bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in equine coat color genes using SNaPshotTM multiplex kit or pluronic F‐108 tri‐block copolymer and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Martin Lauren , Damaso Natalie , Mills DeEtta
Published: August 2016

Molecular methods for the detection of mammalian coat color phenotypes have expanded greatly within the past decade. Many phenotypes are associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism mutation in the genetic sequence. Traditionally, these mutations are detected through sequencing, hybridization assays or mini‐sequencing. However, these techniques can be expensive and tedious. Previously, CE‐SSCP using the F‐108 polymer was able to distinguish SNPs for the melanocortin‐1 receptor (mc1r) coat color gene in horses (Equus caballus) that differed by one nucleotide substitution. The objective of this study was to expand the detection of coat color SNPs in horses. The genes for the solute carrier family member 2 (slc45a2/matp), type III receptor protein‐tyrosine kinase (kit) and mc1r genes using CE‐SSCP and F‐108 polymer were compared to mini‐sequencing with the SNaPshotTM kit. The F‐108 polymer reproducibly resolved homozygous and heterozygous individuals for the mc1r and kit markers, but was unable to resolve heterozygous individuals for slc45a2 at 38ºC. The need for temperatures <15ºC, the SNP position being close to the 5’‐end, and conformational structures/free energy with similar values resulted in the inability to resolve the secondary structures. Despite this limitation, the CE‐SSCP method could be used to provide a rapid phenotypic description for equine forensic investigations.
A collaborative exercise on DNA methylation based body fluid typing
Authors: Jung Sang‐Eun , Cho Sohee , Antunes Joana , Gomes Iva , Uchimoto Mari L. , Oh Yu Na , Di Giacomo Lisa , Schneider Peter M. , Park Min Sun , van der Meer Dieudonne , Williams Graham , McCord Bruce , Ahn Hee‐Jung , Choi Dong Ho , Lee Yang Han , Lee Soong Deok , Lee Hwan Young
Published: August 2016

A collaborative exercise on DNA methylation based body fluid identification was conducted by seven laboratories. For this project, a multiplex methylation SNaPshot reaction composed of seven CpG markers was used for the identification of four body fluids, including blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid. A total of 30 specimens were prepared and distributed to participating laboratories after thorough testing. The required experiments included four increasingly complex tasks: (1) CE of a purified single‐base extension reaction product, (2) multiplex PCR and multiplex single‐base extension reaction of bisulfite‐modified DNA, (3) bisulfite conversion of genomic DNA, and (4) extraction of genomic DNA from body fluid samples. In tasks 2, 3 and 4, one or more mixtures were analyzed, and specimens containing both known and unknown body fluid sources were used. Six of the laboratories generated consistent body fluid typing results for specimens of bisulfite‐converted DNA and genomic DNA. One laboratory failed to set up appropriate conditions for capillary analysis of reference single‐base extension products. In general, variation in the values obtained for DNA methylation analysis between laboratories increased with the complexity of the required experiments. However, all laboratories concurred on the interpretation of the DNA methylation profiles produced. Although the establishment of interpretational guidelines on DNA methylation based body fluid identification has yet to be performed, this study supports the addition of DNA methylation profiling to forensic body fluid typing.
Approaching over 10 000‐fold sensitivity increase in chiral capillary electrophoresis: Cation‐selective exhaustive injection and sweeping cyclodextrin‐modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Mikuma Toshiyasu , Iwata Yuko T. , Miyaguchi Hajime , Kuwayama Kenji , Tsujikawa Kenji , Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Kanazawa Hideko , Inoue Hiroyuki
Published: August 2016

A novel and simple method that combines an online concentration technique with an enantioseparation technique for capillary electrophoresis—namely, cation‐selective exhaustive injection and sweeping cyclodextrin‐modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography (CSEI‐sweeping CD‐modified MEKC)—realizes the effective enantioseparation of cationic analytes while keeping a significant increase of detection sensitivity. This technique consists of a slight modification of the basic CSEI‐sweeping MEKC. The main idea is to simply add an anionic CD as a chiral selector into the micellar buffer including sodium dodecyl sulfate, but not to change any other buffers in order to preserve the online concentration mechanism. When applied to analysis of the street drug, methamphetamine, the method achieved not only a baseline enantioseparation but also limits of detection (LODs; S/N = 3) of 70–90 pg/mL (ppt) for each isomer. This translates to a more than 10 000‐fold improvement compared to the LODs by the usual injection method. The present technique, which was made from a slight modification of CSEI‐sweeping MEKC, would give an attractive approach that is applicable to almost any analytes for which CSEI‐sweeping MEKC is applicable; all that is required is the selection of an appropriate anionic CD to be added to the micellar buffer.
Perfluorinated alkyl acids in plasma of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Florida and South Carolina
Authors: Bangma Jacqueline T. , Bowden John A. , Brunell Arnold M. , Christie Ian , Finnell Brendan , Guillette Matthew P. , Jones Martin , Lowers Russell H. , Rainwater Thomas R. , Reiner Jessica L. , Wilkinson Philip M. , Guillette Louis J.
Published: August 2016

