bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNX27, a protein involved in down syndrome, regulates GPR17 trafficking and oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Meraviglia Veronica , Ulivi Alessandro Francesco , Boccazzi Marta , Valenza Fabiola , Fratangeli Alessandra , Passafaro Maria , Lecca Davide , Stagni Fiorenza , Giacomini Andrea , Bartesaghi Renata , Abbracchio Maria P. , Ceruti Stefania , Rosa Patrizia
Published: June 2016

The G protein‐coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) plays crucial roles in myelination. It is highly expressed during transition of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to immature oligodendrocytes, but, after this stage, it must be down‐regulated to allow generation of mature myelinating cells. After endocytosis, GPR17 is sorted into lysosomes for degradation or recycled to the plasma membrane. Balance between degradation and recycling is important for modulation of receptor levels at the cell surface and thus for the silencing/activation of GPR17‐signaling pathways that, in turn, affect oligodendrocyte differentiation. The molecular mechanisms at the basis of these processes are still partially unknown and their characterization will allow a better understanding of myelination and provide cues to interpret the consequences of GPR17 dysfunction in diseases. Here, we demonstrate that the endocytic trafficking of GPR17 is mediated by the interaction of a type I PDZ‐binding motif located at the C‐terminus of the receptor and SNX27, a recently identified protein of the endosome‐associated retromer complex and whose functions in oligodendrocytes have never been studied. SNX27 knock‐down significantly reduces GPR17 plasma membrane recycling in differentiating oligodendrocytes while accelerating cells' terminal maturation. Interestingly, trisomy‐linked down‐regulation of SNX27 expression in the brain of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome, correlates with a decrease in GPR17+ cells and an increase in mature oligodendrocytes, which, however, fail in reaching full maturation, eventually leading to hypomyelination. Our data demonstrate that SNX27 modulates GPR17 plasma membrane recycling and stability, and that disruption of the SNX27/GPR17 interaction might contribute to pathological oligodendrocyte differentiation defects. GLIA 2016. GLIA 2016;64:1437–1460
How feedback, motor imagery, and reward influence brain self‐regulation using real‐time fMRI
Authors: Sepulveda Pradyumna , Sitaram Ranganatha , Rana Mohit , Montalba Cristian , Tejos Cristian , Ruiz Sergio
Published: June 2016

The learning process involved in achieving brain self‐regulation is presumed to be related to several factors, such as type of feedback, reward, mental imagery, duration of training, among others. Explicitly instructing participants to use mental imagery and monetary reward are common practices in real‐time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback (NF), under the assumption that they will enhance and accelerate the learning process. However, it is still not clear what the optimal strategy is for improving volitional control. We investigated the differential effect of feedback, explicit instructions and monetary reward while training healthy individuals to up‐regulate the blood‐oxygen‐level dependent (BOLD) signal in the supplementary motor area (SMA). Four groups were trained in a two‐day rtfMRI‐NF protocol: GFwith NF only, GF,Iwith NF + explicit instructions (motor imagery), GF,Rwith NF + monetary reward, and GF,I,Rwith NF + explicit instructions (motor imagery) + monetary reward. Our results showed that GFincreased significantly their BOLD self‐regulation from day‐1 to day‐2 and GF,Rshowed the highest BOLD signal amplitude in SMA during the training. The two groups who were instructed to use motor imagery did not show a significant learning effect over the 2 days. The additional factors, namely motor imagery and reward, tended to increase the intersubject variability in the SMA during the course of training. Whole brain univariate and functional connectivity analyses showed common as well as distinct patterns in the four groups, representing the varied influences of feedback, reward, and instructions on the brain.Hum Brain Mapp 37:3153–3171, 2016. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating quantitative proton‐density‐mapping methods
Authors: Mezer Aviv , Rokem Ariel , Berman Shai , Hastie Trevor , Wandell Brian A.
Published: June 2016

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) aims to quantify tissue parameters by eliminating instrumental bias. We describe qMRI theory, simulations, and software designed to estimate proton density (PD), the apparent local concentration of water protons in the living human brain. First, we show that, in the absence of noise, multichannel coil data contain enough information to separate PD and coil sensitivity, a limiting instrumental bias. Second, we show that, in the presence of noise, regularization by a constraint on the relationship between T1 and PD produces accurate coil sensitivity and PD maps. The ability to measure PD quantitatively has applications in the analysis of in‐vivo human brain tissue and enables multisite comparisons between individuals and across instruments. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3623–3635, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Function–structure connectivity in patients with severe brain injury as measured by MRI‐DWI and FDG‐PET
Authors: Annen J. , Heine L. , Ziegler E. , Frasso G. , Bahri M. , Di Perri C. , Stender J. , Martial C. , Wannez S. , D'ostilio K. , Amico E. , Antonopoulos G. , Bernard C. , Tshibanda F. , Hustinx R. , Laureys S.
Published: June 2016

