bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of psoriasis and development of treatment
Authors: Ogawa Eisaku , Sato Yuki , Minagawa Akane , Okuyama Ryuhei
Published: December 2017

The pathogenesis of psoriasis can be explained by dysregulation of immunological cell function as well as keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation. Recently, the immunological pathomechanism has been clarified substantially. Whereas T‐helper (Th)1 overactivation was thought to induce occurrence of psoriasis, it has been demonstrated that Th17 cells play a key role. Th17 development is maintained by interleukin (IL)‐23 mainly produced by dendritic cells. Th17 cells produce various cytokines, including IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22. IL‐17A and IL‐22 induce not only keratinocyte proliferation, but also tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)1 and CXCL8 production. TNF‐α accelerates the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils, from the peripheral blood into skin with dendritic cell activation. In addition, antimicrobial peptides are overexpressed in psoriatic skin lesions, and the antimicrobial peptide, LL‐37, activates dendritic cells, which leads to the development of inflammation. Furthermore, activation of nuclear factor‐κB signal induces the expression of keratins 6 and 16 in keratinocytes, which are associated with acanthosis and reduced turnover time in the epidermis. The progression of the pathomechanism contributes to the development of new therapies for psoriasis.
Bifidobacteria alleviate experimentally induced colitis by upregulating indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase expression
Authors: Zhao Li , Suolang Yangzhen , Zhou Dandan , Tang Yu , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2017

The goal of this study was explore the role of indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase (IDO) in the therapeutic effect of probiotics on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was used to induce colitis in mice and 1‐methyltryptophan (1‐MT) to block expression of IDO. Clinical manifestations and macroscopic and microscopic colonic changes were assessed using a disease activity index (DAI), the Wallace–Keenan, and Curtner scoring systems, respectively. Expression of colonic IDO was detected by western blot. Immunohistochemistry analysis to evaluate numbers of CD11c+ cells and expression of IL‐17 and Foxp3 showed that DAI, Wallace–Keenan, and Curtner scores were lower in the Bifidobacteria treatment group than the control group and that the therapeutic effect of Bifidobacteria was blocked by 1‐MT (P < 0.05). Additionally, Bifidobacteria were found to increase expression of IDO and the numbers of CD11c+ cells, CD11c+ and IDO double positive cells and Foxp3+ Treg cells, while decreasing the number of IL‐17+cells (P < 0.05). The generation of Foxp3+ Treg cells induced by Bifidobacteria was abrogated by 1‐MT (P < 0.05). These findings study suggest that Bifidobacteria attenuate TNBS‐induced colitis by inducing expression of IDO, which further increases generation of Foxp3+ Treg cells.
Improving private land conservation with outcome‐based biodiversity payments
Authors: McDonald Jane A. , Helmstedt Kate J. , Bode Michael , Coutts Shaun , McDonald‐Madden Eve , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: December 2017

Payments to private landholders for providing biodiversity land can improve conservation outside protected areas. Input‐based payments are widely used despite evidence they are often ineffective at improving biodiversity outcomes. Meanwhile, little has been done to assess how to use outcome‐based payments to maximize biodiversity, despite growing academic interest. We compare different outcome‐based allocation methods to assess which returns the greatest benefits for biodiversity.

We predicted the likely landholder actions in response to outcome‐based payments. We incorporated strategic interactions between landholders under four different funding allocation methods: the commonly applied “set‐price” allocation method; capacity‐based payments; proportional payment; and payment for change. We compared biodiversity outcomes (percentage change in abundance of a species of conservation interest), return on investment and cost‐effectiveness of each method.

The set‐price allocation method, despite its common usage, is the least cost‐effective method that we test. Regardless of cost, it only results in better biodiversity outcomes than other methods under a very narrow range of conditions (high initial target species abundance and low profitability).

The profitability of the property, and to a lesser degree initial population size, will influence which allocation method will perform best. Most perform well when the initial population of the species of conservation interest is very small and profitability negligible. Only one method—based on change in population—performs well across all scenarios. This method outperforms the others particularly when the property has a higher profitability and low initial numbers of animals.

Policy implications. Pursuing conservation on private land using outcome‐based payments for biodiversity can result in varied levels of success depending on the allocation methods used to support payment decisions. Allocation method choice should be based on a transparent analysis that incorporates both the dynamics of the ecological system and interactions between individual landholders. This analysis can guide adoption of funding allocation methods that greatly increase biodiversity outcomes.
The Politics of Medicaid: Most Americans Are Connected to the Program, Support Its Expansion, and Do Not View It as Stigmatizing
Authors: GROGAN COLLEEN M. , PARK SUNGGEUN (ETHAN)
Published: December 2017

Policy Points:

More than half of Americans are connected to the Medicaid program—either through their own coverage or that of a family member or close friend—and are significantly more likely to view Medicaid as important and to support increases in spending, even among conservatives. This finding helps explain why Affordable Care Act repeal efforts faced (and will continue to face) strong public backlash.

