bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGFβ‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer cells is mediated via TRPM7 expression
Authors: Sun Yuyang , Schaar Anne , Sukumaran Pramod , Dhasarathy Archana , Singh Brij B.
Published: March 2018

Growth factors, such as the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), play an important role in promoting metastasis of prostate cancer, thus understanding how TGFβ could induce prostate cancer cell migration may enable us to develop targeted strategies for treatment of advanced metastatic prostate cancer. To more clearly define the mechanism(s) involved in prostate cancer cell migration, we undertook a series of studies utilizing non‐malignant prostate epithelial cells RWPE1 and prostate cancer DU145 and PC3 cells. Our studies show that increased cell migration was observed in prostate cancer cells, which was mediated through epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, addition of Mg2+, but not Ca2+, increased cell migration. Furthermore, TRPM7 expression, which functions as an Mg2+ influx channel, was also increased in prostate cancer cells. Inhibition of TRPM7 currents by 2‐APB, significantly blocked cell migration in both DU145 and PC3 cells. Addition of growth factor TGFβ showed a further increase in cell migration, which was again blocked by the addition of 2‐APB. Importantly, TGFβ addition also significantly increased TRPM7 expression and function, and silencing of TRPM7 negated TGFβ‐induced cell migration along with a decrease in EMT markers showing loss of cell adhesion. Furthermore, resveratrol, which decreases prostate cancer cell migration, inhibited TRPM7 expression and function including TGFβ‐induced cell migration and activation of TRPM7 function. Together, these results suggest that Mg2+ influx via TRPM7 promotes cell migration by inducing EMT in prostate cancer cells and resveratrol negatively modulates TRPM7 function thereby inhibiting prostate cancer metastasis.
NDRG4 in gastric cancer determines tumor cell proliferation and clinical outcome
Authors: Zhang Zixi , She Junjun , Yang Jingyi , Bu Xin , Ji Gang , Zhu Shaojun , He Shuixiang , Chu Dake
Published: March 2018

As a novel candidate tumor suppressor, NDRG4 is largely unstudied in human malignancies. In this study, we investigated the protein expression level of NDRG4 in gastric cancer and its association with outcome of patients. In the present study, we recruited 286 patients with gastric cancer and investigated the protein and mRNA expression of NDRG4 in cancer and adjacent normal specimens by immunohistochemistry assay and real‐time PCR. The association of NDRG4 level with clinicopathological characteristics was investigated by appropriate statistical analysis. NDRG4 overexpression and knockdown cell lines were established in order to detect its impact on proliferation and apoptosis. Significant decreased protein and mRNA expression of NDRG4 was found in gastric cancer, compared with adjacent normal specimens. Besides, it was found that NDRG4 protein expression in gastric cancer was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and stage. Patients with tumors of decreased NDRG4 level were more likely to have unfavorable disease‐free and overall survival, in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, overexpression of NDRG4 suppressed cell proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro; conversely, the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were enhanced by knockdown of NDRG4. These results proved for the first time that NDRG4 could be a potential tumor suppressor and prognostic marker of gastric cancer.
Proliferative vasculopathy and hydranencephaly–hydrocephaly syndrome or Fowler syndrome: Report of a family and insight into the disease's mechanism
Authors: Radio Francesca Clementina , Di Meglio Lavinia , Agolini Emanuele , Bellacchio Emanuele , Rinelli Martina , Toscano Paolo , Boldrini Renata , Novelli Antonio , Di Meglio Aniello , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: March 2018

Background

Fowler syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hydranencephaly–hydrocephaly and multiple pterygium due to fetal akinesia. To date, around 45 cases from 27 families have been reported, and the pathogenic bi‐allelic mutations in FLVCR2 gene described in 15 families. The pathogenesis of this condition has not been fully elucidated so far.

Methods

We report on an additional family with two affected fetuses carrying a novel homozygous mutation in FLVCR2 gene, and describe the impact of known mutants on the protein structural and functional impairment.

Results

The present report confirms the genetic homogeneity of Fowler syndrome and describes a new FLVCR2 mutation affecting the protein function. The structural analysis of the present and previously published FLVCR2 mutations supports the hypothesis of a reduced heme import as the underlying disease's mechanism due to the stabilization of the occluded conformation or a protein misfolding.

Conclusion

Our data suggest the hypothesis of heme deficiency as the major pathogenic mechanism of Fowler syndrome.
A machine learning approach to the accurate prediction of monitor units for a compact proton machine
Authors: Sun Baozhou , Lam Dao , Yang Deshan , Grantham Kevin , Zhang Tiezhi , Mutic Sasa , Zhao Tianyu
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Clinical treatment planning systems for proton therapy currently do not calculate monitor units (MUs) in passive scatter proton therapy due to the complexity of the beam delivery systems. Physical phantom measurements are commonly employed to determine the field‐specific output factors (OFs) but are often subject to limited machine time, measurement uncertainties and intensive labor. In this study, a machine learning‐based approach was developed to predict output (cGy/MU) and derive MUs, incorporating the dependencies on gantry angle and field size for a single‐room proton therapy system. The goal of this study was to develop a secondary check tool for OF measurements and eventually eliminate patient‐specific OF measurements.