A vast body of literature exists showing functional and structural dysfunction within the brains of patients with disorders of consciousness. However, the function (fluorodeoxyglucose FDG‐PET metabolism)–structure (MRI‐diffusion‐weighted images; DWI) relationship and how it is affected in severely brain injured patients remains ill‐defined. FDG‐PET and MRI‐DWI in 25 severely brain injured patients (19 Disorders of Consciousness of which 7 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 12 minimally conscious; 6 emergence from minimally conscious state) and 25 healthy control subjects were acquired here. Default mode network (DMN) function–structure connectivity was assessed by fractional anisotropy (FA) and metabolic standardized uptake value (SUV). As expected, a profound decline in regional metabolism and white matter integrity was found in patients as compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, a function–structure relationship was present in brain‐damaged patients between functional metabolism of inferior‐parietal, precuneus, and frontal regions and structural integrity of the frontal‐inferiorparietal, precuneus‐inferiorparietal, thalamo‐inferioparietal, and thalamofrontal tracts. When focusing on patients, a stronger relationship between structural integrity of thalamo‐inferiorparietal tracts and thalamic metabolism in patients who have emerged from the minimally conscious state as compared with patients with disorders of consciousness was found. The latter finding was in line with the mesocircuit hypothesis for the emergence of consciousness. The findings showed a positive function–structure relationship within most regions of the DMN. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3707–3720, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resting‐state functional connectivity and motor imagery brain activation
Authors: Saiote Catarina , Tacchino Andrea , Brichetto Giampaolo , Roccatagliata Luca , Bommarito Giulia , Cordano Christian , Battaglia Mario , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Inglese Matilde
Published: June 2016

Motor imagery (MI) relies on the mental simulation of an action without any overt motor execution (ME), and can facilitate motor learning and enhance the effect of rehabilitation in patients with neurological conditions. While functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during MI and ME reveals shared cortical representations, the role and functional relevance of the resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) of brain regions involved in MI is yet unknown. Here, we performed resting‐state fMRI followed by fMRI during ME and MI with the dominant hand. We used a behavioral chronometry test to measure ME and MI movement duration and compute an index of performance (IP). Then, we analyzed the voxel‐matched correlation between the individual MI parameter estimates and seed‐based RSFC maps in the MI network to measure the correspondence between RSFC and MI fMRI activation. We found that inter‐individual differences in intrinsic connectivity in the MI network predicted several clusters of activation. Taken together, present findings provide first evidence that RSFC within the MI network is predictive of the activation of MI brain regions, including those associated with behavioral performance, thus suggesting a role for RSFC in obtaining a deeper understanding of neural substrates of MI and of MI ability. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3847–3857, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resistance Elasticity of Antibiotic Demand in Intensive Care
Authors: Heister Thomas , Hagist Christian , Kaier Klaus
Published: June 2016

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is still an unresolved problem worldwide. In intensive care units (ICUs), first‐line antibiotic therapy is highly standardized and widely empiric while treatment failure because of AMR often has severe consequences. Simultaneously, there is a limited number of reserve antibiotics, whose prices and/or side effects are substantially higher than first‐line therapy. This paper explores the implications of resistance‐induced substitution effects in ICUs. The extent of such substitution effects is shown in a dynamic fixed effect regression analysis using a panel of 66 German ICUs with monthly antibiotic use and resistance data between 2001 and 2012. Our findings support the hypothesis that demand for reserve antibiotics substantially increases when resistance towards first‐line agents rises. For some analyses the lagged effect of resistance is also significant, supporting the conjecture that part of the substitution effect is caused by physicians changing antibiotic choices in empiric treatment by adapting their resistance expectation to new information on resistance prevalence. The available information about resistance rates allows physicians to efficiently balance the trade‐off between exacerbating resistance and ensuring treatment success. However, resistance‐induced substitution effects are not free of charge. These effects should be considered an indirect burden of AMR. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A highly specific and sensitive hepatitis C virus antigen enzyme immunoassay for One‐step diagnosis of viremic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Hu Ke‐Qin , Cui Wei
Published: June 2016

