bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectoine production in bioreactor by Halomonas elongataDSM2581: Using MWCNT and Fe‐nanoparticle
Authors: Fatollahi Parvaneh , Ghasemi Mina , Yazdian Fatemeh , Sadeghi Akram
Published: August 2020

Halomonas elongate produces ectoine to protect itselt from environmental stresses. In this research, important factors in the production of ectoine were optimized using statistical methods to achieve the best production efficiency in bioreactor. Screening important variables (ectoine, hydroxyectoine, l‐aspartic acid, and glutamate) on H. elongate growth showed that ectoine and l‐aspartic acid directly affect ectoine production. Two nanostructures, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe2O3 NPs), were used to increase the availability of substrate for the microorganism. The results showed that Fe2O3 nanoparticles and MWCNT could have a negative or positive effect on bacterial growth and ectoine production depending on the concentration of nanoparticles. At optimized conditions, the amounts of bacterial growth and ectoine production in fermenter were 10.4 g/L and 14.25 g/L, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that nanoparticles improve bacterial growth and ectoine production at optimized concentrations.
Tumor copy number instability is a significant predictor for late recurrence after radical surgery of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wen Chenlei , Deng XiaXing , Ren Dandan , Song Xue , Chen Hao , Wang Jiancheng , Jin Jiabin , Cheng Dongfeng , Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Jun , Xie Junjie , Qi Wenjing , Gu Jiangning , Peng Chenghong , Chen Dan , Chen Shi , Shen Baiyong , Zhan Qian
Published: August 2020

Objective

Our study examined the association between molecular features and clinical results of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, aiming to explore the genomic determinants of the recurrence and prognosis of PDAC after surgical removal.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 181 PDAC patients who received pancreatectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, with 67 patients in the training set. An internal validation set of 48 patients and an external validation set of 66 patients were used to validate the result. Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens to determine genomic features using the designed cancer‐related gene panel based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

Significant differences were identified between the late recurrence (LR) group and early recurrence (ER) group in tumor copy number instability (CNI) levels. Next, the utility of low CNI (the middle and lowest tertile) with regard to predicting LR was confirmed in the training, internal, and external validation sets. Further univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CNI was an independent predictive and prognostic biomarker, and had higher predictive accuracy for LR than CA19‐9 level, pathological stage, tumor size, and age. In addition, CNI combined with lymph node (LN) metastasis status could provide a more accurate model for predicting LR of PDAC.

Conclusion

We discovered and validated the association between CNI and clinical outcome in 181 patients with resectable PDAC, demonstrating the utility of lower tumor CNI levels as biomarkers of postoperative LR and favorable prognosis. Moreover, the combination of CNI and LN metastasis status elevated the predictive accuracy and illuminated strategies for patient stratification.
Bilaminar Palatal Connective Tissue Grafts Obtained With the Modified Double Blade Harvesting Technique: Technical Description and Case Series
Authors: Carranza Nelson , Rojas Mariana A.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this case series is to present a technique to harvest palatal connective tissue grafts (CTGs) that concurrently provides several advantages over previously described techniques when applied to treat gingival recessions.

Case Series

Twenty patients were treated with root coverage procedures using CTGs harvested with the modified double blade harvesting technique (MDBHT). A double blade knife with two surgical blades set 1 mm apart was used in this case series. The palatal connective tissue was accessed through a horizontal incision and an envelope flap that was closed by primary intention. The grafts were measured immediately after harvesting with a periodontal probe. The overall mean length was 28.8 ± 7.8 mm and graft thickness was homogeneous and near to 1 mm in all the cases. Graft mean apicocoronal height was 5.0 ± 0.8 mm and 5.3 ± 1 mm at the molar and premolar levels, respectively. Clinical wound healing was evaluated at 7 days post‐surgically and showed a modified early‐wound healing index mean value of 3.0 ± 1.0.

Conclusions

The introduced MDBHT consistently rendered grafts of uniform thickness and sufficient dimensions, while excluding epithelial tissue and the deeper aspects of the submucosa, thus avoiding rich fatty and glandular tissues. MDBHT allowed for donor site healing with minimal discomfort and without complications.
Unilateral chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis after bone maxillary graft for dental implant placement: A case report
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Lamartine Monteiro Raquel , Kampouridis Stelianos , Javadian Rokneddine , Horoi Mihaela
Published: August 2020

Odontogenic chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis has to be suspected in patient with a history of dental implant placement just after bone maxillary graft.
A case series of a mother and two daughters with a GLI2 gene deletion demonstrating variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance
Authors: Elward Cameron , Berg Janet , Oberlin John M. , Rohena Luis
Published: August 2020

