bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conducting depression screenings in a community pharmacy: A pilot comparison of methods
Authors: Ballou Jordan M. , Chapman April R. , Roark Angie M. , Huie Cathy H. , McKee Jerry , Marciniak Macary W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Routine screening of all adult patients for depression is recommended, but current screening rates are in the single digits. Community pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers, making them uniquely positioned to screen patients for depression and, when necessary, refer patients to local health care providers.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare methods for administration of a depression screening tool in an independent, community pharmacy.

Methods

Fifty Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) depression screening questionnaires were distributed to participants through each of three different methods: (1) as a bag stuffer with written instructions at prescription pick‐up, (2) personal ask with verbal instructions at prescription drop‐off, or (3) one‐on‐one conversation with the pharmacist at prescription pick‐up or during a previously scheduled medication therapy management appointment.

Results

There was a difference in the participation rate among each of the three methods: 1/50 in the bag stuffer group, 36/50 in the personal ask group, and 40/50 in the interview group. Of the 77 participants, 18 required referral for additional treatment. Of the participants surveyed, 93% indicated that offering depression screening in a community pharmacy was a valuable service. The average amount of time spent with each participant was approximately 4 minutes.

Conclusion

Administration of the PHQ‐9 screening tool that involved direct pharmacist intervention elicited a higher response from participants than bag stuffers and may be an effective strategy to engage patients in a conversation regarding their mental health.
In situ forming gelatin/hyaluronic acid hydrogel for tissue sealing and hemostasis
Authors: Luo Jing‐Wan , Liu Chang , Wu Jing‐Heng , Zhao Dan‐Hui , Lin Long‐Xiang , Fan Hai‐Ming , Sun Yu‐Long
Published: June 2019

Fibrin glue has been widely used as a surgical sealing and hemostatic agent. Its application is restricted due to poor tissue adhesion and low mechanical strength. To develop better tissue sealant and hemostatic agent, this study prepared the injectable hydrogels by chemically cross‐linking gelatin (G) with or without hyaluronic acid (HA) in situ at a mild condition. The rheological analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling, proteolytic degradation, biocompatibility, tissue sealing, and hemostatic ability of the hydrogels were investigated. It was found that the chemical cross‐linking rapidly formed in both self‐crosslinking gelatin (sc‐G) and gelatin/hyaluronate acid (G/HA) hydrogels. The hydrogels could be degraded by trypsin and had a desirable biocompatibility. The tissue sealing ability of the hydrogels was superior to fibrin glue. Furthermore, the G/HA hydrogel had similar hemostatic performance as fibrin glue, and was better than that of gelatin hydrogel. The results in the study indicated that the G/HA hydrogel could be used in clinic as a tissue sealant or surgical hemostat.
Meniscus‐shaped cell‐free polyglycolic acid scaffold for meniscal repair in a sheep model
Authors: Cojocaru Dan G. , Hondke Sylvia , Krüger Jan P. , Bosch Claudia , Croicu Cristian , Florescu Sorin , Lazarescu Adrian , Patrascu Jenel‐Marian , Patrascu Jenel‐Marian , Dauner Martin , Gresser Götz T. , Endres Michaela
Published: June 2019

Since loss of meniscus is correlated with an increasing risk for osteoarthritis, meniscal scaffolds are proposed as new strategies. Development of a suitable scaffold has to take into account differing meniscus thickness, exposure to compressive and tensile forces combined with high porosity and biocompatibility of the material. After physical testing of three flat scaffolds composed of different modified polyglycolic acid (PGA) fibers, a three‐dimensional meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implant was generated. Micro‐computed tomography showed 90% porosity in the outer area with 50% in the inner area of the implant. Biocompatibility and expression of meniscus typical cartilaginous genes were shown for human meniscus cells cultivated in the implant with 10% human serum or 5% platelet‐rich plasma for 14 days in vitro. The proof‐of‐concept study in sheep demonstrated proteoglycan‐ and collagen type I‐rich repair tissue formation in partial meniscectomy combined with a meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implant after 6 months. In contrast, the control showed nearly no repair tissue formation. Thus, meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implants might be a suitable therapeutic approach to support repair tissue formation in partial meniscectomy.
MicroRNA‐450b‐3p inhibits cell growth by targeting phosphoglycerate kinase 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zide , Zhuang Wenhang , Wang Zeju , Xiao Weiliang , Don Wei , Li Xianming , Chen Xiaoming
Published: June 2019

