bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disordered eating behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A cross‐sectional population‐based study in Italy
Authors: Cherubini Valentino , Skrami Edlira , Iannilli Antonio , Cesaretti Alessandra , Paparusso Anna Maria , Alessandrelli Maria Cristina , Carle Flavia , Ferrito Lucia , Gesuita Rosaria
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the association of clinical, metabolic and socioeconomic factors with disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes screened using the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey‐Revised (DEPS‐R).

Methods

A cross‐sectional, population‐based study involved 163 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 11–20 years, recruited from the registry for type 1 diabetes of Marche Region, Italy, who completed the DEPS‐R (response rate 74.4%). Clinical characteristics, lipid profile, HbA1c, family profile of education and occupation were evaluated. The Italian version of DEPS‐R was validated, and the prevalence of DEB estimated. The association of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors with DEB was evaluated by multiple correspondence analysis and multiple logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of DEPS‐R‐positive (score ≥20) was 27% (95% CI 17–38) in boys and 42% (95% CI 31–53) in girls. A clinical profile of DEPS‐R‐positive was identified: overweight, little time spent in physical activity, low socioeconomic status, poor metabolic control, skipping insulin injections. Furthermore, the probability of DEPS‐R‐positive increased 63% for every added unit of HbA1c, 36% for every added number of insulin injections skipped in a week and decreased about 20% for every added hour/week spent in physical activity. Overweight youth were six times more likely to be DEPS‐R‐positive.

Discussion

A specific clinical profile of DEPS‐R‐positive was identified. A multidisciplinary clinical approach aimed to normalize eating behaviors and enhance self‐esteem should be used to prevent the onset of these behaviors, and continuous educational programs are needed to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
Top‐down control by an aquatic invertebrate predator increases with temperature but does not depend on individual behavioral type
Authors: Ingram Travis , Burns Zuri D.
Published: July 2018

Variation in behavioral traits among individuals within a population can have implications for food webs and ecosystems. Temperature change also alters food web structure and function, but potential interactions between warming and intraspecific behavioral variation are largely unexplored. We aimed to test how increased temperature, individual activity level of a predatory backswimmer (Anisops assimilis), and their interaction influenced the strength of top‐down control of zooplankton and phytoplankton. We used stable isotopes to support our assumption that the study population of A. assimilis is zooplanktivorous, and behavioral trials to confirm that activity level is a repeatable trait. We established freshwater microcosms to test for effects of warming, backswimmer presence, and backswimmer behavioral type on zooplankton density, zooplankton composition, and phytoplankton chlorophyll a. Top‐down control was present and was generally stronger at increased temperature. There was no indication that predator behavioral type influenced the strength of top‐down control either on its own or interactively with temperature. Predator behavioral type may not be associated with ecologically important function in this species at the temporal and spatial scales addressed in this study, but the links between behavior, temperature, and food web processes are worthy of broader exploration.
Gastropods alien to South Africa cause severe environmental harm in their global alien ranges across habitats
Authors: Kesner David , Kumschick Sabrina
Published: July 2018

Alien gastropods have caused extensive harm to biodiversity and socioeconomic systems like agriculture and horticulture worldwide. For conservation and management purposes, information on impacts needs to be easily interpretable and comparable, and the factors that determine impacts understood. This study aimed to assess gastropods alien to South Africa to compare impact severity between species and understand how they vary between habitats and mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the relationship between environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and both impact measures with life‐history traits. We used the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) and Socio‐Economic Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (SEICAT) to assess impacts of 34 gastropods alien to South Africa including evidence of impact from their entire alien range. We tested for correlations between environmental and socioeconomic impacts per species, and with fecundity and native latitude range using Kendall's tau tests. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare impact magnitude among mechanisms and habitats, respectively. This study presents the first application of EICAT and SEICAT for invertebrates. There was no correlation between environmental impacts and socioeconomic impacts. Habitats did not differ regarding the severity of impacts recorded, but impacts via disease transmission were lower than other mechanisms. Neither fecundity nor native range latitude was correlated with impact magnitude. Despite gastropods being agricultural and horticultural pests globally, resilience of socioeconomic systems makes high impacts uncommon. Environmental systems may be vulnerable to gastropod impacts across habitats, having experienced multiple local extinctions of wetland island snail fauna. South Africa stands out as the only continental country that follows this trend. The knowledge gained on severity and nature of gastropod impacts is useful in risk assessment, which can aid conservation management. To make impact assessments more realistic, we suggest alternative ways of reporting impacts classified under EICAT and SEICAT.
Estimation of element‐by‐element demand‐to‐capacity ratios in instrumented SMRF buildings using measured seismic response
Authors: Hernandez Eric , Roohi Milad , Rosowsky David
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a methodology to estimate element‐by‐element demand‐to‐capacity ratios in instrumented steel moment‐resisting frames subject to earthquakes. The methodology combines a finite element model and acceleration measurements at various points throughout the building to estimate time history of displacements and internal force demands in all members. The estimated demands and their uncertainty are compared with code‐based capacity from which probabilistic bounds of demand‐to‐capacity ratios are obtained. The proposed methodology is verified using a simulated six‐story building and validated using acceleration data from California Strong Motion Instrumentation Programstation 24370 during the Northridge and Sierra Madre earthquakes.
Resilience predicts remission in antidepressant treatment of geriatric depression
Authors: Laird Kelsey T. , Lavretsky Helen , St. Cyr Natalie , Siddarth Prabha
Published: July 2018

Objectives

With the world population rapidly aging, it is increasingly important to identify sociodemographic, cognitive, and clinical features that predict poor outcome in geriatric depression. Self‐report measures of resilience—ie, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity—may identify those depressed older adults with more favorable prognoses.

