bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐step modification of silica for efficient adsorption of phosphatidylcholine in water and application in phospholipase D‐catalyzed transphosphatidylation
Authors: Wang Jiao , Yu Wenyu , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Huan , Shu Wenfang , Liu Li , Zhao Binxia , Li Binglin
Published: December 2019

An efficient and green aqueous–solid system was introduced for phospholipase D‐mediated transphosphatidylation. γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy) propytrimethoxysilane was covalently bound to silica and esterified by acetic acid, which acted as an anchor molecule to facilitate the adsorption of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in aqueous solutions. Obtained silica‐adsorbed PC was successfully used for transphosphatidylation to produce phosphatidylserine (PS). The PC loading and PS yield reached 98.8 and 98.3%, respectively. A new model was proposed to illustrate the adsorption and enzymatic processes. Moreover, this aqueous–solid system provides a promising way for the continuous production. Four kinds of phospholipids were biosynthesized in the pack‐bed reactor. The stability of the aqueous–solid system was excellent, as demonstrated by its use 30 times without any loss of the productivity. The product was eluted by coconut oil and manufactured into microcapsules. Toxic agents were completely avoided in the whole production process.
A novel model to predict cancer‐specific survival in patients with early‐stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC)
Authors: Chen Lihua , Liu Xiaona , Li Mengjiao , Wang Shuoer , Zhou Hongyu , Liu Lei , Cheng Xi
Published: December 2019

Objective

Stage I‐II uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) has aggressive biological behavior and leads to poor prognosis. However, clinicopathologic risk factors to predict cancer‐specific survival of patients with stage I‐II UPSC were still unclear. This study was undertaken to develop a prediction model of survival in patients with early‐stage UPSC.

Methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, 964 patients were identified with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I‐II UPSC who underwent at least hysterectomy between 2004 and 2015. By considering competing risk events for survival outcomes, we used proportional subdistribution hazards regression to compare cancer‐specific death (CSD) for all patients. Based on the results of univariate and multivariate analysis, the variables were selected to construct a predictive model; and the prediction results of the model were visualized using a nomogram to predict the cancer‐specific survival and the response to adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy of stage I‐II UPSC patients.

Results

The median age of the cohort was 67 years. One hundred and sixty five patients (17.1%) died of UPSC (CSD), while 8.6% of the patients died from other causes (non‐CSD). On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 67 (HR = 1.45, P = .021), tumor size ≥ 2 cm (HR = 1.81, P = .014) and >10 regional nodes removed (HR = 0.52, P = .002) were significantly associated with cumulative incidence of CSD. In the age ≥67 cohort, FIGO stage IB‐II was a risk factor for CSD (HR = 1.83, P = .036), and >10 lymph nodes removed was a protective factor (HR = 0.50, P = .01). Both adjuvant chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy alone decreased CSD of patients with stage I‐II UPSC older than 67 years (HR = 0.47, P = .022; HR = 0.52, P = .024, respectively). The prediction model had great risk stratification ability as the high‐risk group had higher cumulative incidence of CSD than the low‐risk group (P < .001). In the high‐risk group, patients with post‐operative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy had improved CSD compared with patients who did not receive radiotherapy nor chemotherapy (P = .037). However, there was no such benefit in the low‐risk group.

Conclusion

Our prediction model of CSD based on proportional subdistribution hazards regression showed a good performance in predicting the cancer‐specific survival of early‐stage UPSC patients and contributed to guide clinical treatment decision, helping oncologists and patients with early‐stage UPSC to decide whether to choose adjuvant therapy or not.
Successful Management of Peri‐Implantitis Using a Titanium Brush and a Doxycycline‐Saline Slurry for Surface Detoxification With Guided Bone Regeneration: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Neely Anthony L. , Thompson Tamika N. , Gupta Vidushi , Kinaia Bassam
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The inflammation associated with peri‐implantitis lesions can be difficult to manage and regeneration of lost bone is unpredictable. Unfortunately, opinions vary on the best method(s) for elimination of inflammation and restoration of residual osseous defects. This report describes the successful surgical management of a peri‐implantitis lesion with reduction of inflammation and maintenance of nearly completely regenerated horizontal and vertical bone over 5 years.

Case Presentation

A 55‐year‐old healthy, non‐smoking, African‐American female presented in 2013 with inflammation and >25% bone loss at implant site #18. Probing depths ranged from 6 to 13 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). She was diagnosed with peri‐implantitis. She reported a history of routine scaling every 6 months since implant and crown placement 3 years earlier (2010). Initial periodontal treatment consisted of non‐surgical scaling and implant debridement. Deep pockets and BOP persisted at re‐evaluation. Surgical treatment consisted of full thickness flap, soft tissue curettage with titanium curets, and detoxification of the implant surface with a doxycycline and sterile saline slurry using a titanium brush. Mineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft and demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft in a 50:50 ratio was placed and covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. All postoperative visits were uneventful. Maximum probing depths around the treated implant at the 5+‐year follow‐up (2019) were 4 mm with no BOP and nearly complete bone fill.

