flexible fuel cells show great prospects as a power source in wearable devices due to their high efficiency and good reliability. Herein, a wire‐shaped fuel cell is designed by achieving two main breakthroughs; one is the fabrication of the catalyst‐loaded current collector for wire‐shaped electrodes, and the other is the membrane‐free configuration design according to a new fuel reaction mechanism. Successfully, a flexible wire‐shaped membraneless fuel cell (WFC) is fabricated for the first time by integrating a biscrolled carbon nanotube (CNT)@ Fe3[Co (CN)6]2 cathode and CNT@ nickel particles anode into a silicone tube with a liquid H2O2 fuel electrolyte. The resulting flexible WFC shows an open‐circuit potential (OCP) of 0.88 V and a power density of 6.28 mW cm−2. Moreover, it can retain the structural integrity and stability under repeated bending deformation. Hopefully, this article will pave the way for the next‐generation reliable wearable electronics.
Predicting multistage financial distress: Reflections on sampling, feature and model selection criteria
Authors: Farooq Umar , Qamar Muhammad Ali Jibran
Published: March 2019

This research proposes a prediction model of multistage financial distress (MSFD) after considering contextual and methodological issues regarding sampling, feature and model selection criteria. Financial distress is defined as a three‐stage process showing different nature and intensity of financial problems. It is argued that applied definition of distress is independent of legal framework and its predictability would provide more practical solutions. The final sample is selected after industry adjustments and oversampling the data. A wrapper subset data mining approach is applied to extract the most relevant features from financial statement and stock market indicators. An ensemble approach using a combination of DTNB (decision table and naïve base hybrid model), LMT (logistic model tree) and A2DE (alternative N dependence estimator) Bayesian models is used to develop the final prediction model. The performance of all the models is evaluated using a 10‐fold cross‐validation method. Results showed that the proposed model predicted MSFD with 84.06% accuracy. This accuracy increased to 89.57% when a 33.33% cut‐off value was considered. Hence the proposed model is accurate and reliable to identify the true nature and intensity of financial problems regardless of the contextual legal framework.
Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Cognitive Function and Risk of Falls in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Román Eva , Nieto Juan Camilo , Gely Cristina , Vidal Sílvia , Pozuelo Marta , Poca Maria , Juárez Cándido , Guarner Carlos , Manichanh Chaysavanh , Soriano Germán
Published: March 2019

Probiotics can modulate gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and immune response and could therefore improve cognitive dysfunction and help avoid potential consequences, such as falls, in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multistrain probiotic on cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis. Consecutive outpatients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction (defined by a Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score [PHES] < −4) and/or falls in the previous year were randomized to receive either a sachet of a high‐concentration multistrain probiotic containing 450 billion bacteria twice daily for 12 weeks or placebo. We evaluated the changes in cognitive function (PHES); risk of falls (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test, gait speed, and incidence of falls); systemic inflammatory response; neutrophil oxidative burst; intestinal barrier integrity (serum fatty acid–binding protein 6 [FABP‐6] and 2 [FABP‐2] and zonulin and urinary claudin‐3); bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein [LBP]); and fecal microbiota. Thirty‐six patients were included. Patients treated with the probiotic (n = 18) showed an improvement in the PHES (P = 0.006), TUG time (P = 0.015) and gait speed (P = 0.02), and a trend toward a lower incidence of falls during follow‐up (0% compared with 22.2% in the placebo group [n = 18]; P = 0.10). In the probiotic group, we observed a decrease in C‐reactive protein (P = 0.01), tumor necrosis factor alpha (P = 0.01), FABP‐6 (P = 0.009), and claudin‐3 (P = 0.002), and an increase in poststimulation neutrophil oxidative burst (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The multistrain probiotic improved cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction and/or previous falls.
Three‐dimensional‐based landmark tracker employing a superpixels method for neuroscience, biomechanics, and biology studies
Authors: Haji Maghsoudi Omid , Vahedipour Annie , Spence Andrew
Published: March 2019

