bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemokine information source: identification and characterization of novel chemokines using the WorldWideWeb and Expressed Sequence Tag Databases
Authors: Wells Timothy N C , Peitsch Manuel C
Published: January 2018

The chemokine superfamily is a large group of more than 30 small proteins. Many of these were originally identified because of their role in the selective recruitment and activation of leukocytes during inflammation. More recently, some of the chemokine receptors and ligands have been implicated in the mechanism of viral infection for primate lentiviruses such as HIV-1. From the original identification of interleukin-8 (IL-8; the most studied member of the superfamily), the number of new family members has mushroomed over the last few years. Two events have dramatically altered the speed at which sequence information concerning novel chemokines has become available to the scientific community. First, many groups have been obtaining large amounts of sequence information from cDNA libraries by sequencing the clones at random, generating expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Although these ESTs are relatively short, typically less than 500 bases, this amount of sequence is usually sufficient to obtain the entire open reading frame for chemokines. Second, there has been a rapid growth in the use of the WorldWideWeb by bioinformatics groups. The Web was originally set up by the European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva as a method of transferring data between collaborating groups throughout the world. It has enabled biologists throughout the world to have almost instantaneous access both to the databases containing the EST sequences and to the automated tools that are required for searching such databases. With such methods we have been able to rapidly identify more than 10 new human chemokines from public domain databases. In addition to the known categories of chemokines, which are named C, CC, and CXC based on the spacings of N-terminal cysteine residues, we have been able to identify the first member of a novel chemokine subfamily, with a novel CXXXC cysteine spacing. Furthermore, we can subdivide the CC chemokines into monocyte chemotactic protein and macrophage inflammatory protein families based on their sequence identity levels, but also their clustering on the human genome, as identified on other Web sites. The rapid availability of all this data has reduced the amount of time spent on conventional gene identification, enabling us to move quickly on to trying to understand the biology and physiological relevance of these molecules. The novel chemokine sequences obtained and alignments with existing members of the superfamily are now contained within a Chemokine Information Source on an open access server, allowing further searching of chemokine sequences and increasing the availability of such data to the scientific community.
TNF receptors in the microvascular pathology of acute respiratory distress syndrome and cerebral malaria
Authors: Lucas Rudolf , Lou Jinning , Morel Denis R , Ricou Bara , Suter Peter M , Grau Georges E
Published: January 2018

The microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) is a major target of inflammatory cytokines overproduced in conditions such as sepsis and infectious diseases. We addressed the direct and indirect effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on endothelial cells that can be relevant for the pathogenesis of septic shock, with particular attention to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to cerebral malaria (CM). To identify functional and phenotypical changes occurring in MVEC during sepsis, we isolated these cells from the lungs of patients who died of ARDS. The constitutive expression of ICAM-1 and, to a lesser extent, VCAM-1, CD14, and TNFR2 were significantly increased on MVEC isolated from ARDS patients compared with control MVEC, whereas ELAM-1 and TNFR1 were not increased. We found that lung MVEC from ARDS patients present a procoagulant profile and a higher production capacity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 when compared with those from controls. As in pulmonary MVEC derived from ARDS patients, the only TNFR type found upregulated in brain microvessels during CM was TNFR2. This increase in TNFR2 expression only occurred in CM-susceptible mice at the onset of the neurological syndrome. We therefore investigated the role of TNFR2 in the development of this brain pathology by comparing the incidence of CM in wild-type and TNF receptor knock-out mice. Unexpectedly, the genetic deficiency in TNFR2, but not in TNFR1, conferred protection against CM and its associated mortality. No ICAM-1 upregulation was detected in the brain of Tnfr2° mice, indicating a close correlation between protection against CM-associated brain damage, absence of TNFR2, and absence of ICAM-1 upregulation in the brain. Our results in ARDS and CM indicate a specific upregulation of TNFR2, but not of TNFR1, on lung and brain MVEC, respectively. This increased expression leads to a reduced sensitivity toward TNFR1-mediated phenomena, such as the sensitized TNF cytolytic activity on lung MVEC. In contrast, the sensitivity toward TNFR2-mediated effects, such as ICAM-1 induction by membrane-bound TNF, is increased on brain and lung MVEC expressing increased levels of TNFR2. Therefore, the ICAM-1-inducing effect, rather than the direct cytotoxicity of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, appears to be crucial in ARDS and CM-induced endothelial damage, and TNFR2 seems to play an important role in this activity in vivo.
Regulation of ciprofloxacin uptake in human promyelocytic leukemia cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Loo Kwor C , Cario Anthony C , Zhang Fanjie , Walters John D
Published: January 2018

