bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work‐related medical rehabilitation in patients with cancer—Postrehabilitation results from a cluster‐randomized multicenter trial
Authors: Fauser David , Wienert Julian , Beinert Thomas , Schmielau Jan , Biester Irene , Krüger Hans‐Ulrich , Presl Angelika , Bethge Matthias
Published: April 2019

Background

Effective multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs supporting the return to work have become increasingly relevant for cancer survivors. In Germany, inpatient work‐related medical rehabilitation programs consider treatment modules of work‐related diagnostics, work‐related functional capacity training, psychosocial groups, and intensified social counseling. The authors tested the effectiveness of a work‐related medical rehabilitation program compared with conventional medical rehabilitation using a cluster‐randomized multicenter trial (German Clinical Trial Register: DRKS00007770).

Methods

In total, 484 patients with cancer were recruited at 4 rehabilitation centers. Patients at a center who started their rehabilitation in the same week represented a cluster. These clusters were randomly assigned using computer‐generated randomization schedules either to an intervention group (IG) or to a control group (CG). The primary outcome was role functioning. Secondary outcomes were other quality‐of‐life domains and the return to work.

Results

In total, 425 patients (210 in the IG) were included in the analysis at the 3‐month follow‐up. There was no significant difference between the IG and CG in role functioning (b = 3.55; 95% CI, −1.18 to 8.29; P = .142). Participants in the IG reported better physical functioning (b = 5.99; 95% CI, 3.33‐8.65; P < .001), less physical fatigue (b = −5.09; 95% CI, −9.62 to −0.56; P = .028), and less pain (b = −6.24; 95% CI, −11.24 to −1.23; P = .015).

Conclusions

Work‐related medical rehabilitation had no effect on the primary outcome compared with conventional medical rehabilitation but may enhance physical functioning and reduce physical fatigue and pain.
Optoelectronic Properties of A‐π‐D‐π‐A Thiophene‐Based Materials with a Dithienosilole Core: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Caselli Monica , Vanossi Davide , Buffagni Mirko , Imperato Manuel , Pigani Laura , Mucci Adele , Parenti Francesca
Published: April 2019

Two A‐π‐D‐π‐A thiophene‐based small molecules with a central dithienosilole core and dicyanovinyl (DCV) end groups were synthesized. These compounds differ only by the presence of alkyl and alkylsulfanyl chains, respectively, on the thiophene beta positions. Computational data together with the spectroscopic and electrochemical findings (obtained by means of absorption, steady‐state/time‐resolved emission techniques, and cyclic voltammetry) revealed that both molecules possess low electronic and optical band gaps, broad absorption spectra, and good stability both in p and n‐doping states, which make them suitable for optoelectronic applications. In both compounds, the HOMO–LUMO transition involves an intramolecular charge transfer from the electron‐donor dithienosilole unit to the two terminal electron‐acceptor DCV groups. A marked positive emission solvatochromism was observed for both molecules and was interpreted on the basis of the symmetry breaking in the S1 excited state. The two synthesized compounds were also compared to their shorter precursors and to similar oligothiophenes to understand how the nature of the building block influences the characteristics of the final materials. Furthermore, it was possible to better understand the contribution of the sulfur atom in modulating the optical properties of the small molecules studied.
Nonlinear Nonacenes with a Dithienothiophene Substructure: Multifunctional Compounds that Act as Columnar Mesogens, Luminophores, π Gelators, and p‐Type Semiconductors
Authors: Ma Tao , Wang Hai‐Feng , Zhao Ke‐Qing , Wang Bi‐Qin , Hu Ping , Monobe Hirosato , Heinrich Benoît , Donnio Bertrand
Published: April 2019

Board‐like liquid‐crystalline semiconductors based on the dithieno[3,2‐b;2′,3′‐d]thiophene (DTT) substructure were synthesized and their thermal, self‐assembly, optical, and semiconducting properties investigated. These sanidic compounds, bearing eight peripheral chains, are mesomorphic and spontaneously self‐assemble into columnar hexagonal mesophases (Colhex) over broad temperature ranges, as confirmed by polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Strong blue photoluminescence with absolute quantum yields up to 33 % were measured. These compounds also form blue‐light emitting gels in various organic solvents. The fibrillar‐like morphology of these gels, reminiscent of the columnar structure, and stabilized by efficient intermolecular interactions, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The charge carrier mobility of these π‐extended mesogens was measured by time‐of‐flight transient photocurrent technique in the Colhex mesophase, and showed good hole‐transport performance with charge carrier mobility of 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Design of Two‐Photon‐Excited Fluorescent Dyes Containing Fluoroborylene Groups
Authors: Zaleśny Robert , Szczotka Nina , Grabarz Anna , Ośmiałowski Borys , Jacquemin Denis
Published: April 2019