Examining locomotion has improved our basic understanding of motor control and aided in treating motor impairment. Mice and rats are premier models of human disease and increasingly the model systems of choice for basic neuroscience. High frame rates (250 Hz) are needed to quantify the kinematics of these running rodents. Manual tracking, especially for multiple markers, becomes time‐consuming and impossible for large sample sizes. Therefore, the need for automatic segmentation of these markers has grown in recent years. Here, we address this need by presenting a method to segment the markers using the simple linear iterative clustering superpixel method. The two‐dimensional coordinates on the image plane are projected to a three‐dimensional (3D) domain using direct linear transform and a 3D Kalman filter has been used to predict the position of markers based on the speed and position of markers from the previous frames. A probabilistic function is used to find the best match from among superpixels. The method is evaluated for different difficulties for tracking of the markers, and it achieves 95% correct labeling of markers. Finally, the method was used to analyze data from an ongoing study seeking to improve recovery from spinal cord injury in rats
Noninvasive estimation of intravascular volume status in cirrhosis by dynamic size and collapsibility indices of the inferior vena cava using bedside echocardiography
Authors: Premkumar Madhumita , Rangegowda Devaraja , Kajal Kamal , Khumuckham Jelen S
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

Echocardiographic assessment of the inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and collapsibility index (IVCCI) is a noninvasive estimate of intravascular volume status (IVS) but requires validation for cirrhosis. We evaluated IVC dynamics in cirrhosis and correlated it with conventional tools such as central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and right atrial pressure (RAP).

Methods

A total of 673 consecutive cirrhotic patients were screened by echocardiography, and 125 patients underwent right heart catheterization with recording of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), RAP, pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, and PCWP. CVP data were available for 80 (64%) patients, and finally, 76 patients (84% male, 50% ethanol related, mean age 52.1 years, 57.8% with ascites) with complete data were enrolled.

Results

The mean CVP measured was 12.8 ± 4.8 mmHg, and IVCCI was 29.5 ± 10.9%. The IVCD ranged from 0.97 to 2.26 cm and from 0.76 to 1.84 cm during expiration and inspiration, respectively, with a mean of 1.8 ± 0.9 cm. The mean IVCD correlated with RAP (r = 0.633, P = 0.043) but not with HVPG (r = 0.344, P = 0.755), PCWP (r = 0.562, P = 0.072), or PA pressure (r = 0.563, P = 0.588). A negative linear correlation was observed between the CVP and the IVCCI (r = −0.827, P = 0.023) in all patients and substratified for those with (r = −0.748, P = 0.039) and without ascites (r = −0.761, P = 0.047). A positive correlation was observed between CVP and IVCDmax (r = 0.671, P = 0.037) and IVCDmin (r = 0.612, P = 0.040).

Conclusions

IVCD and collapsibility index provides noninvasive IVS assessment, independent of HVPG or ascites, with the potential for calculating fluid requirements in cirrhosis.
Skeletal muscle mass is associated with toxicity, treatment tolerability, and additional or subsequent therapies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib treatment
Authors: Sawada Koji , Saitho Yoshinori , Hayashi Hidemi , Hasebe Takumu , Nakajima Shunsuke , Ikuta Katsuya , Fujiya Mikihiro , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

Several reports have demonstrated that skeletal muscle mass influences mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib treatment; however, there is still controversy with regard to whether skeletal muscle and adipose tissue are associated with the prognosis in HCC patients. We examined the relationship between body composition and prognosis in HCC patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 82 patients with unresectable HCC receiving sorafenib treatment. The skeletal muscle area and adipose tissue area were measured by computed tomography. Patients with low skeletal muscle index (male ≤36.2 cm2/m2, female ≤29.6 cm2/m2) and high visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR) (male ≥ 1.33, female ≥ 0.93) were diagnosed as low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and high VSR, respectively.

Results

A total of 16 and 34 patients were classified as LSMM and high VSR, respectively. LSMM patients frequently experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) and thus had a shorter duration of sorafenib treatment than non‐LSMM patients. High VSR was a significant factor for progression‐free survival. LSMM patients less frequently received additional/subsequent therapies combined with sorafenib than non‐LSMM patients. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that LSMM was a significant factor for the duration of sorafenib treatment. The treatment duration and receiving of additional/subsequent therapies were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) but not with LSMM or high VSR.