Method

The OFs of 1754 fields previously measured in a water phantom with calibrated ionization chambers and electrometers for patient‐specific fields with various range and modulation width combinations for 23 options were included in this study. The training data sets for machine learning models in three different methods (Random Forest, XGBoost and Cubist) included 1431 (~81%) OFs. Ten‐fold cross‐validation was used to prevent “overfitting” and to validate each model. The remaining 323 (~19%) OFs were used to test the trained models. The difference between the measured and predicted values from machine learning models was analyzed. Model prediction accuracy was also compared with that of the semi‐empirical model developed by Kooy (Phys. Med. Biol. 50, 2005). Additionally, gantry angle dependence of OFs was measured for three groups of options categorized on the selection of the second scatters. Field size dependence of OFs was investigated for the measurements with and without patient‐specific apertures.

Results

All three machine learning methods showed higher accuracy than the semi‐empirical model which shows considerably large discrepancy of up to 7.7% for the treatment fields with full range and full modulation width. The Cubist‐based solution outperformed all other models (P < 0.001) with the mean absolute discrepancy of 0.62% and maximum discrepancy of 3.17% between the measured and predicted OFs. The OFs showed a small dependence on gantry angle for small and deep options while they were constant for large options. The OF decreased by 3%–4% as the field radius was reduced to 2.5 cm.

Conclusion

Machine learning methods can be used to predict OF for double‐scatter proton machines with greater prediction accuracy than the most popular semi‐empirical prediction model. By incorporating the gantry angle dependence and field size dependence, the machine learning‐based methods can be used for a sanity check of OF measurements and bears the potential to eliminate the time‐consuming patient‐specific OF measurements.
Lymph node segmentation by dynamic programming and active contours
Authors: Tan Yongqiang , Lu Lin , Bonde Apurva , Wang Deling , Qi Jing , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Zhao Binsheng
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Enlarged lymph nodes are indicators of cancer staging, and the change in their size is a reflection of treatment response. Automatic lymph node segmentation is challenging, as the boundary can be unclear and the surrounding structures complex. This work communicates a new three‐dimensional algorithm for the segmentation of enlarged lymph nodes.

Methods

The algorithm requires a user to draw a region of interest (ROI) enclosing the lymph node. Rays are cast from the center of the ROI, and the intersections of the rays and the boundary of the lymph node form a triangle mesh. The intersection points are determined by dynamic programming. The triangle mesh initializes an active contour which evolves to low‐energy boundary. Three radiologists independently delineated the contours of 54 lesions from 48 patients. Dice coefficient was used to evaluate the algorithm's performance.

Results

The mean Dice coefficient between computer and the majority vote results was 83.2%. The mean Dice coefficients between the three radiologists’ manual segmentations were 84.6%, 86.2%, and 88.3%.

Conclusions

The performance of this segmentation algorithm suggests its potential clinical value for quantifying enlarged lymph nodes.
Effect of noise on MTF calculations using different phantoms
Authors: González‐López Antonio
Published: March 2018

Purpose

In this work, the effect of noise on the precision in the modulation transfer function (MTF) calculation using different phantoms is investigated. Three different techniques are studied, based on three different phantoms: edge, bar, and star bar. For each technique, theoretical expressions for the standard deviation and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the MTF are derived. In addition, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to study the accuracy and precision of all the three techniques.

Methods

Using the analytic expressions for the MTF calculation, statistical fluctuations of noise in the phantom images are propagated to MTF values. Then, for each frequency the standard deviation and the SNR of the MTF are calculated.

Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for each phantom image and for different noise level. Images are artificially generated following a procedure that simulates sampling, blurring, and noise present in a real phantom image and takes into account the attenuation of each phantom. Then, oversampling procedures are applied to these images to obtain presampled MTFs.

Results

In all three techniques the standard deviation of the MTF is proportional to that of the noise in the image. For the edge image, the standard deviation is proportional to the frequency f, whereas for the bar and star bar techniques it is proportional to the square root of f. Regarding the precision, theoretical expressions and simulations results agree that the bar technique shows the best precision for all the frequencies and all the noise levels analyzed in this study. In addition, simulation results show how, for large levels of noise, the edge technique gives rise to large bias errors at high and medium frequencies. Finally, the precision of the star bar technique is similar to that of the bar technique for isotropic systems, but worse for nonisotropic ones.

Conclusion

The uncertainties in the MTF calculation with the edge technique are larger than with the bar technique, and the differences increase with the frequency. On the one hand, the stronger dependency on the frequency shown by the standard deviation of the MTF makes the precision gets worse faster in the edge technique. On the other hand, in the case of the edge and for high levels of noise, differentiation produces line spread functions (LSF) with a poor SNR, increasing erroneously the MTF and worsening accuracy.
Improved diagnosis in nonimmune hydrops fetalis using a standardized algorithm
Authors: Laterre Marie , Bernard Pierre , Vikkula Miika , Sznajer Yves
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to outline the disease etiology in a cohort of fetuses prenatally diagnosed with nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF).

Methods

Based on a literature review, we defined precise criteria to select the NIHF cases. Those were further classified into 14 categories. To complete this first step, a literature review was performed by using homogeneous criteria to compare our results.

Results

Over the 10‐year period, 102 fetuses were diagnosed with NIHF and included in the analysis. The etiology was identified in 86.3% (88/102) of them, with diagnostic distribution from the most prevalent to the least frequent (number of fetuses; %) being: chromosomal (33/102; 32.4%), lymphatic dysplasia (14; 13.7%), cardiovascular (10; 9.8%), “syndromic” (10; 9.8%), infection (8; 7.8%), and hematologic (8; 7.8%).

