bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-night stay for open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nason Gregory J. , Kim J.K. , Tan G.H. , Ajib K. , Nam Robert K.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an enhanced care pathway on length of stay for open radical prostatectomy (RP) given that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is not available to all patients in Canada.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all RPs performed. An enhanced care pathway was established for RPs in 2011. Patients were compared in the period before (2005–2010) and after (2011–2019) the introduction of the pathway.

Results: During the study period, 581 RPs were performed by a single surgeon with a median followup of 66.9 months (range 3–176). A total of 211 (36.3%) RPs were performed from 2005–2010, while 370 (63.9%) were performed from 2011–2019. The median age at RP was 65 years (range 44–81). Following the introduction of an enhanced care pathway, there were significant decreases in intraoperative blood loss (350 ml vs. 200 ml; p=0.0001) and the use of surgical drains (90% vs. 9.5%; p=0.0001). The median length of stay (LOS) over the whole study period was one day (range 1–7), which significantly decreased with the enhanced care pathway (three days vs. one day; p=0.0001). Since introducing the enhanced care pathway in 2011, 344 (93%) patients were discharged day 1 following surgery. There were no differences in post-discharge presentations to the emergency department (5.7% vs. 9%; p= 0.15) or 30-day readmission rates (3.8% vs. 3.8%; p=1.00).

Conclusions: A single-night stay for open RP is safe and achievable for most patients. A dedicated, multifaceted pathway is required to attain targets for a safe and timely discharge.
Optimal Capacity Mechanisms for Competitive Electricity Markets
Authors: Holmberg Pär , Ritz Robert A.
Published: August 2020

Capacity mechanisms are increasingly used in electricity market design around the world yet their role remains hotly debated. This paper introduces a new benchmark model of a capacity mechanism in a competitive electricity market with many different conventional generation technologies. We consider two policy instruments, a wholesale price cap and a capacity payment, and show which combinations of these instruments induce socially-optimal investment by the market. Our analysis yields a rationale for a capacity mechanism based on the internalization of a system-cost externality—even where the price cap is set at the value of lost load.In extensions, (i) we show how increasing variable renewables penetration can enhance the need for a capacity payment under a novel condition called “imperfect system substitutability”, and (ii) we outline the socially-optimal design of a strategic reserve with a targeted capacity payment.
Selected Topics on Complex Systems Informatics: Editorial Introduction to Issue 23 of CSIMQ
Authors: Sandkuhl Kurt
Published: August 2020

Complex systems and their analysis, construction, management or application are the motivation of all articles in this issue of CSIMQ. Different perspectives exist on what actually causes “complexity” in systems. In systems theory, a widely spread view is that complex systems have many components with emergent behavior, i.e. the large number and the dynamics of components are decisive. In business informatics, the complexity of information systems is attributed to their socio-technical nature, which acknowledges the interaction between the human actors and the information technology in an enterprise. Understanding the context of complex systems or their components is supported by modeling and is a key aspect of preparing organizational solutions. Models do not remove the complexity of the real world but help to understand it and to design and develop solutions. All articles in this issue are in some respect concerned with models or modeling. The articles also reflect recent trends in industry and society, such as digital transformation and applications of artificial intelligence, and show that these trends will not necessarily reduce complexity in systems but rather require the combination of proven approaches, such as modeling, and new methods for managing this complexity.
Analytics-Enabled Adaptive Business Architecture Modeling
Authors: Srinivas Shreya , Gill Asif , Roach Terry
Published: August 2020

In a changing competitive business landscape, organizations are challenged by traditional processes and static document-driven business architecture models or artifacts. This marks the need for a more adaptive and analytics-enabled approach to business architecture. This article proposes a framework for adaptive business architecture modeling to address this critical concern. This research is conducted in an Australian business architecture organization using the action design research (ADR) method. The applicability of the proposed approach was demonstrated through its use in a health insurance business architecture case study using the Tableau and Jalapeno business architecture modeling platform. The proposed approach seems feasible to process business architecture data for generating essential insights and actions for adaptation.
Discussing Relations Between Dynamic Business Environments and Big Data Analytics
Authors: Staegemann Daniel , Volk Matthias , Daase Christian , Turowski Klaus
Published: August 2020

Big data attracts researchers and practitioners around the globe in their desire to effectively manage the data deluge resulting from the ongoing evolution of the information systems domain. Consequently, many decision makers attempt to harness the potentials arising with the use of those modern technologies in a multitude of application scenarios. As a result, big data has gained an important role for many businesses. However, as of today, the developed solutions are oftentimes perceived as completed products, without considering that the application in highly dynamic environments might benefit from a deviation of this approach. Relevant data sources as well as the questions that are supposed to be answered by their analysis may change rapidly and so do subsequently the requirements regarding the functionalities of the system. To our knowledge, while big data itself is a prominent topic, fields of application that are likely to evolve in a short period of time and the resulting consequences were not specifically investigated until now. Therefore, this research aims to overcome this paucity by clarifying the relation between dynamic business environments and big data analytics (BDA), sensitizing researchers and practitioners for future big data engineering activities. Apart from a thorough literature review, expert interviews are conducted that evaluate the made inferences regarding dynamic and stable influencing factors, the influence of dynamic environments on BDA applications as well as possible countermeasures. The ascertained insights are condensed into a proposal for decision making, facilitating the alignment of BDA and business needs in dynamic business environments.
Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants: A Review
Authors: Noushahi Hamza Armghan , Hussain Mubashar
Published: August 2020