Dysregulation of microRNAs frequently contributes to the occurrence and progression of human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the role of miR‐450b‐3p in HCC was investigated. Gene Expression Omnibus database and HCC specimens were used to evaluate the expression level of miR‐450b‐3p and the patient's prognosis. Cell functional analyses and tumor xenograft model were used to assess the role of miR‐450b‐3p in HCC. Bioinformatics was used to predict the downstream target gene of miR‐450b‐3p, which was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. MiR‐450b‐3p was found to be downregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues, compared with nontransformed immortal hepatic cells and adjacent normal liver tissues, respectively. Lower expression of miR‐450b‐3p was associated with poor overall survival and disease‐free survival in patients with HCC. Ectopic expression of miR‐450b‐3p inhibited HCC cell viability, colony formation, and cell‐cycle progression in vitro, and suppressed the growth of HCC xenograft tumors in vivo. Interestingly, a negative correlation between miR‐450b‐3p and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) protein was observed among HCC specimens. Additionally, miR‐450b‐3p inhibited PGK1 expression and phosphorylation of protein kinase B in HCC cell lines. Further experiments confirmed that PGK1 was a direct target of miR‐450b‐3p. Moreover, restoration of PGK1 abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR‐450b‐3p on HCC proliferation and cell division. In conclusion, miR‐450b‐3p is downregulated in human HCC and exerts tumor suppressive effects at least in part by inhibiting PGK1.
Synthesis and characterization of new quaternary polyselenide Ba4TMSbSe12 (TM = Nb, Ta)
Authors: Chung Ming‐Yan , Chen Guan‐Ruei , Lee Chi‐Shen
Published: June 2019

Two new quaternary polyselenides, Ba4TMSbSe12 (TM = Nb, Ta), are synthesized using a solid state reaction. They crystallize in a new structural type with a P‐1 triclinic space group, characterized according to single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure is alternately stacked using isolated NbSe95− and SbSe33−, which are separated by Ba2+. The structure contains the NbSe95− unit with a bipentagonal pyramidal shape coordinated with Se2− and Se22− in monodenteate and bidentate modes. The vibrational property of the diselenide Se22− unit was studied using Raman spectrum analysis. ultraviolet–visible diffused reflectance and temperature‐dependent resistivity measurements indicate semiconductor behaviors. Calculations of electronic structures indicate the presence of a band gap and strong Se‐Se interactions in the diselenide group, which experimentally supports the measured physical properties.
Dendritic cell/cytokine‐induced killer cell‐based immunotherapy in lung cancer: What we know and future landscape
Authors: Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Peng Ren‐Wang , Roudi Raheleh
Published: June 2019

Multiple modalities for lung cancer therapy have emerged in the past decade, whereas their clinical applications and survival‐beneficiary is little known. Vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) or DCs/cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells has shown limited success in the treatment of patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer. To evaluate and overcome these limitations in further studies, in the present review, we sum up recent progress about DCs or DCs/CIKs‐based approaches for preclinical and clinical trials in patients with lung cancer and discuss some of the limited therapeutic success. Moreover, this review highlights the need to focus future studies on the development of new approaches for successful immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer.
Education and training in adult metabolic medicine: Results of an international survey
Authors: Sechi Annalisa , Fabbro Elisa , Langeveld Mirjam , Tullio Annarita , Lachmann Robin , Mochel Fanny ,   the SSIEM Adult Physicians Metabolic Group
Published: June 2019

Adult metabolic medicine (AMM) is an expanding medical subspecialty, due to the increasing number of adult patients with inherited metabolic diseases (IMD). However, a formal training and postgraduate education in this field is not available in the majority of countries. Existing adult metabolic specialists (AMS) come from many different backgrounds. The aim of this survey was to assess the state of play as regards education and training in AMM worldwide. Members of the Society for the Study of Inborn Error of Metabolism adult metabolic group (n = 89) were asked to take part in this survey. Forty‐two AMS (47.2%) from 18 different countries completed the questionnaire. The most common specialties were internal medicine (38.1%), endocrinology (26.2%), genetics (21.4%), and neurology (21.4%). Ninety‐five percent of respondents considered that practical clinical experience had contributed importantly for their professional development, while only 27% felt the same for formal academic education. The current state of available education and training was judged as generally poor or fair (73% of the respondents). The most suggested ways of improving education and training in AMM were: to facilitate international internships; to implement courses on adult‐IMD; and to create a formal academic education. The skills considered most important for AMS were: recognition of signs and symptoms of diseases, knowledge of the available treatments, and ability to perform a correct follow up. In conclusion, worldwide, current available education and training in AMM is considered inadequate. This survey emphasizes the need for development of new, formal training opportunities to improve knowledge, and competence in this rapidly expanding field.
Fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambari biodegrades soil resveratrol: a potential allelochemical in peanut monocropping systems
Authors: Wang Hong‐Wei , Sun Kai , Guan Yong‐Xiang , Qiu Mei‐Hua , Zhang Li , Dai Chuan‐Chao
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Most allelochemicals are secondary products released from root excretions or plant residues that accumulate in continuous cropping systems and cause severe decline in peanut yield. Resveratrol is a plant‐derived stilbene that is released from peanut residues and accumulates in the soil; however, its allelopathic effects on peanut production are overlooked. Effective management solutions need to be developed to relieve allelopathy caused by soil resveratrol. Here, the biodegradation of resveratrol by the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambari was investigated in a mineral salt medium and a soil trial. Resveratrol and its metabolites (produced by degradation by P. liquidambari) were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS).