Aiming at establishing structure‐property relationships for two‐photon absorption, we present the results of an in silico investigation of dyes containing fluoroborylene (BF) groups. More specifically, we analyze the electronic properties corresponding to the one‐ and two‐photon excitation to two lowest‐lying singlet states (
and
) using TD‐DFT and CC2 methods. BF‐ and BF2‐containing fluorescent dyes are in the limelight, but it remains challenging to reach the larger electronic two‐photon transition strengths needed in bioimaging applications. Hence, we put an emphasis on maximizing those strengths through structural variations. To this end, we consider 138 unique molecules deriving from five different structural cores presenting BF/BF2 groups. This molecular set encompasses representatives of three architectures, built with different arrangements of electron‐donating (D) and electron‐withdrawing (A) moieties: D‐A, D‐A‐D and D‐A‐A‐D. In addition, we consider several π‐conjugated linkers of different lengths, composed of ethylene (en) and 1,4‐phenylene (PH) units (up to ‐enPHenPH‐), and a panel of substituents (R=H, OMe, NMe2 and NPh2). For the two‐photon transitions, it is shown that not only the linker extension and the strength of the electron‐donating substituent are crucial for maximizing the two‐photon activity but also the central core possessing fluoroborylene unit. The results have been rationalized by using a generalized three‐level model.
Creating shared value using materiality analysis: Strategies from the mining industry
Authors: Saenz Cesar
Published: April 2019

Materiality reflects an organization's significant social, economic, and environmental impacts, together with their influence on stakeholders' assessments and decisions. The Global Reporting Initiative's G4 Guidelines describe a four‐step process for an organization to follow to determine the specific content to be included in its social responsibility report. However, there are no recommendations regarding what types of strategies should be used for each social issue depending on their materiality. The main aims of this paper are to explain the material issues and to identify what creating shared value (CSV) strategies can be applied to address each social issue according to a materiality analysis. For this purpose, a sample of 27 mining companies is obtained. Based on secondary sources, a content analysis is prepared. The resulting framework provides CSV theory with a guide to what CSV strategy is recommended according to the location of each social issue in the materiality matrix.
Effects of impulsive noise on marine mammals: investigating range‐dependent risk
Authors: Hastie Gordon , Merchant Nathan D. , Götz Thomas , Russell Debbie J. F. , Thompson Paul , Janik Vincent M.
Published: April 2019

Concerns exist about the impacts of underwater noise on marine mammals. These include auditory damage, which is a significant risk for marine mammals exposed to impulsive sounds such as explosions, pile‐driving, and seismic air guns. Currently, impact assessments use different risk criteria for impulsive and non‐impulsive sounds (e.g., ships, drilling). However, as impulsive sounds dissipate through the environment, they potentially lose hazardous features (e.g., sudden onset) and become non‐impulsive at some distance from the source. Despite management implications, a lack of data on range‐dependent characteristics currently limits their inclusion in impact assessments. We address this using acoustic recordings of seismic air guns and pile‐driving to quantify range dependency in impulsive characteristics using four criteria: (1) rise time < 25 ms; (2) quotient of peak pressure and pulse duration > 5,000 Pa/s; (3) duration < 1 s; (4) crest factor > 15 dB. We demonstrate that some characteristics changed markedly within ranges of ~10 km, and that the mean probability of exceeding criteria 1 and 2 was <0.5 at ranges >3.5 km. In contrast, the mean probability of exceeding criteria 3 remained >0.5 up to ~37.0 km, and the mean probability of exceeding criteria 4 remained <0.5 throughout the range. These results suggest that a proportion of the recorded signals should be defined as impulsive based on each of the criteria, and that some of the criteria change markedly as a result of propagation. However, the impulsive nature of a sound is likely to be a complex interaction of all these criteria, and many other unrelated parameters such as duty cycle, recovery periods, and sound levels will also strongly affect the risk of hearing damage. We recommend future auditory damage studies and impact assessments explicitly consider the ranges at which sounds may lose some of their potentially hazardous characteristics.
Landscape genetic inferences vary with sampling scenario for a pond‐breeding amphibian
Authors: Seaborn Travis , Hauser Samantha S. , Konrade Lauren , Waits Lisette P. , Goldberg Caren S.
Published: April 2019

