bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between p62 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Yoshida Toshio , Terabe Takehito , Nagai Hiroki , Uchida Fumihiko , Hasegawa Shogo , Nagao Toru , Miyabe Satoru , Ishibashi‐Kanno Naomi , Yamagata Kenji , Warabi Eiji , Gosho Masahiko , Yanagawa Toru , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: June 2019

Objective

Oral leukoplakia is keratinized lesions in the buccal mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. It is the most common oral precancerous lesion; oxidative stresses and irrelevant autophagy have been reported to be the cause of oncogenesis. p62, a cytoplasmic protein induced by oxidative stress, is an adaptor protein involved in the formation of protein aggregates and induction and inhibition of autophagy. The inhibition of autophagy induces p62 overexpression and promotes oncogenesis via the oncogenic signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the involvement of intracellular expression of p62 in oral leukoplakia and to address its potential clinical implementation as a biomarker to predict malignant transformation.

Material and Methods

Fifty samples from subjects with confirmed oral leukoplakia were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for the expression of p62, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), Ki67, and p53. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between p62, 8‐OHdG, Ki67, and p53 and clinical characteristics, including epithelial dysplasia.

Results

Significant associations were observed between p62 expression in the nucleus, p62 aggregation, and epithelial dysplasia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.28, 26.2]; .024 and OR = 6.16; 95% CI: [1.01, 37.4]; .048, respectively). The expression of p62 in the cytoplasm and the levels of 8‐OHdG, Ki67, and p53 were not significantly associated with epithelial dysplasia. A significant relationship was found between p62 expression in the nucleus and p53 expression (OR = 3.94; 95% CI: [1.14, 13.6]; .031).

Conclusions

The results suggested that p62 expression in the nucleus and p62 aggregation can be potential markers to predict the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia.
Performance analysis of wireless communication system over nonidentical cascaded generalised gamma fading channels
Authors: Chauhan Puspraj Singh , Rana Vidhi , Kumar Sandeep , Soni Sanjay K. , Pant Diwaker
Published: June 2019

Multiplicative fading statistics usually encountered in different radio propagation environments. In this context, we evaluate and analyse the performance of a wireless communication system over the nonidentical cascaded generalised Gamma Fading Channels, also known as generalised Bessel‐K fading channel. To this end, the closed‐form expressions for the amount of fading (AOF), the outage probability (OP), the average symbol error probability (SEP), and the channel capacity are derived. In addition approximate expressions for the average SEP with maximal ratio combining (MRC) diversity are also provided. The low‐ and high‐power solutions for the channel capacity are also provided. Furthermore, simplified asymptotic average SEP expressions for MRC and selection combining (SC) are presented to gain the system performance with diversity. The proposed methodologies provide more flexibility to accommodate different radio propagation scenarios. To examine the accuracy of the proposed solutions, numerical and simulation results are compared and shown to fit for variety of fading parameters.
The presence of multinucleated giant cells: Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features vs the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Selvaggi Suzanne M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) is a newly described entity with an indolent clinical course as compared to the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). As the cytologic features of NIFTP overlap those of the FVPTC, distinction between the two on FNA cytology poses diagnostic difficulties. This study analyzes the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs).

Methods

Twenty histologically confirmed NIFTP cases and 17 FVPTC cases each with a prior FNA and performed over a 2‐year period were reviewed, the cytologic diagnoses compared and the number of MGCs counted.

Results

Of the 20 NIFTP cases, 55% were diagnoses as FLUS on FNA, 25% as FN/SFN and 10% as SPTC. Of the 17 FVPTC cases, 12% were diagnosed as FLUS, 53% as FN/SFN and 35% as SPTC. Fifteen (88%) FVTPC cases contained MGCs, whereas none of the 20 NIFTP cases contained MGCs.

Conclusion

The presence or absence of MGCs may serve as an additional finding to differentiate NIFTP cases from FVTPC cases.
Fibronectin‐induced ductal formation in salivary gland self‐organization model
Authors: Farahat Mahmoud , Kazi Gulsan A. S. , Taketa Hiroaki , Hara Emilio S. , Oshima Masamitsu , Kuboki Takuo , Matsumoto Takuya
Published: June 2019

Background

Recent advances in tissue regeneration approaches including 3D organoids, were based on various 3D organogenesis models. However, 3D models are generally technique‐sensitive and time‐consuming. Thus, we utilized an existing model of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) to modify a simple and highly reproducible in vitro 3D culture model of primary SMG cells self‐organization into a well‐developed cell spheroid inside Matrigel substrate. We used this model to observe the collective multicellular behavior during spheroid formation. Further, we applied various quantitative approaches including real‐time live imaging and immune histochemical image analysis to dissect the cellular dynamics during tissue patterning.

Results

On a time‐scale of hours, we observed marked size and shape transformations in the developed 3D spheroid which resulted in a spatially‐controlled growth differential from the canter to the periphery of the formed aggregates. Moreover, we investigated the effect of fibronectin (FN) on SMG cells self‐organization using our simplified culture model. Interestingly, we discovered a novel role of FN in inducing duct‐like elongation during initial stages of SMG bud formation.