The current standard in diagnosing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires two sequential steps: anti‐HCV test to screen, followed by HCV RNA reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction to confirm viremic HCV (V‐HCV) infection. HCV core antigen tests provided potential for possible one‐step diagnosis. However, low sensitivity and specificity limit their clinical utility. The present study developed a novel HCV antigens enzyme immunoassay (HCV‐Ags EIA) and assessed its sensitivity, specificity, and utility for one‐step diagnosis of V‐HCV infection using 365 serum specimens, including 176 without and 189 with V‐HCV infection. First, we confirmed the presence of HCV nonstructural proteins 3, 4b, and 5a besides HCV core antigen during HCV infection and developed a novel HCV‐Ags EIA through simultaneous detection of all four HCV proteins. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that serum sample denaturation decreases the test specificity due to release of HCV‐Ags sequestered in HCV immune complexes and should not be used in any HCV‐Ags, including all the current HCV core antigen assays. On the other hand, using sample nondenaturation, the HCV‐Ags EIA results showed 98.9% specificity and 100% sensitivity compared to serum anti‐HCV and HCV RNA reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction results. Using serum sample dilution, and nondenaturation, the lowest limits of detection of the HCV‐Ags EIA were equivalent to serum HCV RNA levels of approximate 150‐250 IU/mL. Conclusions: The highly specific and sensitive HCV‐Ags EIA developed in the present study has the lowest limit of detection equivalent to serum HCV RNA levels of 150‐250 IU/mL; using nondenaturation of serum samples, our HCV‐Ags EIA reliably differentiated V‐HCV infection from resolved HCV infection, accomplishing screening and diagnosis of V‐HCV infection in one step. (Hepatology 2016;64:415‐424)
The Association of CYP1A1 Gene With Cervical Cancer and Additional SNP–SNP Interaction in Chinese Women
Authors: Li Shuhong , Li Guiqin , Kong Fanqiang , Liu Zhifen , Li Ning , Li Yan , Guo Xiaojing
Published: June 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and cervical cancer risk, and the impact of SNP–SNP interaction on cervical cancer risk in Chinese women.

Methods

A total of 728 females with a mean age of 60.1 ± 14.5 years old were selected, including 360 cervical cancer patients and 368 normal controls. Logistic regression was performed to investigate association between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and cervical cancer risk. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to analyze the SNP–SNP interaction.

Results

Logistic analysis showed a significant association between rs4646903 and increased cervical cancer risk. The carriers of homozygous mutant of rs4646903 polymorphism revealed increased cervical cancer risk than those with wild‐type homozygotes, OR (95%CI) were 1.45 (1.20–1.95). There was a significant two‐locus model (P = 0.0107) involving rs4646903 and rs1048943, indicating a potential SNP–SNP interaction between rs4646903 and rs1048943. Overall, the two‐locus models had a cross‐validation consistency of 10 of 10, and had the testing accuracy of 60.72%. Subjects with TC or CC of rs4646903 and AG or GG of rs1048943 genotype have the highest cervical cancer risk, compared to subjects with TT of rs4646903 and AA of rs1048943 genotype, OR (95%CI) was 2.03 (1.42–2.89).

Conclusions

rs4646903 minor alleles and interaction between rs4646903 and rs1048943 were associated with increased cervical cancer risk.
Antipyretic Effect of Clonidine in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Nested Observational Study
Authors: Mokhtari Majid , Sistanizad Mohammad , Farasatinasab Maryam
Published: June 2016

Fever in the intensive care unit (ICU) is usually an adaptive response to infection or inflammation. Pharmacological intervention is often required in addition to addressing the underlying causes of fever. Animal studies have examined the antipyretic effect of clonidine; however, to our knowledge there are no clinical data available in humans. The observation of an antipyretic effect of clonidine was made during a single‐center randomized control trial that was designed to study the effect of clonidine addition to the commonly used sedative agents in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Forty patients 18 years or older on mechanical ventilation for 3 days or longer were randomized into 2 groups receiving clonidine and placebo. In addition to the usual sedation/analgesia, patients in the clonidine arm received enteral clonidine in doses of 0.1 mg 3 times a day (TID), which was increased to 0.2 mg TID if the hemodynamics remained stable. Vital signs, laboratory data, all cultures, and daily ICU events were recorded. The odds ratio of temperature higher than 38.3°C was 3.96 times higher in the placebo group, after adjustment for the illness severity and the time of follow‐up (P = .049). A lower temperature (0.52°C) was observed in the clonidine group after adjustment for the time of follow‐up (P = .006). Our report is the first of its kind in humans that demonstrates possible antipyretic properties of enteral clonidine in the critically ill intensive care unit patient.
Admission inferior vena cava measurements are associated with mortality after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Cubo‐Romano Pilar , Torres‐Macho Juan , Soni Nilam J. , Reyes Luis F. , Rodríguez‐Almodóvar Ana , Fernández‐Alonso Juan Manuel , González‐Davia Rosa , Casas‐Rojo José Manuel , Restrepo Marcos I. , de Casasola Gonzalo García
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Prognostication of patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is important to patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Few bedside tools exist to prognosticate patients hospitalized with ADHF.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and postdischarge mortality in patients hospitalized with ADHF.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

A 247‐bed urban teaching hospital in Spain

PATIENTS

Ninety‐seven patients hospitalized with ADHF.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

The IVC diameter and collapsibility were measured by a hospitalist at the time of admission and discharge. Primary outcome was 90‐day all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were readmission rates at 90 and 180 days, and 180‐day all‐cause mortality. Patients were followed for 180 days.