This case series and review of the literature support that patients with pathogenic variants of the GLI2 gene demonstrate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, variable expressivity, and incomplete penetrance.
A review on microwell and microfluidic geometric array fabrication techniques and its potential applications in cellular studies
Authors: Manzoor Ahmad Ali , Romita Lauren , Hwang Dae Kun
Published: August 2020

The ability to trap precise quantities of cells or particles into confined areas has numerous applications for biological purposes. In particular, single cell trapping has received considerable attention because it permits the study of heterogeneity in a population, while trapping larger groups of cells have been used to form aggregates. Among several methods, the use of microwell offers a simple platform to capture cells or particles using hydrodynamic forces. This review examines the use of microwells in both static and microfluidic environments, and the application of microfluidic geometric arrays for trapping. This paper discusses the design and fabrication methods of microwells and compares the trapping and release techniques used in both static and microfluidics‐integrated microwells. Finally, we will summarize novel microfluidic geometric arrays used to capture cells or particles through hydrodynamic trapping.
Is race or ethnicity associated with under‐utilization of statins among women in the United States: The study of women's health across the nation
Authors: Jackson Elizabeth A. , Ruppert Kristine , Derby Carol A. , Lian Yinjuan , Chae Claudia U. , Kazlauskaite Rasa , Neal‐Perry Genevieve , El Khoudary Samar R. , Harlow Siobán D. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Rates of statin use among minority women are unclear.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that statin use would vary by race/ethnicity with lower rates among minority women compared with Whites.

Methods

Data from the study of women's health across the nation, a multiethnic cohort of women collected between 2009 to 2011 were used to examine reported statin use by race/ethnicity and risk profile. Multivariable logistic modeling was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of statin treatment.

Results

Of the 2399 women included, 234 had a diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease (ASCVD), 254 were diabetic (without ASCVD), 163 had an LDL ≥190 mg/dL, and 151 had a 10 year ASCVD pooled risk score ≥7.5%. Statins were used by 49.6% of women with CVD; 59.8% of women with diabetes without known ASCVD; 42.3% of women with an LDL ≥190 mg/dL; and 19.9% of women with an ASCVD risk ≥7.5%. Rates of statin use were 43.8% for women with ≥ two prior ASCVD events and 69.4% for women with ≥ one prior ASCVD event plus multiple high‐risk conditions. Among women eligible for statins, Black women had a significantly reduced adjusted odds of being on a statin (OR 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36‐0.78) compared with White women.

Conclusions

In this cohort of multiethnic women, rates of statin use among women who would benefit were low, with Black women having lower odds of statin use than White women.
Effect of intimal flap motion on flow in acute type B aortic dissection by using fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: Chong Mei Yan , Gu Boram , Chan Bee Ting , Ong Zhi Chao , Xu Xiao Yun , Lim Einly
Published: August 2020

A monolithic, fully coupled fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) computational framework was developed to account for dissection flap motion in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Analysis of results included wall deformation, pressure, flow, wall shear stress (WSS), von Mises stress and comparison of hemodynamics between rigid wall and FSI models. Our FSI model mimicked realistic wall deformation that resulted in maximum compression of the distal true lumen (TL) by 21.4%. The substantial movement of intimal flap mostly affected flow conditions in the false lumen (FL). Flap motion facilitated more flow entering the FL at peak systole, with the TL to FL flow split changing from 88:12 in the rigid model to 83:17 in the FSI model. There was more disturbed flow in the FL during systole (5.8% FSI vs 5.2% rigid) and diastole (13.5% FSI vs 9.8% rigid), via a λ2 ‐criterion. The flap‐induced disturbed flow near the tears in the FSI model caused an increase of local WSS by up to 70.0% during diastole. This resulted in a significant reduction in the size of low time‐averaged WSS (TAWSS) regions in the FL (113.11 cm2 FSI vs 177.44 cm2 rigid). Moreover, the FSI model predicted lower systolic pressure, higher diastolic pressure, and hence lower pulse pressure. Our results provided new insights into the possible impact of flap motion on flow in aortic dissections, which are particularly important when evaluating hemodynamics of acute TBAD.

Novelty Statement

Our monolithic fully coupled FSI computational framework is able to reproduce experimentally measured range of flap deformation in aortic dissection, thereby providing novel insights into the influence of physiological flap motion on the flow and pressure distributions. The drastic flap movement increases the flow resistance in the true lumen and causes more disturbed flow in the false lumen, as visualized through the λ2 criterion. The flap‐induced luminal pressure is dampened, thereby affecting pressure measures, which may serve as potential prognostic indicators for late complications in acute uncomplicated TBAD patients.
Longitudinal effects of family psychopathology and stress on pubertal maturation and hormone coupling in adolescent twins
Authors: Phan Jenny M. , Van Hulle Carol A. , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Schmidt Nicole L. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: August 2020

