bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea scallops exhibit strong local spatiotemporal structure associated with seabed stability and high flows
Authors: Harris Bradley P. , Adams Charles F. , Stokesbury Kevin D. E.
Published: March 2018

Sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) live along the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf and are aggregated over a broad range of spatial scales (m2–105 km2). However, little is known about the spatial distribution of local scallop neighborhoods, the scale at which spawning, intra‐specific competition, and predator–prey interactions occur. We surveyed 30,995 km2 of Georges Bank and the Great South Channel annually from 2003 to 2010 counting the number of scallops in 54,016 locally replicated 3.24‐m2 quadrats with underwater video. There were about 4 billion scallops occupying 11,200 km2 of the study area in concentrations from 1 to 41 scallops per scallop. Scallop spatial distribution switched from dispersed to aggregated at a concentration of 3–4 scallops in every year. High concentrations (>3) occurred in 11% but were only persistent in 4% (449 km2) of scallop habitat. There were 13 persistent high‐concentration aggregations (7–217 km2), and all but two occurred on gravel‐dominated sediments left by prehistoric glacial retreat. Model‐derived benthic boundary shear stresses in the persistent aggregations averaged two times higher than in scallop habitat, but the seabed was about two times more stable because it had significantly less sand and more granule–pebble and cobble sediment. The area occupied by scallops each year varied little (9%) despite a 49% increase in total scallop abundance between 2005 and 2007, suggesting Georges Bank scallops have a proportional density population structure. Most scallops occurred alone or at low concentrations (≤2) where fertilization success is probably poor. The persistent high‐concentration aggregations we identified may be critical for successful reproduction and sustainable harvest. Observing organisms at scales corresponding to their individual interactions reveals important processes shaping their landscape‐scale spatiotemporal distributions. These processes are obscured by the methods typically employed to estimate abundances of commercial fishery species. The spatiotemporal structure of sea scallop distribution has important implications for the design of abundance surveys and the assumptions underlying stock assessment methods. These should be investigated. Finally, this work suggests that natural disturbance (sediment stability) may play a substantial role in shaping spatiotemporal distributions and dynamics of benthic marine populations.
Strategies of amino acid supply in mesozooplankton during cyanobacteria blooms: a stable nitrogen isotope approach
Authors: Eglite Elvita , Wodarg Dirk , Dutz Jörg , Wasmund Norbert , Nausch Günther , Liskow Iris , Schulz‐Bull Detlef , Loick‐Wilde Natalie
Published: March 2018

Knowledge of how zooplankton can utilize cyanobacteria to sustain their nitrogen (N) demand for essential compounds like amino acids (AAs) is a key to predicting responses of higher trophic levels in terms of production and food web structure to future enhanced water column stratification. We explored the natural abundances of bulk N and AA‐specific nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in particulate organic matter and mesozooplankton size‐fraction samples from three vertically separated water bodies in the central Baltic Sea during two summertime cyanobacteria blooms. The combination of plankton community and isotope data together with environmental variables helped to identify a mechanism of diazotrophic AA supply (synthesized during N2 fixation) for mesozooplankton, that largely depended on the sea surface temperature which regulated the access to the diazotrophic N‐based food web in the surface water (SW). We found that in the warmer summer, thermophilic cladocerans (e.g., Bosmina spp.) benefited most from diazotrophic AAs in the SW (19.8°C), while only in the colder summer, temperate copepods (e.g., Temora longicornis) ascended from the subjacent winter water into the SW (16.2°C) and incorporated diazotrophic AAs. Trophic position estimates based on the phenylalanine and glutamic acid δ15N signatures revealed that the diazotrophic AA supply into mesozooplankton was mainly indirect via feeding on mixo‐ and heterotrophic diets. Significantly enriched δ15N signatures in phenylalanine in the deep mesozooplankton (mainly copepods of Pseudo‐ and Paracalanus spp.) from the bottom water (BW) that was a region of the suboxic zone point to a reliance on a local food web. Mesozooplankton in the BW was feeding on diets of heterotrophic origin and probably profited from the heterotrophic re‐synthesis of AAs originating from sinking organic matter, as well as from the indirect incorporation of de novo synthesized AAs that most likely originated from chemoautotrophic bacteria or archaea communities in the suboxic zone. Our findings suggest that indirect feeding on diazotrophs and chemoautotrophs will be principal ways of amino acid supply for zooplankton in future enhanced stratified aquatic systems. Only a relatively small increase in temperature may restrict temperate key species from diazotrophic N‐based food webs in the mixed layer.
Consideration of Stretchable Dry Electrodes for Smart Shirts Aimed for Biological Signal Monitoring
Authors: AMANO YUSAKU , TADA YASUNORI , SATO TOMONOBU , SAITO SHIGERU , INOUE MASAHIRO
Published: March 2018

