bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis reveals the differences between cellular response to ribosomal stress and translational stress
Authors: Shamsuzzaman Md , Gregory Brian , Bruno Vincent , Lindahl Lasse
Published: October 2017

Ribosome biogenesis is an essential metabolic process of a growing cell. Cells need to continuously synthesize new ribosomes in order to make new proteins than can support building biomass and cell division. It is obvious that in the absence of ribosome biogenesis, cell growth will stop and cell division will stall. However, it is not clear whether cell growth stops due to reduced protein synthesis capacity (translational stress) or due to activation of signaling specific to ribosome biogenesis abnormalities (ribosomal stress). To understand the signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest under ribosomal and translational stress conditions, we performed time series RNA-seq experiments of cells at different time of ribosomal and translational stress. We found that expression of ribosomal protein genes follow different course over the time of these two stress types. In addition, ribosomal stress is sensed early in the cell, as early as 2hr. Up-regulation of genes responsive to oxidative stress and over representation of mRNAs for transcription factors responsive to stress was detected in cell at 2hr of ribosomal protein depletion. Even though, we detected phenotypic similarities in terms of cell separation and accumulation in G1 phase cells during inhibition of ribosome formation and ribosome function, different gene expression patterns underlie these phenotypes, indicating a difference in causalities of these phenotypes. Both ribosomal and translational stress show common increased expression of stress responsive gene expression, like Crz1 target gene expression, signature of oxidative stress response and finally membrane or cell wall instability. We speculate that cell membrane and cell wall acts as major stress sensor in the cell and adjust cellular metabolism accordingly. Any change in membrane lipid composition, or membrane protein oxidation, or decrease or increase in intracellular turgor pressure causes stress in cell membrane. Cell membrane or cell wall stress activates and/or inactivates specific signaling pathway which triggers stress responsive gene expression and adaptation of cellular behavior accordingly.
Employee feedback orientation: a paternalistic leadership perspective
Authors: Hawass Hisham Hamid
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the direct effect of paternalistic leadership on the employee’s feedback orientation in the Egyptian public sector. It also investigates the mediating effect of the employee’s workplace well-being on the relationship between paternalistic leadership and feedback orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a questionnaire that consists of measures adopted from existing and tested scales. A mediation analysis is conducted using structure equation modelling to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings reveal that paternalistic leadership is positively associated with feedback utility, accountability, awareness and self-efficacy. Moreover, the employee’s workplace well-being significantly mediates the proposed relationship between paternalistic leadership and the aforementioned dimensions of feedback orientation.

Originality/value

The relationship between paternalistic leadership and feedback orientation has received an extremely limited academic attention. This study hypothesizes a mediation model which investigates the leadership, well-being and feedback associations in the traditionally under-researched Egyptian context.
First trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia in Chinese pregnancies: case–control study
Authors: Cheng YKY , Leung TY , Law LW , Ting YH , Law KM , Sahota DS
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the potential of screening for pre‐eclampsia (PE) in a Chinese population.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

Population

A total of 3330 women having a viable singleton pregnancy attending first‐trimester Down‐syndrome screening.

Methods

Mean arterial pressure (MAP), bilateral uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured. Screening markers were transformed to multiples of the gestational median (MoM) and adjusted for maternal and pregnancy characteristics. MoM distributions in PE and non‐PE pregnancies were compared with published expected values. PE screening performance was assessed using area under receiver operating curves (AUROC).

Main outcome measures

PE detection rate.

Results

A total of 30 (0.9%) women developed either early (<34 weeks) or late (≥34 weeks) onset PE. MAP was dependent on maternal BMI, UtA‐PI on fetal crown rump length, uterine artery peak systolic velocity (UtA‐PSV) on maternal age and gestation, and PlGF on gestation in non‐PE pregnancies. MoM distributions determined using published Fetal Medicine Foundation models deviated significantly from one for both MAP (P < 0.0001) and PI (P < 0.0001), but not PlGF (P = 0.52) in non‐PE pregnancies, whilst PlGF MoM distributions in those who developed early as opposed to late onset PE were significantly higher (P = <0.05). AUROC for any PE using multiple markers was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.64–0.81) with detection rates of 72 and 55% for early and late PE, respectively, for a 10% false positive rate.

Conclusion

Detection rates for PE in our Chinese population were lower than the expected 90–95% even after adjusting MoM for local women's characteristics.

Funding

General Research Fund (Project number 470513).