RESULTS

Resveratrol released from peanut residues reached a maximum concentration of 0.18 μg g−1 soil in litterbag experiments. Exogenous resveratrol inhibited peanut growth, nodule formation, and soil dehydrogenase activity, and reduced the soil microbial biomass carbon content and bacterial abundance, indicating an allelopathic role in peanut growth. More than 97% of the resveratrol was degraded within 72 and 168 h by P. liquidambari in pure culture and soil conditions, respectively. Resveratrol was first cleaved to 3,5‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, which were subsequently oxidized into 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. Fungal resveratrol cleavage oxygenase and the related gene expression were enhanced when P. liquidambari was induced by the resveratrol during the incubation.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the practical application of the fungal endophyte P. liquidambari has strong potential for biodegrading soil resveratrol, which can cause allelopathy in peanut continuous cropping systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Highly Selective Poly(thiophene)‐graft‐Poly(methacrylamide) Polymer Modified ITO Electrode for Neuron Specific Enolase Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Aydın Muhammet , Aydın Elif Burcu , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal
Published: June 2019

In this study, an impedimetric immunosensor based on polymer poly(thiophene)‐graft‐poly(methacrylamide) polymer (P(Thi‐g‐MAm)) modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode is developed for the detection of the Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) cancer biomarker. First, the P(Thi‐g‐MAm) polymer is synthesized and coated on the ITO electrode by using a spin‐coating technique. P(Thi‐g‐MAm) polymer acts as an immobilization platform for immobilization of NSE‐specific monoclonal antibodies. Anti‐NSE antibodies are utilized as biosensing molecules and they bind to the amino groups of P(Thi‐g‐Mam) polymer via glutaraldehyde cross‐linking. Spin‐coating technique is employed for bioelectrode fabrication and this technique provides a thin and uniform film on the ITO electrode surface. This bioelectrode fabrication technique is simple and it generates a suitable platform for large‐scale loadings of anti‐NSE antibodies. This immunosensor exhibits a wide linear detection range from 0.02 to 4 pg mL−1 and with an ultralow detection limit of 6.1 fg mL−1. It reveals a good long‐term stability (after 8 weeks, 78% of its initial activity), an excellent reproducibility (1.29% of relative standard deviation (RSD)), a good repeatability (5.55% of RSD), and a high selectivity. In addition, the developed immunosensor is proposed as a robust diagnostic tool for the clinical detection of NSE and other cancer biomarkers.
Redox‐Responsive Resilin‐Like Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Su Renay S.‐C. , Galas Richard J. , Lin Charng‐Yu , Liu Julie C.
Published: June 2019

Resilin, a protein found in insect cuticles, is renowned for its outstanding elastomeric properties. The authors' laboratory previously developed a recombinant protein, which consisted of consensus resilin‐like repeats fromAnopheles gambiae, and demonstrated its potential in cartilage and vascular engineering. To broaden the versatility of the resilin‐like protein, this study utilizes a cleavable crosslinker, which contains a disulfide bond, to develop smart resilin‐like hydrogels that are redox‐responsive. The hydrogels exhibit a porous structure and a stable storage modulus (G′) of ≈3 kPa. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cultured on hydrogels for 24 h have a high viability (>95%). In addition, the redox‐responsive hydrogels show significant degradation in a reducing environment (10 mmglutathione (GSH)). The release profiles of fluorescently labeled dextrans encapsulated within the hydrogels are assessed in vitro. For dextran that is estimated to be larger than the mesh size of the gel, faster release is observed in the presence of reducing agents due to degradation of the hydrogel networks. These studies thus demonstrate the potential of using these smart hydrogels in a variety of applications ranging from scaffolds for tissue engineering to drug delivery systems that target the intracellular reductive environments of tumors.
Scaffolds for Sustained Release of Ambroxol Hydrochloride, a Pharmacological Chaperone That Increases the Activity of Misfolded β‐Glucocerebrosidase
Authors: Enshaei Hamidreza , Molina Brenda G. , del Valle Luis J. , Estrany Francesc , Arnan Carme , Puiggalí Jordi , Saperas Núria , Alemán Carlos
Published: June 2019