Dry electrodes of a smart shirt for measuring biological signals were prepared by the additive printing method using a stretchable conductive paste with Ag fillers loading. Interfacial impedance between the electrode and skin depended on the contact pressure of electrode and the moisture of stratum corneum. When moisture of stratum corneum was more than 30%, ECG could be measured using the stretchable electrodes printed on a compression shirt. However, noise signal in the ECG signal increased when the moisture of stratum corneum was less than 30%. To solve this problem, we propose to use additional electrodes made of an electrically conductive kneaded rubber.
The impact of ischemia‐reperfusion injuries on skin resident murine dendritic cells
Authors: Goh Chi Ching , Evrard Maximilien , Chong Shu Zhen , Tan Yingrou , Tan Leonard De Li , Teng Karen Wei Weng , Weninger Wolfgang , Becker David Laurence , Tey Hong Liang , Newell Evan William , Liu Bin , Ng Lai Guan
Published: March 2018

Pressure ulcers are a chronic problem for patients or the elderly who require extended periods of bed rest. The formation of ulcers is due to repeated cycles of ischemia‐reperfusion (IR), which initiates an inflammatory response. Advanced ulcers disrupt the skin barrier, resulting in further complications. To date, the immunological aspect of skin IR has been understudied, partly due to the complexity of the skin immune cells. Through a combination of mass cytometry, confocal imaging and intravital multiphoton imaging, this study establishes a workflow for multidimensionality single cell analysis of skin myeloid cell responses in the context of IR injury with high spatiotemporal resolution. The data generated has provided us with previously uncharacterized insights into the distinct cellular behavior of resident dendritic cells (DCs) and recruited neutrophils post IR. Of interest, we observed a drop in DDC numbers in the IR region, which was subsequently replenished 48h post IR. More importantly, in these cells, we observe an attenuated response to repeated injuries, which may have implications in the subsequent wound healing process.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Sofosbuvir through Nucleoside Phosphorylation Controlled by Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Cini Elena , Barreca Giuseppe , Carcone Luca , Manetti Fabrizio , Rasparini Marcello , Taddei Maurizio
Published: March 2018

The preparation of Sofosbuvir, the potent key component of recent Hepatitis C (HCV) infection therapies, is reported. The process is based on the dynamic kinetic resolution of the stereochemically unstable isopropyl‐2‐{[chloro(phenoxy)phosphoryl]‐amino}propanoate (8). A high stereoselectivity was obtained when the right protective group for 3′‐OH was chosen. Ester and carbonate‐based protective groups gave lower stereoselectivities, but benzyl protection allowed the phosphorylation to occur with a 92:8 ratio in favour of the product with the right configuration at the P‐stereogenic centre. Starting from the γ‐lactone of 2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐2‐methylpentonic acid, the synthesis was accomplished in eight steps in 40 % overall yield using commercially available reagents, and without any enzymatic or chemical resolution technique.
Capillary electrophoresis in association with chemometrics approach for bitterness hop (Humulus lupulus L.) classification
Authors: Duarte Lucas Mattos , Adriano Luiz Henrique Cantarino , de Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal
Published: March 2018

The precursor compounds related to the bitterness of beer are called α‐acids. These compounds are extracted from the hop, which is an important ingredient in the brewing process. These compounds were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. The electrophoretic method used 160 mmol/L of ammonium carbonate (pH 9) as BGE (background electrolyte), a voltage of +20 kV in a capillary with 50 μm of internal diameter and with a 62.5 cm of total length (54 cm effective). The samples were injected in hydrodynamic mode applying a pressure of 25 mbar for 5 s and the analytes were detected at 230 nm. A hydromethanolic extraction during 3 h was considered as the optimum condition for the sample preparation using MeOH/H2O 80:20 v/v as the extract solution. From the optimized conditions the electropherograms were evaluated for their use as input for chemometric modeling. Preprocessing investigation for electrophoretic data taking into account the alignment, denoising and baseline correction, and variable selection were considered before the chemometric modeling using principal component analysis (PCA). The electrophoretic data were systematically evaluated to find the optimum conditions to modeling. A PCA analysis for all tests was carried out using different preprocessing methods and, an explained variance higher than 90% was achieved in all of them. The optimized chemometric method worked with aligned and meancentered data. From this approach, a simple and efficient method to classify hop samples with high and low α‐acids content without the use of analytical standards was established from a simple electrophoretic analysis.
Powering Lights with Piezoelectric Energy‐Harvesting Floors
Authors: Puscasu Onoriu , Counsell Nathan , Herfatmanesh Mohammad R. , Peace Richard , Patsavellas John , Day Rodney
Published: March 2018