Conclusions

This case illustrates that it is possible to successfully eliminate clinical inflammation associated with peri‐implantitis, regenerate bone, and maintain health for >5 years.
Coculturing of Mosquito‐Microbiome Bacteria Promotes Heme Degradation in Elizabethkingia anophelis
Authors: Ganley Jack G. , D'Ambrosio Hannah K. , Shieh Meg , Derbyshire Emily R.
Published: December 2019

Anopheles mosquito microbiomes are intriguing ecological niches. Within the gut, microbes adapt to oxidative stress due to heme and iron after blood meals. Although metagenomic sequencing has illuminated spatial and temporal fluxes of microbiome populations, limited data exist on microbial growth dynamics. Here, we analyze growth interactions between a dominant microbiome species, Elizabethkingia anophelis, and other Anopheles‐associated bacteria. We find E. anophelis inhibits a Pseudomonas sp. via an antimicrobial‐independent mechanism and observe biliverdins, heme degradation products, upregulated in cocultures. Purification and characterization of E. anophelis HemS demonstrates heme degradation, and we observe hemS expression is upregulated when cocultured with Pseudomonas sp. This study reveals a competitive microbial interaction between mosquito‐associated bacteria and characterizes the stimulation of heme degradation in E. anophelis when grown with Pseudomonas sp.
An unusual cause of multiple incidental lung nodules
Authors: Sala Michiel L. , von der Thusen Jan H. , Korteweg Christine , Quarles van Ufford Henriëtte M. E.
Published: December 2019

Cystic or cavitating lung nodules may reflect an additional diagnostic challenge in benign metastasizing leiomyoma. Our case underlines the importance of combining clinical and radiological findings with specific pulmonary pathology consultation.
A Boron‐Doped Diamond Anode for the Electrochemical Removal of Parabens in Low‐Conductive Solution: From a Conventional Flow Cell to a Solid Polymer Electrolyte System
Authors: Abidi Jihen , Samet Youssef , Panizza Marco , Martinez‐Huitle Carlos A. , Carpanese M. Paola , Clematis Davide
Published: December 2019

Solution conductivity plays a fundamental role for the employment of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) and in the determination of their energy consumption. In this paper, a conventional flow cell based on a boron‐doped diamond (BDD) anode that requires the addition of supporting electrolyte, is compared with a cell setup based on solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). The new cell configuration avoids the addition of salt to increase solution conductivity. The performances of the two systems are compared for the treatment of different solutions containing methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben. Both systems are able to remove all the three parabens, but the SPE‐system provided a better performance, with a maximum COD removal of 91 % and energy consumption of 16.25 kWh m−3, whereas the conventional system can remove a maximum of 81 % consuming 10.92 kWh m−3. The influences of parameters such as current density, flow conditions and supporting electrolyte concentration were analyzed, and results confirm that the SPE system is a promising system to treat low‐conductive solutions polluted by parabens.
A Comprehensive Study on Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins
Authors: Ruppel Michael , Lungerich Dominik , Sturm Sabrina , Lippert Rainer , Hampel Frank , Jux Norbert
Published: December 2019

Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) show, due to their optoelectronic properties, rising potential as dyes in various fields of physical and biomedical sciences. However, unlike in the case of porphyrins, the potential structural diversity of TATBPs has been explored only to little extent, owed mainly to synthetic hurdles. Herein, we prepared a comprehensive library of 30 TATBPs and investigated their fundamental properties. We elucidated structural properties by X‐ray crystallography and found explanations for physical properties such as solubility. Fundamental electronic aspects were studied by optical spectroscopy as well as by electrochemistry and brought in context to the stability of the molecules. Finally, we were able to develop a universal synthetic protocol, utilizing a readily established isoindole synthon, which gives TATBPs in high yields, regardless of the nature of the used arylaldehyde and without meticulous chromatographic purifications steps. This work serves as point of orientation for scientists, that aim to utilize these molecules in materials, nanotechnological, and biomedical applications.
A Triazine‐Based Analogue of Graphyne: Scalable Synthesis and Applications in Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Bacterial Inactivation
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Wen‐Qian , Chen Xiao‐Jia , Guo Yun‐Zhe , Hu Wei‐Bo , Hu Wen‐Jing , Liu Yahu A. , Yang Hui , Wen Ke
Published: December 2019

Graphyne, a theorized carbon allotrope possessing only sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms, holds great potentials in many fields, especially in catalysis and energy‐transfer/storage devices. Using a bottom‐up strategy, we synthesized a new N‐doped graphyne analogue, triazine‐ and 1,4‐diethynylbenzene‐based graphyne TA‐BGY, in solution in gram‐scale. The unique sp/sp2 carbon‐conjugated TA‐BGY possesses an extended porous network structure with a BET surface area of approximately 300 m2 g−1. Owing to its low optical band gap (1.44 eV), TA‐BGY was expected to have many applications, which were exemplified by the photodegradation of methyl orange and photocatalytic bacterial inactivation.
New‐onset persistent opioid use following breast cancer treatment in older adult women
Authors: Roberts Andrew W. , Fergestrom Nicole , Neuner Joan M. , Winn Aaron N.
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients with cancer‐related pain are underrepresented in the opioid literature despite high opioid exposure and numerous risk factors for adverse opioid outcomes, including unnecessary persistent opioid use. The objective of this study was to determine the extent, historical trends, and predictors of new‐onset persistent opioid use among older adult women after active breast cancer treatment.

Methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data for opioid‐naive women diagnosed with stage 0 to III breast cancer at the age of 66 to 90 years between 2008 and 2013, this study estimated overall and quarterly adjusted probabilities of new‐onset persistent opioid use, which was defined as receiving ≥90 days' supply of opioids in the year after active breast cancer treatment. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with an alternative definition of persistent opioid use: any opioid fill 90 to 180 days after active cancer treatment.

Results

Nearly two‐thirds of the subjects received prescription opioid therapy during cancer treatment. Quarterly probabilities of new‐onset persistent opioid use after active treatment ranged from 2% to 4%; in sensitivity analyses, the alternative outcome definition resulted in predicted probabilities ranging from 11.4% to 14.7%. Subjects with more advanced disease, a higher comorbidity burden, a low‐income status, and greater opioid exposure during active cancer treatment were more likely to develop persistent opioid use.

Conclusions

Persistent opioid use was an infrequent occurrence among older adult patients with breast cancer completing cancer treatment between 2008 and 2013. This finding was encouraging because of the concerning opioid trends seen in noncancer populations. However, opportunities to further mitigate unsafe opioid use as a complication of cancer care, including standardization of persistent opioid use definitions, should be explored.
In‐Liquid Plasma Synthesis of Nanographene with a Mixture of Methanol and 1‐Butanol
Authors: Ando Atsushi , Ishikawa Kenji , Takeda Keigo , Ohta Takayuki , Ito Masafumi , Hiramatsu Mineo , Kondo Hiroki , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: December 2019

Nanometer‐size graphene sheets (nanographene) were synthesized by the in‐liquid plasma method employing a mixture of alcohols. Pure methanol in‐liquid plasma was found to not synthesize any nanographene. Pure ethanol synthesized nanographene with high crystallinity. Highly crystalline nanographene with a narrow full width‐half maximum of the Raman scattering G‐band (FWHMG) was obtained by mixing 1‐butanol with methanol. This is due to the formation of carbon ring structures being inhibited by the addition of methanol. The ratio of added methanol determined the nanographene crystallinity and yield under a trade‐off relationship, allowing the crystallinity and nanographene yield to be controlled by controlling the ratio. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometric analysis of by‐products in the liquids’ supernatant showed that the crystallinity of the synthesized nanographene correlated with the ratio of carbon over oxygen of the alcohol precursors (C/O), i. e., the amount of hydroxyl groups in the liquids, and hence controlling the C/O ratio can be used to control the graphene crystallinity in the in‐liquid plasma synthesis.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Thiol‐yne Reaction: A Practical Synthesis of (1,2‐diarylvinyl)(aryl/alkyl)sulfides
Authors: Chatterjee Anamitra , König Burkhard , Natarajan Palani
Published: December 2019

A mild, efficient and straightforward visible‐light‐driven method has been developed to construct 1,2‐diarylvinyl sulfides under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions. The formation of small amounts of thiyl radicals under visible light irradiation allows the synthesis of 1,2‐diarylvinyl sulfides in good yield with an excellent functional group tolerance.
Primary effusion lymphoma in human immune deficiency (HIV)‐negative non‐organ transplant immunocompetent patients
Authors: Yuan Lisi , Cook James R. , Elsheikh Tarik M.
Published: December 2019

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma most commonly occurring in the context of human immune deficiency (HIV) infection. Herpes virus 8 (HHV‐8) has been associated with PEL and considered to be the etiologic agent. In addition, most cases (60%‐90%) also show evidence of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. We describe here an elderly man who was HIV seronegative and immunocompetent, and presented with worsening weakness and ascites. The diagnosis of PEL was rendered cytologically and supported by the results of flow cytometry. The presence of HHV‐8 was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, whereas EBV‐associated genetic material was absent by EBER ISH. No lymphadenopathy or organ involvement with lymphoma was found. Systemic chemotherapy with lenalidomide was started given the poor prognosis and commodities of severe coronary artery disease; however, the patient did not respond and succumbed to his disease in 4 months. We present detailed cytologic and clinical findings of this very rare occurrence, and review literature of all reported PEL cases of HIV‐negative, nontransplant, immunocompetent patients.
State of the art design protocol for custom made footwear for people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Bus Sicco A. , Zwaferink Jennefer B. , Dahmen Rutger , Busch‐Westbroek Tessa
Published: December 2019

