bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological change alters the evolutionary response to harvest in a freshwater fish
Authors: Gobin Jenilee , Lester Nigel P. , Fox Michael G. , Dunlop Erin S.
Published: October 2018

Harvesting can induce rapid evolution in animal populations, yet the role of ecological change in buffering or enhancing that response is poorly understood. Here, we developed an eco‐genetic model to examine how ecological changes brought about by two notorious invasive species, zebra and quagga mussels, influence harvest‐induced evolution and resilience in a freshwater fish. Our study focused on lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in the Laurentian Great Lakes, where the species supports valuable commercial and subsistence fisheries, and where the invasion of dreissenid (zebra and quagga) mussels caused drastic shifts in ecosystem productivity. Using our model system, we predicted faster rates of evolution of maturation reaction norms in lake whitefish under pre‐invasion ecosystem conditions when growth and recruitment of young to the population were high. Slower growth rates that occurred under post‐invasion conditions delayed when fish became vulnerable to the fishery, thus decreasing selection pressure and lessening the evolutionary response to harvest. Fishing with gill nets and traps nets generally selected for early maturation at small sizes, except when fishing at low levels with small mesh gill nets under pre‐invasion conditions; in this latter case, evolution of delayed maturation was predicted. Overall, the invasion of dreissenid mussels lessened the evolutionary response to harvest, while also reducing the productivity and commercial yield potential of the stock. These results demonstrate how ecological conditions shape evolutionary outcomes and how invasive species can have a direct effect on evolutionary responses to harvest and sustainability.
Maximizing foraging success: the roles of group size, predation risk, competition, and ontogeny
Authors: Hintz William D. , Lonzarich David G.
Published: October 2018

Grouping is an evolutionary strategy that allows individuals to optimize foraging success in habitats of varying quality and when under the risk of predation, but group foraging can lead to competition between group members. The effects of group size, habitat, predation, and competition on foraging success also can change as animals grow. Our study explored how these concurrent factors influenced the foraging success of group members at two different life stages. In a wild population of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), we first tested four hypotheses concerning the effects of group size on foraging success. We then analyzed our field observations with structural equation modeling to test causal relationships between group size, habitat, predation risk, competition, and the foraging success of individuals during two periods of development. We found support for the hypothesis that the relationship between group size and foraging success was parabolic during both study periods, revealing an optimal range of group sizes that maximized individual foraging success, which was conserved as fish aged. Predation risk had a positive effect on group size, particularly for older fish, and distance to cover and water depth were indicators of risk for both age groups. As group size increased, so did competition, but only for young fish; competition only had a weak positive effect on foraging success for older fish. Our results reveal that the relative direct effects of predation risk and competition on foraging success were weak compared with the direct effect of group size. Our study provides new insights and theoretical implications for understanding how selective forces—that is, group size, predation risk, competition, habitat, and ontogeny—act concurrently to affect foraging success in wild populations.
NHC‐Stabilized Radicals in the Formal Hydroacylation Reaction of Alkynes
Authors: Phan Jenny , Ruser Stephanie‐M. , Zeitler Kirsten , Rehbein Julia
Published: October 2018

Mechanistic details of transformations catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are currently of great interest, targeting questions on the active catalyst in operation and the structure and reactivity of key intermediates. These mechanistic studies are driven by the need to understand the big impact of subtle changes on the catalyst system on its reactivity, as well as to clarify the situation around the elusive intermediates in the classical catalytic cycle. In the activation process of aldehydes the formation of an enaminol structure, coined the Breslow intermediate, is widely accepted. Previously, however, we could prove that this enaminol has, besides its ionic reaction pathway, also the option to follow a radical pathway, by undergoing redox processes with the starting material. In the present study we aim to elucidate if these radical pathways are a more general phenomenon, specifically in the formal hydroacylation reaction of alkynes. The observation of radical species and computational analysis of key elemental steps in the radical and ionic pathways may lead to an onward development of chemistry based on NHC‐stabilized carbon radicals.
Accelerated and Enantioselective Synthesis of a Library of P‐Stereogenic Urea Phosphines
Authors: Koshti Vijay S. , Gote Ravindra P. , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: October 2018

Chiral phosphorus ligands play a central role in majority of the asymmetric transformations. However, access to chiral phosphorus ligands is limited due to their challenging synthesis. Reported here is a highly efficient and accelerated catalytic asymmetric synthesis of P‐stereogenic urea containing phosphines leading to a small library of 18 chiral phosphorus compounds. Characteristic two doublets in a 31P NMR spectrum, spectroscopic and analytical evidences authenticated the formation of [Pd‐{(S,S) Me‐FerroLANE}(m‐phenylurea)(I)] complex. Indeed, [Pd‐{(S,S) Me‐FerroLANE}(m‐phenylurea)(I)] was found to catalyze the C‐P coupling reaction and quantitative conversion was observed within 18 hours. Under optimized conditions, iodophenyl urea's (2a–2j) were treated with secondary phosphines (1a–1c) in presence of [Pd‐{(S,S) Me‐FerroLANE}(m‐phenylurea)(I)] to obtain P‐stereogenic urea phosphines 5a–5r. The identity of these urea derived phosphines was unambiguously ascertained using a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods. The catalyst tolerated various functional groups and yielded corresponding urea containing phosphines with an enantiomeric excess in the range of 15–62 %.
Analysis of several subcycling schemes in partitioned simulations of a strongly coupled fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: De Moerloose Laurent , Taelman Liesbeth , Segers Patrick , Vierendeels Jan , Degroote Joris
Published: October 2018

Fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) simulations are used extensively to calculate the vibration of structures subjected to an internal or external flow. In the case of partitioned FSI simulations, separate flow and structure solvers are used, which requires some kind of coupling between both. The time step in both solvers is typically taken the same, but this unnecessarily leads to long calculation times when the time step is small due to stability reasons in one of the two solvers. Subcycling, the procedure where the time step of one solver is chosen smaller than the time step used in the other solver, may reduce the computational cost of the FSI simulation. The subcycling procedure can be either explicit or implicit, the latter implying the use of coupling iterations in each time step. Contrary to explicit subcycling, no stability analyses of implicit subcycling schemes are found in the literature. In this paper, the temporal stability of the implicit subcycling procedure is investigated. The one‐dimensional flow in an elastic cylindrical tube is studied analytically. The results of this analysis are subsequently compared to a partitioned two‐dimensional axisymmetric FSI calculation with implicit coupling between the flow and structure solvers.
Array‐based profiling of the lymphoma cell DNA methylome does not unequivocally distinguish primary lymphomas of the central nervous system from non‐CNS diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Vogt Julia , Wagener Rabea , Montesinos‐Rongen Manuel , Ammerpohl Ole , Paulus Werner , Deckert Martina , Siebert Reiner
Published: October 2018

Primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (PCNSL) are diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) confined to the central nervous system (CNS). We here performed array‐based DNA methylation analyses of 26 PCNSL and 78 DLBCL and validated our findings in an independent dataset. We identified 2847 CpGs differentially methylated between PCNSL and non‐CNS‐DLBCL. Neither a supervised analysis using these CpGs nor application of 3 CpG classifiers selected for class separation unambiguously separated PCNSL from non‐CNS‐DLBCL. Remarkably, 6/78 non‐CNS‐DLBCL consistently segregated with PCNSL, which displayed molecular features typical for PCNSL. Our findings suggest that a subset of non‐CNS‐DLBCL exists which molecularly resembles PCNSL.
Christian climate care: Slow change, modesty and eco‐theo‐citizenship
Authors: Kidwell Jeremy , Ginn Franklin , Northcott Michael , Bomberg Elizabeth , Hague Alice
Published: October 2018

This qualitative study draws on in‐depth interviews and documentary analysis conducted between 2014 and 2016 to investigate the nature of pro‐environmental behaviour of members within the Eco‐Congregation Scotland network. We argue for an integrative analytical frame, that we call “eco‐theo‐citizenship,” which synthesises strengths of values‐, practice‐ and citizenship‐based approaches to the study of pro‐environmental behaviour within the specific context of religious environmental groups. This study finds the Eco‐Congregation groups studied are not primarily issue driven, and instead have an emphasis on “community‐building” activities and a concept of environmental citizenship which spans multiple political scales from local to international. Primary values emphasised included “environmental justice” and “stewardship.” Analysis of the data indicated that groups in this network are distinctive in two particular ways: (1) group focus on mobilising values and environmental concern towards “community building” can produce what looks like a more conservative approach to climate change mobilisation, preserving and working slowly within institutional structures, with a primary focus not on climate change mitigation per se but on the consolidation and development of the community and broader network; and (2) these groups can often under‐report their accomplishments and the footprint of their work on the basis of a common religious conviction which we have termed a “culture of modesty.”
Deceased Pediatric Donor Livers: How Current Policy Drives Allocation and Transplantation
Authors: Ge Jin , Hsu Evelyn K. , Bucuvalas John , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: October 2018

