bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B Vitamins and Hip Fracture: Secondary Analyses and Extended Follow-Up of Two Large Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Garcia Lopez Maria , Bønaa Kaare H , Ebbing Marta , Eriksen Erik F , Gjesdal Clara G , Nygård Ottar , Tell Grethe S , Ueland Per M , Meyer Haakon E
Published: June 2017

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of fractures in observational studies. However, it is unsettled whether homocysteine-lowering treatment affects fracture risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an intervention with B vitamins on the risk of hip fracture in a secondary analysis of combined data from two large randomized controlled trials originally designed to study cardiovascular diseases. Both trials had identical design, intervention, and primary objective. Based on a two-by-two factorial design, the intervention consisted of a daily capsule with either (1) folic acid (0.8 mg) plus vitamin B12 (0.4 mg) and vitamin B6 (40 mg); (2) folic acid (0.8 mg) plus vitamin B12 (0.4 mg); (3) vitamin B6 alone (40 mg); or (4) placebo. The participants were followed with respect to hip fracture during the trial or during an extended follow-up (from the trial start for each patient until the end of 2012). No statistically significant association was found between folic acid plus vitamin B12 treatment and the risk of hip fracture, neither during the trial (median 3.3 years; hazard ratio [HR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 1.59) nor during the extended follow-up (median 11.1 years; HR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.40). Nor were there significant differences in the risk of hip fracture between groups receiving versus not receiving vitamin B6 during the trial (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 0.78 to 2.61). However, during the extended follow-up, those receiving vitamin B6 showed a significant 42% higher risk of hip fracture (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.83) compared to those not receiving vitamin B6. In conclusion, treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B12 was not associated with the risk of hip fracture. Treatment with a high dose of vitamin B6 was associated with a slightly increased risk of hip fracture during the extended follow-up (in-trial plus post-trial follow-up). © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hospital‐acquired anemia due to diagnostic and therapy‐related blood loss in inpatients with myasthenia gravis receiving therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Mann Steven A. , Williams Lance A. , Marques Marisa B. , Pham Huy P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Daily laboratory testing (DLT) is an important cause of iatrogenic anemia. Therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE) represent another source of blood loss. This study investigated the contributions of DLT and TPE to changes in hemoglobin of inpatients with myasthenia gravis (MG) exacerbation.

Study design and methods

All admissions for MG that included TPE between 2008 and 2012 were identified. The DLT‐ and TPE‐related blood losses per patient were estimated based on the number of laboratory tests and TPE procedures. The primary endpoint was the difference between the discharge hemoglobin (Hgb) and the admission Hgb (ΔHgb). Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify clinical predictors of ΔHgb.

Results

A total of 46 patients (52% male, average age of 58 years) had 90 hospitalizations and underwent 424 TPEs during the study‐period. Their average length of stay (LOS) was 10.4 days, and total DLT and TPE‐related blood losses were 107 and 94 mL, respectively. While 41% of patients were anemic on admission, 90% were anemic at discharge. The average ΔHgb was −2.2 g/dL. The patient's blood volume, renal function, admission number, LOS, and combined blood losses correlated with ΔHgb by linear regression, but only DLT was an independent predictor of ΔHgb in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Approximately 50% of MG patients admitted for TPE developed hospital‐acquired anemia, which was directly correlated with the volume of blood collected for laboratory tests. A variety of strategies to reduce DLT could circumvent this iatrogenic complication.
The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer: Rational Strategies and Recent Progress
Authors: Bahrami Afsane , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Khazaei Majid , Hasanzadeh Malihe , Shahidsales Soodabeh , Maftouh Mina , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir
Published: June 2017

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is cellular environment in addition to harboring carcinoma cells, consists of different components (e.g., blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, bone marrow‐derived inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix) that have an essential role on drug activity and efficacy. There is growing body of evidence showing its involvement in the progression and metastasis of different cancers, including breast cancer (BC). These observations provide a proof of concept of targeting TME compartments as a novel potential therapeutic approach in treatment of this malignancy, which is the main interested for current review. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 111–122, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase and Maturation Promoting Factor During the Achievement of Meiotic Competency in Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Tiwari Meenakshi , Gupta Anumegha , Sharma Alka , Prasad Shilpa , Pandey Ashutosh N. , Yadav Pramod K. , Pandey Ajai K. , Shrivastav Tulsidas G. , Chaube Shail K.
Published: June 2017