Supported by evidence‐based guidelines, custom‐made footwear is often prescribed to people with diabetes who are at risk for ulceration. However, these guidelines do not specify the footwear design features, despite available scientific evidence for these features. We aimed to develop a design protocol to support custom‐made footwear prescription for people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The population of interest was people with diabetes who are at moderate‐to‐high risk of developing a foot ulcer, for whom custom‐made footwear (shoes and/or insoles) can be prescribed. A group of experts from rehabilitation medicine, orthopaedic shoe technology (pedorthics) and diabetic foot research, reviewed the scientific literature and met during 12 face‐to‐face meetings to develop a footwear design algorithm and evidence‐based pressure‐relief algorithm as parts of the protocol. Consensus was reached where evidence was not available. Fourteen domains of foot pathology in combination with loss of protective sensation were specified for the footwear design algorithm and for each domain shoe‐specific and insole (orthosis)‐specific features were defined. Most insole‐related features and some shoe‐related features were evidence based, whereas most shoe‐related features were consensus based. The pressure‐relief algorithm was evidence based using recent footwear trial data and specifically targeted patients with a healed plantar foot ulcer. These footwear design and pressure‐relief algorithms are the first of their kind and should facilitate more uniform decision making in the prescription and manufacturing of adequate shoes for moderate‐to‐high‐risk patients, reducing variation in footwear provision and improving clinical outcome in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
Exosome aggregation mediated stop‐flow paper‐based portable device for rapid exosome quantification
Authors: Chutvirasakul Boonta , Nuchtavorn Nantana , Suntornsuk Leena , Zeng Yong
Published: December 2019

Exosome quantification is important for estimation of informative messengers (e.g., proteins, lipids, RNA, etc.) involving physiological and pathological effects. This work aimed to develop a simple and rapid distance‐based paper portable device using exosome‐capture vesicles (polydiacetylene conjugated with antiCD81) for exosome quantification in cell cultures. This novel concept relied on distinct aggregation of exosomes and exosome‐capture vesicles leading to different solvent migration. Distances of the migration were used as signal readouts, which could be detected by naked eye. PDA‐antiCD81 as exosome‐capture vesicles were optimized (e.g., size, reaction ratio, and concentration) and the paper designs were investigated (e.g., diameter of sample reservoir and lamination layer) to enhance the solvent stop‐flow effects. Finally, exosome screening on three cell culture samples (COLO1, MDA‐MB‐231, and HuR‐KO1 subclone) was demonstrated. The method could linearly measure exosome concentrations in correlation with solvent migration distances in the range of 106–1010 particles/mL (R2 > 0.98) from the cell culture samples. The exosome concentration measurements by the developed device were independently assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Results demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) by t‐test. This low‐cost and rapid device allows a portable platform for exosome quantification without the requirement of expensive equipment and expertise of operation. The developed device could potentially be useful for quantification of other biomarker‐related extracellular vesicles.
The Catalyzed Conversion of Methane to Value‐Added Products
Authors: Zhao Guangyu , Drewery Matthew , Mackie John , Oliver Tim , Kennedy Eric Miles , Stockenhuber Michael
Published: December 2019

The progress of direct, selective conversion of methane (CH4) to organic oxygenates utilizing heterogeneous and homogeneous processes conducted in the gaseous or liquid phase is reviewed. The most active catalytic systems are examined in terms of rates, longevity, and reaction mechanisms. Despite significant effort, the successful heterogeneous mimicking of selective CH4 oxidation performed in an enzymatic system (methane monooxygenase) is still elusive. Under mild reaction conditions, the reaction is too slow, and under harsh conditions, total oxidation prevails. Thus, of particular interest herein is the assessment of oxidation at intermediate temperatures to 1) reduce total oxidation and 2) obtain sufficient concentration of activated oxygen and CH4 species. Important operational parameters such as reaction conditions, catalyst preparation methods, and cofeeding of chemicals, which significantly affect the yield of desired products, are discussed. One particular system that is successful is the catalytic conversion of CH4 to methanol under mild conditions using nitrous oxide (N2O) with Fe‐based catalysts or oxygen (O2) with Cu‐based catalysts. Special attention is paid to the controversy related to the identification of active sites, where the oxygen species suitable for CH4 oxidation are purportedly formed.
Structural and functional brain correlates of altered taste processing in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Kot Emilia , Kucharska Katarzyna , Monteleone Alessio Maria , Monteleone Palmiero
Published: December 2019

Objective

A growing body of empirical literature indicates altered taste perception in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, it remains unknown whether the observed impairments in the neural processing of taste stimuli represent etiopathogenetic factors of AN or whether they are a secondary consequence of malnutrition.

Method

In the current systematic review, scientific studies were identified using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. A supplemental search was performed by searches through reference lists of the relevant publications and via Google Scholar.

Results

On the basis of the searches conducted, 16 publications were identified and included in this literature review. The results of those studies point to disturbances in the structure and functioning of brain regions involved in taste processing in AN.

