bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calf massager: Intervention for body muscle discomfort during prolonged standing
Authors: Ramalingam Kalai Selvan , Karuppiah Karmegam , Ramaiya Shiamala Devi , How Vivien , Perimal Enoch Kumar , Sadeghi Naeini Hassan , Sambasivam Sivasankar , KC Mani Kulanthayan
Published: July 2019

Many occupations require workers to stand for long periods of time without proper interventions, which causes discomfort in the back and lower limbs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness in alleviating body muscle discomfort during prolonged standing through the use of a calf massager. This study was conducted among male workers at a manufacturer with production line workers and the list was obtained from the HR Department and simple random sampling was done by number categorization. A total of 100 respondents (50 respondents for both the control and the experimental groups) participated in this study. The experiment took place in a room with a similar setup for the production line. Each respondent was requested to perform the simulated task for 2 hr. For the experimental group, the calf massager was turned on every 15 min. At every 15‐min interval after turning on the calf massager, respondents from both groups were required to evaluate their discomfort level on a Borg's scale CR‐10 questionnaire. The results showed that the level of body discomfort among respondents in the experimental group reduced (20–30%) compared with that of the control group. Multivariate analysis results revealed that the discomfort rating for the lower back, knees, thighs, calves, and feet was significantly lower (p < .05) among the experimental group compared with the control group. For lower body parts, the lower back region was statistically significant (p < .05) at the 90th, 105th, and 120th min; the thigh region was statistically significant (p < .05) at the 120th min; the knee region was statistically significant (p < .05) at the 105th and 120th min; the calf region was statistically significant (p < .05) at all minute intervals except the 15th and 45th min, while the feet region, was statistically significant at the 105th and 120th min. Therefore, this study indicates that calf massage treatment is capable of reducing body muscle discomfort during prolonged standing and highlights the significance of calf massage.
Family violence knowledge in culturally diverse communities and organisational preparedness to disseminate information
Authors: Satyen Lata , Hansen Ashlyn , Supol Meu
Published: July 2019

Issue addressed

Family violence presents a significant threat to the physical and psychological health of individuals and communities, with women from culturally diverse groups experiencing an increased risk of exposure to family violence and barriers to accessing support. It is necessary to examine the knowledge of family violence among these communities and their preferred source of knowledge to facilitate successful family violence prevention strategies.

Methods

Thirty‐one women (19 Indian and 12 Burmese) completed surveys on their knowledge of family violence, while 10 representatives from community organisations completed surveys on their readiness to participate in family violence prevention efforts. This was followed by 54 community organisations disseminating information about family violence through a poster.

Results

Findings showed that the level of knowledge among culturally diverse communities is variable, with Indian women showing a greater understanding of a range of aspects of family violence compared to Burmese women. Findings also indicated a high degree of preparedness within organisations serving these communities to address family violence.

Conclusion

The findings from the present study elucidate the state of family violence‐related knowledge amongst the Indian and Burmese communities in a large municipality in Melbourne, Australia, and provide insight into community readiness to diffuse family violence‐related information. This increased understanding could be used to enhance family violence prevention efforts in culturally diverse communities.

So what?

This study provides justification for the need for educational family violence prevention efforts within the Burmese and Indian communities. It also informs us of the importance of engaging with community organisations to implement family violence prevention strategies.
Memory and attention during an alcohol hangover
Authors: Devenney Lydia E. , Coyle Kieran B. , Verster Joris C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aims to investigate attention, memory functioning, and mood in a natural setting with real‐life alcohol consumption levels.

Methods

Seventy‐four participants with a mean (SD) age of 24.5 (7.0) years old participated in a naturalistic study. A between subjects design was applied comparing a hangover group with an (alcohol‐free) control group. Participants in the hangover group consumed a mean (SD) of 13.8 (10.2) alcoholic drinks the night before testing. Cognitive tests included the Stroop test, Eriksen's flanker test, a divided attention test, intradimensional–extradimensional set shifting test, spatial working memory test, and free word recall test.

Results

The hangover group had increased reaction times compared with the control group. Selective attention (Stroop and Eriksen's Flanker test performance) was significantly impaired during alcohol hangover. However, the number of errors did not differ significantly between the groups in any task. Mood assessments revealed that the hangover group reported significantly higher levels of drowsiness and clumsiness compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Selective attention was significantly impaired during alcohol hangover. The differences between the hangover and control group did not reach significance for other forms of attention or memory.
Thyroid structure and function in long‐term lithium‐treated and lithium‐naïve bipolar patients
Authors: Kraszewska Agnieszka , Ziemnicka Katarzyna , Jończyk‐Potoczna Katarzyna , Sowiński Jerzy , Rybakowski Janusz K.
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the structure and function of the thyroid in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) receiving long‐term lithium treatment, with BD patients never receiving lithium.

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients (68 female and 30 male), aged 62 ± 13 years, receiving lithium for 3–47 years (mean 19 ± 10 years), and 39 patients (27 female and 12 male), aged 57 ± 10 years, receiving other mood‐stabilizing drugs but never treated with lithium, were included. The thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) were estimated, and the ultrasonographic study of the thyroid gland was performed.