A critical decision in landscape genetic studies is whether to use individuals or populations as the sampling unit. This decision affects the time and cost of sampling and may affect ecological inference. We analyzed 334 Columbia spotted frogs at 8 microsatellite loci across 40 sites in northern Idaho to determine how inferences from landscape genetic analyses would vary with sampling design. At all sites, we compared a proportion available sampling scheme (PASS), in which all samples were used, to resampled datasets of 2–11 individuals. Additionally, we compared a population sampling scheme (PSS) to an individual sampling scheme (ISS) at 18 sites with sufficient sample size. We applied an information theoretic approach with both restricted maximum likelihood and maximum likelihood estimation to evaluate competing landscape resistance hypotheses. We found that PSS supported low‐density forest when restricted maximum likelihood was used, but a combination model of most variables when maximum likelihood was used. We also saw variations when AIC was used compared to BIC. ISS supported this model as well as additional models when testing hypotheses of land cover types that create the greatest resistance to gene flow for Columbia spotted frogs. Increased sampling density and study extent, seen by comparing PSS to PASS, showed a change in model support. As number of individuals increased, model support converged at 7–9 individuals for ISS to PSS. ISS may be useful to increase study extent and sampling density, but may lack power to provide strong support for the correct model with microsatellite datasets. Our results highlight the importance of additional research on sampling design effects on landscape genetics inference.
Seasonal variation in food availability and relative importance of dietary items in the Gambian epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus gambianus)
Authors: Amponsah‐Mensah Kofi , Cunningham Andrew A. , Wood James L. N. , Ntiamoa‐Baidu Yaa
Published: April 2019

The Gambian epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus gambianus) is very common across a variety of West African habitats, but very little information is available on its feeding ecology or its contribution to ecosystem function.

We investigated seasonal variation in food availability and the relative importance of dietary items used by this species in a forest‐savannah transitional ecosystem. Dietary items were identified from 1,470 samples of fecal and ejecta pellets which had been collected under day roosts or from captured bats over a 2‐year period (2014–2015).

Plant phenology studies illustrated strong seasonal correlations between fruiting and flowering and rainfall patterns: Fruits were available throughout the year but with peaks of abundance during the rainy season, while flowers were mostly abundant during the dry season. Epomophorus gambianus bats utilized fruit and flower resources from 30 plant species. Although the plant species used depended on seasonal availability, there were clear preferences for certain species.

Flowers were an important food source for this fruit bat species especially during the dry season, contributing up to 79% of dietary items when fruit abundance was low. Ficus fruits were also important food item for E. gambianus, constituting over 40% of all dietary samples identified.

Policy implications. Our results show the importance of flowers in the diet of E. gambianus and highlight this species as an important pollinator and seed disperser, including for economically and ecologically important plant species. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the ecological importance and potential role of this species in the forest‐savannah transition ecosystem for the development of fruit bat conservation management strategies.
Spatiotemporal variations of vegetation and its determinants in the National Key Ecological Function Area on Loess Plateau between 2000 and 2015
Authors: Hao Haiguang , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Huiyuan , Zhai Ruixue , Liu Haiyan
Published: April 2019

China defined 25 National Key Ecological Function Areas in 2010 and adopted various measures to support ecosystem restoration in these areas. During the process of environment policymaking, it is important to observe the variation of vegetation and its driving factors. In this paper, we chose the National Key Ecological Function Area (NKEFA) on Loess Plateau as the study area. Based on MODIS‐NDVI data between 2000 and 2015, the trend analysis was used to depict the change in NDVI and the stepwise regression analysis method was used to quantitatively assess its determinants. The results show that: (a) The vegetation coverage in study area was low in the northwest and high in the southeast, corresponding to the distribution of precipitation and temperature. (b) NDVI in the growing season increased remarkably from 0.2841 in 2000 to 0.4199 in 2015 with a linear tendency of 0.085/10a. About 71.22% of the study area experienced an extremely significant increasing of NDVI, while only 0.03% of the total area suffered from significant decreasing of NDVI. (c) Compared to climatic factors, ecosystem conservation policies, and labor transfer contributed more to the vegetation changes in the study area. In order to ensure ecological security and sustainable development in these areas, it is necessary to maintain the continuity of ecological compensation policy. Moreover, developing targeted eco‐compensation policies and encouraging farmers to participate in nonfarm employment are effective ways to reach a win–win outcome of reducing the ecosystem pressure and improving the welfare of rural households.
Short‐term reservoir draining to streambed for juvenile salmon passage and non‐native fish removal
Authors: Murphy Christina A. , Taylor Gregory , Pierce Todd , Arismendi Ivan , Johnson Sherri L.
Published: April 2019

Fish passage out of reservoirs is a critical issue for downstream movement of juvenile salmonids and other migratory species. Reservoirs can delay downstream migrations by juvenile salmon for months or years. Here, we examine whether a novel management activity implementing annual short‐term draining of a reservoir to streambed improves timely downstream migration of juvenile salmonids. We analyse 12 years of fish capture data from a screw trap located downstream of Fall Creek Reservoir (Oregon, USA) to examine changes in timing of passage out of the reservoir and to compare fish species composition pre‐ and post‐draining. We observed a contraction in the timing of downstream migration for juvenile Chinook Salmon and reduction of yearlings in years following draining. We suggest that briefly draining the reservoir to streambed leads to reduced abundance of warm‐water invasive fishes in the reservoir after it refills. These changes could decrease predation and shift competition between invasive and resident riverine‐adapted native fishes in the reservoir. Collectively, our findings suggest that this low‐cost reservoir management option may improve passage and connectivity for juvenile Chinook Salmon while also decreasing the abundance of invasive fish species in the reservoir. This case study underscores the crucial need for further evaluations of reservoir draining in other systems and contexts.
Risk Evaluation of Distribution Networks Considering Residential Load Forecasting with Stochastic Modeling of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Habib Salman , Khan Muhammad Mansoor , Abbas Farukh , Ali Abdar , Hashmi Khurram , Shahid Muhammad Umair , Bo Qian , Tang Houjun
Published: April 2019

