bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication of a Modified Factor Structure for the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire: Extension to Clinical Eating Disorder and Non‐clinical Samples in Portugal
Authors: Machado Paulo P.P. , Grilo Carlos M. , Crosby Ross D.
Published: November 2017

Psychometric investigations of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) have generally not supported the original scale structure. The present study tested an alternative brief factor structure in two large Portuguese samples: (1) a non‐clinical sample of N = 4117 female students and (2) a treatment‐seeking sample of N = 609 patients diagnosed with eating disorders. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a poor fit for the original EDE‐Q structure in both the non‐clinical and the clinical samples but revealed a good fit for the alternative 7‐item 3‐factor structure (dietary restraint, shape/weight overvaluation and body dissatisfaction). Factor loadings were invariant across samples and across the different specific eating disorder diagnoses in the clinical sample. These confirmatory factor analysis findings, which replicate findings from studies with diverse predominately overweight/obese samples, supported a modified 7‐item, 3‐factor structure for the EDE‐Q. The reliable findings across different non‐clinical and clinical eating disorder groups provide confidence regarding the potential utility of this brief version. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Wireless energy harvesting in cooperative decode‐and‐forward relaying networks over mixed generalized η‐μ and κ‐μ fading channels
Authors: Badarneh Osamah S. , Almehmadi Fares S. , Ansari Imran Shafique , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we investigate the performance of dual‐hop relaying networks with wireless energy harvesting at the relay node over generalized η‐μ and κ‐μ fading channels. Our analysis considers decode‐and‐forward relays with a single antenna as well as source and destination nodes equipped with a single antenna. Specifically, we derive an accurate approximate analytical expression for the system outage probability (OP). The derived OP considers 3 different energy harvesting mechanisms: (1) time switching–based relaying, (2) power splitting–based relaying, and (3) ideal relaying receiver. Furthermore, we obtain accurate approximate analytical expressions for the system ergodic capacity and achievable throughput for the time switching–based relaying, power splitting–based relaying, and ideal relaying receiver. In addition, an accurate approximate analytical expression for the average bit error rate for several coherent modulation schemes is obtained. Through some numerical examples, we study the OP, throughput, and average bit‐error‐rate performance of the overall system under different system parameters such as fading parameters, energy harvesting time, power splitting factor, and signal‐to‐noise ratio. The results show that the effect of increasing the fading parameter μ on the system performance is more pronounced than that of increasing the fading parameters η and κ. Besides, increasing the energy harvesting time or the power splitting factor may be either beneficial or harmful for the throughput performance. Our numerical results are accompanied with Monte Carlo simulations to verify the accuracy of our analysis.
Consumer acceptability of gluten‐free cookies containing raw cooked and germinated pinto bean flours
Authors: Simons Courtney Wayne , Hall Clifford
Published: November 2017

Beany and grassy flavors in raw edible bean flours reduce consumer acceptability of bean‐based baked products. In order to improve consumer acceptability, beans may be further processed by cooking and germination. However, these operations drive up the cost of end‐products. Therefore, it is necessary to develop formulations, using raw edible bean flours that have acceptable sensory attributes. In this study, cooked, germinated, and germinated/steam‐blanched (GSB) pinto bean flours were used to make gluten‐free cookies, and their sensory characteristics evaluated to determine how their consumer acceptability scores compared. Taste panelists (31) graded cookies made from raw pinto beans with an overall value of 6 on a 9‐point hedonic scale (p < .05). This rating was not significantly different from cookies formulated with germinated and GSB flours. Therefore, gluten‐free cookies can be made using raw pinto bean flours at a 40% inclusion level, with similar sensory characteristics as those prepared with flours treated by cooking and germination. Instrumental measurement of cookie hardness and color showed no significant difference in hardness, but significant differences in color. The germinated bean flour produced cookies with a significantly lower L* value and significantly higher a*, b*, Chroma and hue values compared to the other treatments. There was no significant difference in the cookie spread ratio. Proximate composition, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and gelatinization properties of the flour treatments were characterized.
Geochronology and geochemistry of the Late Jurassic bimodal volcanic rocks from Hailisen area, central‐southern Great Xing'an Range, Northeast China
Authors: Liu Changfeng , Zhou Zhiguang , Wang Guosheng , Wu Chen , Li Hongying , Zhu Yan , Jiang Tian , Liu Wencan , Ye Baoying
Published: November 2017

