bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of Apoptosis‐Inducing Amyloid Fibrils by Tryptophan
Authors: Shaham‐Niv Shira , Rehak Pavel , Vuković Lela , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Král Petr , Gazit Ehud
Published: November 2016

Many major degenerative disorders are associated with the formation of amyloid fibrils by proteins and peptides. Recent studies have extended the repertoire of amyloidogenic building blocks to non‐proteinaceous entities, including amino acids and nucleobases. Here, based on the high propensity of tryptophan‐containing proteins and peptides to form amyloid fibrils, we explored the self‐assembly profile of this amino acid. We discovered that tryptophan forms fibrillary assemblies with a diameter of 15–75 nm. These fibrils bind the thioflavin T amyloid‐specific dye and show a typical spectrum of amyloid proteins upon binding. Furthermore, the assemblies show significant cytotoxicity triggered by an apoptosis mechanism, similar to that known for amyloids. As a control, the non‐amyloidogenic amino acid alanine was used under the same conditions and did not show any toxicity. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the possible growth mechanism, molecular organization, and stability of tryptophan amyloidal fibrils. Taken together, we provide further extension to the amyloid hypothesis and additional indication for a knwon mechanism of toxicity for both amyloid‐associated and metabolic disorders.
Crystal Structure and Spin Frustration Behavior of an Oxo‐centered Trinuclear Chromium(III) Complex
Authors: Qi Xiao‐Yu , Wang Kai , Wang Qing‐Lun , Yuan Feng‐Chen , Ren Hong‐Xia , Ma Yue , Liao Dai‐Zheng
Published: November 2016

A trinuclear chromium(III) complex, [Cr3O(HCO2)6(CH3OH)3]NO3·H2O·CH3OH (1), is synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Three chromium(III) ions are bridged by one oxygen atom in the center, forming a triangular structure. The HCOO
− anion acts as bidentate ligand and bridges couples of Cr(III) ions. Magnetic susceptibility measurement indicates that a strong antiferromagnetic interaction is operative between chromium(III) ions, and the S = 1/2 ground state reveals normal spin frustration behavior.
Tracing Males From Different Continents by Genotyping JC Polyomavirus in DNA From Semen Samples
Authors: Rotondo John Charles , Candian Tommaso , Selvatici Rita , Mazzoni Elisa , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Greco Pantaleo , Tognon Mauro , Martini Fernanda
Published: November 2016

The human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is an ubiquitous viral agent infecting approximately 60% of humans. Recently, JCPyV sequences have been detected in semen samples. The aim of this investigation was to test whether semen JCPyV genotyping can be employed to trace the origin continent of males. Semen DNA samples (n = 170) from males of different Continents were investigated by PCR for the polymorphic JCPyV viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) sequences, followed by DNA sequencing. JCPyV sequences were detected with an overall prevalence of 27.6% (47/170). DNA sequencing revealed that European males carried JCPyV types 1A (71.4%), 4 (11.4%), 2B (2.9%), 2D1 (2.9%), and 3A (2.9%). Asians JCPyV type 2D1 (66.7%) and Africans JCPyV types 3A (33.3%) and 1A (33.3%). In 10.6% of males, two different JCPyV genotypes were detected, suggesting that the second JCPyV genotype was acquired in the destination country. This study indicates that the majority of semen samples found to be JCPyV‐positive, were infected with the JCPyV genotype found in the geographic area of male origin. Therefore, semen JCPyV genotyping could be employed to trace the origin continent of males. Our findings could be applied to forensic investigations, in case of for instance sexual crimes. Indeed, JCPyV genotyping should enable investigators to make additional detailed profiling of the offender. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 982–985, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD93 as a Potential Target in Neovascular Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Tosi Gian Marco , Caldi Elena , Parolini Barbara , Toti Paolo , Neri Giovanni , Nardi Federica , Traversi Claudio , Cevenini Gabriele , Marigliani Davide , Nuti Elisabetta , Bacci Tommaso , Galvagni Federico , Orlandini Maurizio
Published: November 2016

In patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), choroidal neovascularization is the major cause of severe visual loss. In these patients, the persistence of neovascular growth despite vascular endothelial growth factor‐A blockage needs the discovery of new endothelial cell targets. The glycoprotein CD93, highly expressed in activated endothelial cells, has been recently involved in the regulation of the angiogenic process both as transmembrane and soluble protein. Choroidal neovascular membranes from patients affected by AMD were examined by immunofluorescence using anti‐CD93 and anti‐von Willebrand factor antibodies. Blood vessels within intraocular and extraocular neoplasias were used as controls for CD93 expression. All choroidal neovascular membranes displayed strong CD93 staining in the von Willebrand factor‐positive endothelial cells, consistently with the analyses showing a high colocalization coefficient in the blood vessels. Intraocular and extraocular tumor vessels showed similar results, whereas the normal choroid displayed blood vessels with only faint CD93 staining. Additionally, the concentration of soluble CD93 was determined in the aqueous humor of patients affected by naïve neovascular AMD by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Age‐matched cataract patients served as controls. Soluble CD93 was significantly increased in the aqueous humor of naïve neovascular AMD patients and tended to decrease after treatment with an antiangiogenic drug. In conclusion, both transmembrane and soluble CD93 are overexpressed in patients with neovascular AMD, indicating that CD93 may represent a potential new antiangiogenic target in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1767–1773, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneously enhanced production of poly(β‐malic acid) and pullulan using a dissolved oxygen shift (DO‐shift) control strategy
Authors: Xia Jun , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Jiaxing , Xu Jiming , Wang Xingfeng , Li Xiangqian
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Poly(β‐malic acid) (PMA) and pullulan are two valuable biopolymers that can be produced simultaneously by certain strains of pullulans. In previous studies, PMA production was successfully improved with reducing pullulan production. In the present study, a DO‐shift control strategy was developed to obtain simultaneous high yields of PMA and pullulan.