Results

Compared with patients not receiving lithium, lithium‐treated patients had significantly higher concentrations of TSH and fT4 and the lower concentration of fT3. However, the percentage of hypothyroidism was not different in both groups. Lithium‐treated patients also had significantly higher thyroid volume, the higher number of focal changes >1 cm, and more frequent goiter. The structural changes were not related to the hormones' concentrations.

Conclusions

The results show a significant association between long‐term lithium treatment and the increase of TSH and fT4, the decrease of fT3, higher thyroid volume, and more frequent goiter and nodular goiter. The effect of lithium on thyroid structure was not associated with its effect on thyroid hormones.
Sustainable Seafood and Vegetable Production: Aquaponics as a Potential Opportunity in Urban Areas
Authors: Wu Fan , Ghamkhar Ramin , Ashton Weslynne , Hicks Andrea L
Published: July 2019

Global population growth will increase pressures on current food systems in order to supply adequate protein and produce to the increasingly urban world population. The environmental impact of food production is a critical area of study as it influences water and air quality, ecosystem functions, and energy consumption. Aquaponics (in which seafood and vegetables are grown in a closed-loop system) has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of food production. A review of the current environmental and economic considerations is provided in order to identify current research gaps. Research gaps exist with respect to 1) diversity of aquatic and plant species studied; 2) inconsistent bounds, scope, and lifetime across studies; 3) diverse allocation of the environmental and economic impacts to the coproducts; 4) scale of systems considered; 5) transportation of produced food; and 6) presence of heavy metals, pests, and pathogens with human health implications. These aspects require increased attention to close the existing gaps prior to widescale deployment of these systems for increased sustainable food production toward satisficing human needs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC
Standardization of diagnosis for coiling of the umbilical cord around fetal neck by ultrasound
Authors: Chen Yan‐Hong , Liu Xiao , Xu Chun‐Mei , Yan Si‐Ping , Hu Qiao , Long Fei‐Wen , Qin Gui‐Can
Published: July 2019

Objective

To elucidate classification of coiling of the umbilical cord around fetal neck (CUFN) by ultrasound and forming factors of entanglement angle of CUFN.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2012, color Doppler ultrasonic was used to observe the blood flow vector of umbilical artery, and prospective descriptive observation was made for entanglement direction and type of 707 single fetuses taking prenatal examination in our hospital during the middle and late trimester of pregnancy and having umbilical cord echo around the neck. The relationship of position of fetus, position of placenta and entanglement direction of umbilical cord with the entanglement angle of umbilical cord is analyzed.

Results

Among the 707 fetuses, 634 had one circle of coiling, 43 had two circles of coiling, two had three circles of coiling, and 28 had CUFN. According to entanglement direction, 361 had entanglement from left to right and 318 had entanglement from right to left According to entanglement type, 305 were C‐shaped type (43.14%), 85 were O‐shaped type (12.02%), 289 were α‐shaped type (40.88%), and 28 were L‐shaped type (3.96%).

Conclusion

Color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the entanglement direction of umbilical cord and establish the five‐type classification of umbilical cord around the neck, laying the foundation for the feasibility of establishing the normalization of diagnostic standard of umbilical cord around the neck.
Listeriolysin O immunogenetic adjuvant enhanced potency of hepatitis C virus NS3 DNA vaccine
Authors: Pouriayevali Mohammad H. , Bamdad Taravat , Sadat Seyed M. , Sadeghi Seyed A. , Sabahi Farzaneh , Mahdavi Mehdi , Aghasadeghi Mohammad R.
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem all over the world. Among HCV proteins, nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) is one of the most promising target for anti‐HCV therapy and a candidate for vaccine design. DNA vaccine is an efficient approach to stimulate antigen‐specific immunity but the main problem with that is less immunogenic efficiency in comparison with traditional vaccines. Several approaches have been applied to enhance the immunogenicity of DNA. Recently, bacteria‐derived substances are considered as one of the most attractive adjuvants for vaccines, which among them, Listeriolysin O (LLO) of Listeria monocytogenes is a toxin with an extremely immunogenic feature. We investigated detoxified form of LLO gene as genetic adjuvant to modulate NS3 DNA vaccine potency. Immunogenic truncated NS3 gene sequence of HCV (1095‐1380aa) and detoxified LLO gene region (5‐441aa) were amplified by PCR and cloned into the pcDNA3.1 plasmid separately. The expression of recombinant proteins (pc‐NS3, pLLO) was confirmed in HEK293T cell line by western blotting. BALB/c mice models received three doses of different formula of plasmids in two‐week intervals and two weeks after the final immunization, the immune responses were evaluated by specific total antibody level, lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine levels assays. To evaluate in vivo cytotoxic activity, tumor challenge was performed. The recombinant plasmids were successfully expressed in mammalian cell line, and coadministration of pc‐NS3 with pLLO induced the highest titer of total IgG against NS3 antigen compared with other controls. Determination of IgG subclasses confirmed the efficient increase in mixed responses with Th1 dominancy. Furthermore, significant levels of cytokines (p < .05) and lymphocyte proliferation responses (p < .05) indicated the superiority of this regimen. The findings may have important implication for LLO gene application as genetic adjuvant in immune response against HCV.
LncRNA NBAT1 suppresses cell proliferation and migration via miR‐346/GSK‐3β axis in renal carcinoma
Authors: Xue Sheng , Wang Sheng , Li Jian , Guan Han , Jiang Shengqun , Guo Yuanyuan , Li Qingwen
Published: July 2019