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) actively internalize ciprofloxacin, a capability that can enhance killing of intracellular bacteria and facilitate delivery of the antimicrobial agent to infection sites by migrating PMNs. In this study we investigated mechanisms for upregulation of this process. Activation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP; 100 nM) enhanced PMN ciprofloxacin uptake by 50% (P < 0.05). Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 10 nM) enhanced uptake by at least 36-fold, mainly by stimulating an increase in the Vmax of the ciprofloxacin transporter. This effect of PMA was inhibited by antagonists of protein kinase C (H7 and chelerythrine) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade downstream (PD 098059). Under resting and PMA-activated conditions, ciprofloxacin uptake by immature human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells was much lower than in PMNs. However, when HL-60 cells were induced to mature into PMN-like cells, their ciprofloxacin uptake activity increased markedly. These findings implicate a role for protein kinase C in upregulation of the ciprofloxacin transporter and suggest that myeloid cells acquire an enhanced ability to take up ciprofloxacin as they mature to end-stage PMNs.
Preliminary characterization of diacylglycerol generation in human basophils: temporal relationship to histamine release and resolution of degranulation
Authors: Oriente Alfonso , Hundley Thomas , Hubbard Walter C , MacGlashan Donald W
Published: January 2018

Purified human basophils were examined for changes in diacylglycerol levels to determine whether the transient nature of a N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) -stimulated elevation in membrane protein kinase C (PKC) activity could be explained by the transient production of diacylglycerol (DAG). In preliminary experiments total DAG levels were measured by the DAG kinase assay. Althrough elevations followed stimulation with 1 μM fMLP (basal levels of 15 pmol/106 basophils vs. 45 pmol/106 basophils at the 3-min time point), there were no detectable changes in the first 60 s of the reaction. Histamine release is typically complete by 30-45 s. Measurement of inositol trisphosphate indicated a rapid increase by 5 s of 2.5 pmol/106 basophils. If DAG were produced at similar levels, the DAG kinase assay would not have detected the elevation. Consequently, fMLP-stimulated basophils were examined for changes in 1-stearoyl, 2-arachidonoyl, 3-sn-glycerol (SA-DAG) and 1-oleoyl, 2-arachidonoyl, 3-sn-glycerol by GC-NICIMS (negative ion chemical ionization mass spectroscopy). A 5-s elevation in these two species averaged 2 pmol/106 basophils, consistent with the inositol trisphosphate levels and occurring during the period of histamine release. However, a much more pronounced second phase to the SA-DAG response also occurred, mirroring the total DAG levels. This second phase of the DAG response, either total or SA-DAG, was transient on a time scale temporally coincident with the appearance and resolution of degranulation sacs as measured by fluorescence microscopy. These data suggest that there is selective generation of DAG species in the early reaction and the later appearance of DAG may be related to the formation and resolution of granule structures that follow the secretion of histamine.
Contrasting effects of α- and β-androstenediol on oncogenic myeloid cell lines in vitro
Authors: Huynh P N , Loria R M
Published: January 2018

The in vitro effects of 17αAED, the isomer of 5-androstene-3β,17β diol (17βAED) on the basal growth of murine RAW 264.7, P388D1, and human HL-60 cells were investigated. 17αAED treatment of RAW cells for 48 h reduced total cell number without increasing cell death as detected by trypan blue exclusion. At these doses, DNA synthesis as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation was suppressed by as much as 65%, P < 0.05. This effect was time- and dose-dependent and reversible on removal of the steroid. Similar results were obtained with P388D1 and human HL-60 cell lines. At 50 nM or above, 17αAED induced apoptosis in RAW cells and HL-60 as detected by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL assays. By contrast, treating cells with the isomer 17βAED had no such effect. These data suggest that the balance between the anti-proliferative effect of 17αAED and the proliferative effects of 17βAED may determine the overall level of myelopoiesis.
Up-regulation of Tie gene expression by leukemia inhibitory factor and steel factor in CD34+ cells from human umbilical cord blood
Authors: Ge Yue , Li Zhi-Hua , Yung Yee-Pang , Ratzkin Barry J , Broxmeyer Hal E , Lu Li
Published: January 2018

Tie, a new receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed in vascular endothelial and hematopoietic cells. To determine whether Tie might be involved in early hematopoiesis, we asked whether the Tie gene is expressed in normal human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and if the expression of this gene could be regulated. Using a single-cell reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to study expression of the Tie gene in the subset of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ + + primitive stem/ progenitor cells with extensive replating capacity, we demonstrated at the single isolated cell level that Tie was expressed in these cells. The expression of Tie gene in CD34+ cells was at a low level but was enhanced up to two- to fourfold by steel factor (SLF) or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), two cytokines that regulate production of stem/progenitor cells, as assessed using competitive PCR and semiquantitative RT-PCR assays. The fold increases were observed as early as 2 h for SLF and 4 h for LIF and remained elevated for 24 h. These results demonstrate modulation of gene regulation in the rare populations of CD34+ cells and suggest the possibility that Tie may play a role in the proliferation and differentiation of immature hematopoietic cells.
Long‐term rainfall regression surfaces for the Kruger National Park, South Africa: a spatio‐temporal review of patterns from 1981 to 2015
Authors: MacFadyen Sandra , Zambatis Nick , Van Teeffelen Astrid J. A. , Hui Cang
Published: January 2018