Policymakers should be aware that although renaming programs within Medicaid may have increased enrollment take‐up, this destigmatization effort might have also increased program confusion and reduced support for Medicaid even among enrollees who say the program is important to them.

Context

Since the 1980s, Medicaid enrollment has expanded so dramatically that by 2015 two‐thirds of Americans had some connection to the program in which either they themselves, a family member, or a close friend is currently or was previously enrolled.

Methods

Utilizing a nationally representative survey—the Kaiser Family Foundation Poll: Medicare and Medicaid at 50 (n = 1,849)—and employing ordinal and logistic regression analyses, our study examines 3 questions: (1) are individuals with a connection to Medicaid more likely to view the program as important, (2) are they more likely to support an increase in Medicaid spending, and (3) are they more likely to support adoption of the Medicaid expansion offered under the Affordable Care Act? For each of these questions we examine whether partisanship and views of stigma also impact support for Medicaid and, if so, whether these factors overwhelm the impact of connection to the program.

Findings

Controlling for the strong effect of partisanship, people with any connection to the Medicaid program are more likely to view the program as important than those with no connection. However, when it comes to increasing spending or expanding the program, the type of connection to the program matters. In particular, adults with current and previous Medicaid coverage and those with a family member or close friend with Medicaid coverage are more likely to support increases in spending and the Medicaid expansion; but, those connected to Medicaid only through coverage of a child are no more likely to support Medicaid than those with no connection.

Conclusions

Future research should probe more deeply into whether people with different types of connection to Medicaid view the program differently, and, if so, how and why. Moreover, future research should also explore whether state‐level attempts to destigmatize Medicaid by renaming the program also serves to reduce knowledge and support for Medicaid.
On Effective Graphic Communication of Health Inequality: Considerations for Health Policy Researchers
Authors: ASADA YUKIKO , ABEL HANNAH , SKEDGEL CHRIS , WARNER GRACE
Published: December 2017

Policy Points:

Effective graphs can be a powerful tool in communicating health inequality. The choice of graphs is often based on preferences and familiarity rather than science.

According to the literature on graph perception, effective graphs allow human brains to decode visual cues easily. Dot charts are easier to decode than bar charts, and thus they are more effective. Dot charts are a flexible and versatile way to display information about health inequality.

Consistent with the health risk communication literature, the captions accompanying health inequality graphs should provide a numerical, explicitly calculated description of health inequality, expressed in absolute and relative terms, from carefully thought‐out perspectives.

Context

Graphs are an essential tool for communicating health inequality, a key health policy concern. The choice of graphs is often driven by personal preferences and familiarity. Our article is aimed at health policy researchers developing health inequality graphs for policy and scientific audiences and seeks to (1) raise awareness of the effective use of graphs in communicating health inequality; (2) advocate for a particular type of graph (ie, dot charts) to depict health inequality; and (3) suggest key considerations for the captions accompanying health inequality graphs.

Methods

Using composite review methods, we selected the prevailing recommendations for improving graphs in scientific reporting. To find the origins of these recommendations, we reviewed the literature on graph perception and then applied what we learned to the context of health inequality. In addition, drawing from the numeracy literature in health risk communication, we examined numeric and verbal formats to explain health inequality graphs.

Findings

Many disciplines offer commonsense recommendations for visually presenting quantitative data. The literature on graph perception, which defines effective graphs as those allowing the easy decoding of visual cues in human brains, shows that with their more accurate and easier‐to‐decode visual cues, dot charts are more effective than bar charts. Dot charts can flexibly present a large amount of information in limited space. They also can easily accommodate typical health inequality information to describe a health variable (eg, life expectancy) by an inequality domain (eg, income) with domain groups (eg, poor and rich) in a population (eg, Canada) over time periods (eg, 2010 and 2017). The numeracy literature suggests that a health inequality graph's caption should provide a numerical, explicitly calculated description of health inequality expressed in absolute and relative terms, from carefully thought‐out perspectives.

Conclusions

Given the ubiquity of graphs, the health inequality field should learn from the vibrant multidisciplinary literature how to construct effective graphic communications, especially by considering to use dot charts.
Characterization of Peanut Oil Bodies Integral Proteins, Lipids, and Their Associated Phytochemicals
Authors: Zaaboul Farah , Raza Husnain , Chen Cao , Liu Yuanfa
Published: December 2017

A microscopic image of a section of a peanut seed shows that oil bodies (OBs) are a small droplet of oil that is dispersed throughout the whole seed. The protein profile of peanut's OBs recovered using the aqueous extraction method at different pH was found to have 2 oleosin isoforms of 14 and 16 kDa. Moreover, OBs essential amino acids are 1.52 higher than those in the PPI. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are the major fatty acids in both cold press peanut oil and OBs regardless of pH. Tocopherol content went from 270.76 to 278.2 mg/g when pH got increased. δ‐Tocopherols are slightly associated with peanut OBs, as it was resistant to the alkaline washing; however, α‐tocopherols were discovered to be weakly associable. On the contrary, phytosterols content decreased when pH got increased, with 631.49 μg/g for pH 6.8 and 614.96 μg/g for pH 11.0.