Long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) neuroblastoma associated transcript 1 (NBAT1) was demonstrated to be significantly downregulated in renal carcinoma (RCC) cells. However, the function and mechanism of NBAT1 in RCC is poorly understood. The expression of NBAT1 and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β)‐mediated Wnt/β‐catenin‐related proteins were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting in RCC cell lines. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were estimated by CCK‐8 and Transwell assay. The association of miR‐346 with GSK‐3β expression was verified using luciferase assay. NBAT1 was significantly downregulated in RCC cells, and inhibited RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, NBAT1 negatively regulated miR‐346 expression. In addition, miR‐346 overexpression and the knockdown of GSK‐3β, a direct target of miR‐346 could overturn the inhibitory effect of NBAT1 on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. NBAT1 functioned as an endogenous sponge by competing for miR‐346 binding to GSK‐3β and therefore alleviated RCC cells.
Improving hypertension control through a collaboration between an academic medical center and a chain community pharmacy
Authors: Vordenberg Sarah E. , Lindell Valerie , Sheerer Krystal , Settles Amy , Fan Audrey L. , Serlin David C. , Parker‐Featherstone Ebony , Bernstein Steven J. , Choe Hae M.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Approximately one‐third of adults in the United States have hypertension (HTN), leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

This quality improvement intervention was designed to improve HTN control among community‐dwelling adults through collaboration between patient‐centered medical homes (PCMH) within an academic medical center and chain community pharmacies.

Methods

Four PCMH sites in Ann Arbor, Michigan that were in close proximity to two Meijer pharmacies participated in this study between September 2016 and March 2017, which compared HTN outcomes for patients seen at two community pharmacies where the pharmacists received training on HTN management for patients who received usual care at their PCMH. The primary outcome was percent of patients who met their blood pressure (BP) goal of either <140/90 mmHg or < 150/90 mmHg compared with matched controls who received usual care at the PCMH. Secondary outcomes included number of medication recommendations made, percent of recommendations accepted by the primary care provider (PCP), and patient satisfaction.

Results

Patients who received care at the community pharmacy (n = 155) had a higher rate of BP control at 3 months than matched controls (61.8% vs 47.7%, P = 0.013). A total of 29 medication recommendations were made by community pharmacists and 26 were accepted by the PCP. Nearly 95% of patients rated the care they received as excellent or very good and over 95% stated that they would recommend the pharmacist at the Meijer pharmacy to their family and friends.

Conclusion

Patients who received HTN management services as part of a collaboration between an academic medical center and chain community pharmacy were significantly more likely to have controlled BP at 3 months compared with matched controls who received standard care. This model shows promise as being a strategy to expand access to care for patients while being mutually beneficial for community pharmacies and health systems.
Laser‐induced plasmon‐mediated treatment of retinoblastoma in viscous vitreous phantom
Authors: Darviot Cécile , Hardy Pierre , Meunier Michel
Published: July 2019

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare form of cancer of the retina most prevalent in young children. We successfully show that laser‐induced cell disruption, mediated by gold plasmonic nanoparticle (NP), is a potential and efficient therapy to kill the cancerous cells. The proof of concept is demonstrated in vitro on cultured Y79 RB cancer cells with a nanosecond laser at 527 nm, for both attached cells at the bottom of a Petri dish and for floating, clustered cells in a viscous vitreous phantom comprised of hyaluronan. We report a cellular death of 82% after irradiation in classic culture medium and a cellular death of 98% in vitreous phantom, for similar number of NPs in each sample. It is found that the NPs efficiently penetrate the floating Y79 clusters cells in the vitreous phantom, leading to a cellular death of over 85% even within the centre of the aggregates. The proposed treatment technique is based on a similar nanosecond laser used to eliminate floaters in the vitreous, but with much lower (100‐1000 times) fluences of 20 J cm−2.
lncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 promotes proliferation via miR‐18b‐5p/VMA21 axis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xue Min , Tao Weimin , Yu Suyun , Yan Zhijun , Peng Qing , Jiang Fan , Gao Xiwen
Published: July 2019