As an important bottom‐up driver of ecosystem processes, rainfall is intrinsically linked to the dynamics of vegetation and species distributions through its effects on soil moisture content and surface water availability. Rainfall effects are thus spatially and temporally specific to different environmental role‐players. Knowledge of its spatio‐temporal pattern is therefore essential to understanding natural ecosystem flux and potential climate change effects. Climate change poses a serious threat to protected areas in particular, as they are often isolated in fragmented landscapes and confined within hard park boundaries. In consequence, a species' natural movement response to resulting climate‐induced niche shifts is often obstructed. Long‐term, accurate and consistent climate monitoring data are therefore important resources for managers in large protected areas like the Kruger National Park (Kruger). In this article we model local rainfall measurements as a function of global rainfall surfaces, elevation and distance to the ocean using a generalized additive mixed effects model to produce fine‐scale (1 km2) monthly rainfall surfaces from July 1981 to June 2015. Results show a clear seasonal cycle nested within an oscillating multi‐decadal trend. Most noticeably, seasonality is shifting both temporally and spatially as rainfall moves outside of the typical dry/wet periods and areas. In addition, high‐rainfall seasons are generally receiving more rainfall while low‐rainfall seasons are receiving less. Northwestern regions of the park are experiencing more extreme annual rainfall differences, while far northern and southern regions show greater seasonality changes. The well‐described north–south and east–west rainfall gradient is still visible but the spatial complexity of this pattern is more pronounced than expected. Taken together, we show that Kruger's spatio‐temporal rainfall patterns are changing significantly in the short to medium term. The resulting raster data set is made freely available to promote holistic ecosystem studies and support longer‐term climate change research (http://dataknp.sanparks.org/sanparks/).
Surgical morbidity in retroperitoneal sarcoma resection
Authors: MacNeill Andrea J. , Fiore Marco
Published: January 2018

Resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) typically involves multivisceral resection. The morbidity of RPS resection has decreased over time despite widespread adoption of radical resection. Certain patterns of resection are associated with higher complication rates and elderly patients are at increased risk of morbidity. Administration of preoperative radiotherapy does not increase morbidity, but intraoperative and brachytherapy techniques are associated with heightened toxicities. Long‐term functional outcomes and quality of life scores after RPS resection are acceptable.
Corrosion behaviour of Ti‐Al‐xV‐yFe experimental alloys in 3.5 wt% NaCl and 3.5 M H2SO4
Authors: Bodunrin Michael O. , Chown Lesley H. , van der Merwe Josias W. , Alaneme Kenneth K.
Published: January 2018

The corrosion behaviour of Ti‐6Al‐xV‐yFe (wherex + y = 4;x = 0–3; andy = 1–4) experimental alloys in comparison with commercial Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy was investigated in sodium chloride and sulphuric acid solutions. Iron, a less expensive beta stabilising element was substituted for vanadium in the newly developed alloys in order to assess the influence of iron addition on the corrosion performance of the alloys. Electrochemical parameters were obtained using open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarisation measurements. The results show that partial replacement of vanadium with 2–3 wt% iron yielded excellent corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt% sodium chloride. The experimental alloys have better corrosion resistance than the commercial Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy in 3.5 M sulphuric acid.
A fairly strong stability result for parabolic quasiminimizers
Authors: Fujishima Yohei , Habermann Jens , Masson Mathias
Published: January 2018

In this paper we consider parabolic Q‐quasiminimizers related to the p‐Laplace equation in . In particular, we focus on the stability problem with respect to the parameters p and Q. It is known that, if , then parabolic quasiminimizers with fixed initial‐boundary data on converge to the parabolic minimizer strongly in under suitable further structural assumptions. Our concern is whether or not we can obtain even stronger convergence. We will show a fairly strong stability result.
Utility of chromosomal microarray in anomalous fetuses
Authors: Parchem Jacqueline G. , Sparks Teresa N. , Gosnell Kristen , Norton Mary E.
Published: January 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the association of copy number variants (CNV) with perinatal outcomes among fetuses with sonographic abnormalities.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of anomalous fetuses evaluated at a single fetal center, who underwent chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing. Pathogenic CNV or variants of uncertain significance were classified as abnormal. The primary outcome of perinatal death was compared among fetuses with normal vs abnormal CMA. Secondary outcomes included preterm birth, small for gestational age birth weight, and death prior to discharge. The odds ratio (OR) of perinatal death was determined, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Of 280 fetuses, 60 (21.4%) had abnormal CMA results—21 (35.0%) were classified as pathogenic, 39 (65.0%) were variants of uncertain significance. Among 212 (75.7%) continuing pregnancies, abnormal CMA was not associated with increased odds of perinatal death (adjusted OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.34‐1.93), after adjustment for the presence of hydrops and specific anomalies. The overall frequency of perinatal death was 21.2%. No differences in secondary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

Abnormal CMA was not associated with increased odds of perinatal death in this cohort. Fetal CNV are common among fetal center patients; such fetuses are at high risk of perinatal death irrespective of CMA results.
Synthesis of nanoparticle‐immobilized antioxidants and their antioxidative performances in polymer matrices: a review
Authors: Lu Ming , Liu Peng , Wang Feng , Ding Yanfen , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu
Published: January 2018