Conclusion

This literature review enabled us to emphasize the absence of homogeneous criteria used to define NIHF. When compared with literature, our data analysis highlighted the relevance of applying our full diagnostic approach to decrease the rate of idiopathic NIHF cases.
Decarboxylative couplings as versatile tools for late‐stage peptide modifications
Authors: Malins Lara R.
Published: March 2018

While strategies for the late‐stage modification of peptides are crucial to the design and synthesis of new peptide‐based materials and therapeutics, synthetic methods have historically focused on the modification of select, nucleophilic amino acids. This review highlights decarboxylative coupling strategies as emerging tools for the targeted functionalization of native peptidic acids—α‐carboxylic acids and aspartic/glutamic acid residues—through complexity building CC and Cheteroatom bond formations. Decarboxylation strategies employing both activated carboxylic acids (redox‐active esters) and the direct application of unprotected carboxylic acids are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the scope and limitations of the methodologies as well as their compatibility with complex peptide substrates.
Choice of reconstitution protocol modulates the aggregation state of full‐length membrane‐reconstituted synaptotagmin‐1
Authors: Nyenhuis Sarah B. , Cafiso David S.
Published: March 2018

Synaptotagmin‐1 (Syt1) functions as the Ca2+ sensor in neuronal exocytosis, and it is routinely incorporated into lipid bilayers along with other components of the fusion machinery in order to reconstruct the in vivo fusion process. Here, we demonstrate that the detergent used to reconstitute full‐length Syt1 has a significant effect on the state of the protein in bilayers. When octyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside is used to reconstitute the protein, Syt1 is present in an aggregated state that is mediated by the long juxta‐membrane linker. EPR spectra from spin labels in the two C2 domains of Syt1 no longer resemble those obtained from a soluble construct containing these domains, and the C2B domain no longer exhibits a Ca2+‐dependent membrane insertion. In contrast, when reconstituted using 3‐[(3‐cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate, Syt1 is largely monomeric and the EPR spectra from C2A and C2B resemble those of the soluble construct. This result demonstrates that the choice of detergent used to reconstitute Syt1 can modulate the state of the neuronal Ca2+‐sensor.
A fusion‐protein approach enabling mammalian cell production of tumor targeting protein domains for therapeutic development
Authors: Hu Jia , Chen Xiang , Zhang Xuhua , Yuan Xiaopeng , Yang Mingjuan , Dai Hui , Yang Wei , Zhou Qinghua , Wen Weihong , Wang Qirui , Qin Weijun , Zhao Aizhi
Published: March 2018

A single chain Fv fragment (scFv) is a fusion of the variable regions of heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains of immunoglobulins. They are important elements of chimeric antigen receptors for cancer therapy. We sought to produce a panel of 16 extracellular protein domains of tumor markers for use in scFv yeast library screenings. A series of vectors comprising various combinations of expression elements was made, but expression was unpredictable and more than half of the protein domains could not be produced using any of the constructs. Here we describe a novel fusion expression system based on mouse TEM7 (tumor endothelial marker 7), which could facilitate protein expression. With this approach we could produce all but one of the tumor marker domains that could not otherwise be expressed. In addition, we demonstrated that the tumor associated antigen hFZD10 produced as a fusion protein with mTEM7 could be used to enrich scFv antibodies from a yeast display library. Collectively our study demonstrates the potential of specific fusion proteins based on mTEM7 in enabling mammalian cell production of tumor targeting protein domains for therapeutic development.
Investigation on the electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties of alkali metal atom doped all‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexafluorocyclohexane
Authors: Hou Na , Wu Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Bing‐Qiang , Wu Hai‐Shun
Published: March 2018

On the basis of stable all‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexafluorocyclohexane, a series of alkali metal atom doped MF6C6H6 (M = Li, Na, and K) compounds were theoretically constructed and studied by using ab initio quantum chemistry method. The calculated results show that the HOMO–LUMO gap of the MF6C6H6 conspicuously narrowed from 10.41 eV of pure F6C6H6 to about 2.00 eV of MF6C6H6. The electride characteristics of MF6C6H6 are verified by their electronic structures, HOMOs, and small VIE values. As expected, these electrides possess considerable static first hyperpolarizabilities (β0). Among the studied electrides, the largest β0 of the LiF6C6H6 is 7.00 × 105 au, which is about 3030 times larger than pure F6C6H6. TD‐M06‐2X calculations show that these larger β0 values are attributed to lower transition energies for the crucial excited states of MF6C6H6 systems. Further, the vibrational contributions to the static first hyperpolarizabilities of these molecules are also estimated. Moreover, Li atom doped dimer and trimer of F6C6H6 also present unusual electride's features and exhibit dramatically large β0. Thus, the F6C6H6 interacting with the alkali metal atoms may be a potential promising NLO nanomaterial.
New methods for measuring atmospheric heavy noble gas isotope and elemental ratios in ice core samples
Authors: Bereiter Bernhard , Kawamura Kenji , Severinghaus Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2018

Rationale

The global ocean constitutes the largest heat buffer in the global climate system, but little is known about its past changes. The isotopic and elemental ratios of heavy noble gases (krypton and xenon), together with argon and nitrogen in trapped air from ice cores, can be used to reconstruct past mean ocean temperatures (MOTs). Here we introduce two successively developed methods to measure these parameters with a sufficient precision to provide new constraints on past changes in MOT.