Tweetable abstract

Pre‐eclampsia screening in the Chinese population had detection rates lower than previously published results.
Third Generation Ventricular Assist Device: Mid‐Term Outcomes of the HeartWare HVAD in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Pac Mustafa , Kocabeyoglu Sinan Sabit , Kervan Umit , Sert Dogan Emre , Koca Serhat , Ece Ibrahim , Pac Feyza Aysenur
Published: October 2017

The HeartWare HVAD is a small, third generation continuous flow pump that is intracorporeally placed for support of a failing ventricle in adult patients. This device is small in size when compared to other left ventricular assist devices and can therefore be used in smaller sized pediatric patients. We present our initial experience using the HVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation in the pediatric population. We performed a retrospective, single center, nonrandomized review of 17 pediatric patients who underwent HVAD implantation between June 2013 and March 2016. The primary endpoints evaluated in this study were overall survival to heart transplantation, ongoing device support, or death. In this patient cohort, nine (53%) of 17 patients were male. The median age of the patients was 13.4 ± 3.8 (range 5–17) years. The median body surface area was 1.4 ± 0.4(0.7–2) m2. Etiologies of heart failure requiring HVAD support were dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 8), myocarditis (n = 5) and noncompaction cardiomyopathy (n = 4). The overall mean length of HVAD support was 254 ± 298 (range 2–804) days. A successful outcome (bridge to transplant and ongoing mechanical support) was achieved in 13 patients (76.5%). Of the 13 patients, nine (69.2%) were bridged to heart transplantation and four continue to receive support (30.7%) and are eligible for transplantation. Post‐transplant survival has been 100%, with a mean follow‐up of 296 ± 264.5 (range 18–785) days. The most common complication was pump thrombosis (23.5%) in follow‐up. Four patients (23.5%) experienced no complications. The HVAD continuous flow ventricular assist device can be safely used to bridge pediatric patients to cardiac transplantation. Favorable outcomes of this device are comparable to the adult population. This analysis demonstrated safe and effective implantation of the HVAD System in a child with a BSA of 0.7 m2.
IMPACT‐III is a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing health‐related quality of life in Swedish children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Uggla C , Lindh V , Lind T , Lindkvist M
Published: October 2017

Aim

This study examined the reliability, validity and factor structure of the Swedish version of the IMPACT‐III questionnaire for assessing health‐related quality of life in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

We recruited 202 participants aged eight to 18 years, who were enrolled from 16 of the 23 paediatric gastroenterology clinics across Sweden during 2010–2013. This cross‐sectional study compared two versions of the IMPACT‐III questionnaire – one with six factors and 35 items and one with four factors and 19 items – plus the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale. Disease activity was assessed and defined as active or inactive.

Results

The mean total score for the six‐factor IMPACT‐III scale was 143.7/175, with a standard deviation (SD) of 17.9. There was a significant difference in mean total scores between the 133 children with inactive disease (147.8, SD: 14.9) and the 52 with active disease (133.0, SD: 20.3). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four‐factor scale was more robust than the original six‐factor scale. Concurrent validity and discriminant validity were high for both versions.

Conclusion

The Swedish version of the IMPACT‐III questionnaire was valid and reliable, but the shorter, four‐factor version is quicker and may be more convenient in clinical settings.
Muscle‐specific differences in expression and phosphorylation of the Janus kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 following long‐term mechanical ventilation and immobilization in rats
Authors: Salah H. , Fury W. , Gromada J. , Bai Y. , Tchkonia T. , Kirkland J. L. , Larsson L.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Muscle wasting is one of the factors most strongly predicting mortality and morbidity in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU). This muscle wasting affects both limb and respiratory muscles, but the understanding of underlying mechanisms and muscle‐specific differences remains incomplete. This study aimed at investigating the temporal expression and phosphorylation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in muscle wasting associated with the ICU condition to characterize the JAK/STAT proteins and the related changes leading or responding to their activation during exposure to the ICU condition.

Methods

A novel experimental ICU model allowing long‐term exposure to the ICU condition, immobilization and mechanical ventilation, was used in this study. Rats were pharmacologically paralysed by post‐synaptic neuromuscular blockade and mechanically ventilated for durations varying between 6 hours and 14 days to study muscle‐specific differences in the temporal activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in plantaris, intercostal and diaphragm muscles.

Results

The JAK2/STAT3 pathway was significantly activated irrespective of muscle, but muscle‐specific differences were observed in the temporal activation pattern between plantaris, intercostal and diaphragm muscles.

Conclusion

The JAK2/STAT3 pathway was differentially activated in plantaris, intercostal and diaphragm muscles in response to the ICU condition. Thus, JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors may provide an attractive pharmacological intervention strategy in immobilized ICU patients, but further experimental studies are required in the study of muscle‐specific effects on muscle mass and function in response to both short‐ and long‐term exposure to the ICU condition prior to the translation into clinical research and practice.
Impact of ureteroscopy before radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinomas on oncological outcomes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Run‐Qi , Hong Peng , Xiong Geng‐Yan , Zhang Lei , Fang Dong , Li Xue‐Song , Zhang Kai , Zhou Li‐Qun
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To investigate whether ureteroscopy (URS) before radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) has an impact on oncological outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for citations published prior to September 2017 that described URS performed on patients with UTUC and conducted a standard meta‐analysis on survival outcomes.