The oocyte quality remains as one of the major problems associated with poor in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure worldwide. The oocyte quality is dependent on its meiotic maturation that begins inside the follicular microenvironment and gets completed at the time of ovulation in most of the mammalian species. Follicular oocytes are arrested at diplotene stage of first meiotic prophase. The resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest, progression through metaphase‐I (M‐I) and further arrest at metaphase‐II (M‐II) are important physiological requirements for the achievement of meiotic competency in mammalian oocytes. The achievement of meiotic competency is dependent upon cyclic stabilization/destabilization of maturation promoting factor (MPF). The mitogen‐activated protein kinase3/1 (MAPK3/1) modulates stabilization/destabilization of MPF in oocyte by interacting either with signal molecules, transcription and post‐transcription factors in cumulus cells or cytostatic factors (CSFs) in oocyte. MPF regulates meiotic cell cycle progression from diplotene arrest to M‐II arrest and directly impacts oocyte quality. The MAPK3/1 activity is not reported during spontaneous meiotic resumption but its activity in cumulus cells is required for gonadotropin‐induced oocyte meiotic resumption. Although high MAPK3/1 activity is required for the maintenance of M‐II arrest in several mammalian species, its cross‐talk with MPF remains to be elucidated. Further studies are required to find out the MAPK3/1 activity and its impact on MPF destabilization/stabilization during achievement of meiotic competency, an important period that decides oocyte quality and directly impacts ARTs outcome in several mammalian species including human. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 123–129, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bone marrow adipocytes support hematopoietic stem cell survival
Authors: Mattiucci Domenico , Maurizi Giulia , Izzi Valerio , Cenci Lorenzo , Ciarlantini Marco , Mancini Stefania , Mensà Emanuela , Pascarella Raffaele , Vivarelli Marco , Olivieri Attilio , Leoni Pietro , Poloni Antonella
Published: June 2017

In bone marrow (BM), hematopoietic elements are mingled with adipocytes (BM‐A), which are the most abundant stromal component in the niche. BM‐A progressively increase with aging, eventually occupying up to 50% of BM cavities. In this work, the role played by BM‐A was explored by studying primary human BM‐A isolated from hip surgery patients at the molecular level, through microarray analysis, and at the functional level, by assessing their relationship with primary human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) by the long‐term culture initiating cell (LTC‐IC) assay. Findings demonstrated that BM‐A are capable of supporting HSC survival in the LTC‐IC assay, since after 5 weeks of co‐culture, HSC were still able to proliferate and differentiate. Furthermore, critical molecules such as C‐X‐C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12), interleukin (IL)‐8, colony‐stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), were expressed at similar levels in BM‐A and in primary human BM mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSC), whereas IL‐3 was higher in BM‐A. Interestingly, BM‐A displayed a different gene expression profile compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue adipocytes (AT‐A) collected from abdominal surgery patients, especially in terms of regulation of lipid metabolism, stemness genes, and white‐to‐brown differentiation pathways. Accordingly, analysis of the gene pathways involved in hematopoiesis regulation showed that BM‐A are more closely related to BM‐MSC than to AT‐A. The present data suggest that BM‐A play a supporting role in the hematopoietic niche and directly sustain HSC survival.
The significant role of the Golgi apparatus in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Lu Liqun , Zhou Qun , Chen Zhe , Chen Linxi
Published: June 2017

The Golgi apparatus (GA) is a ribbon‐like system of stacks which consist of multiple closely apposed flattened cisternae and vesicles usually localized in the juxta‐nuclear area. As for the biological functions, the GA plays a major role in protein biosynthesis, post‐translational modification, and sorting protein from ER to plasma membrane and other destinations. Structural changes and functional disorder of the GA is associated with various diseases. Moreover, increasing evidence revealed that swelling, poor development, and other morphological alterations of the GA are linked to cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure (HF), arrhythmia, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, dysfunction of the GA is also related to cardiovascular diseases since the GA is extremely responsible for transport, glycosylation, biosynthesis, and subcellular distribution of cardiovascular proteins. This review gives a brief overview of the intricate relationship between the GA and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we provide a further prospective that the GA may provide diagnosis reference for cardiovascular diseases, and changes in the ultrastructure and morphology of the GA such as swelling, poor development, and fragmentation may serve as a reliable index for cardiovascular diseases.
Chondrification and Character Identification in the Skull Exemplified for the Basicranial Anatomy of Early Squamate Embryos
Authors: Yaryhin Oleksandr , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: June 2017

The neurocranium of vertebrates is mainly derived from early cartilaginous anlagen, the so‐called chondrocranium, the base of the future skull. Two initial bar‐shaped and paired chondrifications flank the notochord, the rostral trabecles and the caudal parachordals. In most reptiles, there is an additional component, the transverse acrochordal, which is placed between trabecles and parachordals. All these elements compose the base of the future chondrocranium. There are several drastically different hypotheses concerning the development and interrelationship of these elements. We reexamined the basicranial development in four squamates and found that all species show very similar conditions of early chondrocranial development. The anterior part of the notochord is not embedded into the basal plate as it was previously reported. It remains free. The medial edges of the parachordals form the lateral walls of the basicranial fenestra. Only the posterior portions of the parachordals fuse and form the basal plate. The space in‐between the parachordals is filled with a thin layer of cells, which never chondrify. The anterior tips of the parachordals later fuse with the posterior edge of the acrochordal, which ultimately delimitates, as crista sellaris, the basicranial fenestra anteriorly. We consider the observed processes a common development at least in lizards and review a variety of methodological approaches and differences in data interpretation as reasons for the anatomical differences reported in the literature. Moreover, based on our data we argue that the acrochordal is of mesodermal origin, which coincides with results of fate map experimental studies.
Oligomeric larvae of the pycnogonids revisited
Authors: Alexeeva Nina , Bogomolova Ekaterina , Tamberg Yuta , Shunatova Natalia
Published: June 2017

