bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential responses of the soil nutrient status, biomass production, and nutrient uptake for three plant species to organic amendments of placer gold mine‐tailing soils
Authors: Hu Ya‐Lin , Mgelwa Abubakari Said , Singh Anand Narain , Zeng De‐Hui
Published: May 2018

Surface mining activities usually devastate the landscape, rendering it unsuitable for plant growth. Organic amendments have been widely applied for the restoration of soil nutrients as well as the soil structure in mine tailings. However, the responses of growth and nutrient uptake among plant species to organic amendments have not been well evaluated. In this study, we conducted a pot experiment to examine the impacts of peat and cattle manure amendments on the total soil C, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg; the available soil P, K, Ca, and Mg; and the growth and nutrient concentrations of re‐established Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica), lespedeza (Lespedeza daurica), and lyme grass (Elymus dahuricus) in the Guliku placer gold mine area in northeastern China. Organic amendments, especially cattle manure, improved the soil nutrient status and availability compared with those in nonamended mine soils. The plant biomass and nutrients of the 3 species were altered differently by the 2 amendments. Although peat addition increased the total soil C, total N, and available Ca, it had little impact on plant biomass production due to a lesser increase in available soil P, K, and Mg and a decrease in total soil K. Our results highlight that both balanced increase in soil nutrients by applying appropriate soil amendments and the selection of suitable plant species are necessary for the successful reclamation of postmined lands.
Land use management in the Galapagos: A preliminary study on reducing the impacts of invasive plant species through sustainable agriculture and payment for ecosystem services
Authors: Khatun Kaysara
Published: May 2018

Terrestrial invasive species have been identified as one of the largest threats to endemic plants and wildlife in Galapagos, and their spread remains one of the biggest challenges for the region. The management of these species is a common link among all land‐use activities, and impacts all residents as economic activities in Galapagos are linked to its status as a unique landscape. The study aims, through the use of key informant interviews, policy documents and literature, to provide new insights into plant invasive species management by exploring two land‐use interventions—and the associated challenges and opportunities—currently being proposed by policymakers, academics, and other relevant actors. These are (a) local sustainable agricultural production and (b) policies and mechanisms, specifically the ‘Buen vivir’ paradigm with/and payments for ecosystem services. It explores how these can create bridges and be beneficial to both conservation and development. However, although the initiatives offer real opportunities to manage and control invasive species, challenges remain in the form of how these activities will be carried out and by whom. Findings show that probable success is dependent on community inclusion with coordinated and integrated approaches from robust institutions with connectivity among land‐use actors/managers. In addition, support is needed for organisations/stakeholders that are currently tackling the invasive species issue. Studies on land use remain crucial as relatively contained and pristine landscapes such as Galapagos are likely to be increasingly important as a means to detect human‐induced alterations at the frontiers of ecology.
A dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analyzer capable of detecting sub‐μM DOC differences in natural fresh waters: A proof of concept study
Authors: Jennings Meredith , Abdulla Hussain , Stubbins Aron , Sun Luni , Wang Rui , Mopper Kenneth
Published: May 2018

This study reports the development of a new type of organic carbon (OC) analyzer that combines flow through analysis and ultraviolet‐wet chemical oxidation (UV‐WCO). Total or dissolved OC (TOC or DOC, respectively) is determined through detection of CO2 as the oxidation product using a vibration insensitive nondispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer. Aided by heat and UV, OC is oxidized by continuously pumping the liquid sample in‐line with a carbon‐free acidic persulfate reagent at a constant flow rate through the system. The CO2 produced from oxidation of OC is sparged from solution at a precise flow rate and is continuously detected, producing a stable signal plateau with high signal‐to‐noise ratio. A low carbon blank/baseline for the analysis is achieved by recycling persulfate reagent alone through the system until minimal CO2 is detected. We show progress in the optimization of this novel instrument that, unlike standard high temperature combustion (HTC) instrumentation that is subject to high blank variability and micromolar resolution (typical coefficient of variation (CV) ∼ 1–2%), has potential applications for studies of DOC net production and consumption by various mechanisms that typically require sub‐micromolar precision.
Telementoring of primary care providers delivering hepatitis C treatment in New York City: Results from Project INSPIRE
Authors: Teixeira Paul A. , Bresnahan Marie P. , Laraque Fabienne , Litwin Alain H. , Shukla Shuchin J. , Schwartz Jonathan M. , Reynoso Sheila , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Weiss Jeffrey M. , Wyatt Brooke , Schackman Bruce R.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The recent availability of highly effective, easily administered, and relatively nontoxic treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection provides an opportunity for clinicians to treat HCV in nonspecialist settings with appropriate support. Project INSPIRE provides care coordination to HCV patients and a web‐based training program (telementoring) on disease management and treatment by HCV specialists to primary care providers inexperienced in HCV treatment. Weekly telementoring sessions use a didactic and case‐based approach to instruct non‐HCV providers on how to identify and assess HCV treatment candidates and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Methods

We used mixed methods to assess the telementoring service, including provider surveys and semistructured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed to identify dominant themes.

