bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Road ecology: shifting gears toward evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Brady Steven P , Richardson Jonathan L
Published: February 2017

Recent advances in understanding the often rapid pace of evolution are reshaping our view of organisms and their capacity to cope with environmental change. Though evolutionary perspectives have gained traction in many fields of conservation, road ecology is not among them. This is surprising because roads are pervasive landscape features that generate intense natural selection. The biological outcomes from these selection pressures – whether adaptive or maladaptive – can have profound consequences for population persistence. We argue that studying evolutionary responses is critical to accurately understand the impacts of roads. Toward that end, we describe the basic tenets and relevance of contemporary evolution and showcase the few examples where it has been documented in road ecology. We outline practical ways that road ecologists can estimate and interpret evolutionary responses in their research. Finally, we suggest priority research topics and discuss how evolutionary insights can inform conservation in landscapes traversed by roads.
Single Proteoliposomes with E. coli Quinol Oxidase: Proton Pumping without Transmembrane Leaks
Authors: Berg Johan , Block Stephan , Höök Fredrik , Brzezinski Peter
Published: February 2017

Respiratory oxidases are transmembrane enzymes that catalyze the reduction of dioxygen to water in the final step of aerobic respiration. This process is linked to proton pumping across the membrane. Here, we developed a method to study the catalytic turnover of the quinol oxidase, cytochrome bo3 from E. coli at single‐molecule level. Liposomes with reconstituted cytochrome bo3 were loaded with a pH‐sensitive dye and changes in the dye fluorescence, associated with proton transfer and pumping, were monitored as a function of time. The single‐molecule approach allowed us to determine the orientation of cytochrome bo3 in the membrane; in ∼70 % of the protein‐containing liposomes protons were released to the outside. Upon addition of substrate we observed the buildup of a ΔpH (in the presence of the K+ ionophore valinomycin), which was stable over at least ∼800 s. No rapid changes in ΔpH (proton leaks) were observed during steady state proton pumping, which indicates that the free energy stored in the electrochemical gradient in E. coli is not dissipated or regulated through stochastic transmembrane proton leaks, as suggested from an earlier study (Li et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2015) 137, 16055–16063).
Severe cartilage degeneration in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Feng Wei‐Jia , Wang Hui , Shen Chao , Zhu Jun‐Feng , Chen Xiao‐Dong
Published: February 2017

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a developmental disorder that has long‐term chronic pain and limited hip joint mobility as major pathological characteristics. This study aims to access the association between the development of DDH and cartilage metabolic disorders. Cartilage tissue samples were acquired from patients with DDH, osteoarthritis (OA) and femoral neck fracture. The proteoglycan level was evaluated by safranin O‐fast green, toluidine blue and hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining. The levels of collagen‐II (Col‐II), collagen‐X (Col‐X) and metal matrix proteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting analysis. The morphologic evaluation of cartilage was conducted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA level of aggrecan, Col‐II, Col‐X and MMP‐13. The aggrecan level in the cartilage matrix was significantly decreased in DDH patients by safranin O‐fast green and toluidine blue staining in comparison with that in the OA and control groups. In contrast with the OA group, the Col‐II expression was reduced while the MMP‐13 expression increased in DDH patients, as shown by IHC and Western blotting analysis. The collagenous fibrils in cartilage of DDH patients appeared significantly sparse and disordered in the TEM analysis. In DDH patients, the mRNA expression levels of Col‐II and aggrecan were markedly reduced, while the mRNA expression of Col‐X was markedly increased, compared with the OA patients. There is severe articular cartilage degeneration in DDH patients. This observation provides us with new insight into cartilage metabolic regulation in DDH. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):179–187, 2017
A review of gradient stiffness hydrogels used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Xia Tingting , Liu Wanqian , Yang Li
Published: February 2017

Substrate stiffness is known to impact characteristics including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Hydrogels are polymeric materials distinguished by high water content and diverse physical properties. Gradient stiffness hydrogels are designed by the need to develop biologically friendly materials as extracellular matrix (ECM) alternatives to replace the separated and narrow‐ranged hydrogel substrates. Important new discoveries in cell behaviors have been realized with model gradient stiffness hydrogel systems from the two‐dimensional (2D) to three‐dimensional (3D) scale. Basic and clinical applications for gradient stiffness hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine continue to drive the development of stiffness and structure varied hydrogels. Given the importance of gradient stiffness hydrogels in basic research and biomedical applications, there is a clear need for systems for gradient stiffness hydrogel design strategies and their applications. This review will highlight past work in the field of gradient stiffness hydrogels fabrication methods, mechanical property test, applications as well as areas for future study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1799–1812, 2017.
Balancing microbial and mammalian cell functions on calcium ion‐modified implant surfaces
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Tejero Ricardo , Pacha‐Olivenza Miguel Ángel , Fernández‐Calderón María Coronada , Delgado‐Rastrollo María , Zalduendo Mari Mar , Troya María , Pérez‐Giraldo Ciro , González‐Martín María Luisa
Published: February 2017