The present work introduces a new technology for converting energy from steps into electricity. It starts with a study of the mechanical energy available from steps in a busy corridor. The subsequent development efforts and devices are presented, with an iterative approach to prototyping. Methods for enhancing the piezoelectric conversion efficiency have been determined as a part of the process and are introduced in the present article. Capitalizing on these findings, we have fabricated energy‐harvesting devices for stairs that power embedded emergency lighting. The typical working unit comprises an energy‐harvesting stair nosing, a power management circuit, and an embedded light‐emitting diode that lights the tread in front of the user with an illuminance corresponding to emergency standards. The stair nosing generates up to 17.7 mJ of useful electrical energy per activation to provide up to 10.6 seconds of light. The corresponding energy density is 0.49 J per meter square and per step, with an 8.5 mm thick active layer.
Post‐Stratification Weighting in Organizational Surveys: A Cross‐Disciplinary Tutorial
Authors: Kulas John T. , Robinson David H. , Smith Jeffrey A. , Kellar Donald Z.
Published: March 2018

Post‐stratification weighting is a technique used in public opinion polling to minimize discrepancies between population parameters and realized sample characteristics. The current paper provides a weighting tutorial to organizational surveyors who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the rationale behind the practice as well as “when and how to do” such weighting. The primary reasons to weight include: [1] reducing the effect of frame, sampling, and nonresponse bias in point estimates, and, relatedly, (2) correcting for aggregation error resulting from over‐ and underrepresentation of constituent groups. We briefly compare and contrast traditions within public opinion and organizational polling contexts and present a hybrid taxonomy of sampling procedures that organizational surveyors may find useful in situating their survey efforts within a methodological framework. Next, we extend the existing HRM literature focused on survey nonresponse to a broader lens concerned with population misrepresentation. It is from this broadened methodological framework that we introduce the practice of weighting as a remedial strategy for misrepresentation. We then provide sample weighting algorithms and standard error corrections that can be applied to organizational survey data and make our data and procedures available to individuals who may wish to use our examples as they learn “how to weight.” © 2018 Wiley ­Periodicals, Inc.
Producing an evidence‐based treatment information website in partnership with people affected by multiple sclerosis
Authors: Synnot Anneliese J. , Hawkins Melanie , Merner Bronwen A. , Summers Michael P. , Filippini Graziella , Osborne Richard H. , Shapland Sue D.P. , Cherry Catherine L. , Stuckey Rwth , Milne Catherine A. , Mosconi Paola , Colombo Cinzia , Hill Sophie J.
Published: March 2018

Background and Aims

In earlier work, we identified that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can have difficulty finding online treatment information that is up to date, trustworthy, understandable, and applicable to personal circumstances, but does not provoke confusion or negative emotional consequences. The objective was to develop online consumer summaries of MS treatment evidence (derived from Cochrane Reviews) that respond to identified treatment information needs of people affected by MS.

Methods

A 2‐phase mixed‐methods project, conducted in partnership with consumers and an MS organisation. Phase 1 included review panels with consumers (Australians affected by MS) and health professionals to test paper‐based treatment summaries before development, and pilot testing of the website. Phase 2 involved an online survey after website launch.

Results

Eighty‐three participants (85% affected by MS) took part. Phase 1 participants strongly endorsed key review summary components, including layering information, and additional sections to aid personal applicability. Participants additionally suggested questions for health professionals. Participants across both phases were receptive to the idea of being provided with Cochrane Review summaries online but were seeking other types of evidence and information, such as personal experiences and the latest experimental treatments, which could not be provided. While the small survey sample size (n = 58) limits application of the results to a broader population, the website was viewed favourably, as a useful, understandable, and trustworthy information source.

Conclusion

We describe a partnership approach to developing online evidence‐based treatment information, underpinned by an in‐depth understanding of consumers' information needs.
Catalytic Membrane Reactor Model as a Laboratory for Pattern Emergence in Reaction‐diffusion‐advection Media
Authors: Yochelis Arik
Published: March 2018

Reaction‐diffusion‐advection media on semi‐infinite domains are important in chemical, biological and ecological applications, yet remain a challenge for pattern formation theory. To demonstrate the rich emergence of nonlinear traveling waves and stationary periodic states, we review results obtained using a membrane reactor as a case model. Such solutions coexist in overlapping parameter regimes and their temporal stability is determined by the boundary conditions which either preserve or destroy the translational symmetry, i. e., selection mechanisms under realistic Danckwerts boundary conditions. A brief outlook is given at the end.
Guilt in bereavement: Its relationship with complicated grief and depression
Authors: Li Jie , Tendeiro Jorge N. , Stroebe Margaret
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the relationship between guilt and well‐being of bereaved persons, and explored potential differences in the associations between guilt‐complicated grief (CG) and guilt‐depression. In total, 1358 Chinese bereaved adults were recruited to fill out questionnaires. Participants (N = 194) who had been bereaved within 2 years of the first survey, filled out the same questionnaires 1 year later. Higher guilt was associated with higher degrees of both CG and depression. The level of guilt predicted CG and depression symptoms 1 year later. Bereavement‐related guilt has a closer association with CG than depression. Responsibility guilt, indebtedness guilt and degree of guilt feeling are more prominent aspects of guilt in CG than in depression. These findings demonstrate the significant role of guilt (perhaps a core symptom) in mental health of the bereaved, having implications for identifying persons with grief complications and depression.
Extract of Euryale ferox Salisb exerts antidepressant effects and regulates autophagy through the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase—UNC‐51‐like kinase 1 pathway
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Huang Xiaoyan , Wang Qian , Jiang Ruizhi , Sun Guangda , Xu Yiming , Wu Qinan
Published: March 2018