Conclusions

The findings of the reviewed studies suggest that altered reward, interoceptive, and cognitive–emotional processing may contribute to abnormal taste processing in AN.
Particle swarm grammatical evolution for energy demand estimation
Authors: Martínez‐Rodríguez David , Colmenar J. Manuel , Hidalgo J. Ignacio , Villanueva Micó Rafael‐J. , Salcedo‐Sanz Sancho
Published: December 2019

Grammatical Swarm is a search and optimization algorithm that belongs to the more general Grammatical Evolution family, which works with a set of solutions called individuals or particles. It uses the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm as the search engine in the evolution of solutions. In this paper, we present a Grammatical Swarm algorithm for total energy demand estimation in a country from macroeconomic variables. Each particle in the Grammatical Swarm encodes a different model for energy demand estimation, which will be decoded by a predefined grammar. The parameters of the model are also optimized by the proposed algorithm, in such a way that the model is adjusted to a training set of real energy demand data, selecting the more appropriate variables to appear in the model. We analyze the performance of the Grammatical Swarm evolution in two real problems of one‐year ahead energy demand estimation in Spain and France. The proposal is compared with previous approaches with competitive results.
Determining critical risk factors affecting public‐private partnership waste‐to‐energy incineration projects in China
Authors: Cui Caiyun , Sun Chenjunyan , Liu Yong , Jiang Xiaoyan , Chen Qing
Published: December 2019

As the most effective way to manage the surge in municipal solid waste (MSW) and global energy issues, waste‐to‐energy (WTE) incineration plants have been actively promoted by the Chinese government, and the public‐private partnership (PPP) procurement model is widely used to improve management efficiency. However, risk events have occurred frequently in this industry due to a lack of practice experience and to poor risk management. To investigate the potential risk factors in PPP WTE incineration projects in China, this paper aims to identify critical risk factors by assessing their severity and occurrence probability. Opinions of industry experts were collected via an empirical questionnaire survey. The respondents were invited to rate a total of 18 risk factors that impact the success of PPP WTE projects as gleaned from previous research. The overall results ranked risk factors based on risk impact and showed that public opposition, government decision making, defective legal and regulatory systems, environmental pollution, lack of supporting infrastructure, and government credit are the top six risk factors affecting the sustainable development of PPP WTE incineration projects. In addition, the causes and consequences of each critical risk factor are comprehensively analyzed. Lastly, practical and managerial implications are analyzed in terms of their management of these critical risks. The originality of this research lies in thoroughly identifying potential implicit risk factors according to the current social background using an empirical questionnaire survey based on case study findings. The results of this study are expected to improve risk management and facilitate the sustainable development of the PPP WTE incineration industry in China.
Clinical value of serum bone resorption markers for predicting clinical outcomes after use of bone modifying agents in metastatic bone tumors: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Urakawa Hiroshi , Ando Yuichi , Hase Tetsunari , Kikumori Toyone , Arai Eisuke , Maeda Osamu , Mitsuma Ayako , Sugishita Mihoko , Shimokata Tomoya , Ikuta Kunihiro , Ishiguro Naoki , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

Bone modifying agents (BMAs) have become a standard treatment to prevent skeletal‐related events (SREs) in bone metastases (BMs). The aim of our study is to determine the clinical value of serum bone resorption markers for predicting clinical outcomes after using BMAs in patients with BM. Patients were enrolled between May 2013 and October 2017 at the Nagoya University Hospital, Japan. We prospectively observed changes in pyridinoline cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP‐5b) during treatment with BMAs. The relationship between serum markers before and after treatment and clinical outcomes such as progression of bone disease (BD), SREs and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Pearson chi‐square test and Kaplan–Meier product limit methods were used for analysis. Sixty‐seven patients were analyzed. The primary tumor sites were 21 lung, 16 breast and 30 others. Forty and 27 patients were treated with Denosumab and Zoledronic acid, respectively. Progression of BDs, SREs and death were observed in 10, 16 and 31 cases, respectively. The median follow‐up period after using BMAs was 12.3 (range 0.3–66.3) months. ICTP at 3–4 weeks was significantly correlated with increasing BD progression, SREs and death after treatment in both the whole and lung cancer cohorts. Base line ICTP and TRACP‐5b were also associated with increasing BD progression in the whole cohort. Our study showed that early posttreatment ICTP is useful for predicting BD progression, SREs and OS after use of BMAs in patients with BM and even in patients with lung cancer BM.
SPOT‐Fold: Fragment‐Free Protein Structure Prediction Guided by Predicted Backbone Structure and Contact Map
Authors: Cai Yufeng , Li Xiongjun , Sun Zhe , Lu Yutong , Zhao Huiying , Hanson Jack , Paliwal Kuldip , Litfin Thomas , Zhou Yaoqi , Yang Yuedong
Published: December 2019