Practical Application

Peanut oil is widely used in food industries in the form of emulsified oil. OBs can be presented as a better alternative solution, which is stable emulsified oil, with high content of antioxidant and phytosterols. Our results showed that peanut OBs are rich in nutritional components such as essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols. Moreover, peanut OBs are surrounded with 2 oleosin isoforms and caleosin, which offer more stability to the emulsion system. Thus, peanut OBs can be perfect for food like mayonnaise and vinaigrettes products in the form of encapsulated oil with high content of vitamin E.
Antidiabetic and Lipid‐Lowering Effects of the Polyphenol Extracts from the Leaves of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels on Streptozotocin‐Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kong Fansheng , Su Zhipeng , Guo Xiaoming , Zeng Feng , Bi Yongguang
Published: December 2017

Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels (Wampee) is widely grown in China and considered as a healthy fruit. Its leaves are also considered as traditional herbs. This study analyzed polyphenol compounds in polyphenol extracts of the leaves C. lansium (lour.) Skeels (PEL) and investigated the protective effect of PEL against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in T2DM rats. The result showed that PEL is composed mainly of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, coffee acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. PEL could obviously relieve some symptoms of T2DM rats, including emaciation, hyperhidrosis, polyphagia, diuresis, liver swelling, kidney, and pancreas hypertrophy, as well as reduce fasting blood glucose. Moreover, the supplementation of PEL significantly ameliorated lipids disorder and protected liver in T2DM rats, including fat accumulation, improvement of lipid distribution and hepatocyte protection. These results indicate that the Oral of PEL have potential effects of against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic disorders.

Practical Application

The leaves Clausena lansium (lour.) Skeels is rich in polyphenol and other ingredients. In this research, the preliminary study shows that PEL can reduce fasting blood glucose and improve lipids disorder in rats, which will bring to diabetic patients a way to improve the disease and enhance the quality of life. The PEL therefore can be used for the production of pharmaceutical raw materials and the design of novel functional foods by simple conversion.
Activation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens attenuates cocaine seeking in rats
Authors: Hernandez Nicole S. , O'Donovan Bernadette , Ortinski Pavel I. , Schmidt Heath D.
Published: December 2017

Recent evidence indicates that activation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptors reduces cocaine‐mediated behaviors and cocaine‐evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, no studies have examined the role of NAc GLP‐1 receptors in the reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behavior, an animal model of relapse. Here, we show that systemic infusion of a behaviorally relevant dose of the GLP‐1 receptor agonist exendin‐4 penetrated the brain and localized with neurons and astrocytes in the NAc. Administration of exendin‐4 directly into the NAc core and shell subregions significantly attenuated cocaine priming‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior. These effects were not due to deficits in operant responding or suppression of locomotor activity as intra‐accumbal exendin‐4 administration had no effect on sucrose‐seeking behavior. To determine the effects of GLP‐1 receptor activation on neuronal excitability, exendin‐4 was bath applied to ex vivo NAc slices from cocaine‐experienced and saline‐experienced rats following extinction of cocaine‐taking behavior. Exendin‐4 increased the frequency of action potential firing of NAc core and shell medium spiny neurons in cocaine‐experienced rats while no effect was observed in saline controls. In contrast, exendin‐4 did not affect the frequency or amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents or alter the paired‐pulse ratios of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents. These effects were not associated with altered expression of GLP‐1 receptors in the NAc following cocaine self‐administration. Taken together, these findings indicate that increased activation of GLP‐1 receptors in the NAc during cocaine abstinence increases intrinsic, but not synaptic, excitability of medium spiny neurons and is sufficient to reduce cocaine‐seeking behavior.
Prognostic significance of interim 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography volumetric parameters in metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Suk‐young , Seo Hyo Jung , Kim Sungeun , Eo Jae Seon , Oh Sang Cheul
Published: December 2017

Aim

To evaluate the prognostic role of interim analysis of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) volumetric parameters in patients with recurrent or metastatic advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with fluoropyrimidine‐based palliative chemotherapy.

Methods

Forty‐four patients who underwent baseline and interim PET/CT scanning during palliative chemotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. Initial and change of metabolic parameters (MP) – metabolic tumor volume (MTV), tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG) and maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured with PET/CT. Metabolic change was measured by ∆MP (%)  =  (MPinterim − MPinitial)/MP initial  ×  100. Independent t‐test was employed to compare values of initial, interim and change of metabolic parameters between each response group. Log‐rank test was employed for univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model to determine independently significant prognostic factors.

Results

Reduced percentage values of maximum and mean SUV on interim PET/CT and initial values of volumetric parameters (MTV and TLG) were significant predicting factors to response to fluoropyrimidine‐based palliative chemotherapy. The decreased percentage values of metabolic parameters as well as maximum and mean SUV with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined cut‐off points were significant prognostic factors for overall survival and progression‐free survival in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Measurement of metabolic decrease of volumetric parameters by interim PET/CT analysis is useful to determine the prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic AGC.
Place of death in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales: A study of residents who died of a condition amenable to palliative care
Authors: Rainsford Suzanne , Glasgow Nicholas J. , MacLeod Rod D. , Neeman Teresa , Phillips Christine B. , Wiles Robert B.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To describe the place of death of residents in a rural region of New South Wales.