Each year, approximately 60 children, representing 12% of waitlist candidates, die awaiting liver transplantation. The current allocation algorithm for pediatric donor livers prioritizes local/regional adults over national children. We attempted to better understand the impact of the present algorithm on pediatric candidates. We analyzed pediatric donor liver offers from 2010 to 2014. Donors and recipients were classified based on age. We mapped allocation and acceptance patterns and used subgroup analyses to explore the significance of donor service areas (DSAs) with low pediatric transplant volumes. We used Cox proportional hazard regressions to evaluate posttransplantation outcomes: 3,318 pediatric donor livers were transplanted into 3,482 recipients, and 45% (1,569) were adults. Of the 1,569 adults, 25% (390) received a pediatric organ that was never offered to children; 52% (204) of these 390 pediatric organs originated in the 37 DSAs, with ≤25 pediatric liver transplantations; 278 children died or were delisted due to illness during the same time, with higher mortality rates in the 37 DSAs (10% versus 6%, P < 0.01). Compared to adults, pediatric recipients aged <12 years had lower risks of posttransplant mortality (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.46‐0.81; P < 0.01). Conclusions: We found that 45% of pediatric donor livers were transplanted into adults: 390 adults were transplanted with pediatric organs never offered to children, while 278 children died or were delisted due to illness, which was more apparent in DSAs with low pediatric transplant volumes; we advocate for a change to allocation policies to allow pediatric organs to be offered to national children with status 1B or Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease/Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease >15 before being offered to local/regional + circle non–status 1A adults.
Primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ileal conduit created after radical cystectomy
Authors: Nagai Takashi , Okamura Takehiko , Katayama Komei , Chaya Ryosuke , Tanaka Yutaro , Kobayashi Daichi , Kobayashi Takahiro , Akita Hidetoshi , Yasui Takahiro
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Creation of an ileal conduit is associated with complications. A few cases have been reported on tumor development in an ileal conduit; diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma originating from an ileal conduit is extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 62‐year‐old Japanese man who had undergone radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion 6 years previously presented with a whitish bulge that had developed on the surface of the ileal conduit during follow‐up visit. Mass biopsy was performed and the histological diagnosis was diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Positron emission tomography showed no metastatic lesions. We attempted chemotherapy because the tumor cells tested positive for CD20; after six courses of a regimen involving rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone; diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ileal conduit resolved gradually. The patient is alive and remains free from the diagnosed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.

Conclusion

We reported an extremely rare case of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma originating from the ileal conduit created after radical cystectomy.
Hypercalcemia associated with lymph node metastasis following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Ando Takashi , Katagiri Akiyoshi , Nakayama Ryo , Sakai Takeshi , Mizusawa Takaki
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A part of hypercalcemia is a paraneoplastic syndrome. Its association with lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer has been infrequently reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 75‐year‐old male presented with gross hematuria and was diagnosed with bladder cancer without metastasis. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical cystectomy was performed. The surgical margin was negative. The bladder cancer was classified as pT3bN0 and mainly constituted squamous differentiated urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid variant. His perioperative serum calcium levels were normal. At 6 months of surgery, computed tomography revealed lymph node enlargement, and additional 2 weeks later, he developed epileptic seizures with a serum corrected calcium level of 18.7 mg/dL. He was diagnosed with hypercalcemia caused by the lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer. Despite receiving several supportive therapies for 22 days, he died.

Conclusion

Hypercalcemia associated with bladder cancer is highly resistant to existing therapy, particularly when caused by cancer metastasis.
Up‐regulation and tumor‐promoting role of SPHK1 were attenuated by miR‐330‐3p in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Qu Huajun , Gong Wenjing , Liu Aina
Published: October 2018

We intended to clarify the role of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in gastric cancer (GC) using both in vitro and in vivo assays. The study was designed to identify novel therapeutic targets for GC treatment. Differential analysis was utilized to dissect two gene expression omnibus series (GSE49515 and GSE79973) microarray data form Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) dataset. MRNA and protein expressions were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. GC cell growth was measured by MTT assays and verified by in vivo analysis. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were detected via flow cytometer observation. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing assays and Transwell assays. The targeting relationship between miRNA and SPHK1/S1PR1 was identified via dual‐luciferase assay. Twenty‐four common differentially expressed genes were screened out from two gene expression omnibus series (GSE49515 and GSE79973), among which SPHK1 was chosen for its higher fold change. We found elevated SPHK1 expression in GC tissues and cells, along with an increased concentration of SPHK1‐generated sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) in both GC serum and tissue. SPHK1 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of MKN1 and KATO3 cells. It also blocked cell cycle and induced apoptosis in MKN1 and KATO3 cells. Silencing of SPHK1 also refrained tumor growth and inhibited S1P level. MiR‐330‐3p directly targeted SPHK1 and S1PR1. Overexpressed miR‐330‐3p in MKN1 cells repressed SPHK1 and S1PR1 expressions like their chemical inhibitors‐SPHK1 inhibitors (FTY720) and S1PR1 inhibitors (VPC23019), and acted anti‐tumor both in vitro and in vivo. Our study provides evidence that SPHK1 was promotive for GC tumor growth and cell biological behaviors, and that miR‐330‐3p targeted 3′‐UTR of SPHK1 and inhibited its expression. SPHK1 was expected to become a new molecular marker and miR‐330‐3p a novel therapeutic target for GC. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1164–1176, 2018
Structural, optical tuning, and mechanical behavior of zirconia toughened alumina through europium substitutions
Authors: Ponnilavan Vaithiyanathan , Kannan Sanjeevi
Published: October 2018