The present study aimed to quantitate 15 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in 125 adult American alligators at 12 sites across the southeastern United States. Of those 15 PFAAs, 9 were detected in 65% to 100% of samples: perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriA), perfluorotetradecanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Males (across all sites) showed significantly higher concentrations of 4 PFAAs: PFOS (p = 0.01), PFDA (p = 0.0003), PFUnA (p = 0.021), and PFTriA (p = 0.021). Concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFDA in plasma were significantly different among the sites in each sex. Alligators at both Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (FL, USA) and Kiawah Nature Conservancy (SC, USA) exhibited some of the highest PFOS concentrations (medians of 99.5 ng/g and 55.8 ng/g, respectively) in plasma measured to date in a crocodilian species. A number of positive correlations between PFAAs and snout–vent length were observed in both sexes, suggesting that PFAA body burdens increase with increasing size. In addition, several significant correlations among PFAAs in alligator plasma may suggest conserved sources of PFAAs at each site throughout the greater study area. The present study is the first to report PFAAs in American alligators, to reveal potential PFAA hot spots in Florida and South Carolina, and to provide a contaminant of concern when assessing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:917–925. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
The economic and clinical burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States and Europe
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Blissett Deirdre , Blissett Robert , Henry Linda , Stepanova Maria , Younossi Youssef , Racila Andrei , Hunt Sharon , Beckerman Rachel
Published: August 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease. There is uncertainty around the economic burden of NAFLD. We constructed a steady‐state prevalence model to quantify this burden in the United States and Europe. Five models were constructed to estimate the burden of NAFLD in the United States and four European countries. Models were built using a series of interlinked Markov chains, each representing age increments of the NAFLD and the general populations. Incidence and remission rates were calculated by calibrating against real‐world prevalence rates. The data were validated using a computerized disease model called DisMod II. NAFLD patients transitioned between nine health states (nonalcoholic fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], NASH‐fibrosis, NASH‐compensated cirrhosis, NASH‐decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, post‐liver transplant, and death). Transition probabilities were sourced from the literature and calibrated against real‐world data. Utilities were obtained from NAFLD patients using the Short Form‐6D. Costs were sourced from the literature and local fee schedules. In the United States, over 64 million people are projected to have NAFLD, with annual direct medical costs of about $103 billion ($1,613 per patient). In the Europe‐4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and United Kingdom), there are ∼52 million people with NAFLD with an annual cost of about €35 billion (from €354 to €1,163 per patient). Costs are highest in patients aged 45‐65. The burden is significantly higher when societal costs are included. Conclusion: The analysis quantifies the enormity of the clinical and economic burdens of NAFLD, which will likely increase as the incidence of NAFLD continues to rise. (Hepatology 2016;64:1577‐1586)
Training improves the interobserver agreement of the expert positron emission tomography review panel in primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma: interim analysis in the ongoing International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group‐37 study
Authors: Ceriani Luca , Barrington Sally , Biggi Alberto , Malkowski Bogdan , Metser Ur , Versari Annibale , Martelli Maurizio , Davies Andrew , Johnson Peter W. , Zucca Emanuele , Chauvie Stéphane
Published: August 2016

The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG)‐37 is a prospective randomized trial assessing the role of consolidation mediastinal radiotherapy after immunochemotherapy to patients with newly diagnosed primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL). It is a positron emission tomography (PET) response‐guided study where patients obtaining a complete metabolic response on an end‐of‐therapy PET‐computed tomography (CT) scan evaluated by a central review are randomized to receive radiotherapy or no further treatment.

The aims of this study were to measure agreement between reviewers reporting PET‐CT scans for this trial and to determine the effect of training upon concordance rates. The review panel comprised 6 experienced nuclear physicians who read PET‐CT scans using the 5‐point Deauville scale. Interobserver agreement (IOA) was measured at 4 time points: after a blinded review of a “training set” of 20 patients with PMBCL from the previous IELSG‐26 study (phase 1); after the first 10 clinical cases enrolled in the IELSG‐37 (phase 2); and after 2 further groups of 50 (phase 3) and 40 clinical cases (phase 4). After feedback from the training set and the first 10 cases, a meeting was held to discuss interpretation, and a detailed set of instructions for the review procedure was agreed and acted upon. Between 2012 and 2014, the first 100 patients were reviewed. Using Deauville score 3 as the cutoff for a complete metabolic response, the overall IOA among the reviewers was good (Krippendorff α = 0.72.) The binary concordance between pairs of reviewers (Cohen κ) ranged from 0.60 to 0.78. The IOA, initially moderate, improved progressively from phase 1 to 4 (Krippendorff α from 0.53 to 0.81; Cohen κ from 0.35‐0.72 to 0.77‐0.87). Our experience indicates that the agreement among “expert” nuclear physicians reporting PMBCL, even using standardized criteria, was only moderate when the study began. However, agreement improved using a harmonization process, which included a training exercise with discussion of points leading to disagreement and compiling practical rules to sit alongside commonly adopted interpretation criteria.
Response of suspended sediment particle size distributions to changes in water chemistry at an Andean mountain stream confluence receiving arsenic rich acid drainage
Authors: Abarca Maria , Guerra Paula , Arce Guillermo , Montecinos Mauricio , Escauriaza Cristian , Coquery Marina , Pastén Pablo
Published: August 2016