Design

Cross‐sectional quantitative study using death data collected from local funeral directors (in person and websites), residential aged‐care facilities, one multipurpose heath service and obituary notices in the local media (newspapers/radio).

Setting

Snowy Monaro region (New South Wales Australia).

Participants

Residents, with advanced frailty or one of 10 conditions amenable to palliative care, who died between 1 February 2015 and 31 May 2016.

Main outcome measure

Place of death.

Results

Of 224 deaths in this period, 138 were considered amenable to palliative care. Twelve per cent of these deaths occurred in a private residence, 38% in the usual place of residence and 91% within the region.

Conclusion

Most rural residents with conditions amenable to palliative care died in the region. Most did not die in their usual place of residence. Further qualitative work is needed to determine palliative care patients’ and family caregivers’ preferences for, and the importance placed on, place of death. While there may be a need to support an increase in home deaths, local rural hospitals and residential aged‐care facilities must not be overlooked as a substitute for inpatient hospices.
Intravenous dexamethasone for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting after administration of long‐acting neuraxial opioids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grape S. , Usmanova I. , Kirkham K. R. , Albrecht E.
Published: December 2017

Long‐acting neuraxial opioids provide excellent analgesia after surgery, but are associated with higher rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dexamethasone effectively prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anaesthesia, but its value in patients receiving long‐acting neuraxial opioids is undetermined. Therefore, the objective of this meta‐analysis was to assess the prophylactic anti‐emetic efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) dexamethasone in this population. The study methodology followed the PRISMA statement guidelines. The primary outcome was the need for rescue anti‐emetics during the first 24 postoperative hours, analysed according to the dose of dexamethasone (low‐dose 2.5–5.0 mg; intermediate dose 6.0–10.0 mg), timing of administration (beginning or end of surgery) and route of long‐acting opioid administration (intrathecal or epidural). Additionally, the rates of complications (restlessness, infection, hyperglycaemia) were sought. Thirteen trials were identified, representing a total of 1111 patients. When compared with placebo, intravenous dexamethasone reduced the need for rescue anti‐emetics (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.44 (0.35–0.56); I2 = 43%; p < 0.00001; quality of GRADE evidence: moderate), without differences between dexamethasone doses (p for sub‐group difference = 0.67), timing of administration (p for sub‐group difference = 0.32) or route of long‐acting opioid (p for sub‐group difference = 0.10). No patients developed infection or restlessness among trials that sought these complications. No trial measured blood glucose levels. In conclusion, there is enough evidence to state that intravenous dexamethasone provides effective anti‐emetic prophylaxis during the first 24 postoperative hours in patients who receive long‐acting neuraxial opioids.
Mechanical Evaluation of Tracheal Grafts on Different Scales
Authors: Aoki Fabio Gava , Moriya Henrique Takachi
Published: December 2017

Tissue engineered (or bioengineered) tracheas are alternative options under investigation when the resection with end‐to‐end anastomosis cannot be performed. One approach to develop bioengineered tracheas is a complex process that involves the use of decellularized tissue scaffolds, followed by recellularization in custom‐made tracheal bioreactors. Tracheas withstand pressure variations and their biomechanics are of great importance so that they do not collapse during respiration, although there has been no preferred method of mechanical assay of tracheas among several laboratories over the years. These methods have been performed in segments or whole tracheas and in different species of mammals. This article aims to present some methods used by different research laboratories to evaluate the mechanics of tracheal grafts and presents the importance of the tracheal biomechanics in both macro and micro scales. If bioengineered tracheas become a reality in hospitals in the next few years, the standardization of biomechanical parameters will be necessary for greater consistency of results before transplantations.
Clinical characteristics of maternal mental health service users treated with mood stabilizing or antipsychotic medication
Authors: Møller‐Olsen Charmian , Friedman Susan Hatters , Prakash Chandni , North Abigail
Published: December 2017

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the characteristics of pregnant women who required either mood stabilizer or antipsychotic treatment. These women requiring such treatment are likely to be more mentally unwell and thus carry a higher burden of comorbidities associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective review investigated the common characteristics of pregnant women who were prescribed with antipsychotics or mood stabilizers under a major city's public maternal mental health service. Demographic data, pregnancy factors and prenatal care, stressors and support, concurrent medical and substance abuse problems, and ongoing maternal mental health issues were recorded.

Results

Most pregnancies were unplanned. Commonly, social stressors, medical problems, and substance use were identified. The most common diagnosis was bipolar disorder.