Zircon U–Pb dating and whole‐rock geochemical analysis have been studied on the Late Jurassic volcanic rocks in the Hailisen area, Northeastern China, with the aim of constraining the tectonic evolution of the central‐southern Great Xing'an Range during the Late Jurassic. The volcanic rocks mainly consist of andesite from the Tamulangou Formation, and rhyolite and minor dacite from the Manketouebo Formation. The results of inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry Zircon U–Pb dating for two andesites and one dacite indicate that they formed in the Late Jurassic (161–150 Ma). The mafic rocks are characteristic of low TiO2 (1.01–1.04 wt.%) and P2O5 (0.23–0.31 wt.%) contents, and high Al2O3 (17.19–20.18 wt.%) and CaO (6.69–7.45 wt.%) contents, and belong to the low‐K tholeiitic series. These mafic rocks are also characterized by moderately enriched light rare earth element (LREE) patterns and high abundances of Th, U, Zr, and Hf but negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. The felsic rocks are enriched in alkalis, Th, U, and LREEs; depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, and Ti; and exhibit moderately LREE‐enriched patterns. These features indicate that the mafic volcanic rocks were likely formed by the partial melting of a lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized by subduction‐derived components, but the felsic rocks could derived by partial melting of a crustal source. The Tamulangou and Manketouebo formations have compositions of typical bimodal volcanism, an extensional environment, similar to a post‐orogenic setting, which might be related to the closure of Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean.
Early Paleozoic arc magmatism and metamorphism in the northern Qilian Block, western China: Petrological and geochronological constraints
Authors: Peng Yin‐Biao , Yu Sheng‐Yao , Zhang Jian‐Xin , Li San‐Zhong , Tong Lai‐Xi , Sun De‐You
Published: November 2017

The Datong–Menyuan Complex, located in the northern margin of the Qilian Block, is composed dominantly of high‐grade metamorphic rocks covered by a Paleozoic–Mesozoic sedimentary sequence. In this study, we present petrographic observation, conventional thermobarometry and P–T pseudosection modelling, whole‐rock major and trace geochemistry, zircons U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic data together, to reveal the relationship between the magmatism and metamorphism along the northern margin of the Qilian Block. The anticlockwise P–T paths of gneiss and amphibolites are obtained using the garnet isopleths thermobaromety combined with phase equilibria modelling. The P–T pseudosection also shows that the gneiss and amphibolite underwent similar retrograde metamorphism with slightly different peak metamorphic conditions at ~720 °C and ~6.4 kbar for the former and ~700 °C and ~7.1 kbar for the latter. This indicates the Datong–Menyuan Complex recorded an amphibolite–granulite‐facies metamorphism. The zircon U–Pb analyses of 3 intrusive rocks including granitic dike, diorite, and granite are dated at ca. 499.8 ± 4.3, 495.9 ± 3.3, and 505.5 ± 3.2 Ma, and 3 representative metamorphic rocks underwent contemporaneous metamorphism at ca. 498.9 ± 4.1, 504.4 ± 3.9, and 499.3 ± 2.9 Ma. Zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that 505‐Ma zircons from the granitoid have positive εHf(t) values ranging from +8.5 to +12.8, indicating a depleted mantle source. Based on the penecontemporaneous magmatic and metamorphic event, we suggest that the southward subduction of the north Qilian Ocean triggered the activity of mantle‐derived magma and coeval metamorphic event. A subsequent compression is attributed to crustal thickening, indicating counter clockwise P–T paths. Combining these data with previous studies, it suggests paired metamorphic belts: the penecontemporaneous high‐temperature metamorphic belt related to an arc along the northern Qilian Block and high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphic belt existed in the north Qilian suture.
An integrated approach for extraction of lithology information using the SPOT 6 imagery in a heavily Quaternary‐covered region—North Baoji District of China
Authors: Han Ling , Zhao Bo , Wu Jian‐Jian , Zhang Shu‐Yuan , Pilz Jürgen , Yang Fan
Published: November 2017

We studied the applicability of SPOT (Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre) 6 satellite imagery for red sandstone interpretation in the heavily loess‐covered northern Baoji District, China, which is always a crucial but challenging issue in remote sensing geological mapping. First, the non‐ or sparsely vegetated subareas were outlined in order to narrow the interpretation target area; second, band‐math and the fractal “DN‐N” (digital number‐frequency) algorithm was conducted to extract the sandstone‐associated anomalies; third, a series of spatial analysis, for example, overlaying and clumping, was employed for elimination of the false anomalies; finally, we took advantage of matched filtering to discern the non‐ (red) sandstone outcrops in local areas. Generally, the interpretation accuracy based on this novel technical proposal is acceptable—74% or slightly less (taking the geological sketch as reference criteria)—and can be well proven by field investigation. This study may have contributed a useful case study for remote‐sensing lithological mapping in the Quaternary‐covered areas.
Safety and effectiveness of endovascular embolization or stent‐graft reconstruction for treatment of acute carotid blowout syndrome in patients with head and neck cancer: Case series and systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Wong Daniel J. Y. , Donaldson Christopher , Lai Leon T. , Coleman Andrew , Giddings Charles , Slater Lee‐Anne , Chandra Ronil V.
Published: November 2017

Background

Indications for treatment and outcomes after endovascular management of carotid blowout syndrome for patients with head and neck cancer are not well defined. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of endovascular embolization and stent‐graft reconstruction.

Methods

A literature review was performed for studies published between 2001 and 2015 with relevance to treatment outcomes. Our institutional database was examined to identify patients treated with endovascular techniques.

Results

A total of 266 patients were included. Rates of procedural stroke were higher after embolization of internal carotid artery (ICA)/common carotid artery (CCA) compared to stent graft (embolization 10.3%; stent graft 2.5%; P < .02). Stent graft of ICA/CCA was associated with higher rates of recurrent bleeding (embolization 9.1%; stent graft 31.9%; P < .01).