Acid drainage is an important water quality issue in Andean watersheds, affecting the sustainability of urban, agricultural, and industrial activities. Mixing zones receiving acid drainage are critical sites where changes in pH and chemical environment promote the formation and dissolution of iron and aluminum oxy/hydroxides. These particles can significantly change the speciation of toxic metals and metalloids throughout drainage networks via sorption, desorption, and settling processes. However, little is known about the behavior of particle size distributions (PSDs) in streams affected by acid drainage and their relationship to metal speciation. This work studied: (a) the PSDs for a wide range of mixing ratios found at a fluvial confluence affected by acid drainage, and (b) the response of PSDs and arsenic speciation to environmental changes found when the particles approach complete mixing conditions. The confluence between the Azufre River (pH ~ 2, high concentration of dissolved metals) and Caracarani River (pH = 8.6, low concentration of dissolved metals) was used as a representative model for study. Field measurements show a bimodal PSD with modal diameters of ~50 and 300 μm. At shorter distances from the junction, the smaller modes with smaller particle volumes were dominant across the stream cross‐sections. A systematic shift towards larger particle sizes and larger particle volumes occurred downstream. The analysis of laboratory PSDs for Azufre/Caracarani mixing ratios between 0.01 and 0.5 (pH from 6.2 to 2.3) showed a bimodal trend with ~15 and 50 μm characteristic diameters; larger particles formed at pH>4. When particle suspensions were transferred in laboratory experiments from very low pH to full mixing conditions (pH ~ 2.8 and mixing ratio ~ 0.25) particle sizes varied, and the dissolved arsenic concentration decreased. The observed reaction kinetics were slow compared to the time scale of advective transport, creating opportunities for engineered controls for arsenic. This work contributes to a better understanding of the chemical‐hydrodynamic interactions in watersheds affected by mining, and identifying opportunities to improve water quality at points of use.
Male pattern baldness and risk of incident skin cancer in a cohort of men
Authors: Li Wen‐Qing , Cho Eunyoung , Han Jiali , Weinstock Martin A. , Qureshi Abrar A.
Published: August 2016

We examined the association between male‐pattern baldness and risk of incident skin cancer, including invasive melanoma, invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a prospective analysis, based on 36,032 participants from the Health Professionals' Follow‐up Study. In 1992, participants reported their status of male‐pattern baldness at age 45 years by choosing from five crown‐view pictograms based on Norwood's classification. Diagnosis of skin cancers was reported biennially and information on melanoma and SCC was pathologically confirmed. We identified 327 melanoma cases, 1324 SCC cases, and 8438 BCC cases during the follow‐up. Male‐pattern baldness was not significantly associated with risk of incident melanoma, but was significantly associated with increased risk of SCC and BCC. The multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for the highest category of baldness (frontal plus severe vertex baldness) was 1.33 (1.06–1.68) for SCC (ptrend = 0.001) and 1.23 (1.12–1.35) for BCC (ptrend < 0.0001), compared with no baldness. Analyses by body sites found significant associations between frontal plus moderate to severe vertex baldness and risk of melanoma (HR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.01–3.34) and SCC (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.66) at head and neck. The associations were particularly stronger for scalp melanoma (HR = 7.15, 95% CI: 1.29–39.42) and scalp SCC (HR = 7.09, 95% CI: 3.84–13.08), but not for non‐scalp head and neck sites. Information on body sites was not available for BCC. In conclusion, male pattern baldness may be associated with increased risk of skin cancer, but the associations may only exist for those occurring at head and neck, particularly at scalp.
Curcumin changes the polarity of tumor‐associated microglia and eliminates glioblastoma
Authors: Mukherjee Sumit , Baidoo Juliet , Fried Angela , Atwi Doaa , Dolai Sukanta , Boockvar John , Symons Marc , Ruggieri Rosamaria , Raja Krishnaswami , Banerjee Probal
Published: August 2016

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most pernicious forms of cancer and currently chances of survival from this malady are extremely low. We have used the noninvasive strategy of intranasal (IN) delivery of a glioblastoma‐directed adduct of curcumin (CC), CC‐CD68Ab, into the brain of mouse GBM GL261‐implanted mice to study the effect of CC on tumor remission and on the phenotype of the tumor‐associated microglial cells (TAMs). The treatment caused tumor remission in 50% of GL261‐implanted GBM mice. A similar rescue rate was also achieved through intraperitoneal infusion of a lipid‐encapsulated formulation of CC, Curcumin Phytosome, into the GL261‐implanted GBM mice. Most strikingly, both forms of CC elicited a dramatic change in the tumor‐associated Iba1+ TAMs, suppressing the tumor‐promoting Arginase1high, iNOSlow M2‐type TAM population while inducing the Arginase1low, iNOShigh M1‐type tumoricidal microglia. Concomitantly, we observed a marked induction and activation of microglial NF‐kB and STAT1, which are known to function in coordination to cause induction of iNOS. Therefore, our novel findings indicate that appropriately delivered CC can directly kill GBM cells and also repolarize the TAMs to the tumoricidal M1 state.
Vaterite coatings on electrospun polymeric fibers for biomedical applications
Authors: Savelyeva Maria S. , Abalymov Anatoly A. , Lyubun German P. , Vidyasheva Irina V. , Yashchenok Alexey M. , Douglas Timothy E. L. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Parakhonskiy Bogdan V.
Published: August 2016