Conclusion

This in vitro model provides an excellent tool for analyzing the intercellular dynamics during early SMG tissue development as well as revealing a novel role of FN in SMG ductal expansion.
Predicting invasiveness of exotic woody species using a traits‐based framework
Authors: Nunez‐Mir Gabriela C. , Guo Qinfeng , Rejmánek Marcel , Iannone Basil V. , Fei Songlin
Published: June 2019

Identifying potentially invasive species and preventing their introduction and establishment are of critical importance in invasion ecology and land management. Although an extensive body of research has been dedicated to identifying traits that confer invasiveness, our current knowledge is still often inconclusive due to limitations in geographic extent and/or scope of traits analyzed. Here, using a comprehensive set of 45 traits, we performed a case study of invasive traits displayed by exotic woody plants in the United States (U.S.) by comparing 63 invasive and 794 non‐invasive exotic woody plant species naturalized across the country. We found that invasive woody species often bear the following two key traits: vegetative reproduction and long‐distance seed dispersal (via water, birds or mammals). Boosted classification tree models based on these traits accurately predicted species invasiveness (86% accuracy on average). Presented findings provide a generalized understanding of the relative importance of functional traits in identifying potentially invasive woody species in the U.S. The knowledge generated in this study can be used to improve current classification systems of non‐native woody plants used by various U.S. governmental agencies and land managers.
Size dependency of patch departure behavior: evidence from granivorous rodents
Authors: Cozzoli Francesco , Gjoni Vojsava , Basset Alberto
Published: June 2019

Individual size is a major determinant of mobile organisms’ ecology and behavior. This study aims to explore whether allometric scaling principles can provide an underlying framework for general patterns of resource patch use. To this end, we used giving‐up densities (GUDs), that is, the amount of resources remaining in a patch after a forager has quit feeding, as a comparative measure of the amount of resources exploited by a forager of any given size. We specifically tested the hypothesis that size‐dependent responses to both internal (energy requirement) and external (risk management) forces may have an effect on GUDs. We addressed this topic by conducting an extensive meta‐analysis of published data on granivorous rodents, including 292 GUD measurements reported in 25 papers. The data set includes data on 22 granivorous rodent species belonging to three taxonomic suborders (Castorimorpha, Myomorpha, and Sciuromorpha) and spans three habitat types (desert, grassland, and forest). The observations refer to both patches subject to predation risk and safe patches. Pooling all data, we observed positive allometric scaling of GUDs with average forager size (scaling exponent = 0.45), which explained 15% of overall variance in individual GUDs. Perceived predation risk during foraging led to an increase in GUDs independently of forager size and taxonomy and of habitat type, which explained an additional 12% of overall GUD variance. The size scaling exponent of GUDs is positive across habitat types and taxonomic suborders of rodents. Some variation was observed, however. The scaling coefficients in grassland and forest habitat types were significantly higher than in the desert habitat type. In addition, Sciuromorpha and Myomorpha exhibited a more pronounced size scaling of GUDs than Castorimorpha. This suggests that different adaptive behaviors may be used in different contexts and/or from different foragers. With body size being a fundamental ecological descriptor, research into size scaling of GUDs may help to place patch‐use observations in a broader allometric framework.
Invasion and drought alter phenological sensitivity and synergistically lower ecosystem production
Authors: Esch Ellen H. , Lipson David A. , Cleland Elsa E.
Published: June 2019

Climate change and shifting species composition have influenced ecosystem‐scale phenology worldwide. For instance, invasive plant species have greater vegetation phenological sensitivity to climate change than native plant species in some regions, and hence invasion could modify how ecosystem carbon gain responds to increased drought frequencies expected with climate change. Results from a 4‐yr drought experiment show that invasion reduced ecosystem potential for carbon gain via increased sensitivity to reduced rainfall. Using canopy greenness (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) as a proxy for potential ecosystem carbon gain, we show that areas invaded by herbaceous species had up to a 70% reduction in maximum NDVI under severe drought conditions as compared to areas dominated by native shrubs. Phenological differences between herbaceous‐ and shrub‐dominated vegetation contributed to this reduction in potential ecosystem carbon gain because invaded areas had delayed green‐up, especially under drought conditions, and shrub senescence was accelerated by drought. Hence, invasion by herbaceous species and increased drought frequencies are likely to act synergistically to reduce ecosystem capacity for carbon gain in this system. Our findings suggest that predicting ecosystem responses to future climate change could be improved by projecting of the spread of invasive species and accounting for phenological variation between native and invading species.
Selective Room‐Temperature Hydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds under Atmospheric Pressure over Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Ceria‐Zirconia Mixed Oxide
Authors: Redina Elena A. , Vikanova Kseniia V. , Kapustin Gennady I. , Mishin Igor V. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: June 2019