Results

Provider survey responses indicated an increased ability to identify and evaluate HCV treatment candidates and increased confidence in sharing knowledge with peers and patients. Interviews revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the telementoring service and Project INSPIRE overall. The telementoring service was viewed as having enhanced providers' knowledge, confidence, and ability to treat their own HCV‐infected patients rather than having to refer them to an HCV specialist with resulting benefits for continuity of care. Providers reported comradery and collegiality with other INSPIRE providers and satisfaction with professional growth from attaining new knowledge and skills via the telementoring service.

Conclusions

Using readily available web conferencing technology, telementoring can facilitate knowledge transfer between specialists and primary care providers, facilitating continuity of care for patients and increased provider satisfaction.
Nanocomposites of Microbial Polyglutamic Acid and Nanoclays Compatibilized by Organophosphonium Surfactants
Authors: Gamarra Ana , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián , Urpí Lourdes , Galbis Elsa , Galbis Juan A.
Published: May 2018

Ionic coupling of bacterial poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (PGGA) with alkyltrimethylphosphonium surfactants is reported to render comb‐like PGGA complexes with a biphasic‐layered structure displaying periodicity at the nanoscopic scale. In this work, nanocomposites made of PGGA and montmorillonite, and covering a wide variety of compositions, are prepared by using either dodecyl‐ or eicosyl‐trimethylphosphonium surfactant as a third component with a double purpose, that is, ionic complexation of PGGA and organo‐modification of the nanoclay. Thermogravimetric analysis ascertains the compositions of these three‐component nanocomposites and evidences their excellent thermal stability. The nanocomposite structure with PGGA and clay more or less intercalated according to composition and thermal history is evidenced by both X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Simultaneous thermal SAXS/WAXS analysis at real time reveals extensive intermixing of the two phases that become notably enhanced by heating treatment. Thermal transition characteristics of the surfactant–PGGA complex are not significantly altered in the nanocomposites, but elastic moduli and strength to yield are found to increase proportionally to the content of clay.
A novel mechanism of the M1‐M2 methionine adenosyltransferase switch‐mediated hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Wang Ruizhi , Jin Yi , Yao Xue‐Hua , Fan Wenzhe , Zhang Jiang , Cao Yihai , Li Jiaping
Published: May 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) manifests as a highly metastatic cancer with extremely poor prognosis. However, mechanisms underlying metastasis of HCC are not fully understood. Here, we showed that switching gene expression from MAT1A to MAT2A (M1‐M2 switch) promoted cancer invasion and metastasis. Reversion of the M1‐M2 switch repressed, whereas enhancing the M1‐M2 switch promoted the ability of HCC cells to metastasize. Moreover, we provided clinical data showing that tipping the balance between MAT1A and MAT2A expression correlated with increased metastasis and inferior recurrence‐free survival in HCC patients. Molecular pathways analysis showed that downregulation of MAT1A, which augmented osteopontin (OPN) expression through decreasing methylation of the OPN promoter, and MAT2A upregulation, which induced integrin β3 (ITGB3) expression by binding to ITGB3 promoter, collaboratively triggered ERK signaling and thereby promoted metastasis. Thus, the simultaneous downregulation of MAT1A and upregulation of MAT2A are necessary and sufficient for HCC metastasis in the process of M1‐M2 switch. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into cancer metastasis. Inhibition and prevention of the M1‐M2 switch would offer a novel therapeutic option for treatment of HCC.
Pharmacological and Nutritional Effects of Natural Coumarins and Their Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Zhu Jing‐Jing , Jiang Jian‐Guo
Published: May 2018

Coumarins are fused benzene and pyrone ring systems with a wide spectrum of bioactivities, including antitumor, anti‐inflammation, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. In this paper, the current development of coumarin‐based drugs is introduced, and their structure–activity relationship is discussed by reviewing the relevant literature published in the past 20 years. Coumarin molecules can be customized by the target site to prevent systemic side effects by virtue of structural modification. The ortho‐phenolic hydroxyl on the benzene ring has remarkable antioxidant and antitumor activities. Coumarins with aryl groups at the C‐4 position have good activities in anti‐HIV, antitumor, anti‐inflammation, and analgesia. C‐3 phenylcoumarins have strong anti‐HIV and antioxidant effects. Tetracycline pyranocoumarins can significantly inhibit HIV; osthol structural analogues have antimicrobial activity. Praeruptorin C and its derivatives play an important role in lowering blood pressure and dilating coronary arteries, and khellactone derivatives have significant inhibitory effects on AIDS, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It is concluded that the specific site on the core structure of coumarin exhibits one or more activities due to the electronic or steric effects of the substituents. This review is intended to be conducive to rational design and development of more active and less toxic agents with a coumarin scaffold.
Evaluation of a mixed beam therapy for postmastectomy breast cancer patients: Bolus electron conformal therapy combined with intensity modulated photon radiotherapy and volumetric modulated photon arc therapy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Heins David , Sanders Mary , Guo Beibei , Hogstrom Kenneth
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefits and limitations of a mixed beam therapy, which combined bolus electron conformal therapy (BECT) with intensity modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated photon arc therapy (VMAT), for left‐sided postmastectomy breast cancer patients.