Adolescents experience profound neuroendocrine changes, including hormone “coupling” between cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Emerging research has only begun to elucidate the role of hormone coupling, its genetic and environmental etiology, and the extent to which coupling is impacted by gender, puberty, and family context. We included measures on parent and child mental health, parenting stress, and family conflict of 444 twin pairs and their parents across two timepoints, when youth were on average 8 and 13 years old, respectively. Structural equation models examined the impact of family context effects on coupling during adolescence. Biometric twin models were then used to probe additive genetic, shared, and non‐shared environmental effects on hormone coupling. Hormones were more tightly coupled for females than males, and coupling was sensitive to parental depression and co‐twin psychopathology symptoms and stress exposure in females. The association between family context and coupling varied across specific neuroendocrine measures and was largely distinct from pubertal maturation. Biometric models revealed robust shared and non‐shared environmental influences on coupling. We found that family antecedents modify the strength of coupling. Environmental influences account for much of the variation on coupling during puberty. Gender differences were found in genetic influences on coupling.
Coinfecting parasites can modify fluctuating selection dynamics in host–parasite coevolution
Authors: Seppälä Otto , Lively Curtis M. , Jokela Jukka
Published: August 2020

Genetically specific interactions between hosts and parasites can lead to coevolutionary fluctuations in their genotype frequencies over time. Such fluctuating selection dynamics are, however, expected to occur only under specific circumstances (e.g., high fitness costs of infection to the hosts). The outcomes of host–parasite interactions are typically affected by environmental/ecological factors, which could modify coevolutionary dynamics. For instance, individual hosts are often infected with more than one parasite species and interactions between them can alter host and parasite performance. We examined the potential effects of coinfections by genetically specific (i.e., coevolving) and nonspecific (i.e., generalist) parasite species on fluctuating selection dynamics using numerical simulations. We modeled coevolution (a) when hosts are exposed to a single parasite species that must genetically match the host to infect, (b) when hosts are also exposed to a generalist parasite that increases fitness costs to the hosts, and (c) when coinfecting parasites compete for the shared host resources. Our results show that coinfections can enhance fluctuating selection dynamics when they increase fitness costs to the hosts. Under resource competition, coinfections can either enhance or suppress fluctuating selection dynamics, depending on the characteristics (i.e., fecundity, fitness costs induced to the hosts) of the interacting parasites.
Effect of conspecific neighbors on the foraging activity levels of the wintering Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana): Benefits of social information
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhou Lizhi , Bao Yiwei , Mahtab Nazia
Published: August 2020

Animals prefer to aggregate in patches with high abundance and availability of food resources. Group foragers typically receive information about food resources by monitoring external events and the behavior of neighbors. The Information Centre Hypothesis proposes that aggregations increase foraging activity levels as a result of social information provided by conspecifics. Increasing the foraging rate has as a result decreasing time devoted to anti‐predator vigilance and may intensify competition among group members. Studies have shown that foraging activities are influenced by factors other than flock size, such as the number and foraging intensity of neighbors. To test these hypotheses, we examined the effect of number and foraging intensity of neighbors on the foraging activity levels (foraging rate, foraging effort, and foraging success rate) of the wintering Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana). In this study, we collected focal sampling data on the foraging behavior of storks at Shengjin Lake during winter from 2017 to 2019, controlling the effects of other variables (group identity, wintering years, and wintering periods). We found that foraging activity levels were higher in the presence of foraging neighbors than in their absence. Moreover, individuals adjusted their foraging activity levels according to social information gathered from the behavior of neighboring conspecifics. Focal individuals’ foraging rate and foraging effort were positively correlated with the average foraging rate of neighbors. Their foraging success rate was not influenced by the average foraging rate and foraging success rate of neighbors; however, it was positively correlated with the average foraging effort of neighbors. In conclusion, foraging activity levels of individuals are primarily driven by the intensity of the foraging activity of neighbors. This result differs from the results of previous studies that suggested that flock size was the most important factor determining individual foraging activity levels.
Patient‐reported outcomes in heart failure with preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction: focus on physical independence
Authors: Huang Weiting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Tay Wan Ting , Richards Arthur Mark , Kadam Umesh , Lawson Claire A. , Shimizu Wataru , Loh Seet Yoong , Anand Inder , Lam Carolyn Su Ping
Published: August 2020

Aims

The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is a widely used patient‐reported outcome measure in heart failure (HF). The KCCQ was validated in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), leaving knowledge gaps regarding its applicability in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study addresses the psychometric properties of internal consistency and reliability, construct, and known‐group validity of KCCQ in both HFrEF and HFpEF. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the KCCQ and their prognostic significance in HFpEF and HFrEF, within a large prospective multinational HF cohort.

