bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Time‐Dependent NMR Spectroscopic Studies of (SP‐4‐3)‐Oxalato[(1R,2R,4R/1S,2S,4S)‐(4‐trifluoromethyl‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine)]platinum(II)
Authors: Hizal Selin , Hejl Michaela , Jungmann Christoph , Jakupec Michael A. , Galanski Mathea Sophia , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: January 2019

The oxaliplatin derivative (SP‐4‐3)‐oxalato[(1R,2R,4R/1S,2S,4S)‐(4‐trifluoromethyl‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine)]platinum(II) hosting a trifluoromethyl group at position 4 of the cyclohexane ring is presented. The ligand was synthesized as an 1R,2R,4R/1S,2S,4S racemic mixture starting from 4‐trifluoromethyl‐cyclohexanol over five steps and coordinated to platinum to yield first the dichlorido and subsequently the oxalato complex. This novel compound and its analogue featuring a (13C2)oxalate ligand were characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, 19F, 195Pt) one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Ligand exchange and adduct formation reactions with DMSO, NaCl, CaCl2, l‐methionine, and 5′‐GMP were investigated via time‐dependent measurements by 19F and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the title complex was investigated in three human cancer cell lines; the IC50 values were found in the low micromolar range, attesting moderate to high antiproliferative activity, depending on the cell line.
Potential negative consequences of mindfulness in the moral domain
Authors: Schindler Simon , Pfattheicher Stefan , Reinhard Marc‐André
Published: January 2019

Mindfulness is a state of paying conscious and nonjudgmental attention to present‐moment experiences. Previous research relates this state to more effective emotion regulation and less emotion reactivity. We therefore hypothesized an attenuating effect of a mindfulness exercise on moral reactions that usually results from a bad conscience when having caused harm. Across five studies, we experimentally induced mindfulness via a short breathing exercise and then assessed harm‐based moral reactions. As hypothesized, participants in the mindfulness (vs. control) exercise condition showed (i) attenuated repair intentions after having read a scenario in which participants caused harm to a friend (Study 3) and (ii) attenuated intentions to change harm‐causing eating habits (Study 4). Results of Studies 1, 2 and 5 did not provide evidence for our hypothesis. A following meta‐analysis across all five studies yielded an overall significant effect of mindfulness in the harm‐condition, providing preliminary evidence for a potential downside to mindfulness.
Looking for middle ground in cultural attraction theory
Authors: Buskell Andrew
Published: January 2019

In their article, Thom Scott‐Phillips, Stefaan Blancke, and Christophe Heintz do a commendable job summarizing the position and misunderstandings of “cultural attraction theory” (CAT). However, they do not address a longstanding problem for the CAT framework; that while it has an encompassing theory and some well‐worked out case studies, it lacks tools for generating models or empirical hypotheses of intermediate generality. I suggest that what the authors diagnose as misunderstandings are instead superficial interpretive errors, resulting from researchers who have attempted to extract generalizable hypotheses from CAT and bring them into contact with the analytical and inferential models of contemporary cultural evolutionary research.
Effects of static pressure, pressurization, and depressurization on n‐heptane pool fires in an airplane cargo compartment
Authors: Li Cong , Yang Rui , Yao Yina , Tao Zhenxiang , Zhu Pei , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2019

The cargo compartment of an airplane in flight is a complex environment with dynamic pressure (pressurization and depressurization), nonconservative oxygen, and unidirectional ventilation. In this study, n‐heptane pool fires were performed under static pressure, pressurization, and depressurization in a full‐scale airplane cargo compartment. The static pressure included 30 and 90 kPa, the pressurization was from 30 to 90 kPa at rates of 6, 12, 19, and 25 kPa/min, while the depressurization was from 90 to 30 kPa at rates of 6, 12, 17, and 20 kPa/min. The effects of pressure, oxygen concentration, and ventilation on pool fire characteristics including fuel mass loss rate (MLR), flame centerline temperature, and flame shape under each condition were concluded. The results show that the predominant factor of MLR was different in three conditions. The flame is divided into four regimes, in which the fuel vapor regime is used to emphasize the influence of fuel vapor on flame temperature above the fuel surface. The concept of average flame shape is put forward to reflect the flame occurrence probability. And its bottom, which named average flame root, presents the negative correlation with compartment pressure.
Sulphur and lead isotopic compositions of the Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits in the Linzizong volcanic area, Gangdese belt, Tibet: Implications for variation characteristics of ore‐forming material sources and exploration targeting
Authors: Jiang Junsheng , Gao Shunbao , Zheng Youye , Lentz David R. , Zhang Yongchao , Huang Jian , Liu Jun
Published: January 2019