RESULTS

Data from 80 patients were analyzed. From admission to discharge, a significant improvement in IVC maximum (IVCmax) diameter (2.12 vs 1.87 cm; P < 0.001) and IVC collapsibility (25.7% vs 33.1%; P < 0.001) was seen in the total study cohort. During the 90‐day follow‐up period, 11 patients (13.7%) died. An admission IVCmax diameter ≥1.9 cm was associated with a higher mortality rate at 90 days (25.4% vs 3.4%; P = 0.009) and 180 days (29.3% vs 3.4%; P = .003). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, admission IVCmax diameter was an independent predictor of 90‐day mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21‐28.10; P = 0.025) and 90‐day readmission (HR: 3.20; 95% CI: 1.24‐8.21; P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure, a dilated IVC by bedside ultrasound at the time of admission is associated with a higher 90‐day mortality after hospitalization. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:778–784. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
90Y/177Lu‐labelled Cetuximab immunoconjugates: radiochemistry optimization to clinical dose formulation
Authors: Chakravarty Rubel , Chakraborty Sudipta , Sarma Haladhar Dev , Nair K. V. Vimalnath , Rajeswari Ardhi , Dash Ashutosh
Published: June 2016

Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are increasingly being utilized in cancer theranostics, which is a significant move toward tailored treatment for individual patients. Cetuximab is a recombinant, human–mouse chimeric IgG1 mAb that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor with high affinity. We have optimized a protocol for formulation of clinically relevant doses (~2.22 GBq) of 90Y‐labelled Cetuximab and 177Lu‐labelled Cetuximab by conjugation of the mAb with a suitable bifunctional chelator, N‐[(R)‐2‐amino‐3‐(paraisothiocyanato‐phenyl)propyl]‐trans‐(S,S)‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine‐N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentaacetic acid (CHX‐A″‐DTPA). The radioimmunoconjugates demonstrated reasonably high specific activity (1.26 ± 0.27 GBq/mg for 90Y‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐Cetuximab and 1.14 ± 0.15 GBq/mg for 177Lu‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐Cetuximab), high radiochemical purity (>95%) and appreciable in vitro stability under physiological conditions. Preliminary biodistribution studies with both 90Y‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐Cetuximab and 177Lu‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐Cetuximab in Swiss mice bearing fibrosarcoma tumours demonstrated significant tumour uptake at 24‐h post‐injection (p.i.) (~16%ID/g) with good tumour‐to‐background contrast. The results of the biodistribution studies were further corroborated by ex vivo Cerenkov luminescence imaging after administration of 90Y‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐Cetuximab in tumour‐bearing mice. The tumour uptake at 24 h p.i. was significantly reduced with excess unlabelled Cetuximab, suggesting that the uptake was receptor mediated. The results of this study hold promise, and this strategy should be further explored for clinical translation.
A potential role for glia‐derived extracellular matrix remodeling in postinjury epilepsy
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Porter Brenda E. , Friedman Alon , Kaufer Daniela
Published: June 2016

Head trauma and vascular injuries are known risk factors for acquired epilepsy. The sequence of events that lead from the initial injury to the development of epilepsy involves complex plastic changes and circuit rewiring. In‐depth, comprehensive understanding of the epileptogenic process is critical for the identification of disease‐modifying targets. Here we review the complex interactions of cellular and extracellular components that may promote epileptogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of astrocytes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that astrocytes promptly respond to brain damage and play a critical role in the development of postinjury epilepsy. Astrocytes have been shown to regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which can affect plasticity and stability of synapses and, in turn, contribute to the epileptogenic process. From these separate lines of evidence, we present a hypothesis suggesting a possible role for astrocyte‐regulated remodeling of ECM and perineuronal nets, a specialized ECM structure around fast‐spiking inhibitory interneurons, in the development and progression of posttraumatic epilepsies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of morin in a murine model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee Kyung Moon , Lee Yujeong , Chun Hye Jeong , Kim Ah Hyun , Kim Ju Yeon , Lee Joo Yeon , Ishigami Akihito , Lee Jaewon
Published: June 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and is characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although the causes of PD are not understood, evidence suggests that oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation are associated with its pathogenesis. Morin (3,5,7,2′,4′‐pentahydroxyflavone) is a flavonol found in wine and many herbs and fruits. Previous studies have suggested that morin prevents oxidative damage and inflammation and ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study describes the neuroprotective effects of morin in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced mouse model of PD, and we report the results of our investigation into its neuroprotective mechanism in primary neurons and astrocytes. In the mouse model, morin pretreatment ameliorated motor dysfunction, protected against dopaminergic neuronal losses in SN and striatum, and alleviated MPTP‐induced astrocyte activation. In vitro studies revealed that morin protected primary cultured neurons against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridine (MPP+)‐mediated reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption. In addition, morin effectively reduced MPP+‐induced astroglial activation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB in primary cultured astrocytes. These results indicate that morin acts via multiple neuroprotective mechanisms in our mouse model and suggest that morin be viewed as a potential treatment and preventative for PD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of waterspout environmental conditions and of parent‐storm behaviour based on satellite data over the southern Aegean Sea of Greece
Authors: Matsangouras I. T. , Nastos P. T. , Bluestein H. B. , Pytharoulis I. , Papachristopoulou K. , Miglietta M. M.
Published: June 2016