Conclusion

Both embolization and stent grafts are safe therapeutic options for acute carotid blowout syndrome. Embolization for ICA/CCA carotid blowout syndrome was associated with higher risks of procedural stroke and lower recurrent bleeding compared to stent grafts.
Diabetes, metabolic comorbidities, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Simon Tracey G. , King Lindsay Y. , Chong Dawn Q. , Nguyen Long H. , Ma Yanan , VoPham Trang , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Corey Kathleen E. , Khalili Hamed , Chung Raymond T. , Zhang Xuehong , Chan Andrew T.
Published: November 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is unknown whether T2D duration or additional metabolic comorbidities further contribute to HCC risk. From the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), 120,826 women were enrolled in 1980, and from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS), 50,284 men were enrolled in 1986 and followed through 2012. Physician‐diagnosed T2D was ascertained at baseline and updated biennially. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate age‐ and multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident HCC. Over 32 years of follow‐up (4,488,410 person‐years), we documented 112 cases of HCC (69 women, 43 men). T2D was associated with an increased HCC risk (multivariable HR, 4.59; 95% CI, 2.98‐7.07), as was an increasing T2D duration (P
trend < 0.001). Compared to nondiabetics, the multivariable HRs for HCC were 2.96 (95% CI, 1.57‐5.60) for 0‐<2 years; 6.08 (95% CI, 2.96‐12.50) for 2‐<10 years; and 7.52 (95% CI, 3.88‐14.58) for ≥10 years. Increasing number of metabolic comorbidities (T2D, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) was associated with increased HCC risk (P
trend < 0.001); compared to individuals without metabolic comorbidity, those with four metabolic comorbidities had an 8.1‐fold increased HCC risk (95% CI, 2.48‐26.7). In T2D, neither insulin use nor oral hypoglycemic use was significantly associated with HCC risk (HR, 2.04 [95% CI, 0.69‐6.09] and HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.69‐3.07], respectively). Conclusion: T2D is independently associated with increased risk for HCC in two prospective cohorts of U.S. men and women. This risk is enhanced with prolonged diabetes duration and with comorbid metabolic conditions, suggesting the importance of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of HCC. (Hepatology 2018;67:1797‐1806)
Intracrine prostaglandin E2 pro‐tumoral actions in prostate epithelial cells originate from non‐canonical pathways
Authors: Madrigal‐Martínez Antonio , Fernández‐Martínez Ana B. , Lucio Cazaña Francisco J.
Published: November 2017

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases cell proliferation and stimulates migratory and angiogenic abilities in prostate cancer cells. However, the effects of PGE2 on non‐transformed prostate epithelial cells are unknown, despite the fact that PGE2 overproduction has been found in benign hyperplastic prostates. In the present work we studied the effects of PGE2 in immortalized, non‐malignant prostate epithelial RWPE‐1 cells and found that PGE2 increased cell proliferation, cell migration, and production of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, and activated in vitro angiogenesis. These actions involved a non‐canonic intracrine mechanism in which the actual effector was intracellular PGE2 (iPGE2) instead of extracellular PGE2: inhibition of the prostaglandin uptake transporter (PGT) or antagonism of EP receptors prevented the effects of PGE2, which indicated that PGE2 activity depended on its carrier‐mediated translocation from the outside to the inside of cells and that EP receptors located intracellularly (iEP) mediated the effects of PGE2. iPGE2 acted through transactivation of epidermal growth factor‐receptor (EGFR) by iEP, leading to increased expression and activity of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). Interestingly, iPGE2 also mediates the effects of PGE2 on prostate cancer PC3 cells through the axis iPGE2‐iEP receptors‐EGFR‐HIF‐1α. Thus, this axis might be responsible for the growth‐stimulating effects of PGE2 on prostate epithelial cells, thereby contributing to prostate proliferative diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Since this PGT‐dependent non‐canonic intracrine mechanism of PGE2 action operates in both benign and malignant prostate epithelial cells, PGT inhibitors should be tested as a novel therapeutic modality to treat prostate proliferative disease.
Roles and clinical implications of microRNAs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ultimo Simona , Martelli Alberto M. , Zauli Giorgio , Vitale Marco , Calin George A. , Neri Luca M.
Published: November 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs which regulate the expression of target genes by binding to messenger RNAs. miRNAs play a role in various biological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in invasion and metastasis in several human cancer types, and leukemia is not an exception. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the proliferation of early lymphoid precursors that replace normal hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow. The expression profiling of miRNAs in ALL could be used for the classification of the disease establishing specific diagnoses and offering prognostic values in the near future. The correlation of miRNAs dysregulation and biology of ALL demonstrates that specific miRNA may be a potential therapeutic target. In this review we have focused our attention on the correlations between ALL and miRNAs, their link with signaling pathways and transcription factors in the disease and miRNA targeting therapeutic strategies with their advantages and potential use in clinical applications.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the calcium signaling and expression analysis of sodium/calcium exchanger in Aspergillus cristatus
Authors: Ren Xiu‐xiu , Wang Yuchen , Liu YongXiang , Tan Yumei , Ren Chunguang , Ge Yongyi , Liu Zuoyi
Published: November 2017