RESULTS

PMA and pullulan co‐production at various constant DO levels ranging from 10% to 90% saturation were carried out in a 5 L stirred tank fermentor. Based on the analysis of batch fermentation kinetics at various constant DO levels, a DO‐shift control strategy that shifted the DO level from 30% saturation to 70% saturation at 72 h was developed to effectively obtain high productions of both PMA and pullulan.

CONCLUSION

By applying the DO‐shift control strategy, the maximum concentrations of PMA and pullulan reached 118.6 g L−1 and 27.2 g L−1, respectively. PMA production was successfully improved without sacrificing pullulan production. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonograpy with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI in the diagnosis of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Shiozawa Kazue , Watanabe Manabu , Ikehara Takashi , Matsukiyo Yasushi , Kogame Michio , Kikuchi Yoshinori , Otsuka Yuichiro , Kaneko Hironori , Igarashi Yoshinori , Sumino Yasukiyo
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To compare contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using Sonazoid with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI (EOB‐MRI) in the diagnosis of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 69 patients diagnosed with or suspected of having liver metastasis were enrolled. These hepatic lesions were diagnosed by histopathological examination after surgical resection or based on follow‐up using various imaging modalities. The diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and EOB‐MRI were compared.

Results

One hundred thirty‐three lesions were detected. Of these lesions, 109 were diagnosed as liver metastases. Of the 133 lesions, 90.2% were detected on CEUS, and 98.5% on EOB‐MRI. One hundred nine lesions were diagnosed as liver metastasis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosis were 0.906 and 0.851 on CEUS and EOB‐MRI, respectively (p = 0.41). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were 90.8%, 84.5%, 97.1%, 67.1%, and 90.2%, respectively, for CEUS, and 95.4%, 70.8%, 93.7%, 77.3%, and 91%, respectively, for EOB‐MRI.

Conclusions

CEUS has a higher specificity and PPV for the diagnosis of liver metastasis than EOB‐MRI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:138–144, 2017
Efficient synthesis of [18F]FPyME: A new approach for the preparation of maleimide‐containing prosthetic groups for the conjugation with thiols
Authors: Cavani Melanie , Bier Dirk , Holschbach Marcus , Coenen Heinz H.
Published: November 2016

An improved high yielding radiosynthesis of the known thiol‐reactive maleimide‐containing prosthetic group1‐[3‐(2‐[18F]fluoropyridine‐3‐yloxy)propyl]pyrrole‐2,5‐dione ([18F]FPyME) is described. The target compound was obtained by a two‐step one‐pot procedure starting from a maleimide‐containing nitro‐precursor that was protected as a Diels‐Alder adduct with 2,5‐dimethylfurane. Nucleophilic radiofluorination followed by heat induced deprotection through a Retro Diels Alder reaction yielded, after chromatographic isolation, [18F]FPyME with a radiochemical yield of 20% in about 60 min overall synthesis time. A variety of other [18F]fluoropyridine based maleimide‐containing prosthetic groups should be accessible via the described synthetic strategy.
Structural and molecular analysis of a protective epitope of Lyme disease antigen OspA and antibody interactions
Authors: Shandilya Shivender , Kurt Yilmaz Nese , Sadowski Andrew , Monir Ejemel , Schiller Zachary A. , Thomas William D. , Klempner Mark S. , Schiffer Celia A. , Wang Yang
Published: November 2016

