bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus infection maybe not associated with primary lung cancer in the Fujian population of China
Authors: He Fei , Xiong Weimin , Yu Fanglin , Xiao Rendong , Ye Hailing , Li Wenjun , Liu Zhiqiang , Hu Zhijian , Cai Lin
Published: January 2020

Background

To investigate whether human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with primary lung cancer among the Fujian population.

Methods

HPV infection was detected in 140 pairs of lung cancer tissues and matched paracancerous tissues by examining the 21 clinically relevant HPV types using a combination of viral highly conserved L1 region PCR amplification and specific probe reverse hybridization. Paired χ2 test was used to analyze differences in detection rates of HPV between lung cancer and paracancerous tissues. Differences in detection rates of HPV in lung cancer tissues were analyzed using χ2 test or the exact probability method. The rank sum test was used to analyze differences in the distributions of routine indices of blood and pulmonary function in lung cancer tissues between the HPV negative and positive groups.

Results

HPV infection was detected in 13 of the 140 tumor specimens and in 16 of the paired normal lung tissues. There was no significant correlation between HPV infection and lung cancer (P > 0.05). The diagnosed HPV infection rates did not differ significantly among lung cancer tissues with different stratification (P > 0.05). However, the platelet count, platelet pressure, residual gas volume, functional residual volume, and residual gas volume/lung total distribution may differ between HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive lung cancer tissues (0.000625 < P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We concluded that HPV infection may not be associated with the risk of primary lung cancer in the Fujian population. However, HPV infection may affect platelet and residual lung function in primary lung cancer patients.
Long non‐coding RNA XIST expedites lung adenocarcinoma progression through upregulating MDM2 expression via binding to miR‐363‐3p
Authors: Rong Hao , Chen Bing , Wei Xing , Peng Jun , Ma Ke , Duan Song , He Jintao
Published: January 2020

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor which threatens the health and life of the population. Long non‐coding RNA X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) and mouse double minute clone 2 (MDM2) are connected with the tumorigenesis of LAD. Nevertheless, whether MDM2 is regulated by XIST has not previously been reported in LAD.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed to detect the expression of XIST, microRNA‐363‐3p (miR‐363‐3p) and MDM2 in LAD tissues and cells. The proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of LAD cells were determined by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐YI)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), transwell or flow cytometry assay, respectively. MDM2 protein level was detected using western blot analysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pulldown assay were performed to determine the interaction among XIST, miR‐363‐3p and MDM2. A xenograft tumor model was constructed to validate the effect of XIST on LAD cells in vivo.

Results

We found that XIST and MDM2 were remarkably elevated while miR‐363‐3p was reduced in LAD tissues and cells. Both XIST and MDM2 downregulation restrained proliferation, migration and invasion, and facilitated apoptosis of LAD cells in vitro. Importantly, XIST bound to miR‐363‐3p to modulate MDM2 expression in LAD cells. Moreover, miR‐363‐3p knockdown or MDM2 elevation reversed the effects of XIST downregulation on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of LAD cells. Furthermore, XIST knockdown constrained tumor growth on LAD cells in vivo.

Conclusions

XIST knockdown repressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and accelerated apoptosis of LAD cells by downregulating MDM2 expression via binding to miR‐363‐3p.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

XIST and MDM2 were abnormally enhanced in LAD tissues and cells.

Both downregulation of XIST and MDM2 repressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and boosted apoptosis of LAD cells in vitro.

XIST bound to miR‐363‐3p to regulate MDM2 expression in LAD cells.

Downregulation of XIST impeded tumor growth on LAD cells in vivo.

What this study adds

This study confirmed that XIST was a potential target for inhibiting the development of LAD, and affords a possible strategy for the treatment of LAD in the future.
Correlation between MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism and esophageal cancer susceptibility: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Lele , Shen Guo , Zhu Bin
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and esophageal cancer susceptibility through pooling the open published data.

Methods

By systematic searching the databases of Medline, EMBASE, CBM and CNKI, the case‐control or cohort studies related to MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk were screened. Genetic phenotype data of T309G single nucleotide was extracted from the original included studies. The correlation between MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism and esophageal cancer susceptibility was demonstrated by the odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Publication bias was investigated by Egger's line regression test and begg's funnel plot.

Results

After systematic searching of the relevant database, nine publications were finally included in the present study. The combined data demonstrated that the subjects with the G genotype had an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer in dominant (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.27, P = 0.043), recessive (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.45, P = 0.000) and homozygous (OR = 1.34, 95% CI:1.04–1.74, P = 0.024) genetic model through random or fixed data pooling method. Both begg's and Egger's line regression test indicated no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

Based on the present data, there was a significant correlation between MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism and esophageal cancer susceptibility. Individuals with G genotype may have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Long‐term incidence of dysplasia and colorectal cancer in an ulcerative colitis population‐based cohort
Authors: Tranter‐Entwistle Isaac , Mullaney Tamara G. , Noah Kimberley , Pearson John , Falvey James , Gearry Richard , Eglinton Tim
Published: January 2020

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor in developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Surveillance programmes aim to identify premalignant lesions to facilitate improved treatment outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that the risk of CRC in UC has decreased. This study aims to characterize the risk of CRC in UC in a population‐based New Zealand cohort.

