bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorising cancers to enable tailored care planning through a secondary analysis of cancer registration data in the UK
Authors: McConnell Hannah , White Rachel , Maher Jane
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study is to categorise cancers into broad groups based on clusters of common treatment aims, experiences and outcomes to provide a numerical framework for understanding the services required to meet the needs of people with different cancers. This framework will enable a high-level overview of care and support requirements for the whole cancer population.

Setting and participants

People in the UK with 1 of 20 common cancers; an estimated 309 000 diagnoses in 2014, 1 679 000 people diagnosed in a 20-year period and still living in 2010 and 135 000 cancer deaths in 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Survival and stage at diagnosis data were reviewed alongside clinically led assumptions to identify commonalities and cluster cancer types into three groups. The three cancer groups were then described using incidence, prevalence and mortality data collected and reported by UK cancer registries. This was then reviewed, validated and refined following consultation.

Results

Group 1 includes cancers with the highest survival; 5-year survival is over 80%. Group 3 cancers have shorter term survival. Five-year survival is not >20% for any cancer in this group and many do not survive over a year. Group 2 includes cancers where people typically live more than a year but are less likely to live >5 years. We estimate that the majority (64%) of people living with cancer (20 year prevalence) have a cancer type in group 1 ‘longer term survival’, but significant minorities of people have cancers in group 2 ‘intermediate survival’ (19%) and group 3 ‘shorter term survival’ (10%).

Conclusions

Every person with cancer has unique needs shaped by a multitude of factors including comorbidities, treatment regimens, patient preferences, needs, attitudes and behaviours. However, to deliver personalised care, there needs to be a high-level view of potential care requirements to support service planning.
BET 2: Sharing decisions for patients with suspected cardiac chest pain in the emergency department
Authors: Ward Abigail , Body Richard
Published: November 2017

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether shared decision making used alongside a decision aid can lead to greater patient satisfaction, lower healthcare resource use and non-inferior clinical outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes. Four studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that the use of shared decision-making tools in the ED for management of patients with low-risk chest pain appears to be beneficial to the patient and the physician. Use of these shared decision-making tools appears to increase patient knowledge and satisfaction, while decreasing decision conflict and resource use, without causing additional negative outcomes for the patient.
17 Exploring ambulance conveyances to the emergency department: a descriptive analysis of non-urgent transports
Authors: Miles Jamie , O’Keeffe Colin , Jacques Richard , Stone Tony , Mason Suzanne
Published: November 2017

Objectives

An NHS England report highlighted key issues in how patients were initially navigating access to healthcare. This has manifested in increased pressure on ambulance services and emergency departments (EDs) to provide high quality, safe and efficient services to manage this demand. This study aims to identify non-urgent conveyances by ambulance services to the ED that would be suitable for care at scene or an alternative response.

Design

A retrospective analysis of emergency department data linked to initial pre-hospital call data (either ‘111’ or ‘999’) in 2014 in Yorkshire and Humber. A previously validated definition of non-urgent attendance at ED was adapted for pre-hospital use to identify all linked ambulance conveyances that had no ‘in-hospital’ specific investigations, treatments or follow up care during that episode. Linked data was used to identify clinical triage conditions at the time and source of call (999 or 111).

Setting

All 14 acute trusts (acute hospital and ambulance service) in Yorkshire and Humber.

Outcome and measures

The number of non-urgent attendances to ED which were conveyed by ambulance was examined in terms of age, time of arrival, initial triage (AMPDS) and final ED diagnosis.

Figure 1

ED final diagnosis for avoidable conveyances (n=65,360)

Results

1,312,539 linked patient episodes were analysed which included ambulance service contact and hospital data. 4 04 348 (30.8%) of the total reported were transported by ambulance. Of all the linked conveyances, 65 360 (16.2%) were classed as non-urgent ED attendances. There were significantly increased odds of a non-urgent conveyance out of hours (OR:1.48; 95% CI:1.45 to 1.51). Of all conveyances of patients aged 16–34 (n=77,683), 24 443 (31.5%) patients were non-urgent. This compares with patients aged 75+ (n=150,668), in which 11 400 (7.1%) were considered non-urgent. 70.6% of the data was included for AMPDS analysis. This demonstrated the largest numbers of non-urgent conveyances (by code) came from falls (n=5277, 8.1%) and outside referrals such as ‘Healthcare Professionals’ (n=3983, 6.1%) and the ‘111 telephone service’ (n=9437, 14.4%). ED diagnosis analysis showed the highest proportion of patients were attending with minor injury and illness, and alcohol intoxication.

Conclusions

16% of ambulance conveyances to ED in 2014 were non-urgent with around 1 in 3 patients under the age of 34 conveyed with non-urgent complaints. 1 in 5 patients had a non-urgent conveyance out of hours. AMPDS analysis identified target areas for intervention including referrals from other healthcare providers. Final ED diagnosis identified specific patient target areas including minor illness and alcohol intoxication.