A Pt/CeO2‐ZrO2 catalytic system was able to initiate an extremely intense hydrogen spillover providing a huge amount of activated hydrogen (12 mol/mol Pt) at temperatures –50°C ‐ +25°C, which was not observed before. The idea was to use this activated hydrogen for reduction of carbonyl compounds under ambient conditions. Thus, the efficient and selective heterogeneous hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds of different structure, including 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and cinnamaldehyde, to the corresponding alcohols with quantitative yields was successfully performed over the Pt/CeO2‐ZrO2 catalysts at room‐temperature and atmospheric pressure of H2. The proposed catalysts afforded hydrogenation under significantly milder conditions with a much higher activity and selectivity compared to the commercial catalysts and reported catalytic systems. Hydrogenation of the C=O bond in the presence of a C=C bond proceeded with a high regioselectivity.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 3‐(2‐Fluoroalkenyl)indoles
Authors: Aldoshin Alexander S. , Tabolin Andrey A. , Ioffe Sema L. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: June 2019

An unprecedented one‐pot synthesis of 3‐(fluoroalkenyl)indoles was developed. This process involves a catalyst‐free Michael addition of β‐fluoro‐β‐nitrostyrenes to indoles in neat followed by elimination of HNO2 using DBU as a base. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated through the preparation of variety of target products in up to 75 % isolated yield.
Ziconotide for spinal cord injury‐related pain
Authors: Brinzeu Andrei , Berthiller Julien , Caillet Jean‐Bernard , Staquet Helene , Mertens Patrick
Published: June 2019

Background

Central neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury is notoriously difficult to treat. So far most pharmacological and surgical options have shown but poor results. Recently ziconotide has been approved for use both neuropathic and non‐neuropathic pain. In this cohort study, we assessed responder rate and long‐term efficacy of intrathecal ziconotide in patients with pain related to spinal cord injury.

Methods

Patients presenting chronic neuropathic related to spinal cord lesions that was refractory to medical pain management were considered for inclusion. Those accepting were tested by lumbar puncture injection of ziconotide or continuous intrathecal infusion and if a significant decrease in pain scores (>40%) was noted they were implanted with a continuous infusion pump. They were then followed up for at least 1 year with constant assessment of the evolution of pain and side effects.

Results

Out of the 20 patients tested 14 had a decrease in pain scores of more than 40% but only 11 (55%) were implanted with permanent pumps due to side effects and patient choice. These were followed up on average for 3.59 years (±1.94) and in eight patients an above threshold decrease in pain scores was maintained. Overall in patients that responded to the test baseline VAS was 7.91 and 4.31 at last follow‐up with an average dose of 7.2 μg of ziconotide per day. Six patients (30%) did not respond to any test and in three patients side effects precluded pump implantation. No significant long‐term effects of the molecule were noted.

Conclusion

This study shows response to intrathecal ziconotide test in 40% of the patients of a very specific population in whom other therapeutic options are not available. This data justifies the development further studies such as a long‐term randomized controlled trial.

Significance

Intrathecal Ziconotide is a posible alternative for the treatment of pain in patients with spinal cord injury and below level neuropathic pain.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Phenanthrene and Retene Modify the Action Potential via Multiple Ion Currents in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka , Haverinen Jaakko , Vornanen Matti
Published: June 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants in aqueous environments. They affect cardiovascular development and function in fishes. The 3-ring PAH phenanthrene has recently been shown to impair cardiac excitation–contraction coupling by inhibiting Ca2+ and K+ currents in marine warm-water scombrid fishes. To see if similar events take place in a boreal freshwater fish, we studied whether the PAHs phenanthrene and retene (an alkylated phenanthrene) modify the action potential (AP) via effects on Na+ (INa), Ca2+ (ICaL), or K+ (IKr, IK1) currents in the ventricular myocytes of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) heart. Electrophysiological characteristics of myocytes were measured using whole-cell patch clamp. Micromolar concentrations of phenanthrene and retene modified the shape of the ventricular AP, and retene profoundly shortened the AP at low micromolar concentrations. Both PAHs increased INa and reduced ICaL and IKr, but retene was more potent. Neither of the PAHs had an effect on IK1. Our results show that phenanthrene and retene affect cardiac function in rainbow trout by a mechanism that involves multiple cardiac ion channels, and the final outcome of these changes (shortening of AP) is opposite to that observed in scombrid fishes (prolongation of AP). The results also show that retene and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist have an additional mechanism of toxicity besides the previously known AhR-mediated, transcription-dependent one. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2145–2153. © 2019 SETAC.
How do hospitals respond to price changes in emergency departments?
Authors: Parkinson Beth , Meacock Rachel , Sutton Matt
Published: June 2019