Methods

All patients in the Canterbury Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study, a comprehensive population‐based cohort, were reviewed and cases of dysplasia and CRC identified. Demographic data and risk factors were assessed and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) calculated comparing with the national population.

Results

A total of 518 UC cases were analysed (46.3% female). Median follow‐up was 17.5 years (interquartile range 12.2–25.1 years). Neoplasia developed in 42 (8.1%) patients, 14 (2.7%) of whom had CRC. The mean age at CRC diagnosis was 63.3 years, and mean duration with UC before CRC 18.4 years (0–36.8 years). The total incidence rate was 1.35/1000 person‐year duration (95% confidence interval 0.74–2.27). The age‐adjusted SIR was 1.74 (95% confidence interval 1.03–2.93) compared to the New Zealand population. Risk factors for any dysplasia included disease extent and male gender.

Conclusion

In this population‐based cohort with long‐term follow‐up, the SIR of CRC in UC patients was significantly lower than the initial epidemiological studies although similar to more recent studies. This increased risk still justifies ongoing screening in the UC population.
Computational modeling of the Food and Drug Administration’s benchmark centrifugal blood pump
Authors: Good Bryan C. , Manning Keefe B.
Published: January 2020

In order to simulate hemodynamics within centrifugal blood pumps and to predict pump hemolysis, CFD simulations must be thoroughly validated against experimental data. They must also account for and accurately model the specific working fluid in the pump, whether that is a blood‐analog solution to match an experimental PIV study or animal blood in a hemolysis experiment. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) benchmark centrifugal blood pump and its database of experimental PIV and hemolysis data were used to thoroughly validate CFD simulations of the same blood pump. A Newtonian blood model was first used to compare to the PIV data with a blood analog fluid while hemolysis data were compared using a power‐law hemolysis model fit to porcine blood data. A viscoelastic blood model was then incorporated into the CFD solver to investigate the importance of modeling blood’s viscoelasticity in centrifugal pumps. The established computational framework, including a dynamic rotating mesh, animal blood‐specific fluid properties and hemolysis modeling, and a k‐ω SST turbulence model, was shown to more accurately predict pump pressure heads, velocity fields, and hemolysis compared to previously published CFD studies of the FDA centrifugal pump. The CFD simulations were able to match the FDA pressure and hemolysis data for multiple pump operating conditions, with the CFD results being within the standard deviations of the experimental results. While CFD radial velocity profiles between the impeller blades also compared well to the PIV velocity results, more work is still needed to address the large variability among both experimental and computational predictions of velocity in the diffuser outlet jet. Small differences were observed between the Newtonian and viscoelastic blood models in pressure head and hemolysis at the higher flow rate cases (FDA Conditions 4 and 5) but were more significant at lower flow rate and pump impeller speeds (FDA Condition 1). These results suggest that the importance of accounting for blood’s viscoelasticity may be dependent on the specific blood pump operating conditions. This detailed computational framework with improved modeling techniques and an extensive validation procedure will be used in future CFD studies of centrifugal blood pumps to aid in device design and predictions of their biological responses.
Periodontal disease in free‐ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) from the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, and its association with koala retrovirus infection
Authors: Butcher RG , Pettett LM , Fabijan J , Ebrahimie E , Mohammadi‐Dehcheshmeh M , Speight KN , Boardman WSJ , Bird PS , Trott DJ
Published: January 2020

Background

In northern Australian koala populations (Queensland and New South Wales), periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is common while koala retrovirus subtype A is endogenous, with other subtypes transmitted exogenously. Koala retrovirus has been hypothesised to cause immune suppression and may predispose koalas to diseases caused by concurrent infections. In southern Australia populations (Victoria and South Australia) periodontal disease has not been investigated, and koala retrovirus is presumably exogenously transmitted. This study described oral health in South Australian koalas and investigated if an association between periodontal disease and koala retrovirus exists.