The process of porous calcium carbonate (CaCO3) covering on electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) fibers is described in this study. Uniform CaCO3 coatings, composed of vaterite microparticles and its aggregates, were formed on PCL fibers by mineral precipitation from solution under ultrasonic treatment. The porous structure of CaCO3 in vaterite polymorphic form is useful for loading of various substances (drugs and nanoparticles), and this property makes vaterite an appropriate material for design of drug delivery systems. Such mineralization was implemented to attain therapeutic and/or biological activity of tissue engineering scaffolds based on electrospun PCL, by means of CaCO3 coatings. Various structures and polymorphs of CaCO3 coatings were obtained by variation of growth conditions (time of fiber incubation in work solution, ultrasonic treatment of this system). Coating homogeneity, CaCO3 polymorphic form, morphology, and CaCO3 mass can be controlled by number of successive stages of fibrous material treatment. Cytotoxicity tests showed that PCL fibers mineralized with CaCO3 did not release substances toxic for cells. SEM images of PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds cultured with cells demonstrate that scaffolds supported cell adhesion and spreading. The presented results show the new technique of controlled PCL scaffold mineralization with vaterite, and an opportunity of using PCL/CaCO3 as scaffolds for tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 94–103, 2017.
3D printing of PLGA scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Mironov Anton V. , Grigoryev Aleksey M. , Krotova Larisa I. , Skaletsky Nikolaj N. , Popov Vladimir K. , Sevastianov Viktor I.
Published: August 2016

We proposed a novel method of generation of bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds with specified architectonics for tissue engineering using extrusion three‐dimensional (3D) printing with solutions of polylactoglycolide in tetraglycol with their subsequent solidifying in aqueous medium. On the basis of 3D computer models, we obtained the matrix structures with interconnected system of pores ranging in size from 0.5 to 500 µm. The results of in vitro studies using cultures of line NIH 3Т3 mouse fibroblasts, floating islet cultures of newborn rabbit pancreas, and mesenchymal stem cells of human adipose tissue demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity and good adhesive properties of scaffolds in regard to the cell cultures chosen. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 104–109, 2017.
Evolutionary dynamics of HBV‐D7 subgenotype in Tunisia
Authors: Ciccozzi Massimo , Chaouch Houda , Lo Presti Alessandra , Taffon Stefania , Villano Umbertina , Equestre Michele , Bruni Roberto , Marcantonio Cinzia , Tritarelli Elena , Cella Eleonora , Blasi Aletheia , Aouni Mahjoub , Letaief Amel , Ciccaglione Anna Rita
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main cause of diseases liver related infecting more than 200 milion persons worldwide. HBV infection shows high level of prevalence in South‐East Europe and in Mediterranean basin. In Tunisia, a country with an intermediate level endemicity, HbsAg prevalence ranges from 2 to 5%. Most of the HBV isolates from Tunisia were classified as subgenotype D7 whose circulation is restricted to a specific area of North Africa including Maghreb region. In this paper, the phylogeny of HBV‐D7 isolated from 38 Tunisian patients was investigated by analyzing the S gene region of HBV. A Bayesian coalescent‐based framework was used to estimate the origin of the HBV‐D7 in the country. The Tunisian D7 isolates were found to share a common ancestor whose origin was traced back to 1958. Population dynamics indicated that HBV‐D7 epidemic in Tunisia grew exponentially from 1960s to 1990s. After that, the curve reached a plateau around the years 2000 likely due to the implementation of the infant vaccination program in 1996. Epidemiological data suggested that the exponential growth phase was likely sustained by intra‐familial transmission events occurring during infancy. Further characterization of HBV‐D7 isolates should be performed to evaluate, in the post‐vaccination era, the emergence of new transmission routes, and to monitor the efficacy of the vaccination program. J. Med. Virol. 89:469–475, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of outcomes in large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the major salivary glands
Authors: Schrank Travis P. , Zhan Kevin Y. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Major salivary gland large‐cell undifferentiated carcinoma (LCUC) is rare and has a poor prognosis. Characterization of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and predictors of outcome have been limited by low case numbers, as well as grouped analysis with other salivary malignancies. The objective of this study was to address these issues using large‐scale national data.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Data from the National Cancer Database, including cases diagnosed from 1998 to 2012, was analyzed, identifying 247 records of LCUC. Tumor, demographic, and survival information was extracted and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Large‐cell undifferentiated carcinoma comprised < 1% of all major salivary gland cancers. Seventy percent of patients presented with advanced‐stage disease. The incidence of occult nodal disease was 39%. Surgery followed by radiation was the most common treatment. Five‐year overall survival was 36%. Comorbidity, distant metastasis, and positive surgical margins were found to be predictors of overall survival.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this represents the largest reported case series of LCUC. The survival analysis demonstrates poorer survival in patients with positive surgical margins; therefore, efforts to complete resection are reasonable. Reported high rates of occult nodal disease also strongly support elective treatment of the neck.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:372–376, 2017
Outcomes of mechanical stapling for postlaryngectomy open pharyngotomy closure
Authors: Paddle Paul , Husain Inna , McHugh Lauren , Franco Ramon
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