Implant integration is a complex process mediated by the interaction of the implant surface with the surrounding ions, proteins, bacteria, and tissue cells. Although most implants achieve long‐term bone‐tissue integration, preventing pervasive implant‐centered infections demands further advances, particularly in surfaces design. In this work, we analyzed classical microrough implant surfaces (only acid etched, AE; sandblasted then acid etching, SB + AE) and a new calcium‐ion‐modified implant surface (AE + Ca) in terms of soft‐ and hard‐tissue integration, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation. We cultured on the surfaces primary oral cells from gingiva and alveolar bone, and three representative bacterial strains of the oral cavity, emulating oral conditions of natural saliva and blood plasma. With respect to gingiva and bone cells and in the presence of platelets and plasma proteins, AE + Ca surfaces yielded in average 86% higher adhesion, 44% more proliferation, and triggered 246% more synthesis of extracellular matrix biomolecules than AE‐unmodified controls. Concomitantly, AE + Ca surfaces regardless of conditioning with saliva and/or blood plasma showed significantly less bacterial adhesion (67% reduction in average) and biofilm formation (40% reduction in average) than unmodified surfaces. These results highlight the importance of a calcium‐rich hydrated interface to favor mammalian cell functions over microbial colonization at implant surfaces. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 421–432, 2018.
Analytical performance of three diagnostic reagents for HBsAg on an automatic ELISA analyzer
Authors: Hou Jiayi , Ren Jianping , Song Ling , Zhao Fen , Liang Peijun
Published: February 2017

Purpose

We conducted performance tests of three HBsAg ELISA diagnostic reagents using an Addcare 600 (Yantai Addcare Bio‐tech Limited Company) and studied the consistency between the qualitative results and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) results.

Methods

Diagnostic kits (ELISA) for HBsAg manufactured by INTEC (“A”), KHB (“B”) and Wantai (“C”) were tested on an Addcare 600 to evaluate their intermediate precision, repeatability, and C50. Furthermore, three ELISA detection systems and a quantitative test kit for HBsAg (Abbott) were employed to screen 1000 serum samples, while CMIA reactive samples were used to perform the confirmatory tests. The evaluation indexes of the ELISA reagent performances were calculated.

Results

The intermediate precision and repeatability of each system were <14% and <9%, respectively, while C50 was 0.105‐0.115 IU/mL. The sensitivities of A, B, and C were 98.70%, 99.28%, and 99.13%, respectively, while their specificities were 98.06%, 99.03%, and 97.42%, respectively. The Youden indexes were 96.76%, 98.31%, and 96.55%, respectively, while the kappa values were 0.965 (P=.000), 0.981 (P=.000), and 0.967 (P=.000), respectively.

Conclusion

The combination of Addcare 600 with the three reagents could meet the clinical requirement. Reagent B demonstrated the best performance. Although the results consistency among the three systems and CMIA was good, our findings suggest that ELISA should be combined with a confirmatory test to exclude false‐positive and false‐negative results caused by low HBsAg levels.
Measuring zinc on the Roche cobas c502 analyzer—Validation, comparison, and pre‐analytic aspects
Authors: Kraus Frank Bernhard , Ludwig‐Kraus Beatrice
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Characterization of an in vitro diagnostic zinc assay (LT‐SYS) on a Roche cobas c502 analyzer and evaluation of the influence of pre‐analytic factors on zinc concentration measurements.

Design and methods

Imprecision, bias, linearity, limit of blank (LoB), and limit of detection (LoD) were established and method comparisons were performed based on the respective CLSI guidelines. The influence of time elapsed until analysis, the usage of a pneumatic tube delivery system (PTDS) and of special trace element sample tubes was evaluated as well.

Results

Estimates of imprecision ranged from 0.9% to 5.0% and bias was low with 1.3% and 1.5% deviation from target value. Linearity was met for the measuring range of 1.15‐34.7 μmol/L (7.51‐226.9 μg/dL), LoB and LoD were 0.17 μmol/L (1.11 μg/dL) and 0.73 μmol/L (4.77 μg/dL) respectively. The method comparison revealed an average deviation of 8.44% (y=0.542+1.036x). Plasma samples had 7.3% higher zinc values than serum samples on the average. Zinc values of uncentrifuged serum and plasma samples increased 20% in 8 hours, while after centrifugation no significant increase could be detected. Usage of PTDS increased zinc values by 17% and usage of trace element sample tubes showed no advantage over normal ones.