Large‐scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into residential distribution networks (RDNs) is an evolving issue of paramount significance for utility operators. Similarly, electric load forecasting is an operational process permitting the utilities to manage demand issues for optimal energy utilization. Unbalanced voltages prevent the effective and reliable operation of RDNs. This study implements a novel framework to examine risks associated with RDNs by applying a residential forecasting model with a stochastic model of EVs charging pattern. Diversified EV loads require a stochastic approach to predict EVs charging demand; consequently, a probabilistic model is developed to account for several realistic aspects comprising charging time, battery capacity, driving mileage, state‐of‐charge, travelling frequency, charging power, and time‐of‐use mechanism under peak and off‐peak charging strategies. Peak‐day forecast of various households is obtained in summer and winter by implementing an optimum nonlinear auto‐regressive neural‐network (NN) with time‐varying external input vectors (NARX). Outputs of the EV stochastic model and residential forecasting model obtained from Monte‐Carlo simulations and the NARX‐NN model, respectively, are utilized to evaluate power quality parameters of RDNs. Performance specifications of RDNs including voltage unbalance factor (VUF) and voltage behavior are assessed in context to EV charging scenarios with various charging power levels under different penetration levels.
MIC‐MAC: An automated pipeline for high‐throughput characterization and classification of three‐dimensional microglia morphologies in mouse and human postmortem brain samples
Authors: Salamanca Luis , Mechawar Naguib , Murai Keith K. , Balling Rudi , Bouvier David S. , Skupin Alexander
Published: April 2019

The phenotypic changes of microglia in brain diseases are particularly diverse and their role in disease progression, beneficial, or detrimental, is still elusive. High‐throughput molecular approaches such as single‐cell RNA‐sequencing can now resolve the high heterogeneity in microglia population for a specific physiological condition, however, the relation between the different microglial signatures and their surrounding brain microenvironment is barely understood. Thus, better tools to characterize the phenotypic variations of microglia in situ are needed, particularly for human brain postmortem samples analysis. To address this challenge, we developed MIC‐MAC, a Microglia and Immune Cells Morphologies Analyser and Classifier pipeline that semiautomatically segments, extracts, and classifies all microglia and immune cells labeled in large three‐dimensional (3D) confocal image stacks of mouse and human brain samples. Our imaging‐based approach enables automatic 3D‐morphology characterization and classification of thousands of individual microglia in situ and revealed species‐ and disease‐specific morphological phenotypes in mouse aging, human Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy Bodie's samples. MIC‐MAC is a precision diagnostic tool that allows a rapid, unbiased, and large‐scale analysis of microglia morphological states in mouse models and patient brain samples.
Survival of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma in young adults
Authors: Oliver Jamie R. , Wu S. Peter , Chang Clifford M. , Roden Dylan F. , Wang Binhuan , Hu Kenneth S. , Schreiber David , Givi Babak
Published: April 2019

Background

Small cohort studies have suggested oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) could be associated with worse prognosis in individuals younger than 40.

Methods

We compared the survival of all OTSCC cases in the National Cancer Database under 40 years old with those older than 40, excluding patients over 70. Cox regression and propensity score matched (PSM) survival analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 22 930 OTSCC patients were identified. The under 40 group consisted of 2566 (9.9%) cases; 20664 were 40 to 70 (90.1%). Most were male (13 713, 59.8%), stage I‐II (12 754, 72.4%), and treated by surgery alone (13 973, 63.2%). Survival in patients under 40 was higher (79.6% vs 69.5%, P < .001). In PSM analysis (n = 2928) controlling for all 10 significant factors in multivariate regression, patients under 40 had a 9% higher 5‐year survival (77.1% vs 68.2%, P < .001).

Conclusion

Contrary to the prior reports, younger patients with OTSCC did not have worse survival in the National Cancer Database.
Decentralization and health resources transfer to local governments in Burkina Faso: A SWOT analysis among health care decision makers
Authors: Zon Hilaire , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

In line with the decentralization policy, in 2009, the central government of Burkina Faso issued a decree to transfer health resources to local governments for fulfilling their new responsibilities in health care provision. The first stage of this health care decentralization process involved the basic health care facilities, composed of primary health care facilities, maternities, dispensaries, maternal and child health centers, and essential drugs depots.

This study seeks to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the health resources transfer in Burkina Faso, from the perspective of decision makers.