Methods

The air from an 800‐g ice sample – containing roughly 80 mL STP air – is extracted and processed to be analyzed on two independent dual‐inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometers. The primary isotope ratios (δ15N, δ40Ar and δ86Kr values) are obtained with precisions in the range of 1 per meg (0.001‰) per mass unit. The three elemental ratio values δKr/N2, δXe/N2 and δXe/Kr are obtained using sequential (non‐simultaneous) peak‐jumping, reaching precisions in the range of 0.1–0.3‰.

Results

The latest version of the method achieves a 30% to 50% better precision on the elemental ratios and a twofold better sample throughput than the previous one. The method development uncovered an unexpected source of artefactual gas fractionation in a closed system that is caused by adiabatic cooling and warming of gases (termed adiabatic fractionation) – a potential source of measurement artifacts in other methods.

Conclusions

The precisions of the three elemental ratios δKr/N2, δXe/N2 and δXe/Kr – which all contain the same MOT information – suggest smaller uncertainties for reconstructed MOTs (±0.3–0.1°C) than previous studies have attained. Due to different sensitivities of the noble gases to changes in MOT, δXe/N2 provides the best constraints on the MOT under the given precisions followed by δXe/Kr, and δKr/N2; however, using all of them helps to detect methodological artifacts and issues with ice quality.
Morphological diversification of ampullariid gastropods (Nsungwe Formation, Late Oligocene, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania) is coincident with onset of East African rifting
Authors: Epa Y. Ranjeev , Stigall Alycia L. , Roberts Eric M. , O'Brien Haley D. , Stevens Nancy J.
Published: March 2018

A new freshwater gastropod fauna is described from the late Oligocene Nsungwe Formation of the Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania. Six new species of ampullariids are established including five species ofLanistes(L. microovum,L. nsungwensis,L. rukwaensis,L. songwellipticusandL. songweovum) and one species ofCarnevalea(C. santiapillaii). These taxa occupy a morphospace region comparable to nearly half of extantLanistes, a common and widespread genus in Africa and Madagascar. Palaeoecological evidence indicates that Nsungwe ampullariids inhabited fluvial, pond and paludal environments. Among these species are the oldest high‐spired and fluvially adapatedLanistestaxa. We suggest that NsungweLanistesrapidly diversified in concert with habitat heterogeneity associated with the initiation of rifting along the western branch of the East African Rift System (EARS). Taxonomy, evolution and the biogeographical affinities of Nsungwe Formation freshwater gastropods contributes significantly to expanding the undersampled Palaeogene invertebrate fossil record of continental Africa.
Forearm vasodilator responses to environmental stress and reactive hyperaemia are impaired in young South Asian men
Authors: Ormshaw Natalie G. , Junejo Rehan T. , Marshall Janice M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is greater in South Asians (SAs) than White Europeans (WEs). Endothelial dysfunction and blunted forearm vasodilatation to environmental stressors have been implicated in CVD. We investigated whether these features are present in young SA men.

Methods

In 15 SA and 16 WE men (19–23 years), we compared changes in forearm blood flow, arterial blood pressure (ABP), forearm vascular conductance (FVC), heart rate, and electrodermal resistance (EDR; sweating) following release of arterial occlusion (reactive hyperaemia endothelium-dependent) and 5 single sounds at 5–10 min intervals (stressors).

Results

All were normotensive. Peak reactive hyperaemia was smaller in SAs than WEs (FVC increase: 0.36 ± 0.038 vs 0.44 ± 0.038 units;P < 0.05). Furthermore, in WEs, mean FVC increased at 5, 15, and 20 s of each sound (vasodilatation), but increased at 5 s only in SAs, decreasing by 20 s (vasoconstriction). This reflected a smaller proportion of SAs showing forearm vasodilatation at 15 s (5/15 SAs vs 11/16 WEs:P < 0.01), the remainder showing vasoconstriction. Concomitantly, WEs showed greater bradycardia and EDR changes. Intra-class correlation analyses showed that all responses were highly reproducible over five sounds in both WEs and SAs. Moreover, sound-evoked changes in ABP and FVC were negatively correlated in each ethnicity (P < 0.01). However, WEs showed preponderance of forearm vasodilatation and depressor responses; SAs showed preponderance of vasoconstriction and pressor responses.

Conclusions

Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is blunted in young SA men. This could explain their impaired forearm vasodilatation and greater pressor responses to repeated environmental stressors, so predisposing SAs to hypertension and CVD.
The metaplastic mosaic of Barrett’s oesophagus
Authors: Biswas Sujata , Quante Michael , Leedham Simon , Jansen Marnix
Published: March 2018

Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance biopsies represent a significant share of the daily workload for a busy histopathology department. Given the emphasis on endoscopic detection and dysplasia grading, it is easy to forget that the benefits of these screening programs remain unproven. The majority of patients are at low risk of progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and periodic surveillance of these patients is burdensome and costly. Here, we investigate the parallels in the development of Barrett’s oesophagus and other scenarios of wound healing in the intestine. There is now increased recognition of the full range of glandular phenotypes that can be found in patients’ surveillance biopsies, and emerging evidence suggests parallel pathways to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Greater understanding of the conditions that favour progression to cancer in the distal oesophagus will allow us to focus resources on patients at increased risk.
Elemental defense of nickel hyperaccumulator seeds against a generalist insect granivore
Authors: Mincey Katherine Anne , Boyd Robert Stephen
Published: March 2018