Positive regulation of autophagy by Euryale ferox Salisb (ES) leads to antidepressant effects. This study focused on the potential antidepressant mechanisms induced by the petroleum ether fraction of ES (ES‐PE) in the chronically unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model. Deficits in the sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, and forced swim test were observed following CUMS, and were reversed following ES‐PE administration. Contrary to the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin, autophagy was decreased after establishment of the CUMS model. We also observed trends for downregulation of adenosine mononphosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian autophagy‐initiating kinase (ULK1), which were differentially affected by ES‐PE. HT22 cells and Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, were used to verify the results in mice. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed high level of vitamin E acetate in ES‐PE. Taken together, our data indicate that ES‐PE activated autophagy by regulating the AMPK pathway. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):300–309, 2018
Beneficial impact of zinc supplementation on the collagen in the bone tissue of cadmium‐exposed rats
Authors: Andrulewicz‐Botulińska Edyta , Wiśniewska Róża , Brzóska Malgorzata M. , Rogalska Joanna , Galicka Anna
Published: March 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that damages bone tissue by affecting its mineral and organic components. The organic matrix is mainly (90%) composed of collagen, which determines the biomechanical strength of bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation (30 or 60 mg l–1) under moderate and relatively high exposure to Cd (5 and 50 mg l–1) on collagen in the rat tibia proximal epiphysis and diaphysis (regions abundant in trabecular and cortical bone, respectively). Significant decrease in collagen type I biosynthesis was found in both regions of the tibia in Cd‐treated rats, whereas the supplementation with Zn provided significant protection against this effect. Western blot confirmed the presence of the major type I collagen in the tibia epiphysis and diaphysis, but collagen type II was revealed only in the epiphysis. Acetic acid‐ and pepsin‐soluble collagen concentration in the tibia epiphysis and diaphysis was significantly increased due to the exposure to Cd, whereas the supplementation with Zn protected, partially or totally, from these effects, depending on the used concentration. The supplementation with Zn also provided protection from unfavorable Cd impact on the maturation of the bone collagen, as the ratio of cross‐links to monomers was higher compared to the Cd‐treated group. This report confirms our previous findings on the preventive action of Zn against harmful effects of Cd on bone, but additionally, and to the best of our knowledge for the first time, explains the possible mechanism of the beneficial influence of this bioelement.
Front Cover: Assessment of trans‐scleral iontophoresis delivery of lutein to the human retina (J. Biophotonics 3/2018)
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Villari Valentina , Micali Norberto , Roy Pierre , Sousa Sara H. , Lombardo Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Trans‐scleral iontophoresis device was shown to be effective for in‐situ delivery of lutein to the retina of human donor eyes. After treatment, Resonance Raman Spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that lutein greatly enriched the inner sclera, choroid and retina. Clinical studies are going to prove if the methodology would be a valuable approach to enrich the human macular pigment and prevent local oxidative damage in patients at risk of AMD progression.

Further details can be found in the article by Marco Lombardo et al. (e201700095).

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Evaluation of the Virclia® automated chemiluminescent immunoassay system for diagnosing pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Ortiz de la Tabla Victoria , Berruezo Marta , García Payá Elena , Fernández Marta , García José Alberto , Masiá Mar , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: March 2018

Background

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is considered an important etiologic agent of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in outpatients. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a quick automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for M. pneumoniae in a population‐based prospective study of CAP.

Methods

A total of 137 outpatients diagnosed with CAP were included in the study. Acute‐ and convalescent phase sera were analyzed for IgG and IgM to M. pneumoniae with both CLIA (VirClia®) and ELISA immunoassays. Conventional serological criteria by quantitative ELISA were considered as reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity of the assay were assessed with the construction of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the kappa index was used to evaluate the accuracy of the IgG and IgM determinations in the acute phase.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were diagnosed with pneumonia by M. pneumoniae. ROC curves for IgG and IgM of convalescent and acute phase (C/A) quotients by the CLIA and ELISA assays were comparable. Specifically, for the CLIA, the best C/A quotient for IgG was 2.617 (sensitivity, 94.9%; specificity, 99.9%), and for IgM 1.400 (sensitivity, 65.8%; specificity, 100%). Regarding the acute phase, the best diagnostic accuracy for the CLIA was obtained with an IgG index of 1.120 (sensitivity, 89.5%; specificity, 73.7%). The CLIA was very simple to execute and required a minimum sample handling.

Conclusion

The accuracy of the Virclia® assay for the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection in outpatients with CAP was equivalent to the quantitative ELISA. The CLIA was quicker to perform and displayed better analytic workability than conventional ELISA.
Streamlining screening of emotional function in Veterans with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Flaherty Jennifer M. , Spencer Robert J. , Drag Lauren L. , Pangilinan Percival H. , Bieliauskas Linas A.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

This study examined how depression, anxiety, and sleep items from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) predict results from longer inventories.