Organization and ultrastructure of the protonymphon larva were never adequately described, despite it being the common larval type of the enigmatic sea spiders and the only example of oligosegmented life stage among recent chelicerates. We have made a comprehensive examination of the newly hatched free‐living protonymphons of Nymphon brevirostre using SEM, TEM, light, and confocal microscopy. Although fairly typical in their broad characters, protonymphon larvae have a number of unique and unexpected traits. Body cavity, already present at this stage, is lined with extracellular matrix and thus is conclusively identified as primary body cavity. Central nervous system includes four postocular neuromeres arranged in three ganglia: supraesophageal, subesophageal, and the first ganglion of the ventral nerve cord. Examination of the sensory organs revealed unusually organized eyes, mechanoreceptors, and chemoreceptors. We have uncovered a mixed sensory‐secretory nature of chelar glands and proposed possible modalities of its receptory part. We gave first descriptions of the complex ultrastructure of three secretory organs (spinning glands, slit‐like organs, proboscis glands) and hypothesized on their mode of functioning. Comparisons with another oligomeric larva, for example, nauplius, revealed discrepancies in the segmentation of these animals. Although both larvae are externally unsegmented and bear three pairs of homologous appendages, the protonymphon body includes a fourth segment of the prospective walking legs which is absent in nauplius.
Enterovirus genotypes among patients with severe acute respiratory illness, influenza‐like illness, and asymptomatic individuals in South Africa, 2012‐2014
Authors: Hellferscee Orienka , Tempia Stefano , Walaza Sibongile , Variava Ebrahim , Dawood Halima , Wolter Nicole , Madhi Shabir A. , du Plessis Mignon , Cohen Cheryl , Treurnicht Florette K.
Published: June 2017

Enteroviruses can cause outbreaks of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and EV‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐D species have different pathogenic profiles and circulation patterns. We aimed to characterize and determine the prevalence of enterovirus genotypes among South African patients with respiratory illness and controls during June 2012 to July 2014. Syndromic SARI and influenza‐like illness (ILI) surveillance was performed at two sentinel sites. At each site nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens were collected from SARI and ILI patients as well as controls. Specimens were tested for enterovirus by real‐time PCR. Positive specimens were further genotyped by sequencing a region of the VP1 gene. The prevalence of enterovirus was 5.8% (87/1494), 3.4% (103/3079), and 3.4% (46/1367) among SARI, ILI, and controls, respectively (SARI/controls, P = 0.002 and ILI/control, P = 0.973). Among the 101/236 (42.8%) enterovirus‐positive specimens that could be genotyped, we observed a high diversity of circulating enterovirus genotypes (a total of 33 genotypes) from all four human enterovirus species with high prevalence of Enterovirus‐B (60.4%; 61/101) and Enterovirus‐A (21.8%; 22/101) compared to Enterovirus‐C (10.9%; 11/101) and Enterovirus‐D (6.9%; 7/101) (P = 0.477). Of the enterovirus genotypes identified, Echovirus 30 (9.9%, 10/101), Coxsackie virus B5 (7.9%, 8/101) and Enterovirus‐D68 (6.9%, 7/101) were most prevalent. There was no difference in disease severity (SARI or ILI compared to controls) between the different enterovirus species (P = 0.167). We observed a high number of enterovirus genotypes in patients with respiratory illness and in controls from South Africa with no disease association of EV species with disease severity.
What determines creative association? Revealing two factors which separately influence the creative process when solving the Remote Associates Test
Authors: Oltețeanu Ana‐Maria , Schultheis Holger
Published: June 2017

The Remote Associates Test is a well‐established measure, frequently used to assess individuals’ creative abilities, as a function of the ability to elicit remote associates. The nature of the involved associative processes is still poorly understood. This hampers a deeper understanding of the creative process, rendering it difficult to determine what factors are controlled for, when theRATis employed. We report an experiment that sheds further light on the nature of the associative process by manipulating (a) the frequency with which a pair of items are associated as associative strength, and (b) the probability of reaching the answer given the strength and the spread. Experimental results indicate a clear and surprisingly separate influence of frequency and probability on accuracy and response times. Frequency and probability both are thus factors that need to be included in the modeling process and controlled for when using theRATto assess creativity.
Creating hope: Assisting Veterans with Job Search Strategies using Cognitive Information Processing Theory
Authors: Buzzetta Mary , Hayden Seth C. W. , Ledwith Katherine
Published: June 2017

Providing effective employment services to today's veterans is essential. Given the high unemployment rate that currently exists for the veteran population, it is essential that career development professionals consider ways to effectively address their needs. This article highlights the complexities veterans experience in the job preparation and job search processes, as well as current efforts addressing the veteran unemployment concern. A clinical case study shows how cognitive information processing theory, a theory of career problem solving and decision making, can be used as a foundation for assisting veterans in the job search process.
Costamere protein expression and tissue composition of rotator cuff muscle after tendon release in sheep
Authors: Ruoss Severin , Möhl Christoph B. , Benn Mario C. , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Wieser Karl , Meyer Dominik C. , Gerber Christian , Flück Martin
Published: June 2017