Ambroxol is a pharmacological chaperone (PC) for Gaucher disease that increases lysosomal activity of misfolded β‐glucocerebrosidase (GCase) while displaying a safe toxicological profile. In this work, different poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based systems are developed to regulate the sustained release of small polar drugs in physiological environments. For this purpose, ambroxol is selected as test case since the encapsulation and release of PCs using polymeric scaffolds have not been explored yet. More specifically, ambroxol is successfully loaded in electrospun PCL microfibers, which are subsequently coated with additional PCL layers using dip‐coating or spin‐coating. The time needed to achieve 80% release of loaded ambroxol increases from ≈15 min for uncoated fibrous scaffolds to 3 days and 1 week for dip‐coated and spin‐coated systems, respectively. Furthermore, it is proven that the released drug maintains its bioactivity, protecting GCase against induced thermal denaturation.
Sobolev‐type inequalities for potentials in grand variable exponent Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Edmunds David E. , Kokilashvili Vakhtang , Meskhi Alexander
Published: June 2019

We introduce a new scale of grand variable exponent Lebesgue spaces denoted by . These spaces unify two non‐standard classes of function spaces, namely, grand Lebesgue and variable exponent Lebesgue spaces. The boundedness of integral operators of Harmonic Analysis such as maximal, potential, Calderón–Zygmund operators and their commutators are established in these spaces. Among others, we prove Sobolev‐type theorems for fractional integrals in . The spaces and operators are defined, generally speaking, on quasi‐metric measure spaces with doubling measure. The results are new even for Euclidean spaces.
Prediction of dosimetric accuracy for VMAT plans using plan complexity parameters via machine learning
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Hirashima Hideaki , Iramina Hiraku , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Miyabe Yuki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The dosimetric accuracies of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were predicted using plan complexity parameters via machine learning.

Methods

The dataset consisted of 600 cases of clinical VMAT plans from a single institution. The predictor variables (n = 28) for each plan included complexity parameters, machine type, and photon beam energy. Dosimetric measurements were performed using a helical diode array (ArcCHECK), and the dosimetric accuracy of the passing rates for a 5% dose difference (DD5%) and gamma index of 3%/3 mm (γ3%/3 mm) were predicted using three machine learning models: regression tree analysis (RTA), multiple regression analysis (MRA), and neural networks (NNs). First, the prediction models were applied to 500 cases of the VMAT plans. Then, the dosimetric accuracy was predicted using each model for the remaining 100 cases (evaluation dataset). The error between the predicted and measured passing rates was evaluated.

Results

For the 600 cases, the mean ± standard deviation of the measured passing rates was 92.3% ± 9.1% and 96.8% ± 3.1% for DD5% and γ3%/3 mm, respectively. For the evaluation dataset, the mean ± standard deviation of the prediction errors for DD5% and γ3%/3 mm was 0.5% ± 3.0% and 0.6% ± 2.4% for RTA, 0.0% ± 2.9% and 0.5% ± 2.4% for MRA, and –0.2% ± 2.7% and –0.2% ± 2.1% for NN, respectively.

Conclusions

NNs performed slightly better than RTA and MRA in terms of prediction error. These findings may contribute to increasing the efficiency of patient‐specific quality‐assurance procedures.
Developing a preventive psycho‐oncology for a global context. The International Psycho‐Oncology Society 2018 Sutherland Award Lecture
Authors: Fielding Richard
Published: June 2019

Objective

Growing rates of cancer and survivorship, in situations of severe resource constraints, force a rethink about managing cancer‐related psychosocial distress (CRPD). Here, a prevention‐oriented natural history of distress is proposed, derived from developments in our understanding of the evolution and decay of CRPD.

Methods

The literature indicates that at least four classes or natural histories of CRPD are identifiable. These are described in the context of prevention‐oriented activities in psycho‐oncology: (1) CRPD in persons with good coping resources, resulting from reaction to the diagnosis and treatment lifestyle disruption, which is largely self‐limiting and preferably self‐managed; (2) CRPD arising from residual, or late effects of disease or treatment, potentially persistent and debilitating; (3) CRPD in persons with preexisting coping difficulties; and (4) CRPD arising from existential issues such as mortality and fear of recurrence.

Results

It is hypothesized that different natural histories of CRPD display different evolution, indicating potential causal processes, treatment priorities, and preventive strategies. In particular, the effective management of residual symptoms is crucial to prevent CRPD chronicity. Optimal patient involvement in treatment decision‐making is also required.

Conclusions

There is a need to develop methods to differentiate if, early in the illness trajectory, the distressed patient is not able to self‐manage the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Not all distressed patients want or need help, and addressing just the CRPD may be inadequate where unresolved residual symptoms prevent renormalization after treatment. Improved doctor‐patient communication around treatment decisions is warranted.
Magnetic Entropy Scaling in Ferromagnetic Semiconductor CrGeTe3
Authors: Sun Yan , Luo Xuan
Published: June 2019