Antioxidants are used to improve the thermo‐oxidative stability of polymers during processing and to prolong the service life of polymer materials. Immobilizing antioxidants onto nanoparticles is one of the approaches for reducing their physical losses. Research on the design, synthesis and application of nanoparticle‐immobilized antioxidants is reviewed in this article. These kinds of ‘nano‐antioxidants’ reveal good resistance against extraction and show good antioxidative efficiency during long‐term thermal aging, and therefore will have great potential in practical use for improving the stability of polymer materials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
AHAS Trp574Leu substitution in Raphanus sativus L.: screening, enzyme activity and fitness cost
Authors: Vercellino Roman B , Pandolfo Claudio E , Breccia Gabriela , Cantamutto Miguel , Presotto Alejandro
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Feral radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a problematic weed that has become resistant to acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor herbicides due to the Trp574Leu mutation. An AHAS gene mutation that causes herbicide resistance may have negative pleiotropic effects on plant fitness. This study reports the effects of the Trp574Leu mutation on AHAS activity and reproductive traits of R. sativus.

RESULTS

Eight of 17 feral radish accessions presented individuals resistant to metsulfuron‐methyl at 0.5% to >90.0% and all the resistant individuals analyzed showed the Trp574Leu mutation. Without herbicide selection, the AHAS activity was 3.2‐fold higher in the susceptible accession than in the resistant one. The resistant accession was >9000‐fold more resistant to metsulfuron‐methyl and imazethapyr than the susceptible accession. Under low intraspecific competition during two growing seasons, AHAS‐resistant feral radish accessions showed 22–38% and 21–47% lower seed numbers and yield per plant than the susceptible accession.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of fitness cost associated with the AHAS Trp574Leu mutation in R. sativus populations. This fitness cost could reduce frequency of the resistant allele without herbicide selection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Visualization of the distribution of anthocyanin species in mice eyeball by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Zaima Nobuhiro , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Inaba Shiori , Fujimori Takamichi , Sogon Tetsuya , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: January 2018

Rationale

Anthocyanins, which belong to a class of molecules called flavonoids, are known to have beneficial effects for both humans and animals. Many physiological functions have been attributed to anthocyanins since ancient times. The most important function is the relief of eyestrain, but the biodistribution of anthocyanins remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the kinetics of anthocyanin species in mice eyeballs and surrounding tissues.

Methods

We used mice that were administered bilberry extract solution intraperitoneally. After harvesting eyeballs, cross‐sections were prepared using a cryostat and analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI).

Results

Various ions of anthocyanin species, m/z 419, 449, 463, 465, 479, and 493, were observed in MALDI‐MSI spectra. Most of these peaks corresponded to places considered to be extraocular muscles with the outer layer of the retina.

Conclusions

Through MALDI‐MSI and MALDI‐MS/MS analyses, we demonstrated that anthocyanin species are distributed at muscle tissues with the outer layer of the retina. It is speculated that anthocyanin species directly improve eyestrain at the extraocular muscles.
Feature subspace learning based on local point processes patterns
Authors: Ma Yuting , Ding Yuejing , Zheng Tian
Published: January 2018

High‐dimensional data have provided vast amounts of information for scientific research and learning. However, in most cases, such information is buried in noise from noninformative features. Learning informative feature subspaces has become a necessary step for supervised learning tasks in high dimensions in order to improve accuracy and interpretability. The learning methods should also consider possible interactions among the features that may carry significant signals and reveal important scientific findings. In this paper, we develop a nonparametric measure of association between class label and continuous‐valued feature subspaces using local point processes (LPP) patterns. A backward elimination algorithm based on random subspaces is used to identify informative feature subspaces according to this measure. Through simulations and real data applications, the proposed method demonstrates effectiveness in identifying patterns that are informative about the class difference not only marginally but also with higher‐order interactions among features. As a result, the proposed method outperforms other popular feature selection methods with better generalizability and robustness.
Efficient Synthesis of N‐Acylureas Using Copper Oxide Supported on Magnetic Nanoparticles in Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Abbasi Sepideh , Miraki Maryam Kazemi , Radfar Iman , Karimi Meghdad , Heydari Akbar
Published: January 2018

A unique combination of deep eutectic solvent (the combination of urea with choline chloride) and magnetic CuO@γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles as a green magnetic nanocatalyst promotes the synthesis of N‐acylureas from reaction carbodiimides with carboxylic acids. This reaction gives the corresponding N‐acylurea derivatives in good to high yields. Easy preparation and separation, inexpensive, insensitivity to moisture and reusability of the catalyst are significant features of this method.
A Nestin–Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5–Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Axis Regulates Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Stemness via a Metabolic Shift
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Huang Yinong , Cai Jianye , Ke Qiong , Xiao Jiaqi , Huang Weijun , Li Hongyu , Qiu Yuan , Wang Yi , Zhang Bin , Wu Haoxiang , Zhang Yanan , Sui Xin , Bardeesi Adham Sameer A. , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: January 2018