Previous studies suggested that degradation of contractile tissue requires cleavage of the costamere, a structural protein complex that holds sarcomeres in place. This study examined if costamere turnover is affected by a rotator cuff tear in a previously established ovine model. We found the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a main regulator of costamere turnover, was unchanged at 2 weeks but decreased by 27% 16 weeks after surgical release of the infraspinatus tendon. This was accompanied by cleavage of the costamere protein talin into a 190 kDa fragment while full length talin remained unchanged. At 2 weeks after tendon release, muscle volume decreased by 17 cm3 from an initial 185 cm3, the fatty tissue volume was halved, and the contractile tissue volume remained unchanged. After 16 weeks, the muscle volume decreased by 36 cm3, contractile tissue was quantitatively lost, and the fat content increased by 184%. Nandrolone administration mitigated the loss of contractile tissue by 26% and prevented fat accumulation, alterations in FAK activity, and talin cleavage. Taken together, these findings imply that muscle remodeling after tendon release occurs in two stages. The early decrease of muscle volume is associated with reduction of fat; while, the second stage is characterized by substantial loss of contractile tissue accompanied by massive fat accumulation. Regulation of costamere turnover is associated with the loss of contractile tissue and seems to be impacted by nandrolone treatment. Clinically, the costamere may represent a potential intervention target to mitigate muscle loss after a rotator cuff tear. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:272–281, 2018.
Observing 2‐vinylpyridine and 4‐vinylpyridine anions during living anionic polymerization by in situ Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Ke Iou‐Sheng , Li Mingqi , Wu Janet , Rickard Mark A.
Published: June 2017

We report direct evidence of living anions of 2‐vinylpyridine and 4‐vinylpyridine for the first time to the authors' knowledge on the basis of in situ Raman spectral observations during a living anionic polymerization reaction. The former is characterized by a band at 1607 cm−1 and the latter at 1622 cm−1. A titration experiment was carried out by adding multiple aliquots of 4‐vinylpyridine into a solution containing 2‐vinylpyridine anions. Systematic spectral changes for the aforementioned bands provided convincing evidence for such spectral assignments. These assignments are supported by electronic structure calculations of the monomers and anions. Both anions showed large Raman cross sections, which allowed them to be detected at relatively low concentrations. Such Raman bands will enable facile in situ monitoring of the anionic species and thus can be useful for process development and optimization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving quality of an innovative pea puree by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Klug Tâmmila Venzke , Martínez‐Sánchez Ascensión , Gómez Perla A , Collado Elena , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Artés‐Hernández Francisco
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The food industry is continuously innovating to fulfill consumer demand for new, healthy, ready‐to‐eat products. Pea purees could satisfy this trend by increasing the intake of legumes, which are an important source of nutrients. Moreover, sensorial properties like viscosity could be improved by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). In this study the effect of a boiling treatment (10 min) followed by HHP at 550 kPa (0, 5 or 10 min) on the rheological properties, associated with enzymatic activity and particle size, as well as on the microbial and sensory quality of a pea‐based puree stored for 36 days at 5 °C, has been assessed.

RESULTS

The particle size of pea puree decreased after all processing treatments, but increased during storage in HHP‐treated samples. Conversely, boiling treatment showed an increase in polygalacturonase activity at the end of the storage period, with a decrease in particle size, viscosity and stability. However, 5 min of 550 kPa HHP showed the highest mean particle size, mean surface diameter and viscosity regarding the remaining treatments. The microbial load remained low during storage.

CONCLUSIONS

HHP treatment can be used by the food industry to improve the rheological properties, viscosity and stability of pea purees. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving access to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery expert advice through eConsultations
Authors: Kohlert Scott , Murphy Patrick , Tse Darren , Liddy Clare , Afkham Amir , Keely Erin
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Prolonged wait times have become common. Electronic consultations (eConsults) have been shown in previous studies to reduce unnecessary face‐to‐face consultations to specialists, but no prior study has investigated the feasibility or efficacy of eConsults in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTO‐HNS) practice.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

The Champlain BASE eConsult system is a secure web portal allowing primary care physicians (PCPs) to communicate asynchronously with specialists about a patient, without requiring a formal face‐to‐face consult. The data from all eConsults sent through this portal to OTO‐HNS practices between July 2011 and January 2015 were collected and analyzed.

Results

Response time was rapid; over 40% of eConsults received a response within 24 hours, and nearly all eConsults were answered within 7 calendar days. The median response time was nearly 29 times faster than traditional face‐to‐face consultation. Unnecessary face‐to‐face referrals were avoided in 33.4% of all eConsults, and in nearly 50% of cases where the PCP initially planned a formal referral. PCPs reported adopting a new or additional course of action over 50% of the time following an eConsult. Eighty‐eight percent of PCPs reported the service to be valuable for their patients, and 92% found it valuable for themselves. eConsults require only a limited time commitment from specialists, with over 75% taking less than 10 minutes to complete.

