bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
F463L increases the potential of dofetilide on human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) channels
Authors: Cheng Gong , Wu Jine , Han Wenqi , Sun Chaofeng
Published: March 2018

Mutations in genes related to long QT syndrome (LQTS) is recognized as an independent risk of drug‐induced LQTS. We previously screened a mutation F463L in a Chinese patient with LQT2, syncope, and epilepsy. Here, we planned to illustrate how F463L influences the action of dofetilide on hERG channels. F463L‐hERG plasmids were transfected into the stable Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) cells expressing WT‐hERG to generate heterozygous mutant (WT + F463L‐hERG). Whole‐cell patch clamp and laser confocal scanning microscopy were used to evaluate electrophysiological consequences and the membrane distribution of hERG protein. In comparison of WT‐hERG channels exposed to dofetilide, heterozygous F463L‐hERG channels showed a reduction in the density of tail currents when exposed amidarone. F463L‐hERG also altered the action of dofetilide on the gating properties of hERG channels. Images of dofetilide‐treated cells expressing heterozygous F463L showed a severe retention and reduction of protein expression on the membrane compared to WT. In conclusion, dofetilide displays a powerful inhibitory effect on the currents from cells expressing heterozygous F463L, thus showing an additive suppression of currents by F463L with dofetilide.
Design, Preparation of 3‐Hydroxy Isoindolinone Cyclotripeptides, and the In Vitro Antitumor Activities Against Cervical Carcinoma HeLa Cells
Authors: Zhao Lishuang , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Hongyue , Li Wenting , Yue Qunfeng , Jin Yingxue
Published: March 2018

Photoinduced single electron transfer cyclization processes for synthesis of a series of 3‐hydroxy isoindolinone cyclotripeptides containing double pharmacophores (cyclotripeptides and phthalimide moiety) are described to develop novel antitumor cyclopeptide drugs. The results showed that our proposed method could be used to synthesize various isoindolinone cyclotripeptides highly regioselectively at a moderate rate. Moreover, the inhibitory potency toward human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells of the target cyclopeptides and the linear tripeptide precursors were evaluated, and most of the compounds were observed with potent inhibition ability against tumor growth. Specifically, compound 6c was found to inhibit HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 32 μM, which may serve as a potential candidate for drug development. In addition, 3‐hydroxy isoindolinone‐cyclo‐Gly‐Ala‐Pro (6a1) was chosen from the obtained cyclopeptides for the absolute configuration research, and an S configuration of C‐3 was established by experimental electronic circular dichroism with the aid of theoretical calculations.
An update on the biophysical character of the human eukaryotic elongation factor 1 beta: Perspectives from interaction with elongation factor 1 gamma
Authors: Achilonu Ikechukwu , Elebo Nnenna , Hlabano Babongiwe , Owen Gavin R. , Papathanasopoulos Maria , Dirr Heini W.
Published: March 2018

The β‐subunit of the human eukaryotic elongation factor 1 complex (heEF1β) plays a central role in the elongation step in eukaryotic protein biosynthesis, which essentially involves interaction with the α‐ and γ‐subunits (eEF1γ). To biophysically characterize heEF1β, we constructed 3 Escherichia coli expression vector systems for recombinant expression of the full length (FL‐heEF1β), N‐terminus (NT‐heEF1β), and the C‐terminus (CT‐heEF1β) regions of the protein. Our results suggest that heEF1β is predominantly alpha‐helical and possesses an accessible hydrophobic cavity in the CT‐heEF1β. Both FL‐heEF1β and NT‐heEF1β form dimers of size 62 and 30 kDa, respectively, but the CT‐heEF1β is monomeric. FL‐heEF1β interacts with the N‐terminus glutathione transferase‐like domain of heEF1γ (NT‐heEF1γ) to form a 195‐kDa complex or a 230‐kDa complex in the presence of oxidized glutathione. On the other hand, NT‐heEF1β forms a 170‐kDa complex with NT‐heEF1γ and a high molecular weight aggregate of size greater than 670 kDa. Surface plasmon resonance analysis confirmed that (by fitting the Langmuir 1:1 model) FL‐heEF1β associated with monomeric or dimeric NT‐heEF1γ at a rapid rate and slowly dissociated, suggesting strong functional affinity (KD = 9.6 nM for monomeric or 11.3 nM for dimeric NT‐heEF1γ). We postulate that the N‐terminus region of heEF1β may be responsible for its dimerization and the C‐terminus region of heEF1β modulates the formation of an ordered heEF1β‐γ oligomer, a structure that may be essential in the elongation step of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis.
Radiomics strategy for glioma grading using texture features from multiparametric MRI
Authors: Tian Qiang , Yan Lin‐Feng , Zhang Xi , Zhang Xin , Hu Yu‐Chuan , Han Yu , Liu Zhi‐Cheng , Nan Hai‐Yan , Sun Qian , Sun Ying‐Zhi , Yang Yang , Yu Ying , Zhang Jin , Hu Bo , Xiao Gang , Chen Ping , Tian Shuai , Xu Jie , Wang Wen , Cui Guang‐Bin
Published: March 2018

Background

Accurate glioma grading plays an important role in the clinical management of patients and is also the basis of molecular stratification nowadays.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To verify the superiority of radiomics features extracted from multiparametric MRI to glioma grading and evaluate the grading potential of different MRI sequences or parametric maps.