Figure 2Figure 3

Age of patients taken to ED by ambulance (avoidable)
Role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Motwani Manish , Swoboda Peter P , Plein Sven , Greenwood John P
Published: November 2017

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assesses cardiac function, ischaemia, viability and tissue characterisation, all within a single scan. Many studies regarding the role of CMR in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) have been published over the last decade providing important technical advances, large-scale clinical validation and prognostic data. As a result, CMR has emerged as a highly accurate technique for diagnosis and risk stratification in stable CAD and has been incorporated into national and international guidelines. Furthermore, clinical pathways utilising CMR have been shown to be the most cost-effective in several healthcare systems. In this review, we summarise the key roles and guideline recommendations for CMR in stable CAD supported by contemporary clinical evidence.
Dinosaur eggshells from the lower Maastrichtian St. Mary River Formation of southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Voris Jared T. , Zelenitsky Darla K. , Therrien François , Tanaka Kohei
Published: November 2017

North America is known for its rich uppermost Cretaceous record of dinosaur egg remains, although a notable fossil gap exists during the lower Maastrichtian. Here we describe a diverse dinosaur eggshell assemblage from the St. Mary River Formation of southern Alberta that, in conjunction with recently described eggs from the same formation in Montana, helps fill this gap and sheds light on the dinosaur diversity in this poorly fossiliferous formation. Three theropod eggshell types (Continuoolithus cf. C. canadensis, Montanoolithus cf. M. strongorum, and Prismatoolithus cf. P. levis) and one ornithopod (Spheroolithus cf. S. albertensis), are reported from Albertan exposures of the St. Mary River Formation, increasing the ootaxonomic diversity of the formation from two to five ootaxa. The taxonomic composition of the eggshell assemblage is consistent with the dinosaurian fauna known from the St. Mary River Formation based on skeletal remains. Spheroolithus eggshells constitute the majority of identifiable eggshells in our assemblage, a trend also observed in several other Upper Cretaceous formations from North America. Continuoolithus is shown to be synonymous with Spongioolithus, thus expanding the Maastrichtian geographic range of the ootaxon to include Utah. The St. Mary River eggshell assemblage supports a general trend of increase in eggshell thickness among theropod ootaxa from the uppermost Santonian through the Maastrichtian, which is inferred to reflect an increase in body size among some clades of small theropods through the Upper Cretaceous. Eggshell preservation in the St. Mary River Formation may be related to the semiarid climatic and environmental conditions that prevailed.
Firm-level competitiveness in the forest industries: review and research implications in the context of bioeconomy strategies
Authors: Korhonen J. , Hurmekoski E. , Hansen E. , Toppinen A.
Published: November 2017

The operational environment of the forest sector is becoming more complex, and maintaining competitiveness has become increasingly complicated. At the industry or firm level, competitiveness is seen as the ability to perform better than competitors in terms of value creation over time. Relatively little is known about changes in firm-level competitiveness caused by the shifting dynamics of the competitive situation in the forest sector toward the bioeconomy. A systematic literature review is conducted to examine how competitiveness of the sector is analyzed at the firm level and what are seen as its most influential drivers. Furthermore, these findings are discussed in the context of the bioeconomy transition. The results show that strategies and firm characteristics related to innovation and differentiation provide the key for understanding competitiveness at the firm level. Literature focuses on describing the competitive dynamics between firms within an industry rather than across sectors, despite that substitution between materials as well as intersectoral R&D collaboration are strongly advocated by national and international bioeconomy strategies.
High-precision three-dimensional atom localization in a three-level pump–probe atomic system
Authors: Zheng Fanong , Ge Qiang , Wang Xinglin
Published: November 2017

We propose a new scheme for three-dimensional (3D) atom localization controlled by incoherent pump in a three-level Λ-type atomic system. The spatial position information of an atom in 3D space can be achieved via measuring probe gain and absorption when the atom passes through three mutually perpendicular standing-wave fields. It is found that high-detecting-probability and high-precision 3D atom localization can be obtained via properly adjusting the relevant parameters in the presence of the combination of a traveling-wave field and three orthogonal standing-wave fields. Furthermore, it is also shown that the incoherent pumping field can switch the localization patterns from the probe-gain sphere to the probe-absorption sphere and enhance 3D atom-localization precision.
Bidding Behavior and Equilibrium Excursion of Uniform Price Auction Mechanism
Authors: Rao Congjun , Zhao Yong , Zheng Junjun , Goh Mark , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2017