Method

This was a retrospective review from 484, predominantly male (96.1%) Veterans, mean age 29.7 years, who underwent brief neuropsychological screening during a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants completed the NSI, insomnia severity index (ISI), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results: Overall,

97.1% who endorsed “severe”/“very severe” anxiety on the NSI had significant anxiety on the HADS; 85% reporting “severe”/“very severe” depression on the NSI, had significant depression on the HADS; and 97.7% reporting “severe”/“very severe” sleep problems on the NSI, had significant sleep difficulties on the ISI.

Conclusion

Close correspondence between “severe”/“very severe” symptoms on the NSI and lengthier checklists suggests additional checklists may be eliminated and individuals can be referred for mental health treatment. NSI reports of “mild”/“moderate” require further screening.
Changes in tropical cyclone activity in north Indian Ocean during satellite era (1981–2014)
Authors: Balaji M. , Chakraborty Arun , Mandal M.
Published: March 2018

Recent findings have raised the debate on increase in tropical cyclone activity (TCA) in major tropical ocean basins like North Atlantic and western North Pacific. To address the similar evidence in North Indian Ocean (NIO) basins, an attempt has been made in the present study to investigate TCA in NIO basins in the context of warmer climate during the satellite era (1981–2014). The most suitable cyclone energy metric called accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) is estimated for this purpose. A statistical change‐point analysis is conducted to detect the shift in ACE during the study period. Environmental factors influencing TCA are investigated to infer possible causes in the observed variability.

The results indicate the increasing trend in ACE in NIO during satellite era with statistical significance of 95%. The frequency and duration of intense cyclones (wind speed >64 knots) show notable increase in recent years. However, a decreasing trend is observed in total frequency. The change‐point analysis of ACE in NIO reveals objectively that the shift occurs in 1997, with 20.8 ACE during 1981–1996 and 41.4 ACE during 1997–2014. The analysis reveals that increase in number and duration of very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) (wind speed >64 knots) in the recent epoch (1997–2014) is the major cause for the observed twofold increase in ACE. Also, the mean genesis location of intense BoB cyclones exposes a longitudinal eastwards shift of 2.3° in the recent epoch, which could have aided the longevity of intense cyclones. Analysis of sea surface temperature (SST), upper ocean heat content (UOHC) and genesis potential index (GPI) climatology shows a positive agreement to the observed shift in genesis. The analysis of seven environmental factors shows substantial agreement with the increase and variability of ACE. Predominantly, atmospheric water vapour and SST show better correlation (.72 and .66) with ACE in NIO.
Micro‐method to determine iron concentrations in plant tissues using 2,2′ bipyridine
Authors: Hartmann Julia , Asch Folkard
Published: March 2018

Research often needs to determine iron (Fe) concentrations in plant tissue samples. Current established methods depend on equipment and often require skilled laboratory staff, large sample sizes, and are relatively slow and expensive. We propose an efficient and fast method for measuring Fe concentrations of small rice samples via a microplate reader using sodium dithionite (SDT) as reducing agent and dipyridyl (DPD) as coloring agent. The results show that the method yields results comparable to ICP‐OES measurements which were used as standard method. Different concentrations of the chemicals used were tested for extraction, reducing power, and coloring efficiency, to optimize the method for the range of concentrations to be expected in rice under toxic Fe conditions. Best results were obtained using 500 mM SDT and 10 mM DPD, a sample size of 0.01g dry weight, and Fast Prep as extraction method. A linear calibration curve was obtained for 0 to 100 mg kg−1 iron within the measured samples.

The method proposed here was successfully applied to measure total Fe concentration in oven‐dried, milled plant samples. Applicability of the method for tissues other than rice and suboptimal extraction methods are discussed.
Cover Image, Volume 98, Issue 5
Authors: Olukosi Oluyinka A , Xiao Weiwei , Jia Jing
Published: March 2018

The cover image, by Oluyinka A. Olukosi et al., is based on the Research Article Peptide supplementation to nutrient‐adequate diets enhanced internal egg quality during storage in hens at peak production, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8661. Photo Credit: Oluyinka A. Olukosi, Scotland's Rural College

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Role of staging laparoscopy in the management of Pancreatic Duct Carcinoma (PDAC): Single‐center experience from a tertiary hospital in Brazil
Authors: de Jesus Victor Hugo Fonseca , da Costa Junior Wilson Luiz , de Miranda Marques Tomás Mansur Duarte , Diniz Alessandro Landskron , de Castro Ribeiro Héber Salvador , de Godoy André Luis , de Farias Igor Correia , Coimbra Felipe José Fernandez
Published: March 2018

Background

Proper staging is critical to the management of pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC). Laparoscopy has been used to stage patients without gross metastatic disease with variable success.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the frequency of patients diagnosed by laparoscopy with occult metastatic disease. Also, we looked for variables related to a higher chance of occult metastasis.