Discussion

Pregnant women requiring treatment with mood stabilizers or antipsychotics are a complex clinical population, with multiple risk factors for negative pregnancy outcome, before even considering the potential risk from psychotropic agents and mental illness itself. Obtaining reliable data about substance use and medication compliance remains problematic.
Letter: biologics treatment in Crohn's disease and risk of bowel resection—what about the patients who stop anti‐TNF therapy?
Authors: Ribaldone D. G. , Saracco G. , Astegiano M. , Pellicano R.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Eberhardson et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14224 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14398.
Editorial: patient assessment of constipation‐symptoms (PAC‐SYM) questionnaire has a minimal important difference
Authors: Saito Y. A. , Camilleri M.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Yiannakou et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14349.
Editorial: alfapump—an alternative to large‐volume paracentesis for patients with refractory ascites? Authors’ reply
Authors: Stirnimann G. , De Gottardi A.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Stirnimann et al and Macdonald and Jalan papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14331 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14390.
Low molecular weight heparin for the prevention of severe preeclampsia: where next?
Authors: McLaughlin Kelsey , Scholten Ralph R. , Parker John D. , Ferrazzi Enrico , Kingdom John C. P.
Published: December 2017

Low molecular weight heparin has been extensively evaluated for the prevention of preeclampsia in high‐risk pregnant women; however, the results from these trials have been conflicting. This review discusses the potential mechanisms of action of low molecular weight heparin for the prevention of severe preeclampsia, how to optimize the selection of high‐risk women for participation in future trials, and the importance of trial standardization.
The clinical course of late‐life bipolar disorder, looking back and forward
Authors: Dols Annemiek , Korten Nicole , Comijs Hannie , Schouws Sigfried , van Dijk Moniek , Klumpers Ursula , Beekman Aartjan , Kupka Ralph , Stek Max
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Little is known about the course of late‐life bipolar disorder (LLBD). First, we studied patients with LLBD retrospectively with regard to age at first mood episode, onset polarity, predominant polarity and episode density and its associations with other clinical variables. Next, we examined prospectively the clinical course and its associated factors.

Methods

Data were used from a dynamic cohort (Dutch Older Bipolars [DOBi]) including 101 patients with LLBD (mean age of 68.9 years) at baseline in 2012, with 3‐year follow‐up measurements available for 64 of these patients. Retrospective course was assessed by diagnostic interviews, and at follow‐up polarity and duration for each consecutive episode were noted. Linear and logistic analyses were performed to assess associations between relevant factors and outcome.

Results

The mean age at the first episode was 33.0 years. Onset polarity was depression in 44.6% of patients, with a predominant polarity of depression in 47.5%. At 3‐year follow‐up, 37.5% of patients reported at least one mood episode, mainly depression. Life events, somatic illness, use of lithium and other factors were not associated with recurrence during the 3‐year follow‐up.

Discussion

A relapse rate of 37.5% in 3 years is high, considering that LLBD patients generally have a longer history of disease and were receiving care and medication. The course of LLBD can provide important information on which clinical factors are associated with recurrence. Further phenotyping may reveal unique predictors for outcome, and both course specifiers and clinical variables should be included.
Associations between and development of cool and hot executive functions across early childhood
Authors: O'Toole Sarah , Monks Claire P. , Tsermentseli Stella
Published: December 2017

This study explored the development of cool and hot EF skills across early childhood. Children 4.5‐ to 5.5‐years‐old (N = 80) completed performance‐based assessments of cool EF (inhibition and working memory), hot EF (affective decision‐making and delay of gratification) at three time points across 12 months. Cool EF task performance was consistently correlated with early childhood, but hot EF task performance was not. Performance on cool EF tasks showed significant improvements over early childhood, but performance on hot EF tasks did not. During early childhood performance on delay of gratification and affective decision‐making tasks may therefore be unrelated and show limited sensitivity to improvement.

Statement of contribution

What is already known about cool and hot EF

An EF model has been proposed that distinguishes between cool‐cognitive and hot‐affective skills.

Findings regarding whether cool and hot EF are distinct in early childhood are mixed.

Hot EF skills, compared to cool EF abilities, are thought to develop more gradually.

What the present study adds to understanding of cool and hot EF

Performance on cool EF tasks and hot delay of gratification were associated in early childhood.

Performance on hot EF tasks was not related, meaning they do not tap the same underlying factor.

Age related gains in hot EF were not found, but 5‐year‐olds had better hot EF than 4‐year‐olds.
Informal digital learning of English and second language vocabulary outcomes: Can quantity conquer quality?
Authors: Lee Ju Seong
Published: December 2017

This study investigated to what extent quantity (frequency/amount of time) and quality (diversity) of informal digital learning of English (IDLE) activities was conducive to second language (L2) vocabulary outcomes. Data (n = 77) were gathered quantitatively and qualitatively through a questionnaire, English vocabulary tests (ie, measuring receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge), and a semistructured interview from three universities in an English as a foreign language Korean context. Contrary to earlier findings, this study found that quantity of IDLE was not related to vocabulary scores. It revealed that the quality of IDLE was significantly, positively associated with vocabulary outcomes. These results lead us to the conclusion that the frequent practice of IDLE activities may not automatically guarantee successful L2 vocabulary gains. Rather, engagement with varied types of IDLE activities that combines both form‐ and meaning‐focused language learning is essential for achieving L2 vocabulary acquisition.
Mechanical responses of the mechanosensitive unstructured domains in cardiac titin
Authors: Pang Si Ming , Le Shimin , Yan Jie
Published: December 2017