Relatively little attention has been given to variations in ore‐forming metal sources of Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits hosted in or near the Linzizong volcanic rocks from the eastern to western Gangdese belt. Based on the S and Pb isotopic data of typical Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits from the eastern to western Gangdese, the ore‐forming sources are discerned. The δ34SV‐CDT values of the typical Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits in the Gangdese metallogenic belt have a relatively large range of −11.6‰ to 6.0‰, different from those of the porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits (mainly vary from −2.0‰ to 1.0‰) in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, indicating that the sulphur in the ore‐forming fluid of Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits was dominantly of magmatic origin, but also influenced by strata nearby. The Nuocang and Beina deposits in the western Gangdese have a predominantly upper crustal source of Pb (average values: 207Pb/204Pb = 15.705, 208Pb/204Pb = 39.102), while the Narusongduo and Dexin deposits in the central Gangdese and the Leqingla and Xingaguo deposits in the eastern Gangdese are characterized by a mixed source in which Pb was derived from both the subducted slab and the ancient Lhasa basement. From the eastern to western Gangdese, Pb isotopic data show a gradually increasing scale of crustal materials from the Lhasa terrane basement. Combined with the geochemical data of the ore‐related intrusions and Linzizong volcanic rocks from the six deposits, or nearby, we proposed that the heterogeneity of Lhasa terrane crust resulted in more ancient Lhasa basement components contributing to ore‐forming sources from the eastern to western Gangdese. Moreover, relatively higher contents of Au, Ag elements could be identified in the Linzizong volcanic rocks of the western Gangdese than those of in the central and eastern Gangdese. Therefore, in addition to finding the cryptoexplosive breccia, epithermal, skarn, hydrothermal vein‐type Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits, there is exploration potential for epithermal Au–Ag deposits associated with the Linzizong volcanic rocks, western Gangdese.
Classification of schizophrenia by intersubject correlation in functional connectome
Authors: Ji Gong‐Jun , Chen Xingui , Bai Tongjian , Wang Lu , Wei Qiang , Gao Yaxiang , Tao Longxiang , He Kongliang , Li Dandan , Dong Yi , Hu Panpan , Yu Fengqiong , Zhu Chunyan , Tian Yanghua , Yu Yongqiang , Wang Kai
Published: January 2019

Functional connectomes have been suggested as fingerprinting for individual identification. Accordingly, we hypothesized that subjects in the same phenotypic group have similar functional connectome features, which could help to discriminate schizophrenia (SCH) patients from healthy controls (HCs) and from depression patients. To this end, we included resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of SCH, depression patients, and HCs from three centers. We first investigated the characteristics of connectome similarity between individuals, and found higher similarity between subjects belonging to the same group (i.e., SCH–SCH) than different groups (i.e., HC–SCH). These findings suggest that the average connectome within group (termed as group‐specific functional connectome [GFC]) may help in individual classification. Consistently, significant accuracy (75–77%) and area under curve (81–86%) were found in discriminating SCH from HC or depression patients by GFC‐based leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. Cross‐center classification further suggests a good generalizability of the GFC classification. We additionally included normal aging data (255 young and 242 old subjects with different scanning sequences) to show factors could be improved for better classification performance, and the findings emphasized the importance of increasing sample size but not temporal resolution during scanning. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the average functional connectome across subjects contained group‐specific biological features and may be helpful in clinical diagnosis for schizophrenia.
Malignant paraganglioma presenting as a mandibular metastasis
Authors: Stanek Joel , Vahidi Shifteh , Wilke Christopher T. , Khaja Sobia F.
Published: January 2019

Background

Metastatic paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Bony metastases most commonly occur in the ribs, vertebrae, and pelvis. Few cases of mandibular metastases have been reported.

Methods

A 75‐year‐old female presented with a 6‐month history of an enlarging mandibular mass. A biopsy was consistent with a paraganglioma.

Results

Staging workup with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography demonstrated 2 hypermetabolic intra‐abdominal lesions adjacent to the inferior vena cava. These were confirmed as paraganglioma by biopsy and presumed as the primary lesions. The patient underwent left segmental mandibulectomy and neck dissection with osteocutaneous fibula free tissue reconstruction.

Conclusion

A rare case of malignant paraganglioma presenting as a mandibular metastasis is described. Nuclear medicine studies for paraganglioma are reviewed.
E‐cigarettes and Western Diet: Important Metabolic Risk Factors for Hepatic Diseases
Authors: Hasan Kamrul M. , Friedman Theodore C. , Shao Xuesi , Parveen Meher , Sims Carl , Lee Desean L. , Espinoza‐Derout Jorge , Sinha‐Hikim Indrani , Sinha‐Hikim Amiya P.
Published: January 2019