Conclusions

The LT‐SYS zinc assay showed a fully acceptable performance with good degrees of imprecision and bias, no deviation from linearity and both a very low LoB and LoD. Samples for zinc analysis should be centrifuged timely and transport over PTDS should be avoided.
Enhancing the removal of hazardous pollutants from coke‐making wastewater by dosing activated carbon to a pilot‐scale activated sludge process
Authors: Raper Eleanor , Soares Ana , Chen Jane , Sutcliffe Adam , Aries Eric , Anderson David , Stephenson Tom
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated for its ability to remove six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ6PAHs) (fluoranthene, benzo[b + J]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3‐cd]pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene), trace metals and colour from coke‐making wastewater when dosed to a pilot‐plant activated sludge process (ASP). The ASP had a volume of 0.68 m3 and was operated to simulate the full‐scale ASP treating coke wastewater from a steel works. Operational conditions included a flow rate of 0.78 m3 day−1, a hydraulic retention time of 21 h, a sludge retention time of 38 days and a temperature of 27 °C. The ASP was operated for a control period before PAC was dosed directly into the aeration cell at a dose of 400 mg L−1.

RESULTS

Powdered activated carbon addition resulted in a 20% increase in removal efficiency of the Σ6PAHs. Removal efficiency of trace metals was variable, but increased for nickel, chromium and cadmium by 22.6%, 20.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Improvement in colour removal efficiency was marginal at 5%.

CONCLUSION

PAC addition allowed the improvement of treatment efficiencies in the ASP process at relatively low capital and operational costs, which may assist in reaching tighter effluent emission limits set for the industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Disinfection of secondary treated sewage using chitosan beads coated with ZnO‐Ag nanoparticles to facilitate reuse of treated water
Authors: Chatterjee Pritha , Ghangrekar Makarand Madhao , Rao Surampalli
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Reuse of treated wastewater is necessary to augment supply of fresh water. Secondary effluent from a sewage treatment plant was disinfected using novel synthesized ZnO–Ag–chitosan beads under visible light.

RESULTS

Final most probable number (MPN)/100 mL after 1 h contact time under direct sunlight was 920 with a loading of chitosan, Zn and Ag of 0.4 mg L−1 each. Disinfection resulted from the generation of reactive oxygen species. Disinfection efficiency reduced by 10% and 20%, when the total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in the sewage were 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1, respectively, compared with that with 30 mg L−1. A 5% and 10% reduction in disinfection efficiency was observed when sulphide concentration in sewage was increased from 10 mg L−1 to 20 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. Disinfection efficiency of the beads decreased by 10% when nitrate concentration in the sewage increased to 30 mg L−1 from zero. These novel beads had residual disinfection ability even after removal of beads from wastewater and these beads were successfully used for disinfection in four consecutive cycles.

CONCLUSION

Successful disinfection of secondary sewage using chitosan beads coated with ZnO–Ag nanoparticles was established for the first time in this study to facilitate reuse of treated water. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas during the valsalva maneuver
Authors: Won Hyung Jin , Kim Pyo Nyun , Lee Jong Seok
Published: February 2017

Background

We aimed to evaluate changes in echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas during the Valsalva maneuver.

Methods

We examined 16 liver hemangiomas in 12 patients with a mean diameter of 1.5 cm (range, 0.7–2.2 cm), which showed variations in echogenicity during the Valsalva maneuver. Two radiologists reviewed the sonographic (US) images of the hemangiomas at three different times: prior to the Valsalva maneuver, during the Valsalva maneuver, and on follow‐up US examinations.

Results

Prior to Valsalva maneuver, the 16 hemangiomas appeared as hypoechoic nodules with an echogenic rim (n = 7), homogeneously echogenic nodules (n = 5), one hypoechoic nodule with sound‐through enhancement, one heterogeneous nodule with a hyperechoic rim, one heterogeneous nodule, and one echogenic nodule with a hyperechoic rim. During the Valsalva maneuver, increased echogenicity was observed in 11 cases, as a diffuse increase in 5 cases, and as a partial increase in 6. Prior to the Valsalva maneuver, 9 of 16 hemangiomas exhibited an echogenic rim. During the maneuver, all the rims were accentuated, and an additional five hemangiomas exhibited an echogenic rim. Throughout follow‐up, 12 of 15 hemangiomas underwent some echogenicity change.

Conclusions

Use of the Valsalva maneuver during US examination of the liver can increase the echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas and accentuate the echogenic rim, which could enhance the operator's confidence in the diagnosis of hemangioma. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:328–331, 2017;
Bounding the Clique‐Width of H‐Free Chordal Graphs
Authors: Brandstädt Andreas , Dabrowski Konrad K. , Huang Shenwei , Paulusma Daniël
Published: February 2017

A graph is H‐free if it has no induced subgraph isomorphic to H. Brandstädt, Engelfriet, Le, and Lozin proved that the class of chordal graphs with independence number at most 3 has unbounded clique‐width. Brandstädt, Le, and Mosca erroneously claimed that the gem and co‐gem are the only two 1‐vertex P4‐extensions H for which the class of H‐free chordal graphs has bounded clique‐width. In fact we prove that bull‐free chordal and co‐chair‐free chordal graphs have clique‐width at most 3 and 4, respectively. In particular, we find four new classes of H‐free chordal graphs of bounded clique‐width. Our main result, obtained by combining new and known results, provides a classification of all but two stubborn cases, that is, with two potential exceptions we determine all graphs H for which the class of H‐free chordal graphs has bounded clique‐width. We illustrate the usefulness of this classification for classifying other types of graph classes by proving that the class of ‐free graphs has bounded clique‐width via a reduction to K4‐free chordal graphs. Finally, we give a complete classification of the (un)boundedness of clique‐width of H‐free weakly chordal graphs.
Tips for pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy in the live donor
Authors: Soubrane Olivier , Kwon Choon Hyuck David
Published: February 2017