The murine monoclonal antibody LA‐2 recognizes a clinically protective epitope on outer surface protein (OspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease in North America. Human antibody equivalence to LA‐2 is the best serologic correlate of protective antibody responses following OspA vaccination. Understanding the structural and functional basis of the LA‐2 protective epitope is important for developing OspA‐based vaccines and discovering prophylactic antibodies against Lyme disease. Here, we present a detailed structure‐based analysis of the LA‐2/OspA interaction interface and identification of residues mediating antibody recognition. Mutations were introduced into both OspA and LA‐2 on the basis of computational predictions on the crystal structure of the complex and experimentally tested for in vitro binding and borreliacidal activity. We find that Y32 and H49 on the LA‐2 light chain, N52 on the LA‐2 heavy chain and residues A208, N228 and N251 on OspA were the key constituents of OspA/LA‐2 interface. These results reveal specific residues that may be exploited to modulate recognition of the protective epitope of OspA and have implications for developing prophylactic passive antibodies.
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted MRI during chemoradiation therapy to characterize and monitor treatment response in human papillomavirus head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Paudyal Ramesh , Oh Jung Hun , Riaz Nadeem , Venigalla Praveen , Li Jingao , Hatzoglou Vaios , Leeman Jonathan , Nunez David Aramburu , Lu Yonggang , Deasy Joseph O. , Lee Nancy , Shukla‐Dave Amita
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Characterize and monitor treatment response in human papillomavirus (HPV) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using intra‐treatment (intra‐TX) imaging metrics derived from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐four (30 HPV positive [+] and 4 HPV negative [‐]) HNSCC patients underwent a total of 136 MRI including multi‐b value DW‐MRI (pretreatment [pre‐TX] and intra‐TX weeks 1, 2, and 3) at 3.0 Tesla. All patients were treated with chemo‐radiation therapy. Monoexponential (yielding apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) and bi‐exponential (yielding perfusion fraction [f], diffusion [D], and pseudo‐diffusion [D*] coefficients) fits were performed on a region of interest and voxel‐by‐voxel basis, on metastatic neck nodes. Response was assessed using RECISTv1.1. The relative percentage change in D, f, and D* between the pre‐ and intra‐TX weeks were used for hierarchical clustering. A Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was performed to assess the difference in metrics within and between the complete response (CR) and non‐CR groups.

Results

The delta (Δ) change in volume (V)1wk‐0wk for the CR group differed significantly (P = 0.016) from the non‐CR group, while not for V2wk‐0wk and V3wk‐0wk (P > 0.05). The mean increase in ΔD3wk‐0wk for the CR group was significantly higher (P = 0.017) than the non‐CR group. ADC and D showed an increasing trend at each intra‐TX week when compared with pre‐TX in CR group (P < 0.003). Hierarchical clustering demonstrated the existence of clusters in HPV + patients.

Conclusion

After appropriate validation in a larger population, these IVIM imaging metrics may be useful for individualized treatment in HNSCC patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1013–1023
Raman investigation of the patina layers on Hungarian copper ingots from a fifteenth century shipwreck
Authors: Żmuda‐Trzebiatowska I. , Schaefer K. , Sokołowska A. , Rodzik I. , Sobczyk A. T. , Karczewski J. , Śliwiński G.
Published: November 2016

We report results of the patina study of underwater archeological finding of medieval copper objects performed by means of the Raman and complementary spectroscopic techniques. The objects were found submerged in the sea as cargo part of the ship which sunk in the Gulf of Gdańsk in 1408. The excavated collection consists of 230 oval ingots of the size and mass up to about 60 cm and 18 kg (total of 2 tons), respectively. In the Raman spectra of the strongly porous ingot encrustation, the bands corresponding to the main patina representatives such as cuprite (Cu2O), atacamite (Cu2(OH)3Cl) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), and also chalcocite (Cu2S) and covellite (CuS) are observed and confirmed by the elemental analysis. Raman bands located at 1473 cm−1and also at 909 and 511 cm−1are ascribed to the organic Ca‐oxalate (whewellite, CaC2O4 · H2O) in agreement with the infrared spectra and surface morphology observed in microscope images. The presence of S, C, Ca, and Fe revealed by the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicate on patina components resulting from reactions in the microbial environment in seawater and on contributions coming from iron bars, tar, and burnt remains which were also found in the excavated cargo. The results are consistent with literature data on copper ingots from Hungary traded along the south–north route in medieval Europe. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Content of cadmium and lead in raw, fried and baked commercial frozen fishery products consumed in Poland
Authors: Winiarska‐Mieczan Anna , Grela Eugeniusz R
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to verify whether the consumption of frozen fishery products was safe in terms of Cd and Pb content. The study material was 31 frozen fishery products (15 breaded products and 16 fillets). Immediately before the analyses the products were subject to culinary treatment according to the recommendations of the producer: fried in colza oil or baked in a gas oven. The level of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method.

RESULTS

The analysed frozen products contained on average 14.0 µg Cd kg−1 and 18.5 µg Pb kg−1. Compared to raw products, baked fish contained 56% more Cd and 72% more Pb, whereas fried fish contained 16% more Cd and 15% more Pb. Compared to fried products, baked fish contained 34% more Cd and 49% more Pb.

CONCLUSION

The content of Cd and Pb in the products did not exceed the acceptable standard. However, it cannot be clearly stated which method of culinary treatment of frozen fishery products is the best with regard to the level of Cd and Pb in the final products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity in two onion varieties grown under organic and conventional production systems
Authors: Ren Feiyue , Reilly Kim , Gaffney Michael , Kerry Joseph P , Hossain Mohammad , Rai Dilip K
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Onions contain a number of bioactive compounds, in particular polyphenols. They are rich sources of such compounds in the human diet and offer significant health benefits to the consumer. Demand for organic crops is steadily increasing partly based on the expected health benefits of organic food consumption. The current study examines the influence of organic and conventional crop management practices on bioactive polyphenolic content of onion.