The magnetocaloric effect and the magnetic entropy (ΔSM(T,H)) scaling around the magnetic transition temperature (TC) have been investigated in two‐dimensional ferromagnetic semiconductor (2D FS) CrGeTe3 single crystal. The ΔSM(T,H) and the relative cooling power (RCP) are about 3.21 J kg−1 K−1 and 94.3 J kg−1 under applied magnetic field H = 4.5 T, respectively. The ΔSM(T,H) under different magnetic fields can be scaled into a single curve independent of external field and temperature. Meanwhile, it has been found that ΔSM(T,H) follows the power law of Hn with n(T,H) = dln|SΔM(T,H)|/dln(H). Critical parameters n, l, and m have been obtained based on ΔSM(T,H). It has been found that the temperature‐dependent n at different magnetic fields scales into one universal line above TC, deviating from the scaling line at low temperature. This deviation can be attributed to the strong uniaxial anisotropy effect in CrGeTe3. This work figures out the magnetocaloric behavior of CrGeTe3, and will be helpful for understanding the origin of the ferromagnetism of similar 2D FSs.
The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Saneei Totmaj Ali , Emamat Hadi , Jarrahi Farshad , Zarrati Mitra
Published: June 2019

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of mortality due to all types of cancers among the female population worldwide. Results of clinical trials investigating the effect of ginger on chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in breast cancer patients are inconsistent. This study was aimed at obtaining a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ginger as an antiemetic modality for controlling CINV in breast cancer patients. All published randomized controlled trials in English were systematically searched on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane search databases up to June 2018. The outcome variable of interest was severity and the frequency of nausea and vomiting in patients. A total of 50 studies were found through search databases. After excluding duplicates, the 42 remaining studies were screened, and finally, nine trials were included, which were published between 2012 and 2017. Two studies have examined the effect of ginger on the frequency of nausea, five studies on the frequency of vomiting, seven studies on the severity of nausea, and three studies on severity of vomiting. A study evaluated the effectiveness of ginger in improving dietary intake in CINV. Our investigation suggests that ginger may reduce nausea in the acute phase of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. The effect of ginger on nausea and vomiting in other conditions requires more high‐quality clinical trials.
Lapachol is a novel ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 inhibitor that suppresses growth and induces intrinsic apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zu Xueyin , Xie Xiaomeng , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Kangdong , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang , Kim Dong Joon
Published: June 2019

Lapachol is a 1,4‐naphthoquinone that is isolated from the Bignoniaceae family. It has been reported to exert anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. However, the anticancer activity of lapachol and its molecular mechanisms against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells have not been fully investigated. Herein, we report that lapachol is a novel ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) inhibitor that suppresses growth and induces intrinsic apoptosis in ESCC cells. We found that lapachol strongly attenuates downstream signaling molecules of RSK2 in ESCC cells and also directly inhibits RSK2 activity in vitro. The RSK protein is highly activated in ESCC cells and knockdown of RSK2 significantly suppresses anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent growth of ESCC cells. Additionally, lapachol inhibits anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent growth of ESCC cells, and the inhibition of cell growth by lapachol is dependent on the expression of RSK2. We also found that lapachol induces mitochondria‐mediated cellular apoptosis by activating caspases‐3, ‐7, and PARP, inducing the expression of cytochrome c and BAX by inhibiting downstream molecules of RSK2. Overall, lapachol is a potent RSK2 inhibitor that might be used for chemotherapy against ESCC.
Cell tracking of chromium‐labeled mesenchymal stem cells using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Nakada Naoyuki , Kuroki Yasuo
Published: June 2019

Rationale

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine research. Evaluating the biodistribution of MSCs is important for determining whether the cells have reached the target tissue, and the time that the stem cells reside in each area is required to estimate the duration of efficacy.

Methods

A laser ablation inductively coupled plasma imaging mass spectrometry (LAICP‐IMS) method was developed for highly sensitive and quantitative surface analysis of metal elements for solid samples. We evaluated the usefulness of a cell‐tracking system with LAICP‐IMS to investigate the biodistribution of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) labeled with the natural composition of chromium (Cr) in mice. To prepare the dosing solution, mMSCs were incubated with both Na2CrO4 and fluorescent labeling solutions. The concentration of the cells was adjusted by vehicle solution at 2.0 to 2.5 × 107 cells/mL, and the dosing suspension of mMSCs was administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection to the mice.

Results

Thigh muscle sections after intramuscular injection of chromium‐ and fluorescence‐labeled mMSCs were analyzed by LAICP‐IMS and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. 52Cr mass spectrometry and fluorescence signals were detected in the same thigh muscle sections after administration of mMSCs. A half‐body section was also analyzed by LAICP‐IMS. 52Cr signals were mainly detected in the lungs.