Methods and results

We examined the 23‐item KCCQ in the prospective multinational ASIAN‐HF study [4470 HFrEF (ejection fraction <40%); 921 HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥50%)]. Internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha) showed high reliability in HFrEF and HFpeF: functional status score: 0.89 and 0.91 and clinical summary score: 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis in HFrEF validated the five original domains of KCCQ (physical function, symptoms, self‐efficacy, social limitation, and quality of life); in HFpEF, questions measuring physical function and social limitation had strong correlation (r = 0.66) and different domains emerged. We proposed an additional physical independence summary score, especially in HFpEF (comprising the original physical function and social limitation domains), which showed good internal consistency (α = 0.89) and has comparable receiver operating characteristic curve 0.766 ± 0.037 with the clinical summary score (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.774 ± 0.037), in predicting 1 year death and/or HF hospitalization.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the robustness of the KCCQ clinical summary score in HF regardless of ejection fraction group. In the assessment of physical capacity in HFpEF, our results suggest strong interaction with social limitation, and we propose a summary score comprising both components be used.
Psoralens activate and photosensitize Transient Receptor Potential channels Ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) and Vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1)
Authors: Babes Alexandru , Kichko Tatjana I. , Selescu Tudor , Manolache Alexandra , Neacsu Cristian , Gebhardt Lisa , Reeh Peter W.
Published: August 2020

Background

PUVA (psoralen UVA) therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as vitiligo psoriasis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, but it is frequently accompanied by phototoxicity leading to burning pain, itch and erythema.

Methods

We used a combination of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, patch clamp and neuropeptide release measurement to investigate whether certain ion channels involved in pain and itch signalling could be responsible for these adverese effects of PUVA.

Results

Clinically used psoralen derivatives 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and 5‐methoxypsoralen at physiologically relevant concentrations were able to activate and photosensitize two recombinant thermoTRP (temperature‐gated Transient Receptor Potential) ion channels, TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin type 1) and TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 1). 8‐MOP enhanced ROS production by UVA light, and the effect of 8‐MOP on TRPA1 could be abolished by the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and by removal of critical cysteine residues from the N‐terminus domain of the channel. Natively expressed mouse TRPA1 and TRPV1 both contribute to photosensitization of cultured primary afferent neurons by 8‐MOP, while direct neuronal activation by this psoralen‐derivative is mainly dependent on TRPV1. Both TRPA1 and TRPV1 are to a large extent involved in controlling 8‐MOP‐induced neuropeptide release from mouse trachea.

Conclusions

Taken together our results provide a better understanding of the phototoxicity reported by PUVA patients and indicate a possible therapeutic approach to alleviate the adverse effects associated with this therapy.

Significance

Our work provides evidence for the involvement of thermoTRP channels TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the activation and photosensitization of peripheral nociceptors during PUVA (Psoralen UVA) therapy.
Uncoupling growth from phosphorus uptake in Lemna: Implications for use of duckweed in wastewater remediation and P recovery in temperate climates
Authors: Paterson Jaimie B. , Camargo‐Valero Miller Alonso , Baker Alison
Published: August 2020

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop growth and the second most limiting after N. Current supplies rely on P‐rich rocks that are unevenly distributed globally and exploited unsustainably, leading to concerns about future availability and therefore food security. Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are aquatic macrophytes used in wastewater remediation with the potential for nutrient recycling as feed or fertilizer. The use of duckweeds in this way is confined to tropical regions as it has previously been assumed that growth in the colder seasons of the temperate regions would be insufficient. In this study, the combined effects of cool temperatures and short photoperiods on growth and P uptake and accumulation in Lemna were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Growth and P accumulation in Lemna can be uncoupled, with significant P removal from the medium and accumulation within the plants occurring even at 8°C and 6‐hr photoperiods. Direct measurement of radiolabeled phosphate uptake confirmed that while transport is strongly temperature dependent, uptake can still be measured at 5°C. Prior phosphate starvation of the duckweed and use of nitrate as the nitrogen (N) source also greatly increased the rate of P removal and in‐cell accumulation. These results form the basis for further examination of the feasibility of duckweed‐based systems for wastewater treatment and P recapture in temperate climates, particularly in small, rural treatment works.
How to select older patients with acute myeloid leukemia fit for intensive treatment?
Authors: Sustkova Zuzana , Semerad Lukas , Weinbergerova Barbora , Mayer Jiri
Published: August 2020