RESULTS

We examined the effect of conventional, organic, and mixed cultivation practices on the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in two varieties of onion grown over 4 years in a split‐plot factorial systems comparison trial. Levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids showed a significant year‐on‐year variation and were significantly different between organic and conventional production systems. The levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in general were significantly higher (P < 0.05) under fully organic compared to fully conventional management.

CONCLUSION

Organic cultivation practices resulted in significantly higher levels of potential bioactive compounds in onion. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Recurrent laryngeal nerve regeneration using an oriented collagen scaffold containing Schwann cells
Authors: Chitose Shun‐ichi , Sato Kiminori , Fukahori Mioko , Sueyoshi Shintaro , Kurita Takashi , Umeno Hirohito
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Regeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), which innervates the intrinsic laryngeal muscles such that they can perform complex functions, is particularly difficult to achieve. Synkinesis after RLN neogenesis leads to uncoordinated movement of laryngeal muscles. Recently, some basic research studies have used cultured Schwann cells (SCs) to repair peripheral nerve injuries. This study aimed to regenerate the RLN using an oriented collagen scaffold containing cultured SCs.

Study Design

Preliminary animal experiment.

Methods

A 10‐mm‐long autologous canine cervical ansa was harvested. The nerve tissue was scattered and subcultured on oriented collagen sheets in reduced serum medium. After verifying that the smaller cultivated cells with high nucleus‐cytoplasm ratios were SCs, collagen sheets with longitudinally oriented cells were rolled and inserted into a 20‐mm collagen conduit. The fabricated scaffolds containing SCs were autotransplanted to a 20‐mm deficient RLN, and vocal fold movements and histological characteristics were observed.

Results

Scaffolds containing cultured SCs were successfully fabricated. Immunocytochemical examination revealed that these isolated and cultured cells, identified as SCs, expressed S‐100 protein and GFAP but not vimentin. The orientation of SCs matched that of the oriented collagen sheet. Two months after successful transplantation, laryngeal endoscopy revealed coordinated movement of the bilateral vocal folds by external stimulation under light general anesthesia. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the regenerated RLN lacked epineurium surrounding the nerve fibers and was interspersed with collagen fibers. Myelin protein zero was expressed around many axons.

Conclusions

Partial regeneration of RLN was achieved through the use of oriented collagen scaffolding.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:1622–1627, 2017
Changes in electromyographic amplitudes but not latencies occur with endotracheal tube malpositioning during intraoperative monitoring for thyroid surgery: Implications for guidelines
Authors: Barber Samuel R. , Liddy Whitney , Kyriazidis Natalia , Cinquepalmi Matteo , Lin Brian M. , Modi Rahul , Patricio Stephanie , Kamani Dipti , Belotti Carlo , Mahamad Sadhana , Lawson Bradley , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

During intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, endotracheal (ET) tube migration can result in a decrease in vocalis electromyographic (EMG) amplitude without a concordant latency elevation during stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Data were reviewed retrospectively for thyroid and parathyroid surgery patients with IONM of the laryngeal nerves from January 2015 to December 2015. Recordings of vocalis EMG amplitudes and latencies with RLN stimulation were obtained with the neuromonitoring ET tube surface electrodes in optimal baseline position, with vertical displacement away from the vocalis, and with rotational change away from baseline.

Results

ET tube surface electrode EMG recordings were obtained with stimulation of seven left and three right RLNs in a total of 10 patients. Mean vocalis EMG amplitudes were reduced with vertical displacement 1 and 2 cm both inferior and superior to baseline and with rotational change (45° and 90° clockwise and counterclockwise, 180°), although amplitude change with 45° clockwise and 180° rotation did not meet statistical significance. Mean EMG latency values did not change significantly from baseline with either rotation or vertical displacement of the ET tube.

Conclusions

An isolated decrease in EMG amplitude without concordant latency elevation should warrant re‐evaluation of ET tube position during thyroid and parathyroid surgery and is in contrast to a combined event, with both EMG amplitude decrease and concordant latency increase, which is more suggestive of a true neuropraxic injury.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2182–2188, 2017
Scaffold‐free cartilage tissue engineering with a small population of human nasoseptal chondrocytes
Authors: Chiu Loraine L.Y. , To William T.H. , Lee John M. , Waldman Stephen D.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Cartilage tissue engineering is a promising approach to provide suitable materials for nasal reconstruction; however, it typically requires large numbers of cells. We have previously shown that a small number of chondrocytes cultivated within a continuous flow bioreactor can elicit substantial tissue growth, but translation to human chondrocytes is not trivial. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the application of the bioreactor to generate large‐sized tissues from a small population of primary human nasoseptal chondrocytes.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Methods

Chondrocytes were cultured in the bioreactor using different medium compositions, with varying amounts of serum and with or without growth factors. Resulting engineered tissues were analyzed for physical properties, biochemical composition, tissue microstructure, and protein localization.