Little is known about how prospective provider payment affects the provision of services led by unpredictable demand. We investigate hospital responses to a 32% increase in price for two treatments in emergency departments in England in April 2011 using data on 11,532,304 attendances (79 hospitals) between 2009/2010 and 2013/2014. We compare changes in the volumes of these two treatments to a treatment not attracting additional reimbursement using a difference‐in‐differences framework. Additional reimbursement led to 76% and 152% increases in the volumes of the two incentivised treatments. Hospitals received an additional £64.4 M between April 2011 and March 2014 for providing these treatments, of which 40% (£25.9 M) was attributable to the unanticipated hospital response to the price increase. We use time in treatment to distinguish real increases in treatment from reductions in undercoding or increases in upcoding. The association between the recorded receipt of these treatments and time spent in treatment was the same before and after the price increase, and there was no association between hospital‐specific increases in recorded treatment volumes and changes in treatment times. The persistence of the treatment time increment suggests the increase in recorded treatment was a real increase in provision of treatments.
Gaucher Disease in Bone: From Pathophysiology to Practice
Authors: Hughes Derralynn , Mikosch Peter , Belmatoug Nadia , Carubbi Francesca , Cox TimothyM , Goker-Alpan Ozlem , Kindmark Andreas , Mistry PramodK , Poll Ludger , Weinreb Neal , Deegan Patrick
Published: June 2019

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare, genetic lysosomal disorder leading to lipid accumulation and dysfunction in multiple organs. Involvement of the skeleton is one of the most prevalent aspects of GD and a major cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Uniform recommendations for contemporary evaluation and management are needed. To develop practical clinical recommendations, an international group of experienced physicians conducted a comprehensive review of 20 years’ of the literature, defining terms according to pathophysiological understanding and pointing out best practice and unmet needs related to the skeletal features of this disorder. Abnormalities of bone modeling, reduced bone density, bone infarction, and plasma cell dyscrasias accompany the displacement of healthy adipocytes in adult marrow. Exposure to excess bioactive glycosphingolipids appears to affect hematopoiesis and the balance of osteoblast and osteoclast numbers and activity. Imbalance between bone formation and breakdown induces disordered trabecular and cortical bone modeling, cortical bone thinning, fragility fractures, and osteolytic lesions. Regular assessment of bone mineral density, marrow infiltration, the axial skeleton and searching for potential malignancy are recommended. MRI is valuable for monitoring skeletal involvement: It provides semiquantitative assessment of marrow infiltration and the degree of bone infarction. When MRI is not available, monitoring of painful acute bone crises and osteonecrosis by plain X-ray has limited value. In adult patients, we recommend DXA of the lumbar spine and left and right hips, with careful protocols designed to exclude focal disease; serial follow-up should be done using the same standardized instrument. Skeletal health may be improved by common measures, including adequate calcium and vitamin D and management of pain and orthopedic complications. Prompt initiation of specific therapy for GD is crucial to optimizing outcomes and preventing irreversible skeletal complications. Investing in safe, clinically useful, and better predictive methods for determining bone integrity and fracture risk remains a need. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
A Lot of Progress, With More to Be Done: A Response to NIH Pathways to Prevention Report “Research Gaps for Long-Term Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention”
Authors: Leder Benjamin Z , Clarke Bart L , Shane Elizabeth , Khosla Sundeep , Kiel Douglas P
Published: June 2019

The public health implications of osteoporosis are enormous but the disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. In October 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a Pathways to Prevention (P2P) Workshop entitled “Appropriate Use of Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention” designed to identify research gaps, suggest future research opportunities, and advance the field through an evidence-based assessment. By design, the P2P report focused on “gaps” in our knowledge base. Unfortunately, however, the report did not sufficiently acknowledge the current evidence that unequivocally demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of existing pharmacologic therapies for osteoporosis, which has the potential to exacerbate the current crises in osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis identifies lncRNA HCG22 as a migration inhibitor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xizhe , Xiao Xiaoxiong , Chang Ruimin , Zhang Chunfang
Published: June 2019

Esophageal cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the dominant histological type. However, the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) alterations in ESCC have not been elucidated to date. In this study, reliable databases from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), which analyzed lncRNA expression in ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were searched, and common differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes were analyzed. Next, cis‐
trans analysis was performed to predict the underlying relationships between altered lncRNAs and mRNAs, and the lncRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was established. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of altered lncRNA‐related genes were performed. The promising lncRNA HCG22 was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and clinicopathological data were collected to identify the relationship between lncRNA HCG22 expression level and clinical features. Finally, Transwell assays were performed to explore the biological functions of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC cells. Two hundred forty‐one lncRNAs and 835 mRNAs were observed to be remarkably altered between ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The lncRNA‐mRNA regulatory network showed the coexpression association between lncRNA HCG22 and SPINK7 and ADAMTS12. GO and KEGG analyses showed that HCG22 and ADAMTS12 had potential biological functions in the cell migration of ESCC. The downregulation of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC tumor tissues was validated by qPCR, and the clinicopathological data showed a noticeable correlation between lncRNA HCG22 expression level and the ESCC differentiational degree and clinical TNM stage. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that patients with ESCC having low lncRNA HCG22 expression in ESCC tissues had considerably shorter overall survival compared with patients with ESCC having high lncRNA HCG22 expression. Following Transwell assays confirmed the migratory role of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC cells. In conclusion, lncRNA HCG22 was downregulated in ESCC tissues and can be a migration inhibitor of ESCC cells, and SPINK7 and ADAMTS12 are promising to be the regulatory targets of lncRNA HCG22.
DelPhi Suite: New Developments and Review of Functionalities
Authors: Li Chuan , Jia Zhe , Chakravorty Arghya , Pahari Swagata , Peng Yunhui , Basu Sankar , Koirala Mahesh , Panday Shailesh Kumar , Petukh Marharyta , Li Lin , Alexov Emil
Published: June 2019