Methods

We used a qualitative research approach. We conducted 17 semistructured interviews with 17 representatives of key decision‐making groups, in August to December 2017 in Burkina Faso. The participants included mayors of municipalities, health district managers, policy decision makers, and donors/partners. The data collected were subjected to a directed qualitative content analysis, and the SWOT framework was used to select themes and codes for the analysis.

Results

The most cited strength was the improvement of local governance, which also creates the opportunity for an enhanced partnership and decentralized cooperation. As expected, however, the limited financial capacity of local governments is an important weakness. Furthermore, misuse of financial resources threatens the resources transfer. Recommendations to improve decentralization and health resources transfer included effective enforcement of decentralization's laws and policies, strengthening local governments' capacities, adequate funding, and evaluation of the resources transfer process.

Conclusions

An analysis of the preconditions for a successful resources transfer is needed to provide guidance to policy.
Tumor lysis syndrome following cabazitaxel administration for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A case report
Authors: Oshima Masashi , Mayumi Shozaburou , Yazaki Kai , Nakamura Yuuki , Konishi Tsuzumi , Saito Kimitoshi , Washino Satoshi , Miyagawa Tomoaki
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Tumor lysis syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal complication of oncological treatment. It is characterized by biochemical changes associated with the rapid lysis of malignant cells, usually after chemotherapy. Tumor lysis syndrome is typically noted in patients with hematological malignancies, and it rarely occurs in patients with solid tumors.

Case presentation

We report a case of tumor lysis syndrome after cabazitaxel administration for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. To our knowledge, tumor lysis syndrome after cabazitaxel therapy has not been reported previously. The patient was a 77‐year‐old man who developed clinical tumor lysis syndrome after a single dose of cabazitaxel for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. He was treated with hydration and the recombinant uricolytic agent rasburicase, and his condition improved.

Conclusion

It is extremely important to assess the risk factors for tumor lysis syndrome and to perform active prevention procedures in order to avoid fatal outcomes. It may be beneficial to use rasburicase in patients with established tumor lysis syndrome.
Enhanced adhesion of plasma‐sprayed commercially pure titanium porous coatings to polished Mg‐PSZ ceramic substrates
Authors: Tilden David S. , Roy Marie E. , Whiteside Leo A.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a plasma sprayed titanium porous coating on polished magnesia‐stabilized zirconia (Mg‐PSZ) ceramic surfaces. We hypothesized that diffusion bonding was responsible for the adhesion of the coating to the ceramic substrate. Mg‐PSZ tensile test coupons were vibratory polished (roughness Sa = 0.50 μm) or vibratory polished/lapped (Sa = 0.12 μm) before coating and testing. The exposed surfaces after tensile testing were examined by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. Mg‐PSZ shear test coupons were vibratory polished (Sa = 0.48 μm). As the surface roughness of the ceramic substrate decreased by a factor of 4.175, the coating tensile strength increased from 62.6 to 66.8 MPa, comparable to that of porous coated cobalt chromium (CoCr) and titanium (Ti‐6Al‐4V) coupons. EDX analyses found titanium everywhere on the ceramic surface after the titanium layer was pulled off with tensile testing, even on areas that appeared to be “clean” to the naked eye. This suggested that titanium oxide compounds were present at the interface, where the oxygen required could only result from diffusion bonding across the interface. Diffusion bonding may also explain the significantly higher amounts of zirconium on the coating surface that had been pulled off the smoother lapped ceramic coupons. The measured shear strength of porous‐coated ceramic coupons was significantly higher than that of CoCr and Ti‐6Al‐4V coupons. The superior adherence of the titanium coating to Mg‐PSZ suggests this process has great clinical potential in arthroplasty, especially for patients with metal sensitivity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1925–1932, 2019.
Human umbilical cord‐derived scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Fani Nesa , Eglin David , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J. , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohamadreza
Published: April 2019

Since articular cartilage is an avascular tissue, it has limited self‐regeneration capacity after damage. Current methods for human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBM‐MSC) differentiation into cartilage result in tissues with a lower quality as compared to native articular cartilage. Decellularized biological scaffolds have the potential to provide appropriate signals, in order to support cellular retention, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Given the high amount of collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in umbilical cord, this tissue can be considered as an abundant natural biomaterial for tissue engineering applications. Human umbilical cord‐derived scaffolds were prepared, and the chondrogenic induction of hBM‐MSCs loaded onto the scaffolds was investigated. Gelatin‐based scaffolds as a commercial material was used as a control. The results show that hBM‐MSCs in tissue‐derived scaffolds have an increased expression of chondrogenic markers compared with gelatin, whereas there are no significant differences between the expression of hypertrophic and osteogenic markers between tissue and gelatin scaffolds. In conclusion, it is confirmed that umbilical cord‐derived scaffolds are able to provide a native environment for the cells and can promote cartilage differentiation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1793–1802, 2019.
A new subset of small stem cells in bovine bone marrow stromal cell populations
Authors: Pan Shaohui , Chen Yu‐Chen , Zhao Ning , Feng Xiang , Yang Dan‐Dan , Wang Yongshen , Jin Zi‐Bing
Published: April 2019