Methods

Mixed beam treatment plans were produced for nine postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients previously treated at our clinic with VMAT alone. The mixed beam plans consisted of 40 Gy to the chest wall area using BECT, 40 Gy to the supraclavicular area using parallel opposed IMRT, and 10 Gy to the total planning target volume (PTV) by optimizing VMAT on top of the BECT + IMRT dose distribution. The treatment plans were created in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), and all plans were evaluated based on PTV coverage, dose homogeneity index (DHI), conformity index (CI), dose to organs at risk (OARs), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), and secondary cancer complication probability (SCCP). The standard VMAT alone planning technique was used as the reference for comparison.

Results

Both techniques produced clinically acceptable PMRT plans but with a few significant differences: VMAT showed significantly better CI (0.70 vs 0.53, P < 0.001) and DHI (0.12 vs 0.20, P < 0.001) over mixed beam therapy. For normal tissues, mixed beam therapy showed better OAR sparing and significantly reduced NTCP for cardiac mortality (0.23% vs 0.80%, P = 0.01) and SCCP for contralateral breast (1.7% vs 3.1% based on linear model, and 1.2% vs 1.9% based on linear‐exponential model, P < 0.001 in both cases), but showed significantly higher mean (50.8 Gy vs 49.3 Gy, P < 0.001) and maximum skin doses (59.7 Gy vs 53.3 Gy, P < 0.001) compared with VMAT. Patients with more tissue (minimum distance between the distal PTV surface and lung approximately > 0.5 cm and volume of tissue between the distal PTV surface and heart or lung approximately > 250 cm3) between distal PTV surface and lung may benefit the most from mixed beam therapy.

Conclusion

This work has demonstrated that mixed beam therapy (BECT + IMRT:VMAT = 4:1) produces clinically acceptable plans having reduced OAR doses and risks of side effects compared with VMAT. Even though VMAT alone produces more homogenous and conformal dose distributions, mixed beam therapy remains as a viable option for treating postmastectomy patients, possibly leading to reduced normal tissue complications.
Signaling pathways involved in human sperm hyperactivated motility stimulated by Zn2+
Authors: Allouche‐Fitoussi Deborah , Bakhshi Danit , Breitbart Haim
Published: May 2018

To fertilize the egg, sperm cells must reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours during which they undergo chemical and motility changes collectively called capacitation. During capacitation, the sperm develop a unique type of motility known as hyperactivated motility (HAM). The semen contains Zn2+ in millimolar concentrations, whereas in the female reproductive tract, the concentration is around 1 µM. In this study, we characterize the role of Zn2+ in human sperm capacitation focusing on its effect on HAM. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of GPR39‐type Zn‐receptor localized mainly in the sperm tail. Zn2+ at micromolar concentration stimulates HAM, which is mediated by a cascade involving GPR39–adenylyl cyclase (AC)–cyclic AMP (cAMP)–protein kinase A–tyrosine kinase Src (Src)–epidermal growth factor receptor and phospholipase C. Both the transmembrane AC and the soluble‐AC are involved in the stimulation of HAM by Zn2+. The development of HAM is precisely regulated by cAMP, in which relatively low concentration (5–10 µM) stimulated HAM, whereas at 30 µM no stimulation occurred. A similar response was seen when different concentrations of Zn2+ were added to the cells; low Zn2+ stimulated HAM, whereas at relatively high Zn2+, no effect was seen. We further demonstrate that the Ca2+‐channel CatSper involved in Zn2+‐stimulated HAM. These data support a role for extracellular Zn2+ acting via GPR39 to regulate signaling pathways in sperm capacitation, leading to HAM induction.
A probable example of cranial dysraphism from New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Halling C. L. , Seidemann R. M.
Published: May 2018

Cranial dysraphism, a pathological condition resulting from a neural tube defect, is a rarely reported condition in archaeological and clinical literature. A defect at bregma was identified on human remains recovered from New Orleans, Louisiana, when exhumation of several commingled bodies occurred in a paupers' cemetery in 2015. Initial speculation regarding the cause of the condition consisted of trauma, pathological condition, a natural variant, or the result of a congenital defect. A differential diagnosis was utilised to approach the breadth of potential causative factors, incorporating clinical information on the bony response of soft tissue defects common in modern reports. However, during a review of the bioarchaeological literature, an alternative explanation for the feature, one that did not result from typically reported causes, revealed that this observed defect was likely an example of the rarely reported condition known as cranial dysraphism. Through review of both clinical and bioarchaeological data, the resulting diagnosis observed here is supported through the unique characteristics that several other authors have identified as associated with cranial dysraphism. Unique features of this bony defect include the smooth walls of the depression, a saucer‐like shape with an anterior rim built up of cortical bone, lack of diploë exposure, a perforation at the base of the saucer, and the retention of cranial sutures. Although the defect also closely resembles the bony response to a cyst, the perforation and anterior rim are supportive of its diagnosis as a cranial dysraphism. This case study of a single occurrence of cranial dysraphism is reported to assist practitioners in differentiating between this condition and other potential causes of anomalies of similar appearance.
Constrained linear parameter‐varying control using approximate multiparametric programming
Authors: Mohammadkhani M. A. , Bayat F. , Jalali A. A.
Published: May 2018