Multiple equilibria (equilibrium excursion) affects the auction proceeds, and is bad for estimating auction efficiency. This paper examines the relationship between bidding behavior and equilibrium excursion. We analyze a uniform price auction mechanism based on a rationing strategy and common value information. In this uniform price auction mechanism, bidders (strategic and non-strategic) participate in an auction simultaneously, and the auctioneer rations the strategic bidders after observing their bids. The conclusions drawn suggest that a rationing strategy can effectively limit the strategic bidders from manipulating the auction, and the Nash equilibrium may not be unique (i.e., there exists an equilibrium excursion). As the number of bidders increases, or when the quantity that can be allocated to the non-strategic bidders is unconstrained, there exists asymptotically a unique equilibrium price which is the highest price the auctioneer could obtain. Based on these conclusions, we provide some strategies and suggestions on how to induce the equilibrium excursion state to a desired unique equilibrium state.
Exhausting pants graphs of punctured spheres by finite rigid sets
Authors: Maungchang Rasimate
Published: November 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text]-punctured sphere. For [Formula: see text], we construct a sequence [Formula: see text] of finite rigid sets in the pants graph [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Nonlinear optical property and ultrafast response of a two-photon photopolymerization initiator based on dibenzothiophene
Authors: Wang Yaochuan , Liu Dajun , Wang Yizhuo , Wang Guiqiu , Yu Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2017

A dibenzothiophene-based two-photon photopolymerization (TPP) initiator named E,E-1,4-bis[3-vinyl-dibenzothiophene]-2,5-dimethoxybenzene (VBPMOB) with intense two-photon fluorescence (TPF) was investigated by UV–visible, fluorescence, pump–probe and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies. The maximum two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section of VBPMOB in DMF was determined to be 274[Formula: see text]GM. In addition, the TPA cross-section at 800[Formula: see text]nm was 230[Formula: see text]GM, which is the most commonly used wavelength for TPP. The ultrafast spectra result indicated that after excitation, the VBPMOB molecule will first undergo a fast internal conversion process to form an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state with a certain width followed by relaxation of the ICT state with fluorescence emission.
Opinion Spam Detection in Online Reviews
Authors: Rastogi Ajay , Mehrotra Monica
Published: November 2017

Online reviews are the most valuable sources of information about customer opinions and are considered the pillars on which the reputation of an organisation is built. From a customer’s perspective, review information is key to making a proper decision regarding an online purchase. Reviews are generally considered an unbiased opinion of an individual’s personal experience with a product, but the underlying truth about these reviews tells a different story. Spammers exploit these review platforms illegally because of incentives involved in writing fake reviews, thereby trying to gain an advantage over competitors resulting in an explosive growth of opinion spamming. The present study analyses and categorises the available literature on opinion spamming according to three detection targets: (1) opinion spam, (2) opinion spammers, and (3) collusive opinion spammer groups. The study further highlights and divides opinion spamming into three types based on textual and linguistic, behavioural, and relational features. Moreover, several state-of-the-art machine-learning techniques for opinion spam detection have also been discussed in the study. It concludes with a summary of the research articles on opinion spam detection and some interesting results to assist researchers for further exploration of the domain.
Multifluid plasma equations in terms of hyperbolic octonions
Authors: Demir Süleyman , Zeren Erdinç
Published: November 2017

Stimulating from the hyperbolic octonionic generalization of the Maxwell-type equations of compressible fluids, an alternative reformulation has been proposed for the analogous multifluid plasma equations. In this paper, using both the fluid and electromagnetic behavior of the plasma, the compact and elegant expressions have been derived in terms of hyperbolic octonions as previously given for electromagnetic theory, linear gravity and fluid mechanics. Using the advantages of proposed model, the field equations of multifluid plasma have been combined in a single equation. Furthermore, the plasma wave equations in terms of generalized vorticity and Lamp vector have been expressed in a form similar to electromagnetic, gravitational counterparts previously given in relevant literature.
Fracture analysis of cortical bone under the condition of cement line debonding and osteon pullout
Authors: Chen Yaogeng , Wang Wenshuai , Li Xing
Published: November 2017

Cortical bone consists of osteons embedded in interstitial bone tissue and there is a thin amorphous interface, named cement line, between osteon and interstitial bone. Due to fatigue and cyclic loading, the pullout or debonding phenomenon often occurs in osteonal and interstitial tissue bone. The study aims to construct a fiber-reinforced composite material debonding model for cortical bone, in which the bonding condition along the osteon, cement line and interstitial tissue bone are assumed to be imperfect. In the study, we used the complex variable method to obtain series representations for stress fields in the osteon, cement line and the interstitial tissue bone with a radial crack. The effects of material properties of osteon and cement line, crack position, and varying degrees of debonding on the fracture behavior were investigated by computing the stress intensity factor (SIF) in the vicinity of the microcrack tips. The investigation results indicated that the cement line was important for controlling the fracture toughening mechanisms and that the level of imperfect bonding among osteon, cement line and interstitial tissue bone had a pronounced effect on the crack behavior and should not be ignored.
Facile Synthesis and Special Phase Transformation of Hydrophilic Iron Oxides Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Liqiao , Long Yunqian , Leng Zhe , Hu Jinfei , Yu Xuan , Yu Xiaoming
Published: November 2017