Methods

Patients with PDAC submitted to staging laparoscopy either immediately before pancreatectomy or as a separate procedure between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. None presented gross metastatic disease at initial staging. We used logistic regression to search for variables associated with metastatic disease.

Results

The study population consisted of 63 patients. Among all patients, nine (16.7%) had occult metastases at laparoscopy. Unresectable tumor (Odds ratio = 18.0, P = 0.03), increasing tumor size (Odds ratio = 1.36, P = 0.01), and abdominal pain (Odds ratio = 5.6, P = 0.04) significantly predicted the risk of occult metastases in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only tumor size predicted the risk of occult metastases.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy remains a valuable tool in PDAC staging. Patients with either large or unresectable tumors, or presenting with abdominal pain present the highest risk for occult intra‐abdominal metastases.
Anthropogenic influences on riverine fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon to the oceans
Authors: Raymond Peter A. , Hamilton Stephen K.
Published: March 2018

Bicarbonate (), the predominant form of dissolved inorganic carbon in natural waters, originates mostly from watershed mineral weathering. On time scales of decades to centuries, riverine fluxes of to the oceans and subsequent reactions affect atmospheric CO2, global climate and ocean pH. This review summarizes controls on the production of from chemical weathering and its transport into river systems. The availability of minerals and weathering agents (carbonic, sulfuric, and nitric acids) in the weathering zone interact to control production, and water throughput controls transport into rivers. Human influences on fluxes include climate warming, acid precipitation, mining, concrete use, and agricultural fertilization and liming. We currently cannot evaluate the net result of human influences on a global scale but fluxes are clearly increasing in some major rivers as shown here for much of the United States. This increase could be partly a return to pre‐industrial fluxes as anthropogenic acidification has been mitigated in the United States, but elsewhere around the world anthropogenic acidification could be leading to decreased concentrations and fluxes.
Treatment of autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies
Authors: Palma Jose‐Alberto , Kaufmann Horacio
Published: March 2018

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system afflicts most patients with Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure, reducing quality of life and increasing mortality. For example, gastrointestinal dysfunction can lead to impaired drug pharmacodynamics causing a worsening in motor symptoms, and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension can cause syncope, falls, and fractures. When recognized, autonomic problems can be treated, sometimes successfully. Discontinuation of potentially causative/aggravating drugs, patient education, and nonpharmacological approaches are useful and should be tried first. Pathophysiology‐based pharmacological treatments that have shown efficacy in controlled trials of patients with synucleinopathies have been approved in many countries and are key to an effective management. Here, we review the treatment of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies, summarize the nonpharmacological and current pharmacological therapeutic strategies including recently approved drugs, and provide practical advice and management algorithms for clinicians, with focus on neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, dysphagia, sialorrhea, gastroparesis, constipation, neurogenic overactive bladder, underactive bladder, and sexual dysfunction. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Voluntary inhibitory motor control over involuntary tic movements
Authors: Ganos Christos , Rothwell John , Haggard Patrick
Published: March 2018

Inhibitory control is crucial for normal adaptive motor behavior. In hyperkinesias, such as tics, disinhibition within the cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical loops is thought to underlie the presence of involuntary movements. Paradoxically, tics are also subject to voluntary inhibitory control. This puzzling clinical observation questions the traditional definition of tics as purely involuntary motor behaviors. Importantly, it suggests novel insights into tic pathophysiology. In this review, we first define voluntary inhibitory tic control and compare it with other notions of tic control from the literature. We then examine the association between voluntary inhibitory tic control with premonitory urges and review evidence linking voluntary tic inhibition to other forms of executive control of action. We discuss the somatotopic selectivity and the neural correlates of voluntary inhibitory tic control. Finally, we provide a scientific framework with regard to the clinical relevance of the study of voluntary inhibitory tic control within the context of the neurodevelopmental disorder of Tourette syndrome. We identify current knowledge gaps that deserve attention in future research. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Assessment of velopharyngeal function with dual‐planar high‐resolution real‐time spiral dynamic MRI
Authors: Feng Xue , Blemker Silvia S. , Inouye Josh , Pelland Catherine M. , Zhao Li , Meyer Craig H.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To develop a real‐time dynamic MRI method for comprehensive evaluation of velum movement during speech.

Methods

Dynamic MRI has been used to study velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) by imaging the movement of the velum during speech, because it can provide good anatomic details with no exposed radiation. To be able to comprehensively evaluate dynamic velum movement, a real‐time spiral non‐balanced SSFP sequence was developed with simultaneous dual‐planar coverage and improved spatial and temporal resolution using a combination of parallel imaging and spatial and temporal compressed sensing to achieve 6 × acceleration. New off‐resonance correction and post‐processing methods were also developed to reduce blurring and slice crosstalk.