A total laryngectomy (TL) is performed as a primary or salvage therapy for laryngeal carcinoma. Pharyngotomy closure after TL is typically performed using manual sutures. Automatic stapling devices are routinely used in thoracoabdominal surgery, but have not been widely accepted for use in pharyngotomy closure. Previously described closed stapling techniques of pharyngeal closure do not allow direct evaluation of surgical margins and are limited to endolaryngeal disease. We describe an open technique for pharyngotomy closure using a mechanical stapling device.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A review was conducted of 16 total laryngectomies performed from May 2008 to August 2015 utilizing an Ethicon Endopath ETS Compact‐Flex 45 stapler.

Results

Sixteen patients (15 male, one female), mean age 69 years, received open TL (14 salvage, two primary) with endostapler pharyngeal closure and primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). Surgical time averaged 218 minutes. Median time to swallowing was 4 days (range, 2–240 days) and mean hospital stay 6 days (range, 3–10 days). Fistula incidence was 31% (5/16) overall and 36% (5/14) in the postradiation patients.

Conclusions

Mechanical stapling is a simple method for postlaryngectomy open pharyngotomy closure. This technique allows evaluation of margins, easy primary TEP, and the opportunity for early swallowing and shorter hospital stays. In addition, it can be performed for closure of salvage laryngectomies with rates of fistula formation similar to that found in the literature using suture closure techniques. Future studies are necessary to compare oncological results and surgical complications between the open and closed stapling techniques and to traditional suture closure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:605–610, 2017
Soil Moisture Variations with Land Use along the Precipitation Gradient in the North–South Transect of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Shuai , Fu Bojie , Yang Lei , Li Zongshan
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of soil moisture spatial variation with land use along the precipitation gradient is necessary to improve land management and guide restoration practice in the water‐limited Chinese Loess Plateau. This study selected 45 sampling points at 11 sites across the north–south transect of the Loess Plateau based on the precipitation gradient and land use. Results showed that the vertical profiles of soil moisture revealed large variations with the precipitation gradient changing, especially in the surface layer (0–100 cm). Significant linear correlation existed between the average soil moisture of the profile and the mean annual precipitation (MAP) for each land use type (p < 0·05). Hereinto, the soil moisture under the grassland was affected more greatly by precipitation. The soil moisture under each land use commonly revealed the trend as farmland > grassland > shrubland > woodland, while it might be higher under the woodland than the shrubland in the surface layer in regions with MAP <500 mm. The soil moisture of woodland or shrubland at the selected points was below or approximate to the permanent wilting point in regions with MAP <520 mm. Covariance analysis confirmed the effects of land use and MAP on the soil moisture in depth of 100–300 cm, and it showed land use did not pose significant effects in the surface layer. In addition, our study indicated that it is necessary to reconsider and re‐evaluate the current vegetation restoration strategy in the perspective of vegetation sustainability and soil water availability, in which woodland and shrubland were selected on a large scale in the arid and semi‐arid regions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sofosbuvir plus ledispasvir for recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kwok Ryan M. , Ahn Joseph , Schiano Thomas D. , Te Helen S. , Potosky Darryn R. , Tierney Amber , Satoskar Rohit , Robertazzi Suzanne , Rodigas Colleen , Lee Sang Michelle , Wiegel Joshua , Patel Neal , Gripshover Janet , Hassan Mohamed A. , Branch Andrea , Smith Coleman I.
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with worse outcomes. The combination of ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) has been approved for HCV treatment after LT, but there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in the “real‐world” setting. This multicenter study is the largest report to date on the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in the post‐LT setting. A total of 204 patients (72% male, 68% Caucasian, 66% genotype [GT] 1a, 21% METAVIR F3‐F4, 49% treatment‐experienced) were treated with LDV/SOF. The mean duration from LT to treatment initiation was 4.8 years. The overall sustained virological response rate 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12) was 96%. Patients treated with 8 or 12 weeks of LDV/SOF without RBV experienced an SVR12 rate of 100% and 96%, respectively. Calcineurin inhibitors were used in 89% of patients, and 32% of patients underwent adjustment in immunosuppression during treatment. One episode of mild rejection, responsive to an increase in immunosuppression dosage, was observed. There was no graft loss attributed to HCV treatment. Four deaths occurred unrelated to HCV treatment, and no significant serious adverse events were documented. In conclusion, SOF and LDV with or without RBV for 8, 12, or 24 weeks in post‐LT patients was effective and safe with a high SVR12 rate across a spectrum of GTs and stages of fibrosis. Liver Transplantation 22 1536–1543 2016 AASLD.
Correlation of tumor response on computed tomography with pathological necrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma treated by chemoembolization before liver transplantation
Authors: Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Ronot Maxime , Bruno Onorina , Francoz Claire , Paradis Valérie , Castera Laurent , Durand François , Soubrane Olivier , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this article was to compare the results of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria for the evaluation of tumor necrosis in patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization before liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Response to treatment was evaluated on computed tomography scan by 2 independent readers based on RECIST, mRECIST, and EASL criteria, and compared with tumor necrosis assessed by explant pathology. Necrosis was defined as major when >90%. Factors associated with major necrosis were tested by multivariate analysis. Fifty‐eight patients (53 males; mean age, 54 years; range, 31‐64 years) were included with 88 nodules. Fifty‐one (58%) nodules were shown to have major necrosis. Among them readers 1 and 2 identified a complete response (CR) according to RECIST, mRECIST, and EASL criteria in 2 (4%), 47 (92%), and 47 (92%), and 1 (2%), 45 (88%), and 45 (88%) nodules, respectively. However, 12‐14 of 59 nodules classified as CR on mRECIST or EASL criteria were found to have intermediate or minor necrosis (overestimation in 20%‐24% of the patients). Combining the classification of CR by mRECIST and EASL criteria and complete lipiodol deposition reduced the overestimation to 11%. Among 59 nodules classified with a CR according to mRECIST or EASL, those with complete lipiodol deposition (n = 36, 61%) had a higher rate of necrosis than those with incomplete lipiodol deposition (n = 23, 39%): 95% versus 68% and 95% versus 63% for reader 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, CR based on mRECIST/EASL combined with complete lipiodol deposition was better for identification of major tumor necrosis. Even in the presence of CR according to mRECIST/EASL, incomplete lipiodol deposition should be considered indicative of substantial viable tumor remnant. Liver Transplantation 22 1491–1500 2016 AASLD.
Late graft hepatitis and fibrosis in pediatric liver allograft recipients: Current concepts and future developments
Authors: Kelly Deirdre , Verkade Henkjan J. , Rajanayagam Jeremy , McKiernan Patrick , Mazariegos George , Hübscher Stefan
Published: August 2016