Methods

We investigated the utility of baseline variables including 4 factors of resilience (grit, active coping self‐efficacy, accommodative coping self‐efficacy, and spirituality) for predicting treatment response and remission in a 16‐week randomized controlled trial of methylphenidate, citalopram, or their combination in 143 adults over the age of 60 with MDD.

Results

Final logistic regression models revealed that greater total baseline resilience (Wald χ2 = 3.8, P = 0.05) significantly predicted both treatment response and remission. Specifically, a 20% increase in total resilience predicted nearly 2 times greater likelihood of remission (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = [1.01, 3.91]). Examining the individual factors of resilience, only accommodative coping self‐efficacy (Wald χ2 = 3.7, P = 0.05; OR = 1.41 [1.00‐2.01]) was significantly associated with remission. We found no relation between baseline sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race, education level) or measures of cognitive performance and posttreatment depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Self‐reported resilience may predict greater responsivity to antidepressant medication in older adults with MDD. Future research should investigate the potential for resilience training—and in particular, interventions designed to increase accommodative coping—to promote sustained remission of geriatric depression.
An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program–outpatient version
Authors: de Oliveira Alexandra Martini , Radanovic Marcia , Homem de Mello Patricia Cotting , Buchain Patricia Cardoso , Dias Vizzotto Adriana , Harder Janaína , Stella Florindo , Piersol Catherine Verrier , Gitlin Laura N. , Forlenza Orestes Vicente
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the tailored activity program–outpatient version (TAP‐O) and to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia and caregiver burden compared with a control group (psychoeducation intervention).

Methods

Twenty‐one persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited and randomized. The intervention group received TAP‐O, designed for outpatients with dementia and their caregivers. TAP‐O consisted of eight sessions in which an occupational therapist assessed the patient's abilities and interests; prescribed tailored activities; and educated caregivers about dementia, NPS, and how to implement meaningful activities in the daily routine. The control group received eight sessions of a psychoeducation intervention about dementia and NPS.

Results

Compared with controls, patients receiving TAP‐O had a significant decrease in hallucination (P = 0.04), agitation (P = 0.03), anxiety (P = 0.02), aggression (P = 0.01), sleep disorder (P = 0.02), aberrant motor behavior (P = 0.02), and in caregiver burden (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that TAP‐O may be an effective nonpharmacological strategy to reduce NPS of outpatients with dementia and to minimize caregiver burden.
E‐learning and health inequality aversion: A questionnaire experiment
Authors: Cookson Richard , Ali Shehzad , Tsuchiya Aki , Asaria Miqdad
Published: July 2018

In principle, questionnaire data on public views about hypothetical trade‐offs between improving total health and reducing health inequality can provide useful normative health inequality aversion parameter benchmarks for policymakers faced with real trade‐offs of this kind. However, trade‐off questions can be hard to understand, and one standard type of question finds that a high proportion of respondents—sometimes a majority—appear to give exclusive priority to reducing health inequality. We developed and tested two e‐learning interventions designed to help respondents understand this question more completely. The interventions were a video animation, exposing respondents to rival points of view, and a spreadsheet‐based questionnaire that provided feedback on implied trade‐offs. We found large effects of both interventions in reducing the proportion of respondents giving exclusive priority to reducing health inequality, though the median responses still implied a high degree of health inequality aversion and—unlike the video—the spreadsheet‐based intervention introduced a substantial new minority of non‐egalitarian responses. E‐learning may introduce as well as avoid biases but merits further research and may be useful in other questionnaire studies involving trade‐offs between conflicting values.
Can a national government implement a violence prevention and response strategy for key populations in a criminalized setting? A case study from Kenya
Authors: Bhattacharjee Parinita , Morales Giuliana J , Kilonzo Timothy M , Dayton Robyn L , Musundi Reuben T , Mbole Janet M , Malaba Serah J , Ogwang Bernard E , Isac Shajy K , Moses Stephen , Musyoki Helgar K
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Key population (KP) members frequently experience violence that violates their human rights, increases their risk of HIV, and acts as a barrier to access and uptake of HIV services. To be effective, HIV programmes for members of KPs need to prevent and respond to violence against them. We describe a violence prevention and response strategy led by the national KP programme in Kenya and examine trends in reports of and responses to violence (provision of support to an individual who reports violence within 24 hours of receiving the report).