The health of genetically engineered foods/plants, which is one of the significant issues has been raised in recent years. Various non-governmental organizations and customers recommended that all GM foods before authorization for human consumption should be subject to long-term animal feed studies. The fundamental purpose of this review is to assess the new potential harmful impact/safety assessment of genetically engineered plants for the use of humans. A balance in the number of research groups, depending on their research, a variety of GM crops (maize and soybeans in particular) are varied as for traditional non-genetically modified plants. It is worth remembering that most of the experiments were carried out in biotechnology firms that sell these GM plants. In this review, we discussed in detail the risk assessment of genetically modified plants.
Evaluation of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Morphological Traits of Indian Mustard Germplasms
Authors: Awasthi Dinesh , Tiwari Vimlesh Kumar , Kandalkar V. S.
Published: August 2020

Genotypic source of variations were significant for all characters in 168 genotypes including 7 checks of Indian mustard at 5% level of significance. Maximum seed yield per plant (g) and harvest index was recorded in MRNJ-82; whereas, the minimum days to 50% flowering and maturity were recorded in RVM-1 and MRNJ-5 respectively. In genotypes viz; MRNJ-36, RVM-2, MRNJ-59, JM-1, MRNJ-53 and MRNJ-35 had maximum plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, number of seeds per siliqua and 1000 seed weight (g). Highest GCV and PCV were recorded for seed yield per plant which indicates for improvement through selection among these genotypes. High heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean has been noticed for seed yield per plant and harvest index indicating less influence of environment and also the presence of additive, dominance and interaction among genes in the expressions of these characters. Low genetic advance along with low heritability estimate were observed for number of primary branches per plant and number of seeds per siliqua. This indicates the involvement of additive and non-additive gene actions in their inheritance.
Evaluation of the P16INK4a Expression in Cervical Biopsy Specimen SBMCH
Authors: Aggarwal Amish , Venkatraman I. , Prabakaran M.
Published: August 2020

In early 1980 human papillomavirus (HPV) were the risk factor and most commonly affects younger women. Many test have developed since then and among that a biomarker test system have developed and clinically evaluated.  P16INK4a is used as an important marker for indicating neoplastic transformation for cervical dyplasia. This study was done to evaluate the P16INK4a expression in cervical biopsy in 50 cases. Two cases were identified a P16INK4a positive and remaining 48 didn’t show P16INK4a expression proving the hypothesis that p16INK4a is capable of showing the dysplasia positive cases.
Comparison between Conventional Gastric Adenocarcinoma and EBV Associated Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Arshad A. R. , Rajashekar M. R. , Srinivasan N.
Published: August 2020

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV or Human herpesvirus 4) belongs to the genus Lymphocryptoviridae, the gamma 1 subtype of the Subfamily Gamma herpes viridae and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is present in all populations, infecting more than 95% of all individuals within the first four decades of life. In developing countries, infections occur very early in life with no specific characteristics other than the general symptoms of acute viremia. In developed countries however, the infection is usually delayed until adolescence or early childhood years where it causes infectious mononucleosis, a benign self-limiting lymphoproliferative disorder. Though the infection with EBV is benign in the acute stages and latent in the chronic phase in the vast majority of people, the virus has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of many malignancies with the list of such malignancies progressively increasing. The first association was with the endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma. Subsequently, other lymphomas (subtypes of Hodgkin’s and non-hodgkin’s lymphomas) are also known to be associated with EBV infection. Epithelial malignancies such as lymphoepitheliomas of nasopharynx and stomach are included in the list of EBV associated tumors. Tumors arise as a result of genetic and epigenetic alterations produced by the virus, which transforms the normal cell into an immortalized proliferating cell. Since Burke et al first detected EBV in undifferentiated lymphoepithelioma like gastric cancer in 1990, many researches are undertaken to prove the same. EBV expresses latent membrane protein which can be detected immune histochemically. Our study is aimed at detecting the EBV expression in gastric carcinoma cells.
Rituximab versus natalizumab, fingolimod, and dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis treatment
Authors: Vollmer Brandi L. , Nair Kavita , Sillau Stefan , Corboy John R. , Vollmer Timothy , Alvarez Enrique
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Limited comparative effectiveness data for rituximab (RTX) versus natalizumab (NTZ), fingolimod (FTY), and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) exist.