Results

Our meta‐analysis included eight eligible studies containing 3975 patients. The results were as follows: cancer‐specific survival (CSS; hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.99; P = 0.04), overall survival (OS; HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.48–1.21; P = 0.24), recurrence‐free survival (RFS; HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.14; P = 0.37), metastasis‐free survival (MFS; HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.82–1.36; P = 0.66), and intravesical recurrence‐free survival (IRFS; HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29–1.77; P < 0.001). When excluding previous bladder tumour history, the result for IRFS was a HR of 1.81 (95% CI 1.53–2.13; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicated that URS before RNU did not have a negative impact on CSS, OS, RFS, or MFS in patients with UTUC. However, patients were at higher risk of intravesical recurrence after RNU when they had undergone URS before RNU. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of post‐URS intravesical chemotherapy on intravesical recurrence.
National cohort study comparing severe medium‐term urinary complications after robot‐assisted vs laparoscopic vs retropubic open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sujenthiran Arunan , Nossiter Julie , Parry Matthew , Charman Susan C. , Aggarwal Ajay , Payne Heather , Dasgupta Prokar , Clarke Noel W. , van der Meulen Jan , Cathcart Paul
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the occurrence of severe urinary complications within 2 years of surgery in men undergoing either robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) or retropubic open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study in men who underwent RARP (n = 4 947), LRP (n = 5 479) or ORP (n = 6 873) between 2008 and 2012 in the English National Health Service (NHS) using national cancer registry records linked to Hospital Episodes Statistics, an administrative database of admissions to NHS hospitals. We identified the occurrence of any severe urinary or severe stricture‐related complication within 2 years of surgery using a validated tool. Multi‐level regression modelling was used to determine the association between the type of surgery and occurrence of complications, with adjustment for patient and surgical factors.

Results

Men undergoing RARP were least likely to experience any urinary complication (10.5%) or a stricture‐related complication (3.3%) compared with those who had LRP (15.8% any or 5.7% stricture‐related) or ORP (19.1% any or 6.9% stricture‐related). The impact of the type of surgery on the occurrence of any urinary or stricture‐related complications remained statistically significant after adjustment for patient and surgical factors (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Men who underwent RARP had the lowest risk of developing severe urinary complications within 2 years of surgery.
Utilization and quality outcomes of cT1a, cT1b and cT2a partial nephrectomy: analysis of the national cancer database
Authors: Fero Katherine , Hamilton Zachary A. , Bindayi Ahmet , Murphy James D. , Derweesh Ithaar H.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To describe the utilization and compare quality outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) for cT1a, cT1b and cT2a renal masses using a large national database.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients from the US National Cancer Database who underwent PN for cT1a/cT1b/T2a renal cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2013. We examined the use of PN over time and assessed quality indicators [positive surgical margin (PSM) and 30‐day postoperative readmission rates]. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine predictors for outcome comparisons.

Results

A total of 43 749 patients underwent PN for cT1a, cT1b and cT2a renal masses (cT1a, n = 34 796; cT1b, n = 8 040; cT2a, n = 913). The proportion of patients undergoing PN increased from 30.8% in 2004 to 56.7% in 2013 (P < 0.001), and this trend was apparent for all clinical stages. The PSM rate was 6.8%. Predictive factors for increased risk of PSMs included cT1a stage (P = 0.03), age [odds ratio (OR) 1.01; P < 0.001] and later year of diagnosis (OR: 1.05; P < 0.001). The 30‐day readmission rate was 4.2%. Predictive factors for increased risk of readmission included cT1b (P < 0.001), high Charlson comorbidity score (OR: 1.32; P = 0.001) and lack of private insurance (OR: 1.21–1.97; P < 0.05); later year of diagnosis was associated with decreased odds of readmission (OR: 0.96; P < 0.001). Subset analysis of the 2010–2013 cohort showed increases in the proportion of minimally invasive PN for cT1a (52.8–69.6%; P < 0.001), cT1b (39.9–59.6%; P < 0.001) and cT2a tumours (33.3–47.3%; P = 0.01). The PSM rate was also increased, at 7.3%. Predictive factors for PSMs included increasing age (OR: 1.01; P < 0.001), minimally invasive surgical approach (OR: 1.52; P < 0.001), and conversion to open surgery (OR: 1.52; P = 0.01), but not clinical stage (P = 0.75–0.99). The 30‐day readmission rate was 4.0%. Predictive factors for readmission included lack of private insurance (P < 0.001) and conversion to open surgery (OR: 1.63; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of PN has increased significantly over time for all clinical stage groups. PSM rates increased, while 30‐day readmission rates decreased. The PSM rate increase was driven by increasing use of minimally invasive approaches, and not by higher clinical stage. The 30‐day readmission rate was driven by patient comorbidities and socio‐economic factors. Rising PSM rates represent a quality‐of‐care concern.
Incidentally detected testicular lesions <10 mm in diameter: can orchidectomy be avoided?
Authors: Scandura Glenda , Verrill Clare , Protheroe Andrew , Joseph Johnson , Ansell Wendy , Sahdev Anju , Shamash Jonathan , Berney Daniel M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To investigate the pathology of excised testicular lesions <10 mm in size.