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), γ-Fe2O3, with hydrophilic surfaces are fabricated in ethylene glycol solutions, without surfactant or additive, by solvothermal process from α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle as precursors. With the addition of a trace of hydrazine hydrate, the cubic phase Fe3O4 nanoparticles are obtained instead of γ-Fe2O3. The saturation magnetization value of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles is up to 74.3 emu/g. This study provides a low cost, safe, and universal route to serve as excellent biocompatibility magnetic core for future applications in biomedical, agriculture, and horticulture applications.
Ultrasonographic Findings of Renal Cell Carcinomas Associated with Xp11.2 Translocation/TFE3 Gene Fusion
Authors: Ling Wenwu , Ma Xuelei , Luo Yan , Chen Linyan , Wang Huiyao , Wang Xiaoling , Chen Ni , Zeng Hao , Li Yongzhong , Cai Diming
Published: November 2017

Objective. This study was to investigate the features of renal carcinomas associated with Xp11.2 translocations/TFE3 gene fusions (Xp11.2-RCC) on conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods. US and CEUS features of twenty-two cases with histopathologically proven Xp11.2-RCC were retrospectively reviewed. Results. 22 patients (11 males, 11 females) were included in this study, with a mean age of 28.3 ± 20.4 years. Eight tumors (36.3%, 8/22) were in left kidney, and 14 tumors (63.7%, 14/22) were in right kidney. All tumors (100%, 22/22) were mixed echogenicity type. 13 tumors (59.1%, 13/22) presented small dotted calcifications. The boundary of 14 tumors (63.6%, 14/22) was sharp and the other 8 tumors’ (36.4%, 8/22) boundary was blurry. By CEUS, in early phase, the solid element of all tumors showed obvious enhancement. In delayed phase, 13 tumors showed hypoenhancement, seven tumors showed isoenhancement, and 2 tumors showed hyperenhancement. There were irregular nonenhancement areas in all tumors inside. Conclusions. By US and CEUS, when children and adolescents were found to have hyperechoic mixed tumor in kidney with sharp margin and calcification, and the tumors showed obvious enhancement and hypoenhancement with irregular nonenhancement areas in the tumor in early phase and delayed phase, respectively, Xp11.2-RCC should be suspected.
Constrained Adaptive Neural Control of Nonlinear Strict‐Feedback Systems with Input Dead‐Zone
Authors: Shi Jingping , Wu Zhonghua , Lu Jingchao
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on a single neural network tracking control for a class of nonlinear strict‐feedback systems with input dead‐zone and time‐varying output constraint via prescribed performance method. To release the limit condition on previous performance function that the initial tracking error needs to be known, a new modified performance function is first constructed. Further, to reduce the computational burden of traditional neural back‐stepping control approaches which require all the virtual controllers to be necessarily carried out in each step, the nonlinear items are transmitted to the last step such that only one neural network is required in this design. By regarding the input‐coefficients of the dead‐zone slopes as a system uncertainty and introducing a new concise system transformation technique, a composite adaptive neural state‐feedback control approach is developed. The most prominent feature of this scheme is that it not only owes low‐computational property but also releases the previous limitations on performance function and is capable of guaranteeing the output confined within the new form of prescribed bound. Moreover, the closed‐loop stability is proved using Lyapunov function. Comparative simulation is induced to verify the effectiveness.
Microstructure of Coal Gangue and Precipitation of Heavy Metal Elements
Authors: Huang Yanli , Li Junmeng , Song Tianqi , Sun Qiang , Kong Guoqiang , Wang Fengwan
Published: November 2017

The microstructure and mineral composition of the gangue play a decisive role in the precipitation of heavy metal elements. In this study, the microstructure, mineral composition, and precipitation of heavy metal elements of coal gangue with different weathering degrees were analyzed through electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and static immersion leaching experiments. The following results were derived. (1) After the weathering of the coal gangue, its compactness and integrity changed significantly. The coal gangue structure transformed from relatively dense to relatively loose, and the development of large pores and fractures changed from basically no development to significant development. (2) After weathering, the contents of kaolinite and illite significantly increased, while that of feldspar significantly decreased. Coal gangue contains a small amount of Mn, Cu, Zn, Ti, Ba, Cl, and other elements. After weathering, the contents of each element were reduced. (3) Under the same conditions, a higher number of heavy metal elements precipitated from the weathered coal gangue than from the fresh coal gangue. The results of this research have significant importance in revealing the precipitation mechanism of heavy metals from coal gangue and in perfecting the theory of underground water environmental protection during solid backfilling mining.
Fuzzy Supervisor Approach Design Based‐Switching Controller for Pumping Station: Experimental Validation
Authors: Chakchouk Wael , Ben Regaya Chiheb , Zaafouri Abderrahmen , Sellami Anis
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a discrete‐time switching controller strategy for a hydraulic process pumping station. The proposed solution leads to improving control system performances with two tests: combination of Fuzzy‐PD and PI controllers and Fuzzy‐PID and PI controllers. The proposed design methodology is based on accurate model for pumping station (PS), which is developed in previous works using Fuzzy‐C Means (FCM) algorithm. The control law design is based on switching control; a fuzzy supervisor manages the switching from one to another and regulates the rate of participation of each order, in order to satisfy various objectives of a stable pumping station like the asymptotic stability of the tracking error. To validate the proposed solution, experimental tests are made and analyzed. Compared to the conventional PI and fuzzy logic (FL) approaches, the results show that the switching controller allows exhibiting excellent transient response over a wide range of operating conditions and especially is easier to be implemented in practice.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Role of Long Noncoding RNA Linc00152 in Various Human Neoplasms: Evidence from Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miao Chenkui , Zhao Kai , Zhu Jundong , Liang Chao , Xu Aiming , Hua Yibo , Zhang Jianzhong , Liu Shouyong , Tian Ye , Zhang Chao , Wang Yuhao , Su Shifeng , Wang Zengjun , Liu Bianjiang
Published: November 2017