Hyperaccumulation has been proposed as an elemental defense against herbivores; however, few studies have examined seed defense. This study included two annual Streptanthus species (Brassicaceae) from California serpentine soils: a non‐hyperaccumulator (S. insignis) and three populations (representing Y, P, and U morphs) of a Ni hyperaccumulator (S. polygaloides). Adults of the generalist seed herbivore Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were fed either whole or cut seeds, survival was recorded for 7 weeks, and Ni concentrations of both beetles and seeds were determined using ICP‐OES. Survival analysis showed significantly more rapid mortality for beetles consuming S. polygaloides seeds compared to those consuming S. insignis. Mortality of beetles fed whole S. polygaloides seeds was more rapid than those fed cut S. polygaloides seeds. Seeds of the S. polygaloides populations contained approximately 300 µg Ni g−1 whereas S. insignis contained approximately 5 µg Ni g−1. Beetles fed whole S. polygaloides seeds contained more than 2.5‐fold greater Ni concentrations than those fed cut seeds (approximately 60 and 25 µg Ni g−1, respectively), whereas beetles fed either cut or whole S. insignis seeds contained < 0.3 µg Ni g−1. An artificial diet study, using Ni‐amended cornmeal, confirmed that diet Ni concentrations greater than 240 µg Ni g−1 were toxic to T. confusum. We conclude that Ni in S. polygaloides seeds can act as an elemental defense against seed herbivores even at 300 µg Ni g−1, a level below the 1000 µg Ni g−1 hyperaccumulation threshold concentration.
Correction to: Responses of the photosynthetic apparatus of Abies koreana to drought under different light conditions
Authors: Je Sun Mi , Kim Sun Hee , Woo Su Young
Published: March 2018

The correct name and the affiliation of the third author should be “Su Young Woo”, and “Department of Environmental Horticulture, College of Natural Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea”.
Revised manual for the Global Assessment of Functioning scale
Authors: Pedersen G. , Urnes Ø. , Hummelen B. , Wilberg T. , Kvarstein E.H.
Published: March 2018

Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) is a single measure of overall psychosocial impairment caused by mental factors, constituting Axis V of the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental disorders, third and fourth versions. Despite its widespread use, several challenges and shortcomings have been discussed the last three decades. The current article describes some of the more serious challenges of the GAF manual, and presents a revised version more in accordance with the nature of this clinical construct. Some crucial aspects of the understanding of GAF and general guidelines for scoring are also discussed.
Immediate and brief intervention after suicide attempts on patients without major psychiatric morbidity—A pilot study in northern Israel
Authors: Givon Limor , Levi Avi , Bloch Boaz , Fruchter Eyal
Published: March 2018

Background:

Suicide Prevention is an ongoing task for mental health services. This article describes a pilot program for suicide prevention that took place in two districts in Israel from 2009 to 2012. The program targeted specific population, patients in high-risk for suicide, without major mental illness or previous association with the mental health system. In that group many suicide attempts were due to stressful life events.

Methods:

Patients who performed a suicide attempt or were considered high-risk for suicide were referred to the project. The first contact took place up to 24 h after the referral and included a phone call with suggestion for further intervention. If he was willing, the patient was invited to a serious of 8–12 meetings with a therapist that focused on “crisis intervention” techniques.

Results:

212 subjects were referred to the project. Three quarters of the referrals were females. Most of them were of Jewish nationality, however, the percentage of Druze in the program’s population was higher than their percentage of general population. Only 137 continued participation after the initial phone call, people of Jewish nationality were more willing to continue the intervention. During the intervention there was a decline in suicide rates in the participating districts.

Conclusions:

The pilot program exhibits promising preliminary results, it is interesting to examine the difference in participation between different ethnic groups. Since the sample size is small, there is a need to continue the program on a larger scale.
The significance of the initial symptom in Chinese patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Regular health examination is still underutilized
Authors: Fang Dong , Gong Yan‐Qing , Singla Nirmish , Yang Kun‐Lin , Xiong Geng‐Yan , Zhang Lei , Li Xue‐Song , Zhou Li‐Qun
Published: March 2018

This paper is to elucidate the correlation between different symptoms of UTUC and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. The clinicopathological data of 700 consecutive patients with UTUC who were treated with radical nephroureterectomy were reviewed, and symptoms were categorized into three groups: S1‐no direct symptoms, S2‐local symptoms (including hematuria and flank pain) and S3‐systemic symptoms. We found that the distributions of patients in the S1, S2 and S3 groups were 96 (13.7%), 601 (85.9%) and 3 (0.4%), respectively, and most patients in S1 were incidentally found to have abnormal findings on ultrasound during regular health examination. Altogether, 534 patients (76.3%) presented with gross hematuria, and 111 (15.9%) presented with flank pain. Patients in S1 had a higher rate of hydronephrosis (p < 0.001), ureteral tumors (p < 0.001), worse pre‐operative renal function (p = 0.020) and lower tumor stage (p = 0.038). The presence of hematuria was significantly related with renal pelvic tumors (p < 0.001), higher pre‐operative eGFR (p = 0.047), papillary tumor architecture (p = 0.005) and less hydronephrosis (p < 0.001); and the presentation of flank pain was correlated with older age (p = 0.008), ureteral location (p < 0.001), hydronephrosis (p < 0.001), sessile architecture (p < 0.001) and higher tumor grade (p = 0.003). The presence of hematuria or flank pain also failed to reach significance as an independent prognostic factor. In conclusion, asymptomatic UTUC patients are featured for more hydronephrosis and lower tumor stage, while patients who presented with flank pain had a higher risk of sessile architecture and higher tumor grade. Regular health examinations might play a useful role in the early detection of UTUC patients with no symptoms.
The Effects of Botulinum Toxin Injections on Plantar Flexor Spasticity in Different Phases After Stroke: A Secondary Analysis From a Double‐Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Oh Hyun‐Mi , Park Geun‐Young , Choi Young Min , Koo Hyung Jung , Jang Yongjun , Im Sun
Published: March 2018

Background

There are no guidelines on the ideal time to inject botulinum toxin type A (BT‐A) for lower leg spasticity in stroke patients. An early injection may produce unwanted weakness, interfering with gait recovery.