Outcomes of the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are unsatisfactory due to a higher incidence of negative patient‐ and disease‐related risk factors connected with aging. Prediction of poor tolerance to aggressive treatment and low response to standard intensive chemotherapy are the main root causes why the treatment decision is challenging. For a long time, negative prognostic factors for treatment outcomes, overall survival, and early death such as the age itself, low‐performance status, high‐comorbidity burden, adverse cytogenetics, and secondary AML have been known, and they are routinely taken into account during therapeutic balance. In consideration of the risk factors and specific laboratory results, prognostic models have been created. Despite the abovementioned facts, the survival of older patients with AML remains very poor, that holds true even for the intensive therapy. For that reason, there is an increased effort to find a better approach how to select patients who would benefit from intensive treatment without decreasing their quality of life through severe complications with risk of high treatment‐related mortality. Based on the results of clinical studies, the geriatric assessment could be the missing step which would help select older patients who are really fit for intensive treatment and who will benefit from it the most. This review focuses on the risk factors that should be taken under advisement when the decision about the treatment is made. With reference to the published information, we propose an algorithm how to identify fit, vulnerable, and frail patients.
Can management decentralisation resolve challenges faced by healthcare service delivery organisations? Findings for managers and researchers from a scoping review
Authors: Ohrling Mikael , Øvretveit John , Brommels Mats
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Decentralisation of decision‐making from central to lower level organisation has been proposed as a way to increase innovation and make services more responsive to local needs. The purpose of this study was to discover research that can contribute to understanding decentralisation as one strategy for resolving challenges in healthcare service delivery organisations. This scoping review provides examples and research‐informed guidance for decentralisation research, planning and implementation.

Findings

There is limited empirical research into management decentralisation within primary and community care, but some useful frameworks for assessing and planning decentralisation. Rapid changes are being made to workforce redesign, substitution and patient co‐production. Research into such ‘micro‐decentralisation’ is not considered in the decentralisation literature. Neither is how the context of culture, systems and regulations affects implementation of this type of decentralisation. Our recent experience suggests that management decentralisation can enable fast and effective local changes to respond to the evolving Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV‐2) pandemic.

Conclusions

Decentralisation can create conditions that support innovation and improvement locally to develop primary and community care. Managers and policy makers can use an appropriate decentralisation strategy to address challenges in workforce retention and recruitment, rising care demands and expectations of patients. There are opportunities for researchers to provide actionable knowledge about changes in organisations and management which could address current challenges in healthcare.
Simultaneous effects of radiation, magnetic field on peristaltic flow of Carreau nanofluid submerged in gyrotactic microorganisms with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Eldabe Nabil T. , Zaghrout Afaf A. , Ramadan Shaimaa F. , Azzam Hadeer A.
Published: August 2020

Our study intends to examine the combined effects of radiation, magnetic field, and chemical reaction on the peristaltic flow of a non‐Newtonian fluid containing gyrotactic microorganisms and nanoparticles. The system of our equations is understood numerically by using the Rung‐Kutta‐Merson method with Newton iteration in a shooting and matching procedure. The effect of physical implanted parameters is represented and discussed through a lot of charts for velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentration, the density of motile microorganisms. From this discussion, we notice that the motile microorganisms profile is affected by the arising with the Brownian motion parameter and radiation parameter but the thermophoresis parameter, traditional Lewis number, and bioconvection of Peclet number are decremented the motile microorganisms profile.
Gradient hydrogels for screening stiffness effects on patient‐derived glioblastoma xenograft cellfates in 3D
Authors: Zhu Danqing , Trinh Pavin , Li Jianfeng , Grant Gerry A. , Yang Fan
Published: August 2020

Brain cancer is a devastating disease given its extreme invasiveness and intricate location. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common forms of brain cancer, and cancer progression is often correlated with significantly altered tissue stiffness. To elucidate the effect of matrix stiffness on GBM cell fates, previous research is largely limited to 2D studies using immortalized cell lines, which has limited physiological relevance. The objective of the study is to develop gradient hydrogels with brain‐mimicking stiffness range as a 3Din vitro GBM model for screening of the effects of matrix stiffness on GBM. To increase the physiological relevance, patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) GBM cells were used. Our gradient platform allows formation of cell‐containing hydrogels with stiffness ranging from 40 Pa to 1,300 Pa within a few minutes. By focusing on a brain‐mimicking stiffness range, this gradient hydrogel platform is designed for investigating brain cancer. Increasing stiffness led to decreased GBM proliferation and less spreading, which is accompanied by downregulation of matrix‐metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using temozolomide (TMZ) as a model drug, we demonstrate that increasing stiffness led to higher drug resistance by PDTX GBM cells in 3D, suggesting matrix stiffness can directly modulate how GBM cells respond to drug treatment. While the current study focuses on stiffness gradient, the setup may also be adapted for screening other cancer niche cues such as how biochemical ligand gradient modulates brain cancer progression and drug responses using reduced materials and time.
miR‐212 as potential biomarker suppresses the proliferation of gastric cancer via targeting SOX4
Authors: Shao Jian‐Ping , Su Feng , Zhang Shu‐Peng , Chen He‐Kai , Li Zhao‐Jin , Xing Guo‐Qiang , Liu Hong‐Jie , Li Yong‐Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background

Circulating microRNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expressions have been reported as promising biomarkers in cancer monitoring. This study was to identify the potential role of circulating miR‐212 in gastric cancer and whether it could serve as a novel biomarker for gastric cancer.