Results

Bioreactor‐cultivated constructs grown with serum and growth factors (basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 2) had greater thickness, as well as DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, compared to low serum and no growth factor controls. These constructs also showed the most intense proteoglycan and collagen II staining.

Conclusion

The combination of bioreactor conditions, serum, and growth factors allowed the generation of large, thick scaffold‐free human cartilaginous tissues that resembled the native nasoseptal cartilage. There also may be implications for patient selection in future clinical applications of these engineered tissues because their GAG content decreased with donor age.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E91–E99, 2017
Electrophysiological identification of nonrecurrent laryngeal nerves
Authors: Kandil Emad , Anwar Muhammad A. , Bamford Jeremy , Aslam Rizwan , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a common anatomic variation of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), which has been associated with an increased risk of injury during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. We suggest that early successful identification using intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) and preservation of this variant will help the surgeon to avoid injury to this nerve. Our objective was to examine the electrophysiological parameters of the NRLN and the efficacy of IONM for successful identification of the NRLN.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent thyroid and parathyroid surgeries by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center over 3 years (n = 481). Patients' demographic data and operative reports, including the IONM reports, were reviewed. Average stimulation thresholds with resulting amplitudes and latencies were compared. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy were performed in all cases.

Results

We identified 15 NRLNs (2.2%) in a total 682 laryngeal nerves. No left‐sided NRLNs were observed. The average right vagus latency in the NRLN group was shorter than that of the RLN group (2.40 ms ± 0.49 ms vs. 3.43 ms ± 1.03 ms; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the initial amplitudes of the right vagus nerves in the two groups (713.67 μV ± 208.71 μV vs. 816.22 μV ± 470.45 μV; P = .14). All NRLN cases exhibited normal functioning of vocal cords on postoperative laryngoscopy.

Conclusions

IONM is highly effective in the identification of the NRLN. Right vagus nerve latency in the NRLN group was found to be significantly shorter than in the RLN group. Early identification of the NRLN allowed cautious preservation of the NRLN, resulting in excellent postoperative outcomes. The rate of NRLN identification may be improved by routine use of IONM.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2189–2193, 2017
Accuracy of endoscopic and videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing for oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Giraldo‐Cadavid Luis Fernando , Leal‐Leaño Lorena Renata , Leon‐Basantes Guillermo Alfredo , Bastidas Alirio Rodrigo , Garcia Rafael , Ovalle Sergio , Abondano‐Garavito Jorge E.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature was conducted to compare the accuracy with which flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) assessed oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) database.

Methods

A review of published studies was conducted in parallel by two groups of researchers. We evaluated the methodological quality, homogeneity, threshold effect, and publication bias. The results are presented as originally published, then with each test compared against the other as a reference and both compared against a composite reference standard, and then pooled using a random effects model. Software use consisted of Meta‐DiSc and SPSS.

Results

The search yielded 5,697 articles. Fifty‐two articles were reviewed in full text, and six articles were included in the meta‐analysis. FEES showed greater sensitivity than VFSS for aspiration (0.88 vs. 0.77; P = .03), penetration (0.97 vs. 0.83; P = .0002), and laryngopharyngeal residues (0.97 vs. 0.80; P < .0001). Sensitivity to detect pharyngeal premature spillage was similar for both tests (VFSS: 0.80; FEES: 0.69; P = .28). The specificities of both tests were similar (range, 0.93–0.98). In the sensitivity analysis there were statistically significant differences between the tests regarding residues but only marginally significant differences regarding aspiration and penetration.

Conclusions

FEES had a slight advantage over VFSS to detect aspiration, penetration, and residues. Prospective studies comparing both tests against an appropriate reference standard are needed to define which test has greater accuracy.

Level of Evidence

2a Laryngoscope, 127:2002–2010, 2017
Evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration through biomaterial conduits via micro‐CT imaging
Authors: Pixley Sarah K. , Hopkins Tracy M. , Little Kevin J. , Hom David B.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Hollow nerve conduits made of natural or synthetic biomaterials are used clinically to aid regeneration of peripheral nerves damaged by trauma or disease. To support healing, conduit lumen patency must be maintained until recovery occurs. New methods to study conduit structural integrity would provide an important means to optimize conduits in preclinical studies. We explored a novel combined technique to examine structural integrity of two types of nerve conduits after in vivo healing.

Study Design

Micro‐CT imaging with iodine contrast was combined with histological analysis to examine two different nerve conduits after in vivo nerve reconstruction in rats.

Materials and Methods

Sciatic nerve gaps in adult Lewis rats were reconstructed with poly(caprolactone) (PCL, 1.6 cm gap, 14‐week survival) or silicone (1 cm gap, 6‐week survival) conduits (N = 12 total). Conduits with regenerating tissues were imaged by micro‐CT with iodine contrast and compared to the histology (hematoxylin and eosin, immunostaining for axons) of regenerated tissues after iodine removal.