Study Type

Retrospective; radiomics.

Population

A total of 153 patients including 42, 33, and 78 patients with Grades II, III, and IV gliomas, respectively.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI/T1‐weighted images before and after contrast‐enhanced, T2‐weighted, multi‐b‐value diffusion‐weighted and 3D arterial spin labeling images.

Assessment

After multiparametric MRI preprocessing, high‐throughput features were derived from patients' volumes of interests (VOIs). The support vector machine‐based recursive feature elimination was adopted to find the optimal features for low‐grade glioma (LGG) vs. high‐grade glioma (HGG), and Grade III vs. IV glioma classification tasks. Then support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were established using the optimal features. The accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the grading efficiency.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test or a chi‐square test were applied on different clinical characteristics to confirm whether intergroup significant differences exist.

Results

Patients' ages between LGG and HGG groups were significantly different (P < 0.01). For each patient, 420 texture and 90 histogram parameters were derived from 10 VOIs of multiparametric MRI. SVM models were established using 30 and 28 optimal features for classifying LGGs from HGGs and grades III from IV, respectively. The accuracies/AUCs were 96.8%/0.987 for classifying LGGs from HGGs, and 98.1%/0.992 for classifying grades III from IV, which were more promising than using histogram parameters or using the single sequence MRI.

Data Conclusion

Texture features were more effective for noninvasively grading gliomas than histogram parameters. The combined application of multiparametric MRI provided a higher grading efficiency. The proposed radiomic strategy could facilitate clinical decision‐making for patients with varied glioma grades.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1518–1528
Exploration of male urethral sphincter complex using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based fiber‐tracking
Authors: Sinha Shantanu , Sinha Usha , Malis Vadim , Bhargava Valmik , Sakamoto Kyoko , Rajasekaran Mahadevan
Published: March 2018

Background

Urinary incontinence is a major clinical problem arising primarily from age‐related degenerative changes to the sphincter muscles. However, the precise anatomy of the normal male sphincter muscles has yet to be established. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may offer a unique insight into muscle microstructure and fiber architecture.

Purpose

To explore the anatomy of the urethral sphincter muscles pertinent to urinary continence function using DT‐MRI.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

Eleven normal male subjects (mean age: 25.4 years); two subjects were scanned in three separate sessions to assess reproducibility.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; using a diffusion‐weighted spin echo planar sequence.

Assessment

DT parameters including fractional anisotropy (FA), primary (λ1), secondary (λ2), and tertiary (λ3) eigenvalues, Apparent diffusion coefficient and radial diffusivity were analyzed statistically, while tracked muscle fibers were assessed visually.

Statistical Tests

Regional differences (sphincters and longitudinal muscle of the urethra) in the DTI indices were assessed by one‐way analysis of variance. A Tukey post‐hoc test was used to identify significant differences between muscle regions.

Results

Two sphincter muscles, one proximal near the base of the bladder, corresponding to the lisso‐sphincter, and the other distal to the end of the prostate corresponding to the rhabdo‐sphincter, surrounding a central urethral muscle fiber bundle, were clearly identified. FA was higher and λ3 lower in the proximal sphincter muscle compared to the central urethral muscle and the distal sphincter (P < 0.05). The average coefficient of variation ranged from 5–12% for the DTI indices.

Data Conclusion

Since DTI values are known to reflect underlying tissue microarchitecture, significant differences in DTI indices identified here between the muscles of the urethral complex may potentially arise from differences in tissue microarchitecture that may in turn be related to the specific function of the sphincter and other muscles.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1002–1011.
Anti‐high mobility group box‐1 monoclonal antibody treatment of brain edema induced by influenza infection and lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Nosaka Nobuyuki , Hatayama Kazuki , Yamada Mutsuko , Fujii Yousuke , Yashiro Masato , Wake Hidenori , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Nishibori Masahiro , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: March 2018

Encephalopathy is a major cause of influenza‐associated child death and severe neurological sequelae in Japan, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of anti‐high mobility group box‐1 monoclonal antibody (α‐HMGB1) treatment on brain edema induced by influenza A virus (IAV) and lipopolysaccharide in 4‐week‐old BALB/c female mice. The results showed that administration of 7.5 mg/kg α‐HMGB1 1 h after IAV (A/Puerto Rico/8/34) inoculation significantly alleviated brain edema at 48 h after IAV inoculation, as confirmed by the suppression of Evans Blue dye leakage and matrix metallopeptidase‐9 mRNA expression in the brain. Moreover, we also observed suppression of oxidative stress and different cytokines in IAV‐inoculated mice. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 was also attenuated following treatment with α‐HMGB1. Notably, α‐HMGB1 treatment had no effect on virus propagation in the lung. In summary, anti‐HMGB1 treatment may improve the prognosis in cases with influenza‐associated encephalopathy by attenuating brain edema and reducing the inflammatory responses induced by HMGB1.
Investigation on the optimal implantation site and setting of Reveal LINQ® avoiding interference with performance of transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Tada Shizuka , Shibata Masayoshi , Ohno Seiko , Haruki Yasunobu , Murakami Hironori , Hotta Daisuke , Nojima Masanori , Ruhnke Gregory W.
Published: March 2018