Protein structure determination has long been one of the most challenging problems in molecular biology for the past 60 years. Here we present an ab initio protein tertiary‐structure prediction method assisted by predicted contact maps from SPOT‐Contact and predicted dihedral angles from SPIDER 3. These predicted properties were then fed to the crystallography and NMR system (CNS) for restrained structure modeling. The resulted structures are first evaluated by the potential energy calculated by CNS, followed by dDFIRE energy function for model selections. The method called SPOT‐Fold has been tested on 241 CASP targets between 67 and 670 amino acid residues, 60 randomly selected globular proteins under 100 amino acids. The method has a comparable accuracy to other contact‐map‐based modeling techniques. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discordant pathological diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Kuwashiro Takuya , Takahashi Hirokazu , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ogawa Yuji , Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Nakahara Takashi , Oeda Satoshi , Tanaka Kenichi , Amano Yuichiro , Ogawa Shinji , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Aishima Shinichi , Kage Masayoshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Nakajima Atsushi , Eguchi Yuichiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Liver biopsy has been the standard procedure for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, interobserver discordance remains a critical issue in its pathological diagnosis.

Methods and Results

We examined the concordance rates of pathological scoring and diagnosis between pathologists at individual institutions (local diagnosis) and two central pathologists specialized in liver pathology (central diagnosis). A total of 150 patients with NAFLD underwent prospective liver biopsies. NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage were evaluated, and NASH was determined according to Matteoni's classification. NAS, scores for all NAS components, and fibrosis stage were diagnosed at a lower degree by central compared with local diagnosis. NASH was diagnosed in 34% of the patients according to central pathologists compared with 54% according to local pathologists (P < 0.001). The concordance rates for NAS, steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, fibrosis, and NASH diagnosis were 26.7, 62.7, 51.3, 48.7, 43.3, and 50.7%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between local and central diagnoses was the lowest for the scoring of ballooning (ρ = 0.218).

Conclusion

Concordance rates among pathologists for the evaluation of NAFLD are currently poor, and simple and reliable diagnostic and evaluation criteria are urgently needed to improve the clinical management of NAFLD patients.
Vertex‐disjoint properly edge‐colored cycles in edge‐colored complete graphs
Authors: Li Ruonan , Broersma Hajo , Zhang Shenggui
Published: December 2019

It is conjectured that every edge‐colored complete graph on vertices satisfying contains vertex‐disjoint properly edge‐colored cycles. We confirm this conjecture for , prove several additional weaker results for general , and we establish structural properties of possible minimum counterexamples to the conjecture. We also reveal a close relationship between properly edge‐colored cycles in edge‐colored complete graphs and directed cycles in multipartite tournaments. Using this relationship and our results on edge‐colored complete graphs, we obtain several partial solutions to a conjecture on disjoint cycles in directed graphs due to Bermond and Thomassen.
Combining newborn metabolic and genetic screening for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency
Authors: Lin Yiming , Liu Yaru , Zhu Lin , Le Kaixing , Shen Yuyan , Yang Chiju , Chen Xigui , Hu Haili , Ma Qingqing , Shi Xueqin , Hu Zhenzhen , Yang Jianbin , Shen Yaping , Lin Chien‐Hsing , Huang Chenggang , Huang Xinwen
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating genetic screening for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis, caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), into the current newborn screening (NBS) program. We designed a high‐throughput iPLEX genotyping assay to detect 28 SLC25A13 mutations in the Chinese population. From March 2018 to June 2018, 237 630 newborns were screened by tandem mass spectrometry at six hospitals. Newborns with citrulline levels between 1/2cutoff and cutoff values of the upper limit were recruited for genetic screening using the newly developed assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the iPLEX genotyping assay both reached 100% in clinical practice. Overall, 29 364 (12.4%) newborns received further genetic screening. Five patients with conclusive genotypes were successfully identified. The most common SLC25A13 mutation was c.851_854del, with an allele frequency of 60%. In total, 658 individuals with one mutant allele were identified as carriers. Eighteen different mutations were observed, yielding a carrier rate of 1/45. Notably, Quanzhou in southern China had a carrier rate of up to 1/28, whereas Jining in northern China had a carrier rate higher than that of other southern and border cities. The high throughput iPLEX genotyping assay is an effective and reliable approach for NICCD genotyping. The combined genetic screening could identify an additional subgroup of patients with NICCD, undetectable by conventional NBS. Therefore, this study demonstrates the viability of incorporating genetic screening for NICCD into the current NBS program.
The 1‐13C galactose breath test in GALT deficient patients distinguishes NBS detected variant patients but does not predict outcome in classical phenotypes
Authors: Welsink‐Karssies Mendy M. , van Harskamp Dewi , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Hollak Carla E. M. , Huidekoper Hidde H. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Kemper E. Marleen , Langendonk Janneke G. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela , de Vries Maaike C. , Wijburg Frits A. , Schierbeek Henk , Bosch Annet M.
Published: December 2019