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are a unique population of multipotent cells that exhibit pluripotent properties to a certain extent and are significantly heterogeneous in terms of the cell population. We isolate a small cell subpopulation from bovine BMSCs, bovine small stem cells (bSSCs), and herein characterize their properties. The bSSCs are smaller in size and express nuclear Oct‐4 and other pluripotency markers. In addition, when cultured in suspension conditions, bSSCs form three‐dimensional spheres and display a strong capability for self‐renewal and differentiation into cells from three germ layers. Notably, bSSCs display neural features with Sox1 and Pax6 expression. Using bSSCs as donor nuclear cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer, we further demonstrate that the developmental potential of cloned embryos in vitro is significantly increased. Our study identifies a new bovine bone marrow stromal cell–derived stem cell subtype that could have broad importance for developmental biology as well as great potential for regenerative medicine.
Identification of blood microRNA alterations in patients with severe active alopecia areata
Authors: Sheng Youyu , Qi Sisi , Hu Ruiming , Zhao Jun , Rui Wenlong , Miao Ying , Ma Jingwen , Yang Qinping
Published: April 2019

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common inflammatory disease characterized by cellular infiltration of T cells targeting the anagen‐stage hair follicle. Lack of efficacious treatment for AA may be due to little knowledge about its exact cellular mechanism. Studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in AA.

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the blood miRNAs alterations in patients with severe active AA.

Methods

We constructed a bipartite miRNA‐messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network by the validated miRNA‐mRNA relationships. Subsequently, the miRNA‐miRNA synergistic network was formed in consideration of the Gene Ontology function enrichment of coregulated target genes. Lastly, the functional network was identified by the ingenuity pathway analysis.

Results

By using an Agilent microarray that covers 2549 human miRNAs, we identified 36 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs in severe active AA patients. miRNA target gene prediction and functional annotation analysis showed significant enrichment in several pathways including the ribosome, cancer, cell cycle, insulin signaling, transforming growth factor‐βsignaling, and p53 signaling pathways. Analysis of the three kinds of network showed that miR‐185‐5p, miR‐125b‐5p, and miR‐186‐5p might play important and synergistic roles in the active phase of AA. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, several miRNAs were selected for the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction validation. Among the miRNAs, miR‐210 and miR‐1246 had high prediction with high accuracy.

Conclusion

Blood dysregulated miRNAs are potentially associated with the severe active AA. These miRNAs could function synergistically and might be promising targets for the development of novel treatments for AA in the future.
Silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles labeled endothelial progenitor cells alleviate ischemic myocardial injury and improve long‐term cardiac function with magnetic field guidance in rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Bo‐fang , Jiang Hong , Chen Jing , Hu Qi , Yang Shuo , Liu Xiao‐pei
Published: April 2019

Low retention of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the infarct area has been suggested to be responsible for the poor clinical efficacy of EPC therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to evaluate whether magnetized EPCs guided through an external magnetic field could augment the aggregation of EPCs in an ischemia area, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. EPCs from male rats were isolated and labeled with silica‐coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to form magnetized EPCs. Then, the proliferation, migration, vascularization, and cytophenotypic markers of magnetized EPCs were analyzed. Afterward, the magnetized EPCs (1 × 106) were transplanted into a female rat model of MI via the tail vein at 7 days after MI with or without the guidance of an external magnet above the infarct area. Cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were observed at 4 weeks after treatment. In addition, EPC retention and the angiogenesis of ischemic myocardium were evaluated. Labeling with magnetic nanoparticles exhibited minimal influence to the biological functions of EPCs. The transplantation of magnetized EPCs guided by an external magnet significantly improved the cardiac function, decreased infarction size, and reduced myocardial apoptosis in MI rats. Moreover, enhanced aggregations of magnetized EPCs in the infarcted border zone were observed in rats with external magnet‐guided transplantation, accompanied by the significantly increased density of microvessels and upregulated the expression of proangiogenic factors, when compared with non‐external‐magnet‐guided rats. The magnetic field‐guided transplantation of magnetized EPCs was associated with the enhanced aggregation of EPCs in the infarcted border zone, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy of MI.
Overexpressed long noncoding RNA CPS1‐IT alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea by reducing interleukin‐1β expression via HIF1 transcriptional activity
Authors: Zhang Zeming , Li Zheng , Wang Yancun , Wei Li , Chen Hao
Published: April 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling of the precapillary pulmonary arteries, with excessive proliferation of vascular cells. This study was performed to examine the effects of long noncoding RNA CPS1 intronic transcript 1 (CPS1‐IT) on PAH in rat models of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) through regulating interleukin (IL)‐1β expression. The OSA models were induced in rats, for determination of the CPS1‐IT expression. The binding of CPS1‐IT and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1) was verified. To analyze the effects of CPS1‐IT on PAH, the overexpression vector of CPS1‐IT and HIF1, shRNA against IL‐1β and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, inhibitor of the NF‐κB signaling pathway) were injected into rat models, respectively. The blood pressure and activity of biochemical indicators including nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxide (LPO) were assessed. The expression of IL‐1β, HIF1, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and fibronectin (FN) was determined. The relationship of CPS1‐IT to IL‐1β and NF‐κB was evaluated. CPS1‐IT was downregulated in the OSA rat model. Overexpressed CPS1‐IT increased the activity of NO, NOS, and SOD as well as α‐SMA expression, whereas decreasing LPO activity and expression of PCNA and FN, whereby PAH was suppressed. Notably, overexpressed CPS1‐IT reduced IL‐1β expression through NF‐κB signaling pathway via inhibiting the HIF1 transcriptional activity, suggesting a mechanism affecting PAH. To conclude, overexpressed CPS1‐IT alleviated PAH in OSA by reducing IL‐1β expression, the mechanism of which was involved with inhibited HIF1 transcriptional activity and the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Combinatorial effects of radiofrequency hyperthermia and radiotherapy in the presence of magneto‐plasmonic nanoparticles on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Hadi Fahimeh , Tavakkol Shima , Laurent Sophie , Pirhajati Vahid , Mahdavi Seied Rabi , Neshastehriz Ali , Shakeri‐Zadeh Ali
Published: April 2019