Aspergillus cristatus develops into various stages under different Na concentrations: the sexual stage in 0.5 M NaCl and asexual development stage in 3 M NaCl. In order to explore whether the Ca2+ signaling pathway in A. cristatus responded to the changes in the salt stress, we analyzed the gene expression levels in A. cristatus respectively cultured in 0.5 M NaCl and 3 M NaCl. According to the BLAST analysis results, we identified 25 Ca2+‐signaling proteins in A. cristatus. The expression levels of most genes involved in the Ca2+‐signaling pathway in A. cristatus cultured in different salt concentrations showed significant differences, indicating that the Ca2+ signaling pathway was involved in the response to the changes in the salt stress. In yeasts, only calcium ion influx proteins were reported to be involved in the response to the changes in the salt stress. So far, the protein for the exchanger of calcium/sodium ions has not been reported. Therefore, we obtained the sodium/calcium exchanger (termed NCX) proteins from the KEGG Database. The ncx gene of A. cristatus was cloned and characterized. The full length of ncx gene is 3055 bp, including a 2994‐bp open reading frame encoding 994 amino acids. The expression levels of ncx in the sexual development stage and asexual development stage were respectively ∼8.94 times and ∼2.57 times of that in the hyphal formation stage. Therefore, we suggested that ncx gene was up‐regulated to resist the sodium stress. The study results provide the basis for further exploring the Ca2+‐signaling mechanism and ion exchanger mechanism.
Australian community pharmacists’ knowledge of popular herbal/nutrient weight‐loss complementary medicines
Authors: Taing Meng‐Wong , Clavarino Alexandra M. , McGuire Treasure M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Herbal/nutrient weight‐loss complementary medicines (WLCMs) are widely available in community pharmacies and are popular with Australian consumers. Pharmacists have an obligation to ensure they provide appropriate advice to consumers about complementary medicines as they do with registered prescription medicines.

Aims

(i) To assess community pharmacists’ knowledge regarding current evidence for the efficacy, potential side effects, and drug interactions of commonly sold/recommended WLCMs. (ii) To ascertain whether self‐reported level of knowledge is a reliable predictor of WLCM knowledge.

Method

Pharmacists from a randomly selected sample of 214 community pharmacies in the Greater Brisbane region, Australia, were invited to complete a knowledge‐based questionnaire relating to three commonly sold/recommended WLCMs – garcinia, green tea and chromium.

Results

Ninety‐nine pharmacists completed the questionnaire (51% response rate). Approximately 20% selected the appropriate efficacy ratings for garcinia and green tea, with only 10% selecting the appropriate response for chromium. A mismatch was observed between what pharmacists recognised as adverse effects and interactions for the three common WLCMs compared to published findings, with a bias toward nervous system (i.e. insomnia and headache) and gastrointestinal side effects, and interactions with warfarin. Pharmacists who reported a good working knowledge were statistically able to identify only one of 14 adverse effects (insomnia associated with green tea) more than those reporting knowing little/don't remember/never heard of these WLCMs, yet were more likely to recommend the WLCMs green tea and chromium.

Conclusion

Irrespective of pharmacists’ perceived levels of WLCM knowledge, there is a need for targeted education interventions focusing on commonly sold WLCMs that have potential safety concerns. Pharmacists should also understand the regulatory landscape for listing CMs in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and its implications relating to product efficacy, which may affect their decision to supply WLCM products.
Submicron Raman spectroscopy mapping of serpentinite fault rocks
Authors: Rooney Jeremy S. , Tarling Matthew S. , Smith Steven A.F. , Gordon Keith C.
Published: November 2017

Submicron Raman spectroscopy mapping is able to unambiguously distinguish the main serpentine minerals within their in situ microstructural context. The high spatial resolution (~370 nm), large‐area coverage (up to hundreds of micrometres in each dimension), and ability to map directly on polished thin sections allows novel interpretations to be made regarding the nature and evolution of serpentinite fault rock textures. The potential of this method is illustrated by examining submicron‐scale textures of scaly serpentinites (e.g., dissolution seams, mineral growth in pressure shadows, distribution, and intergrowth of serpentine minerals) from a lithospheric‐scale shear zone in New Zealand and a subduction‐related serpentinite body in California, USA.
Raman‐scattering studies of pressure‐induced phase transitions in perovskite‐like acetamidninium manganese formate
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , da Silva Tercio Almeida , Paraguassu Waldeci
Published: November 2017