Methods

Quarterly programme monitoring data on the number of reports of violence and the number of responses to violence from 81 implementing partners between October 2013 and September 2017 were aggregated annually and analysed using simple trend analysis. Reports of violence relative to KP members reached, expressed as a percentage, and the percentage of reports of violence that received a response were also examined.

Results and Discussion

Between 2013 and 2017, annual reports of violence increased from 4171 to 13,496 cases among female sex workers (FSWs), 910 to 1122 cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) and 121 to 873 cases among people who inject drugs (PWID). Reports of violence relative to KP members reached increased among FSWs (6.2% to 9.7%; p < 0.001) and PWID (2.1% to 6.0%; p < 0.001) and decreased among MSM (10.0% to 4.2%; p < 0.001). During the same period, timely responses to reports of violence increased from 53% to 84% (p < 0.001) among FSWs, 44% to 80% (p < 0.001) among MSM and 37% to 97% (p < 0.001) among PWID.

Conclusions

Over the past four years in Kenya, there has been an increase in violence reporting among FSWs and PWID and an increase in violence response among all KPs. This case study demonstrates that violence against KP members can be effectively addressed under the leadership of the national government, even in an environment where KP members’ behaviours are criminalized. Creating an enabling environment to promote wellbeing and safety for KP members is a critical enabler for HIV prevention programmes to achieve 95‐95‐95 goals.
Cost and cost‐effectiveness analysis of pre‐exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in two hospitals in Thailand
Authors: Suraratdecha Chutima , Stuart Robyn M , Manopaiboon Chomnad , Green Dylan , Lertpiriyasuwat Cheewanan , Wilson David P , Pavaputanon Patcharaporn , Visavakum Prin , Monkongdee Patama , Khawcharoenporn Thana , Tharee Phiphatthananon , Kittinunvorakoon Chonticha , Martin Michael
Published: July 2018

Introduction

In 2014, the Government of Thailand recommended pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an additional HIV prevention programme within Thailand's National Guidelines on HIV/AIDS Treatment Prevention. However, to date implementation and uptake of PrEP programmes have been limited, and evidence on the costs and the epidemiological and economic impact is not available.

Methods

We estimated the costs associated with PrEP provision among men having sex with men (MSM) participating in a facility‐based, prospective observational cohort study: the Test, Treat and Prevent HIV Programme in Thailand. We created a suite of scenarios to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of PrEP and sensitivity of the results to the model input parameters, including PrEP programme effectiveness, PrEP uptake among high‐risk and low‐risk MSM, baseline and future antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, condom use, unit cost of delivering PrEP, and the discount rate.

Results

Drug costs accounted for 82.5% of the total cost of providing PrEP, followed by lab testing (8.2%) and personnel costs (7.8%). The estimated costs of providing the PrEP package in accordance with the national recommendation ranges from US$223 to US$311 per person per year. Based on our modelling results, we estimate that PrEP would be cost‐effective when provided to either high‐risk or all MSM. However, we found that the programme would be approximately 32% more cost‐effective if offered to high‐risk MSM than it would be if offered to all MSM, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of US$4,836 per disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) averted and US$7,089 per DALY averted respectively. Cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves demonstrate that 80% of scenarios would be cost‐effective when PrEP is provided solely to higher‐risk MSM.

Conclusion

We provide the first estimates on cost and cost‐effectiveness of PrEP in the Asia‐Pacific region, and offer insights on how to deliver PrEP in combination with ART. While the high drug cost poses a budgeting challenge, incorporating PrEP delivery into an existing ART programme could be a cost‐effective strategy to prevent HIV infections among MSM in Thailand.
Structure and specificity of several triclocarban‐binding single domain camelid antibody fragments
Authors: Tabares‐da Rosa Sofia , Wogulis Linda A. , Wogulis Mark D. , González‐Sapienza Gualberto , Wilson David K.
Published: July 2018

The variable VHH domains of camelid single chain antibodies have been useful in numerous biotechnology applications due to their simplicity, biophysical properties, and abilities to bind to their cognate antigens with high affinities and specificity. Their interactions with proteins have been well‐studied, but considerably less work has been done to characterize their ability to bind haptens. A high‐resolution structural study of three nanobodies (T4, T9, and T10) which have been shown to bind triclocarban (TCC, 3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)urea) with near‐nanomolar affinity shows that binding occurs in a tunnel largely formed by CDR1 rather than a surface or lateral binding mode seen in other nanobody‐hapten interactions. Additional significant interactions are formed with a non‐hypervariable loop, sometimes dubbed “CDR4”. A comparison of apo and holo forms of T9 and T10 shows that the binding site undergoes little conformational change upon binding of TCC. Structures of three nanobody‐TCC complexes demonstrated there was not a standard binding mode. T4 and T9 have a high degree of sequence identity and bind the hapten in a nearly identical manner, while the more divergent T10 binds TCC in a slightly displaced orientation with the urea moiety rotated approximately 180° along the long axis of the molecule. In addition to methotrexate, this is the second report of haptens binding in a tunnel formed by CDR1, suggesting that compounds with similar hydrophobicity and shape could be recognized by nanobodies in analogous fashion. Structure‐guided mutations failed to improve binding affinity for T4 and T9 underscoring the high degree of natural optimization.
Genetic characterization of influenza B virus in Cameroon and high frequency of reassortant strains
Authors: Monamele Chavely Gwladys , Vernet Marie‐Astrid , Njankouo Mohamadou Ripa , Kenmoe Sebastien , Schoenhals Matthieu , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Anong Damian Nota , Akoachere Jane Francis , Njouom Richard
Published: July 2018