Methods

Oral health was examined for wild‐caught koalas from the Mount Lofty Ranges (n = 75). Koala retrovirus provirus was detected in whole blood using nested PCR and proviral load determined with qPCR. Periodontal disease severity was recorded and used to calculate the Final Oral Health Index (0‐normal, 24‐severe).Results Periodontal disease was observed in 84% (63/75) of koalas; 77% had gingivitis (58/75) and 65% (49/75) had periodontitis. The average Final Oral Health Index was 5.47 (s.d 3.13). Most cases of periodontal disease were associated with the incisors. Koala retrovirus‐infected koalas were more likely to present with periodontitis (p = 0.042) and the Final Oral Health Index was negatively correlated with proviral load (ρ = −0.353, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

South Australian koalas had a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease was more prevalent in the incisors. Exogenous koala retrovirus infection may also facilitate the development of periodontitis by modulation of the immune response to concurrent oral bacterial infections.
Does context matter for sustainability disclosure? Institutional factors in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tran Mi , Beddewela Eshani
Published: January 2020

Corporate sustainability is a dynamic, socially constructed concept. Relatedly, to understand the variations in the disclosure of corporate sustainability activities across countries, we need to inherently explore their underlying sociopolitical contexts. At present our understanding in this regard, is deficient. We respond to this extant research gap by adopting a multi‐country approach to investigate the relationship between countries' institutional environments and firms' sustainability disclosure (SD) practices, across six countries in the Southeast Asian region. Our findings reflect a common focus of Southeast Asian firms on community and human resources (HRs) related disclosures. Nevertheless, nuanced differences in their overall SD levels confirm the influence of differing legal, normative, and sociocultural systems in engendering greater disclosure and transparency at a national level. By quantifying the institutional environment and identifying external influencing factors, our study provides a useful framework grounded in neo‐institutional theory to widen the existing understanding of how institutional pressures can be measured and compared across different contexts.
Detecting community structure in complex networks using genetic algorithm based on object migrating automata
Authors: Zarei Bagher , Meybodi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2020

Community structure is an important topological feature of complex networks. Detecting community structure is a highly challenging problem in analyzing complex networks and has great importance in understanding the function and organization of networks. Up until now, numerous algorithms have been proposed for detecting community structure in complex networks. A wide range of these algorithms use the maximization of a quality function called modularity. In this article, three different algorithms, namely, MEM‐net, OMA‐net, and GAOMA‐net, have been proposed for detecting community structure in complex networks. In GAOMA‐net algorithm, which is the main proposed algorithm of this article, the combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and object migrating automata (OMA) has been used. In GAOMA‐net algorithm, the MEM‐net algorithm has been used as a heuristic to generate a portion of the initial population. The experiments on both real‐world and synthetic benchmark networks indicate that GAOMA‐net algorithm is efficient for detecting community structure in complex networks.
Effects of isometric handgrip training on cardiac autonomic profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Farah Breno Q. , Christofaro Diego G. D. , Correia Marilia A. , Oliveira Crystian B. , Parmenter Belinda J. , Ritti‐Dias Raphael M.
Published: January 2020

Meta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training reduces blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, the effects on cardiac autonomic modulation are still controversial. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to analyse the effects of isometric handgrip training on cardiac autonomic modulation in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. For this, Medline, Cinhal, Embase, Spordiscus and PEdro were searched for relevant studies published until December 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of isometric handgrip training on heart rate variability parameters were considered eligible. Parameters were obtained in time (standard deviation of all the RR intervals‐SDNN, root mean square of successive differences between the normal adjacent RR intervals‐RMSSD and the percentage of adjacent intervals with more than 50 ms‐PNN50) and frequency domain (low frequency‐LF, high frequency‐HF and sympathovagal balance‐LF/HF). Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using an inverse variance method with a random effects model. Seven trials were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, totalling 86 participants. No significant effect was observed in heart rate variability parameters after isometric handgrip training (4 trials to SDNN: MD = −1.44 ms and 95% CI = −8.02, 5.14 ms; RMSSD: MD = −1.48 ms and 95% CI = −9.41, 6.45 ms; PNN50: MD = 0.85% and 95% CI = −1.10, 2.81%; 7 trials to LF: −0.17 n.u. and 95% CI = −6.32, 5.98 n.u.; HF: MD = 0.17 n.u. and 95% CI = −5.97, 6.30 n.u.; and LF/HF: MD = 0.13 and 95% CI = −0.34, 0.59). In conclusion, current literature indicates that isometric handgrip training does not improve heart rate variability.
CCND1, NOP14 and DNMT3B are involved in miR‐502‐5p–mediated inhibition of cell migration and proliferation in bladder cancer
Authors: Ying Yufan , Li Jiangfeng , Xie Haiyun , Yan Huaqing , Jin Ke , He Liujia , Ma Xueyou , Wu Jian , Xu Xin , Fang Jiajie , Wang Xiao , Zheng Xiangyi , Liu Ben , Xie Liping
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Downregulation of miR‐502‐5p has emerged as a critical factor in tumour progression in several cancers. Herein, we elucidated the role of miR‐502‐5p in bladder cancer.

Materials and methods

RT‐qPCR was performed to examine the expression of miR‐502‐5p in bladder cancer. And DNA methylation analysis showed that epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to the downregulation of miR‐502‐5p. Then, wound‐healing assay, transwell assay, colony formation assay, CCK8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were applied to evaluate the function of miR‐502‐5p in bladder cancer cell lines. Western blot was conducted to measure the protein levels of related genes. Furthermore, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, in vivo tumorigenesis assay and immunohistochemical staining were also conducted as needed.