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as e‐cigarettes, with a variety of e‐liquids/e‐juices, is increasing at an alarming rate among adolescents who do not realize the potential harmful health effects. This study examines the harmful effects of ENDS on the liver. Apolipoprotein E null (ApoE‐/‐) mice on a western diet (WD) were exposed to saline or ENDS with 2.4% nicotine aerosol for 12 weeks using our mouse ENDS exposure model system, which delivers nicotine to mice and leads to equivalent serum cotinine levels found in human cigarette users. ApoE‐/‐ mice on a WD exposed to ENDS exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid accumulation compared with ApoE‐/‐ on a similar diet exposed to saline aerosol. The detrimental effects of ENDS on hepatic steatosis were associated with significantly greater oxidative stress, increased hepatic triglyceride levels, and increased hepatocyte apoptosis, independent of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase signaling. In addition, hepatic RNA sequencing analysis revealed that 433 genes were differentially expressed in ENDS‐exposed mice on WD compared with saline‐exposed mice. Functional analysis indicates that genes associated with lipid metabolism, cholesterol biosynthesis, and circadian rhythm were most significantly altered in the liver in response to ENDS. Conclusion: These results demonstrate profound adverse effects of ENDS on the liver. This is important information for regulatory agencies as they regulate ENDS.
Deficiency of Both Farnesoid X Receptor and Takeda G Protein–Coupled Receptor 5 Exacerbated Liver Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Ferrell Jessica M. , Pathak Preeti , Boehme Shannon , Gilliland Tricia , Chiang John Y. L.
Published: January 2019

Activation of the nuclear bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protects against hepatic inflammation and injury, while Takeda G protein–coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) promotes adipose tissue browning and energy metabolism. Here, we examined the physiological and metabolic effects of the deficiency of these two bile acid receptors on hepatic metabolism and injury in mice. Fxr/Tgr5 double knockout mice (DKO) were generated for metabolic phenotyping. Male DKO mice fed a chow diet had reduced liver lipid levels but increased serum cholesterol levels. Liver cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) activity and sterol 12α‐hydroxylase mRNA levels were induced, while ileum FXR target genes were suppressed in DKO mice compared to wild‐type (WT) mice. Bile acid pool size was increased in DKO mice, with increased taurocholic acid and decreased tauromuricholic acids. RNA sequencing analysis of the liver transcriptome revealed that bile acid synthesis and fibrosis gene expression levels are increased in chow‐fed DKO mice compared to WT mice and that the top regulated pathways are involved in steroid/cholesterol biosynthesis, liver cirrhosis, and connective tissue disease. Cholestyramine treatment further induced Cyp7a1 mRNA and protein in DKO mice and increased bile acid pool size, while cholic acid also induced Cyp7a1 in DKO mice, suggesting impaired bile acid feedback regulation. A Western diet containing 0.2% cholesterol increased oxidative stress and markers of liver fibrosis but not hepatic steatosis in DKO mice. Conclusion: FXR and TGR5 play critical roles in protecting the liver from inflammation and fibrosis, and deficiency of both of these bile acid receptors in mice increased cholic acid synthesis and the bile acid pool, liver fibrosis, and inflammation; FXR and TGR5 DKO mice may be a model for liver fibrosis.
Efficacy of Granulocyte Colony‐stimulating Factor in the Management of Steroid‐Nonresponsive Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis: A Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Shasthry Varsha , Pande Apurva , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: January 2019

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is often a progressive disease with high mortality and limited steroid responsiveness. Management options of steroid nonresponsive SAH (day 7 Lille score > 0.45) are limited. We assessed the efficacy and safety of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in steroid nonresponders. A randomized, double‐blind, single‐center trial (NCT01820208) was conducted between March 2013 and June 2016 in patients with histologically proven SAH, nonresponsive to 40 mg/day of prednisolone were randomized to G‐CSF (12 doses, 300 μg each in 28 days) or placebo. Responders were continued with prednisolone. Of the 430 patients with SAH, 132 received steroid therapy. Of these, 33 (25%) were nonresponders and were randomized to G‐CSF or placebo (14 in each group after exclusions). The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. The 28‐day mortality was comparable between the groups (21.4%, G‐CSF; 28.6%, placebo; P = 0.69). At 90 days, in the G‐CSF but not in the placebo group, the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease reduced from 24.6 ± 3.9 to 19.4 ± 3.7 (P = 0.002) and Maddrey’s discriminant function from 74.8 ± 22.8 to 57.4 ± 31 (P = 0.26). Infections were less common (28% versus 71%; P < 0.001) with lower 90‐day mortality (35.7% versus 71.4%; P = 0.04) in the G‐CSF than in the placebo group. On Cox regression analysis, receiving G‐CSF (hazard ratio, 0.37; SD, 0.14‐0.98; P = 0.04), and high baseline serum creatinine (hazard ratio, 4.12; SD, 1.7‐10.3; P = 0.002) predicted day‐90 outcomes in steroid nonresponsive SAH. Patients tolerated G‐CSF without any major adverse events. Conclusion: Approximately one‐quarter of patients with SAH do not respond to corticosteroid therapy. Administration of G‐CSF is safe and helps to reduce the disease severity and 90‐day mortality in these patients.
The effect of memantine in adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Soleiman , Ahangari Tina Kaveh , Yousefi Fayegh
Published: January 2019

Background

Hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit are common neurological disorders in children and adolescents. The symptoms of hyperactivity are decreased in adults, and attention deficit is more noticeable. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of memantine on adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Materials and methods