Methods

Clinician‐reported data on patients prescribed RTX, NTZ, FTY, or DMF for the treatment of MS at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at the University of Colorado were retrospectively collected. Outcomes included a composite effectiveness measure consisting of clinical relapse, contrast‐enhancing lesions, and/or new T2 lesions, individual effectiveness outcomes, and discontinuation. Logistic regression was used on patients matched by propensity scores and using average treatment effect on treated doubly robust weighting estimator.

Results

A total of 182, 451, 271, and 342 patients initiated RTX, NTZ, FTY, and DMF and were followed for 2 years. Before and after adjustment, the odds of experiencing disease activity was significantly higher for FTY [adjusted OR (aOR) = 3.17 (95% CI: 1.81–5.55), P < 0.001].and DMF [aOR = 2.68 (95% CI:1.67–4.29), P < 0.001], and similar for NTZ [aOR = 1.36 (95% CI:0.83–2.23), P = 0.216] versus RTX. When examining months 6–24, NTZ demonstrated higher odds of disease activity compared to RTX [aOR = 2.21 (95% CI: 1.20–4.06), P = 0.007]. Similar odds of discontinuation were seen between NTZ and RTX [aOR = 1.39 (95% CI: 0.88–2.20), P = 0.157]; however, FTY [aOR = 2.02 (95% CI: 1.24–3.30), P = 0.005] and DMF [aOR = 3.27 (95% CI: 2.15–4.97), P < 0.001] had greater odds of discontinuation than RTX.

Interpretation

RTX demonstrated superior effectiveness and discontinuation outcomes compared to FTY and DMF. Although RTX demonstrated similar effectiveness and discontinuation compared to NTZ, RTX had superior effectiveness during months 6–24 and fewer discontinuations when excluding discontinuations due to insurance issues. Results suggest superiority of RTX in reducing disease activity and maintaining long‐term treatment in a real‐world MS cohort.
When Ultimate Adhesive Mechanism Meets Ultimate Anti‐Fouling Surfaces—Polydopamine Versus SLIPS: Which One Prevails?
Authors: Prieto‐López Lizbeth Ofelia , Herbeck‐Engel Petra , Yang Li , Wu Qian , Li Juntang , Cui Jiaxi
Published: August 2020

What happens when the extremely adhesive and versatile chemistry of polydopamine (PDA) is in contact with the extremely slippery surfaces known as slippery liquid‐infused porous substrates (SLIPS)? Inspired by the pitcher plant, SLIPS possess excellent repellence against a variety of complex liquids and have been proposed as promising antifouling surfaces because of their successful performance even in marine environments. In the counterpart, inspired by the adhesive proteins enabling the strong adhesion of mussels to multiple substrates, PDA has been extensively studied for its ability to adhere on nearly every type of substrate. The interaction between various SLIPS systems and the highly fouling medium from the oxidative polymerization of dopamine is explored here. A PDA coating is observed on all the SLIPS evaluated, modifying their hydrophobicity in most cases. In‐depth study of silicone‐based SLIPS shows that hydrophobicity of PDA coated SLIPS partially recovers with time due to percolation of the lubricant through the coating. “Strongly” bound PDA species are attributed to the formation of dopamine‐polydimethylsiloxane species on the crosslinked matrix, rendering a coating that withstands repeated washing steps in various solvents including water, hexane, and toluene. The results not only satisfy scientific curiosity but also imply a strategy to modify/bond SLIPS.
Controlling Atomic Layer Deposition of 2D Semiconductor SnS2 by the Choice of Substrate
Authors: Mattinen Miika , King Peter J. , Brüner Philipp , Leskelä Markku , Ritala Mikko
Published: August 2020

Semiconducting 2D materials, such as SnS2, hold great promise in a variety of applications including electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. However, their use is hindered by the scarcity of deposition methods offering necessary levels of thickness control and large‐area uniformity. Herein, a low‐temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process is used to synthesize up to 5 × 5 cm2 continuous, few‐layer SnS2 films on a variety of substrates, including SiO2/Si, Si‐H, different ALD‐grown films (Al2O3, TiO2, and Ir), sapphire, and muscovite mica. As a part of comprehensive film characterization, the use of low energy ion scattering (LEIS) is showcased to determine film continuity, coverage of monolayer and multilayer areas, and film thickness. It is found that on sapphire substrate, continuous films are achieved at lower thicknesses compared to the other substrates, down to two monolayers or even less. On muscovite mica, van der Waals epitaxial growth is realized after the post‐deposition annealing, or even in the as‐deposited films when the growth is performed at 175 to 200 °C. This work highlights the importance of the substrate choice for 2D materials and presents a practical low‐temperature method for the deposition of high‐quality SnS2 films that may be further evaluated for a range of applications.
Copper‐Catalyzed Remote Direct Thiocyanation of Alkyl C(sp3)−H Bonds
Authors: Wang Qian , Tian Peiyuan , Cao Zhong‐Yan , Zhang Hongwei , Jiang Cuiyu
Published: August 2020

A method for site‐selective intermolecular C(sp3)−H thiocyanation of aliphatic sulfonamides is developed using cheap trimethylsilyl isothiocyanate (TMSNCS) as the thiocyanation reagent, catalyzed by simple Cu(I)/phenanthroline complex. The mild, and modular protocol allows remote C(sp3)−H thiocyanation in promising yields with a broad substrate scope.