Results

MiR‐502‐5p is frequently downregulated in BCa. Meanwhile, hypermethylation of CpG islands contributes to the downregulation of miR‐502‐5p. Functionally, overexpression of miR‐502‐5p inhibited cell proliferation and migration in vitro and repressed tumour growth in vivo. CCND1, DNMT3B and NOP14 were identified as direct targets of miR‐502‐5p. Interestingly, DNMT3B and miR‐502‐5p established a positive feedback loop in the regulation of bladder cancer. In addition, rescue experiments further validated the direct molecular interaction between miR‐502‐5p and its targets.

Conclusions

Our study proposed and demonstrated that the miR‐502‐5p–mediated regulatory network is critical in bladder cancer; this network may be useful in the development of more effective therapies against bladder cancer.
Reducing the burden of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes through increased understanding: design of the Hypoglycaemia REdefining SOLutions for better liVEs (Hypo‐RESOLVE) project
Authors: de Galan B. E. , McCrimmon R. J. , Ibberson M. , Heller S. R. , Choudhary P. , Pouwer F. , Speight J. , Carlton J. , Pieber T. R. , Rosilio M. , Tack C. J. , Müllenborn M. ,   for the Hypo‐RESOLVE Consortium
Published: January 2020

Background

Hypoglycaemia is the most frequent complication of treatment with insulin or insulin secretagogues in people with diabetes. Severe hypoglycaemia, i.e. an event requiring external help because of cognitive dysfunction, is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and all‐cause mortality, but underlying mechanism(s) are poorly understood. There is also a gap in the understanding of the clinical, psychological and health economic impact of ‘non‐severe’ hypoglycaemia and the glucose level below which hypoglycaemia causes harm.

Aim

To increase understanding of hypoglycaemia by addressing the above issues over a 4‐year period.

Methods

Hypo‐RESOLVE is structured across eight work packages, each with a distinct focus. We will construct a large, sustainable database including hypoglycaemia data from >100 clinical trials to examine predictors of hypoglycaemia and establish glucose threshold(s) below which hypoglycaemia constitutes a risk for adverse biomedical and psychological outcomes, and increases healthcare costs. We will also investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antecedents and consequences of hypoglycaemia, the significance of glucose sensor‐detected hypoglycaemia, the impact of hypoglycaemia in families, and the costs of hypoglycaemia for healthcare systems.

Results

The outcomes of Hypo‐RESOLVE will inform evidence‐based definitions regarding the classification of hypoglycaemia in diabetes for use in daily clinical practice, future clinical trials and as a benchmark for comparing glucose‐lowering interventions and strategies across trials. Stakeholders will be engaged to achieve broadly adopted agreement.

Conclusion

Hypo‐RESOLVE will advance our understanding and refine the classification of hypoglycaemia, with the ultimate aim being to alleviate the burden and consequences of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes.
Framing cancer progression: influence of the organ‐ and tumour‐specific matrisome
Authors: Rafaeva Maria , Erler Janine T.
Published: January 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in regulating organ homeostasis. It provides mechanical and biochemical cues directing cellular behaviour and, therefore, has control over the progression of diseases such as cancer. Recent efforts have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the protein composition of the ECM and its regulators, the so‐called matrisome, in healthy and cancerous tissues; yet, an overview of the common signatures and organ‐specific ECM in cancer is missing. Here, we address this by taking a detailed approach to review why cancer grows in certain organs, and focus on the influence of the matrisome at primary and metastatic tumour sites. Our in‐depth and comprehensive review of the current literature and general understanding identifies important commonalities and distinctions, providing insight into the biology of metastasis, which could pave the way to improve future diagnostics and therapies.
Human Amniotic Membrane: A New Option for Graft Donor Sites – Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Abul Ahmad , Karam Mohammad , Rahman Shafiq
Published: January 2020

There are currently no standardised guidelines on the optimum dressing used for graft donor sites. The aim was to compare the outcomes of human amniotic membrane (HAM) vs routine dressings in split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site healing. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all randomised controlled trials comparing the outcomes of HAM vs routine dressings in STSG donor sites. Wound healing and infection rate were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included severity of pain, discharge from donor site, the number of dressing changes, pruritus, and comfort. Fixed effect modelling was used for the analysis. Four studies enrolling 157 patients were identified. There was a significant difference between HAM and routine groups with wound healing time (P < .0001) and proportion of wounds healed by day 12 (P = .01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in infection rates (P = .27). For all secondary outcomes, HAM had improved results. HAM dressings are a superior option when compared with routine dressings used in current clinical practice for STSG donor sites as they improve wound healing and do not increase the infection rate.
Mutually exclusive antiproliferative effect of cell line‐specific HOX inhibition in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines: SKOV‐3 vs RMUG‐S
Authors: Kim Miseon , Suh Dong Hoon , Choi Jin Young , Lee Seul , Bae Jae Ryul , Kim Kidong , No Jae Hong , Kim Yong Beom
Published: January 2020