Background

The optimal implantation site of a new implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) named Reveal LINQ® may be limited based on a sufficient amplitude of R wave potential (AEP) acquisition because it is the same anatomic area used for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods

Among 18 healthy volunteers, we assessed AEPs in 3 combinations through parasternal placement of 2 electrodes, (i) in the 4th intercostal space (ICS; site A/setting a; A/a), (ii) the same setting in the 5th ICS (site B/setting a; B/a), and (iii) in a sagittal plane relative to the left sternal border at the 4th ICS (site A/setting b; A/b), and further measured AFPs in several body positions in all site‐setting combinations: supine, left and right lateral decubitus, sitting, and standing. The degree of interference with TTE performance was assessed by placement of an imitation ICM in setting a at both sites A and B.

Results

Only the AEPs in A/a and B/a met the criteria (AEP ≥ 0.3 mV) in all positions. The AEPs in the supine position with all combinations were higher than those achieved in other positions (P < .001). The imitation interfered with TTE performance at site A among 78% of subjects, but only 17% at site B (P = .0006). The end‐diastolic dimension of the left ventricle at site A was decreased after the imitation placement (P = .028). At site B, all female subjects complained of discomfort because their brassieres overlaid the imitation.

Conclusion

The B/a combination is optimal; however, the personal discomfort related to brassieres should be considered.
Microbial communities inhabiting the fairy ring of Floccularia luteovirens and isolation of potential mycorrhiza helper bacteria
Authors: Xing Rui , Yan Hui‐ying , Gao Qing‐bo , Zhang Fa‐qi , Wang Jiu‐li , Chen Shi‐long
Published: March 2018

Floccularia luteovirens, an important edible mushroom widely distributed in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau, is ecologically important as an ectomycorrhizal fungus and can form the fairy ring. To explore the influence of F. luteovirens fairy ring on soil microbial communities, we compared the soil microbial communities in three different fairy ring zones (inside the fairy ring (IN); beneath the fairy ring (ON); and outside the fairy ring (OUT)). A total of 1.77 million bacterial reads and 1.59 million fungal reads were obtained. Moreover, sequence clustering yielded 519,613 (57,735 per sample) bacterial OTUs, and 513,204 (57,023 per sample) fungal OTUs representing. Microbial diversity was lower in samples from the ON zone compared with the other two zones. Mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB) such as Bradyrhizobium and Paenibacillus were more common in the ON zone, and we isolated four potential MHB from rhizosphere soil. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the soil nutritional condition and physical changes caused by F. luteovirens shaped the microbial communities in the ON zone. This is the first report on the study of soil microbial diversity influenced by fairy ring F. luteovirens, and further studies need to be conducted to study the ecological function influenced by this species.
Raman spectroscopic study of six synthetic anhydrous sulfates relevant to the mineralogy of fumaroles
Authors: Košek F. , Culka A. , Jehlička J.
Published: March 2018

Fumaroles, vents that emit hot gases and vapor, are an accompanying phenomenon of volcanic activity. Such phenomena are also observed within the framework of self‐ignited burning coal seams and coal heap fires, if less commonly. The high temperatures and chemical reactions between the gas and solid phases are responsible for extensive alteration of surrounding rocks, resulting in mineral encrustations of unusual compositions. Rare anhydrous sulfates (millosevichite, mikasaite, efremovite, godovikovite, sabieite, and steklite) are signature minerals of fumarole encrustations. Comprehensive Raman data for these anhydrous phases are required for the successful identification of natural samples by Raman spectroscopy. Six synthetic equivalents of the natural anhydrous sulfates were prepared by heating of the hydrated analogues and were investigated using both a bench‐top Raman microspectrometer and a portable Raman spectrometer. This comparative approach can help further steps for the successful deployments of miniature Raman tools in situ under field conditions. The studied anhydrous sulfates displayed distinctive Raman spectra of their crystalline phases. Compared with their fully hydrated counterparts, a shifting of bands of the ν1 symmetric stretching mode was observed in the Raman spectra of all samples. Isostructural millosevichite and mikasaite have very distinctive Raman spectra; however, structurally related godovikovite, sabieite, and steklite show very similar spectral shapes. For ammonium‐bearing phases (efremovite, godovikovite, sabieite), the Raman signatures of the NH4 group were observable at >2,800 cm−1 and in the 1,400–1,800 cm−1 region. Our measurements show that the performance of a light‐weight portable Raman spectrometer with near infrared excitation was sufficient for the unambiguous discrimination of the investigated sulfates.
Polytetrafluoroethylene tape as a low‐cost hydrophobic substrate for drop‐coating deposition Raman spectroscopy of proteins
Authors: Smith James , Arnolds Heike
Published: March 2018