We report high‐pressure Raman scattering studies of acetamidninium manganese formate, which show evidence for two pressure‐induced phase transitions between 0.7 and 1.4 GPa and above 5.3 GPa. The first transition is related to distortion of the manganese formate framework whereas the second one affects significantly the structure of the acetamidinium cation. Significant narrowing of the lattice bands suggests that the intermediate and high‐pressure phases are ordered. High‐pressure experiments also indicate different structures of the intermediate phases observed upon compression and decompression. However, release of pressure to ambient value leads to recovery of the initial ambient‐pressure phase.
Can Nomograms Predict Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Breast Cancer to Guide Second Look Ultrasonography?
Authors: Azmil Ameerah , Bansal Gaurav Jyoti
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The low sensitivity of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer has led to the development of multiple tools in an attempt to increase preoperative sensitivity, including second‐look US. We compared axillary lymph node metastasis predictor scores with postsurgical findings, using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC; New York, NY) and Evidencio (www.evidencio.com) nomograms: 2 freely available online predictor tools.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 450 patients with breast cancer and analyzed data from 194 patients. Sonograms were evaluated to measure lymph node cortical thickness, transverse diameter, and hilum status. Patients were divided into 3 groups: namely 0, 1, and 2 based on the number of postoperative positive nodes (0, 1 and ≥2, respectively). One‐way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences in mean scores across the 3 nodal groups for both nomograms. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There were significant differences in mean scores across the 3 nodal groups when using MSKCC (P < .001) as well as Evidencio (P < .001). However, there was an overlap of scores across the 3 groups; thus, mutually exclusive values were not obtained. A strong positive correlation was found between MSKCC and Evidencio (P < 0.001). Tumor size and the presence of lymphovascular invasion were significantly associated with axillary nodal disease (P < .001; P = .003, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of nomograms to predict axillary nodal involvement in patients with breast cancer can guide discussions, but in their present state, these scores cannot guide clinical decisions or direct second‐look US of axilla.
Liver transplantation in adults with liver disease due to common variable immunodeficiency leads to early recurrent disease and poor outcome
Authors: Azzu Vian , Elias Joshua E. , Duckworth Adam , Davies Susan , Brais Rebecca , Kumararatne Dinakantha S. , Gimson Alexander E. S. , Griffiths William J. H.
Published: November 2017

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common form of primary immunodeficiency characterized by antibody deficiency, recurrent bacterial infections, and autoimmunity. Advanced chronic liver disease occurs in a subset of patients with CVID and manifests with various histological features, such as nodular regenerative hyperplasia, inflammation, fibrosis, and cholangiopathy. We present a case series characterizing the outcomes in adult patients transplanted for primary CVID‐related liver disease. We discuss the unique transplantation challenges faced in this primary immunodeficiency group including susceptibility to infections and early disease recurrence. There is a statistically significant decrease in 3‐year and 5‐year survival after liver transplantation in those with CVID‐related liver disease (55% at 3 and 5 years) compared with all‐comers (89% at 3 years, 81% at 5 years), prompting a need for discussion of suitability of transplantation in this group of patients as well as methods for reducing posttransplantation risk such as scrupulous search for infectious agents and reduction of immunosuppression. Liver Transplantation 24 171–181 2018 AASLD.
Longterm calcineurin inhibitor therapy and brain function in patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Pflugrad Henning , Schrader Anna‐Kristina , Tryc Anita Blanka , Ding Xiaoqi , Lanfermann Heinrich , Jäckel Elmar , Schrem Harald , Beneke Jan , Barg‐Hock Hannelore , Klempnauer Jürgen , Weissenborn Karin
Published: November 2017

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) frequently induce neurological complications early after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We hypothesize that longterm CNI therapy after OLT causes dose‐dependent cognitive dysfunction and alteration of brain structure. In this study, 85 OLT patients (20 with CNI‐free, 35 with CNI low‐dose, and 30 with standard‐dose CNI immunosuppression) underwent psychometric testing and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging approximately 10 years after OLT to assess brain function and structural brain alterations. A total of 33 healthy patients adjusted for age, sex, and education served as controls. Patients receiving CNI showed a significantly worse visuospatial/constructional ability compared with controls (P ≤ 0.04). Furthermore, patients on low‐dose CNI therapy had an overall impaired cognitive function compared with controls (P = 0.01). The tacrolimus total dose and mean trough level were negatively correlated to cognitive function. CNI doses had been adjusted in 91% of the patients in the low‐dose and CNI‐free groups in the past due to CNI‐induced kidney damage. Patients treated with CNI showed significantly more white matter hyperintensities (WMH) than patients on CNI‐free immunosuppression and controls (P < 0.05). Both the mean cyclosporine A and tacrolimus trough levels correlated significantly with WMH. In conclusion, longterm CNI therapy carries a risk of cognitive dysfunction especially in patients who already showed nephrotoxic side effects indicating an increased susceptibility of these patients against toxic CNI effects. This subgroup of patients might benefit from a change to CNI‐free immunosuppression. Liver Transplantation 24 56–66 2018 AASLD.
In Vitro Evaluation of Anti‐Aggregation and Degradation Behavior of PEGylated Polymeric Nanogels under In Vivo Like Conditions
Authors: Chen Yinan , Dakwar George R. , Braeckmans Kevin , Lammers Twan , Hennink Wim E. , Metselaar Josbert M.
Published: November 2017