We aimed to discover cell line‐specific overexpressed HOX genes responsible for chemoresistance and to identify the mechanisms behind HOX‐induced cell line‐specific chemoresistance in EOC. Ten HOX genes and eight EOC cell lines were tested for any cell line‐specific overexpression that presents a mutually exclusive pattern. Cell viability was evaluated after treatment with cisplatin and/or siRNA for cell line‐specific overexpressed HOX genes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HOXB9 was performed in 84 human EOC tissues. HOXA10 and HOXB9 were identified as cell line‐specific overexpressed HOX genes for SKOV‐3 and RMUG‐S, respectively. Inhibiting the expression of cell line‐specific HOX genes, but not of other HOX genes, significantly decreased cell viability. In SKOV‐3 cells, cell viability decreased to 46.5% after initial 10 µM cisplatin treatment; however, there was no further decrease upon additional treatment with HOXA10 siRNA. In contrast, cell viability did not significantly decrease upon cisplatin treatment in RMUG‐S cells, but decreased to 65.5% after additional treatment with HOXB9 siRNA. In both cell lines, inhibiting cell line‐specific HOX expression enhanced apoptosis but suppressed the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as vimentin, MMP9, and Oct4. IHC analysis showed that platinum‐resistant cancer tissues more frequently had high HOXB9 expression than platinum‐sensitive cancer tissues. HOXB9, which is overexpressed in RMUG‐S but not in SKOV‐3 cells, appeared to be associated with cell line‐specific platinum resistance in RMUG‐S. Inhibiting HOXB9 overexpression in RMUG‐S cells may effectively eliminate platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer cells by facilitating apoptosis and inhibiting EMT.
Combined tazemetostat and MAPKi enhances differentiation of papillary thyroid cancer cells harbouring BRAFV600E by synergistically decreasing global trimethylation of H3K27
Authors: Fu Hao , Cheng Lin , Sa Ri , Jin Yuchen , Chen Libo
Published: January 2020

Clinical efficacy of differentiation therapy with mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) for lethal radioiodine‐refractory papillary thyroid cancer (RR‐PTC) urgently needs to be improved and the aberrant trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) plays a vital role in BRAFV600E‐MAPK‐induced cancer dedifferentiation and drug resistance. Therefore, dual inhibition of MAPK and histone methyltransferase (EZH2) may produce more favourable treatment effects. In this study, BRAFV600E‐mutant (BCPAP and K1) and BRAF‐wild‐type (TPC‐1) PTC cells were treated with MAPKi (dabrafenib or selumetinib) or EZH2 inhibitor (tazemetostat), or in combination, and the expression of iodine‐metabolizing genes, radioiodine uptake, and toxicity were tested. We found that tazemetostat alone slightly increased iodine‐metabolizing gene expression and promoted radioiodine uptake and toxicity, irrespective of the BRAF status. However, MAPKi induced these effects preferentially in BRAFV600E mutant cells, which was robustly strengthened by tazemetostat incorporation. Mechanically, MAPKi‐induced decrease of trimethylation of H3K27 was evidently intensified by tazemetostat in BRAFV600E‐mutant cells. In conclusion, tazemetostat combined with MAPKi enhances differentiation of PTC cells harbouring BRAFV600E through synergistically decreasing global trimethylation of H3K27, representing a novel differentiation strategy.
Sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and gold nanoparticle immunochromatocgraphic strip for rapid detecting chloramphenicol in food
Authors: Wu Shih‐Wei , Wang Min‐Ying , Liu Biing‐Hui , Yu Feng‐Yih
Published: January 2020

Antibody specific to chloramphenicol (CAP) was produced from rabbit that had been immunized with CAP‐keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Using the antibodies, we established a sensitive direct competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (dcELISA) and a gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip (immunostrip) for detection CAP in food samples. In the dcELISA, CAP at levels of 0.15 ng/ml causes 50% inhibition (IC50) of the binding of CAP‐horseradish peroxidase to the antibodies. The overall analytical recoveries of CAP (0.25–100 ng/g) added to the honey or milk samples in the dcELISA were 81.9 and 73.7%, respectively. Onsite determination of CAP was accomplished by immunostrips with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml and completed within 10 min. Carefully studying 10 honey and 6 milk samples using the dcELISA and immunostrip indicated that all examined samples were negative for CAP. The presented dcELISA and immunostrip methods are sensitive enough for the rapid determination of CAP in the samples.
Comfort and Attitudes Towards Robots Among Young, Middle‐Aged, and Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Backonja Uba , Hall Amanda K. , Painter Ian , Kneale Laura , Lazar Amanda , Cakmak Maya , Thompson Hilaire J. , Demiris George
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To explore the social impact of, comfort with, and negative attitudes towards robots among young, middle‐aged, and older adults in the United States.