Background Information

Titin is one of the three main filaments in cardiac sarcomere. Besides a chain of Ig domains, cardiac titin also contains a proline (P), glutamate (E), valine (V), lysine (K) (PEVK) domain and a cardiac‐specific N2B domain, both are largely unstructured. While they are believed to be involved in the elastic (PEVK and N2B) and the trophic (N2B) functions of the heart, their mechanical responses in physiological level of forces remains poorly understood.

Results

In order to gain understanding on their mechanical responses, we used magnetic tweezers to investigate their force responses from 1 to 30 pN. We confirmed that in vitro the PEVK domain is intrinsically disordered within the force range. Surprisingly, we discovered a mechanosensitive folded element in the disordered region of N2B, ∼84 amino acids in length, which has a large folding energy of approximately −10 kBT. Based on the force responses of PEVK and N2B domains, as well as an approximated force‐dependent unfolding and refolding rates of titin Ig domains, we show that the tension in cardiac titin fluctuates within 5 pN during cardiac contraction and extension cycle using Gillespie simulation algorithm. Exceptionally, the simulation shows that deletion of N2B domain results in 10‐fold increase in peak force.

Conclusion

Our results highlight a critical role that N2B may potentially play in regulating tension on cardiac titin.

Significance

The study provides new insights into the tension regulatory role of unstructured domains in the elastic function of the heart, which has broad implication in diastolic dysfunction and cardiac trophic mechanisms. In addition, the method can be applied to probing other unstructured mechanosensitive proteins/domains.
CNS high‐grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR internal tandem duplication: a comparison with its counterparts in the kidney and soft tissue
Authors: Yoshida Yuka , Nobusawa Sumihito , Nakata Satoshi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Arakawa Yoshiki , Mineharu Yohei , Sugita Yasuo , Yoshioka Takako , Araki Asuka , Sato Yuichiro , Takeshima Hideo , Okada Masahiko , Nishi Akira , Yamazaki Tatsuya , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Hirato Junko , Yokoo Hideaki
Published: December 2017

Central nervous system high‐grade neuroepithelial tumors with BCOR alteration (CNS HGNET‐BCOR) are a recently reported rare entity, identified as a small fraction of tumors previously institutionally diagnosed as so‐called CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Their genetic characteristic is a somatic internal tandem duplication in the 3′ end of BCOR (BCOR ITD), which has also been found in clear cell sarcomas of the kidney (CCSK) and soft tissue undifferentiated round cell sarcomas/primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumors of infancy (URCS/PMMTI), and these BCOR ITD‐positive tumors have been reported to share similar pathological features. In this study, we performed a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of six cases of CNS HGNET‐BCOR, and compared them with their counterparts in the kidney and soft tissue. Although these tumors had histologically similar structural patterns and characteristic monotonous nuclei with fine chromatin, CNS HGNET‐BCOR exhibited glial cell morphology, ependymoma‐like perivascular pseudorosettes and palisading necrosis, whereas these features were not evident in CCSK or URCS/PMMTI. Immunohistochemically, diffuse staining of Olig2 with a mixture of varying degrees of intensity, and only focal staining of GFAP, S‐100 protein and synaptophysin were observed in CNS HGNET‐BCOR, whereas these common neuroepithelial markers were negative in CCSK and URCS/PMMTI. Therefore, although CNS HGNET‐BCOR, CCSK and URCS/PMMTI may constitute a group of BCOR ITD‐positive tumors, only CNS HGNET‐BCOR has histological features suggestive of glial differentiation. In conclusion, we think CNS HGNET‐BCOR are a certain type of neuroepithelial tumor relatively close to glioma, not CCSK or URCS/PMMTI occurring in the CNS.
Changes in verbal and visuospatial working memory from Grade 1 to Grade 3 of primary school: Population longitudinal study
Authors: Nicolaou E. , Quach J. , Lum J. , Roberts G. , Spencer‐Smith M. , Gathercole S. , Anderson P. J. , Mensah F. K. , Wake M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Adaptive working memory training is being implemented without an adequate understanding of developmental trajectories of working memory. We aimed to quantify from Grade 1 to Grade 3 of primary school (1) changes in verbal and visuospatial working memory and (2) whether low verbal and visuospatial working memory in Grade 1 predicts low working memory in Grade 3.

Method

The study design includes a population‐based longitudinal study of 1,802 children (66% uptake from all 2,747 Grade 1 students) at 44 randomly selected primary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Backwards Digit Recall (verbal working memory) and Mister X (visuospatial working memory) screening measures from the Automated Working Memory Assessment (M = 100; SD = 15) were used to assess Grades 1 and 3 (ages 6–7 and 8–9 years) students. Low working memory was defined as ≥1 standard deviation below the standard score mean. Descriptive statistics addressed Aim 1, and predictive parameters addressed Aim 2.