Recent researches have demonstrated that long noncoding RNA linc00152 was aberrantly upregulated in multiple tumor types. High expression of linc00152 was associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate its potential value as a prognostic predictor in various human neoplasms. Eligible studies were searched through several electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eight original studies including 752 cancer patients were ultimately enrolled. Statistical analysis suggested that overexpression of linc00152 was significantly correlated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.59–2.64) and disease-free/progression-free survival (DFS/PFS) (HR = 3.52, 95% CI: 1.82–6.79) in cancer patients. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between aberrant linc000152 expression and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.57–3.94) but not in vessel invasion (VI) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.54–1.93) and distant metastasis (DM) (OR = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.213–1.689). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that high linc00152 expression significantly predicted inferior OS and DFS/PFS in multiple neoplasms, as well as advanced LNM and VI. Linc00152 may serve as a potential indicator in predicting poor outcomes and metastases of diverse cancers.
AMOBH: Adaptive Multiobjective Black Hole Algorithm
Authors: Wu Chong , Wu Tao , Fu Kaiyuan , Zhu Yuan , Li Yongbo , He Wangyong , Tang Shengwen
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on the black hole algorithm with a new individual density assessment (cell density), called “adaptive multiobjective black hole algorithm” (AMOBH). Cell density has the characteristics of low computational complexity and maintains a good balance of convergence and diversity of the Pareto front. The framework of AMOBH can be divided into three steps. Firstly, the Pareto front is mapped to a new objective space called parallel cell coordinate system. Then, to adjust the evolutionary strategies adaptively, Shannon entropy is employed to estimate the evolution status. At last, the cell density is combined with a dominance strength assessment called cell dominance to evaluate the fitness of solutions. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods SPEA-II, PESA-II, NSGA-II, and MOEA/D, experimental results show that AMOBH has a good performance in terms of convergence rate, population diversity, population convergence, subpopulation obtention of different Pareto regions, and time complexity to the latter in most cases.
Exponential Stability of Linear Discrete Systems with Variable Delays via Lyapunov Second Method
Authors: Diblík Josef
Published: November 2017

The paper investigates the exponential stability of a linear system of difference equations with variable delays xk+1=Axk+∑i=1sBikxk-mik, k=0,1,… , where s∈N, A is a constant square matrix, Bik are square matrices, mik∈N∪0, and mik≤m for an m∈N. New criteria for exponential stability are derived using the method of Lyapunov functions and formulated in terms of the norms of matrices of linear terms and matrices solving an auxiliary Lyapunov equation. An exponential-type estimate of the norm of solutions is given as well. The efficiency of the derived criteria is numerically demonstrated by examples and their relations to the well-known results are discussed.
The DEAD-Box RNA Helicase DDX3 Interacts with m6A RNA Demethylase ALKBH5
Authors: Shah Abdullah , Rashid Farooq , Awan Hassaan Mehboob , Hu Shanshan , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Liang , Shan Ge
Published: November 2017

DDX3 is a member of the family of DEAD-box RNA helicases. DDX3 is a multifaceted helicase and plays essential roles in key biological processes such as cell cycle, stress response, apoptosis, and RNA metabolism. In this study, we found that DDX3 interacted with ALKBH5, an m6A RNA demethylase. The ATP domain of DDX3 and DSBH domain of ALKBH5 were indispensable to their interaction with each other. Furthermore, DDX3 could modulate the demethylation of mRNAs. We also showed that DDX3 regulated the methylation status of microRNAs and there was an interaction between DDX3 and AGO2. The dynamics of m6A RNA modification is still a field demanding further investigation, and here, we add a link by showing that RNA demethylation can be regulated by proteins such as DDX3.
Phosphorylatedα-Synuclein-Copper Complex Formation in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Castillo-Gonzalez Juan Antonio , Loera-Arias Maria De Jesus , Saucedo-Cardenas Odila , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto , Garcia-Garcia Aracely , Rodriguez-Rocha Humberto
Published: November 2017