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional. Conducted in 2014–2015 in an urban area of the western United States using a purposive sample of adults 18 years of age or older.

Methods

Respondents completed a survey that included the Negative Attitudes Toward Robots Scale (NARS) and two questions taken or modified from the European Commission's Autonomous System 2015 Report. Analyses were conducted to compare perceptions and demographic factors by age groups (young adults:18–44, middle‐aged adults: 45–64, and older adults: >65 years old).

Findings

Sample included 499 individuals (n = 322 age 18–44 years, n = 50 age 45–64 years, and n = 102 age 65–98 years). There were no significant differences between age groups for 9 of the 11 items regarding social impact of robots and comfort with robots. There were no significant differences by age groups for 9 of the 14 items in the NARS. Among those items with statistically significant differences, the mean scores indicate similar sentiments for each group.

Conclusions

Older, middle‐aged, and younger adults had similar attitudes regarding the social impact of and comfort with robots; they also had similar negative attitudes towards robots. Findings dispel current perceptions that older adults are not as receptive to robots as other adults. This has implications for nurses who integrate supportive robots in their practice.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses working in clinical and community roles can use these findings when developing and implementing robotic solutions. Understanding attitudes towards robots can support how, where, and with whom robots can be used in nursing practice.
Exploring dementia care competence of nurses working in acute care settings
Authors: Yang Yueh‐Ying , Hsiao Chun‐Hui , Chang Ying‐Ju , Ma Shu‐Ching , Wang Jing‐Jy
Published: January 2020

Aims and Objectives

To examine the current status of dementia care competence of nurses working in acute care settings as well as the relationship between competence and demographic attributes.

Background

Most people with dementia are older individuals when they are admitted to unfamiliar acute care settings for treatment, and they are prone to displaying BPSD. If nurses working in acute care settings are not sufficiently competent in dementia care, providing proper patient care is difficult.

Design

The study used a one‐sample descriptive‐correlation design.

Methods

This study enrolled nurses at two medical centres in southern Taiwan as the research participants and performed a stratified random sampling according to the units where they served. The Dementia Care Competence Scale was used for data collection. An independent samples t test, ANOVA and Pearson's product–moment correlation were performed for data analysis (See STROBE).

Results

A total of 308 valid questionnaires were collected. The results showed that dementia care competence of nurses working in acute care settings was moderate. In particular, they had insufficient knowledge of the special needs related to dementia and lacked the skills and patience necessary for identifying, preventing and managing BPSD. Additionally, although the nurses tended to have a positive attitude, they seldom communicated with people with dementia. This study also found that dementia care competence was better in nurses who were older, who had more seniority, who had taken care of people with dementia for a longer period of time and who had received training in dementia care.

Conclusions

Dementia care training topics for nurses working in acute care settings should include palliative care for dementia, skills for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and communication techniques for improving person‐centred care. Nurses should also be encouraged to maintain a warm, friendly attitude when providing patient care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Continuing education in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia is necessary for currently practicing acute care nursing staff and should be developed according to the staff's educational background and needs.
Stimulated by insight: Exploration of critical care nurses' experience of research participation in a recovery programme for intensive care survivors
Authors: Lehmkuhl Lene , Egerod Ingrid , Overgaard Dorthe , Bestle Morten H. , Jensen Janet F.
Published: January 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore critical care nurses' experiences of research participation during a one‐year recovery programme for intensive care survivors.

Background

Nurse‐led postintensive care follow‐up consultations have emerged to help patients to recover and overcome problems related to critical illness and admission at the intensive care unit (ICU). Previous research exploring post‐ICU follow‐up programmes have shown inconclusive evidence of their effectiveness on patient‐reported outcome measurements, and provider evaluation is scarce. The context of this study is the Recovery and Aftercare in Postintensive care Therapy (RAPIT) trial.

Design

A qualitative descriptive telephone interview study.

Methods

Data were collected after completion of the RAPIT trial. Participants (n = 14) were trained intensive care nurses, who delivered the post‐ICU recovery programme, representing nine out of ten sites from the RAPIT trial. Two focus group discussions were used to construct a semistructured interview guide. A thematic data analysis was performed using Braun and Clark's six‐step method. This study conforms to the COREQ Research Reporting Guidelines for qualitative studies.

Results

Our study indicated that nurses considered participation in research as a positive experience. The main finding “Stimulated by insight” described how nurses' engagement and professional growth was gained by reflection, patient feedback and research competencies acquired in the clinical setting. The research programmes stimulated to new knowledge, broaden their perspectives and enhanced critical reflection of ICU nursing practice.

