bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bubbling fluidized bed methanation study with resolving the mesoscale structure effects
Authors: Li Jiageng , Yang Bolun
Published: February 2019

To elucidate the influence of the changes in the mesoscale structure caused by microscale chemical reactions on the macroscale properties, continuity equations, simplified momentum equations, and pressure‐drop balance equation were introduced into the conventional reactor model to accurately analyze the mesoscale phenomenon in the fluidized bed methanation system, thereby avoiding the limitation due to the use of empirical correlations to describe the mesoscale structure. The reduction of gas volume and the variations of composition and physical properties due to methanation reactions were considered in this model, and the effects of these changes on the mesoscopic flow structures and the macroscopic properties of the entire reactor were further investigated. Several experiments of fluidized bed methanation were also carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed reactor model. The results showed that the suggested model can successfully predict the hydrodynamics and reaction behaviors under various operating conditions.
Turner syndrome: New insights from prenatal genomics and transcriptomics
Authors: Bianchi Diana W.
Published: February 2019

In some parts of the world, prenatal screening using analysis of circulating cell‐free (cf) DNA in the plasma of pregnant women has become part of routine prenatal care with limited professional guidelines and without significant input from the Turner syndrome community. In contrast to the very high positive predictive values (PPVs) achieved with cfDNA analysis for trisomy 21 (91% for high‐risk and 82% for low‐risk cases), the PPVs for monosomy X are much lower (~26%). This is because the maternal plasma sample contains both maternal cfDNA and placental DNA, which is a proxy for the fetal genome. Underlying biological mechanisms for false positive monosomy X screening results include confined placental mosaicism, co‐twin demise, and maternal mosaicism. Somatic loss of a single X chromosome in the mother is a natural phenomenon that occurs with aging; this could explain many of the false positive cfDNA results. There is also increased awareness of women who have constitutional mosaicism for 45, X who are fertile. It is important to recognize that a positive cfDNA screen for 45, X does not mean that the fetus has Turner syndrome. A follow‐up diagnostic test, either amniocentesis or neonatal karyotype/chromosome microarray, is recommended. Research studies on cell‐free mRNA in second trimester amniotic fluid, which is almost exclusively fetal, demonstrate consistent dysregulation of genes involved in the hematologic, immune, and neurologic systems. This suggests that some of the pathophysiology of Turner syndrome occurs early in fetal life and presents novel opportunities for consideration of antenatal treatments.
Bioinspiriertes Design und additive Fertigung von weichen Materialien, Maschinen, Robotern und haptischen Schnittstellen
Authors: Li Shuo , Bai Hedan , Shepherd Robert F. , Zhao Huichan
Published: February 2019

Weiche Materialien weisen einige Besonderheiten auf, wie steuerbare Verformung, unendlichen Freiheitsgrad und Selbstorganisation, die sie zu vielversprechenden Kandidaten für die Entwicklung von weichen Maschinen, Robotern und haptischen Schnittstellen machen. In diesem Aufsatz geben wir einen Überblick über die aktuellen Fortschritte auf diesen Gebieten, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf zwei speziellen Themenfeldern liegt: bioinspiriertem Design und additiver Fertigung. Die Biologie ist eine ergiebige Quelle der Inspiration, die bei vielen funktionellen Materialien und Systemen genutzt wird, um die Funktion oder den Mechanismus biologischer Gewebe, biologischer Wirkstoffe und des biologischen Verhaltens nachzuahmen. Die additive Fertigung ermöglichte die Herstellung von Materialien und Strukturen, die in der Biologie weit verbreitet sind. Wir sind der Überzeugung, dass bioinspiriertes Design und additive Fertigung wichtige Instrumente für die Entwicklung von weichen Robotern sind und bleiben werden.
Biocatalytic Friedel–Crafts Alkylation Using a Promiscuous Biosynthetic Enzyme
Authors: Schultz Erica E. , Braffman Nathaniel R. , Luescher Michael U. , Hager Harry H. , Balskus Emily P.
Published: February 2019

The Friedel–Crafts alkylation is commonly used in organic synthesis to form aryl–alkyl C−C linkages. However, this reaction lacks the stereospecificity and regiocontrol of enzymatic catalysis. Here, we describe a stereospecific, biocatalytic Friedel–Crafts alkylation of the 2‐position of resorcinol rings using the cylindrocyclophane biosynthetic enzyme CylK. This regioselectivity is distinct from that of the classical Friedel–Crafts reaction. Numerous secondary alkyl halides are accepted by this enzyme, as are resorcinol rings with a variety of substitution patterns. Finally, we have been able to use this transformation to access novel analogues of the clinical drug candidate benvitimod that are challenging to construct with existing synthetic methods. These findings highlight the promise of enzymatic catalysis for enabling mild and selective C−C bond‐forming synthetic methodology.
Organic Proton‐Buffer Electrode to Separate Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution in Acid Water Electrolysis
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Guo Zhaowei , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: February 2019