Parkinson’s disease is the second most important neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. It is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are mainly composed ofα-synuclein and ubiquitin-bound proteins. Both the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALS) are altered in Parkinson’s disease, leading to aggregation of proteins, particularlyα-synuclein. Interestingly, it has been observed that copper promotes the protein aggregation process. Additionally, phosphorylation ofα-synuclein along with copper also affects the protein aggregation process. The interrelation amongα-synuclein phosphorylation and its capability to interact with copper, with the subsequent disruption of the protein degradation systems in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson’s disease, will be analyzed in detail in this review.
A Novel YAP1 Inhibitor Targets CSC-Enriched Radiation-Resistant Cells and Exerts Strong Antitumor Activity in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Shumei , Xie Min , Scott Ailing W. , Jin Jiankang , Ma Lang , Dong Xiaochuan , Skinner Heath D. , Johnson Randy L. , Ding Sheng , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: November 2017

Mounting evidence suggests that the Hippo coactivator Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a major mediator of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, tumor progression, and therapy resistance as well as often a terminal node of many oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting YAP1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for many types of tumors with high YAP1 expression, including esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, effective YAP1 inhibitors are currently lacking. Here, we identify a small molecule (CA3) that not only has remarkable inhibitory activity on YAP1/Tead transcriptional activity but also demonstrates strong inhibitory effects on esophageal adenocarcinoma cell growth especially on YAP1 high–expressing esophageal adenocarcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, radiation-resistant cells acquire strong cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and aggressive phenotype, while CA3 can effectively suppress these phenotypes by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, reducing tumor sphere formation, and reducing the fraction of ALDH1+ cells. Furthermore, CA3, combined with 5-FU, synergistically inhibits esophageal adenocarcinoma cell growth especially in YAP1 high esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that CA3 represents a new inhibitor of YAP1 and primarily targets YAP1 high and therapy-resistant esophageal adenocarcinoma cells endowed with CSC properties. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 443–54. ©2017 AACR.
Structural Pulmonary Abnormalities Still Evident in Schoolchildren with New Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Ronkainen Eveliina , Perhomaa Marja , Mattila Lauri , Hallman Mikko , Dunder Teija
Published: November 2017

Background: A new pattern of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has emerged with the improved survival of preterm children. Objectives: Our aim was to characterize structural abnormalities associated with new BPD and to evaluate whether the severity of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) changes is associated with lung function. Methods: HRCT scans were performed on 21 schoolchildren with a history of new BPD (mild, n = 9; moderate, n = 4; and severe, n = 8) with a mean age of 12.7 years (range: 8.7-16.7). Scans were interpreted by 2 radiologists using a structured scoring system. Spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] and maximum mid-expiratory flow [MMEF]) and the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were measured. Results: At least 1 HRCT abnormality was evident in 17 children (81%), including linear-to-triangular subpleural opacities (71%), air trapping (29%), mosaic perfusion (24%), peribronchial thickening (14%), and emphysema (14%). The HRCT score was higher in the severe BPD group (11.50; 95% CI 2.86-20.14) than in the mild or moderate BPD group (1.39; 95% CI 0.24-2.54, and 2.75; 95% CI 0.28-5.22, respectively). HRCT scores were inversely related to FEV1 (β -4.23; 95% CI -6.97 to -1.49, p = 0.004) and MMEF (β -3.45; 95% CI -6.10 to -0.80, p = 0.013) but not to DLCO. The duration of the initial mechanical ventilation was associated with HRCT scores (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Structural lung abnormalities are common among schoolchildren with a history of new BPD, resembling abnormalities described in the presurfactant era. HRCT abnormalities are associated with the duration of early mechanical ventilation and the severity of BPD and they are correlated with spirometry.
Optimal Trough Concentration of Teicoplanin in Febrile Neutropenic Patients with Hematological Malignancy
Authors: Sato Yuhki , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Suzuki Yosuke , Tanaka Ryota , Kaneko Tetsuya , Nonoshita Ko , Ogata Masao , Kadota Jun-ichi , Itoh Hiroki
Published: November 2017