We develop an approximate multiparametric convex programming approach with its application to control constrained linear parameter‐varying systems. Recently, the application of the real‐time model predictive control (MPC) for various engineering systems has been significantly increased by using the multiparametric convex programming tool, known as explicit MPC approach. The main idea of explicit MPC is to move the major parts of the computations to offline phase and to provide an explicit piecewise affine solution of the constrained MPC problem, which is defined over a set of convex polyhedral partitions. In the proposed method, the idea of convex programming and partitioning is applied for linear parameter‐varying control systems. The feasible space of the time‐varying parameters is divided into simplices in which approximate solutions are calculated such that the approximation error is kept limited by solving sequences of linear programs. The approximate optimal solution within each simplex is obtained by linear interpolation of the optimal solutions in the simplex vertices, and then multiparametric programming tool is utilized to compute an explicit state feedback solution of linear quadratic optimal control problem for simplex vertices subject to state and input constraints. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example and the simulation results show the advantages of this approach.
A phase 1/2 dose‐finding, safety, and activity study of cabazitaxel in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors including tumors of the central nervous system
Authors: Manley Peter E. , Trippett Tanya , Smith Amy A. , Macy Margaret E. , Leary Sarah E.S. , Boklan Jessica , Cohen Kenneth J. , Goldman Stewart , Kilburn Lindsay B. , Dhall Girish , Devin Jeanne , Herzog Cynthia E. , Partap Sonia , Fauchet Floris , Badreddine Emmy , Bernard John P. , Chi Susan N.
Published: May 2018

Background

This phase 1/2 study (NCT01751308) evaluated cabazitaxel in pediatric patients. Phase 1 determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with recurrent/refractory solid tumors, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Phase 2 evaluated activity in pediatric recurrent high‐grade glioma (HGG) or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

Procedure

In phase 1, a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation study design was followed. Cabazitaxel was administered at a starting dose of 20 mg/m2. Dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycle 1 were assessed to determine the MTD. Tumor response and cabazitaxel pharmacokinetics were also assessed. In phase 2, patients received cabazitaxel at the MTD determined in phase 1. Tumor responses were assessed every 9 weeks (modified Response Assessment in Neuro‐oncology criteria). Progression‐free survival and cabazitaxel pharmacokinetics were evaluated, and overall survival was estimated.

Results

In phase 1, 23 patients were treated, including 19 with CNS tumors. One patient had a partial response; five had stable disease for >3 cycles. Common adverse events included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, febrile neutropenia, and hypersensitivity reactions. Two of three DLTs (febrile neutropenia) occurred with a dose of 35 mg/m2; the MTD was 30 mg/m2. Slightly higher cabazitaxel clearance was observed compared with adult trials. In phase 2, 16 patients (eight HGG and eight DIPG) were enrolled; 11 were evaluable for response and five withdrew (three due to anaphylaxis). All 11 patients progressed within four cycles. No responses were observed; the study was stopped due to futility.

Conclusions

The safety profile of cabazitaxel was consistent with previous studies. The MTD (30 mg/m2) was higher than the adult MTD. Cabazitaxel did not demonstrate activity in recurrent/refractory HGG or DIPG.
Hb Adana (HBA2 or HBA1: c.179G > A) and alpha thalassemia: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Singh Sharon A. , Sarangi Susmita , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Hsu Peihong , Smith W. Byron , Gallagher Patrick G. , Glader Bertil , Chui David H. K.
Published: May 2018

Alpha thalassemia due to nondeletional mutations usually leads to more severe disease than that caused by deletional mutations. Devastating outcomes such as hydrops fetalis can occur with two nondeletional mutations, therefore warranting DNA‐based workup for suspected carriers with subtle hematological abnormalities for family counseling purposes. We describe three cases with hemoglobin (Hb) Adana, a nondeletional alpha chain mutation, compounded with an alpha globin gene deletion resulting in thalassemia intermedia. We review the literature, draw genotype–phenotype correlations from published cases of Hb Adana, and propose that this correlation can be used by clinicians to help direct diagnostic studies and urge hematologists to thoroughly workup high‐risk patients.
Effect of fiber and polymer variability on the rheological properties of wood polymer composites during processing
Authors: Saddem Mourad , Koubaa Ahmed , Bouafif Hassine , Migneault Sébastien , Riedl Bernard
Published: May 2018