Classical galactosemia (CG) patients frequently develop long‐term complications despite early dietary treatment. The highly variable clinical outcome is poorly understood and a lack of prognostic biomarkers hampers individual prognostication and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between residual galactose oxidation capacity and clinical and biochemical outcomes in CG patients with varying geno‐ and phenotypes. The noninvasive 1‐13C galactose breath test was used to assess whole body galactose oxidation capacity. Participants received a 7 mg/kg oral dose of 1‐13C labelled galactose. The galactose oxidation capacity was determined by calculating the cumulative percentage dose of the administered galactose (CUMPCD) recovered as 13CO2 in exhaled air. Forty‐one CG patients (5–47 years) and four adult controls were included. The median galactose oxidation capacity after 120 minutes (CUMPCDT120) of 34 classical patients (0.29; 0.08–7.51) was significantly lower when compared to two homozygous p.Ser135Leu patients (9.44; 8.66–10.22), one heterozygous p.Ser135Leu patient 18.59, four NBS detected variant patients (13.79; 12.73–14.87) and four controls (9.29; 8.94–10.02). There was a clear correlation between Gal‐1‐P levels and CUMPCDT120 (P < .0005). In the classical patients, the differences in CUMPCDT120 were small and did not distinguish between patients with poor and normal clinical outcomes. The galactose breath test distinguished classical patients from homo‐ and heterozygous p.Ser135Leu and NBS detected variant patients, but was not able to predict clinical outcomes in classical patients. Future studies are warranted to enable individualised prognostication and treatment, especially in NBS variants with galactose oxidation capacities in the control range.
Current state of the art MRI for the longitudinal assessment of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Woods Jason C. , Wild Jim M. , Wielpütz Mark O. , Clancy John P. , Hatabu Hiroto , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Altes Talissa A.
Published: December 2019

Pulmonary MRI can now provide high‐resolution images that are sensitive to early disease and specific to inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. With specificity and function limited via computed tomography (CT), there are significant advantages to MRI. Many of the modern MRI techniques can be performed throughout life, and can be employed to understand changes over time, in addition to quantification of treatment response. Proton density and T1/T2 contrast images can be obtained within a single breath‐hold, providing depiction of structural abnormalities and active inflammation. Modern radial and/or spiral ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) techniques rival CT in resolution for depiction and quantification of structure, for both airway and parenchymal abnormalities. Contrast perfusion MRI techniques are now utilized routinely to visualize changes in pulmonary and bronchial circulation that routinely occur in CF lung disease, and noncontrast techniques are moving closer to clinical translation. Functional information can be obtained from noncontrast proton images alone, using techniques such as Fourier decomposition. Hyperpolarized‐gas MRI, increasingly using 129Xe, is now becoming more widespread and has been demonstrated to have high sensitivity to early airway obstruction in CF via ventilation MRI. The sensitivity of 129Xe MRI promises future use in personalized medicine, management of early CF lung disease, and in future clinical trials. By combining structural and functional techniques, with or without hyperpolarized gases, regional structure–function relationships can be obtained, giving insight into the pathophysiology of disease and improved clinical management. This article reviews the modern MRI techniques that can routinely be employed for CF lung disease in nearly any large medical center.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Occurrence and impacts of tropical cyclones over the southern South China Sea
Authors: Shi Yanping , Du Yan , Chen Zesheng , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the seasonal variation of tropical cyclone (TC) occurrences over the southern South China Sea (SCS) based on the Joint Typhoon Warning Center dataset during 1979–2016. In this region, TCs are most active from October to December (OND), rather than in the active TC season from July to October (JASO) in other western North Pacific (WNP). According to the location of their genesis, the southern SCS TCs are divided into two groups. One consists of TCs generating in the WNP, which are induced by a westward steering flow and move into the southern SCS in OND. The other group contains TCs generated locally in the SCS that move into the southern SCS, which peak in OND due to the positive relative vorticity and high genesis potential index (GPI). In this region, TC genesis is influenced by the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). On an interannual scale, TCs tend to occur in La Niña years due to high GPI. In addition, the mid‐level relative humidity and the low level vorticity play important roles in the contribution of the environmental factors of GPI during ENSO. Both composite analysis and a case study show the impact of TCs on precipitation. TC occurrence is accompanied by heavy rainfall, which is triple the amount of climatological rainfall in OND during 1979–2016, over 15 mm⋅day−1. Nevertheless, the influence of locally generated TCs, rather than TCs generated in the WNP, contributes to more heavy rainfall in the southern SCS.
Effects of cooking on the phytochemical profile of breadfruit as revealed by high‐resolution UPLC–MSE
Authors: Pimenta do Nascimento Talita , Barros Santos Millena Cristina , Pimentel de Abreu Joel , Lengruber Gonçalves Teixeira de Almeida Iris , Barreto da Silva Feijó Márcia , Junger Teodoro Anderson , Simões Larraz Ferreira Mariana , Cameron Luiz Claudio , Bello Koblitz Maria Gabriela
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of cooking on the profile of bioactive compounds in unripe breadfruit. To this end, the accessibility of bioactive compounds by various solvents was assessed through total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity analyses. The most efficient solvent was applied to extract the metabolites, which were evaluated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in MSE mode.