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Electrochemical Zinc Ion Capacitors Enhanced by Redox Reactions of Porous Carbon Cathodes
Authors: Yin Jian , Zhang Wenli , Wang Wenxi , Alhebshi Nuha A. , Salah Numan , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: August 2020

Aqueous electrochemical zinc ion capacitors (ZICs) are promising next‐generation energy storage devices because of their high safety, inexpensive raw materials, and long cycle life. Herein, an aqueous ZIC with superior performance is fabricated by employing an oxygen‐rich porous carbon cathode. Excellent capacitance and energy density are obtained thanks to the electric double‐layer capacitance of porous carbon, and additional pseudocapacitances originating from the variation in oxidation states of oxygen functional groups and the reversible electrochemical hydrogen adsorption and desorption during each round‐trip charge–discharge cycle. Moreover, the cycling stability of ZIC is effectively prolonged by suppressing zinc dendrite growth with a simple surface carbon coating strategy. The assembled ZIC delivers a high capacitance of 340.7 F g−1, a high capacity of 179.8 mAh g−1 in a wide voltage window of 0–1.9 V, a maximum energy density of 104.8 Wh kg−1, and an ultrahigh power density of 48.8 kW kg−1. Furthermore, the as‐fabricated aqueous ZIC exhibits an ultralong cycle life of 30 000 cycles with a high capacity retention of 99.2%. This work provides a novel design strategy by incorporating reversible hydrogen and oxygen redox reactions to enhance the energy storage capability of aqueous ZICs toward practical energy storage applications.
Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductor of Perovskite LixLayMO3−δ toward Carbon‐Free Cathode for Reversible Lithium–Air Batteries
Authors: Ma Sang Bok , Kwon Hyuk Jae , Kim Mokwon , Bak Seong‐Min , Lee Hyunpyo , Ehrlich Steven N. , Cho Jeong‐Ju , Im Dongmin , Seo Dong‐Hwa
Published: August 2020

Mixed ionic–electronic conductors (MIECs) can play a pivotal role in achieving high energies and power densities in rechargeable batteries owing to their ability to simultaneously conduct ions and electrons. Herein, a new strategy is proposed wherein late 3d transition metals (TMs) are substituted into a perovskite Li‐ion conductor to transform it into a Li‐containing MIEC. First‐principles calculations show that perovskite LixLayMO3 with late 3d TMs have a low oxygen vacancy formation energy, implying high electron carrier concentrations corresponding to high electronic conductivity. The activation barriers for Li diffusion in LixLayMO3 (M = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co) are below 0.411 eV, resulting in high Li‐ion conductivity. The designed perovskites of Li0.34La0.55MnO3−δ experimentally prove to have high electronic (2.04 × 10−3 S cm−1) and Li‐ion (8.53 × 10−5 S cm−1) conductivities, and when applied in a carbon‐free cathode of a Li–air cell, they deliver superior reversibility at 0.21 mAh cm−2 over 100 charge/discharge cycles while avoiding the degradation associated with carbonaceous materials. This strategy enables the effective design of Li‐conducting MIEC and reversible Li–air batteries.
Luminescent Solar Collectors: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Roncali Jean
Published: August 2020

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are optical systems that absorb, convert, and concentrate solar light by means of photoluminescence of an emitting material embedded in a transparent waveguide. LSCs combine large possibilities of variation of shape, flexibility, color, and transparency and can operate under direct or diffuse light. LSCs were actively investigated in the period 1975–1985 in view of photovoltaic (PV) conversion. After 20 years of sleep, research on LSCs has reemerged in the first years of the millennium driven by their potential application for PV conversion in built environment. Research on LSCs aims at the development of new active and passive components, namely emitting and light‐guiding materials, and at the reduction of the loss factors associated with the elemental processed involved in the operation in order to improve power conversion efficiency. After a brief historical account, the operating principles, characterization, components, technology, and applications are reviewed. Finally, the performance of LSCs are critically discussed in a global perspective with particular emphasis on the basic contradiction between light concentration and conversion efficiency leading to some suggestions for future development of the topic.
Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@Alginate supported L‐arginine as a powerful hybrid inorganic–organic nanocatalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Amirnejat Sara , Nosrati Aliakbar , Javanshir Shahrzad
Published: August 2020