We investigated the effects of fiber variability, size and content on the fusion characteristics of wood particle‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Five types of wood sawdust were used: eastern white cedar, with sapwood, and heartwood treated separately; jack pine divided into wood and bark; and black spruce. Three different fiber length classes were also used. Composite pellets containing wood particles at 25, 35, and 45% by weight with HDPE were made using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. The pellets were melted and mixed during 7 min in a torque rheometer at 180°C. We also investigated the polymer variation using HDPE, polypropylen (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and a blend of (80% HDPE+ 20% PP) where wood fiber proportion and length were kept constant. We varied the mixing temperature to reach the melting temperature range of each polymer. Mixing and melting times, maximum torque and stabilized torque were obtained. Adding wood fibers to the HDPE increased processing time and torque energy. At constant fiber length and proportion, torque properties varied with fiber origin. Higher fiber length and proportion increased torque energy and time of stabilization. Thus, using wood fibers with different properties will lead to significant variations in processing, such as in extrusion or injection. The fusion characteristics of wood polymer composite vary among polymers. The PVC showed the highest steady‐state torque. The formulation containing a polymer blend of HDPE and PP showed the highest torque energy. This higher torque energy is explained by the interaction of the incompatible polymeric chains of the two thermoplastic polymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E609–E616, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel usage of microfocus computed tomography (micro‐CT) for visualisation of human embryonic development—Implications for future non‐invasive post‐mortem investigation
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan Cheng , Hutchinson John Ciaran , Kang Xin , Suich Joseph D. , Ashworth Michael , Cannie Mieke M. , Segers Valerie , Sebire Neil J. , Jani Jacques C. , Arthurs Owen J.
Published: May 2018

What's already known about this topic?

Accurate pathological assessment of small gestational age fetuses is challenging.

Dating an embryo/fetus is essential to recognise expected human developmental stages and prevent misdiagnosis.

What does this study add?

Micro‐CT offers a non‐destructive, digital method for dating human embryos.

The micro‐CT imaging here is of the earliest gestation human embryo published to date with corresponding pathology. It can provide an alternative to autopsy even at early stages of development.
Development of algorithms to determine the onset of pregnancy and delivery date using health care administrative data in a university hospital in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Tomofumi , Obara Taku , Nishigori Hidekazu , Miyakoda Keiko , Inoue Ryusuke , Hoshiai Tetsuro , Saito Masatoshi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Mano Nariyasu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To develop and assess algorithms to determine the onset of pregnancy and delivery date using health administrative data from a university hospital in Japan.

Methods

All women who were hospitalized in the maternity ward and had at least one pregnancy that ended with a delivery during the period of January 2014 and December 2015 were included in this study. The true delivery date was obtained from the electronic medical records and was used as a gold standard. The onset of pregnancy was calculated by subtracting the gestational age at birth from the delivery date based on the electronic medical records and was also used as a gold standard. The administrative data‐based algorithms to identify (1) the onset of pregnancy estimated from the gestational age recorded as part of a diagnosis during a specific visit and (2) the delivery date estimated using the delivery‐related diagnosis, procedure, or prescription were compared with the gold‐standard data.

Results

Of the 1705 women included in this study, the onset of pregnancy was determined in 1704 subjects with 1582 (92.8%) within ± 7 days from the gold‐standard date of pregnancy onset. The delivery date was determined in 1654 subjects, and 1594 (96.4%) were within ± 7 days before the true delivery date using the algorithm of “selected” diagnosis and a surgical procedure followed by some other delivery‐related data.

Conclusions

The algorithms developed in this study are expected to accelerate future studies for real‐world exposure and quantify drug safety during pregnancy using Japanese health care administrative databases.
Causes and manifestations of chylothorax in children in China: Experience from a children's medical center, 2007–2017
Authors: Guo Yan , Chen Jiehua , Xu Baoping , Zheng Yuejie , Shen Kunling
Published: May 2018

Importance

Chylothorax is the most common cause of pleural effusion in neonates and relatively rare in children. It can cause significant respiratory morbidity. Many clinical entities may contribute to chylothorax.

Objective

To investigate the causes and manifestations of chylothorax in infants and children in China.

Methods

Case records of 107 cases with chylothorax seen in Beijing Children's Hospital from 2007 to 2017 were retrieved and analyzed; follow‐up was carried out by telephone.

Results

Of 107 cases, 58.9% (63/107) were primary chylothorax (PC) and 41.1% (44/107) were secondary chylothorax (SC). Also, 36.4% (39/107) were neonatal chylothorax (NC) and 35.5% (38/107) were postoperative chylothorax. In PC with a verified lymphatic anomaly, there was one case of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) and six cases of generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), which accounted for 6.5% (7/107) of cases. In most patients, chylothorax was alleviated by conservative treatment based on total parenteral nutrition (TPN); 13.1% (14/107) of cases needed further surgery. In NC, the median duration of TPN was 9 days, but 10 of 20 cases who improved had recurrence upon re‐introduction of a fat‐free diet, which was alleviated by further TPN. The duration of hospitalization was (23 ± 14) days for congenital chylothorax. Upon long‐ term follow‐up, except for GLA and DPL, most patients were doing well without recurrence.