A frequent area of waterspout formation is identified over the southern Aegean Sea. The objectives of this study are threefold: (1) to investigate the temporal evolution of Cloud Top Temperature (CTT) of cloud lines (waterspouts' parent clouds) that triggered the formation of single or multiple waterspout events, by using Meteorological Satellite Second Generation infrared satellite data, cloud base height data and weather observations from the closest Hellenic National Meteorological Service meteorological station; (2) to synthesize a detailed climatology of the thermodynamic environment during waterspout activity and (3) to explore the sea‐surface temperature (SST) seasonal distribution and its possible relationships with the temperature of the middle and lower troposphere during waterspout days over the southern Aegean Sea.

It was found that the CTT of waterspout parent clouds decreases close to waterspout formation time, which is consistent with growing clouds. The Severe Weather Threat Index (SWEAT), the Bulk Richardson Number (BRN) and the Convective Potential Available Energy during the autumn season were consistent with a shallow‐convection environment. The instability parameter ΔT1000 (difference in the air temperature between 1000 hPa and that at other pressure levels) exhibited a symmetric distribution about the median during both seasons and at all levels. More than 75% of autumn waterspout activity over the southern Aegean Sea developed with SST values varying from 22 to 24.5 °C, while the instability parameter ΔTSST (the temperature difference between the SST and the temperature at various pressure levels) exhibited a symmetrical distribution about the median for both seasons and for all pressure levels, consistent with the ΔT1000 seasonal distribution. A statistical analysis showed that the means of SWEAT, BRN, convective inhibition, SST, ΔTSST and ΔT1000 from air temperature at 700 hPa differ statistically significant (p < 0.001) between waterspout and non‐waterspout days in autumn, over the southern Aegean Sea, during 2005–2012.
Neoadjuvant treatment sequencing adds value to the care of patients with operable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Asare Elliot A. , Evans Douglas B. , Erickson Beth A. , Aburajab Murad , Tolat Parag , Tsai Susan
Published: June 2016

Treatment sequencing for resectable pancreatic cancer remains controversial and there is lack of level one evidence comparing neoadjuvant versus adjuvant strategies. However, a comparison of the cost‐effectiveness analysis of the treatment strategies may help to better define the healthcare value of each approach. This review will highlight the rationale for multimodality therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adjuvant therapy, and conceptualize the cost‐effectiveness of a neoadjuvant approach with regard to healthcare value. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:291–295. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ex vivo detection of tumoral lymph nodes of colorectal origin with fluorescence imaging after intraoperative intravenous injection of indocyanine green
Authors: Liberale Gabriel , Galdon Maria Gomez , Moreau Michel , Vankerckhove Sophie , El Nakadi Issam , Larsimont Denis , Donckier Vincent , Bourgeois Pierre
Published: June 2016

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging after intraoperative intravenous (IV) injection for the “ex vivo” detection of metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) of colorectal cancer origin.

Methods

Fresh‐fixed LNs in cassettes and/or paraffin‐embedded LNs of patients included in a study that evaluated the role of ICG in the detection of peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin (Protocol NCT‐01995591) were further explored with a dedicated near‐infrared camera system for their fluorescence. An IV injection of ICG was delivered intraoperatively at 0.25 mg/kg. Signal to background ratios (SBRs) were calculated.

Results

LNs on operative specimens were evaluated for 12 patients (5 males, 7 females). A total of 182 LNs were analyzed. The mean LN number per patient was 15.2 (median: 15.5; range 3–22). SBRs of mLNs were significantly more fluorescent than benign LNs, 1.41 versus 1.04 arbitrary units (P < 0.0002). On univariate analysis, fluorescence was statistically correlated with LN surface area (>20 mm2) (P < 0.0004).

Conclusion

Ex vivo ICG fluorescence imaging after intraoperative IV injection represents a potential method for detecting invaded LN's of colorectal cancer origin on operative specimens. Further clinical studies are needed to better define optimal techniques. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:348–353. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for recurrence in stage II/III colorectal cancer patients treated with curative surgery: The impact of postoperative tumor markers and an infiltrative growth pattern
Authors: Tokodai Kazuaki , Narimatsu Hiroto , Nishida Akiko , Takaya Kai , Hara Yasuyuki , Kawagishi Naoki , Hashizume Eiji , Ohuchi Noriaki
Published: June 2016

Background and Objectives

We evaluated the capacity of clinicopathological factors to predict recurrence in stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after curative resection.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 386 stage II/III CRC patients who underwent curative resections between April 2008 and August 2013. We assessed the predictive power of pre‐ and postoperative tumor marker levels, lymphatic and venous invasion, and infiltrative growth patterns using Cox's proportional hazards model.