Results

The method demonstrated good image quality for visualizing dynamic velum movement with reduced blurring and improved image homogeneity. Spatial resolution of 1.2*1.2 mm2 with 150 mm FOV and temporal resolution of 20 frames‐per‐second with simultaneous dual‐planar coverage was achieved.

Conclusions

This work describes a new technique for studying speech disorders using dual‐planar accelerated spiral dynamic MRI.
Measurement of blood‐brain barrier permeability using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with reduced scan time
Authors: Bae Jonghyun , Zhang Jin , Wadghiri Youssef Zaim , Minhas Atul Singh , Poptani Harish , Ge Yulin , Kim Sungheon Gene
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of measuring the subtle disruption of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) using DCE‐MRI with a scan duration shorter than 10 min.

Methods

The extended Patlak‐model (EPM) was introduced to include the effect of plasma flow (Fp) in the estimation of vascular permeability–surface area product (PS). Numerical simulation studies were carried out to investigate how the reduction in scan time affects the accuracy in estimating contrast kinetic parameters. DCE‐MRI studies of the rat brain were conducted with Fisher rats to confirm the results from the simulation. Intracranial F98 glioblastoma models were used to assess areas with different levels of permeability. In the normal brain tissues, the Patlak model (PM) and EPM were compared, whereas the 2‐compartment‐exchange‐model (TCM) and EPM were assessed in the peri‐tumor and the tumor regions.

Results

The simulation study results demonstrated that scan time reduction could lead to larger bias in PS estimated by PM (>2000%) than by EPM (<47%), especially when Fp is low. When Fp was high as in the gray matter, the bias in PM‐PS (>900%) were larger than that in EPM‐PS (<42%). The animal study also showed similar results, where the PM parameters were more sensitive to the scan duration than the EPM parameters. It was also demonstrated that, in the peri‐tumor region, the EPM parameters showed less change by scan duration than the TCM parameters.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that EPM can be used to measure PS with a scan duration of 10 min or less.
Accelerated 4D phase contrast MRI in skeletal muscle contraction
Authors: Mazzoli Valentina , Gottwald Lukas M. , Peper Eva S. , Froeling Martijn , Coolen Bram F. , Verdonschot Nico , Sprengers Andre M. , van Ooij Pim , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

3D time‐resolved (4D) phase contrast MRI can be used to study muscle contraction. However, 3D coverage with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution can only be achieved by interleaved acquisitions during many repetitions of the motion task, resulting in long scan times. The aim of this study was to develop a compressed sensing accelerated 4D phase contrast MRI technique for quantification of velocities and strain rate of the muscles in the lower leg during active plantarflexion/dorsiflexion.

Methods

Nine healthy volunteers were scanned during active dorsiflexion/plantarflexion task. For each volunteer, we acquired a reference scan, as well as 4 different accelerated scans (k‐space undersampling factors: 3.14X, 4.09X, 4.89X, and 6.41X) obtained using Cartesian Poisson disk undersampling schemes. The data was reconstructed using a compressed sensing pipeline. For each scan, velocity and strain rate values were quantified in the gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, and soleus.

Results

No significant differences in velocity values were observed as a function acceleration factor in the investigated muscles. The strain rate calculation resulted in one positive (s+) and one negative (s−) eigenvalue, whereas the third eigenvalue (s3) was consistently 0 for all the acquisitions. No significant differences were observed for the strain rate eigenvalues as a function of acceleration factor.

Conclusions

Data undersampling combined with compressed sensing reconstruction allowed obtainment of time‐resolved phase contrast acquisitions with 3D coverage and quantitative information comparable to the reference scan. The 3D sensitivity of the method can help in understanding the connection between muscle architecture and muscle function in future studies.
Inhibitory effects of silodosin on the bladder mechanosensitive afferent activities and their relation with bladder myogenic contractions in male rats with bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Watanabe Daiji , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Fujimura Tetsuya , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Igawa Yasuhiko
Published: March 2018

Aims

We investigated the effects of silodosin, an α1A‐adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist, on bladder function, especially on non‐voiding contractions (NVCs), in a male rat model of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) by evaluating cystometry (CMG) findings and bladder mechanosensitive single‐unit afferent activities (SAAs), related with microcontractions, which may be similar with NVCs and to be of myogenic origin, in the rat model.

Methods

BOO was created by partial ligation of the posterior urethra. At 4 days after surgery for BOO, an osmotic pump filled with silodosin (0.12 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle was subcutaneously implanted. At 10 days after surgery, CMG and SAAs measurements were taken under conscious and urethane‐anesthetized conditions, respectively. The SAAs of Aδ‐ and C‐fibers, which were identified by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve and by bladder distention, and intravesical pressure were recorded during constant bladder‐filling with saline. Microcontractions were divided into three phases: “ascending,” “descending,” and “stationary.”