Here, the effects of combinatorial cancer therapy including radiotherapy (RT) and radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia in the presence of gold‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Au@IONPs), as a thermo‐radio‐sensitizer, are reported. The level of cell death and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 genes, involved in the pathway of apoptosis, were measured to evaluate the synergistic effect of Au@IONPs‐mediated RF hyperthermia and RT. MCF‐7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells were treated with different concentrations of Au@IONPs. After incubation with NPs, the cells were exposed to RF waves (13.56 MHz; 100 W; 15 min). At the same time, thermometry was performed with an infrared (IR) camera. Then, the cells were exposed to 6 MV X‐ray at various doses of 2 and 4 Gy. MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐y1]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed to evaluate cell viability and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to determine the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl2. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was confirmed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results obtained from MTT assay and qRT‐PCR studies showed that NPs and RF hyperthermia had no significant effect when applied separately, while their combination had synergistic effects on cell viability percentage and the level of apoptosis induction. A synergistic effect was also observed when the cancer cells were treated with a combination of NPs, RF hyperthermia, and RT. On the basis of the obtained results, it may be concluded that the use of magneto‐plasmonic NPs in the process of hyperthermia and RT of cancer holds a great promise to develop a new combinatorial cancer therapy strategy.
Tumor metastasis suppressor functions of Ets transcription factor through integrin β3‐mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Pal Mintu
Published: April 2019

Prostate‐derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF) is a member of the Ets transcription factor family originally identified in prostate tissue. PDEF functions like a tumor metastasis suppressor. Although the underlying mechanism is not very clear. In this study, a significantly higher expression level of integrin β3 was observed in aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) cells; PC3, that lack the expression of PDEF, was confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the immunoblot analysis. Dual immunofluorescence studies have confirmed the lower expression of PDEF and higher expression level of integrin β3 in PCa cells compared with non‐tumorigenic prostate epithelial RWPE‐1 cells. Then, it was attempted to identify integrin β3‐mediated downstream signaling pathways that modulate actin cytoskeleton remodeling in PCa cells. Inhibition of PDEF by RNA interference (PDEFKD) in DU145 cells confirmed by transcript and western blot analysis, exhibited significantly higher expression level of integrin β3 and its downstream signaling molecules talin and paxillin, associated with promoting migration and invasion of cells. Given the involvement of integrin‐mediated invasion of cells, PDEFKD DU145 cells were treated with Echistatin, a potent integrin β3‐specific antagonist and found that the cells significantly reduced the transcript and protein expression levels of talin and paxillin; and reduced the invasion of cells. Overall, the cytoskeleton remodeling by integrin β3, modulated by PDEF, may represent a novel molecular link with cell adhesion and migration leading to the suppression of metastasis in PCa cells.
Adiponectin inhibits high glucose‐induced angiogenesis via inhibiting autophagy in RF/6A cells
Authors: Li Rong , Du Junhui , Yao Yang , Yao Guomin , Wang Xiaodi
Published: April 2019