Patients and Methods

The pathological reports of 2 681 patients with testicular lesions from Barts Health NHS Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were reviewed as part of a service evaluation audit from January 2003 to May 2016. Cases in which the lesion had a maximum diameter of <10 mm were selected. Clinical features were also accessed, where available, to examine patient demographics, prediagnostic levels of serum markers, ultrasonographic findings and clinical details.

Results

A total of 81 patients with a lesion size <10 mm on histology were identified and, of these, 16 (20%) had a lesion diameter <5 mm. Of the 81 patients, 56 (69%) had benign lesions. Of 16 patients with a benign lesion <5 mm in diameter, 15 underwent orchidectomy and just one underwent partial orchidectomy. Preoperative tumour markers were available in 47/81 patients. None of the 16 malignant tumours in these 47 patients were associated with raised tumour markers, while seven of 31 remaining patients with benign lesions had raised α‐fetoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase levels. In total there were 25/81 malignant cases (31%), which were all germ cell tumours (GCTs): 15 seminomas (60%) and 10 non‐seminomatous GCTs (40%). Only one GCT had a diameter of <5 mm, and this was a regressed tumour within an 18‐mm area of granulomatous inflammation. Only one GCT relapsed: a clinical stage I, embryonal carcinoma of 6 mm in maximum diameter. The 56 ‘benign’ cases included 34 sex cord stromal tumours, including 23 Leydig cell tumours (41%), eight Sertoli cell tumours (14%) and three mixed sex cord stromal tumours (5%). None showed any malignant features. The remaining 22/56 lesions (40%) were lesions with no further follow‐up. Benign lesions seemed to be associated with a small diameter, and we found <5 mm to be the best threshold for predicting benign vs malignant lesions (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The majority of testicular lesions <10 mm, identified by radiology, were benign, although approxmiately one‐third were malignant. In the present study, 100% of lesions <5 mm in diameter were benign. Tumour markers appear to be unhelpful in the distinction of these small tumours. We suggest that regular ultrasound surveillance be more widely used for testicular lesions of this size. Testicular tumours now have a very high cure rate and changes in size of lesions may be monitored prospectively with minimal risk of increased morbidity. Patients who undergo an orchidectomy for lesions <5 mm are ‘victims of modern imaging technology’. If surgery is undertaken in lesions 5–10 mm, patients should be counselled that two‐thirds of cases are benign.
Pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 and glutaminase might be promising molecular targets for the treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Kitayama Kishu , Yashiro Masakazu , Morisaki Tamami , Miki Yuichiro , Okuno Tomohisa , Kinoshita Haruhito , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Kasashima Hiroaki , Masuda Go , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi , Sakurai Katsunobu , Kubo Naoshi , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to analyze the significance of glucose metabolism‐related enzymes in the proliferation of gastric cancer under hypoxia. Four hypoxia‐resistant gastric cancer cell lines and four parent cell lines were used. Reverse transcription–PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of the following metabolism‐related enzymes: pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2), glutaminase (GLS), enolase 1 (ENO1), glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and PKM1. The effects of these enzymes on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were examined using siRNAs, shikonin as a PKM2 inhibitor, or BPTES as a GLS inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo. Levels of both PKM2 and GLS mRNA were significantly high in all hypoxia‐resistant cell lines, compared with those of their parent cells. Knockdown of PKM2 and GLS significantly decreased the proliferation of all hypoxia‐resistant cells. The combination of siPKM2 and siGLS significantly decreased proliferation compared with treatment by siPKM2 or siGLS alone. The knockdown of ENO1, G6PDH, or PKM1 did not decrease the proliferation of all hypoxia‐resistant cells. Combination treatment using shikonin and BPTES inhibited the proliferation of all hypoxia‐resistant cancer cells more than that by either agent alone. The in vivo study indicated that the tumor size treated by the combination of shikonin and BPTES was significantly smaller than that of vehicle‐treated group. These findings suggested that PKM2 and GLS might play important roles in the proliferation of hypoxic gastric cancer cells. A combination of PKM2 and GLS inhibitors could be therapeutically promising for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Correlation between CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 chemokine axis expression and prognosis in lymph‐node‐positive lung cancer patients
Authors: Katsura Masakazu , Shoji Fumihiro , Okamoto Tatsuro , Shimamatsu Shinichiro , Hirai Fumihiko , Toyokawa Gouji , Morodomi Yosuke , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: October 2017

The CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 chemokine axis plays important roles in the migration of tumor cells during cancer development by modulating site‐specific distant metastasis including to regional lymph nodes. We investigated the correlation of these chemokine expressions to prognosis in lymph‐node‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A total of 140 surgically resected specimens of primary site (PS) and metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) of NSCLC involving hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes (N1‐2) were collected. CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12 expressions were evaluated. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine whether these chemokines were independent prognostic factors in N1‐2 NSCLC. High expression of CXCR4 in PS and CXCL12 in MLN was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (P = .025 and .033, respectively). Significant correlations between CXCR4 expression in PS and CXCL12 expression in MLN were observed (P = .040). There was significant difference in OS between 2 groups according to expressions of CXCR4 in PS and CXCL12 in MLN (P = .0033). Expression of CXCL12 in MLN was identified as an independent prognostic factor (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.08‐3.04, P = .023). CXCL12 in MLN was mainly expressed by tumor cells compared with stromal cells (56% vs 25%, respectively, P < .0001). CXCR4/CXCL12 may play roles in tumor progression in MLN and is associated with poor prognosis of lymph‐node‐positive NSCLC patients.
Clinical significance of lactate clearance for the development of early allograft dysfunction and short‐term prognosis in deceased donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kim Deok Gie , Lee Jee Youn , Jung Yoon Bin , Song Seung Hwan , Lee Jae Geun , Han Dai Hoon , Joo Dong Jin , Ju Man Ki , Choi Gi Hong , Choi Jin Sub , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Soon Il
Published: October 2017

This retrospective study evaluated lactate clearance (LC), measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after reperfusion, as a predictor of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and short‐term outcomes in patients receiving deceased donor liver transplantation. Of 181 transplant recipients, 44 (24.3%) developed EAD and had lower LCs than those who did not develop EAD. A receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that LC determined at 6 hours showed the highest area under curve value of 0.828 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.755‐0.990) for predicting the development of EAD at a cutoff value of 25.8% with 76.7% sensitivity and 77.9% specificity. LC values that fell below the cutoff values were significantly associated with EAD in a multivariate analysis, with values at 6 hours having the highest adjusted odds ratio (11.891, 95% CI: 4.469‐31.639). In‐hospital and 6 month mortalities were higher in patients with LC values below the cutoffs compared with those above the cutoff values at each time point. Thus, LC calculated shortly after reperfusion of an allograft is significantly discriminative for the development of EAD and is associated with short‐term prognosis after deceased donor liver transplantation.
Team preparation for human uterus transplantation: Autologous transplantation in sheep model
Authors: Solomonov Evgeny , Marcus Braun Naama , Siman‐Tov Yariv , Ben‐Shachar Inbar
Published: October 2017

We performed autologous uterus transplantation using the living‐sheep donor model for team preparation before human uterine transplantation. Five sequential operations (in 3 ewes) were prospectively conducted. Surgical technique included uterus retrieval, graft preparation, and uterus transplantation. Anastomoses were performed at the level of the external iliac. At 3‐week follow‐up, the uterus and anastomoses were checked for strictures and thrombosis. Two successful auto‐transplantations were made, and one failed because of undeveloped uterine arteries (< 1 mm in diameter). In the first two ewes, we identified and used a deep, separate uterine vein, which was not described in other publications. In the third ewe, we used the utero‐ovarian vein. The team was able to perform safe dissection and auto‐transplantation, with no signs of strictures or thrombosis after 3 weeks. Cold ischemic time was 60 minutes, and warm ischemic time was between 40 and 60 minutes, with no need for re‐anastomoses. We noticed that using the deep uterine vein in the sheep model can anatomically simulate better the human uterine vein and the difficulty to approach it. To avoid using unsuitable vessels for anastomoses, the uterine transplantation protocol in humans should include imaging of the donor's uterine vessels.
The impact of intercenter sharing on the outcomes of pediatric split liver transplantation
Authors: Elsabbagh Ahmed M. , Williams Cassie , Girlanda Raffaele , Hawksworth Jason , Kroemer Alexander , Matsumoto Cal S. , Fishbein Thomas M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Split liver transplantation allows for expansion of the pool of organs available for pediatric liver transplantation. The impact of sharing segments of the same liver between centers has not been studied.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of 24 pediatric split liver transplant cases in a recent cohort. We evaluated the outcomes of pediatric recipients who shared organs with adult patients in our own center (group A) compared to recipients who shared organs with adult patients in other centers. (group B).

Results

One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival for group A was 100%, 100%, and 100% vs 83%, 71%, and 57% for group B (P = .039). Postoperative complications included biliary complications (41.7% in group A vs 50% in group B, P = .682), vascular complications (8.3% in group A vs 41.7% in group B, P = .059), and postoperative bleeding (16.7% in group A vs 25% in group B, P = .615). High‐grade Clavien‐Dindo complications were 0% in group A vs 33.3% in group B, P = .028.

Conclusions

Organ sharing between centers appears to be associated with significantly poorer graft survival. Possible explanations include greater procurement‐related injury or suboptimal vessel distribution. Future larger studies focused on this area may be helpful to formulate policy considerations.
Effect of enterovirus infections on asthma in young children: A national cohort study
Authors: Yeh Jun‐Jun , Lin Cheng‐Li , Hsu Wu‐Huei
Published: October 2017

Background

We conducted a cohort study to determine the relationship between enterovirus (EV) infection and asthma.

Materials and methods

From the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we identified patients who received a new diagnosis of asthma and concurrent treatment between January 2000 and December 2011 (EV cohort: n = 208 213; non‐EV cohort: n = 208 213). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine and compare the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of asthma between these 2 cohorts. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was conducted to assess the differences in the cumulative incidence curves of asthma between the 2 cohorts.