Hybrid inorganic–organic material Fe3O4@Alg@CPTMS@Arg, was prepared by the layer‐by‐layer techniques through grafting l‐arginine (l‐arg) to Fe3O4@Alg using 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (CPTMS) as a linker. Fe3O4@Alg was prepared by in situ co‐precipitation of iron (iii) and iron (ii) chloride in the presence alginate (Alg). The hybrid inorganic–organic material was characterized employing various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The as‐prepared Fe3O4@Alg@CPTMS@Arg nanoparticles mediated the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives with via one‐pot reaction between phenylhydrazine, malononitrile, and various aromatic aldehydes under reflux in ethanol. Recycled catalyst exhibited comparable efficacy after seven cycles. The high catalytic activity, excellent yields, as well as the recyclability of the hybrid nanomaterials with quantitative efficiency, are factors that render this environmentally benign procedure appealing.
Remote skin self‐examination training of melanoma survivors and their skin check partners: A randomized trial and comparison with in‐person training
Authors: Robinson June K. , Reavy Racheal , Mallett Kimberly A. , Turrisi Rob
Published: August 2020

Background

Compared with other cancers, melanoma has the longest delays measured as the median time to patient presentation for care from symptom onset. Time to presentation for care is a key determinant of outcomes, including disease stage, prognosis, and treatment.

Methods

Melanoma survivors with localized disease and their skin check partners enrolled in two sequential randomized control trials of skin self‐examination (SSE) training. In Phase 1, the pair read a workbook in the office and had quarterly total body skin examinations with a study dermatologist. In Phase 2, materials were mailed to pairs, whose surveillance was with a community physician. SSE knowledge, performance (frequency and extent), and identification of concerning moles were compared between phases.

Results

Among 341 patients, 197 received the workbook and the others were controls. Knowledge in performing SSE was higher for the workbook relative to controls in both phases. The SSE frequency ranged from 2.38 to 5.97 times in 9 months. Patients randomized to the workbook in both phases performed significantly more SSE than controls at 9 months (P < .05). In both phases, trained survivors performed significantly more SSEs on the scalp than controls at 9 and 18 months (P < .05). Phase 1 survivors performed significantly more SSEs on the abdomen, buttocks, and soles of the feet than controls, but this did not occur in Phase 2. Finally, in both phases, survivors trained with the workbook resulted in greater detection of suspicious lesions and melanomas.

Conclusions

These findings justify the benefits of remote SSE training for patients as an adjunct to provider‐administered screening.
Exosomal lncRNA H19 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with Propofol via miR‐520a‐3p/LIMK1 axis
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Xing Na , Yang Tao , Liu Junqi , Zhao Huaping , He Juan , Ai Yanqiu , Yang Jianjun
Published: August 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths globally. Herein, we explored the underlying mechanism by which Propofol inhibited the development of HCC.

Methods

3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to detect the viability and proliferation. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19, microRNA‐520a‐3p (miR‐520a‐3p), LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), metastasis‐associated markers (Snail, Twist, Vimentin and E‐cadherin) and exosome markers (CD9 and CD81). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphology and structure of exosomes. The apoptosis and metastasis were measured by flow cytometry and transwell assays. StarBase software was utilized to predict the targets of H19 and miR‐520a‐3p. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miR‐520a‐3p and H19 or LIMK1. Nude mice bearing tumors were used to validate the role of exosomal H19.

RESULTS

The high expression of exosomal H19 accelerated the proliferation and motility while hampering the apoptosis of HCC cells. MiR‐520a‐3p could bind with H19. Exosomal H19 exacerbated HCC through sponging miR‐520a‐3p. The 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of LIMK1 could bind to miR‐520a‐3p. MiR‐520a‐3p mimic transfection reversed the inhibitory effect of high expression of exosomal LIMK1 on the apoptosis of HCC cells and the promoting effects on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. The mRNA and protein levels of LIMK1 were regulated by H19/miR‐520a‐3p signaling. The high level of exosomal H19 promoted the growth of HCC tumors in vivo.

Conclusion

Circulating H19 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells treated with Propofol through upregulating LIMK1 via sponging miR‐520a‐3p.
Ischaemic preconditioning‐induced serum exosomes protect against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats by activating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Xijiang
Published: August 2020