Lung cancer has been proved to be one of the most common kinds of cancers around the globe. Meanwhile, as the predominant type of lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has received increasing attention in cancer research. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be associated with oncogenesis and progression of various cancers. However, many lncRNAs have not been thoroughly detected in LUAD. In this study, through bioinformatics analysis we found that zinc finger protein multitype 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2‐AS1) was associated with poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Also, ZFPM2‐AS1 was detected to be overexpressed in LUAD tissues and cells. Furthermore, ZFPM2‐AS1 could promote the proliferation of LUAD cells. Next, miR‐18b‐5p was found to bind with and negatively regulated by ZFPM2‐AS1. VMA21, target gene of miR‐18b‐5p, could bind with and be negatively regulated by miR‐18b‐5p. More importantly, both ZFPM2‐AS1 and VMA21 were found to be attached to the RNA‐induced silencing complex constructed from miR‐18b‐5p and Ago2. Also, ZFPM2‐AS1 could regulate the expression of VMA21. Therefore, ZFPM2‐AS1 were confirmed to regulate VMA21 by competitively binding with miR‐18b‐5p. Finally, rescue assays confirmed that ZFPM2‐AS1 could regulate LUAD cell proliferation via miR‐18b‐5p/VMA21 axis.
Insight into the molecular mechanism of LINC00152/miR‐215/CDK13 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Jianchu , Zhang Ying , Lu Libai , Lu Yuan , Tang Qianli , Pu Jian
Published: July 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Nevertheless, its underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. LINC00152 are recently investigated in several cancer types. In our current investigation, we observed LINC00152 was obviously upregulated in HCC cells. LINC00152 was significantly downregulated by infecting LV‐shLINC00152 in HepG2 and SNU449 cells. Loss of LINC00152 remarkably repressed HCC cell proliferation, cell colony formation, induced cell apoptosis, and restrained cell migration/invasion. Growing evidence has reported long noncoding RNAs can sponge microRNAs to modulate cancer process. Here, we indicated miR‐215 was greatly decreased in HCC and LINC00152 regulated HCC development via sponging miR‐215. For another, the binding association between LINC00152 and miR‐215 was proved by a series of functional assays. CDK13 was predicted as the target of miR‐215. Upregulation of miR‐215 greatly depressed CDK13 in HCC cells. Subsequently, the in vivo results demonstrated that silence of LINC00152 restrained HCC development via modulating miR‐215 to up‐regulate CDK13. Therefore, it was revealed that LINC00152 contributed to the progression of HCC by the modulation of miR‐215 and CDK13.
miR‐153‐3p regulates progression of ovarian carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting MCL1 gene
Authors: Li Cui , Zhang Yinmin , Zhao Wei , Cui Shoubin , Song Yuchun
Published: July 2019

The study of either miR‐153‐3p or MCL1 gene in ovarian carcinoma (OVC) has been reported; however, the interaction between miR‐153‐3p and MCL1 gene in OVC as well as the influence of their interaction on OVC progression has not been reported yet. Herein we intended to study the effects of miR‐153‐3p/MCL1 axis in OVC. Web‐based bioinformatics algorithms including DIANA TarBase 8.0, PicTar, and TargetScan Human 7.2 were used to predict the microRNAs (miRNAs) that could target MCL1 mRNA. Patient characteristics data collection and tissue sample immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the expression level of miR‐153‐3p and MCL1. We determined to unravel the effects of the pairing‐up of miR‐153‐3p and MCL1 mRNA in OVC cell lines (OVCAR3 cell line and A2780) and xenografts (immunodeficient(immunodeficient Rag−/− mice) using several methods including real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, westernWestern blot, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, Transwell invasion assay, flow cytometry assay, and xenograft assay. These experiments were performed to study OVC cellular activities such as cell growth and death and so forth in vitro and in vivo. Plenty of miRNAs that can target MCL1 mRNA have been identified, and we have narrowed them down to miR‐153‐3p. MCL1 gene was found overexpressed in OVC tissues and OVC cell lines at RNA and protein levels, whereas miR‐153‐3p was found under‐expressed in OVC tissues and cells. miR‐153‐3p was found to target MCL1 mRNA and interfered OVC progression. The repression of MCL1 gene expression caused by either miR‐153‐3p or small interfering RNA technique led to significantly reduced OVC cell growth and invasion in vitro. Lastly, the engraftment of transfected human OVC cells into Rag−/− mice confirmed the in vitro results. MCL1 gene acts as a cancer facilitator in OVC. In this study, we revealed the role of miR‐153‐3p on OVC progression by targeting MCL1 gene. Our work could comprehend the current understanding of OVC progression and contribute to the underlying aggression mechanism of this cancer.
Depletion of NBR1 in urothelial carcinoma cells enhances rapamycin‐induced apoptosis through impaired autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Kim Myeong Joo , Hwang Gwang Yong , Cho Min Ji , Chi Byung Hoon , Park Serk In , Chang In Ho , Whang Young Mi
Published: July 2019