Hydrogen production from water via electrolysis in acid is attracting extensive attention as an attractive alternative approach to replacing fossil fuels. However, the simultaneous evolution of H2 and O2 requires a fluorine‐containing proton exchange membrane to prevent the gases from mixing while using the same space to concentrate the gases, which significantly increases the cost and reduces the flexibility of this approach. Here, a battery electrode based on the highly reversible enolization reaction of pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone is first introduced as a solid‐state proton buffer to separate the O2 and H2 evolution of acidic water electrolysis in space and time, through which the gas mixing issue can be avoided without using any membrane. This process allows us to separately consider H2 and O2 production according to the variation in input power (e.g., the renewable energy) and/or the location for H2 concentration, thus showing high flexibility for H2 production.
Branched‐Selective Direct α‐Alkylation of Cyclic Ketones with Simple Alkenes
Authors: Xing Dong , Qi Xiaotian , Marchant Daniel , Liu Peng , Dong Guangbin
Published: February 2019

Herein, we describe an intermolecular direct branched‐selective α‐alkylation of cyclic ketones with simple alkenes as the alkylation agents. Through an enamine‐transition metal cooperative catalysis mode, the α‐alkylation is realized in an atom‐ and step‐economic manner with excellent branched selectivity for preparing β‐branched ketones. Employment of a pair of bulky Brønsted acid and base as additives is responsible for enhanced efficiency. Promising enantioselectivity (74 % ee) has been obtained. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies suggest that a pathway through alkene migratory insertion into the Ir−C bond followed by C−H reductive elimination is involved for the high branched selectivity.
Bio‐inspired Design and Additive Manufacturing of Soft Materials, Machines, Robots, and Haptic Interfaces
Authors: Li Shuo , Bai Hedan , Shepherd Robert F. , Zhao Huichan
Published: February 2019

Soft materials possess several distinctive characteristics, such as controllable deformation, infinite degrees of freedom, and self‐assembly, which make them promising candidates for building soft machines, robots, and haptic interfaces. In this Review, we give an overview of recent advances in these areas, with an emphasis on two specific topics: bio‐inspired design and additive manufacturing. Biology is an abundant source of inspiration for functional materials and systems that mimic the function or mechanism of biological tissues, agents, and behaviors. Additive manufacturing has enabled the fabrication of materials and structures prevalent in biology, thereby leading to more‐capable soft robots and machines. We believe that bio‐inspired design and additive manufacturing have been, and will continue to be, important tools for the design of soft robots.
Low‐pressure plasma surface modification of polyurethane films with chitosan and collagen biomolecules
Authors: Bahrami Narges , Nouri Khorasani Saied , Mahdavi Hamid , Ghiaci Mehran , Mokhtari Reza
Published: February 2019

Polyurethane (PU) was synthesized using castor oil and a trade grade of hexamethylene diisocyanate, and then PU films were prepared for wound dressing applications. The PU films were then plasma treated with the low‐pressure nitrogen plasma to functionalize with peroxide and hydroperoxide groups in order to attach with acrylic acid monomers. Therefore, the polyacrylic acid polymer branches were formed on the film surfaces. Carboxylic acid groups were activated by N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide and bonded with chitosan and collagen biomolecules. Untreated, nitrogen plasma treated, polyacrylic acid grafted, and finally chitosan and collagen‐immobilized PU films were characterized by several tests. The tests included the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, static contact angle, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fibroblast L929 cell culture, and antibacterial activity assay to evaluate their in vitro cytocompatibility. The results confirmed that chitosan and collagen were immobilized successfully on the PU surfaces. The chitosan‐immobilized PU and collagen‐immobilized PU improved the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast cells compared to untreated PU films. The chitosan‐modified PU films exhibit the best antibacterial properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47567.
Preparation of silver nanoparticle functionalized polyamide fibers with antimicrobial activity and electrical conductivity
Authors: Jiang Liang , Zhou Yanfen , Guo Ya , Jiang Zhiqing , Chen Shaojuan , Ma Jianwei
Published: February 2019

In this work, silver nanoparticle functionalized polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers were prepared using the electroless plating method. The surface of PA6 fibers was modified by exploiting dopamine/CuSO4/H2O2 system prior to electroless plating to enhance the bonding force between the fiber and the silver nanoparticles. It was found that both the formation rate and the chemical stability of polydopamine (PDA) coatings on the PA6 fiber surface were improved by the introduction of CuSO4/H2O2. The results confirmed the successful deposition of silver nanoparticles on PA6 fiber surface and the average particle diameter of 223 nm. Compared with uncoated fibers, the silver plated PA6 fibers exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity to both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (with an antimicrobial efficiency of 99.9% and 100%, respectively). The electrical resistance of the silver coated PA6 fibers reached 0.98 Ω over a length of 1 cm, indicating a good electrical conductivity. In particular, coating durability of the formed silver layer was investigated by subjecting the fibers to various mechanical deformations, and the results showed that the formed silver layer was maintained well after 50 times of cyclic stretching at a constant displacement of 10 mm. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47584.
N‐Confused Porphyrin‐aza‐Dipyrrin Chimera: A Versatile Metal Coordination Ligand Using its Unique NH Tautomerism
Authors: Fukuda Masaya , Mori Shigeki , Furuta Hiroyuki , Shimizu Soji
Published: February 2019

