Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in the Follicular Fluid of the Preovulatory Follicle: A Predictor for Oocyte Fertilization and Quality of Embryo

This prospective study investigated the relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level in the follicular fluid (FF) and the quality of the oocyte and embryo. A total of 65 FF samples from 54 women were included in this study. FF was collected from the largest preovulatory follicle sized≥20 mm of mean diameter from each ovary. Samples were divided into 3 groups according to the FF AMH levels: below the 33th percentile (low group, FF AMH<2.1 ng/mL, n=21), between the 33th and the 67th percentile (intermediate group, FF AMH=2.1-3.6 ng/mL, n=22), and above the 67th percentile (high group, FF AMH>3.6 ng/mL, n=22). The quality of the ensuing oocytes and embryos was evaluated by fertilization rate and embryo score. FF AMH levels correlated positively with the matched embryo score on day 3 after fertilization (r=0.331, P=0.015). The normal fertilization rate was significantly lower in the low group than in the intermediate group (61.9% vs. 95.5% vs. 77.3%, respectively, P=0.028). Our results suggest that the FF AMH level could be a predictor of the ensuing oocyte and embryo quality.

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Practical Guidelines for the Surgical Treatment of Gallbladder Cancer

At present, surgical treatment is the only curative option for gallbladder (GB) cancer. Many efforts therefore have been made to improve resectability and the survival rate. However, GB cancer has a low incidence, and no randomized, controlled trials have been conducted to establish the optimal treatment modalities. The present guidelines include recent recommendations based on current understanding and highlight controversial issues that require further research. For T1a GB cancer, the optimal treatment modality is simple cholecystectomy, which can be carried out as either a laparotomy or a laparoscopic surgery. For T1b GB cancer, either simple or an extended cholecystectomy is appropriate. An extended cholecystectomy is generally recommended for patients with GB cancer at stage T2 or above. In extended cholecystectomy, a wedge resection of the GB bed or a segmentectomy IVb/V can be performed and the optimal extent of lymph node dissection should include the cystic duct lymph node, the common bile duct lymph node, the lymph nodes around the hepatoduodenal ligament (the hepatic artery and portal vein lymph nodes), and the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal lymph node. Depending on patient status and disease severity, surgeons may decide to perform palliative surgeries.

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Impact of Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Linear Growth in Korean Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (Hunter Syndrome)

Hunter syndrome (or mucopolysaccharidosis type II [MPS II]) arises because of a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. Short stature is a prominent and consistent feature in MPS II. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase (Elaprase®) or idursulfase beta (Hunterase®) have been developed for these patients. The effect of ERT on the growth of Korean patients with Hunter syndrome was evaluated at a single center. This study comprised 32 patients, who had received ERT for at least 2 yr; they were divided into three groups according to their ages at the start of ERT: group 1 (<6 yr, n=14), group 2 (6-10 yr, n=11), and group 3 (10-20 yr, n=7). The patients showed marked growth retardation as they got older. ERT may have less effect on the growth of patients with the severe form of Hunter syndrome. The height z-scores in groups 2 and 3 revealed a significant change (the estimated slopes before and after the treatment were -0.047 and -0.007, respectively: difference in the slope, 0.04; P<0.001). Growth in response to ERT could be an important treatment outcome or an endpoint for future studies.

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Individually Addressable Suspended Conducting‐Polymer Wires in a Chemiresistive Gas Sensor

An effective method is described for producing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) arched microwires, which are used as transducers in chemiresistive gas sensors. Three‐dimensional arched wires with diameters of 0.8, 1.2, 2.5, and 10 μm are individually fabricated by using a simple, inexpensive fountain‐pen lithography technique. The wires show superior stretchable behavior under omnidirectional strain of ca. 120%. A gas sensor assembled with the PEDOT:PSS arched wires exhibits linear responses to the concentrations of different vapor gases, such as ethanol, acetone, and methanol, at room temperature. The signal‐to‐noise ratio in the sensing response, which influences the detection limit, is enhanced by increasing the number of wires with a larger surface‐to‐volume ratio in parallel to increasing the signal level and diminishing the baseline noise in the wire transducers.

     

Metastatic signature in lung cancer is associated with sensitivity to anti‐integrin αV monoclonal antibody intetumumab

Intetumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits α_v integrins. It has been shown in in vitro assays to effectively inhibit cell viability, metastasis, and adhesion of human cancer cells and endothelial cells. However, the response to Intetumumab varies in different tumor cell lines. To understand the growth inhibition mechanism of Intetumumab and to identify a molecular signature that can predict sensitivity, we focused on lung cancer cell lines and performed a series of proliferation assays. We then assessed the global gene expression profiles, DNA copy number variations, and microRNA profiles from a total of 23 lung cancer lines. The results revealed that lung cancer sensitivity to Intetumumab is associated with several chromosomal alterations, particularly genetic loss at chromosome arm 19p, which resulted in gene expression changes. We identified a genetic signature that can be used to predict Intetumumab sensitivity for lung cancer cell lines. Independently, microRNA analysis revealed a panel of signature microRNAs that includes several markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis such as miR‐200 family and miR‐205. Both the genetic and microRNA signatures provide insights into the potential mechanism of Intetumumab activity and serve as the first step to develop a patient stratification strategy for Intetumumab therapy in lung cancer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

All-Carbon Electrode Consisting of Carbon Nanotubes on Graphite Foil for Flexible Electrochemical Applications

We demonstrate the fabrication of an all-carbon electrode by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for use in flexible electrochemical applications. The electrode is composed of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes that are grown directly on a flexible graphite foil. Being all-carbon, the simple fabrication process and the excellent electrochemical characteristics present an approach through which high-performance, highly-stable and cost-effective electrochemical applications can be achieved.     

Efficacy of Alternative Medicaments for Pulp Treatment in Primary Teeth in the Short Term: A Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall, clinical, and radiographical success rates of alternative pulpotomy medicaments in primary teeth.MethodsA systematic search of five databases was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Prospective clinical trials using alternative pulpotomy medicaments in children were included. The outcome measures were overall, clinical, and radiographic success, expressed in percentages and converted to odds ratios. Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis.ResultsCombined odds ratios for overall, clinical, and radiographic success was 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-2.41; P = .42; I² = 76%), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.57-1.86; P = .92; I² = 0%), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.54-1.47; P = .66; I² = 34%), respectively. The results suggest an inconclusive outcome in the success rate of alternative medicaments.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of alternative pulpotomy medicaments for use in primary teeth. Further robust studies are required before such alternative medicaments should be used in clinical practice.