Influenza B is broadly divided into B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages based on its genetic and antigenic properties. We describe in this study the first report on genome characterization of type B influenza virus in the Cameroon National Influenza Center (NIC) between 2014 and 2017. Respiratory samples were collected as part of the influenza surveillance activity in the NIC. RNA products were tested for the presence of influenza using the CDC Influenza A/B typing panel. Thirty‐five samples positive for influenza B were selected for sequencing three gene segments (HA, NA, and M) and phylogenetic trees were generated by MEGA version 6.0. Nucleotide phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene revealed the presence of three major clades among Cameroonian strains. All Victoria lineages grouped into B/Victoria clade 1A, while, Yamagata lineages grouped into Yamagata clade 2 (2014 strains) and Yamagata clade 3 (2015‐2017). We observed a high frequency of reassortant viruses with Yamagata‐like HA gene and Victoria‐like NA gene (27.4%; 23/84). The results from this study confirm variations in the genome composition of type B influenza virus and emphasize on the relevance of molecular surveillance for spotting peculiar genetic variants of public health and clinical significance.
Model‐based RSA is suitable for clinical trials on the glenoid component of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Fraser Alexander Nilsskog , Tsukanaka Masako , Fjalestad Tore , Madsen Jan E. , Röhrl Stephan M.
Published: July 2018

This study aims to validate model‐based radiostereometric analysis (RSA) on the glenoid component of reversed total shoulder arthroplasty. We compared two different modalities of model‐based RSA, elementary geometrical shapes and reversed engineering. We also explored two different ways to position the patient to obtain different projections of the implant, the hip‐position (transversal) and shoulder‐position (sagittal). Phantom accuracy was determined by performing nine translations (x, y, z) and five rotations (x, y, z), and expressed as the mean difference between RSA measurements and micrometer values. Precision was measured using 12 double examinations of the phantom and 19 in patients, and expressed as1.96 × standard deviations of the paired differences between double examinations. The accuracy was high for both modalities, but rotation around the symmetrical axis of the implant could not be measured using reversed engineering. Clinical precision ranged from 0.13 to 0.25 mm for translations, and 0.4° to 0.7° for rotations, using reversed engineering. For elementary geometrical shapes, the precision ranged from 0.18 to 0.34 mm for translations, and 0.8° to 1.8° for rotations. The hip‐position was abandoned due to poor implant visualization. Model‐based RSA on the glenoid component of reversed total shoulder arthroplasty has a high precision and accuracy, comparable to RSA results on hips and knees. Patient positioning is vital for obtaining adequate results. We found that reversed engineering was the more reliable method, and recommend reversed engineering as the method of choice for further clinical RSA investigation of the glenoid component of reversed total shoulder arthroplasty. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3299–3307, 2018.
Impact of Wnt signals on human intervertebral disc cell regeneration
Authors: Pizzute Tyler , He Fan , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Pei Ming
Published: July 2018

Although preconditioning strategies are growing areas of interest for therapies targeting intervertebral discs (IVDs), it is unknown whether the Wnt signals previously implicated in chondrogenesis, Wnt3A, Wnt5A, and Wnt11, play key roles in the promotion of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cell redifferentiation. In this study, NP cells isolated from herniated disc patients were transduced with lentiviral vectors to overexpress the WNT3A, WNT5A, or WNT11 genes, or CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9)/single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) vectors to knock out these genes. Following expansion, transduced NP cells were induced for redifferentiation toward the NP phenotype. The overexpression of specific WNT factors led to increases in both glycosaminoglycan (GAG) deposition and expression of redifferentiation genes. These effects were attenuated by knockout of the same WNT genes. These results indicate that specific WNT signals can regulate the expression of redifferentiation genes, unequally impact GAG deposition, and contribute to the redifferentiation of human NP cells. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3196–3207, 2018.
Serum Unconjugated Bile Acids and Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth in Pediatric Intestinal Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Galloway David , Mezoff Ethan , Zhang Wujuan , Byrd Melissa , Cole Conrad , Aban Inmaculada , Kocoshis Samuel , Setchell Kenneth DR , Heubi James E
Published: July 2018