Objective

To evaluate whether the outcomes after BT‐A injection for plantarflexion spasticity can be different according to stroke chronicity.

Design

A secondary analysis study from a double‐blinded, randomized trial with group reclassification according to stroke chronicity.

Setting

Two rehabilitation centers.

Participants

Stroke participants (n = 40) with plantar flexor spasticity, treated with BT‐A (200 units) into the gastrocnemius muscle.

Methods

Outcome parameters were reanalyzed serially using 2‐way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA), at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks postinjection. Subjects were reclassified into 3 groups: early, within 6 months (n = 12); middle, between 6 months and 1 year (n = 14); and late, between 1 and 2 years from stroke onset (n = 12).

Main Outcome Measures

The Modified Ashworth Scale, clonus scale, 10‐m walking test, ABILOCO, and the Functional Ambulation Category.

Results

The 2‐way repeated measures of ANOVA showed improvement in gait and spasticity after injection in the 3 groups. Significant improvement in the Modified Ashworth Scale (P < .001) was observed, starting from the post–2 week injection period. Improvement of gait as assessed by the functional measurement ABILOCO and the Functional Ambulation Category (P < .001) were observed in all 3 groups, mostly at the post–8 week injection period.

Conclusions

Our serial measurements of the outcome parameters indicated that BT‐A could be expected to lead to consistent improvement in both the muscle tone and gait quality in those with plantar flexor spasticity regardless of stroke chronicity, including those injected as early as within the first 6 months.

Level of Evidence

I
Effect on Passive Range of Motion and Functional Correlates After a Long‐Term Lower Limb Self‐Stretch Program in Patients With Chronic Spastic Paresis
Authors: Pradines Maud , Baude Marjolaine , Marciniak Christina , Francisco Gerard , Gracies Jean‐Michel , Hutin Emilie , Bayle Nicolas
Published: March 2018

Background

In current health care systems, long‐duration stretching, performed daily, cannot be obtained through prescriptions of physical therapy. In addition, the short‐term efficacy of the various stretching techniques is disputed, and their long‐term effects remain undocumented.

Objective

To evaluate changes in extensibility in 6 lower limb muscles and in ambulation speed after a ≥1‐year self‐stretch program, the Guided Self‐rehabilitation Contract (GSC), in individuals with chronic spastic paresis.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Neurorehabilitation clinic.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with hemiparesis or paraparesis at least 1 year before the initiation of a GSC and who were then involved in the GSC program for at least 1 year.

Interventions

For each patient, specific muscles were identified for intervention among the following: gluteus maximus, hamstrings, vastus, rectus femoris, soleus, and gastrocnemius. Prescriptions and training for a daily, high‐load, prolonged, home self‐stretching program were primarily based on the baseline coefficient of shortening, defined as CSH = [(XN –XV1)/XN] (XV1 = PROM, passive range of motion; XN = normally expected amplitude).

Main Outcome Measurements

Six assessments were performed per year, measuring the Tardieu XV1 or maximal slow stretch range of motion angle (PROM), CSH, 10‐m ambulation speed, and its functional ambulation category (Perry's classification: household, limited, or full). Changes from baseline in self‐stretched and nonself‐stretched muscles were compared, with meaningful XV1 change defined as ΔXV1 >5° for plantar flexors and >10° for proximal muscles. Correlation between the composite XV1 (mean PROM for the 6 muscles) and ambulation speed also was evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐seven GSC participants were identified (14 women, mean age 44 years, range 29‐59): 18 with hemiparesis and 9 with paraparesis. After 1 year, 47% of self‐stretched muscles showed meaningful change in PROM (ΔXV1) versus 14% in nonself‐stretched muscles (P < .0001, χ2). ΔCSH was –31% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] –41.5 to –15.2) in self‐stretched versus –7% (95% CI –11.9 to –2.1) in nonself‐stretched muscles (P < .0001, t‐test). Ambulation speed increased by 41% (P < .0001) from 0.81 m/s (95% CI 0.67‐0.95) to 1.15 m/s (95% CI 1.01‐1.29). Eight of the 12 patients (67%) who were in limited or household categories at baseline moved to a higher functional ambulation category. There was a trend for a correlation between composite XV1 and ambulation speed (r = 0.44, P = .09) in hemiparetic patients.

Conclusion

Therapists should consider prescribing and monitoring a long‐term lower limb self‐stretch program using GSC, as this may increase muscle extensibility in adult‐onset chronic paresis.