Conclusions

The 52Cr signals were observed in sections through the thigh muscle and half body after intramuscular and intravenous administration, respectively, of Cr‐labeled mMSCs to mice. Our results suggest that LAICP‐IMS is a sensitive and useful technique to evaluate biodistribution in cell therapy research.
Context and Implications Document for: Verbal reports in the reading processes of language learners: A methodological review
Authors: Smith Patriann , Kim Deoksoon , Vorobel Oksana , King James R.
Published: June 2019

This guide accompanies the following article: Smith, P., Kim, D., Vorobel, O. & King, J. R. Verbal reports in the reading processes of language learners: A methodological review, Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3170
Instrumental variable approach to estimating the scalar‐on‐function regression model with measurement error with application to energy expenditure assessment in childhood obesity
Authors: Tekwe Carmen D. , Zoh Roger S. , Yang Miao , Carroll Raymond J. , Honvoh Gilson , Allison David B. , Benden Mark , Xue Lan
Published: June 2019

Wearable device technology allows continuous monitoring of biological markers and thereby enables study of time‐dependent relationships. For example, in this paper, we are interested in the impact of daily energy expenditure over a period of time on subsequent progression toward obesity among children. Data from these devices appear as either sparsely or densely observed functional data and methods of functional regression are often used for their statistical analyses. We study the scalar‐on‐function regression model with imprecisely measured values of the predictor function. In this setting, we have a scalar‐valued response and a function‐valued covariate that are both collected at a single time period. We propose a generalized method of moments‐based approach for estimation, while an instrumental variable belonging in the same time space as the imprecisely measured covariate is used for model identification. Additionally, no distributional assumptions regarding the measurement errors are assumed, while complex covariance structures are allowed for the measurement errors in the implementation of our proposed methods. We demonstrate that our proposed estimator is L2 consistent and enjoys the optimal rate of convergence for univariate nonparametric functions. In a simulation study, we illustrate that ignoring measurement error leads to biased estimations of the functional coefficient. The simulation studies also confirm our ability to consistently estimate the function‐valued coefficient when compared to approaches that ignore potential measurement errors. Our proposed methods are applied to our motivating example to assess the impact of baseline levels of energy expenditure on body mass index among elementary school–aged children.
Correlates of snake entanglement in erosion control blankets
Authors: Ebert Sarah E. , Jobe Kasey L. , Schalk Christopher M. , Saenz Daniel , Adams Cory K. , Comer Christopher E.
Published: June 2019

In road construction projects across the United States, erosion control methods (e.g., erosion control blankets [ECBs]), are mandated to stimulate seedbed regeneration and prevent soil loss. Previous reports have suggested that snakes are vulnerable to entanglement in ECBs. We conducted a literature review, field surveys, and an entanglement experiment to examine what factors increase a snake's risk of ECB entanglement. Our literature review produced reports of 175 reptiles entangled in mesh products, 89.1% of which were snakes, with 43.6% of snake entanglements occurring in erosion control products. During our field surveys, we found 10 entangled snakes (n = 2 alive; n = 8 dead). From our experiment, we found that ECBs that contain fixed‐intersection, small‐diameter mesh consisting of polypropylene were significantly more likely to entangle snakes compared with ECBs with larger diameter polypropylene mesh or ECBs that have woven mesh made of natural fibers. Snake body size was also associated with entanglement; for every 1‐mm increase in body circumference, the probability of entanglement increased 4%. These results can help construct a predictive framework to determine those species and individuals that are most vulnerable to entanglement. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Aging steller sea lions by growth layer groups in teeth
Authors: Isono Takeomi , Kobayashi Yumi , Burkanov Vladimir N. , Yamamura Orio
Published: June 2019

Accurate age determination of individuals is crucial in estimating age structure in populations as well as age‐specific rates of reproduction and survival. We examined growth layer groups (GLGs) in the canine, incisor, and postcanine teeth of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) to find the optimal method to determine their age using 18 known‐age animals, from data collected in Hokkaido, Japan, 1995–2011. After checking to determine if the pulp cavity was open, nearly closed, or closed, teeth were sectioned and stained. Occlusion of the canine pulp cavity occurred at older ages than with the incisor and postcanine teeth. Initially, the number of GLGs in both dentin and cementum was compared with actual ages to confirm the age determination method. Dentin GLGs appeared clearly in all of the canines, incisors, and postcanines. The number of GLGs was consistent with the actual age, with the exception of teeth with a closed pulp cavity. With respect to cementum, appearance of GLGs was rather obscure and no GLG was detectable at ages of 0 and 1 year. Thus, the number of GLGs in cementum could be assigned as age when the value 1 year was added. We examined the accuracy and precision of the tested methods using an independent reader, who did not know the actual ages. By conducting readings 3 times, we used coefficient of variation (CV) to determine precision. The most precise CV was obtained in dentin canine (6.7%). Accuracy was calculated as proportion of estimates without error. The greatest accuracy in dentin was observed in canines (0.83, n = 18), whereas that of cementum was in postcanines (0.36, n = 11). We concluded that canine dentin provided the most precise and accurate ages for Steller sea lions. Once closure of the pulp cavity in canines has occurred at the age of 15–16 years in males and 11–12 years in females, we recommend postcanine cementum be used. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Introduction
Authors: Haggart Blayne , Henne Kathryn , Tusikov Natasha
Published: June 2019