Interpretation

NC and postoperative chylothorax are the common subtypes. TPN is effective for most patients. Despite a prolonged and fluctuating clinical course, most patients had a good long‐term prognosis.
Implementing comprehensive genetic carrier screening in China―Harnessing the power of genomic medicine for the effective prevention/management of birth defects and rare genetic diseases in China
Authors: Shen Yiping , Qiu Xiaoxia , Gui Baohen , He Sheng , Huang Hefeng , Xue Jingjie , Xu Xiangming , Zhang Xue , He Lin
Published: May 2018

Carrier screening had been demonstrated as a powerful practice in preventing selected severe genetic disorders. This practice is expanding its scope and impact in the era of next‐generation sequencing. Empirical and theoretical data support the utility of expanded carrier screening. The authors propose a comprehensive carrier screening program as a main component of the first‐tier measure in preventing severe genetic disorders and birth defects in China. We discussed the key principles and important aspects to ensure the success of such a program. The authors believe this program will play a pivotal role in our endeavor for a healthier nation.
Input oscillometry and the forced oscillation technique for assessing lung function in preschool children with asthma
Authors: Allen Julian L.
Published: May 2018

Preschool children with asthma present a challenge in lung function testing, as they cannot readily cooperate with spirometry. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) measures passive pressures and flows delivered by a loudspeaker to a facemask, at frequencies much higher than those occurring physiologically. This in turn allows for rapid collection of data from a spontaneously breathing child in a timespan of seconds. However, at very rapid oscillatory flow rates, the mechanical properties opposing flows into and out of the respiratory system (collectively termed the respiratory system impedance, and comprised of elastic, resistive and inertial components) are very different from at normal breathing frequencies, with elastic properties being less important and inertial properties being more important. An understanding of how the respiratory system behaves at high frequencies is essential to understanding the physiological basis of this technique. This article presents a way to understand these oscillatory mechanics of the respiratory system. It then describes studies of the FOT in normal preschool children and in children with asthma. The technique can also measure the separate contributions of the central and peripheral airways, as well as assess for changes after bronchodilator administration. The FOT holds promise for the objective measurement of lung function in children who are too young to reliably perform spirometry.
Component analysis and evidentiary basis of coping skills content on Pinterest
Authors: Breeden Nicole C. , Hall Cristin M. , Giacobe Nicklaus
Published: May 2018

The present study seeks to understand the evidence base of coping‐related content (pins) shared by followers of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) on Pinterest. NASP's Pinterest followers are pinning professionally, but the efficacy of the content being shared is largely unknown. Using a component analysis approach, the present study links pins to common components of evidence‐based coping skills interventions. The results suggest followers of NASP on Pinterest are pinning common coping intervention components. In general, more pins are limited in evidence base, but this varies by component. Certain components are more likely to be evidence‐based, while others are more likely to have limited efficacy. The results of the present study are consistent with previous Pinterest research; however, more information is needed to best understand efficacy and implementation patterns. By looking into pin use, future researchers will determine how followers of NASP on Pinterest choose and implement pins, thus providing a means to leverage Pinterest for dissemination of evidence‐based content.
The history and triumph of physical organic chemistry
Authors: Lenoir Dieter , Tidwell Thomas T.
Published: May 2018

The beginnings of physical organic chemistry can be traced back to the early 19th Century in the work of Michael Faraday, and this area of study gained great prominence with the discovery by Moses Gomberg of the triphenylmethyl radical in 1900. From that time, the field has continually grown in its capabilities and now is widely used for the understanding of organic and bioorganic chemistry, using both experimental and theoretical approaches. Some of the history of this development is described.
Psycho‐oncology: Overview, obstacles and opportunities
Authors: Holland Jimmie C.
Published: May 2018

Worldwide, psychological and social issues in cancer were not the subject of scientific inquiry until the past two decades. Since then, a new subspecialty of oncology has evolved, psycho‐oncology. It addresses two dimensions of cancer: the emotional responses of patients at all stages of disease, as well as their families and caretakers (psychosocial); and the pyschological, social and behavioral factors that may influence cancer morbidity and mortality (psychobiological). Obstacles to development have been the facts of small numbers of clinicians and investigators worldwide and the few valid assessment instruments and research methods available to the biomedical community. These obstacles are increasingly giving way to the louder demand of the public for maximal quality of life in cancer care. Psycho‐oncology is attaining subspeciality status by presently bringing a set of clinical skills in counseling, behavioral and social interventions to oncology, by providing training curricula which teach basic knowledge and skills in the area, and through creating a body of research and scholarly information about clinically relevant issues in the care of patients with cancer. Since it is increasingly recognized that psychological, social and behavioral variables influence treatment outcome, attention will likely to continue to increase. The field must meet the challenges of the 1990's in psychosocial care and availability of services, support for training clinicians and investigators in psycho‐oncology, and implementation of an exciting research agenda. The focus of new research will encourage collaborative investigations combining biological and psychosocial variables, quality of life research in clinical trials, controlled studies of psychotherapeutic, behavioral and psychopharmacologic research, and crosscultural studies that will examine differences in prevention and detection, health care systems, alternative therapies and meta analyses.
Functional roles and potential clinical application of miRNA‐345‐5p in prostate cancer
Authors: Tinay Ilker , Tan Mingyue , Gui Bin , Werner Lillian , Kibel Adam S. , Jia Li
Published: May 2018