Background: Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic currently used for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The need for therapeutic drug monitoring of teicoplanin has been increasingly highlighted as important. It is generally accepted that whereas a plasma trough concentration (Cmin) of ≥10 mg/L is appropriate for the majority of infections, it should exceed 20 mg/L for severe infections. The target Cmin of teicoplanin in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to estimate the target Cmin for the treatment of FN in patients with hematological malignancy. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study, the records of 52 hospitalized patients with hematological malignancy who were treated with teicoplanin for FN due to bacteriologically documented or presumptive gram-positive infections were analyzed. Results: A significant difference in the first Cmin of teicoplanin was observed between the response and nonresponse groups in patients with bacteremia. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.80 for clinical efficacy. The cut-off value of teicoplanin Cmin on days 4-6 was 15.2 mg/L (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 75.0%). Conclusions: The authors propose a target teicoplanin Cmin of ≥15.2 mg/L for FN in patients with hematological malignancy.
MiRNAs are Unlikely to be Involved in Retinoid Receptor Gene Regulation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Yin Shuai , Bleul Tim , Zhu Yifan , Isayev Orkhan , Werner Jens , Bazhin Alexandr V.
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Retinoid receptors and retinoic acid were reported to be down-regulated in pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) compared to normal pancreas. Yet the mechanism of the down-regulation of retinoid receptors is not well defined. The aim of this study was to find out whether selected dysregulated miRNAs in PDAC are responsible for the decreased level of retinoid receptors. Methods: Bioinformatics, real-time PCR, western blot analysis as well as molecular manipulation with miRNA in cells of PDAC were carried out. Results: We first performed bioinformatics research to identify conserved target sequences for deregulated miRNAs within the 3’UTR region of retinoid receptor mRNA. This research revealed binding sites for miR-138, -27a, -27b, -206, -613, -9-5p, -27a/b-3p and -27a. Next, we investigated the expression of selected retinoid receptors and miRNAs in PDAC cell lines and in the Human Pancreatic Duct Epithelial (HPDE) cell line. Further, we investigated the effects of modifying expression levels of selected miRNAs using miRNA inhibitors or mimics. We demonstrated that none of these miRNAs can target the selected retinoid receptors in vitro. Conclusions: miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-9, miR10a and miR-10b were up-regulated in PDAC cells compared to HPDE cells. The up-regulation of these miRNAs was not responsible for the down-regulation of RARα, RARβ, RXRα and RXRβ in PDAC cells.
TNF-α Regulates Mast Cell Functions by Inhibiting Cell Degranulation
Authors: Gao Yuwei , Xu Baixue , Zhang Peng , He Yanlong , Liang Xin , Liu Jianwen , Li Jiyu
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of inducible co-stimulatory ligand (ICOSL) expression in stimulation of mast cells (MCs) by TNF-α and the ability of TNF-α stimulation of MCs to influence CD4+ T cell differentiation and function. The mechanisms underlying TNF-α stimulation of MCs were also explored. Methods: Mast cells and CD4+ T cells were prepared from C57BL/6 mice (aged 6–8 weeks). ICOSL expression by MCs was measured by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, and levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. Results: ICOSL expression by MCs was increased by TNF-α stimulation, and resulted in interaction with CD4+ T cells. The IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the co-culture system increased, while IFN-γ levels decreased. Furthermore, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell proliferation was induced by co-culture with TNF-α-stimulated MCs. The mechanism by which TNF-α stimulated MCs was dependent on the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: TNF-α upregulated the expression of ICOSL on mast cells via a mechanism that is dependent on MAPK phosphorylation. TNF-α-treated MCs promoted the differentiation of regulatory T cells and induced a shift in cytokine expression from a Th1 to a Th2 profile by up-regulation ICOSL expression and inhibition of MC degranulation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which mast cells regulate T cell function.
Melatonin-Induced Changes in Cytosolic Calcium Might be Responsible for Apoptosis Induction in Tumour Cells
Authors: Chovancova Barbora , Hudecova Sona , Lencesova Lubomira , Babula Petr , Rezuchova Ingeborg , Penesova Adela , Grman Marian , Moravcik Roman , Zeman Michal , Krizanova Olga
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Melatonin is a hormone transferring information about duration of darkness to the organism and is known to modulate several signaling pathways in the cells, e.g. generation of endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative status of the cells, etc. Melatonin has been shown to exert antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on various human cancers. We proposed that this hormone can differently affect tumour cells and healthy cells. Methods: We compared the effect of 24 h melatonin treatment on calcium transport (by fluorescent probes FLUO-3AM and Rhod-5N), ER stress (determined as changes in the expression of CHOP, XBP1 and fluorescently, using Thioflavin T), ROS formation (by CellROX® Green/Orange Reagent) and apoptosis induction (by Annexin-V-FLUOS/propidiumiodide) in two tumour cell lines – ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and stable cell line DLD1 derived from colorectal carcinoma, with non-tumour endothelial cell line EA.hy926. Results: Melatonin increased apoptosis in both tumour cell lines more than twice, while in EA.hy926 cells the apoptosis was increased only by 30%. As determined by silencing with appropriate siRNAs, both, type 1 sodium/calcium exchanger and type 1 IP3 receptor are involved in the apoptosis induction. Antioxidant properties of melatonin were significantly increased in EA.hy926 cells, while in tumour cell lines this effect was much weaker. Conclusion: Taken together, melatonin has different antioxidative effects on tumour cells compared to non-tumour ones; it also differs in the ability to induce apoptosis through the type 1 sodium/calcium exchanger, and type 1 IP3 receptor. Different targeting of calcium transport systems in tumour and normal, non-tumour cells is suggested as a key mechanism how melatonin can exert its anticancer effects. Therefore, it might have a potential as a novel therapeutic implication in cancer treatment.
Knockdown of CAVEOLIN-1 Sensitizes Human Basal-Like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Radiation
Authors: Zou Man , Li Yanhui , Xia Shu , Chu Qian , Xiao Xiaoguang , Qiu Hong , Chen Yu , Zheng Zu’an , Liu Fei , Zhuang Liang , Yu Shiying
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a high-risk breast cancer phenotype without specific targeted therapy options and is significantly associated with increased local recurrence in patients treated with radiotherapy. CAVEOLIN-1 (CAV-1)-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) nuclear translocation following irradiation promotes DNA repair and thus induces radiation resistance. In this study, we aimed to determine whether knockdown of CAV-1 enhances the radiosensitivity of basal-like TNBC cell lines and to explore the possible mechanisms. Methods: Western blotting was used to compare protein expression in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Nuclear accumulation of EGFR as well as DNA repair and damage at multiple time points following irradiation with or without CAV-1 siRNA pretreatment were investigated using western blotting and confocal microscopy. The radiosensitizing effect of CAV-1 siRNA was evaluated using a clonogenic assay. Flowcytometry was performed to analyse cell apoptosis and cell cycle alteration. Results: We found that CAV-1 is over-expressed in basal-like TNBC cell lines and barely expressed in HER-2-positive cells; additionally, we observed that HER-2-positive cell lines are more sensitive to irradiation than basal-like TNBC cells. Our findings revealed that radiation-induced EGFR nuclear translocation was impaired by knockdown of CAV-1. In parallel, radiation-induced elevation of DNA repair proteins was also hampered by pretreatment with CAV-1 siRNA before irradiation. Silencing of CAV-1 also promoted DNA damage 24 h after irradiation. Colony formation assays verified that cells could be radiosensitized after knockdown of CAV-1. Furthermore, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis enhancement may also contribute to the radiosensitizing effect of CAV-1 siRNA. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that CAV-1 knockdown by siRNA causes increased radiosensitivity in basal-like TNBC cells. The mechanisms associated with this effect are reduced DNA repair through delayed CAV-1-associated EGFR nuclear accumulation and induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis through the combined effects of CAV-1 siRNA and radiation.
(Inter) relations between literacy practices in the writing of narratives in German and Portuguese by children living in the context of German as a heritage language
Authors: Rosenbrock Emilia , Fritzen Maristela Pereira , Heinig Otília Lizete de Oliveira Martins
Published: November 2017