Results

The overall aHR of asthma was 1.48‐fold higher in the EV cohort than in the non‐EV cohort (95% confidence interval = 1.45‐1.50). The aHR of asthma was higher in the EV cohort than in the non‐EV cohort, comprising children aged ≤5 years, regardless of sex, sociodemographic factors (urbanization level and parental occupation) or comorbidities. The risk of asthma was higher in 1‐3, 4‐6, 7‐9 and 10‐12 months (all P < .001), particularly in those with a higher frequency of admission (>5 per year).

Conclusion

The incidence of asthma was higher in the EV cohort than in the non‐EV cohort, comprising children aged ≤5 years, regardless of sex, urbanization level, parental occupation or season. In particular, the risk of asthma was higher in children with a higher frequency of admission, even in the absence of atopy or other respiratory infections.
A survey on hematology‐oncology pediatric AIEOP centres: The challenge of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Zama Daniele , Gasperini Pietro , Berger Massimo , Petris Mariagrazia , De Pasquale Maria D. , Cesaro Simone , Guerzoni Maria E. , Mastrodicasa Elena , Savina Francesca , Ziino Ottavio , Kiren Valentina , Muggeo Paola , Mura Rosa M. , Melchionda Fraia , Zanazzo Giulio A. ,   on behalf of Supportive Therapy Working Group of Italian Pediatric Haematology and Oncology Association (AIEOP)
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is one of the most common neurological complications in hematology‐oncology pediatric patients. Despite an increasingly recognized occurrence, no clear consensus exists regarding how best to manage the syndrome, because most cases of PRES have reported in single‐case reports or small series. Aim of this paper is to identify incidence, clinical features, management, and outcome of PRES in a large series of hematology‐oncology pediatric patients.

Methods

The cases of PRES occurred in twelve centers of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology were reported.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four cases of PRES in 112 pediatric patients were recorded with an incidence of 2.1% and 4.7%, respectively, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first complete remission and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The majority of cases occurred after a cycle of chemotherapy rather than after stem cell transplant. PRES after chemotherapy significantly differs from that after HSCT for diagnosis, time of presentation, risk factors, management, and outcome.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that PRES is a common neurological complication and occurring preferentially in course of induction treatment of some hematologic malignancies, as ALL and after HSCT. It also highlights great clinical differences in the management and outcome in patients with PRES occurring after chemotherapy or after HSCT.
Quantification of the effect of instrumentation error in objective gait assessment in the horse on hindlimb symmetry parameters
Authors: Serra Bragança F. M. , Rhodin M. , Wiestner T. , Hernlund E. , Pfau T. , van Weeren P.R. , Weishaupt M. A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Objective gait analysis is becoming more popular as a tool assisting veterinarians during the clinical lameness exam. At present, there is only limited information on the effect of misplacement of markers/motion‐sensors.

Objectives

To investigate and describe the effect of marker misplacement on commonly calculated pelvic symmetry parameters.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Each horse was equipped with custom‐made devices consisting of several reflective markers arranged in a predefined manner with a reference marker correctly positioned regarding the anatomical landmark and several misplaced markers along the sagittal and transverse planes. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of marker misplacement.

Results

For the tubera sacrale, each cm of left/right misplacement led to a difference in minimum position of the pelvis (PDmin) of ±1.67 mm (95% CI 1.54–1.8 mm) (P<0.001); maximum position of the pelvis (PDmax) was affected by ±0.2 mm (95% CI 0.071–0.33 mm) (P = 0.003). With respect to cranial/caudal misplacement, each cm of misplacement resulted in aPDmin difference of ±0.04 mm (95% CI −0.09 to 0.16 mm) (P = 0.56) and aPDmax difference of ±0.008 mm (95% CI −0.13 to 0.12 mm) (P = 0.9). For the tubera coxae, each cm of vertical misplacement led to a difference in the displacement amplitude between left and right tubera coxae (Hip‐Hike_Diff) of ±1.56 mm (95% CI 1.35–1.77 mm) (P<0.001); for the cranial/caudal misplacement, this was ±0.82 mm (95% CI 0.66–0.97 mm) (P<0.001).

Main limitations

Only three horses were used in this experiment and the study design did not permit to determine the influence of marker misplacement on the evaluation of different degrees of lameness.

Conclusions

Marker misplacement significantly affects calculated symmetry parameters of the pelvis. The observed errors are overall small but significant. In cases of mildly asymmetrical horses, this error might influence the decision‐making process whereas in more severe asymmetries, the influence of the error effect may become less significant.
Protein biomarker of cell proliferation determines survival to discharge in cases of equine large colon volvulus
Authors: Kucera C. R. , Stranahan L. W. , Hughes F. , Blikslager A. T. , Gonzalez L. M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Progenitor cells play critical roles in epithelial repair following ischaemic injury. Protein biomarkers have been used to identify intestinal progenitor cell subpopulations. This study aims to determine if a critical number of intestinal progenitor cells can predict tissue viability and survival to discharge of large colon volvulus (LCV) cases.