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs, which negatively regulate gene expression and impact prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression. Circulating miRNAs are stable and detectable in cell‐free body fluids, such as serum. Investigation of circulating miRNAs presents great potential in uncovering new insights into the roles of miRNAs in PCa diagnosis and therapy.

Methods

Using TaqMan miRNA quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), we compared the expression levels of five miRNAs (miR‐193a‐3p, miR‐9‐3p, miR‐335‐5p, miR‐330‐3p, and miR‐345‐5p) in serum samples from 20 normal individuals without cancer, 25 patients with localized disease, 25 patients with hormone‐naïve or hormone sensitive metastatic disease, and 25 patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). These five miRNAs were identified as potential oncogenes in our previous studies. MiR‐345‐5p was further investigated for its functional roles in CRPC cells.

Results

We discovered that miR‐9‐3p, miR‐330‐3p‐3p, and miR‐345‐5p were significantly overexpressed in serum from PCa patients when compared to serum from individuals without cancer. No differential expression patterns were observed between different disease categories. However, patients who were in remission after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) appeared to have significantly lower miR‐345‐5p levels compared to the rest of the groups. We further demonstrated that miR‐345‐5p promotes CRPC cell growth and migration in vitro and validated that CDKN1A (the gene encoding p21) is the direct target of miR‐345‐5p.

Conclusions

Our results set the stage for a further investigation on the potential application of circulating miR‐345‐5p as a biomarker for PCa diagnosis and therapeutic response. The oncogenic roles of miR‐345‐5p through targeting CDKN1A render it a potential therapeutic target for PCa.
Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications
Authors: Sharifi‐Rad Mehdi , Mnayer Dima , Morais‐Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Carneiro Joara Nályda Pereira , Bezerra Camila Fonseca , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Salehi Bahare , Martorell Miquel , del Mar Contreras María , Soltani‐Nejad Azam , Uribe Yoshie Adriana Hata , Yousaf Zubaida , Iriti Marcello , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: May 2018

The genus Echinacea consists of 11 taxa of herbaceous and perennial flowering plants. In particular, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is widely cultivated all over the United States, Canada, and in Europe, exclusively in Germany, for its beauty and reported medicinal properties. Echinacea extracts have been used traditionally as wound healing to improve the immune system and to treat respiratory symptoms caused by bacterial infections. Echinacea extracts have demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and to be safe. This survey aims at reviewing the medicinal properties of Echinacea species, their cultivation, chemical composition, and the potential uses of these plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents in foods and in a clinical context. Moreover, the factors affecting the chemical composition of Echinacea spp. are also covered.
Apigenin inhibits growth of the Plasmodium berghei and disrupts some metabolic pathways in mice
Authors: Amiri Mahdi , Nourian Abbasali , Khoshkam Maryam , Ramazani Ali
Published: May 2018

Due to the challenges in the control, prevention, and eradication of parasitic diseases like malaria, there is an urgent need to discover new therapeutic agents. Plant‐derived medicines may open new ways in the field of antiplasmodial therapy. This study is aimed to investigate the toxicity and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of apigenin, a dietary flavonoid. Apigenin cytotoxicity was investigated on Huh7 cell line, brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larva, and human red blood cells. In vivo toxicity of apigenin was assessed by metabolomics approaches. Apigenin exhibited significant suppression of parasitemia in a dose‐dependent manner; it suppressed Plasmodium berghei growth by 69.74%, 50.3%, and 49.23% at concentrations of 70, 35, and 15 mg/kg/day, respectively. The IC50 value for apigenin after 24 hr exposure to Huh7 cells was 225 μg/ml. Apigenin did not show noticeable toxicity on A. salina and also on the membrane integrity of red blood cells. After 24 hr exposure of mice to apigenin, alterations were seen in the metabolism of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, bile acid metabolism (alternative pathway), sulfur metabolism, bile acid metabolism, metabolism of estrogens and androgens, cholesterol catabolism, and biosynthesis of cholesterol. These findings indicate that apigenin has potential in vivo antiplasmodial activity against P. berghei infected mice with high selectivity against malaria, but it can disrupt some metabolic pathways in mice.
Novel navigation system by augmented reality technology using a tablet PC for hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery
Authors: Yasuda Jungo , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Onda Shinji , Futagawa Yasuro , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki
Published: May 2018

Background

We previously developed an image‐guided navigation system (IG‐NS) using augmented reality technology for hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery. This system superimposed a 3D model onto a stereoscope‐captured surgical field (i.e., the scope method). Unfortunately, this method requires an expensive stereoscope, surgeons have to shift their eyesight away from the surgical field, and the method has poor controllability. Therefore, an IG‐NS using a tablet PC (i.e., the tablet method) was developed. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficiency of this novel method.