A novel N‐confused porphyrin (NCP) analogue bearing an external aza‐dipyrrin‐like coordination site was synthesized by a Schiff‐base forming reaction of N‐confused oxoporphyrin and 2‐aminopyridine derivatives. The chimera molecule enhances the intrinsic NH tautomerism of NCP to enable four possible tautomeric structures, three of which were identified by metal coordination.
Influence of psoas muscle area on mortality following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Waduud M A , Wood B , Keleabetswe P , Manning J , Linton E , Drozd M , Hammond C J , Bailey M A , Scott D J A
Published: February 2019

Background

The effect of sarcopenia based on the total psoas muscle area (TPMA) on CT is inconclusive in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) intervention. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate morphometric sarcopenia as a method of risk stratification in patients undergoing elective AAA intervention.

Methods

TPMA was measured on preintervention CT images of patients undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open aneurysm repair. Mortality was assessed in relation to preintervention TPMA using Cox regression analysis, with calculation of hazard ratios at 30 days, 1 year and 4 years. Postintervention morbidity was evaluated in terms of postintervention care, duration of hospital stay and 30-day readmission. Changes in TPMA on surveillance EVAR imaging were also evaluated.

Results

In total, 382 patient images acquired between March 2008 and December 2016 were analysed. There were no significant intraobserver and interobserver differences in measurements of TPMA. Preintervention TPMA failed to predict morbidity and mortality at all time points. The mean(s.d.) interval between preintervention and surveillance imaging was 361·3(111·2) days. A significant reduction in TPMA was observed in men on surveillance imaging after EVAR (mean reduction 0·63(1·43) cm2 per m2; P < 0·001). However, this was not associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1·00, 95 per cent c.i. 0·99 to 1·01; P = 0·935).

Conclusion

TPMA is not a suitable risk stratification tool for patients undergoing effective intervention for AAA.
Fatal middle cerebral artery aneurysm from Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Lin Shan , Wang Yan , Guan Wei
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Aneurysms caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection are a rare disease. For such patients, cerebral artery aneurysm is a rare but evenly fatal lesion that is not diagnosed in time; combined antituberculosis treatment and surgical intervention provide the best chance of cure.
A case of atraumatic tetanus developed initially with worsening headache in a woman regularly cared for chronic headache at an outpatient clinic
Authors: Tobinaga Masanobu , Suzuki Yuji , Nakajima Takashi
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

We presented a case of atraumatic tetanus developed initially with severe headache. Headache may be a clue to the presence of tetanus. Clinicians who usually treat headache should consider the possibility of tetanus in patients who present with symptoms that are severe and atypical for a given patient.
Interaction of Metal Oxido Compounds with B(C6F5)3
Authors: Zwettler Niklas , Mösch‐Zanetti Nadia C.
Published: February 2019

Lewis acid–base pair chemistry has been placed on a new level with the discovery that adduct formation between an electron donor (Lewis base) and acceptor (Lewis acid) can be inhibited by the introduction of steric demand, thus preserving the reactivity of both Lewis centers, resulting in highly unusual chemistry. Some of these highly versatile frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) are capable of splitting a variety of small molecules, such as dihydrogen, in a heterolytic and even catalytic manner. This is in sharp contrast to classical reactions where the inert substrate must be activated by a metal‐based catalyst. Very recently, research has emerged combining the two concepts, namely the formation of FLPs in which a metal compound represents the Lewis base, allowing for novel chemistry by using the heterolytic splitting power of both together with the redox reactivity of the metal. Such reactivity is not restricted to the metal center itself being a Lewis acid or base, also ancillary ligands can be used as part of the Lewis pair, still with the benefit of the redox‐active metal center nearby. This Minireview is designed to highlight the novel reactions arising from the combination of metal oxido transition‐metal or rare‐earth‐metal compounds with the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3. It covers a wide area of chemistry including small molecule activation, hydrogenation and hydrosilylation catalysis, and olefin metathesis, substantiating the broad influence of the novel concept. Future goals of this young and exciting area are briefly discussed.
Oblate versus Prolate Electron Density of Lanthanide Ions: A Design Criterion for Engineering Toroidal Moments? A Case Study on {LnIII6} (Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) Wheels
Authors: Langley Stuart K. , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murray Keith S.
Published: February 2019

We report four new complexes based on a {LnIII6} wheel structure, three of which possess a net toroidal magnetic moment. The four examples consist of {TbIII6} and {HoIII6} wheels, which are rare examples of non DyIII based complexes possessing a toroidal magnetic ground state, and a {DyIII6} complex which improves its toroidal structure upon lowering the crystallographic symmetry from trigonal (R
) to triclinic (P
). Notably the toroidal moment is lost for the trigonal {ErIII6} analogue. This suggests the possibility of utilizing the popular concept of oblate and prolate electron density of the ground state MJ levels of lanthanide ions to engineer toroidal moments.
Electron‐Induced Reactions in 3‐Bromopyruvic Acid
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Filipe , do N. Varella Márcio T. , Jones Nykola C. , Vrønning Hoffmann Søren , Denifl Stephan , Bald Ilko , Kopyra Janina
Published: February 2019