Rapamycin is well‐recognized in the clinical therapeutic intervention for patients with cancer by specifically targeting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. Rapamycin regulates general autophagy to clear damaged cells. Previously, we identified increased expression of messenger RNA levels of NBR1 (the neighbor of BRCA1 gene; autophagy cargo receptor) in human urothelial cancer (URCa) cells, which were not exhibited in response to rapamycin treatment for cell growth inhibition. Autophagy plays an important role in cellular physiology and offers protection against chemotherapeutic agents as an adaptive response required for maintaining cellular energy. Here, we hypothesized that loss of NBR1 sensitizes human URCa cells to growth inhibition induced by rapamycin treatment, leading to interruption of protective autophagic activation. Also, the potential role of mitochondria in regulating autophagy was tested to clarify the mechanism by which rapamycin induces apoptosis in NBR1‐knockdown URCa cells. NBR1‐knockdown URCa cells exhibited enhanced sensitivity to rapamycin associated with the suppression of autophagosomal elongation and mitochondrial defects. Loss of NBR1 expression altered the cellular responses to rapamycin treatment, resulting in impaired ATP homeostasis and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although rapamycin treatment‐induced autophagy by adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in NBR1‐knockdown cells, it did not process the conjugated form of LC3B‐II after activation by unc‐51 like autophagy‐activating kinase 1 (ULK1). NBR1‐knockdown URCa cells exhibited rather profound mitochondrial dysfunctions in response to rapamycin treatment as evidenced by Δψm collapse, ATP depletion, ROS accumulation, and apoptosis activation. Therefore, our findings provide a rationale for rapamycin treatment of NBR1‐knockdown human urothelial cancer through the regulation of autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, indicating that NBR1 can be a potential therapeutic target of human urothelial cancer.
Screening and identification of hub genes in pancreatic cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen Qing , Yu Dongmei , Zhao Yingying , Qiu Jiajun , Xie Yufeng , Tao Min
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic cancer (Pa) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract with high degree of malignancy, this study aimed to obtain the hub genes in the tumorigenesis of Pa. Microarray datasets GSE15471, GSE16515, and GSE62452 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, GEO2R was conducted to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and functional enrichment analyses were carried out by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and the hub genes were identified by Cytoscape. Totally 205 DEGs were identified, consisting of 51 downregulated genes and 154 upregulated genes enriched in Gene Ontology terms including extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, collagen binding, cell adhesion, and pathways associated with ECM‐receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and protein digestion. Two modules in the PPI were chosen and biological process analyses showed that the module genes were mainly enriched in ECM and cell adhesion. Twenty‐four hub genes were confirmed, the survival analyses from the cBioPortal online platform revealed that topoisomerase (DNA) II α (TOP2A), periostin (POSTN), plasminogen activator, urokinase (PLAU), and versican (VCAN) may be involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of Pa, and the receiver‐operating characteristic curves indicated their diagnostic value for Pa. Among them, TOP2A, POSTN, and PLAU have been previously reported as biomarkers for Pa, and far too little attention has been paid to VCAN. Analysis from R2 online platform showed that Pa patients with high VCAN expression were more sensitive to gemcitabine than those with low level, suggesting that VCAN may be an indicator to guide the use of the chemotherapeutic drug. In vitro experiments also showed that the sensitivity of the VCAN siRNA group to gemcitabine was lower than that of the control group. In conclusion, this study discerned hub genes and pathways related to the development of Pa, and VCAN was identified as a novel biomarker for the diagnose and therapy of Pa.
Genome‐wide identification of lncRNAs as novel prognosis biomarkers of glioma
Authors: Song Lianhao , Zhang Shengkun , Duan Chenwei , Ma Shuai , Hussain Sajjad , Wei Lanlan , Chu Ming
Published: July 2019

Background

Glioma is the primary cancer of the central nervous system, and defining the prognosis of glioma is of great significance in the clinical. The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as important regulators of pathological processes. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs which could function as potential prognosis biomarkers of glioma.

Material and Methods

Glioma RNA‐seq data from TCGA and CGGA were analyzed to identify neoplasm grade associated lncRNAs by DEseq. 2R and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. Consensus module genes were analyzed in Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway to predict lncRNAs biological functions. Then neutrophil immune estimations were analyzed by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. Transcrption factors of these lncRNAs were predicted by PROMO. Overall survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were applied to test the accuracy of predicted lncRNAs as the markers of prognosis.

Results

We identified four lncRNAs most correlated with both higher neoplasm grade and worse prognosis, including AC064875.2, HOTAIRM1, LINC00908, and RP11‐84A19.3. Neutrophil‐mediated immunity and cell adhesion junction were considered as the main biological functions of these lncRNAs. In addition, the correlation of these four lncRNAs with glioma prognosis was validated.

Conclusion

Neutrophil immune infiltration is implicated in higher neoplasm grade and worse prognosis of glioma. AC064875.2, HOTAIRM1, LINC00908, and RP11‐84A19.3 may serve as potential prognosis biomarkers of glioma.
Retracted: DLX5 gene regulates the Notch signaling pathway to promote glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in uremic rats
Authors: Wang Xin‐Fang , Zhang Bei‐Hao , Lu Xiao‐Qing , Wang Rui‐Qiang
Published: July 2019