Conclusions

The study indicates that nurses developed research competencies and enhanced their job satisfaction by using critical reflection and patient feedback. However, there is still a substantial need for support to strengthen nurses' competencies in collaboration with colleagues, managers and researchers.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study can contribute to the development of recommendations supporting nurses doing research and to optimise implementation of clinical research.
A concept analysis of psychological distress in parents related to diabetes management in children and adolescents
Authors: Arabiat Diana , AL Jabery Mohammad , Whitehead Lisa
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To report a concept analysis of parents' psychological distress in the context of diabetes management among children and adolescents. A clear understanding of the possible impact of diabetes management on parents will help to inform how nurses can work with parents to support glycaemic control in children and adolescents.

Design and Method

Concept analysis using Walker and Avant's eight‐stage approach was used as a guiding framework. PubMed, OVID (CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo), the Cochrane library and the Joanna Briggs library were searched for the past 50 years.

Results

Thirty‐three studies provided data for the concept analysis. Attributes included difficulty coping, changes in emotional status and manifestations of mental health problems.

Practice Implication

Based on the literature synthesis, we suggest all facets of distress related to diabetes can in principle be inferred through the proposed relationship between distress and other interactions of individual coping, caring burden and family relational functioning. The proposed conceptual model linking antecedents' factors and individual characteristics of parents to the concepts of psychological distress may assist researchers to design interventions for supporting diabetes management in children and adolescents.
Costly Signals: Voter Responses to Parliamentary Dissent in Austria, Britain, and Germany
Authors: Wagner Markus , Vivyan Nick , Glinitzer Konstantin
Published: January 2020

When Members of Parliament (MPs) disagree publicly with their party, this provides a signal to voters regarding both their political views and their character valence. We argue that the strength of this signal to voters depends on the personal career costs an MP incurs by dissenting. The greater the perceived costs of dissent to the MP, the more positively voters should react to dissent. In line with this theory, we use a series of conjoint analysis experiments in Britain, Germany, and Austria to show that: (1) dissent has a more positive effect on voter evaluations in systems where the costs of dissent are higher, and (2) more costly types of dissent have a greater impact on voter evaluations. These findings have important implications for understanding how voter evaluations of MPs depend on beliefs about parliamentary systems and how parliamentary institutions condition the link between voters and MPs.
Self‐perception of symptoms, medical help seeking, and self‐help strategies of women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Chen Hui‐Chun , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Liao Chun‐Hou , Tsao Lee‐Ing
Published: January 2020

Background

This study aims to investigate the self‐perception of symptoms, medical help seeking, and self‐help strategies of women with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods

A mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. The qualitative approach used in‐depth interviews about the subjective experience of symptoms, medical help seeking, and self‐help strategies for their IC. The quantitative inquiry was conducted by a yes or no response to the question “Did self‐perceived severe symptoms of IC interfere with your daily life?” A loglinear model was applied to investigate the associations between possible factors.

Results

This study recruited 68 women aged 20 to 69 years, of whom 22 were interviewed for qualitative data. About 72.1% of the women responded that self‐perceived severe IC symptoms interfered with their daily life. A significant negative association between employment and self‐perceived severe IC symptoms (P < .05) was observed. Qualitative results revealed three important themes: (1) bothersome symptoms—all‐day bladder pain and lower urinary tract symptoms and deteriorated quality of life, (2) medical help seeking—exhaustion and frustration, (3) self‐help strategies—coexisting with IC or feeling helpless.

Conclusions

IC women feel exhausted and frustrated by seeking medical attention for this incurable disease for a long time. IC women have troubled and uneasy daily lives. Being employed or engaging in activities can divert attention to alleviate symptoms. IC patient support groups allow patients to share their self‐help experiences with interdisciplinary medical teams to provide physical and psychological treatment.
Magnesium isotopes of the bulk solar wind from Genesis diamond‐like carbon films
Authors: Jurewicz A. J. G. , Rieck K. D. , Hervig R. , Burnett D. S. , Wadhwa M. , Olinger C. T. , Wiens R. C. , Laming J. M. , Guan Y. , Huss G. R. , Reisenfeld D. B. , Williams P.
Published: January 2020

NASA's Genesis Mission returned solar wind (SW) to the Earth for analysis to derive the composition of the solar photosphere from solar material. SW analyses control the precision of the derived solar compositions, but their ultimate accuracy is limited by the theoretical or empirical models of fractionation due to SW formation. Mg isotopes are “ground truth” for these models since, except for CAIs, planetary materials have a uniform Mg isotopic composition (within ≤1‰) so any significant isotopic fractionation of SW Mg is primarily that of SW formation and subsequent acceleration through the corona. This study analyzed Mg isotopes in a bulk SW diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film on silicon collector returned by the Genesis Mission. A novel data reduction technique was required to account for variable ion yield and instrumental mass fractionation (IMF) in the DLC. The resulting SW Mg fractionation relative to the DSM‐3 laboratory standard was (−14.4‰, −30.2‰) ± (4.1‰, 5.5‰), where the uncertainty is 2ơ SE of the data combined with a 2.5‰ (total) error in the IMF determination. Two of the SW fractionation models considered generally agreed with our data. Their possible ramifications are discussed for O isotopes based on the CAI nebular composition of McKeegan et al. (2011).
Brain mural cell loss in the parietal cortex in Alzheimer’s disease correlates with cognitive decline and TDP‐43 pathology
Authors: Bourassa P. , Tremblay C. , Schneider J. A. , Bennett D. A. , Calon F.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Brain mural cells (BMC), smooth muscle cells and pericytes, interact closely with endothelial cells and modulate numerous cerebrovascular functions. A loss of BMC function is suspected to play a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods

BMC markers, namely smooth muscle alpha actin (α‐SMA) for smooth muscle cells, as well as platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) and aminopeptidase N (ANPEP or CD13) for pericytes, were assessed by Western immunoblotting in microvessel extracts from the parietal cortex of 60 participants of the Religious Orders study, with ages at death ranging from 75 to 98 years old.

Results

Participants clinically diagnosed with AD had lower vascular levels of α‐SMA, PDGFRβ and CD13. These reductions were correlated with lower cognitive scores for global cognition, episodic and semantic memory, perceptual speed and visuospatial ability. In addition, α‐SMA, PDGFRβ and CD13 were negatively correlated with vascular Aβ40 concentrations. Vascular levels of BMC markers were also inversely correlated with insoluble cleaved phosphorylated transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) (25 kDa) and positively correlated with soluble cleaved phosphorylated TDP‐43 (35 kDa) in cortical homogenates, suggesting strong association between BMC loss and cleaved phosphorylated TDP‐43 aggregation.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight a loss of BMC in AD. The associations between α‐SMA, PDGFRβ and CD13 vascular levels with cognitive scores, TDP‐43 aggregation and cerebrovascular accumulation of Aβ in the parietal cortex suggest that BMC loss contributes to both AD symptoms and pathology, further strengthening the link between cerebrovascular defects and dementia.
Ideological others and national identifications in contemporary Poland
Authors: Bratcher Ian
Published: January 2020

Sexual minorities in Poland are excluded from the traditional understanding of “Polishness” premised on conservative, Catholic values. This article examines how ethnic Polish citizens who identify as non‐heteronormative navigate their relationship to “Polishness” at a moment of heightened nationalism. Through 31 interviews with Polish sexual minorities, I show that while national identification is a struggle for some sexual minorities, others work to reframe what “Polishness” means to them. I argue for further research examining the ways that stigmatised members of the ethnic majority—what I term ideological others—understand and navigate their relationship to national identity. The study contributes to the literature on everyday nationhood and national identity by attending to national identification among stigmatised members of the ethnic majority.
Effects of supporting patients with dementia: A study with dyads
Authors: Brites Rute , Brandão Tânia , Moniz Pereira Francisco , Hipólito João , Nunes Odete
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the development of higher burden in informal caregivers of patients with dementia, using dyadic data.

Design and Methods

Seventy‐two dyads of patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were assessed, the former in terms of behavioral‐psychological symptoms and autonomy, the latter in terms of burden and individual needs.

Findings

Caregivers at risk for developing higher burden are those who are female, whose care recipient present psychiatric symptoms and lower autonomy, and those who recognize the need for more information/support.

Practice Implications

Interventions should offer caregivers the tools to provide care, maintaining their psychological well‐being. Interventions should target not only common aspects of caregiver burden but also the specificities of caring for a person with dementia.
The validation of a questionnaire to delineate clinical research coordinator roles in China
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Zhao Qing , Zhu Hangju , Zhang Junying , Han Jing , Qing Rong
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of the clinical research coordinator (CRC) in clinical oncology trials.

Design and Methods

An E‐questionnaire that includes 10 sections with 155 items total and is based on the Clinical Trials Nursing Questionnaire (CTNQ) was designed to determine the conditions of demographics, competences, activities, and psychology for Chinese CRCs. Eighty‐two CRCs from three different provinces in China were invited to join this study anonymously. Cronbach's α and split‐half reliability were calculated to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Additionally, the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to find the similarity and difference between the importance of the roles of CRCs and their frequency. The STROBE checklist for observational research has been following for presenting the research (see File S1).

Findings

Cronbach's α values of the Chinese version of the questionnaire for the frequency scale and the importance scale were .965 and .961, respectively. The split‐half reliability coefficients were 0.866 and 0.805, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients of the subscales indicated that the correlation between each item and its dimension was greater than its correlation with the other components (P < .05). Exploratory factor analysis results show that three common factors were extracted by principal component analysis and had eigenvalues greater than 1 and that the cumulative contribution rate was 69.415%.

Practice Implications

The Chinese version of the questionnaire has good reliability and validity for CRCs in China, which could be promoted in evaluating clinical research coordinator roles in China.
Silicosis: An ancient disease in need of a dose of modern medicine
Authors: Hoy Ryan , Chambers Daniel C.
Published: January 2020

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