Electrostatic potential, energies, and forces affect virtually any process in molecular biology, however, computing these quantities is a difficult task due to irregularly shaped macromolecules and the presence of water. Here, we report a new edition of the popular software package DelPhi along with describing its functionalities. The new DelPhi is a C++ object‐oriented package supporting various levels of multiprocessing and memory distribution. It is demonstrated that multiprocessing results in significant improvement of computational time. Furthermore, for computations requiring large grid size (large macromolecular assemblages), the approach of memory distribution is shown to reduce the requirement of RAM and thus permitting large‐scale modeling to be done on Linux clusters with moderate architecture. The new release comes with new features, whose functionalities and applications are described as well. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blockade of thrombospondin‐1 ameliorates high glucose‐induced peritoneal fibrosis through downregulation of TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Na , Zhang Zhen , Shao Xinghua , Jing Ran , Wang Chunlin , Fang Wei , Mou Shan , Ni Zhaohui
Published: June 2019

Background

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is a profibrotic cytokine which induces mesothelial cell mesothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (MMT) and peritoneal fibrosis in patients receiving treatment of peritoneal dialysis. Because thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) is able to activate latent TGF‐β1 in vivo, we investigated whether blockade of TSP‐1 could modulate mesothelial cell MMT and ameliorate peritoneal fibrosis.

Methods

Human pleural mesothelial cells (Met‐5A cells) were treated with TSP‐1 and addition of TGF‐β1 neutralizing antibody to assess the effect of TSP‐1 on MMT. Furthermore, TSP‐1 blocking peptide Leu‐Ser‐Lys‐Leu (LSKL) was applied to Met‐5A cells treated with 4.25% d‐glucose to determine its function in high glucose‐induced MMT. Consequently, a uremic dialysate injection rat model was set up to confirm the results in vivo.

Results

Exposure of Met‐5A cells to TSP‐1 increased TGF‐β1 secretion, expression and bioactivity, triggered Smad3 phosphorylation, upregulated the expression of mesenchymal molecules including fibronectin, collagen type III, α‐smooth muscle actin, Snail, and decreased calretinin expression. The effect was partially attenuated by TGF‐β1 neutralizing antibody. TSP‐1 expression in Met‐5A cells was increased by 4.25% d‐glucose, followed by increased secretion and bioactivity of TGF‐β1, the onset of Smad3 phosphorylation and induction of MMT. LSKL significantly attenuated high glucose‐mediated mesothelial cell MMT and ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis in uremic rats receiving dextrose dialysate injection.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data demonstrated that TSP‐1 contributes to mesothelial cell MMT by activating TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and blockade of TSP‐1 attenuates high glucose‐mediated mesothelial cell MMT and peritoneal fibrosis.
Non‐thermal plasma‐assisted catalytic oxidation of NO in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor packed with MOx/Al2O3 (M = Mn or Co) as catalysts
Authors: Wang Jiangen , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Plasma catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool in converting a gas or gas mixture into other value‐added or environment‐friendly chemicals. However, a substantial research effort is needed to further understand the physical and chemical interactions between plasma and catalysts, and their contribution to the chemical reactions.

RESULTS

For a given energy density (ED) of 535 ± 25 J L−1, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor packed with Al2O3 achieved higher NO2 selectivity and N2O concentration than the DBD reactor alone. Two kinds of supported catalysts (MnOx/Al2O3 and CoOx/Al2O3) with different loading amounts were prepared to investigate the NO oxidation performance of the plasma‐catalytic process. The results indicated that 5 wt% MnOx/Al2O3 presented higher NO2 selectivity and N2O concentration than other catalysts. Packing the DBD reactor with catalysts also changed its discharge behavior. The discharge behavior of the packed‐bed DBD reactor also changed with variation in the loading amount of active metal oxide from 0 to 15 wt%, resulting in changes in NO oxidation performance. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) analysis results indicated that nitrates were formed during the non‐thermal plasma (NTP)‐assisted catalytic process.

CONCLUSION

Packing catalysts into the NTP area can not only change the discharge behavior but also improve the oxidation performance of NTP. Both NO oxidation performance and N2O formation for the NTP‐assisted catalytic process have presented significant enhancement. Reducing N2O formation will still be a big challenge for NTP systems used in environmental applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of wild‐type and mutant p53 protein by Raman spectroscopy and multivariate methods
Authors: Hernández‐Vidales Karen , Guevara Edgar , Olivares‐Illana Vanesa , González Francisco Javier
Published: June 2019

To improve the early and reliable detection of cancer novel methods for the identification of associated biomarkers can suppose a big advantage over most of the techniques nowadays used for diagnosis because these techniques generally have the disadvantages of being laborious, invasive, and dependent on the physician's experience. The cancer biomarker wild‐type p53 protein is naturally present in the human body and activated when cellular damage is detected. Mutations in p53 are related to the presence of tumors.