Conclusions

eConsultation is a cost‐effective system that can lead to decreased wait times, improved communication between PCPs and otolaryngologists, and help guide the development of targeted continuing professional development modules for PCPs.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:350–355, 2018
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Unsal Aykut A. , Unsal Aylin B. , Henn Tara E. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The role of cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lip (CSCCL) is well understood. This study seeks to evaluate overall survival as well as incidence and demographics across geographic regions, given differences in UV exposure across the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective population‐based analysis.

Methods

A total of 14,901 CSCCL cases were identified as being from the West, Midwest, South, or Northeast, utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry from 1973 to 2013. Demographics, stage of disease, and treatment modalities were compared among regions.

Results

Of the CSCCL cases reported, 58.3%, 24.5%, 10.8%, and 6.4% originated from the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast, respectively. Patients most commonly presented with T1 tumors (81.3%), and nodal and distant metastasis was rare for patients from all regions (3.1% and 0.3%, respectively). Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II and higher were most likely from the Northeast or South. Overall, most patients were treated with surgery monotherapy (89.5%); however, surgical monotherapy was least commonly utilized in patients in the Northeast and South. Overall 5‐year disease specific survival was measured at 94.7%.

Conclusion

Although areas of high UV index are implicated in increased morbidity and mortality due to CSCCL, this study indicates that a variety of factors play a role in CSCCL incidence and outcomes in the United States. The elderly and non‐white populations were identified as poor prognostic demographic factors. Investigation detailing differences in CSCCL detection and treatment may aid in the identification of higher‐risk populations.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:84–90, 2018
An evaluation of potentiometric pH sensors in coastal monitoring applications
Authors: McLaughlin Karen , Nezlin Nikolay P. , Weisberg Stephen B. , Dickson Andrew G. , Booth J. Ashley , Cash Curtis L. , Feit Adriano , Gully Joseph R. , Johnson Scott , Latker Ami , Mengel Michael J. , Robertson George L. , Steele Alex , Terriquez Laura
Published: June 2017

A wealth of historical coastal water pH data has been collected using potentiometric glass electrodes, but the accuracy and stability of these sensors is poorly understood. Here we compared pH measurements from five potentiometric sensors incorporated into profiling Sea‐Bird instrument packages and compared them to spectrophotometric measurements on discrete bottle samples collected at two to three depths associated with each cast. Differences ranged from −0.509 to +0.479 with a mean difference of −0.055 pH units. Ninety‐two percent of the measurements were within ± 0.2 pH units, but 1% of the measurements had differences greater than 0.322. Sensor performance was affected by depth, but most of the difference was associated with calibration shortcomings. Sensor drift within a day was negligible; moreover, differences between bottle samples and electrode measurements within a sampling day were smaller than differences across days. Bootstrap analysis indicated that conducting a daily in situ calibration would reduce the mean difference to 0.002 pH units and increase the number of samples within a 0.2 pH unit error to 98%.
UCP2 upregulation promotes PLCγ‐1 signaling during skin cell transformation
Authors: Sreedhar Annapoorna , Lefort Julia , Petruska Petra , Gu Xin , Shi Runhua , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: June 2017

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), whose physiological role is to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, is often overexpressed in human cancers. UCP2 upregulation has recently been proposed as a novel survival mechanism for cancer cells. However, until now, how exactly UCP2 promotes tumorigenesis remains inconclusive. Based on a widely used skin cell transformation model, our data demonstrated that UCP2 differentially regulated ROS. UCP2 upregulation decreased superoxide whereas it increased hydrogen peroxide production with concomitant increase in the expression and activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the primary mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide was responsible for induction of lipid peroxidation, and PLCγ‐1 activation in UCP2 overexpressed cells. Additionally, PLCγ‐1 activation enhanced skin cell transformation, and pharmacological, and siRNA mediated inhibition of PLCγ‐1, markedly reduced colony formation, and 3D cell growth. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide scavenger, catalase, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and dampened PLCγ‐1 activity. Taken together, our data suggest that (i) UCP2 is an important regulator of mitochondrial redox status and lipid signaling; (ii) hydrogen peroxide might mediate UCP2's tumor promoting activity; and (iii) pharmacological disruption of PLCγ‐1 and/or hydrogen peroxide may have clinical utility for UCP2 overexpressed cancers.
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) suppresses the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by modifying STAT3 activity
Authors: Gao Shegan , Li Shuoguo , Duan Xiaoxian , Gu Zhen , Ma Zhikun , Yuan Xiang , Feng Xiaoshan , Wang Huizhi
Published: June 2017