Conclusion

LSMM was associated with the frequency of SAEs, treatment tolerability, and treatment duration. LSMM patients were less likely to receive additional/subsequent therapies than non‐LSMM patients. Thus, LSMM could identify a subgroup of patients with poor OS.
Augmentation of iNOS expression in myeloid progenitor cells expedites neutrophil differentiation
Authors: Sadaf Samreen , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Awasthi Deepika , Nagarkoti Sheela , Agrahari Ashok Kumar , Srivastava Rajeshwar Nath , Jagavelu Kumaravelu , Kumar Sachin , Barthwal Manoj Kumar , Dikshit Madhu
Published: March 2019

Neutrophils play important role in immunity and inflammation through diverse mechanisms. Reports from this lab and others have demonstrated involvement of NO in neutrophil adhesion, chemotaxis, bacterial killing, reactive oxygen species generation, neutrophil extracellular traps’ formation, and apoptosis. Constitutive expression of iNOS in human neutrophils has also been documented. The role of NO-iNOS in neutrophil differentiation however remains ill-defined. The present study was undertaken to understand the role of NO generated from iNOS in the neutrophil differentiation by using iNOS-overexpressing K562 cells (K562iNOS) and iNOS-deficient murine progenitor cells (lineage negative cells; lin-ve). We observed that iNOS overexpression led to increased neutrophilic differentiation in K562 cells; more specifically an early and accelerated neutrophilic differentiation was spotted in K562iNOS. These observations were further validated using iNOS knockout lin-ve cells or hematopoietic progenitor cells that exhibited delayed neutrophil differentiation in comparison to its wild-type counterpart. In addition, a significant increase in the gene expression of iNOS during neutrophilic differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells derived from human bone marrow further substantiates importance of iNOS in neutrophil differentiation. Moreover, a significant increase in NO generation during neutrophil differentiation was observed and enhanced neutrophil differentiation with NO donor was also observed, implying the importance of NO in neutrophil differentiation. Collectively, using alternative approaches, we demonstrated that neutrophil differentiation is significantly influenced by iNOS or NO, suggesting the possibility of exploiting this novel link for therapeutic aspects of NO generated from iNOS and neutrophil differentiation in hematopoiesis-related disorders.
Cxcl17
-/- mice develop exacerbated disease in a T cell-dependent autoimmune model
Authors: Hernández-Ruiz Marcela , Othy Shivashankar , Herrera Carolina , Nguyen Hong-Tam , Arrevillaga-Boni Gerardo , Catalan-Dibene Jovani , Cahalan Michael D , Zlotnik Albert
Published: March 2019

CXCL17 is a homeostatic chemokine in the mucosa known to chemoattract dendritic cells and macrophages but can also be expressed elsewhere under inflammatory conditions. Cxcl17−/− mice have lower numbers of macrophages or dendritic cells in mucosal tissues. CXCL17 is also able to chemoattract suppressor myeloid cells that can recruit regulatory T cells. To explore a possible role of Cxcl17 in T cells, we studied T cell populations from Cxcl17−/− or wild-type (WT) littermate mice. Cxcl17−/− mice have higher numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen and lymph nodes (LNs). Upon activation, they produce higher levels of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, a Cxcl17−/− mouse developed exacerbated disease in a T cell-dependent model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). By 18 days after immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte peptide, only 44% of Cxcl17−/− mice were still alive vs. 90% for WT mice. During EAE, Cxcl17−/− mice exhibited higher numbers of lymphoid and myeloid cells in spleen and LNs, whereas they had less myeloid cell infiltration in the CNS. Cxcl17−/− mice also had higher levels of some inflammatory cytokines in serum, suggesting that they may be involved in the poor survival of these mice. Abnormal T cell function may reflect altered myeloid cell migration, or it could be due to altered T cell development in the thymus. We conclude that CXCL17 is a novel factor regulating T cell homeostasis and function.
PD-1 modulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific polarized effector memory T cells response in tuberculosis pleurisy
Authors: Li Jiangping , Jin Chenxi , Wu Changyou , Huang Jun
Published: March 2019