Results

The silodosin‐treated group showed a smaller number of NVCs in CMG measurements and lower SAAs of both Aδ‐ and C‐fibers than the vehicle‐treated group during bladder‐filling. Moreover, in the vehicle‐treated groups, the SAAs of both fibers for the ascending phase of microcontractions were significantly higher than those for the other two phases. On the contrary, no significant change was found between any of these three phases in the silodosin‐treated group.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that silodosin inhibits the SAAs of mechanosensitive Aδ‐ and C‐fibers at least partly due to suppressing myogenic bladder contractions in male BOO rats.
Pyloric metaplasia, pseudopyloric metaplasia, ulcer‐associated cell lineage and spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia: reparative lineages in the gastrointestinal mucosa
Authors: Goldenring James R
Published: March 2018

The gastrointestinal mucosae provide a critical barrier between the external and internal milieu. Thus, damage to the mucosa requires an immediate response to provide appropriate wound closure and healing. Metaplastic lineages with phenotypes similar to the mucous glands of the distal stomach or Brunner's glands have been associated with various injurious scenarios in the stomach, small bowel, and colon. These lineages have been assigned various names including pyloric metaplasia, pseudopyloric metaplasia, ulcer‐associated cell lineage (UACL), and spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia (SPEM). A re‐examination of the literature on these various forms of mucous cell metaplasia suggests that pyloric‐type mucosal gland lineages may provide a ubiquitous response to mucosal injury throughout the gastrointestinal tract as well as in the pancreas, esophagus, and other mucosal surfaces. While the cellular origin of these putative reparative lineages likely varies in different regions of the gut, their final phenotypes may converge on a pyloric‐type gland dedicated to mucous secretion. In addition to their healing properties in the setting of acute injury, these pyloric‐type lineages may also represent precursors to neoplastic transitions in the face of chronic inflammatory influences. Further investigations are needed to determine how discrete molecular profiles relate to the origin and function of pyloric‐type metaplasias previously described by histological characteristics in multiple epithelial mucosal systems in the setting of acute and chronic damage. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stigma and its influencing factors among Chinese patients with stoma
Authors: Yuan Jing Min , Zhang Jun E , Zheng Mei Chun , Bu Xiu Qing
Published: March 2018

Background

Although stomas are necessary for disease treatment, they unavoidably affect patients' lives from physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and familial perspectives and contribute to feelings of embarrassment and shame. This study explored the current status and factors influencing stigma among Chinese patients with stoma.

Methods

A total of 209 patients with stoma at the stoma clinic of a tertiary cancer centre in Guangzhou, China, were recruited and investigated by using the Social Impact Scale, the Coping Self‐Efficacy Scale, the State Self‐Esteem Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify the factors influencing stigma.

Results

The mean Social Impact Scale score was 69.65 ± 13.18, which represents a moderate effect; specifically, 44% of the patients experienced high levels of stigma. Stoma patients with the following characteristics had high levels of stigma: young, low coping self‐efficacy, low stoma acceptance by one's spouse or other family members, poor perceived body image, stool leakage, and no experience of participating in activities with other stoma patients.

Conclusions

Medical staff members should pay more attention to stigma in stoma patients. Coping self‐efficacy, family members' acceptance of the stoma, and participation in activities with other stoma patients are influencing factors that protect these patients against stigma, whereas body image loss and stool leakage place them at higher risk for stigma. Interventions aimed at improving protective factors and decreasing risk factors should be considered to reduce the level of stigma in patients with stoma.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Generation and Light Absorption Based on Black Phosphorus@AuNPs Nanosheet for Tumor Photodynamic/Thermal Therapy
Authors: Zhang Da , Lin Xiao , Lan Shanyou , Sun Haiyan , Wang Xuandong , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Yun , Zeng Yongyi
Published: March 2018

Although photodynamic therapy is an efficient therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, it always suffers from the low singlet oxygen (1O2) yields owing to the weak absorption in optical transparent window of biological tissues. Herein, the black phosphorus (BP) nanosheet is integrated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to simultaneously enhance the singlet oxygen generation and hyperthermia by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in cancer therapy. In the design, BP nanosheet employed as two‐dimension (2D) inorganic photosensitizer is hybridized with AuNPs through polyetherimide (PEI) as bridge to form BP‐PEI/AuNPs hybrid nanosheet. Such hybridation not only significantly increases the 1O2 production of BP nanosheet through maximizing the local field enhancement of AuNPs, but also significantly enhances the light absorption of BP nanosheet to promote photothermal effect by LSPR. Accordingly, about 3.9‐fold enhancement of 1O2 production and 1.7‐fold increasement of photothermal conversion efficiency are achieved compared with BP‐PEI alone upon single 670 nm laser irradiation. As a proof‐of‐concept model, BP‐PEI/AuNPs hybrid nanosheet with simultaneous dual‐modal phototherapy functions result in effective suppression of tumor growth with minimized side effects both in vitro and in vivo, indicating the great potential of the BP‐PEI/AuNPs hybrid nanosheet as an effective strategy to enhance the cancer therapy efficiency.