Objectives

The objectives were to 1) identify intestinal progenitor cell subpopulations using biomarkers: proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), sex determining region Y box 9 (SOX9), phospho‐histone H3 (PHH3) and Ki‐67, 2) define cut‐off values for critical numbers of positive cells and 3) determine if survival to discharge is associated with cut‐off values.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Adult horses admitted to the Farm and Equine Veterinary Medical Center at NC State's Veterinary Hospital and Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital between 2006 and 2016 that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy with a diagnosis of LCV of ≥360 degrees, had pelvic flexure biopsy and that recovered from general anaesthesia were selected for inclusion in the study. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed and positive cells were counted. Optimal cut‐off values were determined using receiver operator curves. A Fisher's exact test was used to associate cut‐off values with survival to discharge.

Results

In this study, 23 cases of LCV ≥360° were included. Of 23 horses, 13 (57%) survived to discharge. A cut‐off value of <2.1 PHH3 positive cells per crypt correctly predicted death with 100% sensitivity (95% CI; 69.15–100%) and 84.62% specificity (95% CI; 54.55–98.08%). LCV cases with <2.1 PHH3 positive cells per crypt were 96.6 times more likely to die (95% CI; 4.14–2255 and P < 0.0001). Biomarkers PCNA, SOX9 and Ki‐67 did not predict short‐term survival.

Main limitations

The population size was small.

Conclusions

PHH3 immunohistochemical analysis may assist in more accurate prediction of survival to hospital discharge of LCV cases.

The summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
Nonapoptotic functions of Fas/CD95 in the immune response
Authors: Guégan Jean‐Philippe , Legembre Patrick
Published: October 2017

CD95 (also known as Fas) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Its cognate ligand, CD95L, is implicated in immune homeostasis and immune surveillance. Mutations in this receptor are associated with a loss of apoptotic signaling and have been detected in an autoimmune disorder called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) type Ia, which shares some clinical features with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, deletions and mutations of CD95 have been described in many cancers, which led researchers to initially classify this receptor as a tumor suppressor. More recent data demonstrate that CD95 engagement evokes nonapoptotic signals that promote inflammation and carcinogenesis. Transmembrane CD95L (m‐CD95L) can be cleaved by metalloproteases, releasing a soluble ligand (s‐CD95L). Soluble and membrane‐bound CD95L show different stoichiometry (homotrimer versus multimer of homotrimers, respectively), which differentially affects CD95‐mediated signaling through molecular mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. This review discusses the biological roles of CD95 in light of recent experiments addressing how a death receptor can trigger both apoptotic and nonapoptotic signaling pathways.
Torsional shear strength of novel glass‐ceramic composite sealants for solid oxide fuel cell stacks
Authors: Cela Greven Beatriz , Gross‐Barsnick Sonja , Koppitz Thomas , Conradt Reinhard , Smeacetto Federico , Ventrella Andrea , Ferraris Monica
Published: October 2017

To improve the mechanical strength of sealants for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, several fillers were proposed in this work as reinforcement for a glass‐ceramic sealant based on the system BaO‐CaO‐SiO2. The chosen reinforcement additives were metallic particles including nickel, a nickel‐chromium alloy and silver, as well as ceramics such as gadolinium‐doped ceria particles and yttrium‐stabilized zirconia particles or fibers. The glass‐ceramic sealant, with and without reinforcements, was used to join two parts made of stainless steel (Crofer22APU). A torsion test was used to measure the shear strength of the joined samples. The shear strength measurement by torsion gave reliable and reproducible results for all the joined samples. The lowest shear strength was found for the glass‐ceramic sealant without any reinforcement. The composite prepared of a combination of glass matrix and 20 wt.‐% Ni powder seems to be the best candidate sealant, able to fulfill all the requirements of a SOFC sealant. The samples made with this composite sealant presented the highest shear strength values as prepared and also after aging the sample in air atmosphere for 500 hours at 800°C.
Numerical analysis of mineral crystals on mechanical properties of mineralized collagen fibers
Authors: Liu Yanqiang , Du Tianming , Sun Yapeng , Feng Qingling , Niu Xufeng
Published: October 2017

Bone, with excellent mechanical properties, can adapt to a variety of external forces through adjust its complex hierarchical structure. The basis of the hierarchical structure is mineralized collagen fibers, which consist of mineral crystals and collagen fibers. To better understand the mechanical properties of mineralized collagen fibers, we establish a series of representative volume element models of mineralized collagen fibers based on the different arrangement of mineral crystals in the collagen fibers. The effects of crystal aspect ratio, volume fraction, and crystal defect on the effective elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of mineralized collagen fibers are calculated by combining the homogenization theory with the finite element method. Results show that the elastic modulus of mineralized collagen fibers can be regulated effectively by adjusting the aspect ratio and volume fraction of crystals. This research explains the mechanical advantages of mineralized collagen fibers in the structure, provides a basis for the calculation of high level structure of bone and offers insight into the design of bionic composite materials.
The missing Ce member of Ln4Al2O9 family of aluminates
Authors: Kepinski Leszek
Published: October 2017