Highly hydrophobic substrates are desirable for drop coating deposition Raman spectroscopy of proteins, because they concentrate the analyte during drying. Most of the commercial substrates used to date are comparatively expensive, whereas thiol or silane functionalisation of surfaces requires a degree of experience not available in a typical biology laboratory. Here, we show that polytetrafluoroethylene tape, commercially available as thread sealing tape, can be stretched across a washer to yield a highly hydrophobic surface, which is thin enough to produce only a very small Raman signal itself. We demonstrate that this simple substrate can be used to yield high‐quality spectra of biomolecules such as human insulin and lysozyme in both native and fibrillated forms.
Simple model of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering signals generated by means of linearly chirped ultrashort Gaussian laser pulses
Authors: Marrocco M.
Published: March 2018

Time and frequency dependences of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) are here found analytically for the increasingly popular experimental approach where the Raman preparation and probing are realized by means of very short linearly chirped laser pulses. These are chosen with Gaussian lineshapes that, besides being rather common in ultrashort laser physics, guarantee full solution to the nonlinear scattering problem at hand. The solution appears rather simple in spite of the complications arising from the treatment of optical nonlinearities of different nature (dielectric susceptibility of the third order for the Raman medium and quadratic phases of three laser fields). The simplicity of the solution allows versatile applications that are here shown for different chirp effects in vibrational and purely rotational N2 CARS whose spectral complexity provides an excellent ground to test the model. The comparison with known experiments shows a good agreement except for some limitations imposed by deviations of the nonresonant CARS signal from the Gaussian structure assumed in the model.
A comparison of methods for meta‐analysis of a small number of studies with binary outcomes
Authors: Mathes Tim , Kuss Oliver
Published: March 2018

Meta‐analyses often include only a small number of studies (≤5). Estimating between‐study heterogeneity is difficult in this situation. An inaccurate estimation of heterogeneity can result in biased effect estimates and too narrow confidence intervals. The beta‐binominal model has shown good statistical properties for meta‐analysis of sparse data. We compare the beta‐binominal model with different inverse variance random (eg, DerSimonian‐Laird, modified Hartung‐Knapp, and Paule‐Mandel) and fixed effects methods (Mantel‐Haenszel and Peto) in a simulation study. The underlying true parameters were obtained from empirical data of actually performed meta‐analyses to best mirror real‐life situations. We show that valid methods for meta‐analysis of a small number of studies are available. In fixed effects situations, the Mantel‐Haenszel and Peto methods performed best. In random effects situations, the beta‐binominal model performed best for meta‐analysis of few studies considering the balance between coverage probability and power. We recommended the beta‐binominal model for practical application. If very strong evidence is needed, using the Paule‐Mandel heterogeneity variance estimator combined with modified Hartung‐Knapp confidence intervals might be useful to confirm the results. Notable most inverse variance random effects models showed unsatisfactory statistical properties also if more studies (10‐50) were included in the meta‐analysis.
Structural Analyses of Hydrated Crystals in Mixed Green Surfactant Systems: α‐Sulfonated Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Salt and Fatty Acid Soap Mixtures
Authors: Watanabe Hideaki , Morigaki Atsunori , Yuba Misako , Yamada Ken , Miyake Miyuki , Tobori Norio , Aramaki Kenji
Published: March 2018

α‐Sulfonated fatty acid methyl ester salts (MES), synthesized from renewable plant resources, are an example of green surfactants used in eco‐friendly washing detergents because of their excellent detergent properties, biodegradability, and enzyme stability. Although various physicochemical properties of MES crystals and micelles have been studied, mixed systems composed of MES and other surfactants have not been well studied. We investigated the crystalline structures of hydrated solids in mixed systems containing MES and soaps, which have been utilized as detergents, using small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The minimum dissolution temperature, determined by visual observation, of a 4:1 M ratio of the sodium salt of α‐sulfonated palmitic acid methyl ester (C16MES‐Na) and sodium palmitate (C16‐Na), is indicative of a eutectic mixture. SWAXS measurements reveal that C16MES‐Na and C16‐Na crystals are formed separately in this system. Eutectic mixtures were also observed for the C16MES‐Na/C16MES‐K (α‐sulfonated palmitic acid methyl ester potassium salt) system and in the C16MES‐K/C16‐Na system. Furthermore, in addition to C16MES‐K and C16‐Na crystals, C16MES‐Na crystals were also formed in the C16MES‐K/C16‐Na system, through counterion exchange during crystallization.
Overview on mitigation of acrylamide in starchy fried and baked foods
Authors: Baskar Gurunathan , Aiswarya Ravi
Published: March 2018

Acrylamide in fried and baked foods has the potential to cause toxic effects in animals and humans. A major challenge lies in developing an effective strategy for acrylamide mitigation in foods without altering its basic properties. Food scientists around the world have developed various methods to mitigate the presence of acrylamide in fried food products. Mitigation techniques using additives such as salts, amino acids, cations and organic acids along with blanching of foods have reduced the concentration of acrylamide. The use of secondary metabolites such as polyphenols also reduces acrylamide concentration in fried food products. Other mitigation techniques such as asparaginase pre‐treatment and low‐temperature air frying with chitosan have been effective in mitigating the concentration of acrylamide. The combined pre‐treatment process along with the use of additives is the latest trend in acrylamide mitigation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly efficient deep‐blue fluorescent dopant for achieving low‐power OLED display satisfying BT.2020 chromaticity
Authors: Takita Yusuke , Takeda Kyoko , Hashimoto Naoaki , Nomura Shiho , Suzuki Tsunenori , Nakashima Harue , Uesaka Shogo , Seo Satoshi , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: March 2018