Results

Of 206 stage II and 180 stage III patients, 26 (13%) and 46 (26%) patients, respectively, developed recurrences with median follow‐up times of 51 and 45 months, respectively. Independent risk factors for recurrence were lymphatic invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 5.99; P = 0.0006) and infiltrative growth patterns (HR, 4.02; P = 0.017) in stage II patients; and elevated preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels (HR, 3.22; P = 0.004), elevated postoperative carbohydrate antigen 19–9 levels (HR, 5.08; P = 0.005), and infiltrative growth patterns (HR, 3.19; P = 0.037) in stage III patients.

Conclusions

High‐recurrence risk can be identified in stage II/III CRC patients by assessing perioperative serum tumor marker levels, lymphatic invasion, and infiltrative growth patterns. Intensive follow‐up for patients with these risk factors may help detect recurrences promptly and improve survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:368–374. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Backbone Variation on Properties of Fluorinated Polyimides toward Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Grabiec Eugenia , Kotowicz Sonia , Siwy Mariola , Grucela Marzena , Schab‐Balcerzak Ewa
Published: June 2016

The fluorinated polyimides are synthesized from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride and various diamines containing fluorene, anthraquinone, phenanthridine, stilbene, and fluorenylidene units. The polymers exhibit high glass transition temperature (Tg = 170–261 °C) and high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures (Td) in the range of 320–560 °C and 290–520 °C in nitrogen atmosphere and in air, respectively. The optical properties, that is, absorption in UV–vis range and photoluminescence of obtained polyimides, are investigated in solution and in solid state as a blend with inert poly(methyl methacrylate). The polymers in solution and in solid state emit light in the range of 356–572 nm depending on the polymer structure. Additionally, the photoluminescence properties of the polyimide containing phenanthridine units in the backbone before and after protonation with HCl and methanesulfonic acid are tested in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution. All polyimides are electrochemically active and undergo an electrochemical reduction process as is found in cyclic voltammetry. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels are found in the range from −3.58 to −3.93 eV.

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Down the Stairs Dystonia—A Novel Task‐Specific Focal Isolated Syndrome
Authors: Menon Suresh , Muglan Jihad A. , Shimon Laith , Stewart Dwight , Snow Barry , Hayes Michael , Fung Victor S.C. , Jog Mandar S.
Published: June 2016

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Adult‐onset, task‐specific dystonia of the lower limb is a rare occurrence. In this report, the authors present 6 cases of task‐specific dystonia manifested only when going down the stairs. These patients were seen by 6 different neurologists from across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and all videos were reviewed by 1 movement disorders specialist who made the final diagnosis. Video description of each case is also presented. All 6 patients demonstrated dystonia of 1 of their lower limbs specifically only when going down the stairs. The remainder of the neurological examination was normal, and distractibility, inconsistency, fixed dystonia, or a premonitory urge were absent, making functional movement disorder and tic disorder unlikely. These 6 patients display a distinct, adult‐onset, focal isolated dystonia manifested only on going down the stairs that is recognizable as a new task‐specific dystonia of the lower extremity.
Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation on Objective Sleep Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Amara Amy W. , Walker Harrison C. , Joop Allen , Cutter Gary , DeWolfe Jennifer L. , Harding Susan M. , Standaert David G.
Published: June 2016

Background

Sleep dysfunction is a common and disabling nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS of the STN improves motor symptoms and subjective sleep in PD, but alternative stimulation parameters to optimize sleep have not been explored. We hypothesized that low‐frequency STN DBS would improve objective sleep more than conventional settings.

Methods

Twenty PD subjects with STN DBS (18 unilateral, 2 bilateral) underwent 3 nonconsecutive nights of polysomnography (PSG): DBS off; DBS high frequency (≥130 Hz); and DBS low frequency (60 Hz). Motor symptom tolerability was assessed 30 minutes after resumption of baseline settings the morning following PSG. The primary outcome was change in sleep efficiency between high‐ and low‐frequency nights measured with repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results

There was no difference in sleep efficiency between nights at high frequency (82.1% [72.6–90.1]) (median [interquartile range]), low frequency (81.2% [56.2–88.8]), or DBS off (82.8% [75.7–87.4]; P = 0.241). Additionally, there was no difference in sleep stage percent, arousals, limb movements, subjective sleep quality, or objective vigilance measures. These outcomes did not change after adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, or side of surgery. No residual adverse motor effects were noted.

Conclusions

Although well tolerated, low‐frequency STN DBS did not improve objective sleep in PD. Remarkably, objective measures of sleep were not worse with DBS off. These observations point to the potential for adaptive stimulation approaches, through which DBS settings could be optimized during sleep to meet individual needs. Additionally, these changes could preserve battery life without compromising patient outcomes.
Huntington's Disease: Prevalence and Psychological Indicators of Pain
Authors: Underwood Mandy , Bonas Sheila , Dale Maria ,   REGISTRY Investigators of the European Huntington's Disease Network
Published: June 2016

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that involves impairments in movement, cognition, and mood. Research is lacking in HD with regard to the prevalence of pain and the relationships between psychological factors and pain. The aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of pain and identify the psychological factors associated with pain severity in people with HD.