Host-pathogen interactions in tuberculosis (TB) should be studied at the disease sites because Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is predominantly contained in local tissue lesions. T-cell immune responses are required to mount anti-mycobacterial immunity. However, T-cell immune responses modulated by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) during tuberculosis pleurisy (TBP) remains poorly understood. We selected the pleural fluid mononuclear cells (PFMCs) from TBP and PBMCs from healthy donors (HD), and characterized PD-1-expresing T-cell phenotypes and functions. Here, we found that the PFMCs exhibited increases in numbers of PD-1-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which preferentially displayed polarized effector memory phenotypes. The M.tb-specific Ag stimulation increased CD4+PD-1+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells, which is in direct correlation with IFN-γ production and PD-L1+ APCs in PFMCs of these individuals. Moreover, blockage of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway enhanced the percentage of IFN-γ+ T cells, demonstrating that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway played a negative regulation in T cell effector functions. Furthermore, CD4+PD-1+ and CD8+PD-1+ T-cell subsets showed greater memory phenotype, activation, and effector functions for producing Th1 cytokines than PD-1− counterparts. Thus, these PD-1+ T cells were not exhausted but appear to be central to maintaining Ag-specific effector. IL-12, a key immunoregulatory cytokine, enhanced the expression of PD-1 and restored a strong IFN-γ response through selectively inducing the phosphorylation of STAT4 in CD4+PD-1+T-bet+ and CD8+PD-1+T-bet+ T cells. This study therefore uncovered a previously unknown mechanism for T-cell immune responses regulated by PD-1, and may have implications for potential immune intervention in TBP.
Formation of multimeric steroid metal adducts and implications for isomer mixture separation by traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Rister Alana L. , Martin Tiana L. , Dodds Eric D.
Published: March 2019

Steroid analysis is essential to the fields of medicine and forensics, but such analyses can present some complex analytical challenges. While chromatographic methods require long acquisition times and often provide incomplete separation, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) has demonstrated significant promise for the separation of steroids, particularly in concert with metal adduction and multimerization. In this study, traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS) was employed to separate multimer steroid metal adducts of isomers in mixtures. The results show the ability to separate steroid isomers with a decrease in resolution compared with single component standards because of the formation of heteromultimers. Additionally, ion‐neutral collision cross sections (CCS) of the species studied were measured in the mixtures and compared with CCSs obtained in single component standards. Good agreement between these values suggests that the CCS may aid in identification of unknowns. Furthermore, a complex mixture composed of five sets of steroid isomers were analyzed, and distinct features for each steroid component were identified. This study further demonstrated the potential of TWIMS‐MS methods for the rapid and isomer‐specific study of steroids in biological samples for use either in tandem with or without chromatographic separation.
Take a Job, Any Job: Exploring the Importance of Matched Interests to Career Paths and Work Satisfaction
Authors: Earl Joanne , Iskandar Franz , Elizondo Fabian
Published: March 2019

Employment counselors often face the conundrum of whether to advise people to take a job or to hold out for something that better matches their interests. This study investigated whether matched interests in an initial job predicted the subsequent career journey of 336 sales engineers and whether this made a difference to longer term work satisfaction and tenure. Results showed that although the first job significantly influenced people's future career journey, personality and job characteristics were likely to be more influential than matched interests in predicting work satisfaction. Thus, people may be better off taking well‐designed jobs than holding out for matched interests.
Bovine Colostrum Against Chemotherapy‐Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Rathe Mathias , De Pietri Silvia , Wehner Peder Skov , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Grell Kathrine , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Sangild Per Torp , Husby Steffen , Müller Klaus
Published: March 2019

Background

The toxic effect of chemotherapy on the gastrointestinal tract may lead to mucositis and is associated with the pathogenesis of other treatment‐related complications. We hypothesized that nutrition supplementation with bovine colostrum, rich in bioactive factors, would ameliorate gastrointestinal toxicity and reduce the incidence of fever and infectious complications during induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

Children with newly diagnosed ALL were included in a 2‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized to receive a daily colostrum or placebo supplement during 4 weeks of induction treatment. Data on fever, bacteremia, need for antibiotics, and mucosal toxicity were prospectively collected. (Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01766804).