Results

One thousand seventy (59%) of 1802 Grade 1 participants were reassessed in Grade 3. As expected for typically developing children, group mean standard scores were similar in Grades 1 and 3 for verbal, visuospatial, and overall working memory, but group mean raw scores increased markedly. Compared to “not low” children, those classified as having low working memory in Grade 1 showed much larger increases in both standard and raw scores across verbal, visuospatial, and overall working memory. Sensitivity was very low for Grade 1 low working memory predicting Grade 3 low classifications.

Conclusion

Although mean changes in working memory standard scores between Grades 1 and 3 were minimal, we found that individual development varied widely, with marked natural resolution by Grade 3 in children who initially had low working memory. This may render brain‐training interventions ineffective in the early school year ages, particularly if (as population‐based programmes usually mandate) selection occurs within a screening paradigm.
Phenotype expansion and development in Kosaki overgrowth syndrome
Authors: Gawliński P. , Pelc M. , Ciara E. , Jhangiani S. , Jurkiewicz E. , Gambin T. , Różdżyńska‐Świątkowska A. , Dawidziuk M. , Coban‐Akdemir Z.H. , Guilbride D.L. , Muzny D. , Lupski J.R. , Krajewska‐Walasek M.
Published: December 2017

We expand the Kosaki overgrowth syndrome (KOGS) phenotype by over 70% to include 24 unreported KOGS symptoms, in a first male patient, the third overall associated with the PDGFRB c.1751C>G p.(Pro584Arg) mutation. Eighteen of these symptoms are unique to our patient, the remaining six are shared with other patients. Of the 24 unreported features overall, 6 show marked phenotype evolution and varying time of onset. The triangular face detected at 14 months and long palpebral fissures with lateral ectropion at 4 years are present in other members of the cohort. The remaining 4 are unique to Patient 5: pronounced macrocephaly from birth, increasingly triangular anterior skull from 14 months, camptodactyly, emerging at 4 years and worsening joint contractures from 6 years. Compilation of all new symptoms reported here with published clinical data further identifies at least 18 clinical parameters common to all cases to date, encompassing both known KOGS‐associated PDGFRB mutations. We therefore propose a set of 18 core KOGS symptoms, with 16 present in early childhood. These results should also impact diagnostic/prognostic scope, intervention and outcome potential for KOGS patients, particularly for developmentally progressive conditions such as scoliosis and myofibroma.
Acceptability and benefit of rectal irrigation in patients with low anterior resection syndrome: a qualitative study
Authors: McCutchan G. M. , Hughes D. , Davies Z. , Torkington J. , Morris C. , Cornish J. A. ,   the LARRIS Trial Management Group
Published: December 2017

Aim

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery impairs the patient's quality of life (QoL). Rectal irrigation has been demonstrated to be effective for anterior resection syndrome but many surgeons do not suggest it as a treatment. This feasibility study aimed to explore treatment acceptability and the benefit of rectal irrigation in patients who developed LARS following an anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Method

This was a qualitative study involving semi‐structured interviews. Twenty‐one patients diagnosed with LARS following anterior resection for rectal cancer in a single tertiary centre were offered rectal irrigation as a treatment option. Qualitative interviews (n = 17) were conducted at baseline to explore the patient‐reported impact of LARS on QoL, treatment acceptability and factors influencing the decision to accept/decline treatment. Follow‐up interviews were carried out at 6 months for the treatment group only (n = 12), to assess its practicality and impact on QoL.

Results

Qualitative interview findings suggest that rectal irrigation is an acceptable method of treatment for LARS. Participants who perceived their symptoms to be more severe or poorly controlled were most likely to consider rectal irrigation as a treatment option. Patients who completed treatment reported improvements in their QoL, the ability to control the time of defaecation being the key benefit.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider offering rectal irrigation as a treatment option to patients presenting with bowel dysfunction following anterior resection as it can improve symptoms. Patients who perceive that their symptoms are severe are more likely to consider treatment.
SOST, an LNGFR target, inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of rat ectomesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Gang , Liu Junyu , Zhao Manzhu , Wang Yingying , Yang Kun , Liu Chang , Xiao Yong , Wen Xiujie , Liu Luchuan
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether sclerostin (SOST) regulates the osteogenic differentiation of rat ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) and whether SOST and low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) regulate the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs.

Materials and methods

EMSCs were isolated from embryonic facial processes from an embryonic 12.5‐day (E12.5d) pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rat. LNGFR+ EMSCs and LNGFR− EMSCs were obtained by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and were subsequently induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation in vitro. SOST/LNGFR small‐interfering RNAs and SOST/LNGFR overexpression plasmids were used to transfect EMSCs.