Uremia largely results from the accumulation of organic waste products normally cleared by the kidneys, which commonly accompanies kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. However, genetic investigations in a uremia remain largely unclear. This study aimed to determine the expression patterns of distal‐less homeobox 5 (DLX5) in uremia rat model and further to study its effects on glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Uremic expression chip was applied to screen differentially expressed genes in uremia. Next, we used small interfering RNA‐mediated RNA interference to specifically silence DLX5 in experimental uremic rats to understand the regulatory mechanism of DLX5. To understand effect of Notch1 signaling pathway in uremia, we also treated experimental uremic rats with γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI), an inhibitor of Notch1 signaling pathway. The expression of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged2 was determined. The semiquantitative assessment was applied to verify the effects of DLX5 on glomerulosclerosis. In the uremic expression chip, we found that DLX5 was upregulated in uremia samples, and considered to regulate the Notch signaling pathway. We found that small interfering RNA‐mediated DLX5 inhibition or Notch1 signaling pathway inhibitory treatment relieved and delayed the kidney injury and glomerulosclerosis in uremia. Meanwhile, inhibition of DLX5 or Nothch1 signaling pathway reduced expression of FN, LN, Nothch1, TGF‐β1, Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged2. Intriguingly, we discovered that Notch1 signaling pathway was inhibited after silencing DLX5. In conclusion, these findings highlight that DLX5 regulates Notch signaling, which may, in turn, promote complications of uremia such as kidney fibrosis, providing a novel therapeutic target for treating uremia.
Cover Image, Volume 94, Issue 8
Authors: Ait El Fakir Abdellah , Anfar Zakaria , Benafqir Mohamed , Jada Amane , El Alem Noureddine
Published: July 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Polyaniline coated hematite sand supported on graphene oxide (HS@PANI‐GO) as a new magnetic material for advanced catalytic oxidation based on sulfate radicals: optimization using response surface methodology by Abdellah Ait El Fakir et al., DOI: 10.1002/jctb.6070.

image
Fetal echocardiography gives a clue for the maternal diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Pasieczna Monika , Koleśnik Adam , Królicki Leszek , Duczkowski Marek , Bekiesińska‐Figatowska Monika , Szymkiewicz‐Dangel Joanna
Published: July 2019

The detection of multiple cardiac tumors during fetal echocardiography allowed us to make the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex in the mother and establish the reason of her first epileptic seizures.
Cellular identities in an unusual presentation of cyclopia in a chick embryo
Authors: Palmquist‐Gomes Paul , Pérez‐Pomares José María , Guadix Juan Antonio
Published: July 2019

Cyclopia is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a single or partially divided eye in a single orbit at the body midline. This condition is usually associated with other severe facial malformations, such as the absence of the nose and, on rare occasions, the presence of a proboscis located above the ocular structures. The developmental origin of cyclopia in vertebrates is the failure of the embryonic prosencephalon to divide properly during the formation of the two bilateral eyes. Although the developmental origin of the cyclopia‐associated proboscis is not clear, it has been suggested that this unique structure results from the disrupted morphogenesis of the olfactory placodes, the main organizers of the developing nose. In this study, we report a spontaneous congenital case of cyclopia with a proboscis‐like appendage in a chick embryo. By means of both conventional histology and immunohistochemical methods, we have analyzed this anomaly in detail to suggest an alternative identity for the anatomical embryonic features of cyclopic vertebrate embryos displaying a proboscis. Our findings are discussed in the context of previously reported cases of cyclopia, and provide additional insight into this complex congenital malformation.
Implementation of “Treat‐all” at adult HIV care and treatment sites in the Global IeDEA Consortium: results from the Site Assessment Survey
Authors: Brazier Ellen , Maruri Fernanda , Duda Stephany N , Tymejczyk Olga , Wester C William , Somi Geoffrey , Ross Jeremy , Freeman Aimee , Cornell Morna , Poda Armel , Musick Beverly S , Zhang Fujie , Althoff Keri N , Mugglin Catrina , Kimmel April D , Yotebieng Marcel , Nash Denis ,   the IeDEA Consortium
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Since 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that all people living with HIV (PLHIV) initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART), irrespective of CD4+ count or clinical stage. National adoption of universal treatment has accelerated since WHO's 2015 “Treat All” recommendation; however, little is known about the translation of this guidance into practice. This study aimed to assess the status of Treat All implementation across regions, countries, and levels of the health care delivery system.

Methods

Between June and December 2017, 201/221 (91%) adult HIV treatment sites that participate in the global IeDEA research consortium completed a survey on capacity and practices related to HIV care. Located in 41 countries across seven geographic regions, sites provided information on the status and timing of site‐level introduction of Treat All, as well as site‐level practices related to ART initiation.

Results

Almost all sites (93%) reported that they had begun implementing Treat All, and there were no statistically significant differences in site‐level Treat All introduction by health facility type, urban/rural location, sector (public/private) or country income level. The median time between national policy adoption and site‐level introduction was one month. In countries where Treat All was not yet adopted in national guidelines, 69% of sites reported initiating all patients on ART, regardless of clinical criteria, and these sites had been implementing Treat All for a median period of seven months at the time of the survey. The majority of sites (77%) reported typically initiating patients on ART within 14 days of confirming diagnosis, with 60% to 62% of sites implementing Treat All in East, Southern and West Africa reporting same‐day ART initiation for most patients.