Methods

We detected the serum levels of miR‐212 in 100 health people and 110 gastric cancer patients and analyzed the relationships of the serum level of miR‐212 with gastric cancer. We detected the expression of miR‐212 in human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line (GES‐1) and human gastric cancer cell lines (NCI‐N87 and SNU‐16) using qRT‐PCR. Then, we detected the role of 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine on the epigenetic regulation of miR‐212 in human gastric cancer cell lines. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to detect binding activity of miR‐212 on SOX4 mRNA, and their functions on the cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

The expression of miR‐212 was higher in health people than that in gastric cancer patients, higher in gastric mucosal epithelial cell line than that in gastric cancer cells. miR‐212 can be a circulating biomarker and an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer. Moreover, miR‐212 can directly regulate the 3′UTR of SOX4 mRNA to suppress p53 and Bax, resulting gastric cancer cells proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that miR‐212 was epigenetically downregulated in gastric cancer, and resulting low level of miR‐212 can be a potential circulating biomarker and poor prognosis predicator of gastric cancer.
Application and optimization of reference change values for Delta Checks in clinical laboratory
Authors: Hong Jinyoung , Cho Eun‐Jung , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won‐Ki
Published: August 2020

Background

Delta check is a patient‐based QC tool for detecting errors by comparing current and previous test results of patient. Reference change value (RCV) is adopted in guidelines as method for delta check, but the performance is not verified. We applied RCV‐based delta check method to patients' data and modified for application.

Materials and methods

Reference change value were calculated using results of internal QC materials and biological variation data. Test results of 17 analytes in inpatients, outpatients, and health examination recipients were collected. The detection rates of currently used delta check method and those of RCV‐based method were compared, and the methods were modified.

Results

Reference change value‐based method had higher detection rates compared to conventional method. Applied modifications reduced detection rates. Removing the pairs of results within reference interval reduced detection rates (0.42% ~ 10.92%). When RCV was divided by time interval, the detection rates were similar to prior rates in outpatients (0.19% ~ 1.34%). Using RCV multiplied by twice the upper limit of reference value as cutoff reduced the detection rate (0.07% ~ 1.58%).

Conclusions

Reference change value is a robust criterion for delta check and included in clinical laboratory practice guideline. However, RCV‐based method generates high detection rates which increase workload. It needs modification for use in clinical laboratories.
Diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical impact of sarcopenia in COPD: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sepúlveda‐Loyola Walter , Osadnik Christian , Phu Steven , Morita Andrea A. , Duque Gustavo , Probst Vanessa S.
Published: August 2020

Sarcopenia prevalence and its clinical impact are reportedly variable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due partly to definition criteria. This review aimed to identify the criteria used to diagnose sarcopenia and the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on health outcomes in people with COPD. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018092576). Five electronic databases were searched to August 2018 to identify studies related to sarcopenia and COPD. Study quality was assessed using validated instruments matched to study designs. Sarcopenia prevalence was determined using authors' definitions. Comparisons were made between people who did and did not have sarcopenia for pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, muscle strength, gait speed, physical activity levels, inflammation/oxidative stress, and mortality. Twenty‐three studies (70% cross‐sectional) from Europe (10), Asia (9), and North and South America (4) involving 9637 participants aged ≥40 years were included (69.5% men). Sarcopenia criteria were typically concordant with recommendations of hEuropean and Asian consensus bodies. Overall sarcopenia prevalence varied from 15.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.8–19.1; combined muscle mass, strength, and/or physical performance criteria] to 34% (95%CI 20.6–47.3; muscle mass criteria alone) (P = 0.009 between subgroups) and was greater in people with more severe [37.6% (95%CI 24.8–50.4)] versus less severe [19.1% (95%CI 10.2–28.0)] lung disease (P = 0.020), but similar between men [41.0% (95%CI 26.2–55.9%)] and women [31.9% (95%CI 7.0–56.8%)] (P = 0.538). People with sarcopenia had lower predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (mean difference −7.1%; 95%CI −9.0 to −5.1%) and poorer exercise tolerance (standardized mean difference −0.8; 95%CI −1.4 to −0.2) and quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.26; 95%CI 0.2–0.4) compared with those who did not (P < 0.001 for all). No clear relationship was observed between sarcopenia and inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarkers. Incident mortality was unreported in the literature. Sarcopenia is prevalent in a significant proportion of people with COPD and negatively impacts upon important clinical outcomes. Opportunities exist to optimize its early detection and management and to evaluate its impact on mortality in this patient group.
Data resource profile: JMDC claims databases sourced from Medical Institutions
Authors: Nagai Katsuhiko , Tanaka Takashi , Kodaira Norihisa , Kimura Shinya , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo
Published: August 2020

JMDC, Inc. (JMDC) has created a database, using data collected from medical institutions in Japan, consisting of claims (for hospitalization and outpatient treatment), diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) assessment forms, and clinical laboratory test values. The oldest data in this database that can be accessed relate to treatment in April 2014. Currently (the end of October 2019), the number of medical institutions is 218, consisting of 131 DPC‐eligible hospitals and 87 DPC‐ineligible hospitals. Using this database, it is possible to carry out an analysis that makes up for certain limitations of JMDC's another database of data from health insurance societies (eg, the disease status and test results cannot be ascertained, and there is insufficient access to data for elderly people). In addition, it is noteworthy that this database includes not only data from DPC‐eligible hospitals but also data from some DPC‐ineligible hospitals.
Convenient synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5‐b][1,5]benzothiazepines
Authors: Nikpour Mohsen , Hasanzadeh Neda
Published: August 2020

Reaction of 4,6‐dichloropyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehyde with amines in chloroform gave 4‐(substitutedamino)‐6‐chloro‐pyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehydes derivatives at low temperature. Treatment of the latter products with 2‐aminobenzenethiol in alkaline benzene and then in boiling acetonitrile gave a novel group of 11H‐pyrimido[4,5‐b][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives. Structures of the products confirmed by 1HNMR, IR, and mass spectra.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and docking study of new acridine‐9‐carboxamide linked to 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives as antidiabetic agents targeting α‐glucosidase
Authors: Asgari Mohammad S. , Tahmasebi Behnam , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad A. , Rahimi Rahmatollah , Ranjbar Parviz R. , Biglar Mahmood , Larijani Bagher , Rastegar Hossein , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: August 2020

A new series of acridine‐9‐carboxamide‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives 7a‐m were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as novel α‐glucosidase inhibitors. Acridine‐9‐carboxamide‐1,2,3‐triazole scaffold has been designed by combination of effective moieties from potent α‐glucosidase inhibitors. Most of the synthesized compounds were more potent than standard inhibitor acarbose. Among the title compounds, the most potent compounds were compounds 7j, 7k, and 7a with IC50 values of 120.2 ± 1.0, 151.1 ± 1.4, and 157.6 ± 1.6 μM, respectively (IC50 value of acarbose = 750.0 ± 10.0 μM). Docking study of the most potent compounds demonstrated that these compounds formed stable complexes with α‐glucosidase active site. Anti‐α‐amylase assay of compounds 7j, 7k, and 7a was performed and no activity was observed. in vitro cytotoxicity assay of the latter compounds revealed that these compounds were not cytotoxic toward human normal (HDF) and cancer (MCF‐7) cell lines. ADME and toxicity prediction of compounds 7j, 7k, and 7a were also performed.
Nomograms for predicting overall survival and cancer‐specific survival of chondroblastic osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Gao Zhongyang , Zhou Songlin , Song Hui , Wang Yiqun , He Xijing
Published: August 2020

Background

The establishment of precise and personalized prediction systems for chondroblastic osteosarcoma patients is important for guiding the treatment.

Methods

The univariate logrank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Nomograms were constructed to estimate the OS and CSS based on these factors. Internal and external validation was performed. The predictive power of the nomograms was determined by C‐index and calibration plots.

Results

A total of 401 chondroblastic osteosarcoma cases were identified. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that age at diagnosis, histological grade, tumor size, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results stage, and surgical resection were independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS. The five factors were incorporated to construct the nomograms for estimating the 3‐ and 5‐year OS and CSS. The C‐index values for the internal validation of the OS and CSS nomogram were 0.732 and 0.746, respectively, and for the external validation were 0.780 and 0.808, respectively. The calibration curves revealed that the predicted OS and CSS could well match the actual survival rate.

Conclusions

The nomograms for predicting 3‐ and 5‐year OS and CSS were constructed and were proved to be accurate and reliable by the internal and external validation.
RETRACTED: Forensic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of one branch of Tai‐Kadai language‐speaking Hainan Hlai (Ha Hlai) via 23 autosomal STRs included in the Huaxia™ Platinum System
Authors: Li Wenhui , Wang Xianwen , Wang Xiehong , Wang Fenfen , Du Zhengming , Fu Fangshu , Wu Wenlong , Wang Shuya , Mu Ziqing , Chen Chunwei , Hu Xiaomin , Ding Jiuyang , Meng Yunle , Qiu Pingming , Fan Haoliang
Published: August 2020

Background

Hainan Island, located in the South China Sea and separated from the Leizhou Peninsula by Qiongzhou Strait, is the second largest island after Taiwan in China. With the expansion of Han Chinese and the gradual formation of “South Hlai and North Han”, nowadays, Hainan Hlai is the second largest population after Han Chinese in Hainan Island. Ha Hlai, distributed in southwest and southern Hainan Island, is the dominant branch of Hlai and speaks Ha localism.