Although GSK3β has been reported to have contrasting effects on the progression of different tumors, it's possible functions in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the related molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated the expression, function, and molecular mechanism of GSK3β in the development of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Though the expression of total GSK3β was significantly increased, the phosphorylated (inactivated) form of GSK3β (Ser9) was concurrently decreased in the cancerous tissues of patients with ESCC compared with controls, suggesting that GSK3β activity was enhanced in cancerous tissues. Further pathological data analysis revealed that higher GSK3β expression was associated with poorer differentiation, higher metastasis rates, and worse prognosis of ESCC. These results were confirmed in different ESCC cell lines using a pharmacological inhibitor and specific siRNA to block GSK3β. Using a cancer phospho‐antibody array, we found that STAT3 is a target of GSK3β. GSK3 inhibition reduced STAT3 phosphorylation, and overexpression of constitutively active GSK3β had the opposite effect. Moreover, STAT3 inhibition mimicked the effects of GSK3β inhibition on ESCC cell migration and viability, while overexpression of a plasmid encoding mutant STAT3 (Y705F) abrogated these effects, and these results were further substantiated by clinicopathological data. In addition, a GSK3 inhibitor (LiCl) and/or STAT3 inhibitor (WP‐1066) efficiently suppressed the growth of ESCC cells in a xenograft tumor model. Altogether, these results reveal that higher GSK3β expression promotes ESCC progression through STAT3 in vitro and in vivo, and GSK3β‐STAT3 signaling could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.
Boosting the SNR by adding a receive‐only endorectal monopole to an external antenna array for high‐resolution, T2‐weighted imaging of early‐stage cervical cancer with 7‐T MRI
Authors: van Kalleveen I.M.L. , Hoogendam J.P. , Raaijmakers A.J.E. , Visser F. , Arteaga de Castro C.S. , Verheijen R.H.M. , Luijten P.R. , Zweemer R.P. , Veldhuis W.B. , Klomp D.W.J.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain in early‐stage cervical cancer at ultrahigh‐field MRI (e.g. 7 T) using a combination of multiple external antennas and a single endorectal antenna. In particular, we used an endorectal monopole antenna to increase the SNR in cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This should allow high‐resolution, T2‐weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for metabolic staging, which could facilitate the local tumor status assessment. In a prospective feasibility study, five healthy female volunteers and six patients with histologically proven stage IB1–IIB cervical cancer were scanned at 7 T. We used seven external fractionated dipole antennas for transmit–receive (transceive) and an endorectally placed monopole antenna for reception only. A region of interest, containing both normal cervix and tumor tissue, was selected for the SNR measurement. Separated signal and noise measurements were obtained in the region of the cervix for each element and in the near field of the monopole antenna (radius < 30 mm) to calculate the SNR gain of the endorectal antenna in each patient. We obtained high‐resolution, T2‐weighted images with a voxel size of 0.7 × 0.8 × 3.0 mm3. In four cases with optimal placement of the endorectal antenna (verified on the T2‐weighted images), a mean gain of 2.2 in SNR was obtained at the overall cervix and tumor tissue area. Within a radius of 30 mm from the monopole antenna, a mean SNR gain of 3.7 was achieved in the four optimal cases. Overlap between the two different regions of the SNR calculations was around 24%. We have demonstrated that the use of an endorectal monopole antenna substantially increases the SNR of 7‐T MRI at the cervical anatomy. Combined with the intrinsically high SNR of ultrahigh‐field MRI, this gain may be employed to obtain metabolic information using MRS and to enhance spatial resolutions to assess tumor invasion.
Association between consistent weight gain tracking and gestational weight gain: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Olson Christine M. , Strawderman Myla S. , Graham Meredith L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The effective components of interventions for reducing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) remain to be identified. This study investigated the sociodemographic, physical, psychosocial, and environmental correlates of online GWG tracking and its independent association with GWG outcomes.

Methods

Eight hundred ninety‐eight women in the intervention arms of a randomized trial assessing the effectiveness of an integrated online and mobile phone behavioral intervention to decrease the prevalence of excessive GWG were included in this secondary analysis. Data were analyzed using χ2 analysis and modified Poisson and linear regression approaches.

Results

Only 16.5% of low‐income (Medicaid‐eligible) women consistently tracked GWG, as did 34.2% of not‐low‐income women. More highly educated, older, and white women were more likely to be consistent GWG trackers. Among not‐low‐income women, consistent GWG tracking was associated with 2.35 kg less GWG (95% CI: −3.23 to −1.46 kg; P < 0.0001) and a reduced risk of excessive GWG (RR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.89; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Electronic tracking of GWG is an effective component of electronic and mobile health interventions aiming to decrease the prevalence of excessive GWG in not‐low‐income women. Income group‐specific motivators are needed to increase the prevalence of GWG tracking.
Enhancement on the composite electromagnetic and mechanical property based on the bioparticle and bionic design
Authors: Xu Yonggang , Liu Longbin , Yuan Liming , Liao Yi , Li Xinghao
Published: June 2017