3‐Bromopyruvic acid (3BP) is a potential anti‐cancer drug, the action of which on cellular metabolism is not yet entirely clear. The presence of a bromine atom suggests that it is also reactive towards low‐energy electrons, which are produced in large quantities during tumour radiation therapy. Detailed knowledge of the interaction of 3BP with secondary electrons is a prerequisite to gain a complete picture of the effects of 3BP in different forms of cancer therapy. Herein, dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to 3BP in the gas phase has been studied both experimentally by using a crossed‐beam setup and theoretically through scattering and quantum chemical calculations. These results are complemented by a vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum. The main fragmentation channel is the formation of Br− close to 0 eV and within several resonant features at 1.9 and 3–8 eV. At low electron energies, Br− formation proceeds through σ* and π* shape resonances, and at higher energies through core‐excited resonances. It is found that the electron‐capture cross‐section is clearly increased compared with that of non‐brominated pyruvic acid, but, at the same time, fragmentation reactions through DEA are significantly altered as well. The 3BP transient negative ion is subject to a lower number of fragmentation reactions than those of pyruvic acid, which indicates that 3BP could indeed act by modifying the electron‐transport chains within oxidative phosphorylation. It could also act as a radio‐sensitiser.
Isolation of Cyclic(Alkyl)(Amino) Carbene–Bismuthinidene Mediated by a Beryllium(0) Complex
Authors: Wang Guocang , Freeman Lucas A. , Dickie Diane A. , Mokrai Réka , Benkő Zoltán , Gilliard Robert J.
Published: February 2019

The long‐sought carbene–bismuthinidene, (CAAC)Bi(Ph), has been synthesized. Notably, this represents both the first example of a carbene‐stabilized subvalent bismuth complex and the extension of the carbene‐pnictinidene concept to a non‐toxic metallic element (Bi). The bonding has been investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and DFT calculations. This report also highlights the hitherto unknown reducing and ligand transfer capability of a beryllium(0) complex.
Change in health‐related quality of life in older women after diagnosis of a small breast cancer
Authors: Euhus David M. , Addae Jamin K. , Snyder Claire F. , Canner Joseph K.
Published: February 2019

Background

Screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality at the cost of frequent false‐positive results that lead to unnecessary medical procedures, and the treatment of indolent breast cancers that would never threaten life or health. Earlier diagnosis generally permits less disruptive treatment, but it is possible that even the diagnosis of a very small breast cancer could significantly adversely impact health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in older women.

Methods

The authors compared changes in HRQOL measured by either the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form (SF‐36) or the Veterans Rand 12‐item Health Survey (VR‐12) between 198 women diagnosed with in situ or invasive breast cancer measuring ≤1 cm and 36,814 matched controls using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry linked with the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey.

Results

The mean age of the cases and controls was 75 years. The SF‐36/VR‐12 physical component score 12 was found to decrease by 1.6 points between the baseline and follow‐up surveys for the controls compared with 3.2 points for women diagnosed with small breast cancers (P = .016). A 2‐point decline is recognized as the minimally significant difference for this measure. On multivariable analysis, diagnosis of a small breast cancer was found to be one of the strongest predictors of a significant decrease in both the physical and mental domains of HRQOL (P = .012 and P = .023, respectively).

Conclusions

Receiving the diagnosis of even a very small breast cancer significantly impacts the physical and mental domains of HRQOL in older women. This finding can inform discussions regarding the relative benefits and costs of screening mammography in older women.
Towards a Scalable Synthesis of 2‐Oxabicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐5‐en‐3‐one Using Flow Photochemistry
Authors: Williams Jason D. , Otake Yuma , Coussanes Guilhem , Saridakis Iakovos , Maulide Nuno , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: February 2019

Cyclobutene lactones hold great potential as synthetic building blocks, yet their preparation by photochemical rearrangement in batch can often be a bottleneck in synthetic studies. We report the use of flow photochemistry as a tool to enable a higher‐throughput approach to the synthesis of 2‐oxabicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐5‐en‐3‐one, which reduces reaction times from 24 h to 10 min. Accordingly, a significantly improved throughput of 144 mg/h (vs 14–21 mg/h in batch) was achieved. Scale‐out experiments showed problematic reactor fouling and steps were taken to explore and minimize this effect.
Morphological variation in the anterior cranial fossa
Authors: Kasai Emi , Kondo Shintaro , Kasai Kazutaka
Published: February 2019