Background: We determined qualitative and quantitative serum unconjugated bile acid (SUBA) levels among children with history of intestinal failure (IF) and suspected small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO). Methods: This was a single‐center, case‐control pilot study conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Children with history of IF and suspected SBBO were enrolled as subjects. Age‐matched children without IF or suspected SBBO served as controls. All participants underwent small bowel fluid sampling for microbial culture analysis. Additionally, serum fractionated and total bile acids were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry at enrollment and following treatment for SBBO. Results: SUBA concentrations were elevated in IF subjects (median 1.16 μM, range 0.43–10.65 μM) compared with controls (median 0.10 μM, range 0.05–0.18 μM, P = 0.001). Among SUBA, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was significantly elevated in subjects (median 0.8 μM, range 0–7.08 μM) compared with controls (median 0 μM, range 0–0.03 μM, P = 0.012). When controls were excluded from analysis, IF subjects with positive aspirates for SBBO demonstrated higher concentration of CDCA (median 7.36 μM, range 1.1–8.28 μM) compared with IF subjects with negative aspirates (median 0.18 μM, range 0–1.06 μM, P = 0.017). Treatment for SBBO did not alter SUBA concentration. Conclusions: SUBA concentrations are elevated in children with history of IF and presumed SBBO compared with non‐IF controls. CDCA was more prevalent in IF subjects with positive aspirates for SBBO compared with IF subjects with negative aspirates. The determination of SUBA concentration may be a useful surrogate to small bowel fluid aspiration in the diagnosis of SBBO in children with history of IF.
Persistence of Sarcopenia After Pediatric Liver Transplantation Is Associated With Poorer Growth and Recurrent Hospital Admissions
Authors: Mager Diana R. , Hager Amber , Ooi Poh Hwa , Siminoski Kerry , Gilmour Susan M. , Yap Jason Y.K.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Sarcopenia is prevalent in adults pre‐liver transplantation (LTx) and post‐LTx contributing to adverse outcomes. Little is known regarding the prevalence of sarcopenia in pediatric LTx recipients. This novel study examined sarcopenia prevalence and associations with post‐LTx growth and healthcare utilization in pediatric LTx recipients.

Methods

We prospectively assessed body composition at annual clinical appointments in children (0.5–17 years; n = 58) by Dual‐energy‐X‐ray absorptiometry (absolute/regional/percent fat mass [FM], fat‐free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM]). Sarcopenia was defined as SMM z scores ≤2. Additional variables measured included age, gender, PELD, immunosuppressive therapies (dose/type), weight, weight‐z, height, height‐z, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyltransferase, albumin, total/conjugated bilirubin, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, albumin, creatinine clearance, urea and creatinine at LTx assessment, LTx and annual clinic appointments. Healthcare variables studied included rejection (number/type/severity), length of in‐patient stay (total, intensive care unit [ICU], emergency, readmission) and ventilator dependency.

Results

Sarcopenia occurred in 41% (n = 17) at 7.6 (± 3.1) years; with a mean time post‐LTx of 1.1 ± 1.9 (1–8) years. Female children ≤9.8 years had a higher sarcopenia prevalence than children >9.8 years (83.1% vs 17.1%; p = 0.004). Sarcopenia was associated with lower weight velocity standard deviation scores, lower weight‐z/height‐z scores at 2–10 years post LTx, increased hospitalization (total, ICU, emergency and readmission) and ventilator dependency (p < 0.05), but not to rejection and/or corticosteroid therapy (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating persistent sarcopenia associated with poorer growth and recurrent hospitalization in children post‐LTx.
Rate of Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections Between Tunneled Central Venous Catheters Versus Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Adult Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Hon Kay , Bihari Shailesh , Holt Andrew , Bersten Andrew , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: July 2018

Background

Tunneled central venous catheters (TCVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are often used for the provision of home parenteral nutrition (HPN). There is no formal comparison being made to study the rate of catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) between TCVCs and PICC in HPN to recommend the use of 1 over the other.

Methods

An online MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus search was conducted. Studies reporting the rate of CRBSI in HPN patients were included. DerSimonian and Laird random effects meta‐analyses were used to analyze comparative studies, whereas Begg and Pilote's random effects meta‐analysis was used to pool and analyze single‐arm studies.

Results

Seventeen studies (12 single‐arm studies and 5 comparative studies) were included for analysis. Meta‐analysis of comparative studies showed that PICC use was associated with a significantly lower rate of CRBSI (relative risk (RR) 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.83), whereas meta‐analysis of single‐arm studies revealed that the relative risk for CRBSI was not statistically significantly different from unity.

Conclusion

TCVC is more commonly used in long‐term HPN. Our analysis of comparative studies showed a lower rate of CRBSI in HPN patients using PICC compared with TCVC; however, analysis of single‐arm studies showed that the rate of CRBSI was comparable in PICC and TCVC use. The decision to which type of catheter is most suited for HPN patients should hence be based on the duration of treatment, level of care, patients’ dexterity, as well patients’ underlying comorbidities that may potentially contribute to other catheter‐related complications.
Noncontact stress measurement from bare UHPC surface using Raman piezospectroscopy
Authors: Yun Hae‐Bum , Eslami Elham , Zhou Le
Published: July 2018