Results

LNGFR+ EMSCs displayed a higher osteogenic capacity and lower SOST levels compared with LNGFR− EMSCs. SOST silencing enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of LNGFR− EMSCs, while SOST overexpression attenuated the osteogenic differentiation of LNGFR+ EMSCs. Moreover, LNGFR was present upstream of SOST and strengthened the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs by decreasing SOST.

Conclusions

SOST alleviated the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs, and LNGFR enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs by decreasing SOST, suggesting that the LNGFR/SOST pathway may be a novel target for promoting dental tissue regeneration and engineering.
Spontaneous death of rat chloroleukaemia cells induced by an endogenous growth inhibitor
Authors: Rytömaa T. , Grip‐Rytömaa K.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

When rat chloroleukaemia (CHL) cells are grown undisturbed in a confined space, a genomic long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) is transcriptionally activated at a relatively low population density, followed by the retrotransposition of LINE and population death. This death programme is fundamentally different from conventional cell death pathways.

Materials and methods

This work is essentially based on the re‐analysis of relevant, old experimental data. Elemental analysis of a highly purified, long‐stored inhibitor sample was performed. Genomic sequence searches were performed using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST).

Results

This death programme is initiated by an endogenous inhibitor secreted by CHL cells. The inhibitor is almost certainly identical to the pentapeptide pyroGlu‐Glu‐Asp‐Cys‐Lys, shown to be a cell line‐specific inhibitor of normal granulocytic cells. The inhibitor is derived from a highly conserved short open reading frame in mammalian genomes.

Conclusions

Although spontaneous population death may be a biological oddity restricted to rat CHL cells, we suggest that this death programme is responsible for the eradication of cancer cells following treatment with an inhibitor administered exogenously.
ZEB1‐AS1: A crucial cancer‐related long non‐coding RNA
Authors: Li Jinglin , Li Zhenglong , Leng Kaiming , Xu Yi , Ji Daolin , Huang Lining , Cui Yunfu , Jiang Xingming
Published: December 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) recently emerge as a novel class of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with larger than 200 nucleotides in length. Due to lack an obvious open reading frame, lncRNAs have no or limited protein‐coding potential. To date, accumulating evidence indicates the vital regulatory function of lncRNAs in pathological processes of human diseases, especially in carcinogenesis and development. Deregulation of lncRNAs not only alters cellular biological behavior, such as proliferation, migration and invasion, but also represents the poor clinical outcomes. Zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 antisense 1 (ZEB1‐AS1), an outstanding cancer‐related lncRNA, is identified as an oncogenic regulator in diverse malignancies. Dysregulation of ZEB1‐AS1 has been demonstrated to exhibit a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression, suggesting its potential clinical value as a promising biomarker or therapeutic target for cancers. In this review, we make a summary on the current findings regarding the biological functions, underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of ZEB1‐AS1 in cancer progression.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose urokinase for the treatment of hemodynamically stable AECOPD patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Jing Xiaogang , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Beifeng , Dai Lingling , Wang Xi , Jia Liuqun , Wang Huan , An Lin , Yang Yuanjian , Cheng Zhe
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD),and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐dose urokinase (UK) thrombolysis therapy when treating hemodynamically stable AECOPD patients with acute PTE (AECOPD‐PTE).

Methods

A total of 419 AECOPD patients, including 96 AECOPD‐PTE, were enrolled. A total of 30 AECOPD‐PTE patients were collected retrospectively, and 66 AECOPD‐PTE patients were prospectively divided into anticoagulation‐only, low‐dose UK and standard‐dose UK groups. Follow‐up 1 year, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of low‐dose UK therapy for hemodynamically stable AECOPD‐PTE patients.

Results

The incidence of PTE in AECOPD patients was 22.9% (96/419), which increased with COPD severity degree ranging from 3.5% (2/57) in mild, 13.6% (19/140) in moderate and 33.8% (75/222) in severe subgroups (P < .05). In the prospective study, the total effective rate of low‐dose UK group 97.2% (35/36) was higher than that in anticoagulation 75.0% (12/16) and standard‐dose UK group 78.6% (11/14) respectively (P < .05). In the follow‐up, the adverse events rate in low‐dose UK group 8.3% (3/36) was significantly lower than that in anticoagulation group 25.0% (4/16) and standard‐dose UK group 71.4% (10/14) respectively (P < .05). In addition, the mean PTE recurrence time of low‐dose UK group (9.0 ± 0) months was longer than anticoagulation group (2.0 ± 1.41) months (P < .05). AECOPD relapse time in anticoagulation, low‐dose UK and standard‐dose UK groups corresponding to (8.5 ± 2.12), (9.0 ± 0) and (8.8 ± 3.40) months were compared with no significant difference (P > .05).

Conclusions

The incidence of PTE in AECOPD patients was 22.9%, especially with higher occurrence rate in severe COPD. Compared with anticoagulation‐only therapy, low‐dose UK treatment (500 000 IU/day for 5‐7 days) could obtain a better efficacy and safety in hemodynamically stable AECOPD patients with acute PTE, corresponding with a higher effective rate (97.2%) and lower adverse events rate (8.3%) respectively.