The structural and optical features of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) due to the assorted range of Eu3+ substitutions are demonstrated. The characterization studies affirm the pivotal role of Eu3+ on the improved structural stability of ZTA and associated tetragonal zirconia (t‐ZrO2) → cubic zirconia (c‐ZrO2) transformation. Eu3+ prefers accommodation at the lattice sites of ZrO2 and their gradual accumulation induces t‐ → c‐ZrO2 transition. Beyond the substitution limit, Eu3+ reacts with Al2O3 to form EuAlO3. Optical studies validate typical Eu3+ emissions, and further, the emission spectrum also predicts the symmetry of Eu3+ coordination at the ZrO2 lattice. Uniform distribution of ZrO2 and Al2O3 grains throughout the microstructures are evident from the morphological analysis. Further, the influence of Eu3+ on the enhanced mechanical stability of ZTA is ensured from indentation technique. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1170–1179, 2019.
Novel applications of nonwood cellulose for blood typing assays
Authors: Casals‐Terré Jasmina , Farré‐Lladós Josep , Zuñiga Allinson. , Roncero Maria Blanca , Vidal Teresa
Published: October 2018

Paper‐based microfluidics devices can create a new healthcare model. Cellulose is carbohydrate polymer biocompatible and hydrophilic. These characteristics enhance the development of user‐friendly diagnostic devices, but the link between paper manufacturing process and performance of the devices is still unclear. Previous studies focused on either commercial papers or lab papers from wood‐cellulose fibers, with different basis‐weight. This work introduces the effect of refining process and lab paper from nonwood‐cellulose fibers, focusing on sisal fibers to overcome the aforementioned challenge. Structural characteristics of paper, such as basis‐weight and degree of refining, are optimized and correlated with blood typing test resolution. Unrefined sisal paper of 50 g/m2 and 100 g/m2 basis‐weight exhibit a higher gray intensity level than refined paper, and also maximal capillary rise and a pore size suitable for blood grouping tests. Two different blood types were evaluated with results consistent with the traditional methods, testifying the usefulness of this methodology. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1533–1541, 2019.
Cortical Bone Material Strength Index and Bone Microarchitecture in Postmenopausal Women With Atypical Femoral Fractures
Authors: Popp Kristin L , Caksa Signe , Martinez-Betancourt Adriana , Yuan Amy , Tsai Joy , Yu Elaine W , Bouxsein Mary L
Published: October 2018

Atypical femoral fractures are rare fractures that occur in the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal region of the femur with minimal or no trauma. Though the association of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and bisphosphonate (BP) use is a growing concern in the management of osteoporosis, currently there is little knowledge about which patients may be at risk for an atypical femoral fracture. Given that these fractures initiate in the femoral cortex, we aimed to determine whether cortical bone tissue properties (bone material strength index; BMSi), as measured by in vivo impact microindentation, are altered in atypical fracture patients. We also aimed to identify factors associated with the BMSi measurements. We enrolled postmenopausal women with recent AFFs (n = 15) or hip fractures (Hip Fxs; n = 20), long-term (>5 years) BP users (n = 30), and treatment naïve controls (n = 88). We measured total hip and femoral neck BMD by DXA, cortical bone microstructure at the distal tibia by HR-pQCT, and BMSi at the midtibia by impact microindentation. BMSi values were similar in all groups, with no effects of long-term BP use or lower values in patients with AFFs or Hip Fxs, even after multivariable adjustment. BMSi measurements were independent of age, femoral BMD, duration of BP treatment, vitamin D level, and cortical bone microstructure, including cortical porosity and cortical tissue mineral density. In conclusion, impact microindentation values are not negatively affected by long-term BP use and do not appear to discriminate individuals who suffer AFFs. Thus, our results do not support clinical use of impact microindentation to identify those at risk for AFFs. This remains to be verified in larger studies. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A computational method to characterize the missense mutations in the catalytic domain of GAA protein causing Pompe disease
Authors: Thirumal Kumar D , Umer Niazullah Maryam , Tasneem Sadia , Judith E , Susmita B , George Priya Doss C , Selvarajan E , Zayed Hatem
Published: October 2018

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) deficiency, resulting in intralysosomal accumulation of glycogen, including cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells. The GAA gene is located on chromosome 17 (17q25.3), the GAA protein consists of 952 amino acids; of which 378 amino acids (347‐726) falls within the catalytic domain of the protein and comprises of active sites (518 and 521) and binding sites (404, 600, 616, and 674). In this study, we used several computational tools to classify the missense mutations in the catalytic domain of GAA for their pathogenicity and stability. Eight missense mutations (R437C, G478R, N573H, Y575S, G605D, V642D, L705P, and L712P) were predicted to be pathogenic and destabilizing to the protein structure. These mutations were further subjected to phenotyping analysis using SNPeffect 4.0 to predict the chaperone binding sites and structural stability of the protein. The mutations R437C and G478R were found to compromise the chaperone‐binding activity with GAA. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the G478R mutation to be more significant and hinders binding to the DNJ (Miglustat) compared with the R437C. Further molecular dynamic analysis for the two mutations demonstrated that the G478R mutation was acquired higher deviation, fluctuation, and lower compactness with decreased intramolecular hydrogen bonds compared to the mutant R437C. These data are expected to serve as a platform for drug design against Pompe disease and will serve as an ultimate tool for variant classification and interpretations.
Exploration of Carbon Allotropes with Four‐membered Ring Structures on Quantum Chemical Potential Energy Surfaces
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Satoh Hiroko , Iwamoto Takeaki , Tokoyama Hiroaki , Yamakado Hideo
Published: October 2018