Liver transplantation (LT) in children now has a 20‐year survival of >80%, but the longterm outcome of these grafts remains uncertain. Serial protocol liver biopsies after transplantation from several pediatric centres have demonstrated the gradual development of unexplained graft inflammation (“idiopathic” posttransplant hepatitis; IPTH) and graft fibrosis in biopsies obtained >12 months post‐LT in children with good graft function and (near) normal liver biochemistry. Although the clinical significance of these findings is uncertain, there is evidence to suggest that IPTH may be a form of rejection or chronic antibody‐mediated rejection as it is associated with the presence of auto/alloantibodies; de novo Class II donor‐specific HLA antibodies (DSA); previous episodes of rejection, and may improve or be prevented with increased immunosuppression. Currently, the only method of diagnosing either hepatitis or fibrosis has been by serial protocol biopsies as neither serum markers of fibrosis nor noninvasive methods to detect fibrosis such as transient elastography (TE) are sufficiently validated in children. This review will focus on the diagnosis and management of idiopathic posttransplant hepatitis and graft fibrosis, discuss current methods for detecting graft injury, and potential mechanisms for their development. Liver Transplantation 22 1593–1602 2016 AASLD.
Korrosionsverhalten von austenitischen und ferritisch‐austenitischen Gußwerkstoffen in Gaswaschwässern
Authors: Ziegler H. , Schröupfer J. , Pieger B. , Tischner H.
Published: August 2016

Es wurde die Korrosionsbeständigkeit einiger im Pumpenbau verwendeter hochlegierter nichtrostender Stahlgußsorten in Gaswaschwässern untersucht, deren charakteristische Komponenten NH3/CO2/H2S und HCN sind. Vorversuche zeigten, daß Blausäure in diesen Medien auch in Abwesenheit korrodierender Metalloberflächen nicht stabil ist und über mehrere voneinander unabhängige Reaktionen abgebaut wird.

Die Korrosionsuntersuchungen wurden sowohl in Modellösungen durchgeführt, als auch in originalen Betriebswässern einer Pilotanlage zur Gaswasseraufbereitung eines Anlagenbauers.

Die Korrosionsgeschwindigkeit der eingesetzten Werkstoffe ist jeweils eine Funktion des CN−‐Gehaltes der Lösung, jedoch sind die in den Betriebswässern gemessenen Abtragsraten höher, da der CN−‐Gehalt konstant war. In Lösungen ohne CN− sind alle Werkstoffe beständig.