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) transplantation provides an alternative approach for various central nervous system (CNS) diseases treatment, while the difficulties in NSPC acquisition and expansion limit their further application. Unveiling the mechanism of NSPC stemness regulation may contribute to its further application. Nestin, generally recognized as a marker of NSPCs, plays a crucial role in the CNS development and NSPC stemness maintenance. Here, we report that Nestin loss triggers mitochondrial network remodeling and enhances oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in NSPCs treated with Nestin RNA interference (RNAi). Mitochondrial morphology is dynamically controlled by the balance between fission and fusion mediators; one of these mediators, the pro-fission factor, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), shows decreased activation in Nestin-knockdown cells. Upstream, Drp1 phosphorylation is under control of the cytosolic cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). Inhibition of Cdk5 using RNAi or a chemical inhibitor (roscovitine) induces mitochondrial elongation and promotes mitochondrial respiration, indicating that Cdk5-dependent Drp1 phosphorylation participates in mitochondrial metabolism and NSPC stemness regulation. Strikingly, Nestin knockdown results in Cdk5 redistribution, with less remaining in the cytosol, leading to mitochondrial remodeling. We identify Nestin1-640 sequesters Cdk5 in the cytosol and phosphorylates Drp1 subsequently. Together, our results show that a Nestin-Cdk5-Drp1 axis negatively regulates mitochondrial OXPHOS, which is indispensable for the maintenance of NSPC stemness.
High impedance fault detection and identification based on pattern recognition of phase displacement computation
Authors: Ali Mohd Syukri , Abu Bakar Ab Halim , Tan Chia Kwang , Arof Hamzah , Mokhlis Hazlie
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes a new algorithm for high‐impedance‐fault (HIF) detection based on phase displacement computation (PDC). The PDC is calculated between the measured and reference three‐phase voltage signals. There are two stages in this algorithm. In the first stage, the pattern of the PDC is analyzed to detect the occurrence of an event. In the second stage, the peak of the PDC is used as a feature to distinguish between HIF and non‐HIF events. Subsequently, an automatic HIF classification algorithm based on predefined indices is proposed to perform event identification and HIF detection. Different types of HIF events and non‐HIF events, such as load switching, motor starting, and capacitor switching, have been simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC. The proposed algorithm is able to classify the events accurately for both single and multiple events occurrence. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Operations for Suspected Neoplasms in a Resource‐Limited Setting: Experience and Challenges in the Eastern Democratic of Congo
Authors: Kalisya Luc Malemo , Bake Jacques Fadhili , Bigabwa Richard , Rothstein David H. , Cairo Sarah B.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Surgery is an essential component of a functional health system, with surgical conditions accounting for nearly 11–15% of world disability. While communicable diseases continue to burden low‐ and low–middle‐income countries, non‐communicable diseases, such as cancer, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preliminary data on malignancies in low‐ and middle‐income countries, specifically in Africa, suggest a higher mortality compared to other regions of the world, a difference partially explained by limited availability of screening and early detection systems as well as poorer access to treatment.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnosed tumor burden in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and review literature on existing and suspected barriers to accessing appropriate oncologic care.

Methods

This is a retrospective study carried out at Healthcare, Education, community Action, and Leadership development Africa, a 197‐bed tertiary referral hospital, in the Province of North Kivu, along the eastern border of the DRC from 2012 to 2015. Patient charts were reviewed for diagnoses of presumed malignancy with biopsy results.

Results

A total of 252 cases of suspected cancer were reviewed during the study period; 39.7% were men. The average age of patients was 43 years. Amongst adult patients, the most common presenting condition involved breast lesions with 5.8% diagnosis of fibrocystic breast changes and 2.9% invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. 37.3% of female patients had lesions involving the cervix or uterus. The most common diagnosis amongst male adults was prostate disease (16.7% of men). For pediatric patients, the most common diagnoses involved bone and/or cartilage (27.3%) followed by skin and soft tissue lesions (20.0%). All patients underwent surgical resection of lesions; some patients were advised to travel out of country for chemotherapy and radiation for which follow‐up data are unavailable.

Conclusion

Adequate and timely treatment of malignancy in the DRC faces a multitude of challenges. Access to surgical services for diagnosis and management as well as chemotherapeutic agents is prohibitively limited. Increased collaboration with local clinicians and remote specialist consultants is needed to deliver subspecialty care in resource‐poor settings.
TRPV1 enhances the afferent response to P2X receptor activation in the mouse urinary bladder
Authors: Grundy Luke , Daly Donna M. , Chapple Christopher , Grundy David , Chess-Williams Russ
Published: January 2018

Both TRPV1 and P2X receptors present on bladder sensory nerve fibres have been implicated in mechanosensation during bladder filling. The aim of this study was to determine possible interactions between these receptors in modulating afferent nerve activity. In wildtype (TRPV1+/+) and TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1−/−) mice, bladder afferent nerve activity, intravesical pressure, and luminal ATP and acetylcholine levels were determined and also intracellular calcium responses of dissociated pelvic DRG neurones and primary mouse urothelial cells (PMUCs). Bladder afferent nerve responses to the purinergic agonist αβMethylene-ATP were depressed in TRPV1−/− mice (p ≤ 0.001) and also in TRPV1+/+ mice treated with the TRPV1-antagonist capsazepine (10 µM; p ≤ 0.001). These effects were independent of changes in bladder compliance or contractility. Responses of DRG neuron to αβMethylene-ATP (30 µM) were unchanged in the TRPV1−/− mice, but the proportion of responsive neurones was reduced (p ≤ 0.01). Although the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (1 µM) did not evoke intracellular responses in PMUCs from TRPV1+/+ mice, luminal ATP levels were reduced in the TRPV1−/− mice (p ≤ 0.001) compared to wildtype. TRPV1 modulates P2X mediated afferent responses and provides a mechanistic basis for the decrease in sensory symptoms observed following resiniferatoxin and capsaicin treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms.
Murine splenic B cells express corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 that affect their viability during a stress response
Authors: Harlé Guillaume , Kaminski Sandra , Dubayle David , Frippiat Jean-Pol , Ropars Armelle
Published: January 2018