Results

Sixty‐two patients were included. No differences were found for the primary outcome (number of days with fever). No difference was observed for neutropenic fever, intravenous antibiotics, or incidence of bacteremia. Peak severity of oral mucositis was significantly reduced by colostrum (7/29 patients, 24% mild; 6/29, 21% moderate; 1/29, 3% severe) compared with placebo (12/31, 39% mild; 1/31, 3% moderate; 7/31, 23% severe) (P = 0.02). Among patients receiving at least 1 dose of supplement (colostrum: n = 22; placebo: n = 30), the peak weekly self‐reported oral mucositis score was overall significantly less severe in the colostrum group (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

The use of prophylactic bovine colostrum showed no effect on fever, infectious morbidity, or inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, these data may suggest protective effects on the oral mucosa during induction therapy in childhood ALL, encouraging additional studies confirming these findings.
Hue rotation (HR) and hue blending (HB): Real‐time image enhancement methods for digital component video signals to support red‐green color‐defective observers
Authors: Hira Shoko , Matsumoto Akiko , Kihara Ken , Ohtsuka Sakuichi
Published: March 2019

The mutual understanding of color‐normal observers (CNOs) and color‐defective observers (CDOs) is now essential because personal color information display environments have been widely adopted. However, existing tools for CDOs offer only color discrimination; they fail to support color impression (ie, saturation and contrast). Therefore, we need a novel tool that offers help in distinguishing opponent colors, while preserving color saturation. We introduce two key techniques for realizing this difficult goal. The former is the repeated sequential display of the original and processed images to support the formation of unified correct percepts that provide discrimination of both red‐green and yellow‐blue opponent colors. One image, ie, original, exhibits correct yellow‐blue but distorted red‐green information for CDOs while the other, ie, processed, provides synthesized distinguishable red‐green but confusable yellow‐blue information for CDOs; here, hue rotation (HR) is useful for advanced users whereas hue blending (HB) is suitable for general. The latter is realized by the real‐time video processing available on smartphones; our algorithms support direct processing of the digital component video signal formats (eg, Y, CR, and CB). Subjective tests suggest that the two above‐mentioned algorithms will, along with embedding a lightweight real‐time dichromatic simulation facility for CNOs, greatly help the mutual understanding of CNOs and CDOs.
Evidence of a microbial etiology for sialoliths
Authors: Kao W. K. , Chole Richard A. , Ogden M. Allison
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Sialolithiasis is the primary etiology for parotid and submandibular swelling, potentially resulting in discomfort, bacterial infections, and hospitalization. The etiology of sialolith formation is unknown. Currently, the proposed etiologies range from inflammation, coalescence of organic molecules, sialomicrolith formation, pH changes, and biofilm formation. In this study, we performed a descriptive analysis of images obtained through electron microscopy of sialoliths. Based on our findings and descriptive analysis, we hypothesize that sialolith formation is likely multifactorial and begins with biofilm formation. Biofilm formation then triggers a host immune response, and it is the interaction of biofilm with host immune cells and calcium nanoparticles that forms the nidus and creates a favorable environment for calcium precipitation.

Methods

Sialoliths were extracted from patients and imaged under light and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens for light microscopy were prepared using a diamond saw. Specimens for electron microscopy were freeze‐fractured, thus providing an undisturbed view of the core of the sialolith.

Results

We were able to identify clear evidence of biofilm caves at the core of each sialolith. These biofilm caves were complex with the presence of bacteria and dehydrated extrapolysaccharide matrix, host cells (immune cells, platelets and erythrocytes), and calcium nanoparticles.