In this work, Raman spectra of wild‐type and mutant p53 were obtained. The spectra were analyzed by multivariate methods. Principal component analysis and support vector machine algorithms showed that it is possible to discriminate between the wild and mutant types of this biomarker with an accuracy of 94%. An estimation of the limit of the detection of the wild‐type p53 protein by means of Raman spectroscopy was performed by partial least squares regression, reaching that it is possible to detect concentration as low as 0.946 μM without additional reagents. This proof‐of‐concept test shows that it is possible to detect and differentiate among types of p53 and represent the basis for an advanced study where a mechanism of signal amplification can be implemented. Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate mathematical techniques is projected as a complete tool capable of identifying biomarkers in a noninvasive, simple, and economical way, eliminating the subjective interpretation of the results, and therefore contributing to objective and more reliable diagnoses.
Is robotic surgery an option for early T‐stage laryngeal cancer? Early nationwide results
Authors: Hanna Jonathan , Brauer Philip R. , Morse Elliot , Judson Benjamin , Mehra Saral
Published: June 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize patients undergoing laryngeal transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and compare to open partial surgery and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in achieving negative margins, requiring adjuvant radiation, and overall survival.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Methods

Early‐stage (T1/2) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients from the National Cancer Database. Univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regressions were used to identify predictors.

Results

There were 1,780 patients included in the study (186 [10.4%] = TORS; 523 [29.4%] = open surgery; 1,071 [60.2%] = TLM). TORS was more commonly treated at academic centers (68.8% = open surgery, 53.9% = TLM, 71.0% = TORS; P < .001) and had more T2 (52.7% = TORS, 46.7% = open surgery, 20.5% = TLM; P < .001) and N‐positive disease (26.9% = TORS, 19.5% = open surgery, 5.5% = TLM; P < .001). Surgical approach was significantly associated with margin status (positive margin rates: TORS = 17.4%, TLM = 20.0%, open surgery = 13.8%) between open surgery and TLM in multivariable analysis (compared to open surgery, TLM: 1.63 [1.12–2.38], TORS: 1.18 [0.72–1.94]; P = .04). Surgical approach was not associated with receipt of adjuvant radiation (compared to open surgery, TLM: 1.52 [1.04–2.24], TORS: 1.56 [0.97–2.49]; P = .05). It was not associated with margins or adjuvant radiation in supraglottic patients. TORS had the highest 5‐year overall survival, although the survival for TLM was similar (68.7% and 64.8%, respectively), and both were higher than that of open surgery (59.1%; P = .01). In multivariable Cox regression for supraglottic patients, there was no observed difference between TORS and open surgery (compared to TORS, open surgery: 1.44 [0.93–2.24]; P = .25).

Conclusions

On multivariable analysis, there was no observed difference in margin status in TORS patients compared to TLM and open surgery (in both the total cohort and supraglottic subgroup). Similarly there was no observed difference in necessitating adjuvant radiation. In Cox regression, there was no observed difference between TORS and open surgery in overall survival for supraglottic patients. This study suggests that TORS may be a viable treatment option for early‐stage laryngeal cancer.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:1195–1201, 2020
Intranasal corticosteroids and saline: Usage and adherence in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Intranasal saline irrigations and intranasal corticosteroids are supported by level‐1 evidence for medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We sought to study adherence with these medications.

Methods

Prospective study of 174 patients with CRS. Patients reported their usage of intranasal saline irrigation and intranasal corticosteroid over the preceding 3 months, at presentation, and a subsequent follow‐up visit 3 to 12 months later. Adherence was defined as reported medication usage for ≥6 days per week.

Results

At the time of presentation, 44.3% of patients were using an intranasal corticosteroid spray or irrigation ≥6 days/week, whereas only 24.1% were using saline irrigation ≥6 days per week. At follow‐up, 60.3% of patients were using either an intranasal corticosteroid spray or irrigation ≥6 days per week, whereas 35.6% were using saline irrigation ≥6 days per week. Adherence with intranasal corticosteroids was associated with comorbid asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–6.50, P = 0.029), allergy (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.05–4.71, P = 0.037), and change in 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test score (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P = 0.027). Use of intranasal corticosteroid sprays versus irrigations (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 0.84–7.83, P = 0.099) was suggestive of association with improved adherence. Adherence with intranasal saline irrigation was associated with age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Usage and adherence with intranasal steroids and saline may be low in CRS patients even with management in a tertiary level, subspecialty rhinology clinic. Adherence with medications represents a major opportunity for improving patient care and outcomes, specifically by targeting patients with lower disease burden and improving convenience of medications.