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can lead to severe arrhythmia and aggravate myocardial damage. Exosomes are small‐membrane vesicles that play a protective role in myocardial I/R injury. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC)‐induced serum exosomes (IPC‐Exo) on myocardial I/R injury in rats and its underlying mechanism. Serum exosomes were extracted from IPC rats and quantified using a bicinchoninic acid assay kit. IPC‐Exo (50 μg) was injected into the infarcted myocardium immediately after ligation. Rats were randomly divided into Sham, I/R, IPC‐Exo + I/R, I/R + LY294002, and I/R + IPC‐Exo + LY294002 groups. Haemodynamic parameters were measured by physiological recording. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function. The serum levels of creatine kinase isomer‐MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐10 were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining was used to measure the myocardial infarct size. Apoptosis in myocardial tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of PI3K/AKT and apoptosis‐related proteins. Our results showed that treatment with IPC‐Exo ameliorated cardiac function and reduced inflammatory factor production, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and myocardial infarct size. Moreover, IPC‐Exo treatment promoted the protein expression of Bcl‐2, p‐PI3K, and p‐AKT but inhibited that of caspase‐3 and Bax. However, treatment with LY294002 significantly reversed that IPC‐Exo‐induced increase in p‐PI3K and p‐AKT levels, improvement of haemodynamics, and decrease of inflammatory factor production and apoptosis in the I/R + IPC‐Exo group. Taken together, our results suggest that IPC‐Exo may alleviate I/R injury via activating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma: A US population‐based survival analysis (1999‐2016)
Authors: Florindez Jorge A. , Alderuccio Juan Pablo , Reis Isildinha M. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare tumor without a uniform treatment approach. The authors describe a large population‐based study evaluating survival outcomes of patients with SMZL according to the treatment received.

Methods

From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, patients were selected who had SMZL diagnosed from 1999 to 2016. Observation, splenectomy, chemotherapy, and splenectomy with chemotherapy were the evaluated treatment strategies. Cox and Fine and Gray regression models were used to evaluate overall and SMZL‐specific survival, respectively.

Results

In total, 1671 patients were selected for the analysis. Most patients were aged >60 years (71.3%), White (89.7%), and non‐Hispanic (91.7%). Transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurred in 71 patients (4.2%), and the 10‐year transformation rate was 8.6% (95% CI, 6.6%‐10.9%). In multivariable analysis, shorter SMZL‐specific survival was associated with age ≥60 years (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.40‐2.45; P < .001), Hispanic ethnicity (SHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.06‐2.13; P = .023), DLBCL transformation (SHR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.48‐2.97; P < .001), and the presence of B‐symptoms (SHR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.23‐2.27; P < .001). Compared with splenectomy, observation (SHR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.67‐1.28; P = .636), chemotherapy only (SHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.93‐1.76; P = .127), and splenectomy plus chemotherapy (SHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.96‐2.13; P = .089) showed no significant differences in SMZL‐specific survival. Predictors of shorter overall survival were age ≥60 years (hazard ratio, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.37‐3.76; P < .001) and the presence of B‐symptoms (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.67; P = .014).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in overall or SMZL‐specific survival by treatment strategy. Older age, Hispanic ethnicity, DLBCL transformation, and B‐symptoms were associated with a worse prognosis.
Optimized Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy for Imaging Chromatin Structure in Pathological Tissue
Authors: Xu Jianquan , Ma Hongqiang , Liu Yang
Published: August 2020

Direct visualization of higher‐order chromatin structure at the molecular scale is of great importance for understanding the impact of chromatin organization on gene expression in many biological processes. Understanding the changes in chromatin structure during pathological processes requires the use of in vivo models and clinical samples, and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue is the most widespread form of preservation. Here we describe the details of PathSTORM, an optimized stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) protocol for high‐quality super‐resolution imaging of densely packed higher‐order chromatin organization in pathological tissue. We discuss detailed methods for fluorescence staining of DNA and histone proteins, as well as the key technical factors for obtaining high‐quality STORM images in pathological tissue samples. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol 1: Fluorescence staining of chromatin in pathological tissue

Basic Protocol 2: STORM data processing

Support Protocol 1: Drift correction

Support Protocol 2: Image reconstruction

Support Protocol 3: Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining
Postmarket Safety Communication for Protection of Public Health: A Comparison of Regulatory Policy in Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the United States
Authors: Bhasale Alice L. , Sarpatwari Ameet , De Bruin Marie L. , Lexchin Joel , Lopert Ruth , Bahri Priya , Mintzes Barbara J.
Published: August 2020

In the wake of the withdrawal of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug rofecoxib, regulators worldwide reconsidered their approach to postmarket safety. Many have since adopted a “life cycle” approach to regulation of medicines, facilitating faster approval of new medicines while planning for potential postmarket safety issues. A crucial aspect of postmarket safety is the effective and timely communication of emerging risk information using postmarket safety advisories, commonly issued as letters to healthcare professionals, drug safety bulletins, media alerts, and website announcements. Yet regulators differ in their use of postmarket safety advisories. We examined the capacity of regulators in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia to warn about postmarket safety issues through safety advisories by assessing their governance, legislative authority, risk communication capabilities, and transparency.
Sustainable social responsibility through stakeholders engagement
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fernández Mercedes , Gaspar‐González Ana I. , Sánchez‐Teba Eva M.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the convergence in research of the terms Corporate Governance, Financial Performance and Social Responsibility has been studied. To this end, we have reviewed the literature published between 1998 and 2017 and analyzed a total of 350 articles dealing with these issues, either individually or in combination. Thus, a bibliometric and co‐citation analysis has been carried out. This research has demonstrated the importance of the Stakeholder theory to reach the organization's commitment to achieving good financial results, which is considered the key to maintaining social responsibility policies over time.