In this work, novel blue‐fluorescent dopants with a heteroaromatic ring skeleton instead of the conventional pyrene skeleton were investigated. Bottom‐emission organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated using the novel blue‐fluorescent dopants in light‐emitting layers achieved better deep‐blue chromaticity than OLEDs based on a conventional pyrene‐based dopant, while maintaining both high external quantum efficiency (EQE) and comparable reliability. The attainment of deep‐blue chromaticity without losing high EQE was ascribed to the improvement of the efficiency of energy transfer from the host to the dopant. Furthermore, it was estimated that using this novel dopant in a top‐emission OLED panel that satisfies BT.2020 chromaticity enables the power consumption of the whole panel to be 24% lower than that of the panel with a conventional dopant.
The prognostic impact of differentiation at the invasive front of biliary tract cancer
Authors: Okubo Satoshi , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Kato Yuichiro , Kojima Motohiro , Sugimoto Motokazu , Gotohda Naoto , Takahashi Shinichiro , Hayashi Ryuichi , Konishi Masaru
Published: March 2018

Background

The invasive front of tumor can provide prognostic information in many cancers. We investigated the prognostic morphological factors at the invasive front including tumor differentiation (Difinv) and tumor budding (Bud) in biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

The resected specimen from the 299 BTC patients were examined. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampulla of Vater cancer were found in 16%, 48%, 17%, and 19%, respectively. Difinvgrade (G) 3 and Bud foci ≥5 were found in 47% and 10%. Tumor with DifinvG3 showed the high frequencies of Bud, vascular invasion (Ve) and nodal metastasis (LN) compared to tumor with DifinvG1/2 (Bud: 21% vs 0%, Ve: 71% vs 50%, LN: 52% vs 36%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent predictors were DifinvG3 (HR: 1.71), Bud foci ≥5 (HR: 2.14), Ve (HR: 1.56) and LN (HR: 2.59) in overall survival and were positive resection margin (HR: 1.71), DifinvG3 (HR: 1.75), Ve (HR: 1.50), and LN (HR: 2.19) in relapse free survival.

Conclusion

Poor differentiation at the invasive front of tumor was associated with poor prognosis and early relapse in BTC patients.
Vascularized lymph node transfer for treatment of extremity lymphedema: An overview of current controversies regarding donor sites, recipient sites and outcomes
Authors: Pappalardo Marco , Patel Ketan , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: March 2018

As lymphatic microsurgery has become more common, vascularized lymph node transfer ascended to the forefront in many centers for the surgical management of advanced stages of lymphedema showing substantial clinical improvement. However, no consensus has been reached among experts regarding many details of the procedures, including patient selection criteria, type of treatment, donor, and recipient sites and postoperative evaluation of the outcome. Here, we will review these issues and provide the current results of this procedure.
What happens to the pleural space affected by malignant effusion after bedside pleurodesis?
Authors: de Araujo Pedro H.X.N , Terra Ricardo M. , da Silva Santos Thiago , Chate Rodrigo C. , de Paiva Antonio F.L. , Pêgo‐Fernandes Paulo M.
Published: March 2018

Background and objectives

Evaluate radiological characteristics of postpleurodesis pleural space of patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion(RMPE).

Methods

Prospective cohort study including patients with RPME treated with bedside pleurodesis. We used CT scans to calculate pleural cavity volume immediately before pleurodesis(iCT) and 30 days after(CT30). Radiological evolution was calculated by the difference between pleural volumes on CT30 and iCT(Δvolume). We categorized initial pleural volume as small(<500 mL) or large space(≥500 mL) and Δvolume as positive(>254.49 mL), unchanged(≥−268.77−≤ 254.49 mL), or negative(<−268.77 mL). Futhermore, we analyzed clinical effectiveness, pleural elastance, and adverse events.

Results

A total of 87 patients were analyzed. Pleural volume varied from 35‐2750 mL in iCT and from 0‐2995 mL in CT30(P = 0.753). A total of 54 patients had initial small pleural space(62.06%) and 33 large(37.93%). Clinical failure occurred in 7.4% of small space group and in 24.6% of large(P = 0.051, OR4.0(CI:1.098‐14.570)). In small space group, 27.77% evolved with positive, 66.66% with unchanged and 5.55% with negative Δvolume. In the large space group these numbers were respectively 21.21%, 27.27%, and 51.51%.