Chronic stress is now recognized as a risk factor for disease development and/or exacerbation. It has been shown to affect negatively the immune system and notably the humoral immune response. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is known to play a crucial role in stress response. CRH receptors are expressed on different immune cells such as granulocytes, monocytes and T cells. However, up to now, no CRH receptor has been described on B cells which are key players of the humoral immune response. In order to highlight new pathways by which stress may impact immunity, we investigated the role of CRH in B cells. Here we show that splenic B cells express the CRH receptor 2 (CRHR2), but not CRHR1. This receptor is functional since CRH treatment of B cells activates different signaling pathways (e.g. p38) and decreases B cell viability. Finally, we show that immunization of mice with two types of antigens induces a more intense CRHR staining in secondary lymphoid organs where B cells are known to respond to the antigen. Altogether our results demonstrate, for the first time, that CRH is able to modulate directly B cell activity through the presence of CRHR2.
Root Morphological Traits and Spatial Distribution under Different Nitrogen Treatments and Their Relationship with Grain Yield in Super Hybrid Rice
Authors: Liu Ke , He Aibin , Ye Chang , Liu Shaowen , Lu Jian , Gao Mengtao , Fan Youzhong , Lu Bilin , Tian Xiaohai , Zhang Yunbo
Published: January 2018

Succeeding in breeding super hybrid rice has been considered as a great progress in rice production in China. This on-farm study was conducted with Minirhizotron techniques to identify dynamic root morphological traits and distribution (0–30 cm) under different nitrogen treatments. Five elite super hybrid rice cultivars, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ), Yliangyou 1(YLY1), Yliangyou 2(YLY2), Yliangyou 900(YLY900) and Super 1000(S1000), were grown at four N levels: 0 kg ha−1 (N1), 210 kg ha−1 (N2), 300 kg ha−1 (N3) and 390 kg ha−1 (N4) in 2015 and 2016. Results showed these cultivars had greater root traits and higher grain yield under N3. Total root number (TRN) and total root length (TRL) of these cultivars reached maximum at 55 days after transplanting (DAT). The new released cultivars YLY900 and S1000 were featured with an improved root system among these cultivars. The percentage of root number on 10–20 cm soil was over 50% compared with other soil layer. A significant positive correlation was found between grain yield and both TRN and TRL at 10–20 cm soil layer (P < 0.01). Given this situation, the grain yield of super rice cultivars could be further improved by increasing the proportion of roots at 10–20 cm soil layer under suitable nitrogen management.
Fabrication of ultrahigh-precision hemispherical mirrors for quantum-optics applications
Authors: Higginbottom Daniel B. , Campbell Geoff T. , Araneda Gabriel , Fang Fengzhou , Colombe Yves , Buchler Ben C. , Lam Ping Koy
Published: January 2018

High precision, high numerical aperture mirrors are desirable for mediating strong atom-light coupling in quantum optics applications and can also serve as important reference surfaces for optical metrology. In this work we demonstrate the fabrication of highly-precise hemispheric mirrors with numerical aperture NA = 0.996. The mirrors were fabricated from aluminum by single-point diamond turning using a stable ultra-precision lathe calibrated with an in-situ white-light interferometer. Our mirrors have a diameter of 25 mm and were characterized using a combination of wide-angle single-shot and small-angle stitched multi-shot interferometry. The measurements show root-mean-square (RMS) form errors consistently below 25 nm. The smoothest of our mirrors has a RMS error of 14 nm and a peak-to-valley (PV) error of 88 nm, which corresponds to a form accuracy of λ/50 for visible optics.
CSI‐based low‐duty‐cycle wireless multimedia sensor network for security monitoring
Authors: Yang Xu , Chen Pengpeng , Gao Shouwan , Niu Qiang
Published: January 2018

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have been proposed for use in many challenging applications, such as military surveillance, wildlife tracking, and security monitoring. Reducing energy and storage space consumption are challenging in WMSNs. To address this issue, the authors propose a novel low‐duty‐cycle WMSN (LWMSN) based on Wi‐Fi. This special WMSN is especially suitable for security monitoring, which involves long invalid times in which humans do not appear in the target area. The LWMSN can be intelligently switched on and off by human detection based on channel state information provided by Wi‐Fi products. The authors evaluated their design with a simulation and an experiment. Results show that the accuracy of human detection can be >97% on average. In addition, energy and storage space consumption are reduced by 53 and 40%, respectively.
Leakage compensation scheme for ultra‐high‐resistance pseudo‐resistors in neural amplifiers
Authors: Wang S. , Lopez C.M. , Ballini M. , Van Helleputte N.
Published: January 2018