Adiponectin, one of the adipose‐derived hormone with metabolic activity, has been reported to conversely affect angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro. The previous study in animal models has demonstrated that adiponectin has a protective role in retinal vascular injury following pathological stimuli. However, clinical research regarding the relationship between plasma adiponectin level and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on high glucose‐induced retinal angiogenesis and its association with autophagy by using rhesus choroid‐retinal endothelial (RF‐6A) cells as a model. We found that cell vitality decreased and cell migration and tube formation increased in the high‐glucose group. Treatment with adiponectin or 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA, an autophagy inhibitor) increased cell viability and inhibited cell migration and tube formation. In the high‐glucose group, the protein expression of Bax and apoptosis rate of cells increased and the expression of Bcl‐2 decreased, whereas treatment with adiponectin or 3‐MA reversed these results. Autophagy was activated in the high‐glucose group to present as more LC3B fluorescent dots and higher expressions of LC3B, Atg5 proteins as well as lower expression of p62. Treatment with adiponectin or 3‐MA inhibited autophagy by promoting the expression of p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR when compared with the high‐glucose group. The results of this study suggested that adiponectin inhibits high glucose‐induced angiogenesis of RF/6A cells by inhibiting autophagy, and promotion of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might be involved in the anti‐autophagy activities of adiponectin.
Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders: First revision
Authors: Häberle Johannes , Burlina Alberto , Chakrapani Anupam , Dixon Marjorie , Karall Daniela , Lindner Martin , Mandel Hanna , Martinelli Diego , Pintos‐Morell Guillem , Santer René , Skouma Anastasia , Servais Aude , Tal Galit , Rubio Vicente , Huemer Martina , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo
Published: April 2019

In 2012, we published guidelines summarizing and evaluating late 2011 evidence for diagnosis and therapy of urea cycle disorders (UCDs). With 1:35 000 estimated incidence, UCDs cause hyperammonemia of neonatal (~50%) or late onset that can lead to intellectual disability or death, even while effective therapies do exist. In the 7 years that have elapsed since the first guideline was published, abundant novel information has accumulated, experience on newborn screening for some UCDs has widened, a novel hyperammonemia‐causing genetic disorder has been reported, glycerol phenylbutyrate has been introduced as a treatment, and novel promising therapeutic avenues (including gene therapy) have been opened. Several factors including the impact of the first edition of these guidelines (frequently read and quoted) may have increased awareness among health professionals and patient families. However, under‐recognition and delayed diagnosis of UCDs still appear widespread. It was therefore necessary to revise the original guidelines to ensure an up‐to‐date frame of reference for professionals and patients as well as for awareness campaigns. This was accomplished by keeping the original spirit of providing a trans‐European consensus based on robust evidence (scored with GRADE methodology), involving professionals on UCDs from nine countries in preparing this consensus. We believe this revised guideline, which has been reviewed by several societies that are involved in the management of UCDs, will have a positive impact on the outcomes of patients by establishing common standards, and spreading and harmonizing good practices. It may also promote the identification of knowledge voids to be filled by future research.
A Single Urine Sodium Measurement May Validly Estimate 24‐hour Urine Sodium Excretion in Patients With an Ileostomy
Authors: Pedersen Anne Kathrine Nissen , Rud Charlotte , Wilkens Trine Levring , Borre Mette , Andersen Jens Rikardt , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: April 2019

Background

Sodium deficiency in patients with an ileostomy is associated with chronic dehydration and may be difficult to detect. We aimed to investigate if the sodium concentration in a single spot urine sample may be used as a proxy for 24‐hour urine sodium excretion.

Methods

In a prospective observational study with 8 patients with an ileostomy and 8 volunteers with intact intestines, we investigated the correlations and agreements between spot urine sodium concentrations and 24‐hour urine sodium excretions. Spot urine samples were drawn from every micturition during 24 hours, and relevant blood samples were drawn. All participants documented their food and fluid intakes.

Results

There was a high and statistically significant correlation between 24‐hour natriuresis and urine sodium concentrations in both morning spot samples (n = 8, Spearman's rho [ρ] = 0.78, P = 0.03) and midday spot samples (n = 8, ρ = 0.82, P = 0.02) in the patients with an ileostomy. The agreement between methods was fair (bias = −1.5, limits of agreement = −32.3 to 29.4). There were no statistically significant associations for evening samples or for samples from volunteers with intact intestines independently of time of day.

Conclusion

A single spot urine sodium sample obtained in the morning or midday may estimate 24‐hour urine sodium excretion in patients with an ileostomy and thus help to identify sodium depletion.
Work engagement across different generations in Finland
Authors: Suomäki Anu , Kianto Aino , Vanhala Mika
Published: April 2019

In this world of constantly growing global competition, work engagement is an essential driver of organizational success. However, it seems that the source of such engagement varies amongst employees of different generations. Thus, this research aimed to ascertain whether or not generational differences matter when it comes to work engagement. This qualitative study provides insight into the multigenerational workforce of today's knowledge‐intensive work environment by clarifying the antecedents of work engagement for members of different generational cohorts. This paper also addresses whether or not generation can serve as a means for segmenting the workforce. The results demonstrate that despite slightly different emphases, people of all ages follow similar constructions of work engagement. The topic of this study is both current and beneficial as it provides new knowledge on both work engagement and generational research while offering suggestions to organizations seeking to engage their workforces.