Conclusions

There is significant variability on pleural space volume. However, pleural volume remains unchanged in many cases. Besides that, more than half patients with initial large space coursed with relevant reduction. Finally, patients with initial small space presented a greater chance of clinical success.
Autologous chondrocyte grafting promotes bone formation in the posterolateral spine
Authors: Sielatycki J. Alex , Saito Masanori , Yuasa Masato , Moore‐Lotridge Stephanie N. , Uppuganti Sasidhar , Colazo Juan M. , Hysong Alexander A. , Robinette J. Patton , Okawa Atsushi , Yoshii Toshitaka , Schwartz Herbert S. , Nyman Jeffry S. , Schoenecker Jonathan G.
Published: March 2018

Background context

Pseudarthrosis following spinal fusion remains problematic despite modern surgical and grafting techniques. In surgical spinal fusion, new bone forms via intramembranous and endochondral ossification, with endochondral ossification occurring in the hypoxic zones of the fusion bed. During bone development and fracture healing, the key cellular mediator of endochondral ossification is the hypertrophic chondrocyte given its ability to function in hypoxia and induce neovascularization and ossification. We therefore hypothesize that hypertrophic chondrocytes may be an effective bone graft alternative.

Purpose

Spinal fusion procedures have increased substantially; yet 5% to 35% of all spinal fusions may result in pseudoarthrosis. Pseudoarthrosis may occur because of implant failure, infection, or biological failure, among other reasons. Advances in surgical techniques and bone grafting have improved fusion; however pseudarthrosis rates remain unacceptably high. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate hypertrophic chondrocytes as a potential biological graft alternative.

Methods

Using a validated murine fracture model, hypertrophic chondrocytes were harvested from fracture calluses and transplanted into the posterolateral spines of identical mice. New bone formation was assessed by X‐ray, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and in vivo fluorescent imaging. Results were compared against a standard iliac crest bone graft and a sham surgery control group. Funding for this work was provided by the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, the OREF (Grant #16‐150), and The Caitlin Lovejoy Fund.

Results

Radiography, μCT, and in vivo fluorescent imaging demonstrated that hypertrophic chondrocytes promoted bone formation at rates equivalent to iliac crest autograft. Additionally, μCT analysis demonstrated similar fusion rates in a subset of mice from the iliac crest and hypertrophic chondrocyte groups.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study indicates that hypertrophic chondrocytes can promote bone formation comparable to iliac crest bone graft. These findings provide the foundation for future studies to investigate the potential therapeutic use of hypertrophic chondrocytes in spinal fusion.
Freeze–thaw approach: A practical sample preparation strategy for residue analysis of multi‐class veterinary drugs in chicken muscle
Authors: Zhang Meiyu , Li Erfen , Su Yijuan , Song Xuqin , Xie Jingmeng , Zhang Yingxia , He Limin
Published: March 2018

Seven drugs from different classes, namely, fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sarafloxacin), sulfonamides (sulfadimidine, sulfamonomethoxine), and macrolides (tilmicosin, tylosin), were used as test compounds in chickens by oral administration, a simple extraction step after cryogenic freezing might allow the effective extraction of multi‐class veterinary drug residues from minced chicken muscles by mix vortexing. On basis of the optimized freeze–thaw approach, a convenient, selective, and reproducible liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed. At three spiking levels in blank chicken and medicated chicken muscles, average recoveries of the analytes were in the range of 71–106 and 63–119%, respectively. All the relative standard deviations were <20%. The limits of quantification of analytes were 0.2–5.0 ng/g. Regardless of the chicken levels, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the average contents of almost any of the analytes in medicated chickens between this method and specific methods in the literature for the determination of specific analytes. Finally, the developed method was successfully extended to the monitoring of residues of 55 common veterinary drugs in food animal muscles.
Detection of bacteria by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing in culture‐negative chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Karunasagar Abhilasha , Jalastagi Roshan , Naik Ashok , Rai Praveen
Published: March 2018

Objective

Current studies on the association between bacteria and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have relied solely on microbiological culture, which can sometimes be negative due to prior antibiotic therapy or lack of transport media. The objective of the study was to understand whether bacteria are associated with culture‐negative cases.

Methods

We investigated 20 cases of CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery by both culture and 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing. The disease severity was assessed using Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) scoring preoperatively.

Results

Of the 20 cases studied, only five were culture‐positive. Bacteria were detected in all 15 culture‐negative cases by 16S rRNA gene PCR. Sequencing indicated that Staphylococcus is the dominant group, followed by Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. In two cases, from which Pseudomonas was detected, SNOT‐22 scores were above 80, indicating high disease severity.

Conclusion

16S rRNA gene PCR, followed by sequencing, would help the clinician understand the association between bacteria and CRS. Molecular detection and identification of bacteria would help the clinician better predict the outcome and plan further management accordingly.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:2223–2225, 2018
Is cricothyroid muscle twitch predictive of the integrity of the EBSLN in Thyroid Surgery?
Authors: Sung Eui‐Suk , Chang Jae Hyeok , Kim Jia , Cha Wonjae
Published: March 2018

Objective

Cricothyroid (CT) muscle twitch inspection with neurostimulation is a widely accepted method to identify the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) and its integrity in thyroid surgery. However, there has been no large‐scale research to evaluate the diagnostic values of CT muscle twitch inspection based on postoperative electromyography (EMG) results, which are considered the gold standard. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic value of CT muscle twitch inspection based on postoperative EMG.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 454 patients underwent primary thyroid surgery. Among them, 55 patients were excluded because of preoperative vocal fold palsy, problems with the stimulator, or refusal to participate in the EMG study. Finally, 399 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. Intraoperatively, CT muscle twitch was inspected with neurostimulation. Bilateral EMG examination of the CT muscle was performed 2 to 3 months postoperatively in all patients.