Results

PCL nerve conduits showed extensive breakage throughout their length, but all showed successful nerve growth through the conduits. The silicone conduits remained intact, although significant constriction was uniquely detected by micro‐CT, with 1 of 6 animals showing incomplete tissue regeneration.

Conclusions

Micro‐CT with iodine contrast offers a unique and valuable means to determine 3D structural integrity of nerve conduits and nerve healing following reconstruction. Furthermore, this paper shows that even if conduit compression and degradation occur, nerve regeneration can still take place.
The Role of Qualitative Research in Current Digital Social Media: Issues and Aspects—An Introduction
Authors: Gonçalves Helena Martins , Rey‐Martí Andrea , Roig‐Tierno Norat , Miles Morgan P.
Published: November 2016

This paper introduces current research that focuses on the role of qualitative research in social media including the new ways of marketing promotion, participation, and interaction enabled by social media. The articles included in this special issue of Psychology & Marketing were selected from papers submitted to the 6th Global Innovation and Knowledge Academy (GIKA) conference held in March 2016 in Valencia, Spain. This paper provides a brief synthesis of the contributions of these articles to understanding social media's impact on the ability of organizations to better engage with and market to customers.
Social Media Marketing: A Literature Review and Implications
Authors: Alves Helena , Fernandes Cristina , Raposo Mário
Published: November 2016

This study carries out content analysis and systemizes articles on social media marketing in the Web of Science database. Forty‐four studies were analyzed in accordance with a variation on the systematic review approach, involving synthesis‐ and interpretation‐based assessment. The results demonstrate how most of the studies analyzed focus on the consumer perspective in terms of usage, share, and influence of social media on consumer decisions, and perceptions. The studies focusing on the firm's perspective centered not only on the usage of social media, but also on their implementation, optimization, and measurement of results. The majority of studies are quantitative and published in recent years. This study not only reached certain conclusions for both theory and practice, but also defined future lines of research according to the gaps detected by the study's results.
Social Media Marketing For Adolescents
Authors: Mas‐Tur Alicia , Tur‐Porcar Ana , Llorca Anna
Published: November 2016

This article identifies the family traits that characterize adolescents who use social media. Firms exploit information on traits to tailor their strategies to better target their marketing messages. Firms should capitalize on the fact that active communication with consumers improves their relationships with customers. They need to be aware of possible changes in consumers’ behavior patterns to ensure that they are catering to consumers’ interests and demands. This study used qualitative comparative analysis to examine consumers’ use of social media.
Social Capital in E‐services Adoption
Authors: Rey‐Moreno Manuel , Medina‐Molina Cayetano
Published: November 2016

Several studies acknowledge social network use's effect on university students’ learning process and that effect's moderating role in e‐learning platform adoption. In line with Social Capital Theory, this study analyzes the differences in e‐learning platform adoption between users of a generic social network, linked to bridging social capital, and users of a study‐specific network, connected to the development of bonding social capital. The results show that a studies‐linked social network has a more significant moderating effect on the relation between some antecedents of intention to use and effective use of e‐learning platforms. Thus, this study advocates for the development and use of studies‐linked social networks as a factor favoring the adoption of e‐learning platforms.
Toward a Taxonomy of Virtual Communities from a Value Cocreation Perspective
Authors: Rodríguez‐López Nuria , Diz‐Comesaña M. Eva
Published: November 2016

The enormous growth that social networks have experienced in recent years has caused firms to begin to view social networks as enabling environments for supplier–customer interactions. It has been argued that company behavior influences customer participation; however, this notion has rarely been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this research is twofold as follows: to determine if there are differences among virtual communities regarding customer participation and define the main factors that can cause differences in cocreated value. We used the perspective of grounded theory to analyze seven communities on Facebook that focus on a single product. Our results confirmed the existence of four types of communities. Additionally, community structures and goals were highlighted as the key factors that differentiate communities and affect customer interactions.
Step Transfer‐Addition and Radical‐Termination (START) Polymerization of α,ω‐Unconjugated Dienes under Irradiation of Blue LED Light
Authors: Xu Tianchi , Yin Hongnan , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: November 2016

A new polymerization method, termed as step transfer‐addition and radical‐termination, is developed for the step‐growth radical polymerization of α,ω‐unconjugated dienes under irradiation of visible light at room temperature (25 °C) for the first time. α,ω‐Diiodoperfluoroalkane monomers (signified as A) are added onto α,ω‐unconjugated dienes (signified as B) alternatively and efficiently with the generation of perfluorocarbon‐containing alternating copolymers (AB)n. Based on the combined analyses of polymerization kinetics and NMR spectra (1H and 19F), the mechanism of the novel polymerization method, including the side reaction, is proposed. This novel polymerization method provides a new strategy not only for the step‐growth radical polymerization of α,ω‐unconjugated dienes but also for the construction of high molecular weight perfluorocarbon‐containing alternating copolymers.