Conclusion

The etiology of sialolith formation is likely multifactorial. We propose that biofilm formation within a single salivary gland or duct leads to local ductal injury, which results in the influx of host immune cells that interact with the biofilm and calcium nanoparticles, creating a scaffold upon which further calcium deposition can occur.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:69–74, 2020
A 3D‐printed polycaprolactone/β‐tricalcium phosphate mandibular prosthesis: A pilot animal study
Authors: Park Jae Hong , Jung Soo Yeon , Lee Chi‐Kyou , Ban Myung Jin , Lee Sang Jin , Kim Ha Yeong , Oh Hyun Ju , Kim Byeong Kook , Park Hae Sang , Jang Si‐Hyong , Kim Han Su
Published: March 2019

Objective

In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of a tonsil‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (TMSC)‐transplanted polycaprolactone/beta‐tricalcium phosphate prosthesis (specifically designed for easier fixing and grafting with a single scaffold) on rabbit mandible osteogenesis.

Methods

The mandibles of 18 rabbits were exposed, and 10 × 8‐mm bone defects were made. Two rabbits did not receive implants; four were reconstructed with the scaffold control (SC) (SC group); four were reconstructed with scaffolds soaked in peripheral blood (PB) (PB group); four were reconstructed with TMSC‐transplanted scaffolds (TMSC group); and four were reconstructed with differentiated osteocyte‐transplanted scaffolds (DOC) (DOC group). Each rabbit was sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery, and the area of new bone formation was investigated by mechanical testing, histology, and micro‐computed tomography.

Results

More extended and denser new bone masses were observed in the TMSC and DOC groups, although fibrosis and vascular formation levels were similar in all groups, suggesting that the dual‐structured scaffold alone provides a good environment for bone attachment and regeneration. The bone volumes of representative scaffolds from the SC, PB, TMSC, and DOC groups were 43.12, 48.35, 53.10, and 57.44% of the total volumes, respectively.

Conclusion

The design of the scaffold resulted in effective osteogenesis, and TMSCs showed osteogenic potency, indicating that their combination could enable effective bone regeneration.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:358–366, 2020
A rare invasion route for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: The tracheoesophageal common party wall
Authors: Sims John R. , Yue Lauren E. , Ho Rebecca A. , Khorsandi Azita S. , Brandwein‐Weber Margaret , Urken Mark L.
Published: March 2019

Thyroid carcinoma can infiltrate the aerodigestive tract. Invasion via the common party wall of the tracheoesophageal groove (TEG) is rare. A review of patients with thyroid cancer invading the aerodigestive tract was performed. We describe three cases of invasive thyroid cancer presenting 4 to 6 years after the initial thyroidectomy. Original pathology showed positive margins near the recurrent laryngeal nerve and TEG. A partial tracheal resection with a stair‐step reconstruction was performed in one case; the other cases required total laryngopharyngectomy. Surgeons should be prepared to perform oncologically complete resections at the primary surgery to avoid potentially significant clinical consequences requiring aggressive surgery. Laryngoscope, 129:E455–E459, 2019
Six‐Week High‐Fat Diet Alters the Gut Microbiome and Promotes Cecal Inflammation, Endotoxin Production, and Simple Steatosis without Obesity in Male Rats
Authors: Crawford Meli'sa , Whisner Corrie , Al‐Nakkash Layla , Sweazea Karen L.
Published: March 2019

Energy‐dense foods can alter gut microbial diversity. However, the physiological effects of diet‐induced microbial changes on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain debatable. We hypothesized that high‐fat intake for 6 weeks would promote intestinal dysbiosis by increasing gram‐positive bacteria, inducing the intestinal production of proinflammatory cytokines and subsequent hepatic lipid infiltration in young male rats. Six‐week old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups and fed either a standard rodent chow or a 60% high‐fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks. Chromogenic endotoxin quantification assays indicate an increase in lipopolysaccharide concentration in the plasma of HFD rats (p = 0.032). Additionally, Western blot analyses of the cecum showed significantly greater protein expression of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐kB), (p = 0.037) and the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), (p = 0.042) in rats fed HFD. Linear discriminate analysis of effect size (LEfSe) showed greater abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the samples collected from the cecum of HFD rats compared to chow. Consistent with the development of steatosis, the Oil‐Red‐O‐stained area was increased in liver sections from HFD rats. Hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations (p < 0.001) and plasma alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001) were significantly increased in HFD‐fed animals compared to chow. These findings show that a short duration of high‐fat consumption can have profound deleterious effects on gastrointestinal health and the inflammatory state of these young male Sprague–Dawley rats.
Predictive value of dermoscopy for the treatment of port‐wine stains with large spot 532 nm laser
Authors: Kwiek Bartłomiej , Rożalski Michał , Sieczych Julia , Paluch Łukasz , Kowalewski Cezary , Ambroziak Marcin
Published: March 2019

Objective

We wanted to evaluate dermoscopy as a tool to predict the efficacy of port‐wine stain (PWS) laser treatment.