RESULTS

Cooked and raw breadfruit presented total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities in almost all extracts, and pure water proved to be the best extractor. Globally, 146 bioactive compounds have been identified for both raw and cooked fruits’ aqueous extracts. Most of these compounds were stable to the heat treatment applied (121 °C/10 min). However, results revealed that 22 metabolites contributed to significantly distinguishing the raw from the cooked samples. Among those, 15 compounds, such as pyrogallol, 1‐acetoxypinoresinol, and scopolin, evidenced higher relative abundance in the cooked extracts. On the other hand, only seven metabolites, such as 4‐hydroxyhippuric acid, epicatechin, and leptodactylone, decreased post‐heating.

CONCLUSIONS

Cooking promoted little alteration in the bioactive compounds profile of immature breadfruit and thus appears to be an exploitation alternative for this perishable fruit, which seems to be a source of a large range of bioactive compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A visual analog scale for patient‐reported voice outcomes: The VAS voice
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Dai Jennifer B. , Rubinstein Benjamin J. , Goldberg Leanne , Weinberg Alan , Courey Mark S.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Although patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be useful for assessing quality of life, they can be complex and cognitively burdensome. In this study, we prospectively evaluated a simple patient‐reported voice assessment measure on a visual analog scale (VAS voice) and compared it with the Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐10).

Study design

Prospective survey.

Methods

An abbreviated voice measure was designed by a team of otolaryngologists, speech pathologists, and patients that consisted of four VAS questions related to (a) a global question of voice disturbance, (b) physical function of voice, (c) functional issues, and (d) emotional handicap. All English‐speaking patients presenting to an academic laryngology clinic for a voice complaint were included. Internal consistency and validity were assessed with comparison to the VHI‐10.

Results

A total of 209 patients were enrolled. Ninety‐two percent of patients reported understanding the survey. The four‐item VAS survey was highly correlated with VHI‐10 score (Pearson correlation .81, P < .0001), and the Cronbach's alpha between all four VAS questions was .94. Age, gender, and diagnosis were not associated with either the global VAS or VHI‐10 tool.

Conclusion

Reducing the complexity of instruments assessing voice‐related quality of life is feasible, and the VAS voice correlated with existing measures. Simplified assessments may offer advantages compared to more cumbersome PROMs.

Level of Evidence

2c
Insights into the microstructural parameters and mechanical property correlation of Al3Ti phase reinforced Al based nanocomposites
Authors: Chatterjee S. , Mallick A.B.
Published: December 2019

Variations in the microstructural properties of Al/Al3Ti nanocomposites, prepared through stir casting technique were examined by x‐ray diffraction analysis using modified Warren Averbach and modified Williamson method. The study revealed that screw dislocations are predominantly generated in the nanocomposites, which contain higher volume percent of Al3Ti. However, at lower Al3Ti content, the finer intermetallic particulates during rolling, are displaced from their initial position, which lead to decrease in percent screw dislocation and subsequent increase in percent edge dislocation. Evolution of the different microstructural features in the nanocomposites were related to the variations in the composition. Textural studies were carried out to understand the effect of compositional variation on the microstructure and properties of the nanocomposites. It has been found that due to the presence of high strain, Brass type structure and the γ fiber are predominant texture component in the nanocomposites. The contribution of microstructure and microstructural parameters, e. g. dislocation density, dislocation type and textural characteristics along with the fractographical analysis were shown to have links with the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites
Circ_0000267 promotes gastric cancer progression via sponging MiR‐503‐5p and regulating HMGA2 expression
Authors: Cai Xiaopeng , Nie Jiayan , Chen Liangdong , Yu Fang
Published: December 2019

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of newly discovered RNAs that attach great importance to modulate gene expression and biological function. Nonetheless, in gastric cancer (GC), the expression and function of circRNA are much less explored. In this study, circ_0000267 expression in GC was investigated and the function and mechanism of circ_0000267 was probed.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was employed to detect circ_0000267, miR‐503‐5p, and HMGA2 expression. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were adopted to detect HMGA2 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins (E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin) expression in GC tissues and cells, respectively. GC cell lines with circ_0000267 overexpressed and knocked down were constructed, and CCK‐8 assay, BrdU assay, scratch healing assay, and transwell assay were employed to assess the effect of circ_0000267 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells. Besides, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to verify the targeting relationship between circ_0000267 and miR‐503‐5p.

Results

Circ_0000267 showed a significant upregulation in GC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression level was extremely linked to the increased tumor diameter and local lymph node metastasis. Circ_0000267 overexpression accelerated GC cell proliferation, metastasis, and EMT processes, while knocking down circ_0000267 led to the opposite effect. From the perspective of mechanism, circ_0000267 promoted the progression of GC through adsorbing miR‐503‐5p and upregulating HMGA2 expression.

Conclusion

Circ_0000267 is an oncogenic circRNA that affects the progression of GC, which participates in promotion of GC proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT via modulating the miR‐503‐5p/HMGA2 axis.