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In situ analysis of the forging process of a novel γ‐TiAl alloy using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Tankoua A. Tchouaha , Stark A. , Rackel M. W. , Pyczak F. , von Hehl A.
Published: November 2016

Because of their good properties, the γ‐TiAl based alloys are promising to replace the twice as dense yet established nickel‐based alloys e.g. in turbine blades and especially low pressure turbine blades in aircraft engines. The serial production of such parts made of the γ‐TiAl based alloys requires the development of a stable processing route. However, during forging, the starting material's properties undergo many modifications at elevated temperature. Therefore, it is important to understand which changes in microstructure, phase constitution and texture appear during processing at high temperatures. With conventional metallographic methods, the study of these effects can only be achieved after processing. X‐ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation is a special analysis method that allows in situ and time resolved studies of the changing properties during the thermo‐mechanical treatment. In this study, experiments have been performed during forging, in temperature ranges of 1100 °C to 1300 °C, with different deformation rates between 0.002 and 0.03 s–1. The results of these experiments provide a basis for a process window for the serial production of forged parts made of the intermetallic alloy Ti–42Al–8.5Nb (in at%).
Profile of cognitive impairment and underlying pathology in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Koga Shunsuke , Parks Adam , Uitti Ryan J. , van Gerpen Jay A. , Cheshire William P. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: November 2016

Background

The objectives of this study were to elucidate any potential association between α‐synuclein pathology and cognitive impairment and to determine the profile of cognitive impairment in multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. To do this, we analyzed the clinical and pathologic features in autopsy‐confirmed MSA patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records, including neuropsychological test data, in 102 patients with autopsy‐confirmed MSA in the Mayo Clinic brain bank. The burden of glial cytoplasmic inclusions and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions were semiquantitatively scored in the limbic regions and middle frontal gyrus. We also assessed concurrent pathologies potentially causing dementia including Alzheimer's disease, hippocampal sclerosis, and cerebrovascular pathology.

Results

Of 102 patients, 33 (32%) were documented to have cognitive impairment. Those that received objective testing, deficits primarily in processing speed and attention/executive functions were identified, which suggests a frontal‐subcortical pattern of dysfunction. Of these 33 patients with cognitive impairment, 8 patients had concurrent pathologies of dementia. MSA patients with cognitive impairment had a greater burden of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the dentate gyrus than patients without cognitive impairment, both including and excluding patients with concurrent pathologies of dementia.

Conclusions

The cognitive deficits observed in this study were more evident on neuropsychological assessment than with cognitive screens. Based on these findings, we recommend that clinicians consider more in‐depth neuropsychological assessments if patients with MSA present with cognitive complaints. Although we did not identify the correlation between cognitive deficits and responsible neuroanatomical regions, a greater burden of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the limbic regions was associated with cognitive impairment in MSA. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nanotechnology in Glycomics: Applications in Diagnostics, Therapy, Imaging, and Separation Processes
Authors: Dosekova Erika , Filip Jaroslav , Bertok Tomas , Both Peter , Kasak Peter , Tkac Jan
Published: November 2016

This review comprehensively covers the most recent achievements (from 2013) in the successful integration of nanomaterials in the field of glycomics. The first part of the paper addresses the beneficial properties of nanomaterials for the construction of biosensors, bioanalytical devices, and protocols for the detection of various analytes, including viruses and whole cells, together with their key characteristics. The second part of the review focuses on the application of nanomaterials integrated with glycans for various biomedical applications, that is, vaccines against viral and bacterial infections and cancer cells, as therapeutic agents, for in vivo imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and for selective drug delivery. The final part of the review describes various ways in which glycan enrichment can be effectively done using nanomaterials, molecularly imprinted polymers with polymer thickness controlled at the nanoscale, with a subsequent analysis of glycans by mass spectrometry. A short section describing an active glycoprofiling by microengines (microrockets) is covered as well.
hg19K: addressing a significant lacuna in hg19‐based variant calling
Authors: Karthikeyan Savita , Bawa Pushpinder S. , Srinivasan Subhashini
Published: November 2016

Background

The hg19 assembly of the human genome is the most heavily annotated and most commonly used reference to make variant calls for individual genomes. Based on the phase 3 report of the 1000 genomes project (1000G), it is now well known that many positions in the hg19 genome represent minor alleles. Since commonly used variant call methods are developed under the assumption that hg19 reference harbors major alleles at all the ~3 billion positions, these methods mask the calls whenever an individual is homozygous to the minor allele at the respective positions. Hence, it is important to address the extent and impact of these minor alleles in hg19 from the point of view of individual genomes.

Method

We have created a reference genome, hg19K, in which all the positions in hg19 reference harboring minor allele were replaced by those from the phase 3 report of the 1000 genomes project. The genomes of five individuals, downloaded from the public repository, were analyzed using both hg19 and hg19K and compared.

Results

Out of the 81 million SNPs in phase 3 report from the 1000 genomes project, 1.9 million positions were found to be major alleles compared to hg19 with many having an allele frequency of >0.9. We observed that ~30% of the SNVs found in individual genomes are confined to the 1.9 million positions. Also, there are ~8% unique SNVs predicted using hg19K‐based approach, which are also confined to the 1.9 million positions.