Level of Evidence

III
Li–Yorke sensitivity does not imply Li–Yorke chaos
Authors: HANTÁKOVÁ JANA
Published: March 2018

We construct an infinite-dimensional compact metric space
$X$
, which is a closed subset of
$\mathbb{S}\times \mathbb{H}$
, where
$\mathbb{S}$
is the unit circle and
$\mathbb{H}$
is the Hilbert cube, and a skew-product map
$F$
acting on
$X$
such that
$(X,F)$
is Li–Yorke sensitive but possesses at most countable scrambled sets. This disproves the conjecture of Akin and Kolyada that Li–Yorke sensitivity implies Li–Yorke chaos [Akin and Kolyada. Li–Yorke sensitivity. Nonlinearity
16, (2003), 1421–1433].
Effect of Shade on Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Growth, Seed Production, and Dormancy
Authors: Bello Iliya A. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Hatterman-Valentp Harlene M.
Published: March 2018

Growth, seed production, and dormancy of velvetleaf in response to shading were evaluated in the field. Velvetleaf plant height, leaf number, number of branches, and plant dry weight decreased linearly with increasing shade. No differences were observed for plant height, number of leaves, or branches/plant when plants were shaded 30% or not shaded throughout the growing season. However, the 76% shade treatment reduced velvetleaf height (1984 only), leaf number, stem branches, and plant dry weight. These reductions were greater in 1984 than 1985 except for plant dry weight that decreased by 88% each year. The number of capsules and the number of seeds/plant decreased linearly with increasing shade levels, while the seed weight increased with increasing shade level. Shading also decreased seed dormancy. These results demonstrate that shade suppresses velvetleaf growth and seed production, and shortens the dormancy of seeds that are produced by these plants.
Imazethapyr for Weed Control in No-Till Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Lueschen William E. , Hoverstad Thomas R.
Published: March 2018

Lack of consistent weed control has been a major limiting factor in the adoption of no-till soybean production. Field studies were conducted at Waseca, MN from 1987 through 1990 to evaluate the efficacy of imazethapyr applied either alone or in combination with other herbicides for weed control in no-till soybean. Fall applications of imazethapyr did not provide acceptable weed control. Imazethapyr applied 2 to 4 wk before planting provided a weed-free seedbed whereas burndown treatments applied 1 to 3 d before planting failed to do so. Early preplant imazethapyr applied during the second week of April did not control weeds as well as imazethapyr applied during the last week of April. Imazethapyr applied alone PRE failed to control weeds adequately. A split application of early preplant plus PRE imazethapyr resulted in excellent weed control, especially when metribuzin was added with each application. Imazethapyr is a promising herbicide for weed control in no-till soybean production.
Monitoring the Occurrence of Sulfonylurea-Resistant Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
Authors: Alcocer-Ruthling Mauricio , Thill Donald C. , Mallory-Smith Carol
Published: March 2018

Sulfonylurea herbicide-resistant prickly lettuce was discovered in Idaho in 1987. The objectives of these surveys were to determine the change with time in the proportion of sulfonylurea resistant and susceptible prickly lettuce biotypes on the farm where it originally occurred, and to determine the spread of sulfonylurea resistant prickly lettuce beyond its point of origin. On average, the proportion of resistant plants had decreased from 1988 to 1990, a period when sulfonylurea herbicide use was discontinued on the farm. Resistant prickly lettuce plants were found at seven sites away from the original infested farm. Several sites were near the farm along roadsides that had been sprayed with sulfometuron. This study shows that the proportion of resistant prickly lettuce decreased where previously found, but its range increased.
Tolerance of Three Annual Forage Legumes to Selected Postemergence Herbicides
Authors: Evers Gerald W. , Grichar W. James , Pohler Claude L. , Schubert A. Michael
Published: March 2018

Field studies were conducted from 1986 through 1989 to evaluate the tolerance of three clover species to selected POST herbicides. 2,4-D at 0.8 and 1.7 kg ha−1injured rose and berseem clovers while the high rate injured subterranean clover. Bentazon and pronamide did not injure rose or subterranean clover; however, pronamide at 3.4 kg ha−1injured berseem clover 18% when rated 72 days after treatment.
Effect of Timing and Adjuvants on the Efficacy of Reduced Herbicide Rates for Sweet Corn (Zea mays)
Authors: O'Sullivan John , Bouw William J.
Published: March 2018

The efficacy of reduced rates of metolachlor plus cyanazine for weed control in sweet corn was evaluated over a 2-yr period. Early postemergence (POST) and POST herbicide applications at reduced rates gave control of broadleaf weeds comparable to control at the 1 × rate, except for the early POST application at the ¼ × rate in 1993. Preplant incorporated (PPI) and preemergence (PRE) herbicide applications at reduced rates gave poor broadleaf weed control, except for the PRE application at the ½ × rate in 1993. Early POST applications at the ¼ × rate resulted in significantly reduced grass control in 1994, while POST applications at the ¼ × rate gave significantly reduced grass control both years. Generally, POST applications controlled broadleaf weeds better than early POST applications, while grass control with early POST applications was superior to POST applications at reduced rates. Preemergence and PPI applications at reduced rates gave poor broadleaf weed control but satisfactory grass control. Preplant incorporated applications at reduced rates resulted in reduced yield both years, while PRE applications at reduced rates reduced yield only in 1994. Early POST and POST applications at reduced rates did not affect sweet corn yield. The addition of adjuvants to the ¼ × application rate had no effect on weed control or yield.
Effect of Growth Stages on Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) Control in Corn (Zea mays) with Rimsulfuron
Authors: Mitra Sowmya , Bhowmik Prasanta C.
Published: March 2018