The absorbing composites enhanced by the bionic shape and the bioabsorbent were prepared using a two‐roll mixer and a vulcanizing machine. The electromagnetic (EM) parameters were measured by a vector network analyzer and the reflection loss (RL) was calculated and simulated using the commercial software in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz. The static mechanical property was measured using the universal tensile testing machine. The dynamic mechanical property was obtained from the Payne effect using the rubber processing analyzer. The results confirmed that as the bioabsorbent was added, the permittivity and permeability increased due to the volume content of absorbents and the particle interaction. Using the bionic design on the composite, the absorbing property was enhanced and the absorbing band was widened to 8–18 GHz as RL was lower than −8 dB. Finally, the mechanical property was enhanced due to the surface shape of the bioabsorbent and the cohesive force in the composite. Therefore, biotechnology including the bioabsorbent and the bionic design is a promising method on improving the absorber property. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E73–E81, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of glycopeptides from glucosaminic acid
Authors: Abtew Ester , Domb Abraham J. , Basu Arijit
Published: June 2017

We report on the synthesis of polypeptides with saccharide side chains starting from d‐glucosaminic acid. The hydroxyl groups were first protected by benzylation, followed by N‐carboxyanhydride formation, which was polymerized by ring opening to form a high molecular weight polyamide. De‐protection of the benzyl groups yields a polypeptide with fully de‐protected saccharide side chains. The resulting new non‐ionic, water soluble, and optically active polymers possessing the properties of both peptides and saccharides have potential use as scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug carriers. The method described here may be extended to any saccharide α‐amino acid. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2657–2662
Periprostatic innervation: New issues based on segmental analysis of 10 human cadaver pelvic blocs
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago M. , Mitre Anuar I. , da Silva Luiz Fernando F. , Castilho Lísias N. , Simões Fabiano A. , Saldiva Paulo H. N. , Srougi Miguel
Published: June 2017

Background

The exact paths of periprostatic nerves have been under debate over the last decades. In the present study, the topographic distribution of nerves around the prostate and their relative distances from the prostatic capsule were analyzed in male cadaver visceral blocs.

Methods

The pelvic organs from ten fresh male cadavers were removed and serial sectioned en bloc for histological investigation. The macroslices was divided into four sectors. Each sector was centrally covered with a raster dividing each sector in three subsectors numbered clockwise. The prostatic capsule was identified, and distances of 2.5 and 5 mm from the prostate were demarked with lines. We quantified the number of nerve fibers present in each subsector of each slide and recorded their position relative to the prostatic capsule.

Results

In general, the topographic analysis revealed that the majority of nerves were identified in sectors 4 through 9, corresponding to the posterolateral and posterior surfaces of the prostate gland. At the prostate base, the majority of nerves were found at the posterolateral and posterior surfaces of the gland. Within the mid‐region of the prostate, the same topographic distribution pattern was observed, but the nerve fibers were closer to the prostatic capsule. At the apical region, the percentage of nerve fibers identified in the anterior region was higher, despite their major concetration in the posterior surface. The nerves identified at the apex were mainly located up to 2.5 mm from the prostate. This proximity to the prostate was specifically observed in the anterolateral and anterior sectors. In the craniocaudal sense, the percentage of nerves identified between 2.5 and 5 mm from the prostatic capsule remained constant.

Conclusions

A significant number of nerve fibers were present in the anterior and anterolateral positions, especially at the apex. The anterior nerves were closer to the prostate. This proximity suggests that the anterior nerves may participate in local physiology and that the cavernous nerves are probably formed by the posterior nerve fibers. It is likely that the safe distance of 2.5 mm from all surfaces of the prostate may be related to cavernous fiber preservation.
Adaptive power priors with empirical Bayes for clinical trials
Authors: Gravestock Isaac , Held Leonhard ,   On behalf of the COMBACTE‐Net consortium
Published: June 2017

Incorporating historical information into the design and analysis of a new clinical trial has been the subject of much discussion as a way to increase the feasibility of trials in situations where patients are difficult to recruit. The best method to include this data is not yet clear, especially in the case when few historical studies are available. This paper looks at the power prior technique afresh in a binomial setting and examines some previously unexamined properties, such as Box P values, bias, and coverage. Additionally, it proposes an empirical Bayes‐type approach to estimating the prior weight parameter by marginal likelihood. This estimate has advantages over previously criticised methods in that it varies commensurably with differences in the historical and current data and can choose weights near 1 when the data are similar enough. Fully Bayesian approaches are also considered. An analysis of the operating characteristics shows that the adaptive methods work well and that the various approaches have different strengths and weaknesses.
3‐4: Ultra‐wide Color Gamut OLED Display using a Deep‐red Phosphorescent Device with High Efficiency, Long Life, Thermal Stability, and Absolute BT.2020 Red Chromaticity
Authors: Hosoumi Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Inoue Hideko , Nomura Shiho , Yamaoka Ryohei , Sasaki Toshiki , Seo Satoshi
Published: June 2017

We developed a deep‐red phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) with (x, y) chromaticity coordinates of (0.709, 0.290), high external quantum efficiency of 27.4%, and higher stability than a conventional red OLED. This device realizes an OLED display with a color‐gamut ratio of 101% to the BT.2020 standard.
4‐1: Invited Paper: Mobile AR in Your Pocket with Google Tango
Authors: Lee Johnny
Published: June 2017