Results

A total of 712 EBSLNs at risk were analyzed in this study. Of these, 21 (2.9%) nerves were visually identified, and positive CT muscle twitch by neurostimulation was observed in 694 (97.5%). Normal results on postoperative EMG of the CT muscle were reported in 657 (92.3%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 97.7%, 5.5%, 92.5%, and 16.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

CT muscle twitch inspection could be a useful intraoperative tool to determine EBSLN integrity considering its high sensitivity and PPV. However, the test may not completely replace EMG for evaluating EBSLN integrity due to its low specificity and NPV.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 2654–2661, 2018
Extracapsular dissection for warthin tumors despite the risk of ipsilateral metachronous occurrence
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Goncalves Miguel , Koch Michael , Iro Heinrich
Published: March 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The ideal extent of surgical intervention for cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland remains a matter of controversy. The aim of our study was to assess the surgical outcome after extracapsular dissection for cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland. A further purpose of this study was to examine how the number of primary cystadenolymphomas or the size of the primary lesion influences the possibility of an ipsilateral metachronous tumor occurrence.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of the records was carried out for all patients treated for cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland by means of extracapsular dissection at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2012.

Results

Three hundred twenty‐seven patients were included in the study. Our analysis detected an overall occurrence rate of ipsilateral metachronous tumors of 3.1% (10/327) with a mean follow‐up of 108.4 months. A significant difference in the rate of metachronous lesions between unilocular (1.7%) and multilocular (11.6%) tumors could be detected (χ2(1) = 7.342, P < .001). Our analysis was not able to find any significant influence of the maximal tumor size on the rate of metachronous tumors (χ2(1) = 0.634, P = .426).

Conclusions

One of the most controversial issues in the treatment of cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland concerns the question of which is the best therapeutic approach to be taken in such patients. Our analysis was able to demonstrate the benefits of extracapsular dissection in the management of solitary as well as carefully selected multicentric cystadenolymphomas with a consistently acceptable surgical outcome.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2521–2524, 2018
Comparison of cricothyroid approximation and glottoplasty for surgical voice feminization in male‐to‐female transsexuals
Authors: Mora Elena , Cobeta Ignacio , Becerra Antonio , Lucio Maria Jesús
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare voice feminization and quality of life (QoL) of Male‐to‐Female Transsexuals (MtF Ts) after cricothyroid approximation (CTA) or glottoplasty (GL).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Fifty‐three MtF Ts were studied between 2007 and 2016. Voice assessment was based on fundamental frequency (F0), perceptual rating on GBRAS Hirano scale (Grade, Breathiness, Roughness, Asthenia, Strain), QoL related to voice on the Voice Handicap Index‐10 Spanish validated version (VHI‐10 Sv) and self‐perceived femininity of the voice (SpFv), and overall satisfaction with the surgical technique (Sst) on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic data and complications related to surgery were also recorded.

Results

Twenty‐eight MtF Ts underwent CTA and 23 GL. The mean age was 35 years. The median follow‐up period was 40 months. Mean F0 improved after surgery for both groups, but this increase was 27 Hz higher after GL than after CTA (P < 0.05). After CTA, F0 decreased over time but remained stable after GL. The GBRAS score did not change after CTA; the roughness item and total score increased from 0 to 1 after GL (P < 0.05). VHI‐10 Sv scores decreased similarly in both groups. SpFv increase was higher after GL. The Sst was mild and similar in both groups. One case of severe dysphonia (4%) resulting from a big and fibrous sinequia occurred after GL.

Conclusion

Both CTA and GL increase F0, improving QoL in MtF Ts. However, F0 increase is higher and more long‐lasting after GL. More risk of postoperative roughness is described after GL.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2101–2109, 2018
FDG‐PET metabolic tumor parameters for the reirradiation of recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Velez Maria A. , Veruttipong Darlene , Wang Pin‐Chieh , Abemayor Elliot , St. John Maie , TenNapel Mindi , Chen Allen M.
Published: March 2018

Objective

The utility of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging to predict outcome has been well‐established for patients undergoing definitive radiation in the initial management of head and neck cancer. However, the usefulness of this modality in the recurrent setting remains uncertain. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic tumor parameters measured on FDG‐PET in patients treated by reirradiation for recurrent head and neck cancer.

Methods

Thirty‐four tumors occurring in 29 patients were reirradiated and were evaluable. The most common disease sites were the oropharynx (n = 9), oral cavity (N = 8), and nasopharynx (n = 6). Potential correlations of FDG‐PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) with survival endpoints were explored. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard.