The anterior cranial fossa is an important anatomical landmark in clinical orthodontics consisting of the frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones. The relationships between these bones remain poorly understood. The purposes of the present study were to describe the morphological relationships among the three bones and to discuss the factors contributing to individual variations in adult skulls based on postnatal development. Skulls of 100 Indian adults and 18 Japanese juveniles were observed both macroscopically and using computed tomography images in the median sagittal plane. Three types of relationship were seen among the three bones in adult skulls: (a) a triangular border between ethmoid and sphenoid bones (ethmoid spine), (b) a straight or concave border between ethmoid and sphenoid bones, and (c) frontal bone lying between the ethmoid and sphenoid bones. In the juvenile skull, structures corresponding to those in adults were observed. These three bones comprise the anterior cranial base, each with differing developmental processes, and slight differences in these processes seem to be reflected in the morphological variations seen among adults.
Interoperability in semantic Web of Things: Design issues and solutions
Authors: Silva André Luis Meneses , Pérez‐Alcázar José de Jesús , Kofuji Sergio Takeo
Published: February 2019

The significant improvement in processing power, communication, energy consumption, and the size of computational devices has led to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT projects raise many challenges, such as the interoperability between IoT applications because of the high number of sensors, actuators, services, protocols, and data associated with these systems. Semantics solves this problem by using annotations that define the role of each IoT element and reduces the ambiguity of information exchanged between the devices. This work presents SWoTPAD, a semantic framework that helps in the development of IoT projects. The framework is designer oriented and provides a semantic language that is more user‐friendly than OWL‐S and WSML and allows the IoT designer to specify devices, services, environment, and requests. Following this, it makes use of these specifications and maps them for RESTful services. Additionally, it generates an automatic service composition engine that is able to combine services needed to handle complex user requests. We validated this approach with two case studies. The former concerns a residential security system and the latter, the cloud application deployment. The average time required for service discovery and automatic service composition corresponds to 72.9% of the service execution time in the case study 1 and 64.4% in the case study 2.
Energy‐aware dynamic task offloading and collective task execution in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Vankadara Saritha , Dasari Nagaraju
Published: February 2019

There is a good opportunity for enlightening the services of the mobile devices by introducing computational offloading using cloud technology. Offloading is a process for managing the complexity of the mobile environment by migrating computational load to the cloud. The mobile devices oblige the quick response for the offloading requests; it is dependent on network connectivity. The cloud services take long set‐up time irrespective of network connectivity. In this paper, new system architecture for the dynamic task offloading in the mobile cloud environment is proposed. The architecture includes the offloading algorithm that concentrates on energy consumption of the tasks both in the local and remote environment. The proposed algorithm formulates a collective task execution model for minimizing the energy consumption. The architecture concentrates on the network model by considering the task completion time in three different network scenarios. The experimental results show the efficiency of the suggested architecture in reducing the energy consumption and completion time of the tasks.
Cytological features of uterine carcinosarcoma: A retrospective study of 20 cases with an emphasis on the usefulness of endometrial cytology
Authors: Okano Kimiaki , Ishida Mitsuaki , Sandoh Kaori , Mizokami Tomomi , Kita Masato , Okada Hidetaka , Tsuta Koji
Published: February 2019

Background

Carcinosarcoma of the endometrium is a relatively rare but aggressive neoplasm. Endometrial cytological features of this type of tumor have been rarely reported. This study aimed to clarify the usefulness of endometrial cytological examination in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinosarcoma.

Methods

Patients histopathologically diagnosed with endometrial carcinosarcoma who underwent preoperative endometrial or endocervical cytological examination were enrolled. The endometrial and/or endocervical specimens were conventionally stained with Papanicolaou stain, and the cytological characteristics, including arrangement and shape of the neoplastic cells, and the nuclear and cytoplasmic features were reviewed.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. In the endometrial specimens, carcinomatous component was detected in almost all cases (94.4%), including those suspicious of carcinoma despite a small volume of carcinomatous cells. Sarcomatous component was observed in 6 of 18 cases (33.3%) and was significantly more frequently detected in the heterologous type (5 of 9 cases) compared to the homologous type (1 of 9 cases) (P = 0.046). In the endocervical specimens, carcinomatous component was present in 76.5% of cases, but sarcomatous component was detected in only 17.6% of cases.

Conclusion

Although endocervical cytology can detect the carcinomatous component in more than 50% of endometrial carcinosarcoma cases, it has lesser capability to detect sarcomatous component. In conclusion, endometrial cytological examination is a more useful and accurate method to detect sarcomatous component of endometrial carcinosarcoma, particularly in the heterologous type, compared to endocervical cytological examination.
Mannan‐binding lectin attenuates acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity by regulating CYP2E1 expression via ROS‐dependent JNK/SP1 pathway
Authors: Li Huifang , Liu Yan , Li Junru , Liu Yunzhi , Dong Lijun , Yin Yue , Yu Yu , Zhou Jia , Zhang Liyun , Lu Xiao , Chen Zhengliang , Zuo Daming
Published: February 2019