The ideas of ubiquitous always‐on AR glasses that enhance your
visual experience of the world is an exciting one. While the
industry continues to mature the hardware and software
technologies necessary for compelling consumer HMDs, we will
share what is possible today in a form factor you carry with you
everyday: the mobile phone. We will touch on algorithms and
sensors that enable end‐user facing applications such as
measuring tools, shopping, games, and indoor positioning.
4‐3: Invited Paper: Gaze‐contingent Adaptive Focus Near‐eye Displays
Authors: Padmanaban Nitish , Konrad Robert , Cooper Emily A. , Wetzstein Gordon
Published: June 2017

The primary device for personal computing has consistently
evolved over the years, from desktops to mobile devices, and now
to the newly emerging trend of wearable computing. Wearable
computing is expected to be integral to consumer electronics, with
the primary mode of interaction for the user often being a near‐eye
display. To prepare for the shift to near‐eye displays, several
limitations of current‐generation near‐eye displays must be
addressed, including the inability to provide fully natural focus
cues for all users, which can lead to discomfort. A core issue
causing these limitations is the optics of the systems themselves,
with current displays simply being unable to reproduce changes in
focus that natural vision entails. In addition, the form factor often
makes it difficult for users with refractive errors to use their
corrective eyewear. With two prototype near‐eye displays employing
computational optics, we demonstrate how these issues can be
overcome using display modes that adapt to the user. These
prototype systems make use of focus‐tunable lenses, mechanically
actuated displays, and gaze tracking technology to customize the
experience to each specific user to correct common refractive
errors, and provide natural focus cues by dynamically updating
scene depth based on where a user looks in a scene. These and
other advances in computational optics hint at a future in which
computational optics enable some users to experience better vision
in the virtual world than in the real one.
5‐2: Invited Paper: Ultrathin Stretchable Oxide Thin Film Transistor and Active Matrix Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Displays
Authors: Ahn Seong-Deok , Kang Seung-Youl , Cho Sung-Haeng , Yang Jong-Heon , Lee Hyunkoo , Na Bock-Soon , Koo Jae-Bon , Park Chan-Woo , Byun Chun-Won , Kwon Byoung-Hwa , Cho Nam-Sung , Hwang Chi-Sun , Lee Jeong-Ik
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate ultrathin (2 µm thick) stretchable oxide thin
film transistor and active matrix organic light‐emitting diode
displays. They can be operated as free‐standing ultrathin films
under 10% strain. Stretchable active matrix organic light‐emitting
diode displays are becoming increasingly important the
applications fields of large‐area stretchable displays, wearable
displays, electronic skin devices.
8‐2: Invited Paper: A New Generation of Luminescent Materials Based on Low‐Dimensional Perovskites
Authors: Pan Jun , Sinatra Lutfan , Lutfullin Marat , Dursun Ibrahim , Bakr Osman M.
Published: June 2017

Low‐dimensional perovskites with high luminescence properties
are promising materials for optoelectronic applications. In this
article, properties of two emerging types of low‐dimensional
perovskites are discussed, including perovskite quantum dots
CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br or I) and zero‐dimensional perovskite
Cs4PbBr6. Moreover, their application for light down conversion
in LCD backlighting systems and in visible light communication
are also presented. With their superior optical properties, we
believe that further development of these materials will
potentially open more prospective applications, especially for
optoelectronics devices.
10‐2: Invited Paper: Unified Analysis of Transient and Steady‐State Electroluminescence –Establishing an Analytical Formalism for OLED Charge Balance
Authors: Hershey Kyle W. , Holmes Russell J.
Published: June 2017

Organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) can exhibit an efficiency
roll‐off under high current excitation that has been previously
modeled using bimolecular quenching. The corresponding
transient electroluminescence behavior has not been as effectively
treated. Here, we reproduce both the steady‐state and transient
regimes by introducing into the analysis a dynamic polaron
population. This approach permits a rigorous definition of OLED
charge balance in terms of dynamics as the exciton formation
efficiency.
6‐1: Invited Paper: Quantum Dot Electroluminescence to Achieve Saturated Colours for REC2020 Compatibility: A comparative study of CdSe/ZnS and Cd Free QD Systems
Authors: Kathirgamanathan (PK) Poopathy , Kumaraverl Muttulingam , Bramananthan Nicola , Ravichandran Seenivasagam
Published: June 2017

Electroluminscent colloidal quantum dots have the potential to
offer saturated colours satisfying the new more demanding REC
2020 (ITU‐R‐BT 2020) standard. This paper reports our attempt to
match the REC 2020 colour co‐ordinates with red CdSe/ZnS and
CFQD® and green CFQD®. We report here red quantum dot based
electroluminescent devices (QLEDs) that meet the colour coordinates
requirement set by REC2020. We also report the world
first dark red CFQD® (heavy metal free) ((x,y), (0.690, 0.309))
devices. The electroluminescent characteristics of devices from
both CdSe/ZnS and cadmium free quantum dots are compared.