While the control of knowledge is becoming the dominant means by which economic, political, and social control is exerted globally, the mechanisms through which this is happening—including intellectual property rights, state and commercial surveillance, digitisation and datafication, and a nearly ubiquitous internet mediating human interactions—are often examined separately instead of as part of a larger phenomenon of knowledge governance. This edited volume brings experts in these areas from across the social sciences to explore these areas as forms of knowledge governance, by adopting the understudied (at least from a knowledge-governance perspective) work of the late International Political Economy scholar Susan Strange, notably her concept of a knowledge structure. In this chapter, we present an introduction to and critique of Strange’s theory of the knowledge structure and offer an overview of this volume’s chapters.
Aquaponics Systems Modelling
Authors: Keesman Karel J. , Körner Oliver , Wagner Kai , Urban Jan , Karimanzira Divas , Rauschenbach Thomas , Goddek Simon
Published: June 2019

Mathematical models can take very different forms and very different levels of complexity. A systematic way to postulate, calibrate and validate, as provided by systems theory, can therefore be very helpful. In this chapter, dynamic systems modelling of aquaponic (AP) systems, from a systems theoretical perspective, is considered and demonstrated to each of the subsystems of the AP system, such as fish tanks, anaerobic digester and hydroponic (HP) greenhouse. It further shows the links between the subsystems, so that in principle a complete AP systems model can be built and integrated into daily practice with respect to management and control of AP systems. The main challenge is to choose an appropriate model complexity that meets the experimental data for estimation of parameters and states and allows us to answer questions related to the modelling objective, such as simulation, experiment design, prediction and control.
Hydroponic Technologies
Authors: Maucieri Carmelo , Nicoletto Carlo , Os Erik van , Anseeuw Dieter , Havermaet Robin Van , Junge Ranka
Published: June 2019

Hydroponics is a method to grow crops without soil, and as such, these systems are added to aquaculture components to create aquaponics systems. Thus, together with the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), hydroponic production forms a key part of the aqua-agricultural system of aquaponics. Many different existing hydroponic technologies can be applied when designing aquaponics systems. This depends on the environmental and financial circumstances, the type of crop that is cultivated and the available space. This chapter provides an overview of different hydroponic types, including substrates, nutrients and nutrient solutions, and disinfection methods of the recirculating nutrient solutions.
Caspase/AIF/apoptosis pathway: a new target of puerarin for diabetes mellitus therapy
Authors: Liang Tao , Xu Xiaohui , Ye Dongmei , Chen Wenxia , Gao Biyun , Huang Yanjun
Published: June 2019

Pancreatic β cell damage is one of the crucial factors responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have suggested that puerarin (PR) could regulate the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, whether PR can inhibit pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in T2DM remains to be elucidated. In the present study, T2DM mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection were used as a working model to investigate the mechanism of PR on pancreatic β cell apoptosis. The results showed that PR decreased the serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels but significantly increased the fasting blood insulin (FINS) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Furthermore, decreased caspase-3, 8, 9 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) proteins in the pancreas were detected by Western blot analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated that the pancreatic β cell apoptosis was inhibited by PR. Furthermore, PR improved the histopathological changes in pancreatic tissue in T2DM mice. Collectively, the data show that PR can protect the β cells from apoptotic death in a mouse model of T2DM through regulating the expression of apoptosis-related protein-AIF and caspase family proteins.
Modeling and simulation of weld solidification cracking part II
Authors: Draxler J. , Edberg J. , Andersson J. , Lindgren L.-E.
Published: June 2019

Several advanced alloy systems are susceptible to weld solidification cracking. One example is nickel-based superalloys, which are commonly used in critical applications such as aerospace engines and nuclear power plants. Weld solidification cracking is often expensive to repair, and if not repaired, can lead to catastrophic failure. This study, presented in three papers, presents an approach for simulating weld solidification cracking applicable to large-scale components. The results from finite element simulation of welding are post-processed and combined with models of metallurgy, as well as the behavior of the liquid film between the grain boundaries, in order to estimate the risk of crack initiation. The first paper in this study describes the crack criterion for crack initiation in a grain boundary liquid film. The second paper describes the model for computing the pressure and the thickness of the grain boundary liquid film, which are required to evaluate the crack criterion in paper 1. The third and final paper describes the application of the model to Varestraint tests of Alloy 718. The derived model can fairly well predict crack locations, crack orientations, and crack widths for the Varestraint tests. The importance of liquid permeability and strain localization for the predicted crack susceptibility in Varestraint tests is shown.
Factors affecting the harmonization of disease‐related metabolic brain pattern expression quantification in [18F]FDG‐PET (PETMETPAT)
Authors: Kogan Rosalie V. , de Jong Bas A. , Renken Remco J. , Meles Sanne K. , van Snick Paul J.H. , Golla Sandeep , Rijnsdorp Sjoerd , Perani Daniela , Leenders Klaus L. , Boellaard Ronald ,   JPND‐PETMETPAT Working Group
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The implementation of spatial‐covariance [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–based disease‐related metabolic brain patterns as biomarkers has been hampered by intercenter imaging differences. Within the scope of the JPND‐PETMETPAT working group, we illustrate the impact of these differences on Parkinson's disease–related pattern (PDRP) expression scores.