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) acts as a soluble pattern recognition molecule in the innate immune system, which is primarily produced by the liver. MBL deficiency occurs with high frequency in the population and is reported to be associated with susceptibility to several liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the pathophysiological role of MBL in acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced hepatotoxicity. After APAP treatment, MBL‐deficient (MBL−/−) mice had significantly higher mortality and aggravated hepatic necrosis as well as elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase levels compared to control mice. The enhanced hepatotoxicity in MBL−/− mice was associated with increased concentration of APAP toxic metabolisms. Furthermore, we demonstrated here that genetic ablation of MBL resulted in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhanced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation, leading to up‐regulated specificity protein 1 (SP1) nuclear expression, thus promoted CYP2E1 hepatic expression and consequently exacerbated APAP‐induced liver injury in mice. Importantly, we have validated that MBL protected against APAP toxicity in human HepaRG cells in vitro with the same mechanism. Our study revealed an unexpected function of MBL in drug metabolism, thus providing new insight into the drug‐induced liver injury in patients with MBL deficiency.
Non‐pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration
Authors: Côté Pierre , Yu Hainan , Shearer Heather M. , Randhawa Kristi , Wong Jessica J. , Mior Silvano , Ameis Arthur , Carroll Linda J. , Nordin Margareta , Varatharajan Sharanya , Sutton Deborah , Southerst Danielle , Jacobs Craig , Stupar Maja , Taylor‐Vaisey Anne , Gross Douglas P. , Brison Robert J. , Paulden Mike , Ammendolia Carlo , Cassidy J. David , Loisel Patrick , Marshall Shawn , Bohay Richard N. , Stapleton John , Lacerte Michel
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To develop an evidence‐based guideline for the non‐pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain (i.e., tension‐type or cervicogenic).

Methods

This guideline is based on systematic reviews of high‐quality studies. A multidisciplinary expert panel considered the evidence of clinical benefits, cost‐effectiveness, societal and ethical values, and patient experiences when formulating recommendations. Target audience includes clinicians; target population is adults with persistent headaches associated with neck pain.

Results

When managing patients with headaches associated with neck pain, clinicians should (a) rule out major structural or other pathologies, or migraine as the cause of headaches; (b) classify headaches associated with neck pain as tension‐type headache or cervicogenic headache once other sources of headache pathology has been ruled out; (c) provide care in partnership with the patient and involve the patient in care planning and decision making; (d) provide care in addition to structured patient education; (e) consider low‐load endurance craniocervical and cervicoscapular exercises for tension‐type headaches (episodic or chronic) or cervicogenic headaches >3 months duration; (f) consider general exercise, multimodal care (spinal mobilization, craniocervical exercise and postural correction) or clinical massage for chronic tension‐type headaches; (g) do not offer manipulation of the cervical spine as the sole form of treatment for episodic or chronic tension‐type headaches; (h) consider manual therapy (manipulation with or without mobilization) to the cervical and thoracic spine for cervicogenic headaches >3 months duration. However, there is no added benefit in combining spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization and exercises; and (i) reassess the patient at every visit to assess outcomes and determine whether a referral is indicated.

Conclusions

Our evidence‐based guideline provides recommendations for the conservative management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain. The impact of the guideline in clinical practice requires validation.

Significance

Neck pain and headaches are very common comorbidities in the population. Tension‐type and cervicogenic headaches can be treated effectively with specific exercises. Manual therapy can be considered as an adjunct therapy to exercise to treat patients with cervicogenic headaches. The management of tension‐type and cervicogenic headaches should be patient‐centred.
Dielectrophoresis‐assisted creation of cell aggregates under flow conditions using planar electrodes
Authors: Cottet Jonathan , Kehren Alexandre , Lasli Soufian , van Lintel Harald , Buret François , Frénéa‐Robin Marie , Renaud Philippe
Published: February 2019

We present a microfluidic platform allowing dielectrophoresis‐assisted formation of cell aggregates of controlled size and composition under flow conditions. When specific experimental conditions are met, negative dielectrophoresis allows efficient concentration of cells towards electric field minima and subsequent aggregation. This bottom‐up assembly strategy offers several advantages with respect to the targeted application: first, dielectrophoresis offers precise control of spatial cell organization, which can be adjusted by optimizing electrode design. Then, it could contribute to accelerate the establishment of cell‐cell interactions by favoring close contact between neighboring cells. The trapping geometry of our chip is composed of eight electrodes arranged in a circle. Several parameters have been tested in simulations to find the best configurations for trapping in flow. Those configurations have been tested experimentally with both polystyrene beads and human embryonic kidney cells. The final design and experimental setup have been optimized to trap cells and release the created aggregates on demand.
Prenatal exposure to particulate matter and ozone: Bulky DNA adducts, plasma isoprostanes, allele risk variants, and neonate susceptibility in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area
Authors: Maciel‐Ruiz Jorge A. , López‐Rivera Cristina , Robles‐Morales Rogelio , Veloz‐Martínez Maria G. , López‐Arellano Raquel , Rodríguez‐Patiño Gabriela , Petrosyan Pavel , Govezensky Tzipe , Salazar Ana M. , Ostrosky‐Wegman Patricia , Montero‐Montoya Regina , Gonsebatt Maria E.
Published: February 2019