Mit steigender CN−‐Konzentration ist zunächst nur der ferritisch‐austenitische Sonderstahlguß NORIDUR® 9.4460 mit hohem Cr‐Gehalt beständig. Bei sehr hohen CN−‐Konzentrationen kann keiner der Werkstoffe Verwendung finden.
Effect of Different Low‐Molar Mass Electrolytes on the Viscometric Behaviour of Sodium Polystyrenesulfonate in Methanol–Water Mixed Solvent Media
Authors: Bhattarai Ajaya , Das Bijan
Published: August 2016

Precise measurements on the viscosities of sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS) in water as well as in methanol–water mixed solvent media have been reported in presence of NaCl, KCl, NaBr and KBr having concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mol.L−1 at 308.15 K with the polyelectrolyte concentrations in the range ∼ 0.001 to ∼ 0.012 eqv L−1. The reduced viscosities of the polyelectrolyte solutions vary linearly with polymer concentration for all the systems investigated which enabled us to determine the intrinsic viscosities of sodium polystyrenesulfonate in methanol–water mixtures using the Huggins equation. The coiling of the polyion chains are found to increase in the order: NaPSS‐NaCl < NaPSS‐NaBr < NaPSS‐KCl < NaPSS‐KBr. The solvodynamic dimensions of the polyion coils are found to be reduced as the relative permittivity of the medium decreases. The present study also indicates that the polyion structures become more compact with increasing salt concentration in the medium.
Sexual plasticity: A fishy tale
Authors: Liu Hui , Todd Erica V. , Lokman P. Mark , Lamm Melissa S. , Godwin John R. , Gemmell Neil J.
Published: August 2016

Teleost fish exhibit remarkably diverse and plastic patterns of sexual development. One of the most fascinating modes of plasticity is functional sex change, which is widespread in marine fish including species of commercial importance; however, the regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we explore such sexual plasticity in fish, using the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum) as the primary model. Synthesizing current knowledge, we propose that cortisol and key neurochemicals modulate gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone signaling to promote socially controlled sex change in protogynous fish. Future large‐scale genomic analyses and systematic comparisons among species, combined with manipulation studies, will likely uncover the common and unique pathways governing this astonishing transformation. Revealing the molecular and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying sex change in fish will greatly enhance our understanding of vertebrate sex determination and differentiation as well as phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental influences. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 171–194, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve relevant to clinical findings in meralgia paresthetica
Authors: Lee Shin‐hyo , Shin Kang‐jae , Gil Young‐chun , Ha Tae‐jun , Koh Ki‐seok , Song Wu‐chul
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), known as meralgia paresthetica (MP), is common. We investigated the topographic anatomy of the LFCN focusing on the inguinal ligament and adjacent structures. Methods: Distances from various bony and soft‐tissue landmarks to the LFCN were investigated in 33 formalin‐embalmed cadavers. Results: The mean distance from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the LFCN was 8.8 mm. In approximately 90% of cases, the LFCN lay <2 cm from the medial tip of the ASIS, whereas, in 76% of cases, it was <1 cm away. The mean angle between the inguinal ligament and LFCN was 83.3°. Conclusions: We determined the variability of the location of the LFCN at the boundary between the pelvic and femoral portions. The reported results will be helpful for diagnosis and treatment of MP. Muscle Nerve 55: 646–650, 2017
An implantable system for In Vivo chronic electromyographic study in the larynx
Authors: Li Yike , Huang Shan , Zealear David
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) plays an important role in exploring the mechanisms of selective reinnervation. An implantable system can help provide chronological information regarding reinnervation of laryngeal muscles. This study was designed to develop an implantable system for repeated recordings of spontaneous and evoked EMG from laryngeal muscles. Methods: This implantable system has 4 bipolar stimulus cuffs for bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) and superior laryngeal nerves (SLNs), and 4 EMG recording electrodes for bilateral vocal fold adductors (thyroarytenoid–lateral cricoarytenoid, TA‐LCA) and abductor (posterior cricoarytenoid, PCA) muscles. The system was implanted in 8 canines for up to 41 weeks. Results: The system showed good compatibility. Consistent EMG signals were recorded from both PCA and TA‐LCA muscles. Conclusion: We developed a long‐term implantable EMG system that is simple and capable of obtaining stable EMG recordings from canine laryngeal muscles with minimal risk of device breakage, trauma, or infection. Muscle Nerve 55: 706–714, 2017
Reproducibility assessment of brain responses to visual food stimuli in adults with overweight and obesity
Authors: Drew Sayer R. , Tamer Gregory G. , Chen Ningning , Tregellas Jason R. , Cornier Marc‐Andre , Kareken David A. , Talavage Thomas M. , McCrory Megan A. , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: August 2016

Objective

The brain's reward system influences ingestive behavior and subsequently obesity risk. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a common method for investigating brain reward function. This study sought to assess the reproducibility of fasting‐state brain responses to visual food stimuli using BOLD fMRI.

Methods

A priori brain regions of interest included bilateral insula, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, caudate, and putamen. Fasting‐state fMRI and appetite assessments were completed by 28 women (n = 16) and men (n = 12) with overweight or obesity on 2 days. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing mean fasting‐state brain responses and measuring test‐retest reliability of these responses on the two testing days.

Results

Mean fasting‐state brain responses on day 2 were reduced compared with day 1 in the left insula and right amygdala, but mean day 1 and day 2 responses were not different in the other regions of interest. With the exception of the left orbitofrontal cortex response (fair reliability), test‐retest reliabilities of brain responses were poor or unreliable.