Although MOS‐based pseudo‐resistors are capable of achieving the ultra‐high resistance required to design small‐area neural amplifiers, they suffer from substrate leakage currents which become dramatically higher when the devices are exposed to light. This can cause unwanted amplifier offsets and hinders the usability of these devices in the emerging optoelectrical neural applications. A solution is proposed to compensate the pseudo‐resistor leakage current using a dummy deep N‐well device. Experimental results show that neural amplifiers implemented with the compensated pseudo‐resistor become more robust to photo‐induced leakage currents.
Packet relay‐assisted V2V communication with sectorised relay station employing payload combining scheme
Authors: Trien Le Tien , Adachi Koichi , Yamao Yasushi
Published: January 2018

A reliable vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication (V2VC) is essential to enable safe and highly automated driving system. Addition of a relay station (RS) can improve packet delivery rate (PDR) of CSMA/CA‐based V2VC. However, the improvement is limited by packet collision at RS due to a hidden terminal (HT). This HT problem can be alleviated by employing sectorised receive antenna at RS, i.e. sectorised relay‐assisted (SR‐) V2VC. However, SR‐V2VC still faces another problem, i.e. packet congestion at RS under high traffic conditions due to the improved packet reception rate. This leads to packet drop at RS and hence limits the improvement brought by SR‐V2VC. Consequently, it is crucial to introduce a kind of traffic congestion avoidance methods to RS. In this article, the authors propose SR‐V2VC with a payload combining forwarding (PCF) method (SR‐V2VC/PCF) and theoretically evaluate the system performance using a CSMA/CA collision model. Large‐scale computer simulations are also conducted to confirm the performance improvement brought by SR‐V2VC/PCF. It is shown that the lowest broadcast PDR of 62% for the non‐relay system is improved to higher than 81% by SR‐V2VC/PCF and the directivity of the sector antenna has impact on the benefit of the proposed scheme.
Fairness‐adjustable opportunistic relay selection in the power‐constrained cooperative networks with adaptive transmission
Authors: Xiao Kun , He Jie , Zhou Zhongyao
Published: January 2018

The existing literatures have not considered either the fair power consumption in multi‐user cooperative networks or the fairness‐adjustable relay selection scheme. The authors propose a fairness‐adjustable opportunistic relay selection in the multi‐user dual‐hop decode‐and‐forward cooperative networks with the optimal simultaneous power and rate adaptation under realistic power constraints, where the selection result is determined by the instantaneous signal‐to‐noise ratios over the relay links, the power load (PL) of the relays and the weight factor. The weight factor, also behaving as the metric of fairness, is introduced to adjust the bias between the average channel capacity for the relaying user and the fair PL distribution and is obtained by the proposed capacity‐fairness bias criterion for the required fairness target. The average channel capacity has been derived approximately for the proposed scheme and the numerical results underscore the significant benefits of jointly exploiting the channel capacity and fairness.
Enhanced visible‐light activity of Ti3+ self‐doped TiO2 with co‐exposed {001} and {101} facets
Authors: Li Junqi , Niu Lijun , He Xuanmeng
Published: January 2018

The Ti3+ self‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanosheets with co‐exposed {001} and {101} facets were successfully synthesised by the one‐step solvent thermal method. The as‐prepared samples were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that the Ti3+ self‐doped TiO2 nanosheets with anatase structure exposed {001} and {101} facets. XPS spectra confirmed Ti3+ were self‐doped TiO2 nanosheets, and which narrowed the band gap of TiO2. Comparing to bare TiO2, the Ti3+ self‐doped TiO2 nanosheets exhibited excellent photocatalytic activities. The reasons were that the co‐exposed {001} and {101} crystalline facet effectively improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, and the existence of Ti3+ and oxygen vacancy resulted in a narrowing band gap and enhancing visible absorption.
Burden between Undersupply and Overtreatment in the Care of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Authors: Suttner Tobias , Neu Reiner , Potzger Tobias , Szöke Tamas , Grosser Christian , Ried Michael , Hofmann Hans-Stefan
Published: December 2017

Background The optimal treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of recurrence, the recurrence-free time, and to identify risk factors for recurrence after PSP.

Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 135 patients with PSP who were treated either conservatively with a chest tube (n = 87) or surgically with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS; n = 48) from January 2008 through December 2012.

Results In this study, 101 (74.8%) male and 34 (25.2%) female patients were included with a mean age of 35.7 years. The indications for surgery included blebs/bullae in the radiological images (n = 20), persistent air leaks (n = 15), or the occupations/wishes of the patients (n = 13). A first ipsilateral recurrent pneumothorax (true recurrence) was observed in 31.1% of all patients (VATS: 6.25%, conservative: 44.8%). Including contralateral recurrence, the overall first recurrence rate was 41.3% (VATS: 14.6%, conservative: 57.5%). The recurrence-free time did not differ significantly between the treatment groups (p = 0.51), and most recurrences were observed within the first 6 months after PSP. Independent risk factors identified for the first recurrence were conservative therapy (p = 0.0001), the size of the PSP (conservative; p = 0.016), and a body mass index <17 (VATS; 0.022). The risk for second and third recurrences of PSP was 17.5 and 70%, respectively, for both treatment groups, but it was 100% after conservative therapy.