Mexico City's Metropolitan Area (MCMA) includes Mexico City and 60 municipalities of the neighbor states. Inhabitants are exposed to emissions from over five million vehicles and stationary sources of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone. MCMA PM contains elemental carbon and organic carbon (OC). OCs include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which induce mutagenic and carcinogenic DNA adducts. Gestational exposure to air pollution has been associated with increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth or low birth weight risk, and PAH‐DNA adducts. These effects also depend on the presence of risk alleles. We investigated the presence of bulky PAH‐DNA adducts, plasma 8‐iso‐PGF2α (8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α) and risk allele variants in neonates cord blood and their non‐smoking mothers' leucocytes from families that were living in a highly polluted area during 2014–2015. The presence of adducts was significantly associated with both PM2.5 and PM10 levels, mainly during the last trimester of gestation in both neonates and mothers, while the last month of pregnancy was significant for the association between ozone levels and maternal plasma 8‐iso‐PGF2α. Fetal CYP1B1*3 risk allele was associated with increased adduct levels in neonates while the presence of the maternal allele significantly reduced the levels of fetal adducts. Maternal NQO1*2 was associated with lower maternal levels of adducts. Our findings suggest the need to reduce actual PM limits in MCMA. We did not observe a clear association between PM and/or adduct levels and neonate weight, length, body mass index, Apgar or Capurro score. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:428–442, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified carbon‐dioxide measurement to predict the heat release rate of fire burning in a compartment based on the three‐zone model
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tang Kaixuan , Duan Hong , Niu Yi , Huang Xianjia , Chen Bing , Liu Zhiyang , Chen Yue
Published: February 2019

The heat release rate (HRR) of fuels has been described as the single important variable of fuels in fire hazard, and the HRR experimental measurement remains a key issue in fire science. A modified carbon‐dioxide generation (CDG) method, applying a three‐zone smoke model, is developed to predict the HRR of gas, liquid, and solid fuel fires. The three‐zone smoke model with three layers is determined by the vertical thermal stratification, and their physical thermal properties are computed. The application of modified method on typical gas fuel, liquid fuel, and simple solid‐fuel fires is verified. The prediction accuracy is examined quantitatively by the cosine similarity comparison of predicted results with the experimental data. In addition, the ventilation effects on the predicted results are also explored. Results show that the application of three‐zone model improves the HRR prediction accuracy, because it can accurately capture the mixing behavior from the upper layer to the lower layer. The effect of ventilation on modified CDG method is positive as the ventilation enhances the smoke mixing and the smoke distribution in each layer is relatively uniform.
Effects of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin gallate, and quercetin on mucin expression and secretion in the Caco‐2/HT29‐MTX cell model
Authors: Volstatova Tereza , Marchica Alessandra , Hroncova Zuzana , Bernardi Rodolfo , Doskocil Ivo , Havlik Jaroslav
Published: February 2019

Mucins are a family of large glycoproteins that represent the major structural components of the mucus and are encoded by 20 different mucin genes. Mucin expression can be modulated by different stimuli. In this study, we analyzed four mucins (MUC2, MUC3, MUC13, and MUC17) in coculture of Caco‐2/HT29‐MTX cells to demonstrate the variation in gene expression in the presence of antioxidant compounds like chlorogenic acid, epicatechin gallate, and quercetin (apple, tea, and coffee polyphenols, respectively). coculture of Caco‐2/HT29‐MTX cells was treated with polyphenols, and the expression of four mucins was determined by reverse‐transcriptase PCR. In addition, the secretion levels of MUC2 were established by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) analysis. The results showed that each polyphenol compound induces different expression patterns of the mucin genes. Statistically significant up‐regulation of MUC17 was observed following incubation with epicatechin gallate and quercetin. ELISA results did not prove any significant differences in protein levels of MUC2 after treatment by the polyphenol compounds. The polyphenols considered in this study may influence mucin secretion and act on diverse salivary substrates to change the barrier properties of mucins for mucus secretion in different ways.
Importance of incorporating intraoperative neuromonitoring of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in thyroidectomy: A review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Naytah Mai , Ibrahim Iman , da Silva Sabrina
Published: February 2019

Background

Voice changes are frequently reported after thyroidectomy due to injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) and paralysis of the cricothyroid muscle, The objective is to evaluate the advantage of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) in identifying EBSLN during thyroid surgery.

Methods

Data sources were MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from January 1, 1995, through July 1, 2018. Published studies of adult patients who had thyroid surgery and an attempt to identify EBSLN done by conventional methods and/or IONM were selected.

Results

Seven studies met all inclusion criteria. Patients who had IONM during thyroid surgery had a significantly increased number of identified EBSLN at risk, compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The use of IONM during open thyroid surgery increases EBSLN identification/visualization, and hence it may decrease the incidence of post‐thyroidectomy voice disorders.
Ten‐year outcome of curative “exclusive” chemotherapy in N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx with complete clinical response
Authors: Laccourreye Ollivier , Marret Grégoire , Rubin François , Fabre Elizabeth , Badoual Cécile , Oudard Stéphane , Bonfils Pierre , Lisan Quentin
Published: February 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to document 10‐year outcome after curative “exclusive” chemotherapy in N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx.