Conclusions

fMRI‐measured responses to visual food cues in adults with overweight or obesity show relatively good mean‐level reproducibility but considerable within‐subject variability. Poor test‐retest reliability reduces the likelihood of observing true correlations and increases the necessary sample sizes for studies.
Structural basis of selectivity and neutralizing activity of a TGFα/epiregulin specific antibody
Authors: Boyles Jeffrey S. , Atwell Shane , Druzina Zhanna , Heuer Josef G. , Witcher Derrick R.
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have implicated a role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway in kidney disease. Skin toxicity associated with therapeutics which completely block the EGFR pathway precludes their use in chronic dosing. Therefore, we developed antibodies which specifically neutralize the EGFR ligands TGFα (transforming growth factor‐alpha) and epiregulin but not EGF (epidermal growth factor), amphiregulin, betacellulin, HB‐EGF (heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor), or epigen. The epitope of one such neutralizing antibody, LY3016859, was characterized in detail to elucidate the structural basis for ligand specificity. Here we report a crystal structure of the LY3016859 Fab fragment in complex with soluble human TGFα. Our data demonstrate a conformational epitope located primarily within the C‐terminal subdomain of the ligand. In addition, point mutagenesis experiments were used to highlight specific amino acids which are critical for both antigen binding and neutralization, most notably Ala41, Glu44, and His45. These results illustrate the structural basis for the ligand specificity/selectivity of LY3016859 and could also provide insight into further engineering to alter specificity and/or affinity of LY3016859.
Proteins and their modifications in a medieval mummy
Authors: Mikšík Ivan , Sedláková Pavla , Pataridis Statis , Bortolotti Federica , Gottardo Rossella
Published: August 2016

Proteins and their modifications of the natural mummy of Cangrande della Scala (Prince of Verona, Northern Italy, 1291–1329) were studied. The nano‐LC‐Q‐TOF analysis of samples of rib bone and muscle from the mummy showed the presence of different proteins including Types I, III, IV, V, and XI collagen, hemoglobin (subunits alpha and beta), ferritin, biglycan, vitronectin, prothrombin, and osteocalcin. The structure of Type I and Type III collagen was deeply studied to evaluate the occurrence of modifications in comparison with Type I and Type III collagen coming from tissues of recently died people. This analysis showed high percentage of asparaginyl and glutaminyl deamidation, carbamylation and carboxymethylation of lysine, as well as oxidation and dioxidation of methionine. The most common reaction during the natural mummification process was oxidation—the majority of lysine and proline of collagen Type I was hydroxylated whereas methionine was oxidated (oxidated or dioxidated). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which reports the protein profile of a natural mummified human tissue and the first one which describes the carbamylation and carboxymethylation of lysine in mummified tissues.
In situ TEM study on structural and electric conduction properties of a multiwall carbon nanotube connected to a Mo electrode
Authors: Shinomiya Yuji , Asaka Koji , Nakahara Hitoshi , Saito Yahachi
Published: August 2016

Structural change of a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) contacted with a molybdenum (Mo) electrode during Joule heating and its electrical conducting properties were investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy. We found that inner shells of the MWNT were retracted (slide and disappeared) to the Mo electrode, and the total electrical conductance decreased accordingly. This result shows that inner shells being retracted to the Mo electrode contribute to the electric conduction in the MWNT. Utilizing this inner‐shell retraction phenomenon, inter‐shell conductance per unit length in a MWNT is derived to be ca. 13–19 mS/µm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ZnCl2‐Catalyzed Knoevenagel Condensation/1,5‐Hydride Shift/Cyclization Sequence: Synthesis of Novel Spiroisoxazol‐5‐one Tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Zhao Tuan , Zhang Huanrui , Cui Longchen , Wang Changxue , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: August 2016

A concise synthesis of novel spiroisoxazol‐5‐one tetrahydroquinoline derivatives has been developed by an efficient ZnCl2‐catalyzed stereoselective Knoevenagel Condensation/1,5‐hydride shift/cyclization sequence. The reactions are broad in scope and the products could be obtained in good to high yields (up to 97 % yield) with good to excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr). In addition, these products may be converted into novel 5‐hydroxy‐spiroisoxazolines and spiropyrazolones.
Silver‐Sulphur Oxido‐Vanadium Cluster: A Newly Born Catalyst for Direct Reduction of Aryl Carboxylic Acids to Aldehydes via Mars and van Krevelen Mechanism
Authors: Das Biraj , Sharma Mukesh , Satyanarayana Lanka. , Karunakar Galla. V. , Bania Kusum. K.
Published: August 2016

Now no more harsh condition and expensive catalyst or reducing agent would probably be required to directly convert aromatic acids to its corresponding aldehydes. Herein, we report for a cheap and recyclable solid catalyst consist of silver (Ag), sulphur (S) and vandium (V) having a structural unit of [Ag2SCH2V2(O)2(COO)2]n. This catalyst can directly reduce aromatic carboxylic acids to aldehydes with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). High chemoselectivity and selectivity was achieved specially with ‐NO2 substituted benzoic acids. Catalytic conversion was found to be excellent in THF and methanol except the pyridine carboxylates. At room temperature and under refluxing condition no catalytic conversion was observed. However, after subjecting to microwave (MW) irradiation followed by magnetic stirring under refluxing condition gave nitro‐benzaldehydes upto 90 % yield. Catalytic activity of the catalyst was found to retained upto 4th consecutive cycles. The catalytic reaction was believed to proceed via Mars and van Krevelen mechanism.