Results

The median MTV, SUV, and gross tumor volume, as delineated using the 50% SUVmax threshold, were 366 cc (range, 0–3,567 cc), 8.1 (range, 0–25), and 48.5 cc (range, 1–190 cc), respectively. On univariate analysis, both MTVs (as measured as a continuous variable and using the median value of 266 cc as cutoff) were predictive of decreased overall survival (P < 0.05 for both). A strong trend toward decreased progression‐free survival (P = 0.05), in‐field control (P = 0.06), and locoregional control (P = 0.07) was also observed with increasing MTV when analyzed as a continuous variable. Multi‐variate analysis confirmed MTV as an independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

The PET‐derived parameter MTV may serve as a potentially valuable factor for risk stratification and for guiding treatment in future reirradiation trials.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2345–2350, 2018
Management of myringitis: Current concepts and review
Authors: Chung Juyong , Lee Doh Young , Kim Young Ho
Published: March 2018

Objectives

This study reviews the proposed mechanisms underlying the development of myringitis and suggests optimal guidelines for the successful treatment and prevention of recurrence through a literature review.

Review Methods

Studies reporting the treatment outcomes of myringitis were systematically reviewed by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase databases for studies published from 2000 to 2017. The search for myringitis yielded 57 results, and 31 were found to be relevant. Thirteen articles related to bullous myringitis associated with acute otitis media were excluded; the remaining 18 were included in this study. The studies were reviewed with attention to clinical characteristics, treatment options, and results after treatment.

Results

Among 18 publications, 10 suggested therapeutic options for myringitis: 1) five studies suggested management using topical agents, 2) three studies suggested laser‐assisted treatment, and 3) two studies suggested surgical treatment. Treatments using topical agents or a laser showed highly variable resolution rates (63.6%–100% and 20%–85.7%, respectively). Two studies introducing surgical therapy reported good treatment outcomes (95.8%–100%). Five articles discussed the characteristics or diagnosis of myringitis; however, there was a lack of evidence for the related mechanism.

Conclusions

No well‐designed randomized studies have assessed optimal treatments. Although surgery showed better treatment results than topical agents and laser‐assisted treatment, the wide range of resolution rates indicates that proper patient selection is needed. Further studies are needed to improve the current understanding and management of myringitis. Laryngoscope, 128:2157–2162, 2018
Long‐term impact of land use changes on soil erosion in an agricultural catchment (in the Western Polish Carpathians)
Authors: Kijowska‐Strugała Małgorzata , Bucała‐Hrabia Anna , Demczuk Piotr
Published: March 2018

The change in land use and land cover (LULC) from natural vegetation to agricultural in mountain areas usually dramatically accelerates soil erosion rates if the land is used for crop production. The aim of research was to calculate soil erosion magnitude basing on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in response to long‐term changes in LULC in an agricultural Homerka catchment (19.3 km2) of the Polish Carpathians. The changes in LULC were derived from cadastral maps for 1846 and orthophotomaps for 2009. Three variants with different factors, rainfall–run‐off erosivity (R), practice support (P), and LULC, were analysed to investigate which has had the greatest impact on soil erosion changes over the last 160 years. An increase in forest area (by 67.81%) and decrease in cultivated land (by 91.94%) were observed, primarily due to the collapse of the communist system. The estimated soil erosion using the RUSLE model in the analysed catchment decreased by 77% (from 18.13 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1846 to 4.11 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2009). The long‐term changes in soil erosion rates and their spatial distribution are mainly associated with transformation from cultivated land to forest or grassland. The P factor was responsible for reduction of soil erosion rates by 8%, a minor impact. Over the last 160 years, the average and maximum annual precipitation changes were also statistically insignificant. Results reveal a dominant role of human impact, particularly with respect to LULC on soil erosion changes in mid‐mountain areas.
Short‐term and midterm evolution of topsoil organic matter and biological properties after prescribed burning for pasture recovery (Tella, Central Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Armas‐Herrera Cecilia M. , Martí Clara , Badía David , Ortiz‐Perpiñá Oriol , Girona‐García Antonio , Mora Juan Luis
Published: March 2018

We determined the short‐ and medium‐term effects of prescribed burns on soil organic matter content and biological activity in grazing areas invaded by the shrubEchinospartum horridum(Vahl) Rothm. in the Pyrenees of Huesca (Spain). Soil samples were collected at 0–1, 1–2, and 2–3 cm depths in triplicate just before the burn, immediately after the burn (T0), and 1 and 5 years later (T1 and T5). We analysed the contents of total soil organic C and N, soil respiration, microbial biomass C, and β‐d‐glucosidase and acid phosphatase activities. Fire provoked an immediate high decrease in the contents of soil organic C (−40.2%) and N (−26.3%) in the first 3 cm, which were even lower at T5 (−50.3% and −46.5%, respectively). This can be explained as follows: (a) low incorporation of burned organic matter due to removal by wind and run‐off; (b) changes in microclimate increasing soil temperature and enhancing mineralization; and (c) a stimulating effect on decomposition due to the release of nutrients. Soil biological activity was affected at T0 in the first 3 cm (−49.3% glucosidase, −48.2% phosphatase, and −54.5% respiration rate). Microbial biomass C content was also affected by fire at T0 (−32.3%) but was close to its initial value at T5. The results suggest that these soils are particularly sensitive to fire. Adjusting the frequency and intensity of the burns is necessary to minimize their impact on the soil and to ensure the suitability of this management practice.