The emerging trends detected focus on board diversity as well as corporate reputation along with the company's financial performance. Also new topics that are raising interest among researchers are women, China, information disclosure or gender.
Modeling the Thermal Conductivity of Porous Electrodes of Li‐Ion Batteries as a Function of Microstructure Parameters
Authors: Oehler Dieter , Seegert Philipp , Wetzel Thomas
Published: August 2020

The performance and lifetime of lithium‐ion batteries are strongly influenced by the temperature distribution within the cells, as electrochemical reactions, transport properties, and aging effects are temperature dependent. However, thermal analysis and numerical simulation of the temperature inside the cells can only be as accurate as the underlying data on thermal transport properties. This contribution presents a numerical and analytical model for predicting the thermal conductivity of porous electrodes as a function of microstructure parameters. Both models account for the morphology of the electrode structures and bulk material properties of the constitutive components. Structural parameters considered in both models alike are the porosity of the electrode coatings, particle size distribution, particle shape, particle contact areas, and binder carbon black distribution. The numerical model is based on the well‐established finite volume discretization, allowing for detailed 3D analyses. The analytical model is an extension of the well‐known Zehner–Bauer–Schluender approach for solid packing and provides fast predictions of the effects of parameter variations. The results of both models have been successfully verified against each other and compared to literature data and experimental measurements.
Peer‐to‐peer education to prevent drug use: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives of student peer educators from Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Nurmala Ira , Pertiwi Elisa D. , Muthmainnah Muthmainnah , Rachmayanti Riris D. , Devi Yuli P. , Harris Neil , Wiseman Nicola , Li Chung Y.
Published: August 2020

Issue addressed

Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood during which an individual is more likely to engage in drug use. Peer education is one strategy suggested to discourage adolescents from engaging in negative lifestyle behaviours including drug use. This qualitative research was conducted to understand the perspectives of student peer educators to provide counselling to their peers around drug use.

Methods

Data were gathered at 10 senior high schools in five regions of Surabaya through semi‐structured interviews (student peer educators: n = 20; teachers: n = 13) and focus group discussions (three FGDs with student peer educators: n = 25). The data were analysed through thematic analysis following procedures of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing.

Results

The peer educators showed readiness (actual or potential) to provide counselling based on the external factor (confidence of ongoing support) and internal factors (motivate healthy lifestyle choices, ready with an open ear, self‐development and share knowledge and experience).

Conclusions

The readiness to provide counselling emphasises the preparedness of the students to help their peers and appeared underpinned by their self development and personal experiences. A capacity building program to enable student peer educators to enhance their skills to motivate healthy lifestyle choices would be of benefit.

So what?

The confidence in ongoing support factor recognises the essential role of stakeholders to visibly advocate for the reactivation of the peer educator program for high school students as a clear sign of support.
Analysis of stress responses in Astyanax larvae reveals heterogeneity among different populations
Authors: Chin Jacqueline S. R. , Loomis Cody L. , Albert Lydia T. , Medina‐Trenche Shirley , Kowalko Johanna , Keene Alex C. , Duboué Erik R.
Published: August 2020

Stress responses are conserved physiological and behavioral outcomes as a result of facing potentially harmful stimuli, yet in pathological states, stress becomes debilitating. Stress responses vary considerably throughout the animal kingdom, but how these responses are shaped evolutionarily is unknown. The Mexican cavefish has emerged as a powerful system for examining genetic principles underlying behavioral evolution. Here, we demonstrate that cave Astyanax have reduced behavioral and physiological measures of stress when examined at larval stages. We also find increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor, a repressible element of the neuroendocrine stress pathway. Additionally, we examine stress in three different cave populations, and find that some, but not all, show reduced stress measures. Together, these results reveal a mechanistic system by which cave‐dwelling fish reduced stress, presumably to compensate for a predator poor environment.
Effects of boric acid on urea‐N transformation and 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate efficiency
Authors: Gao Jichao , Luo Jiafa , Lindsey Stuart , Shi Yuanliang , Wei Zhanbo , Wang Lingli , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2020

Background

3,4‐Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) is a nitrification inhibitor which can restrict nitrate (NO3−) production. Boric acid is a substance which inhibits urease activity. However, few studies have focused on the inhibitory effect of boric acid on urea hydrolysis and the possible synergistic effect with DMPP. Thus, an incubation trial was conducted to determine the impact of boric acid and DMPP addition on urea‐N transformation, and their synergistic effects, in chernozem soil (Che) and red soil (RS). Four treatments were set up in each soil: urea only (U); urea combined with DMPP (UD); urea combined with boric acid (UB); and urea combined with both DMPP and boric acid (UDB).