The existence of a new carbon allotrope family with four‐membered rings as a key unit has been recently predicted with quantum chemical calculations. This family includes carbon allotropes inprism‐,polymerized prism‐,sheet‐,tube‐, andwavy‐forms. An atypical bond property has been observed in this series of carbon structures, which differs from the typical sp3, sp2, and sp hybridizations. The lowest energy barrier from some of the equilibrium states of the carbon structures has been determined with the SHS‐ADDF (scaled‐hypersphere‐search combined with theanharmonicdownwarddistortionfollowing) method within the GRRM software program package. The height of the barriers indicates that the well is deep enough for the carbon structures to exist. This class of carbon allotropes is expected to be energy‐reservoirs with extra energy of 100–350 kJ mol−1per one carbon atom. This article presents the structures, energies and reactivity of the carbon allotropes with four‐membered ring structures as well as the background of the findings in the context of the global exploration of potential energy surfaces. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion Monte Carlo Calculations of Zero‐Point Energies of Methanol and Deuterated Methanol
Authors: Nandi Apurba , Qu Chen , Bowman Joel M.
Published: October 2018

Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) simulations have been used to obtain quantum zero‐point energies of methanol and all its isotopologs and isotopomers, using a new, accurate semi‐global potential energy surface. This potential energy surface is a precise, permutationally invariant fit to 6676 ab initio energies, obtained at the CCSD(T)‐F12b/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. Quantum zero‐point energies of deuterated methanol isotopomers are very close to each other and so a simple statistical argument can be used to estimate the populations of each isotopomer at very low‐temperatures. The DMC simulations also indicate that there is virtually zero probability for H/D exchange in the zero‐point state. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic appearances of adrenal schwannomas
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhu Ying , Zhang Lu , Xu Shangyan , Zhan Weiwei
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the sonographic ultrasound (US) appearances of adrenal gland schwannomas.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 15 cases of schwannomas involving the adrenal gland. The following US features were assessed: size, border, echogenicity, homogeneity, intralesional cystic necrosis, presence of septa, intralesional calcification, posterior acoustic enhancement and blood supply.

Results

Of the 15 tumors, seven (46.7%) were located on the left side, and the remaining eight (53.3%) on the right side. The most frequent US appearance of adrenal schwannoma was a single, well‐defined and isoechoic mass. The internal echotexture was homogeneous in 2 cases, and heterogeneous in 13 cases, with intralesional cystic areas (n = 11), septa (n = 10) or calcifications (n = 6). Posterior acoustic enhancement was seen in 12 of the 15 cases (80%). On color Doppler US, 86.7% (13/15) of the lesions did not show any vascularity.

Conclusions

Adrenal schwannomas usually present on US as well‐defined isoechoic masses often with posterior acoustic enhancement, cystic necrosis with septa and poor blood supply. These appearances should suggest the diagnosis of adrenal schwannomas. Nevertheless, additional information from laboratory tests and CT or MR imaging may be required to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Improvement of reproducibility in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and transverse relaxation rates () after physiological noise correction
Authors: Choi Joon Yul , Lee Jingu , Nam Yoonho , Lee Jongho , Oh Se‐Hong
Published: October 2018

Background

Numerous studies have suggested that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and transverse relaxation rates () are useful to monitor neurological diseases. For clinical use of QSM and , reproducibility is an important feature. However, respiration‐induced local magnetic field variation makes artifacts in gradient echo‐based images and reduces the reproducibility of QSM and .

Purpose

To investigate the improvement of reproducibility of QSM and after the correction of respiration‐induced field variation, and to assess the effect of varying types of the region of interest (ROI) analysis on reproducibility.

Study Type

Reproducibility study.

Population

Ten controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/multiecho gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

Intrascan reproducibility of QSM and was investigated in ROIs before and after the respiration correction.

Statistical Tests

Reproducibility was obtained by the square of voxel‐wise correlation coefficients between scans. A paired t‐test was performed for comparison between before and after the respiration correction and between QSM and .

Results

Based on the ROI analysis, reproducibility increased after the respiration correction. Reproducibility in the white matter (11.89% increased in QSM and 23.38% in , P = 0.009 and 0.024, respectively) and deep gray matter (5.50% increased in QSM and 13.96% in , P = 0.024 and 0.019, respectively) increased significantly after the respiration correction. Reproducibility of was higher than that of QSM in the whole brain and cortical gray matter, while QSM maps showed higher reproducibility than in the white matter and deep gray matter.