Conclusion

We report that the presence of minor alleles in hg19 alone results in ~8% false negatives and ~30% false positives during variant calls. Also, among the variant calls unique to hg19K‐based methods, which are missed in individuals homozygous to the minor alleles in hg19‐based prediction, some are deleterious missense mutations at sites conserved across diverse species.
Proteochemometric Modeling of the Interaction Space of Carbonic Anhydrase and its Inhibitors: An Assessment of Structure‐based and Sequence‐based Descriptors
Authors: Rasti Behnam , Namazi Mohsen , Karimi‐Jafari M. H. , Ghasemi Jahan B.
Published: November 2016

Due to its physiological and clinical roles, carbonic anhydrase (CA) is one of the most interesting case studies. There are different classes of CAinhibitors including sulfonamides, polyamines, coumarins and dithiocarbamates (DTCs). However, many of them hardly act as a selective inhibitor against a specific isoform. Therefore, finding highly selective inhibitors for different isoforms of CA is still an ongoing project. Proteochemometrics modeling (PCM) is able to model the bioactivity of multiple compounds against different isoforms of a protein. Therefore, it would be extremely applicable when investigating the selectivity of different ligands towards different receptors. Given the facts, we applied PCM to investigate the interaction space and structural properties that lead to the selective inhibition of CA isoforms by some dithiocarbamates. Our models have provided interesting structural information that can be considered to design compounds capable of inhibiting different isoforms of CA in an improved selective manner. Validity and predictivity of the models were confirmed by both internal and external validation methods; while Y‐scrambling approach was applied to assess the robustness of the models. To prove the reliability and the applicability of our findings, we showed how ligands‐receptors selectivity can be affected by removing any of these critical findings from the modeling process.
Global existence and optimal decay rates of solutions to conservation laws with diffusion‐type terms
Authors: Wang Lijuan
Published: November 2016

We consider the Cauchy problem on nonlinear scalar conservation laws with a diffusion‐type source term. Based on a low‐frequency and high‐frequency decomposition, Green's function method and the classical energy method, we not only obtain L2 time‐decay estimates but also establish the global existence of solutions to Cauchy problem when the initial data u0(x) satisfies the smallness condition on
, but not on
. Furthermore, by taking a time‐frequency decomposition, we obtain the optimal decay estimates of solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoprevention of obesity by dietary natural compounds targeting mitochondrial regulation
Authors: Lai Ching‐Shu , Wu Jia‐Ching , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: November 2016

Mitochondria are at the center stage in the control of energy homeostasis in many organs and tissues including adipose tissue. Recently, abundant evidence from experimental studies has clearly supported the strong correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes and obesity. Various physiological conditions such as excessive nutrition, genetic factors, hypoxia, and toxins disrupt mitochondrial function by impairing mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and oxidative capacity. Mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes could have an impact on differentiation, adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and the significant alteration in their metabolic function, which ultimately results in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Numerous dietary natural compounds are the subject of research for the prevention and treatment of obesity through reprogramming multiple metabolic pathways. Some of them have the potential against obesity by modulating insulin signaling, decreasing oxidative damage, downregulating adipokines secretion, and increasing mitochondrial DNA that improves mitochondrial function and thus maintain metabolic homeostasis. Here, we focus on and summarize and briefly discuss the currently known targets and the mitochondria‐targeting effects of dietary natural compounds in the intervention of obesity.
Sesamol supplementation prevents systemic inflammation‐induced memory impairment and amyloidogenesis via inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Chen Yuwei , Qiao Qinglian , Sun Yali , Liu Qian , Ren Bo , Liu Xuebo
Published: November 2016

Scope

The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of sesamol, a phenolic lignan from sesame, on the systemic inflammation‐induced neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis as well as memory impairment.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice were treated with 0.05% sesamol (w/v) in the drinking water for 7 weeks, and then the mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.25 mg/kg) for 9 days. Sesamol supplementation significantly improved (by 36.9%) LPS‐induced decreased spontaneous alteration in Y‐maze test, as well as significantly restored LPS‐elicited mice cognitive deficits through restoring performances such as escape distance in Morris water maze test. Moreover, sesamol prevented LPS‐induced increases in Aβ1‐42 formation, levels of amyloid precursor protein, and neuronal β‐secretase 1 (BACE1) in the brain. Sesamol reduced LPS‐induced glial over‐activation by inhibiting MAPK and NFκB pathway as well as expressions of inflammatory mediators such as IL‐1β and TNFα. Furthermore, LPS‐induced transcriptional factor NFκB DNA binding activity was also inhibited by sesamol as examined by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and molecular modeling.

Conclusion

These results indicated that sesamol mitigated LPS‐induced amyloidogenesis and memory impairment via inhibiting NFκB signal pathway, suggesting that the compound might be plausible therapeutic intervention for neuroinflammation‐related diseases such as AD.