Results

Compared to U, adding DMPP (UD) increased NH3 emissions by 11% and 13% and decreased soil NO3−‐N concentration by 38% and 13% in Che and RS, respectively. Boric acid addition (UB) effectively prolonged the half‐life time of urea by 0.8 and 0.4 days, reduced NH3 volatilizations by 11% and 16% and delayed the occurrence of NH3 emission peaks for 3 and 4 days in contrast to U treatment in Che and RS, respectively. UDB treatment mitigated the NH3 volatilizations caused by the addition of DMPP (UD) by 16% and 29% in Che and RS, respectively. Additionally, a better nitrification inhibition rate was found in the UDB treatment compared to other treatments in both soils.

Conclusions

There is potential to develop a new N transformation inhibition strategy with the use of a combination of boric acid and DMPP. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Augmented reality‐enhanced navigation in endoscopic sinus surgery: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Linxweiler Maximilian , Pillong Lukas , Kopanja Dragan , Kühn Jan P. , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Radosa Julia C. , Wang Jingming , Morris Luc G. T. , Al Kadah Basel , Bochen Florian , Körner Sandrina , Schick Bernhard
Published: August 2020

Objective

Endoscopic sinus surgery represents the gold standard for surgical treatment of chronic sinus diseases. Thereby, navigation systems can be of distinct use. In our study, we tested the recently developed KARL STORZ NAV1 SinusTracker navigation software that incorporates elements of augmented reality (AR) to provide a better preoperative planning and guidance during the surgical procedure.

Methods

One hundred patients with chronic sinus disease were operated on using either a conventional navigation software (n = 52, non‐AR, control group) or a navigation software incorporating AR elements (n = 48, AR, intervention group). Incidence of postoperative complications, duration of surgery, surgeon‐reported benefit from the navigation system and patient‐reported postoperative rehabilitation were assessed.

Results

The surgeons reported a higher benefit during surgery, used the navigation system for more surgical steps and spent longer time with preoperative image analysis when using the AR system as compared with the non‐AR system. No significant differences were seen in terms of postoperative complications, target registration error, operation time and postoperative rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The AR enhanced navigation software shows a high acceptance by sinus surgeons in different stages of surgical training and offers potential benefits during surgery without affecting the duration of the operation or the incidence of postoperative complications.

Level of evidence

1b.
Next‐Generation Polymeric Nanomedicines for Oncology: Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Fletcher Nicholas L. , Kempe Kristian , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: August 2020

Precision polymers as advanced nanomedicines represent an appealing approach for the treatment of otherwise untreatable malignancies. By taking advantage of unique nanomaterial properties and implementing judicious design strategies, polymeric nanomedicines are able to be produced that overcome many barriers to effective treatment. Current key research focus areas anticipated to produce the greatest impact in polymer applications in nanomedicine for oncology include new strategies to achieve “active” targeting, polymeric pro‐drug activation, and combinatorial polymer drug delivery approaches in combination with enhanced understanding of complex bio‐nano interactions. These approaches, both in isolation or combination, form the next generation of precision nanomedicines with significant anticipated future health outcomes. Of necessity, these approaches will combine an intimate understanding of biological interactions with advanced materials design. This perspectives piece aims to highlight emerging opportunities that promise to be game changers in the nanomedicine oncology field. Discussed herein are current and next generation polymeric nanomedicines with a focus towards structures that are, or could, undergo clinical translation as well as highlight key advances in the field.
Loss of Presynaptic Terminal Integrity in the Substantia Nigra in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Delva Aline , Van Weehaeghe Donatienne , Koole Michel , Van Laere Koen , Vandenberghe Wim
Published: August 2020

Background

It has been hypothesized that the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) primarily affects presynaptic terminals and spreads trans‐synaptically.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and anatomical extent of presynaptic terminal loss across the brain in early PD. A second objective was to compare loss of presynaptic terminals and cell bodies within the nigrostriatal tract.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with early PD and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography with 11C‐UCB‐J, a ligand for the universal presynaptic terminal marker synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), and with the dopamine transporter ligand 18F‐FE‐PE2I, as well as a detailed clinical assessment. Volumes of interest were delineated based on individual 3‐dimensional T1 magnetic resonance imaging. BPND images were calculated.

Results

Patients with PD showed significant loss of SV2A binding in the substantia nigra only. Loss of dopamine transporter binding in the PD group was much greater in the putamen than in the substantia nigra. We found no correlations between SV2A or dopamine transporter binding and any of the clinical motor or nonmotor scores. Homologous voxel‐based analysis in the PD group showed significant correlations between SV2A and dopamine transporter binding in the caudate and substantia nigra.

Conclusions

Presynaptic terminals appear to be the most heavily affected subcellular compartment of nigrostriatal neurons in early PD. Moreover, early PD causes loss of presynaptic terminals that innervate the nigrostriatal neurons. This loss of presynaptic boutons in the substantia nigra may reflect an axonal response to target deprivation or could possibly point to a trans‐synaptic mode of propagation of the disease process. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society