Study Design and Methods

Large spot 532 nm laser was used for the treatment of 67 PWS. Efficacy was assessed with an objective 3D digital imaging analysis. Dermoscopy images were taken before the treatment and analyzed semi quantitatively for features and patterns.

Results

The following dermoscopic features: “superficial vessels,” “deep vessels,” “deep lakes,” “superficial lakes,” and “thick vessels total” were identified as positive determinants of maximal global clearance effect (GCEmax), whereas “thin long vessels,” “bright background total,” “whitish veil,” “white circles,” and “perifollicular erythema” were found to be negative determinants. Rapid response correlated positively with “superficial vessels,” “superficial lakes,” and “thick vessels total” scores and showed inverse correlations with “bright‐red background,” “bright background total,” “white circles,” “peacock eyes,” and “perifollicular erythema” scores. “Superficial vessels,” “thick vessels total,” and “pale‐pink patchy background” were predictors of the lack of response. Dominance of “deep vessels” was a predictor of 75% of responses and dominance of “brown areas” feature was the predictor of clearance. Patients responded to treatment differently, depending on the dermoscopic pattern of PWS.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy may be useful to predict the response of PWS to laser treatment: its rapidity, the risk of no response, and 75% response and clearance. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current Status of Simultaneous Liver‐Kidney Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Lum Erik L. , Cárdenas Andrés , Martin Paul , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: March 2019

On August 10, 2017, a formal policy was enacted in the United States that defined listing criteria for simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation and priority for patients who received a liver transplantation (LT) and subsequently developed significant kidney disease after LT. This article reviews and summarizes the rationale for such policies, the policies themselves, and the potential impact on LT candidates.
Optical fiber temperature sensor based on modal interference in multimode fiber lengthened by a short segment of polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Cai Lu , Liu Yin , Hu Sheng , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2019

A fiber optics structure for temperature measurement is presented and demonstrated. This structure is composed of segments of single mode fiber (SMF), no‐core fiber (NCF), hollow core fiber (HCF), and cured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) which is inserted into the cavity of HCF. Owning to the high thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and thermo‐optic coefficient (TOC) of PDMS, the optical path length and the effective refractive index (RI) all register much larger change, leading to the higher temperature sensitivity of the sensor. Simulation showed similar result with experiment. The temperature sensitivity of 580.6 pm/°C is achieved in the range of 28°C to 50°C.
The use of Fourier‐domain analyses for unwrapping phase images of low SNR
Authors: Chen Nan‐kuei , Wu Pei‐Hsin
Published: March 2019

Purpose

We report a new postprocessing procedure that uses Fourier‐domain data analyses to improve the accuracy and reliability of phase unwrapping for MRI data of low SNR.

Methods

The developed method first identifies the Fourier‐domain energy peak locations corresponding to different image‐domain areas from which a robust measurement of image‐domain phase gradients can be obtained even for MRI data of low SNR. The phase‐gradient information measured from critical brain regions using the above‐mentioned Fourier‐domain analysis is then combined with the conventional temporal‐domain or spatial‐domain phase‐unwrapping procedure to remove phase wraps. The developed method was tested with MRI data obtained from 30 healthy adult volunteers, and its performance was quantitatively evaluated.