Methods

Retrospective nonrandomized analysis of an inception cohort of 191 patients. Platinum salt and 5‐fluorouracil were used in all patients.

Results

The 3‐, 5‐, 10‐year overall actuarial survival and local control estimates were 83.3%, 74.4%, and 55.4% and 62.1%, 62.1%, and 55.3%, respectively. Main causes of death were metachronous second primary cancer (n = 39) and intercurrent disease (n = 28). No clinical variables were associated with increased risk of local recurrence. Salvage treatment resulted in 94.7% ultimate local control and 88.4% organ preservation. “Exclusive” chemotherapy was considered “beneficial” in 62.3% and “detrimental” in 7.8% of cases.

Conclusion

The high rate of local recurrence may be thought not to justify this treatment. Nevertheless, many patients avoided surgery and remained free of disease. Therefore, this approach deserves further study in the era of immune checkpoints inhibitors.
Association Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Reduced Bone Mineral Density in Children: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Gatti Davide , Zoppini Giacomo , Lippi Giuseppe , Bonora Enzo , Byrne Christopher D. , Nobili Valerio , Targher Giovanni
Published: February 2019

Recent cross‐sectional studies have examined the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and bone mineral density (BMD) in children or adolescents, but these have produced conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of these published studies to quantify the magnitude of the association, if any, between NAFLD and BMD. We searched publication databases from January 2000 to September 2018, using predefined keywords to identify relevant observational studies conducted in children or adolescents in whom NAFLD was diagnosed either by imaging or by histology and BMD Z score was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Data from selected studies were extracted, and a meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects modeling. A total of eight observational cross‐sectional or case–control studies enrolling 632 children and adolescents (mean age 12.8 years), 357 of whom had NAFLD, were included in the final analysis. Meta‐analysis showed significant differences in whole‐body or lumbar BMD Z scores between children/adolescents with and without NAFLD (n = 6 studies; pooled weighted mean difference [WMD], –0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.74 to –0.21; I
2 = 55.5%), as well as between those with biopsy‐confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and those with no‐NASH (n = 4 studies; pooled WMD, –0.27; 95% CI, –0.40 to –0.13; I
2 = 0%). The aforementioned WMDs in BMD Z scores were independent of common clinical risk factors, such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. Sensitivity analyses did not modify these findings. Funnel plot and Egger test did not reveal significant publication bias. Conclusion: This meta‐analysis shows that the presence and severity of NAFLD are significantly associated with reduced whole‐body BMD Z scores in children and adolescents; however, the observational design of the studies included does not allow for proving causality.
Measuring the effect of health on the income of people living in extreme poverty: A comparative cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Zhang Liang , He Ruibo , Li Zhong , Wu Yue , Li Boyang
Published: February 2019

Background

Through a review of the literature, we have observed that existing studies primarily focus on defining and measuring poverty, identifying the factors that affect poverty, and proposing anti‐poverty strategies. The impact of health on income in the context of extreme poverty has not been adequately studied. In China, 30 million people live below the poverty line, and poverty caused by illness accounts for nearly 44% of the total number of recorded incidents. Health impaired by disease has become the largest obstacle to escaping extreme poverty.

Objective

To determine whether health has a greater effect on the incomes of individuals in the extreme poverty group compared with the nonimpoverished group.

Methods

The poverty threshold of China in 2010 was adopted for the definition of extreme poverty. The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) Database 2014 was selected as the data source. Ordinary least squares (OLS) test was conducted to estimate the model, and the endogeneity of the variables was analyzed by the random effects model. Waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) was used instead of body mass index (BMI) to perform the robustness test.

Results

We found that the influence of individual health conditions on income was augmented in the case of extreme poverty, which indicates that health indeed influences income more strongly for individuals in the extreme poverty group.

Conclusions

In addition to education, investment, and social security projects, further public policy attention should be given to the improvement of the health status of the extremely impoverished population.
Success rates of early versus late initiation of external cephalic version
Authors: Lavie Anat , Reicher Lee , Avraham Sarit , Ram Maya , Maslovitz Sharon
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine optimum timing of external cephalic version (ECV).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Israel between February 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. Healthy primiparous women with breech presentation were offered either early ECV (35–36 weeks; n=54) or late ECV (37–38 weeks; n=106). Group assignment was according to the patient's preference and physician availability. The primary outcome was the rate of cephalic presentation at delivery. Secondary outcomes included rate of cesarean delivery, presentation of fetus after the first and last ECVs, and serious fetal complications.

Results

The incidence of undergoing more than two ECV attempts was 18.5% in the early ECV group and 5.6% in the late ECV group (P=0.039). The incidence of cephalic presentation after the first ECV was 72.2% in the early ECV group versus 66.0% in the late ECV group (P=0.048). By contrast, no statistically significant between‐group differences were found for presentation at delivery or rate of cesarean delivery. The other outcomes were also similar.

Conclusion

Early initiation of ECV among primiparous women increased the chance of immediate cephalic presentation; however, it had no effect on presentation at delivery or cesarean delivery rate.