Donor right hepatectomy is a technically complex and challenging procedure. It is one of the most debated applications of laparoscopy and donor safety is the main concern. The technique described herein uses pure laparoscopic approach with five trocars. After mobilization of the right liver, the right hepatic artery and portal vein are dissected. The liver parenchyma is then divided using an ultrasonic aspirator and an energy device. The middle hepatic vein is kept intact with the left remaining liver. Intra‐operative cholangiography allows to determine a safe site for right bile duct division. When parenchymal section is completed, the right liver graft is taken out in a bag through a Pfannenstiel incision.
Explicit time integration of transient eddy current problems
Authors: Dutiné J. , Clemens M. , Schöps S. , Wimmer G.
Published: February 2017

For time integration of transient eddy current problems, commonly implicit time integration methods are used, where in every time, step 1 or several nonlinear systems of equations have to be linearized with the Newton‐Raphson method because of ferromagnetic materials involved. In this paper, a generalized Schur complement is applied to the magnetic vector potential formulation, which converts a differential‐algebraic equation system of index 1 into a system of ordinary differential equations with reduced stiffness. For the time integration of this ordinary differential equations system of equations, the explicit Euler method is applied. The Courant‐Friedrich‐Levy stability criterion of explicit time integration methods may result in small time steps. Applying a pseudoinverse of the discrete curl‐curl operator in nonconducting regions of the problem is required in every time step. For the computation of the pseudoinverse, the preconditioned conjugate gradient method is used. The cascaded subspace extrapolation method is presented to produce suitable start vectors for these preconditioned conjugate gradient iterations. The resulting scheme is validated using the nonlinear TEAM 10 benchmark problem.
Modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases with human iPSCs
Authors: Wen Zhexing
Published: February 2017

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, are complex and heterogeneous disorders that affect a large portion of the world's population. While the causes are still poorly understood, currently available treatments are limited; the development of rational therapeutics based on an understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is imperative. The breakthrough technology of deriving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of healthy subjects or patients, offers an unprecedented opportunity to recapitulate both normal and pathological development of human tissue, thereby opening up a new avenue for disease modeling and drug development in a more genetically tractable and disease‐relevant system. Here, I review the recent progress in the use of human iPSCs for modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and developing novel therapeutic strategies, and discuss challenges in this rapidly moving field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rab7 may be a novel therapeutic target for neurologic diseases as a key regulator in autophagy
Authors: Wen Haixia , Zhan Lixuan , Chen Siyuan , Long Long , Xu En
Published: February 2017

Macroautophagy is an evolutionally conserved membrane trafficking pathway that delivers intracellular materials to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Rab7, as a member of the Rab GTPase superfamily, has a unique role in the regulation of macroautophagy, especially in modulating autophagy flux. The functional states of Rab7 generally switch between GTP‐bound and GDP‐bound states under the control of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs). Activated GTP‐Rab7 is capable of regulating autophagosome formation, autophagosome transportation along microtubules, endosome and autophagosome maturation, as well as lysosome biogenesis via interacting with its effector molecules. Rab7‐mediated macroautophagy is closely associated with various pathological processes of several neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 2B disease, and cerebral ischemic diseases. Considering that macroautophagy can be the prime therapeutic target in certain nervous system diseases, in‐depth study of Rab7 in the regulation of macroautophagy may be helpful to identify novel strategies for the treatment of autophagy‐related neurologic diseases. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation and identification of N‐butyl‐tetrahydro‐5‐oxofuran‐2‐carboxamide produced by Bacillus sp. L60 and its antifungal activity
Authors: Lee Yong‐Seong , Cho Jeong‐Yong , Moon Jae‐Hak , Kim Kil‐Yong
Published: February 2017

Rhizoctonia solani is the cause of substantial economic loss in many crops. The aim of this study is to investigate biocontrol potential of Bacillus sp. L60 against R. solani and to purify an antifungal compound. In this study, Bacillus sp. L60 demonstrated significant antagonism toward R. solani with the dual culture assay. The antifungal compound was extracted from Bacillus sp. L60 culture supernatant with n‐butanol, and identified as N‐butyl‐tetrahydro‐5‐oxofuran‐2‐carboxamide (BT‐5O‐2C) having molecular weights of 185.1052 Da with the formula C9H15NO3 using NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the antifungal compound was 256 µg ml−1 against R. solani. Therefore, our results clearly demonstrated BT‐5O‐2C as well as Bacillus sp. L60 as potential biological control agents for the management of R. solani.
Improved stopped‐flow time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy device for studying enzymatic reactions
Authors: Yanagisawa Sachiko , Deshpande Megha Subhash , Hirota Shun , Nakagawa Tatsuo , Ogura Takashi
Published: February 2017