Data Conclusion

Respiration‐induced error correction significantly improved reproducibility in QSM and mapping. QSM and mapping showed a different level of reproducibility depending on the types of ROI analysis.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
The use of chromium(III) complexes to enhance peptide protonation by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Jing Xinyao , Edwards Kyle C. , Vincent John B. , Cassady Carolyn J.
Published: October 2018

The addition of trivalent chromium, Cr(III), reagents to peptide solutions can increase the intensity of doubly protonated peptides, [M + 2H]2+, through electrospray ionization (ESI). Three model heptapeptides were studied: neutral (AAAAAAA), acidic (AAEEEAA), and basic (AAAKAAA). The neutral and acidic peptides form almost no 2+ ions in the absence of Cr(III). Twenty Cr(III) complexes were used as potential enhanced protonation reagents, including 11 complexes with nonlabile ligands and nine with labile ligands. The complexes that provide the most abundant [M + 2H]2+, the greatest [M + 2H]2+ to [M + H]+ ratio, and the cleanest mass spectra are [Cr(H2O)6](NO3)3·3H2O and [Cr(THF)3]Cl3. Anions in Cr(III) reagents can also affect the intensity of [M + 2H]2+ and the [M + 2H]2+ to [M + H]+ ratio through cation‐anion interactions. The influence of anions on the extent of peptide protonation follows the trend ClO4− ˃ SO42− ˃ Br− ˃ Cl− ˃ F− ≈ NO3−. Solvent effects and complexes with varying number of water ligands were investigated to study the importance of water in enhanced protonation. Aqueous solvent systems and Cr(III) complexes that have at least one bound water ligand in solution must be used for successful increase in the intensity of [M + 2H]2+, which indicates that water is involved in the mechanism of Cr(III)‐induced enhanced protonation. The ESI source design is also important because no enhanced protonation was observed using a Z‐spray source. The current results suggest that this Cr(III)‐induced effect occurs during the ESI desolvation process.
Combined effect of anti‐high‐mobility group box‐1 monoclonal antibody and peramivir against influenza A virus‐induced pneumonia in mice
Authors: Hatayama Kazuki , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Yamada Mutsuko , Yashiro Masato , Fujii Yosuke , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Liu Keyue , Nishibori Masahiro , Matsukawa Akihiro , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: October 2018

Human pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus causes significant morbidity and mortality with severe acute lung injury due to the excessive inflammatory reaction, even with neuraminidase inhibitor use. The anti‐inflammatory effect of anti‐high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) against influenza pneumonia has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the combined effect of anti‐HMGB1 mAb and peramivir against pneumonia induced by influenza A (H1N1) virus in mice. Nine‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with H1N1 and treated with intramuscularly administered peramivir at 2 and 3 days post‐infection (dpi). The anti‐HMGB1 mAb or a control mAb was administered at 2, 3, and 4 dpi. Survival rates were assessed, and lung lavage and pathological analyses were conducted at 5 and 7 dpi. The combination of peramivir with the anti‐HMGB1 mAb significantly improved survival rate whereas the anti‐HMGB1 mAb alone did not affect virus proliferation in the lungs. This combination therapy also significantly ameliorated histopathological changes, neutrophil infiltration, and macrophage aggregation by inhibiting HMGB1, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Fluorescence immunostaining showed that the anti‐HMGB1 mAb inhibited HMGB1 translocation from type I alveolar epithelial cells. In summary, combining anti‐HMGB1 with conventional anti‐influenza therapy might be useful against severe influenza virus infection.
Tropopause trend across China from 1979 to 2016: A revisit with updated radiosonde measurements
Authors: Chen Xinyan , Guo Jianping , Yin Jinfang , Zhang Yong , Miao Yucong , Yun Yuxing , Liu Lin , Li Jian , Xu Hui , Hu Kaixi , Zhai Panmao
Published: October 2018

The long‐term trend in tropopause has profound implications for the expansion of tropical zone and the variation of large‐scale circulation. However, the changes of tropopause in China have not been explicitly investigated as yet. In this study, the trend of lapse rate tropopause (LRT) height over China has been comprehensively revisited for the period of 1979–2016, using the newly released quality‐controlled radiosonde data from China Meteorological Administration. Results show that the LRT height in most parts of China shows a significant upwards trend with a rate of 370 m/decade, most likely due to global warming. The fastest increase occurs in northwest region, followed by the low‐latitude regions (15°–25°N), while the slowest increase occurs in the high‐latitude regions (45°–55°N). Overall, the LRT height varies with latitudes, exhibiting a “south high and north low” pattern. In particular, high LRT height over low latitudes is found to be expanding rapidly polewards in recent years, in contrast to almost constant LRT height over mid and high latitudes. In terms of the seasonality, tropopause height reaches the peak in summer and bottom in winter. The frequency distribution in the vertical direction exhibits a bimodal pattern with the major peak mostly occurring at around 15 km and a secondary peak occurring between 8 and 12 km. This bimodal distribution is similar to the findings revealed in previous studies. Our findings offer important circumstantial observational evidence for the polewards expansion of the Tropics under global warming.
Homogenization of daily temperature series in the European Climate Assessment & Dataset
Authors: Squintu Antonello A. , van der Schrier Gerard , Brugnara Yuri , Klein Tank Albert
Published: October 2018