In a double‐blind clinical trial study, 40 patients aged 18 to 45 years with ADHD were selected on the basis on the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) criteria, and randomly assigned memantine or placebo. Before starting the treatment, Conners' screening questionnaire was completed for each patient, and the subjects were entered the study after acquiring minimum acceptable score in the questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of patients who were receiving memantine and placebo was about 34.7 ± 4.48 and 31.5 ± 7.4 years, respectively. The results have shown a significant difference in the behavior and attention deficit between the two groups treated with memantine and placebo during 6 weeks (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference in the third and sixth weeks between treatment groups in hyperactivity and attention deficit index (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that memantine was effective in reducing symptoms of Inattention/Memory Problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability.
Circadian genes and risk of prostate cancer: Findings from the EPICAP study
Authors: Wendeu‐Foyet Méyomo G. , Koudou Yves , Cénée Sylvie , Trétarre Brigitte , Rébillard Xavier , Cancel‐Tassin Géraldine , Cussenot Olivier , Boland Anne , Bacq Delphine , Deleuze Jean‐François , Lamy Pierre‐Jean , Mulot Claire , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Truong Thérèse , Menegaux Florence
Published: January 2019

Circadian rhythms regulate several physiological functions and genes controlling the circadian rhythm were found to regulate cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. Few studies have investigated the role of those circadian genes in prostate cancer occurrence. We aim to investigate the relationship between circadian genes polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk based on data from the EPICAP study, a population‐based case–control study including 1,515 men (732 cases / 783 controls) with genotyped data. Odds Ratios (ORs) for association between prostate cancer and circadian gene variants were estimated for each of the 872 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 31 circadian clock genes. We also used a gene‐based and pathway‐based approach with a focus on the pathway including 9 core circadian genes. Separate analyses were conducted by prostate cancer aggressiveness. The core‐circadian pathway (p = 0.0006) was significantly associated to prostate cancer, for either low (p = 0.002) or high (p = 0.01) grade tumor. At the gene level, we observed significant associations between all prostate cancer and NPAS2 and PER1 after correcting for multiple testing, while only RORA was significant for aggressive tumors. At the SNP‐level, no significant association was observed. Our findings provide additional evidence of a potential link between genetic variants in circadian genes and prostate cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings and to better understand the biological pathways involved.
Differential response of T cells to an immunogen, a mitogen and a chemical carcinogen in a mouse model system
Authors: Kaur Amar Preet , Saxena Nimisha , Chandra Nimai C.
Published: January 2019

In this study, we examined the relative immune response of T‐lymphocytes and its intracellular cholesterol homeostasis, in a mouse model system, after treatment with immunogen, mitogen, and carcinogen. We studied the T‐lymphocyte percentage, their LDL‐receptor expression, along with the levels of serum interleukins (IL‐2, IFNγ, IL‐4, and IL‐10) and intracellular cholesterol concentration (cytoplasmic and nuclear). The mitogen was found to be a better stimulator of T‐cell marker expressions than the immunogen; though the immunogen was more effective on immunogenic response as was marked from interleukin levels. The chemical carcinogen benzo‐α‐pyrene at low concentration acted potentially like a mitogen but a reduced immune response was apparent at a carcinogenic dose.

The findings in our study focus on the effect of carcinogenic dose of benzo‐α‐pyrene (BaP) on T‐cell immunity. Benzo‐α‐pyrene causes immunosuppression through restriction of the T‐cell population by targeting intracellular cholesterol.
New insights into the role of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in most common neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Maniati Mohammad Saeed , Maniati Mahmood , Yousefi Tooba , Ahmadi‐Ahangar Alijan , Tehrani Sadra Samavarchi
Published: January 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a diversity of neurological disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS). The most common NDs are Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Recently, many studies have investigated associations between common NDs with noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) molecules. ncRNAs are regulatory molecules in the normal functioning of the CNS. Two of the most important ncRNAs are microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These types of ncRNAs are involved in different biological processes including brain development, maturation, differentiation, neuronal cell specification, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission. Increasing data has demonstrated that miRNAs and lncRNAs have strong correlations with the development of NDs, particularly gene expression. Besides, ncRNAs can be introduced as new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of NDs. Hence, in this review, we summarized the involvement of various miRNAs and lncRNAs in most common NDs followed by a correlation of ncRNAs dysregulation with the AD, PD, and HD.
Physical fitness modulates the expression of CD39 and CD73 on CD4+ CD25− and CD4+ CD25+ T cells following high intensity interval exercise
Authors: Dorneles Gilson P. , da Silva Igor M. , Peres Alessandra , Romão Pedro R. T.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To investigate the impact of physical fitness on the mobilization of CD4+CD25
−CD39
+ and CD4
+CD25
+CD39
+ T cells in response to acute exercise.