Conclusions

By mid‐ to late‐2017, the Treat All strategy was the standard of care at almost all IeDEA sites, including rural, primary‐level health facilities in low‐resource settings. While further assessments of site‐level capacity to provide high‐quality HIV care under Treat All and to support sustained viral suppression after ART initiation are needed, the widespread introduction of Treat All at the service delivery level is a critical step towards global targets for ending the HIV epidemic as a public health threat.
Deregulation of Ikaros expression in B-1 cells: New insights in the malignant transformation to chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: de Oliveira Vivian Cristina , de Lacerda Marcelo Pitombeira , Moraes Bárbara Bomfim Muniz , Gomes Caio Perez , Maricato Juliana Terzi , Souza Olivia Fonseca , Schenkman Sergio , Pesquero João Bosco , Moretti Nilmar Silvio , Rodrigues Celso Arrais , Popi Ana Flavia
Published: July 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a chronic form of leukemia that originates from an abnormal expansion of CD5+B-1 cells. Deregulation in the BCR signaling is associated with B-cell transformation. Contrariwise to B-2 cells, BCR engagement in B-1 cells results in low proliferation rate and increased apoptosis population, whereas overactivation may be associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. It has been demonstrated that several transcription factors that are involved in the B cell development play a role in the regulation of BCR function. Among them, Ikaros is considered an essential regulator of lymphoid differentiation and activation. Several reports suggest that Ikaros expression is deregulated in different forms of leukemia. Herein, we demonstrated that CLL cells show decreased Ikaros expression and abnormal cytoplasmic cell localization. These alterations were also observed in radioresistant B-1 cells, which present high proliferative activity, suggesting that abnormal localization of Ikaros could determine its loss of function. Furthermore, Ikaros knockdown increased the expression of BCR pathway components in murine B-1 cells, such as Lyn, Blnk, and CD19. Additionally, in the absence of Ikaros, B-1 cells become responsive to BCR stimulus, increasing cell proliferation even in the absence of antigen stimulation. These results suggested that Ikaros is an important controller of B-1 cell proliferation by interfering with the BCR activity. Therefore, altered Ikaros expression in CLL or radioresistant B-1 cells could determine a responsive status of BCR to self-antigens, which would culminate in the clonal expansion of B-1 cells.
3D eddy currents computation by BEM using the modified magnetic vector potential and the reduced magnetic scalar potential
Authors: Phan Quang‐Anh , Meunier Gerard , Chadebec Olivier , Guichon Jean‐Michel , Bannwarth Bertrand
Published: July 2019

A new boundary element method (BEM) formulation has been developed for the computation of 3D eddy currents in both magnetic and conductive regions. The modified magnetic vector potential A∗ in the active regions and the reduced magnetic scalar potential φ in the air are used as unknown variables. The formulation is limited to low‐frequency magneto‐harmonic problems associated to linear, homogeneous, isotropic, and simply‐connected regions. In such a configuration, it leads to accurate results with a reduced number of degrees of freedom located on a surface mesh delimiting the air/material interface.
Effects of Abnormal Muscle Forces on Prenatal Joint Morphogenesis in Mice
Authors: Sotiriou Vivien , Rolfe Rebecca A. , Murphy Paula , Nowlan Niamh C.
Published: July 2019

Fetal movements are essential for normal development of the human skeleton. When fetal movements are reduced or restricted, infants are at higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis (multiple joint contractures). Joint shape abnormalities have been reported in mouse models with abnormal or absent musculature, but the effects on joint shape in such models have not been quantified or characterized in detail. In this study, embryonic mouse forelimbs and hindlimbs at a single developmental stage (Theiler Stage 23) with normal, reduced, or absent muscle were imaged in three‐dimensions. Skeletal rudiments were virtually segmented and rigid image registration was used to reliably align rudiments with each other, enabling repeatable assessment and measurement of joint shape differences between normal, reduced‐muscle and absent‐muscle groups. We demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively that joint shapes are differentially affected by a lack of, or reduction in, skeletal muscle, with the elbow joint being the most affected of the major limb joints. Surprisingly, the effects of reduced muscle were often more pronounced than those of absent skeletal muscle, indicating a complex relationship between muscle mass and joint morphogenesis. These findings have relevance for human developmental disorders of the skeleton in which abnormal fetal movements are implicated, particularly developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2287–2296, 2019
Coccolithophore responses to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in the East China Sea region of the Northwest Pacific from ad 1901 to 2013
Authors: Yang Shu , Yuan Mingli , Yang Qian , Huang Jiansheng , Sun Mengran , Sun Jun , Qu Keming , Sun Yao
Published: July 2019