An improved stopped‐flow resonance Raman spectroscopy device was constructed using a stopped‐flow mixer with a dead time of 3 ms and a mixing volume of 0.1 mL. The device was tested using myoglobin, where the formation reaction of a high‐valent heme species, ferryl‐oxo heme, was monitored by time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy after mixing a ferric myoglobin solution with a hydrogen peroxide solution. The ferryl‐oxo heme formation rate constant obtained by Raman spectroscopy is in good agreement with the rate constant obtained by conventional stopped‐flow absorption spectroscopy for the same reaction under the same conditions. It is proved by these results that the present device is generally applicable to enzyme–substrate reactions with a significantly higher time resolution than previously reported. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman‐spectroscopy‐based differentiation between cow and buffalo milk
Authors: Ullah Rahat , Khan Saranjam , Ali Hina , Bilal Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad , Mahmood Arshad , Ahmed Mushtaq
Published: February 2017

In this study, Raman spectroscopy together with chemometric techniques has been demonstrated to differentiate between cow and buffalo milk. The Raman spectra of milk samples of bovine contain peaks which show significant variation in intensity as well as in Raman shift positions. The outcome of results indicates that Raman spectroscopy successfully differentiates between cow and buffalo milk based on the presence and absence of β‐carotene, respectively. It also shows that buffalo milk contains comparatively high fat (unsaturated/saturated) content. Principal component analysis‐based algorithm further highlighted the difference and shows clear separation between the two data sets on the basis of features obtained from their Raman spectra. Consequently, β‐carotene could be a good biomarker for differentiating cow and buffalo milk. Present study will help to establish the use spectroscopic technique for the detection of adulterants in milk which is of significant concern worldwide. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of phosphorus compounds in soils by deep ultraviolet (DUV) Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Vogel Christian , Ramsteiner Manfred , Sekine Ryo , Doolette Ashlea , Adam Christian
Published: February 2017

Deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy was successfully investigated as a new approach to analyze the chemical state of phosphorus compounds directly in soil. We demonstrate that ultraviolet excitation has the advantage to avoid the interference with the strong fluorescence, which occurs in the visible spectral range caused by organic matter in soils. Furthermore, the spatial resolution of <1 μm2 enables the detection of very small phosphorus particles. For some organic phosphorus compounds (β‐glycerophosphate, aminomethylphosphonic acid), sample cooling to −100 °C is found to strongly reduce the rate of degradation induced by the illumination with the ultraviolet excitation light. However, phytic acid and adenosine monophosphate degraded even with cooling. Our results reveal the capability of deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy as a high‐resolution benchtop imaging technique for the analysis of local interactions between soil compounds with the potential to become an analytical key to improve the understanding of transformation mechanisms of phosphates as well as other mineral phases in soils. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectra of gem‐quality variscite and metavariscite
Authors: Fritsch Emmanuel , Karampelas Stefanos , Mevellec Jean‐Yves
Published: February 2017

Raman spectra were obtained on a set of five gems presented as massive variscite, from the three major sources of this gem‐quality material. In parallel, micro‐FTIR in reflectance and chemical analysis were performed on the same samples, to further characterize them. Surprisingly, four out of five samples are found to be metavariscite, which has been documented in gem quality only once before. Results of micro‐FTIR in reflectance confirmed this result. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor size and invasiveness matters for partial nephrectomy: External validation and modification of the arterial based complexity score
Authors: Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Hetjens Svetlana , Mandel Philipp , Wadle Jula , Budjan Johannes , Michel Maurice S. , Pfalzgraf Daniel , Wagener Nina
Published: February 2017

Background

Outcome of partial nephrectomy (PN) depends on anatomic features of the renal tumor, which can be assessed by nephrometry scores. The aim was to externally validate and refine the Arterial Based Complexity (ABC) score and to compare it to established systems.

Methods

Tumors of 300 patients undergoing PN were categorized according to the ABC, RENAL, and PADUA score. Size and tumor invasiveness were combined to form the ABCD score. Correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression was performed to validate and compare the respective scores as predictors of surgical outcome.