Methods

Fifteen high physical fitness (25.3 ± 1.4 years) and 15 low physical fitness (26.1 ± 1.9 years) men performed a single bout of high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE, 10 bouts of 60 seconds at 85% HRmax intercepted by 75 seconds of recovery at 50% HRmax). Blood lymphocytes were isolated before, immediately after and 1 hour after exercise for assessment of cell surface expression of CD25, CD39, and CD73 on CD4+ T cells. Effector memory T cells (mTeff) were identified by CD4
+CD25
−CD39
+ coexpression, and memory regulatory T cells (mTReg) were defined as CD4
+CD25
+CD39
+ T cells.

Results

Exercise increased CD4+ and CD4
+CD25
+ T cell frequencies immediately after followed by a decrease bellow to baseline values at 1 hour after the bout in both low and high physical fitness groups. At baseline, the proportions of mTeff were higher, while mTreg were lower in low physical fitness individuals. The frequency of mTreg increased immediately after HIIE in both groups, and remained higher 1 hour after the bout. However, high physical fitness individuals presented higher mTreg frequency in all periods evaluated. A significantly mobilization of mTeff cells was identified in both groups immediately after HIIE. High physical fitness individuals displayed a decrease in mTeff cells bellow to baseline, while the frequency of mTeff remained higher in low physical fitness group 1 hour after the bout. The peripheral frequency of CD4
+CD25
+CD73
+ T cells increased in a similar way immediately after the bout in both groups, returning to the baseline values 1 hour after exercise. No differences in CD4
+CD25
−CD73
+ T cells were observed after HIIE in both groups.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the impact of physical activity status in the redistribution of CD4+ T cells expressing ectonucleotidases in response to HIIE.
RETRACTED: Circular RNA circ_0001946 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to inhibit glioblastoma progression by modulating miR‐671‐5p and CDR1
Authors: Li Xinxing , Diao Hongyu
Published: January 2019

Objectives

In many malignant tumors, circRNAs play an important role. However, the biological role and clinical significance of circRNAs remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of circ_0001946 on the progression of glioblastoma (GBM) and the molecular mechanism of circ_0001946.

Methods

Microarrays were applied to test the expression profiles of circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Coexpressed genes were identified by constructing differentially expressed circRNA–mRNA networks. The expression of circ_0001946, miR‐671‐5p, and cerebellar degeneration‐related autoantigen 1 (CDR1) was detected by real‐time quantitative PCR, and the protein expression of
CDR1 was determined by western blotting. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate potential miR‐671‐5p target sites on circ_0001946 and
CDR1. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of GBM cells were assessed by a colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, transwell migration assay, and transwell invasion assay. Xenograft mouse models were used to determine the role of circ_0001946 in vivo.

Results

The expression of circ_0001946 and CDR1 was low and that of miR‐671‐5p was high in GBM cells. Circ_0001946 suppressed the expression of miR‐671‐5p, thus upregulating the expression of
CDR1, the gene downstream of miR‐671‐5p. Circ_0001946 and
CDR1 reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in GBM cells, whereas miR‐671‐5p had an opposite effect. The xenograft mouse model and immunohistochemistry results indicated that circ_0001946 inhibited GBM growth as well as the expression of Ki67 in GBM cells.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that the circ_0001946/miR‐671‐5p/
CDR1 pathway modulates the development of GBM, and this pathway might be a promising target for the development of therapeutics for GBM.
Evaluation of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline‐based Tool for Risk Assessment for breast and ovarian Cancer (N‐TRAC): A patient‐reported survey for genetic high‐risk assessment for breast and ovarian cancers in women
Authors: Ozanne Elissa M. , Howe Rebecca , Mallinson David , Esserman Laura , van‘t Veer Laura J. , Kaplan Celia P.
Published: January 2019

Identification of mutations that increase lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer is critical to improving women's health. Because these mutations are relatively rare in the general population, there is a need for efficient methods to identify appropriate women to undergo genetic testing. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, accuracy, and performance of the NCCN guideline‐based Tool for Risk Assessment for breast and ovarian Cancer (N‐TRAC)—a patient‐facing assessment for those affected and unaffected by cancer. This study enrolled a prospective cohort of 100 affected and 100 unaffected women that used N‐TRAC in a clinical setting. Recommendations for referral to genetic counseling based on N‐TRAC and other standard risk assessment methods were compared.Seventy‐seven of the 100 affected women and 35 of the 100 unaffected women were identified as high risk by N‐TRAC. The average completion time was approximately 2 min for both groups. N‐TRAC accuracy for family history was exceptional in both groups (kappa > 0.96). N‐TRAC and other risk assessment methods do not always identify the same high risk population. N‐TRAC is an accurate and feasible tool that can assist in identifying women at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and may lead to more informed decision‐making.
Racial and ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes about genetic testing in the US: Systematic review
Authors: Canedo Juan R. , Miller Stephania T. , Myers Hector F. , Sanderson Maureen
Published: January 2019