Level of Evidence

2C

Laryngoscope, 130:852–856, 2020
Dielectric Constant, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Ladder‐Like Polypropylsilsesquioxane/Crown Ether‐Polyimide Nanocomposites
Authors: Shi Chuqi , Liu Shumei , Wu Yancheng , Cheng Kai , Zhao Jianqing , Fu Yi
Published: June 2019

Ladder‐like polypropylsilsesquioxane (LPSQ) with inorganic SiOSi double‐stranded skeleton in situ growth is incorporated into 18‐crown‐6‐polyimide (CE6‐PI) chains by coupling effect of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane to build ladder‐like polypropylsilsesquioxane/18‐crown‐6‐polyimide (LPSQ/CE6‐PI) nanocomposites. The dielectric constant is evidently decreased, and the strength, toughness, and thermal stability of CE6‐PI are greatly improved. A low dielectric constant of 2.71 as well as high tensile strength of 133.7 MPa and toughness of 29.7 MJ m−3 are achieved for the LPSQ/CE6‐PI nanocomposite with 23.2 wt% LPSQ. Meanwhile, its glass transition temperature and 5% weight loss temperature exhibit an increase of 23.1 °C and 68.8 °C, respectively, based on CE6‐PI. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction patterns, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscope images are applied to investigate the effect of LPSQ on the structure of LPSQ/CE6‐PI nanocomposites.
Electrospinning of Tough and Elastic Liquid Crystalline Polymer–Polyurethane Composite Fibers: Mechanical Properties and Fiber Alignment
Authors: Bertocchi Michael J. , Simbana Rachel A. , Wynne James H. , Lundin Jeffrey G.
Published: June 2019

Tough and elastic microfiber composites composed of an elastic polyurethane (Hydrothane) and a liquid crystalline polymer (Vectran) are fabricated via electrospinning. The composite fibers (HVC) are examined as a function of the mixing ratio of the polymers and evaluated on the bases of fiber formation, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical performance, and fiber alignment. The fiber diameters of the HVCs decrease as the content of Vectran increases. When the fibers are aligned via a rotating target, they have even smaller diameters and increased uniformity than when a static target is employed. Surprisingly, the aligned fibers’ mechanical properties are different than those of random orientation; the HVC fibers of random orientation display increases in strength, toughness, and elastic modulii when increasing amounts of Vectran are incorporated in the fibers. The aforementioned mechanical properties of the aligned fibers decrease somewhat as the content of Vectran is increased. Further, the durability of the aligned fibers is examined by extensional durability tests over ten cycles. The tests indicate that the HVC fibers are very durable and can function as tunable, tough, and elastic fibrous polymer scaffolds and have potential applications in high‐performance composites, polymeric filtration devices, and fibrous bioengineering materials.
Superhydrophobic and Low‐k Polyimide Film with Porous Interior Structure and Hierarchical Surface Morphology
Authors: Dong Fuping , Li Hongwei , Lu Liangyu , Xiong Yuzhu , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: June 2019

Porous interior structured polyimide (PI) films with a hierarchical surface are fabricated from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride and 4,4′‐oxydianiline by a water vapor induced phase separation process under a humid environment. Superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 161° are obtained using the hierarchical surface morphology, which can be adjusted from flower‐like to wrinkle‐shape particles facilely by changing the relative humidity. The dielectric constant (k) of the PI film decreases sharply from 2.8 (film prepared under dry conditions) to ≈1.9 (film prepared under humid conditions) because of the interior porous structure and fluorine‐containing framework. Both a low‐k and superhydrophobicity are very important parameters for PI films in microelectronic and insulating applications.
The role of emotions in shaping purchase intentions for innovations using emerging technologies: A scenario‐based investigation in the context of nanotechnology
Authors: Seegebarth Barbara , Backhaus Christof , Woisetschläger David M.
Published: June 2019

Although emotions may not play a major role as antecedents of consumers′ innovation acceptance, this study proposes that attitude formation works differently in the context of emerging technologies because of their high levels of uncertainty. To investigate the role of emotions in shaping intentions to adopt innovations using emerging technologies, the conceptual model developed in this study integrates cognitive (risks and benefits) and emotional (optimism and worry) elements. A scenario‐based study employing 731 participants tests the model across three nanotechnology‐based product innovations that differ in terms of product category risk. The results of a mediated moderation model show that emotions do play a key mediating role in explaining purchase intentions. Although the study supports the conceptual model regardless of the level of product‐related risk, it finds risk‐related differences in the strength and level of the mediational links. By unveiling the role of emotions in emerging technology contexts, this study has important implications not only for innovation management but also for regulating institutions and public policymakers.
Activation of a protumorigenic IFNγ/STAT1/IRF‐1 signaling pathway in keratinocytes following exposure to solar ultraviolet light
Authors: Blazanin Nicholas , Cheng Tianyi , Carbajal Steve , DiGiovanni John
Published: June 2019