Conclusion Surgery for PSP should be selected based on the risk factors and the patient's wishes to prevent first recurrences but also to avoid overtreatment. The treatment of first and subsequent PSP recurrences should be with surgery since conservative treatment is associated with a 100% recurrence rate.
Is 300 Seconds ACT Safe and Efficient during MiECC Procedures?
Authors: Bauer Adrian , Hausmann Harald , Schaarschmidt Jan , Szlapka Michal , Scharpenberg Martin , Eberle Thomas , Hasenkam J.
Published: December 2017

Introduction The recommended minimum activated clotting time (ACT) level for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of 480 seconds originated from investigations with bubble oxygenators and uncoated extracorporeal circulation (ECC) systems. Modern minimal invasive ECC (MiECC) systems are completely closed circuits containing a membrane oxygenator and a tip-to-tip surface coating. We hypothesized that surface coating and the “closed-loop” design allow the MiECC to safely run with lower ACT levels and that an ACT level of 300 seconds can be safely applied without thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risks during application of reduced heparin levels in patients undergoing coronary surgery.

Methods In this study, 68 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with MiECC were randomized to either the study group with an ACT target of 300 seconds or the control group with an ACT of 450 seconds. All other factors of MiECC remained unchanged.

Results The study group received significantly less heparin and protamine (heparin [international units] median [min–max], Red_AC: 32,800 [23,000–51,500] vs. Full_AC: 50,000 [35,000–65,000] p < 0.001; protamine [international units], Red_AC: 18,000 [10,000–35,000] vs. Full_AC: 30,000 [20,000–45,000] p < 0.001). The ACT in the study group was significantly lower at the start of MiECC (mean ± standard deviation: study group 400 ± 112 vs. control group 633 ± 177; p < 0.0001). Before termination of CPB the ACT levels were: study group 344 ± 60 versus control group 506 ± 80. In both groups, the values of the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) decreased simultaneously. None of the study participants experienced thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion Since no evidence of increased thrombin formation (ETP) was found from a laboratory standpoint, we concluded that the use of MiECC with a reduced anticoagulation strategy seems possible. This alternative anticoagulation strategy leads to significant reduction in dosages of both heparin and protamine. We can confidently move forward with investigating this anticoagulation concept. However, to establish clinical safety of ACT below 300 seconds, we need larger clinical studies.
“Five on a Dice” Port Placement Allows for Successful Robot-Assisted Left Pneumonectomy
Authors: Khan Najah , Fikfak Vid , Chan Edward , Kim Min
Published: December 2017

Background Technology has evolved to facilitate pulmonary resection. The latest technological advances in computer-aided surgery (Da Vinci Xi) allow for more control during pulmonary resection.

Case Description A 59-year-old woman presented with two primary tumors of the left upper and lower lung. After induction chemotherapy, patient had a “five on a dice” port placement and technique was used to perform successful robot-assisted pneumonectomy. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3 without any complications.

Conclusions We have found that the “five on a dice” port placement allows for optimal control of the robot stapler and facilitates successful robot-assisted left pneumonectomy.
An Overview and Update of Femorofemoral Crossover Bypass Surgery as an Extra-Anatomic Bypass Procedure
Authors: Cayir Mustafa , Kumtepe Gencehan , Velioglu Yusuf , Atli Fahri , Muduroglu Ayhan , Gurbuz Orcun , Yuksel Ahmet
Published: December 2017

Femorofemoral crossover bypass is a surgical arterial revascularization modality which is commonly performed for unilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease. It is primarily applied to patients with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia in whom underlying anatomic constraints rule out endovascular means of restoring in-line flow and those who do not qualify for anatomic reconstruction due to the comorbid conditions that preclude a more invasive open surgical approach. This surgical procedure may be also used as a complementary component of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms when one aortoiliac arterial system is occluded to ensure exclusion of the aortic aneurysm. This review represents the current status of femorofemoral crossover bypass surgery as an extra-anatomic bypass procedure.
Three new flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, and accompanying phenolic constituents from Feijoa sellowiana
Authors: Aoyama Hiroe , Sakagami Hiroshi , Hatano Tsutomu
Published: January 2018

Our investigation of phenolic constituents of fruits, flower buds, and leaves of Feijoa sellowiana led to the isolation of twenty-one phenolics including three new gossypetin glycosides 1–3, and also the purification of a proanthocyanidin fraction. A high-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of phenolic constituents was established and then used to investigate the phenolic profiles of the parts of the plant species, to show the presence of characteristic flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives or ellagitannins in the extracts from fruits, flower buds, and leaves. The branch extract profile also suggested the presence of alkylated ellagic acids as characteristic constituents. Inhibitory effects of feijoa flavonoids on mushroom tyrosinase were seen, although in some cases this may have resulted from direct interaction with the enzyme. Cytotoxic effect of the proanthocyanidin fraction was also shown.