A high‐resolution study of coccolithophores in a sediment core from the East China Sea (ECS) region of the Northwest Pacific revealed that fluctuations in coccolithophore assemblages responded well to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) during 1901–2013. Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica were the most dominant species, accounting for more than 97% of all the ten detected species. The variation of the two dominant species showed a significant positive correlation, and they both increased during peak values of the PDO. Decreased stratification and increased nutrient supplementation from the bottom water induced by lower sea surface temperatures in the ECS, which were associated with high PDO values, were responsible for the dominant coccolithophore increase. Similarly, the increase of Calcidiscus leptoporus also corresponded to low‐temperature and high‐nutrient conditions associated with the cold phase in the ECS (positive phase of the PDO). The responses of decadal C. leptoporus variations to changes in cold and warm phases of the PDO in the Northwest and Northeast Pacific indicate that C. leptoporus preserved in sediment cores represents a potential indicator for reconstructing phase changes of the PDO during ancient times.
Lymphadenectomy during pulmonary metastasectomy: Impact on survival and recurrence
Authors: Londero Francesco , Morelli Angelo , Parise Orlando , Grossi William , Crestale Sara , Tetta Cecilia , Johnson Daniel M. , Livi Ugolino , Maessen Jos G. , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: Lymphadenectomy during pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is widely carried out. We assessed the potential benefit on patient survival and tumor recurrence of this practice.

Methods: One hundred eighty‐one patients undergoing a first PM were studied. Eighty‐six patients (47.5%) underwent lymphadenectomy (L+ group) whereas 95 (52.5%) did not undergo nodal harvesting (L−group). Main outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Median follow‐up was 25 months (interquartile range [IQR], 13‐49).

Results: At follow‐up 84 patients (46.4%) died, whereas 97 (53.6%) were still alive with recurrence in 78 patients (43%). There was no difference in 5‐year survival (L+ 30.0% vs L− 43.2%; P = .87) or in the 5‐year cumulative incidence of recurrence (L + 63.2% vs L−80%; P = .07) between the two groups. Multivariable analysis indicated that disease‐free interval (DFI) less than 29 months (P < .001) and lung comorbidities (P = .003) were significant predictors of death. Metastases from non‐small–cell lung cancer increased the risk of lung comorbidities by a factor of 19.8, whereas the risk of DFI less than 29 months was increased nearly 11‐fold. Competing risk regression identified multiple metastases (P = .004), head/neck primary tumor (P = .009), and age less than 67 years (P = .024) as independent risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusion: Associated lymphadenectomy showed not to give any additional advantage in terms of survival and recurrence after PM.
Pain and opioid prescriptions vary by procedure after breast surgery
Authors: Murphy Brittany L. , Thiels Cornelius A. , Hanson Kristine T. , McLaughlin Sarah , Jakub James W. , Gray Richard J. , Ubl Daniel S. , Habermann Elizabeth B.
Published: July 2019

Background

With the opioid epidemic in the United States, evaluating opioid prescribing patterns is essential. We evaluated opioids prescribed at discharge following breast surgery and their association with patient factors and pain scores.

Methods

We retrospectively identified adult patients who underwent a mastectomy for cancer at Mayo Clinic sites from January 2010 to December 2016. Pain scores and prescription data were compared across operations and patient factors by univariate and multivariable analyses.

Results

Of 4021 patients, 3782 (94.1%) received an opioid prescription. Median oral milligram morphine equivalents (MME) were similar across all site‐specific procedure groups (medians ranging from 225 to 375) while pain scores ranged from 1 to 4. Patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy (BM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) reported the greatest pain scores. Pain scores did not vary with age or diagnosis for patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy or BM with lymph node surgery and IBR procedures.

On multivariable analysis, variables associated with a MME discharge prescription >Q4 values included age, body mass index, site, year, inpatient status, and pain before discharge >3.

Conclusion

Patient‐reported pain following breast surgery varied by procedure, while MMEs prescribed remained similar. This suggests current opioid prescribing does not reflect intensity of pain and requires further research to optimize discharge opioid prescribing practices.
Woodpecker nest survival, density, and a pine beetle outbreak
Authors: Saab Victoria A. , Latif Quresh S. , Dresser Matthew A. , Dudley Jonathan G.
Published: July 2019

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in western North American coniferous forests are increasing in size and severity. An understanding of wildlife population responses to pine beetle outbreaks is needed to inform habitat conservation strategies. We monitored 355 nests of 5 woodpecker species during 2 sampling periods, before (2003–2006) and after (2009–2014) the peak of a pine beetle outbreak in dry mixed conifer forest of Montana, USA. Three of 5 woodpecker species represented the beetle‐foraging group: American three‐toed (Picoides dorsalis), hairy (Dryobates villosus), and downy (D. pubescens) woodpeckers. The other 2 species studied were northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), a foraging and habitat generalist, and red‐naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis), a sap forager and bark‐gleaning insectivore. We analyzed daily survival rate of nests in relation to pine beetle outbreak (445,000 ha) severity and timing, along with covariates unrelated to the outbreak (temp, nest height, and nest tree diameter). Our results provided stronger evidence for relationships between woodpecker nest survival and the non‐outbreak variables than those associated with outbreaks. Our results indicated limited support for nest survival relationships with beetle severity (annual and cumulative pine tree mortality at 0.81‐ha and 314‐ha scales). Nevertheless, we observed a significant increase in densities of hatched nests for beetle‐foraging woodpeckers following the outbreak. Our results suggest that woodpeckers, particularly beetle foragers, respond numerically to pine beetle outbreaks through increased nesting densities more so than functionally via nest survival. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Wildlife ManagementPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.