Methods

Five healthy controls, 5 patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and 5 patients with Parkinson's disease were scanned on one positron emission tomography/computed tomography system with multiple image reconstructions. In addition, one Hoffman 3D Brain Phantom was scanned on several positron emission tomography/computed tomography systems using various reconstructions. Effects of image contrast on PDRP scores were also examined.

Results

Human and phantom raw PDRP scores were systematically influenced by scanner and reconstruction effects. PDRP scores correlated inversely to image contrast. A Gaussian spatial filter reduced contrast while decreasing intercenter score differences.

Discussion

Image contrast should be considered in harmonization efforts. A Gaussian filter may reduce noise and intercenter effects without sacrificing sensitivity. Phantom measurements will be important for correcting PDRP score offsets.
The bidirectional causal relationships of insomnia with five major psychiatric disorders: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Xue , Meng Ling-Xian , Ma Kai-Li , Liang Jie , Wang Hui , Gao Qian , Wang Tong
Published: June 2019

Background:

Several observational studies have investigated the association of insomnia with psychiatric disorders. Such studies yielded mixed results, and whether these associations are causal remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to identify the causal relationships between insomnia and five major psychiatric disorders.

Methods:

The analysis was implemented with six genome-wide association studies; one for insomnia and five for psychiatric disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder). A heterogeneity in dependent instrument (HEIDI) approach was used to remove the pleiotropic instruments, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression was adopted to test the validity of the screened instruments, and bidirectional generalized summary data-based MR was performed to estimate the causal relationships between insomnia and these major psychiatric disorders.

Results:

We observed significant causal effects of insomnia on the risk of autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder, with odds ratios of 1.739 (95% confidence interval: 1.217–2.486, p = 0.002) and 1.786 (95% confidence interval: 1.396–2.285, p = 4.02 × 10−6), respectively. There was no convincing evidence of reverse causality for insomnia with these two disorders (p = 0.945 and 0.546, respectively). When insomnia was considered as either the exposure or outcome variable, causal estimates for the remaining three psychiatric disorders were not significant.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest a causal role of insomnia in autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Future disease models should include insomnia as a factor for these two disorders to develop effective interventions. More detailed mechanism studies may also be inspired by this causal inference.
Latent class analysis identified phenotypes in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder who engage in aggressive behaviour towards others
Authors: Lau S. , Günther M.P. , Kling S. , Kirchebner J.
Published: June 2019

Prior research on Hodgins’ (2008) typology of offenders with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has revealed inconsistencies in the number of subgroups and the operationalization of the concept. This study addressed these inconsistencies by applying latent class analysis (LCA) based on the most frequently explored variables in prior research. This novel case-centred methodology identified similarities and differences between the subjects contained in the sample instead of the variables explored. The LCA was performed on 71 variables taken from data on a previously unstudied sample of 370 case histories of offenders with SSD in a centre for inpatient forensic therapies in Switzerland. Results were compared with Hodgins’ theoretically postulated patient typologies and confirm three separate homogeneous classes of schizophrenic delinquents. Previous inconsistencies and differences in operationalizations of the typology of offenders with SDD to be found in the literature are discussed.
The Correlation of English Language Proficiency and Indices of Stress and Anxiety in Migrants from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Carl Yonatan , Frias Rosa L. , Kurtevski Sara , González Copo Tamara , Mustafa Ana R. , Font Cristina M. , Blundell Andrew R. , Rodriguez Elsa C. , Sacasa Ruth
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Using validated psychological assessment instruments, this study examined the psychological distress associated with potential language barriers experienced by over 135 000 Puerto Rican residents who either temporarily or permanently migrated to the continental United States with the landfall of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Methods:

Participants were Puerto Rican residents (n = 107) who remained in Puerto Rico (control) or left the island for at least 3 months because of Hurricane Maria (migrants). Participants completed an online survey in their preferred language (Spanish or English), which assessed self-reported English language proficiency, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM 5, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. It was hypothesized that migrants with lower self-reported English proficiency would have comparatively higher indices of post-disaster distress than those with a higher proficiency.

Results:

Dividing the migrant group by preferred language for questionnaire completion, the Fisher’s exact test showed significant differences in prevalence of severe mental distress, as defined by K6 scores above 13, between the Spanish-preferring migrants (30.4%), English-preferring migrants (0%), and controls (9.6%).

Conclusion:

Our results support a possible correlation between decreased language proficiency in post-disaster migrants and a higher risk factor for severe mental distress.