The in vivo stability and biodegradability of nanocarriers crucially determine therapeutic efficacy as well as safety when used for drug delivery. This study aims to evaluate optimized in vitro techniques predictive for in vivo nanocarrier behavior. Polymeric biodegradable nanogels based on hydroxyethyl methacrylamide‐oligoglycolates‐derivatized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylamide‐co‐N‐(2‐azidoethyl)methacrylamide) and with various degrees of PEGylation and crosslinking densities are prepared. Three techniques are chosen and refined for specific in vitro evaluation of the nanocarrier performance: (1) fluorescence single particle tracking (fSPT) to study the stability of nanogels in human plasma, (2) tangential flow filtration (TFF) to study the degradation and filtration of nanogel degradation products, and (3) fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) to evaluate and compare the degradation behavior of nanogels in buffer and plasma. fSPT results demonstrate that nanogels with highest PEGylation content show the least aggregation. The TFF results reveal that nanogels with higher crosslink density have slower degradation and removal by filtration. FFS results indicate a similar degradation behavior in human plasma as compared to that in phosphate buffered saline. In conclusion, three methods can be used to compare and select the optimal nanogel composition, and these methods hold potential to predict the in vivo performance of nanocarriers.
Resveratrol inhibits obesity‐associated adipose tissue dysfunction and tumor growth in a mouse model of postmenopausal claudin‐low breast cancer
Authors: Rossi Emily L. , Khatib Subreen A. , Doerstling Steven S. , Bowers Laura W. , Pruski Melissa , Ford Nikki A. , Glickman Randolph D. , Niu Mengmeng , Yang Peiying , Cui Zhengrong , DiGiovanni John , Hursting Stephen D.
Published: November 2017

Adipose tissue dysregulation, a hallmark of obesity, contributes to a chronic state of low‐grade inflammation and is associated with increased risk and progression of several breast cancer subtypes, including claudin‐low breast tumors. Unfortunately, mechanistic targets for breaking the links between obesity‐associated adipose tissue dysfunction, inflammation, and claudin‐low breast cancer growth have not been elucidated. Ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice were randomized (n = 15/group) to receive a control diet, a diet‐induced obesity (DIO) diet, or a DIO + resveratrol (0.5% wt/wt) diet. Mice consumed these diets ad libitum throughout study and after 6 weeks were orthotopically injected with M‐Wnt murine mammary tumor cells, a model of estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative claudin‐low breast cancer. Compared with controls, DIO mice displayed adipose dysregulation and metabolic perturbations including increased mammary adipocyte size, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression, inflammatory eicosanoid levels, macrophage infiltration, and prevalence of crown‐like structures (CLS). DIO mice (relative to controls) also had increased systemic inflammatory cytokines and decreased adipocyte expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and other adipogenesis‐regulating genes. Supplementing the DIO diet with resveratrol prevented obesity‐associated increases in mammary tumor growth, mammary adipocyte hypertrophy, COX‐2 expression, macrophage infiltration, CLS prevalence, and serum cytokines. Resveratrol also offset the obesity‐associated downregulation of adipocyte PPARγ and other adipogenesis genes in DIO mice. Our findings suggest that resveratrol may inhibit obesity‐associated inflammation and claudin‐low breast cancer growth by inhibiting adipocyte hypertrophy and associated adipose tissue dysregulation that typically accompanies obesity.
The analytic decision‐making preference model to evaluate the disaster readiness in emergency departments: The A.D.T. model
Authors: Ortiz‐Barrios Miguel Angel , Aleman‐Romero Brandon Antonio , Rebolledo‐Rudas Janeth , Maldonado‐Mestre Heberth , Montes‐Villa Lizeth , De Felice Fabio , Petrillo Antonella
Published: November 2017

In recent years, a series of important emergencies have been taken place worldwide in industrial plants. After the occurrence of a disaster, it is essential to activate the correct emergency procedures. Particularly, it is important to direct people injured in hospitals which are able to handle emergencies. Thus, nowadays, the emergency services require a management process starting from the disaster moment to the involvement of all actors participating in the process to provide integral, safe, and quality attention. The aim of this study is to help hospitals become better prepared for major disasters and public health emergencies and to evaluate the readiness of emergency departments for a disaster situation. A hybrid model called the “analytic decision‐making preference model” based on analytic hierarchy process, decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory, and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution methods is proposed. Analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the criteria and subcriteria weights. Then, decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory is used to evaluate interdependence between criteria and subcriteria. After this, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution is applied to rank the emergency departments from highest to lowest according to their closeness coefficient. A real‐life application in Colombia is presented.
Sperm storage influences the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster
Authors: Kon Shinnosuke , Sato Tae , Endo Daisuke , Takahashi Tomoe , Takaku Akio , Nakauchi Yuni , Toyama Fubito , Meyer‐Rochow Victor B. , Takayama‐Watanabe Eriko , Watanabe Akihiko
Published: November 2017