Precision medicine has grown over the past 20 years with the availability of genetic tests and has changed the one‐size‐fits‐all paradigm in medicine. Precision medicine innovations, such as newly available genetic tests, could potentially widen racial and ethnic disparities if access to them is unequal and if interest to use them differs across groups. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize existing evidence on racial and ethnic differences in knowledge of and attitudes toward genetic testing among adult patients and the general public in the US, focusing on research about the use of genetic testing in general, not disease‐specific tests. Twelve articles published in 1997–2017 met inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 10 including knowledge variables and seven including attitude variables. Studies found consistent patterns of lower awareness of genetic testing in general among non‐Whites compared to Whites, lower factual knowledge scores among Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos, and mixed findings of differences in awareness of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing or the term precision medicine. Blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, and non‐Whites generally had more concerns about genetic testing than Whites. The findings suggest that patients and the general public need access to culturally appropriate educational material about the use of genetic testing in precision medicine.
Diagnostic performance of diffusion‐weighted (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI for the differentiation of benign from malignant soft‐tissue tumors
Authors: Choi Young Jin , Lee In Sook , Song You Seon , Kim Jeung Il , Choi Kyung‐Un , Song Jong Woon
Published: January 2019

Background

A wide range of specificity values for the differentiation of benign and malignant soft‐tissue tumors show the limitations of conventional MRI features. The data obtained by quantitative analysis of diffusion‐weighted image (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRIs would provide more objective results, especially in terms of cellularity and perfusion.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of DWI and DCE MRI for the differentiation of malignant and benign soft‐tissue tumors.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 136 patients (68 females, 68 males; age range 18–86 years, mean age 57.2 years) with soft‐tissue tumors.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, DWI, DCE.

Assessment

Tumor sizes, margins, locations, the presence of involvement in bone or neurovascular bundle, peritumoral edema, heterogeneity, and tumor necrosis were investigated on conventional MR images. On DWIs, visual signal drops were assessed and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values were measured. Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and iAUC values, and time–concentration curve (TCC) types were determined using DCE images.

Statistical Tests

The data were statistically analyzed to determine the abilities to differentiate benign and malignant tumors using the chi‐square test, two‐sample t‐test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Seventy‐three cases were malignant and 63 benign. Age (mean ages of benign/malignant tumors, 51.75/61.86 years; P = 0.0002) and gender (F:M = 40:23 [benign], F:M = 28:45 [malignant], P = 0.003) influenced the distinction between benign and malignant. Sizes, margins, neurovascular bundle involvement, peritumoral edema, and heterogeneity of the tumors on conventional MR images and DCE parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and iAUC, and TCC plots) obtained from focal region of interest within a narrow volume of interest significantly differentiated benign and malignant lesions (all P < 0.0001, except Ve [P = 0.0004]). For DWI with ADC mapping, all ADC values and visually signal drops were also significant (P < 0.0001).

Data Conclusion

DWI and DCE‐MRI and derived variables were significantly helpful in discriminating benign and malignant soft‐tissue tumors complementary to conventional MRI.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:798–809.
The effect on upper extremity functions of cardiac electronic device placement on the dominant hand side
Authors: Şimşek Ersin Çağrı , Uslu Güvendi Ece , Şimşek Aylin , Kocabaş Uğur , Varış Eser , Gürbüz Doğaç Çağlar , Aşkin Ayhan
Published: January 2019

Background

Although cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is considered to be minor surgery, almost 60% of the patients suffer from shoulder‐related problems a short time after the procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effects of the preference of the dominant side for CIED implantation on the ipsilateral superior extremity functions.

Methods

The study included a total of 107 patients who had been living with a CIED for >6 months. Patients were separated into two groups according to the dominant hand and side of the CIED. The ipsilateral dominant‐hand group comprised those with a CIED on the same side as the dominant hand and the contralateral dominant‐hand group included patients with the CIED placed on the contralateral side to the dominant hand. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, quick disability of the arm shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) and maximum isometric grip strength tests were used to evaluate the upper extremity disabilities.

Results

No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of VAS pain scores (P = 0.10), QuickDASH scores (P = 0.21), and limitations of the shoulder joint range of motion (P = 0.192). The maximum isometric grip strength was significantly different in the right hands between two groups (34 [16‐95]‐40 [24‐85]) (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The present study shows that the joint range of motion limitation, pain, and disability of the upper extremity were no different in the affected arm compared to the healthy contralateral side with respect to the placement of the CIED on the dominant or non‐dominant side.
Evaluation of ENACTS‐Rwanda: A new multi‐decade, high‐resolution rainfall and temperature data set—Climatology
Authors: Siebert Asher , Dinku Tufa , Vuguziga Floribert , Twahirwa Anthony , Kagabo Desire M. , delCorral John , Robertson Andrew W.
Published: January 2019

There were a large number of active meteorological stations in Rwanda prior to the mid‐1990s and since around 2010. However, from around the time of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 throughout the late 2000s, the number of active stations was greatly reduced. To address temporal and spatial gaps in meteorological observation in several African nations (including Rwanda), the ENACTS (Enhancing National Climate Services) initiative reconstructs rainfall and temperature data by combining station data with satellite rainfall estimates, and with reanalysis products for temperature. Bias correction factors are applied to the satellite and reanalysis data and the merged final product is spatiotemporally complete from the early 1980s to the present at a high spatial resolution (4–5 km). This paper offers the first analysis of Rwanda's climatology using this new ENACTS data set for 1981–2016.