Methods

This data‐mining study used data from 1474 people who participated in the European Huntington's Disease Network (EHDN) REGISTRY study. Pain severity was measured using the Medical Outcome Study 36‐item short‐form health survey. Separate ordinal regression analyses were conducted with participant‐rated and interviewer‐rated psychological measures (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Snaith Irritability Scale and the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale). The psychological factors considered were anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, low self‐esteem, and apathy.

Results

The prevalence of pain in the total sample was 41% (stage I, 42%; stage II, 44%; stage III, 39%; stages IV and V, 50%). After controlling for confounding variables, pain severity was significantly associated with participant‐rated anxiety and depression. Interviewer‐rated anxiety, depression, and irritability also were significantly associated with severity of pain after controlling for confounding variables.

Conclusions

This research confirmed that pain is indeed an issue for people with HD, particularly during the later stages of the disease. Caregivers and health professionals should consider the possibility that people with HD might be experiencing pain, particularly if they are showing signs of anxiety, depression, or irritability.
Two Indian Families with Quadrupedal Locomotion Resembling Uner Tan Syndrome: A Video Document
Authors: Wali Gurusidheshwar
Published: June 2016

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Medial lower leg perforators: An anatomical study of their distribution and characteristics
Authors: Hupkens Pieter , Westland Pèdrou B. , Schijns Wendy , van Abeelen Marjolijn H.A. , Kloeters Oliver , Ulrich Dietmar J.O.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The integument of the medial lower leg is underestimated as a donor site for local and distant reconstructions. Comprehensive knowledge of its perforator anatomy is lacking. This study aims to determine perforator location and characteristics and to compare these regarding the proximal, middle and distal third of the medial lower leg.

Materials and Methods

The medial lower leg region (MLLR) of 16 cadavers was delineated and investigated after injecting the popliteal artery with acrylic paint. Following dissection, all perforators larger than 0.3 mm were localized and mapped. Their course, source vessel, length and diameter were subsequently documented.

Results

Overall, 122 perforators were found, 102 (83.6%) originating from the posterior tibial artery, 16 (13.1%) from the medial sural artery and 4 (3.3%) from the anterior tibial artery. A mean of 7.6 ± 2.4 perforators (range 4–13) per MLLR was found. Most perforators (42.6%) were localized in the distal third of the MLLR, followed by the middle (36.9%) and proximal third (20.5%). The largest and longest perforators were found in the proximal third of the MLLR (diameter 1.4 mm, length 9.1 cm), followed by the middle and distal third respectively. Of all musculocutaneous perforators, the majority (78.6%) was located in the middle third of the MLLR. Of all septocutaneous perforators, most (55.3%) were found in the distal third of the MLLR. A small number of unexpected anatomical variants were found.

Conclusion

In each third of the MLLR different perforator characteristics were found. Knowledge of these characteristics can be used to direct the reconstructive plan. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:319–326, 2017.
Implications of variationally derived 3D failure mechanism
Authors: Zhang Fei , Leshchinsky Dov , Baker Rafi , Gao Yufeng , Leshchinsky Ben
Published: June 2016

This paper revisits the variational limit equilibrium (LE) analysis of three‐dimensional (3D) slope stability in the context of limit analysis (LA). It proves the kinematic admissibility of the 3D mechanism in LA, although it was derived from LE variational extremization. It also includes algorithms in the realm of LA that are associated with the variational mechanism. A comparison between the variational results and reported LA upper‐bound or LE closed‐form results is conducted. It demonstrates that the variationally derived mechanism consistently yields upper‐bound solutions for 3D symmetrical slopes that are as accurate as those produced by postulated mechanisms in LA. However, the results are more critical than those derived from spherical failure mechanism in LE. The generalized log spiral 3D mechanism rigorously legitimizes the variational slope stability analysis in both frameworks of mechanics LE and LA. Stability charts were produced where the 3D factor of safety can be assessed for a constrained length of failure, while including factors like pore water pressure and seismic loading. The results presented within this study demonstrate the capabilities of the variational 3D solution and can be used to evaluate approximate methods, numerical or closed‐form, developed in 3D slope stability analyses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A second‐order finite difference scheme for solving the dual‐phase‐lagging equation in a double‐layered nanoscale thin film
Authors: Sun Hong , Sun Zhi‐zhong , Dai Weizhong
Published: June 2016