Sperm storage is supposed to influence sperm quality, although the details remain unclear. In the present study, we found that sperm stored in a sperm storage site, the vas deferens of Cynops pyrrhogaster, spontaneously undergo acrosome reaction following incubation in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Percentages of acrosome‐reacted sperm increased time‐dependently to about 60% in 24 hr. The concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was elevated after incubating sperm in ST, while dibutylyl cAMP induced an acrosome reaction. Chelating of extracellular Ca2+ suppressed the dibutylyl cAMP‐induced acrosome reaction as well as spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST. These results suggest that cAMP elevation driven by Ca2+ influx can be a cue for spontaneous acrosome reaction. Relatively low Ca2+ concentration and pH in the vas deferens were sufficient to suppress spontaneous acrosome reaction within 1 hr. In addition, the cysteine rich secretory protein 2 gene was expressed in the vas deferens, indicating that it may be involved in the continuous suppression of spontaneous acrosome reaction. Sperm that underwent spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST was significantly increased when stored in the vas deferens for longer periods, or by males experiencing temperatures in excess of 12°C during hibernation conditions. Percentages of the spontaneously acrosome‐reacted sperm were found to differ among males even though they were of identical genetic background. Taken together, C. pyrrhogaster sperm possess the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction that does not become obvious in the vas deferens, unless promoted in correlation with sperm storage.
Social media tips: Are you listening?
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: November 2017

What are people saying about your school? What questions about careers and education are people posing to the internet at large that you have answers to? You don't know unless you're listening.
Validation of an all‐sky imager–based nowcasting system for industrial PV plants
Authors: Kuhn Pascal , Nouri Bijan , Wilbert Stefan , Prahl Christoph , Kozonek Nora , Schmidt Thomas , Yasser Zeyad , Ramirez Lourdes , Zarzalejo Luis , Meyer Angela , Vuilleumier Laurent , Heinemann Detlev , Blanc Philippe , Pitz‐Paal Robert
Published: November 2017

Because of the cloud‐induced variability of the solar resource, the growing contributions of photovoltaic plants to the overall power generation challenges the stability of electricity grids. To avoid blackouts, administrations started to define maximum negative ramp rates. Storages can be used to reduce the occurring ramps. Their required capacity, durability, and costs can be optimized by nowcasting systems. Nowcasting systems use the input of upward‐facing cameras to predict future irradiances. Previously, many nowcasting systems were developed and validated. However, these validations did not consider aggregation effects, which are present in industrial‐sized power plants. In this paper, we present the validation of nowcasted global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and direct normal irradiance maps derived from an example system consisting of 4 all‐sky cameras (“WobaS‐4cam”). The WobaS‐4cam system is operational at 2 solar energy research centers and at a commercial 50‐MW solar power plant. Besides its validation on 30 days, the working principle is briefly explained. The forecasting deviations are investigated with a focus on temporal and spatial aggregation effects. The validation found that spatial and temporal aggregations significantly improve forecast accuracies: Spatial aggregation reduces the relative root mean square error (GHI) from 30.9% (considering field sizes of 25 m2) to 23.5% (considering a field size of 4 km2) on a day with variable conditions for 1 minute averages and a lead time of 15 minutes. Over 30 days of validation, a relative root mean square error (GHI) of 20.4% for the next 15 minutes is observed at pixel basis (25 m2). Although the deviations of nowcasting systems strongly depend on the validation period and the specific weather conditions, the WobaS‐4cam system is considered to be at least state of the art.
System approach to pedagogical discourse: CLD learners
Authors: Rojas Eliana D. , Avitia Maria J.
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the achievement gap for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners through the lens of Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory of human development. The population of CLD students in the United States continues to grow. Across the nation, CLD students continue to struggle in an increasingly accountability‐based education system. In this paper, we will situate the variables known to contribute to CLD students’ achievement at the national, local, and individual levels within Bronfenbrenner's model. We will also provide some pedagogical recommendations that everyone working with CLD students should know and do.
Body image dissatisfaction in patients undergoing breast reconstruction: Examining the roles of breast symmetry and appearance investment
Authors: Teo Irene , Reece Gregory P. , Huang Sheng‐Cheng , Mahajan Kanika , Andon Johnny , Khanal Pujjal , Sun Clement , Nicklaus Krista , Merchant Fatima , Markey Mia K. , Fingeret Michelle Cororve
Published: November 2017

Objective

Reconstruction as part of treatment for breast cancer is aimed at mitigating body image concerns after mastectomy. Although algorithms have been developed to objectively assess breast reconstruction outcomes, associations between objectively quantified breast aesthetic appearance and patient‐reported body image outcomes have not been examined. Further, the role of appearance investment in explaining a patient's body image is not well understood. We investigated the extent to which objectively quantified breast symmetry and patient‐reported appearance investment were associated with body image dissatisfaction in patients undergoing cancer‐related breast reconstruction.

Methods

Breast cancer patients in different stages of reconstruction (n = 190) completed self‐report measures of appearance investment and body image dissatisfaction. Vertical extent and horizontal extent symmetry values, which are indicators of breast symmetry, were calculated from clinical photographs. Associations among breast symmetry, appearance investment, body image dissatisfaction, and patient clinical factors were examined. Multi‐variable regression was used to evaluate the extent to which symmetry and appearance investment were associated with body image dissatisfaction.

Results

Vertical extent symmetry, but not horizontal extent symmetry, was associated with body image dissatisfaction. Decreased vertical extent symmetry (β = −.19, P < .05) and increased appearance investment (β = .45, P < .001) were significantly associated with greater body image dissatisfaction while controlling for clinical factors.