This article discusses some of the results of a broader research which aimed at understanding (inter) relationships established between reading and writing practices in German and Portuguese languages of primary school children and the context of inheritance language where they are inserted. For the theoretical dimension, the study follows the perspectives of Applied Linguistics and Education, focusing intercultural contexts. This qualitative-interpretative research had as setting a municipal school located in a rural area of the city of Blumenau, Santa Catarina. Regarding the methodological procedures, two proposals were used to produce written narratives, one in Portuguese and the other in German language. The results suggest that (i) children have limited dominance of the narrative structure, applying it partially in productions in both languages; (ii) vocabulary and grammatical structures are characteristics of everyday ordinary language practices; (iii) students are not aware of or they have not internalized spelling rules especially in German. The results of the research affirm the importance of guaranteeing the learning of the inheritance language in formal education, alongside Portuguese, in similar bi/multilingual contexts.
From Ouro Preto to Diamantina: remaking Spix and Martius’ journey in 1818
Authors: Bolle Willi
Published: November 2017

Commemorating the bicentenary of the Journey in Brazil (1817-1820) of the German naturalists Spix e Martius, a group of researchers of the Martius-Staden-Institute (São Paulo) remade in March 2017 a segment of that expedition: from Ouro Preto to Diamantina. The main purpose was to study the continuities and the changes that occurred during the last 200 years. These were the visited places: 1) Ouro Preto, formerly Vila Rica, capital of the Province of Minas Gerais; 2) in the district of Mariana, the small towns of Bento Rodrigues e Paracatu, which were destroyed by the environmental disaster occurred in 2015; 3) the National Park and Sanctuary of Serra da Caraça, founded in 1774; 4) the cities of Sabará and Serro, formerly Vila do Príncipe, and the Itambé Mountain (2052 m), in the Serra do Espinhaço, the borderline between the bioms of the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado; e 5) the city of Diamantina, formerly Arraial de Tijuco, and its surroundings, including a diamond field.
Estudantes de medicina dos três primeiros anos são os principais ingressantes na Liga Acadêmica de Medicina de Urgência e Emergência
Authors: Rodrigues Mateus de Sousa , Galvão Ivan Martins
Published: November 2017

A Liga Acadêmica de Medicina de Urgência e Emergência (LAMURGEM) é uma entidade sem fins lucrativos que estuda as emergências clínicas e cirúrgicas e desenvolve atividades nessa área. No entanto, não existem estudos que abordam o perfil dos ingressantes nessa liga e os fatores que levam os estudantes a realizarem essa escolha. Esse estudo retrata o padrão dos inscritos e ingressantes na LAMURGEM, comparando os resultados obtidos com os achados da literatura. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado a partir da análise dos trinta e oito estudantes inscritos no processo seletivo da LAMURGEM em 2016. Foi analisado o perfil dos estudantes inscritos e ingressantes de acordo com o período cursado. 100% dos estudantes inscritos estavam entre o segundo e o sexto período do curso de medicina, e o número de inscritos no processo seletivo diminuiu ao longo dos períodos. Esse trabalho mostra que estudantes dos primeiros períodos são os ingressantes majoritários na LAMURGEM, confirmando os resultados abordados nas literaturas.