Experiments were conducted in 1996 and 1997 to determine the effects of postemergence (POST) application of rimsulfuron on quackgrass control. Rimsulfuron applied at 27 g ai/ ha to two-to four-leaf quackgrass controlled 100% of quackgrass 5 wk after treatment (WAT). Rimsulfuron applied to one- to two-leaf quackgrass was not as effective as the same rate applied to two- to four-or four- to six-leaf quackgrass. Stunting and leaf wrinkling of corn were observed 4 WAT when rimsulfuron was applied at 36 g/ha to four- to six-leaf quackgrass. The plants recovered from the stunting as the season progressed and by 12 WAT there was no appreciable stunting. Rimsulfuron (27 g/ha) applied to two- to four-leaf quackgrass increased grain and silage yield of corn by 36% and 45%, respectively, compared to the untreated check. The 27 g/ha rate of rimsulfuron applied to two- to four-leaf quackgrass resulted in 10% more grain yield than the same treatment applied to one- to two- leaf quackgrass. Rimsulfuron at 18 g/ha led to a 17% reduction of sitage yield when applied to the four- to six-leaf quackgrass. At all growth stages of quackgrass, rimsulfuron gave higher grain and silage yields than corn treated with the same rate and timing of nicosulfuron. Rimsulfuron reduced sprouting of quackgrass rhizome nodes, especially at higher rates.
Response of Sethoxydim-Resistant Corn (Zea mays) Hybrids to Postemergence Graminicides
Authors: Vangessel Mark J. , Johnson Quintin , Isaacs Mark
Published: March 2018

This research was designed to determine if sethoxydim-resistant corn hybrids exhibited levels of cross-resistance to other acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides. Three sethoxydim-resistant hybrids were tested in 1995 and four in 1996. The hybrids were treated with the 1 × (labeled use rate for annual grass control) and 4 × rate of clethodim, fenoxaprop-P plus fluazifop-P, fluazifop-P, quizalofop-P, and sethoxydim. At the 1 × rate, similar levels of corn safety were observed in both years with sethoxydim, quizalofop-P (except Asgrow RX620SR in 1995), and in 1996, fenoxaprop-P plus fluazifop-P. Corn treated with the 4 × rate of sethoxydim did not exhibit injury, while all other ACCase-inhibiting herbicides cause > 50% corn injury. Sethoxydim-resistant com hybrids used in this study did not consistently exhibit acceptable levels of cross-resistance to other ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. The use of clethodim will control volunteer sethoxydim-resistant corn in rotational crops.
How Do Deep-Sea Gravity Currents Transport Sediment So Far?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: March 2018

The first field measurements of turbidity currents flowing around submarine channel bends indicate spiral flow plays a key role in keeping sediment suspended for hundreds of kilometers.
Mesostructure and physical properties of aqueous mixtures of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium octyl sulfate doped with divalent sulfate salts in the liquid and the mesomorphic states
Authors: Cabeza Oscar , Segade Luisa , Domínguez-Pérez Montserrat , Rilo Esther , Ausín David , Martinelli Anna , Yaghini Negin , Gollas Bernhard , Kriechbaum Manfred , Russina Olga , Triolo Alessandro , López-Lago Elena , Varela Luis M.
Published: March 2018

Mesomorphic liquid crystal character and effect on physical properties.
Interface effect on the cohesive energy of nanostructured materials and substrate-supported nanofilms
Authors: Wang Y. R. , Tang K. , Yao X. , Jin B. , Zhu Y. F. , Jiang Q.
Published: March 2018

The cohesive energy is a key quantity to determine the mechanical, physical, chemical, and electronic properties of materials.
In situ formation of SERS hot spots by a bis-quaternized perylene dye: a simple strategy for highly sensitive detection of heparin over a wide concentration range
Authors: Ji Wei , Zhang Xue , Zhao Jianzhang , Gao Ye , Song Wei , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: March 2018

We have demonstrated a simple SERS assay for the sensitive detection of heparin by means of an in situ hot spot assembly method.
Preparation of artificial antibodies and development of an antibody-based indirect ELISA for the detection of ancient wool
Authors: Wang Bing , Gu Jincui , You Qiushi , Chen Boyi , Zheng Hailing , Zhou Yang , Hu Zhiwen
Published: March 2018

An immunological technique was proposed for the detection of ancient wool.
CoAl-layered double hydroxide nanosheets as an active matrix to anchor an amorphous MoSx catalyst for efficient visible light hydrogen evolution
Authors: Min Shixiong , Hou Jianhua , Lei Yonggang , Liu Xiangyu , Li Yanan , Xue Yuan , Cui Entian , Yan Wenjun , Hai Wanxiu , Wang Fang
Published: March 2018

CoAl LDH nanosheet supported MoSx efficiently catalyzes H2 evolution from an erythrosin B–triethanolamine molecular system under visible light (≥420 nm).
Fish-in-hole: rationally positioning palladium into traps of zeolite crystals for sinter-resistant catalysts
Authors: Wang Guoxiong , Xu Shaodan , Wang Liang , Liu Zhiqiang , Dong Xue , Wang Lingxiang , Zheng Anmin , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: March 2018

A fish-in-hole strategy for preparing a sinter-resistant Pd nanoparticle catalyst was reported, which is achieved by controllable positioning of Pd nanoparticles individually at the traps of zeolite crystals.