Conclusions

Breast symmetry and patient appearance investment both significantly contribute to an understanding of patient‐reported body image satisfaction during breast reconstruction treatment.
Lung function after extremely preterm birth—A population‐based cohort study (EXPRESS)
Authors: Thunqvist Per , Tufvesson Ellen , Bjermer Leif , Winberg Anna , Fellman Vineta , Domellöf Magnus , Melén Erik , Norman Mikael , Hallberg Jenny
Published: November 2017

Background and objectives

Follow‐up studies of children and young adults born very‐to‐moderately preterm show persistent and significant lung function deficits. The aim of the study was to determine lung function and airway mechanics in school‐aged children born in 2004 to 2007 and extremely preterm (after 22‐26 weeks of gestation).

Methods

In a population‐based cohort of children born extremely preterm and controls born at term (n = 350), follow‐up at 6½‐years‐of‐age was performed using spirometry and impulse oscillometry. Associations to gestational age, smallness for gestational age (SGA), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were assessed.

Results

Children born extremely preterm had lower forced vital capacity (FVC, z‐score: −0.7, 95%CI: −1.0;−0.4), forced expiratory volume (FEV1, z‐score: −1.1, 95%CI: −1.4; −0.8), higher frequency‐dependence of resistance (R5‐20, 0.09, 95%CI: 0.05; 0.12 kPa · L−1 · s−1) and larger area under the reactance curve (AX, 0.78, 95%CI: 0.49; 1.07 kPa · L−1) than controls. In children born at 22‐24 weeks of gestation, 24% had FVC and 44% had FEV1 below the lower limit of normal. SGA and severe BPD only marginally contributed to pulmonary outcomes. Asthma‐like disease was reported in 40% of extremely preterm children and 15% of controls.

Conclusion

Many children born extremely preterm have altered airway mechanics and significant obstructive reduction in lung function. This warrants consideration for treatment and continued follow‐up.
Elevated difenacoum metabolism is involved in the difenacoum‐resistant phenotype observed in Berkshire rats homozygous for the L120Q mutation in the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (Vkorc1) gene
Authors: Boitet Maylis , Hammed Abdessalem , Chatron Nolan , Debaux Jean Valéry , Benoit Etienne , Lattard Virginie
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Soon after difenacoum began to be used, resistance to this rodenticide was detected in rats in northeast Hampshire and northwest Berkshire in England. Resistance to difenacoum has been reported to be stronger in rats from Berkshire than in rats from Hampshire. Surprisingly, after the discovery of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (Vkorc1) gene, rats from Berkshire and Hampshire were all shown to be homozygous for the L120Q mutation in Vkorc1.

RESULTS

This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of Berkshire rats to confirm their extreme resistance and determine mechanisms supporting this resistance. For this purpose, we created a quasicongenic rat F7 strain by using a Berkshire rat as a donor to introduce the L120Q mutation in Vkorc1 into the genetic background of an anticoagulant‐susceptible recipient strain. The use of F7 rats enabled demonstration of (i) the level of resistance to difenacoum conferred by the L120Q mutation, (ii) co‐dominance of the L120 and Q120 alleles, (iii) the extreme resistance of Berkshire rats compared with Q120/Q120 rats as a consequence of additional resistance mechanisms, and (iv) the involvement of cytochrome P 450 (CYP450) enzymes in this extreme resistance.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that elevated CYP450 oxidative metabolism leading to accelerated difenacoum detoxification is involved in the Berkshire phenotype. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
DPP‐4/SGLT2 inhibitor combined therapy for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: November 2017

DPP‐4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose by complementary mechanisms of action, and two fixed‐dose combinations – Qtern and Glyxambi – have now been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This article discusses their clinical trial efficacy, adverse effects and place in therapy.
A case study in identifying targeted patients population in major depressive disorder by enhanced enrichment design
Authors: Zhang Peter , Carroll Kevin , Hobart Mary , Augustine Carole , Koch Gary
Published: November 2017

Despite advances in clinical trial design, failure rates near 80% in phase 2 and 50% in phase 3 have recently been reported. The challenges to successful drug development are particularly acute in central nervous system trials such as for pain, schizophrenia, mania, and depression because high‐placebo response rates lessen assay sensitivity, diminish estimated treatment effect sizes, and thereby decrease statistical power. This paper addresses the importance of rigorous patient selection in major depressive disorder trials through an enhanced enrichment paradigm. This approach led to a redefinition of an ongoing, blinded phase 3 trial algorithm for patient inclusion (1) to eliminate further randomization of transient placebo responders and (2) to exclude previously randomized transient responders from the primary analysis of the double blind phase of the trial. It is illustrated for a case study for the comparison between brexpiprazole + antidepressant therapy and placebo + antidepressant therapy. Analysis of the primary endpoint showed that efficacy of brexpiprazole versus placebo could not be established statistically if the original algorithm for identification of placebo responders was used, but the enhanced enrichment approach did statistically demonstrate efficacy. Additionally, the enhanced enrichment approach identified a target population with a clinically meaningful treatment effect. Through its successful identification of a target population, the innovative enhanced enrichment approach enabled the demonstration of a positive treatment effect in a very challenging area of depression research.