The daily maximum and minimum temperature series of the European Climate Assessment & Dataset are homogenized using the quantile matching approach. As the dataset is large and the detail of metadata is generally missing, an automated method locates breaks in the series based on a comparison with surrounding series and applies adjustments which are estimated using homogeneous segments of surrounding series as reference. A total of 6,500 series have been processed and after removing duplicates and short series, about 2,100 series have been adjusted. Finally, the effect of the homogenization of daily maximum and minimum temperature on trend estimation is shown to produce a much more spatially homogeneous and then plausible picture.
Persistence of observed air temperatures in Iceland
Authors: Degenhardt Lisa , Ólafsson Haraldur
Published: October 2018

A large data set from 40 weather stations in Iceland is explored for persistence in monthly mean temperatures. There are great seasonal and regional variations in the persistence. Extremely high values of correlation (r > 0.8) of temperatures with subsequent months are found. These values are higher than reported elsewhere in the scientific literature. The highest values are found in coastal regions in the summer, while in the early winter there is overall little correlation. In general, there are two distinct maxima in the temperature correlations, one in late winter/early spring and one in the summer. In most seasons, there is greater correlation at the coast than inland. The high correlations are linked to snow melt, persistence in sea surface temperatures, weak winds and strong static stability. Remarkably low correlations reveal a negative feedback process: A warm May leads to less snow in inland regions, which favours a cold sea breeze in coastal regions in June. In regions of high correlation, the persistence is indeed useful for subseasonal forecasting of mean temperatures in late winter/spring and summer.
Temperature and precipitation variability in regional climate models and driving global climate models: Total variance and its temporal‐scale components
Authors: Crhová Lenka , Holtanová Eva
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an evaluation of the variability and its temporal‐scale components of daily air temperature and precipitation simulated by two regional climate models (RCMs) and two driving global climate models (GCMs) from the EURO‐CORDEX and CMIP5 projects. The analysis was performed for eight geographical areas of central Europe for the period 1971–2000. After a brief evaluation of total variance, we focus on the ability of the simulations to represent short‐term, seasonal and long‐term variability components. This analysis was carried out for original time series as well as for series with the annual cycle removed. A fast Fourier transformation and a Kolmogorov–Zurbenko filter were used to separate the three temporal components.

The two methods of time series decomposition generally agree, which confirms the robustness of the results. Although the observed total variability of daily air temperature and precipitation is not well represented in many cases and considerable differences among simulations exist, the separation of total variance into the three components is well represented. Regarding the air temperature, the results for the time series with the annual cycle removed are generally somewhat worse than for original series. The simulations tend to underestimate the short‐term component of temperature variability, while the results for the other two components are inconclusive. Moreover, it was found that temperature variability caused by the annual cycle is overestimated by the simulation of HadGEM2 GCM and CCLM4‐8‐17 RCM driven by HadGEM2, which explains the relatively poor results of these simulations regarding air temperature total variance and short‐term as well as seasonal components in the original temperature series. The RCMs provide better results than GCMs for temperature total variance but our results are rather inconclusive in the case of precipitation total variance and distribution of the variance of both studied variables into the three temporal components.
Medical Versus Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anne Samantha , Schwartz Seth , Ishman Stacey L. , Cohen Michael , Hopkins Brandon
Published: October 2018

Objective

There is no standard of care for treatment of pediatric acute mastoiditis (PAM). We systematically reviewed the English literature to evaluate the efficacy of PAM treatment options.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 2016, along with manual bibliography searches, for studies describing surgical or medical therapy. Two independent evaluators reviewed each abstract and article.

Results

We identified 310 articles, and 55 met inclusion criteria. Thirty‐three evaluated surgical options and included 2,930 patients (mean age = 2.8 years) including those with myringotomy ± tube placement (n = 920); 140 needed additional surgery, drainage of subperisoteal abscess (SPA) (n = 142) ± myringotomy or tube placement, 29 patients needed additional surgery and mastoidectomy ± myringotomy or tube placement (n = 612), with 611 reporting resolution. Using a random effects model, the estimated success probability with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are myringotomy ± tube placement 94% (95% CI: 84.5%‐97.8%), and drainage of subperiosteal abscess with concurrent myringotomy ± tube placement was 86.5% (95% CI: 66.4%‐95.4%). Using a random effects model, mastoidectomy success was 99.7% (95% CI: 77.5%‐100%). Nineteen studies evaluated medical therapy (n = 990 patients). The average cure rate was 71.7% (median = 70%; range, 26.3%–100%), and estimated success was 72.9% (95% CI: 60.5%‐82.5%) by meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