The temperature and rainfall climatology of Rwanda are analysed at both annual and seasonal timescales as are the climatological influences of topography and regional winds. Climatology maps of mean rainfall intensity, rainy day, 5‐day dry spell and extreme rain day (20+mm) frequency are shown, and spatial pattern correlations are analysed.

The rainfall climatology of Rwanda exhibits a clear seasonal bimodality typical of the East Africa region. Topography has a significant effect with the more mountainous, higher‐elevation western part of the country being consistently cooler and wetter than the lower, flatter eastern region. Southeasterly winds tend to prevail over Rwanda, but in some seasons, the climatological winds weaken and shift direction. While spatial patterns of rainy day and dry spell frequency are consistent with the spatial patterns of the seasonal rainfall total, climatologically drier regions have a higher mean rainfall intensity on rainy days. This analysis demonstrates the value of the ENACTS product and illustrates climatological patterns in Rwanda over the last 30 years.
Graphical augmentations to sample‐size‐based funnel plot in meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Lifeng
Published: January 2019

Assessing publication bias is a critical procedure in meta‐analyses for rating the synthesized overall evidence. Because statistical tests for publication bias are usually not powerful and only give P values that inform either the presence or absence of the bias, examining the asymmetry of funnel plots has been popular to investigate potentially missing studies and the direction of the bias. Most funnel plots present treatment effects against their standard errors, and the contours depicting studies' significance levels have been used in the plots to distinguish publication bias from other factors (such as heterogeneity and subgroup effects) that may cause the plots' asymmetry. However, treatment effects and their standard errors are frequently associated even if no publication bias exists (eg, both variables depend on the four data cells in a 2 × 2 table for the odds ratio), so standard‐error‐based funnel plots may lead to false positive conclusions when such association may not be negligible. In addition, the missingness of studies may relate to their sample sizes besides P values (which are partly determined by standard errors); studies with more samples are more likely published. Therefore, funnel plots based on sample sizes can be an alternative tool. However, the contours for standard‐error‐based funnel plots cannot be directly applied to sample‐size‐based ones. This article introduces contours for sample‐size‐based funnel plots of various effect sizes, which may help meta‐analysts properly interpret such plots' asymmetry. We provide five examples to illustrate the use of the proposed contours.
Kinetic models of the cyclohexene hydromethoxycarbonylation catalyzed by the Pd(OAc)2/trans‐2,3‐bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)norbornane/p‐toluensulfonic acid
Authors: Sevostyanova Nadezhda , Batashev Sergey , Nifant'ev Ilya , Vinogradov Alexander , Tavtorkin Alexander
Published: January 2019

Operating over the entire length from the region of initial rates to deep conversions of cyclohexene, hydromethoxycarbonylation kinetic models have been obtained in the temperature range of 358–378 K. At 378 K, a conclusion on a higher stability of the diphosphine complex [HPd(TBDPN)(CH3OH)]OTs compared to [HPd(CO)2OTs] under hydromethoxycarbonylation conditions has been made based on the comparison of the kinetic model constant values.
Improving decision making in larynx cancer by developing a decision aid: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Petersen Japke F. , Berlanga Adriana , Stuiver Martijn M. , Hamming‐Vrieze Olga , Hoebers Frank , Lambin Philippe , van den Brekel Michiel W.M.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Patients diagnosed with advanced larynx cancer face a decisional process in which they can choose between radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or a total laryngectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy. Clinicians do not always agree on the best clinical treatment, making the decisional process for patients a complex problem.

Methods

Guided by the International Patient Decision Aid (PDA) Standards, we followed three developmental phases for which we held semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with patients and physicians, thinking‐out‐loud sessions, and a study‐specific questionnaire. Audio‐recorded interviews were verbatim transcribed, thematically coded, and analyzed. Phase 1 consisted of an evaluation of the decisional needs and the regular counseling process; phase 2 tested the comprehensibility and usability of the PDA; and phase 3 beta tested the feasibility of the PDA.

Results

Patients and doctors agreed on the need for development of a PDA. Major revisions were conducted after phase 1 to improve the readability and replace the majority of text with video animations. Patients and physicians considered the PDA to be a major improvement to the current counseling process.

Conclusion

This study describes the development of a comprehensible and easy‐to‐use online patient decision aid for advanced larynx cancer, which was found satisfactory by patients and physicians (available on www.treatmentchoice.info). The outcome of the interviews underscores the need for better patient counseling. The feasibility and satisfaction among newly diagnosed patients as well as doctors will need to be proven. To this end, we started a multicenter trial evaluating the PDA in clinical practice (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03292341).