This article considers the dual‐phase‐lagging (DPL) heat conduction equation in a double‐layered nanoscale thin film with the temperature‐jump boundary condition (i.e., Robin's boundary condition) and proposes a new thermal lagging effect interfacial condition between layers. A second‐order accurate finite difference scheme for solving the heat conduction problem is then presented. In particular, at all inner grid points the scheme has the second‐order temporal and spatial truncation errors, while at the boundary points and at the interfacial point the scheme has the second‐order temporal truncation error and the first‐order spatial truncation error. The obtained scheme is proved to be unconditionally stable and convergent, where the convergence order in ‐norm is two in both space and time. A numerical example which has an exact solution is given to verify the accuracy of the scheme. The obtained scheme is finally applied to the thermal analysis for a gold layer on a chromium padding layer at nanoscale, which is irradiated by an ultrashort‐pulsed laser. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 142–173, 2017
Tensile properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of short carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Kada Djamila , Koubaa Ahmed , Tabak Ghezalla , Migneault Sebastien , Garnier Bertrand , Boudenne Abderrahim
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the morphology, tensile properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of short carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (CF/PP) composites. CF/PP composites were prepared with varying amounts of short carbon fiber (9, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt%) in PP matrix with and without maleic anhydride grafting PP as a coupling agent. Samples were prepared by extrusion blending followed by injection molding. Results showed that the addition of CFs significantly improved the tensile modulus and tensile strength of composites by 455% and 168%, respectively, at 30 wt% loading compared with pure PP. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that increasing the CF content improved the thermal stability of composites compared with PP. In addition, thermal conductivity increased with increasing CF weight fraction. The microstructural analysis results showed that maleic anhydride grafting PP improved the adhesion between carbon fibers and PP matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E664–E670, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Principle of Care and Giving to Help People in Need
Authors: Bekkers René , Ottoni–Wilhelm Mark
Published: June 2016

Theories of moral development posit that an internalized moral value that one should help those in need—the principle of care—evokes helping behaviour in situations where empathic concern does not. Examples of such situations are helping behaviours that involve cognitive deliberation and planning, that benefit others who are known only in the abstract, and who are out–group members. Charitable giving to help people in need is an important helping behaviour that has these characteristics. Therefore we hypothesized that the principle of care would be positively associated with charitable giving to help people in need, and that the principle of care would mediate the empathic concern–giving relationship. The two hypotheses were tested across four studies. The studies used four different samples, including three nationally representative samples from the American and Dutch populations, and included both self–reports of giving (Studies 1–3), giving observed in a survey experiment (Study 3), and giving observed in a laboratory experiment (Study 4). The evidence from these studies indicated that a moral principle to care for others was associated with charitable giving to help people in need and mediated the empathic concern–giving relationship. © 2016 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Trait Intellect Predicts Cognitive Engagement: Evidence from a Resource Allocation Perspective
Authors: Smillie Luke D. , Varsavsky Valeria , Avery Rachel E. , Perry Ryan
Published: June 2016

Trait Intellect, one of the two ‘aspects’ of the broader Openness/Intellect ‘domain’, predicts performance on a range of cognitive tasks including tests of intelligence and working memory. This has been explained in terms of the tendency for high–Intellect individuals to explore, or engage more effortfully with, abstract information. This theoretical perspective can be framed in the language of Resource Allocation Theory, in terms of high–Intellect individuals allocating more of their available cognitive resources to abstract cognitive tasks. In two experiments (total N = 160), we examined the relation between Intellect and cognitive engagement during a primary word–search task under conditions of both high and low secondary cognitive load. Both experiments revealed that high–Intellect individuals were more vulnerable to the impact of the secondary cognitive load on primary task performance. This suggests that, under low secondary load, such individuals were indeed allocating more of their available cognitive resources to the primary task. These results held after controlling for trait Openness, trait Industriousness (an aspect of Conscientiousness) and a measure of working memory capacity (N–back task). Our findings provide novel support for the cognitive mechanisms proposed to underlie trait Intellect. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays directly grown on quartz glass used in front‐ and back‐side irradiation configuration for photocatalytic H2 generation
Authors: Yoo Jeong Eun , Altomare Marco , Mokhtar Mohamed , Alshehri Abdelmohsen , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel A. , Mazare Anca , Schmuki Patrik
Published: June 2016

In the present work, we explore the front‐ and back‐side performance of a photocatalytic platform consisting of self‐organized TiO2 nanotube layers formed by complete anodization of Ti metal films evaporated on quartz slides. The adhesion and light transmission of the tube layers on the quartz surfaces are optimized by a suitable anodization procedure. After their growth, the nanotube arrays were converted into crystalline structures and sputter‐coated with co‐catalytic Pt nanoparticles. The optically transparent quartz substrates enable the use of the Pt‐decorated tube layers for photocatalytic H2 generation under either front‐ or back‐side illumination configurations. The nanotube films on quartz are characterized in view of their physico‐chemical properties, including their light transmission features measured using different light sources. The results show that the front‐side illumination under optimized factors, i.e., the amount of loaded co‐catalyst, yields a maximized photocatalytic performance in terms of H2 generation.