Raman piezospectroscopy was applied for noncontact stress measurement from bare ultrahigh‐performance concrete (UHPC). Microstructure and chemical characterization were conducted for 3 phases of UHPC samples, including unmixed concrete ingredients (Sample 1), cured concrete (Sample 2), and pulverized concrete (Sample 3). Rich contents of polycrystalline silica (quartz) were observed from all samples. The global and local piezospectroscopy coefficients were measured from compressive loading frame tests at 3.77 cm−1/GPa and 1.62–9.10 cm−1/GPa, respectively. The quartz fingerprint peak was observed at 460.50 cm−1 from stress‐free UHPC powder, which can be used as the zero‐stress state to determine absolute stress in existing concrete structures. The global absolute stress equation is presented using the global piezospectroscopy coefficient and the zero‐stress state.
Loading controlled magnetic carbon dots for microwave‐assisted solid‐phase extraction: Preparation, extraction evaluation and applications in environmental aqueous samples
Authors: Li Yaping , Zhang Xin , Wang Yingfeng , Lin Yuqing , Zhou Jing
Published: July 2018

An adsorbent of carbon dot@poly(glycidyl methacrylate)@Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been developed for the microwave‐assisted magnetic solid‐phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental aqueous samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV/visible spectroscopy detection. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The chain length and amount of carbon dots attached on them can be easily controlled through changing polymerization conditions, which contributes to tunable extraction performance. The successful fabrication of the nano‐adsorbent was confirmed by transmission electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The extraction performance of the adsorbent was evaluated by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as model analytes. The key factors influencing the extraction, such as microwave power, adsorption time, desorption time and desorption solvents were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the microwave‐assisted method afforded magnetic solid‐phase extraction with short extraction time, wide dynamic linear range (0.02–200 μg/L), good linearity (R2 ≥ 98.57%) and low detection limits (20–90 ng/L) for model analytes. The adsorbent was successfully applied for analyzing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental aqueous samples and the recoveries were in the range of 86.0–124.2%. Thus, the proposed method is a promising candidate for fast and reliable preconcentration of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in real water samples.
Soluble Phenylenevinylene Polymers Containing Tetraphenylethene Units by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Yu Chin‐Yang , Lai Yu‐Chun
Published: July 2018

Soluble phenylenevinylene polymers containing tetraphenylethene units are synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of 4‐triphenylvinylphenyl‐[2.2]paracyclophane‐1,9‐diene in the presence of the second generation Grubbs’ initiator. Various polymer molecular weights can be obtained by altering the monomer to initiator ratio. Isomerization is successfully conducted in dilute polymer solution under a UV light irradiation. The as‐prepared polymers with longer chain lengths show relatively strong emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 43% in solution. Aggregation induced emission is observed for the polymers containing the cis–trans microstructures when the water fraction reached 80% in water/THF mixture. The morphologies of the polymers containing the cis–trans and trans microstructures are distinctive which reveal sphere‐like particles and network‐like structures, respectively. These polymers are promising candidates for potential uses in fluorescence applications.
Click and Multicomponent Reactions Work Together for Polymer Chemistry
Authors: Tunca Umit
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the current combinations of click and multicomponent reactions (MCRs) to produce complex macromolecular structures through polymer–polymer conjugation or hetero‐functionalization of polymers. The click and MCRs display similar features covering the equimolarity, fast time scale, high yields, stable compounds, modular, orthogonal and single reaction trajectory. Of classical click reactions, CuAAC, Diels–Alder, thiol‐ene (‐yne), and nucleophilic substitution on perfluoroaryl groups reactions are combined with MCRs, namely, Passerini, Ugi, or Biginelli reactions. It should be noted that these combinations can afford the target polymer structures, which are not attainable by employing one of these reactions alone.
Design and Synthesis of Mechano‐Responsive Color‐Changing Thermoplastic Elastomer Based on Poly(n‐Butyl Acrylate)–Spiropyran‐Polystyrene Comb‐Structured Graft Copolymers
Authors: Jia Yanyu , Wang Wen‐Jun , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2018

Colorimetric mechanophores like spiropyran (SP) represent an emerging type of interesting signal molecule that can be incorporated into polymers or other materials as a stress transducer. In this work, a new type of spiropyran‐containing inimer molecule MA‐SP‐Br are designed and synthesized, which is incorporated into polybutylacrylate (PBA) chains through reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization with n‐butyl acrylate (BA). PBA‐SP‐Br is then used as a macro‐initiator to graft polystyrene (PS) side chains from the PBA backbone through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. The resulting comb‐structured graft copolymer PBA‐SP‐PS contains 0.15–0.34% SP and exhibits a characteristic feature of thermoplastic elastomers. Under uniaxial stretch, the materials possess an excellent mechano‐responsivity and change color at strains as low as about 14%.
Precise Synthesis of PS‐PLA Janus Star‐Like Copolymer
Authors: Fan Xiaoshan , Win Khin Yin , Hu Zhiguo , Loh Xian Jun , Li Zibiao
Published: July 2018