Results

The ABC score shows significant correlation with ischemia time (IT) (P < 0.01), opening of the collecting system (CS) (P < 0.01), and conversion to nephrectomy (P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the ABC score was predictive for on‐clamp excision (P < 0.01) and opening of the CS (P < 0.01) only. The RENAL and ABCD scores were independent predictors for complications (P = 0.02, P = 0.05), IT (P < 0.01, P = 0.03), on clamp excision (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), and opening of the CS (P < 0.01, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The ABC score correlates well with surgical parameters. Expanding the score by tumor diameter gives the ABCD system. It has similar predictive effectiveness to the well‐established RENAL score, but features simplicity by only assessing invasiveness and tumor size.
VFR Travel: A Viable Market for Tourism Crisis and Disaster Recovery?
Authors: Backer Elisa , Ritchie Brent W.
Published: February 2017

Rebuilding tourist arrivals after crises/disasters is important. However, tourism may have negative impacts in terms of interfering with the destination recovery efforts, and adding distress to local residents. Therefore, consideration should be placed on timing tourism marketing as well as the market segments most suitable to target. This paper integrates both medical literature and tourism literature to consider whether Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel may be viable for destinations to consider after crises/disasters. The authors conclude that VFR travel offers both benefits and risks and recommends that only domestic VFR travellers are targeted to aid destination recovery. Future research avenues are also outlined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Port hierarchy and concentration: Insights from the Mediterranean cruise market
Authors: Cusano Maria Ines , Ferrari Claudio , Tei Alessio
Published: February 2017

The cruise industry provides a tourism service that is performed entirely by means of transportation: the vessel. Although different characteristics of the cruise industry are well documented in the related academic literature, the role and influence of ports (and port cities) in defining cruise organisation is relatively understudied. Using public official data collected from all the major cruise groups operating in the Mediterranean Sea, we investigate the role of the different ports (and cities) within different itineraries. The analysis highlights that although there is some sort of hierarchical structure among some main ports included in the Mediterranean cruise routes, the majority of the ports of call are in a somewhat vulnerable position within the cruise transport network. Moreover, the study discusses how ports' characterising elements, such as excursion packages, have a strategic role in ensuring the inclusion of peripheral ports within the cruise network. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface markers for guiding cylindrical diffuser fiber insertion in interstitial photodynamic therapy of head and neck cancer
Authors: Oakley Emily , Bellnier David A. , Hutson Alan , Wrazen Brian , Arshad Hassan , Quon Harry , Shafirstein Gal
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives

Image‐based treatment planning can be used to compute the delivered light dose during interstitial photodynamic therapy (I‐PDT) of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐HNSCC). The objectives of this work were to evaluate the use of surface fiducial markers and flexible adhesive grids in guiding interstitial placement of laser fibers, and to quantify the impact of discrepancies in fiber location on the expected light dose volume histograms (DVHs).

Methods

Seven gel‐based phantoms were made to mimic geometries of LA‐HNSCC. Clinical flexible grids and fiducial markers were used to guide the insertion of optically transparent catheters, which are used to place cylindrical diffuser fibers within the phantoms. A computed tomography (CT) was used to image the markers and phantoms before and after catheter insertion and to determine the difference between the planned and actual location of the catheters. A finite element method was utilized to compute the light DVHs. Statistical analysis was employed to evaluate the accuracy of fiber placement and to investigate the correlation between the location of the fibers and the calculated DVHs.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.018) between all seven phantoms in terms of the mean displacement. There was also statistically significant correlation between DVHs and depth of insertion (P = 0.0027), but not with the lateral displacement (P = 0.3043). The maximum difference between actual and planned DVH was related to the number of fibers (P = 0.0025) and the treatment time.

Conclusions

Surface markers and a flexible grid can be used to assist in the administration of a prescribed DVH within 15% of the target dose provided that the treatment fibers are placed within 1.3 cm of the planned depth of insertion in anatomies mimicking LA‐HNSCC. The results suggest that the number of cylindrical diffuser fibers and treatment time can impact the delivered DVHs. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:599–608, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beneficial and harmful effects of nonselective beta blockade on acute kidney injury in liver transplant candidates
Authors: Kim Sang Gyune , Larson Joseph J. , Lee Ji Sung , Therneau Terry M. , Kim W. Ray
Published: February 2017

Nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) have played an important role in the prevention of portal hypertensive bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. However, recent studies have suggested that NSBBs may be harmful in some patients with end‐stage liver disease. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the association between use of NSBB and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). We conducted a nested case‐control study in a cohort of liver transplant wait‐list registrants. Each patient with AKI was matched to a control by the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–Na score, age, serum creatinine, and follow‐up duration. Out of a total of 2361 wait‐list registrants, 205 patients developed AKI after a median follow‐up duration of 18.2 months. When compared with matched controls, ascites (79.0% versus 51.7%) and non‐Caucasian race (16.6% versus 7.8%) were more common among the cases. The frequency of NSBB use was higher among the cases than controls, albeit insignificantly (45.9% versus 37.1%; P = 0.08). In multivariate analyses, the impact of nonselective beta blockade on the development of AKI was dependent on the presence of ascites: nonselective beta blockade in patients with ascites significantly increased the risk of AKI (hazard ratio [HR], 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57‐6.95), whereas in patients without ascites, NSBB use reduced it (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.60). Potential benefits and harms of a NSBB in terms of AKI depend on the presence of ascites in liver transplant candidates. NSBB therapy in patients with cirrhosis may need to be individualized. Liver Transplantation 23 733–740 2017 AASLD.
Thalamocortical dysconnectivity in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: Combining functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Long Zhiliang , Xu Qiang , Miao Huan‐Huan , Yu Yang , Ding Mei‐Ping , Chen Huafu , Liu Zhi‐Rong , Liao Wei
Published: February 2017

Background

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is associated with macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in the thalamus.