Methods

We studied 9 patients, for whom a 3D model was created from computed tomography images. After registration was performed, the 3D model was superimposed onto the surgical field, which was captured by the tablet PC's camera.

Results

The IG‐NS could be applied with very little time lag. The visibility and controllability of the tablet method were superior to those of the scope method. It was especially useful in surgery for multiple metastatic liver carcinoma due to easy localization of the position of the carcinomas and vessels.

Conclusions

We successfully developed the tablet method and tested it in a clinical setting. This system may contribute to surgical efficacy and improve the educational effects.
Some remarks on theR2for clustering
Authors: Loperfido Nicola , Tarpey Thaddeus
Published: May 2018

A common descriptive statistic in cluster analysis is theR2that measures the overall proportion of variance explained by the cluster means. This note highlights properties of theR2for clustering. In particular, we show that generally theR2can be artificially inflated by linearly transforming the data by “stretching” and by projecting. Also, theR2for clustering will often be a poor measure of clustering quality in high‐dimensional settings. We also investigate theR2for clustering for misspecified models. Several simulation illustrations are provided highlighting weaknesses in the clusteringR2, especially in high‐dimensional settings. A functional data example is given showing how thatR2for clustering can vary dramatically depending on how the curves are estimated.
The next‐generation K‐means algorithm
Authors: Demidenko Eugene
Published: May 2018

Typically, when referring to a model‐based classification, the mixture distribution approach is understood. In contrast, we revive the hard‐classification model‐based approach developed by Banfield and Raftery (1993) for which K‐means is equivalent to the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. The next‐generation K‐means algorithm does not end after the classification is achieved, but moves forward to answer the following fundamental questions: Are there clusters, how many clusters are there, what are the statistical properties of the estimated means and index sets, what is the distribution of the coefficients in the clusterwise regression, and how to classify multilevel data? The statistical model‐based approach for the K‐means algorithm is the key, because it allows statistical simulations and studying the properties of classification following the track of the classical statistics. This paper illustrates the application of the ML classification to testing the no‐clusters hypothesis, to studying various methods for selection of the number of clusters using simulations, robust clustering using Laplace distribution, studying properties of the coefficients in clusterwise regression, and finally to multilevel data by marrying the variance components model with K‐means.
Per‐antenna power minimization in symbol‐level precoding for the multibeam satellite downlink
Authors: Spano Danilo , Chatzinotas Symeon , Andrenacci Stefano , Krause Jens , Ottersten Björn
Published: May 2018

This paper addresses the problem of multiuser interference in the forward downlink channel of a multibeam satellite system. A symbol‐level precoding scheme is considered, to exploit the multiuser interference and transform it into useful power at the receiver side, through a joint utilization of the data information and the channel state information. In this context, a per‐antenna power minimization scheme is proposed, under quality‐of‐service constraints, for multilevel modulation schemes. The consideration of the power limitations individually for each transmitting radio frequency chain is a central aspect of this work, and it allows to deal with systems using separate per‐antenna amplifiers. Moreover, this feature is also particularly relevant for systems suffering nonlinear effects of the channel. This is the case of satellite systems, where the nonlinear amplifiers should be properly driven to reduce the detrimental saturation effect. In the proposed scheme, the transmitted signals are designed to reduce the power peaks, while guaranteeing some specific target signal‐to‐noise ratios at the receivers. Numerical results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, which is compared both with the state of the art in symbol‐level precoding and with the conventional minimum mean square error precoding approach.
Using Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Islet Transplantation
Authors: Arzouni Ahmed A. , Vargas-Seymour Andreia , Nardi Nance , J.F. King Aileen , Jones Peter M.
Published: May 2018

Islet transplantation has the potential to cure type 1 diabetes, but current clinical transplantation protocols are inefficient because of the extensive loss of functional islets during the immediate post-transplantation period. Studies in rodent models have demonstrated that co-transplanting mesencyhmal stromal cells (MSCs) with islets improves graft functional survival and transplantation outcomes, and some of the beneficial effects of MSCs are attributable to bioactive molecules secreted by MSCs. Clinical islet transplantation is almost exclusively via the hepatic portal vein, which does not facilitate co-engraftment of islets and MSCs, so attention is currently focused on using cell-free cocktails of MSC-derived products to treat islets prior to transplantation. This approach has the potential to overcome many of the technical and regulatory hurdles associated with using MSCs as an adjuvant therapy for human islet transplantation.