Ce4Al2O9, the last missing member of a family of lanthanide aluminates with 2Ln2O3–Al2O3 stoichiometry has been synthesized by the reaction between nanocrystalline CeO2 and an amorphous Al2O3 at 850°C in hydrogen atmosphere. The Ce4Al2O9 is isomorphous with known Ln4Al2O9 (Ln = La, Nd–Lu) aluminates and its structure is: P21/c, a = 7.844 Å, b = 10.968 Å, c = 11.399 Å, β = 109.65. The volume of the unit cell of Ce4Al2O9 synthesized in this work (923.6 Å3) fits the pattern determined for other lanthanides, if cerium is present as Ce3+ ions. The compound exhibits paramagnetic behavior at 100‐400 K, but the effective moment of Ce ions (μeff = 1.36) is much less than 2.5 waited for Ce3+ ions. The effect is assigned primarily to the surface oxidation of Ce4Al2O9 at ambient conditions, though the presence of certain fraction of tetravalent Ce ions in the structure of Ce4Al2O9 may not be excluded.
Enhanced anti‐deliquescent property and ultralow thermal conductivity of magnetoplumbite‐type LnMeAl11O19 materials for thermal barrier coating
Authors: Wang Chang‐An , Lu Haoran , Huang Zeya , Xie Huimin
Published: October 2017

Magnetoplumbite‐type LaMgAl11O19 ceramic has been proposed as one of promising candidates for the next generation thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) due to its low thermal conductivity. However, LaMgAl11O19 shows poor water‐resistance with significant weight loss at elevated temperatures in water‐containing atmosphere. In this work, we revealed that the essential reason for the poor water‐resistance of magnetoplumbite‐type LaMgAl11O19 ceramic is Mg2+ migration from the intrinsic site under moisture environment. And then an effective approach was proposed to improve its anti‐deliquescent property by completely substituting divalent alkaline earth ions Mg2+ with Zn2+. Finally, a panoscopic strategy was proposed to further lower thermal conductivity through co‐substituting La and Zn sites in LaZnAl11O19 with trivalent and divalent transition metal ions. The mechanism for the lowered thermal conductivity is due to the panoscopic approach, which providing all‐scale hierarchical architectures of phonon scattering mechanisms. The excellent anti‐moisture performance and ultralow thermal conductivity endow the LaZnAl11O19 based ceramics as a kind of promising candidates for advanced thermal barrier coatings.
Combined experimental and computational investigation of thermodynamics and phase equilibria in the CaO–TiO2 system
Authors: Gong Weiping , Wu Lili , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Phase relations in the CaO–TiO2 system are of considerable interest in geology, metallurgy, and ceramics. Despite a number of studies of phase equilibria in the CaO–TiO2 system, there are still some open questions regarding the stability of intermediate compounds. In this work, a series of specimens with different CaO:TiO2 ratios were prepared by solid‐state reaction. The heat capacities of Ca3Ti2O7 and Ca4Ti3O10 from 300 to 1073 K were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and their formation enthalpies from the component oxides at 298 K were measured by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. Using phase diagram information and thermodynamic data from the literature and the present measurements, thermodynamic optimization of the CaO–TiO2 system was carried out by the CALPHAD technique. The phase diagram and the thermodynamic properties of the CaO–TiO2 system were calculated using the obtained thermodynamic database, which clarify the stable and metastable phase equilibria of the system. The thermodynamic stability of the various compounds was discussed.
Five‐year outcomes of a randomized clinical trial comparing bone‐level implants with either submerged or transmucosal healing
Authors: Flores‐Guillen Juan , Álvarez‐Novoa Carmen , Barbieri Germán , Martín Conchita , Sanz Mariano
Published: October 2017

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term hard and soft tissue peri‐implant tissue stability of bone‐level implants using a different implant placement protocol (submerged versus transmucosal).

Materials and methods

This study was partly a subset analysis of a multicentre study where in 40 patients, a single bone‐level implant with platform switching and a conical implant‐abutment interface was placed either submerged or transmucosal in non‐molar sites. Changes in the peri‐implant tissues between implant placement and 5 years were assessed clinically and radiologically. Patient‐related outcomes were also recorded.

Results

Thirty patients completed the 5‐year follow‐up. Implant survival rate was 100%. The mean radiographic changes in crestal bone levels between baseline and 5 years were 0.59 (0.92) mm and 0.78 (1.03) mm for the submerged and the transmucosal groups, respectively. No statistical significant differences were found between the groups for any of the investigated variables. Peri‐implantitis, defined as changes in the level of crestal bone of ≥2 mm together with bleeding on probing, was only diagnosed in one patient. Patients in both groups were highly satisfied with the treatment received.

Conclusions

Bone‐level implants with submerged or transmucosal healing protocols demonstrated similar outcomes after 5 years. Both protocols yielded optimal clinical and radiographic results when bone‐level implants were placed in non‐molar positions for single tooth replacement.