Objectives

To examine functional and structural connectivity of thalamocortical networks in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and to further investigate the effect of mutation of the proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 on thalamocortical networks.

Methods

Patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (n = 20), subdivided into proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated (n = 8) and nonmutated patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent resting‐state functional MRI and diffusion imaging scan. The functional properties of correlations in neural activity (functional connectivity) and the structural properties of white matter probabilistic tractography (structural connectivity) were analyzed to characterize thalamocortical networks. Furthermore, the effect of proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutation on functional and structural connectivity of thalamocortical networks were examined using one‐way analysis of variance among three groups.

Results

Patients had increased functional and structural connectivity between ventral lateral/anterior thalamic nuclei and a lateral motor area, as compared to controls. This functional connectivity positively correlated with disease duration. Interestingly, proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated patients showed decreased functional connectivity and preserved structural connectivity, between mediodorsal nucleus and prefrontal cortex, compared to nonmutated patients and controls.

Conclusions

Thalamomotor/premotor hyperconnectivity suggests abnormal communication between thalamus and motor cortex in patients. Furthermore, thalamoprefrontal hypoconnectivity in proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated patients might indicate that proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutations result in inefficient thalamoprefrontal integration. Our findings facilitate a deeper understanding of the crucial role of thalamocortical dysconnectivity in the pathophysiological mechanisms of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A post hoc study on gene panel analysis for the diagnosis of dystonia
Authors: van Egmond Martje E. , Lugtenberg Coen H.A. , Brouwer Oebele F. , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Fung Victor S.C. , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca , van Hilten Jacobus J. , van der Hout Annemarie H. , Peall Kathryn J. , Sinke Richard J. , Roze Emmanuel , Verschuuren‐Bemelmans Corien C. , Willemsen Michel A. , Wolf Nicole I. , Tijssen Marina A. , de Koning Tom J.
Published: February 2017

Background: Genetic disorders causing dystonia show great heterogeneity. Recent studies have suggested that next‐generation sequencing techniques such as gene panel analysis can be effective in diagnosing heterogeneous conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether dystonia patients with a suspected genetic cause could benefit from the use of gene panel analysis.

Methods: In this post hoc study, we describe gene panel analysis results of 61 dystonia patients (mean age, 31 years; 72% young onset) in our tertiary referral center. The panel covered 94 dystonia‐associated genes. As comparison with a historic cohort was not possible because of the rapidly growing list of dystonia genes, we compared the diagnostic workup with and without gene panel analysis in the same patients. The workup without gene panel analysis (control group) included theoretical diagnostic strategies formulated by independent experts in the field, based on detailed case descriptions. The primary outcome measure was diagnostic yield; secondary measures were cost and duration of diagnostic workup.

Results: Workup with gene panel analysis led to a confirmed molecular diagnosis in 14.8%, versus 7.4% in the control group (P = 0.096). In the control group, on average 3 genes/case were requested. The mean costs were lower in the gene panel analysis group (€1822/case) than in the controls (€2660/case). The duration of the workup was considerably shorter with gene panel analysis (28 vs 102 days).

Conclusions: Gene panel analysis facilitates molecular diagnosis in complex cases of dystonia, with a good diagnostic yield (14.8%), a quicker diagnostic workup, and lower costs, representing a major improvement for patients and their families. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Model‐based iterative reconstruction for single‐shot EPI at 7T
Authors: Yarach Uten , In Myung‐Ho , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Bilgic Berkin , Godenschweger Frank , Mattern Hendrik , Sciarra Alessandro , Speck Oliver
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To describe a model‐based reconstruction strategy for single‐shot echo planar imaging (EPI) that intrinsically accounts for k‐space nonuniformity, Nyquist ghosting, and geometric distortions during rather than before or after image reconstruction.

Methods

Ramp sampling and inhomogeneous B0 field‐induced distortion cause the EPI samples to lie on a non‐Cartesian grid, thus requiring the nonuniform fast Fourier transform. Additionally, a 2D Nyquist ghost phase correction without the need for extra navigator acquisition is included in the proposed reconstruction. Coil compression is also incorporated to reduce the computational load. The proposed method is applied to phantom and human brain MRI data.

Results

The results demonstrate that Nyquist ghosting and geometric distortions are reduced by the proposed reconstruction. The proposed 2D phase correction is superior to a conventional 1D correction. The reductions of both artifacts lead to improved temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR). The virtual coil results suggest that the processing time can be reduced by up to 75%, with a mean tSNR loss of only 3.2% when using 8‐virtual instead of 32‐physical coils for twofold undersampled data.