Results

The developed Fourier‐domain analysis could robustly quantify image‐domain phase gradients even for MRI data with low SNR (e.g., SNR 2). Experimental results show that the Fourier‐domain analyses could further reduce phase wrap artifact in data produced by the conventional temporal‐domain or spatial‐domain phase‐unwrapping procedures.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the developed phase‐unwrapping method can reduce residual phase wraps resulting from conventional procedures in critical brain regions (e.g., near the air‐tissue interfaces) and should prove valuable for studies that require accurate measurements of MRI phase values, such as QSM, B0 field mapping, and temperature mapping.
An optimization approach for congestion control in network routing with quality of service requirements
Authors: Avella Pasquale , Bernardi Giacomo , Boccia Maurizio , Mattia Sara
Published: March 2019

In this paper we study a network design problem arising in the management of a carrier network. The aim is to route a traffic matrix, minimizing a measure of the network congestion while guaranteeing a prescribed quality of service. We formulate the problem, devise presolve procedures to reduce the size of the corresponding mixed‐integer programming formulation and show that the proposed approach can efficiently solve some real‐life problems, leading to an improvement with respect to the current practice in a real case study.
Consider implementing 5 key strategies to help single parents succeed in higher ed
Authors: Costa Karen
Published: March 2019

A 2017 report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research evaluated the status of single mothers in college. Key findings were that single mothers are a rapidly growing population, women of color are more likely to be single parents, and single mothers are particularly at risk for attrition.
Adult learners need a variety of pathways to completion
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2019

Sylvia Burgess, associate vice president of academic affairs at Cameron University, wears a lot of hats. Not only is she the associate vice president of academic affairs, she also acts as the director for continuing and adult education at CU. Like many adult‐serving institutions, CU offers both live and asynchronous courses, and it also offers remote adult learners a third option: the option to stream and interact with faculty members from a remote location via the Zoom webinar platform. It's become a way for adult students who might have moved away or not yet completed their studies to stay connected with the university, Burgess said.
Interpreting Aromaticity and Antiaromaticity through Bifurcation Analysis of the Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Pino‐Rios Ricardo , Cárdenas‐Jirón Gloria , Ruiz Lina , Tiznado William
Published: March 2019

In all molecules, a current density is induced when the molecule is subjected to an external magnetic field. In turn, this current density creates a particular magnetic field. In this work, the bifurcation value of the induced magnetic field is analyzed in a representative set of aromatic, non‐aromatic and antiaromatic monocycles, as well as a set of polycyclic hydrocarbons. The results show that the bifurcation value of the ring‐shaped domain adequately classifies the studied molecules according to their aromatic character. For aromatic and nonaromatic molecules, it is possible to analyze two ring‐shaped domains, one diatropic (inside the molecular ring) and one paratropic (outside the molecular ring). Meanwhile, for antiaromatic rings, only a diatropic ring‐shaped domain (outside the molecular ring) is possible to analyze, since the paratropic domain (inside the molecular ring) is irreducible with the maximum value (attractor) at the center of the molecular ring. In some of the studied cases, i. e., in heteroatomic species, bifurcation values do not follow aromaticity trends and present some inconsistencies in comparison to ring currents strengths, showing that this approximation provides only a qualitative estimation about (anti)aromaticity.
Mechanical characterization of polycarbonate reinforced with nanoclay and graphene oxide
Authors: Malek‐Mohammadi H. , Majzoobi G.H. , Payandehpeyman J.
Published: March 2019

In this research, the effect of organic nanoclay (NC) Closite 20A and graphene oxide (GO) on the compressive, tensile, and three‐point bending behavior of polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposites is investigated. The nanocomposite samples are prepared based on injection molding and the masterbatch technique is used for better dispersion of filler in the matrix. The NC masterbatch is made of direct method by the twin‐screw extruder device and the GO masterbatch by the solvent method. The results showed that the presence of nanoparticles in the composite improves the elastic modulus, flexural modulus, compressive and tensile yield stress. The best weight fractions between the considered values for PC/NC and PC/GO were 1% and 0.6%, respectively. Higher fractions lead to the formation of agglomerate and degradation of the nanocomposite. Additionally, it was found that the volume change in plastic deformation for thermoplastics was considerable and the assumption of non‐dependent potential flow for PC nanocomposites was more appropriate. For simulating the mechanical behavior of PC nanocomposite, the extended Drucker–Prager (EDP) material model was designated and its coefficient were determined by minimizing the difference between the force‐displacement curves obtained from three‐point bending test and predicted from numerical simulation using the surrogate method. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3947–3959, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers