bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The meninges enhance leukaemia survival in cerebral spinal fluid
Authors: Basile Patrick , Jonart Leslie M. , Ebadi Maryam , Johnson Kimberly , Kerfeld Morgan , Gordon Peter M.
Published: January 2020

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is a common cause of treatment failure in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) despite current CNS‐directed therapies that are also associated with significant short‐ and long‐term toxicities. Herein, we showed that leukaemia cells exhibit decreased proliferation, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased cell death in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) both in vitro and in vivo. However, interactions between leukaemia and meningeal cells mitigated these adverse effects. This work expands our understanding of the pathophysiology of CNS leukaemia and suggests novel therapeutic approaches for more effectively targeting leukaemia cells in the CNS.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded latent membrane protein 1 promotes extracellular vesicle secretion through syndecan‐2 and synaptotagmin‐like‐4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Liao Chaoliang , Zhou Qin , Zhang Zhibao , Wu Xia , Zhou Zhuan , Li Bo , Peng Jinwu , Shen Liangfang , Li Dan , Luo Xiangjian , Yang Lifang
Published: January 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in cancer cell‐to‐cell communication. The Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is closely associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) pathogenesis, can trigger multiple cell signaling pathways that affect cell progression. Several reports have shown that LMP1 promotes EV secretion, and LMP1 trafficking by EVs can enhances cancer progression and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism by which LMP1 promotes EV secretion is not well understood. In the present study, we found that LMP1 promotes EV secretion by upregulated syndecan‐2 (SDC2) and synaptotagmin‐like‐4 (SYTL4) through nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling in NPC cells. Further study indicated that SDC2 interacted with syntenin, which promoted the formation of the EVs, and SYTL4 is associated with the release of EVs. Moreover, we found that stimulation of EV secretion by LMP1 can enhance the proliferation and invasion ability of recipient NPC cells and tumor growth in vivo. In summary, we found a new mechanism by which LMP1 upregulates SDC2 and SYTL4 through NF‐κB signaling to promote EV secretion, and further enhance cancer progression of NPC.
Cancer‐derived immunoglobulin G: A novel marker for differential diagnosis and relapse prediction in parathyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cui Ming , Hu Ya , Zheng Bang , Zhang Shenghua , Zhang Xiang , Wang Mengyi , Qiu Xiao‐Yan , Liao Quan , Zhao Yu‐Pei
Published: January 2020

Objective

A differential diagnosis between malignant and benign parathyroid lesions is difficult due to their overlapping clinicopathological characteristics. As such, molecular markers are urgently needed. Cancer‐derived immunoglobulin G (CIgG) is a novel molecule playing important roles in carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of CIgG in parathyroid neoplasms.

Patients

Fifty patients with parathyroid carcinoma (PC), 50 patients with parathyroid adenoma (PA) and 9 patients with parathyroid hyperplasia (PH) were retrospectively enrolled in the current study.

Measurements

Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CIgG expression in these patients. The performance of CIgG expression in the differential diagnosis between parathyroid lesions was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The associations between CIgG expression and clinical outcomes were also analysed by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The expression level of CIgG was significantly higher in PC patients than in PA or PH patients (P < .001). CIgG expression discriminated PC from PA or PH, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 (76% sensitivity and 88% specificity). High CIgG expression was significantly associated with worse disease‐free survival (DFS) in PC patients (P = .018) and was validated as an independent risk factor for DFS in the multivariable Cox regression analysis (P = .002).

Conclusions

The ability of CIgG expression both in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign parathyroid lesions and in the prognosis prediction for PC was shown in the present study. CIgG might be used as a novel biomarker of parathyroid lesions in future clinical practice.
Resistance variation of conductive ink applied by the screen printing technique on different substrates
Authors: Gomes Pedro , Tama Derya , Carvalho Hélder , Souto António Pedro
Published: January 2020

This research study focuses on the application of conductive ink by the screen printing technique to evaluate the potential of creating printed electrodes and to investigate the effect of washing upon electrical resistance and flexibility. Two conductive inks were applied by a conventional screen printing method on four different textile substrates, 100% cotton, 50%/50% cotton/polyester, 100% polyester and 100% polyamide. The inks were also applied on a multifibre fabric. Atmospheric plasma treatment was applied to improve the adhesion to the samples, and the resistance values were compared with those of non‐treated samples. The values were measured before and after cleaning and washing tests, which were performed to simulate domestic treatment for garments to predict the behaviour of the inks after normal usage of the fabrics. Comfort properties like stiffness of the fabrics were also evaluated after five and 10 washing cycles. It was observed that PE 825 ink forms a thicker film on the fabric surface, contributing to the loss of flexibility of the textile. However, PE 825 ink also produced the best results in terms of durability and lower values of resistance. Polyamide fabrics lost their conductive property after five washing cycles due to weak bonding between the ink and the fibres, whereas cotton fibres provided the best results.
Family and household structure are associated with acute type 1 diabetes complications: results of cross‐sectional analyses
Authors: Baechle C. , Stahl‐Pehe A. , Castillo K. , Gontscharuk V. , Holl R. W. , Rosenbauer J.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To examine the association of family/household structure with short‐term diabetes complications in adolescents and emerging adults with early‐onset type 1 diabetes in more detail.

Methods

Data on 1690 11–21‐year‐olds with type 1 diabetes were used to estimate associations of family/household structure with self‐reported severe hypoglycaemia, hospitalizations for severe hypoglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, applying multiple negative binomial regression.

Results

Compared with living with both biological parents living with a single mother was associated with an increased rate of hospitalizations for ketoacidosis (incidence rate ratio 1.71, 95% CI 1.00–2.82). Incidence rate ratio of hospitalizations for ketoacidosis was similar (1.67, 95% CI 0.91–3.07) if the mother lived with a partner, however, hypoglycaemia‐related hospitalizations increased (3.66, 95% CI 1.54–8.71). Participants living with a single father had 4.43 (95% CI 1.30–15.05) /10.42 (95% CI 1.55–70.22) times higher rates of severe hypoglycaemia and related hospitalizations, while living with a father and his partner was associated with an increased incidence rate ratio of hospitalizations for ketoacidosis (3.48, 95% CI 0.96–12.63) compared with living with both biological parents.

Conclusions

Findings of our exploratory analyses point to different self‐reported diabetes outcomes depending on the family/household structure. If confirmed in future studies, they may help to identify young people with diabetes at risk of short‐term diabetes complications.
Qualitative analysis of the Meals, Mindfulness, & Moving Forward (M3) lifestyle programme: Cultivating a ‘safe space’ to start on a ‘new path’ for youth with early episode psychosis
Authors: Thompson Andie , Senders Angela , Seibel Celeste , Usher Craigan , Borgatti Alena , Bodden Katheryn , Calabrese Carlo , Hagen Kirsten , David Jason , Bourdette Dennis , Shinto Lynne
Published: January 2020

Aim

The Meals, Mindfulness, & Moving Forward (M3) programme included nutrition education, hands‐on cooking classes, mindfulness meditation practice, physical activities and facilitated group sharing. M3 was designed as a supplement to standard care for youths (age 15‐25 years) with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) who were clients of coordinated specialty care teams. M3's primary aim was feasibility by demonstrating high programme attendance; secondary aims included cardiometabolic measures. Data collection included quantitative and qualitative outcomes. The aim of the qualitative study was to understand participants' and study partners' experiences during the programme and to understand programme elements that were helpful for young people to sustain healthy lifestyle choices 6 weeks post‐programme.

Methods

During the last programme session, we conducted two focus groups, one with participants (n = 13) and one with their study partners (n = 11); 6 weeks post‐intervention, individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed; grounded theory methods guided thematic analysis.

Results

Main themes from the focus groups included appreciation for a ‘non‐stigmatizing’ environment providing participants and study partners with a sense of ‘dignity’ that enabled a ‘new path’. Six weeks post‐intervention, participants reported continued use of mindfulness practice to stay grounded and assist with making healthful lifestyle changes. However, many were unsure of how to sustain these changes long‐term.

Conclusion

The results suggest that young people with FEP value a non‐stigmatizing space that allows for social engagement and facilitates healthy behaviours. Short‐term, M3 participants reported behaviour change but wanted on‐going support to sustain healthy behaviours.
Estimating the wetting branch of the soil water retention curve from grain‐size fractions
Authors: Liao Kaihua , Lai Xiaoming , Jiang Sanyuan , Zhu Qing
Published: January 2020

The development of a theoretical method for estimating the wetting branch of the soil water retention curve (SWRC) is required for knowledge of the soil infiltration process. The aim of this study was to derive the theoretical functions to represent the wetting branch of the SWRC based on the Jensen method, and then compare the Jensen method and Kool & Parker (KP87) model for estimating the wetting branch of the SWRC. Fifteen soil samples with varying basic properties (e.g., grain‐size distribution and bulk density (BD)) were selected from the Unsaturated Soil Hydraulic Database (UNSODA) to test these two methods. Results showed that the Jensen method (root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.057 cm3 cm−3) produced a substantially better performance in predicting the wetting branch of the SWRC than the KP87 (RMSE = 0.089 cm3 cm−3) for the 15 samples. The range of the scaled mean bias error (SMBE) between the Jensen method‐predicted and measured soil water contents at all pressure heads was −0.529 to 0.402. A positive linear relationship between the SMBE and silt content was observed for the Jensen method. The findings of this study have practical significance for simulating the soil infiltration in the unsaturated zone.
Rutinosidase from Aspergillus niger: crystal structure and insight into the enzymatic activity
Authors: Pachl Petr , Kapešová Jana , Brynda Jiří , Biedermannová Lada , Pelantová Helena , Bojarová Pavla , Křen Vladimír , Řezáčová Pavlína , Kotik Michael
Published: January 2020

Rutinosidases (α‐l‐rhamnosyl‐β‐d‐glucosidases) catalyze the cleavage of the glycosidic bond between the aglycone and the disaccharide rutinose (α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranose) of specific flavonoid glycosides such as rutin (quercetin 3‐O‐rutinoside). Microbial rutinosidases are part of the rutin catabolic pathway, enabling the microorganism to utilize rutin and related plant phenolic glycosides. Here, we report the first three‐dimensional structure of a rutinosidase determined at 1.27‐Å resolution. The rutinosidase from Aspergillus niger K2 (AnRut), a member of glycoside hydrolase family GH‐5, subfamily 23, was heterologously produced in Pichia pastoris. The X‐ray structure of AnRut is represented by a distorted (β/α)8 barrel fold with its closest structural homologue being an exo‐β‐(1,3)‐glucanase from Candida albicans (CaExg). The catalytic site is located in a deep pocket with a striking structural similarity to CaExg. However, the entrance to the active site of AnRut has been found to be different from that of CaExg – a mostly unstructured section of ~ 40 residues present in CaExg is missing in AnRut, whereas an additional loop of 13 amino acids partially covers the active site of AnRut. NMR analysis of reaction products provided clear evidence for a retaining reaction mechanism of AnRut. Unexpectedly, quercetin 3‐O‐glucoside was found to be a better substrate than rutin, and thus, AnRut cannot be considered a typical diglycosidase. Mutational analysis of conserved active site residues in combination with in silico modeling allowed identification of essential interactions for enzyme activity and helped to reveal further details of substrate binding. The protein sequence of AnRut has been revised.

Databases

The nucleotide sequence of the rutinosidase‐encoding gene is available in the GenBank database under the accession number MN393234. Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession number 6I1A.

Enzyme

α‐l‐Rhamnosyl‐β‐d‐glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.168).
Changes in soil greenhouse gas fluxes by land use change from primary forest
Authors: Han Mengguang , Zhu Biao
Published: January 2020

Primary forest conversion is a worldwide serious problem associated with human disturbance and climate change. Land use change from primary forest to plantation, grassland or agricultural land may lead to profound alteration in the emission of soil greenhouse gases (GHG). Here, we conducted a global meta‐analysis concerning the effects of primary forest conversion on soil GHG emissions and explored the potential mechanisms from 101 studies. Our results showed that conversion of primary forest significantly decreased soil CO2 efflux and increased soil CH4 efflux, but had no effect on soil N2O efflux. However, the effect of primary forest conversion on soil GHG emissions was not consistent across different types of land use change. For example, soil CO2 efflux did not respond to the conversion from primary forest to grassland. Soil N2O efflux showed a prominent increase within the initial stage after conversion of primary forest and then decreased over time while the responses of soil CO2 and CH4 effluxes were consistently negative or positive across different elapsed time intervals. Moreover, either within or across all types of primary forest conversion, the response of soil CO2 efflux was mainly moderated by changes in soil microbial biomass carbon and root biomass while the responses of soil N2O and CH4 effluxes were related to the changes in soil nitrate and soil aeration‐related factors (soil water content and bulk density), respectively. Collectively, our findings highlight the significant effects of primary forest conversion on soil GHG emissions, enhance our knowledge on the potential mechanisms driving these effects and improve future models of soil GHG emissions after land use change from primary forest.
Towards English as an international language: The evolving ELT curricula and textbooks in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Jim Yee Him
Published: January 2020

This study sought to investigate the impact of world Englishes (WE) and English as a lingua franca (ELF) research on Hong Kong's ELT curricula and textbooks over the past four decades in three areas: (1) language standards, norms and models; (2) language and intercultural awareness; and (3) strategies for international communication. Based on qualitative and quantitative content analysis, the findings suggest that WE/ELF research has influenced Hong Kong's English language education mainly by accommodating to the changing role of English (from a colonial to international language) and the evolving language use contexts, but there has been little engagement with the pluricentric view of language varieties and variation. The paper offers suggestions to initiate changes that could better accommodate WE/ELF research in the gradual ELT development.
Impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Birdi Gurkiran , Cooke Richard , Knibb Rebecca C.
Published: January 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can affect quality of life (QoL) of adult patients in whom the condition can be severe and persistent. There are currently no systematic reviews of the impact of AD on adults. This paper provides the first systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of the impact of AD on QoL in adults. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published until October 2018. Inclusion criteria were a clinical diagnosis of AD, adult patients, and QoL as an outcome measure. Interventions were excluded. A total of 32 studies were included. While QoL was assessed using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in 25 studies, there was heterogeneity in the tools used to measure disease severity across studies. Meta‐analysis of the seven studies that used the SCORAD to measure disease severity showed severity to be significantly related to poorer QoL. The remaining 18 studies also showed increased disease severity significantly related to poorer QoL. When compared to healthy controls, AD patients demonstrated significantly lower QoL, but findings were mixed in studies that compared QoL in AD to other skin conditions. The findings highlight the significant impact that AD has on QoL in adults and the need for validated and relevant QoL measures to be implemented in clinical assessments for AD. Areas that require further research include an exploration of gender differences in QoL and the use of longitudinal study designs to explore factors that may cause differences in QoL ratings.
Standardization of a compensation matrix for the use in an ISHAGE‐based single‐platform for CD34+ stem cell quantitation on the FACSVia™ flow cytometer
Authors: Matos Daniel Mazza
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Becton Dickinson (BD) FACSVia™ is a recently developed flow cytometer with which worldwide clinical experience is limited. Recently, our center started using the single‐platform BD Stem Cell Kit (BD SCE) for the quantitation of viable CD34+ (7‐aminoactinomycin D—7‐AAD—negative cells) on a BD FACSVia™. Currently, there are no formal recommendations for the fluorescence compensation of 7‐AAD in this scenario.

Methods

A 3‐color fluorescence compensation matrix (“Optimized BD CS&T”) was standardized based on the fluorescence of 7‐AAD in samples of 27 individuals. The “Optimized BD CS&T” was compared with manual compensation (predicated method) and BD CS&T beads.

Results

The analysis of the viable CD34+ cells/mm3 showed a very strong correlation between the manual compensation versus “Optimized BD CS&T” (r = 1.00) and manual versus BD CS&T (r = .99). The analysis of CD34+ viability (%) showed a very strong correlation for manual versus “Optimized BD CS&T” (r = .99). However, for manual versus BD CS&T, the correlation was inferior (r = .86). For viable CD34+ cells/mm3, Bland‐Altman plots showed a better concordance between manual and “Optimized BD CS&T” than between manual and BD CS&T. For CD34+ viability (%), the concordance was very good between manual and “Optimized BD CS&T”, while there was a poor concordance between manual and BD CS&T.

Conclusion

“Optimized BD CS&T” matrix proved to be more precise than the conventional BD CS&T beads. The “Optimized BD CS&T” matrix can be used along with BD SCE kit on BD FACSVia™ flow cytometers.
Business students’ experiences of technology tools and applications in higher education
Authors: Dowling‐Hetherington Linda , Glowatz Matt , McDonald Elanor , Dempsey Audrey
Published: January 2020

There has been much debate about the increasing use of technology in all learning, training and development contexts. In the case of higher education, although technology may not have fundamentally changed teaching practices, students report how several technologies and applications help with their learning, research and collaborative activities. Through a survey of business students at an Irish university, this paper examines their expectations and experiences of faculty usage of technology tools and applications. Although, on the surface, the findings provide some degree of confidence that students’ expectations of technology usage are being met, students would, nonetheless, like to see faculty make even greater, and more effective, use of technology in the classroom. The study provides faculty with examples from students of technology usage that supports their learning and these examples may be useful for faculty when designing and delivering their courses. Beyond the higher education context, the research highlights some broader practical implications for training and development in a corporate setting.
A joint effort: The interplay between the innate and the adaptive immune system in Lyme arthritis
Authors: Brouwer Michelle A. E. , van de Schoor Freek R. , Vrijmoeth Hedwig D. , Netea Mihai G. , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: January 2020

Articular joints are a major target of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme arthritis. Despite antibiotic treatment, recurrent or persistent Lyme arthritis is observed in a significant number of patients. The host immune response plays a crucial role in this chronic arthritic joint complication of Borrelia infections. During the early stages of B. burgdorferi infection, a major hinder in generating a proper host immune response is the lack of induction of a strong adaptive immune response. This may lead to a delayed hyperinflammatory reaction later in the disease. Several mechanisms have been suggested that might be pivotal for the development of Lyme arthritis and will be highlighted in this review, from molecular mimicry of matrix metallopeptidases and glycosaminoglycans, to autoimmune responses to live bacteria, or remnants of Borrelia spirochetes in joints. Murine studies have suggested that the inflammatory responses are initiated by innate immune cells, but this does not exclude the involvement of the adaptive immune system in this dysregulated immune profile. Genetic predisposition, via human leukocyte antigen‐DR isotype and microRNA expression, has been associated with the development of antibiotic‐refractory Lyme arthritis. Yet the ultimate cause for (antibiotic‐refractory) Lyme arthritis remains unknown. Complex processes of different immune cells and signaling cascades are involved in the development of Lyme arthritis. When these various mechanisms are fully been unraveled, new treatment strategies can be developed to target (antibiotic‐refractory) Lyme arthritis more effectively.
Does any mother’s body odor stimulate interest in mother’s face in 4‐month‐old infants?
Authors: Durand Karine , Schaal Benoist , Goubet Nathalie , Lewkowicz David J. , Baudouin Jean‐Yves
Published: January 2020

Little is known about the effects of olfaction on visual processing during infancy. We investigated whether and how an infant's own mother's body odor or another mother's body odor affects 4‐month‐old infants’ looking at their mother's face when it is paired with a stranger's face. In Experiment 1, infants were exposed to their mother's body odor or to a control odor, while in Experiment 2, infants were exposed to a stranger mother's body odor while their visual preferences were recorded. Results revealed that infants looked more at the stranger's female face in presence of the control odor but that they looked more at their mother's face in the context of any mother's body odors. This effect was due to a reduction of looking at the stranger's face. These findings suggest that infants react similarly to the body odor of any mother and add to the growing body of evidence indicating that olfactory stimulation represents a pervasive aspect of infant multisensory perception.
The Modal Age of Statistics
Authors: Chacón José E.
Published: January 2020

Recently, a number of statistical problems have found an unexpected solution by inspecting them through a ‘modal point of view'. These include classical tasks such as clustering or regression. This has led to a renewed interest in estimation and inference for the mode. This paper offers an extensive survey of the traditional approaches to mode estimation and explores the consequences of applying this modern modal methodology to other, seemingly unrelated, fields.
Genetic characterization of influenza A(H3N2) viruses circulating in coastal Kenya, 2009‐2017
Authors: Owuor D. Collins , Ngoi Joyce M. , Otieno James R. , Otieno Grieven P. , Nyasimi Festus M. , Nyiro Joyce U. , Agoti Charles N. , Chaves Sandra S. , Nokes D. James
Published: January 2020

Background

Influenza viruses evolve rapidly and undergo immune driven selection, especially in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. We report amino acid changes affecting antigenic epitopes and receptor‐binding sites of A(H3N2) viruses circulating in Kilifi, Kenya, from 2009 to 2017.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to generate A(H3N2) virus genomic data from influenza‐positive specimens collected from hospital admissions and health facility outpatients presenting with acute respiratory illness to health facilities within the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Full‐length HA sequences were utilized to characterize A(H3N2) virus genetic and antigenic changes.

Results

From 186 (90 inpatient and 96 outpatient) influenza A virus‐positive specimens processed, 101 A(H3N2) virus whole genomes were obtained. Among viruses identified in inpatient specimens from 2009 to 2015, divergence of circulating A(H3N2) viruses from the vaccine strains A/Perth/16/2009, A/Texas/50/2012, and A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 formed 6 genetic clades (A/Victoria/208/2009‐like, 3B, 3C, 3C.2a, 4, and 7). Among viruses identified in outpatient specimens from 2015 to 2017, divergence of circulating A(H3N2) viruses from vaccine strain A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 formed clade 3C.2a, subclades 3C.2a2 and 3C.2a3, and subgroup 3C.2a1b. Several amino acid substitutions were associated with the continued genetic evolution of A(H3N2) strains in circulation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest continuing evolution of currently circulating A(H3N2) viruses in Kilifi, coastal Kenya and suggest the need for continuous genetic and antigenic viral surveillance of circulating seasonal influenza viruses with broad geographic representation to facilitate prompt and efficient selection of influenza strains for inclusion in future influenza vaccines.
Optical temperature sensing and luminescent switching properties in Pr/Er‐doped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 materials
Authors: Zhu Yan , Li Xuefeng , Guo Zizhong , Sun Haiqin , Zhang Qiwei , Hao Xihong
Published: January 2020

For optical temperature sensing materials, the emission and excitation bands are extremely critical to measure the temperature by fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique. Singly Ln‐doped optical temperature sensing materials exhibit very few emission bands, which greatly constraints their practical applications of FIR technique. Here, the fabricated Pr/Er co‐doped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 materials exhibited multi‐color (red‐green) and dual‐mode (downshifting/upconversion) luminescence properties. The temperature sensitivity can be effectively tuned by choosing different emission or excitation bands. The optimized optical temperature sensitivity reached up to 0.0094 K−1, much higher than that of most temperature sensing materials. Besides, the samples also showed excellent luminescence modulation properties based on the photochromic reaction. Under sunlight irradiation, the luminescent switching contrast (ΔRt) of the samples reached more than 60%. These results may provide a guiding role in designing and modulating optical temperature sensing properties for multifunctional materials.
Security regulations, access to capital markets, and firm performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Kun , Wei Zhe , Xiao Xing , Sun Kunpeng
Published: January 2020

This study explores the cost of security regulations in China, where firms are required to meet a certain profitability benchmark before applying for permission to raise more equity via secondary equity offerings (SEOs). Using a difference‐in‐differences setting, we show that firms affected by the regulation (i.e., firms with high external financing demands (EFD) but profitability lower than the regulatory requirement) significantly underperform their counterparts, while unaffected firms do not. The affected firms’ performance decline increases (decreases) when the requirement of profitability is more (less) restricted. Consistently, the three‐day cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of firms with high EFD is significantly negative (positive) when the regulation is tightened (loosened). Our study provides evidence on how the cost of regulation affects companies that have growth opportunities.
The functions and targets of miR‐212 as a potential biomarker of cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Song Jing , Bian Hongjun , Yang Xia , Xie Xiaoyu , Zhu Qiang , Qin Chengyong , Qi Jianni
Published: January 2020

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide. An increasing number of researchers are studying the diagnosis, therapy and mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer. The study of noncoding RNA has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It was found that frequent alterations of miRNA expression not only have various functions in cancer but also that miRNAs can act as clinical markers of diagnosis, stage and progression of cancer. MiR‐212 is an important example of miRNAs involved in cancer. According to recent studies, miR‐212 may serve as an oncogene or tumour suppressor by influencing different targets or pathways during the oncogenesis and the development and metastasis of cancer. Its deregulation may serve as a marker for the diagnosis or prognosis of cancer. In addition, it was recently reported that miR‐212 was related to the sensitivity or resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Here, we summarize the current understanding of miR‐212 functions in cancer by describing the relevant signalling pathways and targets. The role of miR‐212 as a biomarker and its therapeutic potential in cancer is also described. The aim of this review was to identify new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.
Aminooxyacetic acid attenuates post‐infarct cardiac dysfunction by balancing macrophage polarization through modulating macrophage metabolism in mice
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhou Wenjing , Zhang Yanxia , Li Jingjing , Zhao Ye , Pan Lihua , Shen Zhenya , Chen Weiqian , Hui Jie
Published: January 2020

Excessive activation of pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages following acute myocardial infarction (MI) aggravates adverse cardiac remodelling and heart dysfunction. There are two break points in the tricarboxylic acid cycle of M1 macrophages, and aspartate‐arginosuccinate shunt compensates them. Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) is an inhibitor of aspartate aminotransferase in the aspartate‐arginosuccinate shunt. Previous studies showed that manipulating macrophage metabolism may control macrophage polarization and inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of AOAA on macrophage metabolism and polarization and heart function after MI. In vitro, AOAA inhibited lactic acid and glycolysis and enhanced ATP levels in classically activated M1 macrophages. Besides, AOAA restrained pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages and promoted anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype. In vivo, MI mice were treated with AOAA or saline for three consecutive days. Remarkably, AOAA administration effectively inhibited the proportion of M1 macrophages and boosted M2‐like phenotype, which subsequently attenuated infarct size as well as improved post‐MI cardiac function. Additionally, AOAA attenuated NLRP3‐Caspase1/IL‐1β activation and decreased the release of IL‐6 and TNF‐α pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reciprocally increased IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory cytokine level in both ischaemic myocardium and M1 macrophages. In conclusion, short‐term AOAA treatment significantly improves cardiac function in mice with MI by balancing macrophage polarization through modulating macrophage metabolism and inhibiting NLRP3‐Caspase1/IL‐1β pathway.
Assessing genotypes to predict therapeutic outcome in psoriasis
Authors: Eyerich K.
Published: January 2020

Linked article: L.J. van Vugt et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 112–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15787.
Effect of sprouting temperature on selected properties of wheat flour and direct expanded extrudates
Authors: Krapf Julia , Ding Linda , Brühan Juliane , Lorimer Luisa , Walther Goeran , Flöter Eckhard
Published: January 2020

The effect of the sprouting temperature on wheat sprouting and on the properties of expanded extrudates produced from sprouted wheat flour was studied. Therefore, wheat was sprouted at five different temperatures and subsequently dried, milled, and the resulting flour was used to produce extrudates using a twin‐screw extruder. In order to understand the sprouting temperature effect, the degree of sprouting (DoS) of the differently sprouted samples and characteristic properties of flour and extrudates were studied and compared. During sprouting of wheat with increasing temperature and time an increase of the α‐amylase activity, the vitamin C and reducing sugar content, and a decrease of the peak viscosity was observed. The greatest effect was found at 20°C. Furthermore, the lowering of the viscosity of the flour suspension results in a reduction of the pressure and temperature in the extruder die. The extrudates of sprouted wheat flour were found to be easier to break, had a lower density, an increased longitudinal expansion index, and an improved cold‐water solubility. A good correlation between the DoS and other properties of flour and extrudates was found, indicating a good predictive power and applicability of the DoS concept for wheat samples and their product development and specification.

Practical Application

The use of sprouted wheat flour for the production of extruded, direct expanded breakfast cereals is a promising opportunity to alter extrudate properties. Thereby, the sprouting temperature can be used as a means affecting the sprouted grain and extrudate properties intentionally and developing products being crunchier, and having an improved cold‐water solubility, a lower density, and a changed expansion behavior. Moreover, due to an increased amount of reducing sugars in sprouted flour, which is a result of an intense starch degradation during sprouting, less additional sugar is needed to produce sweet breakfast extrudates.
Application of gene chip technology in the diagnostic and drug resistance detection of Helicobacter pylori in children
Authors: Yin Guofeng , Bie Shuxian , Gu Hongdan , Shu Xiaoli , Zheng Wei , Peng Kerong , Zhao Hong , Li Fubang , Chen Bo , Botchway Benson O A , Fang Marong , Jiang Mizu
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Helicobacter pylori (HP) culture for diagnosing HP infection is time‐consuming and technologically complex. This study evaluated the clinical significance of gastric mucosal gene chip technology in the rapid diagnosis of HP infection and detection of drug resistance in children.

Methods

Patients (between the age of 2.5 and 16.0 years old) manifesting gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled in this study. HP culture of gastric mucosa and drug sensitivity test were performed. A gene chip of gastric mucosa was used to detect the presence of HP infection, some single nucleotide polymorphisms in HP drug resistance genes, or associated gene mutation. DNA sequencing was investigated and compared with the gene chip test results.

Results

Out of 267 cases, HP culture was positive in 169 cases and negative in 98 cases. HP detection by the gene chip method was positive in 208 cases and negative in 59 cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the gene chip technology for diagnosing HP infection were 96.1, 85.0, and 93.6%, respectively. HP resistance gene locus using the gene chip showed the main mutation locus of clarithromycin to be 2143A/G, levofloxacin at locus GyrA 91 and GyrA 87, and amoxicillin at PBP1 556ser. Concordance rates between gene chip and DNA sequencing for VacA‐S/M, 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, and GyrA were greater than 95%, and that of PBP1 was greater than 82%.

Conclusion

Gastric mucosal gene chip technology can be used for rapid diagnosis and drug resistance detection of HP infection in children.
Work–family conflict and psychophysical health conditions of nurses: Gender differences and moderating variables
Authors: Zurlo Maria Clelia , Vallone Federica , Smith Andrew P.
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study aims to investigate the associations of perceived work–family conflict with nurses' psychophysical health conditions, exploring gender differences and analyzing the potential moderating effects of perceived job control (skill discretion and decision authority), social support, and job satisfaction.

Methods

The study was carried out in five hospitals of the Italian Public Health Service. Participants were 450 nurses (206 men, 244 women). Self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Female nurses perceived significantly higher levels of work–family conflict, anxiety, depression and somatization. Significant gender differences emerged in the associations between work–family conflict and nurses' psychological health conditions and in moderating variables. Work–family conflict was significantly associated with anxiety and depression in male nurses and with somatization in both genders. The associations of work–family conflict with nurses' psychophysical health conditions were moderated by decision authority and job satisfaction, in male nurses, and by social support, in female nurses.

Conclusions

Findings suggest including gender‐specific moderating variables for defining tailored policies and interventions within healthcare organizations to reduce perceived work–family conflict and to promote nurses' wellbeing.
Sex differences in rapid nonclassical action of 17β‐oestradiol on intracellular signalling and oestrogen receptor α expression in basal forebrain cholinergic neurones in mouse
Authors: Kim SooHyun , Barad Zsuzsanna , Cheong Rachel Y. , Ábrahám István M.
Published: January 2020

Rapid nonclassical effects of 17β‐oestradiol (E2) on intracellular signalling have been identified in the basal forebrain, although the extent to which these actions may be different in males and females is unknown. Previous work has shown that E2 rapidly phosphorylates cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) via ΕRα in female cholinergic neurones. Using this indicator, the present study examined whether nonclassical actions of E2 occur in a sexually dimorphic manner within basal forebrain cholinergic neurones in mice. In addition, we investigated the expression and intracellular distribution of oestrogen receptor (ΕR)α in cholinergic neurones in female and male mice. Animals were gonadectomised and treated 2 weeks later with E2. The number of CREB‐expressing cholinergic neurones was not altered in any of the brain regions after E2 treatment in both males and females. However, E2 treatment rapidly (< 15 minutes) increased (P < 0.05) the number of cholinergic neurones expressing phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) in the substantia innominata and medial septum but not in the striatum in female mice. By contrast, E2 did not change pCREB expression in cholinergic neurones in male mice at any time point (15 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours), irrespective of the neuroanatomical location. We also observed that, in females, more cholinergic neurones expressed nuclear ΕRα in all regions, whereas males showed more cholinergic neurones with cytoplasmic or both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of ΕRα. Taken together, these results demonstrate a marked sex difference in the E2‐induced nonclassical effect and intracellular distribution of ΕRα in basal forebrain cholinergic neurones in vivo.
Intralesional injection of bleomycin in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum: A clinical study
Authors: Lin Xianzheng , Hu Hao , Qian Yuxin , Jie Xiang , Nie Bing , Zhao Yao‐Zhong , Wang Hui , Jiang Hua
Published: January 2020

Background

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is the most common type of cutaneous xanthoma and has been treated with intralesional injection of pingyangmycin effectively. However, bleomycin, which has the same effect in antitumor activity as pingyangmycin, has not been applied in the treatment of XP.

Aims

To explore and assess the treatment of xanthelasma by intralesional injection of bleomycin, which has been widely used as an antitumor antibiotic, for the replacement of pingyangmycin.

Methods

Intralesional injection of different concentrations of bleomycin was administered to 44 xanthelasma lesions of 24 patients who have never been treated before, divided into two groups according to age. Photographs were taken and analyzed to assess the therapeutic efficiency. Patients were then followed up for 6‐24 months.

Results

All the lesions resolved after 1 month of treatment with the intralesional injection of different concentrations of bleomycin. There was no significant difference observed between the two groups. No severe complications had occurred.

Conclusion

The treatment of XP with intralesional injection of bleomycin is minimally invasive, safe, and effective. Consequently, it also has good cosmetic outcome with no adverse effects.
L.E.A.P.ing into the cosmetic consult
Authors: Watchmaker Jacqueline , Kandula Prasanthi , Kaminer Michael S.
Published: January 2020

Establishing good rapport with patients is important during the initial consult, especially in aesthetic medicine. While experienced physicians develop expertise in cultivating a positive patient experience, younger physicians may benefit from some guidance. We describe the L.E.A.P (Listen, Educate and Empower, Align, Perform) method which may help guide young physicians through a successful cosmetic consult. In addition we will review the B.L.A.S.T (Believe, Listen, Apologize, Satisfy, Thank) method for dealing with unhappy patients.
The histone acetyltransferase hMOF promotes vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Poté Nicolas , Cros Jérôme , Laouirem Samira , Raffenne Jérôme , Negrão Magda , Albuquerque Miguel , Bedossa Pierre , Godinho Ferreira Miguel , Ait Si Ali Slimane , Fior Rita , Paradis Valérie
Published: January 2020

Background & Aims

Vascular invasion is a major prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously identified histone H4 acetylated at lysine 16 (H4K16ac), a histone modification involved in transcription activation, as a biomarker of microvascular invasion (mVI) in HCC. This study aimed to investigate the role of hMOF, the histone acetyltransferase responsible for H4K16 acetylation, in the process of vascular invasion in HCC.

Methods

hMOF expression was assessed by RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry in a retrospective series of HCC surgical samples, and correlated with the presence of mVI. The functional role of hMOF in HCC vascular invasion was investigated in vitro in HCC cell lines using siRNA, transcriptomic analysis and transwell invasion assay, and in vivo using a Zebrafish embryo xenograft model.

Results

We found that hMOF was significantly upregulated at the protein level in HCC with mVI, compared with HCC without mVI (P < .01). Transcriptomic analysis showed that hMOF downregulation in HCC cell line lead to significant downregulation of key genes and pathways involved in vascular invasion. These results were confirmed by transwell invasion assay, where hMOF downregulation significantly reduced HCC cells invasion. Finally, hMOF downregulation significantly reduced tumour cell intravasation and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results underpin a critical role for hMOF in vascular invasion in HCC, via transcription activation of key genes involved in this process. These data confirm the major role of epigenetic alterations in HCC progression, and pave the way for future therapies targeting hMOF in HCC.
Spoonfeeding is associated with increased infant weight but only amongst formula‐fed infants
Authors: Jones Sara Wyn , Lee Michelle , Brown Amy
Published: January 2020

Infant feeding experiences are important for the development of healthy weight gain trajectories. Evidence surrounding milk feeding and timing of introduction to solids is extensive; however, the impact of the method of introducing solids on infant growth has been relatively underexplored. Baby‐led weaning (where infants self‐feed family foods) is proposed to improve appetite regulation, leading to healthier weight gain and a reduced risk of obesity. However, the evidence is mixed and has methodological inconsistencies. Furthermore, despite milk being a large part of the infant diet during the period infants are introduced to solid foods, its influence and interaction with introductory style have not been considered. The aim of this study was to explore growth among infants aged 3–12 months according to both style of introduction to solid foods and milk feeding; 269 infants were weighed and measured, and body mass index (BMI) computed. The results showed that overall, infants who were spoon‐fed (compared with self‐fed) at introduction to complementary feeding (CF) had greater length (but not weight or BMI). However, when milk feeding was accounted for, we found that infants who were both spoon‐fed and fully formula fed had greater weight compared with spoon‐fed, breastfed infants. There was no significant difference in weight among self‐fed infants who were breastfed or formula fed. The results highlight the importance of considering infant feeding as a multicomponent experience in relation to growth, combining both milk feeding and method of CF. This relationship may be explained by differences in maternal feeding style or diet consumed.