In this work, an efficient strategy is designed for the precise synthesis of novel Janus star‐like copolymer (polystyrene)8‐b‐(poly(l‐lactide))8, (PLLA)8‐b‐(PS)8, consisting of two types of chemically distinct polymer arms, PS and PLLA, in an asymmetric structure. During the synthesis, PLLA hemisphere carrying protected hydroxyl groups at the focal point was first synthesized via a combined reactions of esterification, light‐induced “Click” chemistry, and ring opening polymerization (ROP) using a specially designed dendron as initiator. After removing the protecting moiety, the terminal hydroxyl groups on the dendron segment is increased fourfold and further modified into bromopropionate‐based macroinitiator through a two‐step end group transformation reaction, followed by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene to obtain the desired (PLLA)8‐b‐(PS)8 Janus star‐like copolymer. The versatility and efficiency of the designed synthetic strategy are demonstrated by the well‐defined molecular characteristics and high yields of the targeted product. In addition to the controlled degradation behavior of the PLLA segments, the remaining bromide groups located at the distal end of PS arms could allow for further fabrication of diverse building blocks through consecutive ATRP of various monomers. This work signifies the first time for facile and precise synthesis of Janus star‐like copolymer with unique biphasic structure and function control.
Phenalenone‐photodynamic therapy induces apoptosis on human tumor cells mediated by caspase‐8 and p38‐MAPK activation
Authors: Salmerón María L. , Quintana‐Aguiar José , De La Rosa Juan V. , López‐Blanco Félix , Castrillo Antonio , Gallardo Germán , Tabraue Carlos
Published: July 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a rising and hopeful treatment for solid tumors and others malignancies. PDT uses harmless visible light to activate a tumor‐associated photosensitizer (PS). The excited PS generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce damage and death of tumor cells. It is known that certain phytoalexins and phytoanticipins derived from plants often display a PS‐like activity due to a phenalenone (PN) moiety—an efficient singlet oxygen photosensitizer—in its skeleton. The aim of this study is to explore the phototoxic properties of PN on the human cell line tumor‐derived HL60 (acute promyelocytic leukemia) and to identify the cell‐specific targets of ROS involved in the tumor cell death. Our results reveal that PN acts as an excellent PS, showing a potent antitumor cell activity in presence of light. PN‐PDT generates intracellular ROS, via oxidation reaction mechanisms type I and II, resulting in an induction of apoptosis. Moreover, both extrinsic (through direct activation of caspase‐3) and intrinsic (through mitochondrial depolarization) pathways of apoptosis are induced by PN‐PDT. Using pharmacologic inhibitors, we also find that PN‐PDT activates caspase‐8/tBid and p38‐MAPK, triggering the activation of the apoptotic pathways. Although, survival pathways are also promoted through PI3 K/Akt and JNK activation, the net result of PN‐PDT is the tumor cell death. The present work identifies to PN, for the first time, as a potent photosensitizer in human tumor cell lines and proposes a mechanism by which ROS induces apoptosis of tumor cell.
Quercetin‐3‐methyl ether inhibits esophageal carcinogenesis by targeting the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K and MAPK pathways
Authors: Zhao Simin , Jiang Yanan , Zhao Jimin , Li Honglin , Yin Xueshan , Wang Yanhong , Xie Yifei , Chen Xinhuan , Lu Jing , Dong Ziming , Liu Kangdong
Published: July 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is highly prevalent in Asia, especially in China. Research findings indicate that nitrosamines, malnutrition, unhealthy living habits, and genetics contribute to esophageal carcinogenesis. Currently, the 5‐year survival rate for ESCC patients remains low, owing in part to a lack of a clear understanding of mechanisms involved. Chemoprevention using natural or synthesized compounds might be a promising strategy to reduce esophageal cancer incidence. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can activate downstream pathways including the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway and the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Among the important players, AKT and ERKs have an important relationship with cancer initiation and progression. Here, we found that phosphorylated (p)‐AKT and p‐ERKs were highly expressed in esophageal cancer cell lines and in esophageal cancer patients. Human phospho‐kinase array and pull‐down assay results showed that quercetin‐3‐methyl ether (Q3ME) is a natural flavonoid compound that interacted with AKT and ERKs and inhibited their kinase activities. At the cellular level, Q3ME attenuated esophageal cancer cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth. Western blot analysis showed that this compound suppressed the activation of AKT and ERKs downstream signaling pathways, subsequently inhibiting activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) activity. Importantly, Q3ME inhibited the formation of esophageal preneoplastic lesions induced by N‐nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA). The inhibition by Q3ME was associated with decreased inflammation and esophageal cancer cell proliferation in vivo. Collectively, our data suggest that Q3ME is a promising chemopreventive agent against esophageal carcinogenesis by targeting AKT and ERKs.
TFF1 antagonizes TIMP‐1 mediated proliferative functions in gastric cancer
Authors: Omar Omar M. , Soutto Mohammed , Bhat Nadeem S. , Bhat Ajaz A. , Lu Heng , Chen Zheng , El‐Rifai Wael
Published: July 2018

Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP1) is one of four identified members of the TIMP family. We evaluated the role of TIMP1 in gastric cancer using human and mouse tissues along with gastric organoids and in vitro cell models. Using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, we detected significant overexpression of TIMP1 in the human gastric cancer samples, as compared to normal stomach samples (P < 0.01). We also detected overexpression of Timp1 in neoplastic gastric lesions of the Tff1‐knockout (KO) mice, as compared to normal stomach tissues. Reconstitution of TFF1 in human gastric cancer cell lines led to a significant decrease in the mRNA expression level of TIMP1 (P < 0.05). In vitro analysis demonstrated that TIMP1 mRNA expression is induced by TNF‐α and activation of NF‐κB whereas inhibition of NF‐κB using BAY11‐7082 led to inhibition of NF‐κB and downregulation of TIMP1. Western blot analysis confirmed the decrease in TIMP1 protein level following reconstitution of TFF1. By using immunofluorescence, we showed nuclear localization of NF‐κB and expression of TIMP1 in gastric organoids established from the Tff1‐KO stomach where reconstitution of Tff1 using recombinant protein led to a notable reduction in the expression of both NF‐κB and TIMP1. Using EDU assay, as a measure of proliferating cells, we found that TIMP1 promotes cellular proliferation whereas TFF1 reconstitution leads to a significant decrease in cellular proliferation (P < 0.05). In summary, our findings demonstrate overexpression of TIMP1 in mouse and human gastric cancers through NF‐kB‐dependent mechanism. We also show that TFF1 suppresses NF‐κB and inhibits TIMP1‐mediated proliferative potential in gastric cancer.
Epidermal growth factor induces STAT1 expression to exacerbate the IFNr‐mediated PD‐L1 axis in epidermal growth factor receptor‐positive cancers
Authors: Cheng Chun‐Chia , Lin Hsin‐Chi , Tsai Kaun‐Jer , Chiang Ya‐Wen , Lim Ken‐Hong , Chen Caleb Gon‐Shen , Su Ying‐Wen , Peng Cheng‐Liang , Ho Ai‐Sheng , Huang Ling , Chang Yu‐Cheng , Lin Huan‐Chau , Chang Jungshan , Chang Yi‐Fang
Published: July 2018

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in many cancers, including lung and head and neck cancers, and is involved in cancer cell progression and survival. PD‐L1, increases in tumor cells to evade and inhibit CD8+ T cells, is a clinical immunotherapeutic target. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of EGF on regulating PD‐L1 in EGFR‐positive cancers and determined potential agents to reduce PD‐L1 expression. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to determine potential driver genes that regulate PD‐L1 in tumor cells‐derived tumorspheres which mimicking cancer stem cells. Then, the specific inhibitors targeting EGFR were applied to reduce the expression of PD‐L1 in vitro and in vivo. We validated that EGF could induce PD‐L1 expression in the selected EGFR‐positive cancers. RNAseq results revealed that STAT1 increased as a driver gene in KOSC‐3‐derived tumorspheres; these data were analyzed using PANTHER followed by NetworkAnalyst. The blockade of EGFR by afatinib resulted in decreased STAT1 and IRF‐1 levels, both are transcriptional factors of PD‐L1, and disabled the IFNr‐STAT1‐mediated PD‐L1 axis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, STAT1 knockdown significantly reduced EGF‐mediated PD‐L1 expression, and ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, significantly inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation to reduce the IFNr‐mediated PD‐L1 axis. These results indicate that EGF exacerbates PD‐L1 by increasing the protein levels of STAT1 to enforce the IFNr‐JAK1/2‐mediated signaling axis in selected EGFR‐positive cancers. The inhibition of EGFR by afatinib significantly reduced PD‐L1 and may be a potential strategy for enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Parkinson's disease across ethnicities: A nationwide study in New Zealand
Authors: Pitcher Toni L. , Myall Daniel J. , Pearson John F. , Lacey Cameron J. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , Anderson Tim J. , MacAskill Michael R.
Published: July 2018

Background: New Zealand is an ethnically diverse country with a unified national prescribing system. This provides a good framework to use drug‐tracing methodology to establish the prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease across different ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease in the major ethnic groups in New Zealand.

Methods: Information on Parkinson's disease‐related medications was extracted from the national Pharmaceutical Collection of community‐dispensed medications for the period January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014. Diagnoses for a large subset of individuals were independently determined through national mortality and hospital admissions data sets. We used a Bayesian model, accommodating uncertainty and bias, to estimate the number of people with Parkinson's disease.

Results: We found the highest rate of Parkinson's disease in the European ethnic group and the lowest rate in the indigenous Māori. The 2006‐2013 age‐standardized incidence (per 100,000 population per year) was European, 33; Asian, 28; Pasifika, 27; Māori, 20. The 2013 age‐standardized prevalence (per 100,000 population) was European, 223; Asian, 174; Pasifika, 160; Māori, 114.

Conclusions: There is a differential occurrence of Parkinson's disease across the major ethnic groups within the New Zealand population, with indigenous Māori showing the lowest incidence. Varying susceptibility profiles, gene‐environment interactions, and inequalities in accessing health care may play a role in the variation in rates of Parkinson's disease in New Zealand. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society