Methods

We utilized the Huaxia™ Platinum PCR Amplification System (including 23 autosomal STRs and 2 sex‐linked markers) to obtain the first STR profiling batch of 657 Ha Hlai individuals (497 males and 160 females). In order to explore the genetic relationships between the studied Ha Hlai and other reference populations with different language families, population genetic analyses, including PCA, MDS, STRUCTURE, and phylogenetic analysis, were conducted based upon the raw data and allelic frequencies of the polymorphic autosomal STR markers.

Results

In total, 271 distinct alleles were observed at the 23 STR loci. The number of diverse alleles ranged from 7 at TPOX locus to 23 at FGA locus, and the allelic frequencies varied from 0.0008 to 0.5533. In addition, the CPE and CPD were 1‐7.39 × 10−10 and 1‐3.13 × 10−28, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that Ha Hlai is a Tai‐Kadai language‐speaking and relatively isolated population which has a close genetic and geographical relationship with Hainan Hlai, and M95 is the dominant haplogroup in Ha Hlai (56.18%).

Conclusion

The 23 autosomal STR genetic markers were highly polymorphic as well as potentially useful for forensic applications in Hainan Ha Hlai population. The phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that small geographic scale gene flows could not be ignored and the shaping of the unique gene pool for each population was the combination effects of geographic, language, and cultural isolations.
Surface brachytherapy: Joint report of the AAPM and the GEC‐ESTRO Task Group No. 253
Authors: Fulkerson Regina K. , Perez‐Calatayud Jose , Ballester Facundo , Buzurovic Ivan , Kim Yongbok , Niatsetski Yury , Ouhib Zoubir , Pai Sujatha , Rivard Mark J. , Rong Yi , Siebert Frank‐André , Thomadsen Bruce R. , Weigand Frank
Published: August 2020

The surface brachytherapy Task Group report number 253 discusses the common treatment modalities and applicators typically used to treat lesions on the body surface. Details of commissioning and calibration of the applicators and systems are discussed and examples are given for a risk‐based analysis approach to the quality assurance measures that are necessary to consider when establishing a surface brachytherapy program.
Profiles of depression in a treatment‐seeking Hispanic population: Psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9
Authors: Killian Michael O. , Sanchez Katherine , Eghaneyan Brittany H. , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Trivedi Madhukar H.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Screening instruments can be powerful tools in assisting primary care providers with detecting depression in their patients and monitoring treatment response. Health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities result from inaccurate assessment in primary care.

Methods

The current study used baseline data from two federally funded research studies of treatment for depression among Hispanics in primary care. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was administered at baseline prior to the study interventions, and 499 participants provided responses.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses found excellent factor validity for the PHQ‐9, yet reliability remained poor. Possible heterogeneity in depressive item scores was examined, and latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles of PHQ‐9 responses. Profiles included a lower depression, moderate/somatization, moderate/negative self‐view, and severe depression profiles. Results indicate modest support for the PHQ‐9 and its use among Hispanics for the purpose of depression screening.

Conclusion

Capturing four profiles of depression in a large primary care sample helps characterize the manifestation of depression in a Hispanic population. The single item related to fatigue had the greatest variation across groups indicating it might be useful as a screening item. Inadequate evaluation of symptoms could lead to significant under identification of the disorder among Hispanics.
Review of Preterm Human‐Milk Nutrient Composition
Authors: Gates Amy , Marin Terri , Leo Gianluca De , Stansfield Brian K.
Published: August 2020

Background

The human milk–fed preterm infant is at risk for growth failure, micronutrient deficiencies, and neurocognitive delay. Although protective and better tolerated than formula, human milk alone cannot meet the high nutrient requirements of this population, and fortification is necessary. Clinicians use assumptions of preterm human‐milk composition to determine the type and quantity of fortification.

Objectives

The objectives of this review were to identify evidence of macronutrient and micronutrient concentration in preterm human milk and to identify knowledge gaps regarding composition.

Methods

PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were used to identify original articles published between January 1950 and December 2019.

Results

Twenty‐seven articles were found containing original data on macronutrients and micronutrients. Most (67%) of the studies published after 2011 measured the macronutrients and included gestational ages from 28 to 36 weeks. Milk collection methods, experimental design, and analytical methods varied between studies. There are 15 countries represented in this review; all of the American studies (n = 7) were published from 1980 to 1984.

Conclusions

African American women, or women delivering before 28 weeks’ gestation are not represented in the literature. Accurate and targeted human‐milk fortification depends on comprehensive, complete, and representative human‐milk nutrient data. We have aggregated all available preterm human‐milk macronutrient and micronutrient data and reported trends associated with lactation stage and gestational age. This report can aid in the design of feeding plans that are appropriate for the gestational age of the preterm infant and the lactation stage of the breastmilk.