In this study, we evaluated the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in response to acute solar ultraviolet (SUV) radiation in mouse epidermis. Analysis of the epidermis from SUV‐irradiated mice revealed rapid phosphorylation of STAT1 (pSTAT1) on both tyrosine (tyr701) and serine (ser727) residues and increased levels of IRF‐1 while later timepoints showed increased levels of unphosphorylated STAT1 (uSTAT1). STAT1 activation led to upregulation of several proinflammatory chemokine mRNAs in epidermis includingCxcl9,Cxcl10, andCcl2,as well as, the immune checkpoint inhibitorPd‐l1. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2/COX2) were upregulated in epidermis following exposure to SUV. Mice with keratinocyte‐specific STAT1 deletion did not exhibit increased IRF‐1 or proinflammatory gene expression in epidermis. Furthermore, epidermal COX‐2 induction after SUV exposure was significantly reduced in mice with keratinocyte‐specific deletion of STAT1. Additionally, SUV irradiation rapidly upregulated interferon gamma (IFNγ) mRNA in the epidermis and that skin resident epidermal CD3 + T‐cells were the source of IFNγ production. IFNγ receptor‐deficient mice confirmed dependency of STAT1 activation, proinflammatory gene expression and COX‐2 upregulation in the epidermis on paracrine IFNγ signaling. Furthermore, keratinocyte‐specific STAT1‐deficiency reduced proliferation and hyperplasia due to SUV irradiation and this was associated with decreased immune infiltration of mast cells in the dermis. Collectively, the current results demonstrate that exposure to SUV leads to upregulation of IFNγ and downstream pSTAT1/IRF‐1/uSTAT1 signaling in the epidermis. Further study of this pathway could lead to identification of novel targets for the prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Historical and Projected Changes in Spawning Phenologies of American Shad and Striped Bass in the Hudson River Estuary
Authors: Nack Christopher C. , Swaney Dennis P. , Limburg Karin E.
Published: June 2019

Predicted increases in temperatures over the next century have raised many concerns about changes in the life history traits and geographical distributions of anadromous fishes. Anadromous fishes are particularly vulnerable to human activities due to the diverse array of habitats needed to complete their life cycle and the proximity of essential habitats to large human population centers. To understand the potential changes in spawning phenology of American Shad Alosa sapidissima and Striped Bass Morone saxatilis in the Hudson River estuary, a model was developed to estimate the onset, cessation, and duration of the spawning season through the 21st century, corresponding to projected water temperatures. Water temperatures for the Hudson River estuary were determined using recent models accepted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Model results indicate that by the 2090s, the spawning season of both species will initiate, on average, approximately 15 d earlier in the year, with spawning duration reduced by 4 d compared to the average spawning season in the 2010s.
No link between striatal dopaminergic axons and dopamine transporter imaging in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Honkanen Emma A. , Saari Laura , Orte Katri , Gardberg Maria , Noponen Tommi , Joutsa Juho , Kaasinen Valtteri
Published: June 2019

Background

Brain dopamine transporter binding has been considered a possible biomarker for nigrostriatal degeneration in PD.

Objective

To investigate whether dopamine transporter binding is associated with the number of dopaminergic neurites in the putamen.

Methods

Tyrosine hydroxylase–positive nerve fibers were counted from postmortem putamen sections taken from 14 parkinsonism patients who had been scanned with dopamine transporter single‐photon emission computed tomography antemortem. Fiber counts were correlated with putamen dopamine transporter binding and SN neuron counts.

Results

The putamen dopamine transporter specific binding ratio did not correlate with the putamen tyrosine hydroxylase–positive axon counts (r = 0.00; P = 1.0; PD patients: r = 0.07; P = 0.86). The nigra neuron counts had a positive correlation with the putamen tyrosine hydroxylase–positive axon counts.

Conclusions

Striatal dopamine transporter imaging does not associate with axonal nor somal loss of the nigrostriatal neurons in PD. It may reflect dopaminergic activity rather than number of surviving neurons or their striatal projection axons. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The thin profunda femoral artery perforator flap for tongue reconstruction
Authors: Heredero Susana , Sanjuan Alba , Falguera María I. , Dean Alicia , Ogledzki Marek
Published: June 2019

Background

With the ongoing global epidemic of obesity in the Western countries, thigh flaps such as the profunda artery perforator (PAP) free flap, have been less favorable for glossectomy reconstruction due to large bulk of adipose tissue associated with traditional subfascial harvest. In this article, we present a series of 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with suprafascial PAP free flaps following oncologic tongue resection.

Methods

Our series included six men and four women with an average age of 53.9 years old (range, 28–71 years). All patients underwent preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for selection of the most suitable perforator and preoperative design of its customized thickness. Flap elevation was performed at the superficial fascia layer while modifying the plane of dissection according to the specific bulk needs in each case.

Results

Flaps survived in nine patients; one flap failed due to vasospasm. Mean pedicle length was 7.4 cm (range, 6–8 cm). Skin paddle dimensions varied between 8 × 6 and 15 × 9 cm. Flaps thicknesses ranged from 0.4 to 3 cm. Functional outcome was evaluated at 6 months follow up: good speech and deglutition functional outcomes relative to extent of resection were observed.

Conclusions

The dissection above the superficial fascia layer represents an important refinement to the traditional fasciocutaneous PAP flap. Flap thickness can be tailored to avoid excess of bulk in the medial thigh observed in larger BMI populations.