Myringotomy with or without tube placement and mastoidectomy have the highest cure rates for PAM. With SPA, incision and drainage with myringotomy with or without tube can be considered. Medical treatment cured nearly 72% of children. Ultimately, management should be based on surgeons' experience and judgment, patient characteristics, and severity of disease. Laryngoscope, 129:754–760, 2019
Dexpramipexole depletes blood and tissue eosinophils in nasal polyps with no change in polyp size
Authors: Laidlaw Tanya M. , Prussin Calman , Panettieri Reynold A. , Lee Stella , Ferguson Berrylin J. , Adappa Nithin D. , Lane Andrew P. , Palumbo Marina L. , Sullivan Mary , Archibald Don , Dworetzky Steven I. , Hebrank Gregory T. , Bozik Michael E.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and eosinophilia is a disease of the upper respiratory tract for which few therapies are available. Because the oral investigational drug dexpramipexole serendipitously decreased blood eosinophils in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis studies, we assessed its safety, eosinophil‐lowering activity, and preliminary clinical efficacy in patients with CRSwNP and eosinophilia.

Methods

Sixteen subjects with CRSwNP, absolute eosinophil count (AEC) ≥ 0.300 × 109/L, and polyp tissue eosinophils were evaluable for efficacy in a 6‐month open‐label, multi‐center study of dexpramipexole 150 mg twice daily. The coprimary endpoints were change in AEC and change in total polyp score (TPS) from baseline to month 6, with additional clinical and histologic endpoints assessed.

Results

Thirteen of 16 subjects completed 6 months of dexpramipexole treatment. Geometric mean baseline AEC was 0.525 ± 0.465 eosinophils × 109/L and decreased to 0.031 ± 0.019 after 6 months of dexpramipexole treatment, a 94% reduction (P < 0.001). Ten of 16 subjects had eosinophil counts reduced to ≤ 0.020 × 109/L at month 6. In 12 subjects with nasal polyp biopsies at baseline and month 6, tissue eosinophils were reduced from a mean of 168 ± 134 to 5 ± 2 per high‐power field (HPF) (P = 0.001), a 97% reduction from baseline. There was no significant reduction in TPS or improvement in other clinical endpoints. Dexpramipexole was well tolerated, with no drug‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Dexpramipexole treatment produced profound eosinophil‐lowering in peripheral blood and nasal polyp tissue. Despite the near‐elimination of polyp eosinophils, decreased TPS and nasal symptom improvement were not observed.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 129:E61–E66, 2019
Intraoperative Margin Control in Transoral Approach for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Boscolo Nata Francesca , Gatto Annalisa , Bussani Rossana , Spinato Giacomo , Zacchigna Serena , Piovesana Marco
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Piecemeal resection provides an innovative conceptual tool for margins surveillance because it entails the intraoperative evaluation of the whole resection margins and not just sample points, which should result in a better control of deep margins compared to en bloc resection. Although it is recognized that the intraoperative use of narrow band imaging (NBI) results in a better control of superficial margins, in this exploratory study we investigated whether NBI and piecemeal resection could be used in combination to improve margin control at both superficial and deep levels. Because piecemeal resection is based on frozen section analysis, we wanted to verify its reliability compared to definitive histological examination.

Methods

The status of resection margins in a group of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancers treated with NBI and laser CO2 piecemeal resection (group 1) was compared with that of an historical group of patients (group 2) treated with NBI and conventional en bloc resection. In group 1, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were used to verify the rate of concordance between frozen section and definitive histology.

Results

The difference between deep positive margins in the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.042). The high sensitivity and specificity (94.6% and 94.7%, respectively) of frozen section analysis also demonstrated its reliability in the examination of larger samples corresponding to the whole margin.

Conclusion

Even if our findings are limited by the small number of patients, we are confident that the combined use of NBI and piecemeal resection could represent an attractive surgical strategy to improve margin control.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 129:1810–1815, 2019
Oral L‐thyroxine liquid versus tablet in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer (without malabsorption): A prospective study
Authors: Fallahi Poupak , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Materazzi Gabriele , Ragusa Francesca , Ruffilli Ilaria , Patrizio Armando , Miccoli Paolo , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Objective

No consistent data are present in literature about the effectiveness of Levothyroxine (L‐T4) liquid formulation in patients without malabsorption after thyroidectomy. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of L‐T4 liquid formulation, with L‐T4 tablets, in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy (without malabsorption or drug interference).

Methods

One hundred five patients were recruited; 52 patients were treated with liquid L‐T4 formulation, while 53 with L‐T4 tablets, at the same dosage (1.5 mcg/kg/day). Patients started to assume the drug the day after surgery, 30 min before breakfast. In both groups circulating levels of thyrotropic hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were dosed at week 6 (first control), and then at week 12 (second control).

Results

We obtained significantly lower TSH values in the liquid L‐T4 group patients, compared to the tablet L‐T4 group, at the first control (P < .05), and at the second control (P < .01), while FT4 and FT3 levels were not significantly different. Hypothyroid range (TSH > 3.6 mcU/mL) was significantly more prevalent in the patients treated with L‐T4 tablet.

Conclusions

A better control of TSH was observed in thyroidectomized patients (without malabsorption, gastric disorders, or drug interference) with liquid L‐T4 regimen.

Level of Evidence

2c–Outcomes Research