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:2733–2739, 2019
Effectiveness of soil and water conservation associated with a natural gas pipeline construction project inChina
Authors: Luo Han , Xie Yongsheng , Lv Jiaorong
Published: January 2019

A natural gas pipeline extends over a distance of 310 km in the Hebei Province of China and passes through various zones of natural vegetation, mostly wooded. Construction required a working width of about 40 m and a 1.4‐m‐wide trench to be dug to a depth of 2.4 m to enable the installation of a pipe with a diameter of 1,016 mm. The construction process had to manage an irregular configuration of terrain with steep slopes, varying degrees of instability, and a propensity for erosion and land degradation. To prevent potentially massive soil erosion and further deterioration of the affected environment, a comprehensive soil and water conservation plan was designed and implemented. A 3.25‐km‐long study area was selected in rugged hilly country and was divided into seven topographic zones, with slopes ranging from <10° to over 50°. Different soil and water conservation measures were adopted in each zone, including engineering measures, revegetation measures, and maintenance measures. One year after installation, trees planted in individual holes grew well in each zone and the vegetation cover on the slopes treated by hydroseeding exceeded 90%. In addition, run‐off and sediment yield on slopes were significantly reduced. These conservation measures were conducive to environmentally sustainable development and may serve as a scientific reference for ecological restoration and vegetation reconstruction in future pipeline construction projects in similar terrain. Furthermore, these measures also helped to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline and provided protection for people living and working along the pipeline route.
Tailored intervention promising for Latino immigrants with MH, SU symptoms
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2019

A tailored behavioral health intervention to reduce mental health symptoms and substance misuse in the Latino immigrant population with co‐occurring disorders has shown some promise, particularly among participants whose mental health symptoms are in the moderate‐to‐severe range, according to new research published online in JAMA Network Open.
(CMMSE2018 paper) Solving the random Pielou logistic equation with the random variable transformation technique: Theory and applications
Authors: Cortés Juan Carlos , Navarro‐Quiles Ana , Romero José‐Vicente , Roselló María‐Dolores
Published: January 2019

The study of the dynamics of the size of a population via mathematical modelling is a problem of interest and widely studied. Traditionally, continuous deterministic methods based on differential equations have been used to deal with this problem. However, discrete versions of some models are also available and sometimes more adequate. In this paper, we randomize the Pielou logistic equation in order to include the inherent uncertainty in modelling. Taking advantage of the method of transformation of random variables, we provide a full probabilistic description to the randomized Pielou logistic model via the computation of the probability density functions of the solution stochastic process, the steady state, and the time until a certain level of population is reached. The theoretical results are illustrated by means of two examples: The first one consists of a numerical experiment and the second one shows an application to study the diffusion of a technology using real data.
Fractional‐order orthogonal Bernstein polynomials for numerical solution of nonlinear fractional partial Volterra integro‐differential equations
Authors: Mirzaee Farshid , Alipour Sahar
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new two‐dimensional fractional polynomials based on the orthonormal Bernstein polynomials has been introduced to provide an approximate solution of nonlinear fractional partial Volterra integro‐differential equations. For this aim, the fractional‐order orthogonal Bernstein polynomials (FOBPs) are constructed, and its operational matrices of integration, fractional‐order integration, and derivative in the Caputo sense and product operational matrix are derived. These operational matrices are utilized to reduce the under study problem to a nonlinear system of algebraic equations. Using the approximation of FOBPs, the convergence analysis and error estimate associated to the proposed problem have been investigated. Finally, several examples are included to clarify the validity, efficiency, and applicability of the proposed technique via FOBPs approximation.
An 8 Gb/s all‐digital phase discrimination picosecond pulse generator
Authors: Chen Bolin , Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Huang Fengyi
Published: January 2019

This article presents an oscillator‐free pulse generator using direct digital‐to‐impulse technique. The pulse generator is based on an all‐digital phase discrimination circuit fabricated in a standard 65 nm CMOS process. A 55.6 mV output pulse with an 18.9‐ps full width at half maximum can be achieved. The testing prototype consumes 0.72 mW in 8 Gb/s input data rate, suitable for low‐power ultrahigh speed wireless communication.
An FSS‐employed UWB antenna system for high‐gain portable devices
Authors: Saleem Rashid , Bilal Muhammad , Shabbir Tayyab , Shafique Muhammad Farhan
Published: January 2019

In this article, a high‐gain antenna for ultra‐wideband (UWB) communication is presented and experimentally validated. Gain enhancement is achieved by employing a frequency selective surface (FSS) screen as a superstrate. The proposed antenna‐FSS arrangement is less complex and realized on a low‐profile FR‐4 laminate. The antenna comprises a circular radiator that is enclosed in a triangular shaped arrangement of slots along with a narrow feed‐line. Lengths and widths of the different sections along with feed are optimized to achieve an ultra‐wide impedance bandwidth. The employed superstrate is an array of modified square shaped FSS (MS‐FSS). Full wave analysis validates its effectiveness in achieving at least 5 dBi gain enhancement of the UWB antenna while maintaining wideband impedance match. Moreover, the antenna behavior is also analyzed by varying periodicity and the distance between superstrate and the proposed slot antenna. This antenna‐FSS arrangement is a suitable candidate for high‐gain UWB portable devices.