Conclusion

The proposed reconstruction improves the quality (ghosting, geometry, and tSNR) of EPI without requiring calibration data for Nyquist ghost correction. Magn Reson Med 78:2250–2264, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Dual‐echo Z‐shimmed proton resonance frequency‐shift magnetic resonance thermometry near metallic ablation probes: Technique and temperature precision
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Poorman Megan E. , Grissom William A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To improve the precision of proton resonance frequency‐shift magnetic resonance thermometry near ablation probes by recovering near‐probe image signals that are typically lost due to magnetic susceptibility‐induced field distortions.

Methods

A dual‐echo gradient‐recalled echo sequence was implemented, in which the first echo was under‐ or over‐refocused in the slice dimension to recover image signal and temperature precision near a probe, and the second echo was fully refocused to obtain image signal everywhere else in the slice. A penalized maximum likelihood algorithm was implemented to estimate a single temperature map from both echoes. Agar phantom and ex vivo experiments with and without microwave heating at 3 T evaluated how much temperature precision was improved near a microwave ablator compared to a conventional single‐echo scan as a function of slice and needle orientation in the magnet.

Results

The number of near‐probe voxels with temperature standard deviation
C was decreased by 51% in the phantom experiment, averaged across orientations, and by 31% in the pork. Temperature maps near the probe were more smoother and more complete in all orientations.

Conclusion

Dual‐echo z‐shimmed temperature imaging can recover image signal for more precise temperature mapping near metallic ablation probes. Magn Reson Med 78:2299–2306, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Hyperckemia and myalgia are common presentations of anoctamin‐5‐related myopathy in French patients
Authors: Papadopoulos Constantinos , LaforÊt Pascal , Nectoux Juliette , Stojkovic Tanya , Wahbi Karim , Carlier Robert‐Yves , Carlier Pierre G , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Leturcq France , Romero Norma , Eymard Bruno , Behin Anthony
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Patients with anoctamin‐5 (ANO5) mutations may present not only with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L or adult‐onset Miyoshi‐type myopathy but also with asymptomatic hyperCKemia, exercise intolerance, or rhabdomyolysis.

Materials and Methods

Data from 38 patients in France with ANO5 mutations with and without muscle weakness on first examination were compared.

Results

Twenty patients presented without muscle weakness. Median age at symptom onset or discovery of hyperCKemia was 23 years. Creatine kinase levels ranged from 200 to 40,000 U/L. Electromyography showed a myopathic pattern in 5 patients, and muscle imaging showed involvement of posterior calf muscles in 10 patients. Mild cardiac involvement was observed in 2 patients. Sixteen patients remain free of weakness after a median follow‐up period of 5 years.

Discussion

Asymptomatic, sometimes mild hyperCKemia or exercise intolerance is a presentation of ANO5‐related myopathy and may remain isolated or precede muscle weakness by many years. Muscle Nerve 56: 1096–1100, 2017
Ultrastructural changes in human masseter muscles after botulinum neurotoxin a injection
Authors: Ma Fushun , Zhai Zhaohui , Zhu Shunwen , Tang Shengjian
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) has long been used as a therapeutic agent and has been widely accepted as a cosmetic agent in recent years. It can inhibit function and induce structural changes in skeletal muscle.

Methods

Specimens of fresh dissected human masseter muscle were used to observe the ultrastructural changes that occurred at 6 and 12 months following BoNTA injection.

Results

The findings observed were muscle fiber distortion, sarcomere shortening, mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration, glycogen accumulation, and H and M band disruption in the triad of tubules. At 12 months after injection, there was still evidence of degenerative changes in muscle ultrastructure, whereas most organelles exhibited a normal structure.

Discussion

Profound ultrastructural and organelle disfiguring changes were observed after BoNTA injection into human masseter muscle. Most changes were transient, however, and were resolved by 12 months after injection. Muscle Nerve 57: 96–99, 2018
Improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms across multiple domains following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Krzastek Sarah C. , Robinson Samuel P. , Young Harold F. , Klausner Adam P.
Published: February 2017

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in lower urinary tract symptoms following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).

METHODS

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with new‐onset iNPH were prospectively evaluated using validated questionnaires from the International Consultation on Incontinence to assess overactive bladder (ICIq‐OAB), incontinence (ICIq‐UI), and quality of life (ICIq‐LUTqol), as well as the American Urological Association Symptom Score bother scale, prior to and following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for iNPH. Sub‐analysis was performed based on gender, age, and medical comorbidities.

RESULTS

Twenty‐three consecutive patients with new‐onset iNPH were evaluated prior to, and following, surgical intervention for iNPH via ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Shunting resulted in a significant improvement in urinary urgency, urge incontinence, ability to perform physical activities, and overall quality of life. Women had improvement across more domains than men following shunting, particularly in terms of urinary urgency and overall quality of life. Younger patients experienced significant improvement in scores following shunting as compared to older patients. Patients with two or more medical comorbidities, as well as those with fewer than two comorbidities, reported a significant improvement in overall quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention for iNPH results in significant improvement in urinary symptoms, specifically in terms of urinary urgency and